Reuters: Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that U.S. sanctions imposed this week as part of a broader effort to force Tehran to scrap sensitive nuclear work were aimed at “creating tension” in the Islamic state ahead of June presidential elections.
Iran says new U.S. sanctions aimed at creating tension
Sasol’s writedown of Iran unit to hammer first-half earnings
Bloomberg: Sasol Ltd., the world’s largest producer of motor fuel from coal, said profit for the six months through December will be affected by a writedown in the value of its Iranian unit.
UN investigating Iran link to Yemen arms seizure
AFP: UN sanctions experts are investigating the Yemeni government’s claims that Iran supplied rockets and explosives seized from a ship last month, diplomats said.
Supreme Leader of Iran rejects direct talks with U.S.
New York Times: Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected any idea of bilateral talks with the United States on Thursday, in a speech in which he seemed to dismiss the views of Iranian officials — including the country’s foreign minister — who had advocated for such negotiations.
Argentine president defends accord with Iran over bombing
Reuters: Argentine President Cristina Fernandez defended a pact with Iran to set up a “truth commission” to investigate the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires and asked Congress on Thursday to approve the accord.
Yemen demands Iran halts support for insurgents
Reuters: Yemen’s president has asked his Iranian counterpart to stop backing armed groups on its soil after coastguards seized a consignment of missiles and rockets believed sent by the Islamic Republic, a government official said on Thursday.
Iran wants closer ties with Egypt
AP: After decades of mistrust, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday his country wanted closer relations with Egypt, something that if realized could mean a new and powerful alliance that could reshape the turbulent Middle East.
Iran’s Khamenei rebuffs U.S. offer of direct talks
Reuters: Iran’s highest authority, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Thursday slapped down an offer of direct talks made by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden last week, saying they would not solve the problem between them.
US expands sanctions on Iran to press nuclear case
AFP: The United States on Wednesday tightened sanctions on Iran to further choke off its oil income, saying it was necessary to increase pressure on Tehran over its suspected nuclear weapons program.
Iran releases Ahmadinejad ally linked to deaths
AP: Iran’s official news agency is reporting that authorities have released a close ally of the president from custody, a day after he was arrested over an alleged role in the torture and killing of prisoners.
