Iran intensified efforts for nuclear weapons, missile tech in Germany

• Date: 15 June 2021
• Author: BENJAMIN WEINTHAL
• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The report revealed a significant increase in membership and support for Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah, who are active in Germany.

The Jerusalem Post examined the 420-page German-language report for The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution—the formal name for the national intelligence agency.

According to the report, "the indications of proliferation-relevant procurement attempts by the Islamic Republic for its nuclear program increased in 2020."

The intelligence officials wrote "However, a violation of the JCPOA in these cases could not be determined," The report appears to contradict itself. On the one hand, the document asserts Iran's regime sought illicit nuclear weapons technology in 2020 in Germany but, on the other hand, the attempts are not a violation of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

It is unclear how German intelligence arrived at different conclusions. Germany's government is one of the strongest advocates of the atomic deal and Berlin has long been the most important European trade partners for Tehran. Germany stands to benefit economically from the Iran nuclear accord.

The intelligence officials define proliferation activities as "the spread of atomic, biological or chemical weapons of mass destruction (ABC weapons) or the goods and technologies used in their manufacture, and corresponding weapon carrier systems (e.g. missiles and drones), including the necessary know-how, is called proliferation."

The Iranian regime, cited 100 times in the document, sought technology for its missile program. "The ambitious Iranian launcher technology/missile program is not covered by the JCPOA or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—the 2015 nuclear agreement that aims to restrict Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for economic sanctions relief. Therefore for this purpose Iran's procurement activities in Germany have remained continuously high.… the trend is rising" when compared with the previous year, wrote the intelligence officials.

The intelligence report could impact the current negotiations in Vienna where the world powers are seeking to bring Iran's regime into compliance with the nuclear accord.

The intelligence agency said the ayatollahs are "pursuing one of the most extensive missile programs in the Middle East. Iran is accused, among other things, of supplying missile and drone technology to various state and non-state actors in the Middle East region, in contravention of current...