laura_rozen

Who is Saeed Jalili?

Laura Rozen

Iran’s nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili has Khamenei's trust and may get the backing of Iran’s state machine for his presidential run.

'Most Substantive' Iran Talks Find Narrow Area of Agreement

Laura Rozen

Iranian nuclear experts have said they are considering suspending 20% enrichment for six months in what American officials described as “the most substantive conversation they ever had” with the Iranians, reports Laura Rozen.

US, Iran Teams Head to Istanbul For Nuclear-Experts Talks

Laura Rozen — 3/15/13 11:46 AM

Hamid-Reza Asgari, top right, a senior advisor in Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, is pictured with Iran’s envoy to the IAEA Ali Ashgar Soltanieh (left, with beard), attending a meeting in Vienna with French, Russian and American diplomats Oct. 21, 2009.

Iran, P5+1 Agree to New Nuclear Talks in Istanbul, Almaty

Laura Rozen

Negotiators from Iran and six world powers have announced they will further discuss a new international proposal to curb Iran’s 20% enrichment and nuclear-breakout capacity in exchange for some sanctions relief, writes Laura Rozen.

US Diplomat: 'Clear Path' Coming for Iran Sanctions Relief

Laura Rozen

Western diplomats have announced they will put sanctions relief on the table when they meet with Iranian negotiators in Kazakhstan, offering the Iranians a “clear pathway” to further relief and a civilian nuclear program, reports Laura Rozen.

Obama Urged to Step Up Iran Diplomacy: Laura Rozen Reports

Laura Rozen — 1/18/13 8:42 AM

National-security experts from across the political spectrum are urging US President Obama to pursue bolder diplomacy with Iran, including offering a nuclear deal that would include sanctions relief, reports Laura Rozen.

Obama Urged to Sep Up Diplomacy on Iran

Laura Rozen

Iran’s Mixed Signals on Enrichment

Laura Rozen

The Obama administration is trying to read Iran’s mixed signals on Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, writes Laura Rozen.

E1 Zone No-Build Policy 'No Longer Relevant'

Laura Rozen — 12/2/12 6:43 PM

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (C) waves to the crowd during a rally marking the UN General Assembly's upgrading of the Palestinians' status from "observer entity" to "non-member state", in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Dec. 2, 2012.

US, Israel Headed for Defeat as UN Votes on Palestine Status

Laura Rozen

The United States and Israel appear to be heading for a crushing defeat, writes Laura Rozen. A vast majority of the world’s countries have indicated they will support Palestine's bid for non-member observer state status at the UN General Assembly.

Cairo Hosts Gaza Talks as Parties Seek to Avert Israeli Invasion

Laura Rozen

Cairo is hosting four-way talks on the Gaza crisis, as regional parties seek to move Hamas and Israel to a cease-fire and avert an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza.

Observers Fear Conflict in Gaza Could Escalate

Laura Rozen

Israel has announced that 15 Palestinians had been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza. Western defense sources expressed concern about the potential for the conflict to rapidly escalate, reports Laura Rozen.

US Considers Offering 'More for More' to Iran

Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin — 11/12/12 4:01 PM

President Barack Obama speaks on the phone with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office in this Sept. 28, 2012 White House handout photograph. Obama and Netanyahu expressed solidarity on the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, amid signs of easing tensions over their differences on how to confront Tehran.

Obama Wins 70% of Jewish Vote

Laura Rozen — 11/9/12 7:30 AM

Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen reports on how President Obama overwhelmingly won the Jewish vote despite Mitt Romney’s campaign claim that he was a better friend to Israel.

Israel and Iran Attend Arms Talks in Brussels

Laura Rozen

Israel and Iran attended a European nonproliferation conference in Brussels this week. Laura Rozen reports that Israeli and European diplomats downplayed the significance of the meeting and said that Israeli and Iranian officials had no direct contact.

Buzz Grows Around Veteran Iranian Insider

Laura Rozen

A veteran adviser to Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is playing an increasingly public role in Iranian foreign policy and politics, after years of operating more behind the scenes in the opaque world of the leader’s inner circle, some Iran watchers say. Laura Rozen reports for Al-Monitor

Former Israeli Spymaster: We Need To Talk to Iran

Laura Rozen — 10/21/12 2:40 PM

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, former Israeli spy chief Efraim Halevy said Israel and the US must engage in a dialogue with Iran to understand how their adversaries think, a position rarely heard from top Israeli officials. He faulted Republican candidate Mitt Romney for making US policy toward Iran an issue in the presidential election.

Annan Faults West for Collapse Of Syria Mediation Efforts

Laura Rozen

Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan has faulted western countries’ insistence on a UN Security Council resolution in part for the breakdown of the Syria mediation efforts he pursued as joint UN/Arab League Syria envoy earlier this year, reports Laura Rozen. Military intervention also isn't the answer and would make things worse, Annan added.

Exxon to Pull Out of Southern Iraq

Laura Rozen

ExxonMobil will pull out of southern Iraq to move forward with its Kurdish oil-exploration contracts, an energy-expert source told Laura Rozen on condition of anonymity. The oil giant’s contracts with Iraq’s Kurdish entity have been a source of ongoing legal disputes with the Iraqi central government in Baghdad.

Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Plot To Assassinate Saudi Envoy

Laura Rozen

A former Texas used-car salesman pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring with Iran in a plot to assassinate the Saudi envoy to the United States, US law-enforcement officials announced. Tehran denies involvement.

Rabbi Questioned in Israel As Ex-Aide Due in Court

Laura Rozen

Mystic rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto has been questioned in Israel on allegations that he tried to bribe a senior Israeli police investigator for information on a money-laundering case. The questioning of Rabbi Pinto comes as his former top aide is due in federal court in New York Friday, reports Laura Rozen.

Lawyer for Grimm Ex-Fundraiser Taking Case to Trial

Laura Rozen

Ofer Biton, a former fundraiser to Rep. Michael Grimm and former aide to Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, was arrested by the FBI on an immigration-fraud charge and released to house arrest last week after a business partner of Grimm's paid his $1.5 million bail. Laura Rozen reports that Biton's attorney says he plans to take the case to trial.

As Iranian Rial Plunges, Protests Erupt in Tehran

Laura Rozen

Protests erupted in the center of Tehran Wednesday as riot police closed black-market currency-exchange shops. Laura Rozen reports that the protests, calling for the resignation of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, come as the rial's value has plummeted by over 40% in the past week, as Iranians rushed to buy hard currency.

Foreign Minister: Nuclear Bomb Would Decrease Iran’s Security

Laura Rozen

Iran's foreign minister has said nuclear weapons wouldn't increase regional stability, reports Laura Rozen. Ali Akbar Salehi said that Iran acquiring nuclear bombs would increase the threats it faces, and not be a deterrent to nuclear powers with larger stockpiles. On Syria, Salehi said that Iran supports UN and regional initiatives to resolve the conflict.

Syrian Minister Says US Ignores 'Lessons of Afghanistan'

Andrew Parasiliti and Laura Rozen — 9/29/12 3:16 PM

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, who rarely speaks to the Western press, cast violence in Syria as a war against Salafi terrorists backed by predominantly Sunni Arab nations. "If ending the violence was in the hands of the Syrian government, then I assure you we would have ended it yesterday," Moallem said.

Israel's Netanyahu Warns of Iran Threat, Eases Up on US

Laura Rozen — 9/27/12 5:12 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toned down his ultimatums to President Barack Obama Thursday and focused on Iran, displaying a crude drawing of a bomb to dramatize his concerns about Iran’s growing stockpile of enriched uranium.

Iran Group MEK's Delisting Doesn't Signal US Approval

Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen — 9/21/12 4:16 PM

The US removed a controversial Iranian opposition group from its list of terrorist organizations, Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen report for Al-Monitor, after most of its members decamped from their base near Baghdad. The move does not mean the US condones the Mujahedin-e-Khalq, which has assassinated Americans and Iranians.

The Filmmaker Who Wasn't

Laura Rozen — 9/12/12 8:06 PM

Many media accounts have named "Sam Bacile" as the "filmmaker" behind an anti-Islamic video that has sparked outrage in the Mideast. But the name appears to be phony, and Laura Rozen reveals details about people who were involved with the video.

Eric Cantor Tied to Rabbi Whose Aide Is at Center of Probe

Laura Rozen — 8/23/12 10:49 PM

An influential rabbi whose former aide is embroiled in a campaign finance investigation has ties to one of the most powerful members of Congress, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, according to interviews and an examination of campaign filings by Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen.

US Scholars: Designate Israeli Extremists as Terrorists

Laura Rozen — 8/22/12 8:28 PM

Two prominent US Middle East scholars are urging the US to officially designate as terrorists Israeli extremists who perpetrate violence against Palestinian and Israeli citizens — even moderate elements of the settler movement, writes Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen. A recent spate of attacks sparked the call, which would prevent US funding for such groups.

Dennis Ross: Israel's Iran Threats Aimed at Spurring Global Action

Laura Rozen — 8/15/12 11:58 PM

Part of Israel's motivation for being so public about a possible attack on Iran is to prepare Israelis and the rest of the world for an actual attack, said Mideast troubleshooter Dennis Ross in an interview with Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen. The rhetoric isn't just a bluff, but that doesn't mean there's a day-after strategy.

Ex-Obama Official Warns: Take Israel Iran Threat 'Very Seriously'

Laura Rozen — 8/14/12 8:57 PM

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl told Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen that he takes the signs that Israeli leaders are contemplating a fall strike on Iran “very seriously.” He said there is clearly a crescendo emerging and "Israeli leadership is building a case that they can trust no one but themselves on this issue." Read the full interview.

US Iraq Envoy Sees 'Great Deal of Continuity' From Bush to Obama

Laura Rozen — 8/9/12 1:33 PM

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey (L), U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (2nd L), Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (R) and Iraq's President Jalal Talabani stand for the national anthem during one of several planned ceremonies to mark the end of American military presence in Iraq, in Baghdad December 1, 2011.

US Courts Emerging Leaders in Syria to Avoid Iraq Pitfalls

Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen — 8/2/12 3:04 PM

As the US scrambles to establish ties with the Syrian opposition, it's also trying hard to avoid an exile-centric strategy that risks repeating the debacle of Iraq, write Al-Monitor's Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen. Still, on the heels of Kofi Annan's resignation as UN envoy to Syria, some insiders wonder if a transition plan will make any difference.

Concerns Mount That Israel Is Losing Patience on Iran Plan

Laura Rozen — 8/1/12 12:20 PM

As the Obama administration doubles down on sanctions, some in Washington worry that Israel is running out of patience with the US, writes Laura Rozen. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and other officials urge patience to see if tough new economic sanctions bring about a diplomatic resolution.

US Authorizes Financial Support For the Free Syrian Army

Laura Rozen — 7/27/12 5:23 PM

The US government granted the Syrian Support Group, an organization that supports the Free Syrian Army, authority to provide financial and logistical support to the armed Syrian resistance. Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen talks to the group's Washington agent about using the assistance for weapons, equipment and even salaries.

Hezbollah and Iran May Need Plan B After Syria Bombing

Laura Rozen — 7/19/12 6:50 PM

Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah and Iran seemed stunned a day after several members of Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle were assassinated at a cabinet meeting in Damascus, writes Laura Rozen. Neither was prepared for the Syrian status quo to shift so quickly and Iran hasn't even begun to prepare for a Syria Plan B.

Syrian Defense Minister, Assad Brother-in-Law Killed in Blast

Laura Rozen — 7/18/12 10:46 AM

Syria's defense minister and Bashar al-Assad's powerful brother-in-law were killed in the suicide bombing of a cabinet meeting in Damascus Wednesday, and several other ministers were critically wounded. Laura Rozen reports that the Free Syrian Army claimed responsibility for the attack, which marks a dramatic new phase for the rebellion.

Iran’s UN Envoy: We Will Not Initiate Confrontation

Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin — 7/11/12 6:17 PM

EXCLUSIVE: Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said that Iran will not "initiate any provocative steps" with the West despite the imposition of draconian sanctions, in a wide-ranging interview with Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin. He also described recent nuclear talks as tentative and vague. Read more from the conversation.

Exclusive: Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee on War, Peace and Nukes

Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen — 7/11/12 6:17 PM

Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee’s spoke with Al-Monitor correspondents Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen on July 10 2012. Read excerpts from the wide-ranging conversation.

Draft Communiqué From Action Group on Syria

Laura Rozen — 7/1/12 8:11 AM

Although Russia continued to oppose language in the Action Group on Syria statement calling for Bashar al-Assad to leave power, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton insisted the changes made at Saturday's meeting in Geneva did not alter that key demand. Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen obtained a draft communiqué, linked below.

US Hardens Stance In Iran Nuclear Talks

Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin — 6/27/12 9:29 AM

Iran was prepared to discuss halting 20% enrichment in Moscow, but refused other conditions that could have meant an end to the nuclear standoff. Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin write that the western members of the P5+1 insisted that Iran meet all the conditions in their proposal, which may indicate that the US has hardened its position.

NATO Backs Turkey But Mute on Response Over Downed Plane

Laura Rozen — 6/26/12 10:38 PM

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen briefs the media after a meeting in Brussels June 26, 2012. NATO member states condemned Syria on Tuesday for its shooting down of a Turkish military jet, calling it "unacceptable" and demanding that Damascus take steps to prevent further incidents.

On to the Next Round Of Iran Nuclear Talks

Laura Rozen — 6/19/12 8:22 PM

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton (L) meets with Iran's Chief Negotiator Saeed Jalili in Moscow, June 18, 2012. World powers began two days of talks with Iran on Monday to try to end a decade-long stand-off over Tehran's nuclear programme and avert the threat of a new war in the Middle East.

Latest Iran Nuclear Talks Reveal Wide Gaps, ‘Intense and Tough’

Laura Rozen — 6/19/12 8:01 AM

For the first time, Iran gave a point-by-point response to an international proposal on halting its 20% enrichment activities on June 18 in Moscow. But international diplomats said the presentation only made the diplomatic challenge of narrowing the gaps between the two sides in the near term more daunting.

Crucial Round of Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Moscow

Laura Rozen — 6/18/12 1:06 AM

Diplomats from six nations and Iran have arrived in Moscow ahead of a new round of nuclear talks Monday, writes Laura Rozen from the international meeting. Some American diplomats consider this round of negotiations, which come on the heels of two meetings in April and May, pivotal to determining whether to continue the incremental approach.

Former Obama Official Says US Should Put Cards on Table

Laura Rozen — 6/15/12 12:31 AM

Colin Kahl, a former Obama Defense Department official, tells Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen why the Iran nuclear talks in Moscow scheduled for next week should not be make-or-break for the West. He explains why Iran doesn’t take Israel’s threat of force seriously, and why it may be time for the US to give a little in order to resolve broader concerns.

Egyptian Court Dissolves Parliament

Laura Rozen — 6/14/12 1:39 PM

Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court issued two momentous rulings Thursday that analysts in Washington and Cairo describe as amounting to a soft coup, writes Laura Rozen. The court effectively called for the dissolving of Egypt's recently-elected legislatures just days before the anticipated run-off elections.

US Mulls Seeking Broader Deal In Nuclear Talks With Iran

Laura Rozen — 6/7/12 3:49 PM

The Obama administration might put forward a broader proposal to Iran during the next round of nuclear talks scheduled for later this month, diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor. Laura Rozen on the thinking behind the "go big" approach rather than the more incremental one presented at a meeting last month in Baghdad.

Infighting at the Iran Nuclear Talks

Laura Rozen — 5/26/12 11:25 AM

The Baghdad meeting got off to a tense start last week after Iran gave a chilly reception to a proposal for curbing its 20 percent uranium enrichment. But the talks nearly broke down, European diplomats told Al-Monitor, when there was a key impasse within the six-nation negotiating team, not between the group and Iran, writes Laura Rozen.

'Intense' Iran Nuclear Talks End With Agreement to Meet Again

Laura Rozen — 5/24/12 8:57 PM

Two days of talks between Iran and six nations ended Thursday in Baghdad with no breakthroughs but a plan to meet again next month, write Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin. Chief European Union negotiator Catherine Ashton said that while discussions made it clear while "that there is some common ground … significant differences remain.”

Iran Economy Minister Warns: Sanctions 'Lose-Lose' Situation

Laura Rozen — 5/21/12 8:49 AM

In an interview with Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen, Iran Economy Minister Shamseddin Hosseini said that Iran looks to make progress at upcoming talks and encouraged the West to continue negotiating with Khamenei's representatives. He warned that energy sanctions could hurt the economies of those imposing thems more than Tehran.

Israel's Former Intelligence Chief Blasts Bibi's Iran Strategy

Laura Rozen — 4/28/12 11:01 AM

Yuval Diskin launched a stunning broadside attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak Friday, saying he doesn’t trust their “messianic” leadership. He accused them of promoting a war on Iran that could accelerate, rather than set back, Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon.

Are the Iran Nuclear Talks Finally Headed in the Right Direction?

Laura Rozen — 4/14/12 12:31 PM

Six world powers emerged from the first talks with Iran in over a year on a positive note. Officials agreed to hold another meeting in Baghdad May 23, where they hope to devise a concrete plan to address Iran's advancing nuclear program. Iran also held bilateral meetings with Russia, China and the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, but declined to meet one-on-one with American diplomats.

How Iran Talks Were Saved From Verge of Collapse

Laura Rozen — 4/16/12 1:50 PM

New details on the Iran nuclear talks this weekend, touted as being very positive, now show the meeting, in fact, deteriorated. Laura Rozen spoke to inside sources who said Iran was "relentless" in its request to delay European sanctions and that the atmosphere had grown extremely strained and tense.

Can Western Women Tame Iran’s Nuclear Negotiators?

Laura Rozen and Barbara Slavin — 4/24/12 9:35 PM

Three high-powered women are the principal negotiators for the P5+1 team in the Iran nuclear talks, which creates a novel working environment for their Iranian counterparts, because women generally can’t get top government jobs in the Islamic Republic. This raises an intriguing question: Could the presence of women across the table from the Iranians change the dynamics in the nuclear talks?

Iranian Hard-Liners Send Positive Signals on Talks

Laura Rozen — 4/26/12 1:26 PM

Something unusual has happened in the wake of the recent Iran nuclear talks in Istanbul: Iran hardliners have taken to the media and Friday prayers to put a positive gloss on the talks and signal interest in a compromise. Laura Rozen on reading the Tehran tea leaves.

Could Iran Nuclear Talks Founder over Sanctions Relief?

Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen — 5/1/12 1:45 PM

President Barack Obama signed an executive order Tuesday that bars anyone who violates existing U.S. sanctions against Iran and Syria from gaining access to U.S. financial and commercial systems. Barbara Slavin and Laura Rozen analyze whether Iran will get the sanctions relief it is seeking from nuclear talks scheduled for later this month.

New Report Finds It Is Time To Upgrade US-Turkey Ties

Laura Rozen — 5/9/12 11:53 AM

The United States and Turkey have found themselves growing increasingly aligned amid the Arab uprisings of the past 16 months. Laura Rozen writes that a new report argues for an upgrade of US-Turkish relations, one that recognizes Turkey’s growing importance on the world scene and appreciates the complexity of Turkish democracy.

Obama Condemns Killing Of Ambassador Stevens

Laura Rozen

President Obama expressed heartbreak and outrage over the killing of US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other US personnel at the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, reports Laura Rozen for Al-Monitor. The violent protests at the US posts in Benghazi and Cairo, Egypt were reportedly spurred by the trailer of an anti-Islam film.

Netanyahu Lashes Out at Allies, Demands Deadlines for Iran

Laura Rozen

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unleashed a tirade against the United States and European allies Tuesday, September 11, for not publicly setting deadlines on Iran, while urging Israeli restraint. “Netanyahu is going berserk,” a former Israeli official told Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen.

Clinton Calls on Mideast Leaders To Reject Violence of Mobs

Laura Rozen

Hillary Clinton called for a rejection of mob violence in the Mideast. "The people of Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia did not trade the tyranny of a dictator for the tyranny of a mob," the US secretary of state said Friday at a ceremony for four US diplomatic personnel killed in Libya, Laura Rozen reports.

The DNC Jerusalem Back Story

Laura Rozen

The Democratic National Committee has added an amendment to its 2012 platform, saying that Jerusalem is and will remain the undivided capital of Israel. The language, similar to that in the DNC 2008 platform, was added after its omission came under criticism from some Republican groups.

EU-3 Call for Intensifying Sanctions on Iran Amid Stalemate

Laura Rozen

The British, French and German foreign ministers called for toughening European Union sanctions on Iran, as Western powers sought to counter Iran's nuclear defiance and deter possible Israeli military action. The show of resolve came as negotiations between six world powers and Iran remain at an impasse.

Kurdistan’s Man In Washington Preps For New Role Back Home

Laura Rozen — 5/2/12 11:43 AM

Qubad Talabani, the longtime Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) envoy to Washington, will move to Kurdistan this summer after a twelve-year run representing Iraqi Kurdistan here that has seen the US invasion and withdrawal from Iraq, Laura Rozen reports.

Nuclear Issue Tired, Sighs Ahmadinejad

Laura Rozen

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the nuclear issue “is a very tiresome subject” on his eighth visit to New York as Iran’s leader, reports Laura Rozen for Al-Monitor. Ahmadinejad did not directly answer questions about prospects for opening US-Iranian talks to bypass the somewhat cumbersome P5+1 format.