AFP: Iran is determined to produce its own nuclear fuel despite the demand by the UN Security Council to halt enrichment of uranium, the country’s top nuclear negotiator Ari Larijani said on national radio Sunday.

Reuters: Iran’s president launched a new phase in the Arak heavy-water reactor project on Saturday, saying Tehran would not give up its right to nuclear technology despite Western fears it aims to make atomic bombs.

Los Angeles Times: With increasing signs that several fellow Security Council members may stall a United States push to penalize Iran for its nuclear enrichment program, Bush administration officials have indicated that they are prepared to form an independent coalition to freeze Iranian assets and restrict trade.

Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Aug. 26 – A top Iranian official warned on Friday that Tehran may develop nuclear weapons as a “preventative measure” against threats posed by the West.

AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to open a heavy water plant Saturday that will feed a nuclear research reactor currently under construction, an aide said.

AP: The European Union said Friday it will prod Iran to clarify questions about its lukewarm response to a package of economic incentives designed to get the country to suspend uranium enrichment.

New York Times: Russia’s defense minister said Friday that it was premature to consider punitive actions against Iran despite its refusal so far to suspend its efforts to enrich uranium as the United Nations Security Council has demanded.

Reuters: France said on Friday Iran’s response to an offer of incentives to persuade it to halt its nuclear programme fell short but said it was important to avoid escalating a conflict with Iran and the Muslim world.