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Despite years of scrutiny, Iran's nuclear program is still surrounded by uncertainty. Tehran says it is merely seeking to diversify its energy supplies and apply nuclear technology to benign purposes such as the use of isotopes in medicine.

There is much to suggest otherwise. Time and time again, Iran has been forced to concede that it has hidden parts of its nuclear program, and has failed to give the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's nuclear watchdog, the notice required for the construction of new facilities. Evidence has been found of a direct connection between Iran's nuclear efforts and its military.

When offered a solution that would allow it to silence critics of its nuclear program, Iran has demurred,...