Reuters: A senior Iranian cleric has decreed dogs are “unclean” and should not be kept as pets — a move aimed at discouraging Western-style dog ownership in the Islamic state, a newspaper reported on Saturday.
Iran cleric says dogs “unclean” and not to be kept as pets
France ready to start Iran talks at IAEA: Sarkozy
Reuters: France is ready to start talks with Iran over its nuclear program at the International Atomic Energy Agency “without delay,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Saturday.
Iran economic daily adopts voluntary ban after warning
AFP: An Iranian newspaper voluntarily suspended publication on Saturday after being warned by the national press watchdog for printing “false material,” the pro-reform Parlemannews.ir website reported.
Iran says wants to renegotiate Caspian oil swaps
Reuters: Iran acknowledged on Saturday that oil swap deals with Caspian Sea producers had stopped, but said it was seeking talks with some oil companies on new terms.
Iran defends missile buildup after US allegation
AFP: Iran accused the United States of “deception” on Saturday and insisted its missiles are for self-defence only after a top US official charged that the Islamic republic could rain missiles down on Europe.
Iraq police shoot dead protester over power cuts
AP: A protest over electricity shortages in Iraq’s southern port city of Basra turned deadly on Saturday with troops fatally shooting one demonstrator, police officials said, underscoring rising tension over the country’s lack of basic services.
After the Security Council vote
New York Times – Editorial: There has been a lot of talk, for a long time, about reining in Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Far too many countries have found Iran’s oil wealth simply too hard to resist. There are encouraging signs that for at least some major players, patience with Tehran may be running out.
BP North Sea venture with Iran hit by US ban
Daily Telegraph: The US has imposed sanctions on an Iranian oil company working with BP in the North Sea – listing it as a body that “persons should not do business with”.
Preview: Iran’s new intelligence service
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 19 – An Iranian cleric who is little known in the West is heading an intelligence operation that was formed only last year to counter political unrest, and which has rapidly become the Tehran regime’s main security force. Full report to be published by Iran Focus on Sunday.
12 million Bassijis mobilised – commander
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 18 – More than 12 million Iranians have been organised into the paramilitary Bassij, according to the force’s acting commander.
