Reuters: The United States and its allies are clamping down on suspected Hezbollah activity in West Africa, which Washington says is a major source of cash for the Lebanese group as its patron Iran feels the pinch of sanctions.
Insight: U.S. and allies target Hezbollah financing, ties in Africa
Iran minister, UN chief discuss nuclear issue
AP: Iran’s foreign minister and the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon exchanged views Thursday on the country’s controversial nuclear program and its potential role in ending the Syrian conflict, two issues expected to dominate next week’s annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
Envoys urge U.N. probe of massacre at Iranian exile camp in Iraq
Los Angeles Times: A massacre this month at an Iranian exile camp in Iraq that killed 52 people under international protection was an act of premeditated slaughter and should be thoroughly investigated by the United Nations, two former foreign ministers told the world body Thursday.
‘Humbled’ Kennedy seeks deeper ties with Japan
AFP: Caroline Kennedy said Thursday she hoped to carry on the legacy of her slain father John F. Kennedy by serving as the US ambassador to Japan, pledging to work for closer ties. Kennedy praised Japan for cutting down on oil imports from Iran.
A friendlier Iran: Diplomatic breakthrough or sinister feint?
U.S.News & World Report: Iran’s new President Hasan Rouhani has taken steps to improve relations with the West, but some observers question his sincerity. Former political prisoner warns against historic trickery while ambassador sees thawing relations.
Former top diplomats say Iran dissidents massacred
AP: Two former foreign ministers of France and Algeria say a Sept. 1 attack in Iraq that killed 52 members of an Iranian dissident group was a premeditated massacre, and the United Nations must press for the release of seven more who had were taken hostage while seeking asylum.
Iran’s Rouhani says wants peace, blames Israel for region’s ‘instability’
Reuters: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in a television interview, said his country is not seeking war but harshly criticized Israel for bringing “instability” to the Middle East and for questioning his government’s intentions toward nuclear arms.
Shelton: Betrayal at Camp Ashraf
Washington Times: While the world awaits a United Nations decision regarding Syria, another humanitarian tragedy has taken place in Iraq’s Camp Ashraf. It was an outright massacre and must not be ignored.
Iraqi envoy ducks Iran exiles questions in online chat
AFP: Iraq’s new ambassador to the United States Wednesday repeatedly dodged questions about a mass killing at an Iraqi camp hosting Iranian exiles during his first online Twitter chat since taking up his post in July.
Iran ‘never’ to seek nuclear weapon: Rowhani
AFP: Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, newly elected President Hassan Rowhani vowed Wednesday, as he reached out to longtime enemy the United States.
