AFP: An Iranian opposition leader urged the United Nations Thursday to help free seven Iranians she said were being held in Iraq after a massacre at a camp for exiles killed 52.
Iranian exile leader appeals for UN help
Iran president offers to broker Syria talks
AFP: Iranian President Hassan Rowhani said his government was ready to “help facilitate dialogue” between the Syrian government and the opposition. We must create an atmosphere where peoples of the region can decide their own fates,” Rowhani wrote in a column in The Washington Post.
US and Iran eye diplomatic defrosting at UN
AP: The presidents of America and Iran may meet briefly next week for the first time, marking a symbolic but significant step toward easing their countries’ tense relationship. An exchange of letters between the leaders already has raised expectations for a thaw in relations.
Insight: U.S. and allies target Hezbollah financing, ties in Africa
Reuters: The United States and its allies are clamping down on suspected Hezbollah activity in West Africa, which Washington says is a major source of cash for the Lebanese group as its patron Iran feels the pinch of sanctions.
Iran minister, UN chief discuss nuclear issue
AP: Iran’s foreign minister and the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon exchanged views Thursday on the country’s controversial nuclear program and its potential role in ending the Syrian conflict, two issues expected to dominate next week’s annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
Envoys urge U.N. probe of massacre at Iranian exile camp in Iraq
Los Angeles Times: A massacre this month at an Iranian exile camp in Iraq that killed 52 people under international protection was an act of premeditated slaughter and should be thoroughly investigated by the United Nations, two former foreign ministers told the world body Thursday.
‘Humbled’ Kennedy seeks deeper ties with Japan
AFP: Caroline Kennedy said Thursday she hoped to carry on the legacy of her slain father John F. Kennedy by serving as the US ambassador to Japan, pledging to work for closer ties. Kennedy praised Japan for cutting down on oil imports from Iran.
A friendlier Iran: Diplomatic breakthrough or sinister feint?
U.S.News & World Report: Iran’s new President Hasan Rouhani has taken steps to improve relations with the West, but some observers question his sincerity. Former political prisoner warns against historic trickery while ambassador sees thawing relations.
Former top diplomats say Iran dissidents massacred
AP: Two former foreign ministers of France and Algeria say a Sept. 1 attack in Iraq that killed 52 members of an Iranian dissident group was a premeditated massacre, and the United Nations must press for the release of seven more who had were taken hostage while seeking asylum.
Iran’s Rouhani says wants peace, blames Israel for region’s ‘instability’
Reuters: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in a television interview, said his country is not seeking war but harshly criticized Israel for bringing “instability” to the Middle East and for questioning his government’s intentions toward nuclear arms.
