A forthcoming report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will, once again, sound the alarm on Iran’s continued quest to build nuclear weapons. Despite increased scrutiny and penalties from the international community, Iranian leaders appear undeterred. Politico has more:
And according to the AP:
In the report, the IAEA said it was still assessing “further information related to such possible undisclosed nuclear-related activities” as member states provided evidence suggesting that Iran has continued its nuclear program.
The report also found that a mysterious Syrian installation bombed four years ago by Israel was likely a nearly completed nuclear reactor. That’s the most definitive the IAEA has been about the building’s use since the attack that destroyed the facility.
And according to the AP:
“The agency remains concerned about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed nuclear related activities … including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile,” said the IAEA. Overall the report said the agency cannot “conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities.”Currently, Iran is under four sets of U.N. Security Council sanctions. Earlier today, in an effort to further isolate the Middle Eastern nation while punishing companies that do business with its regime, the Obama administration targeted seven foreign companies with sanctions. Additional sanctions were imposed on 15 individuals and companies “…in China, Iran, North Korea, Syria and elsewhere for illicit trading in missile technology and weapons of mass destruction.” And it doesn’t end there:
In addition to the Iran sanctions, the administration imposed penalties on 16 individuals and firms from Belarus, China, North Korea, Syria and Venezuela for violating the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act by selling or buying sensitive equipment and technology related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile systems.Watch U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg explain the sanctions:
Exit question: What steps will the United States and the international community take if the sanctions do not dissuade Iran from continuing its nuclear program?
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