Iran Nuclear Standoff
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Re: Iran Nukes Standoff=UN report says Iran is working on nukes
Iran wont retreat "one iota" from Nuclear Program
They are hanging tough about staying on course to continue their nuclear program.
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran won't retreat "one iota" from its nuclear program but the world is being misled by claims that it seeks atomic weapons, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday in his first reaction since a U.N. watchdog report that Tehran is on the brink of developing a warhead.
Ahmadinejad strongly chided the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency, saying it is discrediting itself by siding with "absurd" U.S. accusations.
"This nation won't retreat one iota from the path it is going," Ahmadinejad told thousands of people in Shahr-e-Kord in central Iran. "Why are you ruining the prestige of the (U.N. nuclear) agency for absurd U.S. claims?"
The 13-page annex to the IAEA's report released Tuesday included claims that while some of Iran's activities have civilian as well as military applications, others are "specific to nuclear weapons."
Among these were indications that Iran has conducted high explosives testing and detonator development to set off a nuclear charge, as well as computer modeling of a core of a nuclear warhead. The report also cited preparatory work for a nuclear weapons test, and development of a nuclear payload for Iran's Shahab 3 intermediate range missile -- a weapon that can reach Israel.
Ahmadinejad repeated Iran's claims that it doesn't make sense to build nuclear weapons in a world already awash in atomic arms."The Iranian nation is wise. It won't build two bombs against 20,000 (nuclear) bombs you have," he said in comments apparently directed at the West and others. "But it builds something you can't respond to: Ethics, decency, monotheism and justice," he added in a his speech, which was broadcast live on state TV.
The U.S. and allies claim a nuclear-armed Iran could touch off a nuclear arms race among rival states, including Saudi Arabia, and directly threaten Israel. The West is seeking to use the report as leverage to possible tougher sanctions on Iran, but Israel and others have said military options have not been ruled out.
"The report is the strongest compilation yet of data that indicates that Iran may be closer to developing nuclear weapons than previously thought," said CBS News Foreign Affairs Analyst Pamela Falk, from the U.N.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the IAEA report confirmed long-standing claims by Israel and Western countries that Iran is developing nuclear bombs."The significance of the report is that the international community must bring about the cessation of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which endanger the peace of the world and of the Middle East," the statement said.
Until its statement late Wednesday, Israel had been largely silent over the report, wanting to portray the issue as a global concern, not a dispute between two enemies. Israel sees Iran as an existential threat, citing the nuclear program, Ahmadinejad's calls for Israel's destruction and Iran's support for Arab militant groups.
Israeli officials are hopeful the international community will pass tough new sanctions that cripple Iran's key energy sector or target its central bank, which would hinder its ability to conduct international trade.
In an interview with Israel Radio on Tuesday, ahead of the report's release, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that without effective sanctions, Israel would not take any option "off the table," a reference to possible military action.
The bulk of the information in the IAEA report was a compilation of alleged findings that have already been partially revealed by the agency. But some of the information was new -- including evidence of a large metal chamber at a military site for nuclear-related explosives testing. Iran has dismissed that, saying they were merely metal toilet stalls.
"The next step is to see if the nuclear watchdog agency's Board of Directors refers the case of Iran to the U.N. Security Council on November 17, when it meets, although Security Council action is unlikely, because of resistance from Russia and China," Falk added.
The U.N. Security Council has passed four sets of damaging sanctions on Iran, but veto-wielding members China and Russia oppose further measures and are unlikely to change their minds despite the report's findings.
Russia, which has veto-wielding power on the U.N. Security Council, said new sanctions would be unacceptable.
"Any additional sanctions against Iran would be perceived by the international community as an instrument for regime change in Tehran," deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the Interfax news agency, adding that Russia "does not intend to consider such proposals."Gatilov said Russia believes that dialogue with Iran is the only way forward.
Meanwhile, Iran's other chief ally, China, issued cautious statements calling for diplomacy and dialogue.
They are hanging tough about staying on course to continue their nuclear program.
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran won't retreat "one iota" from its nuclear program but the world is being misled by claims that it seeks atomic weapons, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday in his first reaction since a U.N. watchdog report that Tehran is on the brink of developing a warhead.
Ahmadinejad strongly chided the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency, saying it is discrediting itself by siding with "absurd" U.S. accusations.
"This nation won't retreat one iota from the path it is going," Ahmadinejad told thousands of people in Shahr-e-Kord in central Iran. "Why are you ruining the prestige of the (U.N. nuclear) agency for absurd U.S. claims?"
The 13-page annex to the IAEA's report released Tuesday included claims that while some of Iran's activities have civilian as well as military applications, others are "specific to nuclear weapons."
Among these were indications that Iran has conducted high explosives testing and detonator development to set off a nuclear charge, as well as computer modeling of a core of a nuclear warhead. The report also cited preparatory work for a nuclear weapons test, and development of a nuclear payload for Iran's Shahab 3 intermediate range missile -- a weapon that can reach Israel.
Ahmadinejad repeated Iran's claims that it doesn't make sense to build nuclear weapons in a world already awash in atomic arms."The Iranian nation is wise. It won't build two bombs against 20,000 (nuclear) bombs you have," he said in comments apparently directed at the West and others. "But it builds something you can't respond to: Ethics, decency, monotheism and justice," he added in a his speech, which was broadcast live on state TV.
The U.S. and allies claim a nuclear-armed Iran could touch off a nuclear arms race among rival states, including Saudi Arabia, and directly threaten Israel. The West is seeking to use the report as leverage to possible tougher sanctions on Iran, but Israel and others have said military options have not been ruled out.
"The report is the strongest compilation yet of data that indicates that Iran may be closer to developing nuclear weapons than previously thought," said CBS News Foreign Affairs Analyst Pamela Falk, from the U.N.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the IAEA report confirmed long-standing claims by Israel and Western countries that Iran is developing nuclear bombs."The significance of the report is that the international community must bring about the cessation of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which endanger the peace of the world and of the Middle East," the statement said.
Until its statement late Wednesday, Israel had been largely silent over the report, wanting to portray the issue as a global concern, not a dispute between two enemies. Israel sees Iran as an existential threat, citing the nuclear program, Ahmadinejad's calls for Israel's destruction and Iran's support for Arab militant groups.
Israeli officials are hopeful the international community will pass tough new sanctions that cripple Iran's key energy sector or target its central bank, which would hinder its ability to conduct international trade.
In an interview with Israel Radio on Tuesday, ahead of the report's release, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that without effective sanctions, Israel would not take any option "off the table," a reference to possible military action.
The bulk of the information in the IAEA report was a compilation of alleged findings that have already been partially revealed by the agency. But some of the information was new -- including evidence of a large metal chamber at a military site for nuclear-related explosives testing. Iran has dismissed that, saying they were merely metal toilet stalls.
"The next step is to see if the nuclear watchdog agency's Board of Directors refers the case of Iran to the U.N. Security Council on November 17, when it meets, although Security Council action is unlikely, because of resistance from Russia and China," Falk added.
The U.N. Security Council has passed four sets of damaging sanctions on Iran, but veto-wielding members China and Russia oppose further measures and are unlikely to change their minds despite the report's findings.
Russia, which has veto-wielding power on the U.N. Security Council, said new sanctions would be unacceptable.
"Any additional sanctions against Iran would be perceived by the international community as an instrument for regime change in Tehran," deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the Interfax news agency, adding that Russia "does not intend to consider such proposals."Gatilov said Russia believes that dialogue with Iran is the only way forward.
Meanwhile, Iran's other chief ally, China, issued cautious statements calling for diplomacy and dialogue.
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Time Magazine:
Intel Source: Israel Behind Deadly Explosion at Iran Missile Base
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/ ... 76,00.html
Intel Source: Israel Behind Deadly Explosion at Iran Missile Base
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/ ... 76,00.html
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Just in case Iran thinks their underground facilities are safe...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11 ... latestnews
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11 ... latestnews
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- vbhoutex
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mf_dolphin wrote:Just in case Iran thinks their underground facilities are safe...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11 ... latestnews
In a weird sort of way that is comforting. However, NONE of us on this planet should be having to deal with these threats. So much good could come from the proper use of Nuclear energy, yet mankind continues to try to use it for the wrong reasons. JMHO
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- brunota2003
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"The system is not aimed at any one country, it's to develop a capability we believe we need," Kirby said
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11 ... z1e5N68AYE"
One only has to read between the lines...The bombs were not built to destroy one particular country's bunkers, but were built mostly because of one country, and very well may be used upon them.
It's like having someone rob your house several times, then you buy a gun to use on them the next time they rob your house. You aren't going to tell the police "oh yes, I bought it specifically for this guy", but instead say you bought it because you felt the need to protect yourself against criminals.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11 ... z1e5N68AYE"
One only has to read between the lines...The bombs were not built to destroy one particular country's bunkers, but were built mostly because of one country, and very well may be used upon them.
It's like having someone rob your house several times, then you buy a gun to use on them the next time they rob your house. You aren't going to tell the police "oh yes, I bought it specifically for this guy", but instead say you bought it because you felt the need to protect yourself against criminals.
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- cycloneye
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran doing training excercises
TEHRAN (Reuters) - The Iranian army is conducting a four-day training exercise to test its defenses, state TV reported on Saturday, amid rising international tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
Press TV said the war games started on Friday and were taking place over 800,000 square km in the east of the country.
"The initial stage of the drills will assess the units' performance in setting up primary and secondary command centers and stationing tactical and swift reaction divisions," Press TV said.
Both Israel and the United States say they do not rule out striking Iran militarily if other means fail to stop the nuclear work that Tehran says is entirely peaceful.
TEHRAN (Reuters) - The Iranian army is conducting a four-day training exercise to test its defenses, state TV reported on Saturday, amid rising international tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
Press TV said the war games started on Friday and were taking place over 800,000 square km in the east of the country.
"The initial stage of the drills will assess the units' performance in setting up primary and secondary command centers and stationing tactical and swift reaction divisions," Press TV said.
Both Israel and the United States say they do not rule out striking Iran militarily if other means fail to stop the nuclear work that Tehran says is entirely peaceful.
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- cycloneye
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran threats to hit Turkey if U.S/Israel attacks them
Tensions are rising.
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-threatens-hi ... 55802.html
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran will target NATO's missile defense installations in Turkey if the U.S. or Israel attacks the Islamic Republic, a senior commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said Saturday.
Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guards' aerospace division, said the warning is part of a new defense strategy to counter what he described as an increase in threats from the U.S. and Israel.
Tensions are rising.
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-threatens-hi ... 55802.html
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran will target NATO's missile defense installations in Turkey if the U.S. or Israel attacks the Islamic Republic, a senior commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said Saturday.
Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guards' aerospace division, said the warning is part of a new defense strategy to counter what he described as an increase in threats from the U.S. and Israel.
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- cycloneye
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Blast in Iran Missile site a mystery
The big question is,what happened here? They say it was an accident,but the above image shows extensive damage to that facility. Was this an attack from outside Iran or it was an accident as Iran says?
The big question is,what happened here? They say it was an accident,but the above image shows extensive damage to that facility. Was this an attack from outside Iran or it was an accident as Iran says?
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- brunota2003
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This ought to make things interesting...per Foxnews:
Iran Has Missing U.S. Stealth Drone, U.S. Military Sources Tell Fox News
U.S. military sources confirm to Fox News that Iran is in possession of a RQ170 SENTINEL stealth drone – the model that was used in the bin Laden raid – that vanished over the weekend and which Iran claims it shot down.
Iran Has Missing U.S. Stealth Drone, U.S. Military Sources Tell Fox News
U.S. military sources confirm to Fox News that Iran is in possession of a RQ170 SENTINEL stealth drone – the model that was used in the bin Laden raid – that vanished over the weekend and which Iran claims it shot down.
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- cycloneye
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran practicing about how to close the Strait of Hormuz
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-army-decline ... 15297.html
TEHRAN (Reuters) - A member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee said on Monday that the military was set to practice its ability to close the Gulf to shipping at the narrow Strait of Hormuz, the most important oil transit channel in the world, but there was no official confirmation.
The legislator, Parviz Sarvari, told the student news agency ISNA: "Soon we will hold a military maneuver on how to close the Strait of Hormuz. If the world wants to make the region insecure, we will make the world insecure."
You know if that happens,what would occur with oil prices?
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-army-decline ... 15297.html
TEHRAN (Reuters) - A member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee said on Monday that the military was set to practice its ability to close the Gulf to shipping at the narrow Strait of Hormuz, the most important oil transit channel in the world, but there was no official confirmation.
The legislator, Parviz Sarvari, told the student news agency ISNA: "Soon we will hold a military maneuver on how to close the Strait of Hormuz. If the world wants to make the region insecure, we will make the world insecure."
You know if that happens,what would occur with oil prices?
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RL3AO wrote:I imagine those ships would magically sink if they we're to try for real.
That certainly wouldn't be a surprise to me if they try that foolishness.
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mf_dolphin wrote:They also said they were going to send their ships off the US coast. Always room for more artificial reefs
Definitely!!! Artificial reefs always help fishing.
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- cycloneye
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran starts naval drills in Straits of Hormuz
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeas ... 44890.html
Iran's navy has started a 10-day drill in international waters near the strategic oil route that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The exercises, dubbed "Velayat 90", could bring Iranian ships into proximity with United States Navy vessels in the area. "Velayat" is a Persian word for "supremacy" and it is currently used as a title of deference for the Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The war games cover a 2,000km stretch of sea off the Strait of Hormuz, northern parts of the Indian Ocean and into the Gulf of Aden, near the entrance to the Red Sea, state television reported.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeas ... 44890.html
Iran's navy has started a 10-day drill in international waters near the strategic oil route that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The exercises, dubbed "Velayat 90", could bring Iranian ships into proximity with United States Navy vessels in the area. "Velayat" is a Persian word for "supremacy" and it is currently used as a title of deference for the Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The war games cover a 2,000km stretch of sea off the Strait of Hormuz, northern parts of the Indian Ocean and into the Gulf of Aden, near the entrance to the Red Sea, state television reported.
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
The U.S says to Iran dont try to close the strait because the 5th fleet is ready to act as any disruption will not be tolerated.
The Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet's spokeswoman warned that any disruption "will not be tolerated." The spokeswoman, Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, said the U.S. Navy is "always ready to counter malevolent actions to ensure freedom of navigation."
The Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet's spokeswoman warned that any disruption "will not be tolerated." The spokeswoman, Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, said the U.S. Navy is "always ready to counter malevolent actions to ensure freedom of navigation."
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran to propose new nuclear talks
If will fail as past efforts in that direction occured in the past.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/12/31 ... ear-talks/
If will fail as past efforts in that direction occured in the past.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/12/31 ... ear-talks/
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran makes a nuclear fuel breakthrough
The question is after this news if Israel will stay in the sidelines or makes a move towards eliminating the nuclear plants as soon as possible.
TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian scientists have produced the nation's first nuclear fuel rod, a feat of engineering the West doubted Tehran was capable of, Iran officials said Sunday.
The announcement comes after Iran has said it was compelled to manufacture fuel rods on its own since international sanctions banned Tehran from buying them on foreign markets.
Nuclear fuel rods contain pellets of enriched uranium that provide fuel for nuclear power plants.
Iran's atomic energy agency's website said the first domestically made rod had already been inserted into the core of Tehran's research nuclear reactor.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45839276/ns ... nd_energy/
The question is after this news if Israel will stay in the sidelines or makes a move towards eliminating the nuclear plants as soon as possible.
TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian scientists have produced the nation's first nuclear fuel rod, a feat of engineering the West doubted Tehran was capable of, Iran officials said Sunday.
The announcement comes after Iran has said it was compelled to manufacture fuel rods on its own since international sanctions banned Tehran from buying them on foreign markets.
Nuclear fuel rods contain pellets of enriched uranium that provide fuel for nuclear power plants.
Iran's atomic energy agency's website said the first domestically made rod had already been inserted into the core of Tehran's research nuclear reactor.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45839276/ns ... nd_energy/
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Re: Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran Tests Surface to Air Missile
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's navy said Sunday it test-fired an advanced surface-to-air missile during a drill in international waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the passageway for one-sixth of the world's oil supply.
Iran's state TV said the missile, named Mehrab, or Altar, is designed to evade radar and was developed by Iranian scientists. The report said the missile was tested Sunday but provided no further details.
A leading Iranian lawmaker said the sea maneuvers serve as practice for closing the Strait of Hormuz if the West blocks Iran's oil sales. After top Iranian officials made the same threat a week ago, military commanders emphasized that Iran has no intention of blocking the waterway now.
The exercise covers a 1,250-mile (2,000-kilometer) stretch of water beyond the Strait of Hormuz, including parts of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's navy said Sunday it test-fired an advanced surface-to-air missile during a drill in international waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the passageway for one-sixth of the world's oil supply.
Iran's state TV said the missile, named Mehrab, or Altar, is designed to evade radar and was developed by Iranian scientists. The report said the missile was tested Sunday but provided no further details.
A leading Iranian lawmaker said the sea maneuvers serve as practice for closing the Strait of Hormuz if the West blocks Iran's oil sales. After top Iranian officials made the same threat a week ago, military commanders emphasized that Iran has no intention of blocking the waterway now.
The exercise covers a 1,250-mile (2,000-kilometer) stretch of water beyond the Strait of Hormuz, including parts of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
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