Social and Political

Radiofarda – Despite the ongoing U.S. sanctions on Iran, India continues to be one of the chief importers of Iranian oil. Indeed, the state owned petrochemical corporation Indian Oil is set to import up to 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in December.That is more than 20 percent of current Iranian oil exports.

Radiofarda – The Israeli News Agency (INA) reported on 3 December that The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) was “on highest alert as operation Northern Shield to destroy Hezbollah tunnels was under way.”

Radiofarda – Iran’s parliament approved a tweaked draft law against funding terrorism on Wednesday which officials hope will bring Tehran closer to global standards and help remove it from investment blacklists as it faces renewed U.S. sanctions.

Reuters -The United States has made 11 attempts to begin negotiations with Iran in the last two years, all rejected by Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

Radiofarda – The United States is pressing the European Union to consider economic sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday, warning of a wider regional conflict if Tehran’s ambitions remain unchecked.

Al-Arabia – A study by the prestigious London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), an independent think tank, has revealed many hidden aspects of Iran’s defense spending and the shifting balances within the Islamic Republic’s military structures.

RFL/RE – The United Nations Security Council has met behind closed-doors to discuss Iran’s latest missile test, which the United States and other allies said may have been in violation of a three-year-old council resolution.

Al-Monitor – Already in its third week, the civil unrest in France continues to make headlines in Iran, where many are questioning the government’s violent response in quelling the public anger. The “yellow vests” have been protesting increased fuel taxes imposed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government. The rallies have turned into France’s worst turmoil in decades, with running street battles and intense scuffles …

Radiofarda – The chairman of the influential Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, has warned judges across Iran to watch out for the chicanery and deceitfulness of women.

Radiofarda – Iran National Steel Industrial Group (INSIG) workers poured into the streets of Ahvaz on Monday and Tuesday protesting overdue wages, hardship and mismanagement of the complex.