Iran: violence spreads to Tabriz

With a harsh media crackdown in place, word has been slow to get out of protests outside Tehran—but at least two are reported dead in Tabriz, capital of Azerbaijan province.

Iran: seven dead as protests escalate

As Iran’s embattled President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Russia June 16, Iranian state radio reported that seven people were killed in clashes overnight, escalating tensions after days of unprecedented demonstrations that have forced a formal review of elections results. The… Read moreIran: seven dead as protests escalate

Iran: protests claim first life; Guardian Council blinks?

One was killed as a pro-government militia opened fire in protesters in Tehran’s Azadi Square. Iran’s Guardian Council has agreed to hear challenges to the election results before affirming them.

Iran: resistance spreads

Iran is bracing for a third day of protests after defeated candidate Mousavi called for the election to be annulled. Juan Cole weighs in for fraud, while Ahmadinejad scapegoats George Soros.

Riots rock Iran following election

As Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hailed election results that show him winning by more than 62%, supporters of his opponent Mir Hossein Moussavi flooded the streets and clashed with riot police.

Iran hangs three in Baluchistan mosque blast

Three men were hanged for their supposed involvement in a May 28 bomb attack that killed 25 and injured over 100 at a mosque in Iran’s eastern city of Zahedan, Baluchistan province.

Israel: Venezuela, Bolivia supply Iran with uranium

Venezuela and Bolivia are supplying Iran with uranium for its nuclear program, according to a secret Israeli government report accusing the South American countries of violating UN sanctions.

Iran releases US journalist after suspending sentence

US journalist Roxana Saberi was released from prison after an Iranian court of appeals reduced her eight-year term for espionage to two years and then suspended the sentence.

Iran: many beaten, arrested at May Day rallies

A May Day rally in Tehran, organized by independent Iranian labor organizations, was attacked by security and intelligence forces, with many beaten and arrested. Arrests are also reported in Sanandaj.

Geneva katzenjammer has Jews pissed at Pope

Pope Benedict’s decision to send a delegation to Durban II has opened a new rift with Jewish groups. Rome rabbi Riccardo Di Segni called it the Vatican’s “latest imprudent step.”

Iran’s top judge urges fair appeals process for jailed US journalist

Facing international criticism, Iran’s judiciary ordered fair appellate proceedings for a US journalist convicted this week of espionage and sentenced to eight years in prison.

Iran imprisons US journalist on espionage charges

The Revolutionary Court of Iran convicted US journalist Roxana Saberi of espionage, sentencing her to eight years in prison, in a trial closed to the public.