AFP: Iran remained defiant over its nuclear programme on Monday as representatives of six major powers prepare to meet in Germany this week to look at ways of persuading it to curb its atomic ambitions.
Iran defiant on nuclear programme ahead of key meeting
Senior Iranian denies held “back-channel” U.S. talks
Reuters: A senior aide to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied on Monday a U.S. report that he had held "back-channel" talks with American representatives, Iranian state television said.
Senior Democrat snubbed by Iran in outreach bid
Wall Street Journal: The chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs tried to meet a top aide to Iran's supreme leader in mid-December but was rebuffed at the last minute, a snub that illustrates the challenges to dialogue with Tehran pushed by President Barack Obama.
Iraqi election hints of troubles for Shiite giant
AP: The biggest Shiite party in Iraq once appeared to hold all the political sway: control of the heartland, the backing of influential clerics and a foot in the government with ambitions to take full control.
Lawyer: Iran detains women’s rights activist
AP: A lawyer for an Iranian activist says police detained the woman while she was campaigning for equal marriage rights for women.
Obama has begun discreet talks with Iran, Syria
AFP: US President Barack Obama has already used experts within the last few months to hold high-level but discreet talks with both Iran and Syria, organizers of the meetings told AFP.
Iran tells Hamas: Be ready for fresh Israeli attacks
Reuters: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told the Palestinian group Hamas to be prepared for possible fresh Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Sunday.
Iranian FM: No talks scheduled with US in Munich
AP: Iran's official news agency says the country's foreign minister has no plans to meet with U.S. officials during a security conference this month in Munich, Germany.
Hamas head in Tehran to meet Iranian leaders
Reuters: A high-level delegation from Hamas arrived in Tehran early on Sunday as part of a regional push to reinforce support for the Palestinian group after the Israeli invasion of Gaza, a Hamas official said.
Iran steps up executions
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jan. 31 – Authorities in southern Iran hanged a man, state media reported on Saturday.
