As Western oil sanctions take effect, Iran began shutting down oil production. Government censors warned Iranian media not to report negative economic news. To counter an Iranian threat to close the Gulf of Hormuz, the US deployed a floating operating base, mine sweepers, and sea drones to the Persian Gulf.
Ex-Republican Guards general reveals dissent within elite Iranian force
New Great Game Being Played In Afghanistan, Without The US
Abu Hafs al Mauritani, a senior al Qaeda ideologue, has been set free in Mauritania. Until earlier this year, Abu Hafs was held under a loose form of house arrest in Iran. His sudden extradition to Mauritania and subsequent freedom worries some US intelligence officials.
In Lebanon, a hard-line Sunni cleric gives voice to deep sectarian tensions
Details emerge on Iran’s priorities in nuclear talks
Iran accused French and German spy services of cooperating with the US and Israel in the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists. An Iran state TV poll revealed a majority of Iranians wanted its nuclear program stopped in return for a lifting of economic sanctions.
‘Kite Runner’ Author On His Childhood, His Writing, And The Plight Of Afghan Refugees
Gulf sabers rattle as Iran sanctions bite
Iran says can destroy US bases minutes after attack
Olympic experts sure they can repel cyber threats
US Adds Forces in Persian Gulf, a Signal to Iran
Sanctions against Iranian oil exports took effect. Iran said it had a stockpile of money and goods to weather the sanctions. However, food prices and unemployment have risen. Iran called for an emergency OPEC meeting as oil prices fell.
Egypt: Govt orders imams to decline invites to visit Iran
Iran: Mursi victory signals ‘Islamic awakening’ in region
Iranian general: military strike would be the end of Israel
Doubts Raised About US Diplomacy on Iran and Nuclear Issues
US, Israel developed Flame computer virus to slow Iranian nuclear efforts, officials say
An al Qaeda operative named Naamen Meziche has been reportedly detained in Pakistan. Meziche had extensive ties to the 9/11 plotters and was part of a 2010 plot to launch Mumbai-style attacks in Europe. That plot also had significant links to al Qaeda’s Iran-based network.
Pakistan nabs French man with reported 9/11 links
Two days of talks between Iran and the six powers over Iran’s nuclear program produced no agreement. Further talks were scheduled for July 3 in Istanbul.
Iran and the six powers started a new round of talks over Iran’s nuclear program. After the first day, the two sides remained far apart. Mahmud Ahmadinejad has said he plans to leave politics next year after his second term as president ends.
Israel’s president warns “time is out” for Iran
Tajik Mullahs Warn Of New Threat In Temporary Marriages
Iran arrested suspects who are thought to be behind the killing of two nuclear scientists. Iran’s intelligence ministry claimed the suspects had ties to Israel.
Secret drone wars not part of leak probes: sources
Russia’s foreign minister planned to visit Iran to discuss its nuclear program and the situation in Syria. Iran’s oil income plummeted due to economic sanctions and falling oil prices. The US exempted seven countries from sanctions on importing Iranian oil; China and Singapore did not receive an exemption.
New pan-Arab satellite channel goes on air to challenge al Jazeera, Gulf stations
The UN’s nuclear inspection agency failed to reach an agreement with Iran over access to sites suspected of being used for testing nuclear weapon components. The failure dims prospects for higher level talks over Iran’s nuclear program scheduled for later this month.
Worsening Syria war drives civilians from homes