Hesam, Tehran

Iranians discuss their country's nuclear programme and the international stand-off over the issue.

For the Iranian government, the issue of the right to nuclear power is closed. For the West it is not Age: 27 Occupation: Sales manager Location: Tehran Main page

Iran is an independent country - regardless of who is running the government. We should be allowed to pursue nuclear development. For many it is a matter of pride.

It is true that Iran has a lot of oil. But these reserves will run dry eventually. We need to use these reserves in a better way and even keep them for future generations. So nuclear energy is a logical option.

I could accept the reaction from the international community if they treated other countries in the same way.

But I am afraid they do not - Iran is treated as an exceptional case.

Any sanctions would definitely impact on people's every day lives. This could make people angry with the West. It may also deepen the people's unhappiness with our own government.

For the Iranian government, the issue of the right to nuclear power is closed. For the West it is not.

The West is always ready to over-react to Tehran. They will assume the missile test and the news about the second nuclear site mean Iran is planning to build a bomb, even if this is not the case.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version