AFP: A tribunal set up by victims of political crimes committed in the wake of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution began hearings Thursday in a bid to highlight killings ignored by international justice.
Hague tribunal judges killings in wake of Islamic revolution
Italian premier says Iran sanctions are effective
AP: Italy’s premier says stepped up European sanctions against Iran are proving effective. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mario Monti said the sanctions were “inflicting the pain” on Iran.
EU contacts Iran over nuclear dispute
AFP: The EU, leading diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme, has talked to Tehran to bring it up to date on the latest discussions, officials said Thursday.
Sudan-Iran links under scrutiny after arms factory blast
AFP: Sudan’s links to Iran came under scrutiny on Thursday after Khartoum accused Israel of a deadly missile strike on a military factory in the heart of the Sudanese capital.
Iran plans army drill near Iraqi border
AP: The ISNA agency on Thursday quoted a senior army commander Gen. Saeed Arabloo as saying the three-day drill will begin on Monday and will include air and ground forces.
Iran leader blames US, Israel for Syria civil war
AP: Iran’s Supreme Leader is blaming the U.S. and Israel for the bloody, 19-month civil war in Syria. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warns Western powers not to intervene in the conflict.
Iran filling nuclear bunker with centrifuges: diplomats
Reuters: Iran appears to have nearly finished installing centrifuges at its underground nuclear plant, Western diplomats say, potentially boosting its capacity to make weapons-grade uranium if it chose to do so.
Huawei partner offered U.S. tech to Iran
Reuters: An Iranian partner of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a Chinese company that has denied breaking U.S. sanctions, last year tried to sell embargoed American antenna equipment to an Iranian firm, according to documents and interviews.
Iran weighs tougher line in stalled nuclear talks
AP: Iran is weighing a more confrontational strategy at possible renewed nuclear talks with world powers, threatening to boost levels of uranium enrichment unless the West makes clear concessions to ease sanctions.
Iran judicial branch chief fires back at president
AP: The head of Iran’s judiciary lashed out at the country’s president Wednesday, the latest salvo in an escalating political conflict that has undermined much of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s political clout.
