Iran - Sanctions

Six world powers agreed Thursday on stiff new penalties to level against Iran for its refusal to abandon its nuclear program.

The deal was reached among the five permanent members of the Security Council — the U.S., Russia, China, France, and Britain — as well as Germany.

"We have an agreement, and I will introduce a text on behalf of the six," British Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry said after a meeting of ambassadors from the countries. "It's a text which is our suggestions. It's not 'take it or leave it.'"

The pact is one stage in the process of implementing the proposed measures, which the other 10 members of the UN Security Council will likely approve in a vote next week. The vote date has not yet been set.

The new resolution calls on all UN member states to exercise "vigilance and restraint" on Iranian arms imports. It would also include stricter asset freezes on individuals and companies associated with Tehran's nuclear programs. (Source: CBC News)

+ Iran Nuclear Resources
+ Nuclear program of Iran (Wikipedia)
+ A Preemptive Attack on Iran's Nuclear Facilities: Possible Consequences

+ The CIA in Iran (New York Times): The shah's cowardice nearly killed the C.I.A. operation. Fearful of risking his throne, the Shah repeatedly refused to sign C.I.A.-written royal decrees to change the government. The agency arranged for the shah's twin sister, Princess Ashraf Pahlevi, and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the father of the Desert Storm commander, to act as intermediaries to try to keep him from wilting under pressure. He still fled the country just before the coup succeeded.

+ Outed CIA officer was working on Iran, intelligence sources say (RawStory)
+ The Iran Plans: Would President Bush go to war to stop Tehran from getting the bomb? (Seymour M. Hersh)
+ ANALYSIS: Russia having second thoughts on nuclear aid to Iran
+ Iran Still hopeful about Diplomatic Solution to N. Issue





+ Iranian newspaper headlines: "300 AGAINST 70 MILLION!" and "Hollywood has opened a new front in the war against Iran"

Tehran, Iran, Mar. 12 – In yet another snub to the United Nations Security Council which has imposed economic sanctions on Iran over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, the Islamic Republic on Monday introduced a new banknote carrying the atomic symbol.The new 50,000 rial note displays a map of Iran with a giant atom and orbiting electrons on it.

On its back, the note features a portrait of the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.The new note is worth the equivalent of about $5.40 - more than twice the amount of Iran’s previous highest denomination. Officials announced that six million copies of the notes were circulated through the state banks. (Source: IranFocus.com)

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