Iran urges France not to miss out on $80 billion of transport deals

PARIS (Reuters) - Iran's transport minister said on Tuesday there was about $80 billion worth of business up for grabs in his sector, including the renewal of the country's air fleet, but warned France it risked missing out unless it changed its stance toward Tehran.

US officials say China 'cooperative' on N Korea sanctions

BEIJING: US officials involved in enforcing international sanctions against North Korea expressed optimism Friday that China was willing to cooperate to disrupt financing for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes.

China's Hu gives show of support for North Korea

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's President Hu Jintao on Friday met the powerful uncle of North Korea's young leader Kim Jong-un, in a clear show of support for the impoverished ally as it takes tentative steps to rebuild its shattered economy.

Syria says sanctions have cost country $4 billion

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria's oil minister blamed international sanctions Wednesday for shortages of cooking gas and other basic goods, saying the measures have bled $4 billion from the nation's ailing economy.

US, Britain urge Israel not to attack Iran

JERUSALEM: The US and Britain have urged Israel not to attack Iran's nuclear program and the White House's national security adviser arrived in the region, reflecting growing international jitters that the Israelis are poised to strike.