General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPassage In Nuke Deal May Allow Iran To Build Bomb Before Deal Expires
VIENNA (AP) -- Key restrictions on Iran's nuclear program imposed under an internationally negotiated deal will start to ease years before the 15-year accord expires, advancing Tehran's ability to build a bomb even before the end the pact, according to a document obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
The document is the only text linked to last year's deal between Iran and six foreign powers that hasn't been made public, although U.S. officials say members of Congress have been able to see it. It was given to the AP by a diplomat whose work has focused on Iran's nuclear program for more than a decade, and its authenticity was confirmed by another diplomat who possesses the same document.
The diplomat who shared the document with the AP described it as an add-on agreement to the nuclear deal. But while formally separate from that accord, he said that it was in effect an integral part of the deal and had been approved by the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, the six powers that negotiated the deal with Tehran.
Details published earlier outline most restraints on Iran's nuclear program meant to reduce the threat that Tehran will turn nuclear activities it says are peaceful to making weapons.
MORE...
http://www.wptv.com/news/national/passage-in-nuke-deal-may-allow-iran-to-build-bomb-before-deal-expires
Wounded Bear
(60,200 posts)As I recall it, the deal pushed their capability back 10 years, with a 1 year turnaround for bomb production. I don't see that being different.
6chars
(3,967 posts)after ten years, this lets them have a breakout time of 6 months or even less, instead of 1 year which was touted at the time of the deal. breakout time is the time it takes to go from having the capability of constructing bombs to actually having the physical bombs, e.g., by ramping up production. is that a good thing or a bad thing? depends on your perspective.
Wounded Bear
(60,200 posts)By then, it will be that much easier and faster anyway.
6chars
(3,967 posts)Every centrifuge is accoiunted for in the agreement. The news is that after ten years Iran can get new enrichment equipment that has much higher capacity that negates non binding assurances of a oner year breakout. The significance of it is that with a short enough breakout time, inspections become useless. This probably had to be kept secret to diminish opposition to the deal.
Wounded Bear
(60,200 posts)It gives us 10 years to negotiate further agreements with Iran which will make them less desirous of having nuclear weapons.
And I don't think any of this was that much of a secret. I kind of assumed it all along. As I said in my original reply, this whole argument sounds more like RW alarmist bullshit than anything else. The whole "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" crowd should shut the fuck up and let the grownups eo the real work.
6chars
(3,967 posts)If the deal buys sufficient time to negotiate a non-belligerent relationship with Iran and they become no longer desirous of nuclear weapons, it will be worth it. Not much progress in year 1, it seems. Clinton will be a good president to try to make progress over the bulk of the time window.
bemildred
(90,061 posts)6chars
(3,967 posts)bemildred
(90,061 posts)6chars
(3,967 posts)jehop61
(1,735 posts)But this same thing was reported by the Repubs last year.
philosslayer
(3,076 posts)The President and Secretary Kerry knew exactly what they were doing.