AFP: The UN atomic agency bemoaned on Friday “major differences” with Iran after two fruitless visits probing suspected nuclear weapons work, adding that Tehran had substantially boosted uranium enrichment.
‘Major differences’ with Iran on nuclear drive: IAEA
Swift may expel Iran’s Central Bank
Bloomberg: The financial messaging service for most international money transfers has told U.S. officials it is prepared to cut off Iran’s central bank, according to people involved in the talks, an action that would be a blow to Iran’s already battered economy.
UK suspect in Iran missile plot handed over to US
AP: A retired British businessman accused of plotting to sell missile components to Iran is in transit to the United States to face charges.
Greek refiner says replacing Iranian oil is easy
Reuters: Greek refiner Hellenic Petroleum, which heavily relies on Iranian oil supplies, said on Thursday replacing those deliveries would be “easy” and alternative grades from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Russia were being considered.
IAEA to explain ‘failed’ Iran mission: diplomats
AFP: UN atomic agency chief Yukiya Amano is expected to outline in a report Friday why its team investigating Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons drive returned empty handed this week, diplomats said.
Taiwan buys Angolan crude oil, may replace Iranian
Reuters: Taiwan state-owned oil refiner CPC Corp on Thursday bought 6 million barrels of Angolan crude in what traders said was one of its biggest tender purchases for years and could be partly to replace Iranian oil.
Threat to Iranians in Camp Ashraf
The Guardian: We are calling on the EU, US secretary of state and the UN to act as a matter of urgency over the Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki’s plans to move 3,400 Iranian refugees from their home in Camp Ashraf to a new base that amounts to nothing more than a prison. An agreement to move the refugees to a new home – Camp Liberty – is being eroded as details of Liberty’s conditions emerge.
Putin says West seeking ‘regime change’ in Iran
AFP: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Friday accused the West of seeking “regime change” in Iran and warned Washington that Russia intended to keep its nuclear weapons to keep US power in check.
U.S. said to offer India help with replacing Iran oil supplies
Bloomberg: The U.S. government has offered to help India get alternative supplies for Iranian crude, as it looks to squeeze the Persian Gulf producer’s oil revenue, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.
Oil door still open for Europe, Iran says
UPI: European countries can secure crude oil deliveries from Iran provided they sign 2- to 5-year contracts, an Iranian oil executive said.
