New York Times: The new chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Friday sharply criticized the Bush administrations increasingly combative stance toward Iran, saying that White House efforts to portray it as a growing threat are uncomfortably reminiscent of rhetoric about Iraq before the American invasion of 2003.
Leading senator assails president over Iran stance
Iran complains to U.N. over diplomats’ arrest -TV
Reuters: Iran has complained to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about the arrest by U.S. troops of five Iranian diplomats, who Washington says were helping militants in Iraq, state television reported on Saturday.
U.S. plans envision broad attack on Iran: analyst
Reuters: U.S. contingency planning for military action against Iran’s nuclear program goes beyond limited strikes and would effectively unleash a war against the country, a former U.S. intelligence analyst said on Friday.
Iran reportedly set for talks with U.S.
AP: President Jalal Talabani said in remarks published Friday that the Iranians were ready to meet with the U.S. for talks about security issues – part of an apparent effort by Talabani to encourage a dialogue between two nations that are increasingly at odds, and vital to Iraq.
US lawmakers demand Bush ask Congress before attacking Iran
AFP: US lawmakers on Thursday demanded President George W. Bush win approval from Congress before using military force against Iran, even as officials again denied that any attacks are on the cards.
U.S. trying to spread instability from Iraq to Lebanon – Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jan. 19 – A top Iranian official accused the United States on Friday of trying to expand the current conflict in Iraq to nearby Lebanon.
U.S. trying to spread instability from Iraq to Lebanon – Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jan. 19 – A top Iranian official accused the United States on Friday of trying to expand the current conflict in Iraq to nearby Lebanon.
Earthquake hits Iran, no casualties reported
Reuters: An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale hit an area in southwest Iran on Friday, state television reported, but did not report any casualties.
N. Korea official meets Iran delegation
AP: North Korea’s No. 2 leader met with a high-level Iranian delegation Friday, highlighting the good relations between the two countries, both facing international outcries regarding their nuclear programs.
EU urged to step up sanctions on Iran British daily
Iran Focus: London, Jan. 19 Germany is proposing that the European Union step up sanctions on Iran to more than that required of it by a resolution adopted at the United Nations Security Council late last year, Britains Financial Times said on Friday.
