The nuclear issue with Iran and the world is now not hot, but boiling. After receiving five distinct messages from China, Russia, the U.S., France and England warning Iran to desist from re-opening its uranium facilities, this week Iran broke the seals on the internationally monitored enrichment facilities at Natanz and possibly other sites as well.

For more than two years the EU3 -- Britain, France and Germany -- have struggled to negotiate with Iran to contain its nuclear energy program which Iran contends is for peaceful purposes, and within the confines of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. It has been an uphill, push-and-pull diplomatic effort.

Until recently, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, 2005 Nobel Prize recipient, has strongly advised negotiations and diplomacy rather than intimidation or harsh penalties. However, Dr. ElBaradei has been raising his voice sharply, indicating his frustration. "My own patience, as head of the agency, is running out," he said on the BBC this week.

The new Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, adds fuel to the burning nuclear diplomatic fires by making outrageous statements against Israel, America and the west in general. Now Israel's reaction and its vulnerability increase the uncertainty of arriving at possible and peaceful negotiations to contain Iran's nuclear program.

  PANELISTS:

  Gary Sick         Adjunct Professor of International Affairs,
                     Columbia University
                    Acting Director of Middle East Institute,
                     Columbia University
                    Former National Security Council expert on the
                     Middle East

  Dan De Luce       Currently Agence France Press reporter since he was
                     expelled from Iran while reporting on the earthquake at
                     Bam for The Guardian

  Cory Hinderstein  Deputy Director, Institute for Science and International
                     Security (ISIS)

Because of the sensitivity of this crisis our panelists beyond the three stated above are constantly changing as governments and the UN put a clamp on talking about this issue.

  MODERATOR:
  Jacqueline Albert-Simon, US Bureau Chief, Politique Internationale

  DATE:             Thursday, January 19, 2006

  TIME:             5:30 Reception
                    6:15 Panel Discussion

  PLACE:            Club Quarters, 40 West 45 Street

  RSVP:             OPC Office at 212-626-9220 or sonya@opcofamerica.org

SOURCE: Overseas Press Club