英语听力精选进阶版 7316（在线收听）

伊朗媒体说至少四个人因涉嫌破坏核设施而被逮捕。目前尚不清楚这些人的国籍背景或他们试图破坏的究竟是哪些核设施。

This is the latest twist in the saga of Iran's showdown with the West over its nuclear programme, which has received new impetus after signs that Tehran might be softening its stance.

The country's atomic energy chief told a security conference that the alleged saboteurs had been under surveillance for some time. He said they were caught red-handed and are now in the process of being interrogated. He gave no further details.

There've long been rumours that Israel, which sees Iran's potential development of a nuclear weapon as an existential threat, has sent spies into Iran to disrupt its programme, with some even accusing its agents of killing Iranian nuclear scientists. Israel has warned the US and the West not to be fooled by the recent charm offensive by the new, more moderate Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who had a historic, icebreaking phone call with President Obama a few days ago.

The Israelis announced their own arrest of an alleged Iranian-born spy in the midst of the new optimism that a genuine resolution of a nuclear standoff could now be on the cards. This latest announcement from Iran shows that underneath the newly hopeful surface, the complex three-dimensional chess game over Iran's nuclear ambitions continues undiminished.

Quiz 听力测验

1. True or false? Officials in Iran had been watching the people who tried to break into the nuclear site for some time.

True. The country's atomic energy chief told a security conference that the alleged saboteurs had been under surveillance for some time.

2. According to rumours, what has Israel allegedly sent into Iran?

There've long been rumours that Israel has sent spies into Iran.

3. Who did Iranian President Hassan Rouhani have a phone conversation with last week?

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had a historic icebreaking phone call with President Obama.

4. True or false? Iran no longer has any nuclear ambitions.

False. Iran's nuclear ambitions continue undiminished.

Glossary 词汇表

saga 一连串事件

impetus 动力，推动力

stance 立场，态度

saboteurs 搞破坏的人

caught red-handed 当场抓住，人赃俱获

existential threat 存在的威胁

charm offensive 魅力攻势

icebreaking 打破僵局的

on the cards 可能发生的

undiminished （重要性）未减弱的