Miliband says Russia must avoid “new Cold War”

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband today said that Russia had a “big responsibility” not to start a new Cold War, a day after Russia formally recognized two Georgian breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as independent.

Iran again warns its missiles are capable of hitting Israel

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps [IRGC], Mohammad Ali Jafari, warned Israel today that Iranian missiles and Iran’s allies in the region would strike the Jewish state if Iran was attacked.

Clinton calls for Democratic unity in support for Obama

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—Former Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, last night called on her party to unite in support of their nominee, Barack Obama, during her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Iran and Italy sign 100 million Euro desalination contract

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—Iran and Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday for the establishment of a desalination plant in Iran worth 100 million Euros with a daily capacity of 120,000 cubic meters.

Israel will not “rule out any options” on Iran nukes

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak said yesterday that his country would not rule out any option to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, according to a statement the ministry issued after a dinner meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Russia formally recognizes S. Ossetia, Abkhazia

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev today announced that Moscow formally recognizes the independence of the two Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Juvenile offender hanged in Iran

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—Iran executed this morning 18-year-old Behnam Zare, a juvenile offender who was convicted of murdering his friend at the age of 15, the Human Rights Activists in Iran website reports.

Obama: Increase pressure on Iran before Israel responds

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said today in Iowa that the world must increase pressure on Iran over its controversial nuclear program before Israel feels cornered.

CIA moles sabotaged Iran, Libya nuke programs - report

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—The Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] recruited a family of Swiss engineers to deliver top secret information that helped end Libya’s nuclear bomb program, shed light on Iran’s nuclear progress, and undo the nuclear black market of Pakistan’s Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a report in the New York Times said today.

Iran military official: Potential conflict with US “natural”

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—The deputy head of Iran’s Armed Forces Central Command, General Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr yesterday said that regional powers were incapable of confronting Iran militarily, adding it was “natural” that Iran could face a future conflict only with a global power such as the United States.

Russia “ready” for halt to NATO ties – Medvedev

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev today said that he was ready to accept any decision by NATO, including a halt to ties with Moscow, over the conflict with Georgia over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Iran's Supreme Leader voices support for Ahmadinejad’s second term

Washington, 24 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested indirectly yesterday that he would support a second term for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during a meeting between the two and the president’s cabinet.

Obama picks experienced Biden as running mate

Washington, 24 August (IranVNC)—Illinois Senator Barack Obama selected seasoned politician Senator Joseph Biden [D-DE] as his running mate yesterday, hoping to negate accusations by Republican rival John McCain that Obama is weak and inexperienced.

Iran: preliminary work underway for new nuclear power plant

Washington, 24 August (IranVNC)—Iran said today that it has selected the site and started preliminary design work on a new nuclear power plant in the country’s southwest, the official IRNA news agency reports.

Iran says it will launch telecommunications satellite “very soon”

Washington, 24 August (IranVNC)—Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced yesterday that Iran will send a telecommunications satellite into space “very soon” using missile technology that the West fears will be used to launch nuclear weapons.

U.S., Iraq reach preliminary troop pullout agreement

Washington, 22 August (IranVNC)—The United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement on US troop withdrawals from Iraq, the head of Iraq’s negotiation team, Mohammed al-Haj Hammoud, said today.

Iran’s Bank Mellat says it is skirting US bank sanctions

Washington, 22 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s third-largest state-owned bank, Bank Mellat, is working more closely with small- and medium-size banks that have less exposure in order to get around US economic sanctions, the bank’s managing director told the Financial Times in a report published today.

Rafsanjani calls for return to knowledge-based leadership

Washington, 22 August (IranVNC)—In today’s Friday Prayer sermon at the University of Tehran, Ayatollah Ali-Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani called for a return to sound planning in Iran’s infrastructure to deal with its on-going structural and infrastructural shortcomings, saying that such plans cannot be made on a “day-to-day basis”.

Russia’s Georgia withdrawal “too slow” – US official

Washington, 22 August (IranVNC)—A top US general visiting Tblisi today described Russia’s withdrawal from neighboring Georgia as “far too little” and “far too slow”.

Syria denies reports of offering to lodge Russian missiles

Washington, 22 August (IranVNC)—Syria denied today reports carried yesterday by Russian media that it had offered to place the advanced Iskandar missile system in its territory, one day after President Bashar al-Assad met his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, for talks on upgrading Syria’s military.

Georgia’s separatists hold rallies for Russian recognition

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—Georgia’s breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia today held mass rallies, one day after leaders from the two regions made appeals to Russia for recognition of their independence.

Iran resumes US wheat imports after 27-year pause

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—Iran began importing a large quantity of American wheat this summer after a 27-year hiatus, the Wall Street Journal reports. The deals, signed earlier this summer, are valued at an estimated $350 million.

Iran imposes travel ban on actress over Hollywood role

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s government has banned an actress from leaving the country for playing a role in a Hollywood movie without seeking permission from Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported yesterday.

U.S., Iraq “very close” to troop status deal – Rice

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a surprise visit to Iraq today, where she told reporters that Washington and Baghdad were “very, very close” to reaching an agreement on the future of US troops in Iraq, AFP reports.

U.S., Poland to deploy defense system, despite Russian anger

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—The United States and Poland signed a deal today agreeing to deploy part of the missile defense system that the U.S. is setting up on Polish territory, despite Russia’s protests that the system is a threat to its security.

Germany sees “no indication” of Russia’s Georgia withdrawal

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Germany sees no evidence that Russia is pulling out of Georgia despite vows from Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev, a German government spokesperson said today.

Iran “not surprised” by US reaction to rocket launch

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Iran said today that it was not surprised by the US reaction to its test of a rocket capable of carrying a satellite, which a US Defense official yesterday called a “dramatic failure”.

NATO cools ties with Russia over Georgia conflict

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—NATO foreign ministers today said that there would be no “business as usual” with Russia until Moscow fully withdraws its troops from Georgia.

US expects Iraqi militia leaders to return from Iran soon

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—The number two US military commander in Iraq, Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, said yesterday that he expects Shiite militia leaders who fled to Iran last spring to return to Iraq soon to stir up instability in the war-torn country.

Juvenile offender executed in Iran

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—Reza Hejazi was executed today in Iran’s central city of Esfahan, hours after it was announced that the 20-year-old’s execution had been postponed.

US official calls Iran rocket test “dramatic failure”

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s launch on Sunday of a domestically made rocket capable of carrying a satellite into space was a “dramatic failure”, a US official said today.

Judiciary says Education Ministry to decide on Kordan credentials

Pakistan’s Musharraf resigns as president

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—Amid threats of impeachment, Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf today announced that he was resigning.

Israel concerned over Iran rocket launch – report

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—Israel reacted with concern yesterday following reports by Iran’s state media that it had successfully test-launched a rocket capable of carrying a satellite into orbit.

Russia says started Georgia troop withdrawal

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—Russia had begun to pull out its troops from Georgia, a senior defense official today said, but doubts remain over whether Moscow will fully carry out its pledge to withdraw.

IAEA number two in Iran for nuclear talks

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—International Atomic Energy Agnecy Deputy Director Ollie Heinonen arrived in Tehran today for a second round of talks with Iranian officials, his second visit to Iran this month, the official IRNA news agency reports.

Rice says Russia must leave Georgia on Monday

Washington, 17 August (IranVNC)—US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today called on Russia to fulfill its promise to withdraw from Georgia, noting that Moscow had failed to honor its previous pledges to do so.

Iran says launches satellite carrier into space

Washington, 17 August (IranVNC)—Iran today launched a rocket capable of carrying a satellite into space, Iranian media report.

Turkey calls on Iran to accept major powers’ package

Washington, 17 Aug (IranVNC) –The president of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, while expressing support for the incentive package offered by the great powers to Iran concerning that country’s disputed nuclear activities, warned Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about “America’s potential military operations”.

Russia must withdraw from Georgia, Rice says

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC)—Russian forces must withdraw from Georgian territory, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said after Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvil signed French-brokered peace deal earlier today.

Iran’s youth unemployment rates according to economic website

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC) — According to the website Sarmayeh [The Capital], Iran’s overall unemployment rate is 9.6 percent, but this number is double among the young population.

Iraqi assassination teams training in Iran – US military

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC)—Iraqi assassination squads are being trained in four Iranian cities by that country’s elite Quds Force and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a senior U.S. military official said today.

IMF cautions Iran over economic policies, “overheated” economy

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC)—The International Monetary Fund [IMF] said in a report released yesterday that international sanctions against Iran have “negatively affected” its economy, and cautioned the country over its medium-term economic prospects and an “overheated” economy.

Russia denounces US-Poland missile defense deal

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC)—Russian officials today condemned the US-Poland defense deal signed yesterday, saying the system is not aimed at defending Europe from future attacks by “rogue states”, such as Iran, but in light of the recent conflict in Georgia is aimed at Russia instead.

One student arrested, another summoned to court in Iran

Washington, 14 August (IranVNC)—Amir Mardani, a student activist and a senior mechanical engineering student at Tabriz University, was arrested yesterday, the Advar News website reports.

Rice calls on Russia to implement ceasefire

Washington, 14 June (IranVNC)—US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on Russia to respect a French-brokered ceasefire agreement aimed at bringing six days of military conflict between Russia and Georgia to an end.

Iran and Turkey fail to strike energy cooperation deal

Washington, 14 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, in Istanbul today, where the two failed to sign a multi-billion-dollar energy cooperation deal, Reuters reports.

Three juvenile offenders in Iran face imminent execution

Washington, 14 August (IranVNC)—Three juvenile offenders in Iran are facing imminent execution, the Human Rights Activists in Iran website reports today. All three of the young men are being held in Rajai Prison in the northern city of Karaj.

U.S. “not ready” for Israeli strike on Iran – Israel’s Barak

Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—The U.S., at present, opposes an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak said today in an interview.

U.S. “scrapped” military exercise with Russia over Georgia

Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. has cancelled scheduled joint military exercises with Russia in response to its aggression in the recent armed conflict in Georgia, a close US ally, and is considering its next step in dealing with the Russian invasion.

Ahmadinejad says West has “backed down” on nuclear dossier

Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said today that Western powers have backed down on their earlier stance on Iran’s nuclear program, as they are now demanding only a freeze to the installation of new uranium enriching centrifuges.

Former President Rafsanjani criticizes state economic policies

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—The head of Iran’s top arbitration body, the Expediency Council, Ayatollah Akbar Rafsanjani, yesterday criticized the economic policies of the country’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, likening the government to a “big employer” that has failed to carry out planned privatization programs.

U.S. sanctions five Iranian entities over nuclear work

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—The US Department of Treasury today imposed sanctions on five more Iranian entities, saying they have ties to that country’s disputed nuclear and missile programs.

Iran’s Khamenei says sanctions “benefit” Iran

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—Days after Western countries announced plans to seek further sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today said that sanctions and threats against Tehran would eventually “benefit” the Islamic Republic.

Russia agrees to ceasefire in Georgia

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered his country’s forces to stop military actions in Georgia today, after five days of violent conflict aimed at “punishing” Tbilisi, an objective that Medvedev says, has been achieved, Reuters reports.

“No record” of Iran minister’s Oxford degree

Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s newly-appointed interior minister, Ali Kordan, never received a degree from Oxford University, the university told IranVNC today.

Iran hangs three in southeastern city of Zahedan

Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—Iran hanged three alleged drug traffickers in the southeastern city of Zahedan, the state-run IRIB television’s website reports. According to an AFP count, today’s hangings bring the total number of those executed in Iran to 166 this year.

Fighting resumes in South Ossetia

Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—As fighting continued today in Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia and as Russia boosted its troop presence in the western Abkhazia region, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin criticized the United States for assisting Tbilisi in bringing Georgian troops from Iraq back home to fight in the conflict.

No change after EU-Iran nuclear talks – Solana aide

Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—A telephone conversation today between EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, and Iran’s nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, on Tehran’s nuclear program did not result in a change in policy toward the Islamic Republic, an official in Solana’s office said.

Russia, US exchange accusations at UN over Georgia crisis

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—The United States and Russia exchanged words today at an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, with Washington suggesting that Moscow was interested in “regime change” in Georgia and Russia accusing the U.S. of military collusion with Georgia.

Four sentenced to death in Iran say confession was forced

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Four men sentenced to death in northwestern Iran’s East Azarbayjan Province, including a 17-year-old, say their confessions were forced following days of detainment, the Etemad Melli Newspaper reported yesterday.

Iranian media threatened over new minister’s disputed qualifications

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—The Interior Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran has confirmed that Ali Kordan, the new interior minister of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government, does possess evidence proving that he has an honourary doctorate, and the ministry has threatened to prosecute any Iranian media expressing doubts about this issue.

Iran says sanctions will not change its nuclear position

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Iran said today that its stance on the nuclear issue has not changed, despite threats earlier this week by Western powers of additional sanctions against the country.

Iran HIV organization receives UN special recognition

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—An Iranian organization in the northeastern city of Mashhad was one among five community organizations world-wide selected for recognition yesterday at the 17th International AIDS Conference of the United Nations in Mexico City.

Russia, China shouldn’t be “fooled” by U.S., UK – Prayer leader

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—China and Russia should “stand firm” and avoid being “fooled” by efforts by the U.S. and Britain to impose further sanctions on Iran, Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani, said in his political sermon today.

EU adopts tougher sanctions against Iran

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—The European Union announced today that it will implement new sanctions against Iran, going above and beyond the latest United Nations Security Council [UNSC] resolution on the Islamic Republic.

Mahdi Army to disarm if US sets withdrawal timetable

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—Influential Iraqi Shiite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, will disarm his Mahdi Army militia if the United States begins withdrawing troops from Iraq based on a mutually agreed upon timetable, which, reports say, is nearly set.

Student arrests at Zanjan University continue

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s Security Forces on Wednesday arrested the Secretary of the Islamic Students’ Association of Zanjan University, Bahram Vahedi, at his residence in Tabriz.

Western powers consider additional Iran sanctions beyond UN

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—The United States, Britain, France and Germany are reported to be considering additional sanctions against Iran that would go beyond United Nations Security Council sanctions, a senior British official said today.

U.S., NATO call for ceasefire in Georgia

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—The United States and NATO today called for an end to fighting in Georgia’s breakaway province of South Ossetia after that country’s military forces launched an attack on the separatist region.

Amnesty doubtful Iran will maintain stoning moratorium

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—The Human rights group Amnesty International today expressed doubt about whether Iran would successfully enforce a moratorium on stoning, which it announced on 5 August.

Iran hangs three in central city of Qom

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—Iran hanged three men today in the central city of Qom, the conservative Kayhan Newspaper reports, bringing the number of executions in that country to at least 190, according to an Amnesty International count.

Journalist’s day marked in Iran today

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—As Iranian media marked Journalist’s Day today, a new civil rights campaign, “STOP!” was started yesterday in order to bring to a halt the execution of more journalists and civil rights activists, particularly those of ethnic Kurdish and Baluch origins.

Bush confronts China on human rights

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush laid down some of his harshest criticism against China regarding its human rights record, pressing for “openness and justice” in a speech in Thailand ahead of his planned attendance of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Rice says U.S. will not accept Iran’s “half-answers”

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today that Iran has “a way out” of its longstanding nuclear dispute, but warned that major powers would not accept “half-answers” on international demands to halt its sensitive uranium enrichment work.

Bush says N. Korea still in “axis of evil,” takes on human rights

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush was in South Korea today where he stated that North Korea remains as part of the “axis of evil” despite recent efforts by Pyongyang to reverse its antagonistic status.

Al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army to disarm – report

Washington, 6 July (IranVNC)—Influential Iraqi Shiite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, plans to transform his Mahdi Army militia into a social services organization focusing on education, religion and social justice, the Wall Street Journal [WSJ] reported yesterday.

U.S. warns of “punitive” actions against Iran in nuclear row

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. and its allies will have to take more “punitive” measures against Iran after it failed to provide a positive response to a freeze-for-freeze offer by major powers, the White House said today.

Major powers to consider more UN sanctions against Iran

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—The United States and Britain have announced that major powers today will consider seeking further United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran after it failed to provide a positive response to a freeze-for-freeze offer from the six countries.

Iran sending “lethal aid” to Iraq – US envoy

Washington, 6 July (IranVNC)—A senior US diplomat today accused Iran of undermining security gains in Iraq by sending “lethal aid” to militias there and by offering “sanctuary” to Mahdi Army militiamen who fled the country.

Kuwait: Iran’s closure of Hormoz would punish neighbors

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad al-Sabah, said today that Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormoz – a key shipping route in the Persian Gulf – would amount to “punishment” of neighboring Arab states.

Iran says will answer major powers at “earliest possibility”

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Iran gave no concrete answers in a message delivered today to EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, but said it would give one “at the earliest possibility”.

Majlis approves appointment of three new ministers

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s parliament [Majlis] today approved all three ministerial candidates nominated by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

People’s protest stops public lashing in Iran

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—Residents of Anar, in Iran’s southeastern Kerman Province, forced security forces to stop carrying out a public lashing of two offenders midway through.

Iran delivers letter, but no response to 5+1 demands

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Iranian officials say Tehran has delivered a message to EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana. But they say that the message was not a response to a P5+1 “freeze-for-freeze” offer.

Iran halts death by stoning sentences

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s Judiciary Spokesperson Ali Reza Jamshidi announced today that the Islamic Republic would place a moratorium on death by stoning sentences, pending a review of individual cases.

Two executed in Iran’s Sistan-va-Baluchistan Province – report

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran [ICHRI] reports today that 28-year-old social activist Yaghoub Mehrnehad was executed in the southeastern city of Zahedan. Another individual, Abdolnasser Taheri-Sadr, was also hanged today in the same city, reports the Tabnak News website.

Iran hails successful test of “incomparable” naval weapon

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps [IRGC], Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said today that Iran has successfully tested a new, Iranian-made naval weapon with a range of over 300 kilometers.

More sanctions if Iran responds negatively tomorrow

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—A State Department official said today that Iran’s failure to meet a deadline to respond positively to a P5+1 compromise may lead to further sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The department also said EU chief Javier Solana was promised by Iran’s nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili that Iran would respond by tomorrow, Reuters reports.

UN must tighten sanctions on Iran – U.S.

Washington, 3 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. today said that the United Nations has “no choice” but to tighten sanctions on Iran for its defiance of international demands to suspend its uranium enrichment work – which the West fears could be used to build a nuclear weapon.

Germany urges Iran to give “usable” answers soon

Washington, 3 August (IranVNC)—On the day of the deadline set by major powers over Iran’s nuclear dossier, Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Iran to stop delaying and to give “usable answers” soon.

Syria’s al-Assad “not a mediator” for Iran nuclear issue

Washington, 3 August (IranVNC)—Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad today said he was not mediating a nuclear dispute between Iran and the West during his visit to Tehran, but did not rule out playing a role in future attempts to defuse the tensions.

Baha’is deny accusations of subversive activity

Washington, 3 August (IranVNC)—The Baha’i International Community today strongly denied statements made by a Tehran prosecutor that seven jailed Baha’i leaders had confessed to setting up an illegal organization and taking orders from Israel and other countries in order to undermine Iran’s government.

Diplomacy with Iran “has its limits” – Israel’s Mofaz

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz today called for increased diplomatic pressure on Iran in order to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, but warned of the limitations of diplomacy.

Congress condemns Iran’s persecution of Baha’is

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—The US House of Representatives today passed a resolution condemning what it called the “state-sponsored persecution” of Baha’is in Iran and urged that country to end repression against members of this faith.

Rights group protests wave of student arrests

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—The Iran-based rights group, Society for Defending Prisoner Rights [SDPR], protested the recent wave of arrests of university students and activists in Iran in a statement released yesterday.

No new Iran energy deals for Norwegian firm

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—Norwegian oil and gas group, StatoilHydro said today it would not make any new investments in Iran, following stepped-up pressure from major powers to isolate the Islamic Republic over its controversial nuclear program.

EU eases deadline for Iran response, awaits “clear answers quickly”

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—European officials say that they are willing to wait a few extra days for Iran to provide “clear” answers to an offer by major powers on its nuclear program, despite a deadline originally set for tomorrow.

Non-Aligned Movement: Right to peaceful nuclear energy

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—The 115 member nations of the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) stated yesterday that the right of all states to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as the conference of NAM representatives concluded their four-day deliberations in Tehran.

Gates: Iran, North Korea threaten “international order”

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has approved a new National Defense Strategy which singles out Iran, along with North Korea, as threats to the “international order”, reports the Washington Post newspaper, which has obtained a copy of the strategy.

Mottaki dismisses two-week Geneva deadline

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said today that no deadline was set by major powers during talks earlier this month in Geneva for Iran to respond to an incentives proposal for suspension of uranium enrichment.

EU to take tough stance on Iran – diplomat

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—The European Union is ready to take a tougher stance against Iran by enacting more “robust” sanctions against that county, an EU diplomat said today.

Rice warns Iran: One way for “common ground”

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Iran yesterday that it should demonstrate its desire to find “common ground” with the P5+1 by accepting the major powers’ incentives proposal, warning Tehran that it faces more sanctions if it does not respond favorably.

Iran arrests 16 Christian converts

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—The Christian Persian-language News Network yesterday reported that Iran’s security forces on 26 July arrested 16 Iranian Christians who had converted from Islam, in Malekshahr, on the outskirts of Iran’s central city of Esfahan.

Human rights groups urge Iran to halt juvenile executions

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—Nine international human rights groups yesterday called on Iran to end death sentences for juvenile offenders, saying the situation of juvenile offenders in that country has reached “crisis levels”.

U.S. to aid Israeli missile defense system against Iran

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said yesterday that the United States will assist the Jewish State in setting up two missile defense systems as precaution against a possible attack from a future nuclear-armed Iran, Reuters reports.

Israel defense minister – “keep all options on the table”

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak met privately with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at the Pentagon yesterday, where the two agreed on the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran, and the Israeli defense chief called for tighter sanctions on Tehran.

Ahmadinejad calls for unity against UN “bias”

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—At the opening of the 15th meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement [NAM] countries in Tehran today, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for unity today among these countries as an alternative to the “bias” of the United Nations Security Council, which he sees as favoring Western powers.

International rights group condemn Iran’s mass execution

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—The Presidency of the European Union today strongly condemned the execution of 29 people in Tehran’s Evin prison on 27 July, describing the media attention Iran drew on the simultaneous executions as “an affront to human dignity”.

White House urges “skepticism” on Ahmadinejad statements

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—The White House yesterday urged “skepticism” toward an interview by the US television network, NBC, with Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who said he would seek “common ground” with the U.S. and other powers that have urged Iran to suspend its nuclear program.

Switzerland: No more role in Iran’s “game”

Washington, 27 July (IranVNC)—The Swiss president says that his country supports the efforts of P5+1 and that “we do not want to play our own role anymore in this game”.

Ahmadinejad: Change in US approach would bring positive Iranian response

Washington, 28 July (IranVNC)—In an interview on US television today, Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said Iran would react positively if the U.S. were to change its approach in dealing with Tehran and its controversial uranium enrichment program, MSNBC reports.

Gates says war with Iran would be “disastrous” but military option still open

Washington, 28 July (IranVNC)—US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates believes that war with Iran would be “disastrous” for the United States, but that Washington should leave open the option of a military strike.

Iran executes 30 people today in Tehran

Washington, 27 July (IranVNC)—The prosecutor general of Tehran, Saeed Mortazavi, reported that the execution of 30 individual was carried out today in Tehran’s Evin Prison.

US reiterates Iran not serious at Geneva talks

Washington, 27 July (IranVNC)—The U.S. said yesterday that Iran did not treat last week’s nuclear talks in Geneva seriously and warned against further stalling by the Islamic Republic in responding to international demands to halt its uranium enrichment work.

Rafsanjani rejects 5+1 deadline

Washington, 25 July (IranVNC)—Ayatollah Ali Hashemi Rafsanjani, the head of the Expediency Council, rejected today the deadline for responding to the offer by P5+1 to resolve the long-standing dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.

Obama tells Iran not to stall on nuclear demands

Washington, 25 July (IranVNC)—US presidential hopeful Barack Obama urged Iran today to accept an offer of incentives offered by six major powers in return for that country’s suspension of uranium enrichment, even as Iran and Russia dismissed calls for a deadline for Tehran’s response.

Israeli army chief warns against Iran's regional aspirations

Washington, 24 July (IranVNC)—Israel’s top military officer, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, was in Washington yesterday on his first visit to the US capital, where he insisted on the importance of blocking Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its attempt to “project power within the region and beyond.”

Russia opposes deadline for Iran response to 5+1 proposal

Washington, 24 July (IranVNC)—In an apparent contradiction to the two-week deadline set by the six world powers for Iran last Saturday in Geneva, Moscow said on Thursday it opposes setting the deadline for Iran to respond to incentives to suspend its nuclear activities.

Japan oil firm denies being “interested” in Iran investment

Washington, 23 July (IranVNC)—A spokesperson for Japan’s major oil company INPEX Holding Inc said on Wednesday it was not interested in raising its share in Iran’s enormous Azadegan oil field, rejecting a recent claim made by Iran’s oil minister, Gholamhossein Nozari, to that effect.

Obama calls on globe to stop Iran nuclear ambitions

Washington, 23 July (IranVNC)—During a visit to the Middle East, Democratic candidate for the US presidency, Barack Obama, called on the world today to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Former presidential advisors criticize US preconditions for negotiating with Iran

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)— A former presidential advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski, joined other experts today at a panel discussion on how to diplomatically deal with Iran’s nuclear ambitions hosted by a Washington think tank, where he openly criticized US policy of setting preconditions as a basis for opening negotiations with Iran.

Obama and Iraqi leaders confer on US withdrawal from Iraq

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)—Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is in Iraq’s Anbar Province today where he held talks with influential Sunni Arab tribal leaders to elicit their opinion of a strategic withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country.

Rice talks about Iran nuclear program with Arab allies

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)—US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stopped in Abu Dhabi yesterday to consult with her Arab counterparts on the nuclear dispute with Iran and new developments following Saturday’s nuclear talks between major powers and Iran in Geneva.

Ahmadinejad backs Sudan against ICC genocide charges

Washington, 21 July (IranVNC)—Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday described as “ugly” a move by the International Criminal Court [ICC] to indict Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir on charges of genocide, which he said was an attempt by western countries to divide Sudan into pieces.

Rice urges Iran to give “serious answer” on nuclear program

Washington, 21 July (IranVNC)—Iran could face more sanctions if it does not give a “serious answer” to international demands that it suspend nuclear enrichment, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said.

Top Bush adviser says Iran on nuclear “path”

Washington, 20 July (IranVNC)—The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said today that he believed Iran was moving toward acquiring a nuclear weapon, which he described as a “devastating possibility”.

Iran nuclear talks end in stalemate, Tehran faces new deadline

Washington, 20 July (IranVNC)— Talks between EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, and Iran’s nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, on Tehran’s nuclear program yesterday ended in a stalemate when Tehran gave no reply to international demands.

EU condemns recent wave of executions in Iran

Washington, 18 July (IranVNC)—The European Union presidency’s website, in a statement released today, condemned Iran for a recent wave of executions and a parliamentary bill that would extend the death penalty to bloggers and website editors who are said to disturb the “psychological security of society”.

US Senate committee approves new Iran sanctions bill

Washington, 17 July (IranVNC)—The US Senate Banking Committee today overwhelmingly approved a bill that would impose further trade and economic sanctions against Iran and allow investors the option to divest funds from firms that have invested in the country’s energy sector.

Obama says US should use all tools to pressure Iran

Washington, 16 July (IranVNC)—Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said yesterday he would use all tools to pressure Tehran into halting its sensitive nuclear enrichment program, and he added that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was a “vital national security interest” of the U.S.

Iran open to negotiations but will not back away from “undeniable rights” – Ahmadinejad

Washington, 15 July (IranVNC) —President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said yesterday that his country was open to talks with all other governments except Israel, in an effort to resolve its diplomatic and nuclear standoff with the West.

Iran welcomes establishment of U.S. Interests Section in Tehran

Washington, 14 July (IranVNC)–Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said in a press conference in Tehran yesterday that he welcomes the idea of US diplomatic presence in Iran under the rubric of “U.S. Interests Section in Iran”, and added that Iran would be willing to negotiate with the U.S. “if that serves the interests of the Iranian nation.”

Israelis, Palestinians closer to peace deal – Olmert

Washington, 13 July (IranVNC)—Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said today that a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians has never been as close as it is now.

Bush gives Israel “amber light” to strike Iran – Sunday Times

Washington, 13 July (IranVNC)—U.S. President George W. Bush has given Israel an “amber light” to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, the London-based Sunday Times newspaper reported today.

U.S., Iraq abandon talks on long-term security pact – Washington Post

Washington, 13 July (IranVNC)—The United States and Iraq have ended efforts to reach a long-term security agreement defining the presence of US troops in that country before President George W. Bush leaves office, The Washington Post reports.

Iran missile tests prove US missile shield unnecessary – Russia FM

Washington, 11 July (IranVNC)—Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that Iran’s recent missile tests showed that a US missile defense shield in eastern Europe is not needed.

Rice tells Iran U.S. will defend allies in the region

Washington, 10 July (IranVNC)—Following yesterday’s test-firing of nine missiles by Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Tehran today that the U.S. will defend its allies in the region. Iran test-fired more missiles last night, state television reported, including shore-to-sea, surface-to-surface and sea-to-air missiles.

Russian reaction to US missile defense plans “disappointing” – Rice

Washington, 9 July (IranVNC)—US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Russia’s reaction to US plans to install a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe “disappointing” given US efforts to reassure Moscow that it would not be the target of the system.

G8 leaders urge Iran to play more responsible role in the Middle East

Washington, 9 July (IranVNC)—While the Islamic Republic test-fired nine missiles earlier today, the Group of Eight [G8] leaders today called on Iran to be a responsible player in the Middle East, particularly with regards to stability in neighboring Afghanistan and Iraq.

Russia issues warning after U.S. signs missile agreement with Czechs

Washington, 8 July (IranVNC)—Russia warned today it would use military force if the United States deployed a planned missile defense program in Eastern Europe.

US, UK and Bahrain conduct joint Naval exercise in Persian Gulf

Washington, 7 July (IranVNC)—As Iran repeats threats of closing the Strait of Hormoz, Commander of the Combined Maritime Task Force of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command announced today that “ships from Bahrain, the U.K. and U.S. are currently conducting joint exercises” – nicknamed Exercise Stake Net – “to protect key economic infrastructure” in the Central and Southern Persian Gulf.

Talks with Iran over nuclear program “difficult”, says Solana

Washington, 7 July (IranVNC)—EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said today that he was not very optimistic about a breakthrough with Iran over its controversial nuclear program, saying “it’s difficult”.

Bush, Medvedev agree on Iran, clash on missile defense

Washington, 7 July (IranVNC)—US President George W. Bush and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday that they that they would cooperate to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear program, but clashed over US plans to install a missile defense system in central Europe.

Iran says 4 prisoners in Israel are still alive, after 26 years

Washington, 3 July (IranVNC)—Iran’s embassy in Lebanon said in a statement today that four Iranians, kidnapped during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, are still alive and being held in Israel.

U.S. says Iran must follow “positive words” with positive actions

Washington, 3 July (IranVNC)—The United States said yesterday that Iran needs to follow through on positive words with positive actions after Iran’s foreign minister yesterday said that he saw “a new trend” in nuclear negotiations with the six major powers.

Nations must send “focused message” to Iran, says Bush

Washington, 2 July (IranVNC)—President George W. Bush today said that the United States must work with other nations to send a “focused message” to Iran and persuade it to cease uranium enrichment activities, adding that diplomacy remained the preferred approach to resolving Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West.

“New trend” underway in Iran nuclear talks, says minister

Washington, 2 July (IranVNC)—US and Iranian media have suggested in recent days that Iran has adopted a softer line in its nuclear standoff, after the foreign policy advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said yesterday that it would be in Iran’s interest to accept a package by the six major powers – the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany [P5+1].

As NPT turns 40, US “very concerned” about Iran

Washington, 2 July (IranVNC)—Marking the 40th anniversary of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty [NPT], the United States yesterday said it was concerned that countries like Iran had “violated” the agreement.

U.S. will not allow Iran to disrupt oil shipments - Navy commander

Washington, 2 July (IranVNC)—The United States will not allow Iran to close the Straight of Hormoz, a vital oil passage way in the Persian Gulf, the commander of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said at a Gulf naval security conference in Abu Dhabi today.

Hezbollah training Shiite militants in Iraq – report

Washington, 1 July (IranVNC)—Members of Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group trained Shiite militiamen at remote camps in southern Iraq until three months ago, at which point they crossed the border into Iran, AP reported today, citing two Iraqi Shiite lawmakers and a top army officer.

Ex-foreign minister Velayati supports nuclear talks

Washington, 1 July (IranVNC)—A senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader said Iran should agree to talks with the international community over its disputed nuclear program, an Iranian newspaper reported today.

Judiciary, ministry criticize media coverage of recent scandals

Washington, 1 July (IranVNC)—The Judiciary Spokesperson Alireza Jamshidi today criticized the media coverage of the Palizdar economic corruption scandal, saying that the Judiciary objected to media write-ups on the case of “Palizdar and his clique”.

Iran hangs youth for murder, stays another execution

Washington, 1 July (IranVNC)—Iran hanged a 19 year-old youth today who had been convicted of killing his friend over a debt of 250,000 Rials [about $27], Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting [IRIB] website reports.

Iran “seriously” considering sextet incentives - Foreign Minister

Washington, 30 June (IranVNC)—Iran’s foreign minister, manouchehr Mottaki, said yesterday that his country was taking a serious look at a revamped package of proposed incentives presented by the six major powers to persuade Iran to suspend uranium enrichment.

US says Iran will not be allowed to close vital waterway

Washington, 30 June (IranVNC)—The United States will not allow Iran to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Persian Gulf that carries as much as 40 percent of the world’s crude oil, the commander of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said today.

Iran’s largest river in central province “dried up”

Washington, 30 June (IranVNC)—The only water source for Iran’s central plateau has dried up due to a drought in the past year, according to reports from Iran.

Iraq, Saudi Arabia to up oil output

Washington, 30 June (IranVNC)—New developments in the oil industry today could deflate the record-breaking gas prices as Iraq opens its oilfields to foreign investors for the first time in 40 years, and Saudi Arabia prepares to pump oil from its largest untapped field.

Congress approved expansion of covert ops against Iran – report

Washington, 29 June (IranVNC)—The US Congress last year approved a request from President George W. Bush for up to $400 million to expand covert operations against Iran in an effort to destabilize the Iranian government, according to an article published on The New Yorker magazine’s website today.

Revolutionary Guards chief says Israel within reach of Iran missiles

Washington, 29 June (IranVNC)—Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] commander yesterday warned that Israel was within reach of its missiles and that the Islamic Republic could use oil as a weapon if attacked, a newspaper reported.

Lashing preferable to jail, says Judiciary Chief

Washington, 26 June (IranVNC)—In an interview with Iran’s state-run network 2 television, Judiciary Chief, Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi said on Thursday, that he favors public lashings as a form of punishment.

Two Iranians charged with violating trade sanctions on Iran

Washington, 26 June (IranVNC)—Germany’s Federal Prosecutor, yesterday, charged a German man of Iranian origin with attempting to export prohibited equipment to Iran. Frankfurt resident, Mohsen V., 48, was charged with attempting to export high-speed photographic cameras and American-made nuclear research equipment to Iran, Germany’s Deutsch Welle News Agency reports.

Former US officials urge tougher sanctions, bigger incentives for Iran

Washington, 27 June (IranVNC)—The United States’ “only responsible position as a nation” is to end diplomatic efforts with Iran and to show the Islamic Republic that the U.S. will use force if it does not give up its nuclear program, Elizabeth Cheney, a former state department official and daughter of Vice-President Dick Cheney, said yesterday.

UN praises Iran for drug seizures

Washington, 27 June (IranVNC)—A United Nations report released yesterday praised Iran for its role in the global fight against drug trafficking, but noted that the rate of opiate users in the Islamic Republic remains high.

G8 urges positive response from Iran on nuclear incentives

Washington, 27 June (IranVNC)—The Group of Eight foreign ministers urged Iran on Friday to respond positively to a newly updated Security Council incentives package aimed at resolving the dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Over 200 Majlis deputies accuse Judiciary of violating the law

Washington, 25 June (IranVNC)—Tensions between Iran’s Majlis [parliament] and Judiciary increased further today as 212 Majlis deputies wrote a letter today, to the head of the Majlis Presidium Ali Larijani, protesting against the summoning by the Judiciary of three deputies to appear before the Revolution and Public Prosecutor of Tehran for interrogation.

North Korea submits nuclear declaration to China

Washington, 26 June (IranVNC)—North Korea today delivered on its promise to provide a declaration of its nuclear activities to China—one of the six parties in nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang – as the foreign ministers of eight major industrial powers, opened two days of talks in Kyoto, Japan today, to discuss various issues, including North Korea and Iran’s nuclear programs.

MPs, graduates call for trial of Tehran prosecutor

Washington, 25 June (IranVNC)—Members of Iran’s Majlis [parliament] and graduates of Iranian universities yesterday called on the Judiciary to try Prosecutor General of Tehran Saeed Mortazavi in court.

Quartet urges “robust” donor support to improve Palestinian institutions

Washington, 25 June (IranVNC)—The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia [the Quartet] yesterday called for “robust donor support” to improve the Palestinian security forces and judiciary services.

Iran disbands Association of Iranian Journalists

Washington, 24 June (IranVNC)—Iran yesterday announced that it was disbanding a prominent organization of Iranian journalists, stirring up protests from members of the group.

Iran to withdraw funds from EU, invest elsewhere

Washington, 25 June (IranVNC)—In light of the newly tightened sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, Iran plans to withdraw its assets from the European Union and seek new investors.

Iran rejects EU sanctions move as “illegal and contradictory”

Washington, 24 June (IranVNC) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Ali Hosseini, today, denounced an EU decision to expand sanctions on Iran, describing the move as “illegal and contradictory”.

Iran’s ambassador to Italy sacked

Washington, 23 June (IranVNC)—Iran confirmed on Monday that it has sacked its ambassador to Italy, Abolfazl Zohrehvand, and summoned him to return to the country, the state-run news agency IRNA reports.

British lawmakers lift ban on Iranian resistance group

Washington, 24 June (IranVNC)—British lawmakers today lifted a ban on an Iranian resistance group after the Court of Appeals in May upheld a ruling that found no evidence the group was “concerned in terrorism.”

Economic performance could be better, says Ahmadinejad

Washington, 24 June (IranVNC)—In a live televised speech yesterday, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the country’s economic growth for 2007 was satisfactory, “but it could have also been better,” according to the official IRNA news agency. Ahmadinejad was speaking on the anniversary of his third year in office.

Rice: U.S. “determined” to reach out to Iranian people

Washington, 24 June (IranVNC)—US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said yesterday that the United States was determined to engage the Iranian people, but would not say whether Washington might open an interest section in Tehran in the near future.

Two students commit suicide in Iran universities – reports

Washington, 22 June (IranVNC)—Two female university students in Iran on Saturday committed suicide in separate incidents tied to the security institutions at universities on opposite sides of the country, Iranian media reported yesterday.

Iran, Syria may have cooperated on nuclear project- weekly

Washington, 22 June (IranVNC)—Iranian, North Korean and Syrian scientists may have been cooperating to build a suspected nuclear facility, in the northeastern Syrian desert, which Israel bombed last September. Iran was planning to use the site as a nuclear reserve facility, the German language weekly, Der Spiegel reports.

EU agrees to freeze Iranian assets, funds

Washington, 23 June (IranVNC)—EU nations agreed today on new sanctions against Iran over its refusal to abide by international demands to halt its uranium enrichment program, freezing the assets of its biggest bank.

Nuclear Iran “unacceptable”, says France’s Sarkozy

Washington, 23 June (IranVNC)—French President Nicolas Sarkozy was in Israel today where he addressed the Knesset and stressed his commitment to bar Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. This was the first time that a French president was addressing the Knesset since Francois Mitterrand addressed the plenum in 1982.

Iran warns of “destructive” response to any military attack

Washington, 22 June (IranVNC)—Iran today dismissed reports that Israel had rehearsed an air strike against Iranian nuclear targets as “psychological activities” and said that it would respond in a “destructive” manner to any attack.

Iran nuclear negotiator confirms Western offer contains “timetable”

Washington, 22 June (IranVNC)—Iran announced today that the latest package of incentives offered by the six powers to resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute contained a timetable for starting negotiations. This follows media reports on Friday that the sextet has presented Iran a “freeze-for-freeze” proposal, offering Iran preliminary talks on its nuclear program if it freezes enrichment for six weeks in return for a freeze on moves to toughen sanctions.

No quick fix for record crude prices following Saudi oil summit

Washington, 22 June (IranVNC)—Saudi Arabia said today that it is willing to increase its oil production if customers need it, but that any output hike was unlikely to cool record prices.

EU hesitates on energy sanctions against Iran

Washington, 20 June (IranVNC)—Britain’s push for European nations to explore tighter sanctions against Iran’s oil and gas sector eased up on Thursday as European diplomats, fearing further increases in already-soaring fuel prices, said no new measures in that area were likely to be taken for months.

House approves $162 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan wars

Washington, 20 June (IranVNC)—The US House of Representatives approved the bill to provide $162 billion addition funds for the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq today, as well as doubling the college aid for returning troop, AP reports.

Iraqi Kurdish leader appeals to Khamenei to halt border shelling

Washington, 20 June (IranVNC)—Iraq’s Kurdistan premier, Nechirvan Barzani, has appealed to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, to personally intervene and order Iran’s revolutionary guards [Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, IRGC] not to use their artillery units to shell Kurdish villages in Iraq on the pretext that Iranian Kurdish dissidents maintain bases there.

Russian FM warns against military force against Iran

Washington, 20 June (IranVNC)—Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today warned against the use of force against Iran saying there is not sufficient proof it is building a nuclear weapon, and that the current standoff Iran over its controversial uranium enrichment program will be resolved through dialogue, AP reports.

EU lawmakers slam Iran over executions of juvenile offenders

Washington, 19 June (IranVNC)—European Union lawmakers today chided Iran for executing offenders who were under the age of 18 when they committed their crimes, the latest in a series of international condemnations of the practice.

Iran rejects prisoner exchange with Sunni militant group

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—Iran‘s government rejected on Wednesday a request by the Sunni militant group based in Sistan-va-Baluchistan border province to exchange prisoners with Iran.

Iran arrests historian over revelations

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—Iran arrested historian and Intelligence Ministry collaborator Abdollah Shahbazi on Wednesday on charges of “slander and spreading lies”, after he had revealed that several high-ranking officials from Fars Province had expropriated people’s lands.

Iran ready to discuss western incentives – Foreign Minister

Washington, 19 June (IranVNC)—Iran’s Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki said today that his country is ready for negotiations on a western package of incentives aimed at persuading Tehran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.

Iran’s Judiciary raids home of MP

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—Agents from Iran’s Judiciary earlier this week raided the home of a Majlis [parliament] deputy in connection with an investigation of a former Majlis researcher who earlier this month accused top government officials of corruption.

Rice urges Iran to follow “Libya model”

Washington, 19 June (IranVNC)—US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today urged Iran and North Korea to make the strategic decision to follow the “Libya model” of a former “adversary” that abandoned its weapons program and rejoined the international community.

Women’s rights defender sentenced to five years jail - Website

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—Iran has sentenced a 21-year-old women’s rights defender to prison nearly 400 miles from her home, an Iran-based women’s rights group said today.

Iran press attacks protesting Zanjan University students

Washington, 17 June (IranVNC)—An internal bulletin by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps [IRGC], as well as reports by pro-government and conservative media in Iran, have denounced a sit-in by students at Zanjan University and accused them of “conspiring to trap a university official” and “creating a climate of tension”.

Senate: Penalties for firms dealing with Iran

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—US lawmakers convened today and united in the push for stronger economic sanctions against Iran by supporting new legislation that would take a firmer stance in punishing foreign companies that do business with Iran.

Human rights group says 114 minors awaiting execution in Iran jails

Washington, 17 June (IranVNC)—The human rights group, International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, published on Wednesday the names of 114 Iranian minors who have been sentenced to death and are currently awaiting their executions in Iranian jails.

Iran will ‘never’ bow to ‘illegal’ enrichment freeze demands – official

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], Ali Asghar Soltanieh, today said his country would not accept “illegal” Western demands to suspend its controversial uranium enrichment program.

NATO, Afghan forces launch anti-Taliban offensive in Kandahar Province

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—NATO and Afghan forces today launched an offensive in the Arghandab district of southern Afghanistan outside Kandahar to force out hundreds of Taliban militants.

US says Shiite “special groups” responsible for Baghdad bomb

Washington, 18 June (IranVNC)—The U.S. military blamed a Shiite militia group today for a deadly truck bombing yesterday afternoon in a Shiite neighborhood in Baghdad and said the group was seeking to re-ignite sectarian