New York Times: Opening a new front in its pressure campaign against Tehran, the Obama administration on Wednesday put eight Iranian officials on a blacklist for their role in the bloody suppression of anti-government demonstrators after the disputed Iranian election last year.
U.S. imposes sanctions on 8 Iran officials for crackdown
Japan to withdraw from Iran oil project: reports
AFP: The Japanese government and oil developer Inpex Corp. plan to completely withdraw from Iran’s largest onshore oil field project to avoid possible US sanctions, news reports said Thursday.
Four oil companies pull out of Iran: State Dept
AFP: The United States said Thursday that energy giants Total of France, Anglo-Dutch Shell, Norway’s Statoil and Italy’s Eni have pledged to end their investments in Iran.
Goldsmiths go on strike in N.W. Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Sep. 29 – Goldsmiths in the north-western city of Ardebil have staged a strike that they say will continue until 5 October.
US asks Japan to withdraw from Iran oil project-media
Reuters: The United States has asked the Japanese government to withdraw from Iran’s Azadegan oil field project in which Japanese oil developer Inpex Corp has a stake to reflect Washington’s sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme, a Japanese newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Iran nuclear plant hit by two-month delay: official
AFP: Iran’s atomic chief said on Wednesday that the country’s first nuclear power plant will be ready to generate electricity by January — two months later than announced.
Iraq’s Allawi asks Syria to press Iran not to meddle
AFP: Former Iraqi premier Iyad Allawi said he had asked Syria on Wednesday to persuade Iran to keep out of his protracted battle for the premiership with incumbent Nuri al-Maliki.
Iraqi PM candidate in Syria amid deadlock
AP: A leading candidate in the contested race to lead Iraq’s new government insisted during a visit to Syria on Wednesday that he would not take part in any coalition headed by his rival, the current prime minister.
Iran currency slumps, central bank says to act
Reuters: Iran’s rial has fallen more than 10 percent in the last two days, prompting speculation about a shortage of hard currency in a country whose financial sector has been hit by international sanctions.
China says wants deeper trade ties with Iran
Reuters: China wants deeper trade ties with Iran, a senior Chinese leader was quoted as saying on Wednesday, praising relations between the two countries despite the controversy over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
