U.S.: Iran's New Weapons Source of Concern

The United States said Iran's recent unveiling of a new aerial drone and assault boats is a source of concern, Agence France Presse reported. "This is... something that is of concern to us and... concern to Iran's neighbors," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters. He added that the United States "take[s] into account... systems that can potentially... threaten particular countries or peace and stability in the region." The new weapons pose a threat to the United States, Israel and other countries in the region, and highlight Iran's ongoing efforts to become a major military power in the Middle East.

U.S.: Iran Fomenting Extremism in Iraq

The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said Iran is sponsoring extremist groups in Iraq because it fears having a strong democracy as its neighbor, Agence France Presse reported. "I think they don't want to see Iraq turn into a strong democratic country," General Ray Odierno told CNN on Sunday. "They would rather see it become a weak governmental institution so they don't add more problems for Iran in the future." He also noted that Iran wants to "make sure that everybody understands that they can have some impact in the country." Iran has long sponsored extremist groups throughout the region - including Hamas and Hizballah.

U.S. Condemns Swiss Gas Deal with Iran

The United States on August 17 criticized the Swiss energy giant EGL's plans to pursue an $18 billion gas contract with Iran, The Jerusalem Post reported. "As we noted in the past when this deal was first announced, oil and gas deals with Iran send the wrong message when Iran continues to defy UN Security Council resolutions. We have raised our concerns with the Swiss government about this arrangement on multiple occasions," a spokesman for the U.S. embassy in Berlin told The Jerusalem Post in an e-mail. "US law provides for sanctions for certain investments that contribute to Iran's ability to develop and transport its petroleum resources." The United States recently passed the toughest and most comprehensive sanctions legislation in its history, which aims to stifle Iran's energy sector and restrict Iran's ability to conduct international financial transactions.

Clinton Calls for Religious Freedom in Iran

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on August 12 said the United States is "deeply concerned" with Iran's treatment of religious minorities after the Islamist regime sentenced seven Bahai leaders for 20-year jail terms, Agence France Presse reported. "The United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Bahai community in Iran," she said in a statement. "We will continue to speak out against injustice and call on the Iranian government to respect the fundamental rights of all its citizens in accordance with its international obligations." Iran accused the seven Bahai leaders of spying for foreigners and cooperating with Israel, among other allegations.