AP: An Iranian diplomat who quit his job at his country’s embassy in Finland said Monday he will apply for political asylum there.
Iranian diplomat says he’ll seek asylum in Finland
Comic appeals to save Iran stoning woman
AFP: Controversial French comic Dieudonne arrived in Tehran on Monday planning to plead for clemency in the case of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.
To pressure Iran, squeeze Russia and China
Wall Street Journal: European governments have joined the international sanctions effort. But Beijing and Moscow aren’t going along.
Iranian women’s rights activist released on bail
AFP: A vocal Iranian women’s rights activist and journalist, charged with “warring against God”, has been released after posting bail of around 500,000 dollars, an opposition website reported.
Iran plans to boost exploration in border areas, ministry says
Bloomberg: Iran plans to set up four drilling platforms in border regions to accelerate oil exploration, the Oil Ministry said on its news website Shana, citing Mahmoud Mohaddes, National Iranian Oil Co. director for exploration.
Acting on new nuclear intelligence on Iran
Iran Focus – Editorial: Iran’s main opposition group announced last week that the Islamic Republic has been secretly constructing a new underground uranium enrichment facility in the mountains near Qazvin. The Behjatabad-Abyek site, located 120 km west of Tehran, is said to be 85% complete and can fit several thousand centrifuges, according to the People’s Mojahedin (PMOI).
West needs new missile shield against Iranian nuclear threat, Nato chief says
Sunday Telegraph: Nato’s Secretary-General has urged the construction of a new missile defence system to protect Europe from the threat of Iranian nuclear attack.
Iran says to release US detainee on 500,000 dollars bail
AFP: A senior prosecutor said on Sunday that Iran will release US hiker Sarah Shourd on bail, as he criticised President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government for interfering in judicial issues.
French rally to show support for Iran stoning mother
AFP: Around 1,000 people rallied in Paris on Sunday to show support for Iranian mother-of-two Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani who is facing execution by stoning, an AFP correspondent reported.
Row over UN inspectors in Iran to dominate IAEA meet
AFP: Accusations that Iran is hampering the UN atomic watchdog’s investigation into its nuclear programme by vetoing key inspectors look set to dominate the IAEA’s week-long meeting this week.
