An Iranian dissident group is disputing U.S. intelligence that Iran shelved its nuclear weapons program in 2003.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an exiled opposition group, said Tuesday that last week’s intelligence report from the United States on Tehran’s atomic ambitions appeared to have drawn on false information.
While the National Intelligence Estimate said that Iran froze its nuclear weapons work in 2003, the resistance council said the hiatus was temporary and that the project resumed a year later after relocating.
“We announce vehemently that the clerical regime is currently continuing its drive to obtain nuclear weapons,” said council spokesman Mohammad Mohaddessin. “The clerical regime leaks false information and intelligence to Western intelligence services through double agents.”
The resistance council, which in the past has provided reliable information on Iran’s secret nuclear program, said its current assertions were based on sources within the Islamic Republic.
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