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http://www.smh.com.au/world/fears-grow-on-irans-nuclear-plans-20111105-1n12v.html
Fears grow on Iran's nuclear plans
Joby Warrick, Washington
November 6, 2011
http://images.smh.com.au/2011/10/31/2742372/nuclear-weapons-420x0.jpg[img]
Western governments are alarmed about Iran's recent efforts to move key parts of its nuclear program into underground bunkers.
Western governments are alarmed about Iran's recent efforts to move key parts of its nuclear program into underground bunkers. Photo: AFP
RISING anti-Iran rhetoric and military threats by Western powers are being fuelled by fears that Iran is close to having the skills and parts to build an atomic bomb quickly, Western diplomats and nuclear experts say.
The US, backed by European and Middle Eastern allies, is increasing the pressure on Tehran before this week's anticipated release of a UN report on Iran's nuclear activities.
The UN atomic agency plans to reveal intelligence suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead and other previously undisclosed details on alleged secret work by Tehran.
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Other information the International Atomic Energy Agency plans to share will include satellite imagery of what it believes is a large steel container used for nuclear arms-related high explosives tests, the diplomats said.
Western governments are particularly alarmed by Iran's recent efforts to boost the purity level of its enriched uranium while moving key parts of its nuclear program into underground bunkers.
''We're moving into very stormy seas,'' said Olli Heinonen, who retired last year as the chief inspector for the IAEA.
Although Iran's nuclear program has weathered a damaging cyber attack and numerous other setbacks since 2009, its apparently successful deployment of advanced centrifuges in recent months could lead to a dramatic rise in the production of enriched uranium, Mr Heinonen said.
Western officials also have expressed dismay over recent Iranian decisions to redeploy the country's newest centrifuge machines to the newly built complex known as Fordow, where they will be used to create a more purified type of enriched uranium closer to weapons grade. Fordow was built into the side of a small mountain and is regarded as less vulnerable to air strikes.
US, British and French officials have sharpened their rhetoric against Iran amid reports suggesting Israel's government is weighing a pre-emptive strike. Israel announced last week it had tested a new long-range missile and that warplanes conducted training exercises simulating long-distance missions.
US President Barack Obama spoke at the G20 summit of the ''need to maintain the unprecedented pressure on Iran''. French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned ''France would not idly stand by'' if Israel faced a threat to its survival.
WASHINGTON POST, AP
Fears grow on Iran's nuclear plans
Joby Warrick, Washington
November 6, 2011
http://images.smh.com.au/2011/10/31/2742372/nuclear-weapons-420x0.jpg[img]
Western governments are alarmed about Iran's recent efforts to move key parts of its nuclear program into underground bunkers.
Western governments are alarmed about Iran's recent efforts to move key parts of its nuclear program into underground bunkers. Photo: AFP
RISING anti-Iran rhetoric and military threats by Western powers are being fuelled by fears that Iran is close to having the skills and parts to build an atomic bomb quickly, Western diplomats and nuclear experts say.
The US, backed by European and Middle Eastern allies, is increasing the pressure on Tehran before this week's anticipated release of a UN report on Iran's nuclear activities.
The UN atomic agency plans to reveal intelligence suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead and other previously undisclosed details on alleged secret work by Tehran.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Other information the International Atomic Energy Agency plans to share will include satellite imagery of what it believes is a large steel container used for nuclear arms-related high explosives tests, the diplomats said.
Western governments are particularly alarmed by Iran's recent efforts to boost the purity level of its enriched uranium while moving key parts of its nuclear program into underground bunkers.
''We're moving into very stormy seas,'' said Olli Heinonen, who retired last year as the chief inspector for the IAEA.
Although Iran's nuclear program has weathered a damaging cyber attack and numerous other setbacks since 2009, its apparently successful deployment of advanced centrifuges in recent months could lead to a dramatic rise in the production of enriched uranium, Mr Heinonen said.
Western officials also have expressed dismay over recent Iranian decisions to redeploy the country's newest centrifuge machines to the newly built complex known as Fordow, where they will be used to create a more purified type of enriched uranium closer to weapons grade. Fordow was built into the side of a small mountain and is regarded as less vulnerable to air strikes.
US, British and French officials have sharpened their rhetoric against Iran amid reports suggesting Israel's government is weighing a pre-emptive strike. Israel announced last week it had tested a new long-range missile and that warplanes conducted training exercises simulating long-distance missions.
US President Barack Obama spoke at the G20 summit of the ''need to maintain the unprecedented pressure on Iran''. French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned ''France would not idly stand by'' if Israel faced a threat to its survival.
WASHINGTON POST, AP
