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US Naval forces in the Persian Gulf destroyed two Iranian oil platforms, sank an Iranian frigate, and damaged several other vessels. None of the US warships were damaged, but a Marine Corps helicopter was lost and its two pilots are missing. . See also (Time, 5/2/88, 2c, 1 map, p40, 2p) See also (Newsweek, 5/2/88, 1c, p30, 1p)

Details the sanctions imposed by the United States government to Russian institutions for providing sensitive missile and nuclear assistance to Iran. Economic factors that influence the illicit Iranian connection; Testing on Shahb 3 medium-range ballistic missile by Iran; Capabilities of Iran to develop a Shahab 3 missile.

A US Navy/Grumman F-14A providing protection in the Persian Gulf for a Navy patrol aircraft fired two air-to-air missiles at an Iranian fighter approaching the patrol on Aug. 8. Neither missile scored a hit. US rules of engagement defining hostile intent give ship & aircraft commanders authorization to take whatever action they deem necessary if a belligerent aircraft or ship is in a position to deliver a lethal attack. That authority follows the Stark attack.

Prompted by US efforts to win the release of American hostages in the Middle East, Israeli military sales to Iran reached beyond token political gestures. Iran was able to secure at least a marginal operational gain on Iraq. The White House originally denied allegations that it instigated the sales. Sales;Gains; Questions; Transport.

The article discusses Iran's tactical missile capability, its reliance on technology from China, and Iran's plans to produce the Nasr 1 anti-ship missile. The Nasr 1 anti-ship missile is said to be the equivalent of China's C-704, an anti-ship weapon introduced in 2006. Historical aspects of the Tehran government's purchase of Chinese tactical missiles are described.

The authors discuss the impact of diplomatic efforts of U.S. President Barack Obama on the planned missile defense system in Eastern Europe in 2009. They express concerns that the U.S. attempts to improve relations with Russia and engage Iran in talks could be the end of the project. They note that Obama has avoided specific support for the so-called third site.

Reports the development of the small multimission spacecraft (SMMS) project spearheaded by China and Iran. Launching of SMMS by 2004-2005 in the Chinese booster; Devotion of SMMS to civilian remote-sensing and communications experimentation; Advantages of the project; Plan of China to cultivate a regional launch services market for the SMMS.

Reports that Russia has proposed to assist Iran in deploying a constellation of communications and Earth-monitoring satellites. Percentage of the country's space that would be covered; Development of a new satellite design by the Reutov Machinery-Building Scientific-Industrial Association.

The article discusses the possibility of removal of all the United Nations Security Council sanctions as well as most European Union and some U.S. sanctions related to Iran's nuclear programme. It mentions that the decision has generated a lot of interest among other nations. It highlights that the move is expected to take effect from day on which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms that Iran has complied with its Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) commitments.

The article reports on a nuclear deal signed by Iran with the U.S., European Union, and United Nations that puts an end to a 12-year standoff over its nuclear programme.

The author discusses the legal questions surrounding military preemption in relation to ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Pressing Issues," by Greg Mitchell in the March 2007 issue, media's relationship with government officials and "Oh, to be Single Again," by Jennifer Saba in the February 2007 issue.

The article reports that the United States and Europe have declared that discussions are over with Iran, after its President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announces a resumption of its uranium enrichment program.

Reports on charges filed by Iran on 24 German companies with supplying chemicals to Iraq that were used in the 1980-1988 war between Iran and Iraq. Claims of the Iranian government on the German chemicals; Implication of the case on relations between Germany and Iran; Other information.