Iran began loading fuel into its first nuclear power plant at Bushehr (PRESSTV), moving a step closer to its stated goal of generating nuclear power amid international pressure to curb its uranium enrichment activities. Iranian officials are aiming for the reactor to be generating electricity by 2011 (BBC), with enriched uranium supplied by Russia. Analysts say Iran's progress at Bushehr is meant to show Iranians the country can resist international sanctions (Reuters). The Bushehr plant does not bring Iran closer to building a nuclear bomb, since Russia will take away spent fuel that could be used to make weapons-grade plutonium. But Iran insists enriching uranium is needed to fuel future power stations and a medical research reactor. The country has not formally responded to an invitation by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton--who represents the UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany--for talks in Vienna (WashPost) from November 15 to 17.
Analysis:
On STRATFOR, George Friedman says Iran is "the one issue on which the president could galvanize public opinion," since many Democrats consider Iran a repressive violator of human rights, the Arabian Peninsula is afraid of Iran, and Europeans are hostile to Iran.
A new Chatham House paper says now is the time for Turkey to help curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, before the United States or Israel considers more coercive action against Iran's nuclear facilities.
Background:
This Backgrounder examines the U.S. government's designation of Iran as the "most active state sponsor of terrorism," which feeds concerns about Iran's growing nuclear program.
No comments:
Post a Comment