Iran Disputes IAEA Assertion on Nuclear Equipment
4 Jun 2010 (NTI) – Iran yesterday challenged the International Atomic Energy Agency’s assertion in a report issued this week that a Tehran laboratory in recent months housed sensitive equipment that could aid in separating weapon-usable nuclear material, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, June 3).

Ex-McKinsey Consultant Convicted in Iran Trade Case
4 June 2010 (Bloomberg) — Former McKinsey & Co. consultant Mahmoud Reza Banki was convicted by a federal jury in New York of violating the Iran trade embargo and running an unlicensed money-transfer business.

Iran May Exchange 45 Billion Euro in Gold and Dollars
3 June 2010 (IBT) – The Iranian central bank is said to hold a majority of 85 percent of their currency reserves in euro and some other currencies, and only a small part in U.S. dollar, different to most other central banks. This is mostly for 

Iraqi Kurd Leader Vows Support for Turkey on Landmark Visit
03 Jun 2010 (AFP) ANKARA — Iraqi Kurdish leader Massud Barzani pledged “all efforts” to stop surging separatist Kurdish violence against Turkey as he paid a landmark visit to Ankara Thursday after years of animosity.

Iran’s Mottaki: New Sanctions Could Mean Confrontation
2 Jun 2010 (AFP) BRUSSELS — Fresh international sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme could lead to confrontation, foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki warned during a visit to Brussels on Wednesday.

Iran Enters Iraqi Territory in Pursuit of Kurdish Rebels
2 Jun 2010 – Iraq (Reuters) – Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region said on Tuesday dozens of families had been displaced in days of shelling by Iranian forces pursuing Kurdish rebels in the border region.

Top US military official says Iran training, providing arms to Taliban
31 May 2010 (ANI)Kabul: A top US military official in Afghanistan has said that there is “clear evidence” that the Talibani insurgents are being trained and provided arms by Iran.

IAEA report reduces chances of Iran fuel swap deal
31 May 2010 (AP) VIENNA — Iran has amassed more than two tons of enriched uranium, the U.N. atomic agency said Monday in a report that heightened Western concerns about the country developing the ability to produce a nuclear weapon.
Clinton Criticizes Brazil’s Iran Diplomacy
27 May 2010 (VOA) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday the United States has serious disagreements with Brazil over its efforts to mediate with Iran over its nuclear program. But Clinton stressed the United States desire for good relations with the emerging South American power.
Russia doubts Iran’s commitment to nuclear deal: Lavrov
28 May 2010 (AFP) MOSCOW — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced doubt on Thursday about whether Tehran would fulfill the terms of a deal brokered by Brazil and Turkey aimed at resolving the Iranian nuclear crisis.
