AP: Iran on Saturday began registering potential candidates for March parliamentary elections, a vote that will be especially hard fought between supporters and opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad within the conservative camp.
Registration starts for Iran’s parliamentary poll
Iran extends oil deal with Turkey for 2012 despite sanctions
Reuters: Iran said on Saturday it has extended its crude export contract with Turkey for 2012, state-run English Language Press TV reported, suggesting it aims to trade via Turkey to circumvent tight sanctions imposed over its disputed nuclear programme.
Daughter of Iran’s former president stands trial
AP: The daughter of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has been brought to trial on charges of making propaganda against the ruling system.
Iran naval exercise a threat: Baird
Toronto Sun: Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says a planned 10-day military exercise by the Iranian navy on international waters near the mouth of the Persian Gulf is an act of provocation.
Armenia, Iran to deepen cooperation
UPI: An Iranian delegation led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is making an official visit to the Armenian capital Yerevan to increase bilateral ties.
Romney calls Iran leaders ‘evil’
AFP: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, in an interview published late Friday, called the Iranian leadership “evil” and said he would consider decapitating the Tehran regime if elected.
Iran navy starts 10-day wargame in Strait of Hormuz
Reuters: Iran began 10 days of naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, raising concern about a possible closure of the world’s most strategic oil transit channel in the event of any outbreak of military conflict between Tehran and the West.
U.S. sets bounty for Iran-based al Qaeda financier
Reuters: The United States on Thursday announced it was establishing a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Yasin al-Suri, who it accused of operating from Iran as a facilitator and financier for al Qaeda.
NY judge: Iran, Taliban, al-Qaida liable for 9/11
AP: A federal judge has signed a default judgment finding Iran, the Taliban and al-Qaida liable in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Iran to hold naval drill around key shipping strait
AFP: Iran will launch 10 days of naval drills from Saturday around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, media said, after a rumour earlier this month that it planned to close the waterway.
