AP: Iranian lawmakers questioning a possible nuclear deal with world powers are seeking to block likely concessions offered by Tehran in exchange for easing Western sanctions. The effort is mostly symbolic on the eve of negotiations in Geneva but it shows Iran’s deepening internal rifts.
Iran lawmakers seek block on nuclear concessions
Kerry presses Iran to prove its nuclear program peaceful
Reuters: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday pressed Iran to finalize an agreement that can prove to the world its nuclear program is peaceful, but said he has “no specific expectations” for talks in Geneva this week between major powers and Iran.
Iran has developed a new nuclear site, dissidents say
USA TODA: The area is said to be in a series of tunnels in a military complex. An Iranian dissident group says that Iran should grant United Nations inspectors immediate access to a site it alleged Monday is a newly-discovered undeclared site for Iran’s nuclear work.
Obama, Netanyahu battle for sanctions
The Hill: President Obama is pressing senators to ignore pleading from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hold off on new sanctions on Iran. Netanyahu delivered exactly the opposite message over the weekend.
Kerry plays down talk of imminent Iran nuclear deal
AFP: US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday sought to play down hopes that a deal on Iran’s nuclear program could be reached before the end of the week. “I have no specific expectations with respect to the negotiations in Geneva except that we will negotiate in good faith,” Kerry said.
Iranian dissidents say Iran has built secret new nuclear site
Reuters: An exiled Iranian opposition group said on Monday it had information about an underground nuclear site being built in Iran and that this was among a number of secret venues for an atomic bomb programme.
Obama defends Iran dealmaking amid dispute over relief
Bloomberg: The Obama administration is on the defensive days before Iran nuclear negotiations are scheduled to resume in Geneva, as critics in Israel and in the U.S. Congress say Iran would concede too little and gain too much from an easing of international economic sanctions.
France assures Israel it will stand firm on Iran deal
Reuters: President Francois Hollande assured Israel on Sunday that France would continue to oppose an easing of economic sanctions against Iran until it was convinced Tehran had ended a pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Iran says next nuclear talks will be ‘difficult’
AFP: Iran said Sunday nuclear talks with world powers this week will be “difficult,” as France made four demands for a deal with Tehran and Israel warned against a “nightmare” accord.
Iran has never been ready for a nuclear deal
Al-Arabiya: The fact is that for Iranian leaders, becoming a nuclear power is paramount, allowing Tehran to exercise its hegemonic ambitions in the region. It is also viewed as a powerful tool for deterrence and the means for the ruling clerics to survive.
