Seeking to clarify a comment in the vice presidential debate, the McCain campaign has confirmed it opposes providing Iran access to nuclear energy (WashPost). “There is no circumstance under which the international community could be confident that uranium enrichment or plutonium production activities undertaken by the current government of Iran are purely for peaceful purposes,” McCain campaign foreign policy director Randy Scheunemann said. Current Bush administration policy is that Iran has a right to nuclear energy but not control over the process of producing fuel, because it could be diverted for nuclear weapons material.

IRAQ: In separate interviews with the New York Times published Monday, McCain and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) discuss their plans for U.S. involvement in Iraq. Obama’s interview is here, McCain’s is here.

ENVIRONMENT: Popular Mechanics looks at the candidates’ positions on the Law of the Sea treaty and other issues influencing the environment.