AP: Secretary of State John Kerry is offering a sober assessment of the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers. Kerry told a Senate panel that he’s not expressing optimism as negotiations resumed in Vienna, less than three months before the informal July deadline for reaching an agreement.
Kerry offers sober assessment of Iran nuke talks
Iran is struggling to receive ‘unfrozen’ oil revenue promised in nuclear deal
International Business Times: Iran has been unable to withdraw much of the oil revenue it was cleared to receive in a nuclear agreement with Western sanctions-imposing nations last November, and that may weaken efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Senate votes to bar proposed Iran U.N. ambassador from country
Reuters: The U.S. Senate passed legislation on Monday seeking to bar Iran’s proposed U.N. ambassador, Hamid Abutalebi, from entering the United States. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed the measure by a voice vote.
Sending a bunker-buster message to Iran
Wall Street Journal: Prussian leader Frederick the Great once lamented, “The ways of negotiation have failed up to the present, and negotiations without arms make as little impression as notes without instruments.” The same could be said about nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Iran nuclear talks to intensify
AFP: Iran and world powers begin a new round of nuclear talks Tuesday hoping to make progress to move up a gear and start drafting a final deal next month. This will however require Iran and the 5+1 to delve ever deeper into issues that will severely test their willingness to give ground.
Spain busts group accused of plans to send arms machinery to Iran
Reuters: Spain said on Monday it had dismantled a group it accused of plotting to send industrial equipment to Iran that could be used for weapon manufacture in violation of international sanctions.
Iran hits out at EU parliament over rights resolution
AFP: Iran has criticised the European Parliament human rights resolution. The resolution passed on Thursday condemned Iran over “continued, systematic violation of fundamental rights,” and said its 2013 presidential election was not “held in accordance with the democratic standards”.
Iran’s water crisis threatens its future
Voice of America: A looming water crisis in Iran has officials warning of water rationing for the capital Tehran. The Mehr news agency quotes the head of Tehran’s regional water company as saying water levels at the four reservoirs that serve Tehran are at a critical level.
Iran must see ramifications if nuclear talks fail, former advisers say
Wall Street Journal: Two former top advisers to the Obama administration on Iran are calling for the White House and Congress to increase the threat of using military force against Tehran if talks aimed at curbing its nuclear program fail.
Sheldon: Iran’s best friend
New York Times: It occurred to me the other day that the zealously pro-Israel billionaire and Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, actually have one big thing in common. They are both trying to destroy Israel.
