BRIEF ON IRAN No. 159 Tuesday, May 2, 1995 Representative Office of The National Council of Resistance of Iran 3421 M Street NW, #1032 Washington, DC 20007 Christopher: Cutting U.S. Ties with Iran Sends 'Unmistakable Message,' Associated Press, May 1 "Cutting remaining U.S. economic ties with Iran sends an 'unmistakable message to friend and foe alike' of U.S. determination to halt Tehran's backing for terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons, Secretary of State Warren Christopher said today... "'Iran is a major proliferation threat and is pursuing a determined course to acquire nuclear weapons,' Christopher said. "He described the Tehran regime as 'the foremost state sponsor of terrorism in the world.'... "'Increased international pressure must be applied to Iran to bring about a change in its policies,' said Christopher. 'That is exactly the goal of the president's executive order. It sends an unmistakable message to friend and foe alike. We view Iran's action as a major threat to United States interests and international security, and we're determined to stop them.' "State-run Tehran Radio called Clinton's action 'disgraceful,'... "In a related development, the CIA has informed Congress that Iran recently received at least four ballistic missile launchers from North Korea. The trade publication Defense Week reported in today's edition that the transaction nearly doubles the estimated number of missile launchers in Iran's possession. Pursuing International Embargo Against Iran, Voice of America, May 1 "The Clinton Administration is hoping its just- announced decision banning trade and investment with Iran will prompt others to take similar steps... "Clinton Spokesman Mike McCurry says the Administration sees some indications from the Group of Seven Industrialized Nations that they are reviewing their economic relationships with Iran. "Acknowledging that banning U.S. trade and investment would have a minimal practical affect on Iran's economy, Mr. McCurry said he hopes the decision would strengthen the Administration's case for a tougher international response to Iran and its support of terrorism. The Spokesman said he thought the decision would have what he called a powerful, persuasive impact. "In announcing the decision Sunday, President Clinton called Iran the 'inspiration and paymaster to terrorists.' The President is expected to formally sign the executive order banning trade and investment with Iran sometimes this week. Once he does that, it would be implemented within ninety days..." "Iran Says U.S. Trade Ban an Act of Desperation," Reuters, May 1 "Iran's charge d'affairs in Britain criticized U.S. President Bill Clinton's complete trade ban with his country, calling it an act of desperation. "'A drowning man clutches at every little twig. We see many contradictions and confusion in recent positions,' said Gholamreza Ansari at a press conference in London... "'We are aware that he is under desperate pressure in his domestic policies. He hasn't been successful so he had to divert these pressures somewhere,' he said... "Ansari asserted Iran's right to develop nuclear technology... "He would not say if Iran planned any retaliatory measures against the United States. 'Let's wait and see,' he said." "Iran Says Saudi Troops Pull Down Haj Placard," Reuters, May 1 "Iran, which has urged its pilgrims to hold an anti-U.S. rally during the annual Moslem pilgrimage, said Saudi troops on Monday pulled down a placard from the headquarters building of Iranian pilgrims in Mecca. "'About 80 Saudi commandos directly took part in the operation while 2,000 military forces equipped with clubs were stationed in front of the headquarters,' the official Iranian news agency IRNA said. "Saudi Arabia said last week it was determined to prevent political rallies at this year's haj and reminded pilgrims that all signs, pamphlets, leaflets and books were banned. "Iranian officials have vowed to hold a rally to denounce the United States and Israel... "... In 1987, a total of 402 people, most of them Iranians, died in clashes with security forces after such a rally in Mecca. "Saudi Arabia says the haj is a religious affair that should not be politicized. Iran insists that rallies denouncing what it calls enemies of Islam -- the U.S and Israel -- should be held..."