AP: Syria's President Bashar Assad has publicly stepped up his outreach to old ally Russia in recent days, seeking aid to build up Syrian military forces and offering Moscow help in return — in an apparent effort to exploit a new Russian-American rift.
Syria, Iran warm to Russia as US tensions grow
Drought stricken, Iran buys US wheat for first time in 27 years
AFP: Wracked by drought, Iran has turned to the United States for wheat for the first time in 27 years, marking a setback for Tehran's search for agricultural self-sufficiency.
Iran, Nigeria seeking to boost bilateral ties
AFP: Senior government officials from Iran and Nigeria opened talks on Tuesday aimed at boosting ties between the two oil producing nations.
Obama: World must not allow Iran to corner Israel
Reuters: U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Monday the world must increase pressure on Iran to rein in its nuclear program and avoid a situation where Israel feels cornered.
Kyrgyz crash victims to be identified in Iran
AFP: Iran will conduct DNA identification of bodies recovered from a passenger jet that crashed after take-off from Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, killing 65 people, Kyrgyz health ministry officials told AFP Tuesday.
Iranian cleric reporteldy criticises Ahmadinejad
Reuters: An Iranian cleric accused President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of betraying the people and called on reformers to unite to defeat him in next year's elections, according to an interview in a German newspaper.
Obama would step up pressure on Iran over nukes
AP: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama pledged Monday that he would step up diplomatic pressure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons before Israel feels that "its back is against the wall" and might take military action.
Colleague denies Iran actress faced travel ban: report
AFP: Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, who starred in a Hollywood movie, has left for the United States, a colleague was quoted as saying Tuesday, denying reports that she faced a travel ban.
Iran launches submarine production line
Reuters: Iran has launched a submarine production line to ensure its forces are equipped to maintain security in the vital oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz waterway, the defense minister said on Monday.
Iran leader backs president before election
Reuters: Iran's supreme leader has told Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to prepare for a second four-year presidential term, comments seen by some as a riposte to the president's critics before next year's election, media reported.
