Iran in the News
". . . those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven . . . (I Samuel 2:10)
1. Russians yanking key personnel from Iranian nuclear site - Int'l Herald Tribune
Russia is pulling out its technicians and engineers from Bushehr, U.S. and European government representatives said Tuesday, leaving Iran's first nuclear reactor just short of completion at a time of growing international pressure on Tehran to curb its atomic ambitions.
2. Conflict with Iran inevitable, Ya'alon says - Ynet News
"The question of who won the war in Lebanon has yet to be determined," former Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon said at a lecture in Tel Aviv Tuesday. He stated that conflict with the Iranian regime was inevitable. "The Western world is avoiding it because it is weak and that is only bringing it closer."
3. Russia Will Not Back Excessive Iran Sanctions - Reuters
Russia will not support "excessive sanctions" against Iran in the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday."South Africa and Indonesia have proposed amendments (to a proposed UN resolution) which among other things underline the global nature of non-proliferation and we believe these amendments deserve the most attentive consideration," Lavrov said. "We will treat them constructively." "We earlier agreed to act on Iran gradually and proportionately. We will not support excessive sanctions," Lavrov told the lower house of Russia's parliament.
4. (To Review) Iran website heralding 'Mahdi' by springtime - WorldNetDaily; Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Last December, an official state media website in Iran posted a message heralding the coming of the Shiite messianic figure, Imam Mahdi, noting he could arrive with Jesus by the spring equinox (i.e., today!). The Islamic Republic of Iran broadcasting website said in a program called "The World toward Illumination," that the Mahdi would form an army to defeat the enemies of Islam in a series of apocalyptic battles, in which the Mahdi would overcome his archvillain in Jerusalem.
• Offer praise that this prophecy has not yet been fulfilled, and (as Israel practices its largest emergency alert drill ever), continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. • "The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
5. US looks to sell arms in Gulf to try to contain Iran - Boston Globe
The State Department and the Pentagon are quietly seeking congressional approval for significant new military sales to US allies in the Persian Gulf region. The move is part of a broader American strategy to contain Iranian influence by strengthening Iran's neighbors and signaling that the United States is still a strong military player in the Middle East, despite all the difficulties in Iraq.
