Iran test-fires long-range missile: minister

Archive photoReuters: 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.

Iran summons Swiss envoy over US sanctions

AFP: Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents Washington’s interests in Iran, on Monday to protest the latest US measures against individuals and companies for violating sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Iran agrees to explain nuclear detonators to UN

AFP: Iran agreed Sunday to clarify to the UN atomic agency its need for detonators used in nuclear devices, as part of a probe into allegations of its past weapons work.

Iran slams Pakistan over border guards abduction

AFP: Iran on Sunday denounced what it called Pakistan’s inability to secure its own borders after five Iranian soldiers were kidnapped and taken into its eastern neighbour by Sunni extremists.

U.S. issues penalties over violations of Iran sanctions

New York Times: The Obama administration penalized nearly three dozen companies and individuals in eight countries on Thursday, accusing them of evading Iranian sanctions. It was the administration’s most extensive enforcement action since November.

Iran struggles to lure western business

Wall Street Journal: A trade show on this Iranian resort island in the Persian Gulf underscores the challenges facing businesses hoping to re-engage with the world after the easing of sanctions.

Insight: Nuclear deal heightens tension between Iran president and Guards

Reuters: The article on Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency appeared routine: the minister of roads and urban development said the ministry does not have a contract with construction firm Khatam al Anbia to complete a major highway heading north from Tehran.

Iran says warships headed close to US borders

AP: The commander of Iran’s Northern Navy Fleet, Admiral Afshin Rezayee Haddad, said the vessels have already entered the Atlantic Ocean via waters near South Africa, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Iran official says oil contracts to be revised

AP: Iran’s Petroleum Minister says it plans to introduce by June a new generation of oil contracts that are more attractive to investors. Mahdi Hosseini, head of the contract revision committee in the ministry, told reporters Sunday that sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear activities drove the revisions.

Iran’s Khamenei demands ‘tolerance’ for Rouhani policies

AFP: Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed his confidence in President Hassan Rouhani Saturday, demanding tolerance from opponents who have criticised him over talks with world powers on Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme.