On Wednesday, possibly referring to a loophole in the deal with the West, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that no new nuclear fuel will be produced, no new components will be installed, but the Islamic Republic will press on with building at a heavy-water reactor despite an agreement with Western powers to halt activity. The uncompleted heavy-water research reactor emerged as one of several crucial issues in negotiations in Geneva when Iran agreed with six world powers to curb Tehran's nuclear programme for six months in return for limited sanctions relief. Experts have said an apparent gap in the text could allow Tehran to build components off-site to install later in the nuclear reactor. It was not immediately clear if Zarif was referring to this or other construction activity. The West believes the reactor would produce plutonium, one of two materials, along with enriched uranium, that make the fissile core of a nuclear bomb.

Pray: that the Lord would reign over Iran’s leaders causing them to move forward with honest and honourable communication and action. (Ps.83:18)

More: http://www.jpost.com/Iranian-Threat/News/Iran-Construction-will-continue-at-Arak-nuclear-site-333166

Last month President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad boycotted public duties for eight days after Supreme Leader Khamenei vetoed his sacking of the Intelligence Minister (an ally of the supreme leader). The clash over controlling the intelligence ministry triggered conservative backlashes against the president that show little sign of abating. Under Iranian law, the president has the right to dismiss ministers. But Khamenei is Iran's ultimate wielder of power. Conservative parliamentarians have warned Ahmadinejad he could face impeachment if he refused to obey Khamenei. The votes of at least one third of parliament's 290 lawmakers are required for impeachment of the president. The head of the Revolutionary Guard (who reports directly to the supreme leader) warned, ‘Certain people within the regime have forgotten the values of revolution and seek to misrepresent Islam. People do not follow demons or jinns, and will not tolerate such deviance.’ The conservative parliament has opposed the government frequently in recent months and launched a petition demanding that Ahmadinejad come before parliament to explain his behaviour.

Pray: for a Holy Spirit awakening and spiritual revolution over and throughout Iran. (Ep.5:14)

More: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jvXR-qoojr6Ri7WI1FxaWt89TzKg?docId=CNG.d35533ac07b1a827181c7f781b528500.681

An Iranian high court has upheld the prison sentences of four Christians for converting to the faith from Islam. The decision means Pastor Farhad Sabokrooh, of the Iranian Assemblies of God, his wife Shahnaz Jayzan, and church workers NaserZaman-Dezfuli and Davoud Alijani have had to return to jail. They were arrested in December 2011 after their church in the southern town of Ahwaz was raided by authorities during Christmas celebrations. They were sentenced to one year in prison for ‘converting to Christianity and propagating against the Islamic regime through evangelism’. They were temporarily released but were summoned to court on 1 May and re-arrested. Christian Solidarity Worldwide has observed a crackdown on Christians since last December. Two other AoG pastors, Farshid Fathi and Saeed Abedini, are being held in Evin prison along with Church of Iran member Alireza Seyyedian and Mostafa Bordbar, who was arrested in Tehran in December.

Pray: for these and the many others who have been jailed for exercising their right to change their religion and follow Christ privately and in communion with others. (in breach of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Iran is obliged uphold). (Ps.142:6-7)

More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.returned.to.jail.in.iran/32448.htm