Iran condemned the United States' support for "rioters" in a statement issued late Sunday, after two days of violent protests in the Islamic republic against a petrol price hike.

The foreign ministry said that it was reacting to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's "expression of support... for a group of rioters in some cities of Iran and condemned such support and interventionist remarks".

Protests erupted in Iran on Friday, hours after it was announced the price of petrol would rise to 15,000 rials a litre (12 US cents) from 10,000 for the first 60 litres and to 30,000 rials for any extra fuel bought after that each month.

In a tweet on Saturday, Pompeo said in response to the demonstrations that "the United States is with you".

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi slammed his comments in Sunday night's statement.

"The dignified people of Iran know well that such hypocritical remarks do not carry any honest sympathy," Mousavi was quoted as saying.

"The acts of a rioter and saboteur group supported by the likes of (Pompeo) have no congruity with the conduct of the wise Iranian people."

The statement blasted Washington's "ill-intent" over its decision to reimpose sanctions on Tehran after the US withdrawal in May last year from the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

"It's curious that the sympathising is being done with the people who are under the pressure of America's economic terrorism," Mousavi said.

Iran condemned the United States' support for "rioters" in a statement issued late Sunday, after two days of violent protests in the Islamic republic against a petrol price hike.

Iran condemned the United States' support for "rioters" in a statement issued late Sunday, after two days of violent protests in the Islamic republic against a petrol price hike. The foreign ministry said that it was reacting to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's "expression of support... for a group of rioters in some cities of Iran and condemned such support and interventionist remarks". Protests erupted in Iran on Friday, hours after it was announced the price of petrol would rise to 15,000 rials a litre (12 US cents) from 10,000 for the first 60 litres and to 30,000 rials for any extra fuel bought after that each month. In a tweet on Saturday, Pompeo said in response to the demonstrations that "the United States is with you". Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi slammed his comments in Sunday night's statement. "The dignified people of Iran know well that such hypocritical remarks do not carry any honest sympathy," Mousavi was quoted as saying. "The acts of a rioter and saboteur group supported by the likes of (Pompeo) have no congruity with the conduct of the wise Iranian people." The statement blasted Washington's "ill-intent" over its decision to reimpose sanctions on Tehran after the US withdrawal in May last year from the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal. "It's curious that the sympathising is being done with the people who are under the pressure of America's economic terrorism," Mousavi said.

Iran condemns United States' show of support for 'rioters'

The British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which had been held off the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas for more than two months, set sail and reached international waters Friday, its Swedish owner said.

"She reached international waters about 15 minutes ago," Erik Hanell, CEO of the company that owns the vessel, Stena Bulk, told AFP at 12 pm (1000 GMT) on Friday, adding that the ship was heading for Dubai.

On Wednesday, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, said the lifting of the seizure was finalized in a procedure coordinated by the foreign ministry, Iran's judiciary and its port and maritime authorities.

After the ship had left Iran and reached international waters on Friday Hanell said it was "obviously a relief" and added that the priority now was the crew.

"When we reach Dubai we will firstly take care of the crew and then try and get the ship in operational order again," he said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 after surrounding the vessel with attack boats and rappelling onto its deck.

It was impounded off the port of Bandar Abbas for allegedly failing to respond to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat.

Seven of its 23 crew members were released on September 4.

The ship's seizure was widely seen as a tit-for-tat move after authorities in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar detained an Iranian tanker on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.

Tehran repeatedly denied the cases were related but a Gibraltar court last month ordered the Iranian tanker's release despite an 11th-hour US legal bid to keep it in detention.

The British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which had been held off the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas for more than two months, set sail and reached international waters Friday, its Swedish owner said.

The British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which had been held off the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas for more than two months, set sail and reached international waters Friday, its Swedish owner said. "She reached international waters about 15 minutes ago," Erik Hanell, CEO of the company that owns the vessel, Stena Bulk, told AFP at 12 pm (1000 GMT) on Friday, adding that the ship was heading for Dubai. On Wednesday, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, said the lifting of the seizure was finalized in a procedure coordinated by the foreign ministry, Iran's judiciary and its port and maritime authorities. After the ship had left Iran and reached international waters on Friday Hanell said it was "obviously a relief" and added that the priority now was the crew. "When we reach Dubai we will firstly take care of the crew and then try and get the ship in operational order again," he said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 after surrounding the vessel with attack boats and rappelling onto its deck. It was impounded off the port of Bandar Abbas for allegedly failing to respond to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. Seven of its 23 crew members were released on September 4. The ship's seizure was widely seen as a tit-for-tat move after authorities in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar detained an Iranian tanker on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions. Tehran repeatedly denied the cases were related but a Gibraltar court last month ordered the Iranian tanker's release despite an 11th-hour US legal bid to keep it in detention.

Tanker released by Iran reaches international waters: Swedish owner

Iran has pressed Britain to release the captured Iranian oil tanker and called its seizure "maritime piracy", Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday. British Royal Marines impounded the tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday on suspicion it was carrying oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Iran denies the vessel was headed to Syria, where the government of President Bashar al-Assad is an ally of Tehran.

Iran urges UK to free captured oil tanker, calling it 'maritime piracy'

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Monday said Tehran welcomes any defusion of tensions in the Gulf region following weeks of deteriorating relations with US, news agency Reuters reported.

"We welcome defusion of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374"> tensions in the region</a>. We do not want rise of tensions," Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency.

Mousavi's remark comes amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran after Iran downed an unmanned US surveillance drone. Following which, Trump ordered strikes on Iranian military installations but abruptly aborted the operations after he was told that the strikes will cost 150 Iranian lives.

Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 accord <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-risk-of-conflict-trump-sees-scope-for-deal-229848">between Iran</a> and world powers that curbed its nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. Relations in the region have worsened significantly since then.

Watch: Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE for Iran crisis talks

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Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Iran and would be prepared to seek a deal to bolster its flagging economy, an apparent move to defuse tensions.

An Iranian navy commander on Monday described the shooting down of the US drone as a "firm response" to the United States and warned it could be repeated.

"Everyone saw the downing of the unmanned drone," navy commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

"I can assure you that this firm response can be repeated, and the enemy knows it."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Monday said Tehran welcomes any defusion of tensions in the Gulf region following weeks of deteriorating relations with US, news agency Reuters reported.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Monday said Tehran welcomes any defusion of tensions in the Gulf region following weeks of deteriorating relations with US, news agency Reuters reported. "We welcome defusion of tensions in the region. We do not want rise of tensions," Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency. Mousavi's remark comes amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran after Iran downed an unmanned US surveillance drone. Following which, Trump ordered strikes on Iranian military installations but abruptly aborted the operations after he was told that the strikes will cost 150 Iranian lives. Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers that curbed its nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. Relations in the region have worsened significantly since then. Watch: Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE for Iran crisis talks × Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Iran and would be prepared to seek a deal to bolster its flagging economy, an apparent move to defuse tensions. An Iranian navy commander on Monday described the shooting down of the US drone as a "firm response" to the United States and warned it could be repeated. "Everyone saw the downing of the unmanned drone," navy commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency. "I can assure you that this firm response can be repeated, and the enemy knows it." (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran says it welcomes any defusion of tensions in Gulf region: Report

Iran will respond firmly to any US threat against it, news agency Reuters reported citing&nbsp;the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"We will not allow any violation against Iran's borders. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told local media.

"Regardless of any decision they (US officials) make, we will not allow the Islamic Republic’s territory to be violated,"&nbsp;Mousavi added.

The continuing tension between Washington and Iran intensified on Thursday after an Iranian missile destroyed&nbsp;a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace&nbsp;over the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the&nbsp;downing of the unmanned US drone,&nbsp;President Donald Trump said&nbsp;he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374">aborted a military strike as retaliation</a> because it could have killed 150 people. He also&nbsp;signalled that he was open to talks with Tehran.

During an interview with a US channel, Trump said, "I'm not looking for war, and if there is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-doesnt-want-war-with-iran-but-therell-be-obliteration-if-it-happens-229438">it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before</a>. But I'm not looking to do that."

The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf.&nbsp;

Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Iran will respond firmly to any US threat against it, news agency Reuters reported citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We will not allow any violation against Iran's borders.

Iran will respond firmly to any US threat against it, news agency Reuters reported citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We will not allow any violation against Iran's borders. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told local media. "Regardless of any decision they (US officials) make, we will not allow the Islamic Republic’s territory to be violated," Mousavi added. The continuing tension between Washington and Iran intensified on Thursday after an Iranian missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz. Following the downing of the unmanned US drone, President Donald Trump said he aborted a military strike as retaliation because it could have killed 150 people. He also signalled that he was open to talks with Tehran. During an interview with a US channel, Trump said, "I'm not looking for war, and if there is it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before. But I'm not looking to do that." The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf. Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief. (With inputs from agencies)

Will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America: Iran

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

The United States sanctioned Iran’s largest petrochemical holding group on Friday for indirectly supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step it said aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but that analysts called largely symbolic.

US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would be willing to talk to the Islamic Republic.

“It was only necessary to wait one week until the claim of the president of America about talks with Iran were proven to be hollow,” Mousavi said in a statement. “The American policy of maximum pressure is a defeated policy.”

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what U.S. officials call Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests in the region.

The United States aims to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

US President Donald Trump antagonized Iran, and dismayed key US allies, last year when he exited a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for an easing of most international sanctions.

Trump denounced the deal, signed before he took office, as flawed and reimposed tough financial sanctions on Iran that were subsequently extended to its lifeblood oil exports.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi on Friday dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday. The United States sanctioned Iran’s largest petrochemical holding group on Friday for indirectly supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step it said aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but that analysts called largely symbolic. US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would be willing to talk to the Islamic Republic. “It was only necessary to wait one week until the claim of the president of America about talks with Iran were proven to be hollow,” Mousavi said in a statement. “The American policy of maximum pressure is a defeated policy.” Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what U.S. officials call Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests in the region. The United States aims to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. US President Donald Trump antagonized Iran, and dismayed key US allies, last year when he exited a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for an easing of most international sanctions. Trump denounced the deal, signed before he took office, as flawed and reimposed tough financial sanctions on Iran that were subsequently extended to its lifeblood oil exports. Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi on Friday dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic.

Saudi Arabia has "continued to sow division between Islamic countries and in the region, which is the wish of the Zionist regime," foreign ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said.

"We see the attempts by Saudi Arabia to rally neighbouring and Arab countries against Iran as the continuation of futile attempts by America and the Zionist regime," he added.

Mousavi expressed disappointment that Riyadh intended to level the same "baseless allegations" against Tehran at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca early on Saturday, "exploiting" its role as host.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Friday ratcheted up the rhetoric against arch-rival Iran, calling on Arab states to confront it's "criminal" actions after attacks on oil installations sparked fears of a regional conflagration.

The king's remarks came at the start of two back-to-back emergency summits in Mecca in the early hours, which drew near-unanimous support for the Sunni kingdom from Gulf and Arab states -- with the notable exception of Iraq.

The summits came after hawkish<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-security-adviser-john-bolton-to-visit-uae-this-week-222108/amp"> US National Security Advisor John Bolton</a> said on Wednesday that Iran was "almost certainly" behind May 12 attacks on four ships, two of them Saudi oil tankers, of the United Arab Emirates.

Tehran dismissed the accusation as "laughable" and accused Bolton of pursuing "evil desires for chaos in the region."

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic.

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic. Saudi Arabia has "continued to sow division between Islamic countries and in the region, which is the wish of the Zionist regime," foreign ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said. "We see the attempts by Saudi Arabia to rally neighbouring and Arab countries against Iran as the continuation of futile attempts by America and the Zionist regime," he added. Mousavi expressed disappointment that Riyadh intended to level the same "baseless allegations" against Tehran at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca early on Saturday, "exploiting" its role as host. Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Friday ratcheted up the rhetoric against arch-rival Iran, calling on Arab states to confront it's "criminal" actions after attacks on oil installations sparked fears of a regional conflagration. The king's remarks came at the start of two back-to-back emergency summits in Mecca in the early hours, which drew near-unanimous support for the Sunni kingdom from Gulf and Arab states -- with the notable exception of Iraq. The summits came after hawkish US National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Wednesday that Iran was "almost certainly" behind May 12 attacks on four ships, two of them Saudi oil tankers, of the United Arab Emirates. Tehran dismissed the accusation as "laughable" and accused Bolton of pursuing "evil desires for chaos in the region."

Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of 'sowing division'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sees-no-prospect-of-negotiations-with-us-foreign-ministry-222226">Iran's foreign ministry</a> on Tuesday insisted it did not currently see the need for mediation with the United States, as it played down the chances of a military clash with Washington.

Spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a press conference that Tehran "does not feel any tension or (the possibility of) clashes" and said concerns had been "created by others". He told journalists that the Islamic republic "does not presently believe in" mediation.

Iran is locked in a standoff with the United States which has beefed up its military presence in the Middle East in response to alleged threats from the Islamic republic. Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and B-52 bombers to the region in a show of force.

The moves are the latest spike since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 deal on Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed sanctions.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran slams Donald Trump over his 'genocidal tauts'

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Iran earlier this month rolled back parts of its commitments under the nuclear deal and gave an ultimatum to the remaining world powers involved if they did not provide sanctions relief.

Mousavi warned that if sanctions relief is not offered Tehran "will with severity take the next steps", meaning it could turn its back on more substantial parts of the accord. 
 
The situation between Iran and the US has led a number of countries in the Middle East and others such as Japan and Switzerland to offer to mediate.

Tehran insists that it will not hold direct talks with the US government anytime soon despite Trump saying Washington would "like to talk" if Iran was ready. Mousavi said Iran was "listening to the views of countries" who have offered to mediate but had not received or given any "special message" during a flurry of diplomatic visits in recent weeks.

Iran's foreign ministry on Tuesday insisted it did not currently see the need for mediation with the United States, as it played down the chances of a military clash with Washington.

Iran's foreign ministry on Tuesday insisted it did not currently see the need for mediation with the United States, as it played down the chances of a military clash with Washington. Spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a press conference that Tehran "does not feel any tension or (the possibility of) clashes" and said concerns had been "created by others". He told journalists that the Islamic republic "does not presently believe in" mediation. Iran is locked in a standoff with the United States which has beefed up its military presence in the Middle East in response to alleged threats from the Islamic republic. Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and B-52 bombers to the region in a show of force. The moves are the latest spike since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 deal on Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed sanctions. Watch: Iran slams Donald Trump over his 'genocidal tauts' Iran earlier this month rolled back parts of its commitments under the nuclear deal and gave an ultimatum to the remaining world powers involved if they did not provide sanctions relief. Mousavi warned that if sanctions relief is not offered Tehran "will with severity take the next steps", meaning it could turn its back on more substantial parts of the accord. The situation between Iran and the US has led a number of countries in the Middle East and others such as Japan and Switzerland to offer to mediate. Tehran insists that it will not hold direct talks with the US government anytime soon despite Trump saying Washington would "like to talk" if Iran was ready. Mousavi said Iran was "listening to the views of countries" who have offered to mediate but had not received or given any "special message" during a flurry of diplomatic visits in recent weeks.

Iran says does not 'presently' believe in mediation with US, plays down chances of a military clash

Iran sees no prospect of negotiations with the United States, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, a day after US President Donald Trump said a deal with Tehran on its nuclear programme was possible.

Washington withdrew last year from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-us-after-trump-nuclear-weapons-comment-222087">2015 international nuclear deal </a>with Tehran and is ratcheting up sanctions in efforts to strangle Iran's economy by ending its international sales of crude oil.

Trump said on Monday,&nbsp;"I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen."

Asked about Trump's comments in a news conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Fars news agency,&nbsp;"We currently see no prospect of negotiations with America."

"Iran pays no attention to words; What matters to us is a change of approach and behaviour."

Trump also said that the United States was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-looking-for-regime-change-in-iran-despite-middle-east-tensions-trump-221965">not looking for regime change in Iran</a>, adding that "we are looking for no nuclear weapons."

Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Tuesday the country was not allowed to pursue the development of nuclear weapon as this was banned by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest authority.

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States since Washington deployed a carrier strike group and bombers and announced plans to deploy 1,500 troops to the Middle East, prompting fears of a conflict.

Watch: Saudi Arabia calls for emergency meeting over US-Iran conflicts

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&nbsp;

Iran sees no prospect of negotiations with the United States, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, a day after US President Donald Trump said a deal with Tehran on its nuclear programme was possible.

Iran sees no prospect of negotiations with the United States, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, a day after US President Donald Trump said a deal with Tehran on its nuclear programme was possible. Washington withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran and is ratcheting up sanctions in efforts to strangle Iran's economy by ending its international sales of crude oil. Trump said on Monday, "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen." Asked about Trump's comments in a news conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Fars news agency, "We currently see no prospect of negotiations with America." "Iran pays no attention to words; What matters to us is a change of approach and behaviour." Trump also said that the United States was not looking for regime change in Iran, adding that "we are looking for no nuclear weapons." Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Tuesday the country was not allowed to pursue the development of nuclear weapon as this was banned by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest authority. Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States since Washington deployed a carrier strike group and bombers and announced plans to deploy 1,500 troops to the Middle East, prompting fears of a conflict. Watch: Saudi Arabia calls for emergency meeting over US-Iran conflicts ×

Iran sees no prospect of negotiations with US: Foreign ministry

Iran on Monday called attacks on ships in the Gulf "alarming", after the UAE and Saudi Arabia said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-saudi-tankers-came-under-sabotage-attack-off-uae-no-casualties-218248">several vessels including oil tankers were damaged</a> in acts of sabotage off the Emirati coast.

"The incidents in the Sea of Oman are alarming and regrettable," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in an English-language statement on the ministry's website, calling for a probe into the attacks and warning of "adventurism" by foreign players to disrupt maritime security.

On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates said that four commercial vessels of various nationalities had been targeted by acts of sabotage off the UAE port of Fujairah.

Saudi Arabia early Monday said two of its oil tankers were damaged.

Fujairah port is the only terminal in the UAE located on the Arabian Sea coast, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, a global shipping route through which most Gulf oil exports pass, and which Iran has repeatedly threatened to close in case of a military confrontation with the United States.

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States which has strengthened its military presence in the region, including deploying a number of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged threats from Tehran.

It also comes as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo scrapped a stop Monday in Moscow to visit Brussels instead for talks with European officials on Iran.

Mousavi "called for clarifications" concerning the "exact dimensions" of Sunday's attacks on ships in the Gulf, the foreign ministry's statement said.

He said such incidents would have a "negative impact... on shipping safety and maritime security" in the Gulf.

He also "warned against plots by ill-wishers to disrupt regional security" and "called for the vigilance of regional states in the face of any adventurism by foreign elements", the statement added.

Iran on Monday called attacks on ships in the Gulf "alarming", after the UAE and Saudi Arabia said several vessels including oil tankers were damaged in acts of sabotage off the Emirati coast.

Iran on Monday called attacks on ships in the Gulf "alarming", after the UAE and Saudi Arabia said several vessels including oil tankers were damaged in acts of sabotage off the Emirati coast. "The incidents in the Sea of Oman are alarming and regrettable," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in an English-language statement on the ministry's website, calling for a probe into the attacks and warning of "adventurism" by foreign players to disrupt maritime security. On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates said that four commercial vessels of various nationalities had been targeted by acts of sabotage off the UAE port of Fujairah. Saudi Arabia early Monday said two of its oil tankers were damaged. Fujairah port is the only terminal in the UAE located on the Arabian Sea coast, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, a global shipping route through which most Gulf oil exports pass, and which Iran has repeatedly threatened to close in case of a military confrontation with the United States. The incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States which has strengthened its military presence in the region, including deploying a number of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged threats from Tehran. It also comes as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo scrapped a stop Monday in Moscow to visit Brussels instead for talks with European officials on Iran. Mousavi "called for clarifications" concerning the "exact dimensions" of Sunday's attacks on ships in the Gulf, the foreign ministry's statement said. He said such incidents would have a "negative impact... on shipping safety and maritime security" in the Gulf. He also "warned against plots by ill-wishers to disrupt regional security" and "called for the vigilance of regional states in the face of any adventurism by foreign elements", the statement added.

Iran calls ship attacks off UAE 'alarming', urges probe

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