AFP: Iraq executed 42 “terrorism” convicts over the past week, the justice ministry said on Thursday, defying international condemnation of its extensive use of the death penalty, as deadly violence intensifies.
Iraq executes 42 ‘terrorism’ convicts in a week
Iran won’t give up nuclear program, ex-Rouhani associate says
Bloomberg: A former associate of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said no amount of sanctions will be able to spur the country to surrender its nuclear program, even though restrictions have debilitated the economy.
Iran ‘moving nuclear research centre to hoodwink world’
AFP: An exiled opposition group claimed Thursday that Iran has transferred a research centre leading its alleged attempt to develop nuclear weapons to a new location in order to hoodwink the world.
U.S. should make good on its word to Iranian dissidents
UPI: While Washington is gridlocked on the federal budget dispute between the White House and U.S. Congress, there was consensus by U.S. senators from both sides of the aisle on the U.S. commitment toward Iranian dissidents in Iraq.
Western powers ask is Iran really ready to make a nuclear deal?
Reuters: Western nations are struggling to answer one key question as they assess conflicting signals from Tehran ahead of next week’s big-power meeting with Iran in Geneva – is the Islamic Republic ready to make a deal on its controversial nuclear program.
Iran parliament chief eyes nuclear talks ‘positively’
AFP: The speaker of Iran’s parliament said Wednesday he was looking forward to fresh nuclear talks next week with a positive attitude amid hopes the new leadership in Tehran could herald a breakthrough.
Iranian trade with India hit by insurance delay-sources
Reuters: Oil and container trade between India and Iran has been disrupted due to uncertainty over insurance cover, leaving some ships stranded outside ports in both countries, industry sources said.
Call on President Obama to hold Iraq accountable for the massacre at Camp Ashraf
PRNewswire: The US Committee for Camp Ashraf Residents (USCCAR) deplores the failure by the White House to hold the Iraqi government of Nouri al-Maliki accountable for the September 1 massacre of 52 defenseless residents of Camp Ashraf.
Top Iran diplomat in hospital over misquote on US
AP: Iran’s foreign minister says he checked himself into hospital because of back pain and spasms he felt after a hard-line newspaper misquoted him on the subject of the new president’s outreach to the U.S.
Hagel promises Israel to be ‘clear-eyed’ on Iran
AFP: US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has promised Israel the United States will be “clear-eyed” and committed to ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons as Washington pursues engagement.
