Iranian oil exports for April were down by about 180,000 barrels per day and consistent with a gradual decline, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

IEA, which has headquarters in Paris, said in its monthly market report Iran exported about 1.11 million barrels of oil per day in April, down from the 20-month peak of 1.58 million bpd reached in February.

Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said last month Iran would try to export as much oil as possible. An interim agreement from Iran to curb its nuclear activity limits exports to 1 million bpd, though the minister said Tehran wouldn't accept export levels "dictated from elsewhere."

Iran agreed to the export limit as part of a broader effort to resolve issues related to the country's controversial nuclear program, which it says is for peaceful purposes.

Iranian Foreign Minister and chief nuclear negotiator Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday from Vienna there was a "decisive will" to settle the nuclear issue.

Some of Iran's oil customers can get relief from sanctions if they show they've reduced their import levels.

Canada expanding troop support agreement with Kuwait
Kuwait City (UPI) May 15, 2013 –

Canada and Kuwait have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an operational support hub in the country for Canadian military forces.

An operational support hub agreement with countries and local service providers facilitates the movement of Canadian personnel, materiel, equipment and supplies.

"This MOU allows us to sustain the Canadian Armed Forces' capability to support military activities in the region as required," Lt. Gen. S.A. Beare, commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command, was quoted by the Canadian Department of National Defense. "This operational support hub is part of a vital network of Canadian military cooperation with partners throughout the region."

The new MOU, signed earlier this week in Kuwait, is an expansion of a 2011 accord with Kuwait, which established an operational support detachment in the country in support of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

The Canadian Department of National Defense said it can be used to support a variety of operations in the region, such as peacekeeping and disaster relief. It noted an operational support hub is not a military base.