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Poltical mess in Iran is slowing nuclear program

Nuclear drive a casualty of Iran’s turmoil
Experts say Tehran is unlikely to speed up its program, giving the U.S. and its allies more time to work with.
Los Angeles Times, Special correspondent Ramin Mostaghim in Tehran contributed to this report. 29 August 09
Reporting from Beirut – Iran’s political crisis could prevent the nation from making any swift move to ratchet up its nuclear program, said analysts and officials, giving President Obama and Western allies more time to grapple with the issue.

The chaos over the disputed reelection of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad brings into question who calls the shots in Tehran, and what any deal with the Islamic Republic involving its nuclear program would look like.

The Obama administration, concerned that Tehran is seeking to amass the materials needed to manufacture nuclear weapons, set an informal deadline of September for Iran to respond positively to an offer to discuss the matter rather than risk new economic sanctions……………………..
For now, most Iran watchers agree that Tehran will not only be unable to respond positively to the Obama administration’s offer of talks, but also is in too much political disarray to make the major decisions necessary to build a nuclear weapon. Such steps would include further enriching its uranium supply to weapons grade, or constructing controversial new facilities for speeding up the process.

“The nuclear dossier has been stalled and is in a stagnant position, with no back or forth moves,” said Ahmad Shirzad, an Iranian nuclear scientist and political analyst. “The recent events in Iran put all important decision-making in limbo. The postelection events have not completely unfolded, and Mr. Ahmadinejad has not come to a conclusion what to do.”

Nuclear drive a casualty of Iran’s turmoil — latimes.com

August 29, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1, Iran, politics | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear weapons