AP: President Bush said Tuesday that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice might have one-on-one talks with Iranian leaders at an international conference on Iraq next month, but that Tehran’s nuclear program would not be on the table.
Bush says talks with Iran possible
Iran vows no nuclear retreat on eve of EU talks
Reuters: Iran’s unwavering defiance over its nuclear program has further dampened hopes of a breakthrough at talks with the European Union on Wednesday.
Europe approves more sanctions against Iran
New York Times: In the latest effort to force Iran to curb its uranium enrichment activities, European Union foreign ministers on Monday approved a second phase of United Nations sanctions. Included in the package were a ban on Iranian arms exports and the freezing of the assets of 28 additional individuals and organizations.
Rice urges Iran to attend Mideast meeting on Iraq
Washington Post: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on Iran not to boycott a conference next week of the major countries and parties with a stake in the future of Iraq, at which the United States and Iran would have an opportunity for senior-level talks.
U.S. presses Iran on missing American
AP: The United States is growing increasingly skeptical of Iranian claims not to know anything about a former FBI agent missing in Iran and has stepped up diplomatic efforts to find him.
Britain to resume boarding in Gulf after captures
Reuters: Britain is to resume naval boarding operations in the northern Gulf that it suspended last month after 15 sailors and marines were held by Iran, Defence Secretary Des Browne told parliament on Tuesday.
Britain to rethink relations with Iran in formal protest over hostage crisis
The Guardian: Britain is to protest formally to Iran as part of a “recalibration” of relations with the Islamic Republic since the seizure of 15 sailors and marines in the Shatt al-Arab waterway this month.
Canada appoints new ambassador to Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Apr. 24 – Canada has appointed a new ambassador to Iran, the Foreign Ministry announced in a statement.
World powers may relent on Iran uranium
AP: The United States and other world powers are willing to consider an Iranian proposal that would allow the country to keep some of its uranium enrichment program intact instead of dismantling it completely, government officials said Tuesday.
Canada appoints new ambassador to Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Apr. 24 – Canada has appointed a new ambassador to Iran, the Foreign Ministry announced in a statement.
