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 2005
Intelligence reports obtained from a non-U.S. diplomat in Austria indicate nuclear cooperation between North Korea and Iran has increased. One report says an academic delegation consisting of North Korean scientists and atomic technicians held a secret masters course in Tehran on dual-use nuclear technology.
--Louis Charbonneau, "N. Korea Provides Nuclear Aid to Iran - Intel Reports," Reuters, 6 July 2005.

8 July 2005
Kazem Jalali of the Iranian Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee announces that Iran will build 20 nuclear power plants over the next few years.
--"Iran Discusses Plans for 20 Nuclear Power Plants with Russia," Interfax, 8 July 2005, in FBIS Document CEP20050708027167.

12 July 2005
Ali Aqa Mohammadi, head of the Iranian Publicity Committee of the Supreme National Security Council announces that the Iran-EU working committee for nuclear issues will resume talks on 18 July. Head of the Iranian delegation to the IAEA Sirous Nasseri and senior nuclear negotiator for the Iranian Supreme National Security Council Hossein Mousavian reiterate that if the official European proposal does not address the main issues raised by Iran, Tehran would resume uranium conversion at the Isfahan facility.
--"Israeli Iran-EU to Resume Nuclear Talks 18 July; Resuming Uranium Conversion Issue Raised," Tehran Vision, 12 July 2005, in FBIS Document AP20050712011037; Nazila Fathi, " Iranians Warning Europe of Resumed Atomic Effort," New York Times, 12 July 2005.

13 July 2005
Head of Russian agency Rosatom Aleksander Rumyantsev proposes to the International Atomic Energy Agency a "scheme to set up a guaranteed reserve stock of nuclear fuel, which would be placed under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This reserve would guarantee fuel deliveries to nuclear power plants in the event that commercial deliveries stop."
--"Russia Proposes Creating Reserve Stock of Nuclear Fuel Under IAEA Control," RIA Novosti, 13 July 2005.

13 July 2005
Iran's senior nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani says he may be replaced and the new negotiating team may reverse Tehran's decision to freeze uranium related work. "I don't think anyone is against negotiations, but there might be a difference in our approach about suspension. It is possible that this different viewpoint may be implemented," Rowhani adds.
--Paul Hughes, "Iran's Top Nuclear Negotiator Says May be Replaced," Reuters, 13 July 2005.

17 July 2005
Hossein Mousavian, nuclear negotiator for the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, says the European Union is waiting for the new Iranian government to form before nuclear negotiations continue.
--"Iran's Nuclear Negotiator says EU to Continue Talks when New Government Formed," IRNA, 18 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050717011049.

18 July 2005
Mohammad Mohaddessin, chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group, warns that Iran's mullahs have made progress in their pursuit of a nuclear bomb and adds that terrorist and fundamentalist activities will continue.
--"Iranian Resistance Warns of Mullahs' Efforts to Acquire Nuclear Bombs," National Council of Resistance of Iran, 18 July 2005.

18 July 2005
Hossein Mousavian, a senior nuclear negotiator for the Iranian Supreme National Security Council says "as a result of the negotiations [between the EU-3 and Iran], not only Iran's nuclear capabilities were preserved, and we were spared a military attack, but we were also able to complete our nuclear capabilities because of the atmosphere it created."
--"Iranian Resistance Warns of Mullahs' Efforts to Acquire Nuclear Bombs," National Council of Resistance of Iran, 18 July 2005.

18 July 2005
Insufficient funds by the Iranian government have delayed construction and pushed back the completion date of the Bushehr plant by several months, says a Russian Atomstroyeksport representative. Sergey Stepashin, head of the Russian Audit Chamber, announces that a parallel Russian-Iranian investigation will be initiated to determine why the project has been delayed. Stepashin says that Yevgeniy Adamov, former Russian minister for nuclear energy who established Atomstroyeksport in 1998 (currently under arrest in Switzerland on fraud charges brought by the United States), will also be questioned.
--"Russian Official Says Lack of Funds from Iran Delaying Bushehr Nuclear Project," Interfax, 18 July 2005, in FBIS Document CEP20050718027210; "Iran Wants to Questions Former Russian Nuclear Energy Minister Adamov, Arrested in Switzerland," Bellona, 18 July 2005.

18 July 2005
Senior nuclear negotiator for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Hossein Mousavian, says Iran will grant the EU-3 an extension to “reach an understanding with the new government and the new Iran-EU negotiating team regarding a fuel cycle settlement…[but] if the EU insists upon suspension of uranium enrichment…Iran will reject this demand.”
─ “Senior Iranian Official: Europe Will Recognize Iran’s Right to a Limited Nuclear Fuel Cycle; Iran to Start Operations at Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility,” Middle East Media Research Institute , No. 940, 22 July 2005.

19 July 2005
Ala’eddin Borujerdi, head of the Iranian National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Majles warns that “If the Europeans’ suggestion does not guarantee Iran’s access to peaceful nuclear technology, the Islamic Republic of Iran will stop the process of nuclear negotiations with Europe.”
─ “Iran: Majles Members Assert Right to Develop Peaceful Nuclear Technology,” Keyhan, 19 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050725011043.

20 July 2005
Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Hassan Rowhani, announces that the EU-3 will present Iran with its final comprehensive plan on Tehran’s nuclear issue in early August.
─ “Iranian Nuclear Spokesman Says Rowhani’s Message Delivered to EU,” Mehr, 22 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050722011041.

20 July 2005
According to the Iranian newspaper Keyhan, former Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) chief Ali Larijani will replace Kamal Kharrazi as Iran’s foreign minister.
─ “Iranian ‘Transition Committee’ Favors Former Media Chief for Foreign Ministry,” Iran News, 20 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050720011089.

21 July 2005
Iran’s president-elect, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Tehran will not pursue atomic weapons or submit to international pressure to abandon its nuclear program.
─ “President-Elect Says No to Nuclear Arms,” Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2005.

21 July 2005
Iran’s president elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tells a religious gathering that the international community must endeavor to destroy weapons of mass destruction.  “We hate nuclear weapons, we are committed to international regulations but will not submit to the irrational wishes of and pressures from other powers,” adds Mr. Ahmadinejad.
─ “Iranian President-Elect Calls on International Community to Destroy WMD,” Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1, 21 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050721011033.

22 July 2005
French President Jacques Chirac says Iran will be referred to the U.N. Security Council if they do not eliminate the threat of nuclear proliferation. “I hope that [the negotiations] will succeed and eliminate the danger of the proliferation of nuclear weapons,” Chirac adds. “If this does not prove to be the case, it will, of course, be necessary to transfer the handling to the UN Security Council.”
─ Adar Primor, “Chirac: Iran’s Nuclear Plan May Lead to Sanctions,” Haaretz, 22 July 2005.

23 July 2005
Iran’s Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi says, “If the European proposals ignore Iran’s right to have access to peaceful nuclear technology we will reject it and decide on another course of action.”
─ “Foreign Minister Kharrazi Says Iran May Reject EU Nuclear Proposals,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 23 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050723009010.

23 July 2005
Over 13,000 professors and students present Iranian President Mohammad Khatami with a letter calling on him to lift the suspension on uranium enrichment.  The letter called on the government “to defend our scientific dignity and national pride.”
─ “Thousands of Iranian Academics Urge President Khatami to End Nuclear Suspension,” Mehr, 23 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050723011047; “Iranian Students Urge Tehran to Resume Nuclear Program,” Associated Press, 23 July 2005.

24 July 2005
EU nonproliferation chief Annalisa Giannella says that Europe is interested in getting from Iran an “‘objective guarantee’ that their nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.”  Asked if permanent cessation of uranium enrichment is the only way Iran can meet that need, Ms. Giannella responds that any enrichment related activities cannot be regarded as carrying out “normal activities”.
─ Oliver Meier, “The European Union’s Nonproliferation Strategy: An Interview with Annalisa Giannella, the Personal Representative on Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction to EU High Representative Javier Solana,” Arms Control Association, 24 July 2005.

25 July 2005
German magazine Der Spiegel reports that Iran continues to purchase additional nuclear weapons parts.  According to secret documents viewed by Der Spiegel, Iran instructs its South Korean partners to purchase materials from, for example, the French-based company EADS Sodern, once in South Korea the items are shipped to Iran.  Through this method, where the seller is not aware of the final buyer, Iran has purchased 300 units of Nickel 63 and tritium targets.  Both items are considered dual-use products which can be used to build a nuclear bomb or as part of a peaceful nuclear energy reactor.
─ “German Magazine Reports Iran Continuing to Buy Parts for Nuclear Weapons,” Financial Times, 25 July 2005; “Iran Acquiring Nuclear Parts from Europe – Report,” Iran Focus, 26 July 2005.

27 July 2005
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami says regardless of the EU proposal, Iran will resume uranium enrichment.  An unidentified high ranking Iranian nuclear official adds that part of the nuclear activities will “begin on 1 August if Europe fails to respect the countrys minimum demand at this stage.”
─ “Iran Firm on Nuclear Resumption,” BBC, 27 July 2005; “Iran Informs IAEA of Intention to Resume Activities at ‘Some’ Nuclear Centers,” Mehr, 27 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050727005002.

28 July 2005
Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran Mohammad Mohaddessin states that Tehran is acquiring Maraging Steel to produce a nuclear bomb through illicit means.  Mr. Mohaddessin claims the steel is illegally smuggled to Iran from other countries by the Iranian Defense Ministry imports, the Iranian National Steel Company (NSC) and its Director General, Amir Harati.  Mr. Mohaddessin accuses the regime of using different front companies to illegally purchase Maraging Steel, such as ASCOTEC, in Iran, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, and ICS in Russia.
─ “Iran Secretly Acquiring Super-Strong Steel for Nuclear Bomb - Exile,” Iran Focus, 28 July 2005; “Iran After Obtaining Maraging Steel to Build Nuclear Bomb Casing,” National Council of Resistance of Iran, 28 July 2005.

31 July 2005
Mehdi Akhundzadeh, Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Sirous Nasseri, Iran’s nuclear negotiator, submit a letter to the IAEA, which states that Iran will break the seals and resume nuclear activities at the Esfahan Uranium Conversion Facility.  Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi adds that the resumption of nuclear activities will not include the advanced process required to make fuel or weapons.
─ “Official Says Iran to Break Seal at Esfahan UCF in Presence of IAEA Inspectors,” Mission for Establishment of Human Rights, 31 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050731011032; Nazila Fathi and Alan Cowell, “Iran Threatens to Resume Uranium Enrichment,” New York Times, 1 August 2005.

31 July 2005
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Hassan Rowhani, says the EU-3 must provide a non-aggressions pledge as one incentive for Tehran to forfeit uranium enrichment.  Mr. Rowhani also agrees that Iran should continue it freeze on nuclear activities for the time being.
─ “Iran Threatens to Resume Nuclear Program Unless EU Offers Non-Aggression Deal,” Guardian, 1 August 2005, in FBIS Document GMP20050801618005.

1 August 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says that Monday is the last day the EU-3 can submit its proposal to Iran and that there will be no further opportunities to offer their comprehensive plans.
─ “Iran Says ‘No Other Opportunity’ for EU to Submit Nuclear Proposals,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 27 July 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050801011008.

1 August 2005
A high-ranking Israeli Defense Forces officer says that Tel-Aviv has revised its earlier estimate that Iran would have a nuclear bomb by 2008.  Based on new intelligence the estimate is closer to 2012.  The officer adds that Iran no longer operates parallel secret military and civilian nuclear program, citing that the military nuclear weapons program is now dependent on its civilian program.  In January of 2005, Israeli Mossad Chief Meri Dagan and Vice President Shimon Peres said Iran was the world’s most serious threat because it was less than three years away from building a nuclear bomb. 
─ “Israel’s New Estimate: Iran has no Secret Military Track, to have A-Bomb by 2012,” Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2005, in FBIS Document GMP20050801618005.

1 August 2005
A new U.S. National Intelligence Estimate concludes that Iran is ten years away from developing a nuclear weapon.
─ Dafna Linzer, “Iran is Judged 10 Years from Nuclear Bomb,” Washington Post, 2 August 2005.

1 August 2005
The mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran presents the Secretariat of the IAEA a Verbal Note stating that the EU-3 proposal, “fails to address Iran’s rights for peaceful development of nuclear technology, [and] even falls far short of correcting the illegal and unjustified restrictions placed on Iran’s economic and technological development…and firm commitments on security issues.”  The Iranian Mission further states that the negotiations are not proceeding and that the EU-3 goal is to keep the suspension in place.  In light of the IAEA Board of Governors underlining the suspension as “a voluntary, non-legal binding confidence building measure,” Iran announces it will resume the uranium conversion activities at the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) on 1 August 2005.  Iran is committed to non-proliferation and a zone free of WMD in the Middle East, therefore the Islamic Republic of Iran will “continue in good faith and in an expeditious and result-oriented manner, its negotiations with E3/EU,” the Iranian Mission concludes.
─ “Verbal Note from the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” INFCIRC/648, Verbal Note No.: 350-1-17/928, 1 August 2005.

1 August 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei calls on Iran to “continue the negotiation process with the E3/EU and not to take any action that might prejudice the process at this critical stage when the E3/EU are expected to deliver a package addressing security and political, economic and nuclear issues.”  “I also call on Iran not to take any unilateral action that could undermine the Agency inspection process at a time when the Agency is making steady progress in resolving outstanding issues.”
─ “Statement by the IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei on Iran,” International Atomic Energy Agency, 1 August 2005.

1 August 2005
Iran announces in an official Note Verbale to the IAEA that it will resume uranium activities at the Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility.  The United Nations tells Iran that it could take the International Atomic Energy Agency up to 10 days to install the necessary surveillance equipment at the Isfahan facility before nuclear activities can restart.
─ Nazila Fathi, “Iran Tells Europe it’s Devoted to Nuclear Efforts and Talks,” New York Times, 4 August 2005;  “Note Verbale from the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” International Atomic Energy Agency, INFCIRC/648, 1 August 2005.

2 August 2005
Ali Agha Mohammadi, spokesman for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, says his government has agreed to a two-day delay so that the International Atomic Energy Agency can oversee the dismantling of the United Nations seals at the Isfahan nuclear conversion facility.  Iran is also willing to suspend restarting nuclear work if the EU-3 submit draft proposals through 7 August, Mr. Mohammadi adds.  IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming says, “We have sent a letter to Iran indicating that it would take at least a week to get our surveillance equipment and other required measures in place.”
─ Ali Akbar Dareini, “Iran to Delay Reopening Nuclear Plant,” Associated Press, 2 August 2005; “Iran Delays Resumption of Isfahan Nuclear Center,” RIA-Novosti, 2 August 2005.

2 August 2005
The British Foreign Office warns Iran that if it resumes nuclear activities at the Isfahan facility, “negotiations between Iran and Europe would probably be halted.”
─ Nazila Fathi, “Iran Says it will Break U.N. Seals at a Nuclear Plant,” New York Times, 2 August 2005.

2 August 2005
White House spokesman Scott McClellan states that Iran will be referred to the United Nations Security Council if Tehran restarts nuclear related activities.  “We’ve made clear that if Iran’s going to violate its agreement and restart uranium reprocessing and enrichment activities, then we would have to look to the next step, and we’d be talking with our Europeans friends about that next step,” McClellan adds.
─ “US Issues Warning After Iran Threat to Resume Nuclear Work,” Bahrain Tribune, 3 August 2005.

2 August 2005
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy calls Iran’s announcement to resume nuclear activities a “major international crisis”.  Minister Douste-Blazy insist Tehran must return to the negotiation table and “if the Iranians still do not accept what the council of governors propose, then the international community must turn to the Security Council [and] we will see what type of sanctions to give to Iran,” Douste-Blazy adds.
─ Christine Ollivier, “France Urges U.N. Intervention with Iran,” Associated Press, 2 August 2005.

3 August 2005
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Hassan Rowhani, says Iran wants to continue negotiations with the EU-3 and restart nuclear activities.  “Once the Isfahan plant restarts, we want to continue the negotiations with the Europeans,” Mr. Rowhani adds.
─ Nazila Fathi, “Iran Tells Europe it’s Devoted to Nuclear Efforts and Talks,” New York Times, 4 August 2005; “Iran Anger at European ‘Threat’,” BBC, 4 August 2005.

3 August 2005
France, Germany and Great Britain submit a letter to Iran urging them not to resume enrichment activities or dialogue between the countries would cease.  Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani responds and says, “They [the EU-3] have clearly told us that if uranium conversion activities start, the talks will be cut off, but this is not acceptable to us.  We are ready to continue the talks and the talks would never be cut off by us. But if Europe is willing to stop the talks, this is up to them . . . Iran is prepared to stand against any threats and in case of referral to the Security Council, it is the Europeans who will lose and not Iranians.”
─ Najmed Bozorgmehr and Christopher Adams, “Iran Calls Decision on Uranium ‘Irreversible’,” Financial Times, 4 August 2005

3 August 2005
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council spokesman Ali Aghamohammadi says the request by the International Atomic Energy Agency to suspend restarting uranium conversion for one week while surveillance equipment is installed is unacceptable. 
─ “Iran Hopes for Nuclear Restart,” CNN, 4 August 2005.

4 August 2005
Iran's chief nuclear affairs negotiator and Supreme National Security Council member Hossein Mousavian, says in a televised interview that the Esfahan Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) was completed in 2004.  “Thanks to our dealings with Europe, even when we got a 50-day ultimatum, we managed to continue the work for two years. This way we completed (the UCF) in Esfahan. This way we carried out the work to complete Natanz, and on top of that, we even gained benefits.”  Mr. Mousavian adds that “Within that year, the Natanz project reached a stage where the small number of centrifuges required for the preliminary stage, could operate.  In Esfahan, we have reached UF4 and UF6 production stages.”
─ “Chief Iranian Nuclear Affairs Negotiator Hosein Musavian: The Negotiations with Europe Bought Us Time to Complete the Esfahan UCF Project and the Work on the Centrifuges in Natanz ,” MEMRI, 4 August 2005.

5 August 2005
A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency announces that the governing board will hold a special session to discuss Iran’s nuclear program on 9 August.
─ “Update 1 – EU3 Calls UN Nuclear Agency Meeting on Iran – IAEA,” Reuters, 5 August 2005.

5 August 2005
German, French and British Ambassadors deliver the ‘Framework for a Long-term Agreement’ proposal to Iran.  An accompanying letter states the, “E3/EU remain open to discussion of all proposals that could lead to the conclusion of satisfactory long-term arrangements on the basis of the Paris Agreement.”  The 34 page document sets out possible elements for a future agreement and consist of five main topics: Preamble, Political & Security Co-Operation, Long-Term Support for Iran’s Civil Nuclear Programme, Economic & Technological Co-Operation, and Review Mechanism.  Under Long-Term Support for Iran’s Civil Nuclear Programme the proposal specifically calls on Iran to exclude fuel-cycle related activity, make a “binding commitment not to pursue fuel cycle activities other than the construction and operation of light water power and research reactors”, and “stop construction of its Heavy Water Research Reactor at Arak”.
─ “Text of European Union’s Proposal to Iran,” Mehr, 8 August 2005.

5 August 2005
Senior nuclear negotiator for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Hossein Mousavian announces his country rejects the European Union’s package of trade and technology incentives because it requires Tehran to abandon all nuclear fuel work.  “The proposals are unacceptable…[and] negate Iran’s inalienable right,” says Mr. Mousavian.  The proposal, part of a document titled ‘Framework for a Long-term Agreement’, offers Iran long-term support of its civilian nuclear program, but does not allow Tehran to pursue fuel cycle activities with the exception of light water power and research reactors.
─ “Iran Rejects ‘Unacceptable’ EU Nuclear Offer,” Agence France Presse, 5 August 2005; Ed Johnson, “Europe Offers Iran Civilian Nuke Support,” Associated Press, 5 August 2005.

6 August 2005
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says Tehran will not be intimidated by the European’s or referral to the U.N. Security Council.  “Iran is not much familiar with the language of threat, and it is not effective,” Asefi tells reporters at a weekly briefing. “What interests us is cooperation. We advise Europe to withdraw its threats.”
─ “Iran Dismisses Prospects of Being Referred to UN Security Council,” Associated Press, 7 August 2005.

6 August 2005
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is sworn in as Iran’s new president.
─ “Iran Swears in Hardline President,” BBC, 6 August 2005.

7 August 2005
Head of Foreign Policy Committee of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Manouchehr Mottaki, says that the seals at the Isfahan facility should be removed by 8 August.  “After unsealing of Isfahan's UCF, we should announce our readiness to negotiate with European partners to unseal Natanz facility and restart fuel cycle work”, Mr. Mottaki states at the Majlis opening session.
─ “Iran: MP Calls for Breaking Seals at Esfahan by 8 Aug,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 7 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050807011023.

7 August 2005
Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Gholamreza Aqazadeh officially rejects Europe’s recent proposal regarding Iran’s nuclear issues.  “The issues which are peripheral to the main topics of discussion in the negotiations…must be eliminated from the main agenda of the negotiations. That is because we believe that such issues have overshadowed the main issues,” Mr. Aqazadeh says.  “In their proposal, they have used certain words to call for the total stoppage of nuclear activities and this ranges from mining uranium ore the enrichment of uranium and subsequent stages.”  “The Europeans rejected our proposal without giving us any reasons for doing so and they stated that they themselves had put forward a comprehensive proposal on this matter,” adds Mr. Aqazadeh.
─ “Iranian Atomic Energy Chief Says EU Proposal ‘Insulting’,” ISNA, 7 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050807011061.

8 August 2005
Iran feeds uranium ore concentrate into the first part of the process line at the Isfahan uranium conversion facility.  The International Atomic Energy Agency begins installing additional surveillance equipment at Isfahan.
─ “Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” International Atomic Energy Agency, GOV/2005/67, 2 September 2005.

8 August 2005
Mohammad Saeedi, deputy head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, announces that the Esfahan Uranium Conversion Facility has resumed nuclear activities.  “We are restarting work in Isfahan stage by stage, as technical work requires to do so. Today, we restarted work for production of AUC [ammonium uranyl carbonate],” Mr. Saeedi says.  “We won't restart work in Natanz for now. We hope we will reach a logical conclusion in talks with Europeans,” he adds.
─ “Iran Resumes Nuclear Activities at Esfahan’s Uranium Conversion Facility,” ISNA, 8 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050808011004; “Iran Restarts Nuclear Programme,”  BBC, 8 August 2005.

8 August 2005
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tells UN chief Kofi Annan, “We are ready to continue the negotiations with the Europeans. I have initiatives and new propositions that I am going to announce after my government is formed.”  “We want to continue the negotiations but we want to continue them in the framework of the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” President Ahmadinejad adds. 
─ “Ahmadinejad Ready for More Nuclear Talks Despite ‘Insult’ ,” Khaleej Times, 9 August 2005; “Iran Says has New Nuclear Proposal as IAEA Meets ,” Khaleej Times, 9 August 2005.

8 August 2005
Sirous Nasseri, head of the Iranian delegation to the IAEA, says his government is interested in negotiating with the EU-3, but only on terms satisfactory to Tehran.
─ “Ahmadinejad Ready for More Nuclear Talks Despite ‘Insult’ ,” Khaleej Times, 9 August 2005; “Iran Says has New Nuclear Proposal as IAEA Meets ,” Khaleej Times, 9 August 2005.

8 August 2005
The Russian Foreign Ministry calls on Iran to halt all uranium conversion work and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
─ “Russia Calls on Iran to Stop Conversion Work ,” Khaleej Times, 9 August 2005.

9 August 2005
IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei calls on all countries to “exercise maximum restraint, desist from taking any unilateral actions and continue the negotiation process.”  “The board has clearly stated in the past that although suspension of enrichment related and conversion activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran is a voluntary decision, it is nonetheless essential for confidence-building and for resolution of outstanding issues relevant to Iran’s past undeclared activities,” Director ElBaradei adds.
─ “IAEA Chief Briefs Press on Iran ,” International Atomic Energy Agency, 9 August 2005.

9 August 2005
Iran rejects European proposals to limit its program in return for economic incentives.  Sirous Nasseri, head of the Iranian delegation to the IAEA, says “there is no reason to suspend this activity.”  Mr. Nasseri adds that his country is interested in offering a proposal of its own and is willing to continue negotiations.
─ “Iran Rejects Halt in Atom Activity, but is Likely to Continue Talks ,” New York Times, 10 August 2005.

9 August 2005
U.S President George Bush says he views Iranian President Mohammed Ahmadinejad’s willingness to continue negotiations as a positive sign.
─ Dafna Linzer, “Bush Cautiously Optimistic as Iran Offers to Negotiate,” Washington Post, 10 August 2005.

9 August 2005
Director General Mohammed ElBaradei briefs the press on the IAEA’s verification work in Iran and confirms that Tehran has introduced feed material into the conversion plant.  Director ElBaradei states that he has “been discussing and consulting with many Member States to develop what we call assurance of supply scheme by which countries will have reactor technology and the fuel they need and not necessarily sit on enrichment facilities or reprocessing facilities.”
─ “Transcripts of the Director General’s Press Statement on Activities in Iran,” International Atomic Energy Agency, 9 August 2005.

9 August 2005
Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani says Tehran  would rather face sanctions than back down on its nuclear program and submit to humiliation. Minister Shamkhani also warns that if Iran’s nuclear facilities are attacked, Tehran will “put aside all our nuclear commitments”.
─ “Iran Says Will Drop Nuclear Pledges if Attacked ,” Reuters, 9 August 2005; “Iran Would Rather be Hit by Sanctions than Back Down Over Nuclear Program,” Associated Press, 9 August 2005.

9 August 2005
Iranian dissident and spokesmen for Mujahedeen-e Khalq, Alireza Jafarzadeh, says Iran has manufactured approximately 4,000 centrifuges, unknown to the International Atomic Energy Agency, capable of enriching uranium to weapons grade.
─ William Kole, “Dissident: Tehran has 4,000 Centrifuges,” Associated Press, 9 August 2005.

10 August 2005
Iran removes IAEA seals from the remaining parts of the process line at the Isfahan uranium conversion facility.
─ “Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” International Atomic Energy Agency, GOV/2005/67, 2 September 2005.

10 August 2005
Peter Rickwood, International Atomic Energy Agency spokesman, announces that Wednesday’s scheduled IAEA meeting with diplomats to address Iran’s nuclear activities is cancelled.  Mr. Rickwood says more time is required to reach consensus and several diplomats would be meeting in private.
─ Andrea Dudikova, “Iran May Draw Rebuke Over Nuke Activities,” Associated Press, 10 August 2005.

10 August 2005
Mohammad Saeedi, deputy head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, says the IAEA has given Iran permission to remove seals at the Isfahan facility.  “Some minutes ago we received a letter from the IAEA, authorizing Iran to remove the seals at the Isfahan plant,” Mr. Saeedi adds.
─ “IAEA Allows Iran to Remove Nuclear Seals – Official,” Reuters, 10 August 2005.

10 August 2005
Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya says his country will not support referring Iran to the United Nations Security Council.
─ “China Not in Favor of Referring Iran Nuclear Issue to UN,” Xinhua, 10 August 2005.

11 August 2005
A Resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors expresses “serious concern” that Iran has resumed uranium conversion.  The Resolution further urges Iran to cease uranium related activities, recommends the Director General continue to monitor the situation, and request the Director General Mohamed ElBaradei “to provide a comprehensive report on the implementation of Iran’s NPT Safeguards Agreement and this resolution by 3 September 2005.”
─ “Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Related Board Resolutions,” International Atomic Energy Agency, 11 August 2005.

11 August 2005
A proposal to ship South African uranium yellowcake to Iran for conversion, then returned back to South Africa for enrichment into nuclear fuel would more than likely be rejected, a senior Iranian official says, on condition of anonymity.
─ “Export of Iran’s Nuclear Plant Output Unlikely – Official,” Reuters, 11 August 2005.

12 August 2005
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy says negotiations to resolve the Iranian uranium conversion crisis are still possible.  The French are awaiting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s report on Iran due on 3 September before making any further decisions, Minister Douste-Blazy adds.
─ “France Believes Talks with Iran on Nuclear Question Still Possible,” Agence France Presse, 12 August 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050815950042.

12 August 2005
The International Atomic Energy Agency urges Iran to “re-establish full suspension of all enrichment-related activities.”
─ Ian Traynor, “IAEA Orders Iran to Halt Uranium Enrichment,” Guardian, 12 August 2005.

12 August 2005
Sirous Nasseri, head of the Iranian delegation to the IAEA, says his country will be a “nuclear fuel producer and supplier within a decade”.  The European formula “urges Iran to re-establish full suspension of all [uranium] enrichment-related activities.”
─ William Kole, “IAEA Urges Iran to Freeze Nuke Activities,” Associated Press, 12 August 2005.

12 August 2005
Former Iranian president Akbar Rafsanjani expresses surprise that the International Atomic Energy Agency reached a unanimous decision in calling for Iran to halt enrichment activities.  “It was astonishing and really strange…that eventually what Europeans and America wanted was approved with unanimity.  We are now in the preliminary stage of enriching a substance which exists in our country to use the product for energy generation, medical, agricultural and other scientific purposes,” Mr. Rafsanjani adds.
─ “Unanimous IAEA Call Astonishes Iran’s Rafsanjani,” Reuters, 12 August 2005; “Rafsanjani: IAEA Board Resolution on Iran ‘Tyrannical’,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 12 August 2005.

16 August 2005
Iranian students form a human chain around the Esfahan Uranium Conversion Facility in response to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recent resolution and “bullying by European countries and America.”
─ “Iran: Over 1,700 Students form Human Chain Around Esfahan UCF ,” Mehr, 16 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050816011009.

16 August 2005
Israeli military chief General Aharon Zeevi says U.S. estimates that Iran is 10 years from producing a nuclear bomb are inaccurate.  “Barring an unexpected delay, Iran is going to become nuclear capable in 2008 and not in 10 years,” General Zeevi adds.
─ “Israel Disputes U.S. Intelligence on Iran, Predicts Nuclear Capability within Three Years,” Global Security Newswire, 16 August 2005.

19 August 2005
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterates that Tehran has never pursued a nuclear bomb and says the United States is using deception to mislead the public.  “Our governments and I myself have said numerous times that we are not seeking nuclear weapons. The uranium enriched in Iran is only enriched three to four percent, whereas for a nuclear bomb uranium must be enriched 94 to 95 percent,” Ayatollah Khamenei adds.
─ “Iranian Leader Asks for Trust from EU on Nuclear Program,” RIA Novosti, 19 August 2005; “Leader Says Iran no after A-Bomb, Blasts US ‘Deception’,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 19 August 2005; “Khamenei: Iran ‘Solid’ in Pursuing Nuclear Drive,” Middle East Online, 19 August 2005.

19 August 2005
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says, “Tehran is not afraid of its [nuclear] file being sent to the Security Council.”  “Sending Iran’s case to the Security Council will not make us abandon our peaceful nuclear activities,” Minister Asefi adds.
─ “Spokesman: Iran not Afraid of UN Security Council,” Iran Focus, 19 August 2005.

19 August 2005
Two Iranian nationals are arrested in Kiev and charged with transporting radiation contaminated equipment from the Russian Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The drivers claim the cryogenic equipment was headed for Iran.
-- "Ukrainian Police Seize Chernobyl Cargo Bound for Iran," KIEV NTN Television, 29 August 2005, in FBIS Document CEP200508200029029.

20 August 2005
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says "Iran is ready to talk, without any precondition, to Europe about the Natanz site and other nuclear issues, except the Esfahan UCF [Uranium Conversion Facility]."
-- "Spokesman Asefi Says Iran Ready to talk with EU Trio About Natanz Site," Iranian Student News Agency, 20 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050820011053.

20 August 2005
A senior Western diplomat says the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded that “traces of highly enriched uranium on centrifuge parts were from imported equipment, rather than from any enrichment activities by Iran.”  The findings support Iran's claims that the material came from centrifuge parts provided by Pakistan. The diplomat who confirmed the results spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.
─ “Tests Support Iran’s Claims on Uranium,” Associated Press, 21 August 2005.

20 August 2005
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says his country is ready to discuss resumption of nuclear activities in Natanz as long as there are no conditions for starting negotiations.  All discussions regarding the Isfahan facility are over and if the “Europeans intend to draw up a new proposal; Iran's rights should be included in it. Then we are prepared to receive such a proposal,” Mr. Asefi adds.
─ “Iran’s Asefi Says Prepared to Discuss Nuclear Activities with EU,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 20 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050820011036.

22 August 2005
Former chief nuclear negotiator for Iran, Hassan Rowhani, says Tehran is ready to negotiate a mutual start for the Natanz nuclear facility.
--"Rowhani: Iran to Start Nuclear Activity at Natanz After Agreement With EU," Islamic Republic of Iran News Network Television, 22 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050822011023.

23 August 2005
French foreign ministry spokesman Jean-Baptiste Mattei says nuclear negotiations with Iran scheduled for 31 August have been postponed. "There will, in fact, be no negotiations meeting on August 31 since the Iranians have decided to suspend application of the Paris Agreement," Minister Mattei adds.
-- "Europeans Call Off Nuclear Talks with Iran-France," Reuters, 23 August 2005.

24 August 2005
Manouchehr Mottaki is confirmed as the new foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
--"Iran's new Foreign Minister 'was involved in terrorism'," Iran Focus, 24 August 2005.

24 August 2005
IAEA Director-General Mohammed ElBaradei meets with Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. Secretary Larijani expresses his commitment to cooperate with the IAEA and its investigation into Iran's nuclear program.
--"IAEA's ElBaradei Holds 'Constructive' Iran Nuclear Program Meeting with Larijani," International Atomic Energy Agency, 23 August 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050826001002.

25 August 2005
The National Council of the Resistance of Iran alleges that the Arak nuclear site "will be ready in 2008 - seven years before Tehran's official forecasts - to produce 14 kg of plutonium." An International Atomic Energy Agency spokesman says the accusations are nothing new as the IAEA is familiar with the Arak plant and are able to control it. "We conduct our own investigations without taking as our basis reports published by the media," adds the spokesman.
--"French Report: Exiled Opposition Claims Iran Closer to Nuclear Weapons Goal," Pairs Le Figaro, 26 August 2005, in FBIS Document EUP20050826338006.

29 August 2005
Former representative of Iranian dissident group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, Alireza Jafarzadeh, alleges Iran's revolutionary guard commander secretly met with A.Q. Khan to "acquire nuclear-capable missiles with a range of 1,800 miles." In addition, Jafarzadeh claims Mohammad Reza Ayatollahi, then deputy director of Iran's Atomic Energy Oraganization (AEO), and Seyyed Mohammad Haj Saeed, chief of the Directorate of Research of the AEO, also met with Khan.
-- "Iran's Nuke Missiles" UPI, 29 August 2005.

29 August 2005
Iranian nuclear scientists announce they discovered a new technique for separating uranium from "uranium ore and producing yellowcake using biotechnology techniques." A project manager for the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization adds that "The new technique used for the production of yellowcake will reduce costs and efficiency will increase a hundred fold as well. Moreover, this will also prevent environmental pollution."
--"Iranian Scientists Discover new Uranium Separation Technique," Iran Network 1, 29 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050830011015.

29 August 2005
In a comprehensive report on Tehran's nuclear program, International Atomic Energy Agency chief ElBaradei states, "As of 29 August 2005, approximately 4000 kg of uranium in the form of UOC [Uranium Ore Concentrate] had been fed into the process and approximately 600 kg of uranium in the form of AUC [Ammonium Uranyl Carbonate] produced, from which approximately 110 kg of uranium in the form of AUC was fed into the next process line. As of 29 August, no UF4 had been produced as a result of that processing. From the 21 tonnes of uranium in the form of UF4 produced during the previous campaign, approximately 8500 kg of uranium in the form of UF4 was fed into the UF4 to UF6 process line; approximately 6800 kg of uranium in the form of UF6 was produced there from. In a letter dated 29 August 2005, Iran informed the IAEA of its intention to start moving the remaining inventory of UOC to the new storage area, and that it would likely take two months."
--"Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency, GOV/2005/67, 2 September 2005.

30 August 2005
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Najar says "military and non-peaceful use of nuclear technology is haram [religiously forbidden] and prohibited." General Seyed Hasan Firuzabadi, chief of the general headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces adds, "Experience has shown that one cannot talk to America, to negotiate and to reach a compromise. America is not a friend of our nation and our government, because its nature is different from ours."
--"Iran Defense Minister: Non-Peaceful use of Nuke Technology Religiously Forbidden," Mehr, 30 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050830011035; "Iran's new Defense Minister Reiterates Right to Nuclear, Missile Technology," Islamic Students News Agency, 30 August 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050830011034.

31 August 2005
Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani meets with India's External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh. "The focus of our negotiations with India is on strategic relations, particularly in the field of energy and more particularly, on a natural gas pipeline and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to India," says Larijani.
-- Indian Foreign Minister, Iranian Nuclear Negotiator Discuss Energy Cooperation," New Delphi PTI News Agency, 30 August 2005, in FBIS Document SAP20050901000017.

1 September 2005
National Council of Resistance of Iran member Hussein Abedini alleges Iranian company Madj Gostar imported 20 kilograms of beryllium from China last year.
--"Iran took Chinese Beryllium for Nuclear Weapons," Pravda, 1 September 2005.

2 September 2005
European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana says Iran may be referred to the UN Security Council for its nuclear activities. A meeting set for 19 September by the International Atomic Energy Agency will review a 3 September deadline for Iran to stop work on nuclear weapons related programs.
--"EU Warns Iran could be Hauled before UN," Iran Mania, 2 September 2005.

2 September 2005
A report prepared by IAEA head Mohammed ElBaradei states that Iran has produced approximately seven tons of gas used in uranium enrichment since last month. The document, viewed by the Associated Press states, "Iran's full transparency is indispensable and overdue." The document lists perceived Iranian failings and calls for "access to individuals, documentation related to procurement . . . certain military-owned workshops and research and development locations."
-- George Jahn, "U.N. Report says Iran has Produced Tons of Gas Needed for Uranium Enrichment," Associated Press, 2 September 2005.

2 September 2005
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani responds to the IAEA's report on Iran's nuclear program and says many of the questions have been "legally and technically answered." "The report shows that the IAEA has received sufficient information on [uranium] conversion activities of Iran and the issue is becoming normal [to the agency]. This also includes Esfahan's Uranium Conversion Facility which is quite positive. However, there are certain small questions in the report that call for our further technical and legal cooperation with the agency, and we will continue our cooperation with the IAEA to address such legal aspects," Mr. Larijani adds.
--"Iran Security Chief says IAEA Report 'Both Positive and Negative'," Iran Network 1, 2 September 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050902011050.

2 September 2005
IAEA Director-General Mohammad ElBaradei releases a report outlining the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The report provides a summary of past resolutions, findings as of November 2004, developments since November 2004, the current overall assessment, and suspension. Director ElBaradei states that Iran has made "good progress" in correcting breaches, but there are still two important issues that need to be resolved in order to provide assurance that there are no undeclared enrichment activities in Iran: "the origin of LEU and HEU particle contamination found at various locations in Iran; and the extent of Iran's efforts to import, manufacture and use centrifuges of both the P-1 and P-2 designs." Based on current information, it appears the origin of the HEU contamination is mostly of foreign origin. However, a definitive conclusion with respect to all of the contamination, particularly the LEU contamination can not be determined at this time. "With respect to the second issue -- the P-1 and P-2 centrifuge programmes -- the Agency has not yet been able to verify the correctness and completeness of Iran's statements concerning those programmes. No additional information or documentation has been provided with respect to Iran's statement that it did not pursue any work on the P-2 design between 1995 and 2002," ElBaradei adds.
--"Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency, GOV/2005/67, 2 September 2005.

3 September 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency chief ElBaradei says Iran has cooperated and provided additional information with respect to dates of plutonium research activities. "This is important for establishing the chronology and sequence of events associated with the development of Iran's enrichment program, in particular with a view to ensuring that there has been no other development or acquisition of enrichment design, technology, or components by Iran," ElBaradei adds.
--"IRNA: ElBaradei says Iran Provided IAEA with New Information," Islamic Republic News Agency, 3 September 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050903011033.

4 September 2005
Head Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani rejects the EU's proposal to halt nuclear activities by 19 September, when the UN nuclear agency's board of governors will meet.
--Nazila Fathi, "Iran Rejects an Ultimatum from Europe," New York Times, 4 September 2005.

4 September 2005
According to the Fars News Agency, Javad Va`idi has been appointed the deputy head of the Supreme National Security Council secretariat for international security, Hossein Mousavian will become one of Ali Larijani's advisors, and Ali Asghar Slotanieh, Iran's former representative to the IAEA, will join Iran's nuclear negotiating team, replacing Sirous Nasseri.
--"Changes Reported in Iran's Security Council, Nuclear Negotiation Team," Fars News Agency, 4 September 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050904011043.

9 September 2005
The Majlis Committee for National Security and Foreign Policy state that if Iran is referred to the UN Security Council, they will obligate the government to suspend the implementation of the Additional Protocol. A current bill collecting momentum and produced by the Majlis deputies states, "From the date of this bill's ratification until the time when the Additional Protocol is fully processed in the Majlis, should Iran's nuclear dossier - in spite of its extensive and all-out cooperation with the IAEA as the only lawful international organization to assess Iran's rights - be referred to any other international organization, the government, by giving one week's notice, is obliged to fully suspend the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the NPT which has voluntarily implemented after the agreement reached between Iran and the three European countries in Tehran on 29 Mehr 1382 [21 October 2003]."
--"Majlis Seeks to Suspend Additional Protocol Implementation if Iran Referred to UN," Fars News Agency, 9 September 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050909011017.

10 September 2005
Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Deputy Director Mohammad Saeedi says his country will "offer an international tender for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in the near future." Mr. Saeedi adds that the tender will be for two power plants each capable of producing 2000 megawatts of power and the goal will be to produce 20,000 megawatts of power through nuclear energy within the next 20 years.
--"Official Says Iran Wants to Offer Intl Tender for 2 Nuclear Power Plants," Mehr, 10 September 2005, in FBIS Document IAP20050910011055.

11 September 2005
IAEA Deputy Director General Pierre Goldschmidt, charged with investigating Iran's nuclear program, says the UN Security Council must provide IAEA inspectors with greater powers to determine if Iran is trying to build a bomb. "It is reaching the point where it is beyond critical...the IAEA can only work on the basis of the facts that are presented to it, and there have been many serious omissions by the Iranians. The Iranians are exploiting all the loopholes in the international agreements. As to why they are doing this you can draw your own conclusions," Goldschmidt adds.
--Con Coughlin, "UN Inspectors 'Powerless to Stop Atom Bomb Plans in Iran'," Telegraph, 11 September 2005.

12 September 2005
Head of Russia's Federal Agency for Nuclear Power Alexander Rumyantsev and head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Gholam Reza Aqazadeh announce that the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be commissioned by the end of 2006.
--"Bushehr Power Plant to become Operational in 2006," RIA-Novosti, 12 September 2005.

12 September 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asks Russia, China, and India to support the United States in threatening Iran with sanctions for refusing to halt its nuclear program.
--"Iran and Russia Oppose Security Council Referral," Moscow Times, 12 September 2005.

13 September 2005
Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) member Ali Safavi alleges that Tehran has been smuggling centrifuges from China for the past two years and is ready to start a nuclear uranium enrichment program. "The first phase involves the manufacture of 5,000 machines. Some two-thirds have been manufactured, tested and ready to be installed," Mr. Safavi adds.
--"Iranian Opposition Group says Iran Building Centrifuges to Extract," National Council of Resistance of Iran, 13 September 2005.

15 September 2005
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his country is willing to provide nuclear technology to Muslim states stating, "Iran is ready to transfer nuclear know-how to the Islamic countries due to their need."
--"Iran's President Says his Regime Prepared to give Atomic Technology to other Muslim States," Boston Herald, 15 September 2005.

16 September 2005
John Wolfe, former Assistant Secretary of State for Nonproliferation, speaks out against a potential DOD policy of pre-emptive nuclear strikes against states possessing WMD. He uses the case of mistaken WMD in Iraq as a reason why adopting such a policy would be a mistake.
--Joe Fiorill, "Former US State Department Nonproliferation Chief Opposes Nuclear Pre-Emption Policy," Global Security Newswire, 16 September 2005.

18 September 2005
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the United Nations and says some 'powerful' states are preventing free access to technology, specifically nuclear technology. Ahmadinejad claims these same powerful countries have misrepresented Iran's intentions and are using propaganda to discredit their peaceful use of nuclear technology. He further invites other states and private companies to help with the program as a means of confidence-building measure. The following is a summary of direct quotes by President Ahmadinejad outlining the main elements of the initiatives regarding the nuclear issues:

1. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its previously and repeatedly declared position that in accordance with our religious principles, pursuit of nuclear weapons is prohibited.

2. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that it is necessary to revitalise the NPT and create the above-mentioned ad-hoc committee so that it can combat nuclear weapons and abolish the apartheid in peaceful nuclear technology.

3. Technically, the fuel cycle of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not different from that of other countries which have peaceful nuclear technology.

4. In keeping with Iran's inalienable right to have access to a nuclear fuel cycle, continued interaction and technical and legal cooperation with the IAEA will be the centrepiece of our nuclear policy...With this in mind, I have directed the relevant Iranian officials to compile the legal and technical details, of Iran's nuclear approach, based on the following considerations:

5. The Islamic Republic of Iran, in its pursuit of peaceful nuclear technology, considers it within its legitimate rights to receive objective guarantees for uranium enrichment in the nuclear fuel cycle.

6. The selection of our negotiating partners and the continuation of negotiations with the EU will be commensurate with the requirements of our cooperation with the agency regarding non-diversion of the process of uranium enrichment to non-peaceful purposes in the framework of the provisions of the NPT.

7. The discriminatory approaches regarding the NPT that focuses on the obligations of state-parties and disregards their rights under the Treaty should be discontinued.
--"Iranian President's UN Speech," BBC, 18 September 2005.

19 September 2005
The United States and European Union call on the International Atomic Energy Agency to refer Iran to the UN Security Council. U.S. envoy Greg Schulte says the possibility of a diplomatic solution still exists, "but this will require Iran to change its course and to co-operate fully with the IAEA to cease its conversion activities..."
--"IAEA Urged to Refer Tehran to UN," BBC, 19 September 2005.

20 September 2005
Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani warns that snap inspections of its nuclear facilities may stop if Iran is referred to the UN Security Council. "If you want to use the language of force, Iran will be left with no choice [but] to get out of the framework of the NPT and resume enrichment," Secretary Larijani adds.
-- "Iran 'May Refuse Nuclear Checks'," BBC, 20 September 2005.

19 September 2005
Bulgarian customs officials discover 3.5kg of hafnium, a substance which purportedly can be used to make a "dirty bomb," in a car attempting to cross into Romania. The Sunday Herald alleges the material may have been headed for Iran via the Bucharest mafia.
--"Bulgaria Thwarts Smuggling of Nuclear Material," Associated Press, 19 September 2005; Gabriel Ronay, "Police Fear Balkan Mafia Eager to Sell A-Bomb to Iran," Sunday Herald, 25 September 2005.

21 September 2005
U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli says the United States will not withdraw its threat to refer Iran to the UN Security Council. "Our goal is to build the broadest possible consensus...it is a question of not if, but when," spokesman Ereli adds.
--Barry Schweid, "U.S. Delay Drive to End Iran Nuke Program," Associated Press, 22 September 2005.

22 September 2005
France, Germany and Great Britain drop their demand in a draft resolution which calls on Iran to be referred to the UN Security Council. The wording was dropped after Russia and China expressed opposition.
--"EU Backs Down on Iran Under Russia, China Pressure," Reuters, 22 September 2005.

22 September 2005
Chinese Ambassador Wu Hailong of the permanent mission to Vienna says the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through the IAEA and continued dialogue. "Through negotiations, each party can fully state its case and make its own demands, and the two sides can find the best balance that is conducive to safeguarding the interests of both parties...[but] Iran's legitimate concerns should be treated fairly and objectively," Ambassador Hailong adds.
--"Chinese Ambassador Expounds China's Position on Iran Nuke Issue," Xinjua, 22 September 2005.

24 September 2005
The International Atomic Energy Agency Governing Board finds Iran in noncompliance of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). The resolution passes with 21 votes of approval, 12 abstentions and one opposing vote. Russia and China, opposed to the motion, abstain from voting and Venezuela is the only country that votes against it. The resolution states Iran's noncompliance due to "many failures and breaches" over nuclear safeguards of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty are grounds for referral to the UNSC. Iran objects to the board's decision and states it may not ratify the Additional Protocol. IAEA Director Mohamed ElBaradei says the decision whether to refer Iran to the UN Security Council should not come up prior to November, when the IAEA board meets again.

The following are excerpts from the International Atomic Energy Agency's Resolution titled "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," adopted on 24 September 2005:

• Commending the Director General and the Secretariat for their professional and impartial efforts to implement the Safeguards Agreement in Iran
• Recalling Iran's failures in a number of instances over an extended period of time to meet its obligations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement with respect to the reporting of nuclear material, its processing and its use, as well as the declaration of facilities where such material had been processed and stored
• Recalling also that...Iran's policy of concealment has resulted in many breaches of its obligation to comply with its Safeguards Agreement
• Recalling that the Director General noted that good progress has been made in Iran's correction of the breaches
• Noting that the Agency is not yet in a position to clarify some important outstanding issues after two and a half years of intensive inspections and investigation and that Iran's full transparency is indispensable and overdue
• Uncertain of Iran's motives in failing to make important declarations over an extended period of time
• Concerned by continuing gaps in the Agency's understanding of proliferation sensitive aspects of Iran's nuclear programme
• Recalling the emphasis placed in past resolutions on the importance of confidence building measures
• Deploring the fact that Iran has to date failed to heed the call by the Board to re-establish full suspension of all enrichment related activities
• Also concerned that Iran has to date failed to heed repeated calls to ratify the Additional Protocol
• Noting that the Director General reported that the Agency "continues to follow up on information pertaining to Iran's nuclear programme and activities that could be relevant to that programme" and that "the Agency's legal authority to pursue the verification of possible nuclear weapons related activity is limited"
• Noting that the Agency is still not in a position to conclude that there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Iran

24 September 2005
With the IAEA finding Iran in noncompliance of the NPT, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh explains that his country's decision to support the draft resolution of the IAEA was not driven by aligning itself with any single country, but to support Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy "consistent with proliferation norms."
--"Indian Official Spokesman Briefs Media on Draft Resolution on Iran in IAEA," New Delhi Ministry of External Affairs, 24 September 2005, in FBIS Document SAP20050925000066.

26 September 2005
The Foreign Ministry of Iran threatens to cease all voluntary and temporary nuclear agreements unless the IAEA amends the resolution that states Iran is in noncompliance with the NPT. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says the resolution is a "planned scenario determined by the United States...political, illegal and illogical."
--Gareth Smyth, "Iran Maintains Nuclear Defiance," Financial Times, 27 September 2005; "Iran Brands UN Resolution Illegal," BBC, 26 September 2005.

27 September 2005
Western diplomats report that the quality of UF6 produced at the Isfahan nuclear facility in Iran is not suitable for use at the Natanz enrichment facility. "I wouldn't say it is garbage. But the UF6 produced at Isfahan is of such poor quality that if it were fed into centrifuges it could damage them," a western diplomat adds.
--Francois Murphy and Louis Charbonneau, "Iran's Uranium Gas Unusable for Atomic Fuel - Diplomats," Reuters, 27 September 2005.

27 September 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi calls on the IAEA to not insist on the terms of the resolution and correct them. "If the other parties' reaction is not along these lines, the Islamic Republic will take these measures...[and] if the IAEA and European countries don't make up for their error, we will cancel all voluntary measure we have taken," Mr. Asefi adds.
--Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran Threatens to Resume Enrichment," Associated Press, 27 September 2005.

28 September 2005
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi says his country may retaliate economically against countries that voted in favor of a European-sponsored resolution calling for possible UN Security Council punishment of the Iranians for their nuclear enrichment activities. "What the Indians did was very strange and we are very unhappy about it," adds Mr. Asefi.
--"India Support IAEA on Iran's Nukes," United Press International, 30 September 2005; Matthew Rosenberg, "Iran Protests India's Vote to Put Tehran on Notice Over Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 28 September 2005; "Iran Retaliates Over UN Vote," Independent, 28 September, 2005.

29 September 2005
Pakistani Muslim League Chairman Mohammad Zafarul Haq states his opposition to referring Iran to the UN Security Council. "As a civilized nation, the US should not hasten the issue's referral to the world body," Chairman Haq adds. Deputy Chief of Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians Nayyar Hussain Bokhari adds that he supports Iran's right to peaceful use and development of nuclear energy programs and objects to the world's leading powers' double standard.
--"Pak Politicians Oppose Iran N-Issue Referral to UNSC," Islamic Republic News Agency, 30 September 2005.

29 September 2005
The Iranian parliament passes a draft law that directs the government to suspend the Additional Protocol of the NPT. "With the goal of guaranteeing the rights and national interests of Iran, the Majlis obliges the government to suspend the supplemental protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty until the right of Iran to use atomic energy for peaceful purposes is acknowledged," the draft law reads.
--"Iran Breach with the IAEA," Kommersant, 29 September 2005.

29 September 2005
The International Atomic Energy Agency names a new board of governors. Of the 30 new members, 16 consist of non-aligned countries. A western diplomat says the balance of power will not change and the United States will maintain the majority.
--"IAEA Names New Board of Governors with More Non-Aligned Members UPDATE," Forbes, 29 September 2005.

30 September 2005
UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says military action to address the Iranian nuclear crisis is not on the agenda. Secretary Straw adds that European negotiators - with US backing - had "left the door open for further diplomatic action with Iran and I hope that they take this opportunity."
--"UK Rules Out Iran Military Action," BBC, 30 September 2005.

1 October 2005
According to Khaleej Times, Iranian President Ahmadinejad says "if Iran's case is sent to the Security Council, we will respond by many ways, for example by holding back on oil sales."
--"Iran Warns Israel Against Attacking Nuke Sites," Iran Mania, 3 October 2005; "Iran Ties Oil Sales to Nuclear Issue," Associated Press, 2 October 2005.

2 October 2005
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denies any meeting took place with Khaleej Times on October 1st. The President's office also denies the interview took place but not the specifics of what he was quoted as saying.
--"Iran Warns Israel Against Attacking Nuke Sites," Iran Mania, 3 October 2005; "Iran Ties Oil Sales to Nuclear Issue," Associated Press, 2 October 2005.

3 October 2005
Iranian parliament speaker Gholam Ali Hadad-Adel warns Israel against attacking Iran's nuclear facilities. "If Israel does something stupid and attacks our nuclear facilities like it did in Iraq, we promise to teach it a lesson it will never forget," Mr. Hadad-Adel adds.
--"Iran Warns Israel Against Attacking Nuke Sites," Iran Mania, 3 October 2005.

3 October 2005
The United States calls on all foreign countries to stop nuclear projects with Iran. "We think it's self-evident, for example, that in the face of such a finding, no government should permit new nuclear transfers to Iran and all ongoing nuclear projects should be frozen," says assistant U.S. secretary of state for arms control Stephen Rademaker. In response, Russian spokesman Sergey Trepelkov says his country would not end its cooperation with Iran. "Certainly we're not interested in Iran getting nuclear weapons but, as for Bushehr, it's a purely peaceful project, and it fully meets the demands of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Sergei Trepelkov adds. "I don't think there is any ground for ceasing this cooperation."
--"U.S. Urges End to Nuke Project with Iran," Associated Press, 3 October 2005.

4 October 2005
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi, says Iran is ready to resume unconditional talks with the European Union. "Iran has no problems with resuming talks. But it will not accept conditional talks under pressure," spokesman Asefi adds.
--"Iran Wants Unconditional Nuclear Talks with EU," Khaleej Times, 4 October 2005.

5 October 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei says he is hopeful talks will soon resume between Iran and the European Union. "We have a hiccup right now...I am optimistic that in the coming months we will see a resumption of these negotiations," Mr. ElBaradei adds.
--"ElBaradei Hopeful of Iran Nuclear Talks," Middle East Online, 5 October 2005.

5 October 2005
According to allegations made by the Iranian opposition group, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad places the military in control of the country's nuclear program. Commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also take charge of the National Security Council's internal security, strategy and political posts.
--David Sands, "Army Takes Control of Iran Nukes," Washington Times, 5 October 2005.

9 October 2005
Iran's Secretary of the Supreme Council of National Security, Ali Larijani, reiterates that if his country is "addressed with a language of menace and force, we shall continue with the NPT and talking, but will get out of the Additional Protocols."
--Safa Haeri, "Iran Confirms Stopping Additional Protocol of the NPT," Iran Press Service, 9 October 2005.

11 October 2005
Ali Agha Mohammadi, spokesman for Iran's Supreme National Security Council, says Tehran believes dialogue and a proposed compromise to receive yellowcake from South Africa can resolve the current crisis. "Iran wants its nuclear case to be transparent and other countries want to ease their concerns through negotiations, so therefore the only solution to reach these objectives is to talk," Mr. Mohammadi adds. "If we need seven or eight more months of talks to reach a final decision on enrichment ... during this period we could accept receiving uranium yellowcake from South Africa and sending back UF6 gas produced at Isfahan," Mr. Mohammadi says.
--"Iran Softens Tone in Nuclear Stand-off," Iran Mania, 11 October 2005.

12 October 2005
Iran's foreign ministry announces it is ready to resume talks with the European Union as long as there are no preconditions, specifically abandoning the nuclear fuel cycle. A European diplomat responds that "we have noted a change in tone in recent days, but the Iranians have to understand that the condition to resume talks is a suspension of conversion and a return to the terms of the Paris accord."
--"Iran Softens Tone in Nuclear Stand-off," Iran Mania, 11 October 2005.

15 October 2005
Chairman of Iran's State Expediency Council and former President, Hashemi Rafsanjani, says Iran is ready to discuss the "country's nuclear dossier without any precondition."
--Saloumeh Peyman, "The Return of Rafsanjani," Asia Times, 19 October 2005.

15 October 2005
Russia's Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice disagree on Iran's right to pursue a nuclear energy program. Secretary Rice states that there is room for negotiations, but Tehran must do so in good faith or they will be referred to the UN Security Council. Minister Lavrov says that Iran has the right to enrich uranium and Moscow does not support sending the issue of Iran's nuclear program to the UN Security Council.
--"Russian and US Disagree over Iran," BBC, 15 October 2005; "US Presses Iran on Nuclear Talks," BBC, 15 October 2005.

16 October 2005
British Ambassador to Iran, Richard Dalton, says new proposals will be offered to Tehran to return to negotiations. "We think that the proposal that the EU put forward can be certainly improved and the proposal of his Excellency Mr. Ahmadinejad made in New York can clearly go on to the table," Ambassador Dalton adds. Specifics about the proposals are not mentioned, but Ambassador Dalton emphasizes that trust between the countries must be restored.
--"EU Prepared to Improve Nuclear Offers to Iran - UK Ambassador," BBC, 16 October 2005.

18 October 2005
French Ambassador Bernard Poletti tells Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that his country is ready to assist Tehran in its pursuit of nuclear electricity.
--"Paris Ready to Cooperate with Iran in Nuclear Power," Mehr News Agency, 18 October 2005.

19 October 2005
Former Soviet Leader President Mikhail Gorbachev says the United States should focus on dialogue instead of applying pressure to bring Iran back to the negotiation table. "We must not dictate our terms. We must conduct responsible dialogue with Iran," adds Mr. Gorbachev.
--"Dictated Terms Not the Answer to Iran's Nuclear Program, Says Gorbachev," Islamic Republic News Agency, 19 October 2005.

19 October 2005
The Iranian Embassy denies South Korean reports that Tehran imposed an import ban against South Korean goods in retaliation for backing the IAEA's resolution which would send Iran to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.
--Park Song-wu, "No Sanctions Against Korea: Iran," Korean Times, 19 October 2005.

20 October 2005
Iran provides the International Atomic Energy Agency with sensitive documents related to its nuclear program and allows inspectors to interview a senior Iranian nuclear official. An unidentified U.S. official says the Iranian concessions are important as it could prevent the matter from being referred to the UN Security Council.
-- "Iran Provides Inspectors With New Documents," Global Security Newswire, 21 October 2005.

24 October 2005
Iran provides UN inspectors with additional centrifuge documentation requested by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "They [the IAEA] demanded information in various fields especially about P1 and P2 centrifuges and we provided them," says Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani.
-- "Iran Hopes to Avoid UN Atomic Referral," Iran Mania, 1 November 2005; "Iran has Turned Over Centrifuge Details to International Nuclear Inspectors, Officials Say," Global Security Newswire, 1 November 2005.

25 October 2005
At a public gathering at Narmak Jami' Mosque in Tehran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declares Iran's nuclear technology is "home-grown" and added that, "we will produce nuclear fuel and sell it to other countries with a 30% discount."
--"Iran's Nuclear Technology is Home-Grown - President," BBC, 25 October 2005.

31 October 2005
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani states his country will not be intimidated by threats or pressured into giving up our nuclear power program. "They must understand that such an attitude will only persuade us more to have nuclear technology," Mr. Larijani adds.
--"Iran Says Not Afraid of War, Sanctions," Agence France-Presse, 31 October 2005.

1 November 2005
The Disarmament Committee of the United Nations General Assembly approves an Iranian proposed resolution to strengthen measures to implement nuclear disarmament and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
--"UN Committee Approves Iran-Proposed Resolution to Strengthen Nuclear Disarmament," Islamic Republic News Agency, 1 November 2005.

2 November 2005
A European diplomat close to the International Atomic Energy Agency says, on the condition of anonymity, that Iran will process a new batch of uranium at the Isfahan nuclear plant beginning next week. <
--"Iran to Process Fresh Batch of Uranium: Diplomats," Reuters, 2 November 2005.

3 November 2005
UN nuclear inspectors are granted access to Iran's sensitive Parchin military complex. The International Atomic Energy Agency has sought to re-inspect the facility, suspected of nuclear weapons development, but has not been allowed to enter since its last visit in January of 2005.
--"UN Inspectors Visit Iran Complex," BBC, 3 November 2005.

7 November 2005
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani says his country is ready to resume negotiations with the EU as long as Tehran does not have to give up uranium enrichment.
--"Iran Positive About Nuclear Talks," BBC, 7 November 2005.

7 November 2005
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says the EU is reviewing a letter from Tehran calling for resumption in negotiations. However, according to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana any resumption in negotiations is contingent on Iran first re-establishing suspension of all nuclear activities related to enrichment.
--"Iran Positive About Nuclear Talks," BBC, 7 November 2005; "China Daily: EU Studies Iran's Offer for Nuclear Dialogue," Financial Times, 8 November 2005.

8 November 2005
The South African government denies that it proposed to help Iran's nuclear program. The South African foreign affairs department says that the report that states their government agreed to supply Tehran with uranium oxide concentrate, to be converted later into uranium hexafluoride gas, is "erroneous and without any foundation."
--"South Africa: SA Role in Iran Nuclear Programme," Africa News, 8 November 2005.

10 November 2005
Russia purportedly offers Iran a compromise plan that would allow Tehran to continue uranium conversion at the Isfahan facility. Unnamed officials also add that the United States and European Union are proposing a deal in which enrichment would be performed in Russia and conversion of uranium into uranium hexafluoride gas would be done in Iran. According to the officials, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has given Iran two weeks to respond before the IAEA board meets on November 24.
--"Russia Offers Iran 'Uranium Compromise'," Islamic Republic News Agency, 10 November 2005; "Iran 'to be Offered Nuclear Deal'," BBC, 10 November 2005; David Sanger, "US and Europe to Give Iranians New Atom Offer," New York Times, 10 November 2005.

11 November 2005
At a European Parliament conference Mohammad Mohaddessin, chair of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group, alleges that the "Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is determined to pursue and complete Tehran's nuclear weapons program full blast...[and] would have the bomb in two or three years time."
--"Mullah's Leader Determined to Complete Tehran's Nuclear Weapons Program - Mohaddessin," National Council of Resistance of Iran, 11 November 2005.

11 November 2005
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier states that, "Iran has the right for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, not however to nuclear weapons." Minister Steinmeier adds that objective guarantees are required to make sure Tehran is not pursuing nuclear weapons related programs and that their nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.
--"Designated German FM Insists on Iran's N-Rights," Islamic Republic News Agency, 11 November 2005.

11 November 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice denies that the United States had any part in a recent EU proposal that would allow Iran to continue limited nuclear work. Indicating that the US is intently interested in the problem but not an author of the proposed EU solution, Secretary Rice adds that, the U.S. is not a "party to these negotiations...there is no U.S.-European proposal to the Iranians."
--"Rice Denies U.S. Is Leading Nuclear Talks With Tehran," New York Times, 11 November 2005.

12 November 2005
Head of Iran's nuclear agency Gholamreza Aghazadeh rejects a proposal calling on Iran to move uranium enrichment to Russia. Mr. Aghazadeh adds that all enrichment must occur in Iran.
--"ElBaradei to Push Iran to Accept Compromise on Uranium Enrichment," Associated Press, 13 November 2005.

13 November 2005
Iran denies reports that a stolen laptop computer from Tehran has nuclear weapons data. "Iran does not have classified data on laptops and the recent claims are not only baseless but also made us laugh," adds Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Assefi.
--"U.S. Claim Nuclear Data Found on Stolen Laptop, Iran Denies Report," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 13 November 2005.

13 November 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency's chief Mohamed ElBaradei expresses support for the EU proposal calling on Iran to move its uranium enrichment program to Russia.
--"ElBaradei to Push Iran to Accept Compromise on Uranium Enrichment," Associated Press, 13 November 2005.

15 November 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors arrive in Iran to inspect the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities.
--"UN Inspectors in Iran to Discuss Nuclear Activities," Financial Times, 15 November 2005.

16 November 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi reiterates that his country will not accept any compromise which involves uranium enrichment being conducted outside the country and adds that "enrichment should be carried out on Iranian soil," a position mirrored by Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.
--"Analysis: Iran Nuke Compromise Viable?" United Press International, 16 November 2005.

16 November 2005
A diplomat close to the IAEA says conversion has resumed at the Isfahan nuclear plant. The unnamed diplomat adds that "the first drums of new uranium were fed into the process at the uranium conversion facility in Isfahan this morning."
--"Iran Starts New Round of Uranium Conversion: Diplomats" AFX International Focus, 16 November 2005.

18 November 2005
IAEA diplomats report that Iran has provided them with documents that appear to be part of a nuclear warhead design. The IAEA adds that the documents came from the Pakistani A.Q. Khan network. The documents specifically show how to cast "enriched, natural and depleted uranium metal into hemispherical forms," a step that could be used to build the core of an atomic bomb.
--"IAEA: Iran Bought Documents on Enriching Uranium from Black Market, Refusing Access to Site" Associated Press, 18 November 2005.

18 November 2005
U.S. President George Bush backs a proposal that would allow for unprocessed uranium from Iran to be enriched in Russia as part of a joint venture between the countries.
--"Bush Backs Putin Initiative on Iran," BBC, 18 November 2005.

18 November 2005
Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani confirms Tehran has started processing uranium at the Isfahan nuclear facility. Mr. Larijani adds, "We have informed the UN watchdog that Iran wanted to process a new batch of uranium and we have started it."
--"Iran Confirms Processing New Batch of Uranium," Reuters, 18 November 2005.

20 November 2005
The Iranian parliament approves a bill requiring the government to prevent international inspections of all nuclear facilities, in the event the International Atomic Energy Agency refers Iran to the Security Council. The bill is now headed to the Guardian Council where it must be ratified in order to become law.
--"Iran Votes to Block Nuclear Inspections" Associated Press, 20 November 2005.

21 November 2005
United States and European officials agree to not refer Iran to the UN Security Council. Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they want to give Russia more time to convince Tehran to move the nuclear enrichment stage to Russia. U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack says Washington is "encouraging Iran to get back to the negotiating table with the EU-3 at this point."
--George Jahn, "U.S., Europe Won't Push for Move on Iran," Associated Press, 20 November 2005.

22 November 2005
Britain, France, and Germany have agreed to meet with Iran, tentatively around December 6, to discuss the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program.
--"EU and Iran to meet Dec 6 on nuclear issue," AFX International Focus, 22 November 2005.

23 November 2005
Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki says Iran has not received a joint uranium enrichment venture proposal from Russia.
--"Iran Denies Receiving Russian Uranium Enrichment Proposal," RIA-Novosti, 23 November 2005.

24 November 2005
The International Atomic Energy Agency postpones referring Iran to the UN Security Council after the European Union asks for additional time to negotiate a joint Russian-Iranian uranium enrichment proposal. In addition, the EU says it will call an emergency board meeting before the next scheduled IAEA meeting in March "if Iranian behavior makes it necessary."
--Richard Bernstein, "Atomic Agency Delays Action on Iran," New York Times, 24 November 2005; "Roundup: IAEA Postpones Referral of Iran's Nuclear Issue to UN," Xinhua, 25 November 2005; George Jahn, "EU Says Iran Possessed Documents Solely for Making Nuclear Arms," Associated Press, 24 November 2005.

27 November 2005
Behruz Samani, an executive of nuclear activities, says the Isfahan nuclear facility has "made an 87% physical progress." Mr. Samani adds that the main goal is to create enough fuel for the Bushehr nuclear power plant and "more than 15,000 processes are being carried out in 60 units of the Isfahan UCF."
--"Nuclear Executive Says Iran's Esfahan UCF has Made 87 Percent Physical Progress," Financial Times, 27 November 2005.

27 November 2005
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi states that any meeting with the European Union must include a guarantee that the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment, will remain in Iran. "In our view the agenda is clear...it should contain a guarantee for realizing the nuclear fuel cycle inside Iran," adds spokesman Asefi. Mr. Asefi also says that his country has not received any new proposals from Russia or requests for renewed negotiation talks with the EU.
--Nasser Karimi, "Iran Seeks Guarantees on Nuclear Fuel," Associated Press, 27 November 2005; "Iran Stresses Enrichment Within its Territory," Xinhua, 27 November 2005.

28 November 2005
Mohammad Mehdi Akhunzadeh, an official representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, states his country is "seriously considering Moscow's proposal to have Iranian uranium enriched in Russia."
--"Tehran Ready to Reply to Russia," RIA-Novosti, 28 November 2005.

28 November 2005
The British government confirms that the EU delivered a letter to Iran over the weekend requesting for renewed negotiations over the nuclear impasse. The British Foreign Office adds that the EU letter calls "to discuss the basis for further negotiations."
--"UK Confirms EU Nuclear Talks Offer with Iran," Islamic Republic News Agency, 28 November 2005.

28 November 2005
German magazine Der Spiegel alleges that a high-ranking Iranian emissary traveled to North Korea and offered Pyongyang economic aid in exchange for helping Tehran build nuclear tipped missiles.
--"Tehran Lends Pyongyang a Helping Hand," SPIEGEL, 28 November 2005.

5 December 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei warns Iran that a dangerous escalation will ensue if the Natanz enrichment plant is reopened. Should the Natanz facility become fully operational, Mr. ElBaradei believes Iran could be only a few months away from a nuclear weapon.
--Anne Penketh, "UN Chief Urges West and Iran to Cool Brinkmanship Over Nuclear Program," Independent, 7 December 2005.

5 December 2005
Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani says his country plans to "construct two more nuclear power plants." In a separate broadcast Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the new reactor would be built in the Khuzestan province, the site of an unfinished power plant built by France, where construction was halted following the Islamic revolution of 1979.
--Nassir Karimi, "Iran to Build at Least One More Atom Plant," Boston Globe, 5 December 2005; "Iran Announces Plan to Construct Second Nuclear Power Plant," Associated Press, 5 December 2005.

5 December 2005
Vladimir Pavlov, head of the Russian company Atomstroyeksport, dealing with the construction of nuclear power plants in Iran, announces that his company is ready to help construct Iran's second nuclear power plant. Mr. Pavlov adds that the Bushehr nuclear power plant is almost complete and should be "connected to the Iran power grid in late 2006."
--"Russia Ready to Build Another Nuclear Power Station in Iran," BBC, 5 December 2005.

5 December 2005
ElBaradei says he understands the West's fear of Iran's nuclear program. "I know it [Iran] is trying to acquire the full fuel cycle. I know that acquiring the full fuel cycle means a country is months away from nuclear weapons, and that applies to Iran and everyone else."
--Yossi Melman, "UN Nuclear Watchdog Shows Greater Understanding of Israel's Concerns," Haaretz, 6 December 2005.

6 December 2005
Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed ElBaradei announces that no "smoking gun" has been found in Iran. "We haven't seen a smoking gun in Iran. We haven't seen an underground production enrichment facility. We haven't seen enough materials in Iran, other than gram quantities, to put into a weapon," says ElBaradei.
--David Horovitz, "ElBaradei to 'Post': No Nuclear 'Smoking Gun' in Iran," Jerusalem Post, 6 December 2005.

6 December 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that the Iranian nuclear issue be resolved through the International Atomic Energy Agency and asks Tehran to "observe their obligations, including those they have taken unilaterally."
--"Putin: U.N. Agency Should Take Iran Lead," Associated Press, 6 December 2005.

7 December 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency's chief Mohamed ElBaradei says uranium enrichment in Iran could lead to nuclear weapons. Mr. ElBaradei adds that military action is not the solution, but "the window [for negotiations] is not present forever. The international community has begun to lose its patience with Iran."
--World Losing Patience Over Iran: ElBaradei," Reuters, 7 December 2005.

7 December 2005
During an address at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, International Atomic Energy Agency's chief, Mohamed ElBaradei indicates his support for Russia's proposal to Iran. He adds that the proposal, whereby "Russia would oversee any enrichment of uranium inside its borders to ensure Iran does not develop the capability on its own, appeared to solve Tehran's stated need to have access to the material for a civilian nuclear programme."
--Peter Spiegel, "ElBaradei still backs Russian plan for Iran," Financial Times, 7 December 2005.

8 December 2005
Germany, Britain, and France in separate statements warn Iranian authorities that resuming research on uranium enrichment centrifuges would go against the commitments made to the EU-3 but also the demands of the IAEA Board of Governors, possibly undermining the pending resumption of EU-Iran nuclear talks. A joint declaration by the EU-3 criticizing Iran's decision is expected soon.
--"EU Expected to Condemn Iran Centrifuge Research Plans," Global Security Newswire, 8 December 2005.

9 December 2005
Former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and ex-chief of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), Hans Blix, says the EU should offer Iran greater incentives to forgo any nuclear weapon ambitions. He adds that the EU has up until this point not offered anything substantive to the Iranians.
--"Iran Should Get Better Offer, Blix Says," Global Security Newswire, 9 December 2005.

10 December 2005
The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Gholamreza Aghazadeh, maintaining Iran has a legal right to gain mastery of the complete nuclear fuel cycle, says that "Iran will not resume uranium enrichment as long as negotiations continue with the Europeans." He further adds that "certain countries have signaled their agreement to cooperate in Natanz enrichment facility" and was hoping the "negotiations with the Europeans will facilitate this trend."
--"Iran not to resume enrichment during talks with EU," Xinhua, 10 December 2005; "Iran not to continue enrichment during nuclear talks-nuclear official," BBC, 10 December 2005.

10 December 2005
The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Gholamreza Aghazadeh reveals that Iran is to begin construction of a new, 360 megawatt nuclear plant in the town of Darkhu'in, in the southwestern Khuzestan province. It is going to be an indigenous project relying on domestic-made fuel and Iranian expertise.
--"Iran to build new nuclear plant and pursue enrichment future," BBC, 10 December 2005; "Iran starts building new nuclear plant," United Press International, 10 December 2005.

11 December 2005
At a weekly briefing Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi confirms that the Iran-EU nuclear talks are to be held on 21 December in Vienna, Austria. He adds, he hopes the talks will concentrate on the issue of Tehran's rights including its right for carrying out uranium enrichment.
--"Europe-President Talk," United Press International, 11 December 2005.

11 December 2005
Addressing a news conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi offers the United States a share in building a new nuclear power plant. "America can take part in international bidding for the construction of Iran's nuclear power plant if they observe the basic standards and quality." Apparently, the offer to the United States refers to the nuclear power plant to be constructed in southwestern Khuzestan, as mentioned by the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Gholamreza Aghazadeh.
--Nasser Karimi, "Iran offers U.S. share in building nuclear power plant," Associated Press, 11 December 2005; "Iran-Nuclear-Construction," United Press International, 11 December 2005.

13 December 2005
The United States refuses to provide security guarantees for Iran to make sure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. At a press briefing, State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli adds, "Before anybody asks the United States to do something, it's up to Iran to answer the questions, act like a responsible member of the international community, and stop violating its agreements with the EU-3 and others."
--"US rejects security guarantees for Iran," Xinhua, 13 December 2005.

14 December 2005
Addressing a public meeting in Zahedan, capital of the Sistan-Baluchestan Province in Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran will defend its nuclear achievements and insist on its undeniable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He stresses that "those who themselves produce nuclear arms should not raise hue and cry against those who only want to gain access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes."
--"Ahmadinejad: Iran to defend its nuclear achievements," Islamic Republic News Agency, 14 December 2005.

	Updated May 2006