Editorial: Iran’s reckless nuclear plans

Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 | 8:17 a.m.

On Tuesday, defying world opinion, Iran ended a two-year freeze on nuclear research when it reopened a uranium enrichment plant. Iran claims it will only conduct research at the plant that is related to nuclear energy, but the reality is that this is all about pushing ahead to make nuclear weapons.

It truly is a frightening prospect: Iran, a country controlled by Islamic extremists and whose new president has called for the extermination of Israel, is embarking on a path where it could one day possess nuclear weapons. The United States and European nations stepped up talk this week of the United Nations imposing economic sanctions against Iran.

"We obviously don't rule out any measures at all," British Prime Minister Tony Blair said. "It's important Iran recognizes how seriously the international community treats it." Even Russia, an ally of Iran, expressed its "deep disappointment" with Iran.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad didn't display any contrition or indications that his country would be willing to abandon its recklessness. "Unfortunately, a group of bullies allows itself to deprive nations of their legal and natural rights," Ahmadinejad said in a speech. "The Iranian nation is not frightened by the powers and their noise."

This is a crucial test for the international community to take decisive action against Iran, a regime that is showing no signs of rationality.