AFP: The United States on Thursday warned Iran would show “utter disregard” for religious freedom if it carried out a death sentence on a pastor who refused to renounce Christianity for Islam.
US condemns Iran over pastor facing death
Iran mass-produces new missile, rejects ‘hot line’ idea with America
New York Times: Iran announced the mass production of a new cruise missile on Wednesday, the latest in a series of belligerent-sounding proclamations from that country in the face of its increased isolation by a Western-led group of nations worried about Iran’s nuclear program and avowed hostility toward Israel.
Iranian pastor’s death sentence deplorable: Hague
AFP: Foreign Secretary William Hague on Wednesday said he “deplored” reports that Iran was about to execute a pastor after he refused to give up Christianity and return to Islam.
US threatens sanctions on China banks over Iran
AFP: A top US envoy said Wednesday that Washington could penalise China’s four biggest state banks if they were found doing business with an Iranian insurance firm in violation of US nuclear sanctions.
Top US lawmaker urges Iran to spare Christian pastor
AFP: US House Speaker John Boehner urged Iran on Wednesday to spare the life of an Iranian pastor reportedly facing execution for refusing to recant his Christian faith and return to Islam.
Iran plans to send ships close to US waters: report
AFP: Iran’s navy is going to deploy ships close to US territorial waters, its commander in chief was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Iran bank chiefs ousted in $2.6 bln fraud fallout
Reuters: A $2.6 billion financial fraud that has shaken the government of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad saw the heads of three of the country’s banks ousted on Tuesday as lawmakers threaten to impeach the economy minister.
Iran nuclear drive heightens risk of strike: France
AFP: France’s UN envoy warned that Iran faces the risk of a military strike if it pursues its nuclear drive because certain countries would not accept it having an atomic weapon.
Iran builds first heavy oil refinery in Qeshm Island, Shana says
Bloomberg: Iran is building its first refinery able to process so-called heavy crude in the southern Qeshm Island, the Oil Ministry said, citing an official at the Research Institute of the Petroleum Industry.
Ready, set, walk out! Protesting Ahmadinejad at UN
Reuters: Coordination within the European Union isn’t always easy, but the bloc stayed on message this year when all 27 EU delegations left the U.N. General Assembly to protest the Iranian president’s speech.
