Chairman Reyes Comments on National Intelligence Estimate on Iran
Today's National Intelligence Estimate on Iran reflects a remarkable shift in our Intelligence Community's assessment of Iran's nuclear capabilities and intentions.Just two years ago, the Intelligence Community believed that Iran was determined to develop nuclear weapons. Today's document indicates that Iran's nuclear weapons program has been halted since 2003 -- although it continues to enrich uranium and may be keeping open the option of developing a nuclear weapon in the future.
This estimate indicates that Iran may be responsive to the international pressure it has received as a result of its flagrant refusal to adhere to Security Council resolutions. I strongly urge President Bush to pursue a clear-eyed, serious diplomatic effort, with both carrots and sticks, to prevent Iran from restarting its nuclear weapons program. We must not lose sight of this threat.
Stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon must be one of the highest priorities of the United States and the international community. Iran is the world's preeminent state sponsor of terrorism, and there are indications that the Al Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has assisted insurgents in lethal activity against U.S. forces in Iraq.
In the coming days, the Intelligence Committee will be briefed on the full classified estimate. I will be asking several questions. First, I will want to be fully informed about the classified sources upon which this estimate is based. Second, I will want to review areas where certain agencies dissent. Third, I will seek to understand why Iran suspended its program and what can be done in the future to prevent Iran from restarting it.
To read the full NIE report, click here.