1998 Iran Special Weapons News
- YEARENDER: IRANIAN POLITICS '98 Voice of America 22 December 1998 -- 1998 SAW DEEPENING POLARIZATION OF POLITICS IN IRAN AS THE REFORMIST PRESIDENT MOHAMMAD KHATAMI FACED GROWING OPPOSITION FROM CONSERVATIVES ALIGNED WITH THE SUPREME RELIGIOUS LEADER AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI.
- State Department Briefing -- 16 December 1998 -- QUESTION: ... referring to yesterday's Wall Street Journal article, titled "Fission for Cash," the reports are that at least two Russian nuclear agencies are in the shadow of Bushehr on the side, are quietly negotiating to sell Iran a 40 mega-watt heavy water research reactor and a uranium conversion facility that would allow fissionable materials to be produced by the Iranians.
- DoD News Briefing December 15, 1998 -- Q: Can you comment on the continued flow of Russian technology to Iran's nuclear program? And can you provide the building's best estimate on when Iran could first conceivably produce a nuclear weapon?
- TEXT: STATE DEPT. ON RUSSIA'S WORK ON IRAN NUCLEAR REACTOR USIA 25 November 1998 -- Iran has a program to develop nuclear weapons and the US is opposed to any cooperation with Iran's nuclear sector including the Bushehr project.
- RUSSIA / IRAN / NUCLEAR Voice of America 25 November 1998 -- RUSSIA'S MINISTER OF NUCLEAR ENERGY HAS GIVEN MORE DETAILS OF HIS COUNTRY'S CONTRACT TO BUILD NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS FOR IRAN -- DESPITE OBJECTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL.
- RUSSIA / IRAN / NUCLEAR Voice of America 24 November 1998 -- RUSSIA HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN IRAN AND STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF BUILDING A SECOND FACILITY.
- CLINTON REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON IRAN NATIONAL
EMERGENCY November 16, 1998 -- President Clinton reported to Congress on the National Emergency with respect to Iran that was declared in Executive Order 12170 of November 14, 1979.
- IRAN / ECONOMY Voice of America 10 November 1998 -- IRAN'S ECONOMIC PROBLEMS HAVE LED TO PRESSURE FOR ECONOMIC REFORM, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT MOHAMED KHATAMI 18 MONTHS AGO. HOWEVER, CHANGE IS SLOW.
- IRAN / AN OVERVIEW Voice of America 09 November 1998 -- RELIGIOUS LEADERS WHO HAVE CONTROLLED POLITICAL LIFE SINCE THE REVOLUTION NEARLY 20-YEARS AGO HAVE BEGUN TO ALLOW A GREATER DEGREE OF OPENNESS IN POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LIFE.
- IRAN / U-S RELATIONS: THE FUTURE Voice of America 08 October 1998 -- MOST EXPERTS ON IRAN SEEM IMPRESSED WITH THE STYLE OF ITS REFORMIST PRESIDENT. BUT THEY ALSO AGREE PRESIDENT KHATAMI'S OPTIONS FOR RESTORING NORMALCY TO U-S / IRANIAN RELATIONS ARE LIMITED BY BOTH POLITICAL REALITY AND ECONOMICS.
- IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Voice of America 29 September 1998 -- IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER KAMEL KHARAZZI, MONDAY REJECTED AN INVITATION BY THE UNITED STATES TO START A POLITICAL DIALOG AIMED AT NORMALIZING RELATIONS.
- U-S / IRAN RELATIONS Voice of America 23 September 1998 -- HOPES FOR A THAW IN RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND IRAN RECEIVED A SETBACK THIS WEEK WHEN IRANIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMMED KHATAMI DENIED TEHRAN IS READY FOR A DIPLOMATIC OPENING WITH WASHINGTON.
- TEXT: PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO CONGRESS ON IRAN NATIONAL EMERGENCY USIA 17 September 1998 -- "The actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to present an extraordinary and unusual threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," President Clinton said in a September 17 letter to Congress.
- HOUSE / IRAN STATEMENT Voice of America 16 September 1998 -- A BI-PARTISAN, 220-MEMBER MAJORITY OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS SIGNED A STATEMENT ADVOCATING A STRONG U-S POLICY AGAINST IRAN.
- Israel suspects Iran of developing spy satellite Associated Press September 5, 1998 - Israeli intelligence officials believe Iran is developing a spy satellite as part of its ballistic missile program. Analyzing Iranian television video, they spotted a satellite launcher and what could be the basis for a spy satellite that could cover the entire Middle East, including Israel.
- ISRAELI AND AMERICAN TEAMS TO DISCUSS IRANIAN MISSILE TEST ISRAEL LINE THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1998 -- One U.S. official claimed that it has yet to be determined whether the Shihab 3 missile exploded during the test by intent or from a technical failure.
- KHATAMI ANNIVERSARY -- U-S - IRAN RELATIONS Voice of America 06 August 1998 - NO MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN BI-LATERAL RELATIONS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR.
- Netanyahu warns Iran: 'Israel will defend itself' By Gideon Alon, Ha'aretz August 5, 1998 -- Knesset member Yossi Sarid (Meretz) said the focus on the Iranian missile test was
a ploy by Netanyahu to distract public opinion. "The Iranian threat is very serious and nobody is taking it lightly," Sarid said. "But Syria has far more missiles, which cover all of Israel. The difference is that we can't reach dialogue with Iran, but we can reach
an agreement with Syria. But you," he said to Netanyahu, "simply don't want to reach a dialogue with the Syrians so you direct all the attention to the Iranian threat and not the Syrian."
- KHATAMI ANNIVERSARY -- THE ECONOMY Voice of America 05 August 1998 -- SINCE THE PRESIDENT AND HIS TEAM DO NOT CONTROL THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY,
HIS PROPOSED REFORMS WILL LIKELY HAVE LITTLE EFFECT.
- CONGRESS-IRAN Voice of America 04 August 1998 --
THE U-S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS BACKING A NEW WAY TO CURB THE FLOW OF NUCLEAR MISSILE TECHNOLOGY TO IRAN. LAWMAKERS WANT TO CUT U-S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT THE I-A-E-A SPENDS TO HELP IRAN BUILD NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS.
- JERUSALEM OFFICIALS DISAPPOINTED BY KHATAMI'S STATEMENTS ISRAEL LINE - August 3, 1998 -- During the unveiling of Iran's new medium-range missile, Khatami called the "Zionist aggressors" the main threat to the region. Sources in Jerusalem said, "Israel does not see Iran as an enemy and does not threaten Iran in any way."
- SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS(Government Press Office) 3 August 1998 -- Ma'ariv says that "As long as it is only a missile that is involved, the Iranian demon is not so terrible. Things would change if and Teheran is able to arm the missile with a nuclear warhead."
- Israeli defense officials debate quality of Iran's missile program By Gil Sedan ( Jewish Telegraphic Agency), Aug. 2 -- The extent of Iran's military threat has become a subject of intense debate in Israel -- and is causing division among the country's top defense officials. Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak, the former Israel Defense Force chief of staff, said the Shahab-3 missile, which the Iranians tested two weeks ago, does not pose a serious threat as long as it is armed with a conventional warhead.
- No Russian Assistance for Iran's Missile Program
IRNA 02 August 1998 -- Russian Ambassador to Tehran Konstantin Shiuvalo said here Saturday that so far his country has rendered no assistance to Iran to develop its missile program, adding that it will not offer such assistance in future.
- Alameh Fadhlollah Criticizes U.S. Clamor over Shahab-3 Missile IRNA 02 August 1998 -- Allameh Seyed Mohammad Hussein Fadhlollah here Friday severely criticizing the United States' hue and cry over Iran's recent test of its Shahab-3, medium range missile, stated that the U.S. fomented its anti-Iranian propaganda within the framework of its support to Zionist regime.
- No Iran-Pakistan Missile Cooperation, Ambassador IRAN NEWS 02 August 1998 - Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Akhoundzadeh, was quoted in Islamabad Friday as saying that no nuclear cooperation exists between Iran and Pakistan.
- president: iran needs no permission to strengthen its defenses IRNA, aug. 1, -- president mohammad khatami said that successful test of shahab iii missile indicated that iran relies on its own expertise to develop its defenses. khatami rejected allegations that foreigners had a role in iranian success in development of the missile, adding that iran achieved the feat despite many sanctions against it.
- New Iran missile 'will have nonconventional capability' By STEVE RODAN Jerusalem Post July 31, 1998 - Iran is rapidly developing a new missile called Shihab-4 and its development could be completed within the next two to five years. The Shihab-4, based on the Soviet SS-4 missile, is entirely a product of Russian missile technology and can carry biological, chemical or nuclear warheads.
- IRAN DEVELOPING MORE ADVANCED MISSILE IN PARALLEL TO SHIHAB-3 ISRAEL LINE - JULY 31, 1998 -- The new missile is called Shihab-4 and its development could be completed within the next two to five years.
- Iran expected to complete Shihab-3 prototype next year The Jerusalem Post 29 July 1998 - Iran will complete its prototype of its Shihab-3 medium-range ballistic missile by next year and will start producing them by the end of the century. Last Tuesday's missile test by Iran was not of a prototype of the 1,300km-range Shihab-3, but a preliminary examination of the engine in the single-stage rocket. Shihab-3 is a purely Iranian-built and Iranian-assembled missile based grossly on the design of the North Korean No-Dung missile. It was totally
redesigned by Russian experts.
- IRANIAN MISSILE PROGRAM STILL DEPENDS ON RUSSIAN ASSISTANCE ISRAEL LINE, JULY 29, 1998 -- If Russia stops providing technological aid to the Iranian missile program, the Shihab-3 missile program will not reach its intended level of development.
- AFTER THE IRANIAN TEST Ze'ev Schiff, "Ha'aretz", Jul 29, 1998, p. B1 -- In contrast to the initial publications which followed the first test of
the Iranian Shihab-3 missile, which determined that the test had failed, American and other experts have now found that the test was successful, perhaps even very successful. The missile
flew approximately two minutes to the south-east and then exploded in flight.
- NEW THINKING ON THE IRANIAN ISSUE by Reuven Pedhatzur, Ha'aretz, July 28, 1998, p. B1. -- The test which Iran carried out last week on the Shihab-3 ballistic missile was expected. The acceleration was certainly faster than western
intelligence bodies had anticipated, but how should this affect the Israel's appropriate preparations against this development, which was expected in any case?
- Zafar greets Iranian counterpart for successful
missile launch ASSOCIATED PRESS OF PAKISTAN (27-07-1998) Senator Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, Federal Minster for Religious Affairs has expressed his pleasure over successful
launching of 'Shahab' missile by Iran.
- Iran's Missile Test to Counter Hegemony of Others
Tehran Times 26 July 1998 -- Iran's Missile Test aimed at demonstrating its determination that it was not ready to accept the hegemony of others was provingly successful.
- It's a Defensive Weapon -- No Offense! IRAN NEWS JULY 26, 1998 -- This is not the first time that American officials have expressed concern over military technological advancement by the Islamic Republic. The surprising point, however, is that such remarks are made at a time when Washington talks about establishing a dialogue with Iran.
- Iran Successfully Tests Medium-Range Missile
Tehran Times 26 July 1998 -- Iran has successfully tested a long-range missile, Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani announced yesterday. The weapon has a range of 13,00 kilometers (800 miles) and an amount of 600 million dollars was spent to acquire this capability.
- mohammadi-missile irna 26/07/98 -- foreign ministry spokesman mahmoud mohammadi here on sunday stressed that the iranian missile technology is solely for defensive purposes and that the capability is not meant for first strike use against others.
- dailies laud iran's long-range missile test IRNA 26/07/98 -- two english dailies sunday editorialized on country's successful testing of its long-range missile test.
- US claims Iran tested missile Iran Daily 25 July 1998
- The United States claimed it detected a test launch on Wednesday by Iran of a Shehab-3 missile of North Korean design with a range of up to 800 miles (1,300 km). Eric Arnett of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said Iran faced two major military threats to its security.
- MORDECHAI SAYS IRANIAN MISSILE CANNOT REACH ISRAEL AT CURRENT STAGE ISRAEL LINE FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1998 Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai said on Thursday that to the best of his knowledge, the missile tested by Iran on Wednesday is not yet capable of reaching Israel.
- Iran successfully test-fires medium range missile N. C. Menon The Hindustan Times 24 July 1998 - A former intelligence official said: "The major reaction to this is going to be from Israel and we have to worry what action the Israelis will take, because the Israelis clearly view the Iranians as their main threat in the Middle East. Iran has purchased technology for several ballistic missile programmes. "I would guess the Rodong would cost 10 million dollars" the former intelligence official said.
- Iran test-fires Shihab-3 missile Jerusalem Post 24 July 1998 -- American officials fell short of calling the test a success, saying the rocket blew up well into its flight. "The Iranians' timetable is moving faster than we expected," said Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's communications director, David Bar-Illan. Most assessments had forecast the test-launch of Shihab-3 from the latter half of this year to mid-1999.
- Iran completes test of medium-range missile Associated Press July 24, 1998 -- Defense and intelligence officials said they are unsure whether the Iranian test was successful, noting that the rocket exploded or was detonated about 100 seconds into the flight. The Iranian Shahab-3 missile blew up in the latter stages of its flight, either because of a mishap or because the Iranians,
satisfied with its performance, detonated it by remote control, said a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
- DoD News Briefing Thursday, July 23, 1998 -- I can confirm that Iran did test a medium range ballistic missile yesterday. I can't comment on any of the dynamics or characteristics of the flight at this stage. We believe it was based on a North Korean Nodong missile. The Iranian name for it is the Shahab 3.
- U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1998 -- IRAN Missile Test: Test Launch of Medium-Range Ballistic
Missile (Shahab-3) / Fully Operational Range Capabilities & Targets / Development Phase /
Secretary's Speech re US Concerns About Weapons Programs & Policies Recent Positive Steps by Iran Effect of Test on Peace Process / Israeli Reaction Technology Contributions by North Korea & Russia / Vice Pres Gore's Agenda Item
- PRESS BRIEFING BY MIKE MCCURRY July 23, 1998
MR. MCCURRY: The United States does not believe that single tests of missiles that are in various stages of research and development alter strategic balances.
- REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS July 23, 1998 -- THE PRESIDENT: Well, we've been following this for some time. And we knew that Iran was attempting to develop this capability. It's just a test.
- SEN. SHELBY COMMENTS ON ALLEGATIONS THAT IRAN TESTED MISSILE
July 23, 1998 -- "If Iran has successfully developed and tested a weapon with a range of at least 800 miles, what is to stop them from developing the means to deliver such a
weapon upon the United States or any of our allies? The time for the United States to develop and deploy a national missile defense system is now. I simply cannot believe that the Clinton Administration refuses to acknowledge the need that has existed for some time, and most certainly exists now."
- ISRAEL EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER IRANIAN MISSILE TEST ISRAEL LINE 23 July 1998 -- Sources in Jerusalem said that they hope the Europeans will now realize that the next missile developed by Iran will be capable of reaching Europe, and that they will draw a conclusion regarding this matter.
- U-S / IRAN MISSILE Voice of America 23 July 1998 -- THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS IRAN'S TEST LAUNCH OF A MEDIUM-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE IS A SOURCE OF CONCERN TO THE UNITED STATES BUT DOES NOT NECESSARILY AFFECT THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
- ISRAEL / IRAN MISSILES Voice of America 23 July 1998 -- ISRAEL THURSDAY EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT IRAN'S MISSILE TEST AND CALLED FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTION TO STOP THE COUNTRY'S MISSILE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
- IRAN MISSILE TEST Voice of America 23 July 1998 --
- PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY IRAN'S RECENT TEST OF A MEDIUM RANGE MISSILE IS A 'WORRISOME' DEVELOPMENT. BUT OFFICIALS DENY THE TEST MEANS WASHINGTON'S EFFORT TO STOP THE SPREAD OF MISSILE TECHNOLOGY IS A FAILURE.
- CLINTON / IRAN MISSILE Voice of America 23 July 1998 -- PRESIDENT CLINTON SAY IRAN'S TEST OF A MEDIUM-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE IS GROUNDS FOR CONCERN, BUT NOT A REASON TO ABANDON EFFORTS AT DIALOGUE WITH PRESIDENT MOHAMMED KHATAMI.
- Iran is seen within two years of deploying ballistic missile By Walter Pincus WASHINGTON POST , July 23, 1998 —-- Iran will be capable of deploying a Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile within one or two years depending on whether Tehran decides to buy the completed missile system from North Korea or build its own version of that country's 800-mile-range No Dong missile.
- Missile Explodes During Test By Barbara Starr ABCNEWS.com, July 23, 1998 — A medium-range
Iranian ballistic missile blew up about two minutes into a test flight that was detected late Tuesday by a U.S. intelligence satellite. The missile, launched about 100 miles southeast of
Tehran, blew up right about the time the fuel in the missile would have burned off. At that point in an operational flight, the warhead would separate from the missile and fly to a target. It is believed that Iran may have purchased up to 10 No Dongs from North Korea. Currently, Iran has fewer than 50 SCUD-Bs, with a range of about 200 miles, and fewer than 50 SCUD-Cs, with a range of some 300 miles.
- Iran Successfully Tested a Long-Range Missile that Could Strike Israel (IsraelWire-7/23) Yesterday Iran conducted a successful test of a long-range missile, capable of striking out at Israel or Saudi Arabia. The missile tested has a range of about 1,350 kilometers (810 miles). A US spy satellite detected the test on Wednesday morning, and intelligence experts were still poring over data from the launching of the missile, which they believe Iran bought from North Korea.
- MANBAR RECEIVES 16 YEAR SENTENCE IN TREASON CASE ISRAEL LINE 17 July 1998 -- The Tel Aviv District Court on Thursday unanimously sentenced Nahum Manbar to 16 years in prison for aiding and abetting the enemy and transferring
material and know-how to the enemy with the intention of harming state security.
- ISRAEL / IRAN Voice of America 16 July 1998 -- AN ISRAELI COURT HAS SENTENCED AN ISRAELI BUSINESSMAN TO 16 YEARS IN JAIL FOR SELLING CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY TO IRAN.
- PAKISTAN UNLIKELY TO TRANSFER NUCLEAR ARMS TO IRAN ISRAEL LINE , JULY 10, 1998 -- Prof. Shai Feldman, Director of Tel Aviv University's Jaffa Center for strategic research, said that it is improbable that Pakistan will transfer sensitive nuclear materials or technology to Iran or any Arab state.
- [EXCERPTS] U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing 01 July 1998 -- IRAN Pres. Khatemi's remarks on Secretary Albright's speech Trial of the mayor of Tehran U.S. policy of dual containment.
- U.S.-IRAN: THE ROAD TO RAPPROCHEMENT USIA Foreign Media Reaction Report June 25, 1998 -- The recent U.S. overture to Iran won high plaudits in the foreign media as an "eminently sensible" approach to ending the two decades-long break in bilateral relations and in coaxing Iran from its role as "instigator of global violence and subversion."
- EDITORIAL: IRAN -- HOPES FOR RECONCILIATION Voice of America 25 June 1998 -- IN THE PAST, IRAN HAS VIOLENTLY OPPOSED MIDDLE EAST PEACE EFFORTS AND THOSE WILLING TO NEGOTIATE WITH ISRAEL. BUT LAST DECEMBER, IRANIAN LEADERS TOLD PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY CHAIRMAN YASSER ARAFAT THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT WHAT THE PALESTINIANS COULD
ACCEPT.
- INDYK WORLDNET ON IRAN, PEACE PROCESS, IRAQ 24 June 1998 -- Assistant Secretary of State Martin Indyk, noting the positive changes in Iran which manifested themselves in President Khatemi's election last year, said that under the right conditions, the United States might be able to move from containment to engagement with the Islamic Republic.
- TEXT: CLINTON VETOES IRAN MISSILE PROLIFERATION SANCTIONS ACT 24 June 1998 -- The White House released two separate statements June 23 explaining President Clinton's reasons for vetoing the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act.
- CONGRESS / CLINTON IRAN Voice of America 23 June 1998 -- PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS VETOED LEGISLATION IMPOSING SANCTIONS ON FOREIGN COMPANIES THAT AID IRAN'S MISSILE PROGRAM.
- U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1998 -- IRAN Specific Actions in Secretary's Speech / Iran's
Reaction to Speech Government-to-Government Authorized Dialogue / Various Exchanges, Including Soccer Match / President Khatami Election Reflects Change / President Clinton's Message
- GROWING RAPPROCHEMENT WITH IRAN Voice of America 19 June 1998 -- A DEBATE IS GROWING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OVER THE WISDOM OF SEEKING A RAPPROCHEMENT WITH IRAN.
- ISRAELI BUSINESSMAN FOUND GUILTY OF TREASON ISRAEL LINE THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1998 Nachum Manbar, an Israeli businessman, was convicted on Wednesday of treason for illegally selling chemical weapons components and know-how to Iran for $16 million.
- CLINTON / IRAN Voice of America 18 June 1998 --
PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS FOLLOWED-UP SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT'S OVERTURE TO IRAN IN A POLICY ADDRESS WEDNESDAY BY DECLARING THE UNITED STATES READY FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH
TEHRAN.
- U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1998 -- IRAN Iranian Reaction to the Secretary's Speech at Asia Society US Policy/Road Map For Better Relations with Iran Iran's Willingness for an Authorized, Acknowledged Dialogue with US US View of People-to-People Exchanges with Iran US Policy Toward Iran and Iraq Status of the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) US Opposition to Pipeline Construction Across Iran Iran and State-Sponsored Terrorism/Opposition to Peace Process Reported Oil Swap Request by Mobil Oil Iranian UN Ambassador's Statement re Relations with US US-Iran Soccer Match on Sunday
- Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright Remarks at 1998 Asia Society Dinner [IRAN EXCERPTS] New York, New York, June 17, 1998 -- "We believe that President Khatemi expressed the sentiments of the Iranian people when he voiced the desire for a world in which misunderstandings can be overcome and mutual respect and logic govern relations among states. The United States shares that desire, and we are taking concrete steps in that direction."
- ALBRIGHT / IRAN Voice of America 17 June 1998 --
U-S SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT WEDNESDAY OFFERED TO CONSIDER NEW CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES WITH IRAN.
- TRANSCRIPT: IRAN: ONE YEAR AFTER PRESIDENT KHATEMI'S ELECTION 04 June 1998 -- The election of Iranian President Khatemi one year ago was a clear signal that a majority of people in Iran want change and an end to their islolation from the international community, according to two Middle East observers.
- Iran adapts US missile for air-to-air use - [June 4,1998] - The Hindustan Times
- RUSSIA / GEPHARDT / NUCLEAR Voice of America 30 May 1998 -- HOUSE MINORITY LEADER RICHARD GEPHARDT'S MAIN CONCERN IS THE TRANSFER OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY TO IRAN. GEPHARDT SAYS HE IS EMPHASIZING THE NEED FOR STRONGER BILATERIAL COOPERATION IN HALTING NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN HIS TALKS WITH RUSSIAN LEADERS.
- IRAN IS NEXT IN LINE Commentary by Ron Ben Yishai, Yediot Ahronot, May 29, 1998, pp.1,8 -- Next in line to cross this threshold is North Korea, to be followed by Iran. Even worse is the very likely possibility that Iran -- and, in the future, Iraq or other Arab states -- could achieve nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities faster than has been thus far estimated by the West and Israel.
- CHINA SENDS STEEL TO IRAN FOR USE IN MISSILE PROGRAM ISRAEL LINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1998 -- According to United States sources, China has recently transferred about 1,000 tons of specialty steel to Iran amid suspicions that it is being used, at least in part, for Teheran's missile program.
- CLINTON ANNOUNCES WAIVER OF US IRAN-LIBYA SANCTIONS ACT 18 May 1998 -- By Wendy S. Ross USIA -- President Clinton has waived the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act as part of an overall strategy "to deter Iran from acquiring weapons of
mass destruction and promoting terrorism."
- FACT SHEET ON NON-PROLIFERATION AND COUNTERTERRORISM
(White House 5/18 fact sheet on waiver of ILSA sanctions) -- Secretary of State Albright has determined that it is important to the national interest of the United States to waive the
imposition of sanctions on Total, Gazprom and Petronas despite the determination that the investment by these firms constitutes sanctionable activity under the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA).
- PRESS BRIEFING BY SENIOR BACKGROUND OFFICIALS
18 May 1998 -- There were four major pieces of business that we did today between Europe and the United States. One regarding the Iran Libya Sanctions Act, ILSA; the second dealing
with Helms-Burton; the third dealing with a joint statement on political cooperation in which we talk about ways in which we can cooperate more closely to avoid the kinds of problems we've had over ILSA and Helms-Burton.
- Report to the Congress Concerning the National Emergency
with Respect to Iran - 13 May 1998
- RUSSIA / IRAN NUCLEAR - Voice of America 13 May 1998 - AN IRANIAN DELEGATION IS VISITING RUSSIA FOR TALKS ON INCREASING NUCLEAR COOPERATION. THE VISIT HAS SPARKED WESTERN CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBLE RUSSIAN ASSISTANCE TO IRAN'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM.
- Some U.S. Companies Are Developing Missile Equipment Deals with Iran Yaderny Kontrol Digest No.7.
Spring 1998.
- Leader Visits Parchin Military Complex irna may 24,1998 -- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, visited the Parchin Military Complex in Tehran during which the Defense Minister, Ali Shamkhani, presented a report on the successes of the Armed Forces in achieving self-sufficiency and to elevate the country's defensive capabilities.
- MAJOR SHIPMENT OF RUSSIAN NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY SEIZED EN ROUTE TO IRAN ISRAEL LINE FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1998 -- Azerbaijan's customs authority confiscated 22 tons of Russian ballistic missile parts en route to Iran on March 22.
- GULF POLICY EXPERTS CALL FOR MORE DIALOGUE BETWEEN US AND IRAN USIA 22 April 1998 -- Despite sharp disagreement over the pace and timing of
expanding U.S. contacts with Iran, there is a general consensus that increased dialogue between the two countries may help ease nearly two decades of strained bi-lateral relations.
- LEADING HOUSE DEMOCRAT CALLS FOR POLICY CHANGE ON IRAN
CONGRESSIONAL REPORT, THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1998 Representative Lee Hamilton, the ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee and its former chairman, says the
United States needs "to begin a policy of engagement with Iran."
- BEYOND DUAL CONTAINMENT Voice of America
4/14/98 THE U-S POLICY OF DUAL CONTAINMENT OF IRAN AND IRAQ IS INTENDED TO KEEP THE UNITED STATES FROM SIDING WITH EITHER. BUT THAT CANNOT BE DONE, WRITES KENNETH KATZMAN OF THE CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE IN A PAPER PUBLISHED BY THE EMIRATES CENTER FOR
STRATEGIC STUDIES AND RESEARCH.
- U.S. discounts report of Iran nukes
By Bob Windrem MSNBC (April 09, 1998) Five sources queried by NBC News said they believed the Israeli government had planted the story in the Post to take advantage of this week's talks between Israel and U.S. government officials on Iranian missile technology.
- Iran paid $25m. for nuclear weapons, documents show By STEVE RODAN JERUSALEM POST (April 10, 1998) - Iran paid $25 million for what appears to have been two tactical atomic weapons smuggled out of the former Soviet Union in a highly classified operation aided by technicians from Argentina, according to Iranian government documents marked top secret and obtained by The Jerusalem Post.
- DOCUMENTS INDICATE IRAN HAS NUCLEAR WEAPONS ISRAEL LINE THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1998 -- According to Iranian government documents in Israel's possession, Iran received several nuclear warheads from a former Soviet republic during the
early 1990s.
- DOCUMENTS INDICATE IRAN HAS NUCLEAR WEAPONS
ISRAEL LINE THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1998 - According to Iranian government documents in Israel's possession, Iran received several nuclear warheads from a former Soviet republic during the early 1990s, THE JERUSALEM POST reported. The documents have been deemed authentic by United States congressional experts and are still being studied in Israel.
- ISRAEL / IRAN NUKES Voice of America 4/9/98 AN ISRAELI NEWSPAPER SAYS IT HAS OBTAINED EVIDENCE THAT IRAN RECEIVED NUCLEAR WEAPONS FROM A FORMER SOVIET REPUBLIC IN 1992, AND THAT U-S AND ISRAELI EXPERTS BELIEVE IRAN IS LESS THAN
TWO YEARS AWAY FROM DEVELOPING A MISSILE TO DELIVER SUCH A WEAPON.
- IRANIAN MISSILE NEAR COMPLETION ISRAEL LINE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1998 - U.S. and Israeli experts agree that Iran, with aid from Russian advisers and companies, is approaching completion of the engine for the Shihab 3 missile and could develop a prototype missile by the end of 1999. Once Iran completes the development of the engine, the missile project is assured of success.
- UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP EXPLORES OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S.-IRAN EXCHANGES 02 April 1998 -- Over one hundred representatives of private agencies,
research institutes, American universities, and private industry held
a day-long conference April 1 on "working in -- and with -- Iran" at
Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
- U-S / IRAN Voice of America
4/3/98: IRAN'S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS, HADI NEJAD HOSSEINIAN, SAYS HIS COUNTRY REMAINS OPPOSED TO DIRECT GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT TALKS WITH THE UNITED STATES.
- IRAN / US Voice of America
4/3/98: ATHLETES, ACADEMICS AND FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE THE FIRST TO BREAK THE ICE AT WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE START OF A FRAGILE THAW IN U-S IRANIAN RELATIONS.
- RIEDEL REMARKS AT THE BAKER INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM ON IRAN 02 April 1998 -- The United States stands ready to engage with Iran on all
of the issues of concern to both states whenever Iran is ready, Bruce O. Riedel, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and South Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, said April 2.
- U-S/IRAN EXCHANGES Voice of America
4/1/98: AMERICANS AND IRANIANS GATHERED AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN NEW YORK TO
DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGES IN AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY FORMER WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIAL GARY SICK.
- TEXT: CLINTON REPORT TO CONGRESS ON IRAN NATIONAL EMERGENCY 17 March 1998 (Iran's policies, actions present threat to US security)
- U-S / CHINA / IRAN Voice of America
3/13/98 THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT -- ACTING ON AN AMERICAN REQUEST -- HAS BLOCKED AN
ATTEMPT BY IRAN TO ACQUIRE FROM CHINA A CHEMICAL USED IN MAKING NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
- [EXCERPTS]: STATE DEPT. NOON BRIEFINGX 13 March 1998 CHINA/IRAN/NONPROLIFERATION -- An incident involving a proposed sale by a Chinese entity to Iran of a chemical used in the nuclear industry was an example of how international nonproliferation efforts can succeed, according to Rubin.
- U-S / RUSSIA Voice of America 3/11/98: VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE SAYS PROGRESS HAS MADE IN RESOLVING THE DISPUTE WITH MOSCOW OVER RUSSIAN SALES OF BALLISTIC MISSILE TECHNOLOGY TO IRAN.
- RUSSIA/U-S/IRAN VOA 3/9/98 RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER VICTOR CHERNOMYRDIN HAS REAFFIRMED THE KREMLIN'S COMMITMENT TO KEEP MISSILE TECHNOLOGY OUT OF
IRANIAN HANDS.
- U.S. Presses Russia on Iran and Missile Aid By MICHAEL R. GORDON The New York Times March 9, 1998
- Against U.S. Wishes, Russia Will Sell Reactors to Iran
By MICHAEL R. GORDON The New York Times March 7, 1998 -- In a rebuff to the United States, Russia's Atomic Energy Ministry said on Friday that it plans to sell several
additional nuclear reactors to Iran.
- IRAN/UKRAINE/BELARUS VOA 3/7/98
IRAN HAS CRITICIZED UKRAINE FOR CANCELLING A NUCLEAR COOPERATION DEAL UNDER U-S PRESSURE AND IS
ALREADY COURTING ANOTHER POTENTIAL SOURCE OF SUCH TECHNOLOGY -- BELARUS.
- RUSSIA / IRAN VOA 3/6/98 RUSSIA HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO HELP BUILD MORE REACTORS AT A CONTROVERSIAL NUCLEAR POWER STATION IN (BUSHEHR)
IRAN.
- CLINTON CONTINUES IRAN NATIONAL EMERGENCY "Because the actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 1998," President Clinton said March 4.
- TEXT: CLINTON CONTINUES IRAN NATIONAL EMERGENCY USIA 04 March 1998 (President says Iran remains a threat to US national security)
- Moscow not supplying weapons to Iran, Israeli minister says Associated Press, 03/04/98
- Iranian Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Weapons: Implications And Responses, by W. Seth Carus, BESA Center for Strategic Studies, Bar-Ilan University, Vol. 2, No. 1 (#5) March 1998 - Makes four main opservations - that the United States has been remarkably successful in constraining Iranian capabilities, that the real threat these capabilities pose is to the security of America's friends and allies in the region, that the U.S. needs to continue to pursue a strategy that mixes multilateral and bilateral approaches, and that the problem is not uniquely tied to the current regime.
- THE IRANIAN MISSILE PROGRAM Yaderny Kontrol Digest No.6. Winter 1997-1998.
- Russian-Iranian Missile Cooperation Yaderny Kontrol Digest No.6. Winter 1997-1998.
- SITUATION IN IRAN AND PROSPECTS FOR RUSSIAN-IRANIAN RELATIONS - 2 Yaderny Kontrol Digest No.6. Winter 1997-1998.
- SITUATION IN IRAN AND PROSPECTS FOR RUSSIAN-IRANIAN RELATIONS - 1 Yaderny Kontrol Digest No.6. Winter 1997-1998.
- IRAN NEGOTIATING WITH RUSSIA FOR A REACTOR ISRAEL LINE Wednesday, February 18, 1998
- MORDECHAI ESTABLISHES TEAM TO ANALYZE IRANIAN THREAT
ISRAEL LINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 1998
- ALBRIGHT-E-U IRAN1/15/98 SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT AND ROBIN COOK, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, AGREED ABOUT CUTTING OFF MISSILE
TECHNOLOGY TO IRAN BUT DISAGREED ABOUT ECONOMIC SANCTIONS.
- AN IRANIAN OLIVE BRANCH? VOA 13 January 1998 - U-S OPINION ROUNDUP
- U-S/IRAN VOA 11 January 1998 - THE BEGINNINGS OF A THAW IN NEARLY 20 YEARS OF FROZEN TIES BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND TEHRAN.
- IS IRAN CHANGING? VOA 10 January 1998 -
THE IRANIAN OVERTURE IS AIMED AT ENDING THE U.S. TRADE EMBARGO.
- [EXCERPT] U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing -- JANUARY 9, 1998 -- IRAN Diplomatic Channels for Contacts People-to-People Contacts Travel to Iran by Americans/Advisories/Restrictions Mujahedin-e Khalq Group's Recent Press Conference Number of Iranians Coming to US/Numbers of Americans Traveling to Iran Concerns about Iran's Program for Weapons of Mass Destruction
- U-S-IRANIAN RELATIONS VOA 09 January 1998 - THE IRANIAN LEADER PROPOSED CULTURAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN HIS COUNTRY AND THE UNITED STATES BUT HE CRITICIZED U-S FOREIGN POLICY TOWARD IRAN AND DID NOT OFFER TO PURSUE
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS.
- TEXT: STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT ON KHATAMI INTERVIEW ON CNN
US Information Agency 08 January 1998 (Rubin cites need for two governments to talk directly)
- KHATAMI'S CNN ADDRESS: INCHING SLOWLY TOWARD A THAW?
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION DAILY DIGEST , 8 January 1998 Iranian President Khatami's address to the American people on CNN received top
billing by most media outlets worldwide, with analysts highlighting his careful
endorsement of dialogue with the American people--but not with the U.S.
government--and the Clinton administration's equally guarded response.
- IRAN OPPOSITION VOA 08 January 1998 -
AN IRANIAN OPPOSITION GROUP SMUGGLED OUT A FILM SHOWING GRAPHIC AND HORRIFIC SCENES OF PEOPLE BEING STONED TO DEATH FOR SO-CALLED MORAL OFFENSES.
- U-S/IRAN VOA 08 January 1998 - THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS IT IS TOO EARLY TO SPECULATE ON POSSIBLE STEPS TO FACILITATE CONTACTS WITH TEHRAN.
- NEY/IRAN VOA 08 January 1998 -
THE LATEST SIGNALS FROM IRAN ARE BEING WATCHING CLOSELY.
- IRAN/US VOA 08 January 1998 - IRANIAN
NEWSPAPERS SAY THE UNITED STATES MUST DO MORE TO MEND DIPLOMATIC TIES.
- [EXCERPT] U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing -- JANUARY 8, 1998 -- IRAN Pres. Khatami's address to the American people/kind of relationship intended New tone welcomed/ regret for hostage-taking/ rejection of all forms of terrorism
- [EXCERPT] U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing
-- JANUARY 7, 1998 -- IRAN Pres. Khatami's address to the American people/U.S. criteria for resumption of bilateral dialogue with Iran Status of claims on frozen Iranian assets in the U.S. Reports of Iran pursuing long-range ballistic missiles
- [EXCERPT] U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing -- JANUARY 6, 1998 -- IRAN U.S. consideration of ILSA violation in Total-South Pars oil development project U.S. criteria for resumption of bilateral dialogue with Iran, including ending obstruction of Middle East peace process Iranian assets in the U.S., status of claims dispute
- KHATAMI-U-S VOA 07 January 1998 -
IRANIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMMAD KHATAMI CALLED FOR MORE CONTACT BETWEEN THE IRANIAN AND AMERICAN PEOPLE BUT SAID THERE IS NOT YET A NEED FOR A GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT DIALOGUE.
- IRAN REACT VOA 07 January 1997 -
IRANIAN EXPERTS RECOMMEND A CAUTIOUS APPROACH TOWARD IRAN'S PRESIDENT MOHAMMED KHATAMI.
http://www.fas.org/news/iran/1998/
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