Pak aided Iran’s nuclear quest: Khan

Washington, Sept. 9: Pakistan helped Iran acquire nuclear technology with the aim to jointly emerge as a “strong bloc” in the region to counter international pressure and “neutralise” Israel’s power, according to the disgraced scientist, Mr A.Q. Khan.
“The Iranian officials would meet suppliers them in Dubai. We had told the Iranians that the suppliers were very reliable,” Dr Khan said in an interview to an Urdu Pakistani TV channel, a copy of translated version of which was obtained by “Secrecy News of the Federation of American Scientists”.
Noting that Tehran was interested in acquiring nuclear technology, he said: “Since Iran was an important Muslim country, we wished Iran to acquire this technology. Western countries pressured us unfairly. If Iran succeeds in acquiring nuclear technology, we will be a strong bloc in the region to counter international pressure.”
“Iran’s nuclear capability will neutralise Israel’s power. We had advised Iran to contact the suppliers and purchase equipment from them,” he said, giving an insight into Iran’s acquisition of nuclear technology.
Dr Khan said, Sri Lankan Muslims based in Dubai were suppliers of nuclear material and equipment to Pakistan, Iran and Libya.
“Be it Libya, Iran, or Pakistan, the same suppliers were responsible for providing the material through the same third party in Dubai,” Dr Khan said.
He also said that Pakistan was ready to test a nuclear bomb as early as 1984 as the US overlooked its clandestine atomic programme in the initial years.