Mediaboss Marketing

Workers at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, pictured in 2010. Photograph: Reuters

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal) is excellent; it is far better and more extensive than I ever expected (Dont upset the balance of power in the Middle East, 23 June). If followed by all parties, it blocks all avenues for Iran to develop nuclear explosives. To be sure, it is vehemently opposed by Israels prime minister Netanyahu and Republicans in Congress.

I am a physicist who worked in nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation for 38 years at the Los Alamos national laboratory; the majority of my efforts were for and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that has the responsibility of inspecting the nuclear facilities of states signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). Among other things, I developed programmes that have been part of the initial IAEA inspectors training since 1980. Ive trained many of the inspectors who inspect Iran today, and have inspected Irans facilities since it signed and ratified the NPT shortly after it came into force in 1970.

There are only three nations that have not signed the NPT: India, Israel, and Pakistan. All three have large nuclear arsenals and effective delivery capabilities. Israel has over 400 nuclear weapons of all types and the ability to deliver them anywhere in the world, including the US. Israel also has a policy known as the Samson Option that implies it will destroy the world if ever it feels in danger of falling. Dr T Douglas Reilly Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA

Ali Akbar Salehis piece was a calm, reasoned argument for the JCPOA to be allowed to thrive, despite the expected noises from Trump and his ilk. Whyis Iran so often seen as the enemy? The country is stable and calm and much to the annoyance of its detractors has regular elections that the Iranian people deem worthwhile participating in. SaudiArabia, on the other hand David Gleeson London

Join the debate email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

Read more Guardian letters click here to visit gu.com/letters

Read more from the original source:
Iran nuclear deal must be allowed to thrive | Letters | World news ... - The Guardian