AFP: Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan said Thursday that Iran has told him it would accept the fall of Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad if the conflict-torn country holds elections.
Iran would accept democratic Syria: Annan
US offers $12 mn for Iran-based Al-Qaeda financiers
AFP: The United States posted a reward of up to $12 million on Thursday for help in tracking down two Iran-based Al-Qaeda financial backers, accused of funneling money to extremists in Syria.
Dubai fueled by cheap Iran oil as U.S. steps up pressure
Reuters: The United States and Dubai are negotiating an end to the desert emirate’s Iranian oil imports to head off the threat of U.S. President Obama sanctioning a trade that has riled Gulf Arab oil producers, industry sources and diplomats said.
BBC services jammed in Middle East, Europe
AFP: The BBC said Thursday its services in the Middle East and Europe were being deliberately jammed, along with those of other broadcasters. Previous attempts to jam BBC services in recent years have been traced to Iran.
Russia says November Iran nuclear talks ‘realistic’
AFP: Russia said Thursday it was “realistic” to hold direct talks next month between Iran’s chief negotiator and six-nation representative Catherine Ashton over the Islamic republic’s nuclear drive.
We should not send mixed messages to Iran
UPI: EU Member of Parliament Ryszard Czarnecki says this the worst time for the European Union to send a delegation to Iran.
Iran to operate largest Middle East power plant, Iran daily says
Bloomberg: Iran will begin operating a power plant capable of generating 3,000 megawatts, Iran reported, citing Iranian Deputy Energy Minister Mohammad Behzad.
Iran’s opposition sets sights on Tehran
EurActiv: Iran’s rulers have every reason to be anxious. Whether real change is achieved is dependent on world powers harnessing the opposition’s momentum and backing their calls for grassroots change.
Iran renews Internet attacks on U.S. banks
Wall Street Journal: Iranian hackers renewed a campaign of cyberattacks against U.S. banks this week, targeting Capital One Financial Corp and BB&T Corp and openly defying U.S. warnings to halt, U.S. officials and others involved in the investigation into the attacks said.
Iran and Turkey join Syria peace envoy in call for truce
New York Times: Iran declared support on Wednesday for the new Syria peace envoy’s cease-fire proposal, joining Turkey in a rare moment of accord between two of the regional powers backing opposite sides in the 19-month conflict that has pitted the Syrian government against an array of armed opponents.
