AP: Iran’s parliament has signed off on a $508 billion budget bill that is about 40 percent bigger than that approved the previous calendar year, state media reported on Monday.
Iran’s parliament signs off on $508 billion budget based on oil price at $81.5 a barrel
Families call on Iran to release hikers ahead of espionage trial
CNN: The families of two American hikers set to stand trial this week on charges of spying called on Tehran on Monday to release the men.
Iran’s unemployed rise by 1.6 million each year, Shargh reports
Bloomberg: Iran’s unemployed population increases by about 1.6 million each year, Shargh reported, citing parliamentary member Jalal Mahmoudzadeh.
Iran will reply ‘soon’ to EU on resuming nuclear talks
AFP: Iran will reply “soon” to the European Union on resuming nuclear talks stalled since January, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday.
Iran doing final pre-start tests at nuclear plant
Reuters: Iran is conducting final tests at its first nuclear power plant and it is expected to start generating electricity in the next two months, Iranian media said on Monday.
Iran bases budget on oil around $81.50 per barrel
Reuters: Iran is basing the oil price for its 2011/12 budget at around $81.50 per barrel and expects the price of oil to pick up again during the start of the summer season, Iran’s OPEC governor told Reuters on Sunday.
Ahmadinejad office rejects Iran reports of Khamenei ultimatum
Bloomberg: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s office rejected media reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei demanded he openly back the intelligence minister or step down.
Iran FM in Abu Dhabi amid rising regional tensions
AP: Senior officials in the United Arab Emirates are holding talks with Iran’s foreign minister amid growing Gulf accusations of political meddling by Tehran.
Iran’s conservatives turn up heat on Ahmadinejad
AFP: Iran’s ruling conservatives have increased the pressure on President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to “obey” the Islamic republic’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying his latest pledges did not go far enough.
Cannes film festival honors jailed Iran directors
Reuters: Jailed Iranian film directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof will be honored at the Cannes film festival this year, organizers said on Sunday.
