Bloomberg: Iran has few policy options to end turmoil in its currency markets, as the U.S. and allies seek to inflict enough economic pain to force the Islamic republic into concessions over its nuclear plans, analysts said.
Iran low on options as hyperinflation concerns spark gold dash
Iran rulers eye currency mess from protected perch
AP: Just as Iran’s currency was rattling near bottom after a stunning free fall, officials in Tehran opened a trade exhibition that included advanced engineering tools, heavy machinery and robotics.
Iran currency market remains paralysed
AFP: The open forex market in Tehran was still largely paralysed on Sunday, four days after Iran’s national currency dropped more than 40 percent prompting protests in the capital’s symbolic Grand Bazaar.
At-odds Netanyahu and Barak ‘agree’ on Iran, US
AFP: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak have “agreed” on fighting the Iranian threat in all its forms and on managing ties with the United States, a joint statement said.
Iran’s parliament drops impeachment over economy
AP: Iran’s parliament on Sunday abandoned its planned impeachment of a Cabinet minister over the free-fall of the country’s currency, opting instead to look for more effective economic measures, like cutting spending.
Iran parliament votes to consider halting subsidy reform plan
Reuters: Iran’s parliament voted on Sunday to consider suspending plans for further reform of the country’s food and fuel subsidies, with legislators citing economic pain caused by the plunge of the rial currency, Iranian media reported.
Qatar urges Syrian rebels not to kill Iranian prisoners
Reuters: Qatar, a major supporter of Syrian rebels, urged them on Sunday not to kill Iranians seized two months ago near Damascus, after the captors threatened to start killing their 48 prisoners.
Only threat to regime will budge ‘mad’ Tehran: Hammond
AFP: The world should tighten the squeeze on Iran over its “mad” nuclear plans to the point where the regime’s survival is threatened by its own people, defence secretary said.
US threatens more sanctions over Iran nuclear drive
AFP: Iran must respond to international concerns about its suspect nuclear program, or face additional punitive sanctions, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Saturday.
Iran denies offering new plan on nuclear impasse
Reuters: Iran denied on Saturday a U.S. media report that it had offered a “nine-step plan” aimed at solving its stand-off with the West over its disputed nuclear program.
