Reuters: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad plans to attend a high-level U.N. meeting next week aimed at reviving stalled global disarmament talks, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday.
Ahmadinejad to attend UN disarmament meeting – Ban
Iran holds Asian reporter for suspicious questions
AP: Iran’s state TV says authorities have detained an Asian reporter for asking suspicious questions about the country’s disputed nuclear program.
Iran bail decision on American stirs backlash
AP: Iran’s internal battles over the handling of American detainee Sarah Shourd flared again Monday as the mouthpiece of the powerful Revolutionary Guard led the backlash against a decision to free her on $500,000 bail.
Iran ayatollahs issue fatwas against Koran-burners
Bloomberg: Two Iranian grand ayatollahs issued fatwas calling for the killing of those who insult the Koran, including anyone who burns the Islamic holy book, the state-run Fars news agency reported.
Iran expert to become top U.N. nuclear investigator
Reuters: The U.N. nuclear watchdog has selected a senior agency expert on Iran to head all of its inspections worldwide, diplomats said on Monday.
Iranian diplomat says he’ll seek asylum in Finland
AP: An Iranian diplomat who quit his job at his country’s embassy in Finland said Monday he will apply for political asylum there.
Comic appeals to save Iran stoning woman
AFP: Controversial French comic Dieudonne arrived in Tehran on Monday planning to plead for clemency in the case of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.
To pressure Iran, squeeze Russia and China
Wall Street Journal: European governments have joined the international sanctions effort. But Beijing and Moscow aren’t going along.
Iranian women’s rights activist released on bail
AFP: A vocal Iranian women’s rights activist and journalist, charged with “warring against God”, has been released after posting bail of around 500,000 dollars, an opposition website reported.
Iran plans to boost exploration in border areas, ministry says
Bloomberg: Iran plans to set up four drilling platforms in border regions to accelerate oil exploration, the Oil Ministry said on its news website Shana, citing Mahmoud Mohaddes, National Iranian Oil Co. director for exploration.
