TruthNews

Iran "Scouring Europe" For Nuke Bomb Parts

International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, 4 January 2006

The Iranian government has been successfully scouring Europe for the sophisticated equipment needed to develop a nuclear bomb, according to the latest Western intelligence assessment dated July 2005 and leaked to the British press this week.

The timing of the disclosure, combined with a report in the German press indicating that the US is readying its NATO allies for a possible military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, is thought to reflect growing European despair over a diplomatic solution to the standoff.

According to an article published Wednesday in UK daily The Guardian, scientists in Tehran are also shopping for parts for a ballistic missile capable of reaching Europe, reflecting the Islamic Republic's growing determination to perfect a ballistic missile capable of delivering warheads far beyond its borders. The next generation of the Shahab missile should be capable of reaching Austria and Italy, says the report - compiled jointly by British, French, German and Belgian agencies.

It also concludes that Syria and Pakistan have also been buying technology and chemicals needed to develop rocket programs and to enrich uranium.

Speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday Austrian Ambassador to Israel Kurt Hengl, whose country assumes the European Union presidency Sunday, warned that the EU is willing to impose its own sanctions on Iran even if efforts to bring the Islamic republic before the United Nations Security Council fail.

"If Iran, instead of saying, 'We want to talk,' says, 'We don't need to talk, do what you want,' Europe will have to do something," Hengl told The Post.

Hengl's comments follow revelations published in the Berlin-based daily Der Tagesspiegel last week that quoted "NATO intelligence sources" claiming that the NATO allies had been informed that the United States is currently investigating all possibilities of bringing the Iranian regime into line, including military options.

Referring to European efforts to rein in Iran's nuclear development program, the Austrian envoy told the Post that Algeria could potentially block Security Council action. "It is enough if sanctions are imposed by the European Union," he added.