Bloomberg: Again and again, the trope appears: “Western-educated” as a sort of marker for “moderate” or “a man we can work with.” It’s hard to see what other purpose could be served by the constant invocation of the same compound adjective.
Two words that should make the West wary of Iran
White House warns shutdown hits Iran sanctions
AFP: The White House warned Friday that the office which enforces US sanctions on Iran could not function as most of its staff was furloughed by the government shutdown. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control had seen its manpower cut from 175 full-time staff to 11.
No ‘suckers’: US threatens Iran with new sanctions
AP: The Obama administration said Thursday it would support tougher economic pressure on Iran if the Islamic republic doesn’t begin slowing the pace of its uranium enrichment activity and opening its stockpiles of nuclear material to greater inspection.
U.S. hints Iran could get some sanctions relief if takes steps
Reuters: The United States held out the possibility on Thursday of giving Iran some short-term sanctions relief in return for concrete steps to slow uranium enrichment and shed light on its nuclear program.
US administration urges Congress against new Iran sanctions
AFP: President Barack Obama’s administration urged lawmakers Thursday not to impose new sanctions on Iran as it seeks to respond to overtures from new leader Hassan Rouhani.
Iran probes ‘horrific’ death, denies assassination
AP: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it’s investigating a “horrific incident” that caused the death of a member of the powerful military force but denies reports that it was an assassination.
U.S. talks with Iran must be based on concrete steps by Tehran: Kerry
Reuters: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday that the United States hopes to engage with the new Iranian administration, but Tehran must first prove it is willing to end the stand-off over its nuclear weapons program.
Kerry: ‘Diplomatic malpractice’ not to engage Iran
AP: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says it would be “diplomatic malpractice” not to test Iran’s willingness to comply with international demands over its nuclear program. Kerry’s comments in Tokyo are his first on the subject since Netanyahu warned the U.S. and the West against trusting Iran.
Iran parliament endorses Rouhani’s diplomatic gambit
Reuters: Iran’s parliament strongly endorsed President Hassan Rouhani’s diplomatic bid to dispel mistrust at the United Nations last week during a visit which ended with an historic phone call with President Barack Obama, Iranian media said.
No real progress in ‘constructive’ Iran-IAEA talks: diplomats
Reuters: The U.N. atomic watchdog and Iran appeared to make little real headway in talks last week and it is uncertain whether Tehran’s more positive attitude will help yield a long-sought breakthrough, diplomats said on Wednesday.
