AP: Arab leaders will offer plans this week to break the political “stalemate” that has engulfed Syria but they won’t demand the resignation of President Bashar Assad, Iraq’s top diplomat says.
Syria to top agenda at Arab summit in Baghdad
German minister warns Israel against Iran attack, Bild reports
Bloomberg: German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere said he warned Ehud Barak, his Israeli counterpart, against an attack on Iran’s nuclear installations, as the risks would be “incalculable,” Bild reported, citing an interview.
RBS halts India tanker payment due to Iran sanctions
Reuters: The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) has halted payments to a Greek ship owner which transported Iranian oil for an Indian shipping company, in line with Western sanctions aimed at hindering Iranian crude exports, shipping sources told Reuters.
BMWs languishing at Iran dealers as sanctions boost costs
Bloomberg: Mostafa Farahmand, who oversees sales at a car dealer in Tehran, hasn’t replenished his stock of Porsche (PAH3), BMW (BMW) and Mercedes-Benz (DAI) models for months because neither he nor his customers can pay for them.
Somali pirates hijack Iran cargo ship in Maldives
AFP: Somali pirates seized an Iranian-owned cargo ship and its 23-strong crew in the first hijacking within Maldivian territory, a senior security official said.
Iran nuke talks venue unclear
AP: Iran and six world powers have agreed to meet on April 13 for new talks about Tehran’s nuclear program, but the failure of previous meetings and disputes over what should be discussed are keeping them from choosing a venue, diplomats told The Associated Press on Monday.
Obama warns N. Korea, Iran their options are few
AP: President Barack Obama warned North Korea and Iran on Monday that their options are few, and their friends fewer, as those nations refuse to back down from actions the world sees as menacing.
Ahmadinejad tirade on Afghanistan prompts US walkout
AFP: A US delegation walked out of a conference in Tajikistan Monday during a speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lambasting US policy on Afghanistan as the source of all the nation’s troubles.
Ahmadinejad urges unity against ‘aggression’
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on regional powers Sunday to unite against “aggression” as he gathered with his counterparts from Afghanistan and Pakistan for security talks.
Iran helping Assad to put down protests – officials
Reuters: Iran is providing a broad array of assistance to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to help him suppress anti-government protests, from high-tech surveillance technology to guns and ammunition, U.S. and European security officials say.
