During the first round of talks between Iran and the world powers on Saturday, Iran declared that it wanted to work toward preserving its nuclear capabilities for civilian use only and also help to work toward disarmament. The Iranian negotiator suggested that “ Iran can serve as a successful precedent in the promotion of the motto “nuclear energy for all, nuclear weapon for none” for all other countries.” Iran’s cooperation is a welcome change considering its reluctance to hold talks in the past several months.

Do you think Iran is sincere in its declaration or is Iran simply buying the time it needs to secure a nuclear weapon? Is there a reason for the United States to be suspicious?

Press TV

A Chinese insurance company has stopped covering Iranian oil. On April 5th the China P&L Club announced that it would no longer insure tankers carrying Iranian oil. Sanctions set forth by the EU have impacted the way the Chinese receive their end of the oil trade; many Chinese importers of Iranian oil depend on European re insurers. As one of Iran’s most powerful allies, the fact that the Chinese have begun to walk away from the Iranians is indicative of the success that the sanctions will have.

Al-Jazeera 

Iran arrested the operatives of an alleged terrorist organization that they believe is sponsored by Israel. The group,  People’s Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI), is allegedly financed and trained by the Israeli secret service. Officials denied any US involvement, but one senior official confessed that the group had been privy to American intelligence reports.

BBC