The Daily Telegraph carried an expose that accused North Korea (NK) of helping Iran with nuclear testing similar to the one it carried out last October by providing Iranian scientists relevant data and know-how. Quoting an unnamed European defense official, the report says that Pyongyang has invited a team of Iranian scientists to study its data in preparation for a test that Tehran wants to conduct most likely by the end of the year.

While Iran and NK regularly perform joint missile tests, there were also unconfirmed reports on the presence of Iranian nuclear scientists when Pyongyang tested its device. With fears of expansion of cooperation to nuclear fields, Western defense experts are worried that the transfer of know-how will help Tehran accelerate its nuclear weapons program. Furthermore, “increased activity at all of Iran’s nuclear facilities” noticed by Western spy agencies have raised suspicion that “the Iranians are working hard to prepare for their own underground nuclear test."

On a collision course with the rest of the world, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had inspired a ban on 38 nuclear inspectors mostly from Western nations from entering his country. Even France, frequently at odds with US President George Bush’s militarily assertive policies, expressed serious concern about the motivations of Tehran. While there is still no consensus over Tehran’s nuclear program, many experts believe that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Tehran may see Iran testing a low-grade device within a year. Western defense experts speculate that the test site may be up the mountains so spy satellites may find it hard to pick up unusual activity.

As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is entitled to the full range of nuclear technologies and development cycle. But also under this treaty it is required to disclose nuclear activities and acquisitions. This transparency is a quid pro quo for the entitled. However, Iran had successfully hidden several nuclear facilities including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility and the procurement of several centrifuges and designs from disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan who is know to have had hosted a “nuclear supermarket.” Further, bellicose statements against Israel, alleged abetting of militants (Hamas) in Palestinian Territories, (the Hezbollah) in Lebanon, and anti-Sunni radical groups in Iraq, and unilateral abrogation of the Paris Agreement which required Tehran to halt nuclear enrichment has left Western nations and Israel very nervous about Tehran’s intentions. Recently, even other Sunni nations such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan have voiced concern about Iranian activities although they do not advocate military action against Tehran.