AFP: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared on Thursday that Iran was the world’s “number one” power, as he launched a bitter new assault on domestic critics he accused of siding with the enemy.
Iran ‘number one world power’: Ahmadinejad
S.Africa sees progress in Iran nuclear dispute
Reuters: South Africa said on Thursday a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency showed “increasing confidence” that Iran did not intend to use its nuclear programme for military purposes.
Clemente in talks again for Iran post
AFP: Spanish coach Javier Clemente is being courted a second time as Iran continue their search for a national team coach, according to press reports Thursday.
Gulf states scrutinising Iran financial dealings: US
AFP: A US official said on Thursday that the oil-rich Gulf Arab states are scrutinising Iran’s financial dealings to avoid serving as a conduit for its nuclear activities and alleged terrorism funding.
Iran’s Khamenei defiant amid nuclear pressure
AFP: Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Muslim countries did not need the approval of the United States to record great achievements, amid continued tension over Iran’s nuclear drive.
US Treasury says UAE needs “close look” at Iran banks
Reuters: The U.S. Treasury’s top sanctions official said on Thursday the United Arab Emirates should take a “very close look” at Iranian banks in the UAE and should prevent its banking system from abuse.
FATF anti-money laundering group raises Iran risks
Reuters: An international anti-money laundering body will alert members on Thursday to deficiences in Iran’s system of combating money laundering and terrorism financing, a U.S. Treasury official said.
Iran president to show off influence on Iraq visit
Reuters: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad makes a landmark trip to Iraq on Sunday seeking to show that Iran is an influential player in Iraqi politics which the United States can ill afford to isolate or ignore.
New sanctions against Iran likely soon
AP: The U.N. Security Council will approve new sanctions against Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment but the timing is uncertain and the resolution may not get unanimous support.
European firm thrives in Iran despite sanctions
Reuters: British executive Robert Mills says his express delivery firm is enjoying explosive growth in Iran, despite tightening international sanctions on the Islamic Republic over its disputed nuclear plans.
