AP: Iran’s constitutional watchdog rebuked the president Wednesday for trying to merge Cabinet ministries without parliamentary approval — the latest sign of discord at the highest levels of the ruling Islamic system in Tehran.
New signs of power struggle at top levels in Iran
U.N. says Iran violated arms ban
Wall Street Journal: Tehran has shipped conventional weapons to Syria in violation of a U.N. arms-export ban, according to a new U.N. report, which also concludes that U.N. sanctions are constraining Iran’s pursuit of materiel for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
Netherlands concerned over rights activist in Iran
AFP: The Netherlands on Wednesday said it was concerned over the health of a Dutch-Iranian human rights activist, sentenced and jailed in Iran five years ago.
Iran’s nuclear program still trying to overcome international sanctions
Washington Post: International sanctions are “constraining” Iran’s capacity to purchase supplies and equipment to develop nuclear and ballistic missile technology, but Tehran continues to actively seek way to overcome the measures, according to a new United Nations report.
Iran to fight ‘Arab Spring’ forces: US officials
AFP: Iran is “fighting a losing battle” against pro-democracy forces sweeping the Middle East but will resist reforms more strongly than did countries like Egypt or Tunisia, US officials said Wednesday.
Russia delivers Iran 30 tonnes of nuclear fuel: report
AFP: Russia has delivered 30 tonnes of fuel for Iran’s first nuclear power plant in the Gulf port city of Bushehr, Tehran-based Arabic-language Al-Alam television reported on Wednesday.
Russia: Bushehr reactor begins operation
AP: The first reactor at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant has gone into operation, the Russian state company that built the complex said Tuesday.
U.S. recognizes India’s need for Iranian oil: official
Reuters: The United States recognizes that India will keep buying oil from Iran but is not actively suggesting ways to pay for it without violating international sanctions on Iran, a U.S. Treasury official said.
APNewsBreak: Sanctions slow Iran nukes program
AP: Iran is continuing to use front companies and other concealment methods to circumvent U.N. sanctions but the bans have succeeded in slowing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, according to a report by U.N. experts obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.
US boosts ‘cyber defense’ aid for Iran activists
AFP: The United States is ramping up efforts to help anti-government activists in Iran skirt the government’s mobile telephone and Internet surveillance and censorship, a top US official said Wednesday.
