According to an Iranian position paper, Iran’s protestations that it doesn’t seek nuclear weapons capability are a lie. The paper, which was used by Iran’s negotiators at Iran’s technical-level talks with the P5+1 powers in Istanbul, clearly indicates Iran’s intentions to expand their nuclear weapons program and rejection of negotiation with the West.

Iran protests that it needs additional facilities because of threats from the West: “Facing constant threats, we need a back up facility to safeguard our enrichment activities,” referring to the Fordow enrichment facility where Iran carries out its 20% uranium enrichment.  The document continues that Iran needs “ … at least 4 other research reactors because of the territorial extent of Iran and the short lifetime of medical isotopes” and that Iran aspires “to sell fuel complexes to other countries.”

Not only does the document outline Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but the political path Iran will take in order to achieve its goals. First, Iran will pursue international recognition of its rights to enrich more uranium, and then to stop all sanctions against it. In order to bolster its argument, the paper mentions Iran’s anger at the P5+1 proposals for a negotiated agreement, especially the P5+1’s demand that Iran shut down its enrichment facility at Fordow.