GLIMUN 2009 : Iran
In September, Iran surprised the world community with the announcement that it was building a second nuclear enrichment facility at Fordo, in addition to its first facility at Natanz. This was in violation of IAEA rules requiring member states complying with nuclear nonproliferation treaties to notify them as soon as the decision to build a facility has been reached – and there has been concern expressed by the international community that the only reason for the notification was that US intelligence agencies had discovered the site and that there is no peaceful justification for the second site – adding to concerns that the size and scope of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program is not consistent with its claims of a peaceful program aimed at generating enriched uranium for power plant usage.
Iran is currently in negotiations with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany in an attempt to resolve their alarm about the potential security consequences of a nuclearized Iran in a peaceful manner.
If diplomacy fails, sanctions on Iran remain extremely tricky as they would need to focus on either preventing gasoline from being shipped back into Iran from foreign refineries or on material military and economic services being provided by Russia and China. Any sanctions could potentially be answered in kind, and Iran produces approximately 5% of the World’s oil supply and approximately 25% of the world’s oil supply passes through the straits of Hormuz, immediately south of Iran and potentially rendered inaccessible through naval mines or surface to surface missiles. These same issues will weigh on any decision to use military force as well.
Research Links
UN Resolution 1803 requiring Iran to cease from any Uranium enrichment activities
Case by Global Security that Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful
Iran, Israel Eyeball at Mideast Nuke Conference
UN Presses Iran on Nuclear Site
Position Papers:
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by Catherine Gray representing Turkey from Royal Oak High School:
Turkey would like this committee to focus on Iran’s nuclear power issue. First we would like to make it clear that Iran wants nuclear power and that does not mean nuclear weapons. Turkey is mindful of the serous threat posed by nuclear weapons. Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (the NPT) article four, all states have the inalienable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Iran has the unalienable right, to have nuclear energy, for peaceful energy uses only, as Iran plans to do. Russia traded nuclear energy information to Iran; Russia was following the NPT when they traded nuclear information. The IAEA (Atomic Energy Agency) has found no evidence that Iran is building nuclear weapons. Many of the Country’s that are openly opposed to Iran having nuclear weapons have nuclear technology themselves. Is this fair? Article six of the NPT states that the Parties of the Treaty agree to disarm their nuclear weapons at an early date. However the five permanent Security Council members all have nuclear arsenals, and no known intention of destroying their weaponry. Turkey suggests that any Nation with nuclear weapons should disarm them. Iran is fully living up to the NPT. Iran is not in the West that does not mean they are going to be irresponsible with their nuclear technology. One component of a modern lifestyle is nuclear energy. If the people of Iran want a modern, more Western lifestyle than they should be able to accomplish it with no objection. Our resolution should follow the NPT, especially articles four and six and encourage peace talks between Iran and Western powers.
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by Ian Magenta representing Austria from Saline High School:
In September, it was found that Iran had built a second nuclear facility without notifying the IAEA. Many countries are in agreement that there is no peaceful justification for this second site.
Austria, as a member of the European Union, condemns the Iranian nuclear program for its secrecy. The European Union has also supported the United Nations Security Council’s actions and sanctions against the Iranian nuclear program. Austria does believe, however, that Iran has a right to nuclear technology under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Austria supports engaging Iran about its nuclear program using dialogue but stresses that, although the international community may be ready for talks, Iran must be willing to do so in order for such talks to take place.
Austria does not agree with all the European Union sanctions against the Iranian nuclear program. Austria also opposes the sanctions that have been proposed by the EU3. Coinciding with its constitutional law, Austria has declared itself neutral on this situation.
Austria’s support of the United State’s policy towards Iran is one of lowest in the European Union and Austria will continue to resist pressure from the United States to reduce bilateral trade ties with Iran.
Austria still economically and diplomatically cooperates with Iran. Austria and some our companies, such as the OMV, continue to do business with Iran. Actions by the European Union and the United Nations have not deterred this relationship and we will continue to discuss greater private and public sector cooperation with Iran. In fact, the OMV has contracted an agreement with Iran to produce gas out of its South Pars oil fields.
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by Christiaan Tahyar representing Uganda from Cranbrook Kingswood:
In the modern world many countries are worried about the possible consequences of nuclear accidents. In the face of its new nuclear program the Islamic Republic of Iran has come under the scrutiny of the United Nations. The world was shocked by Iran’s announcement of its new enrichment facility at Fordo this facility is of course in violation of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s rules and regulations. Iran’s refusal to stop uranium enrichment and heavy-water projects, along with taking issue with the IAEA’s need to verify the design in the facility, has brought further alarm to the international community. In response to these alarms sanctions have been placed on Iran. Despite these restrictions talks of possible new sanctions have been discussed.
Having just joined the Security Council for the 2009-2010 term we have made no significant contribution to this issue in the past. The Republic of Uganda believes that further sanctions are not the answer. While we believe that Iran should pursue safe nuclear Energy, We also believe that full cooperation with the Security Council and IAEA’s request for a suspension of enrichment is in order, We urge Iran to suspend such actions as such a demonstration of cooperation will foster faster solutions. We remind Iran that the IAEA’s inspections are for their and the International community’s mutual safety. We would also remind this council that the IAEA has found no conclusive evidence of negligence or militarization in Iran’s nuclear program. The Republic of Uganda fully supports the development of nuclear energy for civilian purposes and economic growth. We would point out to Iran its potential for producing natural gas, which is a viable alternative to nuclear power. But we fully understand if Iran feels that nuclear power is the most efficient form to achieve renewable power. The Republic of Uganda urges further discussion between Iran and the Security Council to come to a mutually beneficial resolution.
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by Karly Lawniczak representing China from Royal Oak High School:
Country: PR China
Submitted to: Security Council
Topic: Iran
Delegate: Karly Lawniczak
PR China would like to extend out support to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in a way that promotes international stability. We reaffirm the need to peacefully resolve the any problems in context to the threat or disruption of this maintenance of stability, particularly within the Islamic Republic of Iran. We would like to remind the Security Council that the eradication of nuclear weapons is possible in a peaceful way, without the need for sanctions or embargoes.
Specifically, PR China would like to reaffirm article VI of the NPT and hope that Iran can achieve these measures. PR China would like to encourage the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency on multilateral approaches with Iran, including assurances of nuclear fuel supply and related measures while minimizing the risk of proliferation in order to begin disarmament.
PR China understands Iran’s growing need to become competitive in the growing market of nuclear power as an alternative energy source. We would like to support their national sovereignty, and yet advocate for safe power-sharing agreements that would reduce the need for continued nuclear weapons and energy growth. We encourage Iran to follow all protocol established by the NPT and IAEA in hope that safeguard function in Iran can be strengthen. PR China affirms the need for the complete prohibition and destruction of nuclear weapons and until that has been achieved, we urge Iran to undertake a policy of self defense and no-first use of nuclear weapons.
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by Dalton Allan representing United States from Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy:
The United States is opposed to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The United States demands that Iran allow full disclosure of the enrichment program and international inspections of Iranian nuclear enrichment plants. The United States believes that Iran has engaged in deception about its nuclear research capabilities. The United States also believes that the plants disclosed previously are designed to produce weapons-grade uranium. Iran’s nuclear program is incompatible with international agreements for nuclear nonproliferation.
The United States contends that Iran’s attempts to enrich uranium, a key component in the development of nuclear weapons, present a real and serious risk to global security. The United States seeks to restrict the importation of “dual use” technology that may be used for both peaceful and military purposes. The United States respectfully asks the United Nation member states to impose inspections of cargo suspected of containing nuclear material and technology as well as inspections of the Iranian nuclear plants themselves. The United States demands that Iran suspend all uranium enrichment programs immediately. Failure to comply with these demands should be met with the stiffest of sanctions on Iran. The United States calls for tougher and tighter sanctions to be imposed, including blocking arms export, freezing assets, and banning all items that could lead to the development of Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Simultaneously, the United States encourages diplomatic and economic incentives to Iran for the suspension of all uranium enrichment programs.
While the United States condemns any continued uranium enrichment in Iran, it remains committed to using diplomacy to address the full range of issues and to pursue constructive ties with Iran. The United States seeks honest engagement grounded in mutual respect.
Most respectfully submitted,
Dalton Allan
Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
The United States
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by John Lee representing United Kingdom from Cranbrook Kingswood:
The United Kingdom believes that the proliferation of nuclear weapons throughout the world is a potentially catastrophic detriment to world peace as it stands presently. Thus, the United Kingdom will continue its resolute support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which we believe has been a major factor to the relative peace which the international community has experienced in the past several decades.
Therefore, the United Kingdom stands firmly against the nuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Though we understand Iran’s desire to possess nuclear technology, it has gone about that process in a somewhat perfidious way. Iran has gone about the building of several nuclear facilities without prior notification to the International Atomic Energy Agency. This simply exhibits Iran’s unwillingness to operate within standards sanctioned by the international community, and shows that the Republic of Iran as a nation is not yet privileged to possess nuclear technology at this time.
However, the United Kingdom does not in any way support economic sanctions against Iran as a means to deter the development of its nuclear program. The United Kingdom does not believe that such sanctions are generally effective, and we believe such measures to be unnecessarily punitive. We do however, believe that some coercive measures must be taken by the international community – which shall be determined by that body through discussion.
The United Kingdom does not believe that such sanctions are generally effective, and we believe such measures to be unnecessarily punitive. We do however, believe that some coercive measures must be taken by the international community – which shall be determined by that body through discussion.
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by andrew stinavage representing Viet Nam from Mattawan High School:
The major issue at hand in Iran is their uranium enrichment program. In the past few months, leaders have accused Iran of building a secret underground plant to manufacture nuclear fuel. In talks between Iran, the United States and other major powers, Iran agreed to quickly open the newly revealed plant to international inspection. It also agreed to send most of its openly declared enriched uranium outside Iran, to be turned into fuel for a small reactor that produces medical isotopes. American officials remained skeptical about whether Iran would follow through, and many suspected that other secret sites remain hidden. This new development has only compounded the already confrontational line Iran has taken in the past and the complete disregard of the demands of the UN Security council to stop.
The Iranian nuclear program poses the potential for a major conflict in the Middle East and the World. Their continuing effort to obtain nuclear weapons escalates tension within the region and their missiles have the sufficient range to strike Israel, parts of Europe and American bases in the Persian Gulf.
Vietnam would propose favorable conditions to creating a peaceful solution including cessation of hostile policies against Iran, assurance of Iran’s legitimate establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, and the adherence by all States in the region to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Also, Vietnam would be opposed to any unilateral state actions against the Iranian nuclear program.
In the past, many of the Security Council’s members have played a role in shaping the government of Vietnam. That being said, Vietnam plans to work with its traditional ally, China, in regards to the Iran nuclear program issue.
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by Joseph LoCascio representing France from Roeper School:
Joseph LoCascio
The Republic of France
The Roeper School
Security Council
French Policy on Iran
This issue, really, is simple. We can solve the disagreement between Iran and much of the rest of the world here and now. With your support, and with the cooperation of many parties that have been, up to this point, rather obstinate, this case of conflicting opinions that has taken far too long to untie can be dissolved. France grows impatient.
France’s intelligence agency has stated that it is “certain” Iran is working on nuclear weaponry. This is unacceptable. The Iranian government has been duplicitous, ambiguous, dubious, and continues to vacillate before the standards the international community has worked so very hard to construct and implement. Transparency before the IAEA and compliance with the NPT are required.
If Iran wants nuclear power for civilian purposes, and, I assure you, France and the French people would be most sympathetic if you did considering that this is our own means of power, then the Iranian government must not hesitate to take up the offer France and Germany have urged—to send your uranium abroad to be enriched.
France's commercial links with Iran are strong, and France has in the past served as an intermediary between Iran and the West. This, however, does not mean France will give in to the new attempt to stall that is Iran's request for further talks. Iran must make up its mind. It is unnecessary to dwell on the past. The decision before the Islamic Republic now is clear. Become lucid in its nuclear efforts, and decide whether or not your uranium will be shipped to my country and Russia for enrichment. Bear in mind, should Iran take this deal the EU as a whole is willing to become very much more cooperative.
French policy, as the reader has come to see, is clear. We have our hand extended. We are in full support of diplomatic options. But will we wait only a little while longer. There was fraud in the recent elections. It is undeniable. This does not help Iran’s position. If necessary, considering the conflation of these two aspects, France would be in full support of intense sanctions. The conflict can come to a boiling point, and, considering the rather interesting “stability” that exists in the Middle East, we do not have any more time for fun and games. Iran must accept the deal very soon, or France will implore the Security Council to do whatever is necessary for acquiescence.
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by Christina Li representing Russian Federation from Forest Hills Central High School:
Committee: Security Council
Country: The Russian Federation
Delegate: Christina Li
Topic: Iran
On September 21, 2009, it was discovered that a second nuclear facility was being built underground in Fordo, twenty miles north of the first Qom facility. The second facility was built without the approval of the IAEA. From the 1990s, Russia has supported Iran’s pursuit of a peaceful nuclear program, helping to build an (incomplete) Bushehr pressurized water reactor. Russia also tried to get Tehran's consent for launching a joint venture on an international uranium enrichment center on Russian territory, which would provide a guaranteed supply of LEU for the Iranian nuclear energy industry. Russia is also engaged in trade with Iran, providing economic as well as military services. Today, the Western world fears a nuclear Iran and the threat that it would pose to stability in the Middle East. While Russia approves of a peaceful nuclear program, suspicious activity and behavior on the part of Iran causes Russia to question Iran’s motives, and to call upon Iran to abandon plans for the development of the full nuclear fuel cycle and place the rest of its peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. But in contrast to the United States, Russia has huge political and economic interests with Iran. Iran is one of the largest consumers of Russian peaceful nuclear technology and arms sales. Also, Iran is a geopolitical counterbalance to the expanding influence of Turkey, the United States, and Islamic Wahhabism in Central Asia. Iranian oil and gas resources are a lucrative target for future Russian investment.
Therefore, Russia is staunchly against the use of economic sanctions or military force to prevent Iran from developing an experimental uranium enrichment capacity, though we understand that if Iran continues to disregard international mandate, they may be necessary. We recommend that all further progress with Iran be through peaceful international negotiation, and negotiation only. Iran has shown interest in cooperation. We shouldn’t pressure them.
By demanding the immediate cessation of Iranian enrichment activities, Russia is following our economic and security interests and is demonstrating cooperation with the West on nonproliferation. By opposing UN sanctions and US military force, Moscow is accommodating our interests in Iran and avoiding the economic, political and security costs of war. Russia is also indirectly forging a united front with China, India and many other countries in opposing US unilateralism and unnecessary use of force.
The United States may not agree with the Russian strategy, but the new president Barack Obama, so far, is supporting negotiation. Russia persuades the US against hard power.
We hope to find a win-win solution to this situation.
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by Nick Paauwe representing Mexico from Forest Hills Central High School:
Committee: Security Council
Country: United Mexican States
Delegate: Nick Paauwe
Topic: The Islamic Republic of Iran
The Mexican delegations would like to proclaim its stance on the discussion of the issues surrounding the great nation of Iran.
We the Mexican State have a strong tie with the nation of Iran. We do believe that the Iranian state is a strong economic power in the middle east and should be further supported. We believe that there energy crisis has caused somewhat of a stir in the region and across the world. We however are not to heavily concerned with energy disposition but realize the ramifications if the current situation goes array. We believe that if the Iranian Republic is given an ultimatum to a nuclear program they would indeed pursue it. We believe that the concern of nations is not invalid but slightly fear driven. Fear only drives a wedge in the international community. We need to instead of fearing for the worse band together and search for a solution.
The Mexican state believe that the nation of Iran is sending a signal of distress. Trying to show to the world that they are capable of self governance and sovereignty, they have resorted to a source of energy that is questionable. We hope that Iran is not using this energy source for questionable purposes and is instead using it to power the country and its people. If the Iranian Republic is not willing to cooperate with the greater ideologies of this council, we believe that there should indeed be some form of recourse.
We do believe that Iran should adhere to all treaties and resolutions created in this council.
We hope that through diplomacy there can be a solution that not only benefits the great nation of Iran, but also the people of the world.
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by Michael Jennings representing Croatia from The Classical Academy:
Michael Jennings
The Republic of Croatia
Security Council-Iran
Iran’s nuclear program dates back to the dates back to the United States-backed Shah government. After the Islamic revolt in 1979 the program was temporarily suspended on the ground of nuclear weapons being contrary to the doctrine of Islam, the nations major religion. It was revealed over the next thirty years that Ira had been developing nuclear materials, for peaceful use according to the Iranians. NATO and the EU do not believe that claim on the grounds that there is not a sufficient amount of enriched uranium to produce the amount of power the Iranian government has projected, but enough enriched uranium to make several effective nuclear weapons.
The Republic of Croatia wants to approach this topic with moderation. We believe that the nation of Iran has not fully been honest with the leaders of the developed world, but we also believe that the western nations have not cooperated with Iran. We would like to see Iran accepted by the global community. So it must be willing to make sacrifices concerning its nuclear program. It must be completely transparent with its program in order to earn the trust of the world.
The Republic of Croatia has been on good terms with Croatia since it’s inception, Iran was the 7th nation to recognize Croatia’s sovereignty. Of course Croatia’s number one priority is to be accepted into the European Union. We are striving to bridge the fault that has been created by the comments lost in translation by both parties of the last thirty years.