Reuters: Iran is approaching Kazakhstan and other Caspian Sea suppliers for fresh wheat deals after buying over 1 million tonnes in recent weeks from global markets as Tehran seeks to bolster strategic stocks after recent elections.
Iran taps Caspian Sea route to bolster grain stocks
White House applauds EU decision on Hezbollah
AP: The White House is applauding the European Union’s decision to label the military wing of Hezbollah a terrorist group. White House spokesman says it sends a clear message that there are consequences for the Lebanese group’s terrorist activities.
Iranian Guards say its biggest issue is poor communication
Bloomberg: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the elite military corps feared for its crackdowns on internal dissent and pervasive presence in Iranian society, says it hasn’t been a good communicator.
Why are 131 congressmen being fooled by Iran’s new president?
Daily Caller: In a development that has passed mostly without notice, 131 congressman recently signed a letter calling for increased engagement with Iran concerning their nuclear program in light of their new president, Hassan Rouhani’s recent election.
Rouhani’s pattern of nuke deceit
New York Post: US officials are set to meet in Brussels today with representatives of other world powers to strategize on Iran’s nukes. Here’s something to consider: Iran’s new president’s own words.
Iran signs major deal to export gas to Iraq
AFP: Iran has finalised a major contract to export gas to neighbouring Iraq, worth 3.7 billion dollars a year, local media on Monday quoted a deputy oil minister as saying.
EU brands Hezbollah’s military wing as terrorists
Bloomberg: The European Union’s 28 governments blacklisted the military wing of Hezbollah, striking a political blow against the Iranian-backed Shiite group that is helping President Bashar al-Assad cling to power in Syria.
Iran ex-president urges changes in foreign policy
AP: An influential Iranian ex-president is calling for deep changes in the country’s foreign policy, saying Iran can no longer remain “angry with the world.” The statement by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is an unusually pointed criticism of the combative style of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose critics say has internationally isolated Iran.
Iran opposes Israel-Palestinian peace talks
AFP: Iran on Sunday voiced opposition to a US-mediated resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, predicting the Jewish state would never agree to withdraw from occupied Arab lands.
Insight: By relying on Iran, Syria’s Assad risks irrelevance
Reuters: Military support from Iran and its Shi’ite ally Hezbollah has given Syrian President Bashar al-Assad new impetus in his fight against the insurgents intent on ousting him, but at a price.
