Reuters: Iran will not discuss its nuclear programme at talks with global powers, an adviser to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday, adding fresh doubt to the chances of a negotiated end to its stand-off with the West.
Ahmadinejad aide says Iran not ready to talk nuclear
Nigeria: Shipper confirms weapons came from Iran
AP: A weapons cache containing artillery rockets seized by Nigerian security agents at the West African nation’s busiest port originally came from Iran, an international shipping company said Saturday.
Saudi offers to host talks on Iraq political crisis
Reuters: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah invited Iraq’s political parties on Saturday to attend talks in the kingdom to overcome the 7-month political gridlock that followed an inconclusive election, state news agency SPA said.
Iran acknowledges sanctions driving up costs
AP: Iran’s commerce minister on Saturday denied that international sanctions imposed on the country over its disputed nuclear program have damaged Tehran’s trade ties and said the penalties will prove futile.
Sanctions ‘most ridiculous’ act against Iran: Ahmadinejad
AFP: Imposing sanctions on Iran has been the “most ridiculous and failed” move adopted by the world powers, the country’s hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday.
Weapons seized in Nigeria came from Iran-shipping company
Reuters: Crates of weapons including rocket launchers and mortars seized in Nigeria this week were loaded in Iran by a local trader, the company which shipped the containers said on Saturday.
Iran forex reserves exceed $100bln: Ahmadinejad
AFP: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday that the foreign exchange reserves of sanctions-hit Iran were higher than the World Bank’s estimate of 100 billion dollars.
Iran Air considers legal case over EU fuel denial
Reuters: Iran’s state-owned airline is considering legal action to force European companies to fuel its planes, official news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.
Iran’s supreme leader demands support of clerics
Los Angeles Times: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns the leaders of the Shiite Muslim clergy if they embrace Western ideals or oppose President Ahmadinejad’s hard-line government, the Islamic Republic could collapse.
Palin, US State Department in Twitter duel
AFP: A tongue-in-cheek US birthday message to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over Twitter may not have reached the intended recipient, but triggered a rebuke from someone else — Sarah Palin.
