Middle East

Iran update: number 131

Summary

  • 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

 

Iran update: number 130

Summary

  • 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

On November 19, the White House assailed

Israel and the US: Nuclear weapons agreements

A recent article in Haaretz outlines previous agreements between US Presidents and Israel that sought to protect the Israeli nuclear deterrent from any possible US arms control proposals for the Middle East. Israel is now concerned that President Obama will not honor these informal arrangements, and is looking for reassurance that the supply of military technology will continue.

Iran update: number 129

Summary

  • Iran fires first of a new generation of solid-fuel missiles
  • Israel calls on incoming US administration to stay tough
  • Turkey offers mediation as P5+1 talks continue into the twilight days of Bush's Presidency
  • Iran warns US over air space violations, after US raid in Syria
  • Ahmadinejad congratulates Obama for election victory, then endures storm of controversy back home for his conciliatory gesture
  • Iran looking to collaborate with other suppliers as oil and gas prices plummet.

Iran update: number 128

Summary

  • China agrees to new P5+1 talks after previous delays; US 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