AFP: A German businessman under investigation for illegally exporting nuclear technology had planned to sell the material
to Iran, Der Spiegel magazine reported in its issue out on Monday.
On Thursday the German federal prosecutors office arrested 53-year-old Helmut R., in Friedrichshafen in southwest Germany, on suspicion of involvement in the delivery of 24 long-distance detonators, a device indispensable to the development of nuclear arms.
German trader suspected of selling nuclear secrets to Iran
Khatami postpones Turkey visit after MPs move against contracts
AFP: Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has postponed a visit to Turkey after the conservative-controlled parliament threw into doubt two major contracts signed with Turkish companies, an official said.
Tension grows over Iran’s nuclear aims
Boston Globe: The diplomatic showdown over Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions could escalate into a confrontation that changes the political dynamic of the Middle East and further destabilizes the region, Western diplomats, officials, and analysts say.
Iran successfully tests ‘strategic missile’
AP: Iran added a “strategic missile” to its military arsenal after
a successful test, and the defense minister said Saturday his country was ready to confront any external threat.
The report by state-run radio did not say whether the test involved the previously announced new version of the
Shahab-3 rocket, capable of reaching Israel and U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East, or a different missile.
Iran to U.N.: U.S. to blame for terrorism
UPI: Iran’s Foreign Minister at the United Nations Friday described the United States as extremist and said its use of unbridled militarism causes terrorism.
Addressing the U.N. General Assembly, Kamal Kharrazi said, “The prevailing world realities illustrate that unbridled militarism and blind terrorism are mutually reinforcing,” giving the attack against Iraq as an example.
U.S. Targets Iran’s Influence in Iraq
Washington Post: The Bush administration is exploring several steps aimed at containing Tehran’s growing influence in Iraq, according to U.S. officials, who say a split between the Pentagon and the State Department has paralyzed the administration’s ability to craft a long-term policy on Iran for three years.
As one measure, the United States has earmarked $40 million to help Iraq’s political parties mobilize — and, subtly, to …
U.S. firm fined $6.3 million for Iran trade
Washington Times: Federal prosecutors completed a plea agreement this week that imposed more than $6.3 million in fines on a U.S. company that illegally sent embargoed high-technology pumps to Iran.
“We view this case as very significant,” said Julie Myers, assistant commerce secretary for export enforcement …
Europe loses patience with Iran over arms
Daily Telegraph: France’s foreign minister, Michel Barnier, insisted yesterday that Iran must assure the world that it does not plan to acquire atomic weapons as European nations lost patience with Teheran over its nuclear programme.
Germany uneasy on nuclear plans after Iran talks
AFP: Germany came away from a meeting with Iran on even more concerned about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions than before the talks, diplomatic sources said.
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer met his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharazi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York for what the sources said were “very blunt” talks.
Iran: 120 executions in public since March
Iran Focus: Tehran, Sep. 24 At least 120 persons have been hanged in public in Iran since March, according to the state-owned press. A man was hanged in public today in the city of Ahwaz (southwestern Iran). Mohsen Sh. was accused of
armed robbery.
His two alleged accomplices, Peyman B. and Shahin R., were sentenced to having their right hands and left feet amputated.
