AP: Federal authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that a guard beat one of four Iranian brothers who have been detained for more than three years at an
immigration detention center, authorities said.
Feds investigate claim that Iranian detainee was beaten
US seeks action against Iran after nuclear talks impasse
AFP: The United States called on the international community Tuesday to consider possible actions against Iran following its reluctance in talks with the European Union to drop its sensitive nuclear activities. The State Department said the only way for Iran to address concerns over its nuclear program was to agree to a permanent halt in uranium enrichment — a fuel process which can assist in the operation of nuclear power stations but also produces material for nuclear weapons.
Imprisoned Iranian Pastor may Face Death Penalty
Christian Today: A military court in Iran has sentenced Christian pastor Hamid Pourmand to jail for three years and has ordered his immediate transfer to a group prison cell in Tehrans notorious Evin Prison a move denounced by international Christian human rights groups. According to Compass Direct, the former army colonel and Assemblies of God lay pastor, who was arrested last September and
detained in unknown location, was charged with deceiving the Iranian armed forces about his religion.
Iran Tells EU to Back Down as Nuclear Talks Resume
Reuters: Iranian officials Tuesday threatened to break off negotiations with France, Britain and Germany if the three European Union heavyweights continue to insist that Tehran abandon all sensitive atomic activities. European officials began a new round of talks with Iranian negotiators in Geneva aimed at working out a permanent resolution to the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, which Washington says is a front to build atomic weapons.
Iran and EU resume crucial nuclear talks
AFP: Negotiators from Iran and the European Union resumed key technical talks Tuesday in the Swiss city of Geneva on Iran’s controversial nuclear policy, a source close to the talks said. The confidential talks, involving diplomats and experts from Britain, France and Germany, as well as Iran, are due to last three days, the diplomat added.
Iran: Dissident Wins Award for Besieged Writers
Human Rights Watch: The Iranian author Taqi Rahmani, who has spent a total of 17 years in prison, was awarded a Hellman/Hammett grant for persecuted writers, Human Rights Watch said today. Each year, Human Rights Watch awards Hellman/Hammett grants to writers targeted for expressing views that the government opposes, for criticizing government officials or actions or for writing on topics that the government does not want reported.
Germany Optimistic on Iran Nuclear Talks
Reuters: German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Monday the United States backed EU efforts to persuade Iran to give up nuclear fuel production and he was optimistic talks with Tehran would succeed. Britain, France and Germany are leading European diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to scrap uranium enrichment, which can be used to make nuclear bombs, in return for trade and other benefits.
Iran says OPEC has no obligation to cool prices
Reuters: OPEC does not feel it must cool scorching world oil prices by raising production at its March 16 meeting and will continue its suspension of the $22-$28 price band, Iran’s OPEC governor said on Sunday.
Iran says it won’t halt uranium enrichment
AP: Iran said Saturday it will never agree to permanently stop making nuclear fuel and warned that any attempt to haul it before the Security Council for possible sanctions would lead to more instability in the Middle East. Any effort by Washington to bring Tehran’s suspended uranium enrichment program under Security Council scrutiny is a dangerous path, warned Hasan Rowhani, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator.
Iran criticises EU for lacking “seriousness” in nuclear talks
AFP: Iranian officials on Sunday doled out heavy criticism of the European Union for lacking “seriousness” in negotiations
aimed at securing guarantees the Islamic republic will not acquire nuclear weapons. Quoted by the state news agency IRNA, top diplomat and negotiator Hossein Moussavian complained that Britain, France and Germany had so far “not shown any seriousness” and that Iran was “seriously doubting their capacity” to strike a deal.
