Real U.S. Fear in Iran: Mass-Based Movement & Oil

“The nuclear challenge is a big deception in the West where they know we do not want nuclear weapons. What they are really concerned about is an advanced Islam. They are concerned the Islamic expansion will be a success, following the same concern they had for Communism.”

Muhammad Javad Larijani, brother of Iranian nuclear negotiator.

Michael Slackman, “A New Face in Iran Resurrects an Old Defiance,” New York Times, 1/30/06.

Iran can claim, under Article IV of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the legitimate right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. Economically, it makes sense to the government. Iran's 1985 domestic power demand of 42 million kWh has risen to 129 kWh today and continues to grow. The Ahmadinejad regime and its predecessors have seen the sense in expanding domestic nuclear power output to around 20 reactors in order to free up oil and, especially, gas for lucrative export.

John Eldridge, “Iran’s nuclear standoff: the underlying issues,” Jane’s, 1/30/06.