With less than two months to go before Israel's general election, Iran remains a key campaign issue for the ruling coalition and also for the opposition. WION's middle east correspondent Jodie Cohen brings us more on this.

2015 nuclear deal: Israel pushes for a 'longer and stronger deal' ahead of general elections

The re-implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement shouldn't be contingent on determining whether Tehran has complied with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) responsibilities, said the White House on Friday.&nbsp;

In reference to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigations into uranium traces discovered at three unauthorised Iranian sites, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that there shouldn't be any conditions placed on the re-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

This week, Iran's foreign minister stated that the United Nations nuclear watchdog should cease its "politically motivated probes" into Tehran's nuclear activities.

It is difficult to revive the 2015 agreement known as JCPOA, under which Iran limited its atomic programme in exchange for the lifting of United States, United Nations, and European Union (EU) sanctions. Washington has consistently claimed that these investigations are a separate matter.&nbsp;

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Iran responded to an EU suggestion on how to resurrect the accord, which then-US president Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, on Thursday. Iran claimed the agreement was too benevolent to Iran. About a year later, Tehran resumed some of its previously outlawed nuclear activity, renewing American, Gulf Arab, and Israeli concerns that Tehran might be pursuing an atomic bomb, an aspiration Iran rejects.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The re-implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement shouldn't be contingent on determining whether Tehran has complied with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) responsibilities, said the White House on Friday.

The re-implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement shouldn't be contingent on determining whether Tehran has complied with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) responsibilities, said the White House on Friday. In reference to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigations into uranium traces discovered at three unauthorised Iranian sites, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that there shouldn't be any conditions placed on the re-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This week, Iran's foreign minister stated that the United Nations nuclear watchdog should cease its "politically motivated probes" into Tehran's nuclear activities. It is difficult to revive the 2015 agreement known as JCPOA, under which Iran limited its atomic programme in exchange for the lifting of United States, United Nations, and European Union (EU) sanctions. Washington has consistently claimed that these investigations are a separate matter. Also Read: Starbucks taps Indian-born Laxman Narasimhan as its next CEO, Twitter erupts with memes Iran responded to an EU suggestion on how to resurrect the accord, which then-US president Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, on Thursday. Iran claimed the agreement was too benevolent to Iran. About a year later, Tehran resumed some of its previously outlawed nuclear activity, renewing American, Gulf Arab, and Israeli concerns that Tehran might be pursuing an atomic bomb, an aspiration Iran rejects. (with inputs from agencies)

White House says no link between Iran nuclear deal and IAEA probes under NPT

As momentum grows for the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's top diplomat on Thursday demanded that the UN nuclear watchdog abandon the matter of three undeclared sites.&nbsp;

The International Atomic Energy Agency needs Tehran's cooperation to dispel doubts about past activities at three unreported locations, and the United States is insistent about this.&nbsp;

The board of governors of the IAEA adopted a resolution denouncing Iran in June for failing to effectively respond to the earlier finding of traces of enriched uranium at three locations that Tehran had not acknowledged as having hosted nuclear operations.

"We are very serious about safeguard issues, and do not want to allow some of the IAEA's baseless accusations to remain," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, state news agency IRNA reported.

According to an Iranian diplomat reported by IRNA, the incident is "political in character, and should not be used as a pretext to punish Iran," poisoning relations between the IAEA and the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;

The remarks follow an American response to Iranian suggestions for restoring the historic accord that former president Donald Trump had criticised.

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"We are in the process of examining the response of the Americans," Amir-Abdollahian said.

Just a few weeks after it appeared that the agreement was dead, the European Union put forth on August 8 what it called a final text to revive it. Under this text, Iran would receive relief from sanctions and be allowed to sell its oil once more in exchange for strict limitations on its nuclear programme.&nbsp;

The United States officially responded to Iran's last week's suggested modifications on Wednesday, a day after Tehran accused its longtime foe of obstruction.&nbsp;

In 2015, Iran and six major world powers—Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States—agreed to a deal that would lift sanctions in exchange for limits on the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.

(with inputs from agencies)

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As momentum grows for the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's top diplomat on Thursday demanded that the UN nuclear watchdog abandon the matter of three undeclared sites.

As momentum grows for the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's top diplomat on Thursday demanded that the UN nuclear watchdog abandon the matter of three undeclared sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency needs Tehran's cooperation to dispel doubts about past activities at three unreported locations, and the United States is insistent about this. The board of governors of the IAEA adopted a resolution denouncing Iran in June for failing to effectively respond to the earlier finding of traces of enriched uranium at three locations that Tehran had not acknowledged as having hosted nuclear operations. "We are very serious about safeguard issues, and do not want to allow some of the IAEA's baseless accusations to remain," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, state news agency IRNA reported. According to an Iranian diplomat reported by IRNA, the incident is "political in character, and should not be used as a pretext to punish Iran," poisoning relations between the IAEA and the Islamic Republic. The remarks follow an American response to Iranian suggestions for restoring the historic accord that former president Donald Trump had criticised. Also Read: US lawmaker on armed services committee arrives in Taiwan, defying pressure from Beijing "We are in the process of examining the response of the Americans," Amir-Abdollahian said. Just a few weeks after it appeared that the agreement was dead, the European Union put forth on August 8 what it called a final text to revive it. Under this text, Iran would receive relief from sanctions and be allowed to sell its oil once more in exchange for strict limitations on its nuclear programme. The United States officially responded to Iran's last week's suggested modifications on Wednesday, a day after Tehran accused its longtime foe of obstruction. In 2015, Iran and six major world powers—Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States—agreed to a deal that would lift sanctions in exchange for limits on the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme. (with inputs from agencies)

Iran demands UN nuclear watchdog to drop issue of three undeclared sites

On Monday, Iran accused the United States of dragging its feet in efforts to resurrect the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers. Washington rejected this accusation and claimed that a deal was closer than two weeks ago as a result of apparent Iranian flexibility.&nbsp;

After 16 months of intermittent, indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, during which time EU representatives alternated between the two sides, a senior EU official announced on August 8 that the EU had made a final offer and anticipated hearing back in "very, very few weeks."

Iran provided "additional views and considerations" in response to the EU's letter last week and urged the US to be flexible in resolving the remaining three issues.&nbsp;

Josep Borrell, the head of foreign affairs for the EU, expressed optimism that the United States will accept the bloc's plan as early as this week and noted that Iran had responded in a "reasonable" manner.&nbsp;

Nasser Kanaani, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, said during a news conference that "America and Europe need an agreement more than Iran" because of the procrastination of the Americans and the passivity of the European sides.

Ned Price, a spokesperson for the US state department, refuted that claim, telling reporters in Washington that it was "just not true."&nbsp;

According to Price, the United States was heartened that Iran appeared to have withdrawn demands like having its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps removed from the list of foreign terrorist organisations on the United States.&nbsp;

"That's part of the reason why a deal is closer now than it was two weeks ago. But the outcome of these ongoing discussions still remains uncertain as gaps do remain,"Price said, adding that the US was moving as swiftly as it could to offer its reply.

Iranian-Americans detained in Iran on security-related allegations have been urged to leave by Washington. Iran has sought the release of seven Iranians jailed on suspicion of violating American sanctions.&nbsp;

Tehran is prepared to exchange inmates, Kanaani said, adding that it is a separate matter and has nothing to do with the ongoing talks to resurrect the 2015 agreement.

(with inputs from agencies)

On Monday, Iran accused the United States of dragging its feet in efforts to resurrect the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers. Washington rejected this accusation and claimed that a deal was closer than two weeks ago as a result of apparent Iranian flexibility.

On Monday, Iran accused the United States of dragging its feet in efforts to resurrect the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers. Washington rejected this accusation and claimed that a deal was closer than two weeks ago as a result of apparent Iranian flexibility. After 16 months of intermittent, indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, during which time EU representatives alternated between the two sides, a senior EU official announced on August 8 that the EU had made a final offer and anticipated hearing back in "very, very few weeks." Iran provided "additional views and considerations" in response to the EU's letter last week and urged the US to be flexible in resolving the remaining three issues. Josep Borrell, the head of foreign affairs for the EU, expressed optimism that the United States will accept the bloc's plan as early as this week and noted that Iran had responded in a "reasonable" manner. Nasser Kanaani, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, said during a news conference that "America and Europe need an agreement more than Iran" because of the procrastination of the Americans and the passivity of the European sides. Ned Price, a spokesperson for the US state department, refuted that claim, telling reporters in Washington that it was "just not true." According to Price, the United States was heartened that Iran appeared to have withdrawn demands like having its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps removed from the list of foreign terrorist organisations on the United States. "That's part of the reason why a deal is closer now than it was two weeks ago. But the outcome of these ongoing discussions still remains uncertain as gaps do remain,"Price said, adding that the US was moving as swiftly as it could to offer its reply. Iranian-Americans detained in Iran on security-related allegations have been urged to leave by Washington. Iran has sought the release of seven Iranians jailed on suspicion of violating American sanctions. Tehran is prepared to exchange inmates, Kanaani said, adding that it is a separate matter and has nothing to do with the ongoing talks to resurrect the 2015 agreement. (with inputs from agencies)

US denies Tehran's allegations of delaying efforts to revive 2015 nuclear deal

Iran's official news agency IRNA on Friday (August 12) suggested that Tehran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement.&nbsp;

Quoting a senior (unidentified) Iranian diplomat, the news agency stated that a European Union proposal to revive the deal "can be acceptable if it provides assurances" on Tehran's key demands.&nbsp;

"The European Union's proposals are acceptable provided that they provide assurances to Iran on various points, related to sanctions and safeguards," IRNA said.&nbsp;

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It added that the assurances must also be provided on pending issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).&nbsp;

At Friday prayers in the capital Tehran, Kazem Seddiqi said, "We insist on getting the necessary guarantees, the lifting of sanctions and verification, and if this is achieved, then our negotiating team will tell the people that sanctions have been lifted thanks to your resistance and power."&nbsp;

The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions.&nbsp;

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But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later.&nbsp;

The ongoing EU-coordinated negotiations to revive the JCPOA started in April 2021. However, it came to a standstill in March.&nbsp;

In the latest development, the EU said on Tuesday that it expected Tehran and Washington to "very quickly" respond to a "final" text aimed at salvaging the 2015 deal.&nbsp;

Although Tehran denies it, but reports have stated that Iran is already enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity.

The level is far above a cap of 3.67% set under the now tattered nuclear deal which was signed in 2015. Uranium enriched to 90% is suitable for a nuclear bomb.&nbsp;

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Iran's official news agency IRNA on Friday (August 12) suggested that Tehran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Iran's official news agency IRNA on Friday (August 12) suggested that Tehran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement. Quoting a senior (unidentified) Iranian diplomat, the news agency stated that a European Union proposal to revive the deal "can be acceptable if it provides assurances" on Tehran's key demands. "The European Union's proposals are acceptable provided that they provide assurances to Iran on various points, related to sanctions and safeguards," IRNA said. ALSO READ | 'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics It added that the assurances must also be provided on pending issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At Friday prayers in the capital Tehran, Kazem Seddiqi said, "We insist on getting the necessary guarantees, the lifting of sanctions and verification, and if this is achieved, then our negotiating team will tell the people that sanctions have been lifted thanks to your resistance and power." The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions. ALSO READ | France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later. The ongoing EU-coordinated negotiations to revive the JCPOA started in April 2021. However, it came to a standstill in March. In the latest development, the EU said on Tuesday that it expected Tehran and Washington to "very quickly" respond to a "final" text aimed at salvaging the 2015 deal. Although Tehran denies it, but reports have stated that Iran is already enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity. The level is far above a cap of 3.67% set under the now tattered nuclear deal which was signed in 2015. Uranium enriched to 90% is suitable for a nuclear bomb. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran may accept compromise on nuclear deal, hints state news agency

Iran's atomic energy chief said that the country has the technical capability to produce an atomic bomb but it has no intention to do so. Mohammad Eslami, the head of the country's atomic energy organisation, said this on Monday (August 1) as quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency.

Iran's atomic energy chief said that the country has the technical capability to produce an atomic bomb but it has no intention to do so. Mohammad Eslami, the head of the country's atomic energy organisation, said this on Monday (August 1) as quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency. Eslami's comments were similar to what Kamal Kharrazi, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a statement. Eslami said, "As Mr Kharrazi mentioned, Iran has the technical ability to build an atomic bomb, but such a program is not on the agenda." ALSO READ | China says military will 'not sit idly by' ahead of Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit It is believed that such a statement can jeopardise the ongoing talks and efforts to resurrect the nuclear deal. Such statements might also intensify global concerns over the nature of Iran's nuclear programme. In 2015, Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. Such statements suggest that Iran might have an interest in nuclear weapons. But Iran has denied it. The pact in 2015 made it harder to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions. ALSO READ | Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan's air defence zone In 2018, then US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. The decision by the former US president led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later. Reports have stated that Iran is already enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity. The level is far above a cap of 3.67% set under the now tattered nuclear deal which was signed in 2015. Uranium enriched to 90% is suitable for a nuclear bomb. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran can build atom bomb but has no intention of doing so, says nuclear chief

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Iran where he will hold talks on war in Ukrainian, future of Syria and 2015 Nuclear deal with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts.

Russian President Putin arrives in Iran to discuss war in Ukraine, 2015 Nuclear deal

As per a Reuters report quoting Iranian media, in a bid to break the months-long impasse in negotiations to reinstate the 2015 nuclear pact, Qatar will now host indirect talks between Iran and the United States. Robert Malley, the United States' special envoy for Iran, was scheduled to meet with the Qatari foreign minister on Monday, according to a source briefed on the trip, reports Reuters. Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's lead nuclear negotiator, will arrive in Doha for the discussions on Tuesday and Wednesday, as per an Iranian official.&nbsp; According to Mohammad Marandi, a media assistant to Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, "Iran has chosen Qatar to host the talks because of Doha's friendly ties with Tehran." Marandi was speaking to the ISNA news agency.

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After 11 months of indirect negotiations between Tehran and US President Joe Biden's administration, the pact appeared to be close to being completed in March. However, since then, the negotiations have been put on hold, mostly as a result of Tehran's insistence that Washington removes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its elite security force, from the list of foreign terrorist organisations.

Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Monday that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."

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As per a Reuters report from last week, an Iranian official and a European official told the news agency that Iran has dropped its demand for the lifting of the FTO restrictions on the IRGC. However, there were still two concerns, including one related to sanctions, that needed to be resolved.

Iran's nuclear activities were constrained by the 2015 nuclear agreement in exchange for the removal of international sanctions. In 2018, the US withdrew from the agreement when then-President Donald Trump reinstituted strict economic sanctions against Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a Reuters report quoting Iranian media, in a bid to break the months-long impasse in negotiations to reinstate the 2015 nuclear pact, Qatar will now host indirect talks between Iran and the United States.

As per a Reuters report quoting Iranian media, in a bid to break the months-long impasse in negotiations to reinstate the 2015 nuclear pact, Qatar will now host indirect talks between Iran and the United States. Robert Malley, the United States' special envoy for Iran, was scheduled to meet with the Qatari foreign minister on Monday, according to a source briefed on the trip, reports Reuters. Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's lead nuclear negotiator, will arrive in Doha for the discussions on Tuesday and Wednesday, as per an Iranian official. According to Mohammad Marandi, a media assistant to Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, "Iran has chosen Qatar to host the talks because of Doha's friendly ties with Tehran." Marandi was speaking to the ISNA news agency. Watch | Israel's military intel backs Iran deal? Iran Nuclear talks set to resume After 11 months of indirect negotiations between Tehran and US President Joe Biden's administration, the pact appeared to be close to being completed in March. However, since then, the negotiations have been put on hold, mostly as a result of Tehran's insistence that Washington removes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its elite security force, from the list of foreign terrorist organisations. Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Monday that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed." Also read | Iran launches rocket into space after removing cameras from its nuclear sites As per a Reuters report from last week, an Iranian official and a European official told the news agency that Iran has dropped its demand for the lifting of the FTO restrictions on the IRGC. However, there were still two concerns, including one related to sanctions, that needed to be resolved. Iran's nuclear activities were constrained by the 2015 nuclear agreement in exchange for the removal of international sanctions. In 2018, the US withdrew from the agreement when then-President Donald Trump reinstituted strict economic sanctions against Tehran. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Qatar steps in to hold informal nuclear talks between Iran and US: Reports

Three European powers have said that “we are rapidly reaching the end of the road” to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as Tehran accused Western powers of engaging in a “blame game.”

European powers say they are nearing end of road to save Iran nuclear deal

The Group of Seven (G7) wealthiest liberal democracies have issued a stern warning to Iran on the nuclear deal. G7 foreign ministers meeting in Liverpool, England, said that time was running out for Tehran to agree on a fresh deal to curb its nuclear ambition.

G7 nations issues ultimatum to Iran on nuclear deal

In Vienna, diplomats are meeting again to revive the Iran nuclear deal. But the United States is pessimistic. Allegedly, Iran is preparing to enrich weapons-grade uranium. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal talks: Diplomats hit the pause button

Time is running out for the U.N. atomic watchdog to gain access to re-install cameras at a centrifuge-parts workshop in Iran, as the agency will soon be unable to guarantee equipment is not being diverted to make atom bombs, its chief said on Wednesday.

Iran: UN nuclear watchdog monitors Iran's nuclear program

The US envoy for Iran warned Friday that Tehran was approaching the point of no return for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal after it boosted its stocks of enriched uranium before talks resume this month.

US envoy to Iran says time shrinking for nuclear deal

Iran sets conditions for the return of the United States to the nuclear deal, ahead of the long-awaited resumption of nuclear talks later this month.

Iran sets conditions ahead of resumption of Nuclear talks

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months.

The European Union-led talks, which aims&nbsp;to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have&nbsp;been underway since April.

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Donald Trump, former US president, abandoned the nuclear agreement in 2018 and imposed tough sanctions against Iran.&nbsp;In contrast, to Trump, his&nbsp;successor, Joe Biden, wants to reinstate Washington into the agreement.

The negotiations were previously paused on June 20, two days after&nbsp;ultraconservative&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi won Iran's presidential election, with no date set for&nbsp;a resumption of dialogue.

On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appealed to his Iranian counterpart for "immediate resumption" of the Iran nuclear talks.

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A French foreign ministry spokesman said that the minister stressed the importance and urgency of immediately getting back to negotiations, which have been suspended by Iran since June.&nbsp;

"We are not seeking to flee the negotiation table and the... government considers a real negotiation is a negotiation that produces palpable results allowing the rights of the Iranian nation to be guaranteed," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening by state television.

He said that the Vienna talks are "one of the questions on the foreign policy and government agenda".

Adding that "the other party knows full well that a process of two to three months is required for the new government to establish itself and to start taking decisions."

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Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani, the principal architect of the 2015 agreement on Iran's side, as president in early August.&nbsp;After receiving parliamentary approval, his government was sworn in on August 26.

Under the 2015 deal,&nbsp;Iran was offered an easing of sanctions as compensation for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear programme.

However, after the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions following Trump's withdrawal from the deal three years ago, Iran&nbsp;in retaliation,&nbsp;effectively abandoned most of its commitments.

The Vienna talks include Iran along with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the other five remaining parties to the CPTPP deal.

While the United States takes part in the talks, it does not have direct contact with Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months. The European Union-led talks, which aims to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have been underway since April.

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months. The European Union-led talks, which aims to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have been underway since April. Also read | Before talks, Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump Donald Trump, former US president, abandoned the nuclear agreement in 2018 and imposed tough sanctions against Iran. In contrast, to Trump, his successor, Joe Biden, wants to reinstate Washington into the agreement. The negotiations were previously paused on June 20, two days after ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi won Iran's presidential election, with no date set for a resumption of dialogue. On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appealed to his Iranian counterpart for "immediate resumption" of the Iran nuclear talks. Also read | Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks A French foreign ministry spokesman said that the minister stressed the importance and urgency of immediately getting back to negotiations, which have been suspended by Iran since June. "We are not seeking to flee the negotiation table and the... government considers a real negotiation is a negotiation that produces palpable results allowing the rights of the Iranian nation to be guaranteed," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening by state television. He said that the Vienna talks are "one of the questions on the foreign policy and government agenda". Adding that "the other party knows full well that a process of two to three months is required for the new government to establish itself and to start taking decisions." Also read | Iran's Raisi set to focus on economy and nuclear deal Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani, the principal architect of the 2015 agreement on Iran's side, as president in early August. After receiving parliamentary approval, his government was sworn in on August 26. Under the 2015 deal, Iran was offered an easing of sanctions as compensation for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear programme. However, after the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions following Trump's withdrawal from the deal three years ago, Iran in retaliation, effectively abandoned most of its commitments. The Vienna talks include Iran along with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the other five remaining parties to the CPTPP deal. While the United States takes part in the talks, it does not have direct contact with Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Tehran says talks on 2015 nuclear deal might not resume for 2-3 months

Iran President Hassan Rouhani has said that they could enrich uranium's purity up to 90%. However, he did say that the country is still seeking the revival of a 2015 deal that would limit its atomic activities in return for a lifting of sanctions.

Hassan Rouhani: Iran can enrich Uranium's purity up to 90% if needed

After restarting the Bushehr nuclear plant which was closed due to a "technical fault", Iran on Tuesday blamed Israel for sabotage attempt on&nbsp;a nuclear site located in Karaj near Tehran.

Iran's official news agency IRNA quoted government spokesman Ali Rabiei saying: "We have had no damage to equipment. There was small damage to a roof and the (satellite) pictures were taken when the roof was removed for repairs."&nbsp;

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Rabiei blamed Israel for trying to derail the 2015 nuclear deal talks while saying: "The Zionist regime (Israel) has carried out these actions...to halt Iran and say that the world does not need to talk to Iran."

The alleged sabotage attempt took place on June 23 at the Karaj building which reportedly belongs to the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran.

"Whenever sabotage has happened, our strength has increased,” the government spokesman declared.

The Israeli government however hasn't reacted to the development so far.

Iran had earlier blamed Israel over an explosion at the Natanz enrichment facility in April.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the deputy director-general of the UN's nuclear watchdog IAEA is set to travel to Iran this week to conduct inspections. The Iranian government had earlier limited IAEA's access to nuclear sites amid talks in Vienna, however, it reached an agreement in February for limited inspection to continue.

Ali Rabii said Iran was "examining" whether to extend the temporary agreement over nuclear inspections with the IAEA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

After restarting the Bushehr nuclear plant which was closed due to a "technical fault", Iran on Tuesday blamed Israel for sabotage attempt on a nuclear site located in Karaj near Tehran.

After restarting the Bushehr nuclear plant which was closed due to a "technical fault", Iran on Tuesday blamed Israel for sabotage attempt on a nuclear site located in Karaj near Tehran. Iran's official news agency IRNA quoted government spokesman Ali Rabiei saying: "We have had no damage to equipment. There was small damage to a roof and the (satellite) pictures were taken when the roof was removed for repairs." Watch: Rabiei blamed Israel for trying to derail the 2015 nuclear deal talks while saying: "The Zionist regime (Israel) has carried out these actions...to halt Iran and say that the world does not need to talk to Iran." The alleged sabotage attempt took place on June 23 at the Karaj building which reportedly belongs to the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran. "Whenever sabotage has happened, our strength has increased,” the government spokesman declared. The Israeli government however hasn't reacted to the development so far. Iran had earlier blamed Israel over an explosion at the Natanz enrichment facility in April. Meanwhile, the deputy director-general of the UN's nuclear watchdog IAEA is set to travel to Iran this week to conduct inspections. The Iranian government had earlier limited IAEA's access to nuclear sites amid talks in Vienna, however, it reached an agreement in February for limited inspection to continue. Ali Rabii said Iran was "examining" whether to extend the temporary agreement over nuclear inspections with the IAEA. (With inputs from Agencies)

Iran blames Israel for sabotage attempt at Karaj nuclear site

Iran's chief negotiator at international talks on its nuclear program said late Saturday that he does not think they can conclude this week before the country's June 18 presidential election.

No conclusion yet on reviving nuclear deal as Iran Presidential Polls become a hurdle

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that hundreds of US sanctions will remain on Iran even if the United States rejoins the 2015 nuclear accord. Blinken said the sanctions will remain in place until Iran's behaviour changes.

Antony Blinken says hundreds of sanctions to remain on Iran even if US rejoins nuclear deal

Saudi and Iranian officials held direct talks this month to ease tensions between the two rivals. A senior Iranian official and two regional sources said Washington worked to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran and end the Yemen war.

Your Story: Saudi-Iran talks arranged by Iraq's PM focus on Yemen

The United States has said that it is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran in order to resume compliance with the nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact.

US: Ready to lift sanctions inconsistent with 2015 Iran nuclear deal

Tehran said on Sunday the United States must first lift sanctions on Iran if it wants to talk about salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal, reiterating its stance that it will not make the first move to restore the pact with major powers.

President Joe Biden's administration said last week it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions.

Former US president Donald Trump abandoned the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, which in turn gradually began breaching terms of the agreement.

But Iran and the United States have been at odds over who should take the first step to revive the accord. Iran insists the United States must first lift US sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance.

"The US&nbsp;will not be able to rejoin the nuclear pact before it lifts sanctions.&nbsp;Once everybody implements their side of obligations, there will be talks," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Iran's English Language Press TV.

Iran has been hard hit by the sanctions, as well as by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director-general who is in Tehran to discuss the agency's "essential verification activities", met on Sunday with Iran's nuclear energy chief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-chief-rafael-grossi-arrives-in-iran-ahead-of-us-sanctions-deadline-365182">Also read |&nbsp;UN nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline</a>

Iran`s envoy to the IAEA, Kazem Gharibabadi, tweeted that Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran`s Atomic Energy Organisation, and Grossi held "fruitful talks based on mutual respect".

"Iran and the IAEA held fruitful discussions based on mutual respect, the result of which will be released this evening," Kazem Gharibabadi, who attended the meeting, wrote on Twitter.

Zarif said: "We will talk to Mr. Grossi about respecting the laws of our country...but at the same time not creating an impasse for him to continue to carry out the obligations to show Iran`s nuclear programme is peaceful."

Earlier in the day, Zarif said&nbsp;Iran's decision to end snap inspections by UN&nbsp;inspectors on February&nbsp;23 would not mean abandoning its 2015 nuclear deal, but the United States must still lift sanctions on Tehran to rescue the pact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-says-ending-iaea-snap-inspections-doesnt-breach-2015-nuclear-deal-365188">Also read |&nbsp;Iran's Zarif says ending IAEA snap inspections doesn't breach 2015 nuclear deal</a>

"All our steps (to breach the deal) are reversible...The move on February&nbsp;23 is not abandoning the deal," Zarif said in a televised interview with Iran's English Language Press TV.

Under a law enacted by hardline Iranian lawmakers last year, the government is obliged on February&nbsp;23 to limit IAEA inspections to declared nuclear sites only, revoking its short-notice access to any location seen as relevant for information-gathering, if other parties did not fully comply with the deal.

Tehran said on Sunday the United States must first lift sanctions on Iran if it wants to talk about salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal, reiterating its stance that it will not make the first move to restore the pact with major powers.

Tehran said on Sunday the United States must first lift sanctions on Iran if it wants to talk about salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal, reiterating its stance that it will not make the first move to restore the pact with major powers. President Joe Biden's administration said last week it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions. Former US president Donald Trump abandoned the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, which in turn gradually began breaching terms of the agreement. But Iran and the United States have been at odds over who should take the first step to revive the accord. Iran insists the United States must first lift US sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance. "The US will not be able to rejoin the nuclear pact before it lifts sanctions. Once everybody implements their side of obligations, there will be talks," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Iran's English Language Press TV. Iran has been hard hit by the sanctions, as well as by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director-general who is in Tehran to discuss the agency's "essential verification activities", met on Sunday with Iran's nuclear energy chief. Also read | UN nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline Iran`s envoy to the IAEA, Kazem Gharibabadi, tweeted that Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran`s Atomic Energy Organisation, and Grossi held "fruitful talks based on mutual respect". "Iran and the IAEA held fruitful discussions based on mutual respect, the result of which will be released this evening," Kazem Gharibabadi, who attended the meeting, wrote on Twitter. Zarif said: "We will talk to Mr. Grossi about respecting the laws of our country...but at the same time not creating an impasse for him to continue to carry out the obligations to show Iran`s nuclear programme is peaceful." Earlier in the day, Zarif said Iran's decision to end snap inspections by UN inspectors on February 23 would not mean abandoning its 2015 nuclear deal, but the United States must still lift sanctions on Tehran to rescue the pact. Also read | Iran's Zarif says ending IAEA snap inspections doesn't breach 2015 nuclear deal "All our steps (to breach the deal) are reversible...The move on February 23 is not abandoning the deal," Zarif said in a televised interview with Iran's English Language Press TV. Under a law enacted by hardline Iranian lawmakers last year, the government is obliged on February 23 to limit IAEA inspections to declared nuclear sites only, revoking its short-notice access to any location seen as relevant for information-gathering, if other parties did not fully comply with the deal.

Iran reiterates stance, says US must first lift sanctions before talks to revive 2015 deal

The Trump administration on Thursday targetted 18 Iranian banks to shut the country global banking system just weeks ahead of the US elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-president-accuses-us-of-savagery-after-new-sanctions-330495">Also Read:&nbsp;Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions</a>

"Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

However, the US government declared that it was exempting transactions in humanitarian goods amid the coronavirus crisis.

The US government has given the banks 45 days to wind down operations. The move comes as the Trump government continues to squeeze Iran after walking out of the Iran nuclear deal two years ago which was brokered by former President Barack Obama.

The latest sanctions have been aimed to stop Iran from using the financial system to fund the nuclear programme and "malign regional influence", it said, without going into specific details.&nbsp;

President Hassan Rouhani had said earlier that the country was going through the toughest year due to US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic as the country's oil exports plunged to a new low amid the embargo.

The US government has targeted several sectors of the Iranian economy in a bid to apply "maximum pressure" on the Rouhani government.

The Trump administration on Thursday targetted 18 Iranian banks to shut the country global banking system just weeks ahead of the US elections. Also Read: Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions "Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

The Trump administration on Thursday targetted 18 Iranian banks to shut the country global banking system just weeks ahead of the US elections. Also Read: Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions "Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. However, the US government declared that it was exempting transactions in humanitarian goods amid the coronavirus crisis. The US government has given the banks 45 days to wind down operations. The move comes as the Trump government continues to squeeze Iran after walking out of the Iran nuclear deal two years ago which was brokered by former President Barack Obama. The latest sanctions have been aimed to stop Iran from using the financial system to fund the nuclear programme and "malign regional influence", it said, without going into specific details. President Hassan Rouhani had said earlier that the country was going through the toughest year due to US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic as the country's oil exports plunged to a new low amid the embargo. The US government has targeted several sectors of the Iranian economy in a bid to apply "maximum pressure" on the Rouhani government.

Trump administration targets Iran's financial sector, sanctions major banks

Representatives of Iran and the world powers are working to save the nuclear deal with Tehran agreed Tuesday in Vienna to do everything possible to preserve the landmark 2015 agreement in their first meeting since the United States announced a bid to restore United Nations sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

China says United States is sabotaging Iran nuclear deal