AFP: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Tuesday that protests across the Arab world have dealt a major setback to Al-Qaeda militants and Iran by endorsing democratic change.

Reuters: The International Olympic Committee has rejected Iran’s complaint that the logo for the 2012 Olympics resembles the word Zion and is racist.

AFP: The United States will take action if Venezuela violates international sanctions against Iran, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Tuesday as she defended outreach to the Cuban people.

Bloomberg: Iran plans to install long-range radar systems in several months to boost its air defenses, Fars reported, citing a senior commander.

AFP: The United States said Monday that the detention of opposition leaders in Iran was “unacceptable” amid conflicting claims in Tehran that key anti-government figures had been arrested.

Bloomberg: Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions and arming of proxy fighters still represent the “greatest long- term challenge” in the Middle East, the top U.S. commander for the region says.

Iran Focus: Tehran, Mar. 01 – Thousands of residents of Tehran clashed with security forces late on Tuesday in anti-government protests in various parts of the Iranian capital.

AFP: Iran have protested against the already controversial logo of the 2012 Olympic Games, saying the emblem is racist and spells the word “Zion,” the ILNA news agency reported on Monday.