Iran’s Second Nuclear Site
As we were saying…
Not only did Iran recently test-fire a missile, it was revealed Friday that the rogue state has a formerly hidden second nuclear facility.
Several years ago, Iran admitted having a uranium enrichment plant. The U.S. and other countries suspected this plant wasn’t the only one. After some digging, the U.S. found evidence of construction of another site and recently revealed the information. As expected, Iran is maintaining the “peaceful” and “scientific purposes” stance.
Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said the U.S. may inspect the facility, which he denies was secret.
Israel, in Iran’s sights, wants a strong response from the U.S. in light of the site’s discovery. On Israeli public radio, Senator Joe Lieberman said, “The revelations of this second nuclear enrichment site… prove beyond any doubt that this country wants to equip itself with nuclear weapons…We hope that an unequivocal answer is given on 1 October.” (Source)
Back in May, President Barack Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to talk about problems in the Middle East. While Netanyahu said he hoped Obama would take a hard-line against Iran, Obama said he wanted to meet with the rogue state by the end of the year to talk. Iran maintains that it will not give up test-firing missiles or cease running its nuclear facilities.
True to its word, Iran recently tested the Sajjil-2, a surface-to-surface, solid-fuel missile, “seen as a technological breakthrough for any missile program as solid fuel increases the accuracy of missiles in reaching targets.” (Source)
Neither international condemnation nor tougher U.N. sanctions has deterred Iran. The country forges ahead while calling those who oppose its schemes “anti-Iranian” and “anti-Islamic.” The world awaits with bated breath for Obama’s response.
Last month, Israel’s Uzi Rubin said that if Iran puts all its power behind increasing its ballistic missile range to 2,438 miles, the rogue state will be able to hit London in as few as three years. According to a report issued by the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Iran would have the capability to reach the U.S. by 2015.
Will Obama take a hard-line approach and demand that Iran shut down its nuclear facilities, or will he be “diplomatic” and request that the U.S. and Iran meet to talk it out?
(Sources: BBC and AP)
Tags: Iran, President Barack Obama