PACE: We urge the Iraqi authorities to release these seven Iranians, unless they are duly charged with an internationally recognisable criminal offence; to make sure that they are protected from torture and other ill-treatment; and not to forcibly return them to Iran where their lives would be in danger.
Call for investigation into the September killings at Camp Ashraf
Iran’s comments on Israel deemed ‘unacceptable’ as talks open
Wall Street Journal: Iran’s leader launched an anti-Western broadside as global powers resumed negotiations on curbing Tehran’s nuclear program, injecting fresh uncertainty into a diplomatic process viewed as crucial to Middle East stability.
Iran rejects UN resolution on its rights record
AFP: The Canadian-drafted UN resolution on Tuesday criticised abuses, the widespread use of the death penalty, particularly for minors, and amputations and flogging as a punishment in Iran.
Iran forcibly deporting Afghans, rights group says
AP: Iran is forcefully deporting Afghans by the thousands in violation of its international obligation to protect refugees, a rights group said Wednesday in a report. The report included stories of fathers deported without being given a chance to tell the families they leave behind.
U.S. says ‘very hard’ to clinch deal as Iran nuclear talks resume
Reuters: Major powers resumed talks on Wednesday on a preliminary agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program with the United States warning it would be “very hard” to clinch a breakthrough deal this week and Tehran flagging “red lines”.
Biden appeals to Democratic senators on Iran
AP: The White House says Vice President Joe Biden has stressed to a dozen Democratic senators that the goal of talks involving the U.S., other world powers and Iran is to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Nuclear deal will not just buy Iran time: Kerry
AFP: Secretary of State John Kerry vowed Wednesday that the United States would not let any deal with Iran become a ploy by the Islamic republic to buy time to increase nuclear capability.
Israeli leader lobbies in Russia against Iran deal
Reuters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Russia on Wednesday to insist world powers set tough terms for Iran in any deal reached in the standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Senate puts off Iran sanctions vote as nuclear talks start
UPI: The U.S. Senate will put off a vote on new Iranian sanctions that could derail nuclear talks, senators said, as a crucial round of talks was to begin Wednesday. The administration estimates the proposed sanctions relief would be worth $5 billion to $10 billion to Iran.
Top U.S. lawmakers urge Obama to take tougher line on Iran
Reuters: Senior U.S. lawmakers urged the Obama administration on Tuesday to take a tougher line in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear ambitions, saying Tehran should roll back its nuclear program before economic sanctions are eased.
