A Look at the Iran Nuclear Program

Of late, there has been a lot of talk about Iran nuclear program. At one hand are the people especially Iranians who claim that their nuclear technology is only meant for peaceful purposes. On one hand are the people and nations who opposes Iran Nuclear program accusing Iran of conspiring to develop a nuclear bomb under the guise of carrying out a peaceful nuclear enrichment program. Us President George W. Bush has been categorical that Iran must be stopped under all costs from having a nuclear bomb. One can understand the fears of those who oppose Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Historically, Iran is known to have radical regimes with the backing of "Mad Mullahs". People fear that such regimes are never democratic and are prone to making illogical decisions like declaring nuclear war at the slightest provocation. Iran has also been known not to accept or recognize the existence of the State of Israel. In the past, they have insisted that Israel State must be destroyed. People fear that if Iran can develop a nuclear bomb, it would use it to wipe out Israel causing a major war that may erupt to be the third world war. Consequences of such a war are unfathomable as great and irreparable damage would already have been done. Also Iran is accused of supporting and sponsoring terrorists. Governments who oppose Iran nuclear program fear that they might release such dangerous nuclear materials to terrorists who would then use them against specific targets in the world to carry out their heinous missions.

On the other hand is the Iran Government that insists their nuclear program aim is for generating nuclear power by the year 2010. Iran presidents especially the current one, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have always insisted that Iran will never give up its nuclear program. They say that it is their inherent right to have nuclear power generating capabilities. They claim any person with any information contrary to that is merely spreading dangerous and unsubstantiated propaganda.

Iran nuclear program started as early as 1950s with the aid of United States. In 1959, Tehran Nuclear Research Center (TNRC) was formed. In 1968, Iran signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and ratified it in 1970. The NPT treaty is a global treaty whose aim is to limit the spread of nuclear weapons in the world. Shortly after the Islamic revolution in 1979, the nuclear program was temporarily disbanded by the government.

Today, Iran nuclear program consists of several nuclear enrichment sites like Isfahan, Natanz, Arak and Bushehr. Enrichment of uranium can produce either fuel for a nuclear reactor or materials for a nuclear bomb.

Iran is under intense pressure from the United Nations (UN) to stop its uranium enrichment program. On December 23, 2006, UN Security council unanimously imposed sanctions on Iran for being adamant on halting its uranium enrichment program. Countries want to have a diplomatic solution to resolve Iran nuclear program. An attack on Iran would be costly and unjustifiable both legally and morally since other countries also have nuclear weapons and nuclear capabilities. But according to how events have evolved lately in this world like the invasion of Iraq, war might be imminent should all diplomatic measures fail to resolve the issue. But we as citizens pray that a peaceful agreement will be reached. All parties should shallow their pride and agree to negotiate. It is crucial for the world peace and harmony.