In October, the Congressional Research Service reported evidence of Tehran’s efforts to develop or acquire biological and chemical weapons—a problem not addressed by the nuclear deal. German intelligence agencies have likewise noted the Islamic Republic’s ongoing efforts to obtain materials necessary for these weapons. Benjamin Weinthal comments:
Supporters of Iran’s regime frequently argue that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejects the use of chemical weapons because Iranian soldiers were the victims of lethal nerve agents during the Iran-Iraq War. If Iran is in compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention—and there are big question marks over this—international inspectors should be allowed to verify Tehran’s alleged adherence to the Convention.
Just last month, Kurdish fighters alleged that Iran’s military used chemical weapons against twelve combatants in western Iran. International inspectors should investigate the Kurdish claim. Moreover, . . . the trove of captured Osama bin Laden documents revealed, [in the words of a published summary], “a letter to bin Laden that al-Qaeda was working on chemical and biological weapons in Iran.”
Iran has showed no appetite to stop its strategic partner—the Assad regime in Syria—from using chemical weapons against its citizens. Unsurprisingly, Iran recently opposed a statement from the executive council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that condemned the use of chemical weapons by both Assad and Islamic State. . . .
The U.S. State Department continues to list Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism. Tehran’s drive for hegemony in the Middle East is not expected to end. America needs to consider more aggressive measures to stop Iran from advancing its chemical- and biological-weapons programs. New sanctions targeting Iranian officials—and companies—for their work on chemical and biological weapons would be a solid first step.
Read more on Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2016/12/05/dont-let-iran-off-the-hook-for-chemicalbiological-weapons