Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Mar. 25 A bus overturned on a highway in southern Iran leaving 27 people dead and 15 others injured, state media reported on Tuesday.
27 die in Iran road accident
Iraq militias may be preparing to step up attacks
Wall Street Journal: Residents in two Shiite-controlled neighborhoods here said armed militias have taken over rooms in several schools and stocked them with rockets, in a sign they could be gearing up for more attacks against the U.S.-backed government.
Iranians blamed for rocket attacks
Press Association: Iranian-backed Shiite militia factions were blamed by the US for a spate of rocket attacks that struck the Green Zone in Baghdad.
Security forces, militias clash in Basra
AP: Iraqi forces clashed with Shiite militias in the southern oil port of Basra on Tuesday as a security plan to clamp down on violence between rival militia factions in the region began.
Bahrain signs civilian nuclear accord with U.S. in dig at Iran
Bloomberg: The U.S. sought to further isolate Iran in the Persian Gulf region over its nuclear weapons program by signing an agreement pledging civilian atomic energy cooperation with Bahrain.
Cheney says Syria and Iran are sabotaging talks
The Guardian: The US vice-president, Dick Cheney, yesterday accused Syria and Iran of using the Islamist movement Hamas to “torpedo” peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel.
Senator hails US ban on UK firm that sold to Iran
Reuters: The head of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on Monday hailed a Commerce Department decision to suspend the export privileges of a British company that had illegally shipped three U.S.-made aircraft to Iran and was preparing to send it three more.
Iran ‘behind Green Zone attack’
BBC: The most senior US general in Iraq has said he has evidence that Iran was behind Sunday’s bombardment of Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone.
Iran enters new year in sombre mood as economic crisis bites
The Independent: It’s the Iranian New Year and people have been stocking up on food and buying goldfish, the symbol of luck and prosperity, to adorn their homes.
Iran requests membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Mar. 24 – Iran has made an official request to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Monday.
