RFE/RL: A top U.S. State Department official says Iran’s efforts to exercise “hard power” in Iraq have failed, prompting Tehran to try to influence its western neighbor through the use of “soft power,” or more indirect means.
U.S. official says Iran relying on ‘soft power’ to influence Iraq
Obama focuses on Iran, N.Korea, omits Mideast peace
Reuters: President Barack Obama played up U.S. progress in both Afghanistan and Iraq on Tuesday, while declaring the United States would stay tough on North Korea and Iran over their nuclear ambitions.
US invites EU to sanction Iran over rights abuses
AFP: The US government suggested on Tuesday that Europe match Washington sanctions for Iranian human rights violators, including asset freezes on key figures, against a backdrop of failed nuclear talks.
Venezuela to resume gasoline shipments to Iran, EIG reports
Bloomberg: Venezuela will resume gasoline shipments to Iran after a pause of more than two years, Energy Intelligence Group reported.
Tehran isn’t talking
Washington Post – Editorial: The Obama administration recently has been boasting of the success of its campaign to impose sanctions on Iran, which is said to have had a significant impact on the country’s economy.
EU lawmakers seek to extend Iran sanctions
AFP: European Union lawmakers sought to pressure the bloc’s chief diplomat Tuesday to step up sanctions against Iran after failed talks over its disputed nuclear drive.
A new Iran policy
Iran Focus – Editorial: The latest round of nuclear talks had an all-too-familiar result: more time for Tehran and less time for the international community to prevent a nuclear-armed theocracy.
Britain, Amnesty condemn political executions in Iran
Iran Focus: London, Jan. 24 – Britain and prominent human rights group Amnesty International on Monday condemned the execution of two prominent Iranian political prisoners.
AP Interview: IAEA head seeks openness from Iran
AP: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Monday his organization cannot be sure that Iran is not secretly working on nuclear arms, in comments reflecting disappointment with the collapse of talks between Tehran and six world powers.
Key Obama aide on Iran sanctions steps down
Reuters: President Barack Obama’s point person on cracking down on financial flows to Iran resigned on Monday, marking the loss of a key player in the U.S. effort to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program.
