Reuters: Just over half of Iran’s parliament has backed a draft law to block the Strait of Hormuz, a lawmaker said on Friday, threatening to close the Gulf to oil tankers in retaliation against European sanctions on Iranian crude.
More than half Iran parliament backs Hormuz closure bill
India bars 3 Iranian banks on security fears: report
AFP: India’s home ministry has refused to allow three Iranian banks to open branches on Indian soil because of concerns about money-laundering and terror financing, a report said on Friday.
Iran annuls death sentence on former U.S. marine, ISNA reports
Bloomberg: Iran’s Supreme Court annulled the death sentence passed on a former U.S. Marine of Iranian descent, the Iranian Students News Agency said.
Sanctions slow down Iran missile program
UPI: Iran’s development of its most advanced ballistic missile has been stalled by international sanctions imposed on Tehran to curb its nuclear program.
U.S.: Iran plans to disrupt oil trade
UPI: Iran has devised plans to disrupt international oil trade and could attack oil platforms and tankers, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal.
Analysis: Syria’s implosion worries neighbors
Reuters: Signs that President Bashar al-Assad is rapidly losing his grip on Syria alarm his regional allies, Iran and Hezbollah, and worry other neighbors fearful of chaos on their doorsteps.
New York police link nine 2012 plots to Iran, proxies
Reuters: New York police believe Iranian Revolutionary Guards or their proxies have been involved so far this year in nine plots against Israeli or Jewish targets around the world, according to restricted police documents obtained by Reuters.
Oil near $92 as weak demand, Iran tensions weighed
AP: Oil edged down to near $92 a barrel Friday in Asia, after a big jump the day before, as a weak demand picture was weighed against rising Middle East tensions.
Private firms tout Iran oil cheap to beat sanctions
Reuters: Obscure private firms are offering Iranian crude oil at steep discounts to European oil traders as Tehran seeks ways to restore oil export flows hit by Western sanctions.
Police seek bomber identity, Israel blames Iran
AP: He looked like any other impatient tourist checking the big board at airport arrivals: a lanky, long-haired man in a baseball cap with his hands in the pockets of his plaid Bermuda shorts, a bulky backpack hanging from his shoulders.
