Reuters: Norwegian energy group Statoil said on Friday it would conclude work in Iran by 2012 at the latest and is now only providing technical assistance after finishing development of the South Pars project last year.
Statoil eyes exit from Iran by 2012 or earlier
US hits Iranian energy firm with sanctions
AP: The Obama administration on Thursday slapped sanctions on a Swiss-based Iranian company involved in Iran’s oil and gas sector and claimed success in persuading several European energy firms to divest from the country.
Ahmadinejad visit a ‘provocation’: Lebanon alliance
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s expected tour of south Lebanon during his official visit to the Mediterranean country was criticised as a “provocation” on Friday by the largest bloc in parliament.
Iran blasts US ‘interference’ in domestic affairs
AFP: Tehran hit out Friday against US “interference” after Washington ordered sanctions against senior Iranian officials for alleged human rights abuses during a crackdown on post-election protests last year.
Obama meets with U.S. woman freed by Iran
Reuters: U.S. President Barack Obama met on Thursday with Sarah Shourd, an American hiker who was detained for more than a year in Iran, and vowed to press for the release of two U.S. men who are still being detained by the Iranian government, the White House said.
Japan Inpex may quit Iran over US sanction-minister
Reuters: Japan’s top oil explorer Inpex Corp may pull out of an oilfield project in Iran, joining other global energy firms in abandoning activities there to avoid U.S. sanctions, trade minister Akihiro Ohata said on Friday.
Dollar surges in Iran as sanctions bite: forex dealers
AFP: The US dollar rate surged in Iran on Thursday as local banks halted the sale of foreign currency to private individuals, with some dealers saying the rise was because of latest sanctions on Tehran.
Iran media subsidies to be based on loyalty: minister
AFP: Iranian newspapers will receive government aid based on their loyalty to the establishment, Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Hosseini was quoted as saying by media on Thursday.
Iran summons envoy for U.S. “sanctions” on its officials
Reuters: Iran summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran on Thursday to protest over what it called U.S. sanctions imposed on eight Iranian officials who Washington says participated in human rights abuses, media reported.
Iran cenbank says to stabilise rial vs dollar
Reuters: The Central Bank of Iran aims to stabilise the currency, which suffered a sudden drop in value in recent days, to a “normal” exchange rate with the U.S. dollar by next week, the bank’s governor said on Thursday.
