Ma’an: President Mahmoud Abbas accused Iran of putting pressure on Hamas to delay the signing of a conciliation agreement brokered by Egypt, an interview with the Palestinian leader in Egypt's Al-Ahram revealed Saturday.
Abbas blames Iran for continued political split
PRESS DIGEST – Iran – Dec 19
Reuters: These are some of the leading stories in Iranian newspapers on Saturday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
Iran ready to examine nuclear fuel swap offers: FM
AFP: Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Saturday Tehran was ready to examine the West's proposals for a nuclear fuel swap, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Iran acknowledges prisoners were beaten to death
AP: After months of denials, Iran acknowledged Saturday that at least three people detained in the country's postelection turmoil were beaten to death by their jailers.
Iran steps up its defiance
The National: The Iranian regime orchestrated an unconvincing show of support for itself yesterday as thousands rallied to condemn alleged insults to the Islamic republic’s revered late founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Iranian troops cross border and seize disputed oilfield
The Times: Iranian soldiers crossed the Iraqi border into disputed territory yesterday, and took control of an oilfield whose ownership has been in doubt since the end of the war between the two countries in the 1980s.
Voices of Iranian rights activists are being heard: US
AFP: The United States said Friday that the voices of Iranian human rights activists are being heard, as it welcomed the adoption of a non-binding UN resolution condemning abuses by Tehran.
Arizona man pleads guilty to export try
AP: Federal prosecutors say an Arizona man has pleaded guilty to trying to export technology to Iran without the required authorization.
US hikers caught in Iran sensitive army zone: Ahmadinejad
AFP: Three US hikers who entered Iran illegally were caught in a "sensitive military zone", Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told AFP on Friday.
US on watch for Iranian meddling in Iraq voting
AP: The top U.S. military officer quizzed Iraqi leaders Friday about the influence and motives of next-door Iran as national elections approach, but made no promises when his hosts asked for surveillance equipment and other help to keep an eye on their neighbors.
