Reuters: Total's negotiations with Tehran on a multi-billion dollar contract to develop a major Iranian gas field are at a standstill, the head of the French oil major said on Friday.

AP: A top aide of Iran's supreme leader called the country's main opposition figure a U.S. agent and accused him of committing crimes against the nation in an editorial Saturday.

AP: Syria's leader sent a July 4 message full of praise to President Barack Obama on Friday and invited him to visit Syria — the latest signs Damascus is hedging its bets in Mideast politics, warming up to its rival the United States at a time when its longtime ally Iran is in turmoil.

Reuters: European Union countries summoned Iranian ambassadors Friday to protest against the detention of Iranian staff of the British embassy in Tehran and warned of tougher steps next week if they are not freed.

Reuters: Britain's Foreign Office said on Friday it was "very concerned" by reports from Iran that local embassy staff may face trial in connection with demonstrations against last month's presidential election.

AFP: A powerful Iranian cleric said on Friday that some local British embassy staff will be put on trial for allegedly stoking post-election violence, a move set to put further strain on their frayed ties.

Reuters: EU countries were studying steps to protest at Iran's crackdown on dissent on Friday, including a coordinated summoning of Tehran's ambassadors in Europe and visa bans on Iranian officials, diplomats said.