2013-02-22 The latest report from the IAEA makes it clear that Iran continues building out its nuclear capabilities.
When one adds to this the synergy between North Korea and Iran in delivery systems, it is hardly another happy moment in the Middle East and beyond.
Among the major comments made in the report are the follwing:
Since 2002, the Agency has become increasingly concerned about the possible existence in Iran of undisclosed nuclear related activities involving military related organizations, including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile. Iran has dismissed the Agency’s concerns, largely on the grounds that Iran considers them to be based on unfounded allegations.43
63. Iran has started the installation of more advanced centrifuges (IR-2m) at FEP for the first time.
64. Contrary to the Board resolutions of November 2011 and September 2012 and despite the intensified dialogue between the Agency and Iran since January 2012 in nine rounds of talks, it has not been possible to agree on the structured approach. The Director General is unable to report any progress on the clarification of outstanding issues, including those relating to possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program.
65. It is a matter of concern that the extensive and significant activities which have taken place since February 2012 at the location within the Parchin site to which the Agency has repeatedly requested access will have seriously undermined the Agency’s ability to undertake effective verification. The Agency reiterates its request that Iran, without further delay, provide both access to that location and substantive answers to the Agency’s detailed questions regarding the Parchin site and the foreign expert.
66. Given the nature and extent of credible information available, the Agency continues to consider it essential for Iran to engage with the Agency without further delay on the substance of the Agency’s concerns. In the absence of such engagement, the Agency will not be able to resolve concerns about issues regarding the Iranian nuclear program, including those which need to be clarified to exclude the existence of possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program.
The latest report can be found here:
Iran_Safeguards_report-IAEA-21feb2013