February 2009 - Iran Special Weapons News

MP: Iran determined to establish more nuclear power plants IRNA 28 Feb 2009 -- Deputy Head of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Esmaeil Kousari said on Saturday that Iranian officials are determined to set up other nuclear power plants across the country.
Concerns About Iran's Nuclear Program Linger As Bushehr Prepares Start-Up RFE/RL 27 Feb 2009 -- The United States and some European countries have for years expressed concern that Iran's nuclear-power ambitions could be used as cover for a nuclear-weapons program
Ex-President: Military weapons have no room in Iran's N-Program IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Iran is ready to prove that military weapons have no room in Iran's nuclear program.
Iran refutes US' unfounded, unacceptable claims IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- Iran representative to UN: Dismissed claims of the US envoy to UN that Tehran tried to acquire the capacity to produce nuclear arms.
Iran can launch Bushehr without Russian help - former president RIA Novosti 27 Feb 2009 -- Iran would be able to put its Bushehr nuclear power plant into operation on its own if Russia refused to do so.
Ahmadinejad: No limit for Tehran-Baghdad cooperation expansion IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Tehran considers no limit for expansion of cooperation with Baghdad.
Report: Three EU Nations Propose Stronger Iran Sanctions VOA 26 Feb 2009 -- A British newspaper says three European countries are proposing new sanctions against Iran because of its nuclear program.
Saeidi: Iran has long term plan for construction of more nuclear power plants IRNA 26 Feb 2009 -- Deputy Head of IAEO in Planning and International Affairs Saeidi: Iran has long term plan for more nuclear plants.
U.S. Chides China, Iran, Central Asian States Over Rights RFE/RL 26 Feb 2009 -- US officials sharply criticized China's human rights record as they presented the annual State Department Human Rights Report.
Good nuclear news to be announced IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Head of IAEO Aqazadeh: Iran has reached its due status in the field of nuclear energy and good news will be announced on April 9, 2009.
Iran plans to have 50,000 centrifuges at Natanz in 5 years RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2009 -- Iran's nuclear chief: Islamic Republic had 6,000 operating centrifuges at a uranium enrichment facility at Natanz.
Iran to increase centrifuges to 50,000: Aqazadeh IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Head of IAEO Aqazadeh: No plan to make changes in nuclear activities in Natanz and the number of centrifuges will rise to 50,000.
Israel calls completion of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant 'bad news' RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2009 -- Israel's FM: completion of Iran's first nuclear power plant is "bad news" for the whole world.
Russia, Iran to sign 10-year nuclear fuel supply contract RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2009 -- Russia and Iran are planning to sign a nuclear fuel supply contract for a term of at least 10 years.
Aqazadeh: 36% of Bushehr plant equipment made in Iran IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Head of IAEO Aqazadeh said that 36 percent of the equipment used in Bushehr power plant is Iranian-made.
Russian Nuclear Boss Visits 'Completed' Reactor In Iran RFE/RL 25 Feb 2009 -- With some fanfare, Iran has announced the start of tests on its Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Russia announces completion of Iran's first nuclear power plant RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2009 -- Russia has completed the construction of Iran's first nuclear power plant at Bushehr and is launching start-up operations.
Aqazadeh: Bushehr power plant to start generating electricity soon IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency Aqazadeh: Bushehr power plant will start electricity-generating operations soon.
Iran test-inaugurates its Bushehr power plant IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- The reactor in the Bushehr nuclear power plant was inaugurated for test operations using virtual fuel packages Wednesday afternoon.
Iranian, Russian Technicians Test Bushehr Nuclear Plant VOA 25 Feb 2009 -- Iranian and Russian officials began a test run of Iran's first nuclear plant, after repeated delays in making the plant operational.
First Test On Iranian Nuclear Plant Begins RFE/RL 25 Feb 2009 -- Iran says it has begun tests on its Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as part of preparations for its launch.
Bushehr power plant will soon become operational IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency Aqazadeh: No obstacle on the way of putting into operation of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Rosatom chief says Bushehr power plant nears commissioning IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Chief of the Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom expressed satisfaction with test-commissioning Bushehr Power Plant.
Russia's nuclear chief to discuss Bushehr reactor in Iran RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2009 -- Head of Russia's state nuclear power corporation Rosatom due to discuss construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
IAEA's repetitious reports should be stopped : Iranian envoy IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Iran's Ambassador to IAEA Soltaniyeh: Repetitious reports on Iran which have nothing new should be stopped.
UK welcomes US overtures towards Iran IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- The British government has praised the new policy adopted by US President Barack Obama in wanting to engage with Iran.
US Rights Report Cites Abuses in China, Russia, Iran VOA 25 Feb 2009 -- State Department's annual report on human rights includes sharp criticism of China.
NPP test run slated for Wednesday IRNA 24 Feb 2009 -- A test run of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant will be conducted Wednesday, February 25.
Veteran Mideast Envoy Set To Lead New US Strategy On Iran RFE/RL 24 Feb 2009 -- US State Department: Veteran diplomat Dennis Ross to be a special adviser for the Persian Gulf and SW Asia.
Iran to test Bushehr nuclear plant on Wednesday RIA Novosti 23 Feb 2009 -- Iran will start up its Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant for a test on February 25.
Iran's ties with IAEA, constant, transparent, accurate IRNA 23 Feb 2009 -- Iran continued transparent and accurate relations with the UN nuclear watchdog within the frameworks of international agreements.
Mottaki: No talks with any US official IRNA 23 Feb 2009 -- FM Mottaki rejected reports that Senior Presidential Advisor Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi held talks with US officials.
Iran Blocks Websites Promoting Khatami RFE/RL 22 Feb 2009 -- Iranian authorities have reportedly blocked websites promoting the presidential bid of Mohammad Khatami.
MP: Majlis not to endorse NPT additional protocol IRNA 22 Feb 2009 -- Chairman of the Majlis Foreign Policy and National Security Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Sunday that as long as Iran's nuclear dossier is kept at UNSC, the Iranian Majlis will not sign additional protocol to NPT
Iran Plans Trial Run of 1st Nuclear Power Plant VOA 22 Feb 2009 -- Iranian state-run media say the country will conduct a trial run of its first nuclear power plant on Wednesday.
Iran not after nuclear weapons, says UK analyst IRNA 21 Feb 2009 -- A senior researcher of defense and security issues says Iran has never decided to acquire nuclear weapons as the country has stated repeatedly that it has no intention of developing nuclear program for military purposes.
MP warns IAEA to avoid political games IRNA 21 Feb 2009 -- Deputy Head of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Esmaeil Kosari on Saturday called the latest report released by IAEA's chief as two-sided and urged the IAEA to submit documents on alleged studies and avoid ambiguities.
Nation has neurtalized all enemy's conspiracies: commander IRNA 21 Feb 2009 -- The IRGC air force commander said on Friday evening that the Iranian nation has neutralized all the enemies' conspiracies in the past 30 years
US: Iran Nuclear Problem Must be Urgently Addressed VOA 20 Feb 2009 -- U.S. officials said Friday that the United States and the international community must urgently address Iran's nuclear activities, following a United Nations report on Tehran's uranium enrichment.
New IAEA Report Shows Iran Nearing Nuclear Breakout Capability RFE/RL 20 Feb 2009 -- For Iran's Soltanieh, the UN watchdog's latest report shows that Tehran's nuclear program is developing peacefully.
Diplomats: Iran Underestimated Nuclear Fuel Production VOA 20 Feb 2009 -- Diplomats close to the UN nuclear agency said Iran has been underestimating amount of uranium enriched by nearly one-third.
Soltanieh: ElBaradei's report bears nothing new IRNA 20 Feb 2009 -- Iran's IAEA envoy Soltanieh said here Thursday that the IAEA Chief Mohammed ElBaradei's new Iran report is not something new.
Najjar supports Kyrgyzstan's decision to close US base IRNA 20 Feb 2009 -- Iran's Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar supported Kyrgyzstan's decision to close the US military base.
Nuclear Inspectors Cite Problems in Syria, Iran VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- UN nuclear agency found more traces of uranium at a Syrian site that Israel bombed because of suspicions it was a covert nuclear plant.
Ballistic Missile Defense Efforts Tied to Iran, Gates Says AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates: NATO ballistic missile defense system wouldn’t be needed if Iran didn’t pose a threat.
Iran, Afghanistan review expansion of relations IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- Visiting Iranian First Vice-President Davoudi conferred with his Afghan counterpart on mutual relations as well as regional developments.
Iran's full membership in Shanghai Organization considered IRNA 18 Feb 2009 -- Members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO) hope that Iran becomes a full member of the organization soon.
Iran develops spy drone capable of reaching Israel - official RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- Iranian scientists have developed an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of reaching Israel.
IAEA Chief: Iran Not Cooperating VOA 17 Feb 2009 -- The head of the United Nations' nuclear agency said Iran is not helping resolve questions about any possible military aspect of its nuclear program.
Iran confirms trial run of Bushehr NPP to go ahead by yearend RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2009 -- Tehran hopes a trial run of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran will take place before the end of this year.
Seven charged with espionage in Iran IRNA 17 Feb 2009 -- Iran's Judiciary has charged seven members of the outlawed Bahai sect with espionage.
Iran Agrees To Stop Shelling Iraqi Border Areas RFE/RL 17 Feb 2009 -- An Iraqi Kurdish official claims an agreement has been reached with Iran to halt its shelling of Iraqi border areas in pursuit of Kurdish rebels.
Regional Links Compound Problems in 'Arc of Instability' AFPS 17 Feb 2009 -- A more stable Iraq could counter negative trends in the region from the Middle East to southern Asia.
SCO regional security group considering Iran membership - source RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2009 -- Shanghai Cooperation Organization considering Iran's bid to become a full member of the regional security bloc.
Iranian defense minister in Moscow 'to talk S-300 missile deal' RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2009 -- Iran's defense minister likely to discuss Russian S-300 air defense systems during meeting with Russian counterpart.
Najjar holds talks with Russian defense minister IRNA 17 Feb 2009 -- Iranian Defense Minister Najjar: that expansion of ties with Russia is one of Iran's priorities and at the focus of its officials' attention.
Iran pins hopes on Russia in its SCO bid - Mottaki RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2009 -- Iran expects to receive the backing of Russia in its bid for full membership of the SCO.
37 petrochemical units launched in 30 years IRNA 15 Feb 2009 -- Some 37 petrochemical units have become operational since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, increasing the capacity for production of petrochemical products from 4.5 million tons in 1979 to 35.2 million tons in 2007
Rafsanjani: Iran to achieve goals of its 20-Year Vision Plan IRNA 15 Feb 2009 -- Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said on Sunday that under the wise and scientific management, the country is to attain goals of its 20-Year Vision Plan for Economic, Cultural and Social Development (2005-2025)
Iran has not produced atomic bombs: ElBaradei IRNA 15 Feb 2009 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency said that although Iran enjoys high potentials and capability in the nuclear technology arena, it has not produced atomic bombs
IAEA chief to report on Iran by middle of next week IRNA 13 Feb 2009 -- Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency ElBaradei is to issue his report on Iran's nuclear program by the middle of next week.
Lebanon Provides Fertile Ground for Iranian Influence VOA 13 Feb 2009 -- The 1979 Islamic Revolution not only changed the face of Iran, but was also meant for export.
Iran to launch first manned spaceflight by 2021 RIA Novosti 12 Feb 2009 -- Iran will send its first man into space on board its own spacecraft by 2021, the head of Iran's Aerospace Agency announced on Thursday.
Iran to manufacture seven other satellites IRNA 12 Feb 2009 -- Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Soleimani: Iranian scientists are to manufacture seven other satellites.
Iranian FM Discusses Security in Iraqi Kurdistan VOA 12 Feb 2009 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki has visited Iraqi Kurdistan to discuss security concerns in the semi-autonomous region.
IRGC Air Force Commander: Enemies are desperate to counter Iran IRNA 12 Feb 2009 -- IRGC Air Force Commander Brigadier General Salami: Iran has attained technologies beyond expectations of big powers.
Tehran denies deficit of uranium for nuclear programs RIA Novosti 11 Feb 2009 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Qashqawi denied media reports that country is experiencing a shortage of uranium.
Mottaki: Talks with US about Iraq no longer needed IRNA 11 Feb 2009 -- Iranian FM Mottaki: Tehran, Washington and Baghdad no longer need to hold talks on Iraq in view of the improved security conditions.
Senior US Officer Calls Iran's Space Technology 'Rudimentary' But Worrisome VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Top U.S. military officer: Concerned Iran's launch of a satellite mean it is developing a missile that could reach the US.
Clinton Says US Could 'Reconsider' European Missile Defense Plan VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Secretary of State Clinton: Administration might reconsider missile defense system if Iran stopped drive for nuclear weapons.
Iran's Khatami Aims To Win Back Skeptics In Presidential Bid RFE/RL 10 Feb 2009 -- Mohammad Khatami finally confirmed his decision to "seriously" compete in Iran's presidential election in June.
Iran Says It Welcomes 'Real Changes' With United States RFE/RL 10 Feb 2009 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad: Iran ready for talks with US, provided they are based on mutual respect.
President: Iranians prepared for fair dialogue with US IRNA 10 Feb 2009 -- President Ahmadinejad: Iranian nation is ready for talks with US in a fair atmosphere and mutual respect.
Iran's president repeats desire for direct talks with U.S. RIA Novosti 10 Feb 2009 -- Iranian President Ahmadinejad reiterated Tehran's readiness for dialogue with Washington under conditions of mutual respect.
Ahmadinejad Ready for 'Mutual Respect' Talks With US VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Iranian President Ahmedinejad: Iran ready to begin a dialogue with the United States, provided US is offering "fundamental" change.
Iran's Political Choices Could Impact US Relations VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- The 30th anniversary of the Iranian revolution occurs halfway between two potentially transformative elections.
Russia to complete Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on time RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Russia will complete the construction of Bushehr nuclear power plant on schedule.
Replica of 'Omid' satellite on display IRNA 09 Feb 2009 -- A replica of 'Omid' satellite, which was successfully sent into orbit recently, is on display at Mosalla and will remain on show until February 13.
Iran's Reformist Khatami Says He Will Run For President RFE/RL 08 Feb 2009 -- Iran's former reformist president, Mohammad Khatami, has said he intends to run for the presidency again.
Iran working over creation of four new satellites - minister RIA Novosti 08 Feb 2009 -- Iranian scientists are working over the creation of four new satellites for their placement into a near-Earth orbit, Iranian Communications Minister Mohammad Soleimani said on Sunday.
Iran, Iraq call for expansion of mutual relations IRNA 08 Feb 2009 -- Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs Ali-Akbar Velayati conferred on Sunday with leader of Iraq's National Congress party Ahmad Chalabi on expansion of ties between the two countries
US Congresswoman urges "immediate and unconditional" talks with Iran IRNA 08 Feb 2009 -- US Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher called on Sunday for "immediate and conditional talks" with Iran
Russia, Iran Discuss Relations with US at Security Conference VOA 07 Feb 2009 -- Iranian and Russian officials mixed tough rhetoric with signals of overture to the new Obama administration at the security conference in Munich, Germany. Speaking at the start of the three-day conference, Iranian parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani called on Washington to adopt a new approach when it came to dealing with Tehran.
Solana insists on continuing EU-Iran talks IRNA 07 Feb 2009 -- European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana stressed the need to continue political talks between the EU and Iran, according to IRNA.
Dialogue only way to resolve Iran nuclear case: French FM IRNA 07 Feb 2009 -- Dialogue is the only way to resolve the impasse over Iran's nuclear program, said French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner on Saturday
Mottaki: Iran not after making troubles IRNA 07 Feb 2009 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said "Iran was not in troubled relations with anybody" and stressed that Tehran was not after making troubles and causing problems in the world
US Vice President Offers Iran a Chance and a Choice VOA 07 Feb 2009 -- In what appears to be a big shift in foreign policy, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden publicly reached out to Iran during a major, wide-ranging address to international leaders and security experts in Munich, Germany, raising the possibility of a new era in U.S.-Iranian relations.
Cypriot Official: Ship Violates Iran Sanctions VOA 07 Feb 2009 -- A top official in Cyprus says a United Nations panel has found that a ship intercepted recently in the Red Sea was in breach of U.N. sanctions on Iran.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Resonates 30 Years Later VOA 06 Feb 2009 -- It's been described as one of the most important revolutions in history, one that changed the face of a country and sent shock waves around the world. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 changed Iran from a monarchy into a theocracy and made political Islam a force to be reckoned with around much of the globe. The revolution unfolded 30 years ago, but its impact is felt to this day.
Three Decades Later, Why Can't The West And Tehran Be Friends? RFE/RL 06 Feb 2009 -- In the 30 years since Iran's Islamic Revolution, the world has grown used to Iranian leaders denouncing the United States.
Iran's Satellite Stirs Nuclear Concerns VOA 06 Feb 2009 -- On 3 February 2009 with great domestic fanfare, Iran put its first satellite, called Omid, into orbit.
Larijani, Baradei reaffirm need for continuing Iran-IAEA cooperation IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- Majlis Speaker Larijani and the head of the IAEA ElBaradei reiterated the need to continue the cooperation.
Iran denies claim its missiles can hit anywhere in world RIA Novosti 06 Feb 2009 -- Iran has no missiles capable of striking any part of the world.
Another satellite will be launched : Space official IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- Head of Space Organization: Iran will launch other satellites of different capabilities into space within the next 2 or 3 years.
Iran ready to cooperate with U.S. on global issues - Ahmadinejad RIA Novosti 06 Feb 2009 -- Iran is ready to cooperate with the new U.S. administration in tackling global issues on the basis of "mutual respect."
Russia Says Iranian Nuclear Plant Set to Open This Year VOA 05 Feb 2009 -- Russia's nuclear power chief says his country plans to start up the Bushehr nuclear reactor in Iran this year.
Trial run of Bushehr nuclear power plant set for 2009 - Rosatom RIA Novosti 05 Feb 2009 -- A trial run of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran is scheduled for this year.
Iran's Omid satellite for scientific purpose: Elham IRNA 05 Feb 2009 -- Government Spokesman Elham dismissed Western concern over Iran's first domestic satellite, saying it has no military application.
Iranian Reformer Says Khatami Could Ease Country's 'Crisis' RFE/RL 05 Feb 2009 -- Former reformist parliamentarian Fatemeh Haghighatjou: Reelection of former President Khatami could help "lessen...crisis."
Major Powers Discuss Iran, Nuclear Diplomacy RFE/RL 04 Feb 2009 -- Representatives of six major powers have met in Germany for talks on Iran's disputed nuclear program and to coordinate foreign-policy approaches to the Islamic Republic.
Israel: 'Time Running Out' After Iran Satellite Launch VOA 04 Feb 2009 -- Israel says Iran's satellite launch is a "technological achievement" that points to a growing nuclear threat.
Russian military, technical cooperation with Iran transparent IRNA 04 Feb 2009 -- Director General of "Russia Abaronexport": Russian cooperation with Iran is completely transparent and legal.
Iranian satellite to stay in orbit for two months RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2009 -- Iran's first indigenous satellite will stay in orbit for at least two months as it sends processed technical data back to Earth.
Ahmadinejad: Power comes with scientific capability IRNA 04 Feb 2009 -- Iran's President Ahmadinejad said the launching of data-processing satellite remarkably improved Iran's scientific position in the world.
Iran says international community must accept its nuclear status RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2009 -- Nations involved with Iran over nuclear program must recognize Tehran has developed peaceful nuclear technology.
World Powers Discuss Iran in Wake of Satellite Launch VOA 04 Feb 2009 -- Top diplomats from six world power holding talks on Iran's nuclear program.
Iran Satellite Launch Heightens Missile Development Concerns AFPS 03 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell: Iran's launch of a low-orbit satellite into orbit yesterday "is clearly a concern of ours."
NASA admits successful launching of Omid Satellite IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- The US space agency NASA has admitted successful sending of national Omid (Hope) Satellite into the orbit on Tuesday.
Clinton, Miliband Discuss Afghanistan, Iran, Middle East VOA 03 Feb 2009 -- Secretary of State Clinton: Iran has an opportunity to break out of its isolation over its nuclear program.
Air Force chief announces greater flight range of fighter aircraft IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- Commander of the Air Force: Iranian air force has successfully increased the flight range of its fighters to over 2,000 km.
Ahmadinejad says Iran proud of its Omid data-processing satellite IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- Iran's President Ahmadinejad described the launching of Omid data-processing satellite as a very big source of pride for Iran.
Iran launches its first domestic satellite RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2009 -- Iran carried into orbit its first domestically-produced satellite on Tuesday, the country's national TV said.
Iran Launches First Homemade Satellite VOA 03 Feb 2009 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is hailing the announced launch of his nation's first domestically-built satellite as a gift to the people of Iran.
Army official: Good news to come soon in defense area IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- A top Iranian army official said good news was to come soon in defense areas.
Iran's Revolution: Islamic Republic Proves Durable, But Is It Successful? RFE/RL 02 Feb 2009 -- Thirty years after the Islamic Revolution, the world is still trying to understand just what it was -- and is.
Possibility Of Warmer U.S. Relations Buoy Iran's Rights Activists RFE/RL 02 Feb 2009 -- Human rights activists believe they could benefit from improved relations between Iran and the United States.

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February 2009 - Iran Special Weapons News