Iran
Momentum builds around US nuclear deal with Iran
By Keith Jones, 26 November 2013
The aim of US imperialism remains the securing of untrammeled dominance over Middle Eastern oil and the Eurasian land mass.
Interim agreement reached on Iran’s nuclear programs
By Peter Symonds, 25 November 2013
Over the next six months, the US and its European allies will undoubtedly intensify the pressure on Iran for further major concessions.
Geneva talks on Iran resume while war threat remains
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2013
The international negotiations are bound up with economic and geo-political considerations that go far beyond Iran’s nuclear programs.
Terrorist attack at Iranian embassy in Lebanon kills 23, wounds 140
By Keith Jones, 20 November 2013
The bombing, coming the day before the resumption of talks over Iran’s nuclear program in Geneva, aimed to ratchet up tensions throughout the Middle East.
Warning of war, Obama administration presses for talks with Iran
By Keith Jones, 16 November 2013
The Obama administration is pressing the US Congress and its allies not to scuttle negotiations aiming to extract deep concessions from the Iranian regime.
International talks stall on Iran’s nuclear program
By Peter Symonds, 11 November 2013
The tensions within the P5+1 grouping underline the fact that all the major powers have significant economic and strategic interests at stake.
Geneva talks on Iran’s nuclear programs extended
By Peter Symonds, 9 November 2013
Even an interim deal in Geneva faces considerable opposition among American allies in the Middle East and in the US Congress.
Officials signal possible deal in Geneva on Iran’s nuclear program
By Alex Lantier, 8 November 2013
US President Barack Obama told NBC News yesterday evening that there is “the possibility of a phased agreement” with Iran in ongoing nuclear talks in Geneva.
In run-up to nuclear talks
Iranians protest en masse against US aggression
By Keith Jones, 6 November 2013
The officially-sanctioned demonstration became a show of strength by sections of the Iranian elite wary of the new government’s attempted rapprochement with the US.
Geneva talks to restart on Iran’s nuclear program
By Peter Symonds, 4 November 2013
The Obama administration has signalled that there will be no significant reduction in the economic sanctions imposed on Iran.
US vows to enforce punitive sanctions until Iran brought to heel
By Keith Jones, 31 October 2013
The Obama administration has served notice that it intends to extract concession after concession from Tehran over its nuclear program.
Iran’s government criticised over nuclear talks
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2013
Divisions have emerged in Tehran’s ruling circles over President Rouhani’s efforts to strike a deal with Washington to end economic sanctions.
Further talks scheduled on Iran’s nuclear programs
By Peter Symonds, 17 October 2013
The tone of optimism that pervades much of the press coverage is completely at odds with the gulf that exists between Washington and Tehran.
Iran offers “new beginning” in hope of some respite from punitive US-led sanctions
By Keith Jones, 16 October 2013
Under a US threat to impose still harsher economic sanctions against Iran, representatives of Iran and the P-6—the US, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany—yesterday began two days of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
International talks begin on Iran’s nuclear program
By Peter Symonds, 15 October 2013
The US has made already clear that it expects major Iranian concessions for the talks to proceed.
US and Iran at loggerheads over Syria conference
By Keith Jones, 11 October 2013
Iran has rejected US preconditions for its participation in international talks on a “political solution” to the war in Syria—the so-called Geneva Two conference.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei issues caution on moves for US-Iran talks
By Keith Jones, 9 October 2013
Trying to ontain the divisions within Iran’s ruling elite, Khamenei issued a caution concerning an Iranian rapprochement with the US.
Reputed head of Iran’s cyberwar program assassinated
By Keith Jones, 4 October 2013
Several Western news sources are reporting that the head of Iran’s cyberwar program was killed in an assassination.
Fearing war and social unrest, Iran’s bourgeois regime seeks rapprochement with Washington
By Keith Jones, 4 October 2013
Iran’s political establishment and press are presenting the trip the country’s new president made to New York and the United Nations General Assembly last week as a diplomatic triumph.
US and Iranian presidents talk by telephone
By Peter Symonds, 30 September 2013
International talks over Iran’s nuclear program restart, but sanctions and the threat of war remain.
UN Security Council backs US-Russia deal on Syrian chemical disarmament
By Alex Lantier, 28 September 2013
While US officials tried to present the UN resolution as a triumph for their diplomatic agenda, the risk of a broad regional war remains.
US, Iran meet in nuclear talks
By Bill Van Auken, 27 September 2013
US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met Thursday in the highest-level talks between the two countries since the 1979 Iranian revolution.
Iranian president appeals at UN for deal with Washington
By Peter Symonds, 26 September 2013
The Iranian regime is desperate to end the punitive sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy and threaten to trigger social unrest.
US and Iran set to meet at UN
By Bill Van Auken, 24 September 2013
The US and Iran are scheduled to hold their first high level discussions since before the 1979 revolution that overthrew the US-backed dictatorship of the Shah.
US threatens war while considering talks with Syria, Iran
By Alex Lantier, 21 September 2013
US officials are preparing a possible meeting between Iranian President Rouhani and President Obama at the UN General Assembly next week.
Iranian president calls for dialogue with the US
By Peter Symonds, 20 September 2013
Obama will exploit any talks with Tehran to obtain concessions, while maintaining economic sanctions and the threat of a US military attack.
Obama renews military threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 17 September 2013
As in the case of Syria’s chemical weapons, Iran’s nuclear programs are simply the pretext for the US to press for regime change in Tehran.
Russia and Iran deepen political and military cooperation
By Clara Weiss, 8 August 2013
There are indications of a shift in Russian-Iranian relations as the war in Syria intensifies.
Azeri-Iranian relations continue to deteriorate
By Clara Weiss, 24 June 2013
Relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, strained for years, are worsening in the face of US and Israeli war preparations against Iran.
“Moderate” cleric wins Iranian presidential election
By Peter Symonds, 17 June 2013
While Rouhini has called for moderation and dialogue with the West, the Obama administration will accept nothing less than complete capitulation to its demands.
Iran goes to the polls amid US threats and sanctions
By Peter Symonds, 13 June 2013
The state apparatus has closely managed the presidential elections amid fears of a renewed US “regime change” operation.
Iran blocks presidential campaign of pro-US candidate Rafsanjani
By Keith Jones, 23 May 2013
Iranian authorities announced Tuesday that the Islamic Republic’s Guardian Council has approved eight candidates to contest the June 14 presidential elections.
Washington’s threat to invade Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 26 April 2013
US allegations of chemical weapons use by government forces have brought Washington to the brink of war with Syria.
Israel renews military threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 20 April 2013
The Israeli government’s aim appears to be, in the first instance, to pressure the Obama administration into setting a deadline for a US-led attack on Iran.
US deploys troops to Jordan, prepares to invade Syria
By Alex Lantier, 19 April 2013
US forces deployed by the Obama administration to Jordan will plan for a rapid build-up of 20,000 or more US troops, preparing an invasion of Syria.
International talks on Iran’s nuclear program fail
By Peter Symonds, 8 April 2013
The collapse of the talks heightens the danger of rising tensions, further sanctions and US-led military attacks on Iran.
Pakistan begins construction of Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline
By Vilani Peiris and Sarath Kumara, 15 March 2013
Amid US threats of sanctions, Pakistan began construction of its portion of a pipeline supplying natural gas from neighbouring Iran.
US Vice President reinforces military threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 7 March 2013
Biden went out of his way to emphasise the Obama administration’s unalloyed support for the Zionist state across all issues.
Talks on Iran’s nuclear program reach no agreement
By Peter Symonds, 28 February 2013
Even if Iran agreed to the latest US-backed offer in full, it would only open the door to further American demands and threats.
US imposes new sanctions on Iran prior to international talks
By Peter Symonds, 9 February 2013
The US is making an “offer” to Iran over its nuclear program that is only marginally different from the one rejected by Tehran last year.
Iranian president publicly accuses rivals of corruption
By Peter Symonds, 6 February 2013
The public brawl is another sign of the bitter divisions wracking the Iranian regime in the lead up to presidential elections on June 14.
US claims Iran tried to shoot down drone
By Peter Symonds, 12 November 2012
The incident has the character of a US provocation designed to exacerbate the tense situation in the Persian Gulf.
US sought use of British bases for war against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 27 October 2012
US access to military bases on Cyprus, Ascension Island and Diego Garcia would significantly boost the Pentagon’s ability to wage round-the-clock air strikes against Iran.
US-Israeli preparations for war against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 25 October 2012
The US and Israel are currently conducting their largest-ever joint military exercise to ready Israel’s anti-missile systems for a conflict with Iran.
US Defense Secretary warns of “Pearl Harbor” cyber attack by Iran
By Niall Green, 15 October 2012
In a speech in New York Thursday, US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warned that the US faced a threat from Iran equivalent to September 11 or the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.
US, Israel plan joint strikes on Iran
By Jean Shaoul, 10 October 2012
The US and Israel are planning joint strikes against Iran, according to reports in the Israeli media and Foreign Policy magazine.
US wages economic war on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 6 October 2012
As in the case of Iraq, the US-led sanctions on Iran are designed to weaken the country in the lead-up to a military attack.
US removes Iranian MEK from terrorist list
By Peter Symonds, 3 October 2012
Whether Washington brands a group as “terrorist” or not is determined purely by whether it serves the interests of American imperialism.
Netanyahu’s war ultimatum at the UN
By Barry Grey, 1 October 2012
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s belligerent and provocative speech last Thursday before the United Nations General Assembly underscored that plans for an unprovoked military attack on Iran are far advanced.
Israeli prime minister lays out path to war with Iran
By Joseph Kishore, 28 September 2012
In a speech before the UN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded a “red line” for Iran’s nuclear program that would lead to military action in the spring or summer of next year.
US elections conceal preparations for war with Iran
By Barry Grey, 27 September 2012
In the midst of a presidential election campaign, the fact that plans for war against Iran are far advanced is being concealed from the American people.
Israeli leader presses Obama to set trigger for war against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 18 September 2012
Netanyahu’s remarks were designed to create the false impression that the country is on the brink of building a nuclear weapon.
Obama considers new “red lines” against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 5 September 2012
The laying down of “red lines”—that is, the triggers for war—would bring the prospect of an unprovoked US attack on Iran one step closer.
UN Secretary-General: Washington’s emissary at Tehran summit
By Peter Symonds, 31 August 2012
Ban Ki-moon used the Non-Aligned Movement gathering to criticise and press the Iranian regime on a range of issues, from nuclear programs to the civil war in Syria.
IAEA talks with Iran break down
By Peter Symonds, 27 August 2012
The failure of the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programs has prompted new threats from Israel.
Israeli threats heighten danger of Middle East war
By Peter Symonds, 17 August 2012
Regardless of its immediate purpose, Israeli warmongering can only heighten tensions throughout the region and add to the dangers of war.
Memo exposes Israeli war plan against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 16 August 2012
A leaked memo providing a detailed blueprint for an unprovoked Israeli war against Iran coincides with multiple Israeli media reports indicating that such an attack may be imminent.
Iranian earthquakes leave over 300 dead
By Mark Church, 14 August 2012
The communities affected are remote, with limited transport infrastructure making rescue and relief efforts difficult.
Israel steps up military threats against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2012
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned US Defence Secretary Panetta that time was running out for a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
Israel threatens Iran over Bulgarian bombing
By Peter Symonds, 21 July 2012
The real purpose behind Israel’s unsubstantiated denunciations of Tehran is to create the pretext for military strikes on Iran.
US navy fires on fishing vessel in Persian Gulf
By Peter Symonds, 19 July 2012
The incident reflects the deliberate heightening of tensions in the region by the US as it prepares for war against Iran.
Clinton renews military threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 17 July 2012
In recent months, the Pentagon has built up its forces in or near the Persian Gulf.
US-Iran confrontation enters dangerous new stage
By Peter Symonds, 5 July 2012
The Obama administration has declared that all options, including the military one, remain on the table if Tehran fails to bow to US demands.
US escalates military threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 4 July 2012
The Obama administration has carried out a major buildup of military forces in the Persian Gulf as economic sanctions imposed by both the US and the European Union have sharply escalated tensions with Iran.
US and EU impose crippling sanctions on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 2 July 2012
Together with harsh new US penalties, the EU oil embargo can only raise tensions in the Persian Gulf, heightening the danger of military conflict.
Washington’s hypocrisy over Russian arms in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 23 June 2012
Western denunciations of Russia for sending back refurbished helicopters to Syria recall nothing so much as the old adage, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
International talks on Iran’s nuclear program fail
By Peter Symonds, 21 June 2012
The Moscow summit broke up with no further talks planned between the major powers and Iran other than a low-level technical meeting in Istanbul.
Washington’s “democratic” hypocrisy: The cases of Egypt and Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 20 June 2012
The hypocrisy of US imperialism’s pretense of promoting democracy on the world arena is manifest in Washington’s markedly different reactions to the Iranian elections of 2009 and the recent military coup in Egypt.
Bleak prospects for talks on Iran’s nuclear program
By Peter Symonds, 16 June 2012
If negotiations fail, as appears likely, tensions will rapidly escalate with the imposition of harsh new sanctions on Iran and the heightened threat of a US or Israeli military attack.
US excludes China from Iran sanctions waiver
By Peter Symonds, 13 June 2012
The new sanctions form part of escalating US threats, including of military strikes, to force Iran to shut down key aspects of its nuclear program.
IAEA talks on Iran’s nuclear program collapse
By Peter Symonds, 11 June 2012
The failure of the International Atomic Energy Agency talks sets the stage for a breakdown of the broader international negotiations next week in Moscow.
Growing tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan
By Clara Weiss, 5 June 2012
The reason for strained relations is Azerbaijan’s close collaboration with the United States and Israel in war preparations against Iran.
Obama oversees cyber warfare against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 4 June 2012
The cyber attacks were acts of sabotage that destroyed uranium enrichment centrifuges and forced Iranian technicians to shut down many more.
Washington Post airs another unlikely Iranian assassination plot
By Peter Symonds, 31 May 2012
The article, which claims US officials in Azerbaijan were targetted by Iran, is another attempt to blacken Tehran as new sanctions and war loom.
Tensions with Iran rise after failed Baghdad talks
By Peter Symonds, 29 May 2012
The Baghdad meeting last week broke up without any agreement other than a decision to hold a further round of talks next month in Moscow.
Iranian nuclear talks on brink of collapse
By Peter Symonds, 25 May 2012
Two days of negotiations in Baghdad between Iran and the major powers were only salvaged through a last minute proposal for another meeting in Moscow next month.
Baghdad talks on Iran’s nuclear program unresolved
By Peter Symonds, 24 May 2012
Sharp differences emerged after the US and its allies unveiled proposals requiring major concessions by Iran, but offering little in return.
US intensifies confrontation with Iran
By Peter Symonds, 14 May 2012
If the Baghdad talks next week collapse, the danger of military conflict initiated by Israel or the US will rise dramatically.
Berlin: Israelis and Iranians protest danger of war in the Middle East
By our correspondents, 7 May 2012
Several hundred Israelis, Iranians and German citizens demonstrated in Berlin on Saturday against US and Israeli preparations for war against Iran.
US deploys F-22 fighter jets in threat to Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 2 May 2012
The Pentagon has dispatched F-22 Raptors, its most advanced warplanes, to the United Arab Emirates in a provocative escalation of US war threats against Iran.
Israel repeats military threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 19 April 2012
Defence Minister Ehud Barak made clear that an Israeli attack on Iran was possible, even as international talks proceeded.
Despite talks, US-Iran confrontation continues
By Peter Symonds, 16 April 2012
None of the substantive issues was discussed, let alone resolved, amid the threat of further sanctions and US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
US, Israel issue ultimatums to Iran
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2012
The provocative demands prior to international talks set to begin Friday are intended to make any deal to end the US confrontation with Iran highly unlikely.
Obama gives green light for punishing sanctions on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 3 April 2012
President Obama has issued the green light for punishing US economic sanctions aimed at forcing the Iranian government to submit to Western pressure over its nuclear program by starving the country of oil revenues.
The award-winning A Separation and the humanity of the Iranian people
By David Walsh, 30 March 2012
The US government and military-intelligence apparatus is relentlessly and recklessly driving toward war against Iran. Asghar Farhadi’s film A Separation offers a rare glimpse into the reality of Iranian society.
Obama’s nuclear disarmament hoax
By Peter Symonds, 29 March 2012
The slogan of “disarmament” is one means used by the ruling classes to dupe working people as war is prepared.
US war game foreshadows Israeli attack on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 21 March 2012
The Pentagon exercise concluded that a strike on Iran would lead to a wider regional war involving the US.
Obama menaces Iran with military threat
By Peter Symonds, 17 March 2012
Washington reportedly asked Moscow to tell Iran that it had one “last chance” to reach a negotiated settlement and avoid US military action.
Obama reiterates war threats as Iran, major powers agree to new talks
By Barry Grey, 7 March 2012
After a bellicose speech before a pro-Israel lobbying group and a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Obama reiterated the US readiness to attack Iran.
The New York Times and “liberal” warmongering against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 7 March 2012
The New York Times tried Tuesday to maneuver between Israel’s threats of imminent strikes against Iran and the Obama administration’s strategy of allowing crippling economic sanctions to force Tehran into submission before launching a shooting war.
Obama, Netanyahu discuss Iran war options
By Patrick Martin, 6 March 2012
The White House talks followed Obama’s speech to the principal Israeli lobby group in Washington, pledging support for Israel in any future military confrontation.
Khamenei supporters win in Iran legislative elections
By Niall Green, 5 March 2012
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his clerical allies consolidated their hold over the government in Friday’s Iranian parliamentary elections.
Obama hardens threat of war against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 5 March 2012
Citing the maxim “speak softly and carry a big stick,” Obama warned: “Rest assured that the Iranian government will know of our resolve.”
US, Britain gear up for war on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 28 February 2012
The military commands in both the US and Britain have sought increased funding and stepped up deployments of arms and personnel in preparation for an anticipated war against Iran.
US pressures India to back sanctions against Iran
By Deepal Jayasekera, 25 February 2012
While India has attempted to place some distance between itself and the US, New Delhi has repeatedly succumbed to pressure to back US policy against Iran.
IAEA inspection team intensifies pressure on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 21 February 2012
If Iran fails to satisfy the inspectors, the way is open for a negative report, escalating sanctions and military threats by the US and its allies.
US, Israel invoke terror to ratchet up war threats against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 17 February 2012
Both Washington and Israel have seized upon a string of abortive bomb plots in India, Georgia and Thailand to escalate threats against Iran.
US navy prepared for war against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 14 February 2012
The remarks of Admiral Fox contain a barely concealed warning that the US navy was “ready today” to attack Iran.
US and Israel in “lockstep” against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2012
While publicly calling for a “diplomatic solution,” the White House is coordinating closely with Israel as it prepares military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Israel threatens war against Iran within months
By Peter Symonds, 4 February 2012
While the Obama administration has cautioned against Israeli military action, there is no indication that Washington has vetoed such an attack.
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