A Daily Briefing on Iran: Wednesday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 8.23.2006:

Iranian opposition leaders furious: Former president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatami, invited to speak in Washington DC.

The Washington Post reported that the Bush administration has agreed to issue a visa to Mohammad Khatami to give a public address at the Washington National Cathedral next month. Iranian opposition leaders were shocked by the announcement and are asking people to write the White House and the organizers of the event asking them to cancel the invitation.
Reuters reported that Khatami applied on Tuesday for a U.S. visa to give a speech in Washington next month but the State Department said it had not decided whether to allow him to come.

August 22nd: No war, but Iran captures a oil rig in the Persian Gulf.

The Washington Post reported that a Romanian oil rig off the coast of Iran came under fire Tuesday from an Iranian military warship and was later occupied by Iranian troops.

Iran responds to the West... they want more talks.

Dow Jones Online reported that Iran promised a written response to a Western incentives package later on Tuesday.
IranMania.com reported that Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani will submit a written response to an international offer aimed at resolving a nuclear standoff at 1230 GMT.
Reuters reported that Iran on Tuesday handed over its reply to an incentives package by world powers aimed at allaying Western fears that Tehran seeks to build atomic bombs.
My Way News reported that Iran's top nuclear negotiator said Tehran was ready to enter "serious negotiations" over its disputed nuclear program but did not say whether it was willing to suspend uranium enrichment.
The Christian Science Monitor reported that the question now becomes how quickly the United States in particular can get its international partners to approve the sanctions against Tehran.
The Washington File reported that John Bolton said the UNSC would study Tehran’s response before moving ahead with sanctions. “but we are also prepared, if it does not meet the terms set by the Perm 5 foreign ministers [China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States], to proceed here in the Security Council, as the ministers have agreed, with economic sanctions.”

Iranians protest government support for Hezbollah.

Ali Nouri Zadeh, Asharq Alawsat reported that the Iranian government's pledge of 500 million dollars to Hezbollah has angered many Iranians who say they are still awaiting money to help rebuild their homes that were damaged by wars and natural disasters.

Iran wants Italy to negotiate the release of the two Israeli soldiers.

The Jerusalem Post reported that an Italy has been asked by Iran's top nuclear negotiator to negotiate the release of two kidnapped Israeli soldiers whose abduction prompted monthlong fighting in Lebanon.

Israel warned to prepare for an Iranian missile attack.

The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli Minister Rafi Eitan called for the readying of bomb shelters and reinforced rooms countrywide, in advance of a possible conflict with Iran.

Iranian dissident updates:

Rooz Online reported that imprisoned Iranian student leader Ahmad Batebi's life is in danger, according to his doctor. A full report of his condition.
Iran Press News reported that a young Iranian man was imprisoned for his connection to political parties and teenager was shot in Kurdistan.
Iran Press News published a news update on the status of Haydar-Gholi Soltani, a retired lawyer who was arrested in mid-September 2005 is now being detained in Evin prison.
Iran Press News provided a report on the status of political prisoners in Azerbaijan where approximately 650 people have been registered on the Tabriz prison computer database in connection with recent protests.
Iran Press News reported on a protest in Kurdistan of the trial of labor activists.
Helpnazanin.com asked people to sign their petition calling for the release of Nazanin Mahabad Fatehi who was sentenced to death for murder by court in Iran after she stabbed one of three men who attempted to rape her.

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

Expatica reported that Iran has obtained German guidance gear for its drones used in Lebanon, just hours after the revelation that Britain had supplied night-vision equipment to Iran which ended up in the hands of Hezbollah fighters.
MosNews reported that an Iranian delegation arrived in Moscow for four days of talks as Russia plans to reach a final agreement to launch Iran’s first nuclear reactor at Bushehr.
Iran Press News reported that the brother of Hassan Rowhani, the Islamic regime’s ex-nuclear negotiator is now the Islamic cultural attaché in the United States. But some are alleging his job title is just a "cover."
Iran Press News reported that the Islamic regime’s minister of justice confessed to the ever-increasing crime rate in Iran and said: “The country’s escalating crime rate is quite worrisome.”
Masood Faruvar, The Wall Street Journal examined the question of whether a Sunni-Shia war will soon engulf the new Middle East.
Michael J. Totten, Reason reported that in Iraqi Kurdistan, the war is already over. There are no insurgents in Kurdistan. Nor are there any kidnappings.
Ardeshir Dolat produced a Cox & Forkum Cartoon Slide Show.