Reuters: Ship owners can refuse to deliver refined petroleum cargoes to Iran under a new clause developed by shipping associations in the wake of tougher sanctions against the Islamic Republic, groups involved say.
Ship groups tighten contracts after Iran sanctions
US watchdog moves to smother Iran trade
AFP: A top US financial watchdog outlined fresh measures to isolate Iran Tuesday, as Washington attempts to ramp up pressure on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program.
Obama, Cameron push sanctions on Iran
Reuters: Britain and the United States said on Tuesday it was not too late for a peaceful solution to the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program, but said they were determined to enforce new sanctions.
Ashton tells Mottaki in Kabul ready for nuclear talks: ISNA
AFP: EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton met Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in Kabul on Tuesday and expressed her readiness to hold talks with Tehran over its nuclear programme, ISNA news agency reported.
UAE cbank dismisses Iran idea of dirham oil trade
Reuters: The United Arab Emirates central bank governor dismissed on Tuesday reports that Iran may seek payment in dirhams for its oil exports to Europe to get around sanctions, saying the UAE had no time for jokes.
Sadr calls for new Iraqi government
New York Times: Moktada al-Sadr, the anti-American cleric in exile with a sizable bloc of followers in Iraq’s new Parliament, took his first direct public step into the country’s protracted political impasse on Monday, meeting in Syria with Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki’s top rival to lead a new government.
Iran’s parliament adopts bill against inspections
AP: Iran’s parliament has adopted a bill authorizing tit-for-tat retaliation against countries that inspect Iranian ships and aircraft as part of the latest set of U.N. sanctions slapped on Tehran.
Germany probes Iranian bank’s dealings
Wall Street Journal: The German government is investigating the activities of an Iranian-owned bank in Hamburg for its alleged work in support of Tehran’s controversial nuclear program, officials said.
Europe considers new penalties for Iran
New York Times: The European Union is considering tough new sanctions against Iran to protest its nuclear program, including banning investment in the oil and gas sector and tightening restrictions on shipping and finance.
INTERVIEW – Iraqi Kurds to clamp down on oil smuggling
Reuters: Iraqi Kurdistan’s cabinet approved stricter measures including stepped-up border surveillance on Monday to stop any illegal trade in crude oil across the borders of the semi-autonomous northern region, regional prime minister Barham Salih said.
