The discovery earlier this year by inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of particles of enriched uranium at a nuclear plant in Natanz, central Iran, created widespread international concern that Iran may be in breach of its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
Under enormous pressure to appear efficient in the run-up to the US-led invasion of Iraq, the inspectors’ report highlighted a number of inconsistencies in Iran’s account of its nuclear programme. It also drew attention to the reality that Iran’s acquisition of nuclear technology had progressed further than analysts had previously thought.
