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Iran

Answer

Iran’s nuclear activities are of great concern. The nature of the Iranian programme, Iran’s history of concealment and its continuing failure to co-operate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have intensified international concerns that the aims may not be, as Iran claims, entirely peaceful.Despite intense and prolonged efforts to encourage Iran to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council, Iran has not done so. The most recent report by the IAEA Director-General, Dr. Mohammed El-Baradei, makes clear that Iran has not suspended its uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. In Resolution 1696, adopted on 31 July, the Security Council made a full suspension mandatory on Iran.On 6 June, EU High Representative Javier Solana presented to Iran a set of far reaching proposals on behalf of the ‘E3+3’ (UK, France, Germany + China, Russia, US). These would give Iran everything it needs to develop a modern nuclear power industry, and other benefits, while addressing international concerns. We are disappointed that Iran has not taken the steps required to enable negotiations to begin.In Resolution 1696, the Security Council expressed its intention to take appropriate measures under Article 41 of the UN Charter—which might include sanctions—if Iran failed to comply. Together with our partners, we are presently considering next steps. The E3+3 proposals remain on the table, and if Iran meets the requirements of the IAEA Board and Security Council, we are prepared to suspend further activity in the Security Council. But if it does not, Iran should be in no doubt that the Security Council will respond.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

450 c670W;450 c676W; 91771

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Nuclear weapons Iran

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk