UPI: U.S. and European sanctions are taking their toll of Iran’s economy, even though Tehran has become adept at getting around them to sell its oil, its economic lifeline.
Iran outwits sanctions, but feels pinch
U.N. condemns rights abuses in Iran, North Korea and Syria
Reuters: The U.N. General Assembly condemned North Korea, Iran and Syria on Thursday for widespread human rights abuses and all three countries rejected the separate resolutions adopted by the 193-member world body, slamming them as politicized.
Brazil sugar at ports rises 27% as ships head to Iran, Black Sea
Bloomberg: The amount of sugar awaiting loading at ports in Brazil, the world’s largest producer, climbed 27 percent over the past week as vessels head to the Black Sea and Iran, according to Williams Servicos Maritimos Ltda.
Russia hopes for nuclear talks with Iran next month
Reuters: Russia hopes the next round of six-power talks with Iran to resolve a protracted dispute over its atomic program will take place in January, RIA news agency reported on Thursday.
Iran sidesteps sanctions to export its fuel oil
Reuters: Iran is becoming increasingly creative in dodging Western sanctions, managing to sell a rising volume of fuel oil to generate revenue equal to up to a third of its crude exports, which have been badly hit by restrictions.
Tehran firm indicted on alleged embargo violations
AP: An Iranian technology company and several of its managers and business partners have been indicted in Virginia for violating the U.S. trade embargo against Iran.
American pastor imprisoned while visiting family in Iran
Fox News: A 32-year-old Iranian who is a U.S. citizen and a Christian convert has been imprisoned without notice of any formal charges while visiting his family in Iran, according to his wife and attorneys in the U.S., who are now hoping that a media campaign will help set him free.
Key issues may persist in Iran-U.N. nuclear talks: diplomats
Reuters: The United Nations nuclear watchdog and Iran may have made headway in talks on Tehran’s disputed atomic activities but important points remain to be settled before a deal can be clinched, diplomats said on Wednesday.
Japan to extend cuts in Iran oil imports in 2013, JX chief cays
Bloomberg: Japan will import fewer than 160,000 barrels a day of oil from Iran next year to avoid sanctions aimed at the Middle Eastern country’s nuclear program, the head of Japan’s oil industry group said.
Eight killed in Iran mine collapse: report
AFP: Eight people were killed when a coal mine collapsed a day ago in central Iran, a local official was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency on Wednesday, updating an earlier death toll of four.
