Iran from Friday, September 6 will begin developing centrifuges to speed up the enrichment of uranium, as the next step in scaling back its nuclear commitments, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, September 4. Watch this video to know more.

Iran to develop centrifuges from Friday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it. "This is not the time to hold talks with Iran. This is the time to increase the pressure on Iran," Netanyahu told reporters en route to London, where he was hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was later scheduled to confer with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Netanyahu's comments marked rare public discord between the right-wing Israeli leader and Trump on the Iranian nuclear issue. Netanyahu had previously counselled France against its own outreach to Iran. The Israeli leader, who is fighting for his political life in an election on September 17, regularly touts his influence with Western leaders, especially fellow rightwingers such as Trump and Johnson, as vital for Israeli security. His opponents say his closeness to rightwing figures abroad hurts Israel by making support for it a partisan issue in friendly countries. On Wednesday, Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York, saying: "Anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem." Tehran has rejected any negotiations with Washington unless Trump drops sanctions he imposed after quitting the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, an agreement Netanyahu had savaged as inadequate. Iran has said that, starting on Friday, it would begin developing centrifuges to speed up the enrichment of uranium, which can produce fuel for power plants or for atomic bombs. The Iranians deny seeking nuclear weapons. The centrifuge move would be Iran's latest reduction of its commitments to restrict nuclear projects under the 2015 deal. Netanyahu called this "another violation, another provocation by Iran, this time in the realm of its quest for nuclear weaponry". Meeting Johnson at 10 Downing Street, Netanyahu praised the politically embattled British leader for his "staunch stance against anti-Semitism and ... support for Israel's security". "We have the challenge of Iran's aggression and terrorism, and I'd like to talk to you about how we can work together to counter these things for the benefit of peace," Netanyahu told Johnson, according to an official Israeli transcript. Like other European partners to the Iran nuclear deal, Britain was worried by the U.S. withdrawal. Johnson, while openly sympathetic to Israel, wants to preserve a vision of Palestinian statehood that has eroded under Netanyahu's tenure. Netanyahu - who has doubled as defence minister for the past 10 months, a period of stepped-up Israeli operations against Iranian targets in the region - brought his air force chief and top military mission planner for the London meeting with Esper. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Ynet TV that Netanyahu and Esper would discuss "everything that happens in the space between Syria, Lebanon, Iraq," an allusion to the often clandestine Israeli military campaign.

Netanyahu opposes Iran talks after Trump moots meeting Rouhani

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran.

Asked at the White House whether he might meet with the Iranian leader at the United Nations, Trump responded: "Sure, anything is possible."

Rouhani had announced earlier Wednesday that Tehran was poised to take another step back from its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew from in May.

A short time after Rouhani's statement, US officials announced new sanctions on Iran, this time targeting a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to smuggle oil.

Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, also ruled out a French-proposed credit line that Tehran said could bring it back into full compliance with the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran. Asked at the White House whether he might meet with the Iranian leader at the United Nations, Trump responded: "Sure, anything is possible." Rouhani had announced earlier Wednesday that Tehran was poised to take another step back from its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew from in May. A short time after Rouhani's statement, US officials announced new sanctions on Iran, this time targeting a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to smuggle oil. Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, also ruled out a French-proposed credit line that Tehran said could bring it back into full compliance with the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear program.

Trump on a meeting with Iran's Rouhani: 'Anything is possible'

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will announce a new step in scaling back its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-further-retreat-from-nuclear-deal-if-no-european-action-by-thursday-247504">nuclear commitments</a> by Thursday despite a diplomatic push for relief from US sanctions.

Iran and three European countries- Britain, France and Germany, have been engaged in talks to save a 2015 nuclear deal that has been unravelling since the US withdrew from it May last year.

The efforts have been led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been trying to convince the US to offer Iran some sort of relief from crippling sanctions it has reimposed on the Islamic republic since its pullout.

"I don't think that we will reach a deal so we'll take the third step and we will announce the details today or tomorrow," Rouhani was quoted as saying Wednesday by the presidency website.

The Iranian president said the two sides were getting closer to an agreement on a way to resolve burning issues.

"If we had 20 issues of disagreement with the Europeans in the past, today there are three issues," he said.

"Most of them have been resolved but we haven't reached a final agreement."

Iran has hit back with countermeasures in response to the US withdrawal from the 2015 deal, which gave it relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

In July, it said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond the maximum set by the deal. It later announced it had exceeded a cap on the level of enrichment of its stocks.

Iran has long been threatening to carry out the third step by Friday unless other parties to the deal offset the effect of US sanctions in return for its continued compliance.

A deputy foreign minister said Iran would resume full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if it is allowed to sell its oil or get a $15-billion credit line guaranteed by future crude sales.

Abbas Araghchi expressed doubt, however, that such a plan could be agreed by the deadline set by Iran for sanctions relief.

"Iran&nbsp;will return to full implementation of the JCPOA only if it is able to sell its oil and to fully benefit from the income from these sales," said Araghchi.

"The French proposal goes in that direction," the deputy foreign minister was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

Araghchi, speaking days after leading an economic delegation to France, ruled out any renegotiation of the JCPOA but said Iran was open to talks on how to implement it better.

"Returning to full implementation of the JCPOA is subject to receiving $15 billion over a period of four months, otherwise the process of Iran reducing its commitments will continue," he said.

The 2015 nuclear deal was agreed between Iran and the so-called 5+1 -- UN Security Council permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany. 
&nbsp;

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will announce a new step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday despite a diplomatic push for relief from US sanctions.

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will announce a new step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday despite a diplomatic push for relief from US sanctions. Iran and three European countries- Britain, France and Germany, have been engaged in talks to save a 2015 nuclear deal that has been unravelling since the US withdrew from it May last year. The efforts have been led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been trying to convince the US to offer Iran some sort of relief from crippling sanctions it has reimposed on the Islamic republic since its pullout. "I don't think that we will reach a deal so we'll take the third step and we will announce the details today or tomorrow," Rouhani was quoted as saying Wednesday by the presidency website. The Iranian president said the two sides were getting closer to an agreement on a way to resolve burning issues. "If we had 20 issues of disagreement with the Europeans in the past, today there are three issues," he said. "Most of them have been resolved but we haven't reached a final agreement." Iran has hit back with countermeasures in response to the US withdrawal from the 2015 deal, which gave it relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. In July, it said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond the maximum set by the deal. It later announced it had exceeded a cap on the level of enrichment of its stocks. Iran has long been threatening to carry out the third step by Friday unless other parties to the deal offset the effect of US sanctions in return for its continued compliance. A deputy foreign minister said Iran would resume full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if it is allowed to sell its oil or get a $15-billion credit line guaranteed by future crude sales. Abbas Araghchi expressed doubt, however, that such a plan could be agreed by the deadline set by Iran for sanctions relief. "Iran will return to full implementation of the JCPOA only if it is able to sell its oil and to fully benefit from the income from these sales," said Araghchi. "The French proposal goes in that direction," the deputy foreign minister was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. Araghchi, speaking days after leading an economic delegation to France, ruled out any renegotiation of the JCPOA but said Iran was open to talks on how to implement it better. "Returning to full implementation of the JCPOA is subject to receiving $15 billion over a period of four months, otherwise the process of Iran reducing its commitments will continue," he said. The 2015 nuclear deal was agreed between Iran and the so-called 5+1 -- UN Security Council permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani set to make new cut in nuclear commitments

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-official-says-us-showing-some-flexibility-on-oil-sales-246833">Hassan Rouhani </a>said on Tuesday.

"No decision has ever been taken to hold talks with the US and there has been a lot of offers for talks but our answer will always be negative," Rouhani told an open session of parliament broadcast live on state radio.

"If America lifts all the sanctions then like before it can join multilateral talks between Tehran and parties to the 2015 deal," he added.

US President Donald Trump, although applying "maximum pressure" on Iran, has offered to meet its leaders and hold bilateral talks with no pre-conditions to end the confrontation between their countries.

Watch: Iranian Regime unveils new Drone

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Last month, Rouhani said Iran would not talk to its longtime foe until the United States lifted all of the sanctions it reimposed after it exited the 2015 nuclear deal last year.

European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States and save the deal by shielding Iran's economy from the sanctions.

But the European powers have warned that their support for the deal is dependent on Iran's full commitment to it.

Iran has called on the Europeans to accelerate their efforts and Rouhani stressed on Tuesday that Iran would take a third step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday unless the Europeans kept their promises to salvage the deal.

"If Europeans can purchase our oil or pre-purchase it and we can have access to our money, that will ease the situation and we can fully implement the deal... otherwise we will take our third step," he said.

The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries, reached under former US President Barack Obama, curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016.

Iran has started to scale back its nuclear commitments since May and it will take further steps on September 5, aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the European parties of the pact to protect its economic interests despite the US sanctions.

Iranian authorities have said the next step would be "stronger" and might include enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons.

Iran has increased its stockpile of heavy water and has increased the level of its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits allowed under the agreement

Enriching uranium up to 20% purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday.

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday. "No decision has ever been taken to hold talks with the US and there has been a lot of offers for talks but our answer will always be negative," Rouhani told an open session of parliament broadcast live on state radio. "If America lifts all the sanctions then like before it can join multilateral talks between Tehran and parties to the 2015 deal," he added. US President Donald Trump, although applying "maximum pressure" on Iran, has offered to meet its leaders and hold bilateral talks with no pre-conditions to end the confrontation between their countries. Watch: Iranian Regime unveils new Drone × Last month, Rouhani said Iran would not talk to its longtime foe until the United States lifted all of the sanctions it reimposed after it exited the 2015 nuclear deal last year. European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States and save the deal by shielding Iran's economy from the sanctions. But the European powers have warned that their support for the deal is dependent on Iran's full commitment to it. Iran has called on the Europeans to accelerate their efforts and Rouhani stressed on Tuesday that Iran would take a third step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday unless the Europeans kept their promises to salvage the deal. "If Europeans can purchase our oil or pre-purchase it and we can have access to our money, that will ease the situation and we can fully implement the deal... otherwise we will take our third step," he said. The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries, reached under former US President Barack Obama, curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016. Iran has started to scale back its nuclear commitments since May and it will take further steps on September 5, aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the European parties of the pact to protect its economic interests despite the US sanctions. Iranian authorities have said the next step would be "stronger" and might include enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Iran has increased its stockpile of heavy water and has increased the level of its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits allowed under the agreement Enriching uranium up to 20% purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani rules out bilateral talks with US

Iran's Interests in China's One Belt One Road Policy. Watch video to know more.

Iran's Interests in China's One Belt One Road Policy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-zarif-looks-forward-to-discussions-with-his-japanese-counterpart-245991">Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday told the United States to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-tells-us-to-take-first-step-by-lifting-all-sanctions-245908">take the first step</a>" by lifting all sanctions against Iran, dampening down the likelihood of meeting US counterpart Donald Trump.

Trump had said less than 24 hours earlier he was ready to meet with Rouhani within weeks, in a potential breakthrough reached during a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since Trump in May last year unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers.

"You must retreat from all illegal, unjust and wrong sanctions against the nation of Iran," Rouhani said.

"The key for positive change is in the hands of Washington," he said, because Iran had already ruled out ever doing what worries the US the most -- building an atomic bomb.

"This concern has already been removed" through a fatwa issued in 2003 by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added.

"We don't (intend to) make an atomic bomb... our military doctrine is based on conventional arms," said Rouhani.

"So take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked."

Meeting 'unimaginable'

In Biarritz, French President Emmanuel Macron had said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy.

Trump said he "would certainly agree to that" and that the timeline proposed by Macron was realistic.

The US leader was equally confident that Rouhani would be in favour.

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

News of the potential meeting was welcomed by financial markets.

"Expectations are ... rising that tensions in the Gulf can be de-escalated following President Macron's overtures to broker a meeting between Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart," noted AxiTrader analyst James Hughes.

The rial was higher at about 112,000 to the dollar, up from 117,500 a week ago under the unofficial rate in Iran's capital, according to the Bonbast website that monitors exchange rates.

But Zarif said Tuesday he had made it known at the G7 summit that a meeting between Rouhani and Trump would be highly improbable even if the Americans returned to the nuclear deal.

"On my trip to Biarritz I said that a meeting between Iran's president and Trump is not imaginable" until America rejoins the nuclear pact, said Zarif.

"Even at that time, we will not have a bilateral negotiation," he added.

No photo opportunity

Rouhani has indicated he is open to holding talks with the Americans, but it is an approach that has faced criticism from ultra-conservatives.

In his speech Tuesday, he said his government's policy of "constructive interaction" with the world was in line with Khamenei's approach of "extensive interaction".

But he stressed the US had to "retreat from their mistakes" and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal.

"Our path is clear if they come back to their commitments, we too will fully act on our commitments. If they do not come back to their commitments, we will continue our path," said Rouhani.

But the Iranian president said he was not just looking for photo opportunities.

"We seek to resolve issues and problems in a rational way but we are not after photos. For anyone wanting to take a picture with Hassan Rouhani, this is not possible," he said.

People on Tehran's streets expressed doubts over the possible benefits of any meeting between Rouhani and Trump.

"I believe there's no point in negotiating with America," said Valiollah Tavakoli, a self-employed man from the capital, adding there was little to show from the nuclear talks.

"People's situation got worse and worse every day. So as the supreme leader said, negotiation with America is useless."

The possible meeting between Rouhani and Trump was blasted as a photo opportunity Tuesday on the front page of the Javan newspaper close to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Both Rouhani and Trump are scheduled to be in New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September which could provide a stage for talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran. President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday told the United States to "take the first step" by lifting all sanctions against Iran, dampening down the likelihood of meeting US counterpart Donald Trump. Trump had said less than 24 hours earlier he was ready to meet with Rouhani within weeks, in a potential breakthrough reached during a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz. Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since Trump in May last year unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers. "You must retreat from all illegal, unjust and wrong sanctions against the nation of Iran," Rouhani said. "The key for positive change is in the hands of Washington," he said, because Iran had already ruled out ever doing what worries the US the most -- building an atomic bomb. "This concern has already been removed" through a fatwa issued in 2003 by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added. "We don't (intend to) make an atomic bomb... our military doctrine is based on conventional arms," said Rouhani. "So take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked." Meeting 'unimaginable' In Biarritz, French President Emmanuel Macron had said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy. Trump said he "would certainly agree to that" and that the timeline proposed by Macron was realistic. The US leader was equally confident that Rouhani would be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. News of the potential meeting was welcomed by financial markets. "Expectations are ... rising that tensions in the Gulf can be de-escalated following President Macron's overtures to broker a meeting between Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart," noted AxiTrader analyst James Hughes. The rial was higher at about 112,000 to the dollar, up from 117,500 a week ago under the unofficial rate in Iran's capital, according to the Bonbast website that monitors exchange rates. But Zarif said Tuesday he had made it known at the G7 summit that a meeting between Rouhani and Trump would be highly improbable even if the Americans returned to the nuclear deal. "On my trip to Biarritz I said that a meeting between Iran's president and Trump is not imaginable" until America rejoins the nuclear pact, said Zarif. "Even at that time, we will not have a bilateral negotiation," he added. No photo opportunity Rouhani has indicated he is open to holding talks with the Americans, but it is an approach that has faced criticism from ultra-conservatives. In his speech Tuesday, he said his government's policy of "constructive interaction" with the world was in line with Khamenei's approach of "extensive interaction". But he stressed the US had to "retreat from their mistakes" and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal. "Our path is clear if they come back to their commitments, we too will fully act on our commitments. If they do not come back to their commitments, we will continue our path," said Rouhani. But the Iranian president said he was not just looking for photo opportunities. "We seek to resolve issues and problems in a rational way but we are not after photos. For anyone wanting to take a picture with Hassan Rouhani, this is not possible," he said. People on Tehran's streets expressed doubts over the possible benefits of any meeting between Rouhani and Trump. "I believe there's no point in negotiating with America," said Valiollah Tavakoli, a self-employed man from the capital, adding there was little to show from the nuclear talks. "People's situation got worse and worse every day. So as the supreme leader said, negotiation with America is useless." The possible meeting between Rouhani and Trump was blasted as a photo opportunity Tuesday on the front page of the Javan newspaper close to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Both Rouhani and Trump are scheduled to be in New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September which could provide a stage for talks.

'Unimaginable!' says Javad Zarif as Iran dampens down prospect of Trump-Rouhani meeting

President Hassan Rouhani called on Iranians on Wednesday to unite to overcome an "economic war" waged by the United States, while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted President Donald Trump.

President Hassan Rouhani called on Iranians on Wednesday to unite to overcome an "economic war" waged by the United States, while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted President Donald Trump. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have heightened since Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed sanctions on Iran. "We need to unite to fight against and to win this economic war that America has launched against Iran," Rouhani said in a televised speech. Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabie said on Wednesday: "Taking into account Donald Trump’s personal traits, we don’t trust him; however, Iran has never abandoned diplomacy but we are determined to pursue it as an equal (of the United States)," state TV reported. Iran describes the US sanctions as "economic warfare" and Rouhani said on Tuesday there would be no talks with the United States until all sanctions imposed on Tehran were lifted. Since ditching the deal last year, Trump has pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" to try to force Iran into broader talks to restrict its ballistic missile program and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East. Iran, which has slowly been breaching the nuclear deal in retaliation for U.S. sanctions, has threatened further violations in early September unless it receives sanctions relief.

Iran President Rouhani calls for unity to overcome US 'economic war'

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported.

"Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks.

"But first the US should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran," he added.

"We will continue to scale back our commitments under the 2015 deal if our interests are not guaranteed," news agency Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ready-to-meet-iranian-leader-rouhani-raising-hopes-of-breakthrough-245861">prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart</a> within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations.

"If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks.

Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour.&nbsp;

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief.

(With inputs from Reuters/AFP)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported. "Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported. "Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks. "But first the US should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran," he added. "We will continue to scale back our commitments under the 2015 deal if our interests are not guaranteed," news agency Reuters reported. US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations. "If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks. Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East. The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief. (With inputs from Reuters/AFP)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani says no talks with US unless sanctions lifted

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has ruled out talks with the US. Watch this video to know more.

Hassan Rouhani rules out talks with US

US President Donald Trump said Monday he was prepared to meet his Iranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-makes-case-for-talks-as-g7-gambit-slammed-245689">counterpart Hassan Rouhani</a> within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-leaves-g7-talks-unclear-if-progress-made-to-ease-tensions-245637"> Javad Zarif </a>had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations.

"If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks.

Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied,&nbsp;"It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour.&nbsp;

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

Watch: Trump was aware of Iran's FM's visit at G7

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Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief.

'Real progress'

Macron has urged the US administration to offer some sort of relief to Iran, such as lifting sanctions on oil sales to China and India, and has raised the possibility of a new credit line to enable exports.

In return, Iran would return to complying with the 2015 deal.

Commenting on the talks about Iran at the G7, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said,&nbsp;"It's a big step forward. Now there is an atmosphere in which talks are welcomed."&nbsp;

Macron and Trump hailed the common ground found by G7 leaders at their summit, which was dominated by the Iranian nuclear crisis, global trade tensions and fires in the Amazon.

"We have managed to find real points of convergence, unprecedented, very positive, that will allow us to go forward in a very useful way," Macron told the press conference.

Trump said Macron had done a "fantastic job" at the G7.

"This was a very special, a very unified two and a half days and I want to thank you," Trump told his host.

Just a few weeks ago, Trump lambasted Macron for sending "mixed signals" on Iran, and at the end of July the US administration imposed sanctions on Zarif.

Macron acknowledged there had been "nervousness" ahead of the summit because of tensions between the US and Europe on a host of issues.

Trade war worries

Commenting on his escalating trade war with China, Trump held out hope of a deal to thaw the bruising year-long dispute that has seen tariffs imposed on billions of dollars' worth of goods by both sides.

"I can say we are having very meaningful talks, much more meaningful, I would say, than at any time," he had said at a press conference with Merkel.

Trump said senior Chinese officials had been in contact.

"I'm not sure they have a choice (on making a deal)," he said. "I don't mean that as a threat. I don't think they have a choice."&nbsp;

There was no detail from China about the talks Trump referred to.

Trump arrived in the famed surfing town of Biarritz on Saturday shortly after upping the ante with a new round of increased tariffs on Chinese goods.

European leaders have lined up to urge caution and warn about the danger of recession from the conflict.

Amazon help

On the final day of the summit, the G7 agenda also included action to help fight fires destroying swaths of the Amazon.

The members agreed to spend $20 million (18 million euros) on the world's biggest rainforest, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle blazes.

Trump was less vocal on this issue than his partners.&nbsp;

He also stood out from the rest of the G7 leaders in his budding friendship with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a former army officer who has given freer rein to industrial farmers and loggers who have made the country an agribusiness power -- at a huge cost to the environment.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged £10 million ($12.3 million) to help Amazon reforestation efforts, including in areas hit by the fires.

Macron has threatened to block an extensive new trade deal between the European Union and Latin America unless Bolsonaro takes serious steps to combat global warming.

Bolsonaro, who on Sunday appeared to endorse a disparaging remark about Macron's wife on Facebook, has denounced the French leader's alleged "colonialist mentality".

US President Donald Trump said Monday he was prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France.

US President Donald Trump said Monday he was prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations. "If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks. Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. Watch: Trump was aware of Iran's FM's visit at G7 × Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East. The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief. 'Real progress' Macron has urged the US administration to offer some sort of relief to Iran, such as lifting sanctions on oil sales to China and India, and has raised the possibility of a new credit line to enable exports. In return, Iran would return to complying with the 2015 deal. Commenting on the talks about Iran at the G7, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "It's a big step forward. Now there is an atmosphere in which talks are welcomed." Macron and Trump hailed the common ground found by G7 leaders at their summit, which was dominated by the Iranian nuclear crisis, global trade tensions and fires in the Amazon. "We have managed to find real points of convergence, unprecedented, very positive, that will allow us to go forward in a very useful way," Macron told the press conference. Trump said Macron had done a "fantastic job" at the G7. "This was a very special, a very unified two and a half days and I want to thank you," Trump told his host. Just a few weeks ago, Trump lambasted Macron for sending "mixed signals" on Iran, and at the end of July the US administration imposed sanctions on Zarif. Macron acknowledged there had been "nervousness" ahead of the summit because of tensions between the US and Europe on a host of issues. Trade war worries Commenting on his escalating trade war with China, Trump held out hope of a deal to thaw the bruising year-long dispute that has seen tariffs imposed on billions of dollars' worth of goods by both sides. "I can say we are having very meaningful talks, much more meaningful, I would say, than at any time," he had said at a press conference with Merkel. Trump said senior Chinese officials had been in contact. "I'm not sure they have a choice (on making a deal)," he said. "I don't mean that as a threat. I don't think they have a choice." There was no detail from China about the talks Trump referred to. Trump arrived in the famed surfing town of Biarritz on Saturday shortly after upping the ante with a new round of increased tariffs on Chinese goods. European leaders have lined up to urge caution and warn about the danger of recession from the conflict. Amazon help On the final day of the summit, the G7 agenda also included action to help fight fires destroying swaths of the Amazon. The members agreed to spend $20 million (18 million euros) on the world's biggest rainforest, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle blazes. Trump was less vocal on this issue than his partners. He also stood out from the rest of the G7 leaders in his budding friendship with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a former army officer who has given freer rein to industrial farmers and loggers who have made the country an agribusiness power -- at a huge cost to the environment. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged £10 million ($12.3 million) to help Amazon reforestation efforts, including in areas hit by the fires. Macron has threatened to block an extensive new trade deal between the European Union and Latin America unless Bolsonaro takes serious steps to combat global warming. Bolsonaro, who on Sunday appeared to endorse a disparaging remark about Macron's wife on Facebook, has denounced the French leader's alleged "colonialist mentality".

Donald Trump ready to meet Iranian leader Rouhani, raising hopes of breakthrough

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani came out strongly in favour of talks Monday as his top diplomat came under fire from hardline media for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-leaves-g7-talks-unclear-if-progress-made-to-ease-tensions-245637">surprise visit to a G7 summit</a>.

"I believe that for our country's national interests we must use any tool," Rouhani said in a speech aired live on state television.

"And if I knew that I was going to have a meeting with someone that would (lead to) prosperity for my country and people's problems would be resolved, I would not hesitate.

"The main thing is our country's national interests," he said to a round of applause from those gathered at an event marking government achievements in rural areas.

Rouhani's remarks came as his government faced criticism over the visit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-239805">Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> to the French seaside resort of Biarritz on Sunday for meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

Zarif was invited to Biarritz by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been leading efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and its arch-enemy the United States.

Watch: Iran FM Javad Zarif makes surprise visit to G7 Summit

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Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since last year when President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-looking-for-regime-change-in-iran-says-trump-at-g7-summit-245672">Donald Trump</a> unilaterally withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers.

The ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper strongly criticised Zarif's visit on Monday in an article that called the trip "improper".

'Weakness and desperation'

Kayhan said the fact that the minister's visit was the second to France in a matter of days sent "a message of weakness and desperation".

"These improper measures are taken in the fantasy of an opening but it will definitely have no outcome other than more insolence and pressure," it added.

The reformist Etemad newspaper, however, described Zarif's trip to France as "the most hopeful moment" for Iran in the 15 months since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal.

"Given Macron's attempts over the last two months, one can be hopeful that Trump's response to Macron's ideas has been the main reason for Zarif's... trip to Biarritz," it said.

The spike in tensions between Iran and the United States has threatened to spiral out of control in the past few weeks, with ships mysteriously attacked, drones downed and tankers seized.

Rouhani said his government was ready to use "both hands" of power and diplomacy.

"They may seize our ship somewhere... we will both negotiate... and we may seize their ship for legal reasons," he said, referring to an Iranian oil tanker seized off Gibraltar that has since been released and a British-flagged vessel still impounded by Iran in the Gulf.

"We can work with two hands... the hand of power and the hand of diplomacy," said the Iranian president.

"We must use both our power, our military and security power, economic and cultural power and our political power. We must negotiate. We must find solutions. We must reduce problems.

"Even if the probability of success... is 10 per cent, we must endeavour and go ahead. We must not lose opportunities."

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani came out strongly in favour of talks Monday as his top diplomat came under fire from hardline media for a surprise visit to a G7 summit.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani came out strongly in favour of talks Monday as his top diplomat came under fire from hardline media for a surprise visit to a G7 summit. "I believe that for our country's national interests we must use any tool," Rouhani said in a speech aired live on state television. "And if I knew that I was going to have a meeting with someone that would (lead to) prosperity for my country and people's problems would be resolved, I would not hesitate. "The main thing is our country's national interests," he said to a round of applause from those gathered at an event marking government achievements in rural areas. Rouhani's remarks came as his government faced criticism over the visit of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the French seaside resort of Biarritz on Sunday for meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Zarif was invited to Biarritz by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been leading efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and its arch-enemy the United States. Watch: Iran FM Javad Zarif makes surprise visit to G7 Summit × Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers. The ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper strongly criticised Zarif's visit on Monday in an article that called the trip "improper". 'Weakness and desperation' Kayhan said the fact that the minister's visit was the second to France in a matter of days sent "a message of weakness and desperation". "These improper measures are taken in the fantasy of an opening but it will definitely have no outcome other than more insolence and pressure," it added. The reformist Etemad newspaper, however, described Zarif's trip to France as "the most hopeful moment" for Iran in the 15 months since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal. "Given Macron's attempts over the last two months, one can be hopeful that Trump's response to Macron's ideas has been the main reason for Zarif's... trip to Biarritz," it said. The spike in tensions between Iran and the United States has threatened to spiral out of control in the past few weeks, with ships mysteriously attacked, drones downed and tankers seized. Rouhani said his government was ready to use "both hands" of power and diplomacy. "They may seize our ship somewhere... we will both negotiate... and we may seize their ship for legal reasons," he said, referring to an Iranian oil tanker seized off Gibraltar that has since been released and a British-flagged vessel still impounded by Iran in the Gulf. "We can work with two hands... the hand of power and the hand of diplomacy," said the Iranian president. "We must use both our power, our military and security power, economic and cultural power and our political power. We must negotiate. We must find solutions. We must reduce problems. "Even if the probability of success... is 10 per cent, we must endeavour and go ahead. We must not lose opportunities."

Iran president Hassan Rouhani makes case for talks as G7 gambit slammed

&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;displayed what it described as a&nbsp;domestically-built&nbsp;long-range,&nbsp;mobile&nbsp;surface-to-air&nbsp;missile&nbsp;system&nbsp;on Thursday,&nbsp;Iranian state media reported.

The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-meeting-with-parties-to-nuclear-deal-constructive-239070">Iran&nbsp;shot down a US military surveillance</a> drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air&nbsp;missile&nbsp;in June.

&nbsp;It says the drone was over its territory, but the United States says it was in international airspace.

State television showed President Hassan Rouhani attending an unveiling ceremony for the Bavar-373&nbsp;system, which&nbsp;Iranian media have described as a competitor to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-narendra-modi-must-play-his-cards-deftly-when-he-meets-donald-trump-at-g20-summit-228898">Russian S-300&nbsp;missile&nbsp;system</a>.

The&nbsp;system's unveiling came on&nbsp;Iran's National&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Industry Day. 
&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of international sanctions and embargoes that have barred it from importing many weapons.

Western military analysts say&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, though concerns about its long-range ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programme contributed to Washington last year leaving the pact that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;sealed with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear ambitions in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions.

Iran displayed what it described as a domestically-built long-range, mobile surface-to-air missile system on Thursday, Iranian state media reported. The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between Iran and the United States.

Iran displayed what it described as a domestically-built long-range, mobile surface-to-air missile system on Thursday, Iranian state media reported. The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between Iran and the United States. Iran shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile in June. It says the drone was over its territory, but the United States says it was in international airspace. State television showed President Hassan Rouhani attending an unveiling ceremony for the Bavar-373 system, which Iranian media have described as a competitor to the Russian S-300 missile system. The system's unveiling came on Iran's National Defence Industry Day. Iran has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of international sanctions and embargoes that have barred it from importing many weapons. Western military analysts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, though concerns about its long-range ballistic missile programme contributed to Washington last year leaving the pact that Iran sealed with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear ambitions in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions.

Iran displays domestically built mobile missile defence system

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, August 22nd, 2019

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has issued a warning. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting, if Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways will not have the same security as before.

Hassan Rouhani warns against export sanctions

Rouhani says that Iran will proceed on the basis of reciprocity. If the U. S lifts all sanctions on Iran and asks for talks with Iran, Tehran would not be found wanting.. but if the U.S. wages a war with Iran, he shall find Tehran ready -- for the mother of all wars!

The West Asia Post: Iran warns of the mother of all wars

Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-childish-of-us-to-sanction-iran-foreign-minister-zarif-239925">Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Tuesday that Tehran favours talks with Washington but the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-struggles-to-build-willing-coalition-amid-hormuz-tensions-240671">United States</a> must first lift sanctions it imposed on the Islamic republic.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran favours<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-negotiations-but-will-not-surrender-rouhani-on-standoff-with-us-238156"> talks and negotiations </a>and, if the US really wants to talk, before anything else it should lift all sanctions," Rouhani said in a&nbsp;televised speech.

Rouhani, speaking at the foreign ministry after meeting with his top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said Iran was ready for talks regardless of whether or not the US was party to a landmark nuclear deal.

"Whether they want to come into the JCPOA or not, it’s up to them," said Rouhani, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

He also added, " Peace with Iran is the mother of all peace and war with Iran is the mother of all wars".

The Iranian foreign minister on Monday confirmed reports that he had turned down an offer from a US senator to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.

Tehran and Washington have been locked in a battle of nerves since May 2018 when Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 deal placing limits on Iran's nuclear programme and began reimposing sanctions.

Tensions have soared since the Trump administration began stepping up a US campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, with drones downed and tankers mysteriously attacked in Gulf waters.

At the height of the crisis, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June after the Islamic republic's forces shot down a US drone.

Iran said on Sunday its forces seized a "foreign" tanker carrying smuggled fuel in what would be the third such seizure in less than a month in Gulf waters - a conduit for much of the world's crude oil.

On July 18, the Guards said they had detained the Panama-flagged MT Riah for alleged fuel smuggling. A day later, they announced they had impounded the British-flagged Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules".

In response to such incidents, the United States has been seeking to form a coalition whose mission - dubbed Operation Sentinel - it says is to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Gulf.

However, it has been struggling to build such a coalition, with European countries reticent and believed to be concerned about being dragged into a possible conflict.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Tehran favours talks with Washington but the United States must first lift sanctions it imposed on the Islamic republic.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Tehran favours talks with Washington but the United States must first lift sanctions it imposed on the Islamic republic. "The Islamic Republic of Iran favours talks and negotiations and, if the US really wants to talk, before anything else it should lift all sanctions," Rouhani said in a televised speech. Rouhani, speaking at the foreign ministry after meeting with his top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said Iran was ready for talks regardless of whether or not the US was party to a landmark nuclear deal. "Whether they want to come into the JCPOA or not, it’s up to them," said Rouhani, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. He also added, " Peace with Iran is the mother of all peace and war with Iran is the mother of all wars". The Iranian foreign minister on Monday confirmed reports that he had turned down an offer from a US senator to meet President Donald Trump at the White House. Tehran and Washington have been locked in a battle of nerves since May 2018 when Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 deal placing limits on Iran's nuclear programme and began reimposing sanctions. Tensions have soared since the Trump administration began stepping up a US campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, with drones downed and tankers mysteriously attacked in Gulf waters. At the height of the crisis, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June after the Islamic republic's forces shot down a US drone. Iran said on Sunday its forces seized a "foreign" tanker carrying smuggled fuel in what would be the third such seizure in less than a month in Gulf waters - a conduit for much of the world's crude oil. On July 18, the Guards said they had detained the Panama-flagged MT Riah for alleged fuel smuggling. A day later, they announced they had impounded the British-flagged Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules". In response to such incidents, the United States has been seeking to form a coalition whose mission - dubbed Operation Sentinel - it says is to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Gulf. However, it has been struggling to build such a coalition, with European countries reticent and believed to be concerned about being dragged into a possible conflict.

Iran favours talks but US must lift sanctions: Hassan Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States of "childish behaviour" and acting out of fear on Thursday after Washington imposed sanctions on Iran's foreign minister amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-239805">Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>, blocking any property or interests he has in the United States. But Zarif said he had none.

"They (Americans) are resorting to childish behaviour... They were claiming every day 'We want to talk, with no preconditions' ...and then they sanction the foreign minister," Rouhani said in remarks carried live on state television.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">ramped up sanctions</a> to put pressure on Iran's economy.

In recent months bilateral relations have worsened significantly after attacks on tankers in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran, a charge denied by Tehran, and Iran's downing of a US&nbsp;drone.

"A country which believes it's powerful and a world superpower is afraid of our foreign minister's interviews," Rouhani said in an apparent reference to numerous interviews Zarif gave to US&nbsp;media when he visited New York for a United Nations meeting in July.

"When Dr Zarif gives an interview in New York, ... they (Americans) say Iran's foreign minister is misleading our public opinion," Rouhani said. "What happened to your claims of liberty, freedom of expression and democracy?"

"The pillars of the White House are made to tremble by the words and the logic of a knowledgeable and self-sacrificing man and diplomat," Rouhani said.

Zarif lived in the United States from the age of 17 as a student of international relations in San Francisco and Denver, and subsequently as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York, where he was Iranian ambassador from 2002 to 2007.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States of "childish behaviour" and acting out of fear on Thursday after Washington imposed sanctions on Iran's foreign minister amid rising tensions between the two countries.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States of "childish behaviour" and acting out of fear on Thursday after Washington imposed sanctions on Iran's foreign minister amid rising tensions between the two countries. The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, blocking any property or interests he has in the United States. But Zarif said he had none. "They (Americans) are resorting to childish behaviour... They were claiming every day 'We want to talk, with no preconditions' ...and then they sanction the foreign minister," Rouhani said in remarks carried live on state television. US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year and ramped up sanctions to put pressure on Iran's economy. In recent months bilateral relations have worsened significantly after attacks on tankers in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran, a charge denied by Tehran, and Iran's downing of a US drone. "A country which believes it's powerful and a world superpower is afraid of our foreign minister's interviews," Rouhani said in an apparent reference to numerous interviews Zarif gave to US media when he visited New York for a United Nations meeting in July. "When Dr Zarif gives an interview in New York, ... they (Americans) say Iran's foreign minister is misleading our public opinion," Rouhani said. "What happened to your claims of liberty, freedom of expression and democracy?" "The pillars of the White House are made to tremble by the words and the logic of a knowledgeable and self-sacrificing man and diplomat," Rouhani said. Zarif lived in the United States from the age of 17 as a student of international relations in San Francisco and Denver, and subsequently as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York, where he was Iranian ambassador from 2002 to 2007.

Rouhani says 'childish' of US to sanction Iran foreign minister Zarif

The head of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-network-selling-materials-for-iran-nuclear-programme-237033">Iran's Atomic Energy Organization</a>, Ali Akbar Salehi, told lawmakers on Sunday that Iran will restart activities at the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, the ISNA news agency reported.

ISNA cited a member of parliament who attended the meeting. Heavy water can be employed in reactors to produce plutonium, a fuel used in nuclear warheads.

In May Iran announced planned measures to breach the nuclear agreement with major world powers following the US withdrawal from deal and Washington's reimposition of tough sanctions.

On July 3, President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would increase its uranium enrichment levels and start to revive its Arak heavy-water reactor after July 7 if the nations in the nuclear pact did not protect trade with Iran promised under the deal but blocked by the US sanctions.&nbsp;

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, told lawmakers on Sunday that Iran will restart activities at the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, the ISNA news agency reported.

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, told lawmakers on Sunday that Iran will restart activities at the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, the ISNA news agency reported. ISNA cited a member of parliament who attended the meeting. Heavy water can be employed in reactors to produce plutonium, a fuel used in nuclear warheads. In May Iran announced planned measures to breach the nuclear agreement with major world powers following the US withdrawal from deal and Washington's reimposition of tough sanctions. On July 3, President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would increase its uranium enrichment levels and start to revive its Arak heavy-water reactor after July 7 if the nations in the nuclear pact did not protect trade with Iran promised under the deal but blocked by the US sanctions.

Iran intends to restart activities at Arak heavy water nuclear reactor: Report

As tension continues to escalate in the Persian Gulf, Iran has hinted it is open to a tanker swap with Britain.

Iran dropped the hint after the owners of UK-flagged tanker Stena Impero, seized by Tehran expressed hope for ''positive progress'' after speaking to its crew.

British diplomatic sources have denied sending a mediator to Iran to discuss the freeing of the seized tanker.&nbsp;

A local Iranian news website had earlier reported that a mediator had been sent to discuss the freeing of a British-flagged tanker seized by the Islamic republic.

Iran had seized a British oil tanker on Friday.&nbsp;

The seizure came just two weeks after British authorities seized an Iranian tanker off Gibraltar on suspicion of it breaching sanctions against Syria.

Following the seizure, former UK foreign ministry Jeremy Hunt had announced plans to develop a maritime protection mission in the Gulf, an idea which has gained immense support from France, Italy and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Iran on Wednesday denied any of its drones were intercepted after the US military said it took aim at two of them last week.

US central command claimed on Thursday that one Iranian drone crashed into the sea after the USS Boxer took ''defensive action'' against Iran last week. 
&nbsp; 
However, Iran's defence minister Amir Hatami said that the US should provide evidence of its claims as none of their drone has been intercepted. He added that when Iran shot down a US drone last month it shared images of the wreckage to back its claims. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that they are ready to negotiate but not if it means they will surrender.

Rouhani further said that Iran is ready for legal and honest negotiations to solve the problem. He added that they will not allow law violations in the strait of Hormuz.

As tension continues to escalate in the Persian Gulf, Iran has hinted it is open to a tanker swap with Britain. Iran dropped the hint after the owners of UK-flagged tanker Stena Impero, seized by Tehran expressed hope for ''positive progress'' after speaking to its crew.

As tension continues to escalate in the Persian Gulf, Iran has hinted it is open to a tanker swap with Britain. Iran dropped the hint after the owners of UK-flagged tanker Stena Impero, seized by Tehran expressed hope for ''positive progress'' after speaking to its crew. British diplomatic sources have denied sending a mediator to Iran to discuss the freeing of the seized tanker. A local Iranian news website had earlier reported that a mediator had been sent to discuss the freeing of a British-flagged tanker seized by the Islamic republic. Iran had seized a British oil tanker on Friday. The seizure came just two weeks after British authorities seized an Iranian tanker off Gibraltar on suspicion of it breaching sanctions against Syria. Following the seizure, former UK foreign ministry Jeremy Hunt had announced plans to develop a maritime protection mission in the Gulf, an idea which has gained immense support from France, Italy and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Iran on Wednesday denied any of its drones were intercepted after the US military said it took aim at two of them last week. US central command claimed on Thursday that one Iranian drone crashed into the sea after the USS Boxer took ''defensive action'' against Iran last week. However, Iran's defence minister Amir Hatami said that the US should provide evidence of its claims as none of their drone has been intercepted. He added that when Iran shot down a US drone last month it shared images of the wreckage to back its claims. Meanwhile, the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that they are ready to negotiate but not if it means they will surrender. Rouhani further said that Iran is ready for legal and honest negotiations to solve the problem. He added that they will not allow law violations in the strait of Hormuz.

Amid escalating tension, Iran says it's ready for tanker swap with UK 

Iran confirmed on Tuesday it had detained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-says-franco-iranian-academic-arrested-in-iran-236233">French-Iranian scholar Fariba Adelkhah</a> but declined to give any more details, a day after Paris demanded information on her case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-demands-answers-after-dual-national-detained-in-iran-236341">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> said on Monday he was worried by the arrest of the 60-year-old anthropologist, an incident that has complicated French efforts to defuse tensions in the region.

"This person was detained recently ... but due to the nature of the case, this is not the proper time to give any information about it," Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a live broadcast on the judiciary's website.

"More transparent information will be provided as the case progresses," Esmaili said.

Adelkhah, a senior research fellow at Sciences Po university in Paris, was arrested in June by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, a news website IranWire reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

France’s foreign ministry demanded consular access to Adelkhah "without delay" on Monday, though there was no immediate public response from Tehran.

Rights activists have accused Iran of arresting several dual nationals to try and win concessions from other countries a charge that the Islamic republic has regularly dismissed.

Adelkhah's arrest comes at a time when France and other European powers are caught up in an international standoff over Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States abandoned last year.

Paris and the other European signatories have said they want to save the deal under which Tehran got sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities and have pushed for more diplomacy to ease tensions.

Tehran has been pressing them to do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive under the accord.

Iran confirmed on Tuesday it had detained French-Iranian scholar Fariba Adelkhah but declined to give any more details, a day after Paris demanded information on her case.

Iran confirmed on Tuesday it had detained French-Iranian scholar Fariba Adelkhah but declined to give any more details, a day after Paris demanded information on her case. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he was worried by the arrest of the 60-year-old anthropologist, an incident that has complicated French efforts to defuse tensions in the region. "This person was detained recently ... but due to the nature of the case, this is not the proper time to give any information about it," Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a live broadcast on the judiciary's website. "More transparent information will be provided as the case progresses," Esmaili said. Adelkhah, a senior research fellow at Sciences Po university in Paris, was arrested in June by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, a news website IranWire reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources. France’s foreign ministry demanded consular access to Adelkhah "without delay" on Monday, though there was no immediate public response from Tehran. Rights activists have accused Iran of arresting several dual nationals to try and win concessions from other countries a charge that the Islamic republic has regularly dismissed. Adelkhah's arrest comes at a time when France and other European powers are caught up in an international standoff over Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States abandoned last year. Paris and the other European signatories have said they want to save the deal under which Tehran got sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities and have pushed for more diplomacy to ease tensions. Tehran has been pressing them to do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive under the accord.

Iran confirms arrest of French-Iranian scholar, gives no details

Iran on Monday urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal "to take practical, effective and responsible decisions" to save the landmark agreement.

"We stress that the continued voluntary and goodwill based actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran are rooted in the principle of reciprocity of rights and duties" in the nuclear deal, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Any expectation for Iran to return to the conditions prior to May 8, 2019 without proof of any political will and practical ability of the European parties" to ensure sanctions relief "is an unrealistic expectation".

The statement comes a day after three key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-powers-urge-dialogue-end-to-escalation-in-iran-nuclear-crisis-235919">European powers</a>- Britain, France and Germany- called for an end to the escalating tensions between US and Iran.

As tensions further intensified between the two countries, Britain, France and Germany expressed concern on Sunday that the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme risked further unravelling but said it was up to Tehran to ensure the deal survived.

The statement was published after President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and senior British cabinet minister David Lidington at the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris.

The three European powers were among the key players in the 2015 deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme.

But US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced Washington was pulling out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies.

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-european-union-talks-uk-calls-for-reduced-tensions-with-iran-236083">European Union foreign ministers are also meeting</a> to discuss the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme.

(With inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

Iran on Monday urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal "to take practical, effective and responsible decisions" to save the landmark agreement. "We stress that the continued voluntary and goodwill based actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran are rooted in the principle of reciprocity of rights and duties" in the nuclear deal, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran on Monday urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal "to take practical, effective and responsible decisions" to save the landmark agreement. "We stress that the continued voluntary and goodwill based actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran are rooted in the principle of reciprocity of rights and duties" in the nuclear deal, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "Any expectation for Iran to return to the conditions prior to May 8, 2019 without proof of any political will and practical ability of the European parties" to ensure sanctions relief "is an unrealistic expectation". The statement comes a day after three key European powers- Britain, France and Germany- called for an end to the escalating tensions between US and Iran. As tensions further intensified between the two countries, Britain, France and Germany expressed concern on Sunday that the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme risked further unravelling but said it was up to Tehran to ensure the deal survived. The statement was published after President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and senior British cabinet minister David Lidington at the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris. The three European powers were among the key players in the 2015 deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme. But US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced Washington was pulling out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies. Meanwhile, the European Union foreign ministers are also meeting to discuss the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme. (With inputs from AFP)

Take practical, effective and responsible decisions: Iran to EU on nuclear deal

At a time when<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/irans-leader-is-losing-his-grasp-on-power-235191"> Iran</a> is reeling under the consequences of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rouhani-iran-ready-to-talk-to-us-if-sanctions-lifted-236006">US sanctions</a>, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

News agency&nbsp;AP cited&nbsp;a&nbsp;20-year-old high school graduate Paniz Masoumi as saying, "I would not remove my hijab because I am not looking for trouble. They have impounded my car for two weeks now under the excuse of being slackly veiled. I am sure that I had not removed my headscarf. They have labelled me as poorly veiled to impound my car and charge me money."

Another&nbsp;18-year-old high school graduate Nikki Ghassempour said, "If the society accepts the freedom of choice when it comes to hijab and change how they view those who are not veiled, I would remove my hijab too. Otherwise, I won't."

While many have restrained their desires due to the fear of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies, some women have found an alternative to hijab in loosely draped colorful scarves.&nbsp;The scarf show as much hair as they cover.

Even in Tehran's grand bazaar, most female shoppers are seen carrying casual hijabs.&nbsp;

Still, a sizeable minority of women have covered head-to-toe in black robes and tightly pulled headscarves - the chador.

Last month Iran hired 2,000 morality police to punish women who refuse to wear the compulsory hijab in public.&nbsp;

Reformists lawmakers point out that morality police has been a failure.

Reformist lawmaker Parvaneh Salahshouri said, "The morality police were not successful in institutionalising the hijab for women. The question I have always asked the policymakers in this regard has been whether their policies have worked or not. What we see is that the morality police have been a failure".

Last month, a video showing morality police grabbing an unveiled teenage girl and violently pushing her into the back of a police car, prompted widespread criticism.

According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, women, who appear in public places and roads without wearing an Islamic hijab, will be sentenced to ten days to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of 50 thousand to five hundred rials.

Some Islamic hardliners in Iran have called for harsh punishment, even lashes, arguing that allowing women to show their hair leads to moral decay and the disintegration of families.

Amid all the chaos, Tehran is barely being able to cope with US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign.&nbsp;US sanctions have hit the Iranian economy hard. While the oil-rich nation's crude exports have been down, inflation and unemployment have risen drastically.&nbsp;Frustration over the sanctions is running high among Iranians, who have seen the value of Iran's currency plummet by about 60 per cent over the past year.

But inside Iran, the debate is still over whether women should leave their houses without a hijab

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code. News agency AP cited a 20-year-old high school graduate Paniz Masoumi as saying, "I would not remove my hijab because I am not looking for trouble. They have impounded my car for two weeks now under the excuse of being slackly veiled. I am sure that I had not removed my headscarf. They have labelled me as poorly veiled to impound my car and charge me money." Another 18-year-old high school graduate Nikki Ghassempour said, "If the society accepts the freedom of choice when it comes to hijab and change how they view those who are not veiled, I would remove my hijab too. Otherwise, I won't." While many have restrained their desires due to the fear of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies, some women have found an alternative to hijab in loosely draped colorful scarves. The scarf show as much hair as they cover. Even in Tehran's grand bazaar, most female shoppers are seen carrying casual hijabs. Still, a sizeable minority of women have covered head-to-toe in black robes and tightly pulled headscarves - the chador. Last month Iran hired 2,000 morality police to punish women who refuse to wear the compulsory hijab in public. Reformists lawmakers point out that morality police has been a failure. Reformist lawmaker Parvaneh Salahshouri said, "The morality police were not successful in institutionalising the hijab for women. The question I have always asked the policymakers in this regard has been whether their policies have worked or not. What we see is that the morality police have been a failure". Last month, a video showing morality police grabbing an unveiled teenage girl and violently pushing her into the back of a police car, prompted widespread criticism. According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, women, who appear in public places and roads without wearing an Islamic hijab, will be sentenced to ten days to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of 50 thousand to five hundred rials. Some Islamic hardliners in Iran have called for harsh punishment, even lashes, arguing that allowing women to show their hair leads to moral decay and the disintegration of families. Amid all the chaos, Tehran is barely being able to cope with US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign. US sanctions have hit the Iranian economy hard. While the oil-rich nation's crude exports have been down, inflation and unemployment have risen drastically. Frustration over the sanctions is running high among Iranians, who have seen the value of Iran's currency plummet by about 60 per cent over the past year. But inside Iran, the debate is still over whether women should leave their houses without a hijab

In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-drop-as-trade-tensions-stoke-economy-worries-234147">Oil prices</a> slipped on Monday after China posted its slowest quarterly economic growth in at least 27 years, reinforcing concerns about demand in the world's largest crude oil importer.

Brent crude futures for September fell 15 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to $66.57 a barrel by 0611 GMT while US crude for August was down 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $59.97 a barrel. Both contracts last week posted their biggest weekly gains in three weeks on cuts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-45-per-cent-on-united-states-crude-stocks-draw-gulf-of-mexico-storm-234960">US oil production</a> and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East.

Refineries in the path of Tropical Storm Barry continued to operate despite flood threats while the storm has slashed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-braces-for-flooding-trump-declares-emergency-ahead-of-storm-barry-235308">US Gulf of Mexico</a> crude output by 73per cent, or 1.38 million barrels per day.

"The supply side is keeping prices firm," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney.

China's economic growth slowed to 6.2 per cent in the second quarter from a year earlier, in line with analysts' expectations, with demand at home and abroad faltering as the Sino-US trade war bites.

Still, China's industrial output and retail sales beat forecasts, "suggesting that the economy in China is healthier than we previously been pricing," McCarthy said.

China's crude oil throughput rose to a record of 13.07 million barrels per day in June, up 7.7 per cent from a year earlier, following the start-up of two new, large refineries, official data showed on Monday.

ANZ analysts said China's crude oil imports year-to-date still looked impressive even as imports fell in June for a second straight month.

"We believe additional crude oil quota (given) to private refiners should keep the imports upbeat in H2 2019," the bank said.

In the Middle East, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday that Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year.

Meanwhile Britain has offered to facilitate the release of the detained Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 if Tehran gave guarantees that it would not go to Syria.

"The Iran situation is also in focus. It's not making headlines but it has the potential to move markets around," CMC Markets' McCarthy said.

Oil prices slipped on Monday after China posted its slowest quarterly economic growth in at least 27 years, reinforcing concerns about demand in the world's largest crude oil importer.

Oil prices slipped on Monday after China posted its slowest quarterly economic growth in at least 27 years, reinforcing concerns about demand in the world's largest crude oil importer. Brent crude futures for September fell 15 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to $66.57 a barrel by 0611 GMT while US crude for August was down 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $59.97 a barrel. Both contracts last week posted their biggest weekly gains in three weeks on cuts in US oil production and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East. Refineries in the path of Tropical Storm Barry continued to operate despite flood threats while the storm has slashed US Gulf of Mexico crude output by 73per cent, or 1.38 million barrels per day. "The supply side is keeping prices firm," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. China's economic growth slowed to 6.2 per cent in the second quarter from a year earlier, in line with analysts' expectations, with demand at home and abroad faltering as the Sino-US trade war bites. Still, China's industrial output and retail sales beat forecasts, "suggesting that the economy in China is healthier than we previously been pricing," McCarthy said. China's crude oil throughput rose to a record of 13.07 million barrels per day in June, up 7.7 per cent from a year earlier, following the start-up of two new, large refineries, official data showed on Monday. ANZ analysts said China's crude oil imports year-to-date still looked impressive even as imports fell in June for a second straight month. "We believe additional crude oil quota (given) to private refiners should keep the imports upbeat in H2 2019," the bank said. In the Middle East, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday that Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year. Meanwhile Britain has offered to facilitate the release of the detained Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 if Tehran gave guarantees that it would not go to Syria. "The Iran situation is also in focus. It's not making headlines but it has the potential to move markets around," CMC Markets' McCarthy said.

Slower China Gross Domestic Product growth nudges oil prices lower

No end to Iran-U.S. Tensions; Is a conflict imminent? To know more watch the video

No end to Iran-U.S. Tensions; Is a conflict imminent?

Iran has stated that it will breach the 2015 nuclear deal clauses one by one. Watch this video to know more.

Iran Shifts From Patience to Confrontation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-subdued-on-firmer-dollar-fed-meeting-in-focus-227905">Gold prices</a> rose on Monday, shaking off early losses to consolidate above the $1,400 pivot, as focus shifted to global growth concerns and interest rate cuts by major central banks.

Spot gold was up 0.5% at $1,406.79 per ounce, as of 0721 GMT. US &nbsp;gold futures climbed 0.6% to $1,408.90 an ounce.

Also helping gold, the dollar eased from multi-week highs and global stock markets were in red, helping the metal reverse course following a more than 1% fall on Friday after strong US jobs data lowered the likelihood of an aggressive rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

"Despite the strong (US jobs) numbers, the market is expecting a rate cut, just not as aggressive it would have been. We are still in a rate easing cycle right now," said Howie Lee, an economist at OCBC Bank.

"Additionally, $1,400 is a pretty strong support level for gold. Also, growth remains weak globally and we have geopolitical tension between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-tensions-and-why-india-needs-to-step-up-its-game-230035">US and Iran</a>. Overall factors are still supportive of higher gold prices," he added.

US non-farm payrolls rebounded in June to 224,000, the most in five months, data showed on Friday, beating economists' consensus estimate of 160,000.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to provide further cues on the near-term outlook for monetary policy this week at his semi-annual testimony to the US Congress on the economy.

However, persistent moderate wage gains and mounting evidence the economy was losing momentum could still encourage the Fed to cut interest rates this month.

A rate cut by the Fed could also prompt China's central bank to cut its benchmark policy rate for the first time in four years to support the slowing economy, analysts say.

Lower interest rates would support gold because they reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

Also on investors' radar is US-Iran tensions, with Tehran saying on Sunday it will shortly boost its uranium enrichment above a cap set by a landmark 2015 nuclear deal, prompting a warning 'to be careful' from US President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.18% to 796.97 tonnes on Friday from 798.44 tonnes on Wednesday.

On the technical front, spot gold may retest a resistance at $1,439 per ounce and as long as the metal stays above the support at $1,387, it may resume its uptrend towards $1,497, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao.

Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.6% to $15.06 per ounce, while palladium dipped 0.3% to $1,562.41.

Platinum rose 0.7% to $809.26, edging away from a more than one-week low touched in the previous session.

Gold prices rose on Monday, shaking off early losses to consolidate above the $1,400 pivot, as focus shifted to global growth concerns and interest rate cuts by major central banks.

Gold prices rose on Monday, shaking off early losses to consolidate above the $1,400 pivot, as focus shifted to global growth concerns and interest rate cuts by major central banks. Spot gold was up 0.5% at $1,406.79 per ounce, as of 0721 GMT. US gold futures climbed 0.6% to $1,408.90 an ounce. Also helping gold, the dollar eased from multi-week highs and global stock markets were in red, helping the metal reverse course following a more than 1% fall on Friday after strong US jobs data lowered the likelihood of an aggressive rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. "Despite the strong (US jobs) numbers, the market is expecting a rate cut, just not as aggressive it would have been. We are still in a rate easing cycle right now," said Howie Lee, an economist at OCBC Bank. "Additionally, $1,400 is a pretty strong support level for gold. Also, growth remains weak globally and we have geopolitical tension between the US and Iran. Overall factors are still supportive of higher gold prices," he added. US non-farm payrolls rebounded in June to 224,000, the most in five months, data showed on Friday, beating economists' consensus estimate of 160,000. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to provide further cues on the near-term outlook for monetary policy this week at his semi-annual testimony to the US Congress on the economy. However, persistent moderate wage gains and mounting evidence the economy was losing momentum could still encourage the Fed to cut interest rates this month. A rate cut by the Fed could also prompt China's central bank to cut its benchmark policy rate for the first time in four years to support the slowing economy, analysts say. Lower interest rates would support gold because they reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Also on investors' radar is US-Iran tensions, with Tehran saying on Sunday it will shortly boost its uranium enrichment above a cap set by a landmark 2015 nuclear deal, prompting a warning 'to be careful' from US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.18% to 796.97 tonnes on Friday from 798.44 tonnes on Wednesday. On the technical front, spot gold may retest a resistance at $1,439 per ounce and as long as the metal stays above the support at $1,387, it may resume its uptrend towards $1,497, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.6% to $15.06 per ounce, while palladium dipped 0.3% to $1,562.41. Platinum rose 0.7% to $809.26, edging away from a more than one-week low touched in the previous session.

Gold rises as focus returns to growth concerns, Fed rate cut

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-iran-to-resume-talks-over-nuclear-deal-and-its-consequences-233670">France, Iran to resume talks over nuclear deal and its consequences</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani of his "strong concern over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement" and of the consequences that would follow, his office announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gas-explosion-at-us-mall-in-florida-injures-21-233671">Gas explosion at US mall in Florida injures 21</a>

A powerful explosion from a suspected gas leak ripped through a shopping mall in Florida on Saturday, injuring 21 people, the fire department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jair-bolsonaro-defends-child-labour-in-brazil-sparking-outcry-233674">Jair Bolsonaro defends child labour in Brazil, sparks outcry</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour.

"I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/archie-baby-son-of-uks-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-christened-at-windsor-castle-233673">Archie, baby son of UK's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, christened at Windsor Castle</a>

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the two-month-old son of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, was christened on Saturday, in a small private ceremony at Windsor Castle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leadership-issue-comes-up-at-meeting-of-congress-leaders-no-names-discussed-233676">Leadership issue comes up at the meeting of Congress leaders, no names discussed</a>

The issue of leadership in Congress came up briefly at the informal meeting of party leaders here held to discuss the political developments in Karnataka but no names were discussed, party sources said.

France, Iran to resume talks over nuclear deal and its consequences French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani of his "strong concern over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement" and of the consequences that would follow, his office announced.

France, Iran to resume talks over nuclear deal and its consequences French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani of his "strong concern over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement" and of the consequences that would follow, his office announced. Gas explosion at US mall in Florida injures 21 A powerful explosion from a suspected gas leak ripped through a shopping mall in Florida on Saturday, injuring 21 people, the fire department said. Jair Bolsonaro defends child labour in Brazil, sparks outcry Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour. "I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook. Archie, baby son of UK's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, christened at Windsor Castle Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the two-month-old son of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, was christened on Saturday, in a small private ceremony at Windsor Castle. Leadership issue comes up at the meeting of Congress leaders, no names discussed The issue of leadership in Congress came up briefly at the informal meeting of party leaders here held to discuss the political developments in Karnataka but no names were discussed, party sources said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Iran will begin enriching uranium beyond a 3.67 per cent cap set by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-iran-to-resume-talks-over-nuclear-deal-and-its-consequences-233670">landmark nuclear deal</a> "in a few hours", the Islamic republic's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Sunday.

The "order received from the president" Hassan Rouhani would be implemented in a few hours after the last technical details were sorted, Kamalvandi said live on state television.

Iran has also&nbsp;threatened&nbsp;to abandon more nuclear commitments in '60 days'.

"We hope we can reach a solution otherwise after 60 days we will take the third step as well," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a news conference, singling out Iran's declining oil sales as one of the main issues that needed to be solved.

France has warned Tehran that it would "gain nothing" by leaving the deal and has said "challenging the agreement would only increase tensions" in the Middle East.

Iran says that it is not violating the deal, citing terms of the agreement allowing one side to temporarily abandon some of commitments if it deems the other side is not respecting its part of the accord.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-to-increase-uranium-enrichment-to-5-233677/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The diplomatic chiefs of Britain, France, Germany and the EU have said they were "extremely concerned".

Trump, meanwhile, has warned Iran that it is "playing with fire".

Iran will begin enriching uranium beyond a 3.67 per cent cap set by a landmark nuclear deal "in a few hours", the Islamic republic's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Sunday.

Iran will begin enriching uranium beyond a 3.67 per cent cap set by a landmark nuclear deal "in a few hours", the Islamic republic's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Sunday. The "order received from the president" Hassan Rouhani would be implemented in a few hours after the last technical details were sorted, Kamalvandi said live on state television. Iran has also threatened to abandon more nuclear commitments in '60 days'. "We hope we can reach a solution otherwise after 60 days we will take the third step as well," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a news conference, singling out Iran's declining oil sales as one of the main issues that needed to be solved. France has warned Tehran that it would "gain nothing" by leaving the deal and has said "challenging the agreement would only increase tensions" in the Middle East. Iran says that it is not violating the deal, citing terms of the agreement allowing one side to temporarily abandon some of commitments if it deems the other side is not respecting its part of the accord. The diplomatic chiefs of Britain, France, Germany and the EU have said they were "extremely concerned". Trump, meanwhile, has warned Iran that it is "playing with fire".

Iran to begin enriching uranium beyond 3.67% 'in few hours'; threatens to abandon more nuclear commitments in '60 days'

Iran's President Rouhani Says That Iran Will Begin Enriching Uranium Above The Limits Prescribed In The Iran Nuclear Accord Iran will begin to enrich its Uranium above the threshold limit prescribed in the Nuclear accord. This has caused concern across the world. The story is fast evolving and if not handled properly, the tensions threaten to go out of control. Palki gets us the updates.

Gravitas: Iran to increase uranuim enrichment  as U.S.-Iran tension escalates

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump. Washington is the primary offender.

It set out to provoke Iran by pulling out of the nuclear deal last year. Taunted, sanctioned and challenged, Iran had no choice but to defy the US. It had to show that it did not fear Trump's threat of "obliteration". It did so by crossing the threshold of uranium enrichment. The European Union knows that Iran is being baited by the US. But the EU cannot stand up to Trump. So they ask Iran to back down.

China, locked in a trade war with the US, has no appetite to test Trump on another front when its own interests are at stake. Russia, which wants Trump to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square next year, is telling Tehran not to give in to emotion. As the nuclear stand-off continues, every country is asking Iran to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal although it is the US that has walked out of it. None is prepared to defy US sanctions against Iran.

Iran has long and deep civilisational, economic, political and diplomatic ties with India. India-Iran friendship has survived difficult tests. During this nuclear stand-off, so far, India has not raised its voice explicitly against Iran. At the same time, there is no doubt that it is on the side of the US. Like all those at G-20 who lined up to shake President Trump's hand, will India too turn its back on Iran? As of now, like Russia, China and the EU, India is playing the safe wait and watch game.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump.

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump. Washington is the primary offender. It set out to provoke Iran by pulling out of the nuclear deal last year. Taunted, sanctioned and challenged, Iran had no choice but to defy the US. It had to show that it did not fear Trump's threat of "obliteration". It did so by crossing the threshold of uranium enrichment. The European Union knows that Iran is being baited by the US. But the EU cannot stand up to Trump. So they ask Iran to back down. China, locked in a trade war with the US, has no appetite to test Trump on another front when its own interests are at stake. Russia, which wants Trump to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square next year, is telling Tehran not to give in to emotion. As the nuclear stand-off continues, every country is asking Iran to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal although it is the US that has walked out of it. None is prepared to defy US sanctions against Iran. Iran has long and deep civilisational, economic, political and diplomatic ties with India. India-Iran friendship has survived difficult tests. During this nuclear stand-off, so far, India has not raised its voice explicitly against Iran. At the same time, there is no doubt that it is on the side of the US. Like all those at G-20 who lined up to shake President Trump's hand, will India too turn its back on Iran? As of now, like Russia, China and the EU, India is playing the safe wait and watch game. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India watches as US-Iran conflict unravels

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