AFP: The United States sent its top sanctions official on a four-country tour this week as it seeks to bolster support of international economic sanctions against Iran and Syria.
US official on trip to push Iran, Syria sanctions
Sanctions relief offered in Iranian nuclear talks
AP: World powers, fearful of scuttling negotiations beginning this week with Iran, are offering the Islamic republic some small new sanctions relief in return for curbing its nuclear program. But officials warned Monday that it’s unlikely that any compromise will be reached soon.
South Korea firm had U.S. contract while investing in Iran gas: GAO
Reuters: A South Korean construction company reported to have recently engaged in Iran’s energy sector had a contract with the U.S. government even as Tehran came under pressure for its disputed nuclear program, a U.S. government watchdog said on Monday.
Iran slams Hollywood over ‘Argo’ Oscar win
AFP: Iran on Monday criticised Hollywood for awarding its top honour to the Iran hostage drama “Argo”, with a senior official saying it “lacks artistic value” and media poking fun at US first lady Michelle Obama’s surprise appearance at the Oscar ceremony.
Return of sectarian threats in Iraq raises alarm
AP: The fliers began turning up at Sunni households in the Iraqi capital’s Jihad neighborhood last week bearing a chilling message: Get out now or face “great agony” soon. The leaflets were signed by the Mukhtar Army, a new Shiite militant group with ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
UN experts probe Iran-linked arms ship in Yemen
AFP: UN experts in Yemen on Sunday investigated an Iran-linked arms shipment which authorities intercepted in January, the official Saba news agency reported.
On Iran, Europe hopes still trump frustrations
Wall Street Journa: European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili open a fresh round of talks here Tuesday on Iran’s nuclear program, ending a long diplomatic skirmish that has exasperated European officials.
Iran says it downed drone
UPI: A general in the Revolutionary Guards Corps said a foreign surveillance drone was shot down on the first day of military exercises in Iran.
Iran reports death of Revolutionary Guards officer
AP: An Iranian semi-official news agency is reporting that a commander of the Revolutionary Guards has been killed in the country’s Kurdish northwest.
Kerry makes first foreign trip as top U.S. diplomat
Reuters: John Kerry views his first trip as U.S. secretary of state as a listening tour, but the leaders he meets will want to hear whether he has any new ideas on Syria, Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
