AFP: An Iranian diplomat called Tuesday for an uprising against the Tehran government, as he became the third Europe-based envoy to defect this year and announced he was seeking asylum in Norway.
Iranian diplomat defects, says seeks Norway asylum
Rafsanjani urges Iran not to dismiss sanctions
AFP: Former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani urged Iranian officials on Tuesday against dismissing international sanctions as “jokes,” saying the Islamic republic was facing its worst ever “assault” from the global community.
Iran frees American woman hiker on bail
AFP: Iran released American hiker Sarah Shourd on bail Tuesday, in a case which has highlighted deep divisions between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government and the conservative judiciary.
Ayatollah speaks of plot to abuse Koran
New York Times: Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered a fiery address on Monday accusing the United States government of orchestrating desecrations of the Koran by right-wing American Christian groups last weekend, Iranian state news agencies reported.
Ahmadinejad under pressure inside and outside Iran
Reuters: Pressure mounted on Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at home and abroad on Tuesday as his government’s disputes with the West deepened.
Haystack stops tests of Iran anti-censor software amid security concerns
Washington Post: Haystack, a company that has created software designed to circumvent Iranian government censors, has stopped testing its program amid criticism of faulty security.
South Korea’s Kia halts exports to Iran
AFP: South Korea’s Kia Motors, whose Pride model is ubiquitous on Iranian roads, said Tuesday it had suspended exports to the Islamic state partly in response to Seoul’s nuclear-related sanctions.
US, eyeing Iran, moves on $60 bln Saudi arms deal
Reuters: The Obama administration will soon notify Congress of an arms sale to Saudi Arabia worth up to $60 billion, U.S. officials said on Monday, a potentially record-breaking deal that may help counter Iran’s growing regional muscle.
Indian Kashmir bans Iran’s Press TV over Koran ripping
AFP: Authorities in Indian Kashmir said Monday they had banned Iran’s state-run news channel Press TV after it broadcast images of a small group of Christians ripping the Koran in Washington.
Iran’s Rafsanjani chides Ahmadinejad over sanctions
Reuters: Veteran Iranian politician Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani criticised President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday for failing to counter the impact of sanctions — the latest sign of division within Iran’s ruling elite.
