1. The Iranian Crisis

3. Why is there a nuclear crisis in Iran? The IAEA takes the position that it cannot “ confirm the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program”. IAEA announces (in 2003) that Iran had been hiding a nuclear energy program for 18 years Iran claims that it only wants to develop nuclear power for PEACEFUL PURPOSES (e.g. Generating electricity) The U.S. accuses Iran of wanting nuclear power to build weapons The U.S. demands that Iran halt its nuclear energy program But under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran does have a right to nuclear energy - as long as it doesn’t develop nuclear weapons

4. Why is there a nuclear crisis in Iran? Once nuclear weapons are obtained, Iran may sell them to other countries and groups, causing further conflict around the world. Tensions rise between the West and Iran Fear of military conflict and nuclear war Controversial remarks by Iranian President Ahmadinejad: “ Wipe Israel off map” “ There was no Holocaust” Bush labels Iran an “axis of evil”

8. Other reasons why Iran may want nuclear energy 1. Aggressive regional ambition 2. National defense 3. National pride 4. Domestic political pressure

11. Government structure

17. Iran’s nuclear facilities Inspection of Natanz leads to discovery of Arak Further inspections bring to light other undeclared facilities such as Busheher: First nuclear plant built in 1974, with Russian assistance Isfahan: Uranium conversion plant Lavizan: Iranians dismantle site before inspection Kalaye: Swipe tests reveal nuclear particles, but Iranians assert that site was contaminated by imported material ARAK Arak: heavy-water reactor plant for producing plutonium U.S. declares that Iran had violated requirements of NPT by withholding information about Arak and Natanz