Iran nuclear weapons program: myth or reality

France, Britain and Germany, on behalf of the European Union, have been trying to persuade Iran to scrap potentially weapons-related activities in return for economic incentives. Iran has said repeatedly that it will not give up plans to build a &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/economics/2002/12/17/40934.html ' target=_blank>heavy-water reactor, which can be used to make weapons-grade material, in exchange for a light-water reactor offered by the Europeans, which is less useful for a weapons programme. "We will not under any circumstances replace our heavy-water research reactor," Mr Asefi said yesterday. But he said there was a chance of a deal with the Europeans, describing the latest round of Iran-EU talks, in Geneva last Friday, as "deeper and more professional". &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2001/10/14/18022_.html ' target=_blank>Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said last week that Teheran must accept terms offered by the EU or be referred to the United Nations for possible sanctions, publishes the Telegraph. According to Chicago Tribune, the Bush administration has been flying surveillance drones over Iran for nearly a year to seek evidence of nuclear weapons programs and detect weaknesses in air defenses, according to three U.S. officials with detailed knowledge of the secret effort. The small, pilotless planes, penetrating Iranian airspace from U.S. military facilities in Iraq, use radar, video, still photography and air filters designed to pick up traces of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/06/03/29634_.html ' target=_blank>nuclear activity, the officials said. The aerial espionage is standard in preparations for an eventual air attack and is also used as a tool for intimidation. The Iranian government, using Swiss channels in the absence of diplomatic relations with Washington, formally protested the illegal incursions, according to Iranian, European and U.S. officials, all speaking on condition of anonymity. NR

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