Security Council Moves on Iran's Nuclear Program
March 17, 2006 — -- The United Nations Security Council meets late this afternoon in closed session to consider a draft statement calling on Iran to suspend "all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development" and to take other steps to restore confidence "in the exclusively peaceful purpose of its nuclear program."
ABC News has obtained a copy of the draft under consideration, which asks the International Atomic Energy Agency to report within two weeks on the status of Iran's cooperation with the Security Council's request.
One sticking point in talks among the council's 15 members is timing — China and Russia are reportedly seeking a 30-day timetable for Iran to cooperate and the IAEA to make its report.
On Monday afternoon, senior officials from the Security Council's permanent five (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States) and Germany will meet in New York to discuss a longer-term strategy for Iran now that the matter is before the Security Council. Should Iran not comply with the Security Council's statement, the United States is sure to seek a resolution, which is binding on Iran under international law.
Iran's actions have taken on special urgency with its January decision to begin enriching uranium at some 20 centrifuges in Natanz. While that's not enough to produce uranium suitable for a nuclear weapon quickly, U.S. officials charge that the experience and technical know-how gained from operating a small centrifuge cascade could easily be replicated in larger ones.
A presidential statement is the first in a series of steps the council could undertake to censure Iran. It carries neither the weight nor the enforcement provisions of a resolution but could affect Iran's standing internationally. Tehran's stock market has already lost billions in value, as the mere threat of Security Council action has undermined investor confidence and forced capital flows out of the country.
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