Iran

Egypt's crackdown on protesters evokes Iran's heavy hand in 2009 unrest

With more than 100 estimated dead so far as Egyptian protests resume for a fifth day, Egypt's 'zero tolerance' policy is reminiscent of Iran's force to quash unrest after Ahmadinejad's reelection.
Iran nuclear talks: What happened to the nuclear fuel-swap deal?

Movement on a fuel-swap deal with Iran stalled after two days of nuclear talks in Istanbul ended in stalemate.
After nuclear talks fail, Iran rails at 'enemies' – and leaves door open for new round

Iran responded to the failure of nuclear talks last weekend with dual-track rhetoric, saying that 'there is hope' but accusing the West of 'blocking progress.'
Why Iran nuclear talks ended in stalemate

Nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers ran aground on Iranian preconditions about enrichment and sanctions; no plans to meet again.
Iran nuclear talks: What's on the table, what's at stake

Iran nuclear talks began in Istanbul today with topics that could include a revamped version of a nuclear fuel swap deal and ongoing sanctions.
Terrorism & Security
Israel tested Stuxnet worm in joint effort with US to thwart Iran, says report

A Stuxnet cyber worm tested at a secret facility in Israel’s Negev desert wiped out about a fifth of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges, The New York Times reported yesterday.
Terrorism & Security
Former nuclear inspector: China falling short on enforcing sanctions on Iran

A former UN nuclear inspector says China is too lax to adequately prevent Iranian buyers from acquiring materials and equipment for nuclear development.
Iran claims it has dismantled Israeli spy ring behind nuclear scientist's death

Iran state TV last night broadcast a confession by an Iranian who said senior Israeli officers helped him rehearse the bombing that killed an Iranian nuclear scientist a year ago.
Iran plane crash latest to afflict aging fleet

The Iran plane crash that killed 77 Sunday involved an aircraft bought second-hand 37 years ago, not uncommon in a fleet further hobbled by poor maintenance and a shortage of US-made spare parts.
US woman arrested in Iran as spy: Why the story may not have teeth

Iranian media have produced conflicting reports, none well sourced, on the alleged arrest of a US woman with a spying device in her teeth.
Suicide of Iran Shah's son, Alireza Pahlavi, caps life of sorrow in exile

The Tuesday suicide of Alireza Pahlavi passed largely unnoticed in Iran, where decades ago the shah’s rule became a crucial catalyst for the Islamic revolution.
Why Iran left the US off invite list for tour of nuclear sites

Iran's invitation to Russia, China, and other nations to visit its nuclear facilities is seen as an attempt to magnify divisions in the international community ahead of talks later this month.
New Year priorities: Tehran focused on turmoil at home, not nuclear program

While many US and European leaders are focused on curbing Iran's nuclear program in 2011, in Tehran the emphasis is more on domestic challenges such as economic reform.
Terrorism & Security
Iran executes two men, one for allegedly spying for Israel

Iran, which has repeatedly blamed foreign meddling for the spate of protests and complaints of election fraud there last year, executed a man for allegedly spying for Israel on Tuesday.
Why Ahmadinejad is dismissing high-level Iranian officials

Many critics say a number of personnel changes by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have to do with the growing influence of one of his closest aides, Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei.
Iran's Ahmadinejad urges West to choose 'path of cooperation'

While the US says that Iran has a 'clear choice' to make on its controversial nuclear program, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insisted Thursday that world powers can choose cooperation or confrontation.
Ahmadinejad cuts Iranian subsidies, quadrupling the price of gas

President Ahmadinejad has made it a priority to cut subsidies on daily essentials such as gas, water, and flour that have cost Iran as much as $100 billion a year since 1979.
This year on Ashura, Iran's opposition Green Movement stays below ground

Iran's opposition Green Movement protested in force during the Shiite holiday Ashura a year ago. This year, they're nowhere to be seen. Is the movement finished?
Iran, still haunted by Jundallah attacks, blames West

Iran has repeatedly declared victory over Jundallah, the Sunni and Baluch group that claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least 39 Shiite worshipers today.
Terrorism & Security
Suicide bombing outside Iran mosque kills dozens

The attack in southeastern Iran came as Shiites commemorated Ashura, one of the most important holidays of the year for Shiites. At least 38 were killed and more than 50 were wounded.
Ahmadinejad abruptly sacks foreign minister in favor of nuclear chief

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad replaced Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in a move that is likely to solidify Iran's united front toward the West.
As Hanukkah closes, menorahs have flickered in surprising place: Iran

Iranian Jews, who have been celebrating Hanukkah this week along with Jews around the world, are eking out a tenuous existence amid escalating Iran-Israel rhetoric.
Ahmadinejad: lift sanctions to boost Iran nuclear talks

The first round of talks on Iran's nuclear program in 14 months yielded defiance from Tehran, frustration from the P5+1 countries, and an agreement to meet again in Istanbul in January.
US 'how to' guide on talking to Iran – in 1979 – emerges from WikiLeaks

A WikiLeaks cable written three months before the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran is at times insightful and at times sweeping in its condescension about the 'Persian psyche.'
Iran resumes nuclear talks, but decries nuclear scientist's assassination

Iranian media emphasized Iran's tough opening gambit in Geneva, where it condemned the West for its silence over an Iranian nuclear scientist's assassination last week.