Iran

Theological Perspective

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Micah 4:3) is a goal toward which we can strive.

Historical Background

US and  Iran have had a troubled relationship over the past 53 years. In 1953 the CIA overthrew Mohammed Mossadegh over his nationalization of oil. The Shah, placed in power through the US, brutally quashed dissent for 25 years. The US also equipped Saddam Hussein in his war of aggression against Iran in the 1980’s, and in 2002 President Bush labeled Iran a part of the “axis of evil.”

Current Situation

·           Iran indicated it wants to acquire nuclear capability, but declares it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

·            International consensus for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and abandoning fissile material production capability, but no consensus for action.

·           For referring to UN Security Council:  US, Germany, France, UK

·           Against referral to UN Security Council: China and Russia

·           Russia favors action through International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

·           Iran rejected Russian proposal to enrich uranium for Iran in Russia. 

·           Iran has failed to declare activities and provide timely reports under IAEA safeguard requirements for almost 20 years

·           Iran escalated crisis in the past year with  President Ahmadinejad  threats

·           “wipe Israel off the face of the map”

·            reprisals to US and European pressure

·            Questions about Non Proliferation Treaty  (NPT) ability to prevent  spread of nuclear weapons and fissile material 

·           North Korea abrogated its NPT commitments in 2003

·           Iran threatening to withdrawing from NPT if reported to UNSC

·           US-Indian nuclear cooperation agreement Administration signed (Iran sees this as double-standard)

What would help

·           Study agreement with India and its effect on non proliferation cooperation

·           Create international coalition

·           Long-term solutions that include:

·            Comprehensive security assurances from US and direct US diplomatic involvement

·           Russia and China taking lead as Iranian allies to pressure Iran

·            Negotiations toward a nuclear-weapons free zone in the Middle-East

·           Iran has consistently made this request; but may be delaying tactic

·           needed for long term stability in region

·           On the ground inspections

·            Economic incentives

·           Nuclear fuel guarantees

(3/2006)