Reuters: Iran is willing to address international concerns about its atomic activities but will keep its nuclear program “intact”, not close it down, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday.
Iran says nuclear program to stay ‘intact’
U.N. nuclear agency opted against sensitive Iran report – sources
Reuters: The U.N. nuclear watchdog planned a major report on Iran that might have revealed more of its suspected atomic bomb research, but held off as Tehran’s relations with the outside world thawed, sources familiar with the matter said.
US slams armed crackdowns on pro-democracy protests
AFP: In Tehran, where a new more open leadership came to power in August, US officials said “our conclusion is that we’ve seen little meaningful improvement in human rights in Iran under the new government.”
Congress concerned Iran’s oil exports may be up
AP: Obama administration officials faced the prospect of contentious questioning Thursday from lawmakers about reports that China and India are significantly expanding imports of Iranian petroleum.
Iranian oil exports rise in February, more to ally Syria
Reuters: Iran’s oil exports have risen further in February for a fourth consecutive month, according to sources who track tanker movements, adding to signs that the easing of sanctions pressure on Tehran is helping its oil exports to recover.
Senate’s Menendez happy in ‘bad cop’ role on Iran talks
Reuters: The Democratic chairman of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee upset the White House by leading the push for a bill that would tighten sanctions even further on Tehran.
Fun with geopolitics: The forces behind the new treaty with Iran
UNF Spinnaker: In short, this treaty is about more than just keeping a leash on tiny saber-rattling theocracy. It’s a small step on the path to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East that affect the interests of the powers to be.
Pentagon contractors exploring business with Iran
Free Beacon: Multiple companies currently exploring new business ventures in Iran are also cashing in on highly lucrative contracts with the U.S. Defense Department, raising questions about whether their dealings with Iran could run afoul of U.S. law.
Iran’s moderate mask and the execution of a poet
Al-Arabiya: Rowhani and Zarif are active on Twitter although the Iranian authority still bans its citizens from using this site and other social networking websites in general. But this is no major detail for the Iranian regime to consider.
Iran sells weapons to Iraq, breaks U.N. embargo
Time: Iran has denied any knowledge of the deal, which was supposedly reached only weeks after al-Maliki returned from lobbying the Obama administration in Washington for additional arms.
