Iran and the Iraq War March 21, 2003

March 21, 2003, Reuters: Bombing in Iraq shattered windows in southwestern Iran and caused panic among villagers. IRNA, the official news agency of the Islamic Republic, reports that bomb explosions were heard in at least four villages in southwestern Iran, near the Faw Peninsula, prompting residents to flee to the nearby city of Arvand Kenar. British military commanders stated on Friday that elite Royal Navy forces, aided by airstrikes and amphibious units, have taken control of the oil facilities on Faw Island. March 21, 2003, Financial Times: To prevent a crisis from Iraqi refugees, Iran has announced that its borders with Iraq will be closed for at least ten days. Darvish Amiri, a government official in Sanandaj responsible for refugee affairs, stated that about 150 Iraqi families attempting to enter Iran through Baneh and Marivan were returned to Iraq. Ahmad Hosseini, head of the Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Office, warned that if international organizations responsible for refugee funding do not cooperate with Iran, a humanitarian disaster will occur. Last Saturday, the Iranian government stated that it needs $15 million in immediate assistance from the United Nations for refugee affairs. Currently, the UN has offered to provide $1 million to Iran; this amount is intended for clearing landmines left over from the Iran-Iraq War, constructing dirt roads, and establishing sanitary facilities such as toilets in the camps being prepared. On Thursday, Mr. Hosseini mentioned that Iraqi refugees are likely to enter Iran through the Khosravi border, 200 kilometers from Baghdad, and Shalamcheh in southern Khorramshahr. Iran is constructing three camps under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. In total, ten locations across five provinces have been designated: Khuzestan, facing the port city of Basra, Ilam east of Baghdad, Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and West Azerbaijan. Iran claims it spends $650 per year for each refugee. March 21, 2003, Sky News: Iran states that any increase in oil production by OPEC member countries is against regulations. Alvaro Silva, OPEC Secretary-General, stated on Thursday that member countries could use their excess production capacity to compensate for shortages caused by Iraqi oil supply disruptions. However, Iranian official Kazempour Ardebili stated that Mr. Silva's remarks are inconsistent with OPEC policy. He added, 'The Secretary-General of OPEC was not authorized to make such statements, and OPEC cannot make such a decision, nor do any of the OPEC ministers endorse it. Mr. Silva's words are a green light for the U.S. to attack Iraq, and none of the OPEC members want to give a green light for an attack on another OPEC member country.' Mr. Silva also stated, 'There is enough oil in the markets.'