AP: Iran’s conservative-dominated parliament rejected three of the new president’s 18 nominees for his Cabinet on Thursday but approved 15 others, including those heading portfolios key to implementing his agenda to reduce the Islamic Republic’s international isolation and improve its economy.
Iran’s parliament rejects 3 Cabinet nominees
Iran detains Indian tanker carrying crude, wants undertaking
New Indian Express: Iran has detained India’s largest ocean liner Shipping Corporation (SCI)’s vessel carrying crude from Iraq on Tuesday, following which government is engaged in hectic diplomatic parleys with the Iranians to secure release of the tanker.
In Israel, US army chief talks Iran
AFP: Iran’s nuclear programme was at the centre of discussions on Wednesday between US army chief General Martin Dempsey and Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon, public radio said.
Iran, Syria: Smuggling weapons to gain influence in the West Bank
Forbes: Though Iran and Syria face many constraints in trying to spread militancy to the West Bank, their quiet efforts are worth noting, particularly as Hamas and Iran are now finding reasons to repair their relationship after a period of strain.
Iran Speaker tells lawmakers to watch tongues in Cabinet debate
Bloomberg: Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani told lawmakers to cool their rhetoric and respect the assembly’s etiquette, after two days of often heated debate over President Hassan Rohani’s cabinet nominees.
Incoming top Iran diplomat backs ‘nuclear rights’
AP: Iran’s incoming foreign minister says he will not back down from fighting for Iran’s right to maintain its disputed nuclear program. Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks during a Tuesday confirmation hearing before parliament, expected to approve his appointment later this week.
Analysis: Saudi feud too bitter for new Iran president to fix
Reuters: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah’s disdain for Iran leaps from U.S. embassy cables. “May God prevent us from falling victim to their evil,” he told U.S. officials, according to a cable released by WikiLeaks.
Implications of Iran and Sudan’s growing alliance
Huffington Post: Recent geopolitical developments across the Middle East and Africa have added momentum to Iran and Sudan’s strategic partnership, an alliance driven primarily by an interest in weakening the power of Israel, and by extension the U.S., throughout East Africa.
Hasan Rouhani: No ‘moderate’ in Iran
Miami Herald: Since the conclusion of Iran’s presidential elections, some in the West believe that the newly elected President Hasan Rouhani is a “moderate” who will open the door for diplomacy and offer the best chance for a nuclear settlement with Tehran. It is time for a reality check.
India looks to buy more Iranian oil
Wall Street Journal: India’s finance minister said Monday that the country wants to boost imports of Iranian crude as it wrestles with economic woes—a step that comes weeks after the U.S. State Department exempted New Delhi from sanctions.
