AFP: The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that Iran’s economy faces deep structural weaknesses as intensified nuclear sanctions have added to other domestic challenges to the government.
IMF sees deep weaknesses in Iran economy after sanctions
Total CEO defends France’s trade overtures to Iran
Bloomberg: Total SA (FP) Chief Executive Officer Christophe de Margerie defended a visit by a French trade delegation last week to Iran as a way for companies to gain a competitive edge should sanctions be lifted.
Iran must embrace religious pluralism
New York Times: Zoroastrianism was Iran’s primary religion until the mid-seventh century, when Islam was imposed on the country by conquering Arabs. Many Zoroastrians fled to India to avoid forced conversion and discrimination.
Russian minister plans Iran trip amid oil deal reports
AFP: Russia’s economy chief on Wednesday announced plans to visit Iran amid reports of the two sides nearing a mammoth oil-for-goods deal that has raised consternation in the United States.
U.S. bluffing on military option, Iran says
UPI: U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry each said on separate occasions last month the military option was still on the table should Iran renege on the terms of an interim nuclear agreement reached in November.
Obama says U.S. will deal harshly with violators of Iran sanctions
Reuters: President Barack Obama issued a sharp warning on Tuesday to companies eyeing business deals with Iran, saying the United States would come down like a “ton of bricks” on those that violated sanctions against Tehran.
Analysis: In peace talks, Assad plays for time
AP: Even as he fights to hold on to power, Syrian President Bashar Assad has agreed to destroy a significant part of his arsenal and to join negotiations whose stated aim is to remove him from his post.
Iran’s judiciary says opposition leaders must ‘repent’
AFP: Iran’s prosecutor general said Tuesday that opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi will remain under house arrest over anti-government protests until they “repent,” Fars news agency reported.
Obama warns French firms on Iran sanctions
AFP: President Barack Obama warned Tuesday that America would take tough action against firms violating sanctions against Iran, after a French commercial mission raised hackles in Washington.
Iran sets ‘red lines’ ahead of fresh nuclear talks
AFP: Iran laid out “red lines” Monday related to its ballistic missile programme, atomic sites and uranium enrichment ahead of fresh nuclear talks with world powers. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said “defence-related issues are a red line for Iran”.
