The West softened its sanction proposal against Iran to garner support from Russia and China. A Washington think-tank said Israel could use tactical nuclear weapons to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. NATO urged the establishment of a missile defense pact to deter Iran’s missile program.
Russian foreign minister said his country may support additional sanctions against Iran. The Russian oil company Lukoil will stop work in Iran due to US sanctions. Iran urged Western governments to punish Israel over the construction of additional settlements in Jerusalem.
Russia and China pressed Iran to accept a UN nuclear fuel swap deal. Tehran freed former President Rasfanjani’s grandson from imprisonment. Osama bin Laden’s daughter was released from house arrest in Iran and relocated to Syria.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel Edward Sholtis announced on Monday that elements within Iran are training Taliban fighters on Iranian soil. The news that Tehran is supporting contingents of the Taliban is not new; US Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry has said several times before that the Iranians are providing material support to insurgents in the […]
A US Army officer said Iran is training Taliban fighters within its borders. The US Congress will launch final actions to implement new sanctions on Iran. Brazilian President Lula called for Iran to be part of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
The grandson of former President Rafsanjani was detained for involvement in opposition protests. Secretary of State Clinton told AIPAC that the US will not “compromise on its commitment” to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Pakistan will investigate AQ Khan’s ties to Iran’s nuclear program.
13 die in Afghanistan amid calls for peace talks with insurgents
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said US officials “talk about peace and friendship and at the same time plot and plan sedition” while supporting Iranian dissidents and protesters. British diplomats downplayed the report that Iran is providing training and EFPs to the Taliban in Afghanistan
Afghanistan – Taliban claims of Iran training dismissed by diplomats
Afghanistan – Iranians train Taliban to use roadside bombs
The Bushehr nuclear plant should be operational by the summer. Hezbollah’s deputy leader said Israel would pay a “heavy price” if it attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities. Russia said it would back “smart sanctions.” President Obama delivered a message to the Iranian people.
During an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “Conversations with Judy Woodruff” due to air this weekend, former Secretary of State Colin Powell shared his thoughts on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying: The Iranians are determined to have a nuclear program… Notice I did not say a nuclear weapon. But they are determined to have a nuclear program, […]
Opposition leader Mousavi said the Green Movement will persevere despite a government crackdown. Iran’s opposition is pleased with the US’ decision not to enforce sanctions on Internet sites they use for protest. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said new sanctions will not stop Iran’s nuclear program.
The US State Department announced that it “feels a sense of urgency” about addressing the Iranian nuclear program. President Obama stated that thwarting Iran’s nuclear program is a top priority. Tehran said it is ready for a nuclear fuel swap on its own soil, an offer which has been previously rejected by the West.
Geneive Abdo reports in Foreign Policy that Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s fence-sitting days are over; he is officially an ally of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: In exchange for Rafsanjani’s loyalty, the supreme leader appears to have given him power over a new bill that will establish a National Elections Commission to reform the electoral process. Not only […]
Tehran accused of arming Taleban with weapons and explosives
US officials said progress in Iran’s nuclear program has slowed, leaving room for continued pressure. Police and the Basij militia cracked down on the celebration of the “fire festival.” Iran asked OPEC to provide a $200 billion investment in its energy industry.
Defense.gov News Article: CENTCOM looks beyond Iraq, Afghanistan, Petraeus says
China is concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, but does not believe sanctions will resolve the problem. Iran described Western pressure on China to agree to sanctions as “ineffective.” Tehran plans to reduce “cultural relations” with Great Britain.
China has become Iran’s number one economic trading partner, surpassing the West. France announces that it is considering unilateral sanctions against Iran. Osama bin Laden’s son, Khalid, called for Iran to release bin Laden family members from custody.
The European Union may consider unilateral sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. UN sanctions against Iran may not be ready until June. Security forces detained more than 30 people claimed to be linked to a cyber network providing support for the Iranian opposition.
A titanic power struggle in Kabul
Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations has written an interesting piece in Foreign Policy titled “What the Neocons Got Right.” Toward the end of the article, Cook argues that the neoconservative’s worldview of the Iranian regime has largely proven correct. Cook writes: It’s hard to sign up with the folks who seem all […]
US Secretary of Defense Gates pressed Emirate leaders to support stronger sanctions against Iran. A US State Department report is critical of Iran’s human rights record. Britain said China will risk isolation if it refuses to support sanctions against Iran.
Concerns on Iran in US rights report
British official urges Afghanistan to negotiate with Taliban, other insurgents
President Ahmedinejad said “even more wars” cannot save Israel from its downfall. US Secretary of Defense Gates said Iran’s support for the Taliban is “pretty limited.” The three US hikers imprisoned in Iran have contacted their families.
Saddam Hussein weighed nuclear ‘package’ deal in 1990, documents show
An Iranian naval vessel successfully test-fired a new anti-ship missile. The US Secretary of Defense visited Saudi Arabia to discuss Iran. President Ahmadinejad said foreign troops in Afghanistan are not a solution for peace.
Iran blocking foreign, domestic Web sites to curb anti-government activists