US concern over Iran threat to share nuclear technology

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today that Washington was concerned over Iranian threats to share the nuclear technology it is developing with other countries.

“We have to be concerned when there are statements from Iran that Iran would not only have this technology, but would share it, share technology and expertise,” Rice said at a news conference in Turkey.

She was reacting to a statement from Iran’s supreme leader that Tehran was prepared to transfer its nuclear technology to other countries.

“That’s one of the fears, that there would be that kind of escape, if you will, of technology and expertise,” Rice said.

Earlier today, Iranian’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said as he met with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir that “Iran’s nuclear capability is one example of various scientific capabilities in the country. ... The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to transfer the experience, knowledge and technology of its scientists.”

The US has been lobbying to isolate Iran if it does not stop or allow the monitoring of its nuclear programme.

“This is about not allowing Iran to get the expertise and the technology to build a nuclear weapon, which Iranian leaders say from time to time that that would gladly transfer to others,” Rice said.

She praised the Iranians as a “great people,” but added that “they have a regime that is step by step, day by day, action by action, isolating Iran from the international community and from the international consensus.”