AP: OPEC ministers agreed to keep their daily crude production target unchanged at a meeting Wednesday. But in a sign of internal rivalries, they failed to reach consensus on a new secretary general, a post sought by Saudi Arabia, Iran and resurgent oil-power Iraq.
OPEC keeps output target on hold amid weak economy
Inspectors hope for Parchin access in Iran visit
AFP: The UN atomic agency’s chief inspector said he hopes Iran will grant his team access to the Parchin military base during talks in Tehran on Thursday. “We also hope that Iran will allow us to go the site of Parchin,” Herman Nackaerts told reporters at Vienna airport on Wednesday on his way to Tehran for the meeting.
Iran indicts 18 American officials, ex-officials
AP: Iran’s deputy judiciary chief says the Islamic Republic has issued indictments against 18 unnamed current and former American officials on charges of involvement in “crimes against Iran.” His remarks did not indicate that any of the men were present in Iran.
OPEC meets over oil output, to pick new head
AFP: Iran’s Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi added to the expectation of there being no change, stating that crude supply and demand was “relatively balanced” and that “prices are okay.”
Iran temporarily shuts consulate after Afghan protest
AFP: Iran has temporarily shut its consulate in the Afghan city of Herat after protesters there attacked the mission’s compound, the official IRNA news agency reported Tuesday quoting a foreign ministry source.
Senate votes to squeeze Iran
Chicago Tribune: Sen. Mark Kirk, who has been recovering from a stroke, is expected back at the Capitol in January. That’s welcome news. We’re also happy to report that Kirk hasn’t let his focus slip on one vital national security issue: stopping Iran from building a nuclear weapon.
Iran shows domestically produced helicopters
AP: Iran’s state TV says the country has put its first domestically produced helicopters into service, displaying them at an air show. The report says the 12-passenger Panha-1 and eight-passenger Panha-2 helicopters have military capabilities.
Canada announces new sanctions against Iran
AFP: Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced more sanctions against Iran Tuesday, ramping up pressure on Tehran to scrap its nuclear program.
Iran insists on nuclear “right” ahead of IAEA talks
Reuters: Iran voiced readiness on Tuesday to address concerns of U.N. nuclear inspectors about its atomic activities in talks this week but said its “right” to refine uranium should be part of any agreement.
Record number of reporters jailed globally: Report
AP: The Committee to Protect Journalists on Tuesday said Turkey, Iran and China have imprisoned the most journalists. The journalists’ group says that such states are using stepped-up anti-terror and anti-state charges to silence critical reporters.
