Reuters: U.S. intelligence showing Iran likely would have the capability to attack Europe with “scores or even hundreds” of missiles factored into the Obama administration’s decision to overhaul missile defenses, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday.
Europe could face hundreds of Iran missiles -Gates
Iranian pleads guilty in illegal exports sting
AFP: An Iranian national has pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to illegally export US fighter jet parts to Iran, which he purchased from a US undercover agent, the Department of Justice has said.
FACTBOX-Foreign companies stepping away from Iran
Reuters: A growing number of oil companies, trading houses and other international companies have stopped doing business with Iran this year amid a U.S. drive to isolate Tehran and international efforts to impose tougher sanctions.
Full text of EU statement on new Iran sanctions
Iran Focus: London, Jun. 17 – The following is the full text of an agreement announced by European Union leaders on Thursday tightening sanctions on Iran over its controversial nuclear program. The text was included in the annex to the EU Council’s conclusions at the end of a leaders’ summit in Brussels.
Russia ‘schizophrenic’ on Iran: US defense chief
AFP: Russia appears to have a “schizophrenic” approach to Iran, viewing Tehran as a security threat while pursuing commercial deals with the country, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday.
Russia disappointed by US, EU move on Iran: official
AFP: Russia is disappointed by new US and EU unilateral measures against Iran, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday, warning the moves could affect cooperation in the nuclear crisis.
EU leaders sanction Iranian oil and gas sector
Reuters: European Union leaders agreed tighter sanctions against Iran on Thursday, including measures to block investment in the oil and gas sector and curtail refining and natural gas capability.
EU set to approve new sanctions on Iran
AP: EU leaders are set to adopt a new set of sanctions against Iran in a fresh effort to stall its disputed nuclear program.
U.S. imposes new penalties on Iran
New York Times: The Obama administration, seeking to build on the momentum of the Iran resolution passed last week by the United Nations, announced Wednesday that it had imposed sanctions on more than a dozen Iranian companies and individuals with links to the country’s nuclear and missile programs.
Top cleric seen tipping Iraq’s political balance
AP: Iraqis hoping for a secular, nonsectarian government are worried about signs that the country’s most revered Shiite cleric has stepped into the postelection fray with moves that appear aligned with Iran’s own ambitions in Iraq.
