Los Angeles Times: Washington is apparently worried that suffering among ordinary citizens could erode support for the West’s sanctions targeting Tehran’s nuclear program.
U.S. eases rules on sale of medicines to Iran
Iran’s exports of industrial products up 40%, official says
Bloomberg: Iran increased exports of industrial products in the first half of the Iranian year that began in March by 40 percent even amid international sanctions, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Safdar Rahmatabadi said.
Iranians burn US flags to mark embassy seizure
AFP: Thousands of Iranians chanting “Death to America” burnt US flags on Friday to mark the 33rd anniversary of the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, just days before the American presidential election.
Iran president backs down in political clashes
AP: Iran’s embattled president has backed down from a public dispute with the country’s judiciary, a day after his nation’s top leader called such spats treason.
Could Iran’s Supreme Leader be more cautious than we think?
The Telegraph: Could Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, be more cautious than we think? Instead of treading a straight Roman Road to a nuclear weapon, he has twice veered off course. To me, that suggests that he is nervous and feeling the pressure.
Iraqi tourist sector hurt by Iran’s currency pain
AP: The steep decline is painful for ordinary Iranians, who now have to pay far more for imported goods. But it is also damaging Iraq’s fragile tourism industry, pinching small-time entrepreneurs and forcing businesses to lay off workers.
Standard Chartered close to U.S. settlement on Iran transactions
Reuters: Standard Chartered is close to wrapping up discussions to resolve U.S. investigations into its Iran-linked transactions and nearing agreement on a fine in the $300-million range, mirroring a much-publicized state settlement over similar allegations, according to four people familiar with the matter.
British millionaire pleads guilty in Iran missile scheme
Reuters: British millionaire Christopher Tappin pleaded guilty in federal court in Texas on Thursday to charges of attempting to sell missile parts to Iran, prosecutors said.
Netanyahu rival blasts his “obsession” with Iran
Reuters: Kicking off his election campaign, Israeli opposition leader Shaul Mofaz on Thursday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being driven by an obsession to bomb Iran.
9 Iranian female prisoners go on hunger strike
AP: At least nine Iranian women political prisoners have gone on a hunger strike to protest snap body searches and abuse by prison guards at the main prison in Tehran, according to an Iranian opposition website.
