America may turn focus on Iran: expert

TOKYO: The United States is likely to turn its focus on Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons programme once it finishes the ongoing war against Iraq, an American military expert said at an academic symposium on non-proliferation Tuesday.

“The United States is likely to turn its focus on halting Iran’s uranium enrichment programme while Iran still seems to be a few years from achieving the capability,” said Gary Samore, director of studies at the US-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

“Despite (Iran’s) assurances, it seems more likely that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons option under cover of its civilian nuclear power programme,” he said.

The comment came at a one-day symposium hosted by the United Nations University and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was attended by around 50 experts and university academics. —APP

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