New York Times: Western sanctions have succeeded in another way: Most blame for economic distress is directed at Iran’s own leaders, and discontent appears to be growing with the entire political system.
Pinched and griping in Iran
Ahmadinejad says ready for ‘positive step’ at nuclear talks
AFP: Iran is ready to make a “positive step” at talks in Moscow on Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, adding that he hoped for progress at next week’s crucial meeting.
In Moscow, Iran to face critical choice in the latest round of nclear talks
New York Times: Less than two weeks after its diplomats meet on Monday with those of the United States and five other major powers in Moscow, Iran faces the imposition of a potentially crippling European oil embargo and American banking sanctions.
Negotiating a nuclear bomb
Washington Post: As the ebbs and flows of diplomacy with Iran once more fixate official Washington, a subtle shift is emerging in the Islamic Republic’s nuclear calculus.
Romney: Obama fears Israeli attack on Iran more than Iran nukes
Los Angeles Times: In hawkish remarks that drew cheers from an audience of religious conservatives, Mitt Romney accused President Obama on Saturday of being more afraid that Israel might attack Iran than that Iran will develop a nuclear weapon.
Ahmadinejad heads to Rio+20, Bolivia, Venezuela
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will embark next week on a tour of Latin America including stops in Brazil for the Rio+20 summit, as well as Bolivia and Venezuela, his office said on Saturday.
Iran’s nuclear negotiations: Souk rules apply
CNN: If you know anything about bargaining here in the Middle East, the final offer is not made until the last moment, and not a second before.
Again a power in OPEC, Iraq could shift landscape
AP: Iraq’s rapidly expanding oil production is likely to complicate OPEC’s efforts to influence world prices as the country re-emerges as a major player after 20 years on the sidelines due to sanctions and strife.
SA eyes new oil sources as Iran sanctions take hold
AFP: South Africa is looking at alternative sources of crude as tough US sanctions slapped on countries importing oil from Iran are days away from taking effect, a senior government official said on Friday.
Iran warns EU will pay a higher cost under oil embargo
AFP: Looming EU oil sanctions against Iran will result in a higher cost for Europe, Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi warned on Thursday ahead of the OPEC cartel’s latest output meeting in Vienna.
