Iran Focus: Tehran, Oct. 22 – The Iranian government’s refusal to halt its nuclear enrichment activities in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions resolutions has resulted in tighter international sanctions which in turn are straining the Iranian economy.
Prices go up in Iran capital
EU, Russia prod Iran to hold nuclear talks in November
Reuters: European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton reissued an invitation to Iran on Friday to hold talks on its nuclear program next month, while Russia also pressed Iran to take up the offer.
American Iran embargo thwarted when smugglers ship made-in-USA
Bloomberg: In its search for American-built F-5 fighter jet parts, Iran turned to a father-son company operating out of a yellow stucco cottage on a country road on Ireland’s northwest coast.
U.S. presses Turkey to enforce sanctions on Iran
Reuters: A top U.S. government official prodded Turkey on Thursday to enforce international sanctions against Iran, increasing pressure on Ankara to scale back its flourishing trade ties with its neighbor.
US to keep close eye on Venezuela-Iran energy deals
AFP: The United States will be vigilant of the energy cooperation deals made between Iran and Venezuela to make sure they do not violate sanctions against Tehran, the US State Department said Thursday.
Most gold stores still shut in Tehran bazaar
Iran Focus: Tehran, Oct. 21 – From the Grapevine… Some 60 percent of gold traders in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar had closed their shops from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Wednesday, continuing the strike by gold traders and jewellers over the increase in value added tax (VAT).
Kish, Iran’s struggling holiday island
Iran Focus: Kish Island, Iran, Oct. 21 – The economic situation in Kish Island, located off the southern coast of mainland Iran in the Persian Gulf, has seriously deteriorated in recent months, locals say.
Iran wants banks in Muslim countries to avert sanctions: US
AFP: The United States said Thursday that Iran is trying to establish banks in Muslim countries to circumvent sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions.
Strike continues in Tehran Bazaar on Thursday
Iran Focus: Tehran, Oct. 21 – From the Grapevine… Some 70 percent of shops in the gold traders’ quarter of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar were closed down from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday as store owners continued a strike against the recent imposition of value added tax.
Germany granted access to citizens in Iran
AP: Germany’s foreign minister says an embassy official has been granted access to two Germans arrested in Iran earlier this month while reportedly trying to interview the son of a woman sentenced to death by stoning.
