Does Iran pose a major threat to our world?

Here are the responses

Iran had for long been an American stooge, to say it in a diplomatic polished language an ally. Tehran had seen and enjoyed a lot of development on the American model. Things however had undergone a radical change in 1979 when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini launched Iran's Islamic revolution. Since then Iran has been the target of American administration as its international policy irrespective of who the President of USA is. Barack Obama too is thus no exception.
America's  interests in Iran's petroleum reserves are well known to the world. After Khomeini's Islamic revolution Iran started dictating its terms which has irked the USA. USA has tried every political ploy to justify their argument against Iran that Iran is gradually going nuclear and is a potential danger for the world. Iran was on UNSC agenda also to impose sanctions on it. UNSC had even passed a resolution in June 2010. The US Treasury did not delay in announcing the first set of sanctions against Iran. USA has also frozen all Iranian assets under its jurisdiction.
Be that as it may, by just going nuclear Iran need not be branded as a major threat to the world. There are any number of countries who are already nuclear and even after signing the non-proliferation treaty none of them are sincerely adhering to the clauses of the treaty and are clandestinely engaged in proliferation. But, every nation knows that nuclear war is a very distant possibility since in such a situation its own destruction is imminent. Then why Iran alone is a major threat to the world?
India had always good relations with Iran both during the pre and post Islamic revolution days. Iran has its own internal problems with clerics, the reformists, the conservatives, Iran's Revolutionary guards and the Ayatollah supporters. Yet India did not favour UNSC sanctions against Iran. Under Mohammed El Baradei even the IAEA was a lot more conciliatory towards Iran. As long as Iran goes by the philosophy of "nuclear energy for all and nuclear weapons for none "Iran does not pose a major threat to our world.
Krishna Chander Mouli

America attacked Iraq on the pretext that Iraq has chemical weapons {which are weapons of extreme destruction} and Iraq is intending to use them against America. Hence America totally ruined Iraq, though till today not a single chemical weapon has been found there. Earlier, in the same way America has destroyed Afghanistan also.
Now, again western media is presenting a garbled picture of Iran and showing that the rulers in Tehran are treacherous and deceitful. They are not trustworthy though Iran has repeatedly declared that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes but the opponents of Iran and particularly America are doing propaganda that Iran is a real and imminent threat to the security and stability of the world.
When we ponder on the past role of America we chop and change and think that Iran is not a threat for the world. It is merely a propaganda by America for creating public opinion against Iran so that in case of any action by America nobody can oppose its action against Iran. As a matter of fact America is absolutely against the nuclear capability of Iran because in case Iran becomes a nuclear power then in this region it will be a great threat to Israel {which is very intimate friend of America} so America is creating hurdles and taking objections on the nuclear programme of Iran every now and then.
Iran will be a threat to the world it is merely a presumption and totally for misguiding the world. In the world there are so many countries which have nuclear power when they are not any threat to the world, how Iran can be a threat to the world?
S Zia Ul Hasan Naqvi

Iran is being seen as a threat to the world just because it is defiant and not willing to surrender under US pressure. The whole world is against the Uranium Enrichment programme carried out by Iran. It's a conundrum that if nations like US can have nuclear warheads, the only nation who have used nuclear bomb (little boy) on Japan and nation Pakistan which is protecting and defending proclaimed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed, can have nuclear power and is not considered as a threat to our world, then I think we can live with nations like Iran also. Iran has a free foreign policy whereas in our nation, foreign policies are being decided according to US interests and that is why we are negotiating with Pakistan which is providing all the infrastructure and intelligence to terrorist groups against India. We are the one who succumb to US pressure and make a blunder like Shamal Shake. Having said that we are living in an era where every nation should respect the sentiments of world community and if someone doesn't want to be a part of it, then it is obvious that their plans and actions will raise doubts.
Ashish Mishra

No, it doesn't. Iran posing a major threat to our world is more of an American hype than the fact. In plain terms, it is American dadagiri. If the powerful countries can possess nuclear weapons on the pretext of safeguarding their security why should Iran be deprived of possessing them for its security. Modern Iran doesn't have a history of aggression. It was Iraq that launched a war against Iran reportedly at the US behest and Iran had every right to defend itself. Moreover as of now Iran faces threats to its security from America and its proxies (Israel), Sunni Pakistan (Pakistan is also supported by Saudi Arabia) and predominantly Sunni Afghanistan and it cannot take it lying down. Disarmament is an ideal thing for the world but it should start from those that have stockpiles of nuclear arms. If the big 5 possessing nuclear arms take the lead, other countries will automatically follow. If they don't, the UN should pursue it both with moral pressure and coercion. As of now, Iran doesn't pose a threat to world peace.
RJ Khurana

Iran's threat of developing nuclear weapons, its incitement to genocide, sponsorship of terrorism as well the widespread abuse of its own citizens rights, add up to a responsibility for the international community to act.
The present major threat is the nuclear potential that Iran has and also the work on the nuclear plant is "extremely advanced" and involves "hundreds" of gas centrifuges ready to produce enriched uranium and "the parts for a thousand others ready to be assembled." International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded that Iran actually introduced Uranium Hexafluoride gas into some centrifuges at an undisclosed location to test their ability to work. That would be a blatant violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which Iran is a signatory.
It's also worth mentioning that former US president Bush's hard public line against the so-called "Axis of Evil", combined with the threatened war with Iraq, have acted as a spur to both Iran and North Korea to accelerate their nuclear programmes. Yes, it's true that if those countries didn't have much incentive or motivation before, they certainly did after the Axis of Evil statement.
This is for sure that Iran's dictatorship is making worldwide threats and is indirectly dithering international community. We know from experience that such a situation leads to catastrophe. States have a legal obligation. And the whole world should stand against this dictatorship policy to prevent Iran from carrying through with its deadly course of action. This is not just a policy option, but an international legal obligation of the first order.
Sherin P Babu

We have had three world wars. Wars bring sufferings and nations have come together to avoid wars. Iran is a Muslim nation. Its past political history has been full of turmoil. Today its president is Mehmood Ahemadinejad. The country wants to meet its energy requirements through nuclear method. Nations which want to use nuclear materials for meeting their energy needs have to be part of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. However, Iran has refused to be part of the NPT. Not only Iran there are a number of other nations in the Gulf which want to build nuclear plants for meeting their energy needs.
The ex-president of America George Bush had termed Iran as an Axis of Evil. The US fears that if Iran is allowed to reprocess uranium, then it may build atomic weapons which may bring colossal destruction. How far it is true we do not know as there are many other nations on earth which posses the facility of enriching uranium to produce plutonium for making atomic bombs.
`politics almost as existing as war and quite as dangerous. In war you can be killed once, but in politics many times', said the great statesman Sir Winston Churchill. This is absolutely true in respect of Iran. Enlightened self-interest is evident in the case of the hue and cry over the weapons of mass destruction.
It is said the next world war will start from the Gulf nations. Today almost every country faces threat from terrorists in varying degrees. Political desires and ambitions, conflicting with those of the government, are expressed through violence so that they would be better heard. To a large extent it is such a scenario which is responsible for the deterioration of the social and economic conditions.
Global community needs to pacify Iran towards its nuclear ambitions and not impose sanctions on it as sanctions would hurt the common people there. The west should learn a lesson from Iraq which was finally attacked to dethrone Saddam because he had stockpiled weapons of mass destruction. However, till today these weapons of mass destruction have not been found in Iraq.
PS Pawar

Yes, A nuclear-armed Iran and its ballistic missiles would pose a potential threat to the peace and security of the entire world. In fact Iranian regime is a threat to itself too.
Iran's technical advancement confirms that it has the scientific, technical and industrial capacity to eventually produce nuclear weapons.
With Iran's history of nuclear secrecy and restricting U.N. inspections, just enriching to 3.5 percent has stirred mistrust abroad since Iran will not have any operating nuclear power plants using low-enriched uranium (LEU) for many years.
Iran's threat of developing nuclear weapons, its incitement to genocide, and sponsorship of terrorism add up to a responsibility for the international community to act.
Iran escalated its enrichment work, adding to concerns that it wants to stockpile potential material for nuclear weapons.
Analysts also said that Iran had enriched uranium well above its needs, except to lay the groundwork for producing bomb-grade uranium. But the Iranians claim that all this work is merely in pursuit of civilian nuclear power. But it's hard to believe as nuclear power plant will be the most expensive form of electrical power possible.
A nuclear Iran (a country rich with oil) would immediately trigger a rapid Middle Eastern arms race. This region is very important to the entire world because of the oil flow.
Many other nations would seek similar defenses, and any plans for international nuclear disarmament could vanish. Thus the goal of international disarmament is receding to a distant dream.
It will be difficult to successfully intervene in Iran's affairs as the nation has been consistently resistant of international efforts to put an end to its nuclear ambitions.
U.N. Security Council should persuade Iran to give up its nuclear program without resorting to military force.
Undenied, too, are Iran's links with terrorist organizations beyond its borders. We must ensure that terrorists never acquire a nuclear weapon. One terrorist with one nuclear weapon could unleash massive destruction.
Iran is deliberately causing maximum problems for moderate governments. All nations must come together and stand shoulder to shoulder to pressure the Iran to change course.
In fact all countries must harness the power of nuclear energy to combat climate change, and to advance peace opportunity for all people.
Iran should take its rightful place in the community of nations, politically and economically.
PS Prakasa Rao

There is no doubt that our world is under threat. To determine this threat perception, one has to evaluate various factors. Now, the question: 'Does Iran pose a major threat to our world?' Of course, the answer can be gauged from the fact that Iran, under its present leadership, is pursuing a bellicose policy.
Earlier, Iraq under its dictator Saddam Hussein was pursuing such a policy and we all know how that was brought down, though the reason for aggression against that sovereign nation was the allegation of building up WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction).
It was not that Iraq was not holding such weapons, but the way the world under the US leadership prepared grounds to attack Iraq under such a wild allegation, which later on boomeranged on their very face, but by then it was too late, as Hussein and his whole family was eliminated; Iraq was looted; its infrastructure destroyed arbitrarily and hundreds of thousands of innocent people perished in the cross fire, brutal bombardment and mindless demolitions.
Factually, the root cause of imperial powers to utilize such opportunities for their own advantage is the in-fights within the two distinct factions of Islam - the Shiites and Sunnis. Both Iran and Iraq fought about an eight years long war and the potency of Sunni dominated Iraq to over-power the Shiite dominated Iran was proved by Saddam through his brazen and grotesque overrun on Kuwait that caused the 1991 Gulf War. Ever since, Hussein's count-down started and that gave way for the Americans to enter the region in the guise of redeeming Kuwait from Hussein's control. That hegimonistic step of the US later caused 9/11.
What all started thereafter is still continuing and the US/NATO forces are heavily engaged in Afghanistan/Pakistan to catch hold of the key figures i.e. Bin Laden and his Al Qaeda. Now, they are almost confirming that Laden is in AfPak area. While they are hotly chasing him, Laden and his folks may be engaged in hectic activity how to mastermind another 9/11 or 26/11 type counter attack against the US and its allies which includes our own country. As far as India is concerned, we are engaged in a tight-rope walk, not to displease anyone, including Iran, as we have our own brand of foreign policy. Now, the US and its ally's agenda to contain Iran are with the view to stop Iran attaining Nuclear weapons. Russia is solidly behind the Iranian nuclear policy. Only recently, the Russian President categorically confirmed that Iran is much closer to achieve their goal.
And why Iran is a major threat to our world can be gauged more from the reaction of Iran after they achieve that goal. Time and again, the Iranian President Mehmood Ahemadinejad stated that Israel has no right to exist and his priority number one is to finish it off from the face of this earth. So, naturally, Israel, who is very much active and kicking right on the middle of the earth, would strive to stop Iran either achieving their goal or may even engage in some misadventure that would pave the way for the literal fulfillment of the 100% accurate and time tested Godly prophesies. Anyone can read the Book of Ezekiel Chapter 38 & 39 and discern the seriousness of this threat perception. Gog- Magog in that prophetic portion stands for the entire former Soviet Union and other countries like Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Togarma are the traditional allies of the Communist block who extend full support to Iran in its nuke-weapon hot chase. Now the vital question: who holds the right to determine Israel's right to exist on this earth - God or anybody else? I leave it as a challenging poser to my august readers to come forth with their genuine/justifiable argument/answer. As the very threat of our world depends much on this vital question and its answer only.
RK Kutty

Iran is still striving to produce nuclear weapons. This was revealed by leakage of an Iranian document relating to its atomic programme, in a western magazine some months ago. Worldwide debate ensued. Iran persistently denies such a programme. The document hints at Iran equating work relating to neutron and uranium sources with its nuclear weapons. Iran stresses that its atomic programme is to benefit its common people as the problem about electricity, oil and gas resources will be eased. The west calling it half truth, question the whole plan.
After perusing the English translation of original Persian language documents, two Persian experts found its language confused by the technical jargons. They concluded that under guise of civilian research, Iran was working clandestine atomic weapons production. Mark Fit3patric of International Institute of Strategic studies says that the uranium programme of Iran is going on since 2007; if there be any secret plan to produce atomic weapons, no political solution could be possible. Iran is opposing US, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia so that it can imposed its will upon them. Time and again the issue has been raised that Iran was conducting its nuclear programme in violation of Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. Ban imposed in 2003, worked well with 2007.
A historical survey may crystallize the dispute. In 1950 Iran began its atomic programme with US aid under the `Atom for peace' programme. Its first nuclear plant, Bushar I commenced production in 2009. in early 1990s, Iran constituted joint research organization with Russian collaboration. In wake of allegations, since 1992, that Iran was conducting undeclared nuclear activities, the IAEA team toured Iran. On august 14, 2002, the spokesman of Iranian dissent group national council made it clear that two nuclear sites were being established at Naitanj. Brushing aside international opposition to its uranium enrichment programme, Iran had been declaring since 2007 that it shall not produce atom bomb, and dismissed any sanctions imposed by the IAEA.
IAEA submitted periodic reports on Iran's atomic activities. The 15 Sept 2008 report admitted Iran's supply of its nuclear programme, but doubted its reliability. Most significantly, IAEA director general admitted in his report dt 19 Feb 2009, that in violation of UN Security Council rules, Iran was enriching uranium and produced huge quantity of low potency enriched uranium. Upon testing the environment samples it was found that the Tehran plants were in conformity of Iran's atomic plant. It was alleged that Iran declined to supply the designs of its nuclear weapons and of its IR40 Heavy Water Research Reactor.
Disgruntled Iranian foreign ministry expressed its anger against the UN members that voted against Iran upon IAEA proposal for sanctions. Labeling the sanctions as illegal, the ministry proposed to act against IAEA. However, President Mehmood Ahmdi Najad doesn't wish to air the dispute and favours peaceful negotiations.
David Albright, president, Institute of Science & International Security, Washington opines that although Iran speaks of public welfare, but the `sea-page' leaked documents clearly hint at Iran's march for production of nuclear weapons.
Arun Sarje

Iran has threatened to punish the West for imposing new sanctions over its disputed nuclear programme. Iran plans to delay talks and warned that inspections of Iranian ships could provoke retaliation. Its President did not, however, elaborate or specify what kind of action could be taken.
Sanctions could cause economic problems for Tehran but probably wouldn't derail its ambitions. The United States believes Iran has enough low-enriched uranium now for two weapons but Iran would have to enrich it, if they made that decision, it would probably take a year to get there, probably another year to develop the kind of weapons delivery system in order to make that viable. But the CIA's suspicions are in themselves cause for concern for Russian President.
Speaking after the G8 and G20 summits, the information needs to be checked and confirmed because if it is true, the issue would require special attention. Iran has admitted having some partially enriched uranium, in defiance of UN efforts to halt its atomic programme, which Tehran insists is needed only to power a medical research reactor. Iran poses a major threat to launch a missile blitz against the Gulf states and plunge the entire Middle East into war if America attacks its nuclear facilities. Iran warned that Gulf states providing the US with military cooperation would be the key targets of a barrage of ballistic missiles. the US journal Defense News that missiles would be launched not only at US military bases but also at strategic targets such as oil refineries and power stations. Gulf hosts important US bases and British forces are based in all Gulf countries.
Any Iranian attack would be bound to draw in the other Gulf Cooperation Council states: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. The attacks on Arab states would be in addition to air strikes on Israel, which have been threatened repeatedly. Iran objective would be to overwhelm US missile defence systems with dozens and maybe hundreds of missiles fired simultaneously at specific targets, therefore Iran's major threat has become a great danger to our World peace, as if action starts there will be no end, our passed example of world peace burnt its fingers during Iraq war and as per proverb Hot milk burning lips make afraid one drinking soft drink even.
Dr Visal A Khan

The following points may lead us to deduce how Iran poses a major threat to the world.
1. Arab oil producing countries have begun to raise the prices of oil from time to time since 1973. This has wrecked the financial and economic position of all other countries which are not self-sufficient in the production of crude oil- the main source of input for their survival, development and prosperity. The present oil crisis and daily rising prices has created a highly inflationary condition in even advanced countires like the UK, USA, France, Japan etc. People of other countries began to think that Iran being a major producer (40% of oil) has been posing a major threat to other countries in the world.
2. Iran has enough fissile material for two atomic bombs and is able to develop nuclear weapons. This issue also poses a threat to other countries of the world.
3. Iran is a non-democratic nation. So Iran with its autocratic governance is free to declare war against its enemies.
As Iran poses a major threat to other countries, the UNSC has passed four resolutions in 206, 207, 208 and 2010.
In the 4th UNSC resolution (dt 9th June 2010), UNSC slapped sanctions on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme and nuclear related investments and blocking its use of banks abroad and assets freezes for members of Islamic Revolutionary Guard corps. In the 15-member Council, 12 countries voted in favour of the resolution with Lebanon abstaining and Brazil and Turkey voting against.
US has been accusing Iran seeking to develop atomic weapons and Tehran has been maintaining that its uranium enrichment programme is for peaceful civilian purposes.
Let the rain of adversity nourish
The fruits of the spirit.
KY Jacob

In the fast progressive world, every country wants to be a super power and for that all are trying to develop their own defensive forces. In this aspect, the best example can be our own nation India. The amount of money we spend on defence are going to be used for threatening others and show the power that each one has.
Yes, we can't deny the fact that there are a number of terrorists in Iran, which are the cause of violence to achieve their political and selfish motives. We see and hear in TV and newspapers that every other minute there is a bomb blast leading to loss of lives. All these happen not by chance but there are people who are doing these kinds of terrorist activities and training people for terrorism. We see terrorism not only in Iran but also in other countries at various levels.
In some way or the other, all the countries are threat to each other. Specially those countries which are trying to dominate the others, by developing more weapons for defence.
No one is born bad. Yes. Terrorists are not born but they are being so shaped. So we need to find out which are the elements and organisations promoting terrorism for their political motives and we need to get rid of these elements, then only we can build a world of peace and harmony. Till then, not only Iran but also other countries where terrorism is a menace, pose a major threat to the world.
Kulandhai Yesu Raja

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