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Iranian Nuclear Developments Pose Concerns, Negroponte Says

Intelligence director also discusses North Korea, Iraq, terrorism

Even though the threat does not appear imminent, Iran's resumption of uranium enrichment activities, its operation of 164 centrifuges and the continuing stream of extreme statements issued by regime leaders continue to cause concern, Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte said April 20.

Negroponte, in a speech in Washington, sought to put Iran's technical capabilities into perspective, pointing out that Iran will have to enrich uranium for several more years before it has enough fissile material to put into a nuclear weapon. Although intelligence analysts continue to believe that Iran is determined to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, Negroponte said, they believe it might not achieve that goal until "perhaps into the next decade."

Asked about North Korea's plutonium acquisition, Negroponte said the United States and countries in and around the Korean Peninsula are greatly concerned about nuclear weapons related developments there as well.

Negroponte cited an increased level of interagency coordination among the 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, noting that analysis related to these two high-profile nations is being handled by dedicated intelligence "mission managers" and their staff members who consult with colleagues across the broader intelligence community about the meaning of various developments for the security of the United States and its allies.

IRAQ FACING MANY CHALLENGES

The former U.S. ambassador to Iraq also talked about the urgency for Iraqis to form a new constitutionally backed government, suggesting that there may be movement toward one in the near future. Only when that is accomplished, will the Iraqis be able to address the current problems posed by sectarian violence, the intelligence chief said.

Negroponte also emphasized the importance of the ongoing effort to strengthen Iraq's army and police. Even though considerable progress has been made, he said, the situation remains "extremely challenging."

Negroponte also was asked about allegations that Russia provided Iraq with useful tactical intelligence about coalition plans in the lead up to "Operation Iraqi Freedom." He said copies of captured Iraqi documents have been posted on the U.S. Army's Foreign Military Studies Office Web site at his request, but there has been no confirmation that the Russian government was complicit in the exchange of information.

It is possible, he said, that the Russian ambassador to Baghdad might have passed information to Iraqi sources without being authorized to do so.

PROGRESS IN THE WAR ON TERRORISM

By 2007 Negroponte said, he expected he would have more positive news to report about efforts to defeat al-Qaida operatives and affiliates around the world. A number of top al-Qaida lieutenants and deputies have been killed or captured and the senior al-Qaida leaders who are already in custody have provided "invaluable intelligence information," he said.

It would be a mistake to release any of them while the global war on terrorism is still under way, the intelligence official said. He also said that those in custody would be prosecuted and face justice for their involvement in terrorist activities some time in the future.

Asked about the hunt for Osma bin Laden, Negroponte said that the al-Qaida mastermind's capacity to conduct terrorist operations has been reduced substantially since 2001. "I think his style has been cramped," he added. Negroponte said bin Laden is thought to be hiding along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Source: U.S. Department of State