Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

1997
Iran hires a number of South African technicians whose jobs were eliminated following the demise of South Africa's nuclear weapons program. Iran has shown an interest in laser isotope separation, an area in which South Africa and Russia are known to have collaborated.
—Marina Bidoli, "Atomic Energy Corp In Danger Of Being Vaporized," Financial Mail, 15 August 1997; Inigo Gilmore, "Daily On Iranian Nuclear 'Shopping List' in South Africa, Times (London), 18 August 1997; Mathew Campbell and Uzi Mahnami, "Iran's Mullahs On Brink Of A Nuclear Bomb," Times (London), 21 December 1997; G.N. Markov, V.N. Lokhman, and E. Ronanader, "Multiple Photoionization of 169Yb in a Three-Level Atomic Medium by the Collinear Propagation of Laser Pulses," Journal of Physics, Section B, 1995, Vol. 28, pp. 215-220; Ann MacLachlan and Michael Knapik, "South Africa to End MIS SWU Project, Nuclear Fuel, 12 December 1997.

1997
Mohammad Husayn Mahluji, Iranian Minister for Mines and Metals, signs a letter of intent pledging Iran's interest in buying the ailing German machine tool manufacturer Magdeburg GmbH.
—"Tehran to Buy German M-Tool Maker," Iran Brief, 6 January 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 January 1997
The Iran Brief reports that China is planning to complete a uranium hexafluoride plant in Iran, according to US and International Atomic Energy Agency officials. [NOTE: In November 1996, China formally pledged to the United States that it would pull out of the project. See November 1996.]
—"Chinese To Deliver Hex Plant Despite Assurances," The Iran Brief, 6 January 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 January 1997
Russian Atomic Energy Minister Viktor Mikhailov says that 1,000 Russian engineers will work at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.
—"Nuclear Energy Ministry Steps Up Exports in 1996," Interfax (Moscow), 6 January 1997; in FBIS Document FTS 19970317001501.

8 January 1997
The United States continues to urge China to abandon its plan to construct a uranium hexafluoride conversion plant in Iran. Iran wants the plant for its commercial nuclear power plant program. US officials, however, contend that the plant is part of Iran's nuclear weapons development program. The plant would convert uranium oxide to a gaseous state so that it can be enriched to fuel-grade material, either through diffusion or centrifuge technology.
—Jane's Defense Weekly, 8 January 1997; in Gulf 2000, <http://gulf2000.columbia.edu>.

30 January 1997
Iran's Atomic Energy Council recommends pursuing negotiations with China to build nuclear power plants.
—"Iranian Atomic Energy Council Urges Cooperation with Iran," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 1 February 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

February 1997
Iran is in the market for $50 million worth of turbines for the Bushehr power plant, according to Ukrainian officials.
—Associated Press, 25 February 1995; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>

February 1997
Physicists from Tblisi State University and at least one plasma physicist from the former Soviet Union have accepted offers to work for Iran.
—R. Adam Moody, "Armageddon For Hire," Jane's International Defense Review, February 1997, pp. 21-23; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998.

February 1997
The Australian press reports on a top secret US policy for using nuclear weapons against Iraq. A senior Clinton advisor is quoted as saying, "It is US policy to target nuclear weapons if there is the use of weapons of mass destruction. Whether we would use it is another matter." It is assumed that Iran would be similarly targeted if there was an attack using weapons of mass destruction on US interests.
—"Atomic warheads Aimed At Iraq After US Policy Switch," Melbourne Age, 2 February 1998.

February 1997
The CIA says that Israel is not expected to launch an attack against Iran even if Iran develops nuclear weapons. Technical considerations and regional problems would hinder any such attack. It is reported that Israel could attack Iran by flying over Turkey but that would present considerable logistical problems.
—"Israel Unlikely to Hit Out at Iran," Asia Times, 24 February 1997.

February 1997
An Austrian company completes a cyclotron, which can be used to enrich uranium, at Iran's nuclear research center in Karaj. The cyclotron, listed in a secret deal as "medical equipment," violates European Union trade sanctions against Iran. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) issues a statement on 27 February 1997 denying that Iran was pursuing a uranium enrichment capability. The AEOI reportedly runs a number of front companies in Vienna, Austria, to buy components for Iran's nuclear weapons program. [Note: See also 23 February 1997.]
—Con Coughlin, "Iran: Article Highlights Danger Of Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program," Sunday Telegraph (London), 23 February 1997, p. 24; "US Sounds Alarm Over Iran Nuclear Threat," FBIS-NES-97-036, 23 February 1997; "Iran: IAEA Denies UK Press Report On Iran's Nuclear Program," IRNA (Tehran), 28 February 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-040, 28 February 1997.

February 1997
Reports say China is Iran's most important nuclear trading partner, selling over $60 million worth of equipment per year, although Iranian scientists have reportedly been disappointed with the quality of some of the Chinese equipment. Fourteen Chinese nuclear experts are currently working at Iranian nuclear facilities.
—Con Coughlin, "Iran: Article Highlights Danger Of Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program," Sunday Telegraph (London), 23 February 1997, p. 24; "US Sounds Alarm Over Iran Nuclear Threat," FBIS-NES-97-036, 23 February 1997; "Iran: IAEA Denies UK Press Report On Iran's Nuclear Program," IRNA (Tehran), 28 February 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-040, 28 February 1997.

February 1997
According to Husayn Abedini, a member of the Mojahedin-e Khalq, "there is no doubt that Iran is intensifying its efforts to acquire a nuclear weapons arsenal. If they continue to make progress at the current rate, they will have their own nuclear capability within five years." [Note: The Mohajedin-e Khlaq is known to make exaggerated claims about the Iranian government and its nuclear program.]
—Con Coughlin, "Iran: Article Highlights Danger Of Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program," Sunday Telegraph (London), 23 February 1997, p. 24; "US Sounds Alarm Over Iran Nuclear Threat," FBIS-NES-97-036, 23 February 1997; "Iran: IAEA Denies UK Press Report On Iran's Nuclear Program," IRNA (Tehran), 28 February 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-040, 28 February 1997.

7 February 1997
Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, Russian deputy atomic energy minister, says the light water nuclear reactors Russia is building in Iran cannot be used to make weapons-grade uranium or anything else of military value. He also notes that the reactors are under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He says the project to build the Bushehr nuclear power plant is "making brisk progress," and that the plant should be in operation in four years.
— "Russia Says Nuclear Reactors For Iran, China, India, Purely Civilian," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 11 February 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 February 1997
On a trip to Israel, Li Lanqing, Chinese deputy prime minister, says China is not providing nuclear cooperation to Iran. "We will not do anything that could harm you," he says. "You can relax." David Levi, Israeli foreign minister, says, "We expect China, as a country which wants to contribute to peace, to do everything it can to curtail such dangers which could lead to war."
—"Vice-Minister Visiting Israel Denies Nuclear Aid to Iran," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 20 February 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

23 February 1997
The Sunday Telegraph of London reports that for over one year, Austrian nuclear scientists have been working on a cyclotron for enriching uranium at Iran's nuclear research facility in Karaj. Austria clandestinely sold Iran the cyclotron as "medical equipment." Tehran has a variety of "front companies" in Vienna that are used to purchase nuclear weapons technologies. This Austrian technology is more sophisticated than what Iran receives from China or North Korea, and could facilitate the production of weapons-grade uranium "within a few years." [Note: The Sunday Telegraph reports having received the information about the Austrian connection from unnamed "documents" from an unnamed source.]
—Con Coughlin, "US Sounds Alarm Over Iran Nuclear Threat," Sunday Telegraph (London), 23 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970625003657.

24 February 1997
On his way to Iran, I.K. Gujral, Indian external affairs minister, says he will not discuss nuclear cooperation with Iran on his trip.
—"Visiting Indian Foreign Minister Says Nuclear Cooperation Not On Agenda," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 24 February 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 February 1997
China's president, prime minister and foreign minister assure Israel's Foreign Minister David Levi that China has stopped discussing nuclear matters with Iran. [Note: The article does not give any specific details on what the Chinese leaders said.]
—"China to Levi: Nuclear Talks With Iran 'Suspended'," Qol Yisra'el (Jerusalem), 25 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970625004062.

28 February 1997
Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani visits the Bushehr nuclear power plant and says, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will employ nuclear power in order to boost its development efforts....The construction and operation of modern power stations is essential for implementing the Islamic Republic of Iran's long-term plans for development and public welfare, in particular for the Iran-1400 [year ending 2001] programme."
—"Rafsanjani Inspects Bushehr Nuclear Plant: Iran Resolved To Use Nuclear Power," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 4 March 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 February 1997
Konversiya of Moscow reports that since 1992, Russia has sent 14 nuclear physicist-engineers to work in Iran. Starting in 1994, other countries from the former Soviet Union have sent 50 engineers and 200 technicians to work in Iran's nuclear industry, earning $5,000 per month.
—S.I. Simanovskiy, "The International Aspects of Conversion in Russia: Problems and Threats," Konversiya (Moscow), 28 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970626002802.

March 1997
John Holum, director of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, testifies that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, but that it would not be able to produce enough fissile material until 2005 to 2007. [Note: In 1995, Holum said Iran might be able to make a bomb by 2003.]
—Associated Press, 5 May 1997, pp. 1, 26; in Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

6 March 1997
Iranian President Rafsanjani says that the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be capable of producing 2000MW of power. [Note: This seems to indicate another 1000MW reactor will be added after the one under construction is completed.]
—"Bushehr Development Projects, Nuclear Power Plant Outlined," Iran in Persian (Tehran), 6 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970828001096.

11 March 1997
Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov says that Russia is not involved in Iranian nuclear missile projects. He adds that Russia is supplying Iran with the same light water reactors as the U.S. is supplying North Korea.
—ITAR-TASS, 11 March 1997; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

16 March 1997
During a program featuring the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, a Russian television correspondent says that the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Reza Amrollahi, "does not hide the fact that his country has the scientific potential for creation of its own nuclear weaponry." [Note: Amrollahi later denies this accusation. See 15 April 1997.] Alexsandr Steblyanko, the chief of construction at Bushehr, says "as at any nuclear station, the spent raw material—the spent products of the nuclear station—may no doubt be used as raw material for future military uses perhaps, but it all depends on politics." According to the correspondent, the Bushehr plant will provide 10% of Iran's electricity needs, and is "primarily Iran's testing ground for studying nuclear technology." Approximately 100 Russian technicians are working at Bushehr, earning $700 per month. Iran pays Russia about $7000 for each expert.
—"TV Features Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Site," NTV (Moscow), 16 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970318001331.

19 March 1997
According to Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Atomic Energy, Iran recently paid Russia its first installment for building the nuclear power reactor in Bushehr. Iran has also paid Russia for its nuclear technicians working on the project. [Note: See 16 March 1997]. The Russians have started construction on "steam generators and other equipment with a long production cycle." Reshetnikov says that Iran has paid 10% of the total project cost, which is approximately $800 million. He also says the project is on schedule. [Note: See 16 March 1997. Alexsandr Steblyanko, the chief of construction, says the project was one year behind schedule.]
—"Iran Pays First Installment on Bushehr Nuclear Plant," Interfax (Moscow), 19 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970319000515; Veronika Romanenkova, ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 21 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970321001323.

21 March 1997
According to a top official at the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy (Minatom), a new stage of construction began at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant after Iran made a $60 million advance payment to Russia. Minatom Deputy Minister Yevgeniy Reshetnikov said that the reactor vessel has been manufactured and experts have begun building the plant's steam generators and other equipment. Assembly of the plant's VVER-1000 [1000MW] light water reactor will begin in early 1998. The Bushehr-1 reactor is scheduled to be commissioned in 2001.
—Veronika Romanenkova "Russia: Russian Experts Start Building Generators At Bushehr," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 21 March 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-97-080, 21 March 1997; "The World Today" Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow), 21 March 1997;" in "Russia: Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Activity Discussed;" in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-97-081, 22 March 1997.

21 March 1997
Haaretz reports that, according to "Project Risk," a non-governmental organization that tracks weapons proliferation, Iran purchases prohibited and sensitive technology via front companies in the guise of charitable organizations. The most active is the Bonyad-e Mostazafin ("Foundation for the Oppressed"). Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres says that German organizations "are the most problematic" for selling sensitive technology to Iran. Peres says that the German government does not always actively try to stop illicit shipments to Iran. The United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency acknowledges a strong relationship with the German government, but says, "there are sectors of German industry that are more mechanized to help Iran's nuclear efforts."
—Ronen bergman, "Iran Has No Atom Bomb. So Far," Haaretz, 21 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970325000828.

23 March 1997
When asked whether Iran is pursuing a nuclear bomb, Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani tells CBS's 60 Minutes, "absolutely not. We hate that weapon." The CBS correspondent then asks if Rafsanjani would "swear by Allah." Rafsanjani replies, "there's no need to take an oath. We are a frank people. We make missiles and we tell everybody that our missile industry is strong. But we're not after nuclear bombs and we won't go after biological and chemical weapons." Rafsanjani says that nuclear energy is necessary to help meet Iran's electricity needs, and that the technology was originally supported by the United States when the Shah was in power.
—"Rafsanjani: United States Should Show Goodwill," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 24 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970324001051; "IRNA Reports on Rafsanjani Interview With CBS," IRNA (Tehran), 23 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970324001202.

April 1997
The Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis reports that the Iranians were offering former Soviet scientists $5000 per month to work on special projects in Iran. There are also additional allegations that technicians from North Korea, China, Pakistan as well as Russian and the West were all at work in Iran.
—"Iran: Headed for a National Deterrent?," Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis (Boston), April 1997; in "Exploring US Missile Defense Requirements in 2010:What are the Policy and Technology Challenges?," Federation of Atomic Scientists, <http://www.fas.org>.

11 April 1997
Nezavisimaya Gazeta of Moscow reports that Russia may be willing to sell Iran its S-300 air defense missile system to protect the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Moscow May 'Examine Question' of S-300 Deliveries to Iran," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow), 11 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970411000205.

11-12 April 1997
During a meeting in Moscow between Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri, speaker of the Iranian parliament, Yeltsin announces that Russia has "a good positive cooperation with Iran, which shows a tendency to increase." Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Posuvalyuk and his Iranian counterpart Mahmud Vaezi sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on export controls, emphasizing their commitment to the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery.
—"Moscow Reaffirms Friendly Relations With Tehran," Jamestown Monitor, 14 April 1997; "Iran: Nuclear Export Control Agreement Signed With Russia," Voice of The Islamic Republic of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), 12 April 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-TAC-97-102, 12 April 1997.

13 April 1997
Moskovskiye Novosti of Moscow reports that Iran will obtain nuclear weapons in 10 to 15 years.
—"Russia's Supplies of Armaments to Iran," Moskovskiye Novosti (Moscow), 13 April 1997; in FBIS, Document FTS19970717001163.

13 April 1997
Hassan Ruhani, deputy speaker of Iran's Majlis (Parliament), says that Germany should pay Iran "18 billion marks related to the Bushehr nuclear court case."
—"Majles Deputy Speaker Calls for Compensation from Germany," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 13 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970413000175.

15 April 1997
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that a Russian television report on the Bushehr nuclear power plant erroneously stated that Iran was technically capable of building a nuclear weapon. The Russian report "is completely contrary" to Amrollahi's statements. [Note: See 16 March 1997 entry for more on the television report.]
—"Iran Denies Russian TV Report on Nuclear Capabilities," IRNA (Tehran), 15 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970415000578.

16 April 1997
Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma says that his country will not sell Iran turbines for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. According to Volodymyr Ogryzko, head of the president's Foreign Policy Department, "Ukraine is not involved in any sort of activities related to the project." Orgyzko does say, however, that relations with Iran "are developing" and that any cooperation will fall under international regulations. An official from Russia's Ministry of Atomic Energy says "all the necessary equipment for the nuclear power plant is produced in Russia, so we do not need the help of third countries in this case." An organization in St. Petersburg, Russia will make the turbines for the Bushehr plant. [Note: Ukraine later decides that it will sell turbines to Iran. See 26 July 1997.]
—"Ukraine President Cancels Turbine Deal With Iran," Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 15 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970415000080; "Spokesman on Export of Parts for Iranian Nuclear Plant," UNIAN (Kiev), 16 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970416002709; "Official Denies Involvement in Nuclear Reactor for Iran," Intelnews (Kiev) 18 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970418000099; Veronika Romanenkova, "Ministry 'Unruffled' by Kiev's Refusal to Supply Turbines," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 16 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970416000535; "Ties With Kiev Not Affected By Iranian Contract," Interfax (Moscow), 18 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970418000288.

17 April 1997
Hamburg Stern reports additional details of Iran's European smuggling network, as provided in a German report on the Iranian Defense Industries Organization. German officials believe that Germany is the central location for the Iranian procurement network. This problem has been aggravated by the fact that Iran has received loans worth 5 billion DM from Germany and Germany appears unwilling to enforce laws concerning dual-use items. It is believed that part of these loans have been used to found a machine-tool industry in Iran. This program started in 1992 and is indicative of the ineffectiveness of the western embargo against Iran.
—Rudolf Lambrecht, "A Roaring Trade With Tehran," Hamburg Stern, 17 April 1997.

17 April 1997
In a statement before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, a spokesmen for the State Department says that Iran "has demonstrated a determined effort to develop and acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD), ballistic missiles capable of delivering them, and dangerous advanced conventional weapons." In the statement, State Department officials David Welch and Robert Einhorn note that Iran has "dedicated civilian and military facilities and technologies that are inconsistent with a purely peaceful nuclear program." The officials said the United States has approached a number of supplier governments bilaterally to prevent such transfers. Most governments, they said, have chosen not to pursue any peaceful nuclear cooperation with Iran, "with Russia and China being notable exceptions," since such cooperation could be used to further Iran's nuclear weapons program. Because of Iran's effort to develop WMD and associated delivery systems, and its continuing support for terrorism, Welch and Einhorn say the United States has combined nonproliferation and anti-terrorism efforts with economic and political pressure. However, they added, "current tools—economic sanctions such as the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act and the president's embargo, the missile and CBW sanctions laws, the Iran-Iraq Nonproliferation Act, and the many nuclear sanctions laws—teach the limits of effective unilateral initiatives." The statement says that US policy would be more successful if the United States had cooperation from its allies to use "our common political and economic clout to have a real tangible impact on Iran."
—"Iran And Proliferation," Statement of David Welch, Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, and Robert Einhorn, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Politico-Military Affairs, Department of State, Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, 17 April 1997.

27 April 1997
Welt am Sonntag of Hamburg reports that, according to Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Iran has a nuclear weapons development program. The report says Tehran will not have the technical capability to produce nuclear weapons until at least 2002, although that timeframe could be accelerated if Iran acquires weapons-grade fissile material on the black market.
—Heinz Vielain, "Intelligence Service Warns: Iran Is Developing Nuclear Weapons," Welt am Sonntag (Hamburg), 27 April 1997 p. 4; in "Germany: BND Says Iran 'Stepped Up' Arms Programs 'Considerably'," in FBIS Document FBIS-TAC-97-118, 28 April 1997.

30 April 1997
The foreign ministers of the European Union call on Iran to abide by nuclear non-proliferation agreements.
—"EU To Crack Down On Iranian Operations," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 April 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 May 1997
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that of all the countries in its region, Iran has the most self-sufficient industries for peaceful nuclear technologies.
—"Energy Official: Iran Leads Region in Nuclear Self-Reliance," IRNA (Tehran), 3 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970503000072.

5 May 1997
Iran will not be able to make a nuclear bomb until "the middle of the next decade," says a senior Israeli intelligence official. According to Israeli and other sources, Iran's nuclear ambitions have been delayed by US pressure on Iran's nuclear suppliers.
—"Iran Nuclear Weapons Program Delayed," Los Angeles Times, 5 May 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

7 May 1997
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), says that Iran has successfully produced nuclear materials instrumental for nuclear medicine. He also says that the AEOI has "successfully engaged in 178 cases of expansion of technology transfer and innovation." The AEOI also "provided its industries with 120,000 industrial radioactive forces" between 1989 and 1994. An Iranian television program featuring the Karaj nuclear facility says that Iran can produce "30 million-electron-volts proton ion and 15 million-electron-volts deuteron ion used in nuclear physics and radiochemistry."
—"Nuclear Substances for Medicine," Resalat (Tehran), 7 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970627001465; "Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Head Notes Achievement," IRNA (Tehran), 7 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970507000193; "TV Shows Atomic Energy Center in Karaj," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 7 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970507001107.

7 May 1997
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), says that Iran has established the "center for research and application of radio process" in Yazd province. Amrollahi added that the AEOI is building a second Tokamak nuclear fusion research reactor.
—"Iran: Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Head Notes Achievements," IRNA (Tehran), 7 May 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-127, 7 May 1997.

11 May 1997
Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Amnon Lipkin-Shahak says, "Iran is quite a few years away from having a [nuclear] bomb. The only way to stop it is by not allowing it to take shortcuts through persons or through technology that can be purchased in the free world."
—"Chief of Staff on Syria, Iran, PA Threats," Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv), 11 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970512001098.

13 May 1997
Sergey Tretyakov, Russia's ambassador to Iran, says that Russia's assistance in building the Bushehr nuclear power plant is completely legal. He says that the pursuit of nuclear technology for peaceful uses is "the right of every country."
—"Russian Ambassador Defends Nuclear Cooperation With Iran," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 13 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970513000472.

15 May 1997
The Frankfurt Administrative Court decides that the German embargo on Iran includes services for increasing nuclear safety, in addition to technology for nuclear plants. The German government had denied a license to an engineering firm planning to help examine the "external concrete claddings of the two reactor blocks at the Bushehr nuclear power plant." The company said that it would only "examine the statistics of the nuclear plant's concrete cladding," which would help improve the safety of the facility. [Note: See 21 March 1997.]
—Juergen Schenk, "Service Also on Embargo List," Frankfurter Rundschau (Frankfurt/Main), 16 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970516000470.

19 May 1997
Germany creates "coordination agency for Iran" in Cologne's customs investigation office. This agency will monitor "suspicious 'Iranian-controlled firms in Germany'." German customs officials are currently investigating 10 organizations for illicit sales to Iran.
—"Agency Established To Prevent Arms Exports to Iran," Der Spiegel (Hamburg), 19 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970520000550.

26 May 1997
Rose al-Yusuf of Cairo reports that Egypt has received "a dangerous report...whether by accident or design, from a European capital" of Israel's intentions to bomb the nuclear power plant near Bushehr, Iran. The report says Israel would only attack the facility if it seemed imminent Iran would invade neighboring countries. Israel could damage, but may not be able to completely destroy, the nuclear reactors, the report says. [Note: Israel bombed Iraq's Osirak reactor at Al-Tuwaitha in 1981, but this did not eliminate Baghdad's nuclear weapons programs.] Israel would need the United States' approval to carry out such an attack.
—Faizah Saad, "Israeli Plan to Strike Iranian Nuclear Reactors," Rose al-Yusuf (Cairo), 26 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970609000129.

30 May 1997
Frankfurter Allgemeine of Frankfurt/Main reports that, according to German intelligence sources, Iran aims to use Syria as a supplier route for its weapons of mass destruction programs. Syria is not subject to export controls as stringent as those against Iran, and has "fewer difficulties in the development of ultramodern mass destruction factories."
—"Iran Wants To Use Syrian Espionage Network," Frankfurter Allgemeine (Frankfurt/Main), 30 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970530000438.

31 May 1997
Iran's Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Hasan Qashqavi, says that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, and that its nuclear programs are strictly for peaceful purposes.
—"Iranian Envoy Stresses Peaceful Intent of Nuclear Program," IRNA (Tehran), 31 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970602000105.

2 June 1997
Iran announces the first phase of its $33 million electron accelerator is operating. The center is in Yazd. The accelerator is believed to be a 3 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator. Iran's state-run radio says that the accelerator would be used for various industrial purposes, and not as a tool to develop nuclear weapons as the United States has claimed. [Note: See 3 June 1997.]
—"Iran: First Phase of Iran's Electron Accelerator Operational," FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-153, 2 June 1997; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998; H. Afaideh, M. Lamehi, S.A. Durrani, "Beam Profile of Particles Produced by 3 MeV Van de Graaff Accelerator," Nuclear Tracks and Radiation Measurements, 1991, Vol. 19, pp. 801-802; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998; "Iran Commissions Electron Accelerator," Reuters, 1 June 1997.

3 June 1997
Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani inaugurates the "centre for research and application of radio process" in Yazd, in central Iran. [Note: See 2 June 1997.] Rafsanjani says Iran will soon be able to "enter the exclusive market" of nuclear medicine and agricultural products. He says the work of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has met most of the needs of the country for such products. He says every country has a right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and that Iran has achieved success in the fields of nuclear medicine and agriculture despite the opposition of the United States.
—"President Says Iran To Join 'Exclusive Market' Of Nuclear Medicine Soon," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 June 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 June 1997
Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani denies that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. "We are a serious military power," he says. "However, we have always detested nuclear and chemical weapons, which are deployed by American and by the West in general."
—"President Says Elections Defeat For West; Denies Nuclear Capability Plan," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 9 June 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 June 1997
Anatoliy Minchenko, Ukraine's minister for industrial policy, says that Ukraine wants to promote cooperation in "nuclear power engineering" with Iran. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Hennadiy Udovenko, did not mention the sale of turbines for the nuclear power plant near Bushehr, Iran. [Note: See 16 April 1997 and 26 July 1997.] Ukraine's Kharkiv Turboatom company had planned to sell Iran the turbines, but the United States has been very vocal against the deal.
—"Government Urges Iran To Help Settle Turkmen Oil Debt," UNIAN (Kiev), 9 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970609000845; "No Discussion on Turbine Delivery to Iran Nuclear Plant," Interfax (Moscow), 9 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970609000909.

10 June 1997
Russia issues a statement proposing cooperating with Iran on nuclear safety, which would be applied to Iran's "peaceful use of nuclear power."
—"Nuclear Power Safety Talks With Iran Approved," Rossiyskaya Gazeta (Moscow), 10 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970612000346.

12 June 1997
Mohamed Al-Baradi, the newly elected Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledges that Iran has maintained a positive relationship with the IAEA. Inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities indicate that the country is compliant with its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations. "Our relations with Iran contain nothing special or different from our relations with other countries," he says.
—Abd al-Munim Tawfiq, "Interview with Dr. Muhammad al-Baradii," Al-Quds al-'Arabi (London), 12 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970617001352.

Mid-June 1997
A delegation of officials from Russia's nuclear industry goes to Tehran to discuss payment for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Sources say $700 million will be paid in cash and $300 million in barter goods, mostly food. The rights to import the barter goods have reportedly gone to Imperial bank, with ties to Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin and Stolichny bank, with ties to Moscow Mayer Yury Luzhkov and National Security Advisor Boris Berezovsky.
—"Iranian Nuclear Trade With Russia Goes Nuts; Pistachios Marketed For Sexual Potency," Journal of Commerce, 11 June 1997, p. 7B; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

20 June 1997
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu presses US President Bill Clinton "to exert all his influence" to stop Russia from helping Iran obtain nuclear weapons. Netanyahu wrote Clinton "a secret letter" indicating that Clinton should persuade Russia to not sell nuclear reactors to Iran.
—Ben Kaspit, "Netanyahu Urges Clinton Action Against Iran Nuclear Efforts," Maariv (Tel Aviv), 20 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970620000245.

23 June 1997
In the final report of the Denver "G-7 plus one" summit, leaders of the world's leading industrial countries called on all states to curtail supplies of dual-use technology to Iran's strategic weapons program. The report was signed by Russia, which along with China is Iran's largest supplier of advanced conventional weapons, as well as a supplier of dual-use technology. The report says, "We call on all states to avoid cooperation with Iran that might contribute to efforts to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities, or to enhance chemical, biological, or missile capabilities in violation of international conventions of arrangements."
—"G-7 Ups Pressure On Tehran," The Iran Brief, 3 July 1997, p. 7.

23 June 1997
Viktor Mikhailov, Russia's Atomic Energy Minister, says Moscow will continue to develop the 1000MW nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran. He says that the project is monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and will be completed on schedule. Russia may sign an agreement to construct another 1000MW reactor and two 440MW reactors in Iran.
—"Interfax Foreign Trade Report for 24 June," Interfax (Moscow), 24 June 1997; in FBIS, FTS19970627001478; "Minister Says Iranian Nuclear On Time, Criticizes U.S.," IRNA (Tehran), 23 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970623001236.

24 June 1997
The head and deputies of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran appear before the power committee of the Iranian Parliament to respond to charges of inefficiency in the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. According to the Iranian daily Resalat, "because they made conflicting statements, the members of the commission decided to visit the plant in the Gulf port of Bushehr on Monday to closely investigate the situation." Resalat reports that there were "difficulties in carrying out projects in certain units of the plant." [Note: See 3 September 1997 for Reza Amrollahi's replacement as head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.]
—"Iranian Parliament To Investigate Inefficiency At Nuclear Power Plant," Agence France Presse, 25 June 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

24 June 1997
Mohammad Sadeq Ayatollahi, Iran's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, says the Bushehr plant will be open in three years. He says Iran wants to reduce its dependence on oil and get 20% of its energy from nuclear power.
—"Iranian Parliament To Investigate Inefficiency At Nuclear Power Plant," Agence France Presse, 25 June 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 June 1997
Agence France Presse reports that Iran has five small reactors at research centers in Tehran and Isfahan. Three of the reactors are Chinese-made.
—"Iranian Parliament To Investigate Inefficiency At Nuclear Power Plant," Agence France Presse, 25 June 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

26 June 1997
The US military commander in the Persian Gulf says Iran can build nuclear weapons by 2000 if its gets fissionable material. "If they can get those," says General Binford Peay, "you will see them be able to bring that to some form of weaponization, and I would predict to you that would be some time at the turn of the century, the near-end of the turn of the century." Peay says he does not know how close Iran is to getting a nuclear weapon. "I wouldn't want to put a day on it," he says. "I don't know if it's 2010, 2007, or 2003. I am just saying that I think it is coming closer."
—"Iran Likely To Have Nuclear Weapons Capability Soon: US Military," Agence France Presse, 26 June 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 June 1997
A top-secret report prepared by European intelligence services for leaders of the European Union and leaked to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, concludes that Iran will have nuclear weapons "in five, or at most seven years from now." The document also reports that Iran has requested Chinese assistance in its efforts to procure enriched uranium through the construction of plants designed to convert uranium from its mineral form.
—"US Protests Chinese Trade Policy," The Iran Brief, 3 July 1997; "EU Leaks Report On Nuclear Program," Iran Brief, 3 July 1997, p. 5; Maurizio Molinari, in La Stampa (Turin), 28 June 1997; FBIS-TAC-97-181, 30 June 1997.

29 June 1997
The Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Major General Moshen Rezai says in a published interview that Iran does not plan to obtain nuclear or other forbidden weapons.
—"Tehran Ready To Sign Defense Pacts With Arab Neighbors," IRNA (Tehran), 29 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970629000173.

July 1997
The Clinton administration complains to Russian President Boris Yeltsin that Russia gave important nuclear technology to Iran in 1996.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

July 1997
In a further indication of Turkish-Israeli strategic cooperation, analysts from both countries now believe that Iran will be able to develop nuclear weapons for at least 10 years.
—Steve Macko, "Iran's Nuclear Program Suffering Setbacks," IINS News Service, 18 July 1997.

July 1997
Russia provides assistance in uranium mining in the areas of Saghand and Yazd in Iran. Though Russia has denied the allegation, the atomic ministry acknowledges that the uranium mining in Iran was planned at a small scale.
—Ronen Bergman, "The Iranian Reactor in the Picture Is Supposed to Be operational With Two or Three Years," Yediot Aharonot (Hamusaf Lahag Supplement) (Tel Aviv), 29 September 2001; in "Article Views Iranian efforts To Achieve Nuclear capability," FBIS Document GMP20010927000222, 8 March 2002.

2 July 1997
Russia and Iran sign an agreement in Tehran in which Russia pledges to uphold and monitor international safety norms, as they continue to honor their contract with Iran to build the nuclear reactors in Bushehr. The agreement also states that the norms will be enforced even after the completion of the project.
—"Moscow's support for Iran's nuclear program," Neue Zuercher Zeitung, 4 July 1997, p. 1; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS Translation]

3 July 1997
The US State Department spokesman says the United States does not have enough evidence to impose sanctions on China for its nuclear assistance to Iran. State Department spokesman Nick Burns says in a briefing that "We are willing to and we are obligated to implement our law, but we can't do it based on suppositions or appearances. We must do it on concrete evidence, and we are pursuing that concrete evidence right now." He says, "While the United States continues to be concerned about many actions of the government of China regarding proliferation, and while we discuss this—in fact, Secretary Albright discussed it just the other day in Hong Kong with Vice Premier Qian Qichen—we cannot find a country guilty of violating a law without evidence, without concrete evidence. We don't have that evidence in the current realm."
—"US Admits It Has No Proof Of Chinese N-Sale To Pakistan," Dawn (Karachi), 5 July 1997.

3 July 1997
Reuters reports that the Clinton administration has complained to the Russian government that Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran exceeds the restrictions Russian President Boris Yeltsin promised two years ago. An anonymous US official also said Washington is concerned that Russian technical advice to Iran's uranium mining and processing efforts could eventually help Iran build a nuclear bomb. According to the official, if Iran acquires the ability to mine and process uranium, it could either enrich it to weapons grade, or irradiate it in a nuclear reactor to produce plutonium.
—R. Jeffrey Smith, "Administration Concerned About Russia's Nuclear Cooperation with Iran," Washington Post, 3 July 1997, p. A07; "Iran and Russia in Talks on Nuclear Cooperation," Reuters, 3 July 1997; "Iran Says First Nuclear Plant Unit on Stream Soon," Reuters, 7 July 1997.

4 July 1997
Nezavisimaya Gazeta of Moscow reports that the United States is apprehensive of Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran. Washington is specifically concerned that Iran may be learning about uranium enrichment from Russian scientists.
—"United States and Israel Concerned by Russian-Iranian Cooperation," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow), 4 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970709000330.

6 July 1997
Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai says Iran is trying to get unconventional weapons, and says, "Israel is using all means at its disposal in order to foil Iranian efforts to acquire nuclear and missile technology."
—"Mordechai Warns Of Iran's Nuclear Ambitions," Middle East News, 6 July 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 July 1997
Russia and Iran sign a nuclear safety agreement, which will bring Russian inspectors to the Bushehr nuclear power plant in one month. Yuriy Vishnevskiy, chairman of Russia's Nuclear Federal Inspectorate for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (Gosatomnadzor), and Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, sign the agreement.
—Konstantin Kazeyev, "Cooperation Accord on Bushehr Nuclear Plant Signed," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 7 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970707000148.

7 July 1997
Reza Amrollahi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, says that the Bushehr nuclear power plant will soon be producing 1000MW of energy. He says that Iran's nuclear programs are strictly peaceful. He says Iran is interested in expanding its nuclear cooperation with Russia, particularly in the construction of more nuclear power plants.
—"Russian-Iranian Nuclear Cooperation," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 8 July 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-TAC-97-189, 8 July 1997; "Iran Official Denies Allegations on Nuclear Program," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 7 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970707000843.

8 July 1997
ITAR-TASS reports that Russia may supply Iran with two more VVER-1000 [1000MW] light water reactors for the Bushehr power station, in addition to one to be provided under a 1995 agreement. The Bushehr plant is scheduled to come on line in four years.
—"Russian-Iranian Nuclear Cooperation," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 8 July 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-TAC-97-189, 8 July 1997

8 July 1997
An official for Russia's Atomic Energy Ministry says that the next stage in development of Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr will begin in the second half of 1998. Approximately 750 Russian specialists will work on the reactor. Iran will send power plant staff to the Kurchatov Institute and the State Scientific Center (Postatov) in Russia for training. The plant is expected to be finished in 2001 as part of a $780 million contract with Russia.
—Anna Bakina, "Russia To Proceed With Construction of Iran Nuclear Plant," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 8 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970708000876; "Russian Atomic Ministry Cited on Iran's Nuclear Plant", Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow), 9 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970710000204.

9 July 1997
Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) says that Iran's nuclear programs focus on all phases of the fuel cycle. Iran is a "center of proliferation activities," even though no proof of any Iranian nuclear bomb exists.
—Hans-Joerg Helms, "Serious Danger to World Peace," Sueddeutsche Zeitung (Munich), 9 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970709000555.

9 July 1997
Russian Minister of Atomic Power Viktor Mikhailov states at a news conference that nuclear cooperation between Russia and Iran is for peaceful purposes only and has no military aspect. He also emphasizes that Russia has sacrificed financial gain in the past by supporting Western plans to sanction another country's nuclear program, and would not make a similar mistake again. Mikhailov specifically mentions the 1995 nuclear deal with North Korea, which Russia halted to support US sanctions against Pyongyang. However, when it became clear that North Korea was unable to develop nuclear weapons, the United States offered to build a nuclear station. This outcome, Mikhailov says, cost Russia millions of dollars. Also, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Gennady Tarasov notes that Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran is "under IAEA's guarantees and controls," and is not out of line with its international obligations.
—Valentin Kunin, "Nuclear Cooperation Between Russia And Iran Has No Military Aspect," RIA Novosti, 10 July 1997; Yuri Alexeyev, "Russia Has Been Strictly Fulfilling Its International Commitments Not To Proliferate Weapons Of Mass Destruction And Rocket Delivery Vehicles," RIA Novosti, 9 July 1997.

11 July 1997
Upon arriving to his new post in Iran, Russia's ambassador to Iran, Konstantin Shuvalov, says that nuclear cooperation between the two countries "is being carried out in strictest compliance with international norms and poses no danger to peace and security in the region."
—Konstantin Kazeyev, "Russian Envoy to Iran: Nuclear Cooperation to Continue," ITAR-TASS, 11 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970711000720.

14 July 1997
Yuriy Vishnevskiy, chairman of the Russian Federal Inspectorate for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (Gosatomnadzor), says Russia will send its first group of nuclear and radiation inspectors to the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran "next September." He says that Iran requested the inspectors' assistance because it has no nuclear safety specialists of its own. [Note: See 6 July 1997.]
—"Russian Nuclear Inspectors to Visit Bushehr Site," Interfax (Moscow), 14 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970714000259.

18 July 1997
An anonymous Israeli intelligence official says that Iran has had difficulties with its nuclear weapons program, and will not have an atomic bomb "until the middle of next decade." The official partially credits efforts by the United States to limit the supply of nuclear technology into Iran. The Central Intelligence Agency assesses that Iran will have an atomic bomb by 2007, revised from a 1992 estimate that Iran would have such a weapon by 2000. Mustafa Kibaroglu, a Turkish nuclear proliferation expert, says Iran will not have a "high-quality nuclear weapon" for at least 15 years. Israeli and Turkish analysts believe that it will take at least an additional five years for Iran to develop small and reliable weapons that can be delivered by missiles or aircraft.
—"Iran's Nuclear Program Suffering Setbacks," IINS News Service, 18 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970718001176.

18 July 1997
US pressure may be the reason for China's decision to cancel a supply of small nuclear energy reactors to Iran. It is not clear whether China will supply Iran with a uranium hexafluoride production plant, used for uranium enrichment.
—Steve Macko, "Iran: Iran's Nuclear Program Suffering Setbacks," "Iran's Nuclear Ability," IINS News Service; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-199, 18 July 1997.

19 July 1997
International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Hans Blix arrives in Iran ostensibly to "inspect" two nuclear research centers. An IAEA spokesman says Blix would visit the Bonab nuclear research center in West Azerbaijan province and the center in Mazandaran province. Neither site is subject to IAEA safeguards, and IAEA sources said the agency knows little about them.
—"Blix Visits Iranian Nuclear Sites," The Iran Brief, 1 August 1997.

21 July 1997
Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai says, "Iran will never manage to produce nuclear weapons. We will make every effort to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons, because whoever aims or threatens to produce nuclear weapons against Israel will never succeed."
—Pinhas Amar, "Mordechai—Iran 'Will Never Manage' To Make Nuclear Weapons," Maariv (Tel Aviv), 22 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970722000478.

22 July 1997
In an Iranian television broadcast, Iranian President Rafsanjani says Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons "at all." He describes the program as "for the peaceful development of the country and humanitarian and health fields under full supervision of the IAEA." However, the IAEA has a limited safeguards agreement with Iran, and supervises very few of Iran's nuclear activities. An IAEA source says the agency "will not get involved" in completing Bushehr, saying "statements by Iran that Busheir [Bushehr] is being finished under IAEA auspices simply aren't true."
—"Blix Visits Iranian Nuclear Sites," The Iran Brief, 1 August 1997.

22 July 1997
During a visit to Iran, Hans Blix, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says that Iran's nuclear programs are for peaceful purposes, and that Iran has always allowed the inspection of its nuclear facilities with little advanced notice. The IAEA detected no plutonium during recent inspections of Iran's nuclear research centers. Iranian President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani tells Blix, "Iranian nuclear programs are crystal clear and transparent and for humanitarian purposes. We always welcome sharing experience with respective international agencies." Blix says that all nations have "the natural right" to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
—"Rafsanjani Gives Assurances on NPT to IAEA Director," IRNA (Tehran), 22 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970722001227; "IAEA: No Sign of Attempts To Make Nuclear Weapons in Iran," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 23 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS 19970723000215.

24 July 1997
The Iran Daily criticizes the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) "double-standards" two days after its Director-General met with Iran's president in Tehran. The daily cites the IAEA as "a product of the Western system" such as its "covert support for Israel's formidable nuclear weapons program and Washington's irritating charges about Tehran's bid for the bomb." [Note: See 22 July 1997 and 28 July 1997.]
—"Censuring the IAEA," Iran Daily (Tehran), 24 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970730000892.

26 July 1997
The Turboatom company in Kharkov, Ukraine agrees to develop a slow-rotation turbine for Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr. The turbine operates at 1,500 rotations per minute, and is considered safer and less expensive than a fast-rotating turbine. [Note: Ukraine had previously decided not to sell Iran turbines. See 16 April 1997.]
—"Ukraine Firm to Supply Turbine for Iranian Nuclear Plant," Interfax (Moscow), 26 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS 19970726000477

28 July 1997
During his visit to Tehran, Hans Blix, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says that Iran has not violated any of its nuclear safeguards commitments. The IAEA, at Tehran's request, is helping improve Iran's nuclear fuel safety procedures. Blix says that Iranian President Rafsanjani responded positively to a suggestion that Iran sign the strengthened safeguards agreement [the so-called Additional Protocol]. According to Blix, Rafsanjani also confirmed "that the agency is welcome to go to any place any time [it] wanted in Iran" to inspect its nuclear facilities. Blix and Rafsanjani also discuss the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East. [Note: See 1 June 2000 and 31 May 2002.]
—Zahra Ajdari, "Contrary to Western Charges: IAEA has no Reservations About Iran's Nuclear Program," Iran Daily (Tehran), 28 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970802000150.

28 July 1997
In an editorial criticizing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tehran's Jomhuri-ye Eslami writes, "the policy of double standards by the IAEA and by the supporters of the Zionist regime [Israel] should not be ignored and taken lightly, because it has placed the entire region in peril." Incensed that the IAEA "intentionally ignore[s]" Israel's nuclear weapons program, the daily says, "it is not logically acceptable for nations and governments that have roots in the region—that is, 'the true owners of the Islamic territories'—to be facing a nuclear threat, while a bunch of Zionist occupiers who have no roots in the region whatsoever are allowed to threaten others in order to ensure their own safety and to constantly add to their nuclear assault capabilities." The paper says that all nations should "force the Zionists to destroy their nuclear arms." [Note: The Iran Daily also criticizes the IAEA on 24 July 1997.]
—"Double Standards—Why?" Jomhuri-ye Eslami (Tehran), 28 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS199708080007770.

29 July 1997
A spokesman for Russia's Foreign Ministry says that Russian nuclear assistance to Iran is fully in line with all nonproliferation commitments.
—"Russian Foreign Ministry Denies Supplying Iran," RIA (Moscow), 29 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970729000784.

3 August 1997
Hans Blix, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, inspects the Karaj Nuclear Research Center in Iran. He concludes the facility is for peaceful purposes only.
—Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow), 3 August 1997; in "Moscow Slams US 'Allegations' on Iran's Nuclear Plans," FBIS Document FTS19970804000263, 4 August 1997.

15-16 August 1997
Mail and Guardian of South Africa reports a meeting between Reza Amrollahi, Iran's Deputy Minister of Atomic Affairs, and Dr. Waldo Stumpf, head of South Africa's Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC), took place at Pelindaba near Pretoria, where the two officials allegedly discussed a list of items needed for manufacturing nuclear weapons. Jane's Defense Review reports the meeting was arranged by President Nelson Mandela's office, which immediately rejected the idea of any kind of transfer. Conflicting reports exist regarding whether the meeting actually took place, with Tehran saying "considerable progress" was made towards acquiring aid to develop nuclear weapons. South African Defense Force officials claim a number of technicians no longer needed by South Africa's defunct nuclear program have been hired by Iran. F. "Pik" Botha, who is alleged to have been present at the meeting, said only peaceful applications of nuclear technology were discussed. [Note: See 1997 and 11 September 1997 entries for more on Iran and South Africa meetings. See 17 August 1997 for Iranian statement on this meeting.]
—Mail and Guardian (Johannesburg), 15 August 1997; in "Iran Said To Request Nuclear Weapons Items From AEC Head," FBIS Document FTS19970814001272, 14 August 1997; Inigo Gimore, " Iran sought Pretoria nuclear deal," The Times (London), 16 August 1997; in "Daily on Iranian Nuclear 'Shopping List' in South Africa," FBIS Document FTS19970818000421, 18 August 1997.

17 August 1997
In response to a report by The Times of London [See 15-16 August 1997], the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (IAEO) denies it made efforts to obtain material for nuclear weapons manufacturing from South Africa. The AEOI says such an action would contradict the policies it adheres to as a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and that any nuclear activities undertaken by Iran would be done for peaceful purposes to be policed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The AEOI further states that Reza Amrollahi, the organization's head, has never been to South Africa, let alone attempted to procure nuclear technologies.
—IRNA (Tehran), 17 August 1997; in "Tehran Rejects 'Baseless' Report on Nuclear Weapons," FBIS Document FTS19970817000490, 17 August 1997.

18 August 1997
David Kyd, spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency, says the agency has no evidence to support a report in The Times of London that Iran is trying to get nuclear material and equipment from South Africa.
—"IAEA Official Denies 'The Times' Report On Iran's Nuclear Activities," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 August 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 August 1997
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Hannadii Udovenko says that Ukraine may sign a contract to provide Russia with a 1,000MW turbine for a reactor it is building in Bushehr, Iran. The Kharkiv-based factory, Turboatom, made the proposal, according to Interfax. The United States and Israel contend that the Bushehr plant may help Iran develop nuclear weapons. Udovenko said that signing the contract with Russia "could complicate relations with [Ukraine's] partners." According to Israeli Trade and Industry Minister Natan Sharansky, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma promised that Ukraine would not provide the turbines to Russia, nor "do anything to help Iran, Iraq, or Libya build weapons of mass destruction."
—"Ukraine May Supply Turbine To Iran," The Ukrainian Weekly, 24 August 1997, p. 2.

19 August 1997
Tehran's Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran reports Benjamin Netanyahu has once again accused Iran of attempting to obtain nuclear technologies for building weapons of mass destruction (WMD). At the same time the leadership of the Labor Party, which opposes Tel Aviv's ruling party, seeks to cajole Russia into abating its alleged nuclear technology transfers with Iran by appealing to France to apply pressure.
—Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 19 August 1997; in "Tehran Radio Commentary Rejects Israeli Missile Allegations," FBIS Document FTS19970819000717, 19 August 1997.

19 August 1997
Hennadiy Udovenko, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, says it will look into participation by the Ukrainian company Turboatom in the Russian-Iranian contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran.
—Interfax (Moscow), 19 August 1997; in "Ukrainian Foreign Minister on Construction of NPP in Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970819000840, 19 August 1997.

20 August 1997
Vladimir Yatsenkovskiy, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman, says no agreement exists between Turboatom and Russian on supplying turbines for the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.
—Interfax (Moscow), 20 August 1997; in "No Contracts Exist for Turbines to Iranian Nuclear Plant," FBIS Document FTS19970820001037, 20 August 1997.

21 August 1997
Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Iran's new Defense Minister, reasserts that Iran's nuclear programs are for peaceful purposes, while at the same time stating Tehran is ready to establish an alliance with Arab states to ensure regional security.
—IRIB Television (Tehran), 21 August 1997; in "Shamkhani: Iran's Nuclear Programs for Peaceful Purposes," FBIS Document FTS19970821001383, 21 August 1997.

23 August 1997
During a stopover at the Beijing airport, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with the Deputy Prime Minister of China. Netanyahu says he received assurances that China would not help Iran to build a nuclear reactor. A Chinese official declines to respond directly to questions whether Vice Premier Li Lanqing had given such assurance.
—"China Silent On Whether Iran Nuclear Sale Shelved," Reuters, 26 August 1997.

26 August 1997
The South African Press Association (SAPA) reports that Dr. Waldo Stumpf, South Africa's Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC) chief, has denied that Iran attempted to buy nuclear weapons technologies from South Africa last year. He further denies the report made by Jane's Defense Weekly that claims he and Reza Amrollahi, Iran's Deputy Minister for Atomic Affairs, met to discuss nuclear technology issues.
—SAPA (Johannesburg), 26 August 1997; in "AEC Denies Iran Tried To Obtain Nuclear Technology," FBIS Document FTS19970826001352, 26 August 1997.

26 August 1997
Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to Israel not to provide turbines for use in Iran's planned nuclear reactor in Bushehr. Ukraine's Secretary of State for National Security assures Avigdor Qahalani, Israel's public ecurity minister, that he will not allow such a project to continue. Interfax reports that Volodymyr Yatsenkivsky, Ukraine's Acting Chief of the information department of the Foreign Ministry, states in the No. 239 business report for August 18-25 that Ukraine never signed contracts to supply turbines to the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.
—Amir Taheri, "Iran Postpones Building Three Nuclear Stations," Al-Sharq al-Awsat (London), p. 1; in "Iran Postpones Nuclear Power Stations for 'Budget' Reasons," FBIS Document FTS19970826000628, 26 August 1997; "Ukraine Business Panorama," Interfax (Moscow), 26 August 1997; in "Ukraine Business Panorama for 18-25 August," FBIS Document FTS19970905000888, 5 September 1997; Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 26 August 1997; in "Ukraine Promises Not To Supply Turbines to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970826000811, 26 August 1997.

26 August 1997
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, asks the world's major powers to come together to prevent Iran and Iraq from developing nuclear weapons, stating "They're not partners in the process and they're arming themselves feverishly and this is a problem for the international community," he says. Netanyahu asserts that his success in securing China's promise not to provide Iran with a nuclear reactor is indicative of the type of sentiment needed in the international community to "ensure Iran does not arm itself with non-conventional weapons."
—Kyodo (Tokyo), 26 August 1997; in "Netanyahu Urges Action on Iran, Iraq Arms Developments," FBIS Document FTS19970826000218, 26 August 1997.

26 August 1997
Iran states it will postpone the building of three nuclear power stations. An unidentified source says the decision is due to budget constraints that Iran hopes to be rectified soon to ensure the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be completed by the end of 2000.
—Amir Taheri, "Iran Postpones Building Three Nuclear Stations," Al-Sharq al-Awsat (London), p. 1; in "Iran Postpones Nuclear Power Stations for 'Budget' Reasons," FBIS Document FTS19970826000628, 26 August 1997; "Ukraine Business Panorama," Interfax (Moscow), 26 August 1997; in "Ukraine Business Panorama for 18-25 August," FBIS Document FTS19970905000888, 5 September 1997.

27 August 1997
A high-ranking British Foreign Office official informs Izvestiya that it believes there is a possibility that technological information pertaining to nuclear technology could be transferred to Iranian technicians who are being trained by Russian scientists. The exchange of information is part of an agreement signed between Tehran and Russia's Ministry of Atomic Energy to provide building expertise for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Tehran, Britain asserts, has kept spent nuclear fuel instead of transferring it to Russia as stipulated in the agreement. Britain further believes Iran has procured nuclear technologies that do not have civil applications, specifically, the purchase of a uranium enrichment plant from China, which cannot be used in a civilian reactor.
—Konstantin Eggert, "Moscow and Tehran Swear Their Motives Are Pure. Russia Suspected of Handling Nuclear and Missile Secrets to Iran," Izvestiya (Moscow), 27 August 1997; in "Reaction to Netanyahu 'Concern' Over Cooperation With Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970827000374, 27 August 1997.

27 August 1997
Konstantin Shuvolov, Russia's Ambassador to Tehran, says Russia will continue its work to complete the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran despite rumors of Russian assistance to Iran regarding the export of long-range missiles. The Ambassador states, "The Russian Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected these rumors. Russia has only committed itself to complete the Bushehr nuclear power station for the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
—IRIB Television (Tehran), 27 August 1997; in "Russian Ambassador Denies Reported Missile Sales to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970827000370, 27 August 1997.

31 August 1997
The Observer of London reports that intelligence agencies have "uncovered" a clandestine attempt by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to procure nuclear weapon technology from British firms. The accused, Husayn Jafari, an Iranian-born businessman who is based in Glasgow, is involved in a disparate number of interests. He recently attempted to procure a spectrometer, only seven of which exist in the world. The spectrometer is primarily used in nuclear weapons research to analyze whether uranium is sufficiently enriched, and is purported to be worth 700,000 Pounds Sterling. Export of the item in question, a Model 54 "mass spectrometer," is strictly regulated by the Department of Trade and Industry. Mr. Jafari has approached VG Elemental, one of four British manufacturers of the spectrometer, and was also seen meeting with Iranian "nuclear procurement experts" in Istanbul, Turkey. According to the newspaper, Jafari met an Iranian delegation at the hotel, among which reportedly was Sayyid Musavi, vice president of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization. The paper also writes that according to a letter written to Musavi, Jafari had offered to supply the spectrometer to Iran for $3 million.
—Leonard Doyle, Jonathan Calvert, and Robin McKie, The Observer (London), 31 August 1997, p. 1; in "Iranian Businessman Attempts To Purchase Nuclear Technology," FBIS Document FTS19970831000072, 31 August 1997; Associated Press, 30 August 1997; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

September 1997
Jane's Intelligence Defense Review reports that former US Secretary of State Warren Christopher says that based on a variety of data, "we know that since the mid-1980s, Iran has had an organized structure dedicated to acquiring and developing nuclear weapons." US State Department staff also state that there is evidence that Iran is engaged in nuclear activities "not conducive to [a] strictly peaceful program." Iran's nuclear industry is growing, with 3,000 personnel working at various sites in Isfahan. A second, top-secret weapons design center is near the Caspian Sea, at Moallem Kalayeh. Two other research sites are located at the Bushehr nuclear power plant and at Sharif University. A source at the Israeli Embassy in the United States said nuclear activities at the university were likely to have been moved since the university had been under Western surveillance. "Work continues" at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, even though the plant was badly damaged during the 1980-88 Gulf War.
—Al J. Venter, "Iran's Nuclear Ambition: Innocuous Illusion Or Ominous Truth?," Jane's International Defense Review, September 1997, pp. 29-31.

1 September 1997
The general director of the Czech Republic's Skoda factory, Lubomir Soubek, says that his company intends to export a variety of products, including equipment for sugar refineries, to Iran. However, Soubek denies that Skoda was involved in Iran's nuclear program, saying "Skoda is not building any nuclear power plant in Iran, nor is it supplying to Iran nuclear reactors or other sensitive items."
—"Czech Republic: Skoda Denies Exports Of 'Sensitive Items' To Iran," Vitezslav Kulich, Pravo (Plzen), 1 September 1997, p. 14; in FBIS Document FBIS-EEU-97-245, 2 September 1997.

2 September 1997
The Washington Times reports that, according to the US Office of Naval Intelligence's (ONI) report on worldwide maritime challenges, China has been shipping critical military technology and materials to Iran and Iraq, to be used in their nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons programs.
—Bill Gertz, "Navy Finds That China Is Top Illicit Arms Supplier To Iran, Iraq," Washington Times, 2 September 1997, <http://www.washtimes.com>.

3 September 1997
Iranian radio announces that Gholam Reza Aqazadeh has been appointed to replace Reza Amrollahi as head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Gholam Reza was head of the oil industry from 1982 to August 1997, when President Mohammad Khatami took office. [Note: See 24 June 1997.]
—"Iran's Former Oil Minister Appointed Nuclear Chief," Agence France Presse, 3 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

8 September 1997
Reuters reports that arms control experts from the Nuclear Control Institute (NCI) in Washington, DC sent a letter to US President Bill Clinton warning him against rushing into implementing the 1985 US-China Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Agreement; the issue is expected to be discussed during Chinese President Jiang Zemin's October 1997 visit to Washington. NCI President Paul Levanthal pointed out that China could be shipping excessive quantities of heavy water to Pakistan, and that China gives assistance to Iran's nuclear energy program as well.
—Carol Giacomo, "Clinton Warned Not to Rush China Nuclear Trade," Reuters, 8 September 1997.

11 September 1997
Xinhua reports that South African Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs Penuell Maduma says that South African uranium export policy was discussed at a meeting with Iranian officials In South Africa.
—"S. Africa Denies Nuclear Deal With Iran," Newspage, 11 September 1997, <http://www.newspage.com>.

11 September 1997
The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) of Germany reports that "in addition to 'legal' purchases for its several hundred companies in Iran, the foundation also procures goods for Iran's nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and missile programs. Fake companies in Iran and abroad are often used as intermediaries for this purpose."
—Karl Guenther Barth and Joerg Schmitt, "Hot Goods for the Mullahs," Stern (Hamburg), 11 September 1997, pp. 182-184; in "Export of Dual-Use Goods to Iran Investigated," FBIS Document FTS19970911000422, 11 September 1997.

11 September 1997
Haaretz reports that Iran is trying to procure a nuclear reactor for research purposes from India. Hussain Mashayqi, head of the Iranian National Energy Agency, met in New Delhi for the conference of the International Agency for National Energy, where Mashayqi was quoted as saying "we greatly value our cooperation with the Indian nuclear scientists and we are willing to renew talks with them." He further promulgated Iran's adherence to the established rules of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), assuring that Iran's nuclear program is "completely transparent."
—"Iran Interested in Acquiring Nuclear Reactor from India 'on the Condition that the Transaction is Realized'," Haaretz (Internet version), 11 September 1997; in "Iran Seeks Nuclear Reactor from India," FBIS Document FTS19970912000590, 12 September 1997.

11 September 1997
The Russian government denies US allegations that Russia and China have provided Iran with information on how to develop long-range missiles that can carry nuclear warheads.
—Qol Yisrael International Service (Jerusalem), 11 September 1997; in "Program Summary-Jerusalem Qol Yisrael Persian 111400," FBIS Document FTS19970914000301, 14 September 1997.

11 September 1997
Penuell Maduna, Mineral and Energy Affairs Minister of South Africa, says previous allegations of South Africa's collaboration with Iran over the latter's development of nuclear weapons technology are erroneous. He further asserts that the only meeting Dr. Waldo Stumpf, head of the Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC), or any other AEC official had took place in a public restaurant in 1996 in Cape Town with Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, Iran's then petroleum minister. The meeting he reports, was part of a plan to set up a possible oil storage agreement at Saldanha. [Note: Aqazadeh was appointed head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran on 3 September 1997.]
—SAPA (Johannesburg), 11 September 1997; in "Official Denies Nuclear Business Transactions With Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970911000337, 11 September 1997.

13 September 1997
A Russian intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, says that it was "totally unfeasible" for Iran to build a nuclear weapon. He says that Russian and other foreign intelligence estimates put an Iranian nuclear weapons capability at least 10 years in the future. The intelligence officer said that the world community could control Iran's nuclear development, and prevent it from gaining access to nuclear weapons. The officer responds to Western and Israeli criticism about Russia's role in the project to construct a nuclear reactor at Bushehr by saying that Russia had more to lose than the critics of the project did. "Our country, due to its geographic proximity, should be more alarmed by the prospect of nuclear weapons in Iran than Israel," he says.
—"Unfeasible For Iran To Develop Nuclear Weapons," Interfax (Moscow), 14 September 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-TAC-97-257, 14 September 1997.

14 September 1997
Ehud Barak, chairman of Israel's Labor Party, says Russia's increasing influence on Iran's alleged unconventional weapons development represents a danger to the world.
—Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 14 September 1997; in "Baraq Protests Russia Nonconventional Weapons Aid to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970914000175, 14 September 1997.

15 September 1997
Haaretz reports that Iran is considering the acquisition of a nuclear research reactor from India on the condition that India guarantees it will "uphold its commitments," according to Iranian National Energy Agency head Husayn Mashayqi. The Indian Atomic Energy Ministry, said Mashayqi, reneged on a proposal to build a research reactor in Iran during the 1980s.
—"Iran Seeks Nuclear Reactor From India," Haaretz (Internet version), 11 September 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-258, 15 September 1997.

15 September 1997
Yevgeniy Primakov, Russia's foreign minister, assures Yusuf Bin-Alawi, state minister on Foreign Affairs of Sultanate of Oman, that Russia has not provided Iran with information to aid it in the construction of nuclear weapons. Primakov states, "I want to say with the whole responsibility that Russia does not implement any state projects with Iran. According to our information, there is not leakage of any data which could help Iran to create nuclear weapons..."
—Yuriy Alekseyev, RIA (Moscow), 15 September 1997; in "Oman Backs Russia's Noninvolvement in Iranian Nuclear Deals," FBIS Document FTS19970915000940, 15 September 1997.

15 September 1997
China's ambassador to Iran, Shi Ji Wang, expresses interest in developing relations with Iran and in helping build a nuclear power plant in central Iran, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA. IRNA reports China is "fully determined" to continue construction of the 1,300MW power plant near Arak in central Iran.
—"China Said Keen To Develop Ties With Iran," Iran Weekly Press Digest, 15 September 1997 <http://www.neda.net/iran-wpd/vol1038/e1038-9.htm> .

16 September 1997
Nezavisimaya Gazeta of Moscow reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked that existing economic deals between Israel and Russia to be put on hold. This comes in response to rumors that Russia is providing nuclear weapon and ballistic missile know-how to Iran. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, a "vast number of Russian military enterprises" are involved in modernizing Iran's military industry. Israel believes that if technological assistance from Russia to Iran does not cease, Iran will eventually be capable of developing ballistic missiles with a range of 2,000km. Yevgeniy Primakov, Russia's foreign minister, believes reports of Russian-Iranian ties to develop nuclear weapons capabilities are erroneous, saying "press reports and certain politicians' statements that Russia is allegedly helping Iran to develop nuclear weapons and long-range missiles," are completely false.
—Boris Petrovskiy, "Is Israel Entering Into Cooperation With Russia? By Accusing Moscow of Helping Tehran Develop Nuclear Weapons, Binyamin Netanyahu Is Trying To Distract Attention From Real Problems in Near East," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow), 16 September 1997; in "Primakov Denies Nuclear Weapon Aid to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970916000450, 16 September 1997.

17 September 1997
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei denies that Iran seeks nuclear or chemical weapons. "Those claims have lost credibility in the eyes of the world's public," he says. "If such arms were source of real strength, the governments possessing those would have long succeeded in imposing their will over the world."
—"Khamenei: Iran Not Attempting To Acquire Nuclear Weapons," Xinhua (Beijing), 17 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 September 1997
Qol Yisrael reports that Russia has once again denied that ties between Russian and Iran exist regarding transfers of unconventional weapons technology. The Russian ambassador to Israel in a meeting with Yuliy Edelstein, Immigrant Absorption Minister, says collaboration between Russia and Iran is solely for peaceful purposes.
—Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 18 September 1997; in "Russian Ambassador Denies Nonconventional Aid to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970918000985, 18 September 1997.

20 September 1997
Iran criticizes the United States for carrying out sub-critical nuclear tests. "At a time when the United States finds fault with out supervised peaceful nuclear activities, it engages in destructive atomic tests," says Mahmud Mohammadi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry. "America's hostility against Iran has made it disregard the peaceful nature of our activities. This is a discriminatory attitude towards nuclear non-proliferation conventions."
—"Iran Raps US Nuclear Test," Agence France Presse, 20 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 September 1997
Viktor Mikhailov, Russia's Atomic Energy Minister, proposes to US Energy Secretary Federico Pena that the two countries establish a joint system of controlling the Bushehr nuclear power plant "to dismiss all suspicions from the part of the United States about Russia's giving out nuclear technologies to Iran." This he believes will assuage US fears by allowing it to monitor administrative aspects of the plant, while at the same time policing how nuclear fuel elements in the reactors are serviced during refueling.
—Andrey Surzhansky, ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 21 September 1997; in "Russia Proposes U.S. Joint Control of Iranian Plant," FBIS Document FTS19970921000253, 21 September 1997; Andrey Surzhanskiy, ITAR-TASS World Service (Moscow), 21 September 1997; in "Russia's Mikhaylov on Iranian Plant Proposal," FBIS Document FTS19970921000273, 21 September 1997 ; Reuters, 21 September 1997; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

22 September 1997
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns efforts by Iran to acquire nuclear technology "may be the most dangerous development in the 21st century." If its progress is allowed to go unabated, he states, it might some day have the technology to hit targets as far away as the United States. "Thus Russia should stop the delivery of modern weapons technology to Iran immediately and other countries should also try to induce Russia to take this step."
—Burkhard Bischof, "Netanyahu Warns Against 'World Power Iran'," Die Presse (Vienna), 22 September 1997, p. 5; in "Netanyahu Warns: Iran About To Become 'World Power'," FBIS Document FTS19970922000237, 22 September 1997.

22 September 1997
US Vice President Al Gore says he wants Russia to cease cooperation with Iran over the building of Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Viktor Chernomydrin, Russia's prime minister, who met with Gore in Washington the day before, reasserts his country's position that its dealings with Iran are of a peaceful nature.
—Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 22 September 1997; in "Iranian Radio: Supervision Plan Contrary to Russian Policy," FBIS Document FTS19970922000975, 22 September 1997.

23 September 1997
Iran News denounces 'Zionist' attempts to lobby the US Congress to impose sanctions on Russia for providing Iran with nuclear technology. The daily asserts that both Russia and Iran have allowed inspections of the plant to take place, and that inspectors from international organizations have confirmed the plant is designed for peaceful applications. Mahmud Mohammadi, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, affirms this conclusion, stating the plant complies with the tenets of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
—IRNA (Tehran), 23 September 1997; in "Iran Daily on Russian Proposal to US on Nuclear Plant," FBIS Document FTS19970923000200, 23 September 1997; IRNA (Tehran), 23 September 1997; in "Iranian Spokesman: Bushehr Plant for Peaceful Purposes," FBIS Document FTS19970923001304, 23 September 1997.

23 September 1997
Iran rejects the idea of the United States jointly monitoring the Bushehr nuclear power plant. "The only authorized body to supervise Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr is the International Atomic Energy Agency," says Mahmud Mohammadi, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry. The Iranian news agency IRNA reports that Russian Nuclear Energy Minister Viktor Mikhailov told Iran's ambassador in Moscow that Russia had not offered a joint monitoring agreement to the United States. [Note: See 21 September 1997 for a report of a Russia proposal for joint US-Russian monitoring.]
—"Iran Rejects U.S. Involvement In Nuclear Power Plant," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Iran Rejects U.S. Monitoring Its Atomic Plant" Russia Today, 24 September 1997, <http://www.russiatoday.com/rtoday/news/08.html>; "Russia Says Only IAEA Will Monitor Iran Plant- IRNA," Reuters, 23 September 1997.

25 September 1997
US Vice President Al Gore says the United States may install economic sanctions on Russia if its assistance to construction efforts at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran continues. Israel at the same time continues to lobby the US Congress for similar sanctions, and has made tentative announcements to halt plans to purchase Russian oil. Viktor Chernomydrin, Russia's prime minister, labels such attempts as "stupid," in light of the International Atomic Energy Agency's continued affirmation that work on the Bushehr plant is within the rules established by the Agency, "We have obligations (to Iran), we are fulfilling them and we will not break them, even if that is what some would like. But it seems that the Americans do not want to stop running the bogey of 'seeking nuclear bombs' against Iran."
—"Another Fiasco for Washington and Tel Aviv," Tehran Times (Tehran), 25 September 1997, p. 4; in "Daily Urges U.S., Israel To End 'Nonsensical' Accusations," FBIS Document FTS19971003000265, 3 October 1997.

26 September 1997
Trade with Iran, Boris Yeltsin states, is consistent with the Russo-American bilateral commission's analysis that Russia has not delivered military missile or nuclear technologies to Iran. "Maybe there will be some supplies of armaments, but not of missiles or missile weapons-grade uranium technologies."
—Igor Shchegolev, ITAR-TASS World Service (Moscow), 26 September 1997; in "Yeltsin: Iranian Trade To Grow But Not Missiles, Uranium," FBIS Document FTS19970926000367, 26 September 1997.

26 September 1997
Valeriy Nesterushkinl, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesman, says Russia will remain true to its commitment to complete construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. US opposition, he states, should have been lessened by Russia's disclosure of its plans and assurances that the nuclear power plant is "under the full vigilance and supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the peaceful purpose nature of the Bushehr's nuclear plant had been confirmed by IAEA."
—IRNA (Tehran), 26 September 1997; in "IRNA Cites Russian Spokesman on U.S. Anxiety Over Bushehr," FBIS Document FTS19970926001245, 26 September 1997.

26 September 1997
Russian President Boris Yeltsin says there was nothing "further from the truth" than reports that Russia has supplied ballistic missile and nuclear technologies to Iran. Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, meeting with US Vice President Al Gore, expresses concern over the possibility that Iran was developing nuclear weapons, but denies that Russia was involved in transferring nuclear technology.
—"Focus-Yeltsin Denies Helping Iran To Design Missiles" Reuters, 26 September 1997; Vladimir Mikheyev, "Russia Will Not Surrender What Belongs To It," Izvestiya (Moscow), 25 September 1997, p. 1; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-97-268, 25 September 1997.

27 September 1997
To counter what he believes to be "discriminatory" acts by foreign powers toward Iran, Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's foreign minister, says "the Nonaligned Movement [NAM] should seriously work for a review in the general policies on nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and removing the restrictions and monopolizations for access to the nuclear technologies that are aimed at peaceful utilization of nuclear energy."
—"Kharrazi Speaks in NAM Session," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 27 September 1997; in "Tehran Radio Commentary on Kharrazi Speech to NAM Ministers," FBIS Document FTS19970927000613, 27 September 1997.

28 September 1997
A senior defense source from Israel says Iran's attempts to present the Bushehr nuclear power plant as for civilian use only is "a type sophisticated fraud." The facility, according to the senior defense source is only "a part of the overall picture of Iran's ongoing effort to achieve nonconventional weapons—atomic, biological, and chemical—while also developing long-range missiles."
—Alex Fishman, Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv), 28 September 1997, p. 6; in "Presenting Iranian Reactor as Civilian is 'Fraud'," FBIS Document FTS19970928000571, 28 September 1997.

30 September 1997
Boris Yuriy Deryabin, Security Council deputy secretary, says Russia would like to further its cooperative relationship with Iran by building more nuclear power plants in Iran.
—Nataliya Panshina, ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 30 September 1997; in "Russia 'Ready To Build' Power Plant in Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970930000890, 30 September 1997.

October 1997
L.P. Chromova, the director of Inor, and A. Asgharazadeh, the director of an unidentified Iranian facility, reach an agreement regarding the supply of a specialty alloy.
—Bill Gertz, "Russia Sells Iran Missile Metals," Washington Times, 20 October 1997.

1 October 1997
Unnamed officials at the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry say the ministry hopes to get contracts for an additional 1,000MW reactor and two 400MW reactors in Iran after the first 1,000MW reactor is finished at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. [Note: They are probably referring to two 440MW reactors, not 400MW, that have been under discussion for some time between Russian and Iran.]
—"Russia Hopes For Fresh Contracts To Build Iranian Nuclear Reactors," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 6 October 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 October 1997
Mahdi Safari, Iran's Ambassador to Moscow, says attempts by the United States to infringe on the sovereign rights of two countries, Russia and Iran, do not "correspond with the ethics of international relations." Russia's promise to complete the nuclear power station in Bushehr, he believes, is symbolic of the relationship Iran and Russia should have in the field of energy development. Safari says, "Mutually beneficial cooperation between the Russia and Iran will develop further despite outside pressure." The plant once constructed will provide 5% of Iran's electricity output.
—Interfax (Moscow), 1 October 1997; in "Iranian Envoy Faults U.S. Moves To 'Interfere' in Russia Ties," FBIS Document FTS19971001001218, 1 October 1997.

1 October 1997
Yitzhak Mordechai, Israel's Defense Minister, says he believes Iran is "determined to manufacture long-range ballistic missiles capable of striking Israel, the Gulf states, Asia and parts of Europe. This is a real danger...We know an Iranian nuclear weapons manufacturing program is going on with help from Russian scientists."
—Steve Rodan and Arieh O'Sullivan, The Jerusalem Post (Jerusalem), 1 October 1997, p. 7; in "Mordechai on Iranian Threat, Syria, Labanon," FBIS Document FTS19971002001023, 2 October 1997.

2 October 1997
The Russian Federal Inspectorate for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (Gosatomnadzor) says it will work with Iran to ensure that the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran is constructed safely, a fact necessitated by Iran's lack of experts in this field. The report by Gosatomnadzor further alludes that the Kharkov-based company Turboatom will provide Bushehr's turbine.
—Interfax (Moscow), 2 October 1997; in "Russian Committee To Ensure Safety at Bushehr Nuclear Plant," FBIS Document FTS19971002000619, 2 October 1997.

2 October 1997
Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, assures Muhammad al-Baradi, the new Secretary-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), that Iran will follow all regulations dictated under the purview of the Agency in an effort to obtain information necessary to use nuclear technologies. In light of the fact that Iran will deplete its oil reserves in 20 years, Aqazadeh asserts, Iran must strive to obtain the necessary know-how in nuclear technology applications.
—Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 2 October 1997; in "Iranian Nuclear Official Meets Incoming IAEA Head," FBIS Document FTS19971002000946, 2 October 1997.

2 October 1997
Hans Blix, Secretary-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, assures Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, that cooperation between the Agency and Iran will continue. He says, "I have always announced that no violation had been seen while conducting inspections in the Islamic Republic of Iran." Aqazadeh says Iran hopes to produce 20% of its power from nuclear power, an ambition he hopes will be aided by potential agreements with China and Russia.
—IRNA (Tehran), 2 October 1997; in "Iranian Atomic Energy Chief Holds Talks With IAEA's Blix," FBIS Document FTS19971002001527, 2 October 1997.

2 October 1997
Asked by a reporter in Tehran why the schedule for completing the Bushehr nuclear power plant has changed, Mikhail Sarafanov, Russia's deputy minister for foreign economic relations and trade, says the "delays in the schedule of construction of the nuclear plant were not the Russian side's fault." [Note: The article does not say how long the schedule is pushed back.]
—"Construction of Bushehr Nuclear Power Station 'Delayed'," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 7 October 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 October 1997
Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says Iran will pursue cooperation with Russia and China because Iran "cannot let go of major investments" in nuclear technology. "Our oil and gas resources are limited and the use of atomic energy is necessary for us," he says. He says Iran wants to buy two additional 440MW reactors from Russia and two 300MW reactors from China.
—"Iran Vows To Develop Nuclear Program With Russian, Chinese Help," Agence France Presse, 3 October 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 October 1997
A spokeswoman for Russia's Counter-Intelligence Service says, "Israeli media reports on Russia's sales of military nuclear technologies to Iran," are completely false. She reports that common sense prevents Russia from selling nuclear missile technology so close to Russia. "Iran is situated too close to our borders and to plant a nuclear bomb under oneself would be a suicide."
—Olga Semenova, ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 3 October 1997; in "Russian Intelligence Spokesman on Nuclear Weapon Safety," FBIS Document FTS19971003001062, 3 October 1997.

5 October 1997
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi says, "We are certainly not developing an atomic bomb, because we do not believe in nuclear weapon....We believe in and promote the idea of the Middle East as a region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. But why are we interested to develop nuclear technology? We need to diversify our energy sources. In a matter of a few decades, our oil and gas reserves would be finished and therefore, we need access to other sources of energy....Furthermore, nuclear technology has many other utilities in medicine and agriculture. The case of the United States in terms of oil reserve is not different from Iran's. The United States also has large oil resources, but at the same time they have nuclear power plants."
—Washington Post, 5 October 1997, p. C4; in Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

7 October 1997
Major General Zeev Livne, Israel's military attaché to Washington, reports that Iran's recent successful firing of new long-range missile does not mean it is too late to prevent Iran from making progress in nuclear technology. At the same time, Uzi Arad, diplomatic adviser to Israel's prime minister, and Brigadier General Amos Gilad, head of the Research Division of Military Intelligence, say they have information regarding Russia's participation in efforts by Iran to produce nuclear weapons and long-range missiles capable of employing non-conventional warheads.
—Yerah Tal, Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 7 October 1997, p.1; in "IDF Attache—'Not Too Late' To Stop Iranian Missile Plan," FBIS Document FTS19971007000459, 7 October 1997.

8 October 1997
Kuwait's Information Minister Sheikh Saud Nasser al-Sabah says that Iran's attempts to open a dialogue with Western powers would be more likely to succeed if words were accompanied by actions to renounce the acquisition of nuclear weapons. Al-Sabah says that the confrontation between Iran and the West puts Kuwait in a difficult position, as if "between a rock and a hard place." He welcomes a change in the relationship, saying that tension between Iran and the United States "does not serve our interest here."
—Ashraf Fouad, "Iran Overtures Must Include Arms Control—Kuwait," Reuters, 8 October 1997.

8 October 1997
US administration officials say that China has completely severed nuclear cooperation with Iran and are preparing a statement that will minimize Iran's reaction. The report says that China reached this decision in order to encourage the United States to implement the 1985 bilateral agreement on peaceful nuclear cooperation, which would allow American companies to export nuclear technology to China.
—Kyodo, 8 October 1997; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

9 October 1997
Haaretz of Tel Aviv reports that Israel and the United States failed to reach an agreement on how to induce Russia into halting its assistance to Iran to develop weapons of mass destruction. Haaretz reports Israel has suggested military action be taken against Iran, an action Israel has failed to convince the United States to take. Israel believes the time to strike Iran is limited and if Russia continues its aid, Iran will have ballistic missiles capable of mounting nonconventional warheads within 12 to 18 months.
—Yerah Tal, Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 9 October 1997, p. 2; in "Israel Suggests to U.S. 'Military Action' Against Iran," FBIS Document FTS19971009000495, 9 October 1997.

9 October 1997
In an interview, US Secretary of Defense William Cohen says that China has been exporting [nuclear] technology to the Middle East, particularly to Iran. Cohen notes that China will soon become a net oil importer, and thereby will have more of an interest in the stability of the Middle East. He also notes that Iran is trying to develop more sophisticated chemical, biological, and, possibly, nuclear warheads.
—"U.S. Push for Chinese Military 'Transparency': Q & A with William Cohen," International Herald-Tribune, p. 10, 9 October 1997.

14 October 1997
US State Department spokesman James Rubin says the United States wants China to make "clear and unequivocal assurances" that it will not give nuclear weapons technology to Iran.