The window of opportunity to curb Iran's nuclear activities might be closing fast. And that might be because Iran had no intention to truly stop its nuclear programme. Iran's assertion that it fully intends to retain its right to nuclear power, and the completion of a new facility at Arak, telegraph a steely intention to stay the course of nuclear armament.
The older nuclear facilities, touted with some legitimacy as a source of power for the nation, and not a 'bomb' factory, might have lent some credence to Iran's claim that it needs nuclear power due to the lack of refineries in the country. The Arak facility however, is not in the same category.
As oil rich as Iran is, it must ship its oil for refinement abroad, with the result that it must buy it back it, which causes it to become expensive and scarce. Iran has for decades been plagued by long lines at the pump.
That said, however, the new facility at Arak dispels any notion that Iran's nuclear activities are for entirely peaceful purpose.
The Arak facility, known as a heavy water plant, is a facility that can produce plutonium, a much more dangerous alternative to uranium, and one that is used primarily for bellic purposes.
According to some estimates, the facility at Arak could produce almost 20 pounds or plutonium a year once it gets to full steam.
Iran of course, is trying to deflect criticism and accusations by saying that the new facilities will produce isotopes for medical and scientific research, a claim that is hardly credible in light of the fact that the facility has a much larger capacity than the production of a few 'loose' isotopes.
The facility at Arak is the primary target of a possible strike from Israel, one that Israel might carry out if all other diplomatic alternatives fail.
Some say that the facility is nowhere near completion or functionality. In fact, flaws in construction have delayed the project considerably. But such flaws, and the fact that the project is still ongoing, has worried scientists that the facility could suffer the fate of its close neighbor, Chernobyl.
Arak is fairly enough, monitored by the IAEA. The nuclear watchdog body has said that the facilities might not even be at capacity for another three years. It also says that Iran does not have a reprocessing facility to extract the plutonium.
All these facts, and theories, should enable world leaders in the near future to put pressure on Iran to keep the Arak facility going, but only under strict monitoring and limitations imposed by the IAEA. One of the ideas proposed is to allow Iran to use the facility as a light water facility, instead of a heavy water facility.
Scientists at present are urging the six leading countries of the P5+1, to look at deals that look far into the future, when it comes to reigning in the Arak facility. A quick deal, which only addresses present activities and not long term proliferation risks would allow Iran much more leeway in the future than a well though plan that deals with long term projections on the future use of the Arak plant.
Partial Source : France/ 11.13.13
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