Reuters: The European Union will re-impose asset freezes on several Iranian companies, annulled this year by court order, even as world powers appear close to a breakthrough deal with Tehran over its contested nuclear program.
EU to re-impose Iran sanctions quashed by court
Democrats silent as Kerry pleads for time on Iran talks
Bloomberg: Senate Democratic leaders are withholding comment on an Obama administration request to delay new sanctions against Iran, as some Republicans say they’re determined to increase economic pressure aimed at curbing the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
Israel warns of war from Iran ‘bad deal’, sees big sanctions cut
Reuters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that a “bad deal” with Iran on its nuclear program could lead to war and his aides challenged U.S. assertions to have offered Tehran only “modest” relief from sanctions.
Hunger strikers vow: ‘We’ll die if it saves the lives of others’
Metro: Hunger strikers camped outside the US embassy in London have warned they are prepared to die in protest at the ‘massacre’ of Iranians in Iraq. The five women and one man have spent more than ten weeks in a makeshift camp and are now in a serious condition as their health deteriorates.
Hezbollah leader makes rare public appearance
AP: A successful conclusion of current talks over the disputed program however would strengthen the Islamic Republic and its allies in the region, said Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, whose group is backed by Iran and Syria.
U.S. lawmakers question Obama’s plea for Iran sanctions pause
Reuters: Senior U.S. lawmakers expressed sharp frustration with the Obama administration’s call to delay new sanctions against Iran on Wednesday, underscoring the difficult sales job the Democratic president has as he pursues a rapprochement with Tehran.
Hollande, Obama say ‘up to Iran’ to accept nuclear deal
AFP: French President Francois Hollande and US President Barack Obama on Wednesday jointly urged Iran to accept a deal presented by world powers on its nuclear programme, Hollande’s office said.
Judge asked to invalidate Iran-Argentine probe of 1994 bombing
Reuters: An Argentine prosecutor has asked a judge to declare as unconstitutional an agreement between Argentina and Iran to jointly investigate the deadly 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish community center that local courts blamed on Tehran.
US-UN: Kill the messenger not the dictator!
Scoop: You would think this story would appeal to the media: 52 unarmed people shot dead, six women and a man taken hostage and hidden away. So why have the media hardly mentioned it at all? Because the Foreign and Commonwealth Office won’t let them publish it? If so, why won’t it?
White House: New Iran sanctions could lead U.S. to ‘war’
UPI: The White House warned Congress imposing new economic sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program could lead the United States on a “march to war.” The heightened rhetoric came as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was to meet behind closed doors with members of the Senate Banking Committee.
