Prior to the festival of Purim, commemorating the salvation of Jews from Persia’s evil plans, the Iranian government announced the opening of its Bushehr nuclear plant to the public.
In a public relations effort to market to the world its nuclear energy program and to calm fears of its nuclear aspirations, Iran’s television network reported Monday that the nuclear installation would be open to visitors during the Iranian New Year holiday.
“Iran is prepared to host tourists interested in visiting its first nuclear reactor in Bushehr during the Persian New Year vacation,” stated Ali Raza-Dajbend, an official at the Iranian Tourism Ministry. He added that the purpose of opening Bushehr’s gates is “to emphasize the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.” The Persian Nowrouz New Year holiday starts March 21, marking the beginning of spring.
Iran began its initial experimental operations of the Bushehr reactor two weeks ago. The United States was once opposed to the reactor’s construction, which has been partially built by Russian assistance. However, after coming to an understanding with Russia regarding spent fuel, it has reduced its opposition.
While Iran denies that its nuclear facilities are of a military nature, Israel has expressed its concern. On Sunday, IDF Intelligence Chief Gen. Amos Yadlin told members of Israel’s Security Cabinet that Iran has the technology to develop a nuclear bomb - and that it is taking advantage of U.S. President Obama's dialog policy.
“Iran has crossed the technological threshold,” Yadlin said, “such that its reaching military nuclear capabilities is a matter of adapting its strategy to the target of manufacturing a nuclear bomb.” The bottom line, according to Yadlin, is that it is entirely up to Iran’s decision makers, independent of outside considerations and factors, to decide when to proceed with producing the bomb.
Yadlin thus confirmed earlier reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and U.S. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Commander Admiral Mike Mullen. The admiral said two weeks ago that Tehran now has enough fissile material to build a bomb.