JayAtl
BANNED
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2010
- Messages
- 8,812
- Reaction score
- -14
Irans nuclear program, which stumbled badly after a reported cyber attack last year, appears beset by poorly performing equipment, shortages of parts and other woes as global sanctions exert a mounting toll, Western diplomats and nuclear experts say.
The new setbacks are surfacing at a time when Iran faces growing international pressure, including allegations that Iranian officials backed a clumsy attempt to kill a Saudi diplomat in Washington. Analysts say Iran has become increasingly frustrated and erratic as political change sweeps the region and its nuclear program struggles.
Iran is target of new U.S. sanctionsIran's space program plans to send monkey in capsuleUK: Iran conducting secret ballistic missile tests U.S. accuses Iran of aiding al-QaedaIran allowing money, recruits to reach al-Qaeda, U.S. saysIran's nuclear program suffering setbacks
.Although Iran continues to stockpile enriched uranium in defiance of U.N. resolutions, two new reports portray the countrys nuclear program as riddled with problems as scientists struggle to keep older equipment working.
At Irans largest nuclear complex, near the city of Natanz, fast-spinning machines called centrifuges churn out enriched uranium. But its output is steadily declining as the equipment ages and breaks down, according to an analysis of data collected by U.N. nuclear officials.
Iran has vowed to replace the older machines with models that are faster and more efficient. Yet new centrifuges recently introduced at Natanz contain parts made from an inferior type of metal that is weaker and more prone to failure, according to a report by the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington nonprofit group widely regarded for its analysis of nuclear programs.
Without question, they have been set back, said David Albright, president of the institute and a former inspector for the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Although the problems are not fatal for Irans nuclear ambitions, they have hurt Irans ability to break out quickly into the ranks of the worlds nuclear powers, Albright said.
U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Irans clerical leaders are seeking to rapidly acquire the technical capability to make nuclear weapons, though there are indications that top officials have not yet firmly committed to building the bomb. Iran maintains that its nuclear intentions are peaceful.
Western diplomats and nuclear experts say Iranian officials have been frustrated and angered by the programs numerous setbacks, including deadly attacks on Iranian nuclear scientists. Four Iranian scientists have been killed by unidentified assailants since 2007, and a fifth narrowly escaped death in an attempted car-bombing.
Feeling besieged
Some U.S. officials have suggested that the alleged plot to assassinate Saudi Arabias ambassador to Washington was emblematic of the frustration and disarray within Irans ruling elite at a time when internal unrest has destabilized the nations closest Arab ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. officials have said that the alleged assassination plot originated from elements within Irans elite Quds Force, a covert paramilitary group. But it is not clear whether the nations top leaders knew about or approved the plan.
Iran’s nuclear program suffering new setbacks, diplomats and experts say - The Washington Post
The new setbacks are surfacing at a time when Iran faces growing international pressure, including allegations that Iranian officials backed a clumsy attempt to kill a Saudi diplomat in Washington. Analysts say Iran has become increasingly frustrated and erratic as political change sweeps the region and its nuclear program struggles.
Iran is target of new U.S. sanctionsIran's space program plans to send monkey in capsuleUK: Iran conducting secret ballistic missile tests U.S. accuses Iran of aiding al-QaedaIran allowing money, recruits to reach al-Qaeda, U.S. saysIran's nuclear program suffering setbacks
.Although Iran continues to stockpile enriched uranium in defiance of U.N. resolutions, two new reports portray the countrys nuclear program as riddled with problems as scientists struggle to keep older equipment working.
At Irans largest nuclear complex, near the city of Natanz, fast-spinning machines called centrifuges churn out enriched uranium. But its output is steadily declining as the equipment ages and breaks down, according to an analysis of data collected by U.N. nuclear officials.
Iran has vowed to replace the older machines with models that are faster and more efficient. Yet new centrifuges recently introduced at Natanz contain parts made from an inferior type of metal that is weaker and more prone to failure, according to a report by the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington nonprofit group widely regarded for its analysis of nuclear programs.
Without question, they have been set back, said David Albright, president of the institute and a former inspector for the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Although the problems are not fatal for Irans nuclear ambitions, they have hurt Irans ability to break out quickly into the ranks of the worlds nuclear powers, Albright said.
U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Irans clerical leaders are seeking to rapidly acquire the technical capability to make nuclear weapons, though there are indications that top officials have not yet firmly committed to building the bomb. Iran maintains that its nuclear intentions are peaceful.
Western diplomats and nuclear experts say Iranian officials have been frustrated and angered by the programs numerous setbacks, including deadly attacks on Iranian nuclear scientists. Four Iranian scientists have been killed by unidentified assailants since 2007, and a fifth narrowly escaped death in an attempted car-bombing.
Feeling besieged
Some U.S. officials have suggested that the alleged plot to assassinate Saudi Arabias ambassador to Washington was emblematic of the frustration and disarray within Irans ruling elite at a time when internal unrest has destabilized the nations closest Arab ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. officials have said that the alleged assassination plot originated from elements within Irans elite Quds Force, a covert paramilitary group. But it is not clear whether the nations top leaders knew about or approved the plan.
Iran’s nuclear program suffering new setbacks, diplomats and experts say - The Washington Post
