Reuters: Iran plans to launch a manned spacecraft in seven years’ time, two years earlier than its previous target, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday.
Iran brings forward plan for manned space flight
Saddam Hussein deputy Tariq Aziz calls for US forces to stay in Iraq
The Guardian: Saddam Hussein’s most loyal deputy, Tariq Aziz, has accused Barack Obama of ‘leaving Iraq to the wolves’ by pressing ahead with a withdrawal of combat troops in the face of festering instability and a surge in violence.
US Senate OKs James Jeffrey as Iraq ambassador
AFP: The US Senate has unanimously confirmed career diplomat James Jeffrey to be ambassador to Iraq, replacing Christopher Hill, as the president has vowed to end combat operations there.
Iran pays 25 pct more for gasoline
Reuters: Sanctions on Iran’s fuel imports are forcing the Islamic Republic to pay well above the market rate for its gasoline, figures from the Turkish government seen by Reuters showed on Thursday.
Opposition attacks Cameron over Iran nuclear ‘gaffe’
AFP: Opposition politicians Thursday accused Prime Minister David Cameron of mistakenly suggesting that Iran is in possession of a nuclear weapon.
Double down on Iran sanctions
Wall Street Journal Europe – Opinion: Economic pressure is already biting but more will be needed for Tehran to drop its nuclear designs.
US: Iran ‘most active state sponsor of terrorism’
Iran Focus: Washington, Aug. 05 – The United States on Thursday renewed its charge that Iran is the “most active state sponsor of terrorism”.
Death row Prisoner of Conscience challenges Iran’s rulers
Iran Focus: Tehran, Aug. 05 – The following is the text of a statement released by Ali Saremi, 62, a political prisoner currently on death row, after the Iranian authorities upheld death sentences for a group of political prisoners for supporting the main opposition group People’s Mojahedin (PMOI).
US fines Barclays $200m for breaking Iran sanctions
Evening Standard: Barclays today took a near £200 million hit for busting sanctions against Iran imposed by the United States between 2002 and 2007.
Angry mob turns on Iran opposition leader: report
AFP: Iranian opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi was harassed by “angry” people on Thursday as he attended a mourning ceremony at a mosque in Tehran, Fars news agency reported.
