AP: Iran’s foreign minister is playing down his country’s threat to close the vital Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Western sanctions over its nuclear program.
Iran foreign minister plays down Hormuz blockade
Iran: Nuclear meeting set for July 24
New York Times: Deputies of the lead negotiators for Iran and the group of six nations in the Iranian nuclear dispute will meet in Turkey on July 24.
S.Africa probes ex-Iran envoy over MTN bribe claim
AFP: South Africa on Tuesday said Pretoria’s former ambassador to Tehran is being investigated over bribery allegations linked to mobile giant MTN’s award of an operating licence in Iran.
Kenya police: Iranians shipped 100kg of explosives
AP: Two Iranians accused of planning attacks on Western targets in Kenya shipped more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of powerful explosive into this East African country, and most of it has not been recovered, a police officer told a court Tuesday.
Sanctions squeeze forces Iran to cut oilfield flow
uters: Tough Western sanctions are forcing Iran to take drastic action and shut off wells at its vast oilfields, reducing production to levels last seen more than two decades ago and costing Tehran billions in lost revenues.
US calls on Iran to release Christian pastor
AFP: The United States on Monday called on Iran to release Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was imprisoned in 2009 and condemned to death for converting from Islam to Christianity.
Is the US State Department blackmailing Iranian dissidents in Iraq to placate the al-Maliki regime?
Daily Mail: The US State Department should feel ashamed of itself. Rather than stand up for the humanitarian rights of defenseless refugees, State Department officials have decided to side with the murderous Iraqi regime.
U.S. lawmaker asks Tuvalu to stop reflagging Iran oil tankers
Reuters: A prominent U.S. lawmaker has asked the small South Pacific island nation Tuvalu to stop reflagging Iranian oil tankers and warned its government of the risks of running afoul of U.S. sanctions.
Iran FM meets top officials in surprise UAE visit
AFP: Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi held talks on Monday with top Emirati officials on a surprise visit to the United Arab Emirates, the state news agency WAM reported.
Frankfurt prosecutors investigating Iran diplomat
AP: State prosecutors in Frankfurt confirmed Monday they are investigating a 10-year-old girl’s allegations she was inappropriately touched by an Iranian diplomat — a case that Tehran claims is part of a smear campaign by an Iranian opposition group.
