Press Roundup provides a selected summary of news from the Iranian press, and excerpts where the source is in English. Click on the link to the story to read it in full. Tehran Bureau has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Please refer to the Media Guide to help put the stories in perspective. You can follow other news stories through our Twitter feed.

Iran seeks more urbane image with sleek new London embassy

The Guardian | Aug 1, 2010

The Iranian foreign ministry has submitted a planning application for the six-storey building on a South Kensington street corner, featuring a dramatic cantilevered arch, acutely-angled walls and irregularly punched-out windows, a recent architectural vogue. Its architect believes the building, which will cost at least £100m and is sited in a sensitive area of historic buildings, will embody "Iran's public image in London."

Iran Appears to Reject Asylum in Adultery Case

New York Times | Aug 2, 2010

Iran's conservative establishment appears to have reacted coldly to an entreaty by Brazil's president to allow an Iranian woman convicted of adultery to take asylum in Brazil rather than face execution by stoning at home.

While no Iranian government officials commented on the Brazilian president's plea, Jahan News, an ultraconservative news service in Iran that is regarded as credibly reflecting the government's thinking, said Sunday that it was a "clear interference in Iran's domestic affairs."

Jahan also said that the Brazilian offer was made "under the influence of foreign media" and that the defendant, Sakineh Ashtiani, 43, might not be stoned to death because Iran's judiciary was reviewing the lower court's sentence. She could be hanged instead.

Lula's offer prompts Iran to soften tone with prisoner's family

Guardian | Aug 2, 2010

Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stepped into the international outcry over Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, by offering his country as a refuge, a move which raised hopes her life will be spared.

The surprise offer prompted an immediate reaction from Iran, which considers Brazil a key ally. Iranian officials softened their tone with Ashtiani's family over the weekend and official media reported full details of the story for the first time.

"I don't think Iran can ignore Brazil as easily as it ignored other countries," Ashtiani's son, Sajad, told the Guardian today. "It is very important that Brazil, as one of Iran's most significant allies in the world, has offered a haven for my mother."

He hoped Turkey, which also carries influence with Tehran, would add its voice. "No countries in the world can have such impacts that Brazil and Turkey can have on Iran now. These two countries can save my mother's life," said Sajad.

Iran president in charge of IRNA

Press TV | August 1, 2010

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will take charge of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) was established in 1934 by the Foreign Ministry of Iran as the country's official national news outlet.

IRNA has 60 domestic and 30 international offices.

Females outperform males in university entrance exams

Mehr News | August 1, 2010

Women outperformed men in this year's Iranian university entrance exams.

The university entrance exam, also known as the concour, is a standardized test used as one of the means to gain admission to universities in Iran.

Of the 36 with the highest scores, 19 are females and 17 are males. Most of them are from Tehran.

1,286,813 students took this year's university entrance exam, 773,653 of whom (about 60%) were females and 513,160 were males.

Iranian Athlete Snatches Gold Medal in Int'l Wrestling Tournament

Fars News | August 1, 2010

Iranian wrestler Ali-Asqar Bazri won the gold medal in Iran's international free-style wrestling tournament after defeating his American rival in the final match on Sunday.

Iran's Gasoline Imports Declined 50% Last Month After Sanctions, EMC Says

Bloomberg | Aug 2, 2010

Iran's gasoline imports fell 50 percent last month as sanctions over the nation's nuclear program spurred traders to halt supplies, according to Energy Market Consultants Ltd.

Iran received about 60,000 barrels a day in July, compared with 120,000 in May, Vijay Mukherji, a London-based research associate at EMC, said by phone today. The consultant revised its earlier estimate of 65,000 to 70,000 barrels a day.

"International trading companies have pulled back," Mukherji said. "The U.S., Europe and the UN are aiming to cut Iran off. They just don't want them to get any oil-product supplies."

'No Iranian ship inspected so far'

Press TV | August 1, 2010

No Iranian vessel has been inspected since the UN passed a new round of sanctions against Iran, said the chairman of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), Mohammad Hossein Dajmar.

"According to the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, ships should be inspected if there are suspicious cargoes on board. But I say with certainty that no inspection has taken place," Dajmar said.

features

The bazaar strikes back

The Economist | Jul 29, 2010

The bazaaris may not be allied to Mr Ahmadinejad's political opponents, but their disgruntlement means that the president is obliged to fight on yet another front. The merchants have chafed at the growing political and economic influence of the Revolutionary Guard under Mr Ahmadinejad, sensing a threat to their own interests. Their hesitation in accepting the 15% deal suggests a growing lack of trust in the government and a further erosion of its authority.