New York Times: Unstated Factor in Iran Talks: Threat of Nuclear Tampering

WASHINGTON — In late 2012, just as President Obama and his aides began secretly sketching out a diplomatic opening to Iran, American intelligence agencies were busy with a parallel initiative: The latest spy-vs.-spy move in the decade-long effort to sabotage Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Investigators uncovered an Iranian businessman’s scheme to buy specialty aluminum tubing, a type the United States bans for export to Iran because it can be used in centrifuges that enrich uranium, the exact machines at the center of negotiations entering a crucial phase in Switzerland this week.

But if negotiators succeed in reaching a deal with Iran, does the huge, covert sabotage effort by the United States, Israel and some European allies come to an end?

WNU Editor: It is hard to trust Iran .... especially when Iranian leaders in the past boasted that they had broken their nuclear agreements/pledges . But in the end .... an Iranian agreement will be based on inspections and verification. If there is any compromise on any of these points .... I fail to see how this agreement can withstand the test of time .... even with a concerted and intense intelligence and surveillance focus on Iranian nuclear installations from the West.