AFP: US President Barack Obama said US-led sanctions had reduced Iran’s economy to a “shambles,” in a robust defense of his policy towards Tehran following sharp Republican attacks.
Obama: Iran’s economy a ‘shambles’ after sanctions
Panetta: US ‘fully prepared’ for an Iran challenge
AP: The U.S. military is now “fully prepared” to deal with any Iranian effort to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Gulf avenue for international oil shipments, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Wednesday.
France’s Juppe sees EU sanctions on Iran Monday
Reuters: EU foreign ministers are expected to agree on an oil embargo against Iran and a freeze on the assets of its central bank at a meeting scheduled for Monday, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said.
Europe said to consider sanctions on Iran’s Bank Tejarat
Bloomberg: The European Union is discussing whether to impose sanctions on Bank Tejarat, the last major Iranian bank financing large-volume trade in Europe, according to EU diplomats and sanctions specialists close to the negotiations.
New bid to stifle Iran aid to Syria
Wall Street Journal: U.S. officials have uncovered an effort by Iran to help Syria mask its oil exports and evade an American and European embargo, in a potent new sign of Tehran’s campaign to bolster Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as his regime cracks down on public opposition.
EU states agree in principle to sanction Iran central bank
Reuters: European Union governments have agreed in principle to freeze the assets of Iran’s central bank alongside a planned embargo on the OPEC producer’s crude oil, but have yet to agree how to protect non-oil trade from sanctions, EU diplomats said Wednesday.
UN to probe ‘military angle’ to Iran nuclear drive
AFP: A high-level IAEA delegation visiting Iran January 29-31 aims to verify if Tehran’s nuclear programme has a military dimension, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said in an interview to be published Thursday.
NATO urges Iran to ensure security of oil supply
Reuters: NATO urged Iran on Wednesday to ensure the security of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz but said the Western military alliance had no plans to intervene in the area.
Obama rebuffs Republican criticism on Iran: Time
AFP: President Barack Obama rejected criticism from Republicans over foreign policy, particularly his handling of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, according to an interview extract released Wednesday.
Saudi ex-spy chief says ‘all’ options open on Iran
AFP: Saudi Arabia will use “all available options” to defend itself against Iranian “threats” that might trigger “unwanted military confrontation,” its former intelligence chief told a Gulf security conference.
