Bloomberg: Iran has signaled a willingness to halt the expansion of nuclear work at the center of its decade-long dispute with world powers, according to diplomats familiar with the investigation into the atomic program. The Persian Gulf nation also slowed construction of a reactor at Arak.
Iran is said to signal nuclear cooperation by slowing expansion
US may free ‘tiny portion’ of $45 bln Iran assets: Kerry
AFP: US Secretary of State John Kerry Thursday revealed for the first time that the United States is offering to free up “a tiny portion” of some $45 billion in Iranian assets frozen in bank accounts around the world.
Menendez joins GOP in slamming Iran briefing
The Hill: The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday joined Republicans in slamming the Obama administration’s request to delay sanctions on Iran.He reiterated his desire to move legislation that could somehow increase the pressure on Iran.
America’s broken Middle East promise
Detroit News: Presently, hundreds of other Camp Liberty residents, including myself, are on a hunger strike, demanding the immediate release of the seven Camp Ashraf hostages in the Iraqi government’s custody, as well as the deployment of a UN Blue Helmet contingent for the protection of the 3,000 residents of Camp Liberty.
US gambling with Israel’s security: minister
AFP: Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, dispatched by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to campaign against a nascent deal being negotiated by western powers with Iran, spoke out against moves which in a first phase would apparently allow Tehran to halt but not dismantle its nuclear program.
EU to re-impose Iran sanctions quashed by court
Reuters: The European Union will re-impose asset freezes on several Iranian companies, annulled this year by court order, even as world powers appear close to a breakthrough deal with Tehran over its contested nuclear program.
Democrats silent as Kerry pleads for time on Iran talks
Bloomberg: Senate Democratic leaders are withholding comment on an Obama administration request to delay new sanctions against Iran, as some Republicans say they’re determined to increase economic pressure aimed at curbing the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
Israel warns of war from Iran ‘bad deal’, sees big sanctions cut
Reuters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that a “bad deal” with Iran on its nuclear program could lead to war and his aides challenged U.S. assertions to have offered Tehran only “modest” relief from sanctions.
Hunger strikers vow: ‘We’ll die if it saves the lives of others’
Metro: Hunger strikers camped outside the US embassy in London have warned they are prepared to die in protest at the ‘massacre’ of Iranians in Iraq. The five women and one man have spent more than ten weeks in a makeshift camp and are now in a serious condition as their health deteriorates.
Hezbollah leader makes rare public appearance
AP: A successful conclusion of current talks over the disputed program however would strengthen the Islamic Republic and its allies in the region, said Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, whose group is backed by Iran and Syria.
