Reuters: Iran has the capacity to produce more than 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude but is pumping at well under that level due to OPEC restraints, Oil Minister Massoud Mirkazemi said on Saturday.
Iran oil capacity more than 4.1 mln bpd – minister
Iran Guards vow to replace Western oil firms
AFP: Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards boasted on Saturday that they can fill the gap in the country's energy sector left by Western oil firms pulling out in the face of new sanctions against Tehran.
Iran’s Ahmadinejad: proposed sanctions not legal
AP: Iran's president says proposed U.N. sanctions against the country's nuclear program "lack legal validity."
Iran hits at “impudent” UAE comment in Gulf dispute
Reuters: Iran accused the United Arab Emirates on Saturday of "brazenly and impudently" likening the Islamic Republic to arch-foe Israel in a dispute over three Gulf islands, a semi-official news agency reported.
Companies feeling more pressure to cut ties to Iran
New York Times: While President Obama struggles to negotiate United Nations sanctions with teeth against Iran, a parallel campaign to turn up the heat is gaining momentum by pressuring American and foreign corporations individually to cut their business ties there.
Top US senator presses Clinton on Iran sanctions
AFP: A day after calling Iran a "festering sore," the top US senator on Friday urged Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to work with lawmakers to ensure speedy approval of new sanctions against Tehran.
US renews call for Iran to release detained hikers
AP: The Obama administration on Friday renewed calls for Iran to immediately release three American hikers detained for nearly nine months and also appealed to the Iranian government to issue their families visas to visit them.
U.S. sees progress in Iran sanctions text: Burns
Reuters: The United States has seen significant progress in negotiations on new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme, a senior U.S. government official said on Friday.
Iran quits race for seat on UN rights body: diplomat
AFP: Iran, under fire from Western countries over its human rights record, has decided not to seek a seat next month on the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, a diplomat said Friday.
U.S. lists companies aiding Irans energy projects
New York Times: Over the past five years, 41 foreign companies have helped Iran develop its oil and gas sector, which accounts for more than half of the Iranian government’s revenues, Congressional investigators reported Thursday.
