Iran Focus: London, Aug. 22 United States President George W. Bush said on Monday that the United Nations should move quickly to impose sanctions on Iran if it did not comply with a demand by the UN Security Council to suspend uranium enrichment, a key process in making a nuclear bomb.
Bush calls for swift UN action against disobedient Iran
Former president of Iran invited to speak in D.C.
Washington Post: Despite a looming diplomatic showdown with Iran over its nuclear program, the Bush administration has agreed to issue a visa to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to give a public address at the Washington National Cathedral next month, according to the Rev. Canon John L. Peterson, director of the Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation.
Inspectors kept out of key site ahead of deadline
Washington Times: Facing a self-imposed deadline today to respond to a U.S.-backed offer to suspend its nuclear programs, Iran yesterday blocked international inspectors from a key research site and vowed once more never to surrender its atomic energy programs.
Report: Iran, Syria re-arming Hezbollah
UPI: Iran and Syria are working to replenish weaponry and funding for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, a London Arabic newspaper reported Monday.
Iran defiant on nuclear program as deadline approaches
New York Times: Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Monday that his nation would continue to pursue its nuclear program forcefully. The remarks came one day before Irans self-imposed deadline for responding to an international package of incentives intended to persuade the nation to voluntarily stop enriching uranium.
A look at nuclear incentives for Iran
Iran says it plans to respond Tuesday to a Western incentives package presented in June to encourage Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment. The package has not been made public, but some of the incentives have been leaked including:
– Lifting some U.S. bilateral sanctions, including a ban on sales of Boeing passenger aircraft and related parts.
– Receiving some nuclear technology to help build nuclear reactors for civilian energy purposes.
– Receiving a guaranteed supply of nuclear fuel.
The United States and its allies accuse Iran of seeking to develop atomic weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is intended only to produce power, and Iranian leaders say they will not be pressured into stopping the program. The U.N. Security Council has given Iran until Aug. 31 to suspend enrichment or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions. (Associated Press)
France hopes Iran will grab offer in exchange to end n-programme
AFP: France said Monday it hoped Iran would seize an offer for economic and nuclear cooperation in exchange for an end to its nuclear programme.
Oil rises as Iran vows to pursue atomic work
Reuters: Oil rose to almost $72 a barrel on Monday as Iran vowed to pursue its nuclear program, inviting possible sanctions against the world’s fourth-largest oil exporter.
Iran insists will not suspend enrichment – agency
Reuters: Iran will not suspend uranium enrichment, the main demand in a nuclear package backed by six world powers, the deputy head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation said on Monday.
Iran denies inspectors access to site
AP: Iran has turned away U.N. inspectors wanting to examine its underground nuclear site in an apparent violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty, diplomats and U.N. officials said Monday.
