AP: A new intelligence estimate downplaying Iran’s nuclear ambitions has not changed the way the Defense Department views the country that has been long criticized by the Bush administration for fostering instability in Iraq, senior Pentagon officials said Friday.
Pentagon thinking on Iran unchanged
Pentagon plans unchanged by Iran report-general
Reuters: A U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 has had no effect on Pentagon planning, a senior U.S. military officer said on Friday.
Russia reiterates twin-track approach to Iran
Reuters: Russia reiterated on Friday its support for a dual track of inducements and U.N. Security Council pressure to contain Iran’s nuclear programme, but did not make clear if it backed a U.S. push for tougher sanctions.
Gates to say Iran is shared threat to Gulf region
Reuters: Defense Secretary Robert Gates will argue on Saturday that the Middle East faces a shared threat from Iran and should act collectively to counter Iranian activities in the Gulf.
UN rights chief condemns hanging of young Iranian
AFP: The top United Nations human rights official on Friday voiced her “grave concern” at the execution of a young Iranian man convicted of rape amid reports a judge had ordered a stay of execution.
Persian Gulf conference to focus on Iran
AP: Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital commercial waterway, are the greatest concern for Naval security in the region, a senior U.S. Naval commander said Friday.
ANALYSIS-Iran report raises Arab concern over U.S. policy
Reuters: A U.S. intelligence report claiming Iran halted a nuclear weapons programme in 2003 has caught Washington’s Gulf Arab allies off guard, analysts say, raising concern that U.S. pressure against Tehran could slacken.
WHouse: Iran report has no impact on missile shield plans
AFP: The United States said Friday that it was pushing ahead with a planned missile shield that has angered Russia, and that a new US assessment downgrading the threat from Iran had no impact on the plan.
Russia unconvinced on Iran sanctions
AP: Secretary of State Condoleezza said Friday the United States would continue along a two-track strategy to deal with Iran, pressing for new sanctions and holding talks to convince Tehran to come clean about its nuclear program. But Russia ignored her calls to punish Iran.
Despite report, Iran still a threat
Chicago Sun-Times: President Bush’s critics claim the new assessment that Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program in 2003 discredits the White House’s hard-line foreign policy. But what else except Bush’s policies could have been responsible for Tehran’s decision?
