Reuters: A senior Iranian lawmaker warned Western powers they would soon have to accept the reality of the country’s nuclear advances, Iran’s state news agency reported late on Saturday, days before talks are set to re-open on its disputed nuclear programme.
West will soon have to accept nuclear Iran: Iran MP
US, Europe to ‘demand’ Iran close nuclear facility
AFP: The United States and its European allies plan to demand the immediate closing by Iran and ultimate dismantling of a recently completed underground nuclear facility near the city of Qum, The New York Times reported.
Iran tells ex-Japan PM it will stand by nuclear rights
AFP: Iran on Saturday told visiting former Japanese premier Yukio Hatoyama that it will pursue its controversial nuclear programme despite “restrictions,” and hopes upcoming talks with world powers will lead “towards trust building,” media reported.
Iran oil development fund could reach $55 billion: Ahmedinejad
Reuters: Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday the country’s sovereign wealth fund could reach $55 billion by March next year if oil prices kept high, in an apparent bid to defend his economic record in the face of increasing isolation.
Iran lawmaker: Country can produce nuclear weapons
AP: Iran has the knowledge and scientific capability to produce nuclear weapons but will never do so, a prominent lawmaker has said.
Iran: Navy rescues Chinese sailors from pirates
AP: Iran’s state TV says the country’s navy has rescued 28 crew members of a Chinese ship hijacked by pirates.
U.S. hurting Iran opposition
Albuquerque Journal: America’s move to arm the Syrian resistance, following our decisive military intervention in Libya, stands in stark contrast with our dithering over the fate of the only organized, secular, democratic opposition to the mullahs in Tehran.
Iranian cleric says Saudi is “centre of sedition”
Reuters: An Iranian cleric accused Saudi Arabia on Friday of giving refuge to terrorists and committing crimes in Arab states including Bahrain and Syria, the Iranian Students’ News Agency ISNA reported.
Analysts warn of cost of Iranian sanctions
UPI: Sanctions on the Iranian energy sector are affecting gasoline prices and a sanctions opponent said it’s unfair for U.S. leaders not to inform the public.
Pirates seize Chinese cargo ship off Iranian coast
BBC: A Chinese cargo ship was seized by pirates in the Gulf of Oman off Iran’s coast, Chinese state media reported, citing China’s embassy in Tehran.
