Iran
The dollar retreated to a two-month low against the euro on Monday as the U.S. currency came under pressure on renewed worries about Iran’s nuclear programme.
Reuters 26th Feb 2007
Iran’s refusal to suspend uranium enrichment will be discussed at the UN Security Council today.
Sky 26th Feb 2007
Iran has no brake on its nuclear programme and is prepared for any eventuality – “even for war” – one of its deputy foreign ministers warned yesterday.
Herald 26th Feb 2007
Guardian 26th Feb 2007
FT 26th Feb 2007
BBC 25th Feb 2007
Middle East Online 25th Feb 2007
Diplomats embark on a fresh round of talks today aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which the country’s president described yesterday as “like a train which has no brake and no reverse gear”. Measures being discussed include imposing travel bans on a dozen named Iranians involved in the nuclear programme and tighter restrictions on the trade of arms and technology, as well as an attempt to block investment and export credits.
Times 26th Feb 2007
President George Bush has charged the Pentagon with devising an expanded bombing plan for Iran that can be carried out at 24 hours’ notice, it was reported yesterday. An extensive article in the New Yorker magazine by the investigative journalist Seymour Hersh describes the contingency bombing plan as part of a general overhaul by the Bush administration of its policy towards Iran.
Guardian 26th Feb 2007
Seymour Hersh’s reputation as an investigative journalist means his latest report on US policy in the Middle East will fuel worries that despite Washington’s insistence on using diplomatic means to end the nuclear crisis with Iran, confrontation is still on the cards.
Guardian 26th Feb 2007
Trident
Claims that Britain cannot expect other countries to refrain from developing nuclear weapons if it upgrades its Trident missile system have been dismissed by the Government. Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said claims by Mohammed El Baradei, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, that the West risked losing its moral authority when criticising states such as Iran were “wrong.”
Guardian website 26th Feb 2007
LABOUR MPs will today be urged to vote against the Trident nuclear missile system. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament will hand over a dossier rejecting Government arguments for the multibillion pound weapon.
Mirror 26th Feb 2007