Ahmadinejad Warns Against Anti-Iran Aggression: Via Voice of America.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is headed to New York for an appearance before the U.N. General Assembly. Before leaving Tehran, Mr. Ahmadinejad said no country is brave enough to attack his nation.

The Iranian president promised his armed forces would resist all invaders, and cut off the hands of anyone who tried to shoot at Iran.

Mr. Ahmadinejad spoke before a military parade that showcased the latest generation of Iranian-made rockets and aircraft. State media reported one plane crashed during the ceremonies.
( Read more ... )

Iranian Clerics Question Nomination of Women Ministers: Via Voice of America.

A conservative Iranian lawmaker says some senior clerics want President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to reconsider his nomination of three women for his new cabinet.

Lawmaker Mohammad Taqi Rahbar heads the clerical faction in Iran's conservative-dominated parliament.

He said it is an innovative idea to choose women as ministers, but that there are what he called "religious uncertainties" about women when it comes to management.  He says the government should consider these.
( Read more ... )

Iranian Nobel Laureate Calls for New Election Under UN Supervision: Via Voice of America.

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi repeated her call for a fresh election in Iran, held under the supervision of the United Nations.

Speaking during a visit to South Korea, Ebadi said a new presidential election with U.N. oversight could help end the unrest that erupted after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed June 12 re-election.  

Ebadi made similar comments during a protest speech in Amsterdam last month.

She also asked U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit Iran to receive a first-hand account of human rights abuses.
( Read more ... )

Top Revolutionary Guard Official Wants Moussavi and Khatami Tried: Via Voice of America.

The political chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard force says opposition political leaders should be put on trial for inciting violence during weeks of unrest after Iran's disputed June 12 presidential elections.

Iran's smoldering political rift is intensifying, after a key figure in Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard demanded Iran's top opposition leaders be put on trial for inciting unrest, following the country's disputed June 12 presidential election.

Iran's official news agency (IRNA) reports that Yadollah Javani, the head of the Guard's political bureau, wants opposition leader Mirhossein Moussavi, former President Mohammed Khatami, and defeated presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi to be tried for inciting violence.
( Read more ... )

Iranian Opposition Protests Ahmadinejad Inauguration: Via Voice of America.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began his second term in office Wednesday, as hundreds of opposition supporters took to the streets to demonstrate against his re-election.

Mr. Ahmadinejad was sworn in Wednesday in Tehran at an inauguration ceremony with members of Iran's parliament attending.

There were notable absences, including former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and defeated reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Mr. Ahmadinejad heralded his re-election as an "unprecedented epic" victory for the Iranian people and the Islamic establishment.
( Read more ... )