AFP: The US House of Representatives on Thursday urged Iran to let three American hikers in its custody for nearly three months speak to their families by telephone and to free them "as soon as possible."
US lawmakers urge Iran to free US hikers
Iran grants Swiss access to detained US hikers
AP: Iranian authorities this week allowed a Swiss diplomat a second visit with three detained American hikers arrested for illegal entry near the Iraq border in late July, the State Department said Friday.
UK urges Iran to lift sentence on official
Reuters: The European Union and Britain urged Iran on Thursday to overturn a four-year jail term they say has been imposed on an Iranian employee of the British embassy in Tehran, who was put on trial for espionage.
Senate panel backs Iran petroleum investment sanction
Bloomberg: The Senate Banking Committee voted unanimously today to further restrict trade with Iran and impose sanctions on companies that help the country acquire refined petroleum products.
Worried Iran pilot asks passengers to pray
AFP: A worried Iranian airline pilot asked passengers to start praying after his plane was hit by a technical glitch early on Thursday, highlighting once again the notorious record of Tehran's aircraft.
Obama, Merkel to meet on Afghanistan, Iran, climate
Bloomberg: German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet with President Barack Obama next week for talks about the path ahead in Afghanistan, dealing with Iran and climate change, Obama’s spokesman, Robert Gibbs, said today.
Pope seeks more freedom for Catholics in Iran
AP: Pope Benedict XVI urged Iranian authorities on Thursday to let Catholics have the priests and churches they need to freely practice their faith in the country.
Iran hands over response on nuclear fuel deal – TV
Reuters: Iran has presented its response on a U.N.-drafted nuclear fuel deal to the head of the International Atomic Energy Organisation (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, Iran's state al Alam television reported on Thursday.
Ahmadinejad says West now cooperating with Iran
AP: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that Tehran will not give up its nuclear program, but noted that the West and Iran are now cooperating — remarks that appear to reinforce Iran's support for the general outline of a U.N.-drafted nuclear deal.
Tehran court gives British Embassy plotter a four-year sentence
The Times: A senior Iranian employee of the British Embassy in Tehran has been given a four-year prison sentence after being found guilty of fomenting violence at the behest of the British Government, The Times has learnt.
