Reuters: The U.N. nuclear watchdog is concerned about Iran’s current lack of engagement with an investigation into its suspected atomic bomb research, ahead of a deadline next month for Tehran to step up cooperation. Western officials want Iran to address questions by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on allegations of past efforts to develop a nuclear weapons capability, something the country denies.
IAEA worried about slow progress in Iran nuclear probe
Iraqi leader Maliki loses backing of Shiite figure and Iran for new term
Wall Street Journal: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is losing political support for his bid for a third term from core backers, including the country’s Shiite religious establishment and ally Iran, say Iraqi officials. The shift, officials said, is prompting members of the premier’s own alliance to reconsider their support and dimming the prospect of his stay in power.
U.S. must play hardball in nuclear talks with Iran
Wall Street Journal: As it prepares for four more months of nuclear talks with Iran, the U.S. faces a disadvantage: Even if there is ultimately no agreement, Tehran will pocket the considerable concessions Washington has already made. The U.S. will need to correct strategic and tactical shortcomings by bolstering the credibility of the alternatives to making a deal.
Senator calls for return of Iran sanctions
The Hill: Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) called on Tuesday for the U.S. to reinstate sanctions on Iran immediately and add additional economic penalties. “We should immediately reinstate the full sanctions — and consider additional sanctions — and I have supported legislation to do just that,” Inhofe said at the Christians United for Israel Summit.
Sanctions relief for Iran extended
UPI: The U.S. Treasury Department said sanctions relief on Iran, which includes oil export provisions, is extended through November. Iran under the terms of a November 2013 agreement secured relief from some of the sanctions targeting its energy sector in exchange for a pledge to cut back on its nuclear research activity.
Obama administration is legitimizing Iranian military action in Iraq
The Hill: The Obama administration’s narrative on Iraq this week produced—intentionally or not—two strategic mistakes regarding the U.S. posture on Iran and the current ongoing conflict in Iraq. The first error was when the Pentagon’s spokesperson stated that “no Iranian regular forces” are operating inside Iraq, while admitting that “regime forces” are deployed and engaged in operations. Those comments are contradictory.
Iran’s fingerprints all over Hamas-Israel conflict
Toronto Star: While media have widely reported on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, few have picked up on the significant Iranian connection to the conflict. To begin, it should not be overlooked that many of the more than 1,000 missiles fired at Israelis in the past month were manufactured in Iran, transferred by Iran or built in Gaza with Iranian technology.
West still struggles to cut feared bomb risk in Iran nuclear talks
Reuters: Major powers appear to have made only limited headway in making sure Iran will not be able to build an atomic bomb any time soon, underlining the uphill task they face after talks that began in February were extended by four months. Western officials say some progress was achieved during the most recent round of negotiations with Iran – enough to justify continuing the high-stakes diplomacy.
EU extends Iran sanctions hold-off until November
AP: The European Union has agreed to keep holding off on some sanctions against Iran as negotiations continue on a comprehensive deal. Before the negotiations began in January, the EU agreed to suspend for six months a ban on insuring and transporting Iranian oil, as well as a trade ban affecting Iranian petrochemicals, gold and other precious metals. The EU extended its suspension of those sanctions, also until Nov. 24.
Persian nuclear carpet ride
Wall Street Journal:The Administration was right in January when it said that six months was more than enough time to test Iran’s sincerity. The main point of the extension seems to be to give the U.S. and Europe more time to dress up the concessions that Iran is demanding to continue its program while claiming it isn’t.
