AFP: Iran’s currency plunged five percent on Monday in street trading after the central bank announced an imminent decision to revise upwards its official fixed exchange rate used as a market reference.

Reuters: Iran, a close ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, plans to host a meeting of regional and other countries this week on ways to resolve the country’s conflict, the official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

Bloomberg: Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will take part in an Islamic solidarity summit in Mecca next week following an invitation from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported, citing the president’s office.

Bloomberg: The Islamic Development Bank approved a 170 million-euro ($210 million) loan for wastewater plant upgrades in Iran’s capital, the Tehran Times reported, citing Tehran Water and Wastewater Co.’s managing director.

Bloomberg: The Islamic Development Bank approved a 170 million-euro ($210 million) loan for wastewater plant upgrades in Iran’s capital, the Tehran Times reported, citing Tehran Water and Wastewater Co.’s managing director.

Bloomberg: Iran “firmly” rejects claims that a group of people abducted by Syrian rebels near Damascus include members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Iranian deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said.

Bloomberg: Iran probably would attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf only as a “last resort,” according to a Pentagon historian who’s written a new history of America’s 33-year shadow war with the Islamic Republic.

AFP: Saudi King Abdullah invited Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for an extraordinary summit of Muslim leaders to be held this month in the holy city of Mecca, state news agency SPA reported Sunday.

Reuters: Iran has asked Turkey and Qatar to help secure the release of 48 Iranians seized by rebels in Syria on suspicion of being military personnel but who Tehran says are pilgrims.

AFP: Syrian rebels posted Sunday an online video of Iranians kidnapped in Damascus, charging they were elite Revolutionary Guards, and warning Tehran of further abductions over its support for Damascus.