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Iran’s quest
for the development of nuclear program has been marked by enormous
financial costs and risks. It is estimated that the program’s cost is
well over $100 billion, with the construction of the Bushehr reactor
costing over $11 billion, making it one of the most expensive reactors
in the world.
The Federation
of American Scientists and the Carnegie Endowment for International
Peace have released a new report, “Iran’s Nuclear Odyssey: Costs and
Risks” which analyzes the economic effects of Iran’s nuclear program,
and policy implications of sanctions and other actions by the United
States and other allies.
Co-authored by Ali Vaez and Karim Sadjadpour,
the report details the history of the program, beginning with its
inception under the Shah in 1957, and how the Iranian government has
continue to grow their nuclear capabilities under a shroud of secrecy.
Coupled with Iran’s limited supply of uranium and insecure stockpiles of
nuclear materials, along with Iran’s desire to invest in nuclear energy
to revitalize their energy sector (which is struggling due to
international sanctions),
the authors examine how these huge costs have led to few benefits.
The report
analyzes the policy implications of Iran’s nuclear program for the
United States and its allies, concluding that economic sanctions nor
military force cannot end this prideful program; it is imperative that a
diplomatic solution is reached to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program
remains peaceful. Finally, efforts need to be made to the Iranians from
Washington which clearly state that America and its allies prefer a
prosperous and peaceful Iran versus an isolated and weakened Iran.
Public diplomacy and nuclear diplomacy must go hand in hand.
Read the report:
PDF
Web version
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About FAS: Founded in 1945 by scientists who built the first atomic bombs, the
Federation of American Scientists (FAS) works from Washington, DC to ensure that public policy is informed by intelligent, accurate scientific research.
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