AP: Iran’s foreign ministry has rejected Western nations’ criticism of its human rights record, calling it unrealistic and politically motivated.
Iran rejects West’s criticism over human rights
Black-market gas shelters Iran
Wall Street Journal: Proposed U.S. sanctions aimed at starving Iran of foreign gasoline could be signed into law before the end of June, but a shadowy network of Middle East gasoline suppliers is already undermining U.S. efforts to pile pressure on Tehran.
Iran tests Iraqi resolve at the border
New York Times: This remote village high in the rugged mountains along the border with Iran has been deserted, its people having fled Iranian air and artillery bombardments with everything they could carry and whatever livestock that could be coaxed down the steep mountain trails.
Families of 3 jailed Americans criticize Iran
AP: The mothers of three Americans jailed in Iran for nearly a year are demanding the immediate release or trial of their children, saying the Iranian government is using them as pawns in a standoff with the U.S.
Iran to create internet police, security chief says
CNN: Iran is creating a new “internet police” force, the head of the country’s security forces said Wednesday, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
Iran summons British envoy over “support” for opposition group
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 16 – Iran on Wednesday summoned the British ambassador to Tehran over alleged support by London for the main opposition group that authorities claim planned bombings in the country.
Defying sanctions, Iran plans more atomic reactors
AP: Defying week-old U.N. sanctions over its nuclear program, Iran promised to expand its atomic research Wednesday as its president vowed to punish the West and force it to “sit at the negotiating table like a polite child” before agreeing to further talks.
Book review: The price of remaining human
Iran Focus: She fled her family to fight the fundamentalist mullahs. First there was the Shah’s dictatorship, and then there was Ayatollah Khomeini and his band of fanatic mullahs. For four decades, Iran has suffered from dictatorship.
Treasury imposes new sanctions on Iran
Reuters: The Treasury on Wednesday announced new sanctions on Iran to curb its nuclear program, including blacklisting a state-controlled bank, companies that are fronts for the state shipping line, and the air force and missile commands of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Ahmadinejad accuses Obama of meddling in Iran
AFP: Iran’s hardline president on Wednesday accused Barack Obama of meddling in his country after the US leader called for global support for Iranians in their fight for greater democracy.
