AFP: Iran said on Thursday the talk of sanctions by world powers against the Islamic republic over its nuclear programme is just an empty threat that has been ineffective against Tehran for the past 30 years.
Iran sees sanctions talk as empty threat
White House welcomes China move on Iran
Reuters: The White House said on Thursday China's agreement to take part in serious negotiations with Western powers over new sanctions on Iran was an "important step" and it expected the international community would be able to put pressure on Iran this spring.
Iran envoy in China as sanctions push builds
Reuters: China has agreed to serious negotiations with Western powers about sanctions on Iran, while Tehran's top nuclear negotiator was in Beijing on Thursday to discuss the diplomatic showdown.
Defection of Iranian nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri ‘a CIA coup’
The Times: An Iranian nuclear scientist who disappeared while on pilgrimage to Mecca last year has defected to the United States and is living and working there for the CIA, it was reported yesterday.
Reliance not seen renewing Iran crude deal-sources
Reuters: India's top privately run refiner Reliance Industries will not renew a contract to import crude oil from Iran for financial year 2010, two sources familiar with the supply deal said on Thursday.
Iran top nuclear envoy arrives in China for talks
AP: Iran's top nuclear negotiator arrived Thursday for talks with Chinese officials, just after Beijing appeared to drop its opposition to possible new U.N. sanctions against Tehran over its uranium enrichment program.
Q+A – Where does China stand on Iran sanctions?
Reuters: Iran's top nuclear negotiator is heading to China for talks on Thursday as Western governments become increasingly confident that Beijing will back sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear activities.
China agrees to consider steps on Iran
New York Times: After months of resisting the idea of new Security Council sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, the Chinese government appears to have taken a step closer to supporting them, agreeing to enter negotiations over the language of a new resolution to intensify international pressure on Iran.
INTERVIEW-Allawi says Iraq at risk as coalitions talk merger
Reuters: An alliance of major Shi'ite parties that sidelines his election-winning cross-sectarian bloc could tip Iraq back into sectarian violence, former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said on Wednesday.
China ready for UN talks on Iran: US
AFP: China is ready for "serious" talks at the United Nations on Iran's nuclear program, the United States said Wednesday, as it sought support for sanctions against Tehran.
