Iran Only Months From Nuclear Weapons Technology

Since 06-06-02

By Julie Stahl
CNSNews.com Jerusalem Bureau Chief

May 22, 2006

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/200605/INT20060522a.html

Jerusalem (CNSNews.com) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Iran is only months away from obtaining the technology it needs to build an atomic bomb and is "seriously" producing enriched uranium, a key ingredient in producing nuclear weapons.

"This technological threshold is nearer than we anticipated before. This is because they are already engaged very seriously in enrichment," Olmert said in an interview with CNN that was recorded before he left for a round of meetings in Washington.

"The technological threshold is very close. It can be measured in months rather than years."

This is Olmert's first trip to Washington since he was elected prime minister. He plans to hold three days of talks with senior U.S. officials. He is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice late Monday and with President Bush on Tuesday.

The issue of Iranian nuclear development is expected to top the agenda. On Sunday, Iran reiterated its refusal to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities in response to a new European Union initiative offering the pariah state a package of perks in exchange for its suspension of enrichment.

In his interview, Olmert refused comment on whether Israel would take military action against Iran.

"America and Europe are leading this international effort. It is now on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, and many countries are involved in trying to stop this and I hope they will succeed...I don't think we have come close to even consideing it," Olmert said.

Rice said the U.S. would not offer security guarantees to Iran to persuade it to halt its enrichment.

"Iran is a troublemaker in the international system, a central banker of terrorism. Security assurances are not on the table," Rice said in an interview with Fox News Sunday.