AFP: General David Petraeus, the top US commander in Iraq, has been named to head US forces in the Middle East, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.
Petraeus to head US Middle East forces
Minister blames Ahmadinejad’s policies for economic woes
AP: Iran's outgoing economy minister blames President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's policies for high inflation and growing economic hardships, according to comments published in Iranian newspapers Wednesday.
MTN subscribers climb 11% on growth in Iran unit
Bloomberg: MTN Group Ltd., Africa's largest mobile-phone company, reported an 11 percent increase in subscribers in the first quarter, helped by gains in Iran.
Iran shipping hit by nuclear sanctions: report
AFP: Iran's leading shipping company has said US sanctions against Tehran over its controversial nuclear programme have hurt the industry, the Aftab Yazd newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Iran tells Russia to end Azeri nuclear cargo delay
Reuters: An Iranian official said Russia was responsible for timely delivery of equipment stopped by Azerbaijan when in transit to Iran's first nuclear power plant, a news agency said on Wednesday.
Tehran to cooperate with IAEA over alleged weaponisation studies
AFP: The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Wednesday it had reached an agreement with Iran to examine allegations that Tehran has studied how to design nuclear weapons.
India rejects US advice to pressure Iran
AP: India tartly dismissed American advice that it press Iran to give up its nuclear program, saying it does not need "any guidance" on foreign relations.
Iraq’s neighbors noncommittal on aiding government
Washington Post: Iraq's neighbors failed on Tuesday to commit themselves to any immediate strengthening of diplomatic or economic support for the Baghdad government, but agreed to hold their next gathering, six months from now, in the Iraqi capital.
Iran ready to discuss nuclear dispute: Ahmadinejad
Reuters: Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear issue with any country but will not yield to international pressure to halt the atomic work, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a speech on Wednesday.
‘Obliteration’ threat to Iran in case of nuclear attack
The Guardian: Hillary Clinton, in her most bellicose comments since the presidential race began 15 months ago, yesterday threatened to "totally obliterate" Iran if it launched a nuclear strike against Israel.
