New York Daily News: With Iran fast approaching nuclear weapons capability, the European Union stepped up financial, trade and technology sanctions that are aimed at the regime’s atomic appetite. Pray that they work as none have before.
Iran is moving fast toward nuclear weapons despite sanctions
EU’s Iran sanctions seen by insurer complicating trade
Bloomberg: Following are comments by the Standard Club, a provider of marine insurance, on the impact of new European Union sanctions against Iran approved this week.
Man pleads guilty to Iranian plot against ambassador
AFP: Former car salesman Manssor Arbabsiar pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring with the Iranian military to kill the Saudi ambassador to the United States in a plot as lurid as any airport thriller.
U.N. nuclear chief rejects Iran “saboteurs” accusation
Reuters: The U.N. nuclear chief dismissed Iran’s allegation his agency may have been infiltrated by saboteurs and voiced concern about “intensive activities” at the Parchin military installation that his inspectors want to examine.
Iran, Pakistan leaders meet in Azerbaijan
UPI: Pakistan’s relations with Iran are growing steadily, President Asif Ali Zardari told Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at their meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Russia criticizes EU Iran sanctions, urges talks
Reuters: Russia criticized the European Union on Wednesday for imposing new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and called for a fresh round of talks between world powers and Tehran as soon as possible.
Iran further expanding enrichment capacity: diplomats
Reuters: Iran is believed to be further increasing its uranium enrichment capacity at its Fordow plant buried deep underground, Western diplomats say, in another sign of Tehran defying international demands to curb its disputed nuclear program.
Iran sanctions may cut supply of currency
New York Times: Western economic sanctions imposed on Iran over its disputed nuclear program have severely depressed the value of its national currency, the rial, causing higher inflation and forcing Iranians to carry ever-fatter wads of bank notes to buy everyday items.
Iranian students feel the pain as currency collapses
Reuters: Twice in less than a year, Neda’s ambitions to study outside her native Iran have been wrecked by the collapse of the country’s currency.
Iran denies oil spill plan to block vital Strait of Hormuz
Reuters: Iran has denied accusations that its revolutionary armed forces (IRGC) are planning an environmental disaster in the Strait of Hormuz and use it to have international sanctions against it lifted, local media reported on Wednesday.
