New York Times: Several prominent Iranian conservative figures and hard-line newspapers offered sharp criticism on Saturday of former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who delivered a speech on Friday that assailed the government’s handling of last month’s presidential election.
Irans ex-president criticized for comments about election
Diplomats: Iran has means to test bomb in 6 months
AP: Iran is blocking U.N. nuclear agency attempts to upgrade monitoring of its atomic program while advancing those activities to the stage that the country would have the means to test a weapon within six months, diplomats told The Associated Press Friday.
Hardline Iran editor: Rafsanjani backs “law-breakers”
Reuters: A hardline editor seen as close to Iran's top authority accused a powerful cleric on Saturday of backing "law-breakers," in comments highlighting deepening divisions in the Islamic Republic after a disputed election.
Rafsanjani: Iran insider and Ahmadinejad nemesis
AFP: Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who called on Friday for the release of hundreds of people arrested during massive opposition protests last month, is a key politician in post-Islamic revolution Iran.
New protests in Iran capital
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jul. 17 – Huge anti-government protests have erupted in central Tehran.
New protests in Iran capital
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jul. 17 – Huge anti-government protests have erupted in central Tehran.
Mashaie appointed Iran’s new first vice president
AFP: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has appointed his controversial aide Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie as the country's new first vice president, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Iran braces for tense Friday prayers
AFP: Iran braced for tense Friday prayers due to be led by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a powerful cleric and backer of the defiant opposition which is planning a united show of strength at the weekly sermon.
Ahmadinejad appoints new nuclear chief
AP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has appointed a new chief for the country's nuclear program, following the abrupt resignation of its veteran head, the official IRNA news agency reported Friday.
EXCLUSIVE: Siemens risks losses due to Iran ties
Washington Times: One of the world's largest engineering firms, Siemens, could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in sales to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) because it sold Iran equipment used to spy on dissidents.
