Iran Focus: London, Dec. 21 United States President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that his administration would hold talks with Iran only if it verifiably suspended its uranium enrichment program.
Bush again tells Iran to suspend uranium enrichment
Iran president facing revival of students ire
New York Times: As protests broke out last week at a prestigious university here, cutting short a speech by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Babak Zamanian could only watch from afar. He was on crutches, having been clubbed by supporters of the president and had his foot run over by a motorcycle during a less publicized student demonstration a few days earlier.
U.S. and Britain to add ships to Persian Gulf in signal to Iran
New York Times: The United States and Britain will begin moving additional warships and strike aircraft into the Persian Gulf region in a display of military resolve toward Iran that will come as the United Nations continues to debate possible sanctions against the country, Pentagon and military officials said Wednesday.
Iran sanctions vote seen on Friday
Reuters: Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry on Wednesday predicted a U.N. Security Council vote before Christmas on a resolution imposing sanctions on Iran after Europeans dropped a mandatory travel ban opposed by Russia.
FACTBOX-Highlights of U.N. draft resolution on Iran
Reuters: Following are highlights of an eight-page draft resolution imposing sanctions on Iran that was distributed to the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday. Britain, France and Germany, who drafted the measure, are scheduling a vote on Friday.
U.N. draft resolution on Iran loosens travel ban and time limits
New York Times: The European sponsors of a resolution to take steps against Iran for its refusal to halt sensitive nuclear activities submitted a freshly revised draft to the Security Council on Wednesday evening and called for a vote on Friday.
Top British Army aide accused of spying
Daily Telegraph: A military aide to the commander of British forces in Afghanistan appeared in court yesterday accused of spying.
British soldier ‘gave Army secrets to Iran’
The Times: A British soldier has been charged with passing secret information linked to the military campaign in Afghanistan to Iran, The Times has learnt. Corporal Daniel James, 44, appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates Court in London yesterday, charged under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act with communicating information useful to the enemy.
Europeans weigh compromise on Iran sanctions at U.N.
Reuters: Europeans are considering easing a proposed travel ban on Iranian officials in a move to get Russian support for a U.N. resolution barring Tehran from importing dangerous nuclear materials, diplomats said on Wednesday.
Russia criticizes West over U.N. draft on Iran
Reuters: Russia said on Wednesday attempts by its Western partners to ditch agreed principles in handling Iran’s nuclear ambitions were blocking adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution on sanctions against Tehran.
