Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful -- and expensive -- eyes in the sky.

At the time the attack was launched at 1:35 am on January 8, the US army was flying seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Iraq to monitor bases where US-led coalition forces are deployed.

They included MQ-1C Gray Eagles, advanced surveillance drones that can fly for as long as 27 hours and carry a payload of up to four Hellfire missiles.

"We thought it may lead to a ground assault, so we kept the aircraft up," said one of the pilots, 26-year-old Staff Sergeant Costin Herwig.

Herwig was flying a Gray Eagle when the first Iranian missile struck the base, retaliation for the January 3 killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.&nbsp;

Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful -- and expensive -- eyes in the sky.

Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful -- and expensive -- eyes in the sky. At the time the attack was launched at 1:35 am on January 8, the US army was flying seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Iraq to monitor bases where US-led coalition forces are deployed. They included MQ-1C Gray Eagles, advanced surveillance drones that can fly for as long as 27 hours and carry a payload of up to four Hellfire missiles. "We thought it may lead to a ground assault, so we kept the aircraft up," said one of the pilots, 26-year-old Staff Sergeant Costin Herwig. Herwig was flying a Gray Eagle when the first Iranian missile struck the base, retaliation for the January 3 killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.

As Iran missiles battered Iraq base, US lost eyes in sky

Terming it a "strange offer", Iran on Wednesday rejected the proposal of new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-people-responsible-for-boeing-crash-as-protests-rage-in-tehran-274213">"Trump deal" by British Prime Minister</a> to resolve the nuclear row.

On Tuesday, Boris Johnson said the Iran nuclear deal could be replaced by the "Trump deal" while praising the US President as a great deal maker.

Trump also said that he agrees with the British counterpart and should replace the Iran nuclear deal.

Addressing the nation through televised speech,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-must-punish-all-responsible-for-air-disaster-274180"> Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a>&nbsp;told the US to "pick the right path"&nbsp;and return to&nbsp;2015 nuclear deal. Trump pulled out from the deal in 2018.

"This Mr Prime Minister in London, I don't know how he thinks. He says let’s put aside the nuclear deal and put the Trump plan in action," Rouhani said.

“If you take the wrong step, it will be to your detriment. Pick the right path. The right path is to return to the nuclear deal."

Iran denies any intent to acquire nuclear weapons and says its breaches of the deal would be reversed if Washington lifts sanctions.

"All of our activities are under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA),” said Rouhani.

Watch | US leadership is ignorant and arrogant, says Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

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Signed in the year 2015, between Iran and P5+1 countries (China, Russia, France, United States, Germany and the UK) in Vienna, the accord, orchestrated by the Obama administration, called for Iran to accept restraints on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of UN, European and US nuclear-related economic sanctions.&nbsp;

The tension between Iran and spiked after Trump pulled out from the deal in May last year alleging that Iran hadn't done enough to limit its weapons stockpile and had continued to work on its nuclear programme. Iran has denied any such allegations.

Since then, Tehran has gradually taken steps to reduce its compliance with the deal, which prompted Britain, France and Germany to formally accuse it on Tuesday of violating the terms.

The tension between both countries reached new low earlier this month after the US killed an Iranian general in a drone strike in Baghdad.

&nbsp;Tehran responded a week ago by launching missiles at US targets in Iraq.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Terming it a "strange offer", Iran on Wednesday rejected the proposal of new "Trump deal" by British Prime Minister to resolve the nuclear row. On Tuesday, Boris Johnson said the Iran nuclear deal could be replaced by the "Trump deal" while praising the US President as a great deal maker.

Terming it a "strange offer", Iran on Wednesday rejected the proposal of new "Trump deal" by British Prime Minister to resolve the nuclear row. On Tuesday, Boris Johnson said the Iran nuclear deal could be replaced by the "Trump deal" while praising the US President as a great deal maker. Trump also said that he agrees with the British counterpart and should replace the Iran nuclear deal. Addressing the nation through televised speech, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told the US to "pick the right path" and return to 2015 nuclear deal. Trump pulled out from the deal in 2018. "This Mr Prime Minister in London, I don't know how he thinks. He says let’s put aside the nuclear deal and put the Trump plan in action," Rouhani said. “If you take the wrong step, it will be to your detriment. Pick the right path. The right path is to return to the nuclear deal." Iran denies any intent to acquire nuclear weapons and says its breaches of the deal would be reversed if Washington lifts sanctions. "All of our activities are under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA),” said Rouhani. Watch | US leadership is ignorant and arrogant, says Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif × Signed in the year 2015, between Iran and P5+1 countries (China, Russia, France, United States, Germany and the UK) in Vienna, the accord, orchestrated by the Obama administration, called for Iran to accept restraints on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of UN, European and US nuclear-related economic sanctions. The tension between Iran and spiked after Trump pulled out from the deal in May last year alleging that Iran hadn't done enough to limit its weapons stockpile and had continued to work on its nuclear programme. Iran has denied any such allegations. Since then, Tehran has gradually taken steps to reduce its compliance with the deal, which prompted Britain, France and Germany to formally accuse it on Tuesday of violating the terms. The tension between both countries reached new low earlier this month after the US killed an Iranian general in a drone strike in Baghdad. Tehran responded a week ago by launching missiles at US targets in Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Hassan Rouhani rejects new 'Trump deal'; tells US to pick 'right path'

Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834">Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Tuesday that everyone responsible for the accidental shooting down of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-boeing-737-airliner-turned-was-headed-to-airport-when-it-crashed-iran-civil-aviation-authority-273145">Ukrainian airliner</a> last week must be punished.

"For our people, it is very important in this incident that anyone who was at fault or negligent at any level" face justice, he said in a televised speech.

"Anyone who should be punished must be punished," said Rouhani.

"The judiciary must form a special court with high-ranking judge and dozens of experts. The whole world will be watching."

The Ukraine International Airlines plane was brought down by a missile shortly after takeoff from Tehran last Wednesday, killing all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-all-passengers-aboard-ukrainian-airplane-killed-in-crash-272841">176 passengers</a> and crew on board.

Iran for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence that the airliner had been downed by a missile before acknowledging that version was correct on Saturday.

It has come under mounting international pressure to ensure its investigation into the tragedy is full and transparent.

The authorities' handling of the air disaster and has also angered people in Iran.

Videos posted on social networks on Monday purported to show people taking to the streets for a third consecutive day, with demonstrators apparently shouting slogans against the Islamic republic.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that everyone responsible for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week must be punished. "For our people, it is very important in this incident that anyone who was at fault or negligent at any level" face justice, he said in a televised speech.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that everyone responsible for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week must be punished. "For our people, it is very important in this incident that anyone who was at fault or negligent at any level" face justice, he said in a televised speech. "Anyone who should be punished must be punished," said Rouhani. "The judiciary must form a special court with high-ranking judge and dozens of experts. The whole world will be watching." The Ukraine International Airlines plane was brought down by a missile shortly after takeoff from Tehran last Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Iran for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence that the airliner had been downed by a missile before acknowledging that version was correct on Saturday. It has come under mounting international pressure to ensure its investigation into the tragedy is full and transparent. The authorities' handling of the air disaster and has also angered people in Iran. Videos posted on social networks on Monday purported to show people taking to the streets for a third consecutive day, with demonstrators apparently shouting slogans against the Islamic republic.

Rouhani says Iran must 'punish' all responsible for air disaster

Iran on Sunday hinted de-escalation of tensions with the United States which were triggered nearly two weeks ago when top commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington in Iraq.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said that both countries agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the ongoing crisis after he met Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in his visit to Iran.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-sole-female-olympic-medalist-kimia-alizadeh-says-she-left-her-country-for-europe-273826">Iran's sole female Olympic medalist Kimia Alizadeh says she left her country for Europe</a> 
&nbsp;

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(Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani | Photo Credit: AFP)

"This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-kill-your-protesters-us-president-trump-to-iranian-authorities-273818">'Do not kill your protesters, world is watching', Trump warns Iran</a>

"We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue."

Rouhani said: "We've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region."

<img alt="Iran protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8519d58b-2ecb-4685-8a50-3ff30a643aed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hqL8YOpo.jpg" />

(A woman shouts slogans as she gathers with people to show their sympathy to the victims of the crash of the Boeing 737-800 plane, flight PS 752, in Tehran,&nbsp;Iran | Photo Credit: Reuters)

Earlier today, Trump tweeted that US NSA suggested that "sanctions &amp; protests have Iran choked off," and will force the country to "negotiate".&nbsp;

"Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters,” the tweet added.&nbsp;

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National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions &amp; protests have Iran “choked off”, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1216506722153639942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The protests began on Saturday in Iran after Rouhani admitted that "human error" brought down the Boeing 737, which killed 176 people.&nbsp;

Hundreds of students also shouted "death to liars" at a memorial at Tehran's Amir Kabir University on Saturday. Some protests in the Islamic Republic also demanded the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

On Sunday, heightened tensions were observed once again after security was beefed up near the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre in Tehran.&nbsp;

Riot police were deployed in Amir Kabir, Sharif and Tehran universities and Enqelab Square in the Iranian capital.&nbsp;

Earlier, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said that "Canada and the world still have many questions, questions that must be answered". Trudeau also said it is necessary for Canada to participate in the investigation of the crashed aircraft in which 57 Canadians were killed.&nbsp;

Ukraine demanded that guilty of those responsible in the crash be brought to justice and asked for the payment of compensation to the victims' family.&nbsp;

Iran on Sunday hinted de-escalation of tensions with the United States which were triggered nearly two weeks ago when top commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington in Iraq.

Iran on Sunday hinted de-escalation of tensions with the United States which were triggered nearly two weeks ago when top commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington in Iraq. On Sunday, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said that both countries agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the ongoing crisis after he met Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in his visit to Iran. Also read: Iran's sole female Olympic medalist Kimia Alizadeh says she left her country for Europe (Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani | Photo Credit: AFP) "This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said. Also read: 'Do not kill your protesters, world is watching', Trump warns Iran "We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue." Rouhani said: "We've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region." (A woman shouts slogans as she gathers with people to show their sympathy to the victims of the crash of the Boeing 737-800 plane, flight PS 752, in Tehran, Iran | Photo Credit: Reuters) Earlier today, Trump tweeted that US NSA suggested that "sanctions & protests have Iran choked off," and will force the country to "negotiate". "Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters,” the tweet added. National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran “choked off”, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters.” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 × The protests began on Saturday in Iran after Rouhani admitted that "human error" brought down the Boeing 737, which killed 176 people. Hundreds of students also shouted "death to liars" at a memorial at Tehran's Amir Kabir University on Saturday. Some protests in the Islamic Republic also demanded the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Sunday, heightened tensions were observed once again after security was beefed up near the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre in Tehran. Riot police were deployed in Amir Kabir, Sharif and Tehran universities and Enqelab Square in the Iranian capital. Earlier, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said that "Canada and the world still have many questions, questions that must be answered". Trudeau also said it is necessary for Canada to participate in the investigation of the crashed aircraft in which 57 Canadians were killed. Ukraine demanded that guilty of those responsible in the crash be brought to justice and asked for the payment of compensation to the victims' family.

Iran hints at de-escalating tensions with US

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Sunday amid Iran's high regional tensions, claiming that it had shot down a Ukrainian aircraft with which 176 passengers were killed. #UkranianAircraft #Iran #Tehran #HassanRouhani

Tehran: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh, Iranian President meet amid regional tensions

Iranian protesters and newspapers&nbsp;piled&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on the country's leadership and riot police stepped up their presence in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-to-visit-iran-saudi-arabia-to-discuss-developments-in-middle-east-273726">Tehran</a> on Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;Iran's military admitted that it had mistakenly shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Ukrainian airliner</a>.

Riot police fired teargas at thousands of&nbsp;Iranians who had taken to the streets late on Saturday in the capital and other cities, many chanting "Death to the dictator", directing their anger at&nbsp;Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Ali Khamenei</a>.

Reports of the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;were carried by state-affiliated news agencies, while video clips circulated on social media.

Tehran residents told reporters&nbsp;that police had stepped up their presence in the capital on Sunday morning.

Watch:&nbsp;Protesters condemn government over its initial denial of downing Ukrainian plane

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"Apologise and resign,"&nbsp;Iran's moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the "people's demand" was for those responsible for mishandling the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crisis to quit.

All 176 people aboard the flight, many of them&nbsp;Iranians with dual citizenship, were killed.

Protests&nbsp;erupted&nbsp;after&nbsp;Saturday's&nbsp;admission&nbsp;that the military accidentally shot down the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Ukraine International Airlines</a>&nbsp;plane&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;after&nbsp;takeoff on Wednesday when&nbsp;Iranian forces were alert for US&nbsp;reprisals&nbsp;after&nbsp;tit-for-tat&nbsp;strikes.

For days,&nbsp;Iranian officials had vigorously denied it was to blame, even as Canada, which had 57 citizens on the flight, and the United States said their intelligence indicated an&nbsp;Iranian missile was to blame, albeit probably fired in error.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. 
 
My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences. <a href="https://t.co/4dkePxupzm">https://t.co/4dkePxupzm</a>
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) <a href="https://twitter.com/HassanRouhani/status/1215856679423823872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Iran's president said it was a "disastrous mistake" and apologised. But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public anger about the delayed&nbsp;admission when he said he had told the authorities a missile hit the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;the day it crashed.

Another moderate daily Jomhuri-ye Eslami, or the Islamic Republic, wrote in an editorial: "Those who delayed publishing the reason behind the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crash and damaged people's trust in the establishment should be dismissed or should resign."

Criticism of the authorities in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is not unusual, but it tends to stay in narrow boundaries.

The press attacks and&nbsp;protests&nbsp;add to challenges facing the establishment, which in November faced the country's bloodiest unrest since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

As Saturday's&nbsp;protests&nbsp;spread across&nbsp;Iran, including major cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh, US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Donald Trump</a> said on Twitter: "We are following your&nbsp;protests&nbsp;closely, and are inspired by your courage."

"There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching," he said, posting his tweets in both Farsi and English.

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The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1216120362230067202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Britain said its ambassador in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;had been briefly detained on Saturday by the authorities in Tehran. A news agency said he was detained outside a university for inciting&nbsp;protests.

Condemning the arrest, British Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-denounces-brief-arrest-of-envoy-in-tehran-as-violation-of-law-273690">Dominic Raab</a> said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;"can continue its march towards pariah status&nbsp;or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards."

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> calls brief detention of <a href="https://twitter.com/HMATehran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMATehran</a> a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb">https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb</a>
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice/status/1216114167888912385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Protests&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;followed a build-up of tension between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States, which withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and then re-imposed sanctions that have steadily crippled the&nbsp;Iranian economy.

On January&nbsp;3, a US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in Iraq killed prominent&nbsp;Iranian commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-general-soleimanis-killing-was-self-defense-us-ambassador-kelly-craft-to-un-273117">Qasem Soleimani</a>, responsible for building up&nbsp;Iran's network of regional proxy armies in Iraq and beyond, and Tehran responded with missile&nbsp;strikes on US&nbsp;targets in Iraq.

No US&nbsp;soldiers were killed, but in the tense hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;that, the Ukrainian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Boeing 737</a> was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and then brought down by a missile fired in error by an operator who mistook the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;for an attacker.

<img alt="Relatives of the flight crew members of the plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93f67be6-2401-4cdf-a0e8-7eef59ffee84" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Relatives of the flight crew members of the plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;must take full responsibility," Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ottawa-lowers-canadian-death-toll-in-iran-air-crash-to-57-273604">Justin Trudeau</a> said.

Trudeau said&nbsp;Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Hassan Rouhani</a> had committed to collaborating with Canadian investigators, working to de-escalate tensions in the region and continuing dialogue.

Rallying to the establishment,&nbsp;Iranian lawmakers praised the elite force's commanders for courage in admitting the error, according to Fars, a news agency seen as close to the Guards, a parallel military set up to protect the theocratic system.

Iranian officials sought to portray the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;disaster as a second blow to a mourning nation&nbsp;after&nbsp;Soleimani's death in a US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike.

Soleimani's funeral had prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general.

Public fury at&nbsp;Iran's authorities had grown as questions about the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crash mounted.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">Iranians</a> on social media asked why officials were busy fending off criticism from abroad rather than sympathising with grieving families. Others asked why the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;was allowed to take off at a time of high tension.

Iranian protesters and newspapers piled pressure on the country's leadership and riot police stepped up their presence in Tehran on Sunday after Iran's military admitted that it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner.

Iranian protesters and newspapers piled pressure on the country's leadership and riot police stepped up their presence in Tehran on Sunday after Iran's military admitted that it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner. Riot police fired teargas at thousands of Iranians who had taken to the streets late on Saturday in the capital and other cities, many chanting "Death to the dictator", directing their anger at Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Reports of the protests were carried by state-affiliated news agencies, while video clips circulated on social media. Tehran residents told reporters that police had stepped up their presence in the capital on Sunday morning. Watch: Protesters condemn government over its initial denial of downing Ukrainian plane × "Apologise and resign," Iran's moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the "people's demand" was for those responsible for mishandling the plane crisis to quit. All 176 people aboard the flight, many of them Iranians with dual citizenship, were killed. Protests erupted after Saturday's admission that the military accidentally shot down the Ukraine International Airlines plane minutes after takeoff on Wednesday when Iranian forces were alert for US reprisals after tit-for-tat strikes. For days, Iranian officials had vigorously denied it was to blame, even as Canada, which had 57 citizens on the flight, and the United States said their intelligence indicated an Iranian missile was to blame, albeit probably fired in error. The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences. https://t.co/4dkePxupzm — Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 11, 2020 × Iran's president said it was a "disastrous mistake" and apologised. But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public anger about the delayed admission when he said he had told the authorities a missile hit the plane the day it crashed. Another moderate daily Jomhuri-ye Eslami, or the Islamic Republic, wrote in an editorial: "Those who delayed publishing the reason behind the plane crash and damaged people's trust in the establishment should be dismissed or should resign." Criticism of the authorities in Iran is not unusual, but it tends to stay in narrow boundaries. The press attacks and protests add to challenges facing the establishment, which in November faced the country's bloodiest unrest since the 1979 Islamic revolution. As Saturday's protests spread across Iran, including major cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh, US President Donald Trump said on Twitter: "We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage." "There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching," he said, posting his tweets in both Farsi and English. The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020 × Britain said its ambassador in Iran had been briefly detained on Saturday by the authorities in Tehran. A news agency said he was detained outside a university for inciting protests. Condemning the arrest, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Iran "can continue its march towards pariah status or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards." Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab calls brief detention of @HMATehran a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb — Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) January 11, 2020 × Protests inside Iran followed a build-up of tension between Iran and the United States, which withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and then re-imposed sanctions that have steadily crippled the Iranian economy. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed prominent Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, responsible for building up Iran's network of regional proxy armies in Iraq and beyond, and Tehran responded with missile strikes on US targets in Iraq. No US soldiers were killed, but in the tense hours after that, the Ukrainian Boeing 737 was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and then brought down by a missile fired in error by an operator who mistook the plane for an attacker. [ Relatives of the flight crew members of the plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific. Iran must take full responsibility," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. Trudeau said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had committed to collaborating with Canadian investigators, working to de-escalate tensions in the region and continuing dialogue. Rallying to the establishment, Iranian lawmakers praised the elite force's commanders for courage in admitting the error, according to Fars, a news agency seen as close to the Guards, a parallel military set up to protect the theocratic system. Iranian officials sought to portray the plane disaster as a second blow to a mourning nation after Soleimani's death in a US drone strike. Soleimani's funeral had prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general. Public fury at Iran's authorities had grown as questions about the plane crash mounted. Iranians on social media asked why officials were busy fending off criticism from abroad rather than sympathising with grieving families. Others asked why the plane was allowed to take off at a time of high tension.

Iranians step up protests after Tehran's admission that it shot down Ukrainian airliner

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for an "end to hostilities" on Thursday as he urged&nbsp;Iran's Hassan Rouhani to end the standoff with the United States.

During the 20-minutes call, Johnson also underlined Britain's commitment to Tehran's nuclear agreement.

Britain viewed the 2015 nuclear deal as "the best arrangement currently available to deliver on our goal of stopping Iran from having a nuclear weapon", Johnson's&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;said in a statement.

The statement also said that&nbsp;Johnson wanted to "deliver the clear message" to Iran that "there is an urgent need for de-escalation".

The tension between US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran' top military commander, General&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-general-soleimanis-killing-was-self-defense-us-ambassador-kelly-craft-to-un-273117">Qasem Soleimani</a>&nbsp;in a strike in Baghdad International Airport.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, in retaliation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Iran&nbsp;fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq&nbsp;</a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Following the attack, Trump addressed the nation from White House and&nbsp;said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting&nbsp;to de-escalate the&nbsp;standoff.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump during the televised address said,&nbsp;"the time has come" for Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China to follow Washington's lead and abandon the 2015 nuclear agreement, which sets limits on Iran's enrichment levels.

Iran began breaking the deal's rules once Trump pulled the US out in 2018, resulting in a new wave of tension.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for an "end to hostilities" on Thursday as he urged Iran's Hassan Rouhani to end the standoff with the United States. During the 20-minutes call, Johnson also underlined Britain's commitment to Tehran's nuclear agreement.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for an "end to hostilities" on Thursday as he urged Iran's Hassan Rouhani to end the standoff with the United States. During the 20-minutes call, Johnson also underlined Britain's commitment to Tehran's nuclear agreement. Britain viewed the 2015 nuclear deal as "the best arrangement currently available to deliver on our goal of stopping Iran from having a nuclear weapon", Johnson's spokesperson said in a statement. The statement also said that Johnson wanted to "deliver the clear message" to Iran that "there is an urgent need for de-escalation". The tension between US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran' top military commander, General Qasem Soleimani in a strike in Baghdad International Airport. On Wednesday, in retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Following the attack, Trump addressed the nation from White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting to de-escalate the standoff. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump during the televised address said, "the time has come" for Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China to follow Washington's lead and abandon the 2015 nuclear agreement, which sets limits on Iran's enrichment levels. Iran began breaking the deal's rules once Trump pulled the US out in 2018, resulting in a new wave of tension. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Boris Johnson calls for 'end to hostilities' with US in call to Iran's Rouhani

Iran will respond to the United States killing of Iranian Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani "any time and in any manner", Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday (January 3).

Soleimani, a 62-year-old general who headed the overseas arm of the Revolutionary Guards, was regarded as the second most powerful figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-qasem-soleimani-271974">Who is Qasem Soleimani?</a>

The commander was killed in an overnight air strike on a car convoy near Baghdad International Airport.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strike aimed to disrupt an "imminent attack" that would have endangered Americans in the Middle East. Democratic critics called the Republican president reckless and said he had raised the risk of more violence in a dangerous region.

Speaking on State TV, Zarif said "we will not be involved in the US' smear campaigns and their blackmailing. We will give a proper response in any manner and time, we will, as stated by the Supreme Leader."

Khamenei earlier said harsh revenge awaited the "criminals" who killed Soleimani and his death would redouble resistance against the United States and Israel. He called for three days of national mourning. 
&nbsp;

Iran will respond to the United States killing of Iranian Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani "any time and in any manner", Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday (January 3).

Iran will respond to the United States killing of Iranian Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani "any time and in any manner", Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday (January 3). Soleimani, a 62-year-old general who headed the overseas arm of the Revolutionary Guards, was regarded as the second most powerful figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also read: Who is Qasem Soleimani? The commander was killed in an overnight air strike on a car convoy near Baghdad International Airport. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strike aimed to disrupt an "imminent attack" that would have endangered Americans in the Middle East. Democratic critics called the Republican president reckless and said he had raised the risk of more violence in a dangerous region. Speaking on State TV, Zarif said "we will not be involved in the US' smear campaigns and their blackmailing. We will give a proper response in any manner and time, we will, as stated by the Supreme Leader." Khamenei earlier said harsh revenge awaited the "criminals" who killed Soleimani and his death would redouble resistance against the United States and Israel. He called for three days of national mourning.

Iran will respond to Soleimani killing 'any time, in any manner': Foreign Minister Zarif

The world on Friday woke up with alarm after top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-other-free-nations-will-take-revenge-for-soleimanis-killing-from-criminal-america-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-271885">Iranian Commander Qasem Soleimani</a> was killed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">US strike in Iraq</a>. The killing marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing "shadow war" between the US and Iran.&nbsp;

The Soleimani's killing&nbsp;triggered various reactions from across the world and while some Republicans lauded the move other world leaders&nbsp;warned of danger and urged US and Iran&nbsp;for restraint.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-general-qassem-soleimani-271786">In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people</a>

Meanwhile, people on social media feared that World War III could be breaking out as they tweeted various memes and short videos.&nbsp;

Many people also made jokes about how Americans will be escaping the war and how Trump is starting a war to escape the ongoing impeachment row.

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In order to stop his impeachment, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> will start a war with Iran. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWIII</a> <a href="https://t.co/C7c4Ujvdmy">pic.twitter.com/C7c4Ujvdmy</a>
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Me watching the people who made memes about World War 3 run after they hear gun shot like noise outside<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWIII</a> <a href="https://t.co/vR3bxVU43s">pic.twitter.com/vR3bxVU43s</a>
— 🙃 (@DontCheese) <a href="https://twitter.com/DontCheese/status/1213036153848389634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWIII</a> 
US Army: You can’t be drafted for World War 3 if you have a mental illness 
 
Me: <a href="https://t.co/CCw7ymjiZx">pic.twitter.com/CCw7ymjiZx</a>
— 🤡 (@kpopisautistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/kpopisautistic/status/1213036004816363520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Americans when they're about become a war prisoner. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWIII</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldwar3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldwar3</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhyfokSfKb">pic.twitter.com/VhyfokSfKb</a>
— Shan (@shanuddin889) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanuddin889/status/1213033120754216960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The UK looking around and seeing USA and Iran in war 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWIII</a> <a href="https://t.co/UmPQqEisQX">pic.twitter.com/UmPQqEisQX</a>
— james 🤧 (@jameson_cs) <a href="https://twitter.com/jameson_cs/status/1213039084131831808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Head of the elite Quds Force, a foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, Qassem Soleimani on Friday was killed in US strikes in Baghdad airport.

Later in the day, a statement by the US State Department said that the killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed in the strike.

So far Trump has not reacted&nbsp;officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the&nbsp;US flag.

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<a href="https://t.co/VXeKiVzpTf">pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani.&nbsp;

His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said.

For over two decades Soleimani&nbsp;had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

The world on Friday woke up with alarm after top Iranian Commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Iraq. The killing marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing "shadow war" between the US and Iran.

The world on Friday woke up with alarm after top Iranian Commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Iraq. The killing marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing "shadow war" between the US and Iran. The Soleimani's killing triggered various reactions from across the world and while some Republicans lauded the move other world leaders warned of danger and urged US and Iran for restraint. In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people Meanwhile, people on social media feared that World War III could be breaking out as they tweeted various memes and short videos. Many people also made jokes about how Americans will be escaping the war and how Trump is starting a war to escape the ongoing impeachment row. In order to stop his impeachment, @realDonaldTrump will start a war with Iran. #Iran #WWIII pic.twitter.com/C7c4Ujvdmy — LaimDoge (@laimdoge) January 3, 2020 × Me watching the people who made memes about World War 3 run after they hear gun shot like noise outside#WWIII pic.twitter.com/vR3bxVU43s — 🙃 (@DontCheese) January 3, 2020 × #WWIII US Army: You can’t be drafted for World War 3 if you have a mental illness Me: pic.twitter.com/CCw7ymjiZx — 🤡 (@kpopisautistic) January 3, 2020 × Americans when they're about become a war prisoner. #WWIII #worldwar3 pic.twitter.com/VhyfokSfKb — Shan (@shanuddin889) January 3, 2020 × The UK looking around and seeing USA and Iran in war 👀 #WWIII pic.twitter.com/UmPQqEisQX — james 🤧 (@jameson_cs) January 3, 2020 × Head of the elite Quds Force, a foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, Qassem Soleimani on Friday was killed in US strikes in Baghdad airport. Later in the day, a statement by the US State Department said that the killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed in the strike. So far Trump has not reacted officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani. His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said. For over two decades Soleimani had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

Twitterati fear 'World War III coming' after Iran's Soleimani killed in US strike

Iran's supreme leader appointed assassinated commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-other-free-nations-will-take-revenge-for-soleimanis-killing-from-criminal-america-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-271885">Qassem Soleimani</a>'s deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces, Iranian media reported.

The force's programme "will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement published by state media.

In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump</a>, State Department announced later.

So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag.

In response to the killing, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed revenge against "criminal America".

Watch:&nbsp;Oil price rises over 4% after US air strike kills Iranian military commander

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Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values".

"There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="114b0408-f81d-4764-93ee-3d3f9b5c1206" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_8.jpg" />

Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8126062-da54-4b92-9ea0-a81f4dcfff94" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_12.jpg" />

His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani.

Soleimani, who led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guards and had a key role in fighting in Syria and Iraq, had acquired celebrity status at home and abroad. Over two decades he had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader appointed assassinated commander Qassem Soleimani's deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces, Iranian media reported.

Iran's supreme leader appointed assassinated commander Qassem Soleimani's deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces, Iranian media reported. The force's programme "will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement published by state media. In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed. The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later. So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag. In response to the killing, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed revenge against "criminal America". Watch: Oil price rises over 4% after US air strike kills Iranian military commander × Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values". "There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East. Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website. His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani. Soleimani, who led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guards and had a key role in fighting in Syria and Iraq, had acquired celebrity status at home and abroad. Over two decades he had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

After US killed Qassem Soleimani, Iran names deputy commander Esmail Qaani new Quds chief

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani</a>, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.

Rouhani also said that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">Soleimani's martyrdom</a> redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values".

"There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East.

Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-general-qassem-soleimani-271786">In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people</a>

His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani.

"This vile and cowardly act is another sign of America's desperation and weakness in the region," the president added.

Watch: Soleimani Killing - Iran security body calls urgent meeting

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In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later.

So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the&nbsp;US flag.

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— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani.&nbsp;

His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said.

Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq.

For over two decades Soleimani&nbsp;had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e459b8c8-29b6-4329-88e7-daa265ee220d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_7.jpg" />

Former Iraqi PM condemned the Soleimani's killing and said that it would light the "fuse of war".

"The assassination of an&nbsp;Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;... and the liquidation of leading&nbsp;Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on&nbsp;Iraqi soil is a massive breach of sovereignty,"&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43ca8fd5-fac5-438a-9151-b205247cbe48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_11.jpg" />

Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a statement the US airstrike was "a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in&nbsp;Iraq, the region, and the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday. Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values". "There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East. Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website. In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani. "This vile and cowardly act is another sign of America's desperation and weakness in the region," the president added. Watch: Soleimani Killing - Iran security body calls urgent meeting × In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed. The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later. So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani. His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said. Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq. For over two decades Soleimani had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East. Former Iraqi PM condemned the Soleimani's killing and said that it would light the "fuse of war". "The assassination of an Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on Iraq ... and the liquidation of leading Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on Iraqi soil is a massive breach of sovereignty," Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said. Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a statement the US airstrike was "a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in Iraq, the region, and the world." (With inputs from agencies)

Will take revenge for Soleimani's killing from 'criminal America': Iran President Hassan Rouhani

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. During the meeting, the foreign minister apprised him of the nineteenth session of the India-Iran Joint Commission which was held in Tehran a day before.

"Thank President of Iran, Dr Hassan Rouhani for so graciously receiving me today. Apprised him of the outcomes of the Joint Commission and progress in our bilateral ties," the foreign minister said on Twitter.

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Thank President Dr. <a href="https://twitter.com/HassanRouhani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HassanRouhani</a> for so graciously receiving me today. Apprised him of the outcomes of the Joint Commission and progress in our bilateral ties. <a href="https://t.co/4vMAWWEIwo">pic.twitter.com/4vMAWWEIwo</a>
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The session was chaired by Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, during which both leaders reviewed and assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation in various areas.

"During the Joint Commission Meeting, the two ministers reviewed and positively assessed progress in bilateral cooperation, including connectivity, trade and commerce, cultural and people-to-people contacts," an official statement issued by MEA said.&nbsp;

"They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;

Both the foreign ministers also expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in Shahid Beheshti Port and Chabahar and said that "it has a potential to act as a gateway between the Indian subcontinent, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe."

In 2018, Iran and India had signed an agreement worth $85 million to develop the Chabahar Port in south-eastern Iran.

The Chabahar Port, which provides an alternative route for trade between India and Afghanistan, is located in the Gulf of Oman.

In 2017, India sent its first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan through the strategic Iranian port.

During the two-day visit to Iran, Jaishankar also met Supreme National Security Council's secretary Admiral Ali Shamkhani and held a discussion on regional security and bilateral relations.&nbsp;

Along with that, he held a meeting with Mohammad Eslami, Roads and Urban Development Minister, and to assess progress on connectivity projects.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. During the meeting, the foreign minister apprised him of the nineteenth session of the India-Iran Joint Commission which was held in Tehran a day before.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. During the meeting, the foreign minister apprised him of the nineteenth session of the India-Iran Joint Commission which was held in Tehran a day before. "Thank President of Iran, Dr Hassan Rouhani for so graciously receiving me today. Apprised him of the outcomes of the Joint Commission and progress in our bilateral ties," the foreign minister said on Twitter. Thank President Dr. @HassanRouhani for so graciously receiving me today. Apprised him of the outcomes of the Joint Commission and progress in our bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/4vMAWWEIwo — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 23, 2019 × The session was chaired by Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, during which both leaders reviewed and assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation in various areas. "During the Joint Commission Meeting, the two ministers reviewed and positively assessed progress in bilateral cooperation, including connectivity, trade and commerce, cultural and people-to-people contacts," an official statement issued by MEA said. "They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest." Both the foreign ministers also expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in Shahid Beheshti Port and Chabahar and said that "it has a potential to act as a gateway between the Indian subcontinent, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe." In 2018, Iran and India had signed an agreement worth $85 million to develop the Chabahar Port in south-eastern Iran. The Chabahar Port, which provides an alternative route for trade between India and Afghanistan, is located in the Gulf of Oman. In 2017, India sent its first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan through the strategic Iranian port. During the two-day visit to Iran, Jaishankar also met Supreme National Security Council's secretary Admiral Ali Shamkhani and held a discussion on regional security and bilateral relations. Along with that, he held a meeting with Mohammad Eslami, Roads and Urban Development Minister, and to assess progress on connectivity projects. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar meets Iranian President Hassan Rouhani; discusses progress in India-Iran bilateral ties

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-economic-support-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-concluded-two-day-japan-visit-269469">as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo</a>.

Rouhani's trip to Japan comes after deadly protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by Washington-imposed sanctions.

"I strongly condemn the US for unilaterally and irrationally withdrawing" from the deal, said Rouhani, who became the first Iranian head of state to visit Japan for two decades.

"I hope Japan and other countries will make efforts to maintain this deal."

The US re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from the international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has played down the mediation aspect of the trip, saying the visit to Tokyo had "nothing to do with issues such as negotiations with America".

However, he acknowledged that "our Japanese friends usually convey messages or initiatives, which we welcome... and seriously examine".

As a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rival powers.

During his meeting with Rouhani, Abe said "Japan will patiently continue its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East," according to a Japanese government official.

"The two leaders agreed to maintain their close communications," the official said.

Abe travelled to Tehran in June to try to ease tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf.

Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions.

Abe explained to Rouhani Tokyo's plans to send Japanese warships to the Gulf of Oman to protect shipping there, while calling on Tehran to take "responsibility" for securing sea lanes in the region.

"This kind of policy is aimed at securing Japanese vessels' safety," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said earlier in the day, adding that 90 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come from the region.

'Serious impact'

Rouhani flew to Japan from Malaysia where he called on Muslim countries at a summit to band together to fight US "economic terrorism".

Osamu Miyata, head of Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies in Japan (CCISJ), told AFP that Abe would find it difficult to steer a path between US President Donald Trump and Rouhani.

The American sanctions "are having a serious impact on every aspect of Iran -- people's daily life, the country's finances, and inflation in imported goods", Hitoshi Suzuki, a Middle East scholar at the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), told AFP.

"It would be difficult to have tangible achievements from the Rouhani-Abe meeting this time, but in the long-term, Japan can warn the US that the current sanctions are having a serious negative impact," added Suzuki.

"This could prompt Iranian domestic politics to move in the opposite direction hoped for by the US -- for example, hawks leading Iran to resume nuclear development, or the emergence of an anti-democratic Iran."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Rouhani's trip to Japan comes after deadly protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by Washington-imposed sanctions. "I strongly condemn the US for unilaterally and irrationally withdrawing" from the deal, said Rouhani, who became the first Iranian head of state to visit Japan for two decades. "I hope Japan and other countries will make efforts to maintain this deal." The US re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from the international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme. Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has played down the mediation aspect of the trip, saying the visit to Tokyo had "nothing to do with issues such as negotiations with America". However, he acknowledged that "our Japanese friends usually convey messages or initiatives, which we welcome... and seriously examine". As a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rival powers. During his meeting with Rouhani, Abe said "Japan will patiently continue its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East," according to a Japanese government official. "The two leaders agreed to maintain their close communications," the official said. Abe travelled to Tehran in June to try to ease tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf. Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions. Abe explained to Rouhani Tokyo's plans to send Japanese warships to the Gulf of Oman to protect shipping there, while calling on Tehran to take "responsibility" for securing sea lanes in the region. "This kind of policy is aimed at securing Japanese vessels' safety," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said earlier in the day, adding that 90 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come from the region. 'Serious impact' Rouhani flew to Japan from Malaysia where he called on Muslim countries at a summit to band together to fight US "economic terrorism". Osamu Miyata, head of Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies in Japan (CCISJ), told AFP that Abe would find it difficult to steer a path between US President Donald Trump and Rouhani. The American sanctions "are having a serious impact on every aspect of Iran -- people's daily life, the country's finances, and inflation in imported goods", Hitoshi Suzuki, a Middle East scholar at the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), told AFP. "It would be difficult to have tangible achievements from the Rouhani-Abe meeting this time, but in the long-term, Japan can warn the US that the current sanctions are having a serious negative impact," added Suzuki. "This could prompt Iranian domestic politics to move in the opposite direction hoped for by the US -- for example, hawks leading Iran to resume nuclear development, or the emergence of an anti-democratic Iran."

Strongly condemn US for unilaterally, irrationally withdrawing from nuclear deal: Rouhani

Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-meet-japan-pm-amid-tension-with-us-269275">Hassan Rouhani </a>concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo.

On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry.

The economic crisis in Iran deepened after the US withdrew from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and imposed sanctions on the country. The JCPOA limits Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and prevents the country from sanctions.&nbsp;

The visit to Japan was the first by an Iranian head of state in two decades and came following deadly protests in Iran over fuel price hikes.&nbsp;

In a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, Rouhani sought help from Japan and other countries to revive the Iranian economy.&nbsp;

"We welcome any plan that can increase trade, especially in the field of energy and increasing the exports and sales of oil," Rouhani told Abe, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.

The Japanese PM asked his counterpart to follow the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that Tokyo will do its best to ensure stability is maintained in the Middle East. Rouhani asked Abe to work with other countries to keep the nuclear deal in place.&nbsp;

Japan is a key US ally and in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, Abe earlier visited Tehran in June.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo. On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo. On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry. The economic crisis in Iran deepened after the US withdrew from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and imposed sanctions on the country. The JCPOA limits Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and prevents the country from sanctions. The visit to Japan was the first by an Iranian head of state in two decades and came following deadly protests in Iran over fuel price hikes. In a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, Rouhani sought help from Japan and other countries to revive the Iranian economy. "We welcome any plan that can increase trade, especially in the field of energy and increasing the exports and sales of oil," Rouhani told Abe, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA. The Japanese PM asked his counterpart to follow the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that Tokyo will do its best to ensure stability is maintained in the Middle East. Rouhani asked Abe to work with other countries to keep the nuclear deal in place. Japan is a key US ally and in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, Abe earlier visited Tehran in June. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Seeking economic support, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded two-day Japan visit

Hosting a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;of&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;leaders,&nbsp;Malaysia's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> bemoaned the state of Islam and defended the meeting that has been&nbsp;shunned&nbsp;by&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and criticised for undermining the bigger Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Divisions in the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world were self-evident as only about 20 countries sent leaders, or delegations to the Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;summit, though all 57 members of the&nbsp;OIC&nbsp;had been invited.

The&nbsp;Saudi King's refusal to attend and the late <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawal of Pakistan</a> from the event had left the hosts scrambling to soothe sensitive relations.

In welcoming remarks, Mahathir said the Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;Summit&nbsp;was meant to understand why Islam, the&nbsp;Muslims and their countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion".

It was unclear to what extent the leaders would discuss major geopolitical crises afflicting the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world, ranging from the age-old disputes in the Middle East and Kashmir to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, through to the plight of Rohingya&nbsp;Muslims in Myanmar and the alleged persecution of Uighur&nbsp;Muslims in China's Xinjiang region.

Mahathir said the&nbsp;summit, which will end on Saturday, should address the world's perceptions of Islam, the rise of Islamophobia, the decline of the Islamic civilisation and reforms in governance needed by&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;nations.

"We are not discriminating or isolating anyone," he said in his welcome speech, watched on by leaders including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani.

"We are attempting to start small and if these ideas, proposals and solutions are acceptable and proved workable, then we hope to take it up to the larger platform for consideration."

Turkey's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-to-boost-cooperation-with-libya-reports-268975">Tayyip Erdogan</a> struck a similar tone.

"We will have the opportunity to talk freely about our issues, from Islamophobia to terrorism, divisions, internal fights ravaging our region, and sectarian and ethnic conflicts,” Erdogan told the&nbsp;summit.

The&nbsp;OIC&nbsp;had said it was against the interests of the Islamic community to convene meetings outside the&nbsp;Saudi-based organisation, which has for decades acted as the collective voice of the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world.

Both Mahathir and Erdogan have been frustrated by the&nbsp;OIC's past record of hand-wringing and failure to take firm action in support of&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;causes.

Without mentioning the&nbsp;OIC&nbsp;by name, Erdogan said the biggest problem that platforms bringing the Islamic world together faced was a lack of implementation.

"If we still haven't made any progress regarding the Palestinian cause, if we still can't stop the exploitation of our resources, if we still can't say "stop" to the fragmentation of the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world over sectarianism, that's why.”

Some analysts also suspected that&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's reluctance to attend stemmed from the fear of being diplomatically isolated by regional rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey, all of whom are attending the&nbsp;summit.

Worried about taking sides, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan opted to stay away from the Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;summit.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Kuala Lumpur Summit &amp; The Race For Supremacy In Muslim World

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"Pakistan wants to become part of the solution and not part of the problem," Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters in Islamabad.

Hosting a summit of Muslim leaders, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad bemoaned the state of Islam and defended the meeting that has been shunned by Saudi Arabia and criticised for undermining the bigger Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Hosting a summit of Muslim leaders, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad bemoaned the state of Islam and defended the meeting that has been shunned by Saudi Arabia and criticised for undermining the bigger Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Divisions in the Muslim world were self-evident as only about 20 countries sent leaders, or delegations to the Kuala Lumpur summit, though all 57 members of the OIC had been invited. The Saudi King's refusal to attend and the late withdrawal of Pakistan from the event had left the hosts scrambling to soothe sensitive relations. In welcoming remarks, Mahathir said the Kuala Lumpur Summit was meant to understand why Islam, the Muslims and their countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion". It was unclear to what extent the leaders would discuss major geopolitical crises afflicting the Muslim world, ranging from the age-old disputes in the Middle East and Kashmir to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, through to the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the alleged persecution of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. Mahathir said the summit, which will end on Saturday, should address the world's perceptions of Islam, the rise of Islamophobia, the decline of the Islamic civilisation and reforms in governance needed by Muslim nations. "We are not discriminating or isolating anyone," he said in his welcome speech, watched on by leaders including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani. "We are attempting to start small and if these ideas, proposals and solutions are acceptable and proved workable, then we hope to take it up to the larger platform for consideration." Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan struck a similar tone. "We will have the opportunity to talk freely about our issues, from Islamophobia to terrorism, divisions, internal fights ravaging our region, and sectarian and ethnic conflicts,” Erdogan told the summit. The OIC had said it was against the interests of the Islamic community to convene meetings outside the Saudi-based organisation, which has for decades acted as the collective voice of the Muslim world. Both Mahathir and Erdogan have been frustrated by the OIC's past record of hand-wringing and failure to take firm action in support of Muslim causes. Without mentioning the OIC by name, Erdogan said the biggest problem that platforms bringing the Islamic world together faced was a lack of implementation. "If we still haven't made any progress regarding the Palestinian cause, if we still can't stop the exploitation of our resources, if we still can't say "stop" to the fragmentation of the Muslim world over sectarianism, that's why.” Some analysts also suspected that Saudi Arabia's reluctance to attend stemmed from the fear of being diplomatically isolated by regional rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey, all of whom are attending the summit. Worried about taking sides, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan opted to stay away from the Kuala Lumpur summit. Also Watch: Kuala Lumpur Summit & The Race For Supremacy In Muslim World × "Pakistan wants to become part of the solution and not part of the problem," Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters in Islamabad.

Malaysia defends Muslim summit shunned by Saudi, slammed by OIC

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia&nbsp;including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">snubbed by Saudi Arabia</a>, home to Islam's holiest shrines.

The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations.

Issues including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rohingya-worlds-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-267598">plight of Myanmar's Rohingya</a> and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis

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In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani&nbsp;slammed Washington's global clout.

"American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries.

The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-parties-meet-as-accord-nears-collapse-266694">Islamic republic's nuclear programme</a>.

In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind".

He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence.

We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said.

With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC.&nbsp;

There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawing from the gathering</a> reportedly after Saudi pressure.

Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman.&nbsp;

But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes. Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been snubbed by Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines. The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations. Issues including the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted. Also Watch: Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis × In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed Washington's global clout. "American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries. The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind". He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence. We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said. With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC. There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan withdrawing from the gathering reportedly after Saudi pressure. Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman. But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

Iran urges to fight against US 'economic terrorism' at Muslim summit

Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-talks-if-united-states-lifts-sanctions-iran-266151">Hassan Rouhani</a> will visit Japan on December&nbsp;20-21 and meet Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-might-cancel-india-trip-report-268002">Shinzo Abe</a>, as the Asian country, a US&nbsp;ally, looks to resolve Tehran's nuclear impasse with Washington.

Japan maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran and has previously tried to ease tensions between the two countries, which severed diplomatic relations after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah.

Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year when President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-democrats-seek-testimony-from-bolton-and-other-trump-aides-268609"> Donald Trump</a> pulled out the United States from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and re-imposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

"Our country will persistently continue to support diplomatic efforts in cooperation with the United States, Iran and various other related countries aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East," Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, told a news conference on Tuesday.

He said the two leaders will meet on December 20.

Rouhani plans to tell Abe that the Iranian government would not oppose the deployment of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a source.

Iran has rejected the presence of foreign forces in the region, saying it would create insecurity for oil and shipping.

Kyodo said the Japanese deployment will be sent to the Gulf of Oman, the northern part of the Arabian Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing a draft plan.

Tokyo has decided not to be part of a US-led&nbsp;coalition to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for the world's oil industry, the news agency added.

The Nikkei business daily has previously said that Japan's government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually.

It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei has reported.

Iran's state news agency IRNA on Monday quoted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-plans-to-send-270-sailors-to-middle-east-to-guard-ships-266288"> Abbas Araghchi </a>as saying that Rouhani will travel to Japan on Friday for a visit that will be in line with the national interest of both countries.

"Japan's foreign policy is based on courage and farsightedness and this has been proved for many times in historical ties between the two countries," Araghchi said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit Japan on December 20-21 and meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as the Asian country, a US ally, looks to resolve Tehran's nuclear impasse with Washington.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit Japan on December 20-21 and meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as the Asian country, a US ally, looks to resolve Tehran's nuclear impasse with Washington. Japan maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran and has previously tried to ease tensions between the two countries, which severed diplomatic relations after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah. Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out the United States from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and re-imposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy. "Our country will persistently continue to support diplomatic efforts in cooperation with the United States, Iran and various other related countries aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East," Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, told a news conference on Tuesday. He said the two leaders will meet on December 20. Rouhani plans to tell Abe that the Iranian government would not oppose the deployment of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a source. Iran has rejected the presence of foreign forces in the region, saying it would create insecurity for oil and shipping. Kyodo said the Japanese deployment will be sent to the Gulf of Oman, the northern part of the Arabian Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing a draft plan. Tokyo has decided not to be part of a US-led coalition to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for the world's oil industry, the news agency added. The Nikkei business daily has previously said that Japan's government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually. It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei has reported. Iran's state news agency IRNA on Monday quoted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that Rouhani will travel to Japan on Friday for a visit that will be in line with the national interest of both countries. "Japan's foreign policy is based on courage and farsightedness and this has been proved for many times in historical ties between the two countries," Araghchi said.

Iran's Rouhani to visit Japan amid heightened tensions with United States

Hassan Rouhani calls it the budget of resistance, he defiant in the face of U.S Sanctions.

IRAN: Iran President Hassan Unveils a 'RESISTANCE' budget

Iran unveils a resistance budget, the budget will come into force in late March 2020.

Iran unveils a resistance budget

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States.

"Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions," Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio.

"This budget announces to the world that despite sanctions we will manage the country, especially in terms of oil," he added.

The budget for the financial year starting late March 2020 comes after fuel price hikes that were imposed in mid-November triggered deadly demonstrations across the Islamic republic.

In his speech, Rouhani announced a 15 per cent increase for public sector wages in a country whose economy has been battered by US sanctions.

US President Donald Trump began imposing punitive measures in May 2018, after unilaterally withdrawing from an accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear programme.

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Iran's economy will contract by 9.5 per cent this year.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States. "Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions," Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio. "This budget announces to the world that despite sanctions we will manage the country, especially in terms of oil," he added. The budget for the financial year starting late March 2020 comes after fuel price hikes that were imposed in mid-November triggered deadly demonstrations across the Islamic republic. In his speech, Rouhani announced a 15 per cent increase for public sector wages in a country whose economy has been battered by US sanctions. US President Donald Trump began imposing punitive measures in May 2018, after unilaterally withdrawing from an accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear programme. The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Iran's economy will contract by 9.5 per cent this year.

Iran unveils budget of 'resistance' against US sanctions

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States. John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

Indications Iranian 'aggression' could occur: Pentagon official

Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, local news agencies and residents said, after a days-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle unrest over fuel price hikes.

The Revolutionary Guards said calm had returned across Iran, state TV reported, after protests in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-protesters-believed-killed-in-iran-amnesty-263228">Amnesty International said over 100 demonstrators had been killed</a> by security forces, a figure rejected as "speculative" by the government.

"The internet is being gradually restored in the country," the semi-official news agency Fars said, quoting unidentified informed sources as saying.

Fars quoted unnamed sources as saying the National Security Council that had ordered the shutdown approved reactivating the internet in "some areas and, according to reports so far, fixed line internet has been restored in Hormozgan, Kermanshah, Arak, Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Hamadan and Bushehr provinces, and parts of Tehran".

"We again have internet as of an hour ago," a retired engineer who declined to be named said by telephone from Tehran.

The internet blockage made it difficult for protesters to post videos on social media to generate more support and also to obtain reliable reports on the extent of the unrest.

Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks said the restoration of connectivity in Iran was only partial so far, covering about 10% of the country.

The unrest erupted on Nov. 15 after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50%. Protests began in several provincial towns before spreading to some 100 cities and towns across the Islamic Republic. They quickly turned political with protesters demanding top officials to step down.

On Thursday, state TV showed thousands marching in pro-government rallies in a dozen cities, carrying national flags and signs with slogans including "Rioting is not protesting".

Amnesty International said it had documented at least 106 deaths of protesters killed by security forces, which would make it the worst street unrest in Iran in at least a decade and possibly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s U.N. mission on Wednesday dismissed the casualty report as "speculative, not reliable".

Iranian authorities said several people, including members of the security forces and policemen, were killed in street violence, which Tehran blamed on "foreign foes".

Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, local news agencies and residents said, after a days-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle unrest over fuel price hikes.

Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, local news agencies and residents said, after a days-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle unrest over fuel price hikes. The Revolutionary Guards said calm had returned across Iran, state TV reported, after protests in which Amnesty International said over 100 demonstrators had been killed by security forces, a figure rejected as "speculative" by the government. "The internet is being gradually restored in the country," the semi-official news agency Fars said, quoting unidentified informed sources as saying. Fars quoted unnamed sources as saying the National Security Council that had ordered the shutdown approved reactivating the internet in "some areas and, according to reports so far, fixed line internet has been restored in Hormozgan, Kermanshah, Arak, Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Hamadan and Bushehr provinces, and parts of Tehran". "We again have internet as of an hour ago," a retired engineer who declined to be named said by telephone from Tehran. The internet blockage made it difficult for protesters to post videos on social media to generate more support and also to obtain reliable reports on the extent of the unrest. Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks said the restoration of connectivity in Iran was only partial so far, covering about 10% of the country. The unrest erupted on Nov. 15 after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50%. Protests began in several provincial towns before spreading to some 100 cities and towns across the Islamic Republic. They quickly turned political with protesters demanding top officials to step down. On Thursday, state TV showed thousands marching in pro-government rallies in a dozen cities, carrying national flags and signs with slogans including "Rioting is not protesting". Amnesty International said it had documented at least 106 deaths of protesters killed by security forces, which would make it the worst street unrest in Iran in at least a decade and possibly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran’s U.N. mission on Wednesday dismissed the casualty report as "speculative, not reliable". Iranian authorities said several people, including members of the security forces and policemen, were killed in street violence, which Tehran blamed on "foreign foes".

Iran begins reconnecting internet after shutdown over protests

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-unblock-internet-once-abuse-stops-government-263177">nationwide protests</a> against a petrol price hike.

Demonstrations broke out in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-what-would-an-unstable-iran-mean-for-the-world-263349">Islamic republic</a> on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be immediately raised by as much as 200 per cent.

"Our people have been victorious against... the enemy's conspiracy," Rouhani said in remarks at a meeting of his cabinet aired on state television.

"Those anarchists who came out onto the streets were few in number," he said.

"They were organised, armed anarchists" who took to the streets "based on a plot that the region's reactionary, the Zionists and Americans had hatched," he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States.

"You've seen in recent days huge spontaneous gatherings were held in various cities," including Zanjan, Shahr-e Kord and Zanjan among others, Rouhani said.

"This is the biggest display of the power of the nation of Iran.

"That is to say that the nation of Iran has shown the world its vigilance, awareness, unity and solidarity with the entire system" of the Islamic republic, he added.

The protests began with motorists blocking major roads in the capital Tehran and elsewhere.

They spread rapidly to at least 40 cities and towns, with petrol pumps torched, police stations attacked and shops looted.

Officials have confirmed five deaths, including three security personnel stabbed by "rioters".

But London-based rights group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-protesters-believed-killed-in-iran-amnesty-263228">Amnesty International</a> said Tuesday that more than 100 demonstrators were believed to have been killed.

The full extent of the bloodshed is difficult to ascertain given a near-total internet blackout, now in its fourth day.

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly nationwide protests against a petrol price hike.

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly nationwide protests against a petrol price hike. Demonstrations broke out in the Islamic republic on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be immediately raised by as much as 200 per cent. "Our people have been victorious against... the enemy's conspiracy," Rouhani said in remarks at a meeting of his cabinet aired on state television. "Those anarchists who came out onto the streets were few in number," he said. "They were organised, armed anarchists" who took to the streets "based on a plot that the region's reactionary, the Zionists and Americans had hatched," he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States. "You've seen in recent days huge spontaneous gatherings were held in various cities," including Zanjan, Shahr-e Kord and Zanjan among others, Rouhani said. "This is the biggest display of the power of the nation of Iran. "That is to say that the nation of Iran has shown the world its vigilance, awareness, unity and solidarity with the entire system" of the Islamic republic, he added. The protests began with motorists blocking major roads in the capital Tehran and elsewhere. They spread rapidly to at least 40 cities and towns, with petrol pumps torched, police stations attacked and shops looted. Officials have confirmed five deaths, including three security personnel stabbed by "rioters". But London-based rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday that more than 100 demonstrators were believed to have been killed. The full extent of the bloodshed is difficult to ascertain given a near-total internet blackout, now in its fourth day.

Rouhani says 'enemy conspiracy' defeated in protest-hit Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-concerned-by-irans-nuclear-deal-breach-261502">Europe's threat</a> to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say.

Britain, France and Germany have sought to salvage the pact, under which Iran undertook to curtail its uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from sanctions crippling its economy since the United States withdrew last year.

But the three European powers have failed to make good on the trade and investment dividends promised to Iran under the deal as they have been unable to shield Tehran from renewed US&nbsp;sanctions that have strangled its vital oil trade.

That has prompted Iran to renege step by step from its non-proliferation commitments under the deal.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranium-particles-detected-at-undeclared-site-in-iran-iaea-report-261503">U.N. nuclear watchdog (IAEA)</a> confirmed on Monday that Iran had resumed enriching uranium in its underground Fordow plant and was rapidly accelerating enrichment with a variety of advanced centrifuge machines also banned by the deal.

The move has alarmed European powers that had previously dismissed Tehran's breaches, such as exceeding the cap on stockpiles of enriched uranium and on the fissile purity of enrichment, as insignificant and reversible.

Britain, France, and Germany raised the prospect of a restoration of international sanctions for the first time late on Monday after a meeting of foreign ministers in Paris, saying they were ready "to consider all mechanisms ... including the dispute resolution mechanism".

Under the terms of the 2015 deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union.

If the complaining party cannot resolve the matter at the Commission level, it could then notify the U.N. Security Council, which must vote within 30 days on a resolution on continuing Iran's sanctions relief.

If this is not adopted within that time span, sanctions that were in place under previous U.N. resolutions would be reimposed - known as a "snapback" - unless the Council decided otherwise.

"We don't want to pull out of the (deal) too soon, but equally we cannot sit back. The Russians and the Chinese are not going to trigger this, but us, as Europeans, will have to take a stance at some point," said a European diplomat.

"It is not if but when, unless Iran pulls back, but even then, they are gaining (nuclear) knowledge by spinning these centrifuges, so we have to react."

Enrichment is the main pathway towards producing fuel that detonates a nuclear bomb, though Iran has refined to a fissile purity of 4.5 per cent&nbsp;- roughly suitable for electricity generation - far below the bomb-grade threshold of 90 per cent.

European disquiet has been exacerbated by the detention of an IAEA inspector at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility at the end of October, contrary to stipulations in the deal that Iran must grant daily access to the site as requested.

Diplomats said a meeting of the parties to the accord would take place over the next week to discuss latest developments. However, they say, the Europeans are unlikely to trigger the mechanism before January when Iran is due to announce its next round of steps away from compliance with the deal.

"What we're now seeing is the dismantling of the JCPOA," said another diplomat, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the agreement is formally known.

"We haven't decided on launching the mechanism, because we need to be sure of how it will help us in trying to defuse tensions. The questions we're asking is when, how, and whether it benefits us to do it?"

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated on Tuesday that Iran had itself launched the complaint mechanism and it was ceasing to heed its deal commitments because the Europeans had failed to protect it from US&nbsp;sanctions.

The deal's objective was to extend the time Iran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for an atom bomb, if it sought one - something sometimes referred to as "breakout time" to about a year from 2-3 months.

"We're now entering a phase where Iran's actions have a serious impact on the breakout time," said another EU diplomat, adding that the window to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table was very small now.

Europe's threat to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say.

Europe's threat to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say. Britain, France and Germany have sought to salvage the pact, under which Iran undertook to curtail its uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from sanctions crippling its economy since the United States withdrew last year. But the three European powers have failed to make good on the trade and investment dividends promised to Iran under the deal as they have been unable to shield Tehran from renewed US sanctions that have strangled its vital oil trade. That has prompted Iran to renege step by step from its non-proliferation commitments under the deal. The U.N. nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed on Monday that Iran had resumed enriching uranium in its underground Fordow plant and was rapidly accelerating enrichment with a variety of advanced centrifuge machines also banned by the deal. The move has alarmed European powers that had previously dismissed Tehran's breaches, such as exceeding the cap on stockpiles of enriched uranium and on the fissile purity of enrichment, as insignificant and reversible. Britain, France, and Germany raised the prospect of a restoration of international sanctions for the first time late on Monday after a meeting of foreign ministers in Paris, saying they were ready "to consider all mechanisms ... including the dispute resolution mechanism". Under the terms of the 2015 deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union. If the complaining party cannot resolve the matter at the Commission level, it could then notify the U.N. Security Council, which must vote within 30 days on a resolution on continuing Iran's sanctions relief. If this is not adopted within that time span, sanctions that were in place under previous U.N. resolutions would be reimposed - known as a "snapback" - unless the Council decided otherwise. "We don't want to pull out of the (deal) too soon, but equally we cannot sit back. The Russians and the Chinese are not going to trigger this, but us, as Europeans, will have to take a stance at some point," said a European diplomat. "It is not if but when, unless Iran pulls back, but even then, they are gaining (nuclear) knowledge by spinning these centrifuges, so we have to react." Enrichment is the main pathway towards producing fuel that detonates a nuclear bomb, though Iran has refined to a fissile purity of 4.5 per cent - roughly suitable for electricity generation - far below the bomb-grade threshold of 90 per cent. European disquiet has been exacerbated by the detention of an IAEA inspector at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility at the end of October, contrary to stipulations in the deal that Iran must grant daily access to the site as requested. Diplomats said a meeting of the parties to the accord would take place over the next week to discuss latest developments. However, they say, the Europeans are unlikely to trigger the mechanism before January when Iran is due to announce its next round of steps away from compliance with the deal. "What we're now seeing is the dismantling of the JCPOA," said another diplomat, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the agreement is formally known. "We haven't decided on launching the mechanism, because we need to be sure of how it will help us in trying to defuse tensions. The questions we're asking is when, how, and whether it benefits us to do it?" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated on Tuesday that Iran had itself launched the complaint mechanism and it was ceasing to heed its deal commitments because the Europeans had failed to protect it from US sanctions. The deal's objective was to extend the time Iran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for an atom bomb, if it sought one - something sometimes referred to as "breakout time" to about a year from 2-3 months. "We're now entering a phase where Iran's actions have a serious impact on the breakout time," said another EU diplomat, adding that the window to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table was very small now.

European concerns raise prospect of renewed U.N. sanctions on Iran

President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday Iran would regain access to the international arms market later next year if it stuck to its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and this would prove "a huge political success".

However, while a United Nations-imposed arms embargo on Iran is supposed to be lifted in October 2020, five years after the nuclear deal took effect, it is questionable whether that will transpire given the recent unravelling of the accord.

The United States withdrew from the deal in 2018, arguing it was flawed to Iran's advantage and has reimposed sanctions crippling Tehran's oil exports, prompting to retaliate by breaching the deal's limits on its nuclear capacity.

Iran has said its steps to reactivate uranium enrichment, a pathway to developing nuclear bombs, could be reversed if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the deal.

Rouhani held out the prospect of the deal being saved despite its rapid erosion and said a major dividend for Iran would be an end to the arms embargo next year.

"When the embargo...is lifted next year we can easily buy and sell weapons...This is one of those important impacts of this (nuclear) agreement,” Rouhani said, according to state TV.

"By remaining in the deal, we would reach a huge political, defensive and security goal (in 2020) ... It would be a huge political success."

But US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration has warned that a lifting of the arms embargo would let Iran acquire weapons that could fuel conflicts in the Middle East, where Tehran has been involved in proxy wars for decades.

"@HassanRouhani's best pitch for IRAN staying in the disastrous Iran deal is that it lets the Islamic kleptocrats that lead that country buy and sell drones, missiles, tanks, jets, and more," US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Monday. "He will get his wish, unless UNSC extends the arms embargo before it expires 10/18/20."

But with the nuclear deal crumbling, prospects for a removal of the arms embargo appear to have dimmed, and the United States would wield a veto on any decision by the Security Council.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported on Monday that Iran was enriching uranium at its underground Fordow site and rapidly accelerating enrichment more broadly, outlining Tehran's latest breaches of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-slams-iran-intimidation-of-iaea-inspector-as-outrageous-260911">2015 nuclear deal</a>.

Germany said on Monday it along with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-concerned-by-irans-nuclear-deal-breach-261502">Britain and France</a> should be ready to consider starting moves to reinstate full United Nations sanctions on Iran over its breaches.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday Iran would regain access to the international arms market later next year if it stuck to its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and this would prove "a huge political success".

President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday Iran would regain access to the international arms market later next year if it stuck to its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and this would prove "a huge political success". However, while a United Nations-imposed arms embargo on Iran is supposed to be lifted in October 2020, five years after the nuclear deal took effect, it is questionable whether that will transpire given the recent unravelling of the accord. The United States withdrew from the deal in 2018, arguing it was flawed to Iran's advantage and has reimposed sanctions crippling Tehran's oil exports, prompting to retaliate by breaching the deal's limits on its nuclear capacity. Iran has said its steps to reactivate uranium enrichment, a pathway to developing nuclear bombs, could be reversed if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the deal. Rouhani held out the prospect of the deal being saved despite its rapid erosion and said a major dividend for Iran would be an end to the arms embargo next year. "When the embargo...is lifted next year we can easily buy and sell weapons...This is one of those important impacts of this (nuclear) agreement,” Rouhani said, according to state TV. "By remaining in the deal, we would reach a huge political, defensive and security goal (in 2020) ... It would be a huge political success." But US President Donald Trump's administration has warned that a lifting of the arms embargo would let Iran acquire weapons that could fuel conflicts in the Middle East, where Tehran has been involved in proxy wars for decades. "@HassanRouhani's best pitch for IRAN staying in the disastrous Iran deal is that it lets the Islamic kleptocrats that lead that country buy and sell drones, missiles, tanks, jets, and more," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Monday. "He will get his wish, unless UNSC extends the arms embargo before it expires 10/18/20." But with the nuclear deal crumbling, prospects for a removal of the arms embargo appear to have dimmed, and the United States would wield a veto on any decision by the Security Council. The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported on Monday that Iran was enriching uranium at its underground Fordow site and rapidly accelerating enrichment more broadly, outlining Tehran's latest breaches of the 2015 nuclear deal. Germany said on Monday it along with Britain and France should be ready to consider starting moves to reinstate full United Nations sanctions on Iran over its breaches.

Iran sees lifting of U.N. arms embargo in 2020 as 'huge political goal'

Iran has discovered a new oilfield in the southwest of the country that has the potential to boost its reserves by about a third, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday.

Iran claims: ''Found new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of crude''

Iran has discovered a new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwest of the country,&nbsp;President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported.

"Despite America's sanctions... Iranian workers have found an oil field with 53 billion barrels of reserves," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Reuters.

According to a report, the latest find&nbsp;would increase Iran's proven reserves by about a third.

The field covers 2,400 square kilometres (926 square miles) and is located in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan, Rouhani said in a speech aired on state TV.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons.

The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field.

Earlier this week, the United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary.

The United States also sanctioned Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, the department said in the statement, which came 40 years after Iran seized the US embassy in Tehran, taking more than 50 Americans hostage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has discovered a new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwest of the country, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported.

Iran has discovered a new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwest of the country, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported. "Despite America's sanctions... Iranian workers have found an oil field with 53 billion barrels of reserves," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Reuters. According to a report, the latest find would increase Iran's proven reserves by about a third. The field covers 2,400 square kilometres (926 square miles) and is located in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan, Rouhani said in a speech aired on state TV. Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons. The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field. Earlier this week, the United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary. The United States also sanctioned Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, the department said in the statement, which came 40 years after Iran seized the US embassy in Tehran, taking more than 50 Americans hostage. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran finds new oil field with 53 billion barrels of crude: Hassan Rouhani

It seems as if the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement has effectively ended. Is Iran using the nuclear programme to blackmail the world? Or did US sanctions force Iran to violate the deal? What's the impact on India?

On WION Edit, we explore the situation.

First, look at the nuclear agreement called the JCPOA and Iran's compliance record.

It was not a perfect deal but it was working. The deal did not have a clear way to stop Iran from developing nukes or to curb Iran's terror-sponsoring. Then they imposed sanctions and Iran's economy took a serious hit.

In 2015, when the deal was signed, when sanctions were lifted, Iran had hoped for a growth surge. That did not happen.

Then in 2018, when the deal collapsed and sanctions were back, Iran's economy suffered more. So, it started enriching uranium and even now, Iran says it will stop if America returns to the deal.

The country is bleeding. Inflation is touching 40 per cent. The government is paying the price. Hardliners are putting pressure on reformists. President Hassan Rouhani has been cornered. Iran is an oil-producing country, oil is its most profitable commodity and Iran is being banned for selling oil.

At a time when it desperately needs the money, a textbook case of being pushed to the wall.

Plus, US President Donald Trump remains evasive. He doesn't spell out what exactly he wants from Iran, what will it take to lift the sanctions.

And this should bother everyone. Because if Iran revives its nuclear ambitions, it's bad news for the whole world.

In any case, American sanctions on Iran are hurting other countries too. India is a case in point. Iran's tradition oil buyer and an old strategic and cultural ally.

America's actions impact India in many ways. First, the Chabahar port which is crucial for India's strategic interests.&nbsp;Chabahar brings India, Afghanistan, and Iran together.

India has invested a lot in the Chabahar special economic zone and Hajigak iron and steel mining project. If Iran's economy deteriorates, it hurts India's investments - both strategic and monetary.

Aspect number 2,&nbsp; oil prices. India has diversified its oil sources. So, no supply disruptions. But if sanctions on Iran continue, prices might go up for a country that imports more than 80 per cent of its oil.

Aspect number 3, impact on India-Iran ties.

Yes, there are no permanent friends or foes in global politics. But India and Iran share historical ties.

Delhi is risking all this because of Washington.

India took a six-month grace period after US sanctions. Since May 2019, India has not bought oil from Iran. Now China has done the same. It was Iran's biggest buyer. More than 8 lakh barrels per day. It has stopped buying.

Both India and China have 'communicated' to the US about the strategic importance of Iran. Look at it, the US unilaterally walks out of a multi-lateral deal, which the US negotiated. Then it imposes sanctions on Iran.

And then it forces other countries to stop doing business with Iran. And what do these countries do? They comply.

So, who's the victim and who's the villain in this game?

The primary victims are the people of Iran. The secondary victims are developing countries like India and China.

The tertiary victim is regional peace. Who's the villain? An oppressive regime in Iran that wants to use this to blackmail the world and a president in Washington who views the world through the tinted glass of tariffs and sanctions. Both. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

It seems as if the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement has effectively ended. Is Iran using the nuclear programme to blackmail the world? Or did US sanctions force Iran to violate the deal?

It seems as if the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement has effectively ended. Is Iran using the nuclear programme to blackmail the world? Or did US sanctions force Iran to violate the deal? What's the impact on India? On WION Edit, we explore the situation. First, look at the nuclear agreement called the JCPOA and Iran's compliance record. It was not a perfect deal but it was working. The deal did not have a clear way to stop Iran from developing nukes or to curb Iran's terror-sponsoring. Then they imposed sanctions and Iran's economy took a serious hit. In 2015, when the deal was signed, when sanctions were lifted, Iran had hoped for a growth surge. That did not happen. Then in 2018, when the deal collapsed and sanctions were back, Iran's economy suffered more. So, it started enriching uranium and even now, Iran says it will stop if America returns to the deal. The country is bleeding. Inflation is touching 40 per cent. The government is paying the price. Hardliners are putting pressure on reformists. President Hassan Rouhani has been cornered. Iran is an oil-producing country, oil is its most profitable commodity and Iran is being banned for selling oil. At a time when it desperately needs the money, a textbook case of being pushed to the wall. Plus, US President Donald Trump remains evasive. He doesn't spell out what exactly he wants from Iran, what will it take to lift the sanctions. And this should bother everyone. Because if Iran revives its nuclear ambitions, it's bad news for the whole world. In any case, American sanctions on Iran are hurting other countries too. India is a case in point. Iran's tradition oil buyer and an old strategic and cultural ally. America's actions impact India in many ways. First, the Chabahar port which is crucial for India's strategic interests. Chabahar brings India, Afghanistan, and Iran together. India has invested a lot in the Chabahar special economic zone and Hajigak iron and steel mining project. If Iran's economy deteriorates, it hurts India's investments - both strategic and monetary. Aspect number 2, oil prices. India has diversified its oil sources. So, no supply disruptions. But if sanctions on Iran continue, prices might go up for a country that imports more than 80 per cent of its oil. Aspect number 3, impact on India-Iran ties. Yes, there are no permanent friends or foes in global politics. But India and Iran share historical ties. Delhi is risking all this because of Washington. India took a six-month grace period after US sanctions. Since May 2019, India has not bought oil from Iran. Now China has done the same. It was Iran's biggest buyer. More than 8 lakh barrels per day. It has stopped buying. Both India and China have 'communicated' to the US about the strategic importance of Iran. Look at it, the US unilaterally walks out of a multi-lateral deal, which the US negotiated. Then it imposes sanctions on Iran. And then it forces other countries to stop doing business with Iran. And what do these countries do? They comply. So, who's the victim and who's the villain in this game? The primary victims are the people of Iran. The secondary victims are developing countries like India and China. The tertiary victim is regional peace. Who's the villain? An oppressive regime in Iran that wants to use this to blackmail the world and a president in Washington who views the world through the tinted glass of tariffs and sanctions. Both. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Nuclear deal crumbles - Is Iran a victim or a villain?

Iran Takes Another Step To Enrich Uranium. Watch video to know more.

Iran Takes Another Step To Enrich Uranium

President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Iran would resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran in its latest step back from a troubled 2015 agreement with major powers.

The suspension of all enrichment at the Fordow plant in the mountains near the Shiite holy city of Qom was one of the restrictions on its nuclear activities that Iran accepted in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

But Washington's abandonment of the deal in May last year followed by its reimposition of crippling sanctions prompted Iran to begin a phased suspension of its own commitments in May this year.

Rouhani recalled that under the terms of the agreement Iran had retained more than 1,000 centrifuges at the plant which had been running empty since it went into effect.

"Starting from tomorrow (Wednesday), we will begin injecting (uranium hexafluoride) gas at Fordo," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast by state television.

Iran said the whole process would be carried out transparently witnessed by inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The move is the fourth announced by Iran since it began responding to Washington's abandonment of its commitments.

Iran has repeatedly warned the remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- that the agreement can only be rescued if they help it circumvent US sanctions.

European governments have strived to come up with a mechanism that would allow foreign firms to continue to do business with Iran without incurring US penalties.

But to Iran's mounting frustration, their efforts have so far failed to have any significant impact.

The European Union warned Monday that its continued support for the deal depended on Tehran fulfilling its commitments.

Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, said the bloc "remains committed" to the nuclear deal.

"We have continued to urge Iran to reverse such steps without delay and to refrain from other measures that would undermine the nuclear deal," Kocijancic told reporters in Brussels.

"But we have also been consistent in saying that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran."

President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Iran would resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran in its latest step back from a troubled 2015 agreement with major powers.

President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Iran would resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran in its latest step back from a troubled 2015 agreement with major powers. The suspension of all enrichment at the Fordow plant in the mountains near the Shiite holy city of Qom was one of the restrictions on its nuclear activities that Iran accepted in return for the lifting of international sanctions. But Washington's abandonment of the deal in May last year followed by its reimposition of crippling sanctions prompted Iran to begin a phased suspension of its own commitments in May this year. Rouhani recalled that under the terms of the agreement Iran had retained more than 1,000 centrifuges at the plant which had been running empty since it went into effect. "Starting from tomorrow (Wednesday), we will begin injecting (uranium hexafluoride) gas at Fordo," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast by state television. Iran said the whole process would be carried out transparently witnessed by inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. The move is the fourth announced by Iran since it began responding to Washington's abandonment of its commitments. Iran has repeatedly warned the remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- that the agreement can only be rescued if they help it circumvent US sanctions. European governments have strived to come up with a mechanism that would allow foreign firms to continue to do business with Iran without incurring US penalties. But to Iran's mounting frustration, their efforts have so far failed to have any significant impact. The European Union warned Monday that its continued support for the deal depended on Tehran fulfilling its commitments. Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, said the bloc "remains committed" to the nuclear deal. "We have continued to urge Iran to reverse such steps without delay and to refrain from other measures that would undermine the nuclear deal," Kocijancic told reporters in Brussels. "But we have also been consistent in saying that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran."

Iran to resume enrichment at underground plant: Hassan Rouhani

Charting Pakistan's Track-record In Negotiating Peace

Gravitas: Can Pakistan be trusted to broker peace?

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