AP: An Egyptian prosecutor on Sunday accused the ousted Islamist president of passing state secrets to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, the first such explicit detail in an ongoing espionage trial.
Egypt prosecutor says ex-president spied for Iran
Iran’s rising executions dim U.N. hopes for reforms
Reuters: At least 80 people and perhaps as many as 95 have been executed in Iran already this year, a surge in the use of the death penalty that has dampened hopes for human rights reforms under Hassan Rouhani.
Sadness over asylum seeker Reza Berati’s death on Manus Island
The Telegraph – AU: Berati, 23, was killed on Monday night after it is believed he was stomped in the head by riot police during a protest that had steadily got out of hand over two days and nights.
Iran plans higher pay for riskier oil fields with new contracts
Bloomberg: Iran will offer foreign partners incentives to find and pump more crude and natural gas and will pay some fees in barrels as it seeks to boost income once international sanctions are lifted.
Women of Iran defy mullahs by embracing western fashions
Fox News: Many young Iranians have become emboldened in how they walk the streets, showing an affinity for Western clothing, jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. But it is more than just a fashion statement, say Iranians. It’s a political statement.
Turkey and Iran’s growing alliance
Eurasia Review: This is significant in terms of its implications for the Syrian conflict and for the region’s landscape, as both countries have the ability to influence the course of future events throughout the Middle East.
Belgian FM in Iran for talks with leaders
AFP: Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders is in Tehran for talks with Iranian leaders, media reports said Sunday, the latest in a string of high-profile visits from the European Union.
Executions on rise in Iran: UN
AFP: “We are deeply concerned about the reported spike in executions in Iran since the beginning of this year,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN high commissioner for human rights.
Don’t let up on Iran
New York Times: Like all Americans, we strongly hope that the Obama administration’s diplomatic efforts lead to the peaceful dismantling of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Obama calls Putin to discuss Ukraine, Syria, Iran
UPI: U.S. President Barack Obama called Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday to discuss Ukraine and other global issues. They discussed U.S.-Russian cooperation in the P5+1 process to get Iran to curtail its nuclear program.
