Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 March 2010. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Thursday, 18 March 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Nuclear Power

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the development of Iran's nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General's 18 February report outlines why we have serious concerns with regards to Iran's nuclear programme. Iran continues to stockpile enriched uranium and develop heavy water projects in defiance of UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs). Iran has gone further and has announced its intention to build more enrichment plants and begun some enrichment to higher levels (20 per cent. U-235) despite the IAEA asking for sufficient time to install safeguards measures. Most importantly I share the IAEA's concerns about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile. Iran must either comply with UNSCRs and co-operate with the IAEA, or face further sanctions.

Secondary information