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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


June 2003 Iran Special Weapons News



  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 27 30 Jun 2003 -- POLL: MAJORITY WANTS POLITICAL CHANGE, EVEN WITH FOREIGN INTERVENTION / TEHRAN BANS RALLIES ON ANNIVERSARY OF 1999 ATTACK / KHATAMI TO FACE PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONING ABOUT UNREST / HAS TEHRAN COME CLEAN ON DETAINED DEMONSTRATORS? / UNKNOWN PEOPLE ALLEGEDLY ABDUCT IRANIAN STUDENT LEADERS... / ...AND TRY TO SILENCE OTHERS / LEGISLATORS TO INVESTIGATE STUDENT DETENTIONS / NATIONAL RELIGIOUS ACTIVISTS' ATTORNEY REJECTS CHARGES AGAINST CLIENTS / IRANIAN LEGISLATORS CLAIM TO HAVE COME UNDER PRESSURE / ITALIAN INTELLIGENCE REPORTS BIN LADEN IN IRAN / TEHRAN MARKS INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING / TEHRAN PLANS TO REPATRIATE MORE AFGHANS AS WORLD REFUGEE DAY COMMEMORATED / TEHRAN DENIES REINFORCING BORDER WITH AZERBAIJAN / IRANIAN PROXIES ACCUSE U.S. OF ESPIONAGE / TEHRAN ALLEGEDLY MAKES DEAL WITH MUQTADA AL-SADR
  • ElBaradei Plans to Visit Iran VOA News 30 Jun 2003 -- The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency plans to accept an invitation to visit Iran to discuss its compliance with international regulations.
  • IAEA/IRAN VOA 30 Jun 2003 -- The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, has accepted Tehran's invitation to visit Iran for talks on its nuclear program.
  • IRAN / WEAPONS VOA 30 Jun 2003 -- Iran says it intends to invite U-N nuclear watchdog chief, Mohamed ElBaradei, to Tehran amid ongoing U-S and British concerns over its nuclear program.
  • EDITORIAL: U-S, E-U ON IRAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM VOA 30 Jun 2003 -- The United States and the European Union are working to stop the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. At a White House summit meeting with E-U leaders, President George W. Bush said the U.S. and E-U agreed to seek stronger export controls on materials that can be used to make such weapons. The U.S. and E-U are also looking at new methods, including interdiction, to stop the illicit trade in weapons of mass destruction.
  • Russian Visit by Iranian Nuclear Chief Stirs Controversy VOA News 30 Jun 2003 -- The head of Iran's nuclear program is in Russia for talks expected to focus on the two countries' cooperation on atomic energy. The Iranian vice president, who also heads the country's nuclear energy program, is scheduled to spend three days in Moscow, meeting with a number of senior Russian officials.
  • Iran Defends Legality of its Nuclear Program VOA News 30 Jun 2003 -- The head of Iran's nuclear program says his country's cooperation with Russia is in full compliance with international law.
  • RUSSIA / IRAN VOA 30 Jun 2003 -- The head of Iran's nuclear program is in Russia for talks expected to focus on the two countries' cooperation on atomic energy. The visit comes amid ongoing international concerns about whether Iran is secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons.
  • Iran's Nuclear Chief in Moscow for Talks VOA News 30 Jun 2003 -- The head of Iran's nuclear program is in Moscow for talks with senior Russian officials, amid continuing international concern that Tehran is secretly trying to develop atomic weapons.
  • Britain's Straw Presses Iran on Nuclear Program VOA News 29 Jun 2003 -- British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has used his visit to Iran to press Tehran to be more open about its nuclear program.
  • Iran: Deputies Continue Protest RFE/L 29 Jun 2003 -- Four Iranian parliamentary deputies are continuing a 48-hour sit-in that they started yesterday to protest against the detention of thousands of people who participated in 10 days of recent anti-government protests.
  • Iranian Clerics Appear Unwilling to Negotiate with Demonstrators VOA News 28 Jun 2003 -- Experts on Iran say the arrest of more than 4,000 people during student-led protests this month reveal a reluctance on the part of the Iranian clerical establishment to negotiate. According to Dr. Hassan Abu Taleb of the Ahram Center for Strategic and Political Studies, the many arrests in Iran showed the June demonstrations were more powerful than the rulers in that country would like to admit.
  • IRAN/ARRESTS VOA 28 Jun 2003 -- Experts on Iran say the arrest of more than four-thousand people during student-led protests this month reveal a reluctance on the part of the Iranian clerical establishment to negotiate.
  • Powell Says Iran, Syria Should Join Peace Process Washington File 26 Jun 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Syria and Iran to reject support for terrorist groups and join other countries in the region in seeking a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict between Arabs and Israelis.
  • Tehran: More than 4,000 Arrested During Anti-Government Protests VOA News 27 Jun 2003 -- Iran's state prosecutor says more than 4,000 people were arrested during recent anti-government protests.
  • RICE/MIDEAST-IRAQ VOA 26 Jun 2003 -- U-S national security advisor Condoleezza Rice has called for the total outlawing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Her comments were made in London while en route to the Middle East, where she will hold weekend talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
  • EDITORIAL: REGIME THUGS BEAT IRAN PROTESTORS VOA 26 Jun 2003 -- In recent days, thousands of protestors have flooded the streets of Iranian cities and towns to oppose the country's Islamic fundamentalist regime and to call for more political, social, and economic freedom. But the clerical regime is encouraging vigilante assaults against the protestors. The vigilantes, along with plain-clothes paramilitary forces, have charged into the crowds and assaulted demonstrators using batons, chains, and knives.
  • CONGRESS / IRAN VOA 25 Jun 2003 -- Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have begun a new examination of the effectiveness of U-S policy toward Iran. A House committee Wednesday looked at a seven-year-old sanctions law aimed at putting pressure on Iran, as well as Libya, by seeking to punish companies that do business in those countries.
  • US, Europe Urge Iran to Comply with its Nuclear Obligations VOA News 25 Jun 2003 -- President Bush and European leaders want Iran to open its nuclear facilities to more inspections. The United States and the European Union also agreed to work more closely together to fight international terrorism.
  • BUSH / EUROPE IRAN VOA 25 Jun 2003 -- President Bush and European leaders want Iran to open its nuclear facilities to more inspections. The United States and the European Union also agreed to work more closely together to fight international terrorism.
  • U.S. Urges IAEA to Expedite, Expand Iranian Nuclear Investigation Washington File 23 Jun 2003 -- The United States is deeply concerned about information the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified concerning Iran's nuclear program, says Ambassador Kenneth Brill.
  • Iran Bans Protests Marking 1999 Unrest VOA News 23 Jun 2003 -- Iran says it will ban all off-campus protests marking the July 9th anniversary of 1999 clashes between students and security forces that left one student dead.
  • EDITORIAL: IRAN'S PEOPLE OPPOSE TERRORISM VOA 23 Jun 2003 -- Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a leading member of Iran's Islamic fundamentalist regime, recently extolled terrorism in the Middle East. Referring to suicide bombing attacks, he said: "One Palestinian by going to paradise can send three-hundred Israelis to hell. This is more powerful than atomic bombs."
  • Iran Then and Now VOA 23 Jun 2003 -- More than twenty years have passed since the Iranian revolution brought to power clerical rule. Renewed student demonstrations, now targeting that leadership, indicate Iran may be ready for another change.
  • Iran: Tehran Bans Demonstrations During Tense Anniversary Next Month RFE/L 23 Jun 2003 -- Iran today banned demonstrations during next month's anniversary of a violent attack on a university dormitory in 1999 that triggered days of protests.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 26 23 Jun 2003 -- IRAN AND REGION FEEL IMPACT OF AFGHAN OPIUM / IAEA ENCOURAGES IRANIAN NUCLEAR TRANSPARENCY... / ...WHICH WILL NOT BE FORTHCOMING / MOSCOW PUTS POSITIVE SPIN ON IAEA STATEMENT / WHITE HOUSE SAYS WORLD WILL NOT TOLERATE IRANIAN NUKES / U.S. IS 'CRUSHING WATER IN A MORTAR.' / TEHRAN GROWS QUIETER / PROVINCIAL FLAREUPS CONTINUE / GOVERNMENT MOVES AGAINST VIGILANTES / GOVERNMENT ARRESTS MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING JOURNALISTS / 250 IRANIAN TEACHERS AND WRITERS DESCRIBE REGIME'S SYSTEM AS 'HERESY.' / TEHRAN WELCOMES FRENCH MKO RAIDS AND ARRESTS / TEHRAN HOSTS CENTRAL ASIAN LEADERS / TURKMENISTAN STRENGTHENS CONTROLS ON IRANIAN BORDER
  • Iran Identifies Most al-Qaida Members in Custody VOA News 23 Jun 2003 -- Iran says it has identified most of the suspected al-Qaida members in its custody.
  • Powell: US Has No Intention of Invading Iran VOA News 22 Jun 2003 -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United States has no intention of invading Iran.
  • Putin Defends Russian Commercial Interests in Iran VOA News 22 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will not allow international concerns over Iran's nuclear program to undermine Russia's commercial interests in the country.
  • FRANCE / MUJAHEDEEN VOA 22 Jun 2003 -- In Paris Sunday, a judge ordered the continued detention of the leader of the Iranian opposition People's Mujahedeen and 10 of her followers who face trial for possible links with terrorism. The group remains a mystery to many. Analysts are also divided over the reasons for the French government crackdown.
  • Iran Offers Greater Nuclear Cooperation but Offers No Environmental Samples VOA News 21 Jun 2003 -- Iran has promised to cooperate more actively with U.N. nuclear inspectors, but it has again declined to let U.N. nuclear inspectors take environmental samples from a power plant inside Tehran.
  • Russia: Moscow Says IAEA Statement Clears Way For Nuclear Cooperation With Iran RFE/L 21 Jun 2003 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry said today that the failure of the UN's nuclear agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to condemn Iran has cleared the way for Russia to help Iran build a nuclear-power plant.
  • IRAN-IRAN: Protests subside but anger still seethes IRIN 20 Jun 2003 -- Demonstrations against Iran's establishment appeared to have ended on Friday with no reports of protesters gathering in the capital after nine nights of protest. Riot police and hardline Islamic vigilantes lined the streets in some hot spots and intersections where protests, which have been strongly endorsed by Washington, had erupted on previous evenings.
  • White House Welcomes IAEA Report on Iran's Nuclear Program Washington File 20 Jun 2003 -- The White House welcomes the International Atomic Energy Agency's June 6 report on Iran, according to White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, speaking to the press on June 19.
  • IAEA Releases Report on Iran's Nuclear Program Washington File 20 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna made public June 19, its report on "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran."
  • Iran's Nuclear Program VOA 20 Jun 2003 -- This week, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency met in Vienna to discuss a new report about Iran's nuclear program. I-A-E-A Director General Mohamed ElBaradei wrote the report. It says Iran has failed to declare the importing, processing and storing of nuclear materials. Iran had promised to do so.
  • IRAN UNREST VOA 20 Jun 2003 -- Once again, Iranians are demonstrating against their clerical government in the capital Tehran and several other cities. Clashes with security forces have led to dozens of arrests and injuries. But this time, the unrest appears more widespread and more threatening to the regime. Some say its collapse is only a matter of time, though what would follow is unclear.
  • EU: Organization Appears To Be Hardening Its Line Against Iran RFE/L 20 Jun 2003 -- The United States is taking a firm line on what it sees as Iran's attempt to develop nuclear weapons, despite repeated denials from Tehran. The European Union, which does not share the U.S. view that Iran is a member of the so-called "axis of evil," has in the past taken a more lenient approach. Its preference has been for constructive engagement rather than confrontation. But now, in the face of expressions of concern about Iran from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the EU appears to be hardening its line. Is the EU now ready to adopt Washington's assessment of the danger?
  • Iran: Bush Says U.S., Allies Will Not Tolerate Tehran's Nuclear Weapons RFE/L 20 Jun 2003 -- During the last few days, U.S. President George W. Bush has turned up the heat on Iran and its suspected nuclear arms program. Bush's comments appear to reflect a key policy decision by his administration.
  • PUTIN/NUKES VOA 20 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Iran's president has assured him personally that Tehran is prepared to adhere to tight conditions overseeing its nuclear program, which officials in Washington have long feared could be used to develop nuclear weapons. President Putin also urged the West to provide security guarantees to convince North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.
  • IRAN / PROTEST VOA 20 Jun 2003 -- A senior Iranian religious leader has urged his country's courts to use the death penalty against protesters who have been calling for political reforms.
  • PROTEST IN IRAN VOA 20 Jun 2003 -- For more than a week, students have taken to the streets of Tehran to protest Iran's oppressive clerical regime. They've chanted demands for freedom and democracy. The rallies have spread to half a dozen cities across the country, including Hamadan and Isfahan even though protesters have been attacked repeatedly by Islamic militias wielding chains and knives. U.S. President George W. Bush praised those standing for fundamental human rights saying, "This is the beginning of people expressing themselves towards a free Iran, which I think is positive." What are the prospects for freedom and democracy in Iran?
  • EDITORIAL: IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM VOA 20 Jun 2003 -- President George W. Bush said Iran's nuclear weapons program is everyone's concern
  • Russia: Iran Cooperating with IAEA VOA News 20 Jun 2003 -- Russia says it will deliver nuclear fuel to Iran only after Tehran signs an additional protocol allowing closer inspections of its nuclear program.
  • Iran is Prepared to Allow Full IAEA Monitoring, Says Putin VOA News 20 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Iran's leader has personally assured him that Tehran has no plans to develop nuclear weapons, and will drop its objections to inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
  • Senior Iranian Cleric Threatens Protesters VOA News 20 Jun 2003 -- A senior Iranian cleric has called on Iran's hardline judiciary to act forcefully against anti-government protesters who have caused unrest in the Islamic Republic over the last 10 days.
  • Bush Welcomes IAEA Statement on Iran's Nuclear Program Washington File 19 Jun 2003 -- The White House welcomed a June 19 statement by the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asking Iran to allow further inspections of its reactor sites.
  • UN watchdog calls on Iran to allow enhanced inspection of nuclear programmes UN News Centre 19 Jun 2003 -- The United Nations nuclear watchdog agency today called on Iran to allow environmental sampling of alleged enrichment activities and to agree to enhanced inspections of its nuclear programmes following an official report that it had failed to disclose certain nuclear material and activities.
  • FRANCE / IRAN OPPOSITION VOA 19 Jun 2003 -- Protests against French arrests of Iranian opposition members continued for a third day Thursday, with three more demonstrators setting themselves on fire in Italy and Switzerland.
  • IAEA Board of Governors Meeting IAEA 19 Jun 2003 -- "The Board expressed its appreciation for the 6 June report of the Director General, which provides a factual and objective description of developments since March in relation to safeguards issues in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which need to be clarified, and actions that need to be taken."
  • IAEA Calls on Iran to Comply with International Nuclear Safeguards VOA News 19 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency has called for Iran to come into compliance with its international safeguard obligations concerning its nuclear facilities.
  • Iran: UN Agency Urges Tehran To Accept More Inspections RFE/L 19 Jun 2003 -- Members of the United Nations' nuclear monitoring agency have urged Iran to allow continued inspections of nuclear facilities in order to assure the world that Iran is not secretly developing nuclear weapons.
  • IAEA Urges Continued Nuclear Inspections in Iran VOA News 19 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency is calling on Iran to allow continued inspections and monitoring of its nuclear facilities, amid allegations by the United States that Iran is secretly producing nuclear weapons.
  • New Self-Immolations Reported as Iranians Protest in Europe VOA News 19 Jun 2003 -- Three Iranians have set themselves on fire in two separate protests in Europe over a French crackdown on an Iranian opposition group. Two men set themselves ablaze during a demonstration by at least 20 people outside the French embassy in Rome. Police quickly intervened to douse the flames. Another Iranian set himself on fire during a similar protest in the Swiss capital, Berne. Authorities have provided no information on the condition of the three.
  • EDITORIAL: IRANIAN DISSIDENTS SPEAK OUT VOA 19 Jun 2003 -- More than two-hundred-fifty prominent Iranian writers, professors, and intellectuals have added their voices to the demands of Iranian students who are staging daily demonstrations calling for freedom in Iran. In a statement published in a Tehran newspaper, the dissidents declared that Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, must "answer to the people" and abandon the idea that he is "God's unchallenged representative on Earth."
  • IRAN PROTESTS VOA 19 Jun 2003 -- Demonstrations in Tehran continued for a ninth consecutive night but fewer people took part than in previous nights. Despite the length and intensity of some of the demonstrations, some experts say they don't believe the protests will bring about any significant political change in Iran.
  • Iran: UN Nuclear Agency To Issue Compliance Report RFE/L 19 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is meeting today in Vienna and expected to say Iran has failed to comply with UN nuclear safeguard obligations.
  • Iran's Nuclear Program Concerns Bush Administration Washington File 18 Jun 2003 -- The United States, as well as many nations around the world, have "deep concerns" about Iran's nuclear development program, and they want Iran to adhere to the terms it agreed to when it signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters June 18.
  • Congressman Voices Support for Iranian Students' Demonstrations Washington File 18 Jun 2003 -- U.S. Representative Bob Ney of Ohio issued a statement on June 16 expressing his sympathy and solidarity with the student demonstrators in Iran.
  • BUSH / IRAN VOA 18 Jun 2003 -- President Bush says the world will not tolerate nuclear weapons in Iran. He is also calling on Iranian leaders to treat anti-government protesters with respect.
  • CHINA / IRAN / W-M-D VOA 19 Jun 2003 -- China says the dispute over Iran's nuclear programs should be solved in a "pragmatic and prudent" fashion. The comments follow President Bush's declaration that the world "will not tolerate" a nuclear-armed Iran.
  • FRANCE / IRAN OPPOSITION VOA 18 Jun 2003 -- Three Iranian dissidents set themselves on fire in Paris to protest a French crackdown on an Iranian opposition group with alleged links to terrorism. French authorities have released most members of the opposition People's Mujahedeen group who were arrested the day before.
  • France: Police Arrest Members Of Iran's Armed Opposition, But Why Now? RFE/L 18 Jun 2003 -- The French police have rounded up some 160 members of Iran's armed opposition, the People's Mujahedin. The move has surprised some observers because for the past 20 years the group has been free to operate in France and many other European countries, as well as the United States.
  • IAEA Debates Iran Nuclear Situation VOA News 18 Jun 2003 -- The United States tells the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency that Iran's nuclear program is reason for "grave concern."
  • IRAN PROTESTS VOA 18 Jun 2003 -- For the eighth consecutive night, students in Tehran have staged demonstrations demanding more freedom. But unlike during earlier protests, the latest demonstrations have been free of violence incited by pro-government forces.
  • Iran: IAEA To Discuss Tehran's Failure To Comply With Agreement RFE/L 18 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meets today in Vienna to discuss what it says is Iran's failure to comply with the agency's nuclear safeguards agreement.
  • Iran: Pressure Builds On Washington To Promote 'Regime Change' RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- As student protests against the government continue in Iran, debate is growing in Washington about U.S. policy toward Tehran. On the one hand, the Bush administration has provided strong rhetorical support for the demonstrators. But for now, President George W. Bush has stopped short of publicly promoting "regime change."
  • Iran: Protests Highlight Reformist Students' Frustration With Khatami RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- Student-led protests in Tehran appear to be subsiding after seven nights of unrest and a strong security crackdown around the university area. The clashes highlighted some shifts in Iran's usual alliances as many demonstrators called for the resignation of moderate President Mohammad Khatami along with the rest of the regime.
  • Iran: IAEA Meets As Teheran Balks At Signing Protocol To Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- The UN's nuclear watchdog met for a second day in Vienna today to discuss Iran's nuclear program. Yesterday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammad el-Baradei, urged Iran to sign an Additional Protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to allay concerns that Tehran might be developing nuclear weapons. So far, Iran has balked.
  • Iran: Who Are The Vigilantes Fighting Pro-Reform Protesters? RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- Pro-reform protesters in Iran haven't just got the police and security forces to worry about. They also face beatings from motorcycle-riding hard-liners wielding clubs and chains. Who are these so-called plainclothes vigilantes?
  • Iranian Government Meets to Discuss Student Protests VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Government ministers are meeting Tuesday in Iran to discuss the week of student protests that have rocked the capital, Tehran, and have spread to other parts of the country. But Monday's protests were the smallest of the week.
  • French Police Arrest Members of 'People's Mujahedeen of Iran' VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- French police arrested more than 150 members of an Iranian opposition group in early morning raids near Paris. The French Interior Ministry says more than 1,200 security officers were used in the operation, which targeted the People's Mujahedeen of Iran. The raids simultaneously targeted 13 villas and other sites around Paris. The Ministry says police seized roughly $1.3 million in U.S. currency, along with computer equipment and other material.
  • France Launches Sweep Against Iranian Opposition Group VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- French police have launched a massive sweep in the Paris area against members of the Iranian opposition group, the People's Mujahedeen, detaining at least 165 people.
  • IRAN/PROTESTS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Government ministers are meeting today in Iran to discuss the week of student protests that have rocked the capital, Tehran, and have spread to other parts of the country. But Monday's protests were the smallest of the week.
  • FRANCE/IRAN OPPOSITION VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- French police arrested more than 150 members of an Iranian opposition group, in early morning raids near Paris. The arrests are France's first against the group, since the European Union designated it a terrorist organization.
  • Iran fails to report certain nuclear materials and activities - UN watchdog UN News Centre 16 Jun 2003 -- Iran has failed to report certain nuclear material and activities and needs to quickly implement an additional international agreement in order to provide credible assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities, the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency reported today.
  • EDITORIAL: IRAN DEMONSTRATIONS VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- Demonstrators have taken to the streets of Iran's capital, Tehran, to oppose the country's Islamic fundamentalist regime. While Tehran University students led the protests, government workers and residents of the capital's poorer neighborhoods joined in. According to press reports, thousands of people turned out despite threats by pro-government vigilantes.
  • IRAN/PROTESTS VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- Iran is protesting to the United States over what it calls interference in Iran's internal affairs. President Bush commented Sunday on pro-democracy demonstrations in Iran, which he said show a desire for freedom.
  • IAEA/IRAN VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency has called for Iran to allow stricter inspections to dispel fears that it is secretly building nuclear weapons. Iran says it is considering the request.
  • UNREST IN IRAN VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- Iranian university students demonstrated in the streets of Tehran into the early morning hours of Monday [6/16]. President Bush calls them a positive step on the road to freedom. His comments have drawn an angry response from the Tehran government, which calls them "blatant interference" in Iran's domestic affairs.
  • U-S IRAN VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- Nearly a week of pro-democratic protests led by students in Iran have caught the eye of the Bush administration and Congress. But one question now being asked is whether the United States can or should do anything to encourage political reform in a country where many people say they would like closer ties to the west, but whose rulers still view the United States as an enemy.
  • E-U / IRAN VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- The European Union has expressed concern over Tehran's nuclear activities, and urged it to allow more comprehensive inspections of its nuclear facilities.
  • Protests Straining Society, Relations With The U.S. RFE/L 16 Jun 2003 -- A recent wave of anti-government protests in Iran is continuing, as police and hard-line vigilante groups seek to suppress students and their supporters. The demonstrations -- now in their sixth day -- are putting pressure on both conservative elements and President Mohammad Khatami's reformist government. The protests are also straining ties with the United States.
  • Iran Protests Bush's Comments as 'Interference in Internal Affairs' VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- Iran is protesting to the United States over what it calls interference in Iran's internal affairs following a commenty by President George W. Bush Sunday on pro-democracy demonstrations in Iran, which he said show a desire for freedom. Tehran lodged an official complaint with Washington over the Bush remarks, which followed six nights of student protests in Iran.
  • IAEA Urges Iran to Give Assurances on Nuclear Program VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency has appealed to Iran to give credible assurances of the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 25 16 Jun 2003 -- VIGILANTISM FUELS TEHRAN PROTESTS... / ...WHICH SPREAD TO OTHER CITIES / NOT ALL ARRESTS MADE BY POLICE / REFORMISTS CRITICIZE HARD-LINE 'PRESSURE GROUPS.' / KHATAMI SPEECH IN NORTHEAST CANCELED DUE TO RIOT FEARS / KHORASAN PROVINCE STUDENTS STAGE PROTEST / MASHHAD HARD-LINER ARRESTED / TEHRAN BLAMES EVERYTHING ON U.S. / GUARDIANS, PARLIAMENT BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS ON BILLS / EMBATTLED PROFESSOR TO FINISH SENTENCE IN TEHRAN / CONSERVATIVES SET UP 'BRAINSTORMING' CLUB, REACH OUT TO YOUTH / TEHRAN COURT SUSPENDS SUPREME LEADER'S DAILY / AZERI-IRANIAN JOURNALIST SENTENCED TO PRISON / JUDICIARY SPOKESMAN EXPLAINS WEBSITE FILTERING / JAPANESE INDUSTRIALISTS ARRESTED FOR EXPORTING MILITARY GOODS TO IRAN / TEHRAN DENIES UN INSPECTORS ACCESS TO NUCLEAR SITE / IRAQI JEWS MAKE REVERSE ALIYAH?
  • Iran: Sixth Night Of Political Protests In Tehran RFE/L 16 Jun 2003 -- Political protests have taken place for a sixth night in a row in the Iranian capital, Tehran, as cars are reported to have clogged the streets near the University of Tehran, the focal point of the protests against the country's clerical leaders.
  • Thirty More Protestors Detained In Tehran RFE/L 16 Jun 2003 -- Police have arrested at least 30 more protestors in Iran's capital Tehran after a sixth night of protests against the country's rulers.
  • UN: IAEA To Discuss Iran's Nuclear Program RFE/L 16 Jun 2003 -- The governing board of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), opened a meeting today to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
  • Iran Sends Official Protest to US VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- Iran says it has sent an official protest to the United States over what Tehran calls "blatant interference" in Iran's domestic affairs.
  • IAEA Meets on Iran's Nuclear Program VOA 16 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency is meeting in Vienna to discuss a report that says Iran has failed to honor nuclear accords.
  • BUSH-IRAN VOA 15 Jun 2003 -- President Bush says the pro-democracy demonstrations in Iran show a yearning for freedom. Mr. Bush makes clear they have his moral support.
  • IRAN/PROTESTS VOA 15 Jun 2003 -- Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of the capital, Tehran, for a fifth-straight night of protests, but the large police and Islamic militant presence muted the turnout. But demonstrations in at least three other cities indicate that the movement may be gathering pace.
  • Student Protests in Iran Continue for 5th Day VOA 15 Jun 2003 -- Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran for a fifth-straight night of protests, but the large police and Islamic militant presence muted the turnout. But demonstrations in at least three other cities indicate that the movement may be gathering pace.
  • Iran Accuses US of Backing Demonstrations VOA 15 Jun 2003 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry officials accuse the United States of backing pro-democracy demonstrations that have recently rocked Tehran.
  • IRAN / PROTESTS VOA 14 Jun 2003 -- Anti-government student protesters in Iran say they have been badly injured in violent clashes during four days of unrest in the capital, Tehran.
  • U.S. Deplores Violence Against Demonstrators in Iran Washington File 14 Jun 2003 -- The United States deplores the use of violence by authorities to suppress peaceful student demonstrations in Iran, according to a White House statement issued June 14.
  • Iran Arrests Islamic Hard-liners Who Beat Students VOA 14 Jun 2003 -- Iranian authorities say they have arrested Islamic hardliners who are blamed for attacks against pro-democracy demonstrators.
  • Fourth Night Of Protests In Tehran RFE/L 14 Jun 2003 -- The streets of Tehran are reportedly quiet today after the most serious violence in four nights of anti-government protests.
  • Iranian Student Protesters Injured in Violent Clash with Hard-Liners VOA 14 Jun 2003 -- Anti-government student protesters in Iran say they have been badly injured in violent clashes during four days of unrest in the capital, Tehran.
  • Protests Continue Amid Warnings Of Crackdown, Plea By U.S. RFE/L 13 Jun 2003 -- There was another night of unrest in Tehran, where students and residents have been taking to the streets to protest both the government and the country's hard-line religious leaders. That's despite warnings of a crackdown by Iran's supreme leader.
  • IRAN / PROTESTS VOA 13 Jun 2003 -- Protests continued for a third night in the Iranian capital, Tehran, with calls for the removal of the country's supreme leader.
  • IRAN/DEMOS UPDATE VOA 13 Jun 2003 -- In the Iranian capital, Tehran, witnesses say hundreds to perhaps thousands of people have been taking to the streets over the past few days to vent their frustration at the slow pace of political reform. Demonstrators have clashed with police and pro-government militants in violent confrontations that filled the streets in and around Tehran University in some of the biggest protests in the Iranian capital in years.
  • Boucher Voices U.S. Concern Over Arrests of Protestors in Iran Washington File 13 Jun 2003 -- State Department spokesman Richard Boucher voiced U.S. concern over arrests of protestors in Iran, and said the U.S. expects the regime to protect their human rights and release them. Boucher was speaking to the press at the regular State Department noon briefing on June 12.
  • Leaders Blame U.S. For Protests RFE/L 13 Jun 2003 -- Iranian leaders have accused the United States of being behind antigovernment protests that have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Tehran.
  • Iranians Protest Clerical Regime for Third Consecutive Night VOA 13 Jun 2003 -- Anti-government protesters in Tehran have held their third consecutive night of rallies, with some calling for the removal of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
  • Protests Continue for 3rd Night in Iranian Capital VOA 13 Jun 2003 -- Protests continued for a third night in the Iranian capital, Tehran, with calls for the removal of the country's supreme leader.
  • US Welcomes Anti-Khamenei Protests in Iran VOA 12 Jun 2003 -- The United States has welcomed demonstrations in Iran against the country's unelected Muslim clerical regime.
  • Iran: More Unrest In Tehran RFE/L 12 Jun 2003 -- There was a second night of unrest last night in the Iranian capital, Tehran, with clashes reported between police and antigovernment demonstrators.
  • Iran: Students Clash With Police In Continuing Anti-Government Protests RFE/L 12 Jun 2003 -- A second night of protests again brought some 3,000 demonstrators into the streets of Tehran to shout anti-government slogans. The protests arose over student concerns about reported plans to privatize elements of the state university system. But the demonstrations have rapidly escalated into sweeping criticism of the government and President Mohammad Khatami's inability to introduce reforms.
  • Iranian Leader Blames US For Protests VOA 12 Jun 2003 -- As mass street protests continue for a second day in the Iranian capital, Tehran, the country's top leader has lashed out at the United States, saying it is behind the mayhem.
  • Iran Denies Refusing UN Nuclear Inspectors VOA 12 Jun 2003 -- Iran is denying a report that it prohibited U.N. inspectors from looking at the country's nuclear facilities, amid allegations Tehran is secretly developing atomic weapons.
  • Khamenei Calls For Restraint Against Protestors VOA 12 Jun 2003 -- Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is urging hard-line vigilantes not to intervene after two nights of protests against the country's unelected Muslim clerical regime.
  • U-S-Iran Protests VOA 12 Jun 2003 -- The United States Thursday applauded anti-government demonstrators in Iran, who the State Department said are drawing attention to the "destructive policies" of the Islamic government in Tehran. Iranian authorities accuse the United States of fomenting the protests.
  • U-S-Iran Protests VOA 12 Jun 2003 -- The United States Thursday applauded anti-government demonstrators in Iran, who the State Department said are drawing attention to the "destructive policies" of the Islamic government in Tehran. Iranian authorities accuse the United States of fomenting the protests.
  • IRAN/DEMOS VOA 11 Jun 2003 -- Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of the capital, Tehran, in the first student-led demonstration for months. Residents say a protest over plans to privatize universities quickly developed into a political tirade against Iran's governing Islamic clerics.
  • Police Disperse Student Protest In Tehran RFE/L 11 Jun 2003 -- Police early today broke up a demonstration at Tehran University by several thousand Iranians who oppose government plans to privatize some universities.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 24 09 Jun 2003 -- U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT DENIES SEEKING REGIME CHANGE IN IRAN / IRANIAN OFFICIALS DENOUNCE PERCEIVED U.S. INTENTIONS / FRIDAY PRAYERS CONGREGATION HEARS ALLEGATIONS ABOUT AMERICAN SPIES IN IRAN AND OBJECTIVES IN REGION / IAEA REPORT FAULTS IRAN ON NUCLEAR SAFEGUARDS / BOLTON TESTIFIES ON IRAN'S CLANDESTINE NUCLEAR PROGRAM / G-8 LEADERS URGE IRAN TO COMPLY WITH IAEA PROTOCOL / RUSSIA FAVORS IRAN'S SIGNING OF IAEA PROTOCOL, BUT CONTINUES NUCLEAR COOPERATION / BUSHEHR REACTOR NEARLY DONE, BUT RUSSIA WOULD INCUR 'ENORMOUS LOSSES' IF PROJECT IS STOPPED / KHATAMI WANTS TO AVOID EXPEDIENCY COUNCIL IN LEGISLATIVE DISPUTE / IRANIAN STUDENT GROUP REFUSED RALLY PERMIT / AL-QAEDA REPORTEDLY EXPELLED FROM IRAN / IRANIAN OFFICIALS MEET WITH PALESTINIAN FOREIGN MINISTER / TEHRAN MAINTAINS SKEPTICISM ABOUT IRAQI AFFAIRS / IRANIAN-BACKED IRAQI SHIA PARTY SENDS MIXED SIGNALS / MUQTADA AL-SADR IN TEHRAN, FOLLOWERS RALLY IN Al-BASRAH
  • CONGRESS / IRAN PROTESTS VOA 10 Jun 2003 -- A U-S senator says protests by students at Teheran University are a sign that political change is possible in Iran.
  • Majlis finds Iran's nuclear activities "positive" IRNA 09 June 2003 -- Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, after conducting a review of the government's nuclear program, declared it to be "positive" and for peaceful purposes.
  • Iran brushes aside US-led pressures over nuclear program IRNA 08 June 2003 -- Iran on Sunday shrugged off US-led pressures over the country's "peaceful" nuclear energy programs and renewed its appeal to industrial nations to help Tehran acquire the nuclear know-how.
  • Iran denies any alleged breach in its nuclear energy program IRNA 08 June 2003 -- Iran on Sunday rejected allegations that it ever faulted on compliance with its nuclear safeguards agreement.
  • Majlis backs government's peaceful nuclear programs IRNA 08 June 2003 -- A member of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Borujerdi declared here on Sunday that MPs support state policy on peaceful nuclear programs.
  • ElBaradei to report on Iranian nuclear program IRNA 07 June 2003 -- Head of Majlis Energy Commission Hossein Afarideh here on Saturday reiterated that Iran's nuclear programs are completely peaceful as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohammad ElBaradei after he inspected the country's nuclear installations.
  • US tactics aimed to step up diplomatic action over Iran's nuclear projects: daily IRNA 07 June 2003 -- Tehran Times' on Saturday wrote that Washington's pressure tactic to prevent peaceful nuclear cooperation between Iran and Russia is just one phase of the longer US strategy to step up diplomatic action against Iran's peaceful nuke project and to impede the activities of Russian companies in the Islamic Republic.
  • I-A-E-A/IRAN VOA 07 Jun 2003 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency confirms it has sent a team to Tehran to inspect nuclear facilities in Iran.
  • Excerpt: U.S. Calls on Iran to Disclose All Aspects of Its Nuclear Program Washington File 07 Jun 2003 -- State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States is calling on Iran to "disclose all aspects of its nuclear program." Boucher was speaking to the press at the State Department's regular briefing on June 6.
  • Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgy Mamedov Interview with the Newspaper Vremya Novostei, Published on June 6, 2003, Under the Heading "There Is No Evidence of the Existence of an Iranian Nuclear Program" In the conditions when a propaganda campaign is being conducted, when political pressure is being exerted, when totally unwarranted sanctions are being imposed, including against our enterprises, it is best for all, and for Iran too, to sign the protocol.
  • U-S-IRAN/NUCLEAR VOA 06 Jun 2003 -- The United States reiterated Friday that it believes Iran has a covert nuclear weapons program, and said a report on the subject by the International Atomic Energy Agency is "deeply troubling." The I-A-E-A report, still to be formally released, is reported to accuse Iran of failing to comply with nuclear safeguard commitments.
  • Implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Report by the Director General International Atomic Energy Agency 06 Jun 2003 -- "At the meeting of the Board of Governors on 17 March 2003, the Director General reported on discussions taking place with the Islamic Republic of Iran (hereinafter referred to as Iran) on a number of safeguards issues that needed to be clarified and actions that needed to be taken with regard to the implementation of the Agreement between Iran and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (the Safeguards Agreement)1. This report provides further information on the nature of the safeguards issues involved and the actions that need to be taken, and describes developments in this regard since March." [PDF 216 Kb]
  • Iran, Russia to complete first unit of Bushehr nuclear power plant IRNA 04 June 2003 -- Iran and Russia are to come to an agreement shortly to complete the first unit of the Bushehr nuclear-fueled power station, said a source at the Russian Ministry of Energy.
  • Iran's alleged nuclear programme a world issue, says Blair IRNA 04 June 2003 -- Prime Minister Tony Blair insisted Wednesday that no country was threatening war against Iran but claimed that its alleged nuclear programme was a world issue
  • Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran under close international supervision - Ivanov IRNA 04 June 2003 -- Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov said here on Wednesday that his country's nuclear cooperation with Iran is under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • Iran Developing a Clandestine Nuclear Program, Bolton Says Washington File 04 Jun 2003 -- The top State Department arms control official testified before a Congressional committee June 4 that the United States has seen indications for some time that Iran is developing a clandestine nuclear weapons program.
  • CONGRESS / IRAN, NORTH KOREA VOA 04 Jun 2003 -- There is mounting concern in Congress about North Korea's nuclear weapons program, and also increasing alarm among many lawmakers about how the Bush administration plans to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions. Bush administration officials, and some experts, are telling Congress the United States is making some headway in gaining support for efforts to address these two problems.
  • Russia Calls For Tougher Inspections Of Iranian Nuclear Facilities RFE/L 04 Jun 2003 -- Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov (pictured) today called on Iran to agree to tougher inspections of its nuclear installations to soothe concerns over its alleged nuclear program.
  • RUSSIA / IRAN VOA 04 Jun 2003 -- Russian officials are taking a tougher stand on Iran's nuclear program. They are expressing concerns about its true intent and urging Iran to sign an additional protocol to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The United States has called for Iran to allow international inspections, fearing it is using Russian technology and expertise to develop a secret nuclear weapons program - a charge Iran and Russia have denied.
  • IRAN / U-S VOA 04 Jun 2003 -- Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday denounced what he called threats by the United States and declared that it would be suicide for any country to attack the Islamic republic.
  • G-8 Warns of Nuclear Proliferation in Iran, North Korea AFPS 03 Jun 2003 -- Leaders of the G-8 nations called on North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program and on Iran to open its nuclear program to International Atomic Energy Agency inspection.
  • EDITORIAL: IRAN SUPPORTS TERRORISM VOA 03 Jun 2003 -- Since the liberation of Iraq, the government of Iran has been trying to complicate efforts by the U.S.-led coalition to bring stability to Iraq. Iran is providing covert support to hard-line Shiite Muslim groups that are promoting Iranian-style radical Islamic rule, rather than democracy, for Iraq. As U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld made clear, such outside influence will not be tolerated
  • Iran challenges US, invites it to participate in Iranian nuke plans IRNA 02 Jun 2003 -- Iran on Monday put up a serious challenge to the US, inviting American firms to participate in the Islamic Republic's nuclear programs if Washington had serious qualms about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
  • IRGC: Iranian nation will thwart any aggression against country IRNA 02 Jun 2003 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Monday that the brave Iranian people will dedicate their blood to the last drop to thwart any possible aggression against the country.
  • G-8 Nations Declare Support for WMD Nonproliferation Regime Washington File 02 Jun 2003 -- The Group of Eight industrialized nations (Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States plus Russia) recognizes the "growing danger" from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), according to a statement issued June 2 at the organization's annual meeting in Evian, France.
  • G-8 SUMMIT/WRAP VOA 02 Jun 2003 -- The Group of Eight leading industrialized countries is strongly urging North Korea and Iran to halt their nuclear programs, and the group says the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism are the pre-eminent threats to world security. The annual G-8 summit, which ends on Tuesday, also saw President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac signal that they are ready to put their feud over the U-S-led war in Iraq behind them.
  • G-8 SUMMIT / NUCLEAR VOA 02 Jun 2003 -- Leaders of the world's major industrialized democracies and Russia have warned Iran and North Korea about their nuclear programs, saying the two countries should comply with international safeguards. The warning came in a joint statement, which also labeled the spread of weapons and terrorism as the preeminent threats to global security.
  • Iran: Tehran Invites U.S. To Help Build Nuclear Plants RFE/L 02 Jun 2003 -- Iran has invited the U.S. to help build its nuclear-power plants, as a way to ease Washington's fears over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 23 02 Jun 2003 -- TEHRAN DENIES AL-QAEDA IN IRAN LINKED TO SAUDI BOMBINGS... / ...AND REJECTS CHARGES IT IS INTERFERING IN IRAQ... / ...WHILE DENYING IT HAS TRAINED HIZBALLAH PILOTS / TEHRAN WILL SIGN IAEA ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL -- IF SANCTIONS ARE LIFTED FIRST / WHY NOT LET U.S. BUILD IRAN'S NUCLEAR PLANTS? / RUSSIA CLOSE TO AGREEMENT WITH IRAN ON SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL / IRANIANS, RUSSIANS DISCUSS CONSTRUCTION DELAYS AT BUSHEHR / RAFSANJANI SAYS GOD WILL FOIL ANY U.S. PLOTS AGAINST IRAN / SUPREME LEADER URGES SOLIDARITY AGAINST U.S. PRESSURES / IRGC OFFICIAL DISMISSES U.S. THREATS... / ...AND EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT DOMESTIC DISSENT / TEHRAN HOPES TO MOBILIZE OIC SUPPORT / U.S. SANCTIONS MOLDOVANS FOR ALLEGED EXPORTS TO IRAN / GEORGIA DENIES TALKS ON USE OF TERRITORY FOR U.S. ATTACK ON IRAN / IRAN REPATRIATING IRAQI REFUGEES
  • RUSSIA/IRAN VOA 01 Jun 2003 -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia will work with all nations, including the United States, to halt the spread of weapons of mass destruction.



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