AFP: Arab interior ministers gathered for a security meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday accused Iran of supplying “logistic help to terrorist operations” in Bahrain and Yemen.
Arabs accuse Iran of aiding ‘terror’ in Bahrain, Yemen
US renews waivers in Iran oil sanction program
AP: The United States is renewing waivers for Japan and 10 European countries for their efforts in the Iran oil sanction program. Secretary of State John Kerry announced the waivers Wednesday.
Iran: Bushehr nuclear power plant taken off line
AP: Iran’s vice president says the Bushehr nuclear power plant has been disconnected from the country’s electricity grid because of a mechanical problem.
Iran pipeline to Pakistan tests U.S. stand
UPI: The launch of a $7.5 billion natural gas pipeline from Iran to Pakistan could have a significant geopolitical effects in Asia and put U.S. policy to the test.
Ripe oil market offers window to amp up pressure on Iran: report
Reuters: Global oil market conditions are ripe for the West to further pressure Iran over its nuclear program, but the window will likely close next year as fuel demand is expected to rise in Asia, a report to be released on Wednesday said.
Iran seeks U.S. wheat despite nuclear tension
Reuters: Iran’s state grain buyer has been in talks with export houses aimed at buying around 121,254 tons of U.S.-origin milling wheat, traders said, even as the United States and Europe impose toughened sanctions to stem Tehran’s nuclear program.
Iran, al-Qaeda relationship is showing cracks, U.S. officials and analysts say
Washington Post: Iran’s expulsion of a senior al-Qaeda official appears to signal a crackdown on the terrorist group that has long been granted safe haven within its borders, U.S. officials say.
Family of ex-Marine detained in Iran pleads for his release
Reuters: The family of a former U.S. Marine detained in Iran for 19 months is calling for his release, saying he has suffered in solitary confinement and his cancer-stricken father needs him.
Investigator from U.N. gives Iran harsh review
New York Times: With presidential elections approaching in June, Iran has cracked down on journalists, rights activists and lawyers apparently in a bid to stifle dissent, a United Nations investigator said on Tuesday.
OPEC producers said to be in talks to replace Iran oil for India
Bloomberg: OPEC’s biggest oil producers are in talks to supply extra crude to India as the nation prepares to halt purchases from Iran because of global sanctions, four people with knowledge of the matter said.
