AFP: An Iranian who claimed he was “abducted” by US spies last year denied upon his arrival in Tehran Thursday that he was a nuclear scientist, but said he was questioned by Israelis during his captivity.
‘Abducted’ Iranian denies being nuclear scientist
U.S. paid Iranian nuclear scientist $5 million for aid to CIA, officials say
Washington Post: The Iranian nuclear scientist who claimed to have been abducted by the CIA before departing for his homeland Wednesday was paid more than $5 million by the agency to provide intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. officials said.
Iran may switch to U.A.E. dirhams for oil sales, Oil Daily says
Bloomberg: Iran is considering switching to the United Arab Emirates’ dirham from the euro for its oil sales to Europe to limit the impact of new sanctions, International Oil Daily reported, citing two unidentified industry executives.
US urges ‘constructive’ Iran dealings on nuclear issue
AFP: Iran should be dealing “constructively” with the UN nuclear watchdog and leading world powers regarding its controversial nuclear program, a State Department spokesman said Wednesday.
U.S. got ‘useful information’ from Iran scientist
Reuters: The United States received useful information from Iranian nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri who decided to return to Iran this week, a U.S. official said on Wednesday.
Russia to work with Iran on energy despite sanctions
Reuters: Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said on Wednesday that international sanctions against Iran will not hinder plans to develop joint energy and power projects with the Islamic Republic.
Dubai curbs Iran trade under sanctions regime hurting business
Bloomberg: Business with Iran at CP World, a freight forwarder in Dubai, has fallen 20 percent in the last two months and director Abhijit Pradhan says it may drop further as the emirate cracks down on trade with the Islamic Republic.
EU says Iran talks must focus on nuclear programme
Reuters: The European Union has told Iran in a letter that it welcomes a proposal to resume dialogue as early as September but says talks must focus on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Russia, Iran sign energy cooperation pact
Reuters: The Russian and Iranian energy ministries signed a “road map” on Wednesday outlining long-term energy cooperation and said they would aim to set up a joint bank to help fund bilateral projects.
Iran and the missile defense imperative
Wall Street Journal: U.S. intelligence now sees Tehran developing intercontinental missiles by 2015. If we continue our current strategy, we will not be able to counter the threat.
