Summary

• Iran looks ready to accept invitation from P5+1, remains adamant about its right to continue its nuclear program
• US announces that it will participate fully in P5+1 nuclear talks with Iran
• Presidential candidate in Iran suggests that he may support verification measures
• Officials from Obama administration reveal latest developments in Iran policy deliberations
• Iran plans to launch another, more sophisticated satellite
• Iran proclaims progress in its nuclear production capabilities, but analysts express skepticism

In this issue:

• Commitments to disarmament and arms control
• Country reports
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • India
  • Iran
  • North Korea
  • Syria
• Missile defense
• Other publications
• BASIC and Getting to Zero (GTZ)

Summary

• Possibility of the United States opening an interests section in Iran
• Latest round of P5+1-Iran talks produces few results, despite US presence
• Iran and the United States continue military exercises and aggressive posturing
• Skepticism regarding Iranian claims of missile testing success
• Russia may try Uzbek man for attempting to smuggle WMD components to Iran

There have been some notable changes in the Bush administration's approach towards Iran since the release of BASIC's last Iran Update.

Summary

• Iran tests 9 missiles, including enhanced version of Shahab-3 MRBM
• Article claims Bush administration authorized expanded covert operations in Iran
• Threats over the Strait of Hormuz highlight latest rhetorical exchanges
• Positive developments in Tehran's consideration of revised P5+1 offer
• Dismissed agent alleges CIA cover-up of Iranian nuclear program
• Accusations of attempts on Ahmadinejad's life in Italy and Iraq
• British Special Forces claim evidence of Iranian assistance to Taliban militants