Iran

Iran's Nuclear Program
Secretary Rice (Jan. 12): "Well, there are no perfect policies. These are tough choices. And one set of policies brings a set of consequences, other policies could bring even greater unintended consequences. Because after all, we are dealing with Iran not just in terms of its nuclear program, but also in a regional context. We have to remember that the United States has a new relationship with Iraq that is really central to the emergence of a different kind of Middle East which is going to be more stable and more favorable for American policies. That has to be taken into consideration when one considers how to deal with Iran." Full Text 

Intimidation of Human Rights Activists in Iran (Jan. 2)
The United States condemns the continued harassment of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. On December 29, Iranian authorities raided her law office and seized computers and confidential files on her clients. On January 1, protestors chanted death threats and spray painted slogans on Ms. Ebadi’s home. [more]

The Human Rights Situation in Iran (Dec. 24)
The United States condemns the closing of the Center for the Defense of Human Rights and urges Iranian authorities to allow this and similar civil society organizations to operate free of oppression. On December 21, Iranian authorities closed down the civil society organization of Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi just prior to a ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Moreover, authorities briefly detained Ms. Ebadi, a renowned human rights defender and both the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in its 102 year-old history. [more]

UN General Assembly Calls on Iran to Meet Human Rights Obligations (Dec. 19))
The United States welcomes UN General Assembly Resolution 63/191 adopted on December 18 calling upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to fully respect its human rights obligations, and to abolish, in particular, torture, arbitrary imprisonment, and juvenile and public executions, including stonings, carried out in disregard of due process and other safeguards. The resolution also calls on Iran to eliminate discrimination and other human rights violations against women and girls, and religious, linguistic and ethnic minorities.

This resolution demonstrates to the Iranian regime the resolve of the international community in speaking out when the government of Iran attempts to silence its own people. The international community will not ignore Iran’s violations of the human rights and dignity of its people and its denial of their aspirations for fundamental freedoms.

Treasury Designation of Two Iranian Entities tied to Proliferation Activities (Dec. 17))
Today, the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Department of State, designated under Executive Order 13382 two Iranian entities of proliferation concern: ASSA CORP., a front company created and controlled by Iran’s Bank Melli and domiciled in New York, and its parent company ASSA CO. LTD, located in the Channel Islands. [more]

Remarks Following Meeting Concerning Iran
Secretary Rice (Dec. 16): "We met with colleagues from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. All there expressed their concern about Iran’s nuclear policies and its regional ambitions. All participants expressed support for the ongoing work of the UN Security Council, the P5+1, and the IAEA regarding the Iranian nuclear file. Noting the utility of the consultations, the states present agreed that they will want to continue their meetings on a regular basis." Full Text