Washington Post: In approving far-reaching, new unilateral sanctions against Iran, President Bush signaled yesterday that he intends to pursue a strategy of gradually escalating financial, diplomatic and political pressure on Tehran, aimed not at starting a new war in the Middle East, his advisers said, but at preventing one.
Iran sanctions are meant to prevent war, Bush aides say
Pentagon chief calls planning for Iran strike “routine”
Reuters: U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday characterized U.S. military planning for a strike on Iran as “routine”.
EU hopes Iran’s new nuclear negotiator won’t complicate talks
AFP: EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Thursday he hoped the appointment of a new Iranian nuclear negotiator would not complicate talks with Tehran over its disputed nuclear program.
With sanctions US targets Iran’s largest banks
AFP: The United States targeted three of Iran’s largest banks Thursday, cranking up pressure on Tehran for its alleged nuclear weapons drive and terrorist financing.
Iran clamps down on coffee shops
The Guardian: They have become a haven for modern bookworms everywhere – a place to combine a love of the written word with the pleasures of cafe society.
Putin warns against sanctions on Iran
AP: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned strongly against new international sanctions on Iran, saying they would lead to a dead end.
Text of Rices announcement on Iran Qods Force designation
Iran Focus: London, Oct. 25 – The following is the text of an announcement on Thursday by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson that the Bush administration had designated Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF) as a supporter of terrorism:
Text of Rices announcement on Iran Qods Force designation
Iran Focus: London, Oct. 25 – The following is the text of an announcement on Thursday by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson that the Bush administration had designated Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF) as a supporter of terrorism:
Iran nuclear negotiators meeting German minister
Reuters: Germany’s foreign minister said on Thursday he was meeting Iran’s new and outgoing nuclear negotiators in Germany at their request, demonstrating Tehran’s desire to continue talks in Europe.
Britain backs U.S. Iran sanctions, vows new U.N. push
Reuters: Britain said on Thursday it backed Washington’s decision to impose new sanctions on Iran and vowed to take the lead in pulling together a third round of United Nations Security Council sanctions.
