AFP: Thousands of Sunnis demonstrated across Iraq on Friday, in the latest of nearly two weeks of rallies criticising the country’s premier and demanding the release of prisoners they say are wrongfully held.
Thousands rally for Iraqi prisoners’ release
Iran ‘welcomes new nuclear negotiations’
AFP: Iran’s top nuclear negotiator on Friday welcomed the return of leading world powers to talks over the country’s disputed atomic programme, but urged them “not to repeat their past mistakes”.
Report: Israeli ex-spy chief criticizes PM on Iran
AP: A recently retired Israeli spy chief says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted irresponsibly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and accuses him of prioritizing personal concerns over national interests.
Iranian nuclear talks need to come to a close
Washington Post: As the year begins, the Obama administration and its diplomatic partners are expecting the renewal of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, after a six-month hiatus. But there is scant indication that a breakthrough is in store.
Tehran governor orders shutdown over pollution
AFP: Schools, universities and government offices in the Iranian capital will be closed on Saturday for the second time in a month because of high air pollution, Tehran governor Morteza Tamadon said Thursday.
Chinese super firewalls to control Iran internet
Iran Focus: The Iranian regime has allocated two billion dollars to control the domestic internet network, according to reports received by Iran Focus.
Iran wraps up 6-day wargame in southern waters, says goals met
Bloomberg: Iran’s navy wrapped up a six-day military drill around the Strait of Hormuz aimed at displaying the country’s readiness to defend the waterway.
Iran lashes out at US law against country’s influence in Latin America
Fox News: Only days after U.S. President Barack Obama enacted a law aimed at curbing the alleged influence of the Islamic Republic in Latin America, the Iranian foreign ministry blasted the law, saying that the U.S. “still lives in the Cold War era and considers Latin America as its back yard.”
Tehran says hoping for nuclear talks “very soon”
Reuters: Iran hopes talks with six major powers about its atomic program will begin very soon, the country’s top nuclear negotiator said on Wednesday during a trip to India.
Iran claims shooting down two US drones
AFP: Iran on Wednesday said it had shot down two US-made RQ-11 reconnaissance drones in the past 15 months, adding to a ScanEagle drone and RQ-170 Sentinel stealth aircraft it already claims to have captured.
