ISIS Publishes IAEA Letter to Iran's Representative

The International Atomic Energy Agency Communication dated 18 April 2007 to the Resident Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran is now available on the Institute for Science and International Security's (ISIS) website.

ISIS has obtained a copy of a letter dated August 18, 2007 from the IAEA to Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's representative to the IAEA. The communication notes that Iran has informed the IAEA that it has put into operation eight cascades at the Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz and that some uranium hexafluoride (UF6) has been introduced into the cascades. ISIS understands that the quantity of UF6 introduced at this time is small and that the cascades are operating under low pressure, indicating that Iran is at an early stage of enrichment in the cascades. The letter also urges Iran to allow the IAEA to conduct "design information verification" inspections at the Arak reactor, currently under construction, at the earliest opportunity. View the letter http://www.isis-online.org/publications/iran/IAEAreport18April2007.pdf.

NEW ARTWORK DEDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT NATIONS’ SOLVING THEIR CONFLICT THROUGH NON-VIOLENT MEANS

On April 12, 2007, artist Mitra Lore will dedicate a new work entitled, “Conviction,” during a meeting of a coalition of organizations that are working to resolve tensions between the US and Iran and rebuild relations through dialogue and diplomacy. The dedication will take place at 5 pm EDT in the Langston Room and the artwork will be on display at Busboys and Poets in Washington DC (2021 14th Street NW).

According to Mitra, “This art piece reminds us of the legacy we are leaving behind for our children, their children and the generations to follow. From the crimes we commit in the name of God to our never-ending greed for dominance, power and possessions.” She adds that the piece is “dedicated to people who support nations’ solving their conflicts through non-violent means.”

For more information on “Conviction,” please visit www.mitralore.com. For more information on the coalition of organizations calling for dialogue and diplomacy with Iran, please visit www.wikiran.wetpaint.com.

Democratic Presidential Candidates on Iran

In a MoveOn virtual Townhall meeting on Iraq this week, here's what some of the Democratic Presidential Candidates had to say about Iran:

Senator Clinton
"Fourthly, we need to convene an international conference; it is time we bring other countries together to help forge a stable future for Iraq. I have long advocated engagement with countries in the region including Iran and Syria, and I applaud speaker Pelosi and her delegation for going to the region, as I applaud the Republican delegation that did likewise. We have to start a process to deal with those countries."

Senator Obama
"Well, I’ve been saying for a year that we have to realize that the entire Middle East has a huge stake in the outcome of Iraq, and that we have to engage neighboring countries in finding a solution. Now, I believe that includes opening dialogue both Syria and Iran. We know these countries want us to fail… I’m under no illusions there, but I also know that neither Syria nor Iran want to see a security vacuum in Iraq filled with chaos, and terrorism, and refugees and violence, since those could have a destabilizing effect on the entire region, including within their own countries."

Senator Dodd
“Well, I believe the President should seek authority from Congress in advance of taking military action against Iran or any other state for that matter. Now, under extreme circumstances, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, I think it would be appropriate for the President, any President, to act to repel an attack in our country or armed forces that are legally positioned around the world.”

Lantos Blasts Back at Bush

In response to the White House's comments that it would be "unproductive and unhelpful" for members of Congress to visit Iran, Chairman Tom Lantos of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs issued this statement today:
"Members of Congress are not simply potted plants, though the White House apparently would like them to be. Congress plays an important role in determining policy and providing funding for America's international policies. It is important for us to get first-hand information on these critical issues facing our nation, because as we have unfortunately seen, we cannot rely on the Administration to give us accurate and untainted information."

Iran Sends Signal of How They Wish to be Treated

For those who have been monitoring the capture of 15 British soldiers in the disputed waters in the Northern Gulf, the peaceful settlement of the issue today demonstrates further evidence of how Iran is saying it wants to be treated by the international community. If the international community sits down and negotiates with Iran, the country will respond in kind. Perhaps the US should learn a lesson from this most recent experience. While there is no excuse for bellicose behavior from any party, whether the Iranians, British or Americans, my point is that Iran changed its behavior in the process when the British calmed their rhetoric and said they were willing to negotiate in this instance. This case demonstrates that strong, determined diplomacy can work and this is precisely the path that should be pursued in dealing with Iran on other issues, including Iraq security, the Israel-Palestine issue and Iran's nuclear program.

Secret War Against Iran

ABC News is reporting on a "Secret War Against Iran." According to the story:

"A Pakistani tribal militant group responsible for a series of deadly guerrilla raids inside Iran has been secretly encouraged and advised by American officials since 2005, U.S. and Pakistani intelligence sources tell ABC News.

"The group, called Jundullah, is made up of members of the Baluchi tribe and operates out of the Baluchistan province in Pakistan, just across the border from Iran.

"It has taken responsibility for the deaths and kidnappings of more than a dozen Iranian soldiers and officials."

Shirin Ebadi Proposes Nuclear Referendum

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Iranian human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi is proposing a "nuclear referendum" in Iran about the nuclear issue. In an article for Rooz Online, she writes:

"...Unlike the suggestions to hold a referendum on choosing a political system or altering the constitution, which have been opposed by the Iranian government, the country's officials should not have any logical reasons against holding a national referendum on the nuclear issue. If, in a just and transparent environment, the Iranian people vote for the continuation of the government's nuclear policies, then the referendum would be completely in favor of the government, strengthening its negotiating position with respect to the international community's. On the other hand, even if the results of this referendum are contrary to the government's official nuclear policies, the country's officials should not be unhappy with holding it. Clearly, no nation will be ready to pay the price of policies that a majority of its citizens oppose. Hence, this will bring about a dangerous and uncertain situation for the Iranian government in its confrontation with the international community, forcing it to "retreat" under pressure from below. This presents the Iranian government with a face-saving opportunity to retreat from its current position in an "honorable" way, rather than be labeled to be scared of international pressures... "