AFP: Russia’s economy chief on Wednesday announced plans to visit Iran amid reports of the two sides nearing a mammoth oil-for-goods deal that has raised consternation in the United States.
Russian minister plans Iran trip amid oil deal reports
U.S. bluffing on military option, Iran says
UPI: U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry each said on separate occasions last month the military option was still on the table should Iran renege on the terms of an interim nuclear agreement reached in November.
Obama says U.S. will deal harshly with violators of Iran sanctions
Reuters: President Barack Obama issued a sharp warning on Tuesday to companies eyeing business deals with Iran, saying the United States would come down like a “ton of bricks” on those that violated sanctions against Tehran.
Analysis: In peace talks, Assad plays for time
AP: Even as he fights to hold on to power, Syrian President Bashar Assad has agreed to destroy a significant part of his arsenal and to join negotiations whose stated aim is to remove him from his post.
Iran’s judiciary says opposition leaders must ‘repent’
AFP: Iran’s prosecutor general said Tuesday that opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi will remain under house arrest over anti-government protests until they “repent,” Fars news agency reported.
Obama warns French firms on Iran sanctions
AFP: President Barack Obama warned Tuesday that America would take tough action against firms violating sanctions against Iran, after a French commercial mission raised hackles in Washington.
Iran sets ‘red lines’ ahead of fresh nuclear talks
AFP: Iran laid out “red lines” Monday related to its ballistic missile programme, atomic sites and uranium enrichment ahead of fresh nuclear talks with world powers. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said “defence-related issues are a red line for Iran”.
Lawmaker: ‘Moderate’ Iran muzzles press, prolongs war in Syria
The Hill: George Holding warned Monday that the Iranian leaders the Obama administration is dealing with in talks over Iran’s nuclear weapons program are not as moderate as some believe, and that the U.S. should be watching what Iran does, not what it says.
Pentagon ‘not concerned’ by Iranian naval plans in Atlantic
Reuters: The Pentagon said on Monday it was unconcerned by an Iranian announcement that it would send naval vessels toward U.S. maritime borders, noting that lots of countries operated in international waters in the Atlantic.
Iran test-fires long-range missile: minister
Reuters: Iran’s military has successfully test-fired two new domestically made missiles, the defense minister said on Monday according to state television, ahead of talks with world powers to try to reach an agreement on curbing Tehran’s nuclear program.
