ABU DHABI - The commander of U.S. forces in the Gulf said on Tuesday that Iran remained a threat to the oil-rich region.

"We still worry about...the weapons of mass destruction program that Iran has, its pursuit of nuclear capability and of its missiles which it continues to test with greater range and accuracy," said General Anthony Zinni, speaking in the United Arab Emirates during a regional tour before his retirement.

Zinni said the United States was also concerned about Iran's alleged support for "terrorism" and its disputes with Gulf Arab states.
 

Oil Hike To Translate Into Iranian Nukes, The Ha'aretz, June 19

Senior Israeli analysts warn that the sharp rise in international oil prices in the last few months will allow Iran to intensify its nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles programs.

In addition, these additional revenues will enable Iran to provide extensive support to radical Islamic groups outside its borders.

In reports by military intelligence and the Foreign Ministry - recently presented to senior government officials - a past correlation between oil prices and Iran's ability "to export Islamic revolution" was shown.

Analysts say the effort to build nuclear weapons, a priority for the Iranian regime, has a guaranteed budget which never shrinks, even when the national economy hits low points.

But these experts believe the increase in revenues from oil exports will expedite Iran's efforts to arm itself with non-conventional weapons…
 

Khatami Visits China To Build On military Ties, Agence France Presse, June 20

TEHRAN - Mohammad Khatami arrives in China on Thursday for a six-day state visit with plans to strengthen the two countries' already close political, economic and military ties.

The two sides will pursue further military cooperation. This dates back to the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, during which China, along with North Korea, was Iran's principal Asian source of arms.

Military issues will be discussed despite opposition from Western governments, who suspect China of helping Iran to build up its nuclear industry.
 

Lawyers For Iranian Jews Worry Over Trial Delay, Agence France Presse, June 20

SHIRAZ - Lawyers defending Iranian Jews accused of spying for Israel are worried by the delay in winding up the trial and announcing a verdict in the southern city of Shiraz, their spokesman told AFP.

"We are worried by the delay. It would seem that the revolutionary court wants to drag things out, as if they are looking for new arguments," said Ismael Nasseri, 40.

The head and spokesman of the judiciary in Shiraz, Hossein-Ali Amiri, said Sunday an "answer" requested from the authorities was expected Thursday and that the verdict would be given a week later. He did not say what the "answer" would cover.
 

Hajjarian Summoned To Court After Bullet Removed From Neck, IRNA (State News Agency), June 19

TEHRAN - Saeed Hajjarian discharged from hospital after undergoing operation for the removal of a bullet in his neck, was summoned to appear before Branch 17 of the country's public courts in Hamedan, the press reported here on Monday.

His defense lawyer, Gholam-Ali Riyahi, told the government daily Iran, "We have received summons but are not aware of the cause and, with regard to my client's health condition, I can say he cannot appear in court and thus I have asked the judge to clarify his charge."

Likewise, Hajjarian has received summons to appear before an administrative tribunal for government employees to answer to six counts of press violations.
 

Blast Rocks Shiraz University, Reuters, June 20

TEHRAN - A blast rocked the university campus in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz on Tuesday, but there were no reports of injury, local journalists said.

They told Reuters by telephone the explosion occurred around 2:30 p.m. in a lecture hall at the college of literature, which was the scene on June 17 of an address by a figure who has often been the target of hardline violence.

The journalists said three fire companies battled the flames for hours before finally getting the blaze under control. The lecture hall was completely gutted. 

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