AFP: The United States said Wednesday it hoped for high-level talks soon with Iran and five other world powers that like Washington are seeking to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
US hopes for nuclear talks with Iran, other powers
Afghan asylum-seekers shot dead in Iran
UPI: Iranian security forces shot dead three asylum seekers trying to cross the border from Afghanistan, Afghan provincial officials said.
FACTBOX-The Strait of Hormuz, key oil shipping route
Reuters: An oil tanker owned and operated by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd was damaged near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
Mattis: Iran is ‘destabilizing force’
UPI: Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, up for appointment as head of U.S. Central Command, said Tuesday Iran is the greatest destabilizing force in that region.
Mysterious blast hits Japan oil tanker near Iran
AFP: A mysterious explosion hit a Japanese oil tanker near Iran in the vital Strait of Hormuz early on Wednesday, spotlighting a potential threat in a chokepoint for global oil supplies.
EU’s Ashton wants Iran talks soon, nuclear focus
Reuters: Stalled talks between Iran and world powers should begin again as quickly as possible but must focus on Tehran’s nuclear program, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Wednesday.
Egypt denies visas to Gaza-bound Iranian MPs: report
AFP: Egypt has denied visas to four Iranian lawmakers who planned to travel to the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, Iran’s Press TV reported on Wednesday.
At last, serious EU sanctions against Iran
Wall Street Journal Europe – Opinion: If the European Union’s execution is as good as the rhetoric, then its latest round of economic sanctions will finally put more than token pressure on Iran over its nuclear-weapons program.
Iran stoning case woman fainted on hearing sentence, says cellmate
The Guardian: A former cellmate of a woman sentenced to death by stoning in Iran, who spent two years in prison with her and accompanied her to the court when she received the news of her punishment, has told the Guardian how the woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, fainted in shock after hearing the verdict.
Afghan TV station is closed down after Iran protests
BBC: The authorities in Afghanistan have closed down the Emroaz TV channel. Emroaz – which means “today” in Dari – has criticised leading Shia politicians in Afghanistan, accusing them of working for Iran.
