Iran news headlines on Saturday include giving authority tomilitary commanders to respond to enemy attacks; Iranlaunchingindigenous Damavand destroyer; US reinforcement ofmissile defense against North Korea, Iran;an Iranian lawmaker remarks overIP gas pipeline project another defeat for US and start of Iran-P5+1 nuke talks on Sunday.
Iran: Commanders authorized to respond to attacks
The spokesman for Irans armed forces says military commanders have been given the authority to respond immediately to enemy attacks.
Gen. Masoud Jazayeri also says Iran keeps all options are on the table, language similar to that used by U.S. President Barack Obama to leave open the possibility of military action against Irans nuclear program.
Iran to launch indigenous Damavand destroyer
Iran is planning to launch a new indigenous destroyer called Damavand in line with the Islamic Republics efforts to boost its naval capabilities.
Head of the Iranian Navys Industrial Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization Admiral Ali Gholamzadeh said on Friday that Damavand destroyer is a Mowj-class vessel.
U.S. to beef up missile defense against North Korea, Iran
The United States will deploy additional ground-based missile interceptors on the West Coast as part of efforts to enhance the nations ability to defend itself from attack by North Korea, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Friday.
Still relatively new in his post, the Pentagon chief told reporters that 14 additional interceptors to be installed by 2017 would bring the total to 44. It is part of a package of steps expected to cost $1 billion, officials said.
Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project another defeat for US: MP
An Iranian lawmaker says the US objection to the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project pursues political objectives, stressing that the deal was another political defeat for Washington in the region.
The US opposition to the transfer of gas to Pakistan has political aspects against the Islamic Republic and seeks to prevent Irans stability in the region, a member of the Majlis Energy Committee Neder Fereydouni told ISNA on Saturday.
US, Iran teams head to Istanbul for nuclear-experts talks
Arms-control officials from Iran and six world powers head to Istanbul for experts-level talks next week, to discuss a revised international proposal that Iranian officialsgreeted favorablyat ameetingin Kazakhstanlast month.
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