Reuters: The European Union expects to reach a decision by the end of January on expanding sanctions against Iran, an EU spokesman said on Sunday.
EU sees January decision on wider Iran sanctions
Iran keeps tensions high over oil strait
AFP: Iran on Saturday kept tensions simmering over its threat to close the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers by readying war game missile tests near the entrance to the Gulf.
Iran says crude will exceed $200 if its oil sanctioned
Reuters: Iran’s oil minister said crude prices will rise to more than $200 per barrel if foreign sanctions are imposed on the country’s oil exports over its disputed nuclear work, the Aseman weekly reported on Saturday.
Iran proposes new nuclear talks with world powers
AP: Iran has proposed a new round of talks about its controversial nuclear program with the six world powers, the country’s top nuclear negotiator said Saturday.
Iran refuses to fuel some European, Arab airlines
AFP: Iran is refusing to refuel some European and Arab airlines at its main international airport in a tit-for-tat move over major oil companies denying fuel to Iranian planes abroad, the airport’s chief said on Saturday.
Brother: Former Iran president’s website blocked
AP: A brother of former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani says the former leader’s website has been blocked after an order from the government.
Italy backs Iran sanctions if Eni oil imports excluded
Reuters: Italy backs sanctions against Iran provided that crude oil imports by Eni relating to existing contracts are excluded, Prime Minister Mario Monti said on Thursday.
Iran-US brinkmanship over oil strait worsens
AFP: A showdown between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers worsened with warships from each side giving weight to an increasingly bellicose exchange of words.
U.S. Saudi fighter jet sale to help offset Iran
Reuters: The United States has signed a $29.4 billion deal to sell 84 new F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a long-expected move that the Obama administration said on Thursday would boost Gulf security amid mounting tension with Iran.
Chinese senior diplomat visits Iran amid tensions
Reuters: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun visited Iran for talks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, during growing tensions over Tehran’s threat to choke off Middle Eastern oil shipments in retaliation against proposed Western sanctions.
