Reuters: Iran’s defense ministry said on Wednesday it had carried out a field test of the latest version of its Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile which defense experts say can reach Israel or U.S. bases in the Gulf.
Iran’s Internal Divisions Play Out in Iraqi Arena
Los Angeles Times: Pouring money into political parties, charities and armed organizations in a semi-covert campaign for influence and control, Iran has emerged as a silent and powerful force in postwar Iraq, Iraqi officials and Western diplomats said.
Iran threatens tough measures in event of sanctions
Financial Times: The diplomatic poker game over Iran’s nuclear programme is intensifying, with warnings by the Islamic Republic that it would take tough measures in response to any attempt by the US to block its development through the United Nations Security Council.
US out to sabotage Iran’s atom bomb programme
Daily Telegraph: The Bush administration is trying to find covert ways to sabotage or delay Iran’s nuclear weapons programme believing that diplomatic deals struck with European nations have barely slowed Teheran’s rush towards the bomb.
Defense minister says Iran sending weapons to Shiite insurgents in Iraq
Associated Press: With fighting raging for a fifth day in Najaf, Iraq’s interim defense minister on Monday accused neighboring Iran of sending weapons to Shiite insurgents here.
Nearly 200 ‘badly covered’ women arrested in Iran
Hindustan Times: Tehran, Nearly 200 Iranian women wearing head coverings considered insufficient under the country’s Islamic code have been arrested, newspapers reported today.
Press Release
UNITED NATIONS: Press Release – The following statement was issued today by the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and the Special Rapporteur on torture of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights:
Iranian Prosecutor Shuts 2 Newspapers
Washington Post: An Iranian prosecutor has ordered the closures of two newspapers that reported last week on a trial involving a case in which he is alleged to have been involved.
Main Iranian armed opposition group granted protected status
AP: Fighters from the main Iranian armed opposition group, who are under U.S. military guard in Iraq, have been granted protected status as noncombatants, the State Department said Monday.
U.S. Sees No Basis to Prosecute Iranian Opposition ‘Terror’ Group being held in Iraq
New York Times: A 16-month review by the United States has found no basis to charge members of an Iranian opposition group in Iraq with violations of American law, though the group is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States government, according to senior American officials.
