Bloomberg: The European Union is discussing whether to impose sanctions on Bank Tejarat, the last major Iranian bank financing large-volume trade in Europe, according to EU diplomats and sanctions specialists close to the negotiations.
Europe said to consider sanctions on Iran’s Bank Tejarat
New bid to stifle Iran aid to Syria
Wall Street Journal: U.S. officials have uncovered an effort by Iran to help Syria mask its oil exports and evade an American and European embargo, in a potent new sign of Tehran’s campaign to bolster Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as his regime cracks down on public opposition.
EU states agree in principle to sanction Iran central bank
Reuters: European Union governments have agreed in principle to freeze the assets of Iran’s central bank alongside a planned embargo on the OPEC producer’s crude oil, but have yet to agree how to protect non-oil trade from sanctions, EU diplomats said Wednesday.
UN to probe ‘military angle’ to Iran nuclear drive
AFP: A high-level IAEA delegation visiting Iran January 29-31 aims to verify if Tehran’s nuclear programme has a military dimension, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said in an interview to be published Thursday.
NATO urges Iran to ensure security of oil supply
Reuters: NATO urged Iran on Wednesday to ensure the security of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz but said the Western military alliance had no plans to intervene in the area.
Obama rebuffs Republican criticism on Iran: Time
AFP: President Barack Obama rejected criticism from Republicans over foreign policy, particularly his handling of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, according to an interview extract released Wednesday.
Saudi ex-spy chief says ‘all’ options open on Iran
AFP: Saudi Arabia will use “all available options” to defend itself against Iranian “threats” that might trigger “unwanted military confrontation,” its former intelligence chief told a Gulf security conference.
David Cameron accuses Iran of supplying Syria weapons
Daily Telegraph: David Cameron accused the Iranian regime of supplying weapons for the Syrian onslaught on democracy protests yesterday as Russia’s foreign minister warned that the West was set on a path to war with Tehran.
India to be prepared for all eventualities over Iran oil – minister
Reuters: India needs to be prepared for all eventualities over its oil supplies from Iran, Oil Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said on Wednesday, as a delegation from New Delhi visits Tehran in the face of fresh U.S. sanctions.
EU discussing plan to start Iran oil ban on July 1
Reuters: The European Union would ban the import of Iranian oil from July 1, giving member states nearly six months to wind up existing contracts, under a proposal by rotating EU presidency holder Denmark, EU diplomats said on Tuesday.
