Iran warned the US and Israel it will repel any attack – while also tamping down tensions by agreeing to meet with Washington and other world powers. This came more than a year after talks broke down over Tehran’s refusal to curb its nuclear activities. The US, Iran and European Union expressed hope that the October 1 talks could lead to substantive negotiations – despite Iranian warnings it would not even discuss meeting UN Security Council demands that it freeze uranium enrichment. But White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said enrichment – which can make both nuclear fuel and fissile warhead material – “would be part of the discussion,” along with Tehran’s “illicit nuclear weapons programme.” The prime minister of Israel, Iran’s most bitter foe, was quoted as urging tougher action, including additional sanctions to cripple Tehran’s economy and turn Iranians against the government. Iran also sounded a tough note on September 14 – accusing the U.S. of amassing “frightening and dreadful weaponry in the Persian Gulf” and warning Israel and the United States that it is ready to defend itself against any attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
IRAN WILLING TO MEET, READY TO FIGHT
Iran warned the US and Israel it will repel any attack – while also tamping down tensions by agreeing to meet with Washington and other world powers.
