Iran Primer's Blog
Iran Could Replace Bombed Centrifuge Sites in Six Months
The Congressional Research Service issued a report on March 28 entitled “Israel: Possible Military Strike Against Iran’s Nuclear Facilities.” It concludes that Iran could replace key centrifuge facilities within six months of a possible military strike. It also quotes sources who suggest that…
U.S. Targets Iran Arms Shipments
On March 27, the Treasury Department designated an Iranian airline and officials for exporting lethal aid to the Levant and Africa. The following is the Treasury Department's statement. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the designation of…
Obama on Iran during Korea Trip
President Obama at Hankuk University, Seoul, South Korea, March 26 Under the NPT, Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear energy. In fact, time and again the international community—including the United States—has offered to help Iran develop nuclear energy peacefully. But…
U.S.: 11 Nations Reduce Iran Oil Purchases
On March 20, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued the following statement on Significant Reductions of Iranian Crude Oil Purchases: I am pleased to announce that an initial group of eleven countries has significantly reduced their volume of crude oil purchases from Iran -- Belgium, the…
On Nowruz, Obama Calls for End to “Electronic Curtain”
Remarks of President Obama Marking Nowruz Today, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those who are celebrating Nowruz around the world. In communities and homes from America to southwest Asia, families and friends are coming together to celebrate the hope that comes with renewal…
Supreme Leader Calls for “Economic Jihad” in New Year
The following is an excerpt from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s message on March 20 to mark Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. I would like to congratulate all my dear countrymen across the nation, all Iranians who are living in different parts of the world and all other nations who celebrate Nowruz […
U.S. to Support Internet Freedom in Iran
Fact Sheet: Treasury interpretive guidance and statement of licensing policy on internet freedom in Iran WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today issued guidance and licensing information to further support the free flow of…
Global Financial Service Cuts Off Iran
On March 15, the global financial service, SWIFT, decided to cut ties with Iranian banks. The following is SWIFT’s statement. See below for a statement by the Treasury Under Secretary David S. Cohen. Brussels, 15 March 2012 – Following an EU Council decision, SWIFT is today…
Obama and Cameron on Diplomacy with Iran
At a joint White House press conference on March 14, President Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron commented on the new diplomatic effort with Iran by the world’s six major powers. President Obama: We also discussed the continuing threat posed by Iran’s failure to meet its…
U.S. Poll Opposes Israel Striking Iran
A new poll finds that only one in four Americans favors Israel conducting a military strike against Iran's nuclear program. Seven in ten (69%) favor the US and other major powers continuing to pursue negotiations with Iran, a position that is supported by majorities of Republicans (58%), Democrats…