The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asked Iran for a full response after inquiring about its nuclear activities but President Ahmadinejad stated that the peaceful nuclear research and developments will not be halted due to “a few bullying powers.” Iran claims that the U.S. is using the IAEA in an effort to coerce Iran into carrying out illegally administered demands and that the Americans have hijacked the agency into the “anti-Iran campaign.”

Iran, as a sovereign nation, feels no need to disarm any nuclear weapons that they possess and no need to halt nuclear research. Understandably, they feel that it is in their best interest to arm themselves appropriately against the super powers of the world, especially the United States. Clearly, the United States does not have the most supportive track record in regards to invading states. This is the identity America has constructed for itself on the international stage. Consequently, Iran has a right to legitimize itself and create an appropriately large arsenal. It remains to be seen what the definition of appropriate may be.

Unfortunately, too much is expected of the UN. Iran may be in violation of three UN resolutions, but there is no governing force whatsoever to ensure that Iran follows the recommendations in these resolutions. Moreover, their perceived identity within the world as a defiant nation needs to be preserved, or they risk being seen as hypocritical or weak. This is the essence of a super-power within the anarchical system that dominates the world – a smaller country that is still trying to construct its identity within the world feels the need to arm itself and therefore, can appear more viable on the international stage.

On the other side of the issue, America’s identity as a super-power is faltering fast, especially given the current economic crisis. With this in mind, it is understandable to see the United States flexing its muscles and interrogating Iran about its “questionable” nuclear activities. In regards to the rest of the world, it should be cognizant of America exerting efforts to preserve its old identity as the world’s watchdog.