AFP: Western leaders have hailed a decision by Syria’s opposition to attend an international peace conference next week alongside representatives of a regime they despise and remain determined to overthrow.
West hails Syria opposition vote to join peace talks
Officials: Iranian diplomat killed in Yemen
AP: Gunmen killed an Iranian diplomat in a drive-by shooting in Yemen’s capital Saturday, security and medical officials said, the latest attack on Iran’s diplomatic corps in the Middle East in recent months.
Iran hangs 40 people in two weeks amid surge in executions
Amnesty International: Iranian authorities have executed 40 people, most of them for drugs offences, since the beginning of January. At least 33 executions were carried out in the past week alone.
Iran top nuke negotiator: Deal reversible in one day
Daily Beast: Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, said this week that if Iran decides to resume enriching uranium to levels prohibited by the new nuclear deal, it could begin to do so in one day’s time.
Russia steps up military lifeline to Syria’s Assad – sources
Reuters: In recent weeks Russia has stepped up supplies of military gear to Syria, including armored vehicles, drones and guided bombs, boosting President Bashar al-Assad.
IAEA team arrives in Tehran for nuclear visits
Reuters: A team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Tehran on Saturday, another step towards implementing a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers.
Nuke agency: Iran monitoring to cost $6 million
AP: The U.N. nuclear agency estimates that monitoring Iran’s compliance with terms of the nuclear deal Tehran reached with six world powers will cost $6 million (4.4 million euros.)
Iran slams US text on implementation of nuclear deal
AFP: Iran denounced Friday as “one sided” a text released by the United States summarising the implementation of the nuclear deal Tehran struck with world powers.
Iranian sanctions must continue
The Hill: The bill [Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act] gives Western negotiators even greater leverage to convince the Iranians to make further concessions and ultimately reach a final agreement. This bill serves as an important diplomatic tool for Secretary Kerry and his international counterparts.
White House intensifies political campaign for Iran deal
AFP: The White House intensified efforts to placate political opposition to an interim Iran nuclear deal, as one influential Republican suggested delaying a vote on new sanctions until July.
