Iran’s Nuclear Program and Diplomatic Options to Contain It

Arms Control Association Press Briefing
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
9:30-11:00 A.M.

Henry L. Stimson Center Conference Room
1111 19th st. NW 12th Floor, Washington, D.C.

Space is limited: RSVP to Peter Crail (202-863-8270 x102 or peter@armscontrol.org)

Daryl Kimball's Introduction

Partial Transcript of Event With Questions And Answers

After two Security Council sanctions resolutions and the prospects for a third looming, Iran continues to expand its nuclear program. A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report on Iran’s program declared that its knowledge of Iran’s nuclear activities is “diminishing,” although Tehran may be providing enough cooperation with the agency to delay tougher UN sanctions. Meanwhile, Washington says it will only engage in talks with Iran if it suspends its sensitive nuclear activities. The panel will describe the state of Iran’s nuclear program and the diplomatic options that should be explored in order to contain Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Panelists are:

David Albright, President, Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) and a leading independent authority on the Iranian nuclear program and its history. From 1992 until 1997, he also cooperated actively with the IAEA Action Team focusing on analyses of Iraqi documents and past procurement activities. Albright will report on the status and capabilities of Iran’s uranium enrichment program and discuss the perils of military strikes against Iran’s facilities.

Dr. Hans-Peter Hinrichsen, First Secretary, Political Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington D.C. Dr. Hinrichsen has worked for the German diplomatic service for 13 years, including four years covering nuclear nonproliferation for the federal Foreign Office in Berlin. Dr. Hinrichsen will discuss Germany’s perspective on options to address Iran's nuclear program and, in the context of Berlin’s role in consultations with the EU-3 and the Security Council, the prospects for additional sanctions.

Joseph Cirincione, Senior Fellow and Director for Nuclear Policy, Center for American Progress. Prior to joining the Center in May 2006, he served as director for nonproliferation at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, worked on the professional staff of the House Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Government Operations, and served as staff director of the Military Reform Caucus. Cirincione will outline the potential for direct diplomatic engagement with Iran without preconditions.

Daryl G. Kimball, Executive Director, Arms Control Association.