Wall Street Journal: U.S. lawmakers approved new legislation against Iran Thursday that aims to significantly increase the penalties on international firms doing business with Iranian banks, energy firms and the businesses of Tehran’s elite military unit, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Congress approves new Iran sanctions
US Senate passes sweeping new Iran sanctions
AFP: The US Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a sweeping new package of sanctions on Iran, aiming to force Tehran to halt its suspected nuclear weapons program by choking off its gasoline imports.
US Congress could adopt Iran sanctions Thursday
AFP: The US Congress could approve as early as Thursday a sweeping new package of sanctions on Iran, aiming to force Tehran to halt its suspect nuclear program by choking off its gasoline imports.
Iran to declare conditions for nuclear talks next week
AFP: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that Iran will next week lay down its conditions for talks with the world powers after they imposed new UN sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Hiker moms: Shocked by report on children’s arrest
AP: The mothers of three American hikers held in Iran on suspicion of espionage said Thursday they hope a report that their children were arrested on the Iraqi side of the border will help lead to their release.
Iran must respond to nuclear concerns: Brazil
AFP: Sanctions may not have closed the door for talks over Iran’s nuclear programme, but the ball is now in Tehran’s court to allay international fears, Brazil’s foreign minister said here Wednesday.
Pakistan protest over Iran hanging
BBC: Demonstrations have taken place in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi against the hanging of a militant leader by Iran.
Iran is ready for planned U.S. sanctions targeting fuel imports, analysts say
Washington Post: As Congress prepares to target Iran’s vital fuel imports as part of its most far-reaching sanctions package yet, observers say the Tehran government has already done much to deflect the impact of the new U.S. measures.
Iran frees award-winning journalist on bail
AFP: Iran has released award-winning journalist and human rights campaigner Emadeddin Baghi on bail after six months in prison, his lawyer told the ISNA news agency on Wednesday.
Khamenei brands Iran sanctions as ‘confused’ act
AFP: Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday branded new sanctions slapped on Tehran as “confused acts” which showed the helplessness of world powers in dealing with the Islamic republic.
