Topic: Turkey

US answer to Iran nuclear swap: Overnight deal on sanctions

A day after Turkey and Brazil announced an Iran nuclear fuel swap, the US says it has secured the support of all five permanent UN Security Council members – including Russia and China – for Iran sanctions.

Iran nuclear fuel swap deal: Is Brazil's Lula now a diplomatic big boy?

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's brokering of the Iran nuclear fuel swap deal appears to show that mid-level players can have a say in the biggest issues of the day. But if the deal ultimately fails, it could come at a cost to his prestige.

Iran nuclear fuel swap: how Turkey is complicating US aims

The Iran nuclear fuel swap was brokered by Turkey and Brazil. Even if it falls through, it indicates that countries like the US can no longer expect quiet compliance from rising powers.

The Monitor's View: Iran nuclear deal may topple on its own

Obama must be patient as the Iran nuclear plan with Brazil and Turkey will likely falter. And then more allies can be won over to the sanctions strategy.

Iran nuclear fuel swap: why US, others are no longer so keen on it

Iran continues to amass more and more low-enriched uranium. So the context in which an Iran nuclear fuel swap would take place is very different today than it was only a few months ago.

Iran nuclear fuel swap: Who can make the fuel rods?

Under the Iran nuclear fuel swap deal reached today, Iran would get fuel rods from a third country for its reactor - possibly France. Only a few countries have the capability to make the rods.

Iran nuclear fuel swap deal: What it involves, and how it will affect US push for sanctions

The Iran nuclear fuel swap deal, brokered by Turkey and Brazil, was cast by many as a confidence-building measure. But Iran would still continue enriching uranium, in defiance of the UN Security Council.

Brazil, Turkey try to hammer out 'last chance' Iran nuclear fuel swap deal

Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan flew late Sunday to Tehran sounding bullish about a possible Iran nuclear fuel swap deal that could help Iran avoid another round of UN sanctions.

Turkey, Brazil scramble to seal Iran nuclear fuel swap deal

A senior Turkish official said Friday that momentum for UN sanctions was building, even as Brazil and Turkey work to find a last-minute nuclear fuel swap deal that would allay Western concerns on Iran nuclear ambitions.

Brazil visit to Iran: 'last chance' before new round of sanctions?

Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visits Tehran this weekend in what both Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and a senior US State Department official have characterized as the 'last chance' before a new round of sanctions on Iran.

Volcanic ash cloud: Where is it today?

As of May 13, the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland has shrunk substantially over the past two days, allowing dozens of airports in Europe to reopen and restoring flights to normal.

Ataturk: Turkey wrestles with how to remember its founder

A wave of biopics about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stirs hot debate over modern Turkey's identity.

Volcanic ash cloud: Where is it now?

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is now drifting over Africa as well as Europe, closing airports and causing cancellations of transatlantic flights to the United States.

Opinion: Why Syria will keep saying ‘no’ to Washington

The US must get real leverage before talking to its better-prepared and a tougher-minded adversary, Syria.

Looking for answers: five of the best in current commentary

NPT talks: Why it's so hard for the UN to strengthen the treaty

Updating and strengthening the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) at the UN is a major diplomatic challenge. For one thing, there are no real penalties for ignoring it.

UN conference on nuclear proliferation a big test for Obama

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty conference opens at the United Nations on Monday. Reducing nuclear weapons is a key issue for President Obama, but there are many challenges.

Belgium veil ban passes with widespread support

Legislators in Belgium's lower house voted almost unanimously today to ban Muslim women from wearing veils that cover their entire face. Muslims and human rights groups say the veil ban is an attack on religious freedom.

Noah's Ark discovered. Again.

A Chinese Christian filmmaker is the latest in a long line of religiously funded expeditions claiming to have found the final resting place of Noah's Ark on Turkey's Mount Ararat.

Iran nuclear program: On sanctions, Congress ahead of Obama

The House and Senate are progressing with bipartisan legislation to impose sanctions in response to the Iran nuclear program. But President Obama faces difficulties in the UN Security Council.

Iraq voters face long wait for new government as Maliki, others jockey for power

Prime Minister Maliki and others are maneuvering for influence in the wake of the March 7 vote, results of which are being delayed by a recount and investigation of other complaints. Inability to form an effective new Iraq government could further divide the country.

Iran foreign minister says interested in modified nuclear fuel swap

Iran Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Tuesday the Islamic Republic could reconsider a modified version of a nuclear fuel swap plan that it rejected last year. The plan would ship most of its nuclear fuel abroad.

Opinion: Host city for 2020 Olympics: Why not Jerusalem?

If Israelis and Palestinians agreed to cohost the 2020 Olympic Games, it could help them clear hurdles to sustainable peace.