AP: Iran’s spy chief is accusing French and German intelligence services of cooperating with the CIA to kill Iranian nuclear scientists.
Iran adds France, Germany to culprits list
Kenya voids oil deal with Iran
UPI: Kenya canceled plans to import Iranian crude oil after threats of U.S. and U.N. sanctions. Kenyan Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Patrick Nyoik said, “Because of international pressure, we have withdrawn that understanding.”
Gulf sabers rattle as Iran sanctions bite
Reuters: Iran and the United States might be talking up their readiness for war in the Gulf but beneath the rhetoric, all sides appear keen to avoid conflict and prevent accidental escalation – at least for now.
Time to listen to Iranian voices for freedom
UPI: Rather than appeasing Tehran and hamper the efforts of the Iranian resistance, the United States should support the PMOI and its aim of regime change in Iran.
Sanctioning true believers
Chicago Tribune: As economic sanctions on Iran tighten, we will find out if that nation’s quest for nuclear weapons can be stopped. Sanctions worked on South Africa — so why not Iran?
No exemption from history
Chicago Tribune: The tighter trade sanctions recently imposed on Iran ought to be the ultimate test of whether economic pressure can be painful enough to force an undemocratic government to give up the quest for nuclear weapons. We say “ought to be” because this effort falls way short of an ultimate test.
Will Iran crack?
Los Angeles Times: The latest Iran sanctions came into full effect this week, adding to a byzantine array of unilateral and multilateral measures that prohibit Iranian oil imports, other trade and financial transactions, and freeze Iranian assets by countries concerned that Tehran’s nuclear program is intended for military purposes, not civilian ones.
Ahmadinejad invites Egypt’s Morsi to Tehran summit
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has invited his newly elected Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Morsi, to a summit of Non-Aligned Movement nations to be held in Tehran in late August, his presidency website said on Thursday.
Tanzania probes Iran oil tanker reflagging reports
AFP: Tanzania said Thursday it is investigating US accusations it reflagged Iranian oil tankers to help Tehran evade US and EU sanctions.
Iran losing billions as oil exports extend slump
Reuters: Iran will see its July oil exports more than halved from regular levels seen last year because tough new Western sanctions are stifling flows and costing Tehran more than $3 billion in lost revenue per month.
