AFP: The United States on Wednesday denied that it was to blame for the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist by a car bomb, after Tehran said Washington and Israel were responsible for the attack.
US denies blame in killing of Iranian scientist
US seeking to ‘close down’ Iran central bank
AFP: The latest round of American sanctions are aimed at shutting down Iran’s central bank, a senior US official said Thursday, spelling out that intention directly for the first time.
India to cut Iran oil imports, may not seek waiver-sources
Reuters: India’s government has told refiners to reduce Iranian oil imports and find alternatives as New Delhi may not seek a waiver that would protect buyers of Tehran’s oil from a fresh round of U.S. sanctions, two industry sources said on Wednesday.
Treasury Secretary Geithner appeals to China over Iran
Reuters: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner appealed for Chinese cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation on Wednesday in Beijing, as he sought Chinese help on the White House’s efforts to toughen sanctions on Iran.
Bomb blast kills nuclear scientist in Iran; Israel accused
Reuters: An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed by a bomb placed on his car by a motorcyclist in Tehran on Wednesday, and a city official blamed Israel for the attack, similar to attacks on nuclear scientists just over a year ago.
The U.S. needs to intensify sanctions on Iran
Washington Post – Editorial: The flurry of initiatives and threats launched by Iran in the last couple of weeks may betray panic by the regime as it faces a crumbling economy and mounting pressure from the West. The measures are insubstantial; the threats implausible.
Japan ‘very concerned’ over Iran tension
AFP: Japan’s foreign minister, on a Gulf tour to seek assurances over oil supplies, said Tuesday that Tokyo was “very concerned” by escalating tensions with Iran and called for a diplomatic solution.
Russia concerned about Iran’s uranium enrichment
AP: Russia expressed regret and concern Tuesday about Iran’s launch of uranium enrichment up to 20 percent at an underground facility, but urged all parties involved in the nuclear standoff with Tehran to avoid hasty moves.
Iran ‘jamming Al-Jazeera broadcasts’
AFP: Iran is jamming broadcasts by Qatar-based news channel Al-Jazeera, satellite operator Arabsat said in a statement received on Tuesday.
Iran stores more oil at sea as trade pressure grows
Reuters: The volume of Iranian crude oil stored at sea has risen to as much as 8 million barrels and is likely to increase further as the Islamic Republic struggles with sanctions and a seasonal refinery slowdown, shipping sources say.
