The Hill: George Holding warned Monday that the Iranian leaders the Obama administration is dealing with in talks over Iran’s nuclear weapons program are not as moderate as some believe, and that the U.S. should be watching what Iran does, not what it says.
Lawmaker: ‘Moderate’ Iran muzzles press, prolongs war in Syria
Pentagon ‘not concerned’ by Iranian naval plans in Atlantic
Reuters: The Pentagon said on Monday it was unconcerned by an Iranian announcement that it would send naval vessels toward U.S. maritime borders, noting that lots of countries operated in international waters in the Atlantic.
Iran test-fires long-range missile: minister
Reuters: Iran’s military has successfully test-fired two new domestically made missiles, the defense minister said on Monday according to state television, ahead of talks with world powers to try to reach an agreement on curbing Tehran’s nuclear program.
Iran summons Swiss envoy over US sanctions
AFP: Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents Washington’s interests in Iran, on Monday to protest the latest US measures against individuals and companies for violating sanctions against the Islamic republic.
Iran agrees to explain nuclear detonators to UN
AFP: Iran agreed Sunday to clarify to the UN atomic agency its need for detonators used in nuclear devices, as part of a probe into allegations of its past weapons work.
Iran slams Pakistan over border guards abduction
AFP: Iran on Sunday denounced what it called Pakistan’s inability to secure its own borders after five Iranian soldiers were kidnapped and taken into its eastern neighbour by Sunni extremists.
U.S. issues penalties over violations of Iran sanctions
New York Times: The Obama administration penalized nearly three dozen companies and individuals in eight countries on Thursday, accusing them of evading Iranian sanctions. It was the administration’s most extensive enforcement action since November.
Iran struggles to lure western business
Wall Street Journal: A trade show on this Iranian resort island in the Persian Gulf underscores the challenges facing businesses hoping to re-engage with the world after the easing of sanctions.
Insight: Nuclear deal heightens tension between Iran president and Guards
Reuters: The article on Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency appeared routine: the minister of roads and urban development said the ministry does not have a contract with construction firm Khatam al Anbia to complete a major highway heading north from Tehran.
Iran says warships headed close to US borders
AP: The commander of Iran’s Northern Navy Fleet, Admiral Afshin Rezayee Haddad, said the vessels have already entered the Atlantic Ocean via waters near South Africa, the official IRNA news agency reported.
