For the time New START has been before the Senate, one of the Administration’s primary arguments throughout has been how beneficial the treaty is to nonproliferation in general, and to the relationship with Russia in particular, especially in gaining Russian support in confronting Iran’s nuclear program.  For example, as part of the opening argument, in Secretary Clinton’s first appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she asserted that “A ratified New START Treaty would also continue our progress toward broader U.S.-Russian cooperation, which is critical to other foreign policy priorities, including dealing with Iran’s nuclear program.”  As part of the closing argument, Rose Gottemoeller, the Chief Negotiator of New START, asserted in her final appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee that completing New START would demonstrate the United States was living up to its NPT commitments such that it would “enhance our credibility to convince other governments to help strengthen the international nonproliferation regime and confront proliferators.”

Iran announced today it had begun loading fuel rods into the core of its nuclear reactor at Bushehr, and the New York Times reported that Iran “vowed to pursue nuclear activities ‘in other areas’” as well.  Almost all major steps of this Bushehr project have been completed either directly by Russia or with Russian assistance.  As for those “other areas” of nuclear activity, a Bipartisan Policy Center report from the summer concluded that Iran’s enrichment effort is becoming more efficient and increasing in rate.

As Members continue to consider New START, they should bear in mind the Administration’s argument that completing New START would help in confronting the Iranian nuclear program, and compare that argument with the fact that the Iranian nuclear program continues apace (with Russian assistance in certain areas).  

RPC Analyst Michael Stransky