WASHINGTON — Behind the U.S. drive for new sanctions on Iran is growing concern that Tehran is acquiring the know-how to build a nuclear weapon. The latest worry is a purported Iranian secret document that lays out a plan for developing a component of an atomic bomb.
Several U.S. officials familiar with the Iranian technical document said that its authenticity has not been confirmed but that it is part of a broader pattern of evidence suggesting Iran is laying the groundwork to build a nuclear weapon.
Iran has consistently insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal assessments. The document was first reported Sunday by the Times of London.
Decisions may come early next year on new penalties on Iran, which has defied U.N. Security Council sanctions aimed at forcing it to freeze uranium enrichment. The Associated Press
