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Iran Update

Previous editions of Iran Update are available below. To subscribe to BASIC's Email Updates, please go to the Email Updates Subscription page. Previous editions of Getting to Zero Update, Missile Defence Update, NATO Update, and Afghanistan Update are also available.

 

  • No. 140, 24 February 2010
    Iran announces it will enrich uranium to higher level. New concerns about Iran's intentions, capabilities. IAEA Report continues to raise concerns about possible military dimension. Diplomatic pressure on Iran intensifies and leads to heated rhetoric between Iran and the United States. Western leaders rally for another round of sanctions. Iran's response to sanctions. Saudi Arabia wants quick resolution to Iran nuclear situation. Implications for domestic political situation. United States, Israel, ramp up military presence. Iranian military and space developments.
  • No. 139, 28 January 2010
    Tehran continues to reject IAEA proposal; offers alternative version. Iran announces production of new model centrifuges; reportedly seeks more uranium ore. Update on Bushehr nuclear plant. Speculation over Iran's nuclear arms expertise. Tehran warns against further resolutions and sanctions, as other countries consider new measures. Meetings with Arab leaders possibly indicate new diplomatic effort. Iran reports successful test of upgraded missile.
  • No. 138, 24 November 2009
    Iran rejects uranium export offer; IAEA Chief hopeful that Iran will eventually agree to arrangement. World powers meet to discuss next steps. Iran and Israel Appear at Multilateral Talks; Israeli PM Tentatively Supports IAEA Plan. IAEA inspectors visit Fordo. Questions persist around the quality of Iran's enriched uranium. Iran launches military exercise that includes defending nuclear facilities.
  • No. 137, 5 October 2009
    P5+1 Talks in Geneva: apparent breakthrough. Iran admits to developing covert nuclear enrichment plant. Iranian and US bi-lateral diplomacy receives boost. US officials says Iran has enriched enough nuclear fuel for eventual bomb. Obama changes missile defense plans. Malaysian middlemen accused of smuggling US military equipment and technology to Iran.
  • No. 136, 30 July 2009
    Tumultuous Iran elections leave future of P-5+1talks unclear. Iran's Nuclear Chief resigns. IAEA chiefs on Tehran's nuclear goals. Clinton, Gates on U.S. policy toward Iran; Clinton's remarks on "defense umbrella" worry Israeli leaders.
  • No. 135, 11 June 2009
    IAEA reports no change. Obama holds out a diplomatic hand to Iran. Iranian Presidential elections on June 12 - result in the balance. Sarkozy meets with Iran's foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki. Gates confirms Iran launch of Sejil-2 missile. Israelis accuse Bolivia and Venezuela of supplying Iran with uranium. Ahmadinejad denies collaboration with North Korea. U.S. House and Senate discuss deepening sanctions. New Israel-U.S. working group on Iran's nuclear program.
  • No. 134, 20 May 2009
    Iran and U.S. delegations clash again at the NPT PrepCom. Tehran further clarifies its priorities in the upcoming negotiations with the E3+3; won't suspend enrichment; EU endorses proposed meetings between E3+3 and Iran. U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee releases report on Iran; Congress introduces more proposals for sanctions. Gates tours Middle East to discuss negotiations with Arab allies. Iranian court releases Iranian-American journalist convicted of spying. Israeli military leaders say they have continued preparations for possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities; Prime Minister discusses Iran with policymakers in Washington. Iran test-fires Sejil-2 missile.
  • No. 133, 16 April 2009
    Iran looks ready to accept invitation from P5+1, remains adamant about its right to continue its nuclear program. U.S. 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. Israeli PM refuses to rule out preemptive strike against Iran, but Obama administration warns against it.
  • No. 132, 31 March 2009
    The IAEA releases its latest report on Iran. U.S. intelligence officials indicate that Tehran is far off from producing a nuclear weapon. Iran launches its first satellite into orbit and plans to expand its launch capabilities. Testing phase at the Bushehr reactor site begins. President Obama addresses Iranian government, calling for improved relations while expanding sanctions. Tehran responds with cautious optimism, but also frustration. Iran invited to international security conference on Afghanistan. U.S. policy on Iran still under review; may want to approach Ayatollah Kahmenei. Mohammad Khatami withdraws from presidential race.
  • No. 131, 22 December 2008
    United States consults Arab representatives on Iran's nuclear program. Condoleezza Rice asserts that U.S.-backed sanctions are having an effect. Iran tests new missile during naval exercises in Sea of Oman. Uncertainty over delivery of S-300 air defense system to Iran. President-elect Barack Obama announces his diplomatic approach to Iran. Iran's government does not expect significant policy changes from Washington. The United States may directly back Israel with a nuclear guarantee.

  • No. 130, 3 December 2008
    White House charges Iran with non-compliance in recent IAEA inspections. Iran and the IAEA still at an impasse. First Iranian nuclear plant scheduled to begin operation in early 2009. Iran may presently have sufficient nuclear material for a single weapon. British Foreign Secretary's 'nuclear' warning to Iran. Washington's foreign policy on Iran.

  • No. 129, 18 November 2008
    Iran test fires new solid-fuel missile. Israel calls on new U.S. administration to stay tough. Turkey offers mediation as P5+1 talks continue. Iran warns U.S. over air space violations. Ahmadinejad congratulates Obama despite controversy at home. Iran looks to collaborate with other suppliers as oil and gas prices plummet.

  • No. 128, 31 October 2008
    China agrees to new P5+1 talks after previous delays; U.S. levies more sanctions. Underground Iranian nuclear installations may be immune to Israeli strikes. Iran criticizes Western advocates for its failed Security Council bid. Iran nixes local office of the American-Iranian Council. Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami refuses to comment on possible future bid for presidency. American Presidential candidates on Iran.

  • No. 127, 15 October 2008
    Russia decides not to sell Iran S-300 anti-aircraft system. Obama and McCain sound off on sanctions. US holds off on establishing permanent diplomatic presence in Iran. Iran refutes hints that it might cease uranium enrichment on condition that it receives a guaranteed international supply of nuclear fuel. Iran withdraws bid to be on IAEA board of the IAEA in favor of Syria.

  • No. 126, 30 September 2008
    IAEA suggests that Iran may have attempted to combine its missile and nuclear technologies. U.N. Security Council resolution requests that Iran honor previous demands to halt uranium enrichment. Iranian President Ahmadinejad announces satellite launch plans. Speculation on Israeli policy. Possibility of Prospects for US legislation tightening sanctions on Iran and more.

  • No. 125, 10 September 2008
    Russia commits to completing light water reactor at Bushehr. Iran risking new round of sanctions. Sarkozy plays intermediary between West and Iran. Syrian attempts to persuade Iran to more seriously commit to inspection regime. Iranian air force to hold war games during Ramadan.

  • No. 124, 27 August 2008
    New sanctions imposed; ongoing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Implications from conflict in Georgia; Medvedev scheduled to meet with Ahmadinejad. Iran announces second nuclear power plant site; Russian nuclear official to visit Tehran and Bushehr. Tehran tests Safir rocket, United States says it was a failed satellite launch. Iran announces increase in the range of its fighter jets, Israeli expert dismisses claim. New Iranian submarine class announced. Khamenei shows support for second Ahmadinejad term.

  • No. 123, 7 August 2008
    Iran misses supposed imposed deadline to respond to P5+1 updated incentives package. Solana receives letter from Tehran, P5+1 reported to have deemed it an "unacceptable" response. Israeli officials visit Washington, urge harsh stance on Iranian nuclear program. Iran announces test of new anti-ship missile. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) supports Iran's right to peaceful atomic power (but not to call for lifting of sanctions). Ahmadinejad claims Iran has 6,000 centrifuges. Questions regarding Azeri customs and Russian shipments to Bushehr facility.
  • No. 122, 24 July 2008
    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.
  • No. 121, 11 July 2008
    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.

  • No. 120, 23 June 2008
    Solana delivers revised P5+1 incentives package to Tehran - Iran will consider it. Bush pushes European allies for further sanctions. Obama offers security guarantee to Israel vis-à-vis Iran. Growing segments of Israeli political class support Iran strike.

  • No. 119, 27 May 2008
    Proposals for negotiation between Iran and the P5+1. IAEA report issued to Security Council and Board on May 26th after Iran and IAEA held "positive and constructive" talks. US policy on Iran contested. Ahmadinejad under pressure over the economy. IISS Report suggests Iranian nuclear programme feeds regional proliferation.

  • No. 118, 7 May 2008
    Iran to answer IAEA's questions following intelligence allegations. P5 + Germany met in London to discuss new incentives. Iranian proposal on ending nuclear deadlock being seriously considered by Russia. Inside Iran's Natanz nuclear plant. NATO and E.U. criticized says Iran's nuclear programme. Iranians vote in second stage of parliamentary elections.

  • No. 117, 24 April 2008
    IAEA seeks explanation of documents that show nuclear warhead design. Diplomatic engagement with Iran: P5, Germany and the E.U. meet in Shanghai; IAEA encourages Iran to re-enter negotiations; Iran to extend a solution; the secret U.S.- Iranian talks facilities by Thomas Pickering. Angus Reid Poll: Iranians want nuclear energy not nuclear weapons. Analysis of Iran's application for full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

  • No. 116, 11 April 2008
    Iran increases nuclear capacity in spite of sanctions. China gives IAEA intelligence about Iran's nuclear programme. Bush offers Iran a "way forward" - the mixed messages from US officials. Sarkozy says Iran is the type of threat the new French nuclear submarine is designer to counter.

  • No. 115, 26 March 2008
    Iran's Parliamentary Elections. UN Security Council imposed a third round of sanctions on Iran. IAEA releases report on Iran's nuclear past. IAEA Board presented with intelligence on alleged Iranian weaponisation studies - Iran claims evidence is forged. Israel will not strike Iran without an ally.

  • No. 114, 19 February 2008
    US: Iran must confess to making nuclear bomb. Iran tests faster centrifuges with uranium. IAEA report could be delayed by disagreement between Elbaradei and his staff. Iran's Missile tests alarm international community.

  • No. 113, 6 February 2008
    P5+1 agree new wave of sanctions on Iran. Iran predicts it will be using nuclear power by next year. A Chinese military base in Iran: the geo-political consequences. US Iranians oppose military action. Congress discusses normalizing relations with Iran and assessing the effectiveness of sanctions and the policy of isolation.

  • No. 112, 23 January 2008
    P5+1 met on January 22 to discuss Iran but disagreement within the group set to hinder progress. US diplomacy against Iran. Iran making new disclosures about nuclear programme to IAEA. Iran receives third shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia and plans to significantly expand nuclear programme.

  • No. 111, Special Edition, 8 January 2008
    US heat turned down on Iran, in spite of the President. Outstanding IAEA questions to Iran. US statement: Iran no longer assisting Iraqi insurgents. Pentagon says US ships harassed by Iran. Congress passes Iran democracy bill. Iran's changing regional relationships. Russia begins delivery of nuclear fuel to Bushehr. Iran produces first nuclear fuel pellets.

  • No. 110, Special Edition, 21 November 2007
    IAEA releases report on Iran's nuclear programme. Differences between the P5+1 may hamper response. Iran's response to report.

  • No. 109, 13 November 2007
    In principle, P5+1 agree a third round of sanctions against Iran in advance of the pending IAEA report due the week beginning 19th November. Gulf-State enrichment proposal. EU/ Iran to hold talks in late November.

  • No. 108, 2 November 2007
    New US Sanctions on Iran. 52% of Americans support military action against Iran to prevent them acquiring nuclear weapons. El Baradei urges diplomatic solution and criticizes US rhetoric. Ali Larjani resigns as Iranian Chief nuclear negotiator. Iran's moderates challenge president's atomic tactics.

  • No. 107, 17 October 2007
    Rohani attacks Ahmadinejad's alienation of potential allies abroad. No US military action on Iran without consent of congress. Putin's diplomacy with Iran- death threat issued ahead of conference. Hillary Clinton: a confused policy towards Iran. French push EU for further sanctions against Iran.

  • No. 106, 3 October 2007
    Ahmadinejad visits Columbia University and is refused a visit to "Ground Zero" in New York. At an IAEA conference and a visit to the UN, Iran's president announces that the nuclear issue is "closed". US and France step up the 'diplomatic push on Iran', in spite of their commitment to give the Iran-IAEA agreement a chance. US erect a military base on the Iraq-Iran border. Iranian parliament vote to designate the CIA and US military as 'terrorists'.

  • No. 105, 21 September 2007
    General Petraeus states that a 'proxy war' between Iranian and US forces is already taking place in Iraq. French war rhetoric triggers a flurry of political concern. Despite reservations over the Iran-IAEA agreement, and Iran's continued uranium enrichment, international support has increased in the absence of alternatives. Cracks remain in US administration regarding prospect for diplomatic solution on Iran.

  • No. 104, 5 September 2007
    Contradiction between Ahmadinejad statement and IAEA Report on progress with enrichment. Continued rumbles over plans for military action. IAEA Report published, urges Iran to adopt Additional Protocol, IAEA Board to meet next week Sept 10th to 14th. Rafsanjani elected as Head of Assembly of Experts.

  • No. 103, 3 September 2007
    IAEA Agreement with Iran sets framework to resolve outstanding ambiguities over nuclear programme. IAEA Secretary-General's report to the Board is distributed to members. Reports suggest Iran considering suspending construction of reactor at Arak. Arrests of Iranians in Baghdad, US and Iranian relations suffer.

  • No. 102, 24 August 2007
    Latest round of talks with IAEA about action plan. Iran warns against further sanctions and attacks. Iran detains and releases Chinese nuclear spy.

  • No. 101, 16 August 2007
    US to declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. Iran and the IAEA to have a plan of action by end of August. Iran’s regional relations. Heritage Foundation Investigation.

  • No. 100, 26 July 2007
    Iran and the United States hold talks about Iraq. Iran and the IAEA hold talks about Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s deal with Syria?

  • No. 99, 19 July 2007
    IAEA and Iran make new deal for inspecting Iran's nuclear programme. German firm smuggles nuclear material to Iran. Iran could hit 600 Targets in Israel if attacked.

  • No. 98, 11 July 2007
    Tunneling Near Iranian Nuclear site. Iranian enrichment slowing down- heralding a time-out? US: Iran becoming increasingly dangerous- more pressure. PEW poll findings.

  • No. 97, 5 July 2007
    Reports of a possible 'time-out' proposal. IAEA team soon to visit to discuss outstanding question. US and EU further claims that Iran is aiding Iraqi insurgents and Hamas. Bush and Putin united on Iran- Russia resume talks on reactor with Iran. Iranian reaction to petrol restrictions. Reactor ready by October. Iran-India and Pakistan close to signing gas 'peace-pipeline' deal.

  • No. 96, 27 June 2007
    This week: Iran's talks with the IAEA. Latest talks with EU were "constructive". Recognition of Iran's right to enrich for peaceful means. Israel preparing to strike - once Iran reaches point of no return.
    Last week: IAEA warns against attacking Iran. Iran uses 'front' companies to avoid sanctions. Gates claims that the Iranian government knew of weapon shipments to the Taliban.

  • No. 95, 13 June 2007
    IAEA meeting Monday 11th - Iran meeting with IAEA cancelled. G8 leaders statement on the Iranian nuclear programme. Military option(s) on the table. Swiss- Iranian talks, EU- Iranian talks.

  • No. 94, 6 June 2007
    Too late to stop the Iranian nuclear programme. Update on talks. Iranian statements prior to G8 summit. Is Iran fuelling conflicts in neighbouring states?

  • No. 93, 31 May 2007
    This week: US- Iranian talks. Alleged US spy networks in Iran. A tougher stance on Iran's nuclear programme. Iran's neighbours seek nuclear power.
    Last week: The IAEA Report. Iran's nuclear know-how. Iran's regional relations. Iran and the US.

  • No. 92, 17 May 2007
    IAEA inspection shows Iran's nuclear programme is more advanced than imagined. The EU to hold talks with Iran about its nuclear programme. Deadline to cease enrichment approaching.

  • No. 91, 11 May 2007
    Iraq Security Conference ends with no talks between Iran and US. Breakthrough in deadlock on agenda wording for NPT PrepCom. US, UK & EU indicate increased flexibility if Iran stop uranium enrichment. New report warns economic sanctions counter-productive.

  • No. 90, 4 May 2007
    US & Iran to meet during Iraq Security Conference in Egypt, though substantive discussion unlikely. Javier Solana calls for direct US-Iran talks on nuclear issues. Iran reiterates refusal to cease partial uranium enrichment as a precondition to talks. Debate continues over how close Iran is to producing nuclear weapons.

  • No. 89, 25 April 2007
    Iran: we will not cease uranium enrichment under any circumstances. Javier Solana and Ali Larijani to meet for discussions on nuclear issue. Ahmadinejad invites Bush to talks. EU and US to implement further sanctions on Iran.

  • No. 88, 20 April 2007
    Ahmadinejad: Iran has joined the nuclear club. ElBaradei calls for Iran and Israel to join a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. Russia and China joint statement on Iran and Security Council Resolutions. US Central Command says that US has no plans to go to attack Iran.

  • No. 87, 4 April 2007
    Ali Larijani: no need to try British navy personnel. Iran & Britain lean towards diplomatic solutions for detained navy personnel. US accused of violating Iranian airspace in Khuzestan. George Bush: Iran must release the "hostages".

  • No. 86, 30 March 2007
    UN Security Council votes unanimously on increased sanctions. Ahmadinejad says he will not bow to "illegal" resolution. Iran captures 15 members of British navy. US Navy begins military exercises in Persian Gulf.

  • No. 85, 22 March 2007
    Ahmadinejad to address UN Security Council in New York before sanctions vote. Bolton: military option preferable to nuclear armed Iran. Russia denies withholding fuel to Bushehr to leverage a freeze on Iranian uranium enrichment. Israel and US kick off Juniper Cobra defence exercises. Iran threatens retaliation to alleged Western plot to kidnap senior members of its Revolutionary Guard.

  • No. 84, 15 March 2007
    P5 + 1 talks reported to have achieved breakthrough. Russia plays tough with Iran. US and Iran in multilateral talks on Iraq. Pelosi withdraws clauses prohibiting use of funds for military operations in or related to Iran. Chatham House argues that military strikes would be the worst possible option for Israel. Former senior defense official reported missing in Istanbul.

  • No. 83, 1 March 2007
    P5 + 1 meeting in London begins building new resolution on Iran. US agrees to meet Iran and Syria at international conference on Iraq. Ahmadinejad: Iranian nuclear program like 'train with no brake'. Blair: it would not be 'right to take military action against Iran'. New Hersh article claims plans of military attack are progressing.

  • No. 82, 22 February 2007
    US Iran Attack Plans Revealed. El Baradei: Iran 6 months away from HEU, but years away from a weapon. Possible delays on Russian fuel deliveries to Iran. UN Resolution 1737 deadline passes as Iran rules out cessation of uranium enrichment as a precondition to talks. Iran stages 2nd war games simulation exercises this month.

  • No. 81, 16 February 2007
    Ahmadinejad: Ready to speak to international community. Bush presents evidence documenting Iran's involvement in attacks on US troops in Iraq. Israel tests Arrow missile defence system. Internal EU Report states Iran's technical limitations more effective than sanctions in slowing enrichment. EU agrees to tighten restrictions on financial transactions with Iran

  • No. 80, 9 February 2007
    57% of Americans predict war within the next year. More Iranian war games as tensions rise. Iran's Supreme Leader vows global retaliation. Military and civilian experts reject US strike on Iran. Chirac: nuclear-armed Iran not a threat. Blair: No plans to attack Iran, but all options on the table.

  • No. 79, 2 February 2007
    UN Security Council Feb 21 deadline approaches. 'Time-out' proposal from ElBaradei. Iran ups tempo on nuclear programme. US diplomatic pressure limited: Russia vows nuclear delivery to Iran, Shell signs contract. US Iraq forces to target Iranian agents; Iran suspected in GI deaths.

  • No. 78, 26 January 2007
    Iran turns away 38 IAEA inspectors. Is Saudi Arabia waging economic warfare against Iran? US warns Iran to back down as second carrier heads to Middle East. Russian missile deliveries to Iran completed. US' international unpopularity grows.

  • No. 77, 19 January 2007
    Iran shoots down US drone. Concerns over US-Iran crisis - increased media predictions of war. Tehran aims for diplomatic support from global south. Expansion of Iran's enrichment capacity continues.

  • No. 76, 12 January 2007
    President Bush announces policy on Iraq... implications for Iran. Report: Israel plans nuclear strike on Iran. Iran may develop nuclear weapons if threatened. Ahmadinejad to reveal nuclear advances in February celebrations.

  • No. 75, 5 January 2007
    UN sanctions on Iran agreed - but where next? Iran to press ahead with nuclear programme. Western powers consider action outside UN. US-Iran tensions rise in Iraq.

  • No. 74, 24 December 2006
    UN Security Council resolution on Iran sanctions. EU-3 dilute sanctions proposals to win over Russia. Iran vows to step up its nuclear programme. US to increase military presence in Persian Gulf. Mossad Chief: Iranian bomb in 2009.

  • No. 73, 1 December 2006
    Cheney visits Saudi Arabia - Iran's nuclear programme discussed. Fears of Iran-Saudi proxy war in Iraq. Iranian war games aimed at regional states. Iran has 1000 attack boats, receives first batch of Russian surface to air missiles.

  • No. 72, 24 November 2006
    Military strikes still possible White House dismissive as CIA finds no evidence of Iran nuclear weapons. IAEA divisions over Iranian request for nuclear assistance. Iran to host talks on Iraq violence.

  • No. 71, 17 November 2006
    Bolton unlikely to be reconfirmed as US ambassador to UN. Iran aims for installation of 3,000 centrifuges by February 2007. Blair suggests new relations with Iran and Syria on Iraq and Middle East. Bush: Iran must halt uranium enrichment before talks on Iraq. Questions over vulnerability of US aircraft carriers.

  • No. 70, 9 November 2006
    Rumsfeld resignation. Security Council deadlock. Concern over Middle East nuclear 'break-out'. Iran continues military exercises and weapons tests.

  • No. 69, 3 November 2006
    Security Council impasse. Iran confirms increase in uranium enrichment activity. Iran launches war games in reply to US-led manoeuvres. US diplomat - Iran bigger threat than North Korea. Poll: Americans move away from militaristic foreign policy.

  • No. 68, 26 October 2006
    UN agreement on sanctions slow - disagreement between US and Europeans. Iran expands uranium enrichment capacity. US to carry out naval exercises in Persian Gulf. Poll: 54% of Americans oppose air strikes on Iran.

  • No. 67, 19 October 2006
    North Korea accession nuclear crisis still overshadows Iran controversy. Britain, France and Germany plan draft Iran sanctions resolution for next week. Sanctions proposals minimised to overcome Russian opposition, secure EU backing. Iran repeats warning of retaliatory sanctions.
  • No. 66, 13 October 2006
    North Korean nuclear test overshadows Iran controversy. Security Council disagreement on Iran. Israeli official conflates North Korea blast with Iran crisis. Criticism of Bush 'Axis of Evil' approach to foreign policy.

  • No. 65, 6 October 2006
    EU-Iran talks deadlocked. US gives Iran until end of the week before seeking sanctions. US: world could live without Iranian oil for 18 months. Condoleeza Rice on Mid-East tour - Iran on the agenda. Sam Gardiner: 90% confident of US attack in 3 to 4 months.

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