Suspension of 20% Enrichment -- 20%-enriched uranium is used to produce medical isotopes. In a 1999 report by the Department of Energy two important issues stand out -- a coming shortage in medical isotopes, and a promise of new treatments such as 'isotopes for cancer therapy and pain control'.
There are simply not enough medical isotopes to meet demand. It is important to note that Iran uses LEU (low-enriched uranium) of under 20% to produce medical isotopes. In sharp contrast, the United States supplies weapons-grade uranium (HEU, 90-percent 235U) to the Canadian radioisotope producers. Not only are there inherent dangers (and legal hurdles) in transporting weapons-grade material, but also the conversion of HEU to LEU is a feat in itself.
Demanding a stop to the production of medical isotopes in the face of growing demand and shortage reflects the callous nature of the demands being placed on Tehran.
The Arak Heavy-Water Plant - The media, egged on by Western countries, has been quick to refer to Arak's heavy-water plant as a "plutonium plant for making bombs'. This is patently false.
Any reactor fueled by uranium can be used to produce plutonium, including light-water reactors. According to World Nuclear Association, "Plutonium, both that routinely made in power reactors and that from dismantled nuclear weapons, is a valuable energy source when integrated into the nuclear fuel cycle." Reactor-grade plutonium is a by-product of typical used fuel from a nuclear reactor. Weapons-grade plutonium is recovered from uranium fuel that has been irradiated 2-3 months in a plutonium-production reactor.
It is worth mentioning here that Japan, a close American ally, has more plutonium than any other non-weapons state, with enough plutonium stored in Japan to build 1,000 weapons. In fact, the United States circumvented laws so that it could provide Japan with plutonium.
Arak is a heavy-water reactor (HWR) of the type highly recommended by the IAEA. A 2002 IAEA publication encouraged the use of heavy-water reactors, stating: "HWR technology offers fuel flexibility, low operating costs and a high level of safety, and therefore represents an important option for countries considering nuclear power programmes." Contrary to NPT commitments, the Treaty is being used as a political tool 'doling out' assistance to chosen allies while depriving others.
Geneva 3
The current negotiations are said to be a 'beginning' in which Iran has to meet the above demands in exchange for 'some easing of sanctions', and with 'all options on the table'. This cowboy diplomacy has been in the making for years.
In 2007, while still a junior senator, Barack Obama had "crippling sanctions" in mind for the Iranian people when he introduced S. 1430 in 2007. His commitment caught the attention of AIPAC's president and a major donor to his campaign: Lee Rosenberg. In 2008, during his presidential run, he addressed AIPAC:
"Our willingness to pursue diplomacy will make it easier to join our cause. If Iran fails to change course when presented with this choice by the United States it will be clear to the people of Iran and to the world that the Iranian regime is the author of its own isolation and that will strengthen our hand with Russia and China as we insist on stronger sanctions in the Security Council."
But Mr. Obama's vision is as limited as his knowledge of Iranians. During the Iran-Iraq war, isolated, disarrayed, and reeling from a revolution, Iran repelled not only Iraq's attacks, but all its backers including America, European, and Arab states. Today, Iran is in a much stronger position not only by virtue of its defense forces, its determination, and accomplishments, but also due to its relations with the outside world. Iran has the full backing of the Non-Aligned Movement's (NAM) 120 countries as well as powerful allie s including Russia.
These negotiations present a unique opportunity -- not for the United States, but for the revival of international law and treaties -- and the rejection if imperialism. Let us hope that the opportunity is not plundered.
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