Reuters: Iran is optimistic about talks with world powers about its nuclear program but it will never give up its right to the peaceful use of atomic energy, a senior Iranian official said on Wednesday.
Iran says optimistic about nuclear talks
US targets foreign evaders of Iran, Syria sanctions
Reuters: The Obama administration announced on Tuesday that it will target foreigners who help Iran and Syria evade U.S. sanctions and bar them from access to the U.S. banking system.
IMF rejects call to cut ties with Iran
AFP: The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday rejected a call by a US anti-Iran group for it to cut its relations with Tehran’s central bank in order to adhere to US and European sanctions.
Obama tightens Syria, Iran sanctions
AFP: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday gave the US Treasury authority to stop Syria and Iran wriggling out of sanctions by going after foreign firms, banks or individuals that ease their isolation.
Iran plot to kill Saudi envoy in Cairo foiled: reports
AFP: Egyptian security services foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Cairo several months ago, the legal advisor of the kingdom’s embassy said in local dailies on Tuesday.
Terrorists or Fall Guys? The MEK puzzle.
Weekly Standard: The MEK has taken its case to court. On May 8, it will ask the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, to order the secretary of state to act within 30 days on the removal of the FTO designation. State has already delayed its decision for almost two years.
India insurance cos to give $50 mln cover for Iran oil buy-Exec
Reuters: Indian state-run insurers have agreed to give limited cover to local ships for carrying Iranian oil, helping the energy-hungry country import reduced volumes from sanctions-hit Tehran from July, a Shipping Corp of India director said on Tuesday.
Iran to build oil facility in Venezuela, Tehran Times says
Bloomberg: Iran and Venezuela signed an agreement valued at $130 million to build an oil-platform facility in the South American country, Tehran Times reported, citing an Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Co. official.
IMF pressured to suspend Iran, close Central Bank account
Bloomberg: A New York-based advocacy group that has pressured companies and organizations to halt business with Iran because of its disputed nuclear program is urging the International Monetary Fund to close its account at Iran’s central bank and suspend Iran as a member.
US denounces burning of Koran copies by US pastor
AFP: The US State Department on Monday denounced the burning of copies of the Koran and a depiction of the prophet Mohammed by a Florida pastor, saying the acts did not reflect American values.
