Daily Briefing on Iran 12/3,4,5/2005

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005
**Iran and Russia sign $1 bln defence deal - reports
**Amir Taheri, The New York Post reported that having tried to undermine the Iraqi attempt at building a democracy, the Arab League is sending signals that it may be changing the foredoomed policy it has pursued for almost three years.
**PakTribune reported that El Baradei said a meeting with A Q Khan is vital to solve Iran nuclear puzzle.

Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005
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Iran OKs Bill to Block Nuclear Inspections: Nasser Karimi, The Associated Press:

Iran's hard-line constitutional watchdog approved a bill Saturday blocking international inspections of atomic facilities if the nation is referred to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions, state-run television reported. The ratification by the Guardian Council means the bill - overwhelmingly approved by parliament last month - now needs just a presidential signature to become law. It was not clear when that would take place. READ MORE

**MehrNews reported that the Chairman of the Majlis Energy Commission said that preparatory measures have been taken to sell oil in euros instead of dollar, adding: the United States would soon realize that it is not the one who can always inflict economic damages.
**Bangkok Post reported that Iran said it sees no need to give any explanations over its $1-billion-dollar missile deal with Russia.
**Iran Focus reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader has ordered a major reshuffle of the top brass of the armed forces in anticipation of a very tough year ahead.
**Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 reported that Ahamdinejad is talking of reorienting the country's policies to be ready for judgment day, the equivalent of Tony Blair telling Britons to prepare for Christ's second coming.

Monday, Dec. 5, 2005
El Baradei: Iran only months away from a bomb: The Jerusalem Post:

IAEA chairman Muhammad ElBaradei on Monday confirmed Israel's assessment that Iran is only a few months away from creating an atomic bomb.

"If Teheran indeed resumes its uranium enrichment in other plants, as threatened, it will take it only several months to produce a bomb," ElBaradei told The Independent, according to Army Radio.

**Reuters reported that Iran said on it had no interest in talking to the United States concerning events in Iraq or about its nuclear program.
**News24 reported that Iran is claiming it has extradited all foreign members of the al-Qaeda network.
**And finally, Rooz Online reported on AIDS in Iran saying that the country is on the verge of an AIDS epidemic.

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