Iran Lying for Leverage?

Experts and world powers are expressing doubt about Iran's claims of nuclearcapabilities. I don't know which is more disturbing, Iran's act of defianceafter the U.N.'s imposed sanctions, or the possibility of the Bushadministration taking matters into their own hands. 

   

The Washington Posts's article RussiaSkeptical About Iran Announcement

MOSCOW -- Russia voiced skepticism Tuesday about Iran's announcement of adramatic expansion of its uranium enrichment effort, saying it had not receivedconfirmation of the claim.

Their article DoubtsRemain Over Iran's Nuclear Claims gives some insight about the skepticism.

 

VIENNA,Austria-- Is Iran bluffing about the progress of its nuclear program? Experts and someworld powers are expressing doubt that the country has been able to assemble thecomplicated system it needs to enrich uranium _ a potential pathway to nucleararms.

If true, Iran's revelation Monday that it now has 3,000 centrifuges producing enricheduranium brings the country a giant step closer to being able to produce thenuclear material for a bomb. But the inaccuracy of some past claims _ and Iran's present drive to defy the U.N. Security Council _ has fed skepticism.

Experts say 3,000 centrifuges would be more than enough for at least onenuclear weapon a year should Iran decide to make bombs instead of its professed goal of generating power.

 

Some experts feel that Iran may be exaggerating for negotiatingleverage. 

With its nuclear activities shrouded in suspicions,

Iran's claims are difficult to independently verify. Exaggerating the number ofcentrifuges gives the Iranians more room to negotiate with world powers _ andpossibly allow them to hold out and keep some vestige of a nuclear enrichmentprogram.

 

"This is a country that routinely lies about conventional weaponsdevelopments and production," said Anthony Cordesman, an analyst with theCenter for Strategic and International Studies. 

Taipei Times: IranPlans to Install 50,000 Centrifuges

The Christian Science Monitor: IranRemains Defiant After New U.N. Sanctions

Comments

[RTO Trainer]

I wouldn't worry about the Bush Administration on this account.

If you'll look you'll see that the popular media have brought up this bugbear every year around the same time since 2004. 4 dire warnings (and years) later and still no invasion or bombing.