Be Afraid

Iran Opens Nuclear Plant

U.S. may use missile shield to pressure Russia.

Today Iran begins its test run of its $1 billion Russian-built atomic power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported last week that inspectors at the plant discovered Iran had one-third more low-enriched uranium than was previously thought, edging Tehran into the range of "nuclear breakout capacity." Russia's policy toward Iran's nuclear enrichment—that the country has the right to develop civil nuclear power—will be a crucial test of the Obama administration's relationship with Russia. The Obama administration is willing to address Russia's concerns over the "Star Wars" missile-defense shield in Eastern Europe, which will be primarily aimed at Iranian threats, probably in exchange for Russia's help in preventing Iranian efforts to make a nuclear bomb.