By Michael D. Shear and Karen DeYoung,Washington Post
Obama’s pipe dream of a nuclear free world hits it’s an immediate stumbling block
President Obama and the leaders of France and Britain blasted Iran’s construction of a previously unacknowledged uranium enrichment facility and demanded Friday that Tehran immediately fulfill its obligations under international law or risk the imposition of harsh new sanctions.
"Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow,"Obama said,detailing how the facility near Qom had been under construction for years without being disclosed,as required,to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "International law is not an empty promise."
The new Iranian plant,the country’s second uranium enrichment facility,is believed by U.S. officials to be part of a broad effort by Iran’s leadership to pursue the ability to build nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly denied having any such goal,insisting that its nuclear program is aimed at generating electricity. U.S. officials said they believe the Qom plant is not yet operational but is intended to produce highly enriched uranium —suitable for nuclear weapons —and will be capable within months of producing enough material for at least one bomb per year.