5 January 2005
Iran's deal with Russia to start up the Bushehr nuclear plant has been delayed over Russian insistence on payment for spent fuel. Russia's civil nuclear industry negotiates commercial agreements to re-import and dispose of spent fuel sold to clients. Bushehr is scheduled to be launched in early 2006, prior to which the fuel agreement must be signed.
--"Iran Nuclear Fuel Deal Stalled Over Fee: Russia," Reuters, 5 January 2005.

10 January 2005
Hossein Mousavian, a senior Iranian security official, has stated that Tehran may resume uranium enrichment in March if EU talks "fail to yield satisfactory progress." Regardless, Mousavian states that Iran will consider extending the enrichment freeze only until June and that the nuclear fuel cycle work would never be scrapped. However, "we are fully prepared for a comprehensive arrangement to give all assurances that Iran will not seek nuclear bombs."
--Parisa Hafezi, "Iran May Resume Uranium Enrichment in March," Reuters, 10 January 2005.

11 January 2005
MP Kazem Jalali, rapporteur of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, counts Iran's membership in the IAEA nuclear fuel cycle group as "one of the achievements Iran has gained from negotiations with Europe." He stresses Iran's potential effectiveness as part of this group.
--"Iran's Membership in Nuclear Fuel Cycle Group Important: MP," Tehran Times, 11 January 2005.

11 January 2005
The European Commission has declared the EU's preparedness to resume trade talks with Iran this week, pursuant to Tehran's suspension of uranium enrichment activities.
--"EU and Iran to Resume Talks After Nuclear Deal," Agence France Presse, 11 January 2005.

11 January 2005
Iranian-born businessman Mohammed Farabakhsh is accused of illegally sending pressure sensors and other equipment to the United Arab Emirates, to be transshipped to Iran in support of its nuclear missile program. Federal searches revealed the shipments were destined for Iran's Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, which has been sanctioned twice already by the United States.
--Matt Apuzzo, "Businessman Charged by Feds With Aiding Iran Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 11 January 2005.

13 January 2005
IAEA inspectors arrive at the Parchin base near Tehran. Hossein Mousavian, a member of Iran's nuclear negotiations team, stresses the inspectors' partial access to the site: "It is not necessary for the inspectors to enter the installations. They are authorized to take samples outside (the buildings) using their equipment." --"UN Monitors to Inspect Iran Site," BBC, 13 January 2005.

17 January 2005
Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh suggests that U.S. commandos are in Iran selecting sites such as nuclear and missile installations for future air strikes; his intelligence sources point to Iran as the Bush administration's "next strategic target." The White House has countered that Hersh's article, published in the New Yorker magazine, is "riddled with inaccuracies." Pentagon spokesman Larry DiRita said of Hersh's article that his "sources feed him with rumor, innuendo, and assertions about meetings that never happened, programs that do not exist, and statements by officials that were never made." Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman has denied Hersh's allegation that U.S. Special Forces have been working with Pakistani scientists with Iranian contacts.
--"U.S. Special Forces 'Inside Iran'," BBC, 17 January 2005; "Report Says Pentagon Denies U.S. Plans to Strike Iran," Agence France-Presse.

17 January 2005
In an NBC news interview, President Bush states that military action against Iran remains an option "if it continues to stonewall the international community about the existence of its nuclear weapons program."
--"Bush Won't Rule Out Action Against Iran Over Nukes," Reuters, 17 January 2005.

18 January 2005
Ali Aghamohammadi, spokesman for Iran's Supreme National Security Council, dismisses the reports of U.S. commandos carrying out reconnaissance missions on Iranian territory as "psychological warfare." The Teheran Times referred to the story as a "ridiculous bluff." Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani earlier stated that Iran did not fear attack, "we can claim that we have rapidly produced equipment that has resulted in the greatest deterrent." IRNA quotes former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani as saying "We are not afraid of foreign enemies' threats and sanctions, since they know well that throughout its Islamic and ancient history, Iran has been no place for adventurism." The Mehr news agency, with ties to Ali Khamenei, boasts that Iran "is prepared to attack any intruder with a fearsome rain of fire and death."
--"Iran Reject U.S. Operations Claims," BBC, 18 January 2005; Paul Hughes, "Iran Says Has Military Might to Deter Any Attack," Reuters, 18 January 2005; Nazila Fathi, "Iran, Calling Bush's Words 'Threats,' Says It Is Not Intimidated," New York Times, 19 January 2005.

18 January 2005
Diplomatic sources reveal that IAEA inspectors are pushing to return to the Parchin military complex to retrieve further samples. They have been granted only limited access to the site thus far.
--Louis Charbonneau, "UN Wants to Visit Iran Military Site Again - Diplomats," Reuters, 18 January 2005.

19 January 2005
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi has accused the United States of being determined "not to help and encourage the constructive nuclear negotiations between Iran and the EU" and urged incoming Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice to review "the false and failed policies of the United States and avoid making the same mistakes."
--"Iran Accuses U.S. of Seeking to Disrupt Nuke Talks," Reuters, 19 January 2005.

19 January 2005
Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref stresses Iran's lack of a hidden agenda in its pursuit of nuclear technology, reiterating that Iran will never forego its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear technological development. Aref suggests that the United States realizes Iran's "religious beliefs does not allow it to have weapons of mass destruction."
--"West Using Political Approach Towards Iran's Nuclear Program: Aref," IRNA, 19 January 2005.

20 January 2005
Mostafa T. Zahrani, director general of the Institute for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, noted at an international seminar on "Russian-Iranian Energy Cooperation and the Issue of Nonproliferation" in Moscow that "Iran has always acquired through legal paths that which it could buy legally. However, in the situation where the very existence of Iran was threatened, Iran also acquired things on the black market. Perhaps this was illegal, but we were forced into it. We have no wish to do anything illegal." Aleksandr M. Afrov, vice-president for Atomstroyeksport, commented on the Bushehr nuclear power project in Iran and attendant negotiations for the delivery of fresh nuclear fuel and return of spent fuel to Russia. "The fuel is ready, the distributor is in possession of it. At the station, everything is ready for its arrival. In accordance with the contract, the fuel should be delivered six months before the first criticality, that is in September-October 2005. The sides have already agreed on the issue of the return of the fuel, only the price needs to be agreed to, and will be agreed to in the near future."
--"PIR Center Hot News: Nuclear Iran," pircenter.org, 20 January 2005.

20 January 2005
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami considers the likelihood of a U.S. attack "very negligible," but says Iran is nevertheless maintaining "full vigilance."
--"U.S. Attack 'Madness,' Says Khatami," BBC, 20 January 2005.

20 January 2005
Appearing on a morning MSNBC program, U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney notes that Iran is "right at the top of the list" of the Bush administration's list of trouble spots worldwide and raised the specter of a preemptive Israeli attack on Iran "if the Israelis became convinced the Iranians had significant nuclear capability." He adds that the United States hoped to avoid a war in the Middle East, and that diplomatic means were preferable to potential alternatives. U.S. officials and foreign diplomats suggest that the heightened rhetoric is designed to get the attention of Iranian officials.
--David E. Sanger, "Cheney Says Israel Might 'Act First' on Iran," BBC, 21 January 2005; Adam Entous, "Cheney Says Iran Tops U.S. List of Trouble Spots," Reuters, 21 January 2005; Paul Richter, "U.S. Adds Israel to the Iran Equation," Los Angeles Times, 21 January 2005.

21 January 2005
Responding to Washington's recent ratcheting up of rhetoric, Iranian ambassador to Britain Mohammad Hossein Adeli declares to BBC radio that "despite irregularities in the past" Iran is now committed to a cooperative stance with the IAEA. Adeli stressed Iran's right to develop nuclear technology while accusing the United States of "false accusations."
--"U.S. Attack Would Destabilize World: Iran Diplomat," IranMania, 21 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Testifying before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Mossad Chief Meir Dagan asserts that Iran's nuclear program is almost at the "point of no return" and could build a bomb in less than three years. Vice Premier Shimon Peres refers to Iran as the world's single most serious threat but declares that "the United States...must decide, not us. If we go it alone, we will end up alone. Everyone knows our potential but we also have to know our limits."
--Nina Gilbert and JPost Staff, "Iran Nuke Program Nearly Self-Sufficient," Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2005; "Mossad Warning Over Nuclear Iran," BBC, 24 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Hossein Mousavian, a chief Iranian nuclear negotiator, has allowed for the possibility of permitting IAEA inspectors to return to Parchin for further environmental samples.
--"Iran May Allow UN New Visit to Military Base - Report," Reuters, 24 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Iran's nuclear head Gholamreza Aghazadeh announces the inauguration of a uranium ore concentrate production plant near Bandar Abbas within a year, to be named the Bandar Abbas Yellowcake Production Plant.
--Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran to Inaugurate Uranium Ore Concentrate Production Plant Within a Year," Associated Press, 24 January 2005.

31 January 2005
Citing classified SAVAK documents contained in a recently published book, the author [Khamene'i's representative at the Kayhan Institute] bemoans the changed attitudes of Israel and the United States vis-à-vis Iranian nuclear activities. The documents evidently indicate a complete lack of opposition during the time of the Shah, even going as far as to suggest an Iranian army equipped with nuclear weapons.
--Hoseyn Shari'atmadari, "Daily Views Changed Stance of Israel Regarding Iran's Nuclear Activities," Kayhan (Tehran), 31 January 2005.

31 January 2005
Mr. Aqamohammadi, head of the Supreme National Security Council publicity committee, declares that Iran "will never accept total suspension of uranium enrichment" and that the negotiations currently underway are to define the guarantees "so that we can have the fuel cycle and this process can take its proper course." In Brussels, Gholamreza Aqazadeh, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, adds that it is "necessary for Europe to do its best to ensure that we reach a clear result in the nuclear negotiations."
--"Iran: Nuclear Official Says Cessation of Uranium Enrichment Unacceptable," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 31 January 2005; "Iranian Nuclear Chief Says EU 'Must Be More Serious' in Talks, Iranian Students News Agency, 31 January 2005.

31 January 2005
In an interview at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last week, IAEA chief ElBaradei responded to the Bush administration's claim that he is "not tough enough on Iran." "It depends on how you define soft. The results in Iran are something I am quite proud of. Eighteen months ago, Iran was a black box...now we have a fairly good picture of what is happening. We understand how complex and extensive that program is."
--"El-Baradei, Feeling the Nuclear Heat of the US," Arabic News, 31 January 2005.

1 February 2005
Namibian Director of Mines Asser Mudhika emphasizes that the government is working with the IAEA and that "they know the end destination of our uranium." Responding to a recent Reuters article that Iran has held a 15 percent share in Roessing Uranium Limited since 1970, Mr. Mudhika says this is not a secret.
--Christof Maletzky, "Iran Did Not Buy Uranium From Namibia, Govt," Namibian, 1 February 2005.

1 February 2005
IAEO Director Gholamreza Aqazadeh complains that nuclear negotiations with the European Union are slow and not up to Iran's expectations, a subject he is broaching in his meetings with EU officials in Brussels. The European Union insists that the negotiations are "on track" and moving quickly enough. Aqazadeh described his meeting with the EU's Javier Solana as positive however, adding: "The next round of negotiations between Iran and the EU will be more intense and more realistic."
--"Current Nuclear Talks Don't Meet Iran's Expectations: IAEO Director," Mehr News Agency, 1 February 2005; "Iranian Nuclear Chief Criticizes Slow Pace of Talks With EU," Mehr News Agency, Frebruary 2 2005; "EU Rejects Iran Call to Speed Up Nuclear Talks," Reuters, 1 February 2005; "Iran's Nuclear Chief Says Talks With Solana 'Positive'," Tehran Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran Radio 1, 1 February 2005.

1 February 2005
Gholamreza Shafei, Tehran's ambassador to Moscow, announces Iranian readiness to sign the pending nuclear fuel agreement with Russia later this month. Mr. Shafei also confirms that Iran is "considering a moratorium, which means a temporary suspension, and not a full stoppage of uranium enrichment;" also that Iran is prepared to allow the IAEA to inspect, saying "if the agency's experts tell us two hours in advance they wish to visit this or that nuclear facility, they will have the permission." Referring to the United States, Shafei stresses that Iran does "not wish to get into conflict with anyone, [but] we will strongly defend our national interests."
--"Iran Ready to Sign Accord on Russian N-Plant," IranMania, 1 February 2005; "Iran May Consider Uranium Enrichment Moratorium - Ambassador," Interfax, 1 February 2005; "U.S. Is Waging a Psychological War - Iranian Ambassador Warns," Al Jazeera, 1 February 2005; "Iranian Envoy Says Ready To Let IAEA Inspect Nuclear Facilities Any Time," ITAR-TASS, 1 February 2005.

1 February 2005
U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Douglas Feith expresses U.S. support for diplomatic pressure on Iran to abandon its alleged nuclear weapons program, presenting Libya's recent decision to relinquish its WMD as a possible model for future action.
--"U.S. Hawk Hopes Diplomacy Will End Iran Nuclear Drive," Reuters, 1 February 2005.

2 February 2005
Speaking to reporters, Majles Speaker Gholamali Haddad Adel declares that Iran reserves "the right to take strong and appropriate action if the Europeans resort to delaying tactics." Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi stresses that any suspension of the uranium enrichment program would be "limited and short term" versus the long-term, permanent suspension advocated by Europe. He denies that the European Union is referring Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council.
--"Majles Speaker Warns Europeans Against Playing for Time in Nuclear Talks," IRNA, 2 February 2005; "EU Not Trying to Refer Iran's Nuclear Case to Security Council - Kharrazi," Fars News, 2 February 2005.

2 February 2005
Sirus Naseri, a senior Iranian delegation member to the IAEA, says ElBaradei's proposal for a five-year moratorium on the creation of new nuclear fuel production facilities worldwide means that already established nuclear fuel suppliers would essentially be handed a monopoly. Supreme National Security Council spokesman Ali Agha Mohammadi says, "We have the power to negotiate because we keep our [nuclear] achievements in our hands, and we are negotiating to protect them. It's definite that we will protect our scientific achievements as a basic pillar."
--Louis Charbonneau, "Iran Determined to be Nuclear Fuel Exporter [corrected version]," Reuters, 2 February 2005; Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran Says it Will Never Scrap Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 3 February 2005.

3 February 2005
Top Iranian nuclear negotiator Hassan Mousavian declares, "We have not yet seen considerable progress in our cooperation and no incentives in political, security, technological, economic and nuclear fields. Now it is time to deliver something to Iranian public opinion and nation." French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie defends efforts to urge Iran to relinquish its nuclear fuel enrichment program, adding that negotiations are "hampered by lack of trust on both sides." Meanwhile, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says the United States would "rebuff European efforts to bring it into negotiations with Iran,"
--Lisa Bryant, "France Defends Talks With Iran on Nuclear Fuel," VOA News, 3 February 2005; Najmeh Bozorgmehr, "Iran's Nuclear Envoy Says Europe Failed to Deliver on Nuclear Deal," Financial Times, 3 February 2005; Robin Wright, "Rice Says U.S. Won't Join Europe in Iran Nuclear Talks," Washington Post, 4 February 2005, p. A10.

3 February 2005
Diplomats citing U.S. intelligence and speaking on condition of anonymity, say Iran is affecting quality checks on centrifuge parts despite pledging a moratorium on such activities.
--George Jahn, "Diplomats: Iran Testing Some Centrifuge Parts, Violating Spirit of Freeze Agreement," Associated Press, 3 February 2005.

3 February 2005
Responding to President Bush's State of the Union accusation that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear arms, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says the charge is baseless. Top nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani stresses, "We have never attempted to develop nuclear weapons and the idea has no room in our defense strategy." The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group, has asserted that Iran has experimented with "a crucial triggering mechanism for a nuclear weapon."
--"Iran Says Bush's Nuclear Arms Charges Are Baseless," Reuters, 3 February 2005; "Rowhani Says Iran Will Never Compromise Independence, Dignity," IRNA, 3 February 2005; Kerstin Gehmlich, "Iran Tests Nuclear Trigger Mechanism - Opposition," Reuters, 3 February 2005.

4 February 2005
Secretary of State Rice declares that a U.S. attack on Iran is "simply not on the agenda at this point." Following talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Rice said "diplomacy can work" but Iran must show it is prepared to live up to its obligations.
--Anne Gearan, "Rice Says Attacking Iran Is 'Not on Agenda'," Associated Press, 4 February 2005; "Rice Urges 'United Front' on Iran," BBC News, 4 February 2005.

4 February 2005
EU foreign policy representative Javier Solana stresses that the European Union cannot deliver on trade and technological benefits until Iran provides "concrete guarantees that its [nuclear] program has only peaceful ends."
--Daniel Dombey, "EU Worries That Iran Expects Too Much Too Soon From Nuclear Arms Agreement," Financial Times, 4 February 2005.

5 February 2005
The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee launches a "preemptive" examination of U.S. intelligence on Iran "so that you don't get stuck with a situation like you did with Iraq," says Senator Pat Roberts. A recent CIA report concludes that Tehran is "vigorously pursuing programs to produce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons."
--Greg Miller and Bob Drogin, "Senators Examining Quality of CIA Intelligence on Iran," Los Angeles Times, 5 February 2005.

6 February 2005
In a rare interview, Vice-President Dick Cheney states repeatedly that the United States is backing an EU initiative to persuade Iran to freeze its nuclear ambitions, while stressing that no option as been eliminated. Secretary of State Rice tells Iran that in order to avoid Israeli ire, it needs to "live up to international obligations." Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld suggests that Iran is actually "years away" from building a nuclear bomb and President Bush advocates a diplomatic path.
--Alec Russell, "Iran Challenges US Over Nuclear Programme," Daily Telegraph, 7 February 2005; Julian Borger, "Rice Warns Iran Against Provoking Israel," Guardian, 7 February 2005.

6 February 2005
Hassan Rowhani, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, says "If such an attack [by the United States] takes place then of course we will retaliate and we will definitely accelerate our activities to complete our fuel cycle and make nuclear fuel." On the same subject, Qolamreza Aqazadeh, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, states that if, for example, the Bushehr nuclear power plant were to be attacked by Israel or the United States, Iran is "capable of restoring everything in the minimum time."
--"Iran 'to Retaliate if U.S. Attacks'," BBC, 6 February 2005; "Aqazadeh Says Iran Can Restore Nuclear Sites in Case of Attack," Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1, 6 February 2005.

7 February 2005
In an Iranian television interview, Hassan Rowhani, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, declares that Iran will decide by mid-March whether to continue negotiations with the European Union. He says Iran has repeatedly told Europe it would be willing to hold nuclear talks for months, not years, as long as they are fruitful. The secretary asserts Iran will be able to produce yellow cake within the next few months, and referred specifically to activities at the Isfahan UCF and Arak Heavy Water plants. He stresses the importance of Iranian solidarity in the face of U.S. threats, reiterating that the IAEA has repeatedly declared there is no proof of Iran pursuing a nuclear weapons production program and declaring there is "no place for nuclear weapons" in Iran's defense doctrine. Rowhani dismisses the possibility of a U.S. military attack given Iran's cooperation with the IAEA and European Union, suggesting that anyway, Iran's nuclear capability is impervious to bombs and missiles.
--"Iranian TV Interviews Rowhani on US Threats, Nuclear Issue, Security," Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1, 7 February 2005.

7 February 2005
Decrying an "eerie similarity to the events preceding the Iraq war," former Iraq Survey Group leader David Kay urges cautious appraisal of next steps given the escalating rhetoric emanating from Washington regarding Iran's nuclear capability and intentions. He reminds readers that Iran is fully cooperating with the international inspection regime; despite admitting to concealing 18 years of nuclear activities, Iran claims ambitions to nuclear power only, and the IAEA has found no evidence of a nuclear weapons program. In particular, Kay advocates a set of measures tying Iran's nuclear activities to peaceful uses so that any departure is easily detectable; warns against "evidence" provided by regime dissidents with their own agenda; acknowledges the helpfulness of IAEA inspections; urges caution of overheated official rhetoric unsupported by evidence, which serves only to undermine constructive efforts; advocates serious analysis of the evidence available - not to rush or "cook" a National Intelligence Estimate on Iranian nuclear activities.
--David Kay, "Let's Not Make the Same Mistakes in Iran," Washington Post, 7 February 2005.

7 February 2005
Iran's Minister of Defense Ali Shamkhani declares in an interview with Sharq that it is not in Iran's national interest to acquire nuclear weapons. "We have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the additional protocol to NPT and respect the safeguard of the International Atomic Energy Agency. All our nuclear sites are open to the IAEA inspectors and strategically we renounce nuclear arms. We want the Middle East to be free from nuclear arms," he said.
--"Shamkhani Says Possession of Nuclear Arms Detrimental to National Interest," IRNA, 7 February 2005.

7 February 2005
Former Iranian envoy to the IAEA Ali Akbar Salehi, cites significant progress in Iran's ability to use nuclear technology for agricultural, medical, and especially power generation purposes.
--"Former Envoy to IAEA Says Iran Has Reached 'Point of No Return' in Nuclear Science," Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1, 7 February 2005.

7 February 2005
British Prime Minister Tony Blair underscores the importance of EU talks with Iran and of Iran's fulfillment of its obligations.
--"Don't Hinder Peace, Iran is Told," BBC, 7 February 2005.

8 February 2005
A nuclear official announces that Russia is likely to sign a deal on nuclear fuel shipments to Iran this month. He says the first containers of fuel should be available within two months after the deal is concluded.
--"Official: Iran Nuke Deal Close," Moscow Times, 8 February 2005.

8 February 2005
Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz agrees that diplomacy with Iran is the correct path at this juncture, and asserts that a military strike is not on the agenda.
--Arieh O'Sullivan, "Mofaz: No Attack on Iran for Now," Jerusalem Post, 8 February 2005.

9 February 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice warns Iran that the Bush administration's patience is not unending, adding: "It is obvious that, if Iran cannot be made to live up to its international obligations, the IAEA statutes suggest Iran would have to be referred to the UN Security Council."
--Stephen Castle, "Washington Warns Iran That Its Patience Will Not Last Forever," Independent, 10 February 2005.

8 February 2005
According to a diplomat close to the EU-Iran talks in Geneva, Britain, France and Germany "are going to read the riot act to the Iranians" regarding quality control work accomplished on centrifuge parts, which is not permitted (whereas maintenance work is), and which they did not report.
--"Europeans 'To Read the Riot Act' to Iran on Nuclear Activities," AFP, 8 February 2005.

9 February 2005
President Mohammed Khatami insists on Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology, noting that opinion polls indicate a plurality in favor of proceeding with same.
--"Khatami Says Iran 'Determined To Make Progress' on Nuclear Technology," IRNA, 9 February 2005.

10 February 2005
President Khatami announces, "The Iranian nation is not after a war, violence or clashes, but the world must know that the Iranians will not tolerate any invasion" and decries U.S. threats as "psychological warfare" in line with its "expansionist policies." Iranian nuclear negotiator Rowhani describes a possible assault on Iranian nuclear sites as "the most stupid move." Defense Minister Shamkhani dismisses the possibility of a U.S. attack, saying "Iran is not a small country like Iraq; wherever they attack us, they will be attacked."
--"Khatami, Rowhani React to US 'Threats,' Defend Right to Nuclear Program," IRNA, 10 February 2005.

10 February 2005
Lt. Gen. Lance Smith, deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, describes the updating of war plans for Iran as a "normal process," asserting that current military concerns are focused more on possible political influence in Iraq or Afghanistan, and the flow of Iranians feeding the insurgency in Iraq, than any pressure to squelch Iran's nuclear weapons program.
--Ann Scott Tyson, "U.S. Military Says Update of Iran War Plan Is Routine," Washington Post, 10 February 2005, p. 18.

11 February 2005
Russia's foreign ministry announces that the delivery of nuclear fuel to Iran is predicated on Iran signing a bilateral agreement to return spent nuclear fuel to Russia.
--"Nuclear Fuel for Iran: Russia's Terms," Russia Journal Daily, 11 February 2005.

11 February 2005
On the fourth day of meetings with Iran in Geneva, the discussion has turned to the possibility of a European mission to acquire a light water reactor versus the heavy water reactor the Iranians want to build, which would present less of a proliferation concern.
--"'Diplomat' Says EU to Offer Mission to Help Iran Get Light Water Nuclear Reactor," AFP, 11 February 2005.

13 February 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi announces Iranian acknowledgment of the European offer to replace plans for a heavy water reactor, but rejects the offer citing Iranian ambitions to become a major nuclear fuel supplier in the next 15 years.
--"Iran Spurns European Reactor Deal," BBC, 13 February 2005.

13 February 2005
A Pakistani investigation of the Khan networks dealings with Iran reveal that Khan and his laboratory associates met more than a dozen times over several years, assisting the Iranians in establishing a worldwide procurement network and selling codes, materials, components, and plans to the Tehran government. The Pakistani investigators claim that Iran's centrifuge drawings are very similar to the first generation Pakistan-1 centrifuge. The IAEA has revealed that centrifuges at the Doshan Tapeh base in Tehran closely resemble the more advanced Pakistan-2 centrifuges.
--Massoud Ansari Khan, "Khan 'Sold Nuke Secrets to Tehran," Financial Times, 13 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Referring to a Washington Post report that U.S. drones have been over flying Iran seeking evidence of a nuclear weapons program for over a year, Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Yunesi asserts, "Most of the shining objects that our people see over Iran's airspace are American spying equipment used to spy on Iran's nuclear and military facilities."
--"Iran Says the U.S. Spy Drones Have Flown Over Its Nuclear Sites," Associated Press, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Hassan Rowhani notes Iranian plans to build seven nuclear power plants in the country, and suggests that IAEA investigators are now convinced of Iran's peaceful nuclear ambitions.
--Konstantin Kazeyev, "Iran to Continue Uranium Enrichment and to Build Seven N-Plants," ITAR-TASS, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Speaking in London, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom contends that Iran will have the knowledge to build nuclear weapons within six months.
--"Israeli Official: Iran Will Have Knowledge to Build Atomic Bomb in six months," Associated Press, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Defusing rumors of an attack on an Iranian nuclear power plant, Ali Agha Mohammadi, Supreme National Security Council spokesman, attributes an explosion in southern Iran to dam-building operations. A previous explanation delivered on state television suggested the possibility of a fuel tank dropping from an Iranian airplane.
--Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran Spurns European Reactor Deal," Associated Press, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi announces Iranian appreciation for the European offer to replace plans for a heavy water reactor but rejects it, citing Iranian ambitions to become a major nuclear fuel supplier in the next 15 years.
--Dafna Linzer, "IAEA Digs Into Past of Iranian Program," Washington Post, 17 February 2005.

20 February 2005
During an interview, Hossein Mousavian, senior nuclear negotiator for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) describes the SNSC’s three policy goals to control the nuclear crises as such:
1. Eliminate the immediate threat of referring the case to the UN Security Council.
2. Preserve the capabilities and fruits of the country's nuclear activities.
3. Create a situation where our nuclear activities, especially enrichment, would continue and the rest of our nuclear activities be strengthened, despite nuclear sanctions.

In addition, Mr. Mousavian breaks down the 3rd goal into a seven-part strategy:
1. Prevent an international front against Iran's nuclear case.
2. Devise a plan and program to gradually alleviate the international community's suspicions about Iran's nuclear activities, which had been created over the course of 20-some years because of the American and Western propaganda.
3. Correct world public opinion, because the Americans had portrayed Iran's nuclear activities as a monster to the world. The polls that were taken worldwide (of course, on a case-by-case basis in different countries) showed that about 66 to 67 percent of the people around the world thought Iran's nuclear activities were a serious threat to international peace. Well, with this kind of public opinion, one cannot pursue nuclear activities peacefully.
4. Build Iran's good relations with the agency because in those days, relations between Iran and the agency had been strained. This was on the agenda of the board of governors, and normalizing these relations again was a very difficult task. We had to go through three stages to do this: addressing the ambiguities and questions of the agency, making efforts to remove Iran from the board of governors' agenda, and going through the stages of rebuilding relations between Iran and the agency.
5. Reach a national consensus on this crisis, because this is not something for only one agency or one ministry to take full responsibility for. We have to have a national consensus to manage this crisis.
6. Unify management that could manage this crisis and coordinate all activities inside the country.
─ “Iran: Negotiator Outlines Strategy, Success, Failures of Nuclear Talks,” E’tedal va Towse’eh, 20 February 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050722321001.

21 February 2005
A senior member of the Iranian negotiating team, Sirus Nasseri, says "any negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program will be based on the continuation of [uranium] enrichment." Nasseri indicates President Bush's comment that military action would not be the first option to address Iran's nuclear ambition, clearly demonstrates Washington is aware a military attack will have no impact.
--"Iran Says its Nuclear Capability 'Not For Sale'," Reuters, 21 February 2005.

21 February 2005
Preparing for a possible attack by the United States, Iran publicly states it "would respond within 15 minutes to any attack...and it is sharpening its abilities to wage a guerilla war."
--Borzou Daragahi, "Iran Readies Military, Fearing A U.S. Attack," San Francisco Chronicle, 21 February 2005.

22 February 2005
Hossein Musavian, chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, announces an agreement has been reached with Russia to provide nuclear fuel for Iran's nuclear program. Musavian further says the United States and Europe did not have any "problems" with this cooperation.
--"Moscow Says It Has Agreed With the West on Supplying Iran's Nuclear Fuel: Musavian," Tehran Times, 22 February 2005.

23 February 2005
Iran reiterates its unilateral commitment to the EU to stop uranium enrichment was only temporary and voluntary. "In the talks with Europe, we are conquering position after position. The ultimate goal is to preserve [our nuclear] fuel cycle, and we have a long way to go until we achieve it," said Supreme National Security Council Information Committee Director Ali Agha-Mohammadi. Sirus Nasseri, head of the technical and nuclear committee of Iran's team of negotiators said: "A final agreement in the new round of talks will be based on continuation of [uranium] enrichment by Iran."
--A. Savyon, "Iran Seeks EU Consent for Modeling Its Nuclear Program on the 'Japanese/German Model' - i.e. Nuclear Fuel Cycle Capabilities Three Months Short of a Bomb," MEMRI, 23 March 2005, No. 209.

23 February 2005
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom claims Iran is "only six months away from having the knowledge to build a nuclear bomb."
--"Ex-Israel Air Chief's Appointment Fuels Speculation Over Iran Strike," Agence France Presse, 23 March 2005.

23 February 2005
After meeting with the head of Iran's National Security Council Hassan Rohani, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "We will continue to cooperate with Iran at all levels, including nuclear energy." The February 18 meeting put the Bushehr plant back on track for completion by 2006. Putin reiterates that he does not believe Tehran intends to develop nuclear weapons.
-- Paul de Zardain, "Bush or Bushehr? Russia Puts Its Money on Iran," Daily Star, 23 March 2005.

23 February 2005
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder tells reporters that both he and U.S. President George Bush agree Iran "must waive any right to the production [of uranium] thereof, and they must renounce the right to even close the fuel cycle."
--"Transcripts: Bush, Schroeder Discuss Iran," Washington Post, 23 February 2005.

23 February 2005
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami reiterates that giving up his country's nuclear program or technology are not options agreeable to Iran. Indicating deep differences and mistrust as reasons why the negotiations are going slow, Khatami says he is "not pessimistic...[but] hopeful" about the talks with European negotiators.
-- Ali Akbar Careini, "Iran Acknowledges 'Deep Differences' with Europe in Nuclear Talks," Associated Press, 23 February 2005.

23 February 2005
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder anticipates a successful outcome of the nuclear talks between Iran and the European Union stating the "common goal" is that Tehran renounces its availability of nuclear weapons.
--"Schroeder Anticipates 'Successful' EU-Iran Nuclear Talks," Islamic Republic News Agency, 23 February 2005.

23 February 2005
Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi says since Iran does not intend to produce nuclear weapons, the uranium enrichment program will continue and there is nothing other countries can do to stop them.
--"Kharrazi: Tehran, Determined to Continue Uranium Enrichment," Islamic Republic News Agency, 23 February 2005.

24 February 2005
President Bush announces diplomatic steps will be taken to convince the mullahs to give up their nuclear ambitions. National Security Advisor, Stephen Hadley, indicated the president may still consider offering incentives; a tactic the Europeans are utilizing on Iran. Responding to suggestions that the United States is preparing to bomb Iran, Bush says they are "ridiculous" but "diplomacy is just beginning...and all options are on the table." Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany says "we absolutely agree that Iran must say no to any kind of nuclear weapon, full stop."
-- Elizabeth Bumiller, "Bush May Weigh the Use of Incentives to Dissuade Iran," New York Times, 22 February 2005.

28 February 2005
Tehran and Moscow sign an agreement in which Russia will supply the nuclear fuel for the Bushehr facility and all spent fuel rods will be returned to Russia.
--"Russia-Iran Nuclear Deal Signed," BBC, 28 February 2005.

27 February 2005
U.S. officials announce they have uncovered evidence that associates of Pakistani A.Q. Khan met with Iranian officials 18 years ago and offered Tehran "the makings of a nuclear weapons program." The meeting purportedly took place in Dubai, when at that time, Iran purchased centrifuge designs and a starter kit for uranium enrichment. The U.S. administration believes this demonstrates Iran's interest over the years in nuclear weapons technology, but a Western diplomat said this is a "strong indication...but it doesn't prove it completely." Tehran responded by pointing out that Iran had the opportunity to purchase the equipment for building the core of a bomb, but turned it down.
--Dafna Linzer, "Iran was Offered Nuclear Parts," Washington Post, 27 February 2005.

28 February 2005
As inspections into Iran's nuclear activities continue, IAEA head Mohammad ElBaradei says, "I keep calling on Iran to be proactive as possible and to go out of its way to help us bring some of these issues to a closure."
--"UN Call for Iranian Co-Opertion," BBC, 28 February 2005.

28 February 2005
Pakistan dismisses an old report about a meeting between Iranian officials and AQ Kahn. The story was originally published by the Washington Post 18 year ago. Foreign Minister spokesman, Masood Khan, said "it's recycling of an old story...and does not warrant a substantive response from us."
--"Pakistan Brushes Off 'Old Story' Tying Khan, Iran," Reuters, 28 February 2005.

March 2005
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Sergey Kislak says Iran has been gathering components for its nuclear program for 18 years. In a gesture to demonstrate its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, Tehran delivered a "detailed report on the goals of its program...[and] the IAEA Board of Governors Resolution of November 2004 does not call for the presentation of another report at the next session." Minister Kislak says the current Iranian program is more transparent but additional work is still required. Minister Kislak emphasized: "We are...against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons...we will do everything possible so that the program for the development of peaceful nuclear energy in Iran develops cooperatively."
--"Iran: The Situation Has Become Clearer, But Not All Questions Have Been Answered," Center for Policy Studies in Russia, March 2005.

1 March 2005
Iran refuses a new request by the IAEA to access a suspected military site. Deputy Secretary General of the IAEA, Peter Goldschmidt, tells the IAEA that Iran continues construction on a heavy water reactor capable of producing plutonium, has denied agency experts further information on the current location of weapons equipment purchase, and delayed informing the agency of tunnel construction for nuclear storage.

Iran reiterates that the suspension of enrichment is voluntary and temporary. Giving up enrichment is "something that is not on the table and will not be on the table," senior Iranian envoy Sirius Nasseri tells reporters.
--"Iran Denies Nuke Agency's Visit Request," Agence France Presse, 1 March 2005.

1 March 2005
"Iran is determined to resume uranium enrichment activities in order to produce nuclear fuel for 20 reactors it plans to build," foreign minister Kamal Kharrazi announces.
--"Iran Determined to Produce Own Fuel for 20 Planned Reactors," Agence France Presse, 1 March 2005.

1 March 2005
IAEA Director Mohammad ElBaradei, calls on Iran to provide additional documents relating to its nuclear program. The head of the IAEA said the request was to "make up for a lack of confidence created by years of concealment," but also stressed there was no proof Iran is attempting to build nuclear weapons.
--Dafna Linzer, "IAEA Head Waits to Issue Iran Verdict," Washington Post, 1 March 2005.

2 March 2005
The IAEA announces it has not been able to get additional information on Iran's more advanced centrifuge equipment or the source of nuclear contamination discovered during earlier inspections. One Western diplomat says, "It's another failure to disclose activities, which fits a disturbing pattern." Iran has refused the IAEA reentry to Parchin, a military base, because Tehran believes the requirements have been fulfilled, "and thus there is no justification for any additional visit."
-- Richard Bernstein, "Nuclear Agency Says Iran Has Blocked Investigation," New York Times, 1 March 2005.

2 March 2005
As negotiations with the three European countries continue, an Iranian delegate to the Atomic Energy Agency, Sirius Nasseri, says his country's position depends on what the Europeans offer in way of incentives. "If there is a political agreement, it has to be give-and-take...but Iran will have a nuclear fuel production program for peaceful purposes." In response, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the Iranians must "demonstrate that they're prepared to live up to their obligations in a way that is verifiable."
--Allisa Rubin, "Iran Yields Little in Talks with Monitors," Los Angeles Times, 2 March 2005.

2 March 2005
IAEA deputy director General Pierre Goldschmidt announces that results from the inspection of five Iranian nuclear sites in early January found no "suspicious equipment."
--"IAEA Found No Suspicious Hardware in Iran," RIA Novosti, 2 March 2005.

2 March 2005
One day after the U.N.'s atomic watchdog presented a report on Iran's nuclear record, the U.S. IAEA ambassador, Jackie Sanders, says "The IAEA is still not able to provide assurances that Iran is not pursuing clandestine activities at undeclared locations." IAEA Director Mohammad ElBaradei added that Tehran needs to take steps to dispel doubts "through transparency measures and co-operation with the [IAEA]."
--"Iran Nuclear Plans Under Pressure," BBC, 2 March 2005.

3 March 2005
Director of the Russian Federal Agency for Nuclear Power (Rosatom), Aleksandr Rumyantsev, provides Iran with scientific documents proving it would be "inexpedient, and even ruinous for the country to develop its own nuclear-fuel cycle."
--"Russia Opposes Iranian Nuclear-Fuel Cycle," RIA Novosti, 3 March 2005.

3 March 2005
A diplomat close to the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms Iran has requested to "expand quality control checks and maintenance of 'nonessential' enrichment centrifuge parts to 'essential' centrifuge parts that have been sealed by the [IAEA] under the [uranium enrichment] suspension."
--"Iran Wants to Break U.N. Seals and Test Nuclear-Related Equipment, Diplomats Say," Global Security Newswire, 4 March 2005.

3 March 2005
A diplomat familiar with the IAEA, who asked not to be identified, says Iran is "pouring the concrete foundation" at the Arak reactor after the IAEA asked Tehran to refrain from building the reactor as a "confidence building measure" in September.
--Michael Adler, "Iran Starts Work on Reactor," Australian, 3 March 2005.

4 March 2005
Diplomats at a meeting of the IAEA say Iran is using reinforced materials and deep underground facilities to store and protect nuclear materials. Tehran was faulted for starting work on the tunnel, continuing construction at Isfahan, and "ignoring [a] request to scrap" plans for a heavy water reactor. Tehran admits the facility is under construction, but said it was to "increase capacity, safety and security of nuclear material."
--Jahn George, "Iran Builds Bomb-Resistant Underground Nuclear Storage," Associated Press, 4 March 2005.

4 March 2005
American President George Bush tells the Europeans he wants to make sure the negotiations with Iran continue and offers his assistance to help move the process forward.
--"Bush Offers to Help EU Over Iran," BBC, 4 March 2005.

5 March 2005
Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani announces that his country will suspend all its voluntary confidence-building measures and return to making fuel if Iran is referred to the U.N. Security Council. Mr. Rohani indicates further repercussions could include pulling out of the NPT as some conservative parliamentarians have threatened.
--Paul Hughes, "Iran Says to Make Atomic Fuel if Sent to UN Council," Reuters, 5 March 2005.

6 March 2005
At a conference on nuclear technology in Tehran, Hassan Rowhani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator says that "the country will never permanently cease enriching uranium." Voicing his dissatisfaction with the pace of the talks, Mr. Rohani says "every time the talks get serious the Europeans say they have to talk to the other side of the Atlantic [the United States]". Should the case be referred to the Security Council, "there would be no more confidence."
--Nazila Fathi, "Iran Says it Won't Give Up Program to Enrich Uranium," New York Times, 6 March 2005.

7 March 2005
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder announces the "American administration very much supports this [EU] position." With talks currently deadlocked and Tehran refusing to give up enrichment, the Europeans insist the enrichment program must be terminated as an "objective guarantee" that Iran is not pursuing arms.
--Markus Krah, "Germany Optimistic on Iran Nuclear Talks," Reuters, 7 March 2005.

7 March 2005
Hassan Rowhani threatens to follow North Korea's lead if Washington refers Iran to the UN Security Council.
--Ian Traynor, "Iran Hints it May Play Same Nuclear Card as Korea," Guardian, 7 March 2005.

8 March 2005
Head of Iran's parliament foreign policy commission, Alaeddin Borujerdi says if the Europeans insist Iran permanently suspend uranium enrichment, "it will be our last nuclear negotiation with them [Europeans]."
--"Iran Has No Fear of UN Nuclear Referral," Mehr News, 8 March 2005.

10 March 2005
Pakistani information minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, confirms A.Q. Khan gave centrifuges for enriching uranium to Iran, "but the government was in no way involved."
--"Iran 'Given Pakistan Centrifuges'," BBC, 10 March 2005.

11 March 2005
The foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany sign a letter stating progress is "not as fast as we would wish, we believe we are moving in the right directions...if Iran does not abide by its agreement...we shall have no choice but to support referring Iran's nuclear porgramme to the UN Security Council."
--"Iran Nuclear Progress 'Not Fast'," BBC, 11 March 2005.

13 March 2005
In response to accusations that Washington has backed a military strike by Israel on Iranian nuclear sites, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice insists the U.S. is committed to following a diplomatic course and "put forward...a strengthened diplomatic hand for the European three to play."
--"No Green Light to Israel for Strikes on Alleged Iran Nuke Site: Rice," Agence France Presse, 13 March 2005.

13 March 2005
A Times report indicates Israel has drawn up and discussed secret plans with the United States to attack Iran if diplomatic effort fail to stop Iranian nuclear projects.
-- Uzi Mahnaimi, "Revealed: Israel Plans Strike on Iranian Nuclear Plant," Times Online, 13 March 2005.

14 March 2005
A senior Iranian negotiator says the United States should offer further incentives and "unblock frozen Iranian assets, lift sanctions and stop 'hostile measures'." On Friday, U.S. President George Bush offered to lift the block on Iran's membership to the World Trade Organization and allow Tehran to obtain parts for commercial planes, but Tehran rejected the American offer as 'insignificant'.
--"Iran Demands More US Concessions," BBC, 14 March 2005.

14 March 2005
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani rejects a report that Pakistan will hand over centrifuge components to UN inspectors which could be compared with machinery sold to Iran. An IAEA spokesman declined to comment, but diplomats close to the IAEA said the parts would arrive soon. Mr. Jilani said, "Pakistan has not been asked to give centrifuges, nor will Pakistan do so."
--"Pakistan Denies it Will Hand Nuclear Parts to UN," Reuters, 14 March 2005.

16 March 2005
Iranian government energy policy advisor Hossein Kazempour, invites the Americans to "come and have 50-50 [of an Iranian enrichment program]." He adds, "this offer is on the table. But they have their suspicious but this could be removed by their presence [in Iran's programme]."
--Kevin Morrison, "Iran Offers to Let US Share in its Nuclear Programme," Financial Times, 16 March 2005.

21 March 2005
IAEA Director Mohammed ElBaradei says Washington "would have to step in" as Tehran needs security guarantees beyond those given by the EU. "I think that when the issue of security comes up, obviously the United States will have to step in, because... the Iranians will very much need the American and not just European assurance," he said.
--"UN Urges US Engagement Over Iran," BBC, 21 March 2005.

22 March 2005
A top official quotes Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as saying, "Israel has no intention of attacking Iran and continues to support the diplomatic efforts of the international community, in particular the United States, to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."
--"Israel Has No Intention of Striking Iranian Nuclear Sites: Sharon," Agence France Presse, 22 March 2005.

22 March 2005
Mohammed Saeidi, vice president for planning and international affairs at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says the generation of nuclear electricity is the "prime priority of Iran's nuclear program." "The people and government of Iran are determined to open their way through the tortuous path of peaceful use of nuclear technology despite all imposed restrictions and difficulties," Mr. Saeidi said.
--Jamey Keaten, "Iran to Deploy Civilian Nuclear Power," Agence France Presse, 22 March 2005.

23 March 2005
A high ranking official from the Israeli general staff claims the Iranian Defense Ministry is carrying out a secret program to obtain nuclear weapons not connected to the Bushehr facility. During the meeting with Russian members of the press, he added "there are mines where uranium is being extracted, and there are centrifuges belonging to the Defense Ministry."
--"Iran Pursuing Nukes Program Not Related to Bushehr - Israeli Official," Interfax, 23 March 2005.

25 March 2005
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announces he may provide the IAEA with uranium enrichment components to clear Pakistan's name from Iran's nuclear program. "We will give you them and you examine them...but once and for all," President Musharraf said. The parts would help establish the origin of the uranium contamination discovered in Iran and if Tehran has been secretly developing nuclear weapons.
--"Pakistan Mulls Nuclear Handover," BBC, 25 March 2005.

30 March 2005
Iranian President, Mohammed Khatami, accompanies reporters on a tour around the interior of the uranium enrichment facility near Natanz. Several antiaircraft guns are situated around this heavily guarded site, but no centrifuges were visible during the tour.
--Aresu Eqbali, "Tehran Shows Off Centerpiece of Nuclear Drive," Agence France Presse, 30 March 2005.

12 April 2005
European diplomats and intelligence agencies report that Iran has removed some of the "yellow cake" uranium from the Isfahan facility. The accusations come at the same time IAEA inspectors inventory the raw processed uranium. The diplomats indicate the discrepancies could be on account of uranium being removed or lost in the waste process.
--Louis Charbonneau, "UN Tallies Uranium in Iran Amid Suspicions - Diplomats," Reuters, 12 April 2005.

12 April 2005
Israeli intelligence reports indicate that although Iran has suspended uranium enrichment, Tehran continues to acquire elements for its nuclear capability. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called on U.S. President George Bush "to step up the diplomatic efforts to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb." Israeli radio reported Sharon's aides as saying "Israel in not initiating or leading an offensive against Iran."
--Aluf Benn, "PM Calls on Bush for More Pressure Against Iran," Haaretz, 12 April 2005.

12 April 2005
Russian shipments of enriched uranium for the Bushehr plant may be delayed until autumn. A source in the Russian nuclear authority said "the latest delay did not have any underlying political reasons." The fuel is required six months prior to startup which is tentatively scheduled to start operating in 2006.
--Rabi Ul-Awwal, "Russia Delays Nuclear Fuel Shipments to Iran," Reuters, 12 April 2005.

13 April 2005
Iran denies any nuclear material has been moved from the Isfahan facility at the same time the IAEA is monitoring the site. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi, says "Iran seeks nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It would be meaningless for Iran to smuggle."
--"Iran Denies Smuggling Uranium from Monitored Site," Reuters, 13 April 2005.

13 April 2005
EU diplomats report that French President, Jacques Chirac, "urged his negotiators to consider Iran's proposal it be allowed to have an enrichment plant with 3000 centrifuges." Chirac's position may be due to Iran's upcoming elections or "diplomatic politeness." Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reemphasized that Israel would not act unilaterally and called for international action instead.
--Louis Charbonneau, "Chirac Pushes EU to Drop Hard Line on Iran-Diplomats," Reuters, 13 April 2005.

13 April 2005
White House press secretary Scott McClellan says the Bush Administration wants to see the Iranian nuclear weapons dilemma "resolved through the diplomatic efforts of the Europeans. We want to see it resolved in a peaceful way." Vice Admiral Lowell Jacoby tells the Senate Armed Services Committee that "Tehran probably will have the ability to produce nuclear weapons easily in the next decade."
--Anne Gearan, "Bush Says Diplomacy With Iran is Best," Associated Press, 13 April 2005.

14 April 2005
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says Iran is close to overcoming nuclear weapons "technical problems...[and] once they solve it, that will be the point of no return."
--Mary Lavie, "Sharon Says Israel Won't Attack Iran," Associated Press, 14 April 2005.

15 April 2005
European diplomats say France, Britain and Germany are "rock-solid on cessation" of Iran's uranium enrichment program and want "objective guarantees" that Tehran's nuclear program is a peaceful one. Officials close to the talks said the EU-3 is considering Iran's proposal for a pilot facility, but possibly only to keep the discussions going.
--"Europe "Rock-solid" that Iran Cease Enrichment," Iran Mania, 15 April 2005.

19 April 2005
Hussein Mussavian, deputy Secretary of National Security in Iran meets with head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sergey Lavrov, and Sergey Kislyakov, Deputy Foreign Minister on Non-Proliferation of WMD to prepare a list of documents on an "agreement about mutual protection of secret information and protection of intellectual property, exchanged within the time frame of military-technical cooperation." Sirus Nasseri, an Iranian delegation representative, says Iran is growing impatient with the negotiation results and wants to focus on getting Russian support for continuation of its program of "peaceful atom."
--"Simultaneous Negotiations: Moscow Receives Tehran and Washington Envoys," Kommersant, 19 April 2005.

19 April 2003
SNSC Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Hussein Musavian insists on Iran's legal right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as guaranteed in the Paris Agreement and in cooperation with international organizations, while emphasizing that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons. Musavian characterized his recent talks with the Russian foreign minister as "very constructive and useful," adding "Russia is Iran's most important partner in the field of nuclear technology."
--"Iran Not After Nuclear Weapons: Musavian," IRNA, 20 April 2005.

20 April 2005
Top Iranian nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani has warned that "tangible progress" is necessary from the upcoming meeting with European governments to avoid a breakdown of talks.
--Roula Khalaf and Gareth Smyth, "Iran Turns Up Heat on Europe as Nuclear Talks Loom FT Interview Hassan Rowhani," Financial Times, 20 April 2005.

20 April 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice refers to Russia's "positive role" in the construction of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, saying it assists non-proliferation objectives in Iran.
--"Russia Plays a "Positive Role" in Iran's Nuclear Issues: Rice," Xinhua, 21 April 2005.

21 April 2005
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stresses diplomatic pressure over a possible military strike to deter Iran from achieving nuclear weapon capability.
--"Sharon Puts Diplomacy First in Dealing With Iranian Nuke Row," Xinhua, 21 April 2005.

21 April 2005
Sirus Nasseri, head of Iran's negotiating team, was upbeat about the latest round of negotiations with the Europeans that ended today, saying they "are on the right track, leading to a wise, logical and balanced solution satisfactory to both sides."
--"Iran, EU-3 End Nuclear Negotiations in Geneva," IRNA, 21 April 2005.

22 April 2005
Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran's former IAEA envoy, has said that "Iran's decision to master the nuclear fuel cycle is completely clear and irreversible" and it would be counterproductive of the Europeans to reach a deadlock in the nuclear talks, as they would gain only a two-year moratorium on Iranian nuclear activities and lose face internationally.
--"Deadlock in Nuclear Talks Europe's Defeat - Iran's Nuclear Official," Mehr News Agency, 22 April 2005.

22 April 2005
Sirus Nasseri, top nuclear negotiator for Iran in nuclear deliberations with the Europeans, has asserted "Ultimately, it seems that both sides intend to try and reach a solution" but that it is still too early to predict the outcome.
--"Iran's Top Nuclear Negotiator Speaks of 'Difficult Steps Ahead'," Iranian Radio, 22 April 2005.

22 April 2005
Upon request of the Information Ministry, the nuclear spies case has been referred to it - the case's "complexity" has caused delays in reaching a final verdict.
--"Nuclear Spies' Case Waiting for Final Decision at Iranian Intelligence Ministry," Fars News Agency, 22 April 2005.

24 April 2005
Hamid Reza Asefi, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, announces that regardless of the outcome of current talks with the Europeans, Iran will resume uranium enrichment sooner rather than later.
--Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran Says It Will Resume Uranium Enrichment Regardless of Outcome of Talks With Europeans," Associated Press, 24 April 2005.

24 April 2005
Responding to Kuwaiti environmental concerns, Hamid Reza Asefi, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, declares that IAEA experts confirm that the Bushehr nuclear power plant currently under construction complies with all international standards. Bushehr is due to launch in 2006.
--Konstantin Kazeyev, "Bushehr NPP Complies With International Standards - Diplomat," ITAR-TASS, 24 April 2005.

26 April 2005
In response to repeated warnings for Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions or face UN sanctions, Hamid Reza Asefi asserts "we don't know with what language to tell the Europeans and Americans that Iran is not afraid of the UN Security Council. We have been subject to sanctions in the past. In the short term, it has put us under pressure. But in [the] long term, it has helped our economy to flourish."
--Tarek Al-Issawi, "Threat of International Sanctions Not a Major Concern for Iran," Associated Press, 26 April 2005.

26 April 2005
The U.S. Congress has 30 days to object to a Pentagon plan to sell 100 "bunker-buster" bombs to Israel - 5,000lb GBU-28 bombs originally developed to obliterate Saddam Hussein's command centers in the 1991 Gulf War. The proposal is widely seen as a "message" to Iran.
--Demetri Sevastopulo, "Message for Iran in Bomb Offer to Israel," Financial Times, 27 April 2005.

27 April 2005
EU trio diplomats complain that "we are on the defensive now" in nuclear negotiations due to resume with Iran on April 29^th. Talks now center on the Iranian proposal versus its cessation of uranium enrichment. Iran's proposal includes building up its enrichment program in stages under close monitoring by the IAEA, eventually to be expanded into a commercial-scale enrichment plant with 54,000 centrifuges, producing low-grade enriched uranium for power plants. According to nuclear experts, a 3,000-centrifuge strength plant could produce enough highly-enriched uranium for one and a half warheads per year.
--Louis Charbonneau, "Iran Steps Up Pressure on EU in Nuke Talks - Diplomats," Reuters, 27 April 2005.

27 April 2005
Baroness Elizabeth Symons, Middle East Minster in the British Cabinet, denies any U.S. military intentions against Iran, adding that "if there were, no we would not support them."
--Hannah K. Strange, "Britain Rules Out Strikes on Iran," United Press International, 27 April 2005.

27 April 2005
A three-day International Conference on Islamic Unity concluded in Tehran with a 14-article statement condemning any "conspiracy depriving Iran from nuclear energy."
--Demetri Sevastopulo, "Message for Iran in Bomb Offer to Israel," Financial Times, 27 April 2005.

28 April 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin defends a missile deal with Syria and nuclear components sales to Iran in talks with Israeli President Moshe Katsav. Regarding Iran, Putin stresses "we are working to make sure their nuclear ability is used for peaceful means." The president also said "I agree...the Iranian partners should drop the idea of creating a nuclear cycle, and put all their nuclear programs under international control" and stressed that Russia "is resolutely against any attempts on the part of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons."
--Steve Gutterman, "Putin Defends Arms Sales to Syria, Iran," Associated Press, 28 April 2005; "Putin Says Iran Must Put Its Nuclear Program Under International Control," ITAR-TASS, 28 April 2005.

28 April 2005
Speaking in the Hague, Iranian Foreign Minister Kharrazi reiterates Iran's "inalienable right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."
--"Iran's Foreign Minister Says Suspension of Uranium Enrichment "Temporary"," Iranian TV, 28 April 2005.

28 April 2005
Ali Aqamohammadi, head of the Information Dissemination Department of the SNSC, stresses that Iran will consider the Paris Agreement "null and void" if the Europeans "fail to adopt a transparent stance" in tomorrow's talks.
--"Nuclear Spokesman Says EU Must Not Wait for End of Iranian Election," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 28 April 2005.

29 April 2005
Russia's Rosatom indicates it will supply about 80 tons of low-enriched uranium fuel to the Iranian nuclear power plant at Bushehr as soon as it is "technologically necessary."
--"Russia to Deliver Up to 80 Tons of Nuclear Fuel to Iran," RIA Novosti, 29 April 2005.

29 April 2005
Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who is preparing for a June 17^th presidential election, affirms that Iran is "determined to have all branches of nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment...at any cost."
--Parisa Hafezi, "Iran to Pursue Nuclear Fuel Cycle - Rafsanjani," Reuters, 29 April 2005.

2 May 2005
U.S. officials announce that they want the UN-sponsored global disarmament conference to focus on Iran's nuclear program. The conference examines the NPT but Washington hopes to use the event to condemn Iran and highlight Tehran's treaty violations.
-- Louis Charbonneau, "U.S. Targets Iran, North Korea at Nuke Arms Talks," Reuters, 2 May 2005.

2 May 2005
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's religious leader, warns the United States to keep out of his country's nuclear affairs. Referring to the upcoming elections in June, he also says Tehran's nuclear policy would not change since no president would violate the country's national interest.
-- Frances Harrison, "Iran Issues Nuclear Warning to US," BBC, 2 May 2005.

3 May 2005
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi tells a UN conference that Iran is determined to resume enrichment at some stage and that United States and Europe should not deny technological advancements to others.
-- "Iran Insists on Nuclear Activity," BBC, 3 May 2005.

3 May 2005
Hamid-Reza Asefi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, says Tehran will soon resume some unspecified nuclear activities. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Stephen Rademaker announces at the conference that any solution "must include permanent cessation of Iran's enrichment and reprocessing efforts, as well as dismantlement of equipment facilities related to such activity."
--Warren Hoge and David Sanger, "Iran to Resume Nuclear Plans, Official States at U.N. Conference," New York Times, 4 May 2005.

9 May 2005
Former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations chief arms inspector Hans Blix urges Iran and Israel to support a ban on uranium enrichment throughout the Middle East. In addition to making the Middle East an enrichment-free zone, Mr. Blix also encourages Washington to offer additional incentives as a possible compromise to stop Tehran's nuclear ambition. Iran announces that it will start some work related to enrichment in a few days.
--Irwin Arieff, "Blix Proposes Compromise on Iranian Enrichment," Reuters, 10 May 2005.

9 May 2005
Deputy Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Saeedi announces at a university conference that "We will lift the first stage of our suspension, that of our UCF [uranium conversion facility] project in Isfahan, in the next few days." He further adds that they were not resuming actual enrichment at this time, but would wait for the outcome of the negotiations.
--Christopher Adams, "Iran Nuclear Talks Near Collapse, UK Warns," Financial Times, 10 May 2005.

9 May 2005
Mohammad Saeedi, deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization for Iran, confirms that 37 tons of raw uranium was converted into gas at the Isfahan facility, just before suspending all uranium enrichment related activities last year.
-- Ali Akbar, "Iran Confirms Uranium-To-Gas Conversion," Associated Press, 9 May 2005.

10 May 2005
A French Foreign Ministry spokesman urges Iran to not resume uranium enrichment related activities. "As far as we know, no final decision has been taken by the Iranian side, but we hope Iran will not take such a decision," the spokesman further adds. A government official in London says that if Iran resumes any activities that break the suspension, all negotiations will come to an end.
--"France Presses Iran Over Uranium Enrichment Plans," Reuters, 10 May 2005.

11 May 2005
Senior Iranian envoy Sirous Nasseri delivers a letter, purported to be an official notification whether Iran will resume uranium enrichment, to the International Atomic Energy Agency. On condition of anonymity, an Iranian diplomat says the letter contains details about a four-way meeting with Tehran within the next two weeks.
--"EU-Iran Nuclear Tension Reported," Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2005.

12 May 2005
British Prime Minister Tony Blair warns Tehran that his government will support referring Iran to the UN Security Council for any breach of nuclear agreements. Iran's top security official Hassan Rowhani announces that Tehran is prepared to break the moratorium and continue uranium enrichment. Rowhani further adds that, "A continuation of the talks in their present format is impossible. The fundamental proposition that the Islamic Republic of Iran will resume its nuclear development in the near future is beyond question."
-- Roula Khalaf and Najmeh Bozorgmehr, "Diplomats Battle to Keep Alive Iran Nuclear Talks," Financial Times, 13 May 2005; "Nuclear Tug of War," Kommersant, 13 May 2005.

12 May 2005
Hassan Rowhani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator says, "The principal that we resume activities has been decided. We are discussing the conditions and timing of that." Mr. Rowhani further emphasizes that the start of nuclear activities in the near future are "definite." British Prime Minister Tony Blair stresses that diplomacy will be used and denies there is any talk about military action against Iran. However, Blair reiterates Iran will be referred to the UN Security Council if it breaks any of its nuclear obligations.
-- Ed Johnson, "Blair Backs U.N. Intervention for Iran," Associated Press, 12 May 2005.

12 May 2005
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani says his country will not respect the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) if it were to deny Iran the right to pursue peaceful nuclear applications.
--"Iran Won't Respect NPT if Nuke Rights Denied - Rohani," Reuters, 12 May 2005.

12 May 2005
Hossein Mousavian, a senior Iranian nuclear negotiator, says Iran is prepared to give negotiations a try before making a final decision about resuming its nuclear program.
--Roula Khalaf and Najmeh Bozorgmehr, "Diplomats Battle to Keep Alive Iran Nuclear Talks," Financial Times, 13 May 2005.

13 May 2005
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom states Iran will have the knowledge to build a nuclear bomb within six to nine months.
--"Israel Says Iran Will Have Nuclear Bomb Knowledge," Reuters, 13 May 2005.

15 May 2005
The Iranian parliament approves a nonbinding resolution urging the government to resume uranium enrichment for "peaceful use." Senior Iranian nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani adds that Tehran would not immediately resume uranium processing but emphasized negotiations can not continue unless some activities can be resumed.
--Neil MacFarquhar, "Iran Parliament Calls for Resuming Nuclear Fuel Development," New York Times, 15 May 2005.

18 May 2005
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says the EU-3 will hold new talks with Iran to discuss its nuclear program.
--"EU-Iran to Hold New Nuclear Talks," BBC, 18 May 2005.

18 May 2005
Iranian Supreme National Security Council negotiator Hossein Mousavian says his country requires incentives before any agreement can be reached regarding cessation of Tehran's nuclear development program. Mr. Mousavian indicates a contract for 10 nuclear reactors as a specific example, but reiterates that Iran will not abandon uranium enrichment.
--Neil MacFarquhar, "Iran Seeks Incentives from Europe in Impasse," New York Times, 18 May 2005.

19 May 2005
Iranian presidential candidate Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani says he is prepared to increase trust with the United States, but Washington must first extend the olive branch because a "positive step by the oppressed side [Iran] would indicate that we are weak or might be considered as a display of fear."
--Paul Homes and Barry Moody, "Rafsanjani Urges U.S. to Begin Thaw in Ties," Reuters, 19 May 2005.

20 May 2005
Iranian exile and former National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) spokesperson Alireza Jafarzadeh says Iran's Defense Ministry is smuggling graphite and graphite compounds, such as ceramic matrix composite (CMC), which could be used to encase a nuclear warhead. Mr. Jafarzadeth adds that a purported steel manufacturing plant near Ardekan is actually a graphite technology plant. Although CMC is a dual-use item, international trading of CMC is prohibited for use in nuclear weapons under the Missile Technology Control Regime.
--Tyler Marshall and Sonni Efron, "Iran Said to Smuggle Material for Warheads," Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2005; "Iran Reportedly Smuggling Nuclear-Related Materials," Global Security Newswire, 23 May 05.

21 May 2005
A proposal that Russia enrich uranium for Iran has not been discussed yet, says Ali Aghamohammadi of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The proposal involves exporting uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) gas, processed from mined uranium in Iran, to Russia where centrifuges will enrich it into atomic fuel for Tehran. Both Moscow and Tehran deny the idea came from their respective countries. U.S. officials acknowledge the proposal as "Russia has already agreed to provide at least the first decade's worth of enriched uranium fuel for Iran's nuclear reactor at Bushehr. So Iran would have no need to do any conversion work whatsoever," U.S. State Department Richard Boucher says.
--"Iran Douses Hope of Compromise in Nuclear Talks," Reuters, 21 May 2005; "Iran Reportedly Smuggling Nuclear-Related Materials," Global Security Newswire, 23 May 05.

22 May 2005
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi claims that if Tehran is turned over to the UN Security Council, "the Europeans will sustain more damage than us...and the Islamic Republic will act unilaterally." Mr. Asefi warns that if negotiations do not succeed, his country "will not be obliged to remain committed [to a previous agreement]."
--"Foreign Ministry Says Iran Will Have No Obligations if Nuclear Case Sent to UN," BBC, 22 May 2005; Nasser Karimi, "Iran Warns Europe to Make Nuke Talks Work," Associated Press, 22 May 2005.

22 May 2005
Russia's Atomic Energy Agency chief, Alexander Rumyantsev, reiterates that Moscow will continue its nuclear agreement with Iran to meet the scheduled operational date of the Bushehr power plant in late 2006.
--"Foreign Russia to Continue Nuclear Cooperation with Iran - Russian Nuclear Chief," BBC, 22 May 2005.

23 May 2005
Kazem Jalali of the Iranian Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee says his country has no reason to study a Russian proposal where Iran's uranium would be processed in Moscow, since access to the complete fuel cycle is an "inalienable right."
--"Iranian Lawmaker Sees 'No Reason' to Accept Russian Proposal on Uranium Enrichment," Mehr, 23 May 2005, in FBIS Document IAP2005052301002.

23 May 2005
Brazilian Science and Technology Minster Eduardo Campos says any nuclear partnership between Brazil and Venezuela which would involve Iran would be rejected. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he is interested in developing a nuclear power program to diversify his country's energy sources.
--"Venezuela May Begin Talks with Iran to Discuss the Possibility of Developing Nuke Power," Associated Press, 23 May 2005; "Brazil Would Refuse Nuclear Cooperation With Venezuela if Iran Included," Rio de Janiero O Globo, 23 May 05, in FBIS Document LAP20050523000012.

24 May 2005
As a possible compromise to end the current standoff, European officials indicate they may be open to allowing Iran some uranium research in the future. Surprised U.S. officials say, "We felt assured that conversion would not be on the table now or in the future."
--"Iran Nuclear Negotiators Reconvene in Geneva," Global Security Newswire, 25 May 2005.

25 May 2005
British, French, German, and Iranian officials meet in Geneva to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian President Mohammad Khatami says his country will move forward regardless of the outcome of the meeting, but adds "this doesn't mean breaking the suspension of the enrichment." Iran agrees to continue its suspension of sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for incentives. The European Union commits to provide Iran with detailed proposals outlining the incentives by early August. Iranian negotiator Hassan Rowhani says the European Union committed to help his country obtain nuclear reactors. In addition, the World Trade Organization agreed to proceed with accession talks with Tehran. Mr. Rowhani warns that the terms must still be approved by the government in Tehran.
--"EU and Iran Begin Nuclear Talks," BBC, 25 May 2005; "Iran Agrees to Extend Nuclear Suspension While Awaiting New EU Proposal," Global Security Newswire, 26 May 2005.

25 May 2005
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami says Tehran is "ready to compromise" and remove threats to resume enrichment activities. President Khatami adds that he does not consider activity at a uranium conversion facility as resumption of enrichment.
--"Iran Nuclear Negotiators Reconvene in Geneva," Global Security Newswire, 25 May 2005.

26 May 2005
Islamabad provides nuclear centrifuge parts to assist the IAEA with its ongoing investigation to determine if traces of enriched uranium found in Iran were supplied by Pakistani AQ Khan.
--"Pakistan Helps Iran Nuclear Probe," BBC, 26 May 2005.

26 May 2005
The United States removes veto on Iran's bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Mohammed Reza Alborzi, Iran's ambassador in Geneva, tells WTO delegates, "Today, this house with this decision has done service to itself by correcting a wrong."
--"U.S. Withdraws Veto on Iran Quest to Join WTO," Washington Times, 27 May 2005.

28 May 2005
Iran's Guardian Council passes a law that calls on the government to develop a nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment. "Approval for the parliamentary legislation into law by the Guardian Council means Europeans should forget the idea of asking Iran to permanently freeze its nuclear activities forever," says Nayereh Akhavan, an Iranian Majlis representative of Isfahan where Iran's nuclear facilities are located.
--"Iran's Guardian Council Approves Law Forcing Government to Develop Nuclear Technology," Associated Press, 28 May 2005.

28 May 2005
In an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says Iran is "very anxious to have the [nuclear] bomb." On the following day, President Musharraf says his statements were misunderstood due to misreporting and the comments should be removed.
--"Pakistan Denies Alleged Remarks of Musharraf on Iran Anxious for Nuclear Bomb," Xinhua, 29 May 2005.

30 May 2005
Iran will resume its peaceful use of nuclear activity, something guaranteed under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, says Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi. Mr. Asefi assures that his country will not pursue nuclear weapons.
-- "Spokesman Says Iran 'Definitely' to Resume Peaceful Nuclear Activities," Islamic Republic News Agency, 31 May 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050531014014.

30 May 2005
Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian Ambassador at the United Nation, says the United States is responsible for 90% of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty conference failures because of Washington's unwillingness to commit to nuclear disarmament. "Up to 10 kg of yellow cake is exempt from inspection and we can even exempt 57 kg as well. However, we did not do that. Until now, we have produced 530 tonnes of yellow cake and this has been done under the agency's supervision. Therefore, there were no clandestine activities," Dr. Zarif adds.
-- "Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Criticizes US Policy on NPT Review Conference," Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), 30 May 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050530011090.

31 May 2005
U.S. President George Bush says there is progress in the negotiations with Iran but the United States will not compromise with Tehran on the uranium enrichment issue.
-- "Bush Unwilling to Compromise on Iran Nuclear Issue," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 31 May 2005.

31 May 2005
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says the United States and its allies have successfully intercepted 11 shipments of nuclear materials destined for Iran and North Korea in the past 9 months. "I've cited several cases involving countries of proliferation concern, including Iran," Mr. Boucher adds. "PSI [Proliferation Security Initiative] partners, working at times with others, have prevented Iran from procuring goods to support its missile and WMD programs, including its nuclear program," U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says in a speech marking the second anniversary of the PSI.
-- "U.S. Says it Intercepted Nuclear Material for North Korea, Iran," Bloomberg, 1 June 2005; "ROK's Yonhap: U.S. Intercepts Nuclear, Chemical Materials to N. Korea," Seoul Yonhap, 1 June 2005, in FBIS Document KPP20050601000029.

1 June 2005
A letter addressed to Iranian President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami from Majlis deputies calls on the government to implement the law and carry out peaceful nuclear research. Alireza Zakani, a member of the Majlis presiding board, reads the letter during the Majlis session. A bill specifically ordering the government to continue enrichment is prepared but not passed as a sign of goodwill to display Iran's nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes only.
-- "175 Majles Members Urge President Khatami to Pursue Nuclear Activities," Islamic Republic News Agency, 1 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050601014037.

3 June 2005
EU diplomats say Iran has rejected the delay in negotiations and wants to resume talks within one month. Uranium enrichment must be part of any talks and include at least foreign ministry political directors, an EU diplomat adds. An "informed" source tells the Iranian Labor News Agency the response to the EU is not negative.
-- "AFP Cites Diplomats Saying Iran Wants EU3 Talks to Resume Quickly," Agence France Presse, 3 June 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050603102011; "Iranian Official Denies Negative Response to EU Nuclear Request," Iranian Labor News Agency, 3 June 2005, in FBIS Document AP20050603011026.

5 June 2005
Iranian presidential candidate Mohsen Reza'i announces nuclear enrichment will resume within Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty guidelines if he is elected. Mr. Reza'i is the former commander in chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corp and current secretary of the Expediency Council.
-- "Iran Presidential Candidate Reza'i Says He Will Resume Nuclear Enrichment," Financial Times, 5 June 2005.

5 June 2005
Iran agrees to temporarily freeze its nuclear program until the end of July when the EU will provide a proposal for the next round of talks says, Ali Aghamohammadi, a spokesman for Iran's National Security Council. "To make Iran's nuclear facilities active in a proper way, both sides should work toward providing guarantees," Aghamohammadi adds.
-- "Iran Extends Temporary Freeze on Nuclear Enrichment Until End of July," Associated Press, 6 June 2005; "Iran Says it Will Delay its Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 6 June 2005.

5 June 2005
Sirous Nasseri, head of the Iranian delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency, says his country will soon reach a decision on the EU-3's proposal. "Everything will become clear soon. There is not much time left until the final decision," Mr. Nasseri adds.
-- "Iran 'Top Nuclear Negotiator' Says Iran Will Reach Decision on Europe's Proposal 'Soon'," Tehran Kayhan, 13 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050606011012.

7 June 2005
Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, Hassan Rowhani, tells reporters "Iran is not seeking WMDs [weapons of mass destruction] because possession of such weapons is against our ethical and religious tenets." Mr. Rowhani adds that WMDs will not play an active role in his government's defense strategy now or in the future.
-- "AFP Rowhani Says Iran Ready to Expand Security Cooperation with Kuwait," Mehr, 7 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050607011032; "Iran's Rowhani UAE President Discuss Regional Security," Islamic Republic News Agency, 7 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP 20050607011063.

7 June 2005
Asadollah Saburi, deputy head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, announces he will visit the Russian nuclear power plant Kalinin. Mr. Saburi is also in charge of overseeing the construction of the Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran.
-- "Iranian Delegation to Visit Russian NPP," RIA novosti, 7 June 2005.

9 June 2005
Initial testing of traces of weapons grade uranium found in Iran two years ago appears to have originated outside of Iran, say two IAEA diplomats. Additional testing is still required and final results will not be available for another month, one of the senior diplomats adds. Both diplomats insist anonymity since they are not authorized to discuss any of the confidential results.
-- George Jahn, "Official: Probe Backs Iran on Nuke Claims," Associated Press, 9 June 2005.

9 June 2005
Western intelligence officials report that preparatory work is underway at the Natanz plant in Iran to install thousands of centrifuges. The officials say 54,000 centrifuges will be manufactured and installed in the underground facility and that 2/3 of them would be P-2 models.
-- Douglas Frantz, "Iran Preparing for Advanced Nuclear Work, Officials Say," Los Angles Times, 9 June 2005.

10 June 2005
A senior diplomat from the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that determining the origin of uranium traces found in Iran may be difficult since the samples consist of different enrichment levels and compositions.
-- "Even in Best Case for Tehran, Tests May Not Absolve Iran Fully," Global Security Newswire, 10 June 2005.

10 June 2005
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami issues a statement stressing that the law to acquire peaceful nuclear technology be fully enforced. The law compels Iran to equip the country with peaceful nuclear technology including the fuel cycle within the framework of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
-- "Iran to Implement Law to Acquire Peaceful Nuclear Technology," Financial Times, 10 June 2005.

12 June 2005
The London Sunday Times reports that North Korean construction experts are in Iran surveying and assisting with secret constructions of underground bunkers that could hide nuclear weapons projects.
-- Con Coughlin, "North Korea to Help Iran Dig Secret Missile Bunkers," London Sunday Times, 12 June 2005.

12 June 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no violations after inspecting Natanz. Tehran had barred the IAEA from entering parts of this facility during past inspections.
-- "Iran: Spokesman Says IAEA Reports No Violation in Iran's Nuclear Program," Islamic Republic News Agency, 10 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050612011005.

14 June 2005
During his opening statement to the board, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohammed ElBaradei announces that Iran needs to facilitate the IAEA's job by cooperating with investigators and allowing access to more suspected weapons sites. The United States says there is one site where Iran may be testing components for nuclear weapons and the IAEA believes there is another where dual purpose equipment may be stored. "I would...ask Iran to support the agency's efforts to pursue further its investigation of the Lavizan-Shian and Parchin sites," ElBaradei adds.
-- Susan Loof, "IAEA Urges More Cooperation From Iran," Associated Press, 15 June 2005; Louis Charbonneau and Francois Murphy, "UN's ElBaradei Demands Access to Iran Military Site," Reuters, 14 June 2005.

15 June 2005
Head of the Iranian delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Sirous Nasseri says visits to sites, such as Parchin, go beyond IAEA required inspections. The United States claims high explosive testing involving nuclear materials are occurring at Parchin.
-- "Iranian Negotiator 'Hints' No Inspections at Suspect Nuclear Site 'Anytime Soon'," Agence France Presse, 15 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050615102019.

15 June 2005
A draft IAEA report indicates Tehran has admitted to processing plutonium as recently as 1998 after being confronted with the results of samples collected in Iran. A draft speech is scheduled to be made to the International Atomic Energy Agency on June 16 by deputy director for safeguards Pierre Goldschmidt.
-- "More on IAEA Says Iran Admits to Processing Plutonium in 1998," Agence France Presse, 15 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050615102022; Richard Bernstein, "Iran Said to Admit Tests on Path to Atom Arms," New York Times, 16 June 2005.

15 June 2005
Iranian presidential candidate Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani says "it's possible that at times, Iran has not reported its activities." The International Atomic Energy Agency draft report indicates that Iran reported receiving bellows [used to connect rotors in a gas centrifuge] in 1997 when in fact the date is closer to 1994/95. The report further says Tehran admitted to "purifying one bottle of plutonium in 1995 and solution in a second bottle as late as 1998." Mr. Rafsanjani accuses the IAEA of not assisting Iran with its peaceful use of nuclear technology.
-- "Austria: IAEA Expecting New Revelations on Iran Plutonium Experiments," Agence France Presse, 16 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050616102016; "Iran 'Misled UN on Nuclear Work'," BBC, 15 June 2005.

16 June 2005
IAEA Director for Safeguards Pierre Goldschmidt states Iran has admitted to providing incorrect information about past experiments involving plutonium. Tehran had claimed all such research ceased in 1993, but results from recent tests show experiments took place in 1995 and 1998. "Iran confirmed the agency's understanding with regard to the chronology," Mr. Goldschmidt adds. The IAEA is still also attempting to obtain crucial shipping documents from Tehran to determine the amount of enrichment related equipment Iran has received. "The agency has asked to see the original supporting documentation of the two Iranian representatives who participated in the meetings with the intermediaries. No positive reply has been received thus far," the report says.
-- Greg Webb, "Iran Admits Misstating Plutonium Program to IAEA," Global Security Newswire, 16 June 2005; Alissa Rubin, "Iran Admits More Nuclear Activity," New York Times, 16 June 2005.

16 June 2005
In response to a request from the British Prime Minister and French President to stop uranium enrichment, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says, "we have always emphasized the need to have fuel cycle in line with the international conventions and are waiting for a comprehensive plan from the EU to recognize Iranian right to enrich uranium to produce fuel for power plant."
-- "Iran Rejects UK-French Call to Halt Uranium Enrichment," Islamic Republic News Agency, 16 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050616012001.

17 June 2005
Iran claims the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) erred when it reported on Tehran's nuclear experiments. The Iranian delegation says research related to plutonium separation terminated in 1993, but "other activities such as the ones related to purification and related waste management [continued.]" IAEA Chief ElBaradei denies Iran's claim and says the report is correct.

The IAEA sets up a special committee to address difficult verification problems such as Iran's nuclear program. U.S. ambassador Jackie Sanders tells reporters: "The proliferation challenges of today, including North Korea and Iran and the revelation of nuclear procurement networks, call for more evolution. The new committee should play a key role in helping us meet these challenges."
-- George Jahn, "IAEA to Crack Down on Nuke Proliferators," Associated Press, 17 June 2005; "Iran Rejects IAEA Accusation on Plutonium," Agence France Presse, 17 June 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050617102020.

17 June 2005
Deputy Head of Political and International Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Ali Asghar Soltani complains about the recent release of sensitive nuclear information. "Once again, certain confidential and technical information about the research project of dividing Pu [plutonium] was provided to the Security Council members that led to the devising of a well-documented and comprehensive discussion and expressing of opinions on a wide range of issues highlighted in the report of the IAEA deputy head, including the Pu project," Mr. Soltani adds.
-- "Iran Protest Leakage to Media of Sensitive Nuclear Information," Islamic Republic News Agency, 17 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050617011050.

18 June 2005
Head of the Iranian delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Sirous Nasseri announces that the IAEA will be visiting Iran to resolve the plutonium production issue. Mr. Nasseri claims the confusion is a result of a difference of opinion and his country has agreed to some experiments in order to reach a clear result.
-- "International Atomic Energy Agency Delegation Will Visit Iran to Resolve Plutonium Issue," Financial Times, 18 June 2005.

23 June 2005
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says Iran's nuclear agreement with Russia is consistent with the NPT. "Russia is under contract first to provide both the design of the nuclear power plant at Bushehr in Iran and also to supply it with fuel and that is consistent with both Russia and Iran's obligations under the NPT," Secretary Straw adds.
-- "Russia to Deliver Nuclear Fuel for Bushehr Power Plant in Few Months - Iranian Official," Moscow News, 23 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050622011003.

23 June 2005
Former UNMOVIC chief Hans Blix states Iran is "many years away from being able to convert enriched uranium into a bomb." Mr. Blix describes the Bushehr nuclear plant as being built with low-grade nuclear technology, but warns that Iran has "acquired the capacity to enrich uranium out of their own uranium that they dig out of the ground."
--"Blix Says Iran 'Many Years Away' from Nuclear Bomb-Making Capacity," Agence France Presse, 23 June 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050623102002.

24 June 2005
Senior nuclear negotiator for the Iranian Supreme National Security Council Hossein Mousavian announces that 95% of Iranians support the government's nuclear program.
--"Determined to Continue Civilian Nuclear Programme - Official," Financial Times, 24 June 2005.

26 June 2005
Iranian President elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he will support his government's nuclear program. "It is the right of the Iranian nation to move forward in all fields and acquire modern technology. Nuclear technology is the outcome of scientific progress of Iranian youth," Mr. Ahmadinejad adds.
--"Ahmadinezhad: Iran Will Continue Nuclear Program, Says Does Not Need US Help," IRNA, 26 June 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050626011045.

27 June 2005
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder urges new nuclear talks with Tehran after the Iranian presidential elections. The new negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program must provide "verifiable guarantees that Iran did not build any nuclear weapons," Chancellor Schroeder adds.
--"Germany's Schroeder Urges New Talks on Iran's Nuclear Program," Cologne Deutschlandfunk, 27 June 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050627086006.

27 June 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors arrive in Iran for what Iranian state-run television says are "within the framework of regular inspections of designated sites."
--"UN Nuclear Inspectors Return to Iran," Agence France Presse, 27 June 2005.

27 June 2005
U.S. President George Bush tells German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder that the EU-3 must continue applying pressure on Tehran to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear arms arsenal. "My message to the chancellor is that we continue working with Great Britain, France and Germany to send a focused, concerted, unified message that says the development of a nuclear weapon is unacceptable and a process which would enable Iran to development a nuclear weapon is unacceptable," President Bush adds.
--"Bush Maintains Support for European Diplomatic Effort on Iranian Nuclear Program," Global Security Newswire, 27 June 2005.

28 June 2005
Aleksander Rumyantsev, head of Russia's Atomic Energy Agency, says "Tehran intends to build another six nuclear reactors." "When Iran announces new tenders to construct nuclear reactors, we'll take part in them," Rumyantsev adds.
--"Russia Wants to Build More Nuke Reactors for Iran," Reuters, 28 June 2005.

28 June 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors arrive in Iran to inspect nuclear facilities.
--"IAEA Experts Arrive in Iran to Inspect Nuclear Facilities," RIA Novosti, 28 June 2005.

29 June 2005
U.S. President George Bush issues an executive order "freezing all US assets of eight organizations in Iran, North Korea and Syria deemed to be involved in weapons proliferation, including the Iranian government's Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI)." The order will also be used to prevent other countries from engaging in business with those identified as proliferators.
--"Sanctions Threat Over Iran Nuclear Programme," Financial Times, 1 July 2005.

2 July 2005
A high-level official French source says Paris has "intelligence information indicating that Tehran is continuing with its nuclear activities despite its commitment to cease the enrichment and conversion operations."
--"French Source Underlines France's 'Hard-line' Stand on Iran's Nuclear Activities," Al-Sharq al-Awsat, 2 July 2005, in FBIS Document GMP20050702700003.

5 July 2005
Gholamreza Aqazadeh, director of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO), says he is not optimistic about the European long-term accord. Mr. Aqazadeh adds that his country is willing to give concessions, but only if Tehran can continue its nuclear activities.
--"IAEO Chief Says Abandoning Nuclear Fuel Cycle 'Greatest Historical Mistake'," Mission for Establishment of Human Rights, 5 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050705011054.

5 July 2005
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi tells reporters that "the Europeans should submit their proposal on Iran's nuclear activities by 1 August. However, we will not accept their proposal unless our right to enrich uranium is recognized."
--"Iran's Asefi Says Uranium Enrichment Right Non-Negotiable," Islamic Students News Agency, 5 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050705011038.

6 July 2005
Iran's state news agency reports that Hassan Rowhani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, has resigned. A spokesman for Mr. Rowhani denies the report and says he will remain at his position until the new president takes office.
--Nasser Karimi, "Iran's Top Nuclear Negotiator Resigns, State News Agency Says, but Spokesman Denies Report," Associated Press, 6 July 2005; "Iranian Nuclear Chief 'Resigns'," Independent, 7 July 2005.

6 July 2005
Gholamreza Aqazadeh, Director of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO), says his government is willing to compromise on the "condition that we can continue our nuclear activities." Mr. Aqazadeh adds that he is not optimistic about the European proposals due by the end of July.
--"Iran's Access to Civilian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Irreversible; IAEO Director," Tehran Times, 6 July 2005.

7 July 2005
Iran asks the International Atomic Energy Agency if it can "break U.N. seals and test atomic equipment that has been mothballed under an agreement with three European Union powers." Mohammed Saeedi, deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization says the testing would not violate Tehran's voluntary suspension of nuclear activities.
--"Iran Seeks Permission to Test Nuclear Equipment," Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2005.

6 July