AFP: Former Iraqi premier Iyad Allawi said he had asked Syria on Wednesday to persuade Iran to keep out of his protracted battle for the premiership with incumbent Nuri al-Maliki.
Iraq’s Allawi asks Syria to press Iran not to meddle
Iraqi PM candidate in Syria amid deadlock
AP: A leading candidate in the contested race to lead Iraq’s new government insisted during a visit to Syria on Wednesday that he would not take part in any coalition headed by his rival, the current prime minister.
Iran currency slumps, central bank says to act
Reuters: Iran’s rial has fallen more than 10 percent in the last two days, prompting speculation about a shortage of hard currency in a country whose financial sector has been hit by international sanctions.
China says wants deeper trade ties with Iran
Reuters: China wants deeper trade ties with Iran, a senior Chinese leader was quoted as saying on Wednesday, praising relations between the two countries despite the controversy over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Iraqi Shiite militia hints of Iran’s hand in south
AP: Nearly four minutes of shaky, hand-held video clips show roadside bombs hitting U.S. convoys, a battery of Katyusha rockets and a soldier who appeared to be downed by sniper fire.
Iran cutting energy subsidies to boost revenue-IMF
Reuters: Iran, dependent on imported gasoline but squeezed by international sanctions, is working to eliminate subsidies on oil and natural gas, International Monetary Fund economists said on Tuesday.
Biden calls for ‘inclusive’ new Iraqi government
AFP: US Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged Iyad Allawi, one of two principal contenders vying to become Iraq’s next prime minister, to speed up negotiations to form an “inclusive” government.
US imposes sanctions on Iranian officials for ‘abuses’
BBC: US President Barack Obama has ordered the imposition of sanctions on eight senior Iranian officials for “sustained and severe violations of human rights”.
US Senators urge sanctions on Chinese firms in Iran
AFP: The United States should punish Chinese and Turkish firms reportedly providing Iran with refined petroleum products, two senior US senators urged Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday.
Iran arms elite Guards with ‘flying boats’
AFP: Iran said on Tuesday that it has begun supplying squadrons of “flying boats” to its elite Revolutionary Guards, as the country seeks to boost its military capability in the face of threats.
