AFP: The European Union will unilaterally impose new sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear programme if there is no consensus at the UN, Finland's foreign minister said on Saturday.
Finland moots EU sanctions on Iran
U.S. criticizes Iran for religious persecution
Reuters: The United States voiced growing concern on Friday about Iran's "ongoing persecution" of religious minorities, including Baha'is, and called on Tehran to protect human rights at home.
FACTBOX-Foreign firms who say they won’t deal with Iran
Reuters: A number of companies have halted business with Iran under the threat of future U.S. sanctions.
Abbas blames Iran for blocking Palestinian reconciliation
AFP: Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas lashed out at Iran on Friday, blaming Tehran for being behind the latest failure to reconcile his secular Fatah movement with its Isalamist rival Hamas.
Britain says China won’t risk isolation over Iran
Reuters: Britain's ambassador to China said on Friday that Beijing risks isolation if it fails to join international efforts to impose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme.
Euro MEP accuses Iran of rigging Iraqi vote
AFP: The point-man for European Parliament relations with Iraq accused on Thursday top Iraqi electoral commission figures of rigging the election at Iran's behest.
Gates meets with ruler of Emirates on Iran
New York Times: Defense secretary Robert M. Gates met here on Thursday with the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates as part of an intensifying American effort to build up defenses with Arab allies and contain Iran’s military might in the Persian Gulf.
Saudi, UAE ready to press China on Iran sanctions: US
AFP: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have signalled a willingness to press China to support tough new sanctions on Iran, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday.
Gates: Gulf allies understand Iran sanctions next
AP: U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday that Persian Gulf allies understand sanctions are the inevitable next step in dealing with the threat of a nuclear Iran.
U.S. human rights report hits China, Iran
Reuters: China and Iran have stepped up their abuses of human rights, targeting both anti-government activists and the free flow of information over the Internet, the State Department said on Thursday.
