This news on Iran — Russia, the US, the European Union and China will reportedly hold talks next week on Iran’s resumption of nuclear activities. The Iranian government has removed U.N. seals on its uranium enrichment equipment, sparking an outcry from the United States and Europe. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Iran’s move did not violate international law, but may be brought before the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Western leaders stepped up their rebukes of Iran.

• British Prime Minister Tony Blair: “I don’t think there is any point in people or us hiding our deep dismay at what Iran has decided to do and when taken in conjunction with their other comments about the state of Israel they cause real and serious alarm right across the world.”

Iran insists it’s removed the seals to resume research activities, and has no plans for uranium enrichment.

• Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: “They will regret creating any problems for us. God willing, we will get out of it successfully.”