Weapons Delimitation in Modern Iran and Ancient Israel

Abstract

Iran’s development of its nuclear program has been regarded with suspicion over time by the international community.  Even though guaranteed by the nuclear non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) to develop nuclear technology for non-military use, it is feared that Iran may be developing a clandestine program that could lead to nuclear weapons production.  This work examines the provisions of the NPT and situates Iran’s right to nuclear development.  It discusses the basis on which the world powers place their suspicions of Iran’s true intentions.  The paper also does a biblical exegesis of a similar scenario in the book of I Samuel 13:19-23 when ancient Israel, under suspicion of weapons development, was not allowed to develop its metal and agricultural tools industry by the Philistines.  The paper concludes that in both cases, the quest for balance of power led to the efforts on weapons delimitation on Israel and Iran.

Keywords: Iran, Israel, Nuclear Weapons, Delimitation, Nonproliferation.