Iran
Secret Iranian court hands jail sentences to eight environmentalists accused of spying for US
Case is mysterious. Judiciary has spoken of surveys of cheetahs used as pretext for espionage. Reports of military officials saying cameras were planted to pinpoint missile test areas have circulated. UN has condemned Tehran’s actions in affair.
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US attorney general ‘at Trump’s request made effort to help Turkey’s Halkbank sidestep indictment’
Turkish president Erdogan who has been implicated in the sanctions-busting affair in which lender is embroiled said to have pushed for White House action.
Samsung shuts Iranians out of paid app areas of Galaxy Store
Biggest provider of smartphones in Iran makes belated response to US sanctions following moves by Apple and Google.
Iran exporting million barrels of oil a day tracking firm data indicates
Figure from satellite-based Tankertrackers.com far higher than volumes suggested by other analytical companies. Tehran may fear surge in Chinese purchases may be a precursor to winding down of imports under US pressure.
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European nuclear deal powers ‘not referring Iran to UN’ over accord disputes
Announcement made by EU’s top diplomat in Tehran. Iranian foreign minister had warned about dangers of “selling out” to “high school bully” Donald Trump.
Senator probes whether Trump has intervened to assist Turkey’s Halkbank
Move comes after US appeals court agrees to pause case alleging state lender evaded American sanctions on Iran.
Iran fumes at Ukraine’s “strange move” in leaking air disaster audio tape
Pilot heard saying he believes he has seen a missile in sky. Kyiv angry at Tehran’s compensation offers and refusal to hand over flight recorders.
Iranian airliner skids on to city highway from runway
Latest of string of aviation incidents in Iran again raises questions over condition of country’s aircraft fleets in face of US sanctions that make parts difficult to source.
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US likely to bristle at new Iran plan to put satellite in orbit
Washington accuses Iranians of using space rocket programme as cover for efforts aimed at developing nuclear payload missiles. Islamic Republic’s last launch effort ended in space centre explosion.
Turkey’s Halkbank exposed to US court fine of $1.8bn within two weeks if prosecutor’s request accepted
State lender faces contempt of court move after obstinately refusing to appear in New York courthouse to answer Iran sanctions-busting charges.
‘People of assassinated general’s home province will pay $3mn bounty to anyone who kills Trump’ says Iranian MP
Addressing parliament, lawmaker also calls on Iran to build nuclear bomb. Qasem Soleimani’s successor, meanwhile, says “enemies” like US "understand no language but force”.