AP: The Bush administration issued a fresh warning Thursday to U.S. banks that Iran is using “an array of deceptive practices” to hide its alleged involvement in nuclear proliferation and terrorist activities.
Treasury warns of deception by Iran
Russian FM warns military action on Iran ‘disastrous’
AFP: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday warned that any military means to solve Iran’s controversial nuclear programme would have a “disastrous” effect.
Dick Cheney tour sparks Iran war rumours
Daily Telegraph: Dick Cheney, the US vice-president, has triggered speculation that he has been using a tour of the Middle East to prepare Iran’s neighbours for a possible war with Tehran.
Swiss foreign minister in headscarf on Iran visit provokes outcry at home
AP: Switzerland’s foreign minister, already under fire for a natural gas deal with Iran, also is provoking an outcry at home because she wore a headscarf at the meeting with Iran’s hardline president when the accord was signed.
U.S. Treasury issues new warnings on Iranian banks
Reuters: The Bush administration issued a new warning to U.S. banks on Thursday that Iran’s state banks are using deceptive practices to disguise Tehran’s involvement in nuclear proliferation and terrorist activities.
Bush calls on Iran to stop enriching uranium
VOA: President Bush says Iran has the right to have civilian nuclear power as long fuel for its reactors is provided by an outside source. Otherwise, Mr. Bush said he does not trust the Iranian government to develop nuclear power solely for peaceful purposes. Mr. Bush’s comments came during an interview Tuesday with VOA’s Persian News Network.
Millions marking spring festival
BBC: Tens of millions of people are celebrating Nowruz, a spring festival believed to have originated thousands of years ago in ancient Persia.
Democrats jump on McCain’s Iran-Qaeda gaffe
AFP: Republican presidential candidate John McCain touts his foreign policy expertise at every turn, but he has given Democrats ammunition against his experience by wrongly saying Iran trains Al-Qaeda members.
US launches legal review of Swiss-Iran gas deal
AFP: The United States on Wednesday warned that it was launching a legal review of a gas deal signed earlier this week between Iran and Switzerland to see whether it violates terms of US sanctions.
Iranian overtures to Latin America spark US concern
VOA: Iranian moves to solidify ties with Venezuela, Bolivia and other leftist governments in Latin America have sparked increasing concern in the United States. From Miami, VOA’s Brian Wagner reports the growing Iranian ties reflect shared political and economic goals and anti-American sentiment.
