TIME: If the conclusions of the most recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) about Iran’s nuclear program are true, they are moderately encouraging. Moderately only, because the NIE itself expressed only “moderate confidence” in its most sensational conclusion–that Iran had not restarted its previously suspended covert nuclear-weaponization program. Keep up the pressure
TIME: If the conclusions of the most recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) about Iran’s nuclear program are true, they are moderately encouraging. Moderately only, because the NIE itself expressed only “moderate confidence” in its most sensational conclusion–that Iran had not restarted its previously suspended covert nuclear-weaponization program. Iran no-show in Bahrain
AP: Iran decided at the last moment Friday not to attend a regional Mideast security conference where Defense Secretary Robert Gates is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, organizers said. US vows to pursue UN sanctions against Iran
AFP: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vowed Friday to pursue UN sanctions against Iran and keep pressure on the Islamic republic to suspend uranium enrichment. Pentagon thinking on Iran unchanged
AP: A new intelligence estimate downplaying Iran’s nuclear ambitions has not changed the way the Defense Department views the country that has been long criticized by the Bush administration for fostering instability in Iraq, senior Pentagon officials said Friday.Pentagon plans unchanged by Iran report-general
Reuters: A U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 has had no effect on Pentagon planning, a senior U.S. military officer said on Friday. Russia reiterates twin-track approach to Iran
Reuters: Russia reiterated on Friday its support for a dual track of inducements and U.N. Security Council pressure to contain Iran’s nuclear programme, but did not make clear if it backed a U.S. push for tougher sanctions. Gates to say Iran is shared threat to Gulf region
Reuters: Defense Secretary Robert Gates will argue on Saturday that the Middle East faces a shared threat from Iran and should act collectively to counter Iranian activities in the Gulf. UN rights chief condemns hanging of young Iranian
AFP: The top United Nations human rights official on Friday voiced her “grave concern” at the execution of a young Iranian man convicted of rape amid reports a judge had ordered a stay of execution.Persian Gulf conference to focus on Iran
AP: Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital commercial waterway, are the greatest concern for Naval security in the region, a senior U.S. Naval commander said Friday. ANALYSIS-Iran report raises Arab concern over U.S. policy
Reuters: A U.S. intelligence report claiming Iran halted a nuclear weapons programme in 2003 has caught Washington’s Gulf Arab allies off guard, analysts say, raising concern that U.S. pressure against Tehran could slacken. 