News
Pentagon: Iran continuing covert nuclear-linked military development
A report by the US Defence Department has concluded that Iran is continuing to develop military technologies, which could be compatible with nuclear weapons, despite the ongoing nuclear talks with the international community.
Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) agreed a framework to a comprehensive nuclear deal in April, paving the way for negotiations to begin towards a long-term accord, which must be agreed by the end of this month. However, both sides have since indicated differences over fundamental issues such as Iran’s use of advanced centrifuges, the pace of sanctions relief and provision for international inspections.
Another issue which has not been resolved is Iran’s military development and how it could advance plans for a nuclear weapon. The Pentagon report, which was submitted to Congressional committees last week, apparently concludes that Iran continues to develop technologies which “could be applicable to nuclear weapons,” such a ballistic missiles. Bloomberg says that although the report states that Iran has complied with the framework deal regarding aspects of nuclear development, “Covert activities appear to be continuing unabated.” Meanwhile, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said yesterday that the military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme are “one thing we have indicated would need to be resolved.”
The Pentagon report comes just days after the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was publicised. The United Nations nuclear watchdog says that Iran has steadily increased its stockpiles of nuclear fuel by 20 per cent during the last 18 months. Although Iran appears to have accepted limitations on the amount of nuclear material in its possession for a temporary period of 15 years, it remains unclear what mechanism would be established to ensure such a process takes place.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday warned that Iranian development is continuing, saying in a press statement, “There are reports that show Iran is continuing to increase its nuclear arsenal while continuing to negotiate.”