AP: A senior opposition figure accused Iran’s hardline judiciary and conservative lawmakers of being instruments in the intimidation of pro-reform activists and the trampling of constitutional rights.
Iran opposition figure lashes out at regime
Tehran residents call for June protests
Iran Focus: Tehran, May 23 – Residents of south Tehran’s Salsabil and Khosh districts on Saturday distributed leaflets and wrote political graffiti on walls urging people to join the 10-day anti-government protests called for next month.
Exclusive: Profile of an assassin-turned-diplomat
Iran Focus: London, May 23 – Iran announced on Friday that it had officially protested to the United Nations against the United States for denying a visa to its deputy foreign minister. Iran Focus has learnt that the US may have rejected the visa request because the diplomat, Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh Basti, had in fact played a key role in the assassination of a prominent Iranian opposition leader near Geneva in 1990.
U.S. makes concessions to Russia for Iran sanctions
New York Times: As it sought support for international sanctions on Iran, the Obama administration gave Moscow two concessions: lifting American sanctions against the Russian military complex and agreeing not to ban the sale of Russian anti-aircraft batteries to Tehran.
U.S. makes concessions to Russia for Iran sanctions
New York Times: As it sought support for international sanctions on Iran, the Obama administration gave Moscow two concessions: lifting American sanctions against the Russian military complex and agreeing not to ban the sale of Russian anti-aircraft batteries to Tehran.Iran presses opposition with attacks and jail time
New York Times: As Iran approaches the first anniversary of a contested presidential election that touched off a deep political crisis, opposition supporters remain under intense pressure, with student leaders receiving long prison terms and a prominent opposition politician and a filmmaker being attacked.Exclusive: Iran’s assassin-turned-diplomat denied US visa
Iran Focus: London, May 22 – Iran said on Friday that it had officially protested to the United Nations against the United States for abusing its position as the host of the world body by denying a visa to its deputy foreign minister. Iran Focus has learnt that the diplomat, Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh Basti, was once a key commander in the assassination of a prominent Iranian opposition leader in Geneva in the 1990s. The full report will be published on Sunday.
Human rights group condemns political executions in Iran
Iran Focus: London, May 21 – The international community should support independent voices in Iran and “strongly condemn” the execution of political activists there, a leading international human rights group said.Iran seen influencing Iraqi prime minister choice
AP: Iran is throwing its weight behind Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s bid for a second term, political insiders say, an endorsement that could seal his hold on power.Iran protests after deputy minister denied U.S. visa
Reuters: Iran has accused the United States of abusing its position as the host of the United Nations by denying a visa to the Islamic Republic’s deputy foreign minister, according to a letter released on Friday.
