As the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program moves into its implementation phase, many are watching with a careful eye to see if and how it will succeed. Western skeptics are undoubtedly waiting to say, “I told you so” if Iran gets caught red handed developing a nuclear weapon capability. Others may be worried about the future, ten years from now when some of the constraints imposed by the deal expire, and how we will contain Iranian ambitions at that point.
Programmes
Reframing the Narratives on Nuclear Weapons for the Next Generation
It is a quarter of a century since the Cold War. Yet the debate over nuclear weapons has the shadow of that ideological struggle hanging over it, and investment decisions are being taken that will commit states to deploying nuclear weapons for half a century from now.
The state of the UK and European debates on nuclear weapons
On Thursday October 15th, BASIC and the Federation of American Scientists will hosted a joint discussion on the state of the UK and European nuclear weapons debates, and the importance of this in a global context.
Nuclear Weapons: FAQ
This factsheet outlines the answers some very frequently asked and core questions about nuclear weapons.…
Iran, the JCPoA and the Future of the Non-Proliferation Regime
The non-proliferation regime appears to have stagnated since the previous Review Conference in 2010. It involves deep complexity and relies upon shared norms, but these alone are insufficient for states to have the necessary confidence essential to its success.
Political Considerations of the Iran Deal
A 2007 US National Intelligence Estimate report concluded that Iran had halted any research related to nuclear weapons in 2003. It categorically stated that this was a result of Iran’s cost-benefit approach.
Concern About Iran’s Parchin Facility Not Supported by Images
“With debate flaring in Washington over the July 14 agreement between Iran and world powers, some analysts and politicians say activities at Parchin underline the risks of entering into a deal with the Islamic Republic,” reports Jonathan Tirone from Bloomsberg Business on August 11, 2015.
BASIC executive director, Paul Ingram was quoted in the article as saying: “Parchin is an active site and movement is inevitable. Attempting an impossible cleanup in full view of satellites and just before Congressional votes would be stretching conspiracy theories beyond breaking point.”
Giving Iran too much to lose
‘If Congress wants Iran to be constrained – not only in its nuclear program but also in its actions abroad – then they ought to support the nuclear deal.’ writes BASIC’s senior scientific adviser, Yousaf Butt for the Hill.