Iran Slows Uranium Enrichment

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran's efforts to expand its uranium enrichment program has slowed. The report, however, did not suggest a reason. Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei said earlier that he thought the reason appeared to be political. This may indicate that Iran may be waiting for conciliatory signals from the new United States administration. The new administration has said it is ready to talk directly with Iran on nuclear and other disputes. I hope they will be able to do this and come to a reasonable solution to this ongoing problem.

Iran Test-fires Heat-Seeking Air-to-air Missile

According to Iran's state television, they say the country has successfully test-fired a heat-seeking air-to-air missile. This is not good news. The Sunday report quotes air force Chief, Gen. Hasan Shahsafi as saying the missile has a range of 62 miles. The report did not elaborate further.

Periodically, Iran announces missile tests to demonstrate the self-sufficiency of its defense industries. They launched an arms development program during its l980-88 war with Iraq to compensate for a United States weapons embargo. However, since l992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored persons carriers, missiles and a fighter plane.

US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran

The US government has designated an elite unit of Iran's Islamic revolution Guards Corps a "supporter of terrorism" as part of a new round of sanctions. The Guards have been labeled as a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction, a reference to ballistic missiles they are allegedly developing. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made the announcement alongside Treasurey Secretary Henry Paulson. The classification will allow the US to target the powerful force's finances.