Nuclear threat not over til Iran's Supreme Leader issues a fatwa!

There is nothing more definitive regarding Iran's stance on nuclear weapons [2] than the supreme leader's fatwa against their use, a government spokesman said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said a religious edict issued in February by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that prohibits nuclear weapons [3] was an unquestionable ruling.

"There is nothing more important in defining the framework for our nuclear activities than the leader's fatwa," he was quoted by state-funded broadcaster Press TV [4] as saying. "This fatwa is our operational instruction."

Khamenei said last year that Tehran considers nuclear, chemical and similar weapons "a great and unforgivable sin."

The International Atomic Energy Agency [5] said there may be certain military aspects to parts of Iran's controversial nuclear program, however. Inspectors during a December visit to Iran were denied access to the Parchin military complex outside of Tehran [6]. Further IAEA talks are scheduled Wednesday.

The spokesman added that he was waiting for word from European leaders on the possible resumption of talks with the so-called P5+1 [7] -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany.

Iran denies allegations that its pursuing the technology needed to manufacture a nuclear weapon.

Have your say: Do you think the statement is a political ploy? Or is there sincerity behind this unusual religious ruling?

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