Sunday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 12.4.2005:

Iran OKs Bill to Block Nuclear Inspections

Nasser Karimi, The Associated Press:

Iran's hard-line constitutional watchdog approved a bill Saturday blocking international inspections of atomic facilities if the nation is referred to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions, state-run television reported. The ratification by the Guardian Council means the bill - overwhelmingly approved by parliament last month - now needs just a presidential signature to become law. It was not clear when that would take place. READ MORE

Here are a few other news items you may have missed.

• MehrNews reported that the Chairman of the Majlis Energy Commission said that preparatory measures have been taken to sell oil in euros instead of dollar, adding: the United States would soon realize that it is not the one who can always inflict economic damages.
• Bangkok Post reported that Iran said it sees no need to give any explanations over its $1-billion-dollar missile deal with Russia.
• IranMania reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected to visit Saudi Arabia early December.
• Press Trust of India reported that the United States has taken a low profile position on the reported sale of Russian missiles to Iran.
• Iran Focus reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader has ordered a major reshuffle of the top brass of the armed forces in anticipation of a very tough year ahead.
• Newsweek reported that Ahmadinejad has lost the full faith of Iran's Supreme Leader.
• Khaleej Times Online reported that Ahmadinejad has shunned a VIP jet plane bought by his predecessor.
• Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that an Iranian morning daily urged Muslim states to set up an Iran-style Basij (volunteer) force.
• The New York Times reported that the US and EU3 a seeking the declaration on Iran from the five major nuclear weapons powers.
• IranMania reported that Ahmadinejad is expected early next week to make another attempt at confirming a candidate for oil minister. Four name have been cited as likely candidates.
• Philip Sherwell, The Telegraph UK reported that in response to President George W Bush authorization for his ambassador in Baghdad to talk to Iranian officials, Michael Ledeen said: The Islamic republic will never do anything to help us, our soldiers, or our allies. The Iranians ... see themselves as our gravediggers.
• Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 reported that Ahamdinejad is talking of reorienting the country's policies to be ready for judgement day, the equivalent of Tony Blair telling Britons to prepare for Christ's second coming.
• And finally, Cox & Forkum published another cartoon: Mullahs in Space.