IRAN
Nukes ready in 3 years, U.S. says
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A nuclear power plant in Iran
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Iran has informed British, French and German officials it could produce weapons-grade uranium within a year and a nuclear weapon no more than three years after that, U.S. Undersecretary of State John Bolton said Aug. 19.
"These Iranian assertions give the lie to their public contention that their nuclear program is entirely civil and peaceful in purpose," Bolton said.
Bolton, who plays a leading role in U.S. efforts to contain the spread of nuclear and other dangerous weapons, said Iran is making veiled threats in an effort to head off U.N. consideration of sanctions or other forms of punishment.
The United States is expected to request U.N. Security Council action if the International Atomic Energy Agency condemns Iraq at a board of governors meeting Sept. 13 in Vienna.
The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 28, 2004 (C) All rights reserved
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