Bloomberg: Iran plans to increase crude production to 5.1 million barrels a day “in the coming years,” according to the oil ministry’s website.
Iran plans to raise crude output to 5.1 million barrels a day
Japan is asked to insure Iran oil shipments as EU sanctions bite
Bloomberg: Japan’s government may insure tankers carrying Iranian oil, joining China and India in responding to European sanctions blocking private providers.
Iran turns nuclear tables on West
UPI: Certain countries are in violation of international nuclear treaties because of their persistent threats, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
CNN Poll: Iran a bigger threat to U.S. than North Korea
CNN: The CNN/ORC International Poll released Wednesday showed 81% view Iran as a very serious or moderate threat to the U.S. Three quarters of Americans said North Korea represents a similar threat.
Iran army ready for action on disputed Gulf island
AP: Iran’s ground forces commander is warning that should diplomacy fail, the military is ready for action over a disputed Gulf island controlled by Iran but also claimed by the United Arab Emirates.
In Iran talks, a glimmer of hope, and reason to proceed cautiously
Boston Globe: The one-day talks between Iran, the United States, and five other world powers last week gave a glimmer of hope that the impasse over Iran’s nuclear program might be solved through diplomatic rather than military means.
Netanyahu defends comparison of Iran, Nazi Holocaust
Reuters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected criticism of his likening of a nuclear-armed Iran to the Nazi Holocaust as improper, saying in an address to the country on Wednesday that “uncomfortable truths” must be aired.
Turkey intercepts ship with suspected arms headed for Syria
AFP: Turkey has intercepted a vessel in the Mediterranean suspected of carrying weapons and ammunition to Syria, a diplomatic source told AFP on Wednesday.
Swiss govt freezes more Iranian assets
AP: The Swiss government has extended its financial sanctions against Iran by freezing the assets of 11 more companies and people but decided not to take any action against Tehran’s central bank, officials said Wednesday.
Oil buyers cut more Iran imports due to sanctions
Reuters: Japan will slash crude purchases from Iran in April, and European and Taiwanese customers will also take less, industry sources told Reuters on Wednesday, adding to signs Western sanctions are curbing sales from OPEC’s second-largest producer.
