Middle Orient

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran formally launched a bid Monday to join a central Asian security organization following a long tenure in an observer role, Iranian Foreign Minister said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The United States signed an agreement pledging civilian atomic energy cooperation with Bahrain after concerns that Iran’s preparedness to transfer nuclear technology to regional and Muslim states could enhance regional solidarity.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The site of Gourtan, the most important historical area of Isfahan in Iran, is to undergo a new series of excavations to verify a hypothesis that it may possibly move back the history of the city from 2000 to 6000 years ago.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraq has sealed a border crossing with Iran to block entry and exit of Iranian pilgrims through territory, a senior Iranian official said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranians will vote on April 25 in the second round of parliamentary elections to decide the final make-up of their new parliament, with conservatives set to retain control, officials said Monday.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraq announced tenders for international oil companies to test two of its largest oil fields, develop a major natural gas field and build a pipeline to Iran.

TEHRAN (FNA)- An earthquake measuring 5 degrees on the Richter scale rattled a remote region in northwestern Iran on Sunday.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s ambassador to Colombo and Sri Lanka’s minister of port and aviation discussed expansion of relations and mutual cooperation in a meeting in the Sri Lankan capital.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki is scheduled to pay a visit to Tajikistan at the head of a high-ranking delegation on Monday.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Despite US efforts to undermine Iran, the Islamic Republic is getting more and more powerful, an Iranian lawmaker said here on Sunday.