The Dec. 3 assessment by the U.S. intelligence community that Iran has not pursued an active nuclear weapons program since 2003 could lessen concerns about a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. According to the just released unclassified summary of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran's nuclear intentions and capabilities, "Tehran's decision to halt its nuclear weapons program suggests it is less determined to develop nuclear weapons than we have been judging since 2005." U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley released a statement that, "Today's National Intelligence Estimate offers some positive news. It confirms that we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons. It tells us that we have made progress in trying to ensure that this does not happen."
Iran Intelligence Estimate Could Reduce Fears of Middle East Arms Race
