Expert: Dennis - 2/9/2005

Question
Hi,
We hear about the differences between the Iranians and Europeans and Americans on Iranian nuclear activities. Could not Iran just withdraw its membership in nuclear non-proliferation treaty or just suspend it in order to avoid  sanctions possibly imposed on it by the security council as a result  of going on with the uranium enrichment program?

Thank you,


Answer
They could, but when they signed, they then became eligible for non-weapon nuclear technological assistance from Europe and others. By withdrawing, they wouldn't accomplish that much except to make it officiaL that they're going to build some bombs.

It dosen't really make any difference. As soon as Iraq settles down, we wil probably take certain actions to eliminate a nuclear threat, but it would have to occur before their weapons became operational.

As someone once said, "If you have a hundred nuclear weapons, you are someone with who one negotiates with, If you have one nuclear weapon, you are a target."