The DOD's rejection of the nuclear scientists' mission came at a crucial turning point in Iran's nuclear program. Iran had begun testing centrifuges secretly and making plans for the construction of a uranium enrichment facility.
Although the delegation of scientists would not have uncovered those facts, it probably would have anticipated the construction of both uranium conversion and enrichment facilities, and could have analyzed whether the profile of Iran's nuclear program indicated that it was indeed for civilian power or not.
Such a report might have challenged the Clinton administration's line on the threat of Iranian nuclear weapons.
Nakhai believes the Pentagon wanted to protect that line. "They had anticipated that the nuclear program would be useful for pressure on Iran," Nakhai said, "and they didn't want any reduction in that pressure point."
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