Nuclear agreement a crucial test of Iran's openness
The framework agreement signed last week, under which Iran will restrict its nuclear activities in return for relief from sanctions, is a welcome step in international efforts against nuclear non-proliferation.
Teheran has made concessions by agreeing to its stocks of highly-enriched uranium being cut by 98 per cent for 15 years, while its unfinished Arak reactor will not produce weapons-grade plutonium. Also, the deal will result in Iran reducing by roughly two-thirds - to 6,104 from around 19,000 - the number of uranium centrifuges, which can produce fuel for nuclear power but also the core of a nuclear bomb.
The deal, if adhered to, should make it virtually impossible for Iran to produce nuclear weapons but allow it to pursue nuclear energy generation and research for peaceful purposes.
These have been the stated goals of its nuclear programme, but they were met with scepticism by critics who saw them as a cover for nuclear armament. In return for concessions to assuage such concerns, the Iranian economy will benefit from the gradual suspension of international sanctions as the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms Iranian compliance with the deal. This would be a win-win deal for Iran and its negotiating partners - China, Russia, France, Britain, the United States and Germany. They must be credited for the agreement in principle, with a comprehensive accord due by the end of June.
No comments:
Post a Comment