AFP: Fresh UN sanctions against Iran along with additional measures taken by governments could force Tehran to change its stance on uranium enrichment, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
Proposed UN sanctions could force Iran to shift its stance: US
Russia urges Iran to tell IAEA of atom plan
Reuters: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Iran on Thursday to send its proposal for a nuclear fuel swap deal to the U.N. atomic watchdog as soon as possible, Interfax news agency reported.
Pro-reform former Iran VP assaulted: reports
AFP: A former Iranian vice president, who was among scores of pro-reform figures arrested after disputed presidential elections last June, said he was assaulted Thursday by attackers who smashed his car window, a website reported.
France sees majority on UNSC for Iran sanctions: Kouchner
AFP: France expects a majority on the UN Security Council to vote for new sanctions against Iran, with only three of 15 members still reticent, Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Thursday.
Iran “could cancel uranium deal over sanctions”
Reuters: Iran could cancel its agreement with Turkey and Brazil to transfer some of its uranium abroad if the U.N. Security Council approves a new round of sanctions against it, a member of parliament said on Thursday.
Iran nuclear plant to go online by August: Russia
AFP: Iran’s first nuclear plant, which Russia is building in the city of Bushehr, should go online by August regardless of any new UN sanctions against Tehran, a top Russian atomic official said Thursday.
Second detained Iranian director on hunger strike
Reuters: A detained Iranian writer and film director has started a hunger strike after he was “severely beaten” by security personnel in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, an opposition website reported on Thursday.
Oil trade with Iran thrives, discreetly
Wall Street Journal: An oil tanker named Front Page, chartered by Royal Dutch Shell PLC, left this port on March 17 and reported it was going to another U.A.E. port, then on to Saudi Arabia, ship-tracking data show.
Sanctions effort may open door to press Iran Central Bank
New York Times: Buried in the sanctions resolution now being debated in the United Nations Security Council lies the possibility of a new effort to pressure Iran over its nuclear program: a call for countries to “exercise vigilance” in dealing with Iran’s central bank.
A diplomatic game of chicken with Iran
Washington Post: Let’s be generous and call the frantic diplomatic maneuvers that have been taking place this week over Iran’s nuclear program a “negotiation,” Tehran-style.
