Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Sep. 11 – A powerful earthquake struck the Iranian island of Qeshm on the southern coast on Wednesday leaving at least seven people dead, state media reported.
Strong earthquake leaves 7 dead in southern Iran island
Germany charges man with spying for Iran, supporting armament
Bloomberg: Germany charged a man with spying for the Iranian government and aiding the central Asian nation's conventional-arms production.
UN envoy to Iraq, in Iran, seeks constructive role
Reuters: The U.N. representative in Baghdad, speaking in the Iranian capital, on Wednesday called on Iraq's neighbours to play a constructive role by respecting Iraqi sovereignty and working towards its stability.
Iran closes eateries over violating Ramadan
AFP: Iran has shut down more than 200 eateries and warned 26,000 people for violating a ban on eating and offering food before sunset during Ramadan, Iran's deputy police chief was quoted as saying.
U.S. bans dealings with Iranian shipping line
Reuters: The United States increased pressure on Iran over its nuclear program on Wednesday by imposing sanctions against its national maritime carrier and 18 affiliates, effectively targeting much of its shipping sector.
U.S. to discuss new step on Iran under U.N. sanctions
Reuters: The U.S. State and Treasury Departments will hold a 1700 GMT (6 p.m. BST) briefing Wednesday on implementing a U.N. Security Council resolution that imposes sanctions on Iran for failing to curb its nuclear program.
Petraeus’ former deputy returns as Iraq chief
AP: Home barely long enough to knock the Iraq dust off his boots, Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno is returning to Baghdad to command a slowly shrinking force in possibly the final phase of American combat action.
U.S. sees scope for insurance clampdown on Iran
Reuters: The United States is discussing with allies how insurance firms can more rigidly apply sanctions on Iran to step up pressure over its disputed nuclear programme, a senior U.S. Treasury official said on Tuesday.
U.S. says Iran won’t get Russian missile system soon
Reuters: The United States does not expect Iran to receive a Russian air defence system this year, a Pentagon official said on Tuesday of the shield that would make any strike on Tehran's nuclear sites more difficult.
Russia says Iran nuclear plant nearing completion
Reuters: Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant is nearing completion and the start-up of its reactor will soon become "irreversible", the Russian state-owned company that is building the power station said on Tuesday.
