AP: In a disheartening signal to world powers at upcoming Iran talks, Tehran has started installing high-tech machines at its main uranium enrichment site that are capable of accelerating production of reactor fuel and — with further upgrading — the core of nuclear warheads, diplomats said Wednesday.
Diplomats: Iran starts upgrade of nuclear site
Three Nigerians arrested for spying for Iran: police
AFP: Nigerian secret police on Wednesday paraded a 50-year-old Islamic cleric and two accomplices who they alleged were spying on prominent individuals and targets in the west African nation for Iran.
Major powers to make “substantial and serious offer” to Iran
Reuters: Major powers are ready to make “a substantial and serious offer” to Iran during talks next week in return for concessions on its nuclear program, a Western diplomat said on Wednesday.
Two charged in Germany over drone engines to Iran
AFP: Germany’s federal prosecutor said on Wednesday it had filed charges against two men over the alleged illegal export to Iran of dozens of aircraft engines for use in drones.
Iraq gives go-ahead for Iranian pipeline to Syria
AP: Iraq has approved the construction of a natural gas pipeline across its territory that will connect Iran to key ally Syria. The move likely to strengthen Tehran’s influence over its neighbors.
Tehran’s Azadi Tower, witness to history, victim of neglect
Reuters: Within days of the 2009 election that returned President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to office, demonstrations engulfed Tehran and other Iranian cities, centered on the capital’s sprawling Azadi Square.
Syrian rebels threaten to hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
Washington Post: A rebel attack on Hezbollah targets inside Lebanon could have broad regional implications. Hezbollah is closely allied with Iran, which is one of Assad’s strongest backers. The Syrian rebels, on the other hand, have largely been supported by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Is Iran creating a health crisis to evade sanctions?
Bloomberg: Unless Iran abandons its quest for nuclear weapons, there is one certainty in Washington’s policy toward the Islamic Republic: more sanctions. It is also inevitable that the more these economic measures hurt average Iranians, the more controversial they will become, especially in Europe.
US, Iran find common ground: Olympic wrestling
AP: The caretakers of the Olympics may have inadvertently accomplished what has eluded diplomats: Galvanizing Iran and the U.S. on a common goal.
Iran: Nuclear talks are an ‘opportunity’ for West
AP: Iran says it is willing to ease Western concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for pledges from the Unites States and others about its ability to enrich uranium.
