If only we'd had this in Iraq

We might not be in Iraq if the parallel version of this had been allowed to come out. So, when Cheney starts talking mushroom clouds out of Iran, we can say, "no hurry."

WaPo

A major U.S. intelligence review has projected that Iran is about a decade away from manufacturing the key ingredient for a nuclear weapon, roughly doubling the previous estimate of five years, according to government sources with firsthand knowledge of the new analysis.

The carefully hedged assessments, which represent consensus among U.S. intelligence agencies, contrast with forceful public statements by the White House. Administration officials have asserted, but have not offered proof, that Tehran is moving determinedly toward a nuclear arsenal. The new estimate could provide more time for diplomacy with Iran over its nuclear ambitions. President Bush has said that he wants the crisis resolved diplomatically but that "all options are on the table."

The new National Intelligence Estimate includes what the intelligence community views as credible indicators that Iran's military is conducting clandestine work. But the sources said there is no information linking those projects directly to a nuclear weapons program. What is clear is that Iran, mostly through its energy program, is acquiring and mastering technologies that could be diverted to bombmaking.

And then on the same day, we also get the french playing good cop. (I think you can guess who the bad cop is.)

BBC

French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said if Teheran went ahead with its plan it should be referred to the UN Security Council.

The French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said such a move by Teheran would spark a major international crisis.

Iranian officials say the decision to resume uranium processing at its Isfahan plant is irreversible.