US missiles and Iran

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The Pentagon says it’s expanding land and sea-based missile defense systems in and around the Persian Gulf. The moves are intended to counter what the US considers a growing missile threat from Iran. The buildup comes as President Obama is pushing for a new round of sanctions against the Iranians over their nuclear program. The World’s Matthew Bell reports that the military expansion seems to be part of an evolving policy toward Iran.

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• BBC coverage
• Defense Department’s Quadrennial Defense Review 2010
• Background Brief: Nuclear Standoff with Iran

Clinton in Russia for talks

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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow today. At a joint news conference, the two said that there has been considerable progress in talks on a new treaty to reduce their nuclear arsenals. Both sides say they want to avert the risks of missile proliferation. Later today, The World’s Matthew Bell will take a closer look at the talks. Download MP3 Photo: ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images.

• Scaling back on nuclear weapons (Sept. 2009)
• US and Russia make nuclear pledge (July 2009)
• Q&A on nuclear disarmament (July 2009)

Assessing US intelligence on Iran

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Iranian state media today said the military has successfully test-fired Shahab and Sejil missiles, which are capable of reaching much of the Middle East, including Israel and American bases in the Gulf. The move comes just days after revelations of a secret nuclear enrichment program, and just days before multi-party talks on Iran’s nuclear program that will involve the United States. Anchor Jeb Sharp speaks with Charles Duelfer, a former US intelligence officer and weapons inspector. Download MP3 (AP Photo/Fars News Agency, Ali Shaigan)

• Latest coverage from the BBC
• Q & A on Iran and the nuclear issue
• Latest coverage from The World