Reuters: Iran’s assertion that it has side-stepped some international sanctions and become self-sufficient in gasoline is political propaganda, experts say, but it could become a reality as early as 2013.
Behind propaganda, Iran fights fuel sanctions
Iranian finance minister in Washington for IMF
CNN: The Iranian economic affairs and finance minister is in Washington for meetings of the International Monetary Fund, the Iranian interest section said in a press release.
Total, Shell keep line open with Tehran despite US claim-sources
Dow Jones: Total SA and Royal Dutch Shell PLC discreetly contacted Iranian authorities last week, seeking to reassure the Islamic Republic after telling the U.S. they have no plans for further investments for now, people familiar with the matter said in recent days.
Five killed as gunmen attack Iran police: report
AFP: Five people, including four policemen, were killed and nine others wounded when two gunmen opened fire on a police patrol in Iran’s western province of Kordestan on Thursday, Mehr news agency reported.
Russia to refund Iran ‘over missile deal’
AFP: Russia is reimbursing Iran for its down payments on a deal for advanced S-300 ground-to-air missiles, which Moscow halted in the face of tough new UN sanctions, Russian Technologies chief Sergei Chemezov told reporters on Thursday.
Brazil beats Iran 3-0 in exhibition
AP: Daniel Alves, Alexandre Pato and Nilmar scored in Brazil’s 3-0 exhibition win over Iran on Thursday, giving new coach Mano Menezes his second straight victory.
Iranian-Lebanese film recounts suffering in war with Israel
AFP: A Lebanese-Iranian film about two Hezbollah fighters and their women during the 2006 war with Israel is one of the biggest ever made in the country, one of its producers said on Thursday.
Iran vows crackdown if merchants strike over cuts in subsidies
Bloomberg: Iran’s government vowed a crackdown against merchants in the nation’s bazaars, an economic force whose 1979 shutdowns helped to topple the monarchy, if the retailers go on strike once subsidy cuts are made.
S.Korea to suspend Iranian bank as part of sanctions
AFP: South Korea will suspend the operations of an Iranian bank for two months, financial regulators said Thursday, as part of international sanctions over Tehran’s suspected nuclear weapons programme.
Iran seeks to export gas to Lebanon, revamp refineries
Bloomberg: Iran offered to rehabilitate Lebanon’s refineries and invest in water projects and gas supplies in the east Mediterranean country and officials from the two countries will discuss the offer today, the Lebanese energy minister’s senior adviser said.
