Tag Archives: Iran

The chief of the Atomic Energy Organization said Iran has designed and tested its own nuclear centrifuges. The intelligence minister claimed he has “compelling evidence” that three US citizens detained after crossing the border with Iraq are connected to foreign intelligence services. Opposition leader Mir Hussein Moussavi told reformist politicians that dissent must continue.

Iran’s army chief said that Tehran will attack US troops in the Middle East if attacked. The United States, Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and China will meet in New York this month to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei offered support for President Ahmadinejad’s plan to cut federal subsidies to the economy. Ahmadinejad called President Obama an “inexperienced amateur” and criticized the new US nuclear force posture.

Iran’s foreign spokesman said that Tehran is ready to renew negotiations. President Obama said that Iran and North Korea are “outliers” to his new nuclear posture review. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called for “unity and harmony” among government figures in Tehran.

A foreign ministry spokesman said sanctions “will only boost Iran’s nuclear ambitions.” Russia is hopeful that a diplomatic solution for Iran’s nuclear program can be reached. Turkey’s prime minister rebuffed Germany’s call to join a sanctions regime. The IRGC may have obtained British speedboats that can be converted into fast attack craft.

An Iranian nuclear scientist who defected to the US after disappearing in Saudi Arabia last year said the CIA’s efforts to disrupt the program have showed progress. The current sanctions regime have had no impact on Iran’s bottom line. A former vice president and opposition leader has been re-arrested.

President Ahmadinejad taunted the US and warned that sanctions will strengthen its nuclear program. Iran used a Chinese firm to obtain nuclear equipment. A senior cleric said Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. The Iranian diplomat kidnapped in Pakistan held the US responsible.

An Iranian envoy called for further negotiations on its nuclear program while in Beijing. Tehran hosted two Shia Iraqi political delegates. Former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton criticized the Obama administration’s Iran policy.

China agreed to make steps toward supporting new sanctions on Iran. Tehran sent its chief nuclear negotiator to Beijing to discuss the threat of new sanctions. The US navy reportedly test-fired Trident missiles in a military exercise with the Saudi military; the US Navy denied the report.

An Iranian nuclear scientist defected to the US and has provided intelligence to the CIA. President Obama demanded a new sanctions deadline of “weeks, not months” for Iran. A US official said that “Iran is not leaving China much room to stand on.”

Turkey disagreed with the US and EU’s decision to implement new sanctions. A new CIA report said that Iran is capable of producing nuclear weapons. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei urged new steps toward industrializing Iran.

Iran sanctions are “at the top of the list” for the G8 meeting. French President Sarkozy visited United States to discuss Afghanistan and Iran with President Obama. Iranian leaders pressed for nuclear disarmament.

UN inspectors and Western intelligence specialists suspect Iran is covertly building two new nuclear sites. A key Obama aide claimed the world has united against Iran’s becoming a nuclear power. A leading member of parliament said Iran is spearheading the “fight against US unilateralism.”