19 January 2007
Iranian government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham asserts that Iran is “moving toward[s] the production of nuclear fuel, which requires 3,000 centrifuges and more than this figure…this program is being carried out and moving toward completion.”  Leaders in Tehran suggest that the main nuclear facility at Natanz is readily equipped for installment of all planned centrifuges by the end of the Iranian year, March 20th.  The international community is unclear about the actual number mounted at this point, before being ousted from Iran IAEA inspectors reported 164 centrifuges installed on the main floor of Natanz.
––"Iran poised to start installation of large-scale uranium enrichment program, say diplomats," Associated Press, 19 January 2007.

2 February 2007
According to diplomats speaking on condition of anonymity, Iran has set the stage for the installment of its planned 3,000 centrifuges in the underground hall of its Natanz nuclear facility.  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad suggests that the placement of centrifuges in cascades which are necessary for uranium enrichment will commence before the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 11th.  
––“Diplomats:  Iran puts down piping, cables for underground uranium enrichment,” Associated Press, 3 February 2007.

6 February 2007
In direct challenge to limited sanctions and a 60-day ultimatum imposed by the U.N. Security Council last month, Iran continues with its plans to install 3,000 centrifuges in the underground hall of its main nuclear facility in Natanz.  Thus far, more than 300 centrifuges have been set up in 2 uranium enrichment units and officials still assert that their ultimate goal is to house 54,000 centrifuges.  Speaking on condition of anonymity, a diplomat affiliated with the IAEA and a United States official separately stated that two cascades of 164 centrifuges were installed in the last few days.
––“Officials:  Iran set up 2 uranium-enrichment units underground,” Haaretz, 6 February 2007.

9 February 2007
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani meets with IAEA Chief Mohammad El Baradei today.  Subjects of discussion include the recent stemming of aid from the agency for joint nuclear power programs, sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council, and Iran’s plan to continue expansion of uranium enrichment efforts. 
––“Iranian nuclear negotiator to meet UN atomic agency chief,” Agence France Presse, 9 February 2007.

10 February 2007
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suspends about half of the projects involving Iran for which it provides technical assistance.  This action, pursued as punishment for Iran’s nuclear non-cooperation, is awaiting approval by the IAEA’s 35-nation board and will be addressed in March.     
––“U.N. nuclear agency plans to cancel some aid to Iran,” Los Angeles Times, 10 February 2007.

21 February 2007
Iranian officials including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, and chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani indicate, in separate statements, that Tehran is open to formal negotiations on its nuclear program, but that unconditional suspension of uranium enrichment should not be considered a prerequisite to such talks.  In a public speech given to thousands of Iranians, President Ahmadinejad stresses that only if all Western nations, including the United States, with similar programs also suspended their programs would Iran be willing to reciprocate.  According to a Iranian diplomat speaking on anonymity, in a meeting earlier in the month chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani made clear to IAEA Chief Mohammad El Baradei that Iran would only consider stalling its enrichment program following talks, not before.
––“Iran defiant on nuclear programme,” BBC, 21 February 2007.

22 February 2007
An International Atomic Energy Agency report submitted to the U.N. Security Council concludes that Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment activities instead of complying with the Council’s December 23rd ultimatum to cease all activities or face further sanctions.  Detailed in this report are the continued construction of a heavy water reactor, transportation of 9 tons of gaseous feedstock to the main facility in Natanz, and the planned expansion of centrifuge installations to 3,000 by May 2007.  According to Iranian officials the nation’s definitive goal is to reach 54,000 gas centrifuges.
––“Iran continues to enrich in defiance of Security Council, says U.N. nuclear monitor,” CBS, 22 February 2007.

5 March 2007
In opening comments at a board member gathering, International Atomic Energy Agency Chief Mohammad El Baradei warns that despite more than four years spent monitoring Tehran’s nuclear ambitions his organization is “unable to provide the required assurance about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.”  The IAEA chief stresses that his organization is still unsure about several experiments, procurements and other nuclear activities.  Tehran continues to refuse the IAEA’s request to place cameras in the underground hall in its Natanz facility that will eventually house 54,000 centrifuges.  El Baradei states, “I do not believe that the number of centrifuges has increased, nor do I believe that [new] nuclear material has been introduced to the centrifuges at Natanz.”
––“U.N. nuclear watchdog meeting to focus on problems with Iran, progress on North Korea,” USA Today, 5 March 2007.

6 March 2007
Chinese Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing, tells reporters in Beijing that China “welcomes, supports, and calls upon Iran to step up cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”  China, a strong trade partner and ally of Iran, implores that Tehran consider opening its nuclear facilities to UN inspections in order to avoid further escalation of UN Security Council sanctions and the slashing of IAEA-provided technical aid programs.
––“China urges Iran to open nuclear program to U.N. inspections,” People’s Daily, 6 March 2007.

6 March 2007
In a letter bearing the signature of Iran’s chief representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ali Ashgar Soltanieh, Iran attempts to preempt the implementation of new U.N. Security Council sanctions.   An excerpt from the document reads that, “[Iran is ready to] negotiate…for the resolution of outstanding issues with the IAEA…without the interference of the United Nation(s) Security Council.”  IAEA Chief Mohammad El Baradei circulated the letter, dated February 11th, in a board meeting.  He stresses that Tehran is prepared to “enter a constructive…negotiation meant to resolve the impasse over its refusal to mothball its enrichment program.” 
––“Iran wants an end to Security Council ‘interference’ offers to clear up suspicions,” Boston Herald, 9 March 2007.

7 March 2007
The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meets today to deliberate on the number of technical aid programs to Iran to suspend.  This decision comes after the U.N. nuclear agency’s head Mohammad El Baradei released a report confirming that Tehran openly defied the Security Council’s call for it to cease all enrichment activities.  Iran’s chief envoy to the IAEA, Ali Ashgar Soltanieh, countered criticism of his country by stating that, “weapons of mass destruction have no place in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defense doctrine.”  He insists that Tehran is not interested in acquiring nuclear weapons, rather that the enrichment program will enable the country to generate its own energy. 
––“Japan urges N Korea to scrap nuclear weapons; EU, US deplore Iran’s nuclear defiance,” MSNBC, 7 March 2007.

9 March 2007
In an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board meeting, 35 nations approve the suspension of 22 nuclear technical aid projects to Iran as part of imposed U.N. Security Council sanctions.  In response, Iran’s chief delegate to the IAEA Ali Ashgar Soltanieh rejects the decision as the work of a “few countries…to deprive Iran from its inalienable rights for [the] peaceful use of nuclear energy.”  Soltanieh stresses that as none of the suspended projects are related to enrichment, Iran will continue with the expansion of its program. 
––“U.N. Nuclear Agency Curtails Technical Assistance to Iran,” Washington Post, 9 March 2007.

9 March 2007
Ali Ashgar Soltanieh, Iran’s chief delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency, asserts that Iran has pursued expansion of its enrichment activities in order to generate nuclear power for energy purposes. 
––“Iran shrugs off U.N. pressure over its nuclear defiance,” International Herald Tribune, 9 March 2007.

21 March 2007
Development of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor has seemingly stalled as United States and European officials claim that Russia has pulled out approximately 2,000 of the technicians and engineers it provided to support this project.  The return of said specialists to Moscow follows reports of Moscow refusing to deliver nuclear fuel to the Bushehr reactor until Tehran complies with the U.N. Security Council’s demand for the stalling of its enrichment activities.  Sergei Novikov, a spokesman for Russian Federal Nuclear Power Agency Rosatom, confirms that the number of Russian workers has in fact dwindled because of Iranian payment delays.  The Bushehr reactor is about 95% completed, yet said to be about eight years behind schedule.
––“European and U.S. officials:  Russia is pulling out its experts from Bushehr nuclear reactor,” International Herald Tribune, 21 March 2007.

26 March 2007
The leaders of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and China, Hu Jintao, collectively release a statement indicating their resolve to “search for a comprehensive, long-term and mutually acceptable solution to the Iranian nuclear problem.”  They call upon their close ally and trade partner to pursue peaceful means of resolving an increasingly tense dispute a day after Iran partially suspended its cooperation with the IAEA in response to the latest U.N. Security Council sanctions.
––“Russian, Chinese presidents call on Iran to fulfill U.N. demands on nuclear program,” Boston Herald, 26 March 2007.

26 March 2007
A day after the Iranian government announced a partial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana says that talks will soon resume with Ali Larijani, Iran’s main nuclear negotiator, over Iran’s nuclear program.  The European Union is eager to continue talks as part of its “Twin-Track” approach of imposing tougher sanctions if the country remains in defiance while offering economic and political advantages if it compromises. 
––“EU to seek new Iran nuclear talks,” BBC, 26 March 2007.

26 March 2007
Tehran denounces a sanctions package approved unanimously over the weekend by the United Nations Security Council. Government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham states, "After this illegal resolution was passed against Iran last night, it forced the government to act based on Parliament's decision regarding the cooperation level with the agency and suspend parts of its activities with the agency." The cutback means that Iran will no longer provide early information to the IAEA about the design of new facilities that are capable of making atomic fuel.
--"Iran to Limit Cooperation with Nuclear Inspectors," The New York Times, 26 March 2007.

6 April 2007
Iranian Consultative Assembly Speaker Dr. Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel stresses that top leadership in Pakistan has assured him that Karachi will not take part in the event of a U.S.-led attack on Iran.
--"Pakistan not to let its territory used against Iran," Dawn (via BBC), 6 April 2007.

9 April 2007
Vice President and head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) Reza Aqazadeh celebrates Iran's National Day of Nuclear Technology by stating, "Today, with the start of uranium enrichment on industrial scale, another step was taken for the progress of the Islamic Republic." According to Aqazadeh the IAEO has produced yellow cake as the basic substance for nuclear fuel production throughout facilities in Ardakan, Yazd, Bandar Abbas, and Hormuzgan provinces. A future agenda of the Atomic Energy Organization is to incorporate UF6 production in the Isfahan facility.
--"Iran nuclear chief says 270 tons of UF6 produced in Iran," Iranian News Agency (IRNA), 9 April 2007.

10 April 2007
Iran boasts it has achieved uranium enrichment with 3,000 centrifuges. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says that Iran is now capable of enriching nuclear fuel "on an industrial scale. This nuclear fuel is definitely for the development of Iran and expansion of peace in the world." This milestone is the first step towards Tehran's ultimate goal of establishing 54,000 centrifuges within its Natanz nuclear facility.
--"Iran Says It Can Enrich Uranium on an Industrial Scale," The New York Times, 10 April 2007.

12 April 2007
In an interview with Isfahan TV, Dr. Hoseyn Faqihian, deputy head and director of the Office of Nuclear Fuel Production of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says there is a need to discover new sources of energy due to the depletion of fossil fuels. The most common element that can be used for this purpose is uranium. "At present we have two relatively active mines in Iran. One is in Savand, in central Iran, in which mining operations are in progress. There are other mines near Bandar Abbas, which are in heavy operation." Faqihian comments that the Yusef plant in Isfahan is then capable of converting uranium ore to UF6, its enriched form.
--"Top nuclear official interviewed live on Iran's Isfahan TV," BBC, 12 April 2007.

14 April 2007
Mohammad El Baradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, says that Iran is only operating several hundred centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, despite its claims to have activated 3,000. He comments, "Iran is still just at the beginning stages in setting up its Natanz enrichment facility. The talk of building a facility with 50,000 centrifuges is just at the beginning, and it is [currently] only in the hundreds."
--"UN dismisses Iran's centrifuge claims," Weekend Australian, 14 March 2007.

16 April 2007
Ahmad Fayazbakhsh, the deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, asserts that, "Iran is launching two international tenders for the construction of two nuclear power states of between 1,000 and 1,600 megawatts capacity in Bushehr." The newly announced projects would take approximately 9 to 11 years and cost more than $1 billion.
--"Iran Says It Wants Bidders for 2 More Nuclear Plants," The New York Times, 16 April 2007.

18 April 2007
The International Atomic Energy Agency's top inspector confirms that Iran has begun enriching small amounts of uranium in more than 1,300 centrifuges at a newly opened underground site at its main nuclear complex.
--"Atomic Agency Confirms Advances by Iran's Nuclear Program," The New York Times, 18 April 2007.

21 April 2007
Iran's top negotiator Ali Larijani and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana plan to meet on Wednesday, 25 April to discuss Tehran's disputed nuclear program. This will mark the first talks since additional UN sanctions were imposed on Iran in March.
--"Iran, EU To Meet on Nuclear Standoff," China Daily, 21 April 2007.

26 April 2007
The Iranian cabinet approves the establishment of nuclear companies named Uranium Processing and Nuclear Fuel Production Company of Iran, Uranium Enrichment Company of Iran, and Nuclear Industry Waste Management Company of Iran. These companies have been established as a private joint-stock entities with an initial investment of one billion Rials for an unlimited period.
--"Cabinet approves establishment of three nuclear companies," Jomhuri-ye Eslami, 26 April 2007.

27 April 2007
Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ali Ashgar Soltaniyeh, says that Tehran will continue its peaceful nuclear activities. Commenting on a one-day conference in Paris, Soltaniyeh states, "...when the issue of energy was raised, a number of participants expressed their concern on the possible diversion in use of nuclear energy...we repeatedly underlined that according to the IAEA documents, there have never been any sign of diversion in Iran's nuclear activities."
--"Envoy to IAEA says Iran to continue peaceful nuclear activities," Iranian News Agency (IRNA), 27 April 2007.

3 May 2007
Iran underlines its determination to press ahead with sensitive nuclear work despite Western opposition with a senior official saying it is capable of mass-producing machines used for enriching uranium. Ali Akbar Velayati, international affair adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserts, "One day Iran had problems to produce one centrifuge, but right now we have obtained the technology for mass production of centrifuges."
--"Iran Says It Has Mass Nuclear Fuel Capacity," The Irish Times, 3 May 2007.

15 May 2007
In a short-notice inspection of Iran's main nuclear facility at Natanz, conducted in advance of a report to the United Nations Security Council due early next week, the inspectors found that Iranian engineers are already using roughly 1,300 and are producing fuel suitable for nuclear reactors. A diplomat speaking on anonymity confirms, "They are at the stage where they are doing one cascade a week." IAEA chief Mohammad El Baradei asserts, "We believe they pretty much have the knowledge about how to enrich." If Tehran continues at this speed, according to experts, 3,000 centrifuges will be operational by June and by end of year 8,000 may be installed.
--"Inspectors Cite Big Gain By Iran on Nuclear Fuel," The New York Times, 15 May 2007.

16 May 2007
Washington calls for tough international action against Iran after IAEA inspectors conclude that Tehran has made major technical strides toward processing nuclear fuel - material that can power a reactor or an atomic bomb. State Department spokesman Tom Casey declares, "What is key here, and what is obvious to everyone is that Iran has continued to act in defiance of the wishes of the international community. We need to continue to apply pressure and increase pressure with an additional Security Council resolution if they don't comply."
--"U.S. urges sanctions against Tehran," The Washington Times, 16 May 2007.

24 May 2007
Iran has again defied UN demands to suspend its nuclear enrichment programs, according to a report issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The UN's nuclear watchdog states that Iran has significantly accelerated its enrichment capability and has not provided a range of verification information to the agency. The IAEA's "level of knowledge of certain aspects of Iran's nuclear-related activities has deteriorated."
--"Iranian Defiance of U.N. Detailed," The Washington Post, 24 May 2007.

24 May 2007
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, asserts that the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report "proves that Iran is moving within the framework of...international laws, and is merely using its legitimate rights in its peaceful nuclear activities." Larijani adds, "[El Baradei stated] in his report that no sign of reprocessing has been observed in Iran...In both UNSC resolutions it is emphasized that Iran must suspend its reprocessing activities...this proves the UN Security Council is not dealing with Iran's nuclear dossier technically."
--"IAEA chief's report shows not deviation in Iran's nuclear programme," Iranian News Agency (IRNA), 24 May 2007.

25 May 2007
Mohammad El Baradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), pushes for renewal of negotiation attempts between the West and Iran. He says that even if Iran wanted a nuclear weapon, it would not be "before the end of this decade or some time in the middle of the next decade. In other words three to eight years from now. Iran needs to suspend its enrichment activities as a confidence-building measure, but the international community should do its utmost to engage Iran in comprehensive dialogue."
--"Iran could have nuclear bomb in 2010, UN watchdog warns; Tehran leader brags of atomic programme reaching peak," The Herald (Glasgow), 25 May 2007.

25 May 2007
Mohammad Sa'idi, Deputy Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran's International Affairs Department, says that International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors are busy inspecting Iran's nuclear facilities in Isfahan. Once done with this first set of inspections, they will then make their way to the Natanz site.
--"IAEA inspectors checking Isfahan nuclear facilities," Iranian News Agency (IRNA), 25 May 2007.

1 June 2007
Talks between Iran's nuclear negotiator and a top envoy for the European Union end with few signs they are closer to breaking their deadlock over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Javier Solana asserts that he will meet again with Ali Larijani within weeks. Solana comments, "We cannot say that there has been a fundamental breakthrough, but what we can say is that we have advanced in many important subjects."
--"No Breakthrough as Iranian Nuclear Talks Recess," The New York Times, 1 June 2007.

23 June 2007
Iran is significantly closer to acquiring the essential material for a nuclear bomb as Tehran claims to have stockpiled 100kg of enriched uranium, thus far enriched to the level needed to run civilian nuclear power stations.
--"Iran takes step nearer to a nuclear bomb," The Daily Telegraph, 23 June 2007.

26 June 2007
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will travel to Tehran in coming weeks at the invitation of the Iranian government to try to clear up longstanding questions about its nuclear program. The purpose of the visit is to "develop an action plan for resolving outstanding issues" relating to Iran's nuclear program. Melissa Fleming, spokeswoman for the IAEA, adds that the inspectors will leave for Tehran "as early as practicable."
--"U.N. Inspectors Invited to Iran For Talks on Nuclear Program," The New York Times, 26 June 2007.

9 July 2007
Major digging can be seen in recent satellite photos of a mountainside in central Iran near Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Worries have been stoked by the presence nearby of a fortified building where uranium is being processed. Those structures in turn are now being connected by roads to Iran's main nuclear site. The construction has raised concerns at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "We have been in contact with the Iranian authorities about this, and we have received clarifications," states Melissa Fleming, IAEA spokeswoman, without further elaboration.
--"Tunneling Near Iranian Nuclear Site Stirs Worry," The Washington Post, 9 July 2007.

10 July 2007
Iran has slowed expansion of its uranium enrichment program, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog confirms, "Without going into detail, you could say that there is a fairly marked slowdown. It is not a full-size freeze, but it is a marked slowdown" in establishing new uranium enriching centrifuges.
--"Slowdown Seen in Iran's Nuclear Program," The Washington Post, 10 July 2007.

14 July 2007
The International Atomic Energy Agency affirms that Iran has agreed to let inspectors into nuclear facility at Arak following talks on how to resolve outstanding questions about Tehran's disputed nuclear program. Iran says its Arak research reactor, due for completion in 2008, will make isotopes for medical and other peaceful uses, replacing an older 1970s light water reactor in Tehran.
--"IAEA, Iran Agree on Plan for Visit to Disputed Reactor Site," China Daily, 14 July 2007.

9 August 2007
Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency, Rosatom, is not planning deliveries of nuclear fuel in the near future to Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant due to technical and financial reasons. In addition, Moscow is said to have issued an ultimatum to Iran demanding a cessation of uranium enrichment, declassification of its nuclear program, and provision of information to International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.
--"Moscow Has Grown Tired of Iran," Vedomosti, 9 August 2007.

29 August 2007
Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency make public a plan designed to wrap up by December nuclear issues that have been under investigation for four years. Iran has resolved questions about its past experiments with plutonium in accordance with this plan. It was also clarified that Iran is prepared to come forward with an explanation about a document, assumed to originate from Abdul Qadeer Khan, which depicts how to make uranium into hemispheres, a shape suitable for use in a weapon.
--"UN deal with Iran comes under fire; Tehran 'gaining time,' critics of plan assert," The International Herald Tribune, 29 August 2007.

31 August 2007
The International Atomic Energy Agency releases a report on Iran that states while it is in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions with its enrichment of uranium, Iran is producing "well below the expected quantity for a facility of this design." The UN nuclear watchdog's deputy director, Olli Heinonen, states, "For the first time in a couple of years, we have been able to agree with the Iranians on a working arrangement, on how to resolve the outstanding issues."
--"IAEA: Iran Cooperating in Nuclear Investigation," The Washington Post, 31 August 2007.

3 September 2007
Iran claims that it has reached its goal of running 3,000 centrifuges for uranium enrichment. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted by state television as saying that despite economic sanctions by the United Nations, his country had "taken another step in the nuclear progress and launched more than 3,000 centrifuge machines." Meanwhile, a report released last week by the International Atomic Energy Agency declares that Natanz was running 1,968 centrifuges and enriched uranium only to 3.7%, well below the 90% needed for weapons-grade material.
--"Iran says a key nuclear goal has been reached; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad asserts that 3,000 centrifuges are running. The West disputes that number," Los Angeles Times, 3 September 2007.

14 September 2007
China urges Iran to continue negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We would advocate a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi communicates in talks with visiting Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi.
--"China urges further talks on Iran nuclear issue," Xinhua News Agency, 14 September 2007.

17 October 2007
In a speech at the meeting of the five Caspian littoral states - Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan - President Vladimir Putin asserts that Russia was the only country that had helped Tehran develop its nuclear program. Putin reinforces the idea that the Caspian nations should not be used in any attack by a third country, a comment that appears to be directed at Azerbaijan, which has held talks with U.S. military officials over the situation in Iran.
--"Putin Renews Pledge to Support Iran," The Moscow Times, 17 October 2007.

21 October 2007
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, resigns before crucial talks with Europe this week over Iran's nuclear program. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appoint Saeed Jalili, the deputy foreign minister for European and American affairs, as Larijani's replacement. Mr. Jalili is an ally of the president and is considered by political analysts to be a more hard-line figure than his predecessor.
--"Iran's Nuclear Envoy Quits; Talks in Doubt," The New York Times, 21 October 2007.

21 October 2007
Tehran denounces a sanctions package approved unanimously over the weekend by the United Nations Security Council. Government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham states, "After this illegal resolution was passed against Iran last night, it forced the government to act based on Parliament's decision regarding the cooperation level with the agency and suspend parts of its activities with the agency." The cutback means that Iran will no longer provide early information to the IAEA about the design of new facilities that are capable of making atomic fuel.
--"Iran to Limit Cooperation with Nuclear Inspectors," The New York Times, 21 October 2007. "Iran loses its chief nuclear negotiator; Viewed as a voice of moderation, he resigns days after Putin offered Tehran a compromise to end stalemate," Los Angeles Times, 21 October 2007.

22 October 2007
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Hosseini confirms that Larijani would nonetheless attend crucial talks in Rome on Tuesday with European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana. Hosseini also denies any rift between Larijani and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by stating, "There is harmony among Iranian officials and between the people and Iranian officials. Nuclear policy will be the same as before."
--"Nuclear talks to include ex-broker for Iran; Ali Larijani, whose resignation has et back hopes for a deal, will meet with the EU," Los Angeles Times, 22 October 2007.

26 October 2007
The Bush administration announces tough new sanctions against three of Iran's largest state-owned banks, a move designed to increase pressure on the Iranian government by cutting it off from financial institutions around the world. Sanctions are also imposed on key branches of Iran's military, nine Iranian companies, and five Iranian officials.
--"US issues new sanctions on Iran's state banks - Seeks to push regime to halt nuclear efforts," The Boston Globe, 26 October 2007.

15 November 2007
Iran gives the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) a document showing how to cast uranium metal into hemispheres to form the core of a nuclear weapon. Tehran believes this gesture is an important sign that it is cooperating fully with the IAEA in resolving questions about suspicious and secretive nuclear activities that date back two decades. The document was offered by Abdul Qadeer Khan, father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program, when Iran covertly purchased nuclear equipment in order to enrich uranium.
--"Iran hands nuclear data over to UN; Document unlikely to help agency's work," The International Herald Tribune, 15 November 2007.

4 December 2007
U.S. Intelligence analysis on Iran's nuclear activities wields that Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and has not restarted it since. The findings contradict an assessment by U.S. intelligence officials two years ago that Tehran was seeking nuclear weapons and appears to undercut President Bush's repeated warnings about Iran becoming a nuclear power. The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) report - the consensus view of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies - says that Iran continue to enrich uranium, which means it might be able to develop a nuclear weapon between 2010 and 2015 if it restarts its weapons program.
--"Iran halted its nuclear weapons programme in 2003," The Times (London), 4 December 2007. "Key Judgments From a National Intelligence Estimate on Iran's Nuclear Activity," New York Times, 4 December 2007.

18 December 2007
Russia delivers the first fuel shipment to the power plant in Bushehr, in southern Iran. Russian officials claim that the fuel will be under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency while its inspectors are in Iran, and that Tehran has given its pledge that the fuel will only be used for the power plant. A spokeswoman for Atomstroyexport, the Russian contractor of the Bushehr plant, confirms, "The first phase of delivery has been completed. A small amount of fuel is already on the premises...in a special storage facility."
--"Russia delivers nuclear fuel to Iran; Tehran announces 2nd power plant," The International Herald Tribune, 18 December 2007.

	Updated October 2008