Reuters: Plans for fresh U.S. sanctions to isolate Tehran have sent shudders among Asian governments who fear they will have no way to pay for Iranian crude imports and face rising costs to fuel the region’s growing economies.
Asia frets over oil as US eyes new Iran sanctions
India exploring options to pay for Iran oil via Russia-govt source
Reuters: India is exploring the option of paying for Iranian oil imports through Russian banks, a senior government source said on Thursday.
Iraq’s Shiites in no mood to embrace Iran
Washington Post: When a senior Iranian cleric announced last month that he was planning to move to this holy Shiite city to open an office, the furor that erupted offered a glimpse into the future of a complicated relationship.
US nears new Iran bank sanctions
AP: The Obama administration has given in to legislation that would apply sanctions on Iran’s Central Bank, despite weeks of opposition over concerns the measures may drive up oil prices or inflict severe economic hardship on American partners overseas.
Turkey refuses to open BPCL a/c for Iran oil-sources
Reuters: Turkey’s Halkbank has refused to open an account for India’s BPCL to settle payments for Iranian oil imports, three oil industry sources told Reuters on Thursday.
House backs tough sanctions on Iran
AP: The House on Wednesday endorsed harsher sanctions on Iran as it seeks to weaken Tehran economically and derail its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Iran says Saudi won’t fill Iran gap in oil embargo
Reuters: Saudi Arabia will not seek to replace Iranian oil in the case of oil sanctions against Iran, Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said on Wednesday.
Iran to move enrichment operations if needed – report
Reuters: Iran will move its uranium enrichment plants to safer sites if necessary, a Revolutionary Guards commander was quoted on Wednesday as saying, following speculation that Tehran’s enemies could attack the facilities.
Iran denies plan to close vital oil-transit strait
AFP: Iran on Wednesday deflated a rumour about it closing the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most strategic transit points for oil — by saying such a move was “not on the agenda.”
Iran says Saudi visit aimed to refute US claims
AP: Iran’s foreign ministry says a rare visit by the country’s intelligence chief to Saudi Arabia sought to refute U.S. claims that Tehran planned to kill the kingdom’s ambassador to Washington.
