Richard Boucher: The International Atomic Energy Agency Must Investigate Iran's Nuclear Programs - 2003-02-11

Richard Boucher, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, expressed deep concern that Iran's nuclear programs could effectively be a precursor to pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Boucher stated that Iran's admission to uranium extraction raises serious questions about the peaceful nature of its nuclear programs. On Sunday, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami announced that Iran is extracting uranium from a newly discovered mine and is in the process of constructing two plants to convert it into nuclear power fuel. He also mentioned that they would manage the nuclear waste produced from the plant, adding that this material would be used for electricity generation. Boucher, speaking to reporters on Monday, emphasized that these actions only make sense in the context of a nuclear weapons program. Russia is assisting the Tehran government in building one of the nuclear power plants in Bushehr and has agreed to provide fuel while also taking back the remaining waste to alleviate U.S. concerns that it could be used to produce nuclear weapons. Boucher stated that the United States expects the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to thoroughly and vigorously investigate Iran's nuclear programs and urged Iran to cooperate with Mohamed ElBaradei, the IAEA Director General, who is scheduled to visit Iran later this month. The United States has labeled Iran, along with Iraq and North Korea, as part of an alleged 'axis of evil,' but Khatami firmly asserts that Iran will only use its radioactive materials for peaceful purposes and electricity generation.