3 January 2006
Mohammad Saeedi, Deputy Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that Iran plans to resume research into nuclear fuel production. Announcing on State television Mr. Saeedi says, "As our dear nation knows, about two and a half years ago our country agreed to voluntarily suspend research in nuclear fuel technology. We think that during this period our experts incurred heavy losses and many of our researchers lost their jobs. For the same reason, it was decided to inform the IAEA today on the resumption of the research." Mr. Saeedi also adds that resumption of nuclear fuel research does not mean that actual enrichment is going to resume.
--"Iran announces further resumption of atomic work," Reuters, 3 January 2006; "Iran to resume nuclear research," BBC, 3 January 2006.

3 January 2006
The U.S. State Department declares that it is going to impose sanctions on nine companies on the basis of credible information that the companies had transferred equipment or technology in violation of the Iran Nonproliferation Act. The State Department list of nine companies includes six in China, two in India, and one in Austria, all accused for having sold materials to Iran that are included in export control lists, or can be used in the production of missiles and weapons of mass destruction.
--"USA sanctions 9 firms under Iran Nonproliferation Act," Defense Industry Daily, 3 January 2006; Barry Schweid, "State Dept. sanctions 9 foreign companies for Iran arms sales," Associated Press, 27 December 2005.

3 January 2006
Iran rejects a Russian uranium enrichment proposal that would allow Russia to host Iran's enrichment program. Mr. Hamid-Reza Asefi, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman announced that, "Iran would not accept any proposal that calls for mere enrichment inside Russia but will consider one that offers a complimentary and workable plan." Also, in a separate statement, Mr. Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, described Russia's proposal as immature, as it contained serious problems and called on Russia to further complement and support their proposal. Mr. Larijani added, "Iran's right for having its own nuclear fuel is irrevocable and should be acknowledged. Iran did not want to depend on others."
--"Iran asks for improvement on Russian nuclear proposal," Xinhua, 3 January 2006; Nazila Fathi, "Iran says Russia's Nuclear Plan is 'Not Sufficient'," New York Times, 27 January 2006.

4 January 2006
The U.S. Department of Treasury imposes sanctions on two Iranian companies, Novin Energy Company and Mesbah Energy Company, for their support of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in connection with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The decision was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13382, an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of WMD and their supporters, and prohibiting transactions and trade with those designated entities.
--"Treasury employs financial actions against WMD proliferation supporters in Iran," Department of Treasury-Press Release, 4 January 2006.

4 January 2006
Author James Risen in his book, "State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration," alleges that in an effort to sabotage Iran's nuclear program, the CIA may have handed Iran a flawed plan for building an atomic bomb. The author also alleges that the Russian engineer who was originally hired by the CIA to deliver the flawed plans to the Iranians, double crossed his employers and offered to help Iran fix the flaws, resulting in a covert operation faux pas.
--Tracy Connor, "Book alleges CIA inadvertently gave Iran formula for nuclear bomb," New York Times, 4 January 2006; Josh Meyer, "CIA gave Iran Bomb Plans, Book says," Los Angeles Times, 4 January 2006.

4 January 2006
A 55-page confidential intelligence document drawing on findings from British, French, German and Belgian security agencies alleges that Iran has been seeking sensitive goods, technology and know-how for nuclear weapons and missiles in Europe. The report apparently emphasizes that west European engineering firms, germ laboratories, scientific think tanks and university campuses are being successfully preyed upon by multitudes of middlemen, front companies, scholars with hidden agendas and bureaucracies working for Iranian, Syrian, and Pakistani regimes.
--Ian Traynor and Ian Cobain, "Intelligence report claims nuclear market thriving," Guardian, 4 January 2006; "Iran combing Europe for nuke parts," Associated Press, 4 January 2006.

8 January 2006
Britain's Observer newspaper alleges that British officials have apparently allowed the export of 1,000 kg of zirconium silicate to Iran, demonstrating the weakness of British government controls over sensitive materials. Zirconium metal which can be extracted from zirconium silicate can be used to stop fuel rods from corroding and has a number of military applications, including use in a nuclear warhead.
--Anthony Barnett, "UK cleared nuclear cargo to Iran," Observer, 8 January 2006.

10 January 2006
Iran breaks open internationally monitored seals on at least three of its nuclear facilities, clearing the path for the resumption of nuclear fuel research under the supervision of the IAEA. Seals were removed at the Natanz enrichment facility and at two related storage and testing locations known as Pars Trash, near Isfahan, and Farayand Technique. In a parallel development, Mr. Hossein Entezami, spokesman for Iran's National Security Council announced that Iran is going to continue negotiations with Russia vis-à-vis their proposal. He adds, "Negotiations to reach a final conclusion are going to be continued on February 16 in Moscow."
--"Iran announces plan to restart atom work," Agence France-Presse, 9 January 2006; Steven R. Weisman and Nazila Fathi, "Iranians Reopen Nuclear Centers," New York Times, 11 January 2006.

12 January 2006
Iran's move to break IAEA seals clearing the path to resume nuclear research sets the stage for Iran's possible referral to the United Nations Security Council. Foreign Ministers from the UK, Germany and France unanimously agree that the time has come for Iran's nuclear issue to be dealt by the UN Security Council (UNSC). Britain's Foreign Minister, Jack Straw announces that the next step in the process would be to call for an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors to decide the grounds for Iran's referral to the UNSC.
--"EU calls for UN action over Iran," BBC, 12 January 2006; John Daniszewski, "Iran Nuclear Issue Moves toward U.N.," Los Angeles Times, 12 January 2006.

13 January 2006
As a response to international pressure to stop nuclear research activities and under threats of a UN Security Council referral, Iran threatens to block UN inspections of its nuclear activities and end all voluntary cooperation if it is referred to the UNSC. Mr. Manoucher Mottaki, the Iranian Foreign Minister adds, that "The Iranian government will have to stop all its voluntary cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog," if their case is referred to the UNSC. Furthermore, Mr. Mottaki adds, "Iran's right to access nuclear technology is not associated with the will of any particular country," and by agreeing to Iran's referral to the UNSC, "the European countries will lose the means which are currently at their disposal."
--John War Anderson and Daniela Deane, "Iran threatens to block U.N. inspections," Washington Post, 13 January 2006; Richard Bernstein and Steven R. Weisman, "Iran responds to criticism with threat to end U.N. inspections," New York Times, 13 January 2006.

18 January 2006
The EU powers prepare a draft resolution calling on the IAEA Board of Governors to refer Iran's nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council. The draft resolution asks Iran "to help the IAEA to clarify questions regarding possible nuclear weapons activities" and calls on the IAEA Director-General, Mohamed ElBaradei "to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Security Council." The Board of Governors is scheduled to meet next on 2 February.
--"EU drafts Iran Security Council Referral Resolution," Global Security Newswire, 18 January 2006; "IAEA Board to hold special meeting on Iran on 2 February 2006," IAEA, 18 January 2006.

18 January 2006
France rejects Iran's requests for more talks on its nuclear program, saying that Tehran first must suspend its atomic activities. In a response to an Iranian request for a ministerial-level meeting with France, Germany, Britain, and the EU, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Denis Simonneau says that Iran's resumption of nuclear enrichment-related activities "means that it is not possible for us to meet under satisfactory conditions to pursue these discussions." In a separate statement, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice brushed aside suggestions about a possible resumption of negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program.
--"Rice rejects renewal of talks with Iran," Associated Press, 18 January 2006; Nasser Karimi, "France rejects Iranian Request for Talks," Associated Press, 18 January 2006.

19 January 2006
Amid U.S. and EU demands of swift action to drag Iran to the UN Security Council over its atomic ambitions, Russia expresses that it wants the IAEA to hold off on a formal referral of Iran to the UN Security Council, a move that could lead to possible sanctions. Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov says, "Russia will follow the advice of the IAEA on the nuclear issue at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting." Mr. Lavrov further adds that a "professional appraisal" of the situation was highly important and that the international community should resolve the problem.
--"Russia to follow IAEA advice on Iran nuclear issue-Lavrov," RIA-Novosti, 19 January 2006; "Russia hesitates to act on Iran," Los Angeles Times, 19 January 2006; Alistair Lyon, "WRAPUP3-Rice demands U.N. action on Iran nuclear dispute," Reuters, 19 January 2006.

22 January 2006
Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, reiterates that, "if the case goes to the Security Council, we're obliged.... to lift all voluntary measures." He adds that Tehran would even consider resuming efforts to enrich uranium on an industrial scale if its case was reported to the UN Security Council.
--Raula Khalaf and Gareth Smyth, "Iran warns against UN referral," Financial Times, 22 January 2006.

25 January 2006
Representatives from six key nations, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States plan to meet in London on 30 January to discuss what actions should be taken regarding Iran's nuclear activities. They are considering a new approach, where they would first urge Iran to suspend enrichment activities and come back to talks with the EU and secondly, give the IAEA more inspection authority. Failure to act on the aforementioned would result in sanctions for Iran.
--"Key Foreign Ministers to discuss Iran Nuclear Issue," Global Security Newswire, 25 January 2006.

26 January 2006
President Bush and the Chinese government declare full support for a Russian proposal to allow Iran to operate civilian nuclear facilities, as long as Russia and international nuclear inspectors are in full control of fuel. Expressing his support for the deal, President Bush adds, "I think that it is a good plan. The Russians came up with the idea, and I support it."

In a separate statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Kong Quan adds, "We oppose impulsively using sanctions or threats of sanctions to solve problems. This will complicate problems."
--"Bush supports Russian plan to handle Iranian Nuclear Material," U.S. State Department, 27 January 2006; Chris Buckley and Lindsay Beck, "China opposes sanctions to resolve Iran dispute," Reuters, 26 January 2006.

27 January 2006
Responding to international pressure to accept the Russian proposal, Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator calls the Russian plan "positive" but says it is "not sufficient for Iran's nuclear technology." Furthermore, he adds, that "it should be considered along with other proposed schemes" to present a more complete revised proposal.
--David E. Sanger and Elaine Sciolino, "Iran says Russia's Nuclear Plan is 'not sufficient'," New York Times, 27 January 2006; "Russia plan not enough for Iran," BBC, 27 January 2006.

30 January 2006
Just before representatives from China, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the EU-3 are to meet in London to discuss Iran's nuclear case for referral to the UN Security Council, senior Iranian officials offer a potential compromise plan. As per the compromise offered, Iran is prepared to allow more time for talks with the Europeans on large scale enrichment, while seeking agreement with the IAEA on the scope of uranium enrichment allowed for research and development purposes.
--Gareth Smyth, "Iran steps up EU diplomacy," Financial Times, 30 January 2006; "Iran to present new nuclear proposals to EU," Reuters, 30 January 2006.

31 January 2006
Representatives from the United States, China, Russia, and the EU-3 at their meeting in London, reach a surprising accord that Iran's case should be taken before the UN Security Council. While Russia and China have signed onto a statement that calls on the IAEA to transfer Iran's dossier to the UN Security Council, they insist that Iran's case be "reported" as opposed to "referred" to the Security Council. Reporting does not guarantee sanctions and presents a way to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels.
--Kevin Sullivan and Dafna Linzer, "Iran to be reported to Security Council," Washington Post, 31 January 2006; Anne Gearan, "U.N. Council Agrees on Iran Nuclear Review," Associated Press, 31 January 2006.

31 January 2006
The head of Belgian's state security service, Koen Dassen resigns amid allegations that his department failed to disclose nuclear transfers to Iran. Allegedly, a Belgian firm Epsi sold Iran in November of 2004, an isostatic press which could potentially be used to strengthen nuclear weapons components. As quoted in an official Belgian report, in view of an international embargo banning nuclear technology transfers to Iran, the state security agency "assuredly failed in its mission to provide information to authorities and proved itself inefficient."
--"Iran row hits Belgian spy chief," BBC, 31 January 2006.

1 February 2006
Former chief spokesman for the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Alireza Jafarzadeh alleges that the Iranian military is working through a front company to build a "top-secret" tunnel in northeast Tehran. Allegedly, the tunnel is meant to further Iran's nuclear weapons research and development activities while shifting most of its operations underground. Also, as per a four-page confidential agency report as quoted in the New York Times, the IAEA has uncovered potential connections between Iran's nuclear energy program and military efforts on missiles and explosives. The so called "Green Salt Project" allegedly implicates an Iranian entity for involvement in uranium processing, high explosives and a missile warhead design, suggesting a military-nuclear dimension. [Note: Green Salt derives its name from uranium tetrafluoride (also known as Green Salt), an intermediate product in the conversion of uranium ore into uranium hexafluoride.]
--Joe Fiorill, "Iran resistance alleges more nuclear tunnel work," Global Security Newswire, 1 February 2006; "IAEA sees military link to Iran Nuclear Program," Global Security Newswire, 1 February 2006; Elaine Sciolino and William J. Broad, "Agency says Iran work may link to Weapons," New York Times, 1 February 2006.

4 February 2006
Following an International Atomic Energy Board of Governors emergency meeting, a Board resolution votes to report Iran to the UN Security Council. The statement calls on Iran "to heed the clear message" of the world community and urges Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and processing activities, cooperate fully with the IAEA, and resume diplomatic negotiations. On a separate but connected note, Iran is given until March 2006 to come clean on its nuclear activities, when IAEA Director-General ElBaradei is scheduled to present his report on Iran's nuclear program.
--"Iran gets an extension until March," RIA-Novosti, 2 February 2006; "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Resolution adopted on 4 February 2006 by the IAEA Board of Governors, GOV/2006/14," IAEA, 4 February 2006; "Atomic Energy Board votes to report Iran to U.N. Security Council," U.S. State Department, 6 February 2006.

7 February 2006
Responding to the IAEA Board of Governors vote to report Iran to the UN Security Council, Iran tells the IAEA to scrap the "containment and surveillance measures" under a 1997 Additional Protocol that had given IAEA inspectors more intrusive inspection powers up until now. Iran has not yet ratified the additional protocol but was voluntarily following all its obligations. Iran has told the IAEA to remove all surveillance gear from it key sites by mid-February, thus, considerably reducing the IAEA's future ability to verify an absence of undeclared nuclear activity.
--Mark Heinrich, "Iran's inspection curb hobbles key IAEA atom probe," Washington Post, 7 February 2006; Alissa J. Rubin, "Rejecting cooperation, Iran asks IAEA to remove Seals, Cameras," Los Angeles Times, 7 February 2006.

8 February 2006
Two German nationals are formally charged with espionage for helping a foreign intelligence agency acquire dual-use "delivery system" technology. The two nationals are reportedly accused of "having sold a vibration facility in 2001 and 2002 on behalf of a foreign military intelligence procurement activity." It is alleged that the country reportedly involved in the above clandestine procurement activities is Iran.
--"Germans, Russian aid Iran arms programme-officials," Reuters, 8 February 2006; "German spy charges 'on Iran arms'," Associated Press, 3 February 2006; Louis Charbonneau, "Germany holds 2 Men suspected of buying arms for Iran," Reuters, 25 February 2006.

13 February 2006
Iran begins to inject UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) gas into a limited number of centrifuges at its Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. [Note: Uranium enrichment regarded as a crucial step in making nuclear weapons, is seen as the red line by the United States and the European Union in the long running standoff over Iran's nuclear program.] Also, in view of the recent IAEA Board vote, Iran pushed back talks with Russia indefinitely. According to the Iranian presidential spokesman, Gholamhossein Elham, this apparent move was reflective of the broader reality of the "new situation." The talks with Russia were originally scheduled to be held on 16 February.
--"Iran starts nuclear enrichment at Natanz," FBIS Feature, 13 February 2006, FBIS document FEA20060213019476; "Iran starts injection of UF6 gas into limited number of centrifuges in Natanz," Tehran Fars News Agency, 13 February 2006, FBIS document IAP20060213011052; "Iran shelves Russia nuclear talks," BBC, 13 January 2006.

21 February 2006
An Iranian delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council Seyyed-Ali Hosseini-Tash concluded talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. The talks that were focused on Iran's nuclear program and on the possibility of setting up a joint uranium enrichment venture on Russian territory failed to come to any compromises. However, the talks were described as "positive and constructive" by an Iranian official and further talks are scheduled to be held between the two in Tehran.
--"Ambassador says Iran delegation will visit Moscow Feb. 20," RIA-Novosti, 16 February 2006; "Russia nuclear talks underway in Kremlin," RIA-Novosti, 20 February 2006; "Iran-Russian nuclear talks close," BBC, 21 February 2006.

27 February 2006
Agreeing in principle to the Russian uranium enrichment proposal, Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki says, "We are ready to compromise." However, he maintains that there are four specific issues that need to be addressed: "which countries and firms would be involved, and also, what will the timing and place or places involved vis-à-vis Russia's proposal."
--"Iran announces breakthrough in nuclear talks with Russia," Global Security Newswire, 27 February 2006; "Iran ready to compromise on nuclear issue," Global Security Newswire, 23 February 2006; Nazila Fathi, "Iran moves towards deal with Russia on Uranium," New York Times, 27 February 2006.

27 February 2006
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad calls for a Middle East nuclear weapons free zone. Speaking after talks with Kuwaiti leaders, President Ahmadinejad said, "We too demand that the Middle East be free of nuclear weapons, not only in the Middle East, but the whole world should be free of nuclear weapons." President Ahmadinejad further added that while Iran's nuclear program was for peaceful civilian purposes, the possession of nuclear weapons by the superpowers and the occupiers in the Middle East, were a threat to stability.
--"Iran calls for nuclear-free region," BBC, 27 February 2006.

28 February 2006
The International Atomic Energy Agency's Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei circulated his latest report on the IAEA's nuclear verification in Iran, before the scheduled Board of Governors meeting on March 6. The confidential report states that Iran is determined to make progress on nuclear technology as it had already started operating a 10-centriuge cascade, and was finishing maintenance on 20 more centrifuges. The report also states that it is "regrettable and a matter of concern" that Iran has not been more forthcoming after three years of intensive agency verification.
--Elaine Sciolino, "U.N. Agency says it got few answers from Iran on Nuclear Activity and Weapons," New York Times, 28 February 2006; "IAEA says Iran determined to expand Nuclear Program," Global Security Newswire, 28 February 2006; "Report on Iran Nuclear Safeguards sent to Agency's Board," IAEA, 28 February 2006.

2 March 2006
A third round of talks between Iran and Russia regarding the Russian enrichment proposal ended without any breakthrough. Having agreed in principle to the deal before, Tehran maintains that while being flexible on the implementation of the Russian enrichment proposal, the process of enrichment is a sovereign national right and that "states that have a peaceful nuclear program must not be deprived of this right." In a separate but connected issue, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, is set to meet with the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany, in last minute talks ahead of the scheduled 6 March IAEA Board of Governors meeting. Mr. Larijani believes that the proposed Russian plan can be effective if Iran's case is not reported to the Security Council.
--"Report: Russia and Iran resume nuclear negotiations," Associated Press, 2 March 2006; "Iran will allow IAEA to inspect nuclear programs-negotiator," RIA-Novosti, 2 March 2006; "Larijani: Russian proposal to be first victim if Iran sent to UNSC," FBIS feature, 2 March 2006, FBIS document FEA20060302020379.

7 March 2006
Russia's Energy Engineering Alliance completes installation of equipment at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. The Bushehr reactor's main supplier is ZIO-Podolsk, a Russian machine building firm, which is part of Russia's Energy Engineering Alliance. The firm has previously supplied Iran with four steam generators and other equipment for the Bushehr project's first reactor block. The company is also known to have specialists working on the ground in Iran to assemble equipment and address on site technical issues.
--"Russian companies install equipment at Iranian NPP," RIA-Novosti, 7 March 2006.

7 March 2006
Mohsen Aminzadeh, the ex-Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran and a member of the Jebhe-e-Mosharekat ("The Cooperation Front"), in a daring expose, writes about Iran's nuclear program and the country's limited capacity for mining uranium. Mr. Aminzadeh states that Iran's nuclear industry, despite "all the innovations of the Iranian experts," needs the cooperation of foreign nations in order to develop. He further adds that "Iran needs to import uranium for its reactor; and even if one day it can enrich uranium, Iran's discovered uranium resources are limited."
--Mohsen Aminzadeh, "The Biggest Diplomatic Defeat for the Islamic Republic of Iran," Emrooz, March 7, 2006.

8 March 2006
Speaking at the conclusion of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors meeting that began on 6 March, IAEA Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei calls on Iran and the West to return to negotiations in the row over Iran's nuclear program. Furthermore, Dr. ElBaradei calls on Iran to be more transparent working with the Agency and continue to work and take the required confidence building measures in reference to its nuclear program. Mr. ElBaradei also underscores the need for a comprehensive political settlement that takes care of all underlying issues.
--"Watchdog holds crucial Iran talks," BBC, 6 March 2006; "IAEA Board of Governors ends Monday meeting," IRNA, 6 March 2006; "IAEA Director General's Remarks at Conclusion of the IAEA Board Meeting, March 8, 2006," IAEA, 8 March 2006.

8 March 2006
Following the IAEA's Board Meeting, head of the Iranian delegation, Mr. Javad Vaeidi, says that the failure to adopt a resolution at the Board of Governors meeting is indicative of a lack of consensus against Iran. He adds that there are two possible options to resolve the present impasse, "to compromise and cooperate or go for confrontation." He also adds that Iran hopes for the former but would in any case continue to exercise its research and development activities based on its right. Responding to U.S. threats of having the power to cause harm and pain, Mr.Vaeidi adds that the U.S. is also susceptible to such harm and pain, and if the U.S. wishes to choose such a path, "let the ball roll."
--"Statement to the Press," by H.E. Javad Vaeidi, Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Delegation to the Board of Governors, Acronym Institute, 8 March 2006.

8 March 2006
The release of Director-General ElBaradei's report to the Board of Governors triggers the participation of the UN Security Council, which is scheduled to take up the issue of Iran's nuclear program in the coming weeks. On a related note, Hassan Rowhani, the former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, reiterates that, "the Additional Protocol will be implemented only if the world agrees not to send Iran's nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council." Furthermore, Mr. Rowhani adds that there were no reasons justifying the West's concerns over Iran's peaceful nuclear activities and dismissed allegations that Iran wants to produce nuclear weapons, saying "twenty centrifuges cannot be a cause of concern for the world."
--Greg Webb, "Nuclear standoff with Iran moves to U.N. Security Council," Global Security Newswire, 8 March 2006; "Rowhani: Iran determined to continue peaceful nuclear work," IRNA, 8 March 2006, FBIS document IAP20060308011017.

13 March 2006
Following closely on the heels of another round of talks between Russia and Iran, Iran rejects a Russian proposal to enrich uranium for Iranian nuclear reactors. Hamid Reza Asefi, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says, "We had told the Russians that we will not give up our research and development program and the proposal is ruled out if this part is ignored." In a separate statement, Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, referring to the question of possible withdrawal from the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) adds, "if we reach a point where the existing mechanisms do not provide for the right of the Iranian people, then the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran would be possibly revised and reconsidered." However, Mr. Mottaki is quick to add that leaving the treaty "was not on the agenda yet."
--"Iran rejects Russian uranium enrichment proposal," Global Security Newswire, 13 March 2006; Nazila Fathi, "Iran rejects Russian offer to Defuse Nuclear Dispute," New York Times, 13 March 2006; "Senior Iranian official to continue nuclear talks in Moscow-Russian Agency," RIA-Novosti, 13 March 2006, FBIS document CEP20060313950208.

15 March 2006
The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene a formal meeting to discuss a draft text addressing Iran's nuclear activities. The draft resolution penned by France and the United Kingdom, calls on Iran to comply with IAEA demands by suspending uranium enrichment activities. The resolution also calls on the IAEA Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei to report to the Security Council "in 14 days on Iranian compliance with requirements set out by the IAEA Board." The draft also urges Iran to "ratify and implement in full" the Additional Protocol.
--"Full U.N. Security Council to Discuss Iran on Friday," Global Security Newswire, 15 March 2006; Warren Hoge, "Text on Iran's Nuclear Work is under study by the U.N. Council," New York Times, 15 March 2006.

16 March 2006
Responding to questions on the holding of bilateral talks between Iran and the U.S. over Iraq, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns dismisses any notion that direct discussions between the U.S. and Iran will be an effective way of confronting Iran's nuclear program. In a separate statement, Mr. Gregory Schulte, U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA, adds, "the discussions that we are prepared to conduct with authorities from Iran and our Ambassador Khalilzad from Baghdad are focused on Iraq, that's the purpose of those." Mr. Schulte also adds, "we have no intention to open direct negotiations with Tehran on the nuclear issue."
--David Shelby, "State's Burns Rejects Direct U.S.-Iran Talks over Nuclear Issue," U.S. State Department, 16 March 2006; "US rules nuclear issue out of Iran-Iraq talks," Iran Mania, 22 March 2006; "US and Iran agree to Iraq talks," BBC, 16 March 2006.

25 March 2006
Reports indicate that Iran is only a few weeks away from resuming uranium enrichment. Western sources are quoted as saying that Iran is likely to begin testing vacuum sealing on centrifuges and related equipment in a few days. Presumably, after this step Iran is expected to feed uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas into a 164 centrifuge cascade in the next few weeks.
--Alissa J. Rubin and Maggie Farley, "Iran's Nuclear Steps Quicken, Diplomats say," Los Angeles Times, 25 March 2006; "Iran reportedly steps up nuclear work," Global Security Newswire, 27 March 2006.

29 March 2006
The United Nations Security Council releases a Presidential Statement on Iran's nuclear program. The Presidential Statement notes with serious concern the many IAEA reports and resolutions related to Iran's nuclear program, reported to it by the IAEA Director-General, including the 4 February, IAEA Board Resolution. The statement also indicates serious concern vis-à-vis Iran's decision to resume enrichment-related activities, including research and development, and to suspend cooperation with the IAEA under the Additional Protocol. The Presidential statement concludes by calling on Iran to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors, and expresses the conviction that such suspension and full, verified Iranian compliance with the requirements set out by the IAEA Board of Governors would contribute to a diplomatic, negotiated solution that guarantees Iran's nuclear program is for exclusively peaceful purposes. Furthermore, the Presidential statement requests in 30 days a report from the Director-General of the IAEA on the process of Iranian compliance with the steps required by the IAEA Board, to the IAEA Board of Governors and in parallel to the Security Council for its consideration.
--"Statement by the President of the Security Council, S/PRST/2006/15," United Nations, 29 March 2006.

4 April 2006
United Nations nuclear inspectors are to arrive in Iran this week to visit sites including the Natanz uranium enrichment plant. The IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei is also set to join the inspection team to meet with Iranian officials for talks on confidence-building measures. On a separate but connected note, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Motaki told reporters that Iran was prepared to negotiate on the issue of large-scale enrichment but stressed that Iran would never abandon its right to enrich uranium.
--"Iran says ready to discuss Industrial Enrichment," Global Security Newswire, 4 April 2006; "Nuclear inspectors to visit Iran," BBC, 4 April 2006; "Iranian nuclear checks to start," BBC, 8 April 2006.

11 April 2006
Addressing a ceremony attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, senior military officers, government officials and foreign dignitaries in the holy city of Marshad, Gholamreza Aghazadeh, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization presents a 27-minute report on the country's nuclear program announcing that Iran has managed to enrich uranium to 3.5 percent. Adding that Iran had completed the production of the nuclear fuel cycle on the laboratory scale by successfully enriching uranium to 3.5 percent on 9 April, Mr. Ahgazadeh further adds that this achievement paves the way for starting the process on an industrial scale in Iran and that Iran was trying to complete a 3,000 centrifuge complex by mid-March 2007.
--"FYI-Ahmadinejad, Aqazadeh Announce Iranian Success in Uranium Enrichment," Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network-in Persian, 11 April 2006, FBIS document IAP20060411011076; "Iran proclaims breakthrough in nuclear program," Global Security Newswire, 12 April 2006; Nazila Fathi, David E. Sanger and William J. Broad, "Iran says it is making nuclear fuel, defying U.N.," New York Times, 12 April 2006.

14 April 2006
An Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) imagery brief shows the construction of a new tunnel entrance near the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) at Esfahan and continued construction at the Natanz uranium enrichment site.
--Paul Brannan and David Albright, "ISIS Imagery Brief: New Activities at the Esfahan and Natanz Nuclear Sites in Iran," Institute for Science and International Security, 14 April 2006.

18 April 2006
IAEA inspectors are set to take up the issue of P-2 centrifuges referenced in a speech delivered by President Ahmadinejad earlier this week. They will be meeting with Iranian authorities requesting further clarifications on the issue of "research and testing" of technology of an improved centrifuge design. Responding to President Ahmadinejad's assertion, Scott McClellan, the White House spokesman adds, "Undisclosed work on P-2 centrifuges would be a further violation of Iran's safeguard obligations, in addition to those that have already been identified by the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency."
--"Moscow hosts meeting on Iran crisis," CNN, 18 April 2006; "IAEA inspectors to press Iran's centrifuge claims," Global Security Newswire, 18 April 2006.

19 April 2006
Iran is elected to a leadership position at the United Nations Disarmament Commission. Mehdi Danesh-Yazdi, the deputy Iranian ambassador to the United Nations will take up his new role as one of three vice-chairpersons at the Commission.
--"Disarmament board chooses Iranian as vice chair," Jerusalem Post, 19 April 2006.

21 April 2006
Diplomats from the EU-3, France, Britain and Germany reject a suggestion from IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei that Iran pause its uranium enrichment efforts in an attempt to restart negotiations with the EU-3. Iran had previously spoken about a technical pause before putting in motion the next two cascades at Natanz, however, senior EU diplomats have rejected this notion as unacceptable and maintain that "a full suspension is the only way to resolve this."
--"EU powers reject plan for Iran enrichment pause," Global Security Newswire, 21 April 2006.

25 April 2006
Iran tells the IAEA that it will refuse to answer questions about a second, secret uranium-enrichment program disclosed by President Ahamdinejad, in a speech earlier this month.
Iran's decision not to answer the IAEA's questions was conveyed directly to IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei.
--David E. Sanger and Nazila Fathi, "Iran is described as defiant on 2nd Nuclear Program," New York Times, 25 April 2006.

25 April 2006
Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator says his country will suspend contacts with the UN's nuclear watchdog if sanctions are imposed. He further adds "military actions against Iran will not lead to the closure of the program. If you take harsh measures, we will hide this program. Then you cannot solve the nuclear issue." On a separate but connected note, top Iranian nuclear officials are in Vienna to make a last-ditch effort at talks ahead of the anticipated IAEA report on the country's nuclear program.
-- "Iran threatens to end UN contacts," BBC, 25 April 2006; "Top Iranian nuclear officials to hold talks at IAEA," Global Security Newswire, 25 April 2006.

28 April 2006
The IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei releases his report on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It states that Iran has ignored a UN Security Council demand to suspend all nuclear fuel enrichment activities. Furthermore, the report states that Iran had not given information on key issues and "after more than three years of agency efforts to seek clarity about all aspects of Iran's nuclear program, the existing gaps in knowledge continue to be a matter of concern." The report further adds that "any progress in this regard requires full transparency and active cooperation by Iran." Also, the report states that Iran's decision to suspend its voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol since February, has limited the Agency's ability to verify the absence of any undeclared nuclear activity.
--"Iran 'fails to heed nuclear call'," BBC, 28 April 2006; "IAEA says Iran defied U.N. Security Council," Global Security Newswire, 28 April 2006; "Report on Iran Nuclear Safeguards Sent to Agency's Board and UN Security Council," International Atomic Energy Agency, 28 April 2006.

28 April 2006
Addressing a gathering of people during a visit to the Zanjan Province in Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad adds, "the whole nation shouts that nuclear energy is Iran's undeniable right." He further adds, "those who want to deny the Iranian nation of its right through statements and resolutions should know that the people do not give a damn about such measures."
--"Iran does not 'give a damn' about resolution denying nuclear right," OSC feature, 28 April 2006, OSC Document FEA20060428022522.

29 April 2006
Iran says it is willing to resume the voluntary implementation of the additional protocol allowing snap inspections if its nuclear dossier is dropped by the Security Council and returned to the IAEA. Mohammad Saeedi, the deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization criticizing Dr. ElBaradei's report to the UNSC adds, "If the case returns to the agency again, we will begin the section that concerns the Additional Protocol." Mr. Saeedi further adds, "The enrichment will continue. But...we will continue implementing the Additional Protocol as a voluntary measure."
--"Iran says to allow inspections if U.N. drops case," New York Times, 29 April 2006; "Iran proposes return of Nuclear Dossier to IAEA," Global Security Newswire, 1 May 2006.

1 May 2006
The Iranian government allocates funds to finish the country's first nuclear power plant. Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham adds that Tehran has earmarked $243 million for the completion of the Bushehr reactor in southwest Iran. Bushehr is expected to come online in 2007.
--"Iran allocates funds to finish first nuclear power plant," Associated Press, 1 May 2006.

2 May 2006
Gholamreza Aghazadeh, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization says Iran has managed to enrich uranium up to 4.8 percent purity. Mr. Aghazadeh adds, "enrichment of more than five percent is not on Iran's agenda and this level suffices for making nuclear fuel."
--"Iran achieves higher uranium enrichment level," Agence France Presse, 2 May 2006; "Iran says it has enriched uranium to 4.8 percent," RIA-Novosti, 2 May 2006.

2 May 2006
Iran says it has found uranium ore deposits at three new sites in the center of the country. Mohammad Ghannadi, Iran's deputy chief of nuclear research and technology while addressing a conference says, "we have got good news: the discovery of new economically viable deposits of uranium in central Iran." The new deposits are located at the Khoshoomi region, Charchooteh and Narigam.
--"Iran discovers new uranium deposits," Associated Press, 2 May 2006.

3 May 2006
The United States, Britain and France draft a binding UN Security Council resolution requiring Iran to stop critical nuclear activities. Meanwhile, Russia and China have expressed reservations vis-à-vis the draft resolution. The resolution which has not been made public expresses "serious concern" vis-à-vis Iran's non-compliance with its international commitments.
--"U.S., EU craft U.N. resolution on Iranian nuclear program," Global Security Newswire, 3 May 2006; Elaine Sciolino, "U.S., Britain and France draft U.N. resolution on Iran's nuclear ambitions," New York Times, 3 May 2006.

7 May 2006
Iran's parliament threatens to pull out of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Western pressure over its program increases. The threat comes a day before key UN members are to discuss a binding draft resolution on Iran's nuclear issue.
--"Iran threat to quit atomic treaty," BBC, 7 May 2006.

8 May 2006
In what represents the first direct communication from an Iranian head of state to an American president since 1979, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad writes to President Bush proposing "new solutions" to their differences. In an 18 page letter, while briefly touching upon the nuclear issue and remaining critical of U.S. foreign policy, President Ahmadinejad more broadly focuses on "new solutions for getting out of international problems and the current fragile situation of the world."
--"Ahmadinejad sends letter to Bush," BBC, 8 May 2006; Nasser Karimi, "Iran's leader writes to President Bush," Associated Press, 8 May 2006.

9 May 2006
Choosing to delay a U.N. Security Council resolution to curb Iran's nuclear program, representatives of the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany agree to present Iran with a choice of incentives or sanctions in deciding whether to suspend uranium enrichment. In what is being labeled as a package of "new idea" for Iran to consider, the new package does not include security guarantees and does not allow Iran to continue to enrich uranium but however, builds on previous economic and technical assistance incentives offered as part of earlier packages.
--Edith M. Lederer, "U.N. to present Iran Nuke Program Options," Associated Press, 9 May 2006; "West to offer Iran benefits or sanctions," Reuters, 10 May 2006.

12 May 2006
UN inspectors find new traces of highly enriched uranium on equipment in Iran. The samples of highly enriched uranium are allegedly from the former research center at Lavizan-Shian. Anonymous sources are quoted as saying that the purity of the obtained samples appear to be close to or above the level used to make nuclear warheads.
--"Diplomats: Enriched uranium found in Iran," CNN, 12 May 2006; "New HEU traces found in Iran," Global Security Newswire, 12 May 2006.

15 May 2006
The European Union offers to help Iran obtain the most advanced civilian nuclear technology if Iran halts work on uranium enrichment. In a package that has found support in the White House, Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief speaking to reporters, adds, "if they want to construct a nuclear energy power plant, they would have, in cooperation with the European Union and other members of the international community, the best and most sophisticated technology." Mr. Solana further adds, "if they reject that, it would mean that what they want is something different."
--Jonathan S. Landay and Matthew Schofield, "EU offers civilian nuclear technology to Iran," Knight Ridder Newspapers, 15 May 2006; Mark John, "EU to offer Iran best civil nuclear technology," Reuters, 16 May 2006.

17 May 2006
Iran's president rejects the latest offer from Europe to quit uranium enrichment in exchange for incentives including a light water reactor. Addressing a crowd in the central city of Arak, President Ahmadinejad adds, "your incentives are definitely not more valuable than nuclear technology," and "how dare you tell our people to give up its gold in return for chocolate."
--Nazila Fathi, "Iran rejects potential European incentives," New York Times, 10 May 2006; "Iran shuns EU 'reactor incentive'," BBC, 17 May 2006.

18 May 2006
Doubts emerge over the technical advancement of Iran's nuclear program over the alleged use of Chinese uranium hexafluoride in Iranian uranium enrichment. It is alleged that Iran's recent breakthrough in uranium enrichment, successfully producing 3.5 percent enriched uranium has been made possible through the use of Chinese supplied uranium hexafluoride that was sold to Iran by China back in 1991.
-- "Iran enrichment: A Chinese puzzle," BBC, 18 May 2006.

26 May 2006
Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Javad Zarif says Tehran wants to work directly with the United States on an "easily attainable" resolution, if Washington drops the "intimidation tactics." Ambassador Zarif further adds, "We are prepared to engage in serious discussion in order to resolve the issue, and we have not made any exception with regard to the United States."
--"Iran to U.S.: Stop bluster, let's talk," CNN, 26 May 2005.

29 May 2006
Mr. Sadat-Hosseini, an official in the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization says his country is "competing with the advanced world" in seeking to produce energy from nuclear fusion. He further adds, "Iran has done various fusion tests for research purposes at its Amirabad research reactor over the last few years."
-- "Iran says research on nuclear fusion progressing," Reuters, 29 May 2006; Breffni O'Rourke, "Iran: Tehran says it is working on advanced nuclear fusion," Radio Free Europe, 30 May 2006.

31 May 2006
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in what seems an apparent U.S. policy change vis-à-vis Iran, announces that the United States will join talks with Iran if Tehran suspends sensitive nuclear activities and permits more intrusive international inspections to resume. Secretary Rice adds, "to underscore our commitment to a diplomatic solution and to enhance the prospects of success, as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table with our EU-3 colleagues and meet with Iran's representatives." Secretary Rice further adds that the move is meant to "give new energy" to a European effort to develop a package of incentives or potential punishments to convince Iran to pull back from a nuclear program that it insists as peaceful but which the U.S. has argued is a cover for developing nuclear weapons.
--Steven R. Weisman and John O'Neil, "Rice proposes path to talks with Iran on Nuclear Issue," New York Times, 31 May 2006; "U.S. willing to join Iran talks," Global Security Newswire, 31 May 2006.

1 June 2006
Iran says it is ready to accept U.S. offer on talks on its nuclear activities but rejects the condition that it first suspend those efforts. Iran's foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki adds that Iran "will not give up its nation's right to enrichment, we will not hold talks over it. But we are ready to hold talks over mutual concerns."
--"Iran cautious over US talks offer," BBC, 1 June 2006; "Iran wants talks with U.S. but refuses nuclear freeze," Global Security Newswire, 1 June 2006.

2 June 2006
The United States, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany have agreed to "substantive" incentives in an attempt to coax Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment. The package which is to be presented by the EU's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana to Iranian authorities outlines two paths, one for incentives and the other penalties based on response. The new package of incentives which has not been released to the public is expected to include: 1) the provision of light water nuclear reactors and enriched fuel; 2) support for Iranian membership of the World Trade Organization; 3) the lifting of restrictions on the use of US technology in agriculture, and 4) availability of spare parts for civilian aircraft made by US manufacturers. Iran allegedly has until the Group of Eight (G8) Summit in mid-July to consider the offer of incentives to suspend its nuclear enrichment program.
-- "'Carrot-stick' deal agreed on Iran," CNN, 2 June 2006; "EU's Solana to present Iran with nuclear proposal," CNN, 5 June 2006; "Iran 'positive' on nuclear offer," BBC, 6 June 2006; Louis Charbonneau, "Iran has until July to consider atomic offer: Austria," Reuters, 9 June 2006.

8 June 2006
The IAEA releases a report on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The report details all developments in Iran since April 2006. The report inter alia notes that Iran has not responded to the Agency's request for clarifications concerning, and access to carry out environmental sampling of, other equipment and materials related to the Physics Research Center (PHRC), and that Iran has not provided any timetable to resolve outstanding issues. The report further notes that contrary to previous reports that Iran slowed uranium enrichment in May, Iran is presently installing more centrifuge machines and continuing enrichment work and has begun to enrich a second batch of uranium in its research plant at Natanz.
--"Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency, 8 June 2006; "Iran 'continuing enrichment work'," BBC, 9 May 2006. Alissa J. Rubin, "Iran starts 2nd Round of Enrichment," Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2006.

12 June 2006
Responding to the package of incentives offered to Iran, Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator says there are "problems and ambiguities" in the recent incentive package offered by the world's leading powers to persuade Iran to curb its nuclear program. He further adds that the offer of nuclear technology is a "positive point" but the key issue of uranium enrichment remains ambiguous. On a separate but connected note, responding to President George Bush's remarks that Iran had "weeks not months" to respond to the package, Hamid-Reza Asefi, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman says, "Iran would take "as long as necessary" before replying.
--Elaine Sciolino, "Iran seeks talks but rejects nuclear Freeze," New York Times, 12 June 2006; Gareth Smyth, "Iran sees 'problems' in offer to lure it off the nuclear path," Financial Times, 12 June 2006.

12 June 2006
The Daily Telegraph alleges that Iran is working on a secret military project to develop nuclear weapons that have not been declared to the United Nations inspectors responsible for monitoring Iran's nuclear program. Allegedly, the project is codenamed Zirzamin 27 and its purpose is to enable the Iranians to undertake uranium enrichment to military standard.
--Con Coughlin, "Iran accused of hiding secret nuclear weapons site," Daily Telegraph, 12 June 2006.

15 June 2006
Speaking at a gathering of officials from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke of the honorable and valuable move of the Iranian youth to access indigenous nuclear technology as a historical move contributing to promotion of civilization and urges that it should expand in various directions. He further adds that "any nation determined to build up its own destiny should seek such a key." Responding to Western pressure on trying to limit Iran's nuclear program, Khamenei adds that "Iran will not contend to such pressure. The growing trend of this scientific move is the major goal set by Iran."
--"Access to nuclear energy more important than exploration of oil in Iran," Fars News Agency, 15 June 2006.

26 June 2006
A confidential report on the technical assessment of Iran's nuclear program by IAEA Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei says that even small-scale enrichment will move Iran toward "successful long-term sustained centrifuge operation." The report further says that centrifuge experiments even without the introduction of uranium hexafluoride can help Iran learn about the "life expectancy ...of key mechanical components" and data "needed for the development of more advanced centrifuge systems."
--"IAEA issues assessment on Iran's nuclear activities," Global Security Newswire, 26 June 2006.

12 July 2006
Foreign Ministers from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany agree to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council. The decision to refer Iran to the Security Council could lead to economic sanctions. John Bolton, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN says that the UN Security Council would work on a resolution demanding that Iran suspend all enrichment activities, as required by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
--"Iran referred to Security Council," BBC, 12 July 2006.

24 July 2006
Iran repeats its refusal to accept any preconditions for nuclear talks with the West. Iranian government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham says, "We are ready to discuss anything in negotiations...(but) we will not accept any preconditions." He further adds, "all parties should be on an equal standing on entering any negotiations, and that halting enrichment would mean Iran would not be in such a position." On a separate but connected note, Iran says it would formally respond on 22 August to a Western package of incentives aimed at resolving the standoff over its nuclear program.
--"Iran rejects talk preconditions," BBC, 24 July 2006; Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran says it will deliver response Aug. 22," Associated Press, 20 July 2006.

27 July 2006
The United States sanctions two Indian firms for missile-related transactions with Iran. The two Indian firms have been sanctioned along with five other firms - two Russian firms, two North Korean firms, and one Cuban firm. All firms have been sanctioned for transferring to Iran equipment and/or technology on export control lists. Under the terms of the Iran-Syria Nonproliferation Act the firms will be barred from receiving U.S. government contracts, assistance, or military trade as well as certain controlled goods which have both civilian and military purposes.
-- Carol Giacomo, "US sanctions two India firms for transfers to Iran," Reuters, 27 July 2006; "U.S. punishes 7 companies for Iran deals," CNN, 7 August 2006.

31 July 2006
The United Nations Security Council passes Resolution 1696 demanding Iran suspend its uranium enrichment activities by 31 August. The resolution passes by 14 votes to one with Qatar the lone dissenter. The resolution states that an enrichment suspension, as well as full, verified Iranian compliance with the IAEA Board of Governor's requirements, would contribute to a diplomatic, negotiated solution that guaranteed Iran's nuclear program was for exclusively peaceful purposes. The resolution further adds that in the case of Iranian non compliance "appropriate measures" under Article 41 of Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations will be adopted to persuade Iran to comply with this resolution and the requirements of the IAEA, subject to further decisions.
--"Security Council Demands Iran Suspend Uranium Enrichment by 31 August, or Face Possible Economic, Diplomatic Sanctions," Department of Public Information, United Nations, 31 July 2006.

2 August 2006
Following the UN Security Council Resolution, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran would not bow to "the language of force and threats." He further adds, "The Iranian people see taking advantage of technology to produce nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes as their right."
--"Iran defiant on nuclear deadline," BBC, 2 August 2006; "Iran vows to produce nuclear fuel," Reuters, 2 August 2006.

6 August 2006
The London Sunday Times alleges that Iran is seeking to import large consignments of bomb-making uranium from the Lubumbashi mines in Congo. It further adds that a UN report, dated 18 July, said there was "no doubt" that a huge shipment of smuggled uranium-238, uncovered by customs officials in Tanzania was transported from the Lubumbashi mines in the Congo. However, the UN report does mention that the interdicted uranium shipment was destined for smelting in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, delivered via Bandar Abbas, Iran's biggest port.
--Jon Swain, David Leppard and Brian Johnson-Thomas, "Iran's plot to mine uranium in Africa," The Sunday Times, 6 August 2006; U.N. Report Claims Iran seeking African Uranium," Global Security Newswire, 7 August 2006.

21 August 2006
Deputy Director of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Sa'eedi says Iran's heavy water project will become operational in the near future. Furthermore, Mr. Sa'eedi adds that "considering the technical progress made by Iranian scientists in the nuclear ground, suspension of uranium enrichment has now turned practically impossible."
-- "Nuclear Official: Iran's Heavy Water Project to be Commissioned Soon," Fars News Agency, 21 August 2006.

21 August 2006
Iran denies access to IAEA inspectors seeking to visit the Natanz enrichment facility. In a separate but connected issue, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says, "the Islamic Republic of Iran has made its own decision and in the nuclear case, God willing, with patience and power, will continue in its path."
--George Jahn, "Iran Denies Inspectors Access to Site," Associated Press, 21 August 2006; "Iran turns away IAEA Inspectors," Global Security Newswire, 21 August 2006.

22 August 2006
Iran formally submits a written response to the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany a proposal to resolve the Iranian nuclear crises. The response, which is 21 pages long, offers a "new formula" for discussions. While being comprehensive in content, the response does ask some ambiguities to be removed vis-à-vis the Western offer. The response offering to enter "serious negotiations," however, rejects the only condition set by the United States and its Western allies for talks on the country's nuclear program and insists Iran will continue uranium enrichment.
--"Iran formally rejects demand to suspend enrichment program," Global Security Newswire, 22 August 2006; "Iran offers West 'serious' talks," BBC, 22 August 2006.

23 August 2006
Atomstroyexport and Iran's Atomic Energy Organization discuss the implementation of the Bushehr nuclear power plant construction schedule. The talks touch upon equipment deliveries, start-up operations, and the training of personnel, as well as the production of nuclear power plant equipment directly in Iranian enterprises.
--"Atomstroiexport, Iran's AEO discuss Bushehr NPP construction," RIA-Novosti, 23 August 2006.

23 August 2006
A staff report of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to the Subcommittee on Intelligence Policy, titled "Recognizing Iran as a Strategic Threat: An Intelligence Challenge for the United States" discusses Iran's nuclear program, weapons development and proliferation, and active support for radical Islamist terror groups. The report further critiques U.S. intelligence on Iran, charging the CIA and other agencies on lacking "the ability to acquire essential information necessary to make judgments on essential topics, recognized as essential to U.S. national security."
--"Recognizing Iran as a Strategic Threat: An Intelligence Challenge for the United States," U.S. House of Representatives-Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, 23 August 2006.

24 August 2006
The U.S. says Iran's response "falls short" of the United Nations demands and is "consulting closely" with members of the United Nations Security Council over its next steps. Russia and China express their reservations vis-à-vis sanctions on Iran.
--Helene Cooper, "U.S. says Iranian Nuclear Proposal is Inadequate," New York Times, 24 August 2006.

25 August 2006
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group and the political wing of the Mojahedin-e-Khalq, alleges that Iran has built 15 advanced uranium centrifuges of the P-2 type and will have hundreds more by next year.
--Craig S. Smith, "Foes say Tehran builds Fast Uranium Centrifuges," New York Times, 25 August 2006; Yossi Melman, "Dissident group: Tehran producing centrifuges to enrich uranium," Haaretz, 24 August 2006.

26 August 2006
Iran's president Mahmoud Ahamadinejad inaugurates a heavy water production plant at Arak. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi says the establishment of the Arak Heavy Water Plant is in full compliance with international rules and regulations, for use in peaceful domains.
--"Iran nuclear project forges ahead," BBC, 26 August 2006.

29 August 2006
Japan's Mitutoyo Corp. is under investigation for allegedly exporting sophisticated measuring devices under a falsified name to Iran's Pars Switch Co. in 1997. The sophisticated measuring devices known as coordinate measuring machines, allow mechanical parts to be manufactured to very precise specifications and can be used for the manufacture of specialized equipment, such as centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
--"Martin Fackler, "Japanese Company Suspected of Selling Nuclear Equipment to Iran," New York Times, 29 August 2006; "Name faked for nuclear-related export: Mitutoyo sold gear to Iranian company with possible WMD aims," Japan Times, 29 August 2006.

31 August 2006
IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei releases his report on the Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The report states that Iran has ignored a UN Security Council resolution to suspend all enrichment related activities. The report also states that while Iran has not acted in accordance with the provisions of the Additional Protocol, it has been providing the IAEA with the required reports and continues to comply with basic, mandatory inspections of nuclear material and facilities. This latest report maintains that the Agency remains committed to pursue all remaining outstanding issues and as a result is still unable to verify the absence of any undeclared nuclear activity. The report also points to a new development vis-à-vis the discovery of highly enriched uranium particles from storage containers located at the Karaj Waste Storage Facility.
--"Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency, 31 August 2006.

8 September 2006
Sergei Kiriyenko, head of Russia's Atomic Energy Agency says Iran's Bushehr reactor is scheduled to come online in September 2007. "A realistic deadline (for transmitting power to the grid) is November 2007. This means a physical start-up (of the reactor) in September and the dispatch of fuel...six months earlier."
--"Iran's Russia-built atomic plant to start up Sept '07," Reuters, 8 September 2006.

11 September 2006
Following talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana, Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator hints that Iran might be ready to temporarily accede to a UN Security Council demand to freeze all uranium enrichment activities. Allegedly, Mr. Larijani has offered a two month voluntary suspension of Iran's nuclear enrichment activities, provided there is no pressure. The details as to the timing of this voluntary suspension, whether before or after negotiations begin is yet uncertain.
--Mark Heinrich, "WRAPUP9-Iran offers 2-month atomic enrichment halt-diplomat," Reuters, 11 September 2006; "Iran indicates possibility of nuclear freeze," Global Security Newswire, 11 September 2006.

14 September 2006
In a letter addressed to Peter Hoekstra, Chairman of the House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Vilmos Cserveny, the IAEA's Director of External Relations critiques the Staff Report of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Intelligence Policy, dated August 23, 2006, entitled "Recognizing Iran as a Strategic Threat: An Intelligence Challenge for the United States." In his letter, Mr. Cserveny points out that the claim in the Staff Report, vis-à-vis Iran enriching uranium to weapons grade is incorrect and furthermore, the IAEA Secretariat takes strong exception to the incorrect and misleading assertion that the Director General of the IAEA decided to remove Mr. Charlier, a senior safeguards inspector of the IAEA for "not having adhered to an unstated IAEA policy barring IAEA officials from telling the whole truth about the Iranian nuclear program."
--Dafna Linzer, "U.N. Inspectors dispute Iran Report by House Panel," Washington Post, 14 September 2006.

14 September 2006
The Washington Post claims that Iran may be experimenting with the enrichment of uranium using laser technology. According to Alireza Jafarzadeh, who heads the Washington-based Strategic Policy Consulting Inc., an Iranian opposition group, says that Iran is secretly conducting laser enrichment activities at Lashkar Ab'ad and is using "every possibility that is available to them to rush to the bomb."
--Edith M. Lederer, "Opposition: Iran Using Laser Enrichment," Washington Post, 14 September 2006.

15 September 2006
French President Jacques Chirac says referring Iran to the UN Security Council is not the best way to resolve a crisis. Suggesting that the best way forward for negotiations is to begin negotiations without any preconditions, and to make concessions once negotiations are underway, President Chirac indicates that he is in favor of a fruitful dialogue between Iran and the P5+1 nations (U.S., U.K., France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany) currently involved over the Iran nuclear issue.
--"Chirac urges no sanctions on Iran," BBC, 15 September 2006.

20 September 2006
In talks with French President Jacques Chirac at the UN General Assembly in New York, President Bush agrees to put on hold a push for UNSC sanctions giving the EU-3 (France, Britain, and Germany) more time to persuade Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and resume negotiations over its nuclear program. Also, at the same venue, addressing directly Iranian citizens in his UN General Assembly Speech, President Bush says, "The United States respects you; we respect your country...You deserve the opportunity to determine your own future...Despite what the regime tells you, we have no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program. We're working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis."
--"Bush, Ahmadinejad Spar at the UN," Global Security Newswire, 20 September 2006; Guy Dinmore, Mark Turner and Najmeh Bozorgmehr, "US aggress to delay Iran sanctions," Financial Times, 20 September 2006.

20 September 2006
The U.S. Department of Defense downplays recent reports that it is actively developing plans to go to war with Iran. Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman says, "We're going to approach the concerns that we and the international community have with Iran diplomatically."
--"Pentagon Quiet on Iran War Plans," Global Security Newswire, 20 September 2006.

21 September 2006
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran is prepared to negotiate a suspension of its most sensitive nuclear work if it receives fair guarantees in talks with major powers. Indicating no timeframe, President Ahmadinejad says, "We have said that under fair and just conditions we will negotiate about it." Mr. Ahmadinejad further adds that the talks by EU Foreign Policy chief Javier Solana on negotiating a formula for beginning negotiations are moving in the right direction and is a constructive path to take.
--Paul Taylor and Carol Giacomo, "Iran could halt nuclear enrichment: President," Reuters, 21 September 2006.

21 September 2006
Following Iranian intransigence over suspending its enrichment activities, the P5+1 nations have decided to set another deadline for Iran to agree to terms, paving the way for further substantive talks on its nuclear program. The new deadline, the fourth in four months is tentatively set for around the first week of October.
--Glenn Kessler, "Early October New Deadline for Iran," Washington Post, 21 September 2006.

26 September 2006
In Moscow, Iranian Vice-President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Gholam Reza Aghazadeh says, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Project has only 7-8 percent work remaining and is scheduled to be completed in six months. In a separate statement, Mohammad Sa'eedi, the Deputy Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) has stressed the need for the construction process of the Bushehr project to be accelerated through increasing the work shifts to three.
--"Aghazadeh: Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant should be implemented in 6 Months," Islamic Republic News Agency, 25 September 2006; "Construction of Bushehr Power Plant Accelerated," Fars News Agency, 26 September 2006.

26 September 2006
In an agreement signed between Sergei Shmatko, head of Russia's state-run company Atomstroyexport, and Mahmoud Hanatian, vice-president of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Russia agrees to ship about 80 tons of fuel to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant project by March 2007.
--"Russia Agrees to Send Fuel for Nuclear Power Plant," Associated Press, 26 September 2006; "Russia to deliver 80 tons of fuel to Iran NPP-Atomstroiexport," RIA-Novosti, 26 September 2006.

26 September 2006
Amid speculation ahead of the meeting of Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani and E.U. Foreign Policy chief, Javier Solana in Berlin, the deputy-head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Sa'eedi says, "the imposition of a three-month moratorium on uranium enrichment will not be discussed during the upcoming talks." This statement follows an alleged report in the Washington Times, indicating that Iran is close to an agreement that would include a 90-day suspension of uranium enrichment but wants the deal to include a provision that the temporary halt be kept secret.
--"Iran, EU will not discuss uranium enrichment moratorium," RIA-Novosti, 26 September 2006; Bill Gertz, "Iran close to nuclear suspension," Washington Times, 26 September 2006.

28 September 2006
Two days of talks between Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani and EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, come to a close without any agreement over Iran's nuclear program. Indicating that the negotiations produced "some possible conclusions," Larijani says that "we hope to be able to embark on the main negotiations as soon as possible."
--"EU-Iran Nuclear Talks End," Global Security Newswire, 28 September 2006; "No Nuclear Deal at EU-Iran Talks," BBC, 28 September 2006.

29 September 2006
A letter from 1988 by Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recently made public, indicates that Iran was mulling over the need for a nuclear bomb to win the war against Iraq. The letter, which has been made public by former Iranian President Rafsanjani, lists the requirements of military commanders during the war with Iraq. It mentions that Iran would need within five years laser guided and atomic weapons in order to win the war with Iraq.
--Frances Harrison, "Iran mulled nuclear bomb in 1988," BBC, 29 September 2006.

2 October 2006
President Bush signs a new law that imposes economic sanctions against nations and companies that aid Iran's nuclear program. The Iran Freedom Support Act says that the United States should "not bring into force an agreement of cooperation with the government of any country that is assisting the nuclear program of Iran or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles." The president's signature follows the 28 September house vote on the Iran Freedom Support Act (H.R. 6198).
--"Bush Signs Iran Sanctions Law," Global Security Newswire, 2006.

3 October 2006
Iran suggests that France monitor its nuclear program by setting up a nuclear fuel consortium inside Iran. Speaking on French radio, Mohammad Sa'eedi, the deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization says, "We propose to France to create a consortium for the production of enriched uranium in Iran...That way France... could control in a tangible way our enrichment activities."
--"Iran pushes France nuclear deal," BBC, 3 October 2006.

3 October 2006
The French government rejects the offer made by Iran for France to manage a nuclear fuel consortium in Iran. Addressing reporters, French Foreign Ministry Spokesman Jean-Baptiste Mattei says, "there is a channel of dialogue with the Iranians," that must pass through the EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana. Mr. Mattei further adds, "it's through this channel that we await a response from the Iranians on the suspension" of uranium enrichment, as demanded by the UN Security Council.
--"France Rejects Iran Nuclear Partnership Proposal," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 3 September 2006; "Iran pushes France nuclear deal," BBC, 3 October 2006.

4 October 2006
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad orders nuclear facilities opened to foreign tourists to prove that the nation's disputed atomic program is peaceful. The presidential order includes opening up the Natanz uranium enrichment facility to tourist visits.
--"Iran: Foreign tourists welcome at nuclear sites," MSNBC, 4 October 2006.

4 October 2006
Russia's Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov meets with Iranian National Security Council Secretary and Chief Nuclear Negotiator, Ali Larijani in Tehran, to discuss a diplomatic solution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear program.
--"Iran says Russia may help resolve Nuclear Standoff," MosNews, 4 October 2006.

6 October 2006
The United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany are to meet in London to discuss which punitive actions to include in a new UN resolution over Iran's nuclear program. Washington and London favor immediate punitive sanctions, but in order to win over Russia and China, they are believed to be considering a series of low-level sanctions as a first step.
--Robin Wright, "World Powers to Discuss Sanctions Against Iran Over Nuclear Program," Washington Post, 6 October 2006; "Powers to mull Iran censure plan," BBC, 6 October 2006.

8 October 2006
Following the meeting of the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany) in London to discuss possible sanctions, Iran refuses to suspend its uranium enrichment program. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini says, "suspension is completely unacceptable and the threat of sanctions is an inefficient means to achieve a solution."
--"Iran rejects six nations' demands," BBC, 8 October 2006.

11 October 2006
Iran and Indonesia plan to discuss cooperation in the nuclear field for non-military purposes during the upcoming visit of Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla to Iran.
--"Iran and Indonesia to discuss nuclear cooperation," Associated Press, 11 October 2006.

11 October 2006
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defends Iran's nuclear right saying that Iran will continue developing nuclear technology. Iranian state television quotes him as saying," Our policy is clear, progress with clear logic and insisting on nation's right without any retreat." Commenting on the suspension of Iran's enrichment program, Ayatollah Khamenei, is further quoted as saying "now with steady heart and full confidence we press ahead and nobody can give a good reason that the nuclear path is wrong for the country." --"Khamenei defends nuclear 'right'," BBC, 11 October 2006.

11 October 2006
Senior diplomats from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany fail to reach a decision over Iran's nuclear program. While there is general agreement that the Security Council must take some action against Iran, disagreements persist over specific measures that should be part of a resolution. While Washington insists on broad sanctions, such as a total ban on nuclear and missile technology sales, Russia, China, and to a large extent the EU-3, favor softer measures.
--"World Powers Meet, Disagree on Iran," Global Security Newswire, 11 October 2006.

12 October 2006
Following France's rejection of Iran's proposal to form a nuclear fuel consortium in Iran, Iran's ambassador to Paris, Ali Ahani says Iran invites companies from all over the world to participate in the formation of the nuclear fuel consortium in Iran. Indicating that the initiative is part of a measure to settle the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, Ahani adds, that Iran has been in talks with French nuclear companies Areva and Eurodif.
--"Iran's new nuclear proposal open to all companies: Envoy," Islamic Republic News Agency, 12 October 2006.

18 October 2006
Diplomats at the UN are working on a resolution proposing sanctions on Iran over its refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment activities. Officials from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany are believed to be working on the draft resolution which is due to be introduced to the UN Security Council in the coming week.
--"UN envoys work on Iran resolution," BBC, 18 October 2006.

18 October 2006
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani says European states would be losers if they joined the United States to push through a UN Security Council resolution on Iran. Commenting on the European Union's move towards UN sanctions against Iran, Larijani says, "If the other side (the EU) yields to American pressure, it is natural that the situation will become radical. The world will not end but it will affect all our cooperation, in which I figure the other side, will lose more." Mr. Larijani further adds, "Definitely, if a new resolution is issued by the Security Council, we will not be at the point that we are in now for the continuation of talks." Also, in a connected statement, Iranian lawmaker Hamidreza Haji Babaie says, "If any sanction against Iran is ratified, parliament will oblige the government to have minimum cooperation with the IAEA."
--"Iran to EU: you will lose if you back U.N. sanctions," Reuters, 18 October 2006.

18 October 2006
Following the European Union's agreement to support sanctions on Iran, the proposed draft includes an exemption from sanctions for Russia's Bushehr project in Iran. The move comes in order to reduce potential Russian opposition to a sanctions resolution and to ensure Russia goes along with the draft text.
--"Draft Sanctions against Iran Could Be Ready This Week; Russia to get Exemption for Bushehr," Global Security Newswire, 18 October 2006.

18 October 2006
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says international response to Iran's controversial nuclear program should be based on reports by the IAEA. Mr. Lavrov adds, "It is necessary to influence Iran, but actions must be commensurate with what is really happening there. And what is happening there is clear from reports by the IAEA, which mentions no threats to peace and security, but insists on compromise through talks." In a separate statement Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergey Kislyak says, U.S. refusal to lift sanctions imposed under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 against two Russian companies, Sukhoi and Rosoboronexport, will not affect Russia's cooperation in resolving the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.
--"Action on Iran must be based on IAEA reports – Russian FM," RIA-Novosti, 18 October 2006; "U.S. Refusal to Lift Sanctions on Russian Firms will not affect cooperation on Iran, official says," Associated Press, 18 October 2006.

23 October 2006
Iran launches a second cascade of 164-centrifuges at its pilot fuel enrichment plant. Iran appears to be vacuum testing the second cascade to assess durability and has not introduced any UF6 gas (uranium hexafluoride) into this cascade.
--Mark Heinrich, "Exclusive-Iran expands nuclear centrifuge programme-diplomats," Reuters, 23 October 2006.

25 October 2006
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany circulate their own draft resolution imposing nuclear and missile related sanctions on Iran. The circulation of the draft resolution by the EU-3 comes after failing to reach agreement with the United States over the inclusion of an exemption for Russia's Bushehr project in Iran. The draft resolution also puts a halt to overseas financial transactions and travel by Iranians involved in the nuclear program, except for certain humanitarian-related trips. Furthermore, the draft resolution limits the nuclear related technical assistance to Iran by the IAEA to, "medical or humanitarian purposes" or "safety standards."
--Carol Giacomo and Arshad Mohammed, "Europeans move Iran resolution without U.S.," Washington Post, 25 October 2006.

27 October 2006
Reacting to unsubstantiated reports, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov says, that he is not worried that Iran could acquire weapons grade uranium. Ivanov adds, "Iran has launched a second cascade of centrifuges, and this process is fully controlled by the IAEA." Commenting that it is premature to talk about uranium enrichment in Iran, Mr. Ivanov, further adds, that the centrifuges are working in a test mode and are not being used to enrich uranium. Also, in a separate statement, responding to rumors about a possible delay in the completion of the Bushehr power plant project in Iran, the deputy head of Russia's Atomstroyexport, Alexander Glukhov says, the Bushehr nuclear power plant is on schedule to come online in late 2007, and will be brought to full capacity in summer 2008.
--"Russia dismisses fears of Iran's arms-grade uranium," RIA-Novosti, 27 October 2006; "Atomstroiexport expects to complete Bushehr NPP in Iran on time," RIA-Novosti, 26 October 2006.

	Updated November 2006