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.

1996
The CIA says Russia has given important nuclear technology to Iran this year. [Note: In July 1997, the Clinton administration complains of these transfers to Russian President Boris Yeltsin.]
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

1996
The Wassenaar Agreement comes into effect. With this agreement, the sales of strategic dual use items to Iran are curtailed. The United States seeks to persuade other Western industrialized countries not to reschedule any existing credits to Iran, not to issue any new credits, and to oppose new loans for Iran from multilateral banks.
—"North Africa and Middle East/Iran," p. 170, <http://www.ceip.org>.

1996
The US Arms Controls and Disarmament Agency reports to Congress that "although Iran's rudimentary [nuclear] program has apparently met with limited success so far, we believe Iran remains intent on acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Iran's questionable nonproliferation credentials have caused many nuclear suppliers to refrain from cooperation with Tehran."
—"Adherence To And Compliance With Arms Control Agreements," Arms Control And Disarmament Agency (ACDA), Annual Report, 1996.

2 January 1996
President Hashemi-Rafsanjani inaugurates the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran's (AEOI) new research center in Tehran.
—"President Inaugurates New Nuclear Research Facility," IRNA (Tehran) 2 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960102000243, 2 January 1996; "President on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Power," IRNA (Tehran) 2 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960102000270, 2 January 1996.

2 January 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that the country's first nuclear power plant [Bushehr] will become operational by 1999. At the same time, Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani says that work has begun on the Bushehr power plant. He states that "making use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes is something without which a country could not find its real standing in the world."
—"President Inaugurates New Nuclear Research Facility," IRNA (Tehran) 2 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960102000243, 2 January 1996; "President on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Power," IRNA (Tehran) 02 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960102000270, 2 January 1996.

4 January 1996
Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy spokesman Georgiy Kaurov says Russia will supply Iran with equipment for Bushehr in April 1996 or May 1996.
—"Russian Source On Iran's Nuclear Plant Project," Xinhua (Beijing), 21 December 1995 FBIS-CHI-95-245, 21 December 1995; Mark Hibbs, "Russian Industry Now Tapping Iran Bushehr Credit, AEOI Says." Nucleonics Week, 25 January 1996, pp. 4-5; "Russian Specialists Inspect Iranian Nuclear Plant," Interfax (Moscow), 4 January 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-96-004, 4 January 1996; Oleg Kuzmin, "'Financial Problems' Check Iran's Work On Powerplant," Itar-Tass (Moscow), 20 November 1995; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-95-224, 20 November 1995.

7 January 1996
Brigadier General Yaaqov Amidror, the deputy head of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Intelligence Branch, says that Iran is the foremost threat in the region, where military buildup is increasing. Iran, according to this report, is trying to produce a nuclear weapon and will be able to produce unconventional weapons within five years.
—Udi Segal, "Briefing Views Syrian, Iranian Strategic Aims," IDF Radio (Tel Aviv) 7 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 1996010700064, 7 January 1996.

8 January 1996
Dr. Husayn al-Shahrestani, an Iraqi atomic scientist who defected from Iraq in 1991 and now teaches nuclear sciences at the University of Tehran, says the Iranian nuclear program is not as developed as the Iraqi program because they lack the human and technical resources. He does not believe that the Iranians are seriously seeking a nuclear weapon.
—Ghalib Darwish, "The World of Iraqi Atom; Saddam Dreamed of Changing the Map of the Middle East Under the Threat of Nuclear Arms," Al-Majallah (London), 8 January 1996; in "Interview With Iraqi Nuclear Scientist," in FBIS Document FTS19960101000273, 8 January 1996.

8 January 1996
On a state-run Tehran radio report, China's First Deputy Foreign Minister Tian Zengpei says that, "China will continue its cooperation with Iran on the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the framework of regulations set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and considers this a principled and correct policy."
—"China Assures Iran On Nuclear Cooperation," Washington Post, 9 January 1996, p. A9.

9 January 1996
Under US pressure, China announces that plans to sell Iran two nuclear reactors have been cancelled. Chen Chi Chan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman says that the agreement between China and Iran for a nuclear power plant has been frozen, but that China is still interested in the continuation of the cooperation between the two countries. [Note: US officials said on 27 September 1995 that China canceled the deal, but on 29 September 1995, a Chinese official said the deal was not cancelled.]
—"Foreign Ministry Holds Regular News Conferences on Nuclear Cooperation With Iran," IRNA (Tehran) 9 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960109000041, 9 January 1996; "China Says Deals to Sell Iran Nuclear Reactors Scrapped," The Associated Press, 9 January 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 January 1996
The Russian and Iranian contract on the Bushehr power plant goes into effect. Russia is under a contractual obligation to complete and render operational the Bushehr nuclear power plant within 55 months.
—"Nuclear Contract with Iran Begins Fulfillment," Interfax (Moscow), 6 February 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960206000785, 6 February 1996.

15 January 1996
The Slovak economic minister, Jan Ducky, says that the Slovak Republic is incapable participating in the construction of a new power station in Iran. The economy minister says this in response to a report that Slovakia and Russia will cooperate in building a nuclear power station for Iran.
—"Slovakia Not to Build Nuclear Power Plant in Iran-Minister," Czech News Agency (CTK), 15 January 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 January 1996
Ehud Barak, the Israeli foreign minister, praises US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities and adds that Iran remains a threat to regional stability.
—Shlomo Raz, "Vice President Gore Arrives, Greeted by Peres Peres, Baraq, Gore Holds Meeting," Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 16 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960116000030, 16 January 1996.

16 January 1996
Reuters reports that Slovakia has offered to help Iran with the construction of the Russian nuclear power plants by providing technical aid on matters such as security and safety, but Iran has not yet asked for help, according to a Slovak official.
—Reuters, 16 January 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

23 January 1996
Sergey Tertyakev, the Russian Ambassador to Iran, says that Russia is dedicated to all its commitments to Iran, stressing its determination to complete the Bushehr power plant. He adds that he foresees no setbacks as financial matters have been resolved.
—"Tehran, Moscow Not Rivals in CIS States," IRNA (Tehran), 23 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960123000117, 23 January 1996.

25 January 1996
Intelnews of Kiev reports that Turboatom plant in Kharkov is to sign a production contract with ZagranAtomEnergoStroy in Moscow for the production of two turbines for the Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Kharkov To Manufacture Turbines for Iranian Nuclear Plant," Intelnews (Kiev), 25 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960125000760, 25 January 1996.

25 January 1996
Husayn Musavian, Iran's ambassador to Germany, refutes allegations made by German intelligence that Iran was buying nuclear material. He says that Iran is ready to cooperate with Germany in curbing nuclear proliferation.
—"Musavian Denies DND Allegations on Iran's Nuclear Activities," IRNA (Tehran), 25 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960125000341, 25 January 1996.

26 January 1996
Teymuraz Abzianidze, the director of Tblisi Institute of Stable Isotopes, says that it is possible that countries like Iran could use the qualified and specialized scientists from plants such as these in Russia to manufacture nuclear weapons.
—"'Iran or Iraq' Could Attract Sukhumi Nuclear Scientists," NTV (Moscow), 26 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19970425001334, 25 April 1997.

29 January 1996
Fernando Petrella, vice foreign minister of Argentina, says that so far, Argentina has stopped legal action by the government of Iran against Argentina over the breach of an $18 million contract for the sale of nuclear technology to Iran. [Note: See entries February1992; 2 March 1992; 1 October 1992; 22 September 1992.]
—"Argentinean Ministry 'To Bar' Iranian Legal Action," CLARIN (Buenos Aires), 29 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960129000152, 29 January 1996.

30 January 1996
ITAR-TASS reports that an estimated 30 Russian specialists are working at the Buhsher nuclear power plant. In addition to completing construction of the site, the specialists are also effecting repairs of "subsidiary objects."
—Veronica Romanenkova, "Russia Assists building Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Powerplant," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 30 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960130000231, 30 January 1996.

February 1996
US Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov discuss Iran's purchase of two nuclear reactors from Russia. Primakov reassures Christopher that Russia is "also concerned about Iran developing weapons of mass destruction" and "does not want to enhance Iran's [nuclear] capacity."
—"Primakov Reassures Christopher Over Supply of Reactors to Iran," The Financial Times (London), 12 February 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 February 1996
Iran dismisses reports of a fire at Isfahan Nuclear Center as propaganda spread by the United States and its allies. Iran also denies the existence of a nuclear power plant in Isfahan.
—"Iran Commentary Denies Reported Fire at Esfahan Nuclear Center," Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 2 February 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960202000274, 2 February 1996.

6 February 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says Iran has successfully developed laser technology and produced zero-power and miniature reactors.
—"Iranian Atomic Energy Chief Interviewed On Nuclear Issues," Voice of Islamic Republic Of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), February 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-025, 6 February 1996.

7 February 1996
Yevgeniy Mikerin of the Russian Ministry of Nuclear Power Engineering says the Bushehr nuclear power plant will receive fuel from a chemical plant based in Novosibirsk. The plant makes fuel cassettes for Chernobyl-type VVER-1000 reactors that will be built in Bushehr. The plant will begin making the fuel a year before the Bushehr reactor will begin operation. He adds that this order will allow the plant in Russia to maintain its personnel and increase productivity.
—Veronika Romanenkova, "Novosibirsk Plant to Supply Iran with Nuclear Fuel," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 7 February 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960207000836, 7 February 1996.

7 February 1996
The Iranian daily newspaper Salam reports that there are 80 nuclear projects underway in Iran "to provide the country's electricity needs by using atomic energy." Some of the projects are believed to be used in the construction of the Bushehr power station and the "Esteqlal [independence] atomic power plant." However, an Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) spokesman claims that the report is incorrect, and that an "Esteqlal atomic power plant" does not exist.
—"Iran Nuclear Power Plans Include 80 Projects," Paper Executive News Service, 7 February 1996.

7 February 1996
Georgiy Kaurov, the head of the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry's public relations department, says that Iran has started paying Russia for building the Bushehr nuclear power plant. He says Russian technicians are preparing the site for construction, which is to begin in May.
—Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

8 February 1996
Yunes Masumzadeh, the deputy director of Self-Sufficiency Jihad, the Iranian Ground Forces wartime organization, says that Iran only seeks nuclear power for energy purposes and not to acquire weapons. He adds that the country's research centers are not active in regards to nuclear weapons.
—"Official Cited on Ground Forces' 'Self-Sufficiency Jidah'," Tehran Times (Tehran), 8 February 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960202000626, 8 February 1996.

10 February 1996
The Khabar-servis agency reports that there are ongoing regular unofficial consultations between representatives of the Iranian Nuclear Energy Organization and a group of Armenian nuclear specialists that work at the Metsamorskaya AES nuclear power plant. According to the information available, Iran hopes to acquire nuclear experts as technical consultants about the working of nuclear reactors and the utilization of nuclear energy. Moreover, as Armenia does not have much expertise in nuclear matters, the Armenian power plant may be disguising the leakage of Russian expertise to Iran. [Note: See 22 March 1996.]
—T. Salakhly, "The Metsamotkaya AES: Iran's Unofficial Nuclear Center?," Zerkalo (Baku), 10 February 1996; in "Nuclear Cooperation With Iran Alleged," in FBIS Document FTS 19960210000430, 10 February 1996.

11 February 1996
The possible presence of a German scientist in Tehran alarms the international community. He is a scientist who has been charged with supplying valuable and up-to-date information and equipment to the Iraqi government.
—Allan George, "Tehran Follows Baghdad on German Expert's Route; West Alarmed at Reports of Nuclear Spy's Arrival in Iran," Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), 11 February 1996; in "German Nuclear Expert Said to be in Tehran," in FBIS Document FTS 19960211000209, 11 February 1996.

12 February 1996
Former Iraqi nuclear scientist Hussain al-Sharistani says of Iran's nuclear program, "international conditions and Iran's present economic situation render a nuclear weapons program unfeasible. The Iranian nuclear program lacks scientific expertise, equipment, and nuclear installations." [Note: Sharistani was imprisoned by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein for refusing to build nuclear weapons, and then escaped during the Persian Gulf War. He was reported to be in Iran in 1991 and 1992.]
—"Scientist Views Iraq's, Iran's Nuclear Programs," Al-Majallah, in FBIS Document FBIS-TAC-96-002, 12 February 1996; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998.

21 February 1996
South Africa's Mineral and Energy Affairs Minister Pik Botha says South Africa has not supplied Iran with uranium in any form in the past five years.
—"South Africa; Energy Minister Says No Uranium Sent to Iran in Last Five Years," The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), 23 February 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

22 February 1996
Ali Akbar Velayati, the Iranian foreign minister, speaking at the Geneva Conference on Disarmament, expresses his concern over the continued existence of nuclear weapons and adds that their elimination poses the greatest challenge to the new era. He also encourages the relevant states to sign and accede to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in a timely manner.
—"Iran's Velayati Deplores 'Frenzied Nuclear Arms Race'," IRNA (Tehran), 22 February 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19970425001345, 25 April 1997.

29 February 1996
US Undersecretary of State Lynn Davis declares that the United States is convinced that Iran is attempting to steal nuclear technology and materials to develop nuclear weapons. Iran is "many years away" from possessing a nuclear weapons capability, but stealing nuclear technology or material "can reduce the time dramatically in terms of developing a weapon," Davis said.
—"U.S. Says Iran Wants To Steal Nuke Arms Capability," Executive News Service, 29 February 1996.

29 February 1996
Info-Tass reports that the Asian Foundation for Thermonuclear Studies, formed as a result of a meeting between representatives of Russia's scientific circles and officials from nuclear ministries and corporations of China, India, and Iran, plans to design the world's first international experimental thermonuclear reactor. Scientists have proposed a design deadline for the reactor for July 1998. Russia's contribution will most likely be in the form of scientific and technical expertise and innovative thinking. [Note: The foundation is also called the Asian Fusion Research Foundation. See 4 and 29 March 1996.]
—Atomnoy Energii, "Russia: A New Asian Foundation For Thermonuclear Studies Will Design The World's First International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor," Byulleten' Tsentra Obshchestvennoy Informatsii Po, No. 6, p. 74.

March 1996
Spain and Iran negotiate a comprehensive economic deal worth $1.5 billion that provides room for cooperation in the field of nuclear technology. Nuclear cooperation between the two countries would be in the form of Spanish technical monitoring of the construction and the introduction of Western technologies at the Bushehr nuclear facility.
—"Spain Providing Credits for Deal Involving Energy and Nuclear Projects," The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) , 5 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

March 1996
Russia's ambassador to Iran, Sergei Tretyakov, says Russia could further assist Iran in building more nuclear power stations after it concludes work on the Bushehr nuclear facility in southern Iran.
—"Russia-Iran Nuclear Ties May Expand, Ambassador Says," Journal of Commerce, 19 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 March 1996
Iran's disarmament proposal put forward at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva draws the support of 40 nations worldwide. By making this proposal, according to a diplomatic source, Iran has removed the political stalemate and revived the disarmament process.
—"Velayati Disarmament Proposal Supported by 40 Countries," IRNA (Tehran), 3 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960303000457, 3 March 1996.

4 March 1996
Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov says Russia will ship equipment in April for construction on the Bushehr nuclear power plant pursuant to a deal signed last year between the two states. He also announces that the number of Russian experts at Bushehr will increase from 20 to 500. He estimates the project will take 2.5 years to complete. In accordance with this deal, Russia will also provide Iran with nuclear fuel and help train its engineers and technicians.
—"Russia to Ship Nuclear Equipment to Iran," Xinhua News Agency, 4 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 March 1996
Representatives from China, India, Iran, and Russia sign a protocol in Moscow establishing the Asian Fusion Research Foundation to cooperate in the study of nuclear fusion. The final agreement is to be signed in Montreal during an August 1996 expert conference sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Russian officials say financial support for the project was not discussed at the meeting. Western authorities believe the cooperative fusion research will probably aim to establish a tokamak, and, because no fissile materials will be produced, will not pose a proliferation threat. Western officials doubt that the project will receive enough financial support to generate important fusion engineering innovations. [Note: The foundation is also called the Asian Foundation for Thermonuclear Studies. See 29 February and 29 March 1996.]
—Mark Hibbs, "Russia, China, Iran, And India Agree To Fusion R&D Cooperation," Nucleonics Week, 21 February 1996, p. 15; Ishtiaq Ahmad, "Pakistan: Iranian Minister Talks To Media In Islamabad," Nation (Islamabad), 5 March 1996, pp. 1, 11; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96- 049, 5 March 1996.

4 March 1996
Morteza Sarmadi, the Iranian deputy foreign minister, denies any nuclear cooperation between China, India, Iran, and Russia at present, but says that such cooperation is welcome. —Ishitaq Ahmad, "Iranian Minister Talks to Media in Islamabad," The Nation (Islamabad), 5 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960305000766, 5 March 1996.

6 March 1996
According to Russian Atomic Energy Minister Viktor Mikhailov, Moscow is considering training Iranian nuclear scientists in Russia to work at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. However, no formal contract has been signed. Mikhailov says, "No such contract has been signed, but it will be."
—"Middle East: Russia May Train Iranian Nuclear Specialists for Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Plant," British Broadcasting Corporation, 6 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 March 1996
Hans Blix, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), pays a secret visit to Israel for "professional consultations." A senior IAEA team is soon to go to Iran to investigate suspicions of Iranian centrifugal uranium enrichment plant.
—Aluf Ben, "IAEA's Blix Said To Make 'Secret' Visit 'Last Week'," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 6 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960306000219, 6 March 1996.

11 March 1996
The Spanish newspaper El Pais reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati asked the E.U. to "give the necessary cooperation for Iran to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes." In exchange, Velayati promised that Iran would "initiate serious cooperation against terrorism."
—Michael Binyon and Ross Dunn, "Assad Spurns Sinai Summit," Times (London), 12 March 1996.

13 March 1996
Glenn Schweitzer, director of the National Research Council's Office for Central Europe and Eurasia, says he has met specialists in nuclear weapons-related fields, and some of them had tried to go to North Korea, some were working for China, and others were being recruited by India and Iran. Schweitzer suggests that the United States expand existing projects and create new ones that will provide cutting-edge research opportunities for nuclear weapons scientists in non-weapons-related areas.
—Glenn E. Schweitzer, "Scientists, Engineers & Proliferation Of Weapons Technology," Statement Before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee On Investigations, 13 March 1996; John J. Fialka, "Senate Hearing Targets Nuclear Thefts In Russia," Wall Street Journal, 13 March 1996, pp. A3-A16; "Hearings On Global Proliferation Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction: Illicit Trafficking In Nuclear Materials," Staff Statement, US Senate Permanent Subcommittee On Investigations, 22 March 1996.

17 March 1996
Anatoly Zhilinskiy, the head of the Tehran office of the Russian nuclear power construction company Zarubezhatomenergostroy (company for nuclear power engineering abroad), says that the biggest impediment to its work in Bushehr is the lack of technical documentation from the previous German company that had begun work on the nuclear power plant. He says that under the Russian-Iranian nuclear agreement, Zarubezhatomenergostroy must complete the Bushehr nuclear power station using Russian machinery. However, Iran requested that the Russian company keep German equipment already installed, some of which has no technical supporting documents. According to Zhilinskiy, Zarubezhatomenergostroy is "not authorized to use technical equipment without relevant documentation," and if the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) fails to obtain these documents, the Russian company would be forced to "remove" the German machinery. Zhilinskiy states that Russia has already submitted a construction proposal to Iranian officials for building a new nuclear power plant in Iran. However, Iran is not likely to consider the proposal until the Bushehr nuclear station is completed.
—"Contractor Details Nuclear Plant Construction," Salam (Tehran), 17 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960317000365, 17 March 1996.

17 March 1996
More than 600 Russian engineers are working at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Under the contract, Russia is to complete the nuclear power plant by supplying equipment, facilities, as well as fuel for running the plant. The agreement also includes provisions for the supply of $30 million worth of fuel and for the removal the spent fuel from 2001 to 2011. Sergey Tretryakov, the Russian ambassador, also says that Iran and Russia's cooperation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy will not stop with Bushehr, as the possibility for cooperation for a second power plant exists under a protocol signed by the two countries for the construction of the second atomic power plant.
—"Xinhua Reports on Russian Military, Nuclear Aid to Iran," Xinhua (Beijing), 17 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960317000020, 17 March 1996.

17 March 1996
Iran refutes new allegations by the United States that it is seeking nuclear weapons, calling the accusations "absurd." A senior Iranian official reiterates Iran's "inalienable right to use nuclear technology."
—"Iran Rejects US Charges of Developing Nuclear Weapons," Agence France Presse, 17 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 March 1996
The Russian Ambassador to Iran, Sergey Tetryakov, says that the according to the bilateral cooperation for nuclear energy, Russia and Iran are not limited to the Bushehr nuclear power station. He adds that Russia could help Iran build more power stations once it completes Bushehr.
—Reuters, 18 March 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

19 March 1996
Representatives from the Russian Atomic Ministry deny any other deals for cooperation with Iran once the Bushehr nuclear power plant is completed. They say, however, another unit could be installed at the Bushehr power plant. There have still not been any discussions on this issue, as all depends on the implementation of the Bushehr project. The Russian officials, however, do not rule out further cooperation at the end of this project. The Bushehr agreement provides for the putting in place of two VVER-1000 light water reactors at 1000MW capacity each and two VVER-440 reactors at 440MW capacity each.
—"Atomic Ministry Denies New Nuclear Deal With Iran," Interfax (Moscow) 19 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960319000470, 19 March 1996.

21 March 1996
Andrei Gagarinsky, director of Russia's Nuclear Physics Research Institute, says that the institute is in negotiations with Iranian officials for the training of Iranian nuclear technicians. Several dozens of Iranians are to train in Russia at a cost of $2000 per month, and training is expected to range from a few months to several years.
—Iran Digest, 21 March 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>; "Russia: Specialists To Train Iranians For Bushehr Nuclear Plant," in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-96-057, 21 March 1996; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998.

22 March 1996
A document by the Minority Staff of the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations states that the "southern tier" countries of the former Soviet Union (i.e., the Caucasus and Central Asia) should receive greater attention from a counter-proliferation standpoint. According to the statement, Armenian scientists commonly emigrate to Iran, and representatives of North Korea, Iraq, and Iran traveled to Uzbekistan in 1992 to recruit nuclear scientists. The statement mentions reports of nuclear scientists being pulled off a plane bound for North Korea. The statement also contains a copy of an advertisement by the Hong Kong Sun Shine Industrial Company that offers the services of former Soviet weapons experts "willing to work in a country which needs their skills and can offer reasonable pay." The statement reiterates Schweitzer's call for expansion of joint peaceful scientific projects between the United States and former Soviet Union.
—Glenn E. Schweitzer, "Scientists, Engineers & Proliferation Of Weapons Technology," Statement Before the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee On Investigations, 13 March 1996; John J. Fialka, "Senate Hearing Targets Nuclear Thefts In Russia," Wall Street Journal, 13 March 1996, pp. A3-A16; "Hearings On Global Proliferation Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction: Illicit Trafficking In Nuclear Materials," Staff Statement, US Senate Permanent Subcommittee On Investigations, 22 March 1996.

24 March 1996
Andrey Gagarynskiy, the director of foreign relations of the Kurchatov Science Institute in Moscow, says that Russia and Iran are examining training programs for the engineers who will be operating the nuclear power plant in Bushehr. He adds that the two countries will soon be signing an agreement to this end.
—"Moscow: Russia Will Train Iranian Engineers In Nuclear Science," Keyhan (Tehran) 24 March 1996; in "Russia To Train Iranian Engineers in Nuclear Science," FBIS Document FTS 1996032400297, 24 March 1996.

25 March 1996
Iran says that despite the United States' best efforts, China has rejected demands for China's stop of nuclear cooperation with Iran.
—"US Attempts to Block Chinese Nuclear Cooperation Viewed," Tehran Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran) 25 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960325000343, 25 March 1996.

26 March 1996
The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry acting undersecretary expresses his country's concern over Iran's alleged attempt to procure nuclear weapons.
—"UAE Concern About Iranian Nuclear Program 'Unfounded': Tehran," Agence France Presse, 28 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 March 1996
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman expresses regret over the United Arab Emirate's statement of concern over Iran's nuclear reactor. He further states that the nations in the Middle East should stand beside Iran against Israel, which he says poses a greater threat to the region. He also adds that Iran's commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its active membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency stand as testaments to its commitment to nonproliferation.
—"Foreign Ministry Expresses 'Regret' Over UAE's Statements," Tehran Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 28 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960328000706, 28 March 1996.

28 March 1996
The Independent reports that, according to Western diplomatic sources, Iran is buying enriched uranium from Russian diplomats based in the northern city of Afghanistan, Mazar-e-Sharif. This uranium is part of the material that is being plundered out of the former Soviet Union's inadequately secured nuclear installation. According to this report, this material is smuggled to Afghanistan and the Pakistani border town of Peshawar. The enriched uranium was stolen out of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan by security guards as part of a "bonus" payment and was sold to the Iranians by Russian diplomats. According to this report, Mazar-e-Sharif is a transit location for smuggled materials and one with a large Russian consulate, with Peshawar as the final destination, where, according to the report, there are such dangerous smuggled goods as enriched uranium, super-powerful magnets, catalysts, and metal alloys for making thermo-nuclear warhead shelling. According to the CIA, Iran, which is secretly building a nuclear weapons program, is the leading buyer of contraband, and in Peshawar there are "Iranian colonels and majors walking around with Samsonite suitcases full of $100 bills who are shopping" for nuclear material.
—Tim McGirk, "Iranians 'Buying ex-Soviet Uranium'," Independent (London), 28 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960328000707, 28 March 1996.

29 March 1996
The Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran reports that the nuclear reactors under construction in Iran and their facilities are under international supervision, with experts freely visiting the nuclear and chemical facilities.
—"Commentary Criticizes Remarks on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 29 March 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960329000422, 29 March 1996.

29 March 1996
The Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy and other Russian research centers, India's Institute for Plasma Studies, China's National Nuclear Corporation, and Iran's nuclear power industry form the Asian Foundation for Thermonuclear Studies, pursuant to an agreement reached in Moscow to create the foundation would pool the four countries' nuclear expertise to work on controlled thermonuclear fission. [Note: The foundation is also called the Asian Fusion Research Foundation. See 29 February and 4 March 1996.]
—"RUSSIA: Russia, India, China, and Iran Form Nuclear Research Body," British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

April 1996
British Defence Secretary Michael Portillo visits Israel, where he may have discussed joint Israeli-British military action against the Iranian nuclear plant.
—Christopher Walker, "Israeli Spokesman Voices Concern Over Iran's Nuclear Ambitions," Times (London), 19 April 1996, p. 13; in FBIS Document FBIS-TOT-96-015-L, 19 April 1996; James Bruce, "Iran Warns USA To 'Think Twice' About An Attack," Jane's Defence Weekly, 12 June 1996, p. 27; Eric Salerno, "Iran's Atom Bomb In Israel's Gun Sights," Il Messaggero (Rome), 28 June 1996, p. 9; in "Egypt: 'Sources' Say Israel-Turkey Accord Aimed Against Iran Threat," FBIS-NES-96-126, 28 June 1996.

April 1996
Egyptian sources say the basis of the 1995 Israeli-Turkish military cooperation agreement may be plans for an air strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, allowing Israel access to Turkish air bases from which "any Iranian target" is reachable.
—Christopher Walker, "Israeli Spokesman Voices Concern Over Iran's Nuclear Ambitions," Times (London), 19 April 1996, p. 13; in FBIS Document FBIS-TOT-96-015-L, 19 April 1996; James Bruce, "Iran Warns USA To 'Think Twice' About An Attack," Jane's Defence Weekly, 12 June 1996; p. 27, Eric Salerno, Iran's Atom Bomb In Israel's Gun Sights," Il Messaggero (Rome), 28 June 1996, p. 9; in "Egypt: 'Sources' Say Israel-Turkey Accord Aimed Against Iran Threat," FBIS-NES-96-126, 28 June 1996.

April 1996
The US Defense Department releases a report that says, "At this stage, Iran's scientific and technical base remains insufficient to support major nuclear programs. The Iranians recognize their dependence on foreign assistance and are encouraging younger Iranians to study abroad to gain needed technical assistance."
—Office of the Secretary of Defense, Proliferation: Threat and Response (Washington, DC: April 1996), p. 14; in Michael Eisenstadt, "Déjà vu All Over Again? Iran's Military Build-Up: An Assessment," National Defense University, 22 February 1994.

6 April 1996
Albert Chernishev, Russian deputy foreign minister, says in an interview that the construction on the Bushehr nuclear power plant continues successfully and in accordance with the norms and guidelines imposed by the international system and the strict control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He adds that allegations of Russia helping Iran acquire nuclear weapons are unfounded because Russia does not want another neighbor with nuclear weapons.
—"Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Views Relations with Iran," Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow) 6 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960406000343, 6 April 1996.

10 April 1996
Oleg Velichko says besides the Bushehr project, there are "other projects in Russian-Iranian cooperation aimed at using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." He does not specify the projects but notes that they "will not give Iran the possibilities to use nuclear technologies for military purposes."
—Oleg Velichko, "Russia Plans New Nuclear Projects in Iran," ITAR-TASS, 10 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 April 1996
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Soskovets reassures Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Safari that the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be finished despite US concerns over the project. He also announces plans for further economic cooperation between Russian and Iran and stresses both countries need to enhance cooperation in the fields of metallurgy, petrochemicals, and military technology.
—"Russia Assures Iran Nuke Plant Project Will Be Completed," Agence France Presse, 10 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

14 April 1996
Albert Chernishev, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, says that there exist other projects for the cooperation between Russia and Iran for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Bushehr. He also adds that the power plant in Bushehr will not create the possibility for Iran's use of it for military purposes and that the agreement between the two countries provides for reactors that do not produce plutonium that can be used for weapons.
—"Russian-Iranian Nuclear Cooperation Viewed," Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow), 14 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960414000330.

15 April 1995
According to a commentary on Russian radio, cooperation between Iran and Russia is proceeding smoothly with the possibility for cooperation on future projects, but that the point of agreements has not yet been reached.
—"Russian Diplomat Cited on Nuclear cooperation With Iran," Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow), 15 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960415000548, 15 April 1995.

15 April 1996
Russian officials say that they will not discuss the bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement with Iran during a nuclear safety summit that they will be hosting. Georgy Kaurov, a spokesman for the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry, says that the reactors under construction pose no threat of nuclear proliferation, and the agreement between Iran and Russia is irrelevant and will not be under discussion.
—FWN/UPI, 15 April 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

17 April 1996
The Washington Times reports that Chinese experts will soon arrive in Iran to begin construction on a uranium enrichment plant near the city of Isfahan. The article reports that the new plant will process uranium ore and other products that can be used in nuclear weapons.
—Andrei Loshchiln, "China Will Allegedly Help Iran Build a Nuclear Enterprise," The Russian Information Agency (ITAR-TASS), 18 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 April 1996
An official of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says a joint Chinese-Iranian team had been formed to prospect for uranium in eastern Iran. [Note: See 17 April 1996.] The exploration team is searching for deposits in the provinces of Yazd, Khurasan, and Kerman. In addition to sizeable uranium deposits, Iran has plants for processing ore into uranium yellowcake, and may be constructing a uranium hexafluoride plant with Chinese assistance. Iran has imported chemicals used to make uranium hexafluoride, a chemical used for enrichment, from both China and Russia. A Chinese delegation was scheduled to be sent to the Isfahan nuclear complex to work on the final design phase of a uranium hexafluoride plant. [Note: See 17 April 1996.] Iran intends to declare this plant to the International Atomic Energy Agency for monitoring. Some intelligence sources believe a pilot "hex" plant was constructed several years ago at Rudan, near Shiraz, with Chinese assistance.
—"Uranium Exploration With China," Iran Brief, 6 May 1996.

18 April 1996
Viktor Mikhailov, the Russian atomic energy minister, says that his office is very active in preventing the export of dual-use technology and materials from Russia's dismantled nuclear warheads. He assures that none have been sold to either Iran or any other country. He continues to say that Russia will continue to honor its commitment to Iran in the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Minister says Recovered Plutonium Will Last 20-30 Years," Interfax (Moscow) 18 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960418000596, 18 April 1996.

19 April 1996
An Israeli spokesman says that a Western-led coalition will begin a strike to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capability. He says that the attack will be on Iran's secret nuclear installation in Neka, 100 km Northeast of Tehran. These remarks come following some reports about Chinese experts expected in Tehran to begin construction on a new uranium enrichment plant. [Note: See 17 and 18 April 1996.]
—"Israeli Spokesman Voices Concern Over Iran's Nuclear Ambition," The Times (London) 19 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19970522002121, 22 May 1997.

20 April 1996
Interfax reports that Iran and Russia are holding talks on training over 700 Iranian nuclear experts for work in the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The talks are between the Iranians and Russia's Zarubezhatomenergostroy (company for nuclear power engineering abroad), which is engaged in the construction of Bushehr. Other Russian scientific institutions, however, are also considering training Iranian experts.
—Reuters, 20 April 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

21 April 1996
President Bill Clinton, at the end of the nuclear safety summit held in Moscow, states his opposition to the nuclear cooperation between Iran and Russia and asks that Russia ends its assistance.
—"Radio Criticizes US Stance on Russia-Iran Nuclear Ties," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 21 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960421000162, 21 April 1996.

23 April 1996
Iranian English-language newspaper Iran News says that Iran has the right as any other country to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
—"Paper: Iran has the Right to Obtain Nuclear Technology," IRNA (Tehran) 23 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960423000719, 23 April 1996.

23 April 1996
Speaking at a news conference following the Russian-American Summit, US President Bill Clinton says that Russia's delivery of nuclear reactors to Iran would not harm US-Russian relations. He adds that the outcome of the talks with Russia outweigh a difference of opinion in regards to the cooperation between Iran and Russia. [Note: See 21 April 1996.]
—"US-Russian Talks on Nuclear Cooperation With Iran Viewed," Voice of Russia World Service (Moscow) 23 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960423000848, 23 April 1996.

29 April 1996
The Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres says that Iran has the potential to procure nuclear weapons with four years. Peres: "I believe that in four years, they (Iran) may reach nuclear weapons." Peres further expresses his surprise at Egypt's criticism on Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona. He says that since Egypt is unable to prevent Iran from acquiring and threatening Israel with weapons of mass destruction, there should be no question of Israel's defensive weapons.
—"Peres on Peace Process, Nuclear Threat, US Defense Pact," Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 29 April 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960429000395, 29 April 1996; "Iran Could Have Nuclear Weapons in Four Years: Peres," Agence France Presse, 30 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

May 1996
Iran Brief reports that a joint Chinese-Iranian team has been formed to look for uranium in Yazd and possibly Kerman. It also reports that China and Russia have imported chemicals into Iran, including anhydrous hydrogen fluroride, that can be used to make uranium hexafluoride. [Note: See 17 and 18 April 1996.]
—"Uranium Exploration With China," Iran Brief, 6 May 1996; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; "Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998.

May 1996
There are currently about 30 Russian nuclear specialists working at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. [Note: See 17 March 1996 for a report that 600 Russians are working there.] Russian specialists will conduct a survey of the buildings at the Bushehr nuclear plant, said Aleksandr Bryukhov, an executive supervising the construction of Russian nuclear power plants abroad. The Bushehr nuclear power plant is expected to start operating in 2001.
—Aleksandr Kushni, "Russia: U.S. Fears Over Iran's Bushehr Powerplant Viewed," Voice Of Russia World Service (Moscow), 3 February 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-96-024, 3 February 1996.

6 May 1996
The Iran Brief reports that the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy (Minatom) is discussing the purchase of technology and equipment from the unfinished Hanau research reactor, in Germany, with the German government. According to unnamed sources, Minatom may seek to acquire technical data in order to use the German equipment stored at Iran's unfinished Bushehr nuclear reactor.
—"Russia May Buy Hanau Reactor" Iran Brief, 6 May 1996, p. 11.

11 May 1996
China pledges to the United States not to assist with any nuclear facility that is not safeguarded.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

11 May 1996
In a meeting between Willy Wimmer, the vice president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Iranian Majlis Speaker Nateq-Nuri, Wimmer says that "the negative propaganda of the Western media, saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran is trying to access nuclear weapons, has changed international norms and criteria into a political weapon."
—"Majles Speaker Discusses Relations with OSCE Official," IRIB (Tehran), 11 May 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960511000321, 11 May 1996.

30 May 1996
Yevgeniy Primakov, the Russian Foreign Minister, elaborating on the nuclear cooperation between Russia and Iran, says that the nuclear reactors sold to Iran are only to be used for civilian purposes, and adds that they are similar to the reactors that America sells to North Korea.
—"Commentary Backs Primakov Statements on Nuclear Cooperation," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran) 30 May 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960530000529, 30 May 1996.

1 June 1996
Iranian President Rafsanjani says in a speech that Iran has "endless" gas reserves and 150 years of oil reserves. He announces a new gas field has been discovered with at least 9 trillion cubic feet of gas. He estimates Iran has 93 billion barrels of oil in reserve. Anthony Cordesman, an analyst for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, writes later that these statements undermine Iran's claims that it needs nuclear energy.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

4 June 1996
Interfax reports that the nuclear power plant that Russia is building in the Bushehr province of Iran will cost Russia $60 million. It is estimated that about 200 Russian nuclear scientists are presently working in Iran. Iranian personnel for the power plant will be trained at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant's training center.
—"Russia to Invest $60 Million in Nuclear Plant in Iran," Interfax (Moscow) 4 June 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960604000561, 4 June 1996.

7 June 1996
Sergey Tetrayakov, the Russian ambassador to Iran, says that the feasibility study of the Bushehr project was recently completed and construction is expected to start soon. He expresses optimism for the completion of the project in 48 months. He re-emphasizes that Russia's assistance with the Bushehr power plant is for peaceful purposes and is monitored by international inspectors.
—Irfan Parviz and Mojgan Tavassoli, "Irano-Russian Military Cooperation Not Against Any Other Country," Iran News (Tehran), 7 June 1996; in "Russian Envoy on Iranian-Russian Military Cooperation," in FBIS Document FTS 19960607000034, 7 June 1996.

18 June 1996
A senior official of the Russian Foreign Ministry says Moscow will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons because that would endanger Russian national interests.
—Huda Al-Husayni, "Russian Foreign Ministry Official Tells Al-Sharq Al-Awsat; We Will Not Allow Iran Ti Become Nuclear State," Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), 18 June 1996; in "Russia 'Will Not Allow Iran To Become Nuclear State,'" in FBIS Document FTS 18 June 1996.

21 June 1996
Lynn Davis, US Undersecretary of State for International Security Affairs, says during hearings of the House Committee on International Affairs that the United States will continue to press Russia to cease cooperation with Iran in the nuclear field due to concern that Iran intends to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
—"Struggle For Iran Is Not Finished," Krasnaya Zvezda, 21 June 1996, p. 3.

27 June 1996
Russian Atomic Energy Minister Viktor Mikhailov rejects allegations of military nuclear cooperation with Iran and says that while there still exist some minor issues to be addressed, the first shipment of equipment necessary for the work in Bushehr has been sent out. He adds that safety is a foremost concern for Bushehr, but expresses satisfaction with the pace of work at the plant. He also states that the Iranian administrators of the power plant will begin their training while the work at Bushehr is being completed. He says that there will be some Russian personnel present at the plant acting as overseers, but that he is confident that there will be capable Iranian personnel to run the plant. In regard to continuing nuclear cooperation with Iran, he says that once the four reactors have been constructed, there might be a possibility for further cooperation.
—"Atomic Energy Minister on Ties With Iran," ABRAR (Tehran), 27 June 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960627000742, 27 June 1996.

27 June 1996
Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of legal affairs says that Iran has the right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and that the US Congress does not have the authority to make interventions in its relations with other countries.
—"Officials say Clinton's Stance 'Not New'," IRIB (Tehran), 27 June 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960627000439, 27 June 1996.

30 June 1996
Ali Vahid Khorram, advisor to the Iranian Foreign Minister, says that Iran favors a Persian Gulf and Pacific region free of weapons of mass destruction.
—"Ministry Adviser Views Ties to Middle Eastern Countries," IRNA (Tehran) 30 June 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960630000200, 30 June 1996.

Third Quarter 1996
The Isfahan Alloy Steel complex opens as part of a $600 million deal with Danieli Officine Meccaniche of Italy, the Iranian National Steel Company, and Nippon Steel of Japan. [Note: See July 1996.]
—"Isfahan's Alloy Steel Complex Goes On Stream," Iran Business Digest, 22 August 1996; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998; "Danieli At Risk In Isfahan Project," Iran Brief, 6 May 1996, p. 5; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998.

Third Quarter 1996
Phil Williams and Paul N. Woessne state that recent incidents in Turkey and Germany indicate that Iran is seeking high-quality nuclear material.
—"Smuggling: Arms, Nuclear Technology And Materials, And Aliens," Trends In Organized Crime, Vol. 2, No. 1, Fall 1996, pp. 64, 65.

July 1996
Cypriot officials are notified of the shipment of civilian nuclear reactor equipment heading towards Iran. US and Cypriot officials are preparing to intercept a shipment of equipment for a civilian reactor in Iran, expected to be shipped via Cyprus.
—Steve Rodan, "Cyprus, US Team To Block Flow Of Nonconventional Arms To Iran," Defense News, 4 November 1996, p. 15.

July 1996
British customs seize 110 pounds of American-made maraging steel at the port of Barking that was destined for Iran. Iran used a front company to order the steel. According to one analyst, this incident shows Iran cannot yet make its own maraging steel at the Isfahan Alloy Steel Complex. [Note: See Third Quarter 1996.]
—Con Coughlin, Britain Seizes Bomb-Grade Steel Cargo," Washington Times, 11 August 1996, p. A8; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Report, October 1998; Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

July 1996
The Second International Machine-Tool, Construction Equipment, and Heavy Machinery Fair is held in Iran. Iranian Commerce Minister Yahya Al-e Ishaq, speaking at the opening ceremonies, says that despite US sanctions, Iran is currently exporting industrial technology and equipment, and that they have been able to secure overseas markets in both Africa and Central Asia. Companies from Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Britain took part in the fair.
—"Iran Holds Machine-Tool Fair," Iran Brief, 1 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 July 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Agency of Iran, says that US allegations of Iran's military nuclear program is an attempt to blemish Iran's as well as other Muslim countries' reputations around the world. He says that the Bushehr power plant is strictly for peaceful uses and that the first reactor of the power station is going to have an output that will meet the country's total demand for electricity. He goes on to reveal that Iran is planning to sell its share in the French uranium enrichment plant. He goes on to reaffirm Iran's firm stance behind the principles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also explains that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran functions directly under the control of President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani.
—"US opposed to Muslim Countries Having Nuclear Programmes," Tehran Times (Tehran), 4 July 1996, in "Daily Criticizes US Opposition to Nuclear Programs," in FBIS Document FTS 19960704000589, 4 July 1996.

5 July 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says Iran plans to sell its share in a French uranium-enrichment plant.
—IRNA, 7 July 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

5 July 1996
Al-Shab of Cairo reports that Iran has been able to "steal or secretly buy" two nuclear weapons. The report also says that unnamed US sources say there are 200 specialists and 2,000 researchers working in the nuclear field in Iran.
—Adil Hussein, "Islamic Affairs: Political Islam Review," Al-Shab (Cairo), 5 July 1996, p. 5; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-137, 16 July 1996.

7 July 1996
IRNA reports that the first reactor unit at the Bushehr power station will become operational by the end of the second five-year development plan [1999]. The reactor is expected to boost the country's electricity capacity to 2,400MW, enough to meet the country's total electricity demand.
—IRNA, 7 July 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

10 July 1996
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns the US Congress that nuclear weapons in the hands of Iran and Iraq would have dire consequences and calls for a strong international effort to isolate the two Middle East states.
—"Iran Rejects Netanyahu's Charges Over Nuclear Arms," Agene France Presse, 11 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 July 1996
Iran rejects Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent allegations over nuclear weapons. [Note: See 10 July 1996.] Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister responds, "Iran's doors are always open to international inspectors," and that they already had "visited Iran several times and confirmed that Iran plans to use atomic energy for peaceful purposes only."
—"Iran Rejects Netanyahu's Charges Over Nuclear Arms," Agene France Presse, 11 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 July 1996
Nucleonics Week reports that Ukraine will participate in a Russian-Iranian nuclear project by supplying a turbine for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The turbine will be manufactured at Ukraine's Kharkiv Turbatom factory, which has manufactured turbines for nuclear facilities in Cuba, Finland, and Bulgaria. According to the terms of the contract, Ukraine will supply the 1,000MW turbine and other equipment to Iran by the end of 1998. The Sumy Pump Factory, which produces pumps for nuclear power plants, is expected to participate in the $50 million project. The United States is expected to pressure Ukraine to cancel the deal.
—Peter Coryn, "Ukrainian Industry To Participate In Russian Nuclear Project In Iran," Nucleonics Week, 11 July 1996, pp. 1, 11; "Ukraine: Kiev To Supply Turbine For Iranian Nuclear Plant," Interfax (Moscow), 4 July 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-96-131, 4 July 1996.

17 July 1996
Russian Atomic Energy Minister Viktor Mikhailov says that the US delegation that was in Moscow to discuss US-Russian economic cooperation did not raise the issue of Russian cooperation in building the Bushehr nuclear power plant. He says, "We shall cooperate with Iran. We built, are building, and will continue to build power plants [in Iran]."
—"Mikhailov on US Nonmention of Russia-Iran Nuclear Deal," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 17 July 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960717000334, 17 July 1996; Andrei Chitov, "Gore Delegation Skipped Russia-Iran Nuclear Deal in Moscow," The Russian Information Agency (ITAR-TASS), 17 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

22 July 1996
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reports that it manufactured two nuclear processed radio-drugs, Talium (heart related) and Galium (cancer related). The AEOI claims it is only producing Talium and Galium at one-eighth of its production capacity (sufficient for domestic use). The AEOI says if the two drugs were produced at full capacity, Iran would be able to export them.
—"First Nuclear Medicine in Iran, Says Tehran Radio," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 22 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

22 July 1996
According to a report by the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND), there is "scarcely a doubt remaining that Iran is interested in buying nuclear materials" on the black market. The report details Iranian efforts to acquire nuclear materials on the international black market, as well as from German companies. The BND warns of the increased "professionalism" of nuclear smugglers. US CIA head John Deutch says that "Iran has attempted to obtain nuclear materials on the black market.
—Juergen Marks "Basar Des Schreckens [Terror Bazaar]" Focus, 22 July 1996, pp. 28-29. "Germans Warn Of Nukes" Iran Brief, 5 August 1996, p. 9.

24 July 1996
An Iranian construction worker is irradiated by Iridium-142 at the Gilan combined-cycle gas plant near the city of Rasht. The Iranian authorities state that the Rasht power plant is not a nuclear power plant, but confirm that the accident has occurred. The worker found the unshielded Iridium, which had been misplaced for about two hours, and "carried it to another part of the construction site." Iridium-142 is used in the X-ray testing of welds. According to Hamshahri, a Tehran city government newspaper, 50 people were exposed to radiation, seven of whom were engineers from the German firm Siemens. The German firm is participating as part of a European consortium in construction of the Iranian facility. The paper also reported that the incident resulted in the hospitalization of 21 people. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran denies the reports, referring to testing results that showed that only the one worker was injured. According to a press release issued by Siemens, no German workers were injured. According to "Western intelligence experts," the "radiation incident" occurred at the secret Neka nuclear facility near the Caspian Sea. Unnamed Iranian reports cited in London's Sunday Telegraph believe the Neka facility is part of Iran's nuclear weapons development program. A Siemens' press release discounted the allegations, saying "there is no operating nuclear power station in Iran." [Note: See 31 July and 2 August 1996.]
—"AEOI, Siemens Battle Reports Of Iran Nuclear Plant Accident," Nucleonics Week, 8 August 1996; "Industrial Source Radiation Incident Occurs." Nuclear News, September 1996, p. 32; "Iran Paper Reports Leak At Nuclear Power Plant,'" New York Times, 1 August 1996, p. A4; "Iran: The Nuclear Power Plant That Never Was...," NucNet News, <http://www.aey.ch>, 31 July 1996; "Reports Of Iranian Radiation Incident Draw Probe From Western Intelligence," Washington Times, 15 August 1996, p. A15; "Official Tells Agence France Presse Contamination Incident 'Nothing Serious'," Agence France Presse (Paris), 31 July 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960731000234, 31 July 1996.

31 July 1996
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that 25 people were exposed to radioactive material after an accident at a power station in Racht, northern Iran.
—"URGENT Some 25 People Exposed to Radioactive Waste in Iran: IAEA," Agence France Presse, 31 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 August 1996
In a commentary following the talks on nuclear disarmament in Geneva, Iran emphasizes its commitment to the eradication of nuclear weapons in its previous proposal that would require a record which would aid in the banning of the weapons as well as preventing the illegal transfer of nuclear technology for military purposes.
—"Geneva Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Talks Viewed," Abrar (Tehran), 1 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960801000455, 1 August 1996.

2 August 1996
In a sermon made at the Friday prayers in Iran, Iranian President Rafsanjani says that the United States is opposed to Iranian advances in the field of nuclear technology because its concern that the nuclear power plant at Bushehr will be converted for the production of plutonium for atomic weapons. He questions the legitimacy of the United States as moral authority to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons when the United States is the only country to ever use the atom bomb on any country. Iran, he says, is using this advanced skill for the production of medicines. He also states that the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announces a few times each year that there is no evidence that Iran is attempting to manufacture nuclear weapons. He also clarifies the incident that had taken place at the thermal power plant. [Note: See 24 and 31 July 1996 entries.] He explains the radioactive contamination as a safety kit containing a radioactive core breaking and a worker picking it up got contaminated. He explains this incident as something that could occur in any sensitive industrial installation, and accuses "mischievous propaganda" charging that a "nuclear incident had taken place in Iran."
—"Hashemi-Rafsanjani on Unity US Sanctions," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 2 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960802000349, 2 August 1996.

4 August 1996
The Sunday Telegraph of London reports that, according to nuclear specialists, Iran could acquire a nuclear weapon by 2001. The report says Iran has several "top-secret" nuclear facilities that are not safeguarded, the largest being an underground nuclear facility at Isfahan. According to the report, other clandestine Iranian nuclear installations are the Neka nuclear facility, built near the Caspian Sea, and a nuclear facility at Darkhovin, run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. In early 1996, Israel planned pre-emptive air strikes against these nuclear installations but was convinced not to by the United States, the report says. Iran's official nuclear research headquarters is located in Tehran.
—Con Coughlin, "Iran: UK Article Examines Possible Targets of U.S. Strike," Sunday Telegraph (London), 4 August 1996, p. 20; in "Tempting Array Of Strike Targets For Pentagon," in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-151, 4 August 1996.

5 August 1996
The Iranian embassy in Moscow denies a Russian media report that Tehran attempted to obtain nuclear weapons-related material.
—"Iran: Embassy Denies Iran Seeking Nuclear Weapons Components," IRNA (Tehran), 5 August 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-152, 5 August 1996.

7 August 1996
In a rebuttal to a recent statement by Israel that German intelligence had uncovered Iran's attempts to acquire materials necessary for the production of nuclear weapons, the Iranian embassy releases a statement to reiterate its attitude toward nonproliferation. [Note: See 22 July 1995.] The Iranian statement declares that unlike Israel, Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and that it is an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It adds that, unlike Israel, Iran's nuclear installation have been under IAEA supervision, and that Iran has been active in asking that the Middle East be declared a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
—"Iranian Embassy States Position on Nuclear Weapons," Rossiyskaya Gazeta (Moscow), 7 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19970425001363, 25 April 1997.

8 August 1996
Ali Akbar Velayati, the foreign minister of Iran, in an interview with Iranian television declares that the budget the Iranian government allocates for defense is almost less than that of the regional states of the Persian Gulf, and thus shows that the accusations leveled by the United States are unfounded. They reiterate that Iran is an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and are signatories of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
—"Velayati on US 'Baseless' Allegations," IRIB (Tehran), 8 August 1998; in FBIS Document FTS 19960808000373, 8 August 1996.

12 August 1996
Iran threatens to block the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) if its demands to change to the draft text are not met. Iran's delegate to the International Conference on Disarmament says Tehran has three concerns: The treaty does not call for a wider commitment to disarmament; the "national technical means" clause for monitoring could be used as a cover for spying; and Israel's membership in the executive council should not be part of Middle East group but as a Western nation. [Note: Iran announces on 11 September 1996 that it will sign the treaty.]
—"Iran Threat to Block N-Treaty," The Financial Times (London), 13 August 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 August 1996
The US representative at the Conference of Disarmament in Geneva states that Iran, India, and Pakistan dispute negotiation on banning the testing of nuclear weapons. Whereas Pakistan refuses to sign until India does so, India refuses because of the Western pressure. Iran refuses because Israel is not under pressure to sign the Treaty of Non-Proliferation. [Note: Iran announces on 11 September 1996 that it will sign the treaty.]
—"Iran Clarifies Stand on Nuclear Disarmament Conference," IRIB (Tehran), 13 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960813000628, 13 August 1996.

13 August 1996
Commenting on a recent report by the Sunday Telegraph that the British confiscated a cargo bound for Iran that could have been used for the construction of missile and atomic installations, Iran says that these are instances of the efforts made by its adversaries to harm Iran's reputation in the international community.
—"Reports on Iran's Development of Nuclear Energy Denounced," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 13 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960813000627, 13 August 1996.

14 August 1996
Iran is believed to be able to obtain nuclear equipment more effectively and at a cheaper cost than Iraq had been, and is feared to use it to increase instability in the region.
—Huda al-Husayni, "The American Change: Military Confrontation Between the United States and Iran Will Not Take Place Unless Washington Establishes That Tehran Had a Hand in the al-Khubar Explosion," Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), 14 August 1996; in "US Line on Iran Seen as Attempt to Shake its Stability," in FBIS Document FTS 19960814000258, 14 August 1996.

15 August 1996
Mohammad Javad Zarif, the deputy foreign minister of Iran, at a news conference in Geneva says that Iran is willing to implement the final document of the treaty banning nuclear tests. But he adds that the United States wants the treaty signed for domestic purposes. He further adds that from his country's point of view, the few unresolved issues remain so because of the lack of will from a few governments. Sirus Naseri, the Iranian representative to these talks in Geneva says that the treaty text is not acceptable to Iran, but that there is another prospect to end the conference in a satisfactory manner. He asserts that the treaty is very important to Iran as well as to many other developing nations and adds that Iran is endeavoring to resolve the situation despite American attempts at disruption. [Note: Iran announces on 11 September 1996 that it will sign the treaty.]
—"Tehran to Respect Final Nuclear Test Ban Document," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 15 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960815000508, 15 August 1996; "Iranian Official on Nuclear Test Ban Treaty," Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 15 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960815000110, 15 August 1996.

20 August 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Agency of Iran, announces that subsequent to the signing of the agreement with Russia for the completion of the Bushehr power plant, "the construction of the first phase will be completed and it will join the national grid by the end of the second economic, social, and cultural development plan." Amrollahi says that the Bushehr nuclear power plant is worth over $10 billion in today's economy because of the investments previously made for its construction. He further comments on Germany's refusal to deliver some equipment and documents despite a ruling given by a Geneva arbitration court, and adds that Russia is demonstrating political independence by accepting to work on the Iranian nuclear power plant.
—"Bushehr Nuclear Plant to Be Complete by end of Second Development Plan," Keyhan (Tehran) 20 August 1996, in "Official Comments on Construction of Nuclear Plant," in FBIS Document FTS 19960820000345, 20 August 1996.

20 August 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that the two 300MW nuclear power plants that will be constructed by China will be ready in nine years.
—Dow Jones News, 20 August 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

22 August 1996
In an interview with Iranian television, Ali Akbar Velayati, Iran's foreign minister, defends Iran's right, as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to obtain nuclear technology from those countries that already have the technology under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He further states that the technology transfer is for the peaceful uses of that energy that would serve for the development of the recipient state.
—"Foreign Minister Velayati on Foreign Policy," IRIB (Tehran), 22 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960822000468, 22 August 1996.

22 August 1996
Hamshahri of Tehran reports that three mines with 800 tons of uranium reserves were discovered in Yazd Province, Iran.
—"Dr. Jalil Rowshandel and Dr. Saideh Lotfia Iran's Need For Nuclear Energy, Uranium Reserves Noted," Hamshahri (Tehran), 22 August 1996, p. 11; n FBIS-NES-96-176, 22 August 1996.

24 August 1996
In a commentary following the decision to approve the Comprehensive test Ban Treaty (CTBT) at the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian representative Sirus Naseri expresses his doubts that the approval of the treaty could carry the same commitments and guarantees [presumably as it would carry if it were approved in the Conference on Disarmament]. He says that while Iran agrees with the general principles of the treaty, Iran's final agreement remains dependent "on the way it is submitted at the UN General Assembly."
—"Government Said in Accord With CTBT Principles," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 24 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960824000211.

26 August 1996
Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign minister of Iran, says Iran has no interest in acquiring chemical or nuclear weapons. He says that as the head of the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has frequently stated, Iran is not attempting to produce nuclear weapons.
—"Velayati Comments on US Policy, Egypt," Resalat (Tehran), 26 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960826000549, 26 August 1996.

29 August 1996
Because Iran exports a sizeable amount of its energy product to neighboring countries, Iran states its need for atomic energy for energy needs within the country, so as not to resort to fossil fuel power plants.
—"Energy Minister Explains Need for Nuclear Power Plants," IRIB (Tehran), 29 August 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960829000543, 29 August 1996.

31 August 1996
The German company Siemens states that Iran has asked an international board of arbitration in Switzerland to implement the compensation for damages due for not finishing construction on the nuclear reactor in Bushehr. A spokesman for the company would not comment on whether Iran is asking for 8 billion marks. The board of arbitration declared the contracts between Iran and Siemens as closed in 1982 and mutual demands for compensation impossible. Therefore, the present actions by Iran are not understood by many observers.
—"Angry reaction from Iran vis-à-vis Germany; compensation for damages demanded from Siemens," Neue Zuercher Zeitung, 31 August 1996, p. 5; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS Translation]

September 1996
Following a meeting with International AEA Director General Hans Blix, Iran refuses to allow environmental monitoring of its declared nuclear facilities under Part I of the IAEA's 92+3 enhanced safeguards program. According to diplomatic sources, Iranian representatives at the IAEA General Conference were concerned that environmental samples from Iranian sites could be given to the United States and other "foes." The samples would be taken to detect nuclear activities at Iran's safeguarded facilities. However, deputy director general for safeguards, Bruno Pellaud, said samples sent to laboratories abroad would be kept anonymous. Pellaud added that any country conducting sample analyses would be prohibited from conducting analysis beyond the 93+2 guidelines.
—Mark Hibbs, "Iran Balking At Approval Of IAEA Environmental Monitoring," NuclearFuel, 23 October 1996, pp. 2-3.

2 September 1996
The Muslim of Islamabad reports that, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has "undeclared nuclear facilities" and "hidden quantities" of nuclear material. The report says Pakistan has supplied uranium enrichment equipment, which was originally received from Germany, to Iran and North Korea.
—Aroosa Alam, "IAEA Asks Pakistan To Curb Its 'N Pursuits' in Pakistan, Muslim (Islamabad), 2 September 1996, pp. 1, 11; in "IAEA Requests Cessation of 'Illegal' Nuclear Program" FBIS-NES-96-173, 2 September 1996.

6 September 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, states that the world is not invulnerable to nuclear aggression. He adds that nuclear arsenals are not yet eliminated and the Non-Proliferation Treaty of is not yet universalized. Despite this, he says there are still encouraging signs that there are developments being made. He adds that the complete eradication of nuclear arms and of the means of producing these devices should be supported, adding, however, that an international agreement distinguishing the production of material for military and peaceful purposes should be clearly outlined.
—"Head of Atomic Energy Organization Addresses IAEA Meeting," IRNA (Tehran), 17 September 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960917000533, 17 September 1996.

11 September 1996
Despite having criticized the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) text, Mohammad Jafar Zafid, deputy Iranian foreign minister and the head of the Iranian delegation to the CTBT talks, announces that Iran is going to sign the treaty. He emphasizes that Iran agrees with this decision because of its strong desire for the banning of nuclear weapons tests. He restates his disappointment at the lack of balance in the document and says that Iran will continue to seek total disarmament of nuclear weapons.
—"Deputy Minister Signals Intent to Sign 'Flawed' CTBT," IRNA (Tehran), 11 September 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960911000380, 11 September 1996.

24 September 1996
Israeli sources say, "Iran is very far from having the capacity to build a nuclear installation." [Note: This contradicts a precious statement by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. See September 1996 entry.]
—Martin Sieff, "Netanyahu's Nuke Claim Lacks Support," Washington Times, 22 October 1996, p. A11; Hayim Shibi and Arye Egozi, "Israel: ReportIraq 'Very Far' From Nuclear Capacity; Iran Within 4 Years," Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv), 25 October 1996, p. 16; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-187, 25 October 1996.

25 September 1996
Iran signs the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty despite reservations. In an interview shortly after the signing of the treaty, Ali Akbar Velayati, Iran's foreign minister and head of the delegation, says that this is "a practical and clear sign of the truth" of Iran's steadfastness in their support of total disarmament of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, he says that his signature was accompanied with a letter that outlines Iran's reservations, which are that the treaty "fails to be within a framework of comprehensive nuclear disarmament treaty, [...] that in the field of control and supervision, national technical equipment only plays a complementary and temporary role," [...] and "that we oppose Israel to be placed in the Middle East and eastern Asia group."
—"Velayati-Republic Signs Test Ban Treaty With Reservations," IRIB (Tehran), 25 September 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960925000496, 25 September 1996.

25 September 1996
US Assistant Secretary of State Thomas McNamara says Germany is unintentionally helping Iran develop nuclear weapons by aiding Iran's civilian nuclear program. "There's no way to do it without facilitating Iran's attempts to develop a nuclear weapons capability," he says.
—Associated Press, 25 September 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

26 September 1996
Nucleonics Week reports that Russian companies participating in the construction of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant failed to supply Tehran with VVER-type reactor equipment as stipulated under an $800 million contract. Officials from the Russian firms said "metallurgical specifications" of the German equipment, installed at the Bushehr plant by Siemens, do not match specifications for the Russian equipment. According to Russian industry sources, the "optimal solution...would be for Minatom [the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy] to exactly match the metallurgy of the [Russian] equipment" with that of the equipment previously installed by Siemens-Kraftwerk Union. Such a move would greatly increase the construction costs and delay completion of the reactor until after 2003. Russian firms are having trouble fitting VVER steam generators into the German plant design, causing Iran to seek out Siemens steam generators. Iran also sought to expand participation in the project to include Western firms such as Electrowatt of Switzerland and Hochtief of Germany. However, Western firms will not join the project as long as the United States opposes it. Iran has paid Russia less than $100 million for its work, and will not make further payments until Minatom commits to a "firm completion deadline." Participating Russian companies refuse to accept such an obligation due to numerous unsolved technical problems at Bushehr, as well as concerns about paying heavy fees if the reactors are not completed on time.
—Mark Hibbs, "Russia-Iran Bushehr PWR Project Shows Little Concrete Progress," Nucleonics Week, 26 September 1996, pp. 3-4.

28 September 1996
Sergei Baburin, the vice-speaker of the Russian State Duma, on a visit to Iran says that the two countries can cooperate in several fields including nuclear energy.
—"Russian Duma Deputy Speaker Discusses Cooperation," IRNA (Tehran), 28 September 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19960928000325, 25 September 1996.

October 1996
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran says it will send a "number of men" to Russia in order to train them for technical positions at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.
—"Russia to Train Iranians for Nuclear Plant," Agence France Presse, 12 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 October 1996
According to an Iranian military source, Iran made a formal request to China regarding the dispatch of an Iranian observation team to China's next scheduled nuclear test. Iran also requested training for ten or more Iranian personnel at Chinese nuclear weapon test sites.
—"Iran's Chinese Shopping List," Iran Brief, 1 October 1996, p. 4-5.

16 October 1996
Yadernyy Kontrol of Moscow reports that Iran has several nuclear installations: a 5MW TRR light water reactor supplied by the United States, which uses 20% enriched uranium that Iran gets from Argentina; a zero-capacity heavy water reactor; a neutron source using 90% enriched uranium; a light water training reactor of subcritical capacity; and a graphite training reactor of subcritical capacity. All but the 5MW reactor were supplied by China.
—Roland Timerbayev, "How Realistic is the Creation of a Nuclear Free Zone in the Near East?," Yadernyy Kontrol (Moscow), 16 October 1996; in "Near East Nuclear-Free Zone Proposed," in FBIS Document FTS 19961016000695, 16 October 1996.

22 October 1996
Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides says an expected shipment of civilian nuclear reactor equipment en route to Iran has not yet arrived. The interdiction is part of a bilateral effort by the United States and Cyprus to stop the flow of technologies and equipment that could aid Iran's nuclear program. Due to lax port regulations, the Cypriot ports of Larnaca and Limassol have become important transit points for shipments of unconventional weapons to Iran and Syria.
—Steve Rodan, "Cyprus, US Team To Block Flow Of Nonconventional Arms To Iran," Defense News, 4 November 1996, p. 15.

27 October 1996
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issues a report rejecting a US accusation that Iran had stolen a portion of a US uranium shipment from Kazakhstan. According to reports, the shipment contained enough uranium to make 21 nuclear bombs. However, uranium sufficient to make two nuclear bombs was reported missing from the original mass. Subsequently, the United States accused Iran of the stealing the missing uranium.
—"Radio Commentary on Row with USA About Missing Kazakh Uranium," The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), 29 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4-5 November 1996
US Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Affairs Lynn Davis discusses arms control issues with Chinese officials in China. She meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen. Davis raise the issue of Chinese assistance to Iran and Pakistan. China gives a formal pledge that it will pull out of a project to build a hexafluoride plant in Iran. [Note: See 6 January 1997.]
—"China Says Taiwan Key Issue At US Arms Talks," Reuters, 5 November 1996; Mure Dickie, "China and US Diverge on Arms Talks," Washington Times, 6 November 1996, p. A2; "Chinese To Deliver Hex Plant Despite Assurances," The Iran Brief, 6 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; R. Jeffery Smith, "China May cancel Proposed Sale of Nuclear Facility to Iran," The Washington Post, 6 November 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

14 November 1996
In a meeting between Sayyidd Shamseddin Kharraqani, the Iranian ambassador to the Netherlands, and J.J. Voorhoeve, the Dutch Minister of defense, Voorhoeve praises the efforts put forth by Iran in the arena of nuclear disarmament and the abolition of chemical weapons. He adds that the Netherlands attaches a great importance to Iran's position in the international arena.
—"Envoy to Netherlands Meets With Dutch Defense Minister," IRNA (Tehran), 14 November 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961114000477, 14 November 1996.

16 November 1996.
Chinese Premier Li Peng meets with Iran's vice-president, Hassan Habbibi
—"Relations With Iran," in FBIS Document Fbis-Trends-02dec96-Prc On Iran Visit, 3 December 1996.

18 November 1996
The third Iran-Russia roundtable discussions are to be held in Tehran. [Note: The second discussions held in Moscow in late 1996 dealt with the promotion of ties between the two countries, strategic as well as nuclear cooperation as well as the positions of the West.]
—"Deputy Minister Previews Discussions With Russia," IRNA (Tehran), 18 November 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961118000493, 18 November 1996.

19 November 1996
Wen Wei Po of Hong Kong, a Chinese-owned publication, publishes a "special article" that reaffirms Beijing's position that Iran complies with international regulations and that therefore it is "entirely reasonable and legitimate" for China to provide nuclear reactors to Iran.
—"Relations With Iran," Fbis-Trends-02dec96-Prc On Iran Visit, 3 December 1996.

23 November 1996
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati says the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be completed on time. Velayati says, "There are no problems with Russia regarding the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and the project will be completed on schedule."
—"Russia Nuclear Power Plant in Iran Completed on Schedule," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 November 1996; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

26 November 1996
A meeting between the Israeli Cabinet and Leonid Kuchma, the Ukrainian president, takes place in Israel. In response to Israeli Foreign Minister David Levi's request to stop Ukrainian firms from participating in the construction of nuclear reactor in Iran, Leonid Kuchma says that he will stop the supply of turbines from Ukraine for the Iranian reactor if it becomes clear that its use could be for producing nuclear weapons.
—Anatoliy Kerzhentsev, "Israel Keeps Moving Closer to Ukraine," Krud Uktaina (Kiev), 26 November 1996; in "Kuchma Asked To Halt Nuclear Aid to Iran," FBIS Document FTS 19961126000722, 26 November 1996.

1 December 1996
Haaretz reports that, according to Israeli analysts, Iran is accelerating its attempts to acquire conventional and unconventional weapons. The analysts also report that Iran now needs significantly less time than was expected to produce a nuclear weapon. The reports also adds that Iran is doing all it can to achieve nuclear capability.
—Eytan Rabin, "Analysts 'Very Concerned' With Iran's Military Moves, Deals," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 1 December 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961201000267, 1 December 1996

2 December 1996
US News and World Report reports that, according to unnamed European intelligence sources, Iran is trying to construct mine shafts in preparation for conducting nuclear tests. The shafts, which are several hundred yards deep, will make the detection of these tests more difficult. Iran is obtaining the technology to build the shafts by saying that it needs the technology to improve the Kazd [Yazd] uranium mines. Although Russia has assisted Iran with the mining project, the intelligence sources believe that Russia has not disclosed "all its advanced technology" on the subject. According to the sources, Iran is attempting to acquire the technology through industrial espionage.
—"Deep Dark Secrets," US News And World Report, 2 December 1996, p. 27.

3 December 1996
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Davydov says that the reactors that Russia is constructing at Bushehr are civilian light water reactors with ordinary output, which cannot produce plutonium.
—Aleksandr Zayaran, "Minister Says Nuclear Reactor for Iran 'Ordinary',"NTV (Moscow), 3 December 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961203000667, 3 December 1996

5-18 December 1996
In response to US concerns, Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian denies that Chinese nuclear and missile sales to Iran and Pakistan violate any international agreements.
—Warren Strobel and Bill Gertz "Chinese General Hits Arms Reports," Washington Times, 10 December 1996; "China Says US Arms Sales To Taiwan Could Ruin Ties," in Executive News Service, 12 December 1996.

5 December 1996
ITAR-TASS reports that Zarubezhatomenergostroy (Russian company for nuclear power engineering abroad) and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran have signed three agreements: for the preparation of designs for building a mine at Saghand; for the technology design and documentation for construction of a uranium ore enrichment plant at Saghand; and for the completion of construction of Block 1 of the Bushehr power station.
—"'No Complications' Seen for Bilateral Nuclear Cooperation," Itar-Tass (Moscow) 5 December 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19970626002353, 26 June 1997.

5 December 1996
Mohammad Husayn Mahluji, Iranian Minister for Mines and Metals, visits Germany and signs a letter of intent to buy German machine-tool maker Sket Magdeburg GmbH. The Iran Brief writes that Iran could be attempting to repeat Saddam Hussein's approach to building nuclear weapons. Hussein in 1987 bought the British machine-tool maker Matrix Churchill, which supplied Iraq with machine tools under dual-use export licenses, some of which were found to part of Iraq's nuclear weapons program.
—"Tehran To Buy German M-Tool Maker," The Iran Brief, 6 January 1997; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

7 December 1996
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister (and Foreign Economic Relations Minister) Oleg Davydov says the Russian-Iranian nuclear power cooperation is without complications and restrictions. Davydov adds that the cooperation between the two countries is continuing pursuant to contracts already signed.
—"Russian, Iranian Ministers Say Nuclear Cooperation Going to Plan," The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), 7 December 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 December 1996
Majlis Speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri indicates that Iran's relations with Russia are excellent and bilateral relations should be expanded. He further indicates that Russia is committed to completing the Bushehr nuclear power plant despite "foreign pressures."
—"Nateq-Nuri Hails 'Excellent' Relations with Russia," IRNA (Tehran) 10 December 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961211000718, 11 December 1996.

12 December 1996
Nucleonics Week reports that Chinese officials said it is their "firm intention to export the UF6 [hexafluoride] plant to Iran." [See November 1996 and 6 January 1997.]
—"Chinese To Deliver Hex Plant Despite Assurances," The Iran Brief, 6 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>

12 December 1996
Nucleonics Week reports that US officials have said China has not met the conditions for President Bill Clinton's certification of China's nonproliferation credentials, which would enable the 1984 Sino-US nuclear cooperation agreement to enter into force. A possible compromise is a "partial certification," which would allow contracts to be signed but not allow transfers of components. China's assistance to nuclear programs in Pakistan and Iran are the primary obstacles to certification. Specifically, US officials are concerned about China's recent statement that it intends to sell a uranium hexafluoride (UF6) plant to Iran. The plant would convert uranium oxide to UF6 using gas centrifuges. China may also be preparing to sell a heavy water weapon-grade HEU research reactor to Iran. The United States wants China to stop using HEU in its nuclear fuel cycle, and to pledge not to export HEU-fueled reactors.
—Mark Hibbs, "China Has Far To Go Before US Will Certify, Agencies Now Say," Nucleonics Week, 12 December 1996, pp. 1, 8-10.

16 December 1996
Israeli defense officials describe Iran's attempts to gain nuclear and other unconventional weapons as "unprecedented." US intelligence sources indicate that Iran's unconventional weapons will become operational in 2002. Additionally, Israeli sources indicate that Iran and Syria have strengthened strategic ties, specifically with respect to unconventional weapons.
—Eytan Rabin, "Defense SourcesReport Iranian Arms Buildup," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 12 December 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961216000444, 16 December 1996.

16 December 1996
Focus calls Iran, as a country, the most active proliferater of weapons of mass destruction in the world. Focus reports that the Iranian civil nuclear program is comprehensive, which could possibly lead it to make nuclear weapons. Iran's pledges that its nuclear program is peaceful are countered by Western intelligence sources stating that Iran is actively seeking to acquire "gas-ultra-centrifuges" that can be used for nuclear weapons production.
—"Realistic threat from NBC weapons," Focus, 16 December 1996, No. 51, p. 64; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS Translation]

16 December 1996
Nuclear Fuel reports that Chinese sources confirmed that China will continue with the deal to build a hexafluoride plant in Iran and that Iran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency of its plans to purchase the plant. Ostensibly, Iran would use the plant to convert its own uranium yellowcake deposits to hexafluroide for export. However, US officials are concerned that the plant could be used to produce weapons-grade nuclear material. In early November 1996, John Holum, director of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA), announced that China had cancelled the UF6 plant sale because Iran could not pay for it. Apparently, by making public the possible cancellation of the deal, ACDA was attempting to pressure China.
—Mark Hibbs, "Iran Told IAEA It Will Build Chinese UF6 Plant At Isfahan," NuclearFuel, 16 December 1996, p. 1, 10-11.

17 December 1996
Al-Shab of Cairo reports that the United States has completed a military plan to strike Iran. Based on the confessions of suspects who outlined Iranian involvement in the Al-Khobar bombing that killed 20 American, the US strikes are planned for terrorist training centers around Tehran as well as Qom and Nahavand. Strikes are also planned for industrial, chemical, and nuclear installations in Tehran, Khark, Isfahan, Bandar-e-Khomayni, and at missile bases in Shahrawand, Shiraz, and Bandar-e Abbas. Iran warns that any attack on it will destabilize stability in the whole region.
—"Paper Details US Plan for 'Military Strike' on Iran," Al-Shab (Cairo), 17 December 1996; in FBIS Document FTS 19961217000890, 17 December 1996.

18 December 1996
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says said the upcoming operation of the cyclotron facility at Karaj is a sign of Iran's emerging capability to manufacture radioisotopes. Amrollahi says that Iran found uranium deposits in Saghand and Bandar-e Abbas.
—"Iran: Construction Of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Under Way Again," IRNA (Tehran), 19 December 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-245, 19 December 1996.

19 December 1996
The Christian Science Monitor reports that China has quietly relayed to the Clinton administration that it is cancelling the sale of a uranium hexafluoride conversion plant to Iran. [Note: See 4 November 1996.]
—"Jonathan S. Landay, "China to Halt Nuclear Deal with Iran, US Official Say," The Christian Science Monitor, 19 December 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

23 December 1996
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issues a statement saying that it does not have a nuclear weapons program. This statement is in response to reports of underground columns in the city of Yazd. It adds that digging tunnels and constructing columns are fundamental parts to mining activities, and not out of the ordinary.
—Xinhua, 23 December 1996; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.