AFP: The United States is urging the European Union to block Iranian banks’ access to SWIFT, the global interbank transfer network, to step up pressure on Tehran, a US official said Thursday.
US presses EU to close SWIFT network to Iran
2 enter guilty pleas in computer exports to Iran
AP: Two businessmen have pleaded guilty in the illegal export of computer equipment to Iran.
Iran says it’s the victim in nuclear showdown
AP: Facing international sanctions over its nuclear program, Iran is taking the position that it’s the victim, not the aggressor. Iran is pointing to the cases of five slain scientists whose deaths it blames on Israel and its allies.
Bush adviser says Iran stance not new
UPI: A security adviser in the George W. Bush administration told CBS News Thursday Iran’s boasting and belligerence over its nuclear ambitions was expected.
Iran offers “new initiatives” for talks with powers
Reuters: Iran, facing sanctions that could cripple its oil exports, has told world powers it wants to resume long-stalled talks with “new initiatives,” and France said it might be open to addressing suspicions about its nuclear program.
US hits Iran ministry for ties to Syria crackdown
AFP: The United States hit Iran’s intelligence ministry with sanctions Thursday, claiming it had supported Syria’s crackdown on dissidents, fueled repression at home and aided Al-Qaeda.
Iranian exile group to start evacuating Iraqi camp
AFP: Iranian opposition group the National Council of Resistance said Thursday it has agreed to begin evacuating its long-time base in a camp in central Iraq to transfer to a UN-approved site near Baghdad.
Traders plan to ship 63,000 T Ukrainian corn to Iran
Reuters: Traders plan to ship 63,000 tonnes of Ukrainian corn to Iran in coming weeks, Kiev-based ProAgro agriculture consultancy said on Thursday, citing data from Ukrainian sea ports.
Iran’s Russia envoy says embargo will benefit Iran
Reuters: Iran’s ambassador to Russia said plans to cut off supplies of Iranian crude to Europe would only benefit the Islamic republic, which in the past has been heavily dependent on imported fuel due to restricted refining capacity.
Iran says no “preliminary conditions” for talks
Reuters: Iran’s ambassador to Russia said on Thursday that Tehran would accept “no preliminary conditions” for the potential start of new talks with six global powers over the country’s nuclear programme.
