Spokesman: U.S. citizen missing in Iran

    WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States is seeking information from Iran about an American citizen believed to have gone missing several weeks ago in Iran, the State Department said on Monday.

    The State Department had sent an official inquiry to Iran via Swiss diplomats, who play a role of a go-between with Iran as Washington has no diplomatic ties with Tehran.  Full story 

U.S. imposes sanctions on Iranian entity

    WASHINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Friday it imposed sanctions on Iran's Defense Industries Organization (DIO) over its nuclear-related program.

    The sanctions measure would require states to freeze the assets of the Iranian entity and not to have business dealings with it. The DIO is believed to be a company providing centrifuges to enrich uranium.  Full story

U.S. supports Britain, increases pressure on Iran

    WASHINGTON, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Facing the row between Britain and Iran over the detained British sailors, as well as Iran's defiance over its nuclear program, the United States has offered support for its strong ally Britain and increased pressure on Iran on the other hand.

    Ever since the 15 British sailors were seized on Friday near the Shatt al Arab waterway between Iraq and Iran, the United States has been showing support for Britain.  Full story

U.S. denies escalating tension with Iran

    WASHINGTON, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Wednesday it is not escalating tensions with Iran and insisted that the naval exercises in the Gulf has been long planned.

    "There is no escalation of tensions on our part," White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said at a briefing.

    As to the naval exercises held in the Gulf region, Perino said the exercises had been long planned, adding that President George W. Bush ordered the deployment of a second aircraft carrier in the Gulf in his Jan. 10 speech.  Full story