US Intelligence Estimate Finds Iran Halted Nuclear Weapons Program in 2003

A landmark US National Intelligence Estimate concludes that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003, undercutting the Bush administration's push for confrontation.

In December 2007, a declassified US National Intelligence Estimate — representing the consensus of all 16 American intelligence agencies — concluded with "high confidence" that Iran had halted its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003, likely in response to international pressure. The finding contradicted much of the Bush administration's public rhetoric and significantly weakened the case for military action or ratcheting up sanctions. Iran's government cited the NIE as vindication of its claim that its nuclear program was peaceful. However, the report still noted that Iran continued to enrich uranium, which could eventually provide a weapons capability. The NIE reshuffled the diplomatic landscape and opened space for eventual negotiations.