US Secretary of State Clinton Clarifies Iran's Nuclear Rights at UN Headquarters

Strategic Insights -

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton clarified that Iranians are entitled to peaceful civilian nuclear power, but not to nuclear weapons, during a meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger at the UN Headquarters in New York on October 26, 2010. Clinton's statement was made during an open debate of the Security Council on the role of women in maintaining international peace and security. Clinton acknowledged Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, one of the three pillars of the international non-proliferation regime. However, she emphasized that the US problem lies with Iran's facilities at Natanz and Qom, where it is believed to be conducting its nuclear weapons program.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clinton confirmed that Iran is entitled to peaceful civilian nuclear power, but not to nuclear weapons.
  • The US has a separate issue with Russia's work on the Bushehr light-water reactor, which is distinct from the international standoff with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions.
  • The Obama administration is pushing to revive a failed deal for Iran to send some of its nuclear stockpile overseas in exchange for assistance with peaceful nuclear technology.
  • Clinton voiced the US hope to see Tehran back at the negotiating table with the international community to discuss an offer of incentives in exchange for halting enrichment.
  • The five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany are involved in talks with Iran.
  • Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that the latest IAEA report confirms the non-diversion of Iran's nuclear activities toward military and banned objectives.
  • Iran has been successful in scientific, technological, and enrichment activities, all of which have taken place under the supervision of the IAEA.

Statistics:

  • Iran's nuclear facilities are under the supervision of the IAEA.
  • Iran's nuclear activities have been continuously inspected by the IAEA for seven years.
  • The five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany are participating in talks with Iran.
  • The IAEA report has confirmed the non-diversion of Iran's nuclear activities toward military and banned objectives.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency, Oct 26, 2010
  • Xinhua News Agency, early September (no exact date provided)
  • Islamic Republic News Agency (date not provided)