AFP: The long-haul arm of budget carrier AirAsia said Monday it would suspend operations to Iran, citing currency “volatility” as the carrier mounts new profitable destinations across the Asia-Pacific.
Malaysia’s AirAsia X to suspend Iran service
Think tank: path to Iran nuke warhead 2-4 months
AP: Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium to arm a nuclear bomb within two to four months but would still face serious “engineering challenges” before it succeeds in making the other components needed for a functioning warhead, a respected U.S. think tank said Monday.
Senator works on tighter U.S. sanctions for Iran
Reuters: Republican Senator Mark Kirk, who last year co-authored a package of U.S. sanctions on Iran’s banking and oil sectors, is working on new legislation that would further tighten the economic noose on Tehran, an aide to the lawmaker said Monday.
Time to ‘change course’ in Middle East, says Romney
AFP: The Republican White House hopeful, Mitt Romney, said he would keep Iran in check, chase terrorists in Libya, put conditions on US aid to Egypt and help arm Syrian rebels.
Iran low on options as hyperinflation concerns spark gold dash
Bloomberg: Iran has few policy options to end turmoil in its currency markets, as the U.S. and allies seek to inflict enough economic pain to force the Islamic republic into concessions over its nuclear plans, analysts said.
Iran rulers eye currency mess from protected perch
AP: Just as Iran’s currency was rattling near bottom after a stunning free fall, officials in Tehran opened a trade exhibition that included advanced engineering tools, heavy machinery and robotics.
Iran currency market remains paralysed
AFP: The open forex market in Tehran was still largely paralysed on Sunday, four days after Iran’s national currency dropped more than 40 percent prompting protests in the capital’s symbolic Grand Bazaar.
At-odds Netanyahu and Barak ‘agree’ on Iran, US
AFP: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak have “agreed” on fighting the Iranian threat in all its forms and on managing ties with the United States, a joint statement said.
Iran’s parliament drops impeachment over economy
AP: Iran’s parliament on Sunday abandoned its planned impeachment of a Cabinet minister over the free-fall of the country’s currency, opting instead to look for more effective economic measures, like cutting spending.
Iran parliament votes to consider halting subsidy reform plan
Reuters: Iran’s parliament voted on Sunday to consider suspending plans for further reform of the country’s food and fuel subsidies, with legislators citing economic pain caused by the plunge of the rial currency, Iranian media reported.
