Monday, January 09, 2006

Iran restarts nuclear research

World breathes a simultaneous "Oh shit."

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran confirmed it would resume research on nuclear fuel on Monday, prompting the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog to warn that the world was running out of patience with Tehran in the dispute over its nuclear programme.

Germany, France and EU president Austria made clear their opposition to the Iranian decision and Washington urged Iran to observe its commitment to freeze uranium enrichment or face referral to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.


Most the bureaucrats we talked to said, and I quote, "Oh shit." But some bureaucrats' response left a little to be desired.

[...] International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei expressed his exasperation with Iran in an interview with Sky Television to be broadcast later on Monday.

"I am running out of patience, the international community is running out of patience, the credibility of the verification process is at stake," he told Sky.


"And if they continue, Iran will be told to sit in the corner for a time out. Beyond that we will take away their fingerpainting and nap time priveleges."

[...] Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are entirely peaceful and says it has the right to enrich uranium on its own soil.

"Iran will never abandon its legitimate right to nuclear technology, obtained by the young Iranian scientists," state television quoted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the ultimate say on state matters, as saying.


"Our intenions are peaceful and caring and loving. These reactors will power our homes for wayward puppies, cotton candy factories, and clown schools. Please ignore the wack job in charge." Blah blah blah.