AFP: Brazil and Turkey lashed out at the United States Friday in a deepening confrontation over Iran, saying it and other nuclear powers lacked credibility in demanding Tehran hobble its atomic program.
Brazil, Turkey sharpen tone with US over Iran
U.S., Brazilian officials at odds over letter on Iranian uranium
Washington Post: Maybe there should have been a follow-up note. On April 20, President Obama sent a 2 1/2 -page letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva outlining a deal that the United States had unsuccessfully pursued in October, one in which Iran would swap the bulk of its enriched uranium for fuel for a medical research reactor. At the time, Brazil and Turkey were contemplating mediation efforts with Iran.
Pakistan, Iran sign major gas pipeline agreement
AFP: Pakistan and Iran on Friday signed a “sovereign guarantee” agreement paving the way for the completion of a 7.5-billion-dollar gas pipeline project within the next four years.
U.S. sees Iran, Afghanistan as gains in Russia relationship
Reuters: Russia’s support for fresh U.N. sanctions against Iran and its help on Afghanistan show how Washington’s “reset” of relations with Moscow is delivering results, President Barack Obama’s top adviser on Russia said.
US, Brazil have ‘serious disagreements’ on Iran: Clinton
AFP: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday the United States and Brazil had serious differences over how to curb Iran’s nuclear program, even if bilateral ties remain good in other areas.
Preview: Iran spends millions to re-vamp the Bassij
Iran Focus Exclusive: Tehran, May 28 – Iran is spending millions of dollars to recruit new volunteers for the paramilitary Bassij militia following low morale and widespread defections during last year’s nationwide uprising. More to come on Saturday.
Merkel urges Iran to consider nuclear deal
AFP: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called on Iran to “carefully consider” an international offer on its nuclear programme, and also expressed concern over instability in Yemen.
Leader of Sunni rebel group goes on trial in Iran
Reuters: The leader of a Sunni Muslim rebel group, behind some of the deadliest bomb attacks in the Islamic Republic in years, went on trial in Tehran on Thursday, the official IRNA news agency reported.
U.N.’s Ban urges Iran talks with security council
Reuters: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged Iran to do more to dispel international suspicion that it is trying to build atomic weapons, saying that the Islamic Republic’s enrichment of uranium is sowing mistrust.
Russia doubts Iran’s commitment to nuclear deal: Lavrov
AFP: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced doubt on Thursday about whether Tehran would fulfill the terms of a deal brokered by Brazil and Turkey aimed at resolving the Iranian nuclear crisis.
