Smiles in Iran: U.S. government shutdown, Obama overtures lower the heat on regime

Smiles in Iran: U.S. government shutdown, Obama overtures lower the heat on regime

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Iran’s economy is enjoying short term benefits from the shutdown of the U.S. government and the Obama administration’s bid to reconcile with the Teheran regime. Congressional aides said the Senate, controlled by Obama’s Democratic Party, has delayed hearings to consider additional sanctions on Iran. They cited hearings that had been […]

U.S. tightens sanctions on Iran, Syria after reports of fronts in China, India

U.S. tightens sanctions on Iran, Syria after reports of fronts in China, India

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has enhanced its campaign against suspected violators of sanctions on Iran and Syria. President Barack Obama has empowered his administration to identify and track alleged violators of U.S. and international sanctions on Damascus and Teheran. On May 1, Obama signed an order that authorized the Treasury Department […]

U.S. Treasury sanctions another major Iran bank

U.S. Treasury sanctions another major Iran bank

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran’s third largest bank for helping finance weapons of mass destruction programs. The Treasury Department has designated Bank Tejarat, with 2,000 branches throughout Iran, as well as its subsidiary in Belarus. Treasury said Tejarat was providing financial services to Iranian banks and companies […]

Lebanese man indicted in U.S. for drug trafficking to finance Hizbullah

Lebanese man indicted in U.S. for drug trafficking to finance Hizbullah

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has identified a Lebanese man as a leading drug dealer for the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. A U.S. federal court has indicted Ayman Joumaa of conspiracy to distribute cocaine as well as launder money. Prosecutors said Joumaa, who is not in U.S. custody, is believed to have financed Hizbullah […]