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IRAN UPDATENews and comment on the diplomatic movements over Iran's nuclear programmeNo. 83 - 1 March 2007 If you do not want to receive this update please send an email to request removal from the list. Feedback on format and content is also gladly received. In particular we are keen to hear feedback of how useful you find this update. Please e-mail comments by reply to Sara Refai by email on sara.refai at crisisaction.org. An archive of previous Iran Updates is available at: http://www.basicint.org/updates/iran.htm. SUMMARY
Officials from France, Germany, Britain, China, Russia, the US and EU Secretariat met on Monday to discuss options in light of Iran’s flouting of the UN Security Council Deadline. In a statement, John Sawers, UK Foreign Office Political Director, said discussions revolved around a new resolution but that no decision had been made, and that all involved were ‘committed to seeking a negotiated solution’. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicated continued resolve in demanding cessation of uranium enrichment as a precondition to talks. However, in a notable departure, she agreed to attend an international conference with Iranian and Syrian representatives in Baghdad in mid-March to discuss stabilizing Iraq. The administration has said there would be no discussion of Iran’s nuclear program. Ali Larijani is also said to have provisionally accepted the invitation. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pledged to continue Iran’s uranium enrichment program, likening it to a train ‘with no brake and no reverse gear’. Tony Blair declared that Iran was making a big miscalculation in its defiance but that it would not be ‘right to take military action’. In contrast, Vice President Cheney restated that all options remained on the table. Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki called for a bold decision to open negotiations from the 5 permanent UN members and Germany while adding that Iran was prepared for any eventuality. Refuting claims by Defence Secretary Robert Gates that the US is not planning a war with Iran, journalist Seymour Hersh cited sources alleging the commissioning of a Pentagon panel to plan bomb attacks capable of being implemented within 24 hours from go-ahead. Hersh also claims the Iranian leadership is preparing by constructing dispersed underground bunkers. He also claimed that US covert operators are operating within Iran, and inside Lebanon supporting the position of extremist Sunni groups to neutralise Iranian influence, a claim denied by Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman commented: "The United States is not planning to go to war with Iran. To suggest anything to the contrary is simply wrong, misleading and mischievous." The Daily Telegraph has alleged that Israel is entering into talks with the US on using an ‘air corridor’ in Iraqi air space for any an attack on Iran. This claim has been denied by Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh saying: "International authorities, particularly in the West, who want to avoid direct involvement with Iran, are anxious to spread the story that we will strike Iran". Senior US commanders have threatened resignation in the event of a military strike on Iran according to defence and intelligence sources. Meanwhile, IAEA and US officials have said that US intelligence reports have yet to uncover any substantial proof regarding whether or not Iran’s nuclear programme is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon. Iran claims to have fired a ‘sounding’ rocket into space for research purposes. However, the US claims that any such test went undetected, prompting speculation that the event never happened. Hizbullah Deputy Chief Sheikh Naim Kassem has warned that an attack on Iran would have dangerous implications for the entire region. Kassem suggested that Hizbullah would definitely ‘respond’ if Israel took the opportunity to move against Lebanon. Sara Refai, Crisis Action STORIES AND LINKSMuslim Nations Warn of Dangers of Iran Nuclear Row - 26/2
Iran Made 15 Page Article Available to the IAEA - 26/2
New Twist Claimed in Iran Stand Off - 26/2 Iran ‘Ready for War’ over Nuclear Activities - 25/2 West Mulls Iran Sanctions; US, Tehran Swap Warnings - 26/2
‘Trigger happy’ US worry Putin - 27/2 Iran Won't Halt Atomic Work, Snubs Big Powers - 27/2 COMMENT & ANALYSISThe Redirection - 25/2 Forex - Dollar near 2007 euro lows on US economic concerns,
Iran missile launch - 26/2 Crude Oil Rises for Fourth Day on Iran Dispute, U.S. Snowstorm
- 26/2 Bush’s Future Iran War Speech - 27/2 Intelligence on Iran Still Lacking - 27/2 Prospects of War Against Iran - 28/2 |
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