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Words vs deeds: Iran still importing strategic materials from N. Korea
The Axis of Evil is still the Axis of Evil. From Geostrategy-direct.Iranâs leadership buttered up European Union foreign ministers in Teheran last week, agreeing to sign the "Additional Protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty" that could accelerate international inspections of Iranâs nuclear facilities. But look at Iranâs air force bases in the east, and the picture seems much different. Iran has accelerated unspecified sensitive imports from North Korea, Western intelligence sources said. While the exact contents of the imports are unclear, the sources said they appear to be nuclear and ballistic missile components. Iran has been open about these flights from North Korea, with Teheran telling Central Asian countries to clear an air corridor for shipments from North Korea. The sources said Iran wants to signal the United States that it has nuclear options and is building a strategic deterrence against Washington. What does Iran seek? The sources said Iran wants components and technology to complete the Shihab-4 intermediate-range missile, which has a planned range of at least 2,000 kilometers. Iran also seeks technology for nuclear warheads on its Shihab-3 and Shihab-4. The EU can negotiate and play games, but Iranâs strategic objectives have not changed. As usual, the ball is in our court. (*looks around, sees few in the EU behind us*) Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-10-29 |
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