Iran Snapshot: Kentucky Fried Chicken or No Kentucky Fried Chicken? That is the Question

On the surface, the story is a tribute to the fortitude of the human spirit --- or at least the fortitude of making money, no matter how difficult the situation --- and the global power of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Amidst the economic doom and gloom of international sanctions, which has affected supplies of rice, grains, and palm oil to Iran, businessman Amir Hossein Alizadeh said KFC and its iconic founder, Colonel Sanders, would soon be appearing in the country. The first franchise had opened in Karaj near Tehran, according to Fars, and others would open in the capital and other major cities.

Alizadeh was careful to maintain some distance from Kentucky:  "The name of our restaurant is KFC, but we're not an American brand. We're not an American company....Iranian KFC --- and not American --- has been inaugurated."

Still, while KFC's menu of 32 items would be adjusted to local tastes, Colonel Sanders would now be smiling down on customers, albeit without his trademark bolo tie, apparently removed as a gesture to Iranian fashion.

And there was more, linking the power of chicken with the power of sport --- Karim Bagheri, one of the most famous Iranian football players, was reportedly planning to open one of the branches.

Alas, this Finger-Lickin' Good story may be too good to be true. Kentucky Fried Chicken has denied that a franchise has been allocated to Iran. And the Iranian outlet Fars, which broke the story, has now withdrawn the article.