I must say it was all very well put Syme. I agree with you that nothing shy of military action will stop Iran. I believe that as a signatory of the non-proliferation treaty (NPT), they have every right to pursue nuclear technology in any way, shape or form.

The 3 pillars of the NPT:
1. non-proliferation,
2. disarmament,
3. the right to peacefully use nuclear technology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear...eration_Treaty

Like you said, Iran is not dumb and I do not believe they are incapable of rational thinking. Anyone stating otherwise is foolish for thinking Iran is a suicidal state, not concerned in the slightest with self-preservation. Also, Iran's argument that it wants nuclear technology for civilian purposes is irrefutable, as they have signed the NPT and there is no conclusive evidence showing an intent to pursue nuclear weapons.

The argument that it will start a nuclear arms race in the Middle East is a bogus one that shows up on Fox news a lot. For anyone who isn't aware, Israel has had hundreds of nuclear weapons for decades now. What a double standard. That is why an attack on Iran by Israel is just so outrageous, and quite frankly, I doubt the Israelis have the cojones to do it at a time when the international community is already scrutinizing everything the apartheid state does.