Nuclear arms proliferation experts from Germany, Israel and the United States participated in a symposium here Thursday where Iranian efforts to gain nuclear weapons, and the international reaction to such efforts, were discussed. The symposium called, "Iran and the Threat of Nuclear Proliferation," was sponsored by the Center for German and European Studies. Prof. George Ross (POL), the center's director, moderated discussion.

Panelists included, Oliver ThrNnert, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs; Ariel Levite, an official from the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission; and Matthew Bunn, a researcher and program director at Harvard University's Center for Science and International Affairs.

Ross said Iran is on the brink of being able to create its own nuclear weapons and gave a general rundown of how the world views Iran.

"Europeans perceive Iran as a problem, Americans perceive Iran as threat," Ross said.

The symposium began with a keynote lecture by Kosta Tsipis, the former director of M.I.T.'s Program in Science and Technology for International Security.

Tsipis, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, discussed Iranian attempts at acquiring nuclear weapons-grade uranium and plutonium. He went on to say that Iran is erecting plants to help hold centrifuges large enough to bring these elements to the correct level for use in a nuclear weapon within its borders.

Giving some speculation on Iran's possible intentions, Tsipis said the included the possibility of building nuclear weapons to dominate the region, building nuclear weapons for self-protection in general and also to protect and hoard their natural resources because they are surrounded by nuclear powers including Israel, Russia, China, India, Pakistan and the United States.

Tsipis said he believes that Iran would be able to build nuclear weapons within five to 10 years.

ThrNnert began by addressing the issue of why the Iranian problem was a European problem. He said that if Iran built nuclear weapons, other countries would do the same and the process would set off a nuclear arms race.

"Their intention is to become a nuclear power," ThrNnert said.

ThrNnert also mentioned that Israel would lose their nuclear monopoly in the area.

Levite spoke following ThrNnert. He mentioned Iran's failure to declare its plans and to present their design of ammunition. He said he was very skeptical about Iran's intentions and did not know what to make of their actions as of recently.

Bunn outlined Iran's current technical progress in regard to nuclear weapons production.

"Can Iran now produce working centrifuges quickly, without outside help or materials, assistance or components, and do the work properly? Possibly yes," Bunn said.

Bunn estimated that 2007 was when they would begin building their nuclear weapons.