The Times: The United States is to appoint an ambassador to Syria after a gap of four years, the strongest sign yet of President Obama’s desire to re-engage the pariah state and draw it away from the influence of an increasingly isolated Iran.

AFP: The United States said it has rescinded invitations to Iranian diplomats to attend July 4 parties at US embassies, following the violent suppression of protests in Iran.

AFP: A ceremony to mourn protesters slain in Iran's post-election turmoil was called off as the regime clamped down hard on the opposition, vowing not to back down over the disputed vote.

AP: Hackers defaced the home page of the Oregon University System, posting a caustic message telling President Barack Obama to mind his own business and stop talking about the disputed Iranian election.

UPI: U.S. travelers now more than ever should avoid Iran in the wake of violent election protests that have gripped the country, the U.S. State Department says.

AFP: Football's world governing body FIFA wrote to the Iranian football federation on Wednesday to ask for answers over alleged punishments meted out to several of their players for wearing wristbands reflecting their support for opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 24 – Thousands of Iranians rallied on Wednesday late afternoon outside the Majlis, or Parliament, in the capital Tehran against the country’s theocratic rulers.

AP: Iran says it is considering downgrading ties with Britain after days of rising tension over criticism of Iran's disputed presidential election.