Nuclear weapons, Iran and the NPT  

Iranian leaders have claimed in recent weeks that they are willing to engage with the West on nuclear issues. But the reality is very different to the rhetoric.Yesterday I met Yukiya Amano, the new Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  His latest report, released this week, is very clear – Iran's programme is of grave concern. They have also defied the UN and the IAEA by enriching uranium to 20%.But the biggest concern is Iran's continuing refusal to answer questions about the military aspects of its nuclear programme. The result – DG Amano cannot confirm that all nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful purposes.What we in the international community need to do now is keep up the pressure: to show Iran that these actions will come at a cost; and to preserve the integrity of the IAEA and the UN.These efforts are of a piece with our...