ambassador remarks

Remarks published in MF DNES on December 8, 2007

Iran Has Not Closed Its Path to Nuclear Weapons

The Impetus for Missile Defense

This commentary by Ambassador Richard W. Graber was published in MLADÁ FRONTA DNES on December 8, 2007

America’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities were partly alleviated this week when a national intelligence report concluded that Tehran’s clandestine pursuit of nuclear weapons was most likely halted in 2003.  It does not judge what Iran’s present or future intentions may be with regard to chemical, biological or even nuclear weapons.  In fact, it concludes by stating that Iran is ‘keeping its options’ open.  The Iranian regime’s continued pursuit of nuclear enrichment technology – a necessary step in the development of any nuclear weapon – remains an option for them, and a serious threat for us. 

Czech government leaders correctly noted that the impetus for missile defense has not changed.  From the beginning, neither Iran nor nuclear weapons were viewed as the sole threats.  The number of countries capable of launching offensive ballistic missiles has grown exponentially as has the sophistication of weaponry.  No one can predict where missiles may be launched in the coming decades.  Whether conventional or nuclear, the destructive potential of these weapons cannot be under-estimated.  Flying rockets armed with a fraction of explosives that are packed today wreaked havoc in London over 60 years ago.  Without a defensive shield, Europe and America remain vulnerable.

Another point in the intelligence report is that after Iranian leaders halted nuclear weapons work in 2003, they began their enrichment program in explicit defiance of the international community.  As Iran does not have an immediate peaceful need for enrichment technology, we view its defiance of the UN suspension requirement as a way of preserving its options on weapons.

Czech leaders have also correctly stated that regardless of its nuclear intentions, Iran already possesses ballistic missiles capable of reaching parts of Europe.  It continues to improve and further develop its offensive missile capabilities.  Less than two weeks ago, the regime’s defense minister stated that a new ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km would be added to its established force of short- and medium-range missiles.   Czech officials recognize that the need to deploy missile defense in Europe is as pressing as ever and negotiations to see this U.S.-built element of a European shield in place by 2013 will continue. 

We are grateful to our Czech allies for pursuing negotiations in an open and steadfast manner and for their commitment to implementing missile defense within a shared NATO security framework.  We have made important progress to date and look forward to a Czech parliamentary vote on the radar next year.  It is important to move to a time when the United States and all of Europe will be protected against offensive ballistic missiles from any future regional threat.