Fox News: Iran says it has “succeeded” in copying an American drone it captured in 2011 and will soon take the replicated aircraft on a test flight. State television in Iran broadcasted images Sunday apparently showing a replicated US RQ-170 Sentinel drone alongside the original one.
Iran says it has built copy of captured American drone, will take it on test flight
No nuclear deal with Iran unless actions ‘verifiable’ – Obama aide
Reuters: Iran must agree to “verifiable action” to satisfy U.S. concerns about its nuclear program or else there will be no final deal, President Barack Obama’s top national security aide said on Monday on the eve of a new round of talks between Iran and world powers in Vienna.
Nuclear talks will confront Iran’s future capability to enrich uranium
New York Times: As Iran and six world powers meet this week in Vienna to begin drafting language to resolve their nuclear standoff, negotiators say they are finally confronting a crucial sticking point to a permanent agreement — the size and shape of the nuclear fuel production capability that Iran will be permitted to retain.
Iran leader slams West’s ‘stupid’ missile stance before talks
Reuters: Iran’s Supreme Leader described as “stupid and idiotic” Western expectations for his country to curb its missile development, striking a defiant tone ahead of a fresh round of nuclear talks. Khamenei called on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to mass produce missiles.
U.N. nuclear watchdog, Iran to meet before May 15 deadline for progress
Reuters: The U.N. nuclear watchdog plans talks with Iran on Monday ahead of a May 15 deadline for the country to implement a series of measures that could allay concern about its nuclear program that the West fears may have military goals.
Iran’s illicit procurement appears to slow amid nuclear talks – U.N. experts
Reuters: Iran’s attempts to illicitly procure materials for its disputed nuclear and missile programs appear to have slowed down as it pursues talks on a long-term accord with world powers, a U.N. expert panel said in a confidential report seen by Reuters.
No visa for a kidnapper-diplomat implicated in assassination
Townhall.com: A kidnapper-diplomat is an oxymoron—words with contradictory meanings. In this case, the terms suggest that an ambassador has operated outside the rules of diplomacy. Now tack on evidence that he is linked to an assassination of another envoy…
Nitty-gritty time for Iran nuclear talks
AFP: Nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers enter a critical phase Tuesday amid tentative optimism as negotiators start hammering out a draft agreement ahead of a fast-approaching July 20 deadline.
Experts downplay Iran threat to ships
The Blade: Iran made headlines last week by announcing it was building a full-scale mock-up of the nearly 1,100-foot-long USS Nimitz to train against, and that carriers in the Persian Gulf would be singled out in the event of a war.
Iran scrambles to respond to claims it supplied chlorine bombs to Assad
Tower Magazine: Observers have become increasingly vocal in condemning what analysts describe as a coordinated campaign by Syrian to target rebel-heavy areas with chlorine-filled chemical weapons.
