Ahmadinejad in Tajikistan for SCO summit

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in the Tajik capital city of Dushanbeh today to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [SCO] summit, which will take place tomorrow.

Baha’is in Yemen may face deportation to Iran

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—Three Baha’i businessmen of Iranian origin who are being detained in Yemen face imminent deportation to Iran, a Yemeni security official said today.

Western officials fear Hezbollah presence in South America

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—Western anti-terrorism officials are concerned that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon is using Venezuela as a base for operations in South America, the Los Angeles Times newspaper reports.

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.

Another Iranian vessel hijacked in Gulf of Aden

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—Violence continues to escalate in the Gulf of Aden, as pirates hold hostage six vessels, including two Iranian ships, off the coast of Somalia.

Human rights groups condemn Iran on juvenile executions

Washington, 27 August (IranVNC)—International human rights groups have again called on Iran to abolish the death penalty for juvenile offenders, after Iran hanged two such offenders in one week.

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.

Suicide bomber kills 28 in Iraqi police attack

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—A suicide bomber killed at least 28 individuals and wounded another 45 in a crowd of police recruits today in the northern Iraqi town of Jalawla, where al-Qaida conducted violence has been on the rise, Reuters reports.

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.

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.

Colleague denies Iran actress banned from travel - agency

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani has left for the United States, a colleague said today, dismissing reports that she was banned from traveling as “nothing but rumors”.

Iran to DNA-test bodies of Kyrgyz plane crash victims

Washington, 26 August (IranVNC)—Kyrgyz health ministry officials announced today that Iran will conduct DNA identification of bodies recovered from Sunday’s plane crash in Kyrgyzstan’s capital of Bishkek.

Rights group urges “justice” 20 years after mass executions

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.

Nearly 70 killed in Kyrgyz plane crash

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—Nearly 70 people were killed yesterday when a Kyrgyz plane crashed shortly after taking off at Kyrgyzstan’s Mana airport in the capital city of Bishkek, Reuters reports.

Israel releases 198 Palestinian prisoners ahead of Rice visit

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—Ahead of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to the region, Israel released about 200 Palestinians prisoners to the West Bank, where the jubilation of the Palestinian residents spilled into the streets, Reuters reports.

Pakistan bans local Taliban group – official

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—Pakistan today banned Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan [TTP], the main militant group that has carried out a series of suicide attacks in the country that have killed hundreds of people, the interior ministry announced today.

Reporters Without Borders concerned over jailed journalist

Washington, 25 August (IranVNC)—The press freedom group, Reporters Without Borders [RSF], voiced concern today about the treatment of journalist and human rights activist Emadeddin Baqi, who has been held at Tehran’s Evin Prison since October 2007.

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.

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”.

British Premier vows support for Afghanistan in Kabul visit

Washington, 22 August (IranVNC)—In a surprise visit to Kabul yesterday, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reaffirmed his country’s support for Afghanistan and vowed to support increasing Afghanistan’s army and police forces.

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.

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 truck crash kills 30 Afghans in Fars Province

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—A truck overturned in southern Iran today killing at least 30 illegal Afghans and injuring 83, the official news agency, IRNA, reports.

Pirates hijack Iranian ship

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—Armed pirates hijacked an Iranian, a Japanese and a German vessel off the coast of Somalia today, bringing the number of ships attacked in the Gulf of Aden to six in the past month, an official maritime crime bureau reports, according to AP.

Suicide bombers kill 64 in Pakistan

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—Two suicide bombers killed 64 people outside of a defense complex in the city of Wah near Islamabad, Pakistan today, in the deadliest attack on a military facility in the country’s history, AFP reports.

Qatari Emir in Tehran for talks with Ahmadinejad

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)— Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Kahlifa al-Thani today that “enemies of the region” opposed stronger ties between Iran and its neighbors.

Relatives identify bodies of Spain plane crash victims

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—One day after a plane crashed in Spain killing 153 people, relatives of the deceased have identified 25 bodies so far, AP reports.

GCC chief compares Iran to Israel in island dispute

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—The head of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] today renewed his criticism of Iran in an ongoing dispute over control of three islands in a strategic Persian Gulf waterway, comparing Tehran’s actions there to Israel’s “occupation” of Arab lands.

Iran and China to meet for oil talks next week

Washington, 21 August (IranVNC)—The managing director of the National Iranian Oil Company [NIOC], Seifollah Jashn-saz, will travel to China on Monday to increase energy ties between the two countries, the news website of Iran’s Oil Ministry, SHANA, reports.

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.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister visits Baghdad

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora is in Baghdad today for talks on trade and policy, in the first visit of a Lebanese leader to that country since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, AFP reports.

Jordan, China sign nuclear cooperation deal

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Jordan and China signed a nuclear cooperation deal yesterday that will pave the way for future cooperation on Amman’s nuclear energy program, which aims at electricity generation and water desalination.

UAE seeks Arab support in Iran island dispute

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—The General Secretariat of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates [UAE] has filed a request for the Arab Parliamentary Union [APU] to mediate its dispute with Iran over a dispute over the control of three Persian Gulf islands, Gulf News reports.

Iraq to take charge of Iranian opposition base

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Iraq’s government is forming a committee to oversee and control Camp Ashraf, the main base of the Iranian opposition group, Mujahedin-e Khalq [MEK or PMOI], Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency reports.

Syria’s President to visit Russia for arms deal

Washington, 20 August (IranVNC)—Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said today that he will use his upcoming visit to Moscow this week to strengthen his country’s military alliance with Russia, despite Western protests.

Syria tests long-range missiles – Israeli report

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—The Israeli military released a report today confirming that it has detected Syrian long-range missile tests, which could be a threat to the security of Israel, Syria’s long-time foe, Israel’s daily Haaretz newspaper reports.

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.

Bomb kills 43, wounds 38 in Algeria, authorities say

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—In the bloodiest attack in Algeria for years, 43 people were killed and 38 were wounded when a bomb was detonated east of Algiers today, the Algerian interior ministry told Reuters.

Taliban fighters attack US base, French troops in Afghanistan

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—Violence erupted in eastern Afghanistan early today when Taliban insurgents attacked a US military base, killing at least 13 people. Meanwhile, 10 French soldiers were killed outside of Kabul in the deadliest battle for French troops since 2001.

EU calls for stay of execution for juvenile offender

Washington, 19 August (IranVNC)—The Presidency of the Council of the European Union called on Iran to stay the execution of Behnoud Shojaee, a young man who was arrested on charges of murder in June 2005 at the age of 17.

Iraqi President Talebani to visit Iran

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC) — UAE’s Al-Ittihad newspaper announced on Monday that Iraqi President Jalal Talebani will visit Iran soon on an official visit.

Iran, Oman sign natural gas deal

Washington, 17 August (IranVNC)—Iran and Oman last week in Oman signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] for export of Iran’s natural gas to Oman.

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.

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.

Turkey, Iran to hold energy talks in one month

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—A Turkish delegation will travel to Iran next month for talks on energy cooperation in hopes to strike a multi-billion-dollar energy accord, Turkey’s Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said today.

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 to release some 200 Palestinian prisoners – report

Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—Israel is set to free 200 Palestinian prisoners as a good will gesture to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan which starts on 25 August, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency [JTA] reports.

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”.

Turkey’s Gul downplays absence of energy deal with Iran

Washington, 17 August (IranVNC)—Turkey and Iran are not ready to complete a multi-billion-dollar energy cooperation deal, Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul said yesterday, downplaying reports that the two countries failed to strike the deal due to pressures from the U.S.

Record accomplishments at Olympic games

Washington, 17 August (IranVNC)—Michael Phelps proved he is one of the greatest Olympians ever, winning a record eight gold medals in a single Olympic games when team USA defeated Australia in world-record time in the men’s 100-meter medley relay.

IAEA officials to visit Iran on Monday – news agency

Washington, 17 August (IranVNC)—Experts from the UN nuclear watchdog will travel to Iran tomorrow to hold talks on that country’s nuclear program, Iran’s semi-official ISNA 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.

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.

Musharraf to resign in lieu of impeachment—Pakistani officials

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC)—Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will resign from office rather than face an imminent impeachment, but is seeking immunity and transport to a safe residence, a Pakistani coalition government official announced today, Reuters reports.

Female suicide bomber kills 19 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq

Washington, 15 August (IranVNC)—A female suicide bomber killed 19 people and wounded 75 while en route to a shrine in the holy Shiite city of Karbala about 25 miles south of Baghdad yesterday, police officials said, according to Reuters.

UAE protests against Iran offices on disputed island

Washington, 14 August (IranVNC)—The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry today protested against Iran’s establishment of two offices on the contested island of Abu Musa, and called for them to be removed, the state-run Emirates News Agency [WAM] reported today.

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.

Iraqi deputy assures Iran over US security deal

Washington, 14 August (IranVNC)—Visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih met with the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Saeed Jalili, in Tehran today, where he assured Iran that a US security deal would not endanger that country.

Syria, Lebanon agree to draw borders, normalize ties

Washington, 14 August (IranVNC)—Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon’s President Michel Suleiman today agreed to take steps toward demarcating their borders after a two-day summit in Damascus aimed at normalizing relations.

Bomb at Lebanese bus stop—18 dead, 45 wounded

Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—In the deadliest attack on military forces since the onset of Lebanon’s battle with Islamist militants last year, a bomb at a bus stop in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli killed at least 18 people today, nine of whom were soldiers, according to security sources, Reuters reports.

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.

Poland, US to restart missile defense talks

Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—Amid rising international tension over the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia that has left thousands dead, US and Polish negotiators will begin further talks today on the US-proposed missile defense system, AP reports.

Iran demands “unpaid” debt from five countries

Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—Iran announced yesterday that it has begun an effort to collect “unpaid debt” that the countries of Sudan, Tanzania, Nicaragua, Jordan and North Korea owe to it.

Iraqi Kurdish leader visits Iran

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—The prime minister of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, Nechirvan Barzani, met Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for talks yesterday, Iran Newspaper reports, providing no details about the meeting.

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.

Nine Kata’ib Hezbollah suspects arrested in Baghdad

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—Coalition forces in Iraq have arrested nine suspected members of the Kata’ib Hezbollah [Hezbollah Brigades], a pro-Iran insurgent group, today in a predominantly Sunni area of Baghdad, according to the US military.

Georgia sues Russia for genocide as U.S. evacuates citizens

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—As Russia and Georgia attempt to move towards a ceasefire for the five-day war that has claimed hundreds of lives, Georgian officials said today the country has filed a law suit against Russia at the International Court of Justice [ICJ] for ethnic cleansing, Reuters reports.

EU beseeches Iran to put off execution of minors

Washington, 12 August (IranVNC)—The European Union released a statement today condemning the decision of the Iran’s court system to sentence a man to death for crimes committed when he was a minor.

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.

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.

Algerian president visits Iran

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and four Algerian ministers arrived in Tehran yesterday on a three-day official visit to hold talks with their Iranian counterparts.

Sunni rebels execute two Iranian policemen

Washington, 11 August (IranVNC)—Iranian Sunni rebel group, Jondollah [God’s Soldiers], said on Sunday it has abducted three members, including two officers, of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps [IRGC], and executed two of the policemen the group has been holding hostage since June, reports Al-Arabiya television today.

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 swimmer misses Olympic competition with Israeli

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Olympic officials said today that Iran could face action if it deliberately pulled out of yesterday’s men’s 100 meter breaststroke heats because an Israeli swimmer was also racing.

Iraqi FM calls for “clear timeline” for US troop withdrawal

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters today that any security deal with the United States must include a “very clear timeline” for a US troop withdrawal.

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.

Iran, Venezuela to construct Bolivian cement company

Washington, 10 August (IranVNC)—Iran and Venezuela have pledged at least $225 million to help Bolivia establish a state cement company. The money will fund the construction of the its first two factories, reports Reuters.

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.

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.

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.

Iran says talks with IAEA “positive”

Washington, 8 August (IranVNC)—The deputy chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization [IAEO], Mohammad Saeedi, said today that talks with his counterpart at the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Olli Heinonen, were “positive” and said talks will continue in the future.

Split verdict in war crimes trial of Bin Laden’s driver

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—A military jury at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, convicted Osama bin Laden’s former driver, of supporting terrorism, but acquitted him of conspiring with al-Qaida—a more serious offense—in the first US war crimes trial since World War II, Reuters reports.

Pakistan’s ruling coalition seeks Musharraf impeachment

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—Paksitan’s ruling coalition said today that it would move to impeach President Pervez Musharraf over policies it said have “eroded the trust of the nation” and vowed to continue to pressure the president to resign, AP reports.

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.

GCC official slams Iran for criticizing Arab monarchies

Washington, 7 August (IranVNC)—Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] Secretary General Abdurrahman al-Attiyah slammed Iran today for questioning the legitimacy of pro-Western Arab monarchies in the Middle East, saying such comments can only fuel tensions.

Turkey invests in Iran gas project

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Iranian officials announced an agreement between Iran and Turkey to sign a gas contract, whereby Turkey would invest in the production and export of Iranian gas to Turkey and Europe.

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.

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.

Germany urges firms to show “sensitivity” on Iran deals

Washington, 6 July (IranVNC)—German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has cautioned German firms to show “sensitivity” with their dealings with Iran after a German-Iran gas deal drew criticism from Israel.

Russia may put bombers, missiles in Belarus to counter US shield

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—Russia said today that it is considering deploying bombers and missiles to neighboring Belarus to counter a planned US missile shield in Eastern Europe, but ruled out a return of nuclear weapons to Belarus.

Army stages coup in Mauritania

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—Army officers in the oil-rich African country of Mauritania staged a coup today against the first freely elected government in 20 years, after the president fired 4 of the country’s top military officials, AP reports.

EU condemns arrest of Iranian AIDS researchers

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—The European Union released a statement today condemning the Islamic Republic’s unsubstantiated arrest of the Alaei brothers, two internationally recognized HIV/AIDS researchers.

EU “greatly disturbed” by situation of Kurds in Iran

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—The European Union said in a statement today that it is “greatly disturbed” by human rights violations against members of Iran’s civil society belonging to that country’s Kurdish population, particularly in the northwestern province of Kurdistan.

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, “a threat to Israel’s existence” – Israel deputy PM

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—Israel’s current transportation and deputy prime minister, Shaul Mofaz, called Iran today the “root of all evil” and denounced the Islamic Republic’s unclear program as a threat to world peace.

EU exports to Iran rise despite sanctions

Washington, 6 August (IranVNC)—Following a three-year decline, European Union exports to Iran have risen over the last five months, despite numerous United Nations Security Council sanctions against that country.

Syria’s President, Turkish PM to discuss Israel peace talks

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan will hold talks with Syrian President Bashir al-Assad today at a southern Turkish resort, where they are expected to discuss the future of the indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel.

Mottaki denies “terrorists” cross from Iran into Afghanistan

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki rejected allegations by some Afghan newspapers that Iran assists “terrorists” to cross into Afghanistan from its territory, describing the accusations as “not worthy of attention”.

Isolated Iran risks same fate as Iraq, Libyan leader says

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi said today that Iran’s refusal to respond to western pressure over its controversial nuclear program “simply stems from arrogance,” Reuters reports.

Top IAEA official to visit Iran this week

Washington, 5 August (IranVNC)—Ollie Heinonen, the Deputy Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], will travel to Tehran on Thursday for talks on Iran’s nuclear program, Reuters reports an IAEA spokesperson as saying.

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”.

Russians pay their respects to Solzhenitsyn

Washington, 5 Aug (IranVNC)—Russians have been paying their last respects to Nobel prize winning writer, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who died of heart attack at his home near Moscow on Sunday at the age of 89.

Solana and Jalili talked on the phone

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—European Union’s foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili spoke by phone today, AP reported from Tehran. No details have been given on the conversation.

Ahmadinejad to vist Istanbul, not Ankara

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)— Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Turkey on August 14th to meet Turkish officials in Istanbul.

Indian temple stampede, over 145 dead

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—Over 145 Hindu worshippers were trampled to death yesterday when mass panic over a possible landslide prompted pilgrims to stampede through a festival at a temple in northern India.

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.

Kuwait prepares oil storage amid Iranian threat

Washington, 4 August (IranVNC)—OPEC-member, Kuwait is considering long-term plans to increase its oil storage amid concerns over the international standoff between Iran and the West.

Solzhenitsyn, Soviet dissident and Russian hero, dies at 89

Described by some critics as communism’s deadliest foe, Solzhenitsyn’s books chronicled the horrors of the Soviet gulag system. He was lauded as a moral and spiritual leader as well as one of the greatest writers of his time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

IAEA approves US-India nuke deal

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praised today the UN atomic watchdog’s approval of an agreement which will propel the US-India nuclear deal into its final stages, AFP reports.

Syria’s al-Assad to travel to Iran tomorrow

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will travel to Tehran tomorrow to meet with his Iranian counterpart, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the semi-official Fars News Agency reports today.

China cracks under censorship outrage

Washington, 1 August (IranVNC)—China has agreed to ease its internet censorship for journalists covering this summer’s Beijing Olympics in a move aimed at easing media pressure and public outrage at news that Beijing would not deliver on its promise to allow free speech during these games.

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.

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.

Olmert says will not run for re-election in September

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC) – Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert intends to hand his resignation letter to President Shimon Peres the day after the September 17 primary elections by his Kadima party, according to Jerusalem Post.

Bicycle blast at Pakistani consulate in Afghanistan

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—A bicycle bomb was remotely detonated today outside the Pakistani consulate in the Afghan city of Herat, wounding at least two people.

Israel concerned over German gas deal with Iran

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—Israel today expressed disappointment over a German company’s contract to build three liquefied natural gas plants in Iran, saying it flouts international sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.

Italy calls for “serious answer” to Khamenei remarks

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said today that he was “disappointed” by comments made earlier today by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and called for the European Union to give a “serious answer” to the Supreme Leaders’ remarks.

Iran basketball team shocks Serbia

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—Iran’s national basketball team, which is participating in this summer’s Olympic games in Beijing, managed a stunning defeat of the five-time world champion Serbia last night, in their second International Basketball Federation [FIBA] Diamond Ball game in China.

Turkish court punishes ruling party but does not ban it

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—A court in Istanbul yesterday ruled that Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, the AKP, will not be closed over its ideological conflicts but will be subject to financial penalties for anti-secular practices.

Karadzic to face UN war crimes court

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, known as the “butcher of Bosnia”, will make his first appearance before a United Nations court tomorrow, where he faces 11 charges, including two counts of genocide.

Livni calls for Israeli unity in negotiations with Palestinians

Washington, 31 July (IranVNC)—Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni called for unity among Israel’s political parties today to support the ongoing effort to reach peace with the Palestinians.

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”.

Olympic ban on Iraqi athletes lifted

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—The International Olympic Committee [IOC] today reversed its decision to ban the Iraqi Olympic team from participating in the Beijing Games.

Germany approves gas deal with Iran

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—The German government has allowed an engineering company to complete a $155 million deal to build natural gas plants in Iran—a move that some see as undermining the West’s efforts to impose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear ambitions.

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.

Amnesty International calls on Iran to end abuse against Kurds

Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—Amnesty International criticized the Iranian government today for its ineffectiveness in combating widespread discrimination against that country’s Kurdish minority population, citing an increase in court sentences against members of that ethnic group.

Press freedom group criticizes Iran for arrest of Kurdish journalist

Washington, 28 July (IranVNC)—The Paris-based press freedom watchdog, Reporters Without Borders [RSF], today issued a statement criticizing Iran for the arrest today of Kurdish journalist Saman Rasoulpour in the predominantly Kurdish city of Mahabad in Iran’s northwest.

Israel and Syria talks through Turkey progress to next step

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—Indirect talks between long-time enemies Israel and Syria continued on today when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sent two top aides to Turkey to initiate the fourth round of peace talks.

McCain: Putin led Russia down a ‘very harmful path’

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—US presidential hopeful John McCain said on Sunday that former Russian President and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had led Russia down “a very harmful path”. In an interview with ABC television news, McCain further accused Russia of becoming an autocracy, suggesting that: “We need to improve their behavior.”

Illegal immigrants, including Iranians, demonstrate in Brussels

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—Some 40 illegal immigrants have climbed six construction cranes throughout the Belgian capital of Brussels, as part of a campaign to acquire residency permits, Belgian media report.

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”.

Double bombing in Istanbul kills 17

Washington, 28 July (IranVNC)—Two deadly blasts in Istanbul’s Gungoren neighborhood yesterday left 17 people dead and more than 150 wounded, including seven in serious condition, hours before Turkey’s top court was to begin deliberations on whether to ban the ruling party.

Two suicide bombings in Iraq leave 50 dead

Washington, 28 July (IranVNC)—Two separate suicide bombings in Iraq killed 50 people and wounded 142 others today, in one of the bloodiest days this war-torn country has experienced in months.

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”.

Iran renews bid to join central Asian security bloc

Washington, 28 July (IranVNC)—Iran today renewed its bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [SCO], Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency reports.

OPEC: oil price could drop if Iran crisis resolved

Washington, 27 July (IranVNC)—Chakib Khelil, president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC], said yesterday that crude prices can dip below 100 dollars if the US dollar strengthens and a solution to the Iran’s longstanding nuclear dispute is reached.

Second day of blasts kills 49 people in India

Washington, 27 July (IranVNC)—A second day of bombings rocked India yesterday, killing at least 49 people and putting the country’s major cities on high alert.

Iraq’s athletes banned from Summer Olympic Games

Washington, 25 July (IranVNC)—The International Olympics Committee [IOC] has banned athletes from Iraq from participating in the Beijing games because of political appointments in Baghdad, reports AP.

EU calls on Iran to abolish death by stoning

24 July (IranVNC)—In a statement released today, the European Union called on Iran to put an end to the sentences of death by stoning handed down to eight Iranian women and one man, and urged the Islamic Republic to abolish this “cruel and degrading” punishment.

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.

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.

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.”

Turkish warplanes hit PKK targets in Northern Iraq

Washington, 24 July (IranVNC)—The Turkish military said on Thursday its warplanes have attacked Kurdish targets in Northern Iraq the previous day, but they had yet to confirm the losses suffered by the rebels.

Russia may send air defense to Iran

Washington, 24 July (IranVNC)—According to Reuters, an Israeli defense source has revealed that Iran will receive advanced defense material from Russia by the end of the year, evidently intended to fend off strikes against the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities.

Kenya-Iran friendly soccer game cancelled

Washington, 24 July (IranVNC)—A friendly match between the Iranian National Football team and its Kenyan counterpart was cancelled today, the latest in a string of cancellations for an Iranian side seeking practice partners in preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Reporters Without Borders calls for woman journalist’s release

Washington, 24 July (IranVNC)—The international press freedom watchdog, Reporters Without Borders [RSF], called on Iran to release detained women’s rights defender and journalist Mahboubeh Karami, describing her detention as a “denial of justice”.

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.

Turkey attacks PKK hideout in North Iraq

Washington, 29 July (IranVNC)—Turkish warplanes attacked a Kurdish separatist hideout in northern Iraq, reportedly killing several of the guerrilla fighters, according to Reuters.

Karadzic arrested and to face war crimes tribunal

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)—After more than a decade on the run, Bosnian Serb wartime President Radovan Karadzic was arrested by Serbian authorities disguised as a doctor near Belgrade.

Former president Khatami praises Lebanon’s Nasrallah for prisoner swap

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)—Iran’s former president, Mohammad Khatami, as head of the International Center for Dialogue Among Cultures and Civilizations, has congratulated Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on a 16 July prisoner exchange with Israel, to which he refers as “a proud victory”.

EU outraged over Iran’s planned execution of juvenile offenders

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)—The European Union released a statement today denouncing Iran’s plan to execute two juvenile offenders, despite appeals by Brussels to commute their sentences.

Chavez, Medvedev in arms, energy cooperation deal

Washington, 22 July (IranVNC)—Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Moscow today where he met president Dmitry Medvedev and finalized discussions on an arms and energy exchange deal which would result in energy contracts for three Russian companies to work in the Latin American country.

Britain’s Brown warns Iran in address to Israeli Parliament

Washington, 21 July (IranVNC)—British Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned Iran today that it faced further international sanctions if it does not halt its sensitive nuclear work, in the first address by a British premier to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

Syrian foreign minister in Beirut to discuss ties

Washington, 21 July (IranVNC)—Syrian foreign minister Walid Moualem arrived in Beirut today to discuss establishing formal diplomatic ties with Lebanon. The two nations have not exchanged embassies or demarcated their borders since gaining independence from France more than 60 years ago.

Afghanistan “central focus” for US troops – Obama

Washington, 20 July (IranVNC)—On a visit to Kabul today, US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said the situation in Afghanistan should become the center of the US war on terrorism.

Iran, China to assist in six billion dollar Ecuadorian oil refinery

Washington, 20 July (IranVNC)—Iran and China have both expressed interest in investing in a six billion dollar oil refinery Ecuador is building, President Rafael Correa said today in his weekly television address.

IMF urges Iran to step up inflation fight

Washington, 18 July (IranVNC)—As electricity consumption is heading for a five-fold price increase for Iranian families, the International Monetary Fund [IMF] urged Iran today to contain inflation by means of bank interest rates and other related measures.

Canada may not issue visas to Iranian men’s canoe polo teams

Washington, 18 July (IranVNC)—Canada’s embassy in Iran has not yet issued visas for two Iranian canoe-polo teams to participate in the World Canoe Polo Championships in Canada next week, the vice-president of Iran’s Canoeing Federation said today.

France, UK scale down ties with Iran – Report

Washington, 18 July (IranVNC)—Foreign diplomats in Tehran have said that the British embassy has almost shut down its trade section, while the French embassy’s trade section staff has been cut in half over the last year, as political pressure over Iran’s longstanding nuclear dispute has weakened trade ties, Financial Times reports today.

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”.

Russian firm says will build 100 Topalov airplanes in Iran

Washington, 16 July (IranVNC)—Alexei Fedorov, CEO of Russia’s United Aircraft Construction Corporation today announced that his company planned to produce 100 Topalov 204 airplanes in Iran.

Egypt cancels friendly football match against Iran

Washington, 17 July (IranVNC)—Egyptian Football Association (EFA) President Samir Zaher said on Wednesday, Egypt’s friendly match against Iran has been canceled. The cancellation comes in the wake of a new controversial Iranian documentary film about the assassination of the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

German firms concerned over losing Iran contracts to China, Russia

Washington, 17 July (IranVNC)—As the pressure mounting from economic sanctions force more and more western companies to reluctantly leave a “lucrative” Iranian market, Germany, as the largest Western investor in Iran, worries about losing contracts in the oil-rich nation to China and Russia, which do not feel strictly bound to UN imposed sanctions, reports the German radio website, Deutsche Welle.

Iran, Japan agree to continue oil cooperation in Persian Gulf

Washington, 17 July (IranVNC)—Japanese energy company Inpex has expressed interest in continuing its partnership with the Naftiran Intertrade Company [NICO] in developing Iran’s largest onshore oil field, Azadegan, IRIB News network reported today.

Major powers unsure of Iran’s response to nuclear proposals

Washington, 17 July (IranVNC) – US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Thursday she did not know if Iran will respond positively to the package of incentives offered to it in exchange for Tehran suspending its uranium enrichment program.

Russia to try Uzbek man for attempted export of rare metal to Iran

Washington, 17 July (IranVNC)—A Russian court will put on trial an Uzbek man accused of trying to export to Iran a rare metal that can be used to make nuclear weapons, Russia’s state-run RIA-Novosti reported today.

Hezbollah delivers remains of dead Israeli soldiers in prisoner swap

Washington, 16 July (IranVNC)—Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah movement today surrendered the bodies of two Israeli soldiers to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent [ICRC] as part of a prisoner exchange deal between Hezbollah and Israel.

Iranian opposition group to remain on EU blacklist

Washington, 16 July (IranVNC)—The European Union today decided not to remove from its list of banned terrorist organizations the Iranian opposition group Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization [MEK], saying it is still carrying out “terrorist acts”.

Saudi Arabia offers Russia arms deal for ending cooperation with Iran

Washington, 15 July (IranVNC)—Saudi Arabia has offered to give arms contracts worth 2.4 billion dollars to Russia if Moscow curbs its cooperation with Iran, a Russian newspaper reported today.

Malaysia’s Petronas still mulling Iran gas project

Washington, 15 July (IranVNC) – The Malaysia’s state energy company, Petronas, which in the current fiscal year made a record profit of 18.1 billion dollars, announced that it was still assessing whether to participate in the South Pars natural gas project in Iran.

US missile defense plan “worsens” regional security – Russia

Washington, 15 July (IranVNC)—Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev today said that a US plan to install a missile defense shield in eastern Europe would worsen Europe’s security situation, and that Moscow would have to respond “adequately”.

Syrian President says peace with Israel could take two years

Washington, 14 July (IranVNC)—Syria’s President said yesterday it could take between six months to two years for his country to reach a peace agreement with Israel.

Iran, Russia to develop South Pars gas, build refinery

Washington, 14 June (IranVNC) – Iran’s Oil Minister said today that an oil and gas cooperation agreement signed between Russia and Iran yesterday provided for the creation of a joint company to implement projects to develop phase 11 of Iran’s South Pars gas field and to build a refinery in the north of the country.

Solana confirms will meet Iran nuclear negotiator 19 July

Washington, 14 July (IranVNC)—EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana will meet Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, later this week for talks on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.

Venezuela’s Chavez warns oil could reach $300

Washington, 14 July (IranVNC)—Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez yesterday said that oil prices could jump to $300 per barrel if the US oil company Exxon Mobil again freezes Venezuela’s assets.

Three European football teams cancel Iran game due to missile tests

Washington, 13 July (IranVNC)—Two Spanish and one English football teams cancelled their scheduled friendly matches against Iran’s national squad.

Iran signs oil deal with Russia’s Gazprom

Washington, 13 July (IranVNC)—Iran today signed an agreement with the Russian oil company Gazprom to cooperate in developing Iran’s oil and gas fields, Iran’s Oil Ministry reported today.

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.

EU expresses concern over Iran missile tests

Washington, 11 July (IranVNC)—The European Union today expressed concern over Iran’s controversial missile tests, saying Tehran’s latest actions would only compound concerns over the true intentions of its nuclear program.

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.

Iranian university students fingerprinted at Saudi airport

Washington, 10 July (IranVNC)—Saudi border police have begun taking fingerprints of Iranian university students who enter the country at the newly-opened Jeddah Airport, Fars News Agency reports today.

Iran may be exaggerating missile capabilities – experts

Washington, 10 July (IranVNC)—Photographs published on the website of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps [IRGC], which show four missiles being fired during military exercises yesterday, were apparently doctored.

Israel calls for diplomatic solution on Iran, but says might act

Washington, 10 July (IranVNC)—Israel again said today that it wants a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear dispute, but warned it is “not afraid to take action”, after Iranian state media reported a new round of missile tests last night.

Kurdish rebels confirm kidnapping German climbers in Turkey – report

Washington, 10 July (IranVNC)—The Kurdish rebel group, Kurdistan Workers Party [PKK], today confirmed that they had kidnapped three German tourists in eastern Turkey, and said they will not release them until Germany renounces its “hostile” policies against the group, the pro-Kurdish Firat News Agency was reported by AFP as saying.

Turkish PM in Baghdad vows security cooperation

Washington, 10 July (IranVNC)—Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Baghdad for talks with Iraqi leaders, today said Turkey would cooperate with Iraq on security measures and vowed his support for the Iraqi people.

Iraq, Israel deny reports of Israeli Air Force practicing over Iraq’s airspace

Washington, 11 July (IranVNC)—Iraqi and Israeli officials today denied an earlier report posted on the Jerusalem Post website that Israeli Air Force planes had been practicing over Iraq’s airspace for a possible airstrike against Iran.

Lebanon announces new unity government

Press freedom group urges Iran to free journalist

Washington, 9 July (IranVNC)—Reporters Without Borders has called on Iran to release from jail Iranian journalist Sadiq Mina’i, who was arrested earlier this month in the capital of the western Kurdistan Province.

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.

EU’s Solana denies report of trip to Tehran in “next few days”

Washington, 9 July (IranVNC)—The spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana today denied an Iranian report today that he would be in Tehran within days to continue talks on Iran’s controversial nuclear program.

UK court rejects Iran Melli Bank sanctions challenge

Washington, 9 July (IranVNC)—The London-based subsidiary of Iran’s largest bank, Bank Melli, today lost a High Court challenge to the legality of sanctions imposed by the European Union on 23 June over its disputed nuclear program.

Egypt “strongly” condemns Iranian film on Sadat

Washington, 9 July (IranVNC)—Egypt’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit today condemned an Iranian documentary film about the 1981 assassination of President Anwar Sadat.