Bush Will Never Tolerate Nuclear Weapons in Iran

President George W. Bush officially warned Iran of the nuclear development movement, saying, “The U.S. will not tolerate Iran`s possession of nuclear weapons.”

This is the first time that President Bush officially warns about Iran`s nuclear issues since the Iraq war, and it could mean that the U.S. could make the international society involved in and take joint measures such as economic pressure against Iran like happening to North Korea, U.S. media analyzed.

On this issue, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hold a executive board meeting yesterday and discussed issues related to adopting a resolution that urges Iran to carry out IAEA nuclear safety obligations faithfully.

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami refuted on such claims that “Iran has right to learn latest nuclear technology for peaceful purpose.”

“U.S. and allies will never tolerate Iran`s development and acquisition of nuclear weapons. The international community must come together to make it very clear to Iran that we will not tolerate the construction of a nuclear weapon in Iran,” Bush said yesterday to reporters.

“What President Bush said to the reporters were carefully prepared by the senior aides for recent a few weeks, and it indicates the line that Iran should not cross,” a senor administration official said.

“The warning against Iran is a repeat of what he waned against North Korea last month. Military measures against North Korea were not excluded on the table, but military measures were not mentions on Iran,” the Washington Post reported.

“I appreciate those courageous souls who speak out for freedom in Iran. They need to know America stands squarely by their side,” Bush said about the protests continuing every day in Tehran.

“Iran is actively cooperating to the IAEA and allowing inspections freely. We expect that our right to have nuclear technology will be recognized,” Khatami responded on the Bush`s comment.

“However, unless NPT members promise technical support, we will not allow much more intense inspection than before, Khatami said.

“We do not believe to it is wise for a country`s peace to be against the countries which have already got nukes. And I declare that we do not pursue nuclear weapons,” he emphasized.

sechepa@donga.com