IRAN ARCHIVE :

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Washington Post, 11 Dec 09, by Colum Lynch
U.N. panel cites concern about Iran shipments
'A U.N. sanctions committee expressed "grave concern" Thursday about what it called apparent Iranian violations of a U.N. ban on arms exports, triggering a renewed threat by the United States and its European allies to press for broader sanctions against Tehran if it does not mend its ways.'

Reuters, 24 Nov 09
Iran official warns Russia of legal action over S-300
'Iran can take legal action if Russia refuses to fulfill its commitments to deliver an advanced missile defense system to the Islamic Republic, a senior military official said on Tuesday.'

New York Times, 03 Dec 09, by William J. Broad
Iran President Says Nuclear Enrichment Will Grow
'The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said Wednesday that his nation would produce a higher grade of nuclear fuel on its own, escalating its war of words with the international community over its disputed nuclear program.'

Christian Science Monitor, 02 Dec 09, by Scott Peterson
Iran nuclear program: Can it produce its own fuel?
'Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that the Iran nuclear program could produce its own higher enriched nuclear fuel. But some analysts cast doubt on Iran's capacity to do so.'

Christian Science Monitor, 30 Nov 09, by Scott Peterson
Questions in Iran about NPT, as nuclear program set to expand
'Iran says the 10 new nuclear sites are for energy, not weapons, but sent mixed messages on whether it will remain in a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.'

Christian Science Monitor, 30 Nov 09, by Peter Grier
Timeline: Iran's reach for nuclear power
'Mileposts in Iran's quest to harness nuclear power.'

Christian Science Monitor, 18 Nov 09, by Howard LaFranchi
Iran nuclear deal collapses. Time for US to get tough?
'Iran rejected a UN-brokered nuclear deal Wednesday that would have sent its uranium stockpile abroad. The Obama administration is now under pressure to make good on its promises of "consequences."'

Christian Science Monitor, 11 Nov 09, by Scott Peterson
Does Iran play role in Yemen conflict?
'Surge of fighting with Yemen rebels has raised concern about a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has been drawn into the conflict.'

New York Times, 02 Nov 09, by Jack Healy
Iran Pressed on Nuclear Deal
'World leaders pressed Iran on Monday to defuse an international standoff over its nuclear program by accepting a deal to ship its nuclear fuel abroad. But Iranian officials continued to send confusing signals about whether Iran would accept the agreement.'

Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct 09, by Howard LaFranchi
Iran nuclear deal: why the haggling might be different this time
'Tehran cast doubt Friday on whether the Iran nuclear deal will proceed. But the Iranians are also dealing with an unstable political landscape – and with Obama, who wants to give diplomacy a chance.'

New York Times, 03 Nov 09, by Michael Slackman
In Iran, From Heroes to State Enemies
'Many who first organized the siege of the American embassy in 1979 now find themselves under increasing suspicion by the authorities for their connections to the political opposition.'

New York Times, 29 Oct 09, by Robert F. Worth and Alan Cowell
Iran Hints at Cooperation on U.N. Nuclear Deal
'After days of uncertain signals, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hinted Thursday that Iran would accept a United Nations-sponsored plan to send the country’s uranium abroad for processing, saying “we welcome cooperation on nuclear fuel, power plants, and technology, and we are ready to cooperate.”'

Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct 09, by Robert Marquand
Iran stalls nuclear program deal as clock ticks towards sanctions
'Iran has "responded" to a nuclear swap deal. But the IAEA won't say if Iran said "yes" or "no." It appears Iran is making fresh demands. If so, sanctions from the US may be coming soon.'

New York Times, 21 Oct 09, by David E. Sanger
Iran Agrees to Draft of Deal on Exporting Nuclear Fuel
'The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Wednesday that Iranian negotiators had agreed to a draft of an agreement to ship much of its stockpile of nuclear fuel to Russia, but cautioned that it would have to be approved by Friday in both Tehran and Washington.'

Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct 09, by Howard LaFranchi
Draft of Iran nuclear deal: Start of a thaw in relations with US?
'The tentative Iran nuclear deal could be the beginning of a shift from a dominant antagonism to an openness to addressing mutual interests, some diplomatic experts say.'

New York Times, 21 Oct 09, by David E. Sanger
Iran Deal Would Slow Making of Nuclear Bombs
'The agreement with Iranian negotiators would have to be approved in Tehran and Washington, and key details about the timing remained unclear.'

Asia Times, 21 Oct 09, by Mahan Abedin
Iran trapped in a ring of unrest
Whether the United States directed Jundallah to conduct the weekend's terrorist attack in Iran is irrelevant. What is significant is that the Americans have created - through their actions in Afghanistan and Pakistan - a strategic environment in which such attacks are both practically and ideologically possible. If Iran is to rid itself of Jundallah, and the close ties the group has to organized crime, it has to actively lobby for the exit of foreign forces from the region.'

New York Times, 14 Oct 09, by Michael Slackman
Some See Iran as Ready for Nuclear Deal
'Analysts say Iran’s leaders may have what they want: the apparent ability to make a weapon, and attention.'

Christian Science Monitor, 05 Oct 09, by Peter Grier
Secret Iran nuclear report: 'Project 110' and other mysteries
'The IAEA's assessment, leaked this weekend, offers a detailed look about Iran's nuclear know-how. But it's also vague in some respects.'

Washington Post, 01 Oct 09, by Glenn Kessler
U.S. and Allies Begin Nuclear Talks with Iran
'Diplomats from Iran and six world powers began talks Thursday morning on Iran's nuclear program at an 18th century villa in the Geneva countryside, a high-stakes encounter that may include the first high-level bilateral meeting between Washington and Tehran in years.'

New York Times, 29 Sep 09, by Neil MacFarquhar
Iran Is Seeking a ‘Two-Way Street’ at Talks
'The Iranian foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, said Tuesday that talks between Iran and six major powers, which are to take place on Thursday, must be a “two-way street” and not just a long list of demands focused on his country’s nuclear program.'

New York Times, 30 Sep 09, by William J. Broad and David E. Sanger
Iranian Statement May Offer Window Into Nuclear Efforts
'... the chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi ... said he was preparing a letter for international inspectors in Vienna “about the location of the [just revealed] facility,” adding, cryptically, “and others.” That got everyone’s attention.'

New York Times, 29 Sep 09, by Scott Shane
In Dispute With Iran, Path to Iraq Is in Spotlight
'... while the similarities between 2002, when the faulty intelligence estimates were produced, and 2009 are unmistakable, the differences are profound.'

Christian Science Monitor, 29 Sep 09, by Peter Grier
Iran's secret site is the missing piece in its nuclear puzzle
'If Iran plans to make nuclear weapons away from the prying eyes of the international community, it would need a secret facility like the one Obama revealed Friday.'

Christian Science Monitor, 27 Sep 09, by Tom A. Peter
Iran tests short-range missiles amid nuclear dispute
'Sunday's missile tests come after the US, Britain, and France revealed Iran's secret nuclear facility, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging US lawmakers to act now.'

Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep 09, by Tara Mahtafar
Why Iran's missile tests may not play well in Tehran
'The show of force ahead of nuclear talks is a well-tested strategy. But only 1 in 10 Iranians support nuclear weapons, and many question the government's legitimacy after June elections.'

International Analyst Network, 28 Sep 09, by Walid Phares
International Lawmakers Sign Historic Declaration Condemning Iran's Human Rights Abuses
'... an important declaration issued by members from the US Congress, the European Parliament and the Canadian Federal Parliament condemning the Iranian regime for abusing the human rights of its people.'

Washington Post, 24 Sep 09, by Glenn Kessler
Iranian Leader Offers U.S. Access To the Country's Nuclear Scientists
'Ahmadinejad Says Talks Could Build Trust Over Issue'

Washington Post, 12 Sep 09, by Glenn Kessler
U.S. Accepts Offer from Tehran for Broad Talks
'The United States has decided to ignore Iran's refusal to discuss its nuclear program and instead accept a vague Iranian plan for talks on security issues as the opening gambit to draw Tehran into real negotiation.'

Washington Post, 10 Sep 09, by Glenn Kessler and Thomas Erdbrink
Iran 'Closer' to Nuclear Weapon
'Iran "is now either very near or in possession" of enough low-enriched uranium to produce one nuclear weapon, a senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday, as he offered some of the toughest remarks by an Obama administration official on Iran's nuclear ambitions.'

Washington Post, 08 Sep 09, by Thomas Erdbrink
Iranian Invites Six Powers To Tehran
'Ahmadinejad Offer Includes U.S. but Rejects Nuclear Talks'

New York Times, 07 Sep 09, by Robert F. Worth
Nuclear Agency Said to Be in ‘Stalemate’ With Iran
'The head of the United Nations nuclear oversight agency said Monday that his organization was in a “stalemate” with Iran over its nuclear program, just after the Iranian president affirmed once again that his country would not stop uranium enrichment or negotiate over its nuclear rights.'

Washington Post, 02 Sep 09, by Thomas Erdbrink
Iran Ready For Talks, Says Nuclear Negotiator
'Iran's top nuclear negotiator said Tuesday that the country is ready to reopen talks with world powers increasingly concerned about Iranian intentions, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.'

New York Times, 20 Aug 09, by Michael Slackman
Hints of Iranian Flexibility on Nuclear Issue
'President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has settled on a strategy of trying to consolidate power by surrounding himself with loyalists at home while appearing to signal to the international community a readiness to address the nuclear issue, political commentators, diplomats and scientists said on Thursday.'

Washington Post, 11 Aug 09, by Edward Cody
Iran Exiles Accuse U.S. Of Ignoring Its Pledges
'An Iranian exile group accused the Obama administration Tuesday of betraying written U.S. promises to protect several thousand of its members confined in a camp north of Baghdad that was recently stormed by Iraqi forces.'

Christian Science Monitor, 06 Aug 09, by Gareth Smyth
Why Iran's Revolutionary Guards mercilessly crack down
'A force to reckon with in President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s second term, the Guards are led by commanders whose worldview was forged during the devastating Iran-Iraq war.'

Christian Science Monitor, 03 Aug 09, by Jonathan Adams
US mulls new Iran sanctions as Ahmadinejad endorsed as president
'The US is considering harsh sanctions on Iran's oil industry if negotiations to curb Tehran's nuclear program fail.'

Christian Science Monitor, 05 Aug 09, by Iason Athanasiadis
Now sworn in, Ahmadinejad could crack down harder
'Top opposition candidates, including defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, are among those who may be targeted.'

Asia Times, 06 Aug 09, by Grace Nasri
Iran caught in a 10-year cycle
'Protests against the re-election of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad have revealed a divided leadership and brought into question the legitimacy of not only the Ahmadinejad government, but for the first time, the role of the supreme leader and the system itself. Iran's hardline leaders may now be moving the country towards an absolute theocracy in a bid to secure their power.'

Christian Science Monitor, 29 Jul 09, by Iason Athanasiadis
Why Iran's conservatives are airing their dirty laundry
'In a striking move Tuesday, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei personally called for a detention center to be closed, citing mistreatment, while President Ahmadinejad sanctions repressive tactics.'

New York Times, 20 Jul 09, by Michael Slackman
Hard-Line Force Extends Grip Over a Splintered Iran
'[The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps'] aggressive drive to silence dissenting views has led many political analysts to describe the events surrounding the June 12 presidential election as a military coup.'

Asia Times, 22 Jul 09, by Babak Rahimi
Iran's Guards keep on marching
'Despite Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's last will stating that Iran's armed forces should refrain from political activities, the Revolutionary Guards have become a major political force within the theocracy. Accusations that Guards played a big part in the re-election of Mahmud Ahmadinejad are the latest evidence of a power shift that began in 2001.'

Christian Science Monitor, 22 Jul 09, by Dan Murphy
Iran’s Ahmadinejad not anti-Israeli enough?
'Khameini's split with the man he backed for the presidency sheds light on the diversity of factions and opinions in Iran.'

Christian Science Monitor, 15 Jul 09, by Liam Stack
Has Ahmadinejad lost his global following?
'After stamping out election protests, Iran may see its "resistance" brand weaken. The first big test: The Non-Aligned Movement summit, which opens Wednesday in Egypt.'

New York Times, 07 Jul 09, by Michael Slackman
As Iran Calms, a Struggle for Political Power Intensifies
'The streets of Iran have been largely silenced, but a power struggle grinds on behind the scenes, this time over the very nature of the state itself. It is a battle that transcends the immediate conflict over the presidential election, one that began 30 years ago as the Islamic Revolution established a new form of government that sought to blend theocracy and a measure of democracy.'

Los Angeles Times, 06 Jul 09, by Borzou Daragahi
Iran's Revolutionary Guard acknowledges taking a bigger role in nation's security
'Calling the move "a new phase of the revolution," leaders insist there is no room for compromise on President Ahmadinejad's reelection.'

Washington Post, 02 Jul 09, by Tara Bahrampour
Iran Unrest Shifts Power Dynamics
'Protests have caused hard-liners to tighten grip, left reformists questioning role in government.'

Washington Post, 01 Jul 09, by Thomas Erdbrink and William Branigin
Iran's Leadership Cautions Against Protest After Certification of Vote Results
'Iran's religious and political leadership warned domestic opponents and Western powers Tuesday that no further protests against a disputed election would be tolerated following official certification of a landslide victory for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.'

New York Times, 01 Jul 09, by Michael Slackman and Alan Cowell
Europe’s Vote Protests May Hinder Talks, Iran Says
'In a first sign that the dispute over the Iranian election could further jeopardize the stalled nuclear negotiations with Tehran, a high-ranking Iranian military official was quoted Wednesday as saying European nations were not qualified to discuss the nuclear issue because of alleged interference in post-election unrest and must apologize.'

Washington Post, 27 Jun 09, by Ariana Eunjung Cha
Authoritarian Regimes Censor News From Iran
'Out of fear that history might repeat itself, the authoritarian governments of China, Cuba and Burma have been selectively censoring the news this month of Iranian crowds braving government militias on the streets of Tehran to demand democratic reforms.'

New York Times, 25 Jun 09, by Nazila Fathi and Alan Cowell
As Crackdown Goes On, Ahmadinejad Assails Obama
'The sharp words from the Iranian leader offered no prospect of eased tensions between Washington and Tehran at a time of continued confrontation over issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza which the United States call terrorist organizations.'

Christian Science Monitor, 24 Jun 09, by Scott Peterson
In Tehran, growing brutality undermines prospect for Iran-US dialogue
'As the regime accuses Western governments and media, especially the United States and Britain, of stoking the protests and "meddling," analysts in Tehran are divided over the likely impact of a second Ahmadinejad term on possible US-Iran dialogue.'

Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jun 09, by Scott Peterson
Iran's supreme strategy: Why is Ahmadinejad the chosen one?
'The president's ties to military and security forces, as well as his hardline foreign policy, are among the factors cited for his support from the country's supreme leader.'

New York Times, 22 Jun 09, by Neil MacFarquhar
Layers of Armed Forces Wielding Power of Law
'Although outsiders may be cheering on the idea of people power, there is no sign yet that any part of the military will switch sides, analysts said, and the government retains plenty of reserve forces to quell protests.'

Christian Science Monitor, 18 Jun 09, by Scott Peterson
What's behind Iran's power struggle
'Thirty years after the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei is looking to remove rival old-guard leaders – including Mir Hossein Mousavi.'

Christian Science Monitor, 18 Jun 09, by Scott Peterson
Iran blames US for 'intolerable' meddling
'Five days into the vast and sometimes violent street demonstrations over Friday's contested presidential election, Iran blamed the United States for "intolerable" interference in its domestic affairs. President Barack Obama had specifically said he was avoiding being seen as meddling, saying it was "not productive, given the history of US-Iranian relations."'

Washington Post, 18 Jun 09, by Thomas Erdbrink
More Protests, Bitter Words As Iran Churns
'Opponent Accuses Government of Lies, Murder; Authorities Cite U.S. Meddling'

New York Times, 17 Jun 09, by Neil MacFarquhar
Clerics May Be Key to Outcome of Unrest
'With Iran's political establishment at war with itself, a central question lurking behind the postelection tumult is which side the country's highly influential clerics will back.'

Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jun 09, by Scott Peterson
Was Iran's election rigged? Here's what is known so far.
'The Guardian Council has agreed to a partial recount amid alleged irregularities, including an unusually swift announcement of results and a lack of variation in results between cities, rural areas, and ethnic strongholds.'

New York Times, 17 Jun 09, by Nazila Fathi and Alan Cowell
Bracing for New Protests, Iran Issues Media Warning
'... there were signs on Wednesday that the authorities were preparing to deepen a crackdown on the way news about the protest is being spread. On Tuesday, the government revoked press credentials for foreign journalists and ordered journalists not to report from the streets.'

New York Times, 16 Jun 09, by Alan Cowell
U.N. Atomic Energy Chief Says Iran Wants Bomb Technology
'Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency, said it was his "gut feeling" that Iran's leaders wanted the technology to build nuclear weapons "to send a message to their neighbors, to the rest of the world: don't mess with us."'

Washington Post, 04 Jun 09, by Thomas Erdbrink
Iranian Leader, Rival Express Sharply Divergent Views in Debate
'During the 90-minute debate, which is televised live, the candidates delve into topics in a way never seen in the Islamic republic, touching on topics such as foreign policy and corruption.'

Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 09, by Howard LaFranchi
Is diplomacy with Iran futile?
'Experts gathered to debate US policy toward Iran, and then let the audience decide.'

New York Times, 08 Apr 09, by Mark Landler and Nazila Fathi
U.S. to Join Iran Talks Over Nuclear Program
'The Obama administration said Wednesday that the United States would start participating regularly with other major powers in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.'

AP, 09 Apr 09, by Matthew Lee
US dealings with Iran remain on slippery path
'Efforts by the Obama administration to re-engage with Iran advanced a step and skidded backward all in the same day, underscoring the difficulties the new president faces as he tries to improve U.S. relations with its longtime foe.'

New York Times, 01 Apr 09, by Mark Landler
Obama Administration Has First Face-to-Face Contact With Iran
'... two [recent] American contacts with Iran are another step in the Obama administration's policy of engagement. It is a tentative process, in which the White House makes symbolic gestures, like President Obama's recent video greeting to the Iranian people and government for their New Year, while continuing to formulate its longer-term strategy.'

Asia Times, 25 Mar 09, by Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Europe out of step with US over Iran
'United States President Barack Obama has offered a "new beginning" in relations with Iran through honest engagement and mutual respect. Such overtures are at odds with the European Union's incoherent Tehran strategy, highlighted by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's recent threat-filled speech.'

Washington Post, 04 Mar 09, by Thomas Erdbrink
Iranian Leaders Fault Obama, Warn Israel Again
'In his first public comments on the new U.S. administration, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is Iran's supreme leader and has the final say over foreign policy, said Obama had adopted former president George W. Bush's support for Israel, which Khamenei called a "cancerous tumor."'

International Herald Tribune, 11 Feb 09, by Nazila Fathi and David E. Sanger
Better relations with Iran might mean trouble with Israel for U.S.
'An offer by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran to take up President Barack Obama's oft-repeated invitation for direct talks between the United States and Iran signals the start of a long-delayed war-or-peace drama that may help define the Obama administration's plans to remake America's approach to diplomacy.'

International Herald Tribune, 04 Feb 09, by Alan Cowell and William J. Broad
Iranian satellite launch prompts concern
'Iran said Tuesday that it had launched its first domestically produced satellite, a move that has prompted concerns in the United States and other nations about Iran's nuclear ambitions and its ability to deploy long-range ballistic missiles.'

International Herald Tribune, 13 Jan 09, by Michael Slackman
Iran tones down its vocal support for Hamas
'While the fighting continues in Gaza and negotiations for a cease-fire take place in Egypt, officials in Tehran are treading carefully because they, too, have a great deal at stake. Iran is trying to position itself as the regional superpower, while also trying to generate maximum leverage before expected talks with the administration of President Barack Obama.'

Asia Times, 08 Jan 09, by Roger N McDermott
Russia arms to Iran: A mistimed gambit?
'Reports originating from within Iran, alleging an agreement by Russia to supply Tehran with modern air defense systems, have sparked mixed reactions from official sources in Moscow.'

Asia Times, 08 Jan 09, by Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Iran painted as the demon
'Israel's offensive in Gaza is widely framed in the context of containing Islamist extremism by lumping together Hamas, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah, even as Tehran is engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activities aimed at bringing about a ceasefire.'

2008 Iran archive
2007 Iran archive