Iran Focus: Tehran, Oct. 16 – From the Grapevine… Some parts of Tehran in recent days have been littered with graffiti in support of international sanctions targeting Iran’s theocratic regime.
Activists in Iran support sanctions on regime
Foreign minister seeks release of Germans arrested in Iran
AFP: German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle personally asked his Iranian counterpart to help secure the release of two Germans arrested in Iran this week, his spokesman said Saturday.
Iraq PM to visit Iran as coalition talks hot up
AFP: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who is fighting to keep his job after an inconclusive March 7 general election, is to visit neighbouring Iran soon, a close aide said on Saturday.
In Iran, future of university is in flux
New York Times: The future of Iran’s largest academic institution is in question after the supreme leader stepped into a tug of war this week between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his rival Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was instrumental in vastly expanding and improving the university.
Japanese firm will exit Iran oil project
Wall Street Journal: Japanese oil and natural gas producer Inpex Corp. said it agreed with Iran’s state-owned National Iranian Oil Co. that it will exit from Azadegan oil field.
Iran cleric warns Ahmadinejad over subsidy cuts
Reuters: A senior Iranian cleric warned President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government on Friday that its plan to slash huge state subsidies on essentials like food in the coming weeks risked provoking popular dissatisfaction.
Americans accused of spying in Iran should be put on trial, minister says
Bloomberg: Two Americans charged with illegally entering Iran and espionage should be tried, Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi said.
Ahmadinejad sends message to US ‘with Lebanon visit’
AFP: Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Lebanon this week sent a message to Washington that Tehran is a key player in the region and cannot be isolated, Lebanese newspapers said on Friday.
Iranian FM: Ready to resume nuclear talks soon
AP: Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Friday that Tehran was ready to resume talks about its nuclear program with the international community within a matter of weeks.
AIG to gain from IPO of China motor exporter to Iran, SCMP says
Bloomberg: American International Group is likely to gain “tens of millions of dollars” from the initial public offering of a Chinese automaker that does business with Iran, the South China Morning Post reported.
