AP: Oman’s foreign minister said Friday he’s not aware of any plans for Iran to release two other Americans still being held there, but that his country stands willing to act as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington.
Oman: No plans to free 2 other Americans in Iran
Clinton, Qaboos to work for release of hikers in Iran: US
AFP: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Friday urged Iran to free two remaining US hikers as her spokesman said she had agreed with Oman’s Sultan Qaboos to work closely together for their release.
Cleric tells Iranians to expect economic hardship
Reuters: Iranians will face economic hardship when the government slashes food and fuel subsidies, a senior cleric said on Friday, contradicting President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s line that his policy will be painless.
Iran MP criticises defecting diplomats
AFP: An Iranian MP accused three diplomats who have defected in Europe to join the anti-government opposition of having “mental” problems, ILNA news agency reported on Friday.
Iran c.bank to open accounts at South Korean banks
Reuters: Iran’s central bank has agreed to open won accounts at two South Korean state-owned banks to avert disruption in bilateral trade despite international sanctions, Seoul’s finance ministry said on Friday.
US sees cooperation between North Korea, Iran
AFP: A senior US official said Thursday there was evidence that North Korea has transferred technology to Iran, confirming cooperation between two nations of deep concern to Washington.
Turkey aims to triple Iran trade, despite international sanctions
Wall Street Journal: Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that Ankara is seeking to triple trade volumes with Iran over the next five years, in comments likely to raise concern in Washington at a time when U.S.-led sanctions are deterring many investors from doing business with the Islamic Republic.
US says arms deals serve ‘national interest’
AFP: Big arms deals to countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel are in the “national interest” of the United States as Washington seeks to keep the region stable and counter potential threats from Iran, a US diplomat said Thursday.
US, world powers to hold talks on Iran next week
AFP: The United States and five other world powers which are seeking to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions will hold talks next week on the sidelines of the the UN General Assembly, officials said.
Turkey’s PM tells businessmen to boost Iran trade
Reuters: Turkey wants to triple its trade volume with Iran within five years, Turkey’s prime minister told businessmen on Thursday, at a time when sanctions are scaring off Western investors from the Islamic Republic.
