Iran has lifted a year-long ban, and last week allowed United Nations investigators to inspect one of its nuclear facilities, according to the Associated Press. Investigators said Iranian officials had reacted positively to their request to monitor a second site as well.
Investigators from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) toured the nearly complete Arak heavy water nuclear reactor.
IAEA officials hope they will be granted access to a uranium enrichment site in Natanz. The material produced at the site could be used to create nuclear warheads. UN officials have asked to inspect the site regularly, and to install cameras, in order to ensure that none of the material is secretly used for weapons.
Iran is believed to be operating approximately 5,000 centrifuges at the Natanz site, and IAEA inspectors believe that the facility continues to expand. Experts estimate that the site has already produced enough material to create a nuclear weapon.
Iranian leaders say they are seeking nuclear technology for peaceful means. However, they have increased international wariness by refusing to allow international inspectors into Iran's nuclear facilities. In addition, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called to destroy Israel, leading to fears that Iranian nuclear arms could be used to attack the Jewish state.
The United States and several European countries have threatened to hit Iran with further sanctions if there is no progress in negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program. On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany and several allies plan to decide in September whether or not to take new measures to pressure Iran.
On Sunday, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren told CNN that despite Iran's apparent progress in its nuclear program, Israel is not considering a preemptive strike. “I think we are far from even contemplating such things right now,” he said.