Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Iran

Iran Says Not Concerned By U.S. Gulf Maneuvers

Iran held military exercises in the Persian Gulf in April (Fars)

October 29, 2006 -- Iran says it is not worried about naval maneuvers to be led by the United States off its coast this week.

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October 29, 2006

From October 30, warships from the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Britain, France, and Italy will take part in the operation to simulate inspection of ships carrying illicit weapons-related materials.

The Iranian Navy's commander, Admiral Sajjad Kuchaki, was quoted as saying Tehran is watching the vessels closely.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Husseini said Iran did not believe the maneuvers constitute a threat, and that security in the Persian Gulf is maintained by regional states better than any other country.

Husseini also made a call for Persian Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and Iran, to protect their interests within a regional collective security pact.

(Fars, IRNA, AFP, Reuters, AP)

Avoiding International Isolation

Afghan President Hamid Karzai (left) with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad in Tehran on May 27 (epa)

DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE: As the United States and the European Union increase pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, Tehran has launched a wide-ranging and ambitious diplomatic offensive, including high-level state visits with countries including China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. In May, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad participated in a high-profile summit of the so-called Developing 8 (D8) group of countries in Bali. Below are some links to RFE/RL's coverage of Iran's efforts to boost international support for its position.

Tehran's Shanghai Plans Seen As Bold Geopolitical Stroke

Nonaligned Movement Expresses Support For Iran

Afghan, Iranian Presidents Tout Strong Historical Ties

Iranian Foreign Minister In Pakistan For Energy Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Baghdad

CHRONOLOGY

An annotated timeline of Iran's nuclear program.

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Explainer: Iran's National Internet

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A cardboard Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini arrives in Tehran to mark the 33rd anniversary of his triumphant return to Iran following the Islamic Revolution.

Iran's 'Cardboard Khomeini' Faces Criticism, Condemnation

Iran's "Cardboard Khomeini" is fueling a firestorm of criticism in the Middle Eastern country after cutouts of the Islamic republic's founder appeared at a number of events, and photos mocking the mock-up went viral. More