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IRAN
U.S. Seeks Sanctions for Nuclear Work
The Bush administration moved to impose financial sanctions on Iranian officials and companies accused of helping develop nuclear weapons there.
The action by the State and Treasury departments is the latest effort to tighten the financial noose on Iran, which the administration accuses of bankrolling terrorism and seeking a nuclear bomb.
Under the sanctions, bank accounts or assets in the United States that belong to targeted people are frozen, and Americans are prohibited from doing business with them.
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a prominent scientist in Iran's nuclear program, was among the targeted, along with industrialists, government and military officials, and people involved in nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
MEXICO
iPhone Makes Its Debut
Apple's new iPhone lands this week in Mexico as part of its global debut and at less than half its U.S. price.
America Movil will sell the eight-gigabyte 3G iPhone for about $75 for buyers who agree to a two-year plan with a $77 monthly fee. While America Movil will be the first to sell the iPhone in Latin America, rival Telefonica also plans to sell the device, but has not set release dates or prices.
ENERGY
E.U. Calls for Scrutiny of Gas Pipeline
The European Parliament demanded stricter scrutiny before construction begins on a controversial Baltic Sea pipeline designed to pump Russian natural gas to Germany.
Officials called for an independent study of the environmental impact of the 760-mile project.
The European Union assembly also said the pipeline company, Nord Stream, must consult with other Baltic Sea countries, some of which have expressed reservations.
CANADA
Autoworkers Union President Retires
Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove, who led a recent fight against the closure of a General Motors truck plant in Ontario, announced his retirement.
Hargrove has endorsed Ken Lewenza to replace him, and Hemi Mitic and Tom Collins also are in the running.
Hargrove, who has led the CAW for 16 years, will step down after the union's convention in September at the latest, when members will elect the new president.
Compiled from reports by Washington Post staff writers, the Associated Press and Bloomberg News.
