U.S. now sees Iran as pursuing nuclear bomb
In a reversal since a 2007 report, U.S. officials expect the Islamic Republic to reach development milestones this year.
By Greg Miller
February 12, 2009
Reporting from Washington -- Little more than a year after U.S. spy agencies concluded that Iran had halted work on a nuclear weapon, the Obama administration has made it clear that it believes there is no question that Tehran is seeking the bomb.
In his news conference this week, President Obama went so far as to describe Iran's "development of a nuclear weapon" before correcting himself to refer to its "pursuit" of weapons capability.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld ... lettertext
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ultimate authority over policy in the Islamic Republic, has yet to comment on Obama's presidency or his offer to extend a hand of peace if Iran "unclenched its fist."
The leader has representatives to many institutions and regions. Though not a perfect guide, their comments can give an indication of views prevalent among Iran's leadership.
"Any government has 'red lines' and our 'red lines' are rejecting the arrogant policies of America and the Zionist regime," said the representative to the Revolutionary Guards in northwestern Zanjan province, cleric Hojjatoleslam Ali Maboudi.
"Opposing the Zionist regime and defending oppressed people are among the pillars of the Islamic revolution and Iran and America's relationship will not change because of Obama taking office," he said, Fars News Agency reported.
Iran does not recognize Israel's right to exist and officials often refer to the country as the "Zionist regime." Officials reflect the view that U.S. ties with Israel as so close that their policies are indistinguishable.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/usPolitic ... PN20090204
It's too hard to predict anything regarding US-Iran relations in the upcoming months...
