The point about Israel, Beardedbruce, is that Israel did not develop its own nuclear weapon. It was gifted the technology and the nuclear charge-material in kit form by the USA. The same USA that was so concerned about proliferation. Strange, innit?

Certainly Royston very strange indeed especially seeing as Israel developed its nuclear programme with assistance from FRANCE

North Korea did sign the NPT which allowed its communist buddies to help it. The North Koreans then played the exactly the same game that the Iranians are playing now, they strung the international community watchdog (IAEA) along while the used the technical assistance available through the NPT to acquire the know then declared that they were withdrawing from the treaty. Next thing there is a test and Hey Presto the North Koreans have a nuclear weapon. IMO Iran will do exactly the same.