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Iran nuclear accord a pivotal point in U.S. foreign policy

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The 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty gives the signatories the “inalienable” right to peaceful nuclear development and prohibits manufacture of nuclear weapons.  One hundred ninety nations have signed the treaty including Iran, but not Israel and North Korea.

There are many uses of nuclear technology.  Applications are in medicine, agriculture, industry and research.  Nineteen states without nuclear weapons use enriched uranium in their peaceful applications.

Iran has stated that it intends to use enriched uranium for peaceful purposes, but some of our Congressional representatives are distrustful of Iran’s true motive. They fear that Iran plans to produce nuclear bombs that will be used for aggressive military aspirations.

In order to thwart the development of nuclear bombs, the Vienna Accord was recently negotiated to permit the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 24/7 inspections of all Iran’s nuclear facilities to verify their peaceful production operations. Furthermore the IAEA can monitor any location in Iran, with 24 days notification, to determine if there are nefarious hidden nuclear operations in Iran.  According to U.S. nuclear scientists, it is impossible to erase evidence of uranium traces within that time period.

Despite assurances of full surveillance of Iran’s nuclear operations, some members of Congress believe the Accord that removes the current multi-nation economic sanctions, should not be signed. However, they have not articulated a specific alternative.

What are their conceptual alternatives?  Some want to strengthen the current Iran sanctions in order to demand more restrictive covenants. This approach is not feasible because the U.S. cannot unilaterally control the totality of the sanctions.  The present sanctions are imposed by the United Nations and the European Union.  After signing off on the Accord following the prolonged deliberations, it is unlikely that this large coalition of nations would re-enter negotiations with Iran.

Another Congressional alternative recommended is a preemptive military strike with “boots on the ground”.  There is no assurance that this tactic would be successful nor would an extended period of military monitoring occupation be effective, especially without the support of coalition members.

What are the benefits of the accord?  The coalition and Iran give IAEA immediate inspection and verification authority.  Reportedly it will only take a matter of months from now for Iran to complete their fabrication of nuclear bombs if there is no agreement.  If the Accord is implemented, then Iran’s present ability to make bombs within a short period is curtailed.

If the U.S. Congress rejects the Vienna Accord, it is not likely to impact Iran.  The other coalition countries have indicated their willingness to accept the assurances in the agreement and resume their economic trade with Iran. 

The failure of the U.S. to endorse the Accord will continue to prohibit the exportation of our products to Iran.  Our sanctions will remain in effect and any U.S. trade with Iran will be illegal under U.S. law.  Nevertheless, Iran will function economically unfettered and unrestrained despite the U.S.’s rejection of the Vienna Accord.

The resolution of this Iranian issue is a pivotal juncture in American foreign policy as to whether we solve the nuclear threat through diplomacy or a killing, costly war.

Gerry Snyder

Ely, Minn.