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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


December 2003 Iran Special Weapons News



  • IRAN/QUAKE VOA 31 Dec 2003 -- Freezing temperatures and high winds swept through the devastated Iranian city of Bam Wednesday as aid workers attempt to provide shelter and food for the thousands of survivors of Friday's deadly earthquake. Humanitarian aid from around the world continues to pour into Iran.
  • IRAN-IRAN: Desperate search for the living continues IRIN 31 Dec 2003 -- Many of the friends and relatives of the estimated 40,000 dead in the Bam earthquake are in denial and frantically continuing to search for their missing kith and kin, rescue workers told IRIN on Wednesday, five days after the disaster struck.
  • IRAN-IRAN: Earthquake needs assessment 'mammoth task' - UN IRIN 31 Dec 2003 -- An aid-needs assessment carried out by the UN has highlighted the shortage of food and water in the southeastern Iranian city of Bam - hit by a destructive earthquake six days ago - and surrounding villages. With the recent drop in temperature and the consequent risk of hypothermia, the aid-needs assessment is focusing on shelter.
  • IRAN / QUAKE VOA 30 Dec 2003 -- With estimates running as high as 50-thousand killed following Friday's earthquake in the southeastern city of Bam, international assistance, including aid from the United States, continues to pour into the shattered city. On Tuesday a team of U-S doctors arrived to help care for local residents. But Iran's president says that while U-S assistance is welcomed, it will not change political differences between the two countries.
  • U-S / IRAN / POWELL VOA 30 Dec 2003 -- The United States said Tuesday it is ready for a political dialogue with Iran, but it says such a development would depend on Iran ending support for terrorism and otherwise fulfilling international obligations. The two countries have had rare direct contacts in recent days on U-S earthquake relief aid.
  • Iran: President Estimates More Than 40,000 Dead In Quake REF/RL 30 Dec 2003 -- Iranian President Hojatoleslam Mohammad Khatami estimated today the death toll in the earthquake that devastated the southeastern city of Bam on 26 December at more than 40,000.
  • IRAN/QUAKE VOA 30 Dec 2003 -- Iran's state radio says a total of 28-thousand bodies have been recovered from the debris left behind by Friday's deadly earthquake in the southeastern Iranian city of Bam. Local officials say the final death toll could top 30-thousand. In the meantime, aid workers in Iran are urgently appealing for more supplies to help the tens of thousands of survivors from the earthquake that all but destroyed the ancient city.
  • IRAN-IRAN: Earthquake rescue phase over IRIN 30 Dec 2003 -- The rescue phase of the international aid effort in Bam was drawing to a close on Tuesday evening as attention turned to shelter and humanitarian aid. Nearly 100,000 people are feared homeless – many are still without tents, adequate food and clean water.
  • Iran: Powell Sees Chance For Dialogue With Tehran RFE/RL 30 Dec 2003 -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says recent conciliatory moves by Iran could lead to restoring a dialogue between the two countries.
  • Airmen provide aid to Iran AFPN 29 Dec 2003-- An Air National Guard C-130 Hercules landed here Dec. 28 with 20 pallets of humanitarian aid destined for the earthquake-stricken residents of Bam.
  • U.S. Delivers Supplies, Experts to Aid Iran AFPS 29 Dec 2003 -- Proving that disaster knows no politics, U.S. service members are delivering humanitarian aid to Iran in the wake of an earthquake that has left an estimated 25,000 Iranians dead.
  • Official says over 25,000 bodies of quake victims buried IRNA 29 Dec 2003 -- The bodies of over 25,000 victims of the killer quake in Bam, a historical city in southeastern province of Kerman, have been buried until Monday morning, said Interior Ministry spokesman Jahanbakhsh Khanjani here on Monday.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 50 29 Dec 2003 -- THE IRANIAN MEDIA IN 2003
  • IRAN-IRAN: Earthquake needs assessment under way IRIN 29 Dec 2003 -- Efforts are now under way to assess the humanitarian needs of tens of thousands of residents impacted by Friday's devastating earthquake in the southeastern Iranian city of Bam in which at least 20,000 people died.
  • FIRST AMERICAN AIRCRAFT LANDS IN KERMAN, IRAN CENTCOM Release 28 Dec 2003-- Just after midnight local time, the first American aircraft landed in Kerman, Iran, with 20 pallets of humanitarian aid destined for the earthquake-stricken residents of Bam.
  • Iran: Death Toll In Earthquake Expected To Exceed 20,000 RFE/RL 28 Dec 2003 -- Iranian Interior Minister Mussavi Lari says the death toll in the Bam earthquake in southeastern Iran is expected to exceed 20,000.
  • IRAN-IRAN: UN responds to huge earthquake in which an estimated 20,000 have died IRIN 27 Dec 2003 -- The United Nations has sent a Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team to southeastern Iran in response to the devastating earthquake in which an estimated 20,000 people have been killed and 50,000 injured with tens of thousands still missing. Accurate figures remain hard to come by more than 24 hours after the quake hit, as communications with the blighted city of Bam, 975 km southeast of the Iranian capital, Tehran, remain difficult.
  • IRAN-IRAN: Scene of total devastation following earthquake IRIN 27 Dec 2003 -- At least 4,000 people have been confirmed dead following Friday’s earthquake in Bam, in southeastern Iran. Estimates put the figure at over 20,000 with 50,000 injured. The scene in the city is one of total devastation – the bodies of the dead line the streets while distraught relatives are frantically shovelling ruins in the hope of finding survivors.
  • U.S. FORCES IN SOUTHWEST ASIA BEGIN RELIEF FLIGHTS TO IRAN CENTCOM Release 27 Dec 2003-- U.S. Forces have begun moving medical and humanitarian supplies to the people of the earthquake devastated city of Bam, Iran.
  • Quake destroys over 90pc of Bam quarter IRNA 27 Dec 2003 -- The killer earthquake in the southeastern city of Bam destroyed over 90 per cent of the city`s historic quarter, said Managing Director of Kerman Cultural Heritage Department Fakour Pass here Saturday.
  • Iran ready to accept foreign aid except Israel IRNA 27 Dec 2003 -- Iran will accept humanitarian aid from all countries and international organizations except the Zionist regime following a killer earthquake which killed over 5,000 people and wounded 30,000 others.
  • Over 90 precent of Arg Citadel demolished IRNA 27 Dec 2003 -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced here on Saturday that it will assign a delegation of specialists to inspect Bam Citadel and assess the extent of damage inflicted on the historical monument.
  • IRAN / EARTHQUAKE VOA 27 Dec 2003 -- Government officials in Iran say about 20-thousand people have been killed and 30-thousand injured in Friday's earthquake, which destroyed much of the historic southeastern city of Bam.
  • IRAN-IRAN: Four thousand dead in massive quake IRIN 26 Dec 2003 -- At least four thousand people have been killed and an estimated 30,00 injured in an earthquake in southeast Iran early Friday morning, according to Iranian state television. The death toll is set to rise still further - a source has said that the death toll could be as high as 10,000.
  • 90 percent of buildings in Bam completely destroyed IRNA 26 Dec 2003 -- Devastating and killer quake in Kerman has destroyed some 90 percent of the buildings in the city of Bam, it was nnounced on Friday.
  • IRAN / QUAKE VOA 26 Dec 2003 -- Iranian officials say at least 20-thousand people were killed in the massive earthquake that struck Iran early Friday.
  • RUSSIA / IRAN QUAKE VOA 26 Dec 2003 -- Two planes carrying Russian rescue teams are heading for Iran to assist earthquake relief efforts in the city of Bam in southeastern Iran. The quake struck early Friday, and Iranian officials say at least 20-thousand people have died.
  • BUSH-IRAN VOA 26 Dec 2003 -- President Bush says the United States will help the victims of Friday's earthquake in southeast Iran. The death toll from the disaster is continuing to rise with some Iranian officials putting it at over 20-thousand.
  • IRAN / QUAKE VOA 26 Dec 2003 -- Iranian officials say the death toll has exceeded five thousand from the massive earthquake that struck Iran early Friday
  • IRAN/AID VOA 26 Dec 2003 -- An international rescue dog organization is gearing up to fly specially trained sniffer dogs to Iran to help search for survivors in the earthquake zone.
  • IRAN / QUAKE VOA 26 Dec 2003 -- Iranian officials say many people have been killed in a powerful early morning earthquake Friday that struck near an ancient city in southeastern Iran. Much of the town is reported to have been destroyed.
  • Iran: Thousands Dead In Earthquake RFE/RL 26 Dec 2003 -- An Iranian official says several thousand people have perished in a massive earthquake that rocked Iran's southeast Kerman Province early today.
  • State's Armitage Attributes Positive Developments to Steadfast Policies Washington File 24 Dec 2003 -- Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage dismissed the idea that recent actions on the part of Libya, Syria and Iran were a reaction to the capture of Saddam Hussein but asserted that they are the long-term fruit of persistent policies aimed at bringing these nations into the international mainstream.
  • FM: Al-Qaeda threats against Iran has no link to Saddam`s capture IRNA 24 Dec 2003 -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said here on Wednesday that the threats of Al-Qaeda against Iran has nothing to do with the arrest of Saddam Hussein.
  • Shamkhani: Iran to strike back severely if attacked by Israel IRNA 24 Dec 2003 -- Minister of Defense and the Armed Forces Logistics Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said on Wednesday that Iran will give strong response if Israel ventures to attack Iranian nuclear installations.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 49 22 Dec 2003 -- CONTROVERSY BEGINS AS IRANIANS REGISTER FOR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION / GUARDIANS COUNCIL WANTS GREATER POWERS / GOVERNMENT TRIES TO BOOST CONFIDENCE IN ELECTIONS / CANDIDATES REGISTER FOR ASSEMBLY OF EXPERTS RACES / IRAN GETS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY / IRANIAN WOMEN SHOULD MARRY YOUNGER MEN / MORE TRAFFIC FATALITIES IN IRAN / ARAK HEAVY-WATER PLANT NEAR COMPLETION, REACTOR CONSTRUCTION NEXT / TEHRAN'S FRIENDS WELCOME SIGNING OF NPT ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL / TEHRAN CLAIMS TOKYO WANTS EXTENSION IN OIL TALKS DEADLINE / IRAN SLAKES KUWAIT'S THIRST / SUPREME LEADER SAYS HUSSEIN CAPTURE IS A LESSON / TEHRAN WANTS HUSSEIN TRIED BY INTERNATIONAL COURT / IRANIANS RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY IN IRAQ / IRAN WANTS TO TRY MUJAHEDIN KHALQ LEADERS / IRANIAN INVOLVEMENT IN KHOBAR DETAILED / TEHRAN REJECTS ISRAELI TERRORISM ALLEGATIONS / IRANIANS, SUICIDE BOMBING ADVOCATE SPEAK AT SUDAN CONFERENCE / INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE AGENCIES LEAVING IRAN
  • Kharrazi confirms al-Qaeda bombing threats against Iran IRNA 22 Dec 2003 -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi on Monday confirmed bombing threats made by al-Qaeda against Iran to avenge what has been rumored as Tehran having given tips to capture former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
  • Khatami laughs off Israeli threat to hit nuclear facilities IRNA 22 Dec 2003 -- President Mohammad Khatami on Monday brushed aside speculation about a likely US attack against Iran and Syria, while he laughed off Israeli defense minister`s revelation about the Zionist regime`s plan to destroy Tehran`s nuclear capabilities.
  • Shamkhani: Israel will `pay dearly` if it attacks nuclear plants IRNA 22 Dec 2003 -- Defense Minister Rear-Admiral Ali Shamkhani warned Israel against any plan to attack Iran`s nuclear facilities, saying the Zionist regime `will pay a heavy price` if it does so.
  • Iran warns Europe to make good on nuclear promises IRNA 21 Dec 2003 -- Iran sent a veiled warning to Europe on Sunday to meet its pledges towards Tehran, which has just inked an additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  • Russia upbeat with Iran`s signature on NPT protocol, Rumyantsev IRNA 21 Dec 2003 -- Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Alexander Rumyantsev said that Russia is pleased with the breakthrough Iran made with the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by putting signature on the additional protocol to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  • Draft on NPT additional protocol on Majlis commission`s agenda IRNA 21 Dec 2003 -- The draft on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) first and second additional protocols of the 1977 Geneva Convention is high on the agenda of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission.
  • IRAN/LIBYA VOA 21 Dec 2003 -- Iran, which only recently agreed to allow tougher inspections of its nuclear program, says it welcomes news that Libya has decided to scrap its weapons of mass destruction program.
  • Straw: UK adopting `twin-track` approach to Iran, Libya IRNA 20 Dec 2003 -- The British government is adopting a similar approach of "patience" and "diplomacy" to bring both Libya and Iran into the international community, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Saturday.
  • Russia welcomes Iran`s signing of the additional protocol to NPT IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- Russia praised Iran`s Thursday gesture in signing the NPT additional protocol while hoping that the move would contribute to the better cooperation between Tehran and the IAEA.
  • EC head says ball now in court of others over Iran`s nuclear plans IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- Chairman of the Expediency Council (EC) Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said here on Friday that Iran`s signing the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has put the ball in the court of others.
  • China welcomes Iran`s signing of Additional Protocol IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- China on Friday welcomed Iran`s move to sign the additional protocol of the NPT.
  • Germany hails Iran`s signing of additional protocol to NPT IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- The German government welcomed Friday Iran`s signing of the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, calling it an "important step".
  • Italy hails Iran`s signing of nuclear protocol IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- Italy`s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini here on Friday hailed Iran for signing of an agreement that allows snap visits of its nuclear sites, stressing that this has encouraged Rome to consider joint efforts to promote stability in the Middle East.
  • Japan welcomes Iran`s signing of NPT protocol as a `positive step` IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- Japan on Friday welcomed Iran`s signing the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), stressing that Tokyo considers the move as a positive step.
  • EU warmly welcomes Iran`s signature to Additional Protocol IRNA 19 Dec 2003 -- Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), welcomed the signature today by Iran of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol.
  • Iran: EU, Russia Welcome Tehran's Signing Of Nuclear Protocol RFE/RL 19 Dec 2003 -- Russia and the European Union have welcomed Iran's signing of an agreement allowing the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency to conduct unscheduled inspections of Iranian nuclear complexes and research facilities.
  • U.S. Cautiously Welcomes Iran's Signing of IAEA Protocol Washington File 18 Dec 2003 -- State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher welcomed Iran's signing of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) protocol allowing short-notice inspections of its nuclear facilities as "a useful step," but he said the United States is waiting to see if Tehran will now implement the programs it has agreed to.
  • U-S / IRAN / NUCLEAR VOA 18 Dec 2003 -- The United States has welcomed Iran's signing of an International Atomic Energy Agency protocol for tighter nuclear inspections. But the State Department says much more remains to be done to assuage U-S and other international concerns about the Iranian nuclear program.
  • IAEA signs accord for enhanced UN nuclear inspections in Iran UN News Centre 18 Dec 2003 -- Iran signed an agreement today with the United Nations nuclear watchdog for enhanced, unannounced and on-the-spot inspections of its atomic facilities.
  • Iran: Tehran Signs Protocol To Non-Proliferation Treaty RFE/RL 18 Dec 2003 -- In a ceremony today at the Vienna headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran signed the additional protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty allowing snap inspections of its nuclear facilities.
  • Iran Signs Accord On Nuclear Inspections RFE/RL 18 Dec 2003 -- Iran has signed an additional protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to permit unscheduled inspections of its nuclear installations.
  • I-A-E-A/IRAN VOA 18 Dec 2003 -- Iran signed a legal agreement Thursday giving the International Atomic Energy Agency broader access to nuclear facilities and related sites, suspected by the United States to be a cover for a nuclear weapons program.
  • IAEA board urges Iran to implement NPT additional protocol IRNA 18 Dec 2003 -- Head of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Antonio Nunez Garcia-Sauco said here on Thursday that the IAEA board expects Iran to immediately implement the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) after its signing.
  • Iran signs NPT additional protocol IRNA 18 Dec 2003 -- Iran signed the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) here on Thursday, thus allowing snap inspection of its nuclear facilities by the IAEA experts.
  • Iran: Tehran To Sign Protocol On Snap Nuclear Inspections RFE/RL 18 Dec 2003 -- Iran is expected today to sign a protocol giving the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency the right to conduct short-notice inspections of Iranian nuclear complexes and research facilities.
  • U-S / IRAN / NUCLEAR VOA 17 Dec 2003 -- The United States has given a qualified welcome to Iran's expected signing Thursday of a protocol for tighter international scrutiny of its nuclear sites. The State Department says the signing "is only one step" toward easing international concerns that it may be developing nuclear weapons.
  • Iran says will sign NPT protocol on Thursday IRNA 17 Dec 2003 -- Iran says will sign NPT protocol on Thursday
  • MP: Iran to sign NPT additional protocol in Vienna IRNA 17 Dec 2003 -- An Iranian lawmaker on Wednesday reaffirmed Iran`s will to sign the additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in Vienna on Thursday.
  • Iran: Khatami Says Tehran To Pardon Many Mujahedin Khalq RFE/RL 17 Dec 2003 -- Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (pictured) says that Iran is ready to pardon most members of the Mujahedin Khalq, an armed opposition group set to be expelled from neighbouring Iraq.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 48 15 Dec 2003 -- LEFTIST CLERICS HOLD FIRST CONGRESS, WORK ON COALITION / IRAN GETS A NEW TECHNOCRATIC PARTY / EUROPEAN TOURISTS KIDNAPPED IN SOUTHEASTERN IRAN / LEGISLATURE INVESTIGATES PROVINCIAL KILLINGS BY SECURITY FORCES / POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON THE INCREASE... / ...UNDERLINING CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENT GROUPS / KHATAMI CALLS FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE / IRANIAN, EGYPTIAN PRESIDENTS MEET IN GENEVA / IRAN HOLDING 130 AL-QAEDA MEMBERS / AFGHAN LEADERSHIP MEETS WITH IRANIAN DIPLOMAT... / ...WHO GOES ON TO HERAT / IRAQI DICTATOR'S CAPTURE COULD BE DILEMMA FOR IRAN / THOUSANDS OF IRANIANS TO VISIT IRAQ EVERY DAY / BAGHDAD DECIDES TO EXPEL MKO TERRORISTS / PAKISTANI NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS DETAINED FOR POSSIBLE TIES TO IRAN
  • Iran rejects explosion at Bushehr nuclear plant IRNA 15 Dec 2003 -- No explosion has taken place at Bushehr nuclear plant, official in charge of the plant`s public relations department Saber Zaeimiyan said on Monday.
  • Kharrazi meets Democratic People Republic of Korea deputy FM IRNA 14 Dec 2003 -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi in meeting here Sunday with Democratic People Republic of Korea`s Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il said the two nations have varied potentials which could be the basis for expansion of mutual ties.
  • Kharrazi: Iran to sign NPT additional protocol in few days IRNA 13 Dec 2003 -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said here on Saturday that Iran will sign the additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in coming days.
  • IRAN / KHATAMI VOA 11 Dec 2003 -- Iranian President Mohammed Khatami has denied that his country ever sought to develop nuclear weapons. Speaking at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, the Iranian leader said that the Islamic religion forbids the use of weapons which kill indiscriminately.
  • 2003 & Beyond: Iranian, North Korean Nuclear Crises Remain Open Issues RFE/RL 10 Dec 2003 -- This year saw two major nuclear weapons crises. One, in Iran, found a temporary solution following a showdown between Tehran and the UN's nuclear inspections agency. The other, in North Korea, continues to simmer with no solution in sight.
  • IRAN / NUCLEAR VOA 10 Dec 2003 -- Iran's government has formally approved a plan to sign an international protocol that would subject the country to tougher inspections of its nuclear facilities.
  • U-S/IRAQ/AL-QAIDA VOA 08 Dec 2003 -- The Bush administration renewed its call on Iran Monday to hand over, either to the United States or their countries of origin, members of al-Qaida it has in custody. But the State Department denied suggestions the United States has offered to exchange Iraqi-based Iranian opposition figures for members of the Osama bin Laden terrorist group.
  • RFE/RL Iran Report, Volume 6, Number 47 08 Dec 2003 -- MAJORITY OF IRANIANS REPORTEDLY BACK SUICIDE BOMBINGS / U.S. COURT HEARS TESTIMONY ON IRANIAN ROLE IN KHOBAR TOWERS BOMBING / IRAN DENIES SAUDI REPORT ON AL-QAEDA PRESENCE / PARLIAMENTARIAN SPEAKS OPENLY ABOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM / WASHINGTON WARNS IRAN ON NUCLEAR PURSUITS / GOVERNMENT BRACES FOR STUDENT DAY... / ...WHICH IS EVENTFUL, NEVERTHELESS / IRANIAN PARLIAMENT OPPOSES GUARDIANS COUNCIL NOMINEE / PARLIAMENT'S CREATION OF A 'WELFARE MINISTRY' CRITICIZED / ANOTHER IRANIAN JOURNALIST RECEIVES PRISON SENTENCE / IRANIAN STATE BROADCASTING STARTS INTERNET BUSINESS / IRANIAN MARXIST PARTY TO ESTABLISH SATELLITE TELEVISION CHANNEL / TEHRAN PROMOTES GAS PIPELINE TO INDIA
  • Iran ready to assist in formation of Afghanistan`s national army IRNA 07 Dec 2003 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific affairs Mohsen Aminzadeh here on Sunday conferred with Afghanistan`s First Vice President and Defense Minister Marshal Mohammad Fahim Khan on matters of mutual interest.
  • EDITORIAL: I-A-E-A CENSURES IRAN VOA 04 Dec 2003 -- a November 26th resolution, the board of governors of the Atomic Energy Agency deplored Iran's eighteen-year cover-up of its nuclear development activities. Iran's program includes research into uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing -- technologies that can produce the material needed for nuclear weapons.
  • Blair welcomes cooperation in relieving Iranian nuclear concerns IRNA 02 Dec 2003 -- Prime Minister Tony Blair Tuesday welcomed the cooperation from the UK`s European Union partners in relieving concerns over Iran`s nuclear program but denied that it was an example of collective diplomacy standing up to US unilateralism.



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