Iran throws out IAEA investigators

Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency that it will no longer be cooperating with them in a move that is less than surprising for most of us. Iran has been under investigation by the IAEA for possible nuclear weapons development and as well as attempts to create and fuel nuclear missile payloads.

The Iranian Vice President made the announcement, which further leads the world to believe Iran is hiding something. Their nuclear defiance comes only five days after Tehran ignored demands from six world powers to suspend its warhead activities.

One year ago, the IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei stated that it was a huge step forward for Iran to allow investigators inside to examine their work. Of course, one year ago he also ignored comments that Iran was distracting investigators with the “work plan” to cover up six years of clandestine atomic work. However, multiple deadlines were missed because Iran seemed to be in no hurry to hold up their end of the bargain. In theory, this work plan was to have been finished in late 2007. Instead, it ended up going into 2008 and beyond.

Defiant Iran says the allegations made by the U.S. and other world powers are being fabricated, thus, the country is no longer even remotely interested in speaking to IAEA. No details were provided but Iranian Vice President Gholam Reza Aghazadeh stated that any further questions on the issue “will be dealt with another way”.

Britain’s Foreign Office commented “We are concerned by reports that Iran is refusing to cooperate with the IAEA on allegations over nuclear weapons. The IAEA has raised serious concerns over Iran’s activities with a possible military dimension. If Iran is serious about restoring international confidence in its intentions, it must address these issues,”

The IAEA has repeatedly asked Iran for explanations concerning their nuclear activities to no avail. Evidence collected by the IAEA includes draft plans of what appears to be refitting missiles with nuclear warheads, tests for nuclear detonators, civilian and military nuclear links as well as how to mold uranium into the shape of a warhead.

ElBaradei showed his frustration in the last report in May when he stated that Iran may be withholding information. It was also stated last week by the IAEA Deputy Director that Tehran’s defiance may be a result of multimedia presentations to the U.S. board members.

For the first time Saturday, the U.S. participated in talks in Geneva which had raised expectations for a compromise with Iran to stop their program. In return, the six world powers (U.S., Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China) would not make sanctions against Iran. However, Iran negotiators ignored the issue.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that Iran was not serious during the Geneva talks and threatened a fourth sanction against the country. The only question left to ask is: how many sanctions will it take before we realize they aren’t working?