New York Times: Iranian leaders say they have obtained confessions from top reformist officials that they plotted to bring down the government with a “velvet” revolution.

Reuters: Brazil's state oil company Petrobras expects exploration of an Iranian block will yield disappointing results, a company director said on Friday, adding another Iranian block has shown similarly dim prospects.

AFP: Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Friday he was "urgently seeking clarification" of Iran's announcement that local staff working at Britain's Tehran embassy will face trial.

Reuters: Total's negotiations with Tehran on a multi-billion dollar contract to develop a major Iranian gas field are at a standstill, the head of the French oil major said on Friday.

AP: A top aide of Iran's supreme leader called the country's main opposition figure a U.S. agent and accused him of committing crimes against the nation in an editorial Saturday.

AP: Syria's leader sent a July 4 message full of praise to President Barack Obama on Friday and invited him to visit Syria — the latest signs Damascus is hedging its bets in Mideast politics, warming up to its rival the United States at a time when its longtime ally Iran is in turmoil.

Reuters: European Union countries summoned Iranian ambassadors Friday to protest against the detention of Iranian staff of the British embassy in Tehran and warned of tougher steps next week if they are not freed.

Reuters: Britain's Foreign Office said on Friday it was "very concerned" by reports from Iran that local embassy staff may face trial in connection with demonstrations against last month's presidential election.