AFP: Global hopes that democracy could replace dictatorships in Arab Spring nations risk being crushed by repressive regimes, the United States warned Friday in its annual human rights report.
US fears promise of Arab Spring may be lost
Nuclear-armed states ‘concerned’ by N.Korea, Iran
AFP: Representatives of the world’s five big nuclear-armed states on Friday voiced concern over North Korea and Iran’s nuclear programmes, lamenting the threat to global efforts to avoid proliferation.
Iran’s supreme leader launches special website with election tips
Daily Telegraph: Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has put himself at the heart of the nation’s forthcoming presidential election by urging candidates to avoid the potential pitfall of aspiring office-holders the world over – the undeliverable promise.
U.N. nuclear watchdog team on Iran faces reshuffle
Reuters: Two senior U.N. nuclear watchdog officials who have been leading talks with Iran will leave this year, potentially robbing it of experience and expertise in dealing with Tehran over its disputed atomic program.
Iran boasts of oil export potential
UPI: Iran has a better opportunity to maintain a vibrant customer base for its oil products despite economic sanctions, Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said.
U.S. to announce $10 billion arms sale in Middle East
Bloomberg: The Obama administration is to announce a $10 billion arms package to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that will be the centerpiece of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s visit the countries next week, according to a U.S. official.
Iran dismisses Israel threat at Ahmadinejad’s last army parade
Reuters: Israeli threats to attack Iran’s nuclear sites are the harmless barking of a dog, Iran’s military said on Thursday, marking the last Army Day ceremony of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency with trademark acerbic rhetoric against the Jewish state.
Kerry asks for patience on U.S. Iran sanctions before election
Reuters: Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday asked senators pressing for tougher sanctions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions to be patient, saying there is uncertainty in the Islamic republic two months before its June 14 election.
Iran hit by second quake in days
AFP: A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Iran on Thursday, only days after a deadly temblor struck near the border with Pakistan, media reported citing the seismological centre at Tehran University.
Azeris to defy Iran with first Israel visit by foreign minister
Bloomberg: Azerbaijan will send its foreign minister to Israel next week for the first time since the majority Muslim nation on Iran’s northern border regained independence from the former Soviet Union 22 years ago.
