Iran: Nuclear Power
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Written answers and statements, 2 November 2009
Andrew Dismore (Hendon, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the progress Iran has made toward the acquisition of a nuclear weapon; and if he will make a statement.
Ivan Lewis (Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs), Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Bury South, Labour)
We remain extremely concerned about Iran's nuclear programme.
In August 2009 the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) Director General reported that Iran had not suspended its enrichment activities contrary to the requirements of five UN Security Council Resolutions and still refuses to answer questions about studies with a possible military dimension. Meanwhile Iran continues to produce low enriched uranium (it now has over 1,500 kg stockpiled according to the IAEA) which could be used to produce high enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon.
The fact that Iran has been covertly developing an enrichment facility near Qom, in breach of UN and IAEA obligations, casts further doubt on their peaceful intentions.