Iran, Heavy-Water Nuclear Reactor, and Weapons-Grade Uranium

Hopes that Iran would scrap seeking weapons-grade uranium was further hindered when the European powers offered Iran a light-water nuclear reactor and Iran dismissed the offer. Iran Foreign Minister Hamid Reza Asefi stated Iran desires to be a major player in the nuclear fuel supply around 2020. European powers were hoping that Iran would give guarantees about its uranium programs based upon offers of assistance and aid. In the meantime, the United States has been sending unmanned drones over Iran since April of 2004 to confirm and monitor Iran's uranium programs. Iran Foreign Minister Hamid Reza Asefi told the European powers to tell the United States not to play with fire. The debate over Iran's uranium programs shall continue for sometime. Iran has and still publicly insists peaceful purposes for their uranium programs even when low-grade uranium can be used for nuclear reactor fuel. Iran did suspended uranium programs temporarily last year while the United States and European powers negotiated the status and structure of current and future dialogue with Iran. The European powers continue to hope for current sanctions to become effective in getting guarantees from Iran about their uranium programs. The United States has not ruled out military action.