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October 28, 2011

Iranian News Roundup 10/28

Beres, Edney, and McInerney Haaretz op-ed calls for preemptive strikes by U.S. against Iran
Democrats attempt to block GOP measure by highlighting company’s Iran ties
Economics beats politics: Saudi opposition to Iran fades on $100 oil goal
Explosion on Iranian oil rig kills 1, injures 3
NY bill seeks ban on companies investing in Iran
Chinese missiles may get around sanctions
Iranian officials respond to Secretary Clinton’s interview
EU trip to Iran canceled amid international criticism
Rep. Lipinski and Wolf send letter to Sec. Clinton urging sanctions against foreign entities aiding Iran’s nuclear ambitions
Haaretz op-ed calls for preemptive strikes by U.S. against Iran
In concert with Wednesday’s hearing on Capitol Hill, this op-ed is part of the new increasing trend laying the groundwork for military action against Iran.  The writers, which include Lt. Gen. Thomas McInerney–who has endorsed utilizing the MEK for “tit for tat” campaign of terrorist attacks against Iran, call for the U.S. should launch a preemptive strike to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. (Louis Rene Beres, Leon Edney, Thomas McInerney Jerusalem Post 10/28)
Democrats attempt to block GOP motion by highlighting company’s Iran ties
House Democrats used ties between a U.S. companies parent company, based in London, and an Iranian government-controlled company to attempt to block an Arizona land swap deal.  The blocking measures failed to garner a single Republican vote.  The Democrat’s previously have tried to use ties between the Koch brothers and companies doing business in Iran for fundraising purposes. (Ron Kampeas 10/27)
Economics beats politics: Saudi opposition to Iran fades on $100 oil goal
Despite the deteriorating relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the countries have reached an agreement to work together to keep oil prices above $100 a barrel. (Lobelog 10/28)
Explosion on Iranian oil rig kills 1, injures 3
An explosion occurred on an Iranian oil field yesterday that left one person dead.  It is not exactly clear whether this incident was a result of Iran’s deteriorating oil infrastructure, an act of sabotage, or human error. (Washington Post 10/28)
NY bill seeks ban on companies investing in Iran
The New York State legislator is currently looking into a bill to prevent companies that invest in Iran’s energy sector from doing business in New York.  If passed there is a list of 50 potential companies that would be targeted by this legislation. (Reuters 10/27)
Chinese missiles may get around sanctions
A U.S. commission determined that China was not in violation of existing sanction laws with its sale of short range missiles to Iran.  However, as these missiles could be used by Iran to target oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the commission recommended that changes be made to existing laws so that future sale of such missiles to Iran would be barred.  (Bloomberg Businessweek 10/27)
Iranian officials respond to Secretary Clinton’s interview
Secretary of State Clinton’s announcement about the launching of a “virtual embassy,” was quickly rebutted by Iranian officials.  Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast and Iranian Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani claimed that Clinton’s efforts to reach out to the Iranian people were attempts to take attention away from economic uncertainty and protests in the U.S. (InsideIran 10/27)
EU trip to Iran canceled amid international criticism
A controversial five-day diplomatic trip to Iran by European Union lawmakers was canceled.  The reason for the cancelation is not yet clear, as there are conflicting reports about which side ultimately decided to pull the plug on the trip. (Jerusalem Post 10/28)
Rep. Lipinski and Wolf send letter to Sec. Clinton urging sanctions against foreign entities aiding Iran’s nuclear ambitions
In a bi-partisan letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the congressmen urge that the State Department take steps to target “the lifeblood of Iran’s economy” by sanctioning foreign companies that invest in Iran’s energy sector. (Lipinski.hou.gov 10/26)

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