Iran's disarmament and arms control policies for biological and chemical weapons, and biological capabilities

iran is a member of international treaties prohibiting chemical and biological weapons (CBW), yet there are allegations that Iran has CBW. The allegations are mostly based on intelligence and cannot be evaluated by independent analysts. Therefore, this report studied first-hand information on Iran´s disarmament and arms control policies, and open source information on research and vaccine production to assess biological capabilities. Iran has been very active in disarmament and arms control relating to international CBW treaties. The policies were consistens, representing a rational response to the Iranian security situation, with emphasis on abolishing informatl export control and enhancing security guarantees. However, some positions appeared more aimed at prolonging the negotioations than being constructive. A survey of microbiological research showed that the number of research papers on pathogens and toxins clearly increased 1992-1998. Many endemic diseases are caused by potential biological weapons (BW) agent, but the number of publications on specific BW agents is low and apparently unaffected by the overall increase of publications in the 1990s´. The domestic vaccine industry covers the human and veterinary needs, in terms of volumes and diseases targeted. Iran is actively co-operating with many countries in vaccine production, health care and research. It is also concluded that open sources can yield much information of value in proliferation analysis, and provide a picture of a country´s intentions, scientific and technical resources. However, incorrect information or lack of information affects analysis, threat perception and the image conveyed of capabilities and intentions. Confidence in the CBW area could clearly be improved by increasing transparency.