Reuters: An influential Iranian cleric praised recent nuclear talks between Iran and world powers on Friday, the latest in a series of positive statements from senior figures that analysts said could signal Tehran is softening its stance.
Iran cleric praises atom talks, signals shift – analysts
Ban Ki-moon looks forward to Iranian nuclear talks
UPI: The U.N. Secretary-General expressed hope that nuclear talks with Iran in Baghdad would ally the concerns of the international community.
Iran builds submarine force in Persian Gulf face-off
UPI: Iran has been building up its submarine fleet for the last decade, adding mainly indigenously built small boats armed with torpedoes and mines that make them ideal platforms to carry out Tehran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to the Persian Gulf.
Iran urges Bahrain to end ‘suppression’
AFP: Iran urged Bahrain on Friday to “end suppression and pay attention to its people’s demands,” ahead of the controversial Grand Prix race there, the official IRNA news agency reported.
The most potent answer to Tehran
UPI: When six world powers met with Iranian officials last week for the first time in 15 months, the talks were hailed in Europe as the first step toward a “negotiated solution” over fears of Tehran’s nuclear program.
Iranian diplomat accused of Brazil child molestation
BBC: Brazil says it will seek an explanation from Iran after an Iranian diplomat was accused of molesting underage girls at a swimming pool in Brasilia.
Russia, China seek info on US drone held by Iran
AP: Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency says Russia and China have asked Tehran to provide them with information on a U.S. drone captured by the Islamic Republic in December.
Iran open for IAEA talks, no word on Parchin – diplomats
Reuters: Iran says it is ready to resume talks with the U.N. nuclear watchdog two months after their last meeting ended in failure, but still appears to be stonewalling a request for access to a key military site, Western diplomats said on Thursday.
Iran plans to raise crude output to 5.1 million barrels a day
Bloomberg: Iran plans to increase crude production to 5.1 million barrels a day “in the coming years,” according to the oil ministry’s website.
Japan is asked to insure Iran oil shipments as EU sanctions bite
Bloomberg: Japan’s government may insure tankers carrying Iranian oil, joining China and India in responding to European sanctions blocking private providers.
