AFP: Russia on Wednesday confirmed that it and the other members of the UN Security Council were in agreement over a US-proposed draft resolution that would impose tough new sanctions on Iran.
Russia confirms agreement on UN Iran sanctions draft
“Anti-vice” patrols crack down in Isfahan
Iran Focus: Isfahan, Iran, May 19 – State Security Force in the central Iranian cities of Isfahan and Shahinshahr have launched a major crackdown on women for “mal-veiling”.
Iran, the deal and the Council
New York Times – Editorial: Every time it looks as if the big powers have finally run out of patience with Iran’s nuclear misdeeds, Tehran’s leaders suddenly decide they’re in the mood to compromise. And every time the big powers let up on the pressure, Tehran’s compromises turn to smoke.
Nations agree on Iran curbs
Wall Street Journal: The U.S. announced a long-sought deal with Russia and China on a new list of sanctions to punish Iran for its nuclear program, and the United Nations took them up within hours, in a move to reassert control of nuclear diplomacy after Tehran tried to pre-empt sanctions a day earlier.
Report: Jailed Iranian filmmaker on hunger strike
AP: A pro-reform Iranian website is reporting that acclaimed Iranian filmmaker and opposition supporter Jafar Panahi has gone on a hunger strike while in prison.
Iran sanctions draft not legitimate-senior official
Reuters: A U.N. sanctions draft resolution against Iran has no legitimacy, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted a close ally of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying on Wednesday.
Iran to unveil upgraded Zolfaqar tanks
Iran Focus: Tehran, May 19 – An Iranian army commander announced that Iran will unveil an improved version of the country’s chief battle tank, the Zolfaqar, next month.
A tale of two lives
Iran Focus: Tehran, May 19 – When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took office as President, he promised to take the oil revenues to the people’s dinner tables.
Iran’s cunning nuclear gamble
Iran Focus: Tehran, May 19 – The following is a translation of an editorial in the semi-official daily Kayhan regarding Iran’s trilateral agreement with Turkey and Brazil for a nuclear fuel “swap”. The editorial written by the paper’s editor-in-chief Hossein Shariatmadari reflects the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Parents of detained Kurdish students not aware of their whereabouts
Iran Focus: Marivan, Iran, May 19 – Security forces arrested 15 Kurd students in Marivan after protests in Kurdish regions following the 9 May execution of five Kurdish activists.
