Reuters: Japan’s imports of Iranian crude averaged 332,000 barrels per day in April-November 2010, trade ministry data showed, down 16 percent from the 2009/10 average, as buyers cut their contracted volumes amid high prices and political pressure.
Japan’s Iran crude imports fell to 332,000 bpd
List of guests shrinks for Iranian nuclear tour
Reuters: Russia and China will not join a weekend tour of Iranian nuclear sites, the Islamic state’s envoy to the U.N. atomic watchdog confirmed on Friday, adding to a growing number of countries which have rejected Tehran’s offer.
Russia says Iran nuclear visit can’t replace talks
Reuters: Russia said on Thursday that Iran’s offer to tour the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities deserved attention but cautioned that such a visit could never replace regular nuclear inspections or talks with major powers.
AP Exclusive: Iran hostage reunion at West Point
AP: Former Iranian hostage Barry Rosen touched down on an American tarmac 30 years ago and spilled into the arms of a wife and two young children lost to him during 444 days of captivity.
Indian Oil not hit by Iran crude payments row – chairman
Reuters: Indian Oil Corp has so far been unaffected by an oil payments row with Iran but could turn to the spot market if there is any disruption to imports, the company’s chairman said on Thursday.
China effectively rejects Iran nuclear invite
Reuters: China effectively rejected Iran’s invite to tour Tehran’s nuclear facilities on Thursday, potentially smoothing a source of friction ahead of President Hu Jintao’s state visit to the United States next week.
US sanctions Hong Kong shippers over Iran trade
AFP: The US Treasury Thursday slapped sanctions on 24 shipping companies, including 20 in Hong Kong, for allegedly operating as fronts for Iranian businesses involved in Tehran’s missile programs.
EU to bring up nuclear issue despite Iran refusal
AFP: EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton plans to bring up the nuclear controversy with Iran in international talks in Istanbul next week despite Tehran’s refusal, her spokeswoman said Thursday.
13 men hanged in Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jan. 13 – Iranian authorities on Thursday hanged five men in Khoramabad, western Iran, a day after hanging eight others in the capital Tehran.
Iran announces new satellite launch plan
CNN: Iran is planning to launch a new satellite into orbit by the end of March, according to the country’s semi-official Fars News Agency.
