Iranian Defence Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar warned Israel of a “very painful” response if it launched a military strike over its disputed nuclear program. The Israeli Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz had earlier threatened that an attack on Iran looked “unavoidable” given the apparent failure of UN sanctions to deny Tehran technology with bomb-making potential. Mr. Najjar also asserted that the Iranian armed forces were at the height of their readiness1.

In other developments, EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana presented a fresh package of initiatives to Iran during the week in order to bring about a suspension of its uranium enrichment programme. The package reportedly contains three specific packages, including a formal commitment by the P5+Germany of renouncing the use of force against Iran, normalization of economic relations, and provision of cutting-edge technology related to light water nuclear reactors. A spokesperson for the Iranian government however stated that the enrichment issue was “not debatable2.”

• 1. “Iran Warns Of "Painful" Response if Israel Attacks,” New York Times, June 10, 2008, at http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-iran-israel.html?sq=nuclear&st=...
• 2. Atul Aneja, “Iran lukewarm to E.U.’s new proposals,” The Hindu, June 15, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/15/stories/2008061559411500.htm