(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Ephraim Kam - The talks between Iran and P5+1 (the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany) have focused on a proposal for a deal in which Iran would transfer 80% of the low enriched uranium it has produced thus far to Russia. The fact that Iran is not being asked to suspend its uranium enrichment represents an important achievement for it, because it would be able to replace the amount of enriched uranium it would have to hand over in less than a year. The deal would also represent recognition of Iran's right to enrich uranium within its borders, despite the fact that this contravenes Security Council resolutions on the matter. After Ahmadinejad's initial leaning towards accepting the deal, a wave of criticism by radical Iranians swelled because of his agreeing to let uranium out of the country. Reformist circles joined in the criticism and took advantage of the opportunity to present Ahmadinejad as someone harming Iran's vital interests. (Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University)
2009-11-25 08:16:39Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive