Reuters: France’s foreign minister on Saturday ruled out Iran taking part in a proposed Syria peace conference, saying Tehran was involved in the conflict and had no desire for peace.
France rules out Iran taking part in Syrian peace talks
In Syria’s shadow, Iraq violence presents new test for U.S.
Reuters: Saddled with Middle East problems ranging from Iran to Syria and beyond, President Barack Obama now faces one that is both old and new: Iraq.
Iran’s nuclear designs are the greater Middle East threat
Washington Post: The world is, understandably, focused on the Middle East. The map of the region — drawn a century ago by European powers to reflect imperial interests rather than ethnic realities — is unraveling.
New computer attacks traced to Iran, officials say
New York Times: American officials and corporate security experts examining a new wave of potentially destructive computer attacks striking American corporations, especially energy firms, say they have tracked the attacks back to Iran.
Iran presidential candidate vows to resist West
AP: Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, a candidate in next month’s presidential elections, vowed Friday he will pursue a policy of resistance against the West if elected.
Iranian filmmaker makes it to Cannes amid secrecy
AFP: Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, jailed in 2010 for anti-regime propaganda, told the Cannes Film Festival on Friday he knew his latest picture would also come under fire in his own country.
Kerry slams barring of Iran election candidates
AFP: US Secretary of State John Kerry slammed Iran on Friday for its barring of would-be candidates for a presidential election next month. Kerry spoke at the end of a visit to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Ramallah respectively.
Security official: MEK-affiliated activists arrested
Fars New Agency: A security official reported the arrest of a number of individuals affiliated with the MEK whose mission was to disrupt the elections.
Iran dispute shows hurdles to Syria peace negotiations
Bloomberg: A dispute over whether to include Iran in proposed negotiations to end the fighting in Syria is complicating the effort by the U.S. and allies to present a unified front against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Glencore says Iran metals swap deals did not violate sanctions
Reuters: Swiss-based commodities giant Glencore Xstrata (GLEN.L) said on Thursday that it had done nothing wrong when it engaged in metal swaps with Iran, rejecting a suggestion by U.N. experts that such bartering could have been a way of evading sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program.
