Should Iran Be Allowed Nuclear Power?

Should Iran Be Allowed Nuclear Power?

"Today, we are a nuclear country and we are talking to others from that position." Those were the words of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, explaining his refusal to suspend his country's uranium enrichment program. While many believe that Iran has a right to develop nuclear power, others, including the Bush administration, fear a parallel nuclear weapons program. How should the international community react to Iran’s burgeoning atomic ambitions?

Next question in Foreign Policy

  • “Yes”
  • “Objection”
Muhammad Sahimi

Exploiting Natural Resources is the Sovereign Right of Any Nation

Muhammad Sahimi

USC Professor

Iran has also carried out, to a very significant extent, the provisions of its Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. After the most intrusive inspections of any member state by the IAEA in its entire history, the Agency has been able to identify only six minor breaches of Iran's SG Agreement, none of which was meant to "further a military purpose," to use the precise language of the SG Agreement. All the issues were resolved satisfactorily, according to the IAEA's February 23, 2008 report.

At the same time, exploiting the natural resources of any nation is the sovereign right of that nation, not one GIVEN to that nation. Iran is entitled to exploit its natural uranium ore for peaceful purposes. Whether doing so is economical for Iran can be decided by Iran and only Iran. As I have explained in an article published by Harvard International Review in its Winter 2005 issue, nuclear energy is completely economical for Iran.

Post a Comment

Next Argument Previous Next

Nuclear Power in Iran?

Loading
  • Yes
  • No
Vote
View Results

Ask Your Friends to Vote

Spotlight

Loading
  • US Army War College
    For more than a century, the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) has prepared senior military officers and civilians for strategic-leadership responsibilities. Today... More

Subscribe to Opposing News

Biweekly updates on new debates and experts

Loading
Thank you for signing up

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.