New York Times: Despite onerous sanctions that have basically shut Iran out of the global financial system, the country is still finding some ways to bypass them.
Iran finding some ways to evade sanctions, Treasury Department says
Films from Jude Law, Iran’s Panahi join Berlin line-up
AFP: New releases starring Jude Law and Catherine Deneuve and the world premiere of a picture by embattled Iranian director Jafar Panahi joined the line-up Friday for next month’s 63rd Berlin film festival.
Spain arrests 2 over suspected Iran nuclear export
AP: Spanish police have arrested two people and seized equipment they say was due to be shipped to Iran for use in Tehran’s nuclear program.
IAEA chief not hopeful on Iran inspection progress
AFP: The UN nuclear chief Friday said he was not hopeful of striking a deal with Iran next week that would see Tehran address allegations of past nuclear weapons research and grant access to controversial sites.
Lack of deal with Iran on nuclear talks alarms Russia
Reuters: Russia voiced alarm on Friday at delays in agreeing new nuclear talks between world powers and Iran and the U.N. atomic watchdog chief said he was not optimistic ahead of his inspectors’ separate visit to Tehran next week.
Tens of thousands of Sunni Iraqis rally against Maliki
Reuters: Tens of thousands of Iraqi Sunni Muslims took to the streets in Baghdad and other cities after prayers on Friday, in another show of discontent with Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
Destitute women paid to join Iran Cyber army
Iran Focus: Iran has been recruiting destitute women to pose as dissident bloggers, according to confidential information obtained from inside Iran’s security forces and the so-called Cyber Army.
US sub’s periscope strikes vessel in Gulf: Navy
AFP: A US submarine’s periscope struck a vessel in the Gulf on Thursday but apparently caused no major damage or injuries, the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said in a statement.
Obama Pentagon pick calls US senators, clarifies views on Iran
Reuters: Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama’s pick to become the next U.S. defense secretary, has begun calling critics in the Senate in an attempt to c l arify his views about how to deal with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas before his upcoming nomination hearing.
US tells banks to guard against Iranian activity
AP: The Obama administration wants U.S. banks to enhance monitoring of exchange houses in the Middle East and elsewhere for Iranian attempts to evade economic sanctions.
