[1] by Al J. Venter - Description : 460 pages, 8 pages color photos, line drawings,maps. In Iran’s Nuclear Option, defense expert Al J. Venter details the extent to which Iran’s weapons program has developed, and the clandestine manner in which its nuclear technology has been acquired. He demonstrates how Tehran has violated the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and details the involvement of several countries who have been shown by the IAEA to have trafficked in illegal nuclear materials.

He proves, for the first time, a direct link between the now-defunct South African apartheid regime’s nuclear program and Tehran’s current nuclear ambitions. Iran’s Nuclear Option is essential reading for anyone with an interest in global security and the perilous volatility of the Middle East. It also comprises an indicator for America’s own options, should it be willing to counter the threat while time remains, in favor of world peace rather than greater global instability.

[2] 1994 : Date de l’accession au pouvoir de N. Mandela

[3] JOHANNESBURG - Iran has tried to buy items needed for the production of nuclear weapons from South Africa.

A detailed shopping list, presented to the head of South Africa’s Atomic Energy Corporation by Reza Amrollahi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Atomic Afairs, was rejected by stunned officials, according to a report to be published in a British defence magazine.

Dr Waldo Stumpf, head of the corporation, said he was handed a file after a meeting that took place early last year in Pelindaba near Pretoria. "It contained a comprehensive list of items needed for manufacturing nuclear weapons," he said. "There were some very advanced things asked for ; blueprints, industrial, chemical and laboratory equipment, and other essentials required for the production of weapons of mass destruction."

Dr Stumpf told the Iranian minister that, in accordance with the provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, under no circumstances could he or members of his staff comply.

R.F. "Pik" Botha, then the Minister of Energy Affairs, has confirmed he attended the meeting, which was apparently organised by President Mandela’s office, the September issue of Jane’s International Defence Review says. The report mentions that South Africa, a de facto nuclear power, was a key destination on Iran’s worldwide shopping trip for nuclear technology which also took its officials to Ukraine and Central Asian countries.

It says Tehran has made "considerable progress" in its quest towards developing nuclear weapons. Quoting South African Defence Force officials, it reveals that an undisclosed number of technicians made redundant by the scrapping of the South African nuclear programme have been hired by Iran.

South Africa has stopped manufacturing weapons-grade uranium, but still retains wide expertise in the field of nuclear technology. Even though the Iranians apparently left empty-handed, news of the meeting will raise concern over Iran’s efforts to obtain nuclear weapons.

It has also cast a spotlight on Iran’s manipulation of the close relationship it has developed with South Africa to the chagrin of the United States. South Africa buys two thirds of its oil from Iran. The United States last year expressed its displeasure over the red-carpet treatment that was afforded to a high-profile delegation of visiting Iranian government officials.