Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Oil prices fell below $105 Friday on concerns over slowing energy demand and a strong US currency, while the market awaited next week’s OPEC meeting on crude output levels, traders said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s Defense Ministry is suing a Baltimore warehousing company in federal court, claiming a floor collapse three years ago damaged $50 million worth of military equipment that has been held in limbo by the US government since the late 1970s.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran is seeking to use gas processing facilities in Oman to export its vast gas reserves.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Foreign investment in Iran’s industries and mining sector has increased 900% from 2005 to 2007, a ministry official said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Philippines is raising its level of diplomatic ties with the oil-rich Islamic Republic, as the Department of Foreign Affairs seeks to finalize various agreements on terrorism, transnational crimes, as well as the extradition of criminals and the transfer of sentenced persons.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Central Bank of Iran plans to lop four zeros off the country’s national currency and rename it to toman, a CBI official said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s deputy Industries and Mines Minister said the country plans to extract 10 tons of gold from 15 mines by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20).

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran has invited Brazil to join the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, according to a Brazilian senior government official.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Iran’s nuclear issue can only be solved through dialogue and peaceful means, warning against a catastrophe if Iran was attacked.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s oil minister held talks with Omani officials and agreed to set up a joint technical committee on development of Kish gas field.