Iran's biggest oil customers from across Asia are flocking to alternative Middle East suppliers this month under renewed US pressure to stop buying Iranian crude and unprecedented tension over Tehran's nuclear programme.

• January 13, 2012

Russia has warned the US that moves to tighten sanctions on Iran would be perceived as an attempt at "regime change", as Tehran appeared to express readiness to return to negotiations and allow UN monitors to inspect its nuclear facilities.

• January 13, 2012

Japan gave a boost Thursday to the U.S. campaign to sanction Iran over its nuclear program, pledging to buy less Iranian oil, a day after China reacted coolly to the U.S. effort.

• January 12, 2012

The United States, France, Britain, and Germany have condemned Iran's decision to start enriching uranium at an underground facility after a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council.

• January 12, 2012

Does this apparent inconsistency reflect diverging priorities within the upper echelons of the country's leadership? Or are both moves part of a complex and far-reaching strategy focused on winning back control over Nagorno-Karabakh?

• January 11, 2012

"Latvia is interested in overcoming the crisis in the EU and the development of united and strong Europe and national states. Therefore the country must continue to implement its measures – responsible economic and fiscal policies, and be able to quickly react to potentially changeable situations, for example – Lisbon Treaty amendments," states the report.

• January 10, 2012

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have turned down Pakistan's request to supply oil on long-term credit despite the rhetoric of long-standing and brotherly ties between the countries, according to a media report today.

• January 9, 2012

Japan and Russia likely will reach a broad agreement as early as this month on business plans for a liquefied natural gas plant project in Vladivostok, sources have said.

• January 7, 2012