Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Harrington of Watford (Conservative). It was answered by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Monday, 31 January 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iran (Nuclear Weapons)

Question: What assessment he has made of Iran's potential nuclear weapons capability; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Iran does not yet have nuclear weapons as assessed. However, it continues to pursue uranium enrichment and the construction of a heavy water research reactor, both of which have military potential, in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. We share the very serious concerns of the International Atomic Energy Agency about Iran not having adequately explained evidence of possible military dimensions to its nuclear programme. We will therefore respond accordingly.

Secondary information