Reuters: The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council put pressure on Iran on Thursday to allay international concern about its nuclear program, and said they expected talks with Tehran to lead to concrete steps toward a negotiated solution.
World powers urge Iran to give more nuclear access
Iran allocates $12.2 billion for farm work, report says
Bloomberg: Iran’s government has allocated 150 trillion rials ($12.2 billion) to support agriculture projects in the year started March 20, the Tehran Times reported, citing Agriculture Minister Sadegh Khalilian.
Iran brags of major oil industry deal
UPI: A $2.1 billion deal with a Spanish company for the manufacturing of equipment for the Iranian oil and gas industry shows sanctions don’t work, Iran claimed.
India to cut back on Iran oil purchases: report
AFP: India’s two biggest importers of crude oil from Iran will cut shipments from the Islamic republic by at least 15 percent this financial year due to US pressure, a report has said.
Iran says optimistic about nuclear talks
Reuters: Iran is optimistic about talks with world powers about its nuclear program but it will never give up its right to the peaceful use of atomic energy, a senior Iranian official said on Wednesday.
US targets foreign evaders of Iran, Syria sanctions
Reuters: The Obama administration announced on Tuesday that it will target foreigners who help Iran and Syria evade U.S. sanctions and bar them from access to the U.S. banking system.
IMF rejects call to cut ties with Iran
AFP: The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday rejected a call by a US anti-Iran group for it to cut its relations with Tehran’s central bank in order to adhere to US and European sanctions.
Obama tightens Syria, Iran sanctions
AFP: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday gave the US Treasury authority to stop Syria and Iran wriggling out of sanctions by going after foreign firms, banks or individuals that ease their isolation.
Iran plot to kill Saudi envoy in Cairo foiled: reports
AFP: Egyptian security services foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Cairo several months ago, the legal advisor of the kingdom’s embassy said in local dailies on Tuesday.
Terrorists or Fall Guys? The MEK puzzle.
Weekly Standard: The MEK has taken its case to court. On May 8, it will ask the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, to order the secretary of state to act within 30 days on the removal of the FTO designation. State has already delayed its decision for almost two years.
