Associated Press: President Barack Obama and leaders of other major industrial powers grappled Friday with options to solidify world resolve against development of an Iranian nuclear bomb and encourage a more forceful response to worsening violence in Syria.
Iran, Syria among top for G-8 and NATO
US lawmakers approve use of force as Iran option
AFP: The Republican-led House of Representatives approved Friday the use of US force against Iran if the Tehran regime threatens the United States and its allies with nuclear weapons.
Poll: Opposition to Iran going nuclear widespread
AP: Opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons is widespread around the world, including in neighboring countries Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, and support for tough economic sanctions is high, according to poll released Friday.
Obama, G8 may remind Iran of their own “oil weapon”
Reuters: Late last year, Iran issued a series of not-so veiled threats to the West, suggesting it could use its “oil weapon” to show displeasure over toughening sanctions by halting exports or disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran sanctions delay seen by Gibson hurting rates for tankers
Bloomberg: E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd. comments today in an e-mailed report on how the market for very large crude carriers hauling 2 million-barrel cargoes of oil will react to sanctions against Iran.
Iran diplomacy gathers pace with surprise IAEA visit
AFP: The head of the UN atomic agency will visit Iran Monday, the IAEA said in a surprise announcement that raised hopes of a deal on closer cooperation just days ahead of major talks with world powers.
World powers forge joint approach to Iran talks
Los Angeles Times: The United States and five other countries have agreed to offer a joint proposal to Iran at a high-level meeting next week in an effort to open a path for negotiations to curtail Tehran’s disputed nuclear program and to ease the threat of war.
Iran summons Bahrain envoy in protest
AP: Iran has summoned Bahrain’s top diplomat in the country to relay its concerns over the unrest in the tiny island nation.
For Iran ‘breakthrough,’ coalition cannot break down
Bloomberg: The word “breakthrough” has been uttered hopefully in anticipation of the meeting May 23 in Baghdad of officials from six world powers and Iran to resolve the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.
House measure raises pressure on Obama over Iran
AFP: US lawmakers on Thursday adopted a sharply worded resolution warning about the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran and urging President Barack Obama to increase diplomatic and political pressure against Tehran.
