International Affairs Forum

Tue. July 01, 2025

Around the World, Across the Political Spectrum

Roundtable Forum - IRAN'S NUCLEAR INTENT

Is it in Iran's interest to develop nuclear weapons? (5/8/2006)

Comments (5) |

csidjaja - Indonesia

Wed, August 30, 2006 03:45 AM (about 18 years ago)
Iran has interest to develop nuclear weapon to make its bargain position higher and to use it as black mail. Even though Iran it's most unlikely for Iran to use it, but it will surely make their bargain position higher, considering most states except Israel dont have nuclear weapons.

smahmood - Pakistan

Tue, June 06, 2006 11:59 PM (about 19 years ago)
Seemingly, Iran does want to acquire nuclear weapans. Given the situation, it is understandable. However, we must still oppose it. The addition of another country with nuclear weapons will alter the strategic balance. It is in Pakistan and India's national interest to oppose Iranian nuclear ambitions. Both are actually doing so already. Iran be involved in a North Korea-style negotiations where China, Russia, Pakistan, EU, & India provide security gaurantees to it in lieu of the nuclaer plans.

rharding - United States

Fri, May 19, 2006 01:34 PM (about 19 years ago)
I agree "kk". We must look at India's development of such capabilities, and the system's reaction to such procurements, of which could eventually be described as that of appeasement and overall acceptance. It provided legitimacy, as well it was beneficial economically which could then be translated into developmental progress.

nbas - Iran

Sun, May 14, 2006 04:13 AM (about 19 years ago)
there are technical reasons to show that iran's nuclear program could be for millitary proposes.Researches of make Plotonium,hiding laser Equipments,heavy water reactor,non-scaleable size of enrichment facilities and plants and mines,research on high-explosive,delivery systems research(long range missles)and some other reason shows that it could be used for millitary application!however there is no certain sign for a nuclear blast.ofcourse any serious experiment need a complete feul cylcle.

aschultz - Germany

Sat, May 13, 2006 05:09 PM (about 19 years ago)
My answer to this question is : most likely it is. However there is a big but. There is surely this interest but they are not at all capabale of developing into a nuclear power. They have serious problems in their weapon delivery technology. The metallurgical know-how inIran is far behind being able to manufacture the guide parts that can resist extremely hot gas exhust. They have relying on North Korean technology which has been proved no good so far. They are doing a mess in their researches.

Ilan Berman, American Foreign Policy Council

Response: The Iranian regime certainly thinks so. From their public pronouncements--and, more importantly, from their political actions--it is quite clear that Iran’s ayatollahs view nuclear possession a key element of regime stability. Quite simply, they see nuclear arms as both a domestic and international tool, providing the regime much greater latitude in dealing with its internal opposition while simul... more

Dr. John D. Steinbruner, Director CISSM, Univ. Md.

Response: An observable deployment of nuclear weapons by Iran is more likely to provoke attack than to deter it and for that reason would not be in Iran’s interest. ... more

Dr. John Tierney, Institute of World Politics

Response: Would Iran have any less incentive to develop nuclear weapons than any of the others who now have them, once wanted them and may well have them in the future? Secondly, why should Iran be isolated as uniquely unjust than any of the others" I don’t mean to answer the issue with only questions, but they seem pertinent. Note that I am leaving the character of the regime out of the equation since the ... more

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