AP: Iraq’s indecision on whether to ask American forces to stay beyond the end of the year is pushing the U.S. close to the point where a smooth, safe troop withdrawal will be jeopardized, the top U.S. military officer said Monday as he arrived in the country.
Delay on Iraq decision threatens smooth withdrawal
Iran’s president to attend UN General Assembly in New York
DPA: Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, a foreign ministry spokesman said Monday.
Iran oil minister-designate has strategic views, Press TV says
Bloomberg: The Revolutionary Guards commander who has been nominated by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be the new oil minister is a suitable choice, given his “strategic” outlook on the energy industry, Press TV reported, citing the head of the parliament’s energy committee.
Indian refiners start clearing Iran debt via Turkey
Reuters: Iran is receiving long overdue payments for its oil exports to India as two major buyers have started using a Turkish bank to get around U.S.-led moves to isolate the Islamic Republic, industry sources said on Monday.
Iran says oil row with India resolved
AFP: Iran’s oil ministry said on Sunday a five-billion-dollar oil payments dispute with India has been resolved without any interruption of crude exports.
Verdict ‘soon’ on US hikers in Iran: television
AFP: The trial of three US hikers detained two years ago on espionage charges was completed Sunday and a verdict will be issued “soon,” Al-Alam television said, quoting Iran’s general prosecutor.
Lawyer: Iran may free US hikers soon
VOA: The lawyer for two Americans jailed in Iran on spying charges says a Sunday hearing in their case could be an indication that they will be freed soon.
Iran resumes gas exports to Turkey after pipeline blast
Reuters: Iran resumed pumping natural gas to Turkey on Saturday after a one-day halt following a blast on the pipeline, an official was quoted as saying by the semi-official Fars news agency.
India firms start Iran oil payments via Turkey – sources
Reuters: Indian refiners will pay for Iranian crude oil through Turkey’s Halkbank after MRPL made a test payment to end a U.S.-inspired impasse that has built up over $5 billion of debts and prompted Iran to halt supplies making up 12 percent of India’s demand.
Amnesty urges Iran to free US hikers
AFP: Amnesty on Friday renewed calls for Iran to release two young US hikers held on spying charges since July 2009, two days ahead of a fresh hearing in their case.
