Iran?

[murray hill farm]

What law, mandate,convention,etc. states..and give the UN the authority to sanction Iran when it comes to developing nuclear power? Why cant Iran just say...the USA does it, Russia does it..so we will do it too...and just "no"..inspectors cannot come in and check on us? This has always confused me? Iran is not allowed to develop nuclear power? Says who? What is the authority on this?

[Crunchy Frog]

1. I guess they're signatories

to the non-proliferation treaty, but I would think that they would have the right to formally withdraw from that anytime they want. I mean, we've withdrawn from enough treaties.

[murray hill farm]

2. Right!

And it seems no one questions this...and it seems obsurd to me! Why doesnt Iran just say "fuck you"..we will protect ourselves from just like the rest of the world.

[Cocoa]

3. for pragmatic reasons

despite the neocon rhetoric, the theory of international law works in the real world. It's in Iran's interests not to be a rogue state.

[murray hill farm]

4. But what is the "authority" on this?

By what authority does the UN sanction some countries and not others when it comes to development of nuclear power?

[RafterMan]

5. It's the non-proliferation treaty

not the non-existence treaty.

Iran has the right to develop nuclear power under the treaty, and are using it. It's the possibility of a weapons program that is causing a stir.

If you're trying to make a broader, philosophical point I don't see it. By what "authority" does anything happen anywhere? Most countries that are not Iran don't want Iran to develop nuclear weapons, they don't need anyone's "authority" to say so.

[murray hill farm]

6. no, not trying to make a point!

i just am curious as to what established the authority of the UN to sanction some countries when they attempt to develop nuclear power..or weapons..and not others.

[murray hill farm]

7. thanks for the info!

Yep, thats it..non proliferation treaty! So, thank you for the starting point to looking for more info...at last i know the answer to my question.

[baltodemvet]

8. Let's be clear about "nuclear power"

If they want to use nuclear technology to generate electricity, that's one thing (and largely their own business.) If they want to become a nuclear power that's quite another (and everyone's business.) Since moving on the former can create opportunities for the latter, it's a matter which deserves careful attention.