Reuters: Indian state-run insurers have agreed to give limited cover to local ships for carrying Iranian oil, helping the energy-hungry country import reduced volumes from sanctions-hit Tehran from July, a Shipping Corp of India director said on Tuesday.
India insurance cos to give $50 mln cover for Iran oil buy-Exec
Iran to build oil facility in Venezuela, Tehran Times says
Bloomberg: Iran and Venezuela signed an agreement valued at $130 million to build an oil-platform facility in the South American country, Tehran Times reported, citing an Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Co. official.
IMF pressured to suspend Iran, close Central Bank account
Bloomberg: A New York-based advocacy group that has pressured companies and organizations to halt business with Iran because of its disputed nuclear program is urging the International Monetary Fund to close its account at Iran’s central bank and suspend Iran as a member.
US denounces burning of Koran copies by US pastor
AFP: The US State Department on Monday denounced the burning of copies of the Koran and a depiction of the prophet Mohammed by a Florida pastor, saying the acts did not reflect American values.
Iran: US stealth fighter deployment to UAE harmful
AP: Iran’s defense minister said Monday that the deployment of American military stealth fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates will damage regional security, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported.
Wary of Iran, Saudis seek progress on Gulf union
Reuters: Wary of Iran and regional protest movements, Gulf Arab states are pushing ahead with plans for a political union that would involve joint foreign and defense policies, the Saudi foreign minister said in a speech at the weekend.
Analysts: Iran conflict less likely now
UPI: A military faceoff with Iran is less likely since threats of more sanctions and direct talks lowered the rhetoric about its nuclear plans, analysts say.
Baghdad talks ‘won’t solve all issues’: Iran aide
AFP: May 23 talks in Baghdad between Iran and world powers focused on Tehran’s nuclear programme will likely not resolve all issues, an aide to Iran’s supreme leader said on Monday.
Iran weighs nuclear work ahead of embargo
UPI: Iran is studying a proposal offered by Russia to halt some nuclear activity in exchange for protection from European sanctions, an envoy said.
Iran nuclear power plant works at near full capacity, IRNA says
Bloomberg: Iran’s first nuclear power plant was connected at almost full capacity to the national power grid on April 28, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported, citing Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani, who heads the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization.
