AP: Congress is considering a new series of hard-hitting Iran sanctions on everything from mining and construction to the Islamic republic’s already besieged oil industry, despite concern from the Obama administration that the measures could interfere with nuclear negotiations.
Congress, Obama at odds over new Iran sanctions
Iran seeks respite from sanctions in Iraq
Wall Street Journal: Iran has agreed to supply Iraq with natural gas in a four-year, $14.8 billion deal that offers Tehran a respite from sanctions and Iraq a needed energy source, and has already prompted concerns in Washington.
Iran condemns EU’s blacklisting of Hezbollah
Reuters: Iran condemned on Tuesday the European Union’s decision to put the armed wing of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on its terrorism blacklist and said the move was “contrary to all political and legal norms, surprising and unacceptable”.
Gulf’s crackdown on Hezbollah may endanger Lebanon cash flow
Bloomberg: Officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, met this month to coordinate action against Hezbollah supporters in the region, after labeling it a terrorist group last month, a move matched by the European Union yesterday.
Iran mobile company indicted for ”insulting Sunnis”
BBC: Authorities in Iran have indicted the main mobile network operator, Irancell, on charges of insulting Sunni Muslims in an SMS competition. Irancell was strongly criticised by Iran’s Sunni community over the contest, which allegedly insulted the Sunni’s revered Calipha, Omar.
Iran: US, Israel not invited to inauguration
AP: Iran’s Foreign Ministry says that the United States and Israel have not been invited to attend the Aug. 4 inauguration of the country’s president-elect. Spokesman Abbas Araghchi told a press conference Tuesday that leaders from all other countries, including Britain, have been invited to the swearing-in of Hasan Rouhani.
Iran taps Caspian Sea route to bolster grain stocks
Reuters: Iran is approaching Kazakhstan and other Caspian Sea suppliers for fresh wheat deals after buying over 1 million tonnes in recent weeks from global markets as Tehran seeks to bolster strategic stocks after recent elections.
White House applauds EU decision on Hezbollah
AP: The White House is applauding the European Union’s decision to label the military wing of Hezbollah a terrorist group. White House spokesman says it sends a clear message that there are consequences for the Lebanese group’s terrorist activities.
Iranian Guards say its biggest issue is poor communication
Bloomberg: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the elite military corps feared for its crackdowns on internal dissent and pervasive presence in Iranian society, says it hasn’t been a good communicator.
Why are 131 congressmen being fooled by Iran’s new president?
Daily Caller: In a development that has passed mostly without notice, 131 congressman recently signed a letter calling for increased engagement with Iran concerning their nuclear program in light of their new president, Hassan Rouhani’s recent election.
