Iran and the US election

The contention that the attitude of Iran is the main obstacle to a long-term security agreement between the US and Iraq is, for example, gaining currency (see Robert H Reid "Iran is Roadblock in U.S.-Iran Security Deal," Philadelphia Inquirer, 4 June 2008); and Condoleezza Rice has said there is no reason to talk to Iran until it suspends uranium enrichment (see Helene Cooper & Isabel Kershner, "Rice Calls Dialogue With Iran Pointless," New York Times, 4 June 2008). Moreover, the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has been uncharacteristically sharp in its criticism of Iran (see Paul Reynolds, "Iran Nuclear Crisis Refuses to go Quiet," BBC News, 27 May 2008), in effect adding to the polarizing momentum.

Tehran is unmoved. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reaffirmed Iran's intention to pursue civil nuclear power.


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