17/09/08 "The
Guardian" --
- Despite the main finding in the latest report from the
International Atomic Energy Agency that it "has been able to
continue to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear
material in Iran", the western media has focused on the
issue of Tehran's lack of transparency over the IAEA
investigation into recent intelligence allegations (Report,
September 12). These involve missile re-entry vehicle
projects and have been rejected by the Iranians, who have
not even been permitted to see the documents upon which the
allegations are founded.
This week the US Congress is
debating two non-binding resolutions which, if passed, will
greatly increase the likelihood of military intervention
against Iran. They call on the US president to "increase
economic, political and diplomatic pressure on Iran to
verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities", and
demand "stringent inspection requirements" of all goods
entering or leaving Iran and an embargo of refined petroleum
products to Iran. Although both resolutions exclude
authorisation for military action, the embargo will require
a naval blockade. Such a blockade could result in skirmishes
with the Iranian navy which could rapidly escalate.
The US is massing the
largest armada of warships in the Gulf since 2003. Two
aircraft carrier task forces are already there and a third
was dispatched on August 22. French and British warships and
carrier groups are also reportedly on their way. This has
increased speculation that George Bush might authorise
military attacks against Iran before the end of his term in
office in January, or before the November elections to boost
to the likelihood of a McCain presidency.
Stefan Simanowitz -Westminster
Committee on Iran
