President Donald Trump warned Iran Wednesday against stepping up uranium enrichment, the latest escalation of the conflict over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program that has plunged the Gulf into renewed uncertainty.

Trump warns Iran after Rouhani threat to enrich more uranium

As Iran Enriches Uranium Above The Threshold Limit, Pressure Builds On Europe To Save The Iran Nuclear Deal

Gravitas: What happens to Iran nuclear deal now?

Wion's Assessment Of The Tensions Between The U.S. & Iran & The Possible Implications For India

Gravitas: U.S.-Iran Tensions: What can India do?

Iran — Iran’s president warned European partners in its faltering nuclear deal on Wednesday that Tehran will increase its enrichment of uranium to “any amount that we want” beginning on Sunday, putting pressure on them to offer a way around intense U.S. sanctions targeting the country.

Iran: We will enrich uranium to ‘any amount we want’

Iran on Friday warned that the diplomatic meeting in Vienna among the remaining signatories of the embattled 2015 nuclear deal may be the "last chance" to save the historic accord.

Officials from the deal`s remaining signatories, including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Iran and the European Union, held talks in the Austrian capital on Friday after Tehran had warned that it would soon breach the limit of producing low-enriched uranium mandated by the nuclear agreement, Al Jazeera reported.

"It was a step forward, but it is still not enough and not meeting Iran`s expectations," Iran`s Deputy Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi told reporters Vienna.

"I don`t think the progress made today will be enough to stop our process but the decision will be made in Tehran," he added.

The meeting took place amid growing concern that the deal could collapse, a year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord, which limits Iran`s nuclear activity in exchange for relief from sanctions.

After pulling out, Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran and called for Iranian oil exports to be reduced to zero as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, which has dramatically reduced Iran`s oil exports.

In addition to the stockpile limit, Iran has said that in early July it will start to enrich uranium above the 3.67 per cent cap agreed in the deal.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday, the EU said Germany, France and the UK have set up a special trade channel with Iran that aims to circumvent US sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

China`s delegate at the talks, Fu Cong, said Beijing would continue to import Iranian oil despite Washington`s sanctions on Tehran.

"We reject the unilateral imposition of sanctions," he stressed.

"For us, energy security is important and the importation of Iranian oil is important to Chinese energy security and also the livelihood of the people," Cong was quoted as saying.

He added that the meeting was "conducive to easing tensions in the region", referring to sabre-rattling between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf.

Concern about a possible confrontation in the region escalated sharply last week when Iran shot down a US unmanned drone, which Tehran said was in its airspace.

The US said it was downed in international airspace. US President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory attacks on Iran but later cancelled them, saying they would not have been proportional.

It was the latest in a series of escalatory events in the Gulf region in recent weeks, including alleged attacks on tankers which the US has blamed on Iran, despite Tehran`s denials.

Iran on Friday warned that the diplomatic meeting in Vienna among the remaining signatories of the embattled 2015 nuclear deal may be the "last chance" to save the historic accord.

Iran on Friday warned that the diplomatic meeting in Vienna among the remaining signatories of the embattled 2015 nuclear deal may be the "last chance" to save the historic accord. Officials from the deal`s remaining signatories, including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Iran and the European Union, held talks in the Austrian capital on Friday after Tehran had warned that it would soon breach the limit of producing low-enriched uranium mandated by the nuclear agreement, Al Jazeera reported. "It was a step forward, but it is still not enough and not meeting Iran`s expectations," Iran`s Deputy Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi told reporters Vienna. "I don`t think the progress made today will be enough to stop our process but the decision will be made in Tehran," he added. The meeting took place amid growing concern that the deal could collapse, a year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord, which limits Iran`s nuclear activity in exchange for relief from sanctions. After pulling out, Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran and called for Iranian oil exports to be reduced to zero as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, which has dramatically reduced Iran`s oil exports. In addition to the stockpile limit, Iran has said that in early July it will start to enrich uranium above the 3.67 per cent cap agreed in the deal. Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday, the EU said Germany, France and the UK have set up a special trade channel with Iran that aims to circumvent US sanctions on the Islamic Republic. China`s delegate at the talks, Fu Cong, said Beijing would continue to import Iranian oil despite Washington`s sanctions on Tehran. "We reject the unilateral imposition of sanctions," he stressed. "For us, energy security is important and the importation of Iranian oil is important to Chinese energy security and also the livelihood of the people," Cong was quoted as saying. He added that the meeting was "conducive to easing tensions in the region", referring to sabre-rattling between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf. Concern about a possible confrontation in the region escalated sharply last week when Iran shot down a US unmanned drone, which Tehran said was in its airspace. The US said it was downed in international airspace. US President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory attacks on Iran but later cancelled them, saying they would not have been proportional. It was the latest in a series of escalatory events in the Gulf region in recent weeks, including alleged attacks on tankers which the US has blamed on Iran, despite Tehran`s denials.

Vienna meeting is 'last chance' to save 2015 nuclear deal, Iran warns

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">Iran</a> is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">deal with major powers</a> but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said.

Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord.

"They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months.

Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say. On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said. Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord. "They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity. The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months. Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran still short of nuclear deal's enriched uranium cap: Diplomats

The Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-to-ban-hezbollah-under-anti-terror-laws-199666">Hezbollah</a> believes a US war on Iran is unlikely and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-decision-has-emboldened-iran-to-take-on-more-risks-230489">US President Donald Trump</a> would not be able to control the results of a conflict that could engulf the region.

Sheikh Naim Qassem, in an interview with Lebanon's al-Joumhouria newspaper, said such a war would be fought on many fronts, not just one, meaning losses would be countless.

"At the regional level, we see as unlikely an American war against Iran for many reasons, the most important of them being first that Iran is a strong state with important defensive capabilities," Qassem said.

Trump "does not benefit from a war that he can start but whose results he cannot control and which might begin with Iran but may be accompanied by the region being set on fire", he said.

Hezbollah is a heavily armed group founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982 that has fought more recently in regional conflicts including Syria and Iraq as part of a Tehran-backed alliance.

Qassem noted what he described as "the great accomplishments" of the alliance led by Iran over the last two decades in "Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere".

The United States views Hezbollah as a terrorist group.

On Wednesday, Trump said any war between Iran and the United States would be swift, but reiterated his desire to avoid a military confrontation even while blasting Tehran’s leaders.

The United States has imposed crippling financial sanctions against Iran since last year when Trump withdrew from a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Iran curbed its nuclear programme.

Tension has escalated sharply since last month when the Trump administration tightened its sanctions noose, ordering all countries to halt purchases of Iranian oil.

The Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah believes a US war on Iran is unlikely and US President Donald Trump would not be able to control the results of a conflict that could engulf the region.

The Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah believes a US war on Iran is unlikely and US President Donald Trump would not be able to control the results of a conflict that could engulf the region. Sheikh Naim Qassem, in an interview with Lebanon's al-Joumhouria newspaper, said such a war would be fought on many fronts, not just one, meaning losses would be countless. "At the regional level, we see as unlikely an American war against Iran for many reasons, the most important of them being first that Iran is a strong state with important defensive capabilities," Qassem said. Trump "does not benefit from a war that he can start but whose results he cannot control and which might begin with Iran but may be accompanied by the region being set on fire", he said. Hezbollah is a heavily armed group founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982 that has fought more recently in regional conflicts including Syria and Iraq as part of a Tehran-backed alliance. Qassem noted what he described as "the great accomplishments" of the alliance led by Iran over the last two decades in "Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere". The United States views Hezbollah as a terrorist group. On Wednesday, Trump said any war between Iran and the United States would be swift, but reiterated his desire to avoid a military confrontation even while blasting Tehran’s leaders. The United States has imposed crippling financial sanctions against Iran since last year when Trump withdrew from a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Iran curbed its nuclear programme. Tension has escalated sharply since last month when the Trump administration tightened its sanctions noose, ordering all countries to halt purchases of Iranian oil.

Hezbollah sees United States war on Iran as unlikely: Report

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran "never seeks war" with the US, state media reported Wednesday amid a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-would-not-dare-violate-iranian-soil-revolutionary-guards-commander-230496">spike in tensions between the two countries</a>.

"Iran has no interest to increase tension in the region and it never seeks war with any country, including (the) US," the president said, quoted by state news agency IRNA.

Rouhani was speaking by phone to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, as Tehran and Washington engaged in an escalating war of words following Iran shooting down a US drone last week.

"We have always been committed to regional peace and stability and will make efforts in this respect," the Iranian president told Macron.

US President Donald Trump said he pulled back from retaliatory strikes on Iran at the last minute, rejecting Tehran's claim that the aircraft was in its airspace.

But pressure mounted this week with Trump announcing sanctions on Iran's supreme leader and top officials.

The new measures are the latest against Tehran since Trump pulled out of a landmark nuclear accord between Iran and world powers.

Rouhani blamed the United States for regional tensions Wednesday and said if Washington had stuck to the deal "we would have witnessed positive developments in the region".

Iran announced in May it would suspend two of its pledges under the 2015 deal, giving the agreement's remaining supporters two months to help it circumvent US sanctions.

On Tuesday Tehran's top security official said Iran would "forcefully" reduce further commitments from July 7.

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran "never seeks war" with the US, state media reported Wednesday amid a spike in tensions between the two countries. "Iran has no interest to increase tension in the region and it never seeks war with any country, including (the) US," the president said, quoted by state news agency IRNA.

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran "never seeks war" with the US, state media reported Wednesday amid a spike in tensions between the two countries. "Iran has no interest to increase tension in the region and it never seeks war with any country, including (the) US," the president said, quoted by state news agency IRNA. Rouhani was speaking by phone to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, as Tehran and Washington engaged in an escalating war of words following Iran shooting down a US drone last week. "We have always been committed to regional peace and stability and will make efforts in this respect," the Iranian president told Macron. US President Donald Trump said he pulled back from retaliatory strikes on Iran at the last minute, rejecting Tehran's claim that the aircraft was in its airspace. But pressure mounted this week with Trump announcing sanctions on Iran's supreme leader and top officials. The new measures are the latest against Tehran since Trump pulled out of a landmark nuclear accord between Iran and world powers. Rouhani blamed the United States for regional tensions Wednesday and said if Washington had stuck to the deal "we would have witnessed positive developments in the region". Iran announced in May it would suspend two of its pledges under the 2015 deal, giving the agreement's remaining supporters two months to help it circumvent US sanctions. On Tuesday Tehran's top security official said Iran would "forcefully" reduce further commitments from July 7.

Iran 'never seeks war' with US, says Hassan Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran "never seeks war" with the US amid a spike in tensions between the two countries.

Rouhani to Macron: Iran 'Never Seeks War' with US

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismissed new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-mean-permanent-closure-of-path-to-diplomacy-iran-230174">US sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> and described the White House as "mentally retarded", an insult Iran has used in the past about President Donald Trump.

In a speech broadcast live on state television, Rouhani said sanctions against Khamenei would fail because he had no assets abroad. Rouhani described the latest round of sanctions as a sign of US desperation.

"The White House actions mean it is mentally retarded," he said, "Tehran's strategic patience does not mean we have fear."

Rouhani also said, latest sanctions showed Washington is "lying" about offering to negotiate.

&nbsp;"At the same time as you call for negotiations, you seek to sanction the foreign minister? It's obvious that you're lying."

His comments came after US National Security Advisor John Bolton said Washington had "held the door open to real negotiations" but that "in response, Iran's silence has been deafening."

The United States imposed sanctions Monday on Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others, which the Iranian foreign ministry said meant a "permanent closure of the path to diplomacy" with the US administration.

Tensions are running high after Iran shot down a US spy drone last week and Trump considered, then cancelled a retaliatory strike.

Bolton said Tuesday the US remains open to negotiations, more than a year after Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

"All that Iran needs to do is to walk through that open door," he said.

Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington. 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismissed new US sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and described the White House as "mentally retarded", an insult Iran has used in the past about President Donald Trump.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismissed new US sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and described the White House as "mentally retarded", an insult Iran has used in the past about President Donald Trump. In a speech broadcast live on state television, Rouhani said sanctions against Khamenei would fail because he had no assets abroad. Rouhani described the latest round of sanctions as a sign of US desperation. "The White House actions mean it is mentally retarded," he said, "Tehran's strategic patience does not mean we have fear." Rouhani also said, latest sanctions showed Washington is "lying" about offering to negotiate. "At the same time as you call for negotiations, you seek to sanction the foreign minister? It's obvious that you're lying." His comments came after US National Security Advisor John Bolton said Washington had "held the door open to real negotiations" but that "in response, Iran's silence has been deafening." The United States imposed sanctions Monday on Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others, which the Iranian foreign ministry said meant a "permanent closure of the path to diplomacy" with the US administration. Tensions are running high after Iran shot down a US spy drone last week and Trump considered, then cancelled a retaliatory strike. Bolton said Tuesday the US remains open to negotiations, more than a year after Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. "All that Iran needs to do is to walk through that open door," he said. Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington.

Iran dismisses new US sanctions, calls White House 'retarded'

The US will impose "major" additional sanctions on Iran in a bid to prevent the country obtaining nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump says.

Trump announces 'major' sanctions amid tensions on Iran

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abe-set-for-mediation-mission-to-iran-224969">Tehran and Washington</a> to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Abe, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-to-meet-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-to-mediate-with-us-report-223544">first Japanese leader to visit Iran</a> since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, landed in Tehran as a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States stokes fear of another military conflict in the crisis-ridden Middle East.

"Japan can help in easing the ongoing tension between Iran and America... As a goodwill gesture, America should either lift the unjust oil sanctions or extend the waivers or suspend them," a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Iranian state TV broadcast live footage of Abe's arrival, saying he will later hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani and on Thursday will meet the Islamic Republic's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On a four-day visit to Japan last month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-beef-aside-trump-and-abe-bond-over-burgers-sumo-and-golf-221840">US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran</a>, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran.

As a US ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States.

"Mr. Abe can be a great mediator to facilitate that (easing of oil sanctions)... Japan has always respected Iran, and Mr. Abe can play a very constructive role to calm the ongoing tension that can harm the (Middle East) region," said another Iranian official, who asked not to be named.

Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Trump cranks up pressure on Iran

Washington, calling the nuclear deal flawed and seeking to push Iran into new negotiations, intensified sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and firms to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system.

It has also dispatched extra armed forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats.

Iran threatened in May that in 60 days it would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions.

European parties of the deal have promised to help Iran find other ways to trade, although with no success so far. All major European companies that had announced plans to invest in Iran have since called them off for fear of US punishment.

"Japan wants to do as much as possible towards peace and stability in the Middle East," Abe said in Tokyo ahead of his departure, according to Iranian TV.

Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will focus on defending its interests, according to state TV.

"During the talks with foreign leaders, Iran's interests and preserving these rights will be our priority," it quoted Rouhani as saying.

To achieve his aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to zero, the Trump administration has revoked waivers since May that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude and has effectively ordered countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit. Abe, the first Japanese leader to visit Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, landed in Tehran as a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States stokes fear of another military conflict in the crisis-ridden Middle East. "Japan can help in easing the ongoing tension between Iran and America... As a goodwill gesture, America should either lift the unjust oil sanctions or extend the waivers or suspend them," a senior Iranian official told Reuters. Iranian state TV broadcast live footage of Abe's arrival, saying he will later hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani and on Thursday will meet the Islamic Republic's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On a four-day visit to Japan last month, US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran. As a US ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States. "Mr. Abe can be a great mediator to facilitate that (easing of oil sanctions)... Japan has always respected Iran, and Mr. Abe can play a very constructive role to calm the ongoing tension that can harm the (Middle East) region," said another Iranian official, who asked not to be named. Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Trump cranks up pressure on Iran Washington, calling the nuclear deal flawed and seeking to push Iran into new negotiations, intensified sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and firms to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system. It has also dispatched extra armed forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats. Iran threatened in May that in 60 days it would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions. European parties of the deal have promised to help Iran find other ways to trade, although with no success so far. All major European companies that had announced plans to invest in Iran have since called them off for fear of US punishment. "Japan wants to do as much as possible towards peace and stability in the Middle East," Abe said in Tokyo ahead of his departure, according to Iranian TV. Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will focus on defending its interests, according to state TV. "During the talks with foreign leaders, Iran's interests and preserving these rights will be our priority," it quoted Rouhani as saying. To achieve his aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to zero, the Trump administration has revoked waivers since May that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude and has effectively ordered countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

Iran to ask Japan's Abe to mediate over US oil sanctions: Officials

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ramped up the pressure on Iran to ensure local female football fans are allowed to attend men's World Cup qualifiers in the Islamic Republic later this year.

In a letter seen by Reuters sent to the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Infantino requested a timeline to be delivered to FIFA that would result in women to being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, which begin on September&nbsp;5.

"Whilst we are aware of the challenges and cultural sensitivities, we simply have to continue making progress here, not only because we owe it to women all over the world, but also because we have a responsibility to do so, under the most basic principles set out in the FIFA Statutes," Infantino wrote to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj on Tuesday.

"I would be very grateful if you could inform <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-stick-with-32-teams-for-2022-football-world-cup-in-qatar-220740&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjruZW7tfriAhVUX30KHWq8DBUQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vsQUm-n0p5KmZ3u-qN6bP">FIFA</a>, at your earliest convenience but no later than 15 July 2019, as to the concrete steps which both the FFIRI and the Iranian state authorities will now be taking in order to ensure that all Iranian and foreign women who wish to do so will be allowed to buy tickets and to attend the matches,"&nbsp;Infantino said.

The FFIRI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men's teams have been playing since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

There were signs the situation was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the final of the Asian Champions League in Tehran last November.

Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis faced off against Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section".

That move came after concerted efforts from pressure groups from both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz.

It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Iran President Hassan Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation.

However, female fans have been denied access to matches since, with Iran's friendly against Syria earlier this month the latest incident when women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.

"The fact that these important first steps were made, and that I was able to witness it personally, makes it all the more disappointing that it was not possible to keep up the positive momentum," Infantino added.

"Unfortunately, this is, I also have to say, not in line with the commitments given to us in March 2018 by President Rouhani when we were assured that important progress would be made on this matter soon," he said.

Infantino pledged to give Iranian football authorities whatever assistance they required to ensure female fans would be granted access to matches.

"I would like to reiterate <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-expected-to-take-control-over-running-of-african-football-228960&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjruZW7tfriAhVUX30KHWq8DBUQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw08TiskBIRZUGKxK-gFy44m">FIFA's </a>full offer of support to achieve this goal and please allow me to underline, once again, that it is really imperative that we make progress here, and that we do so together," Infantino said.

Iran are among the top seeds in the draw for Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 17.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ramped up the pressure on Iran to ensure local female football fans are allowed to attend men's World Cup qualifiers in the Islamic Republic later this year.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ramped up the pressure on Iran to ensure local female football fans are allowed to attend men's World Cup qualifiers in the Islamic Republic later this year. In a letter seen by Reuters sent to the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Infantino requested a timeline to be delivered to FIFA that would result in women to being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, which begin on September 5. "Whilst we are aware of the challenges and cultural sensitivities, we simply have to continue making progress here, not only because we owe it to women all over the world, but also because we have a responsibility to do so, under the most basic principles set out in the FIFA Statutes," Infantino wrote to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj on Tuesday. "I would be very grateful if you could inform FIFA, at your earliest convenience but no later than 15 July 2019, as to the concrete steps which both the FFIRI and the Iranian state authorities will now be taking in order to ensure that all Iranian and foreign women who wish to do so will be allowed to buy tickets and to attend the matches," Infantino said. The FFIRI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men's teams have been playing since the Islamic revolution in 1979. There were signs the situation was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the final of the Asian Champions League in Tehran last November. Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis faced off against Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section". That move came after concerted efforts from pressure groups from both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz. It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Iran President Hassan Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation. However, female fans have been denied access to matches since, with Iran's friendly against Syria earlier this month the latest incident when women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces. "The fact that these important first steps were made, and that I was able to witness it personally, makes it all the more disappointing that it was not possible to keep up the positive momentum," Infantino added. "Unfortunately, this is, I also have to say, not in line with the commitments given to us in March 2018 by President Rouhani when we were assured that important progress would be made on this matter soon," he said. Infantino pledged to give Iranian football authorities whatever assistance they required to ensure female fans would be granted access to matches. "I would like to reiterate FIFA's full offer of support to achieve this goal and please allow me to underline, once again, that it is really imperative that we make progress here, and that we do so together," Infantino said. Iran are among the top seeds in the draw for Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 17.

FIFA ramps up pressure on Iran to grant women access to matches

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205">Iran</a> said on Wednesday it would not give European powers more time beyond July 8 to save its nuclear deal by shielding it from US sanctions.

The spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said Tehran was ready to go through with a threat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-exceed-enriched-uranium-limit-in-10-days-iran-227944">enrich uranium to a higher level </a>if Europe did not step in, a move that would breach the terms of a nuclear pact with world powers.

Any such breach would raise already heightened tensions between Iran and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-is-very-prepared-with-regard-to-iran-228665">US President Donald Trump</a> who has said he is ready to take military action to stop Tehran getting a nuclear bomb.

Tehran said in May it would reduce compliance with the nuclear pact it agreed with world powers in 2015, in protest at the United States’ decision to unilaterally pull out of the agreement and reimpose sanctions last year.

Iran added that it would start enriching uranium at a higher level unless other European signatories to the deal protected its economy from the US sanctions within 60 days.

"Iran's two-month deadline to remaining signatories of the JCPOA (nuclear deal) cannot be extended, and the second phase will be implemented exactly as planned," atomic agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran’s actions were the "minimum" measures Tehran could adopt one year after the US withdrawal from the deal, but said they were reversible.

"If our demands are not met, we will take new measures after 60 days, calculated from May 8," Rouhani said in a cabinet meeting broadcast on state television.

"But if they return to their commitments, we will cancel all measures taken in the first 60 days or possibly the second 60 days, and there won't be any problem."

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said Europe was not helping to counteract US sanctions on its energy sector by buying its oil.

Confrontation

The 2015 nuclear pact seeks to head off any pathway to an Iranian nuclear bomb in return for the removal of most international sanctions.

The accord requires Iran to curb its uranium enrichment capacity, capping Iran’s stock of low-enriched uranium at 300 kg of uranium hexafluoride enriched to 3.67 per cent or its equivalent for 15 years.

A series of more intrusive UN inspections under the deal have verified that Iran has been meeting its commitments. Iran has always said its nuclear programme is for electricity generation and medical purposes only.

Trump said he was pulling out of the deal because it was not permanent and failed to address Iran's missile programme or punish it for waging proxy wars in the Middle East. Trump's action has forced countries around the world to boycott Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Britain, France and Germany have been planning a new push to keep Iran in the 2015 deal, but European officials have acknowledged they may be nearing the end of the diplomatic road.

Worries about a confrontation between Iran and the United States have mounted since attacks last week on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

Washington blamed Iran, and the Pentagon announced the deployment of about 1,000 more US troops to the Middle East, citing concerns about a threat from Iran.

Iran has denied any involvement in the tanker attacks.

The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, said on Wednesday there would be no military confrontation with the United States - echoing a statement from Iran's president a day earlier.

Iran said on Wednesday it would not give European powers more time beyond July 8 to save its nuclear deal by shielding it from US sanctions. The spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said Tehran was ready to go through with a threat to enrich uranium to a higher level if Europe did not step in, a move that would breach the terms of a nuclear pact with world powers.

Iran said on Wednesday it would not give European powers more time beyond July 8 to save its nuclear deal by shielding it from US sanctions. The spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said Tehran was ready to go through with a threat to enrich uranium to a higher level if Europe did not step in, a move that would breach the terms of a nuclear pact with world powers. Any such breach would raise already heightened tensions between Iran and US President Donald Trump who has said he is ready to take military action to stop Tehran getting a nuclear bomb. Tehran said in May it would reduce compliance with the nuclear pact it agreed with world powers in 2015, in protest at the United States’ decision to unilaterally pull out of the agreement and reimpose sanctions last year. Iran added that it would start enriching uranium at a higher level unless other European signatories to the deal protected its economy from the US sanctions within 60 days. "Iran's two-month deadline to remaining signatories of the JCPOA (nuclear deal) cannot be extended, and the second phase will be implemented exactly as planned," atomic agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. President Hassan Rouhani said Iran’s actions were the "minimum" measures Tehran could adopt one year after the US withdrawal from the deal, but said they were reversible. "If our demands are not met, we will take new measures after 60 days, calculated from May 8," Rouhani said in a cabinet meeting broadcast on state television. "But if they return to their commitments, we will cancel all measures taken in the first 60 days or possibly the second 60 days, and there won't be any problem." Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said Europe was not helping to counteract US sanctions on its energy sector by buying its oil. Confrontation The 2015 nuclear pact seeks to head off any pathway to an Iranian nuclear bomb in return for the removal of most international sanctions. The accord requires Iran to curb its uranium enrichment capacity, capping Iran’s stock of low-enriched uranium at 300 kg of uranium hexafluoride enriched to 3.67 per cent or its equivalent for 15 years. A series of more intrusive UN inspections under the deal have verified that Iran has been meeting its commitments. Iran has always said its nuclear programme is for electricity generation and medical purposes only. Trump said he was pulling out of the deal because it was not permanent and failed to address Iran's missile programme or punish it for waging proxy wars in the Middle East. Trump's action has forced countries around the world to boycott Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. Britain, France and Germany have been planning a new push to keep Iran in the 2015 deal, but European officials have acknowledged they may be nearing the end of the diplomatic road. Worries about a confrontation between Iran and the United States have mounted since attacks last week on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Washington blamed Iran, and the Pentagon announced the deployment of about 1,000 more US troops to the Middle East, citing concerns about a threat from Iran. Iran has denied any involvement in the tanker attacks. The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, said on Wednesday there would be no military confrontation with the United States - echoing a statement from Iran's president a day earlier.

Will not give Europe more time to save nuclear deal: Iran

President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday Iran would not wage war against any nation, sounding a note of restraint after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-deployment-of-1000-additional-troops-to-middle-east-amid-iran-tensions-228136">United States announced more troop deployments</a> to the Middle East.

Fears of a confrontation between Iran and its long-time foe the United States have mounted since Thursday when two oil tankers were attacked near the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, which Washington blamed on Tehran.

Iran denied involvement in the attacks and said on Monday it would soon breach limits on how much-enriched uranium it can stockpile under a 2015 nuclear deal, which had sought to limit its nuclear capabilities.

Exceeding the uranium cap at the heart of the accord would prompt a diplomatic crisis, forcing the other signatories, which include China, Russia and European powers, to confront Iran.

The standoff drew a call for caution from China. Its top diplomat warned that the world should not open a "Pandora's Box" in the Middle East, as he denounced US pressure on Iran and called on it not to drop out of the landmark nuclear deal.

Russia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-us-over-extra-troop-deployment-to-middle-east-228294">urged restraint on all sides</a>.

In a speech, Rouhani dismissed US efforts to isolate Iran as unsuccessful and suggested the US administration of President Donald Trump was inexperienced in international affairs.

But he said Iran did not seek conflict.

"Iran will not wage war against any nation," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "Despite all of the Americans' efforts in the region and their desire to cut off our ties with all of the world and their desire to keep Iran secluded, they have been unsuccessful."

On Monday, Iranian officials made several assertive comments about security, including the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, who said Tehran was responsible for security in the Gulf and urged US forces to leave the region.

Sanctions tightened

Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday announced the deployment of about 1,000 more troops to the Middle East for what he said were defensive purposes, citing concerns about a threat from Iran.

The new US deployment is in addition to a 1,500-troop increase announced last month in response to tanker attacks in May. Washington previously tightened sanctions, ordering all countries and companies to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system.

Iran's announcement on Monday that it would soon breach limits on how much-enriched uranium it can stockpile under the deal was denounced by a White House National Security Council spokesman as "nuclear blackmail."

The move further undermines the nuclear pact, but Rouhani said on Monday the collapse of the deal would not be in the interests of the region or the world.

The nuclear deal seeks to head off any pathway to an Iranian nuclear bomb in return for the removal of most international sanctions.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said the United States should not use "extreme pressure" to resolve issues with Iran.

China 'very concerned'

Wang told reporters China, a close energy partner of Iran, was "of course, very concerned" about the situation in the Gulf and with Iran, and called on all sides to ease tension.

"We call on all sides to remain rational and exercise restraint, and not take any escalatory actions that irritate regional tensions, and not open a Pandora's box," Wang said.

"In particular, the US side should alter its extreme pressure methods," Wang said. "Any unilateral behaviour has no basis in international law. Not only will it not resolve the problem, it will only create an even greater crisis."

Wang also said the Iran nuclear deal was the only feasible way to resolve its nuclear issue, and urged Iran to be prudent.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the EU would only react to any breach if the International Atomic Energy Agency formally identified one.

The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran's missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday Iran would not wage war against any nation, sounding a note of restraint after the United States announced more troop deployments to the Middle East.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday Iran would not wage war against any nation, sounding a note of restraint after the United States announced more troop deployments to the Middle East. Fears of a confrontation between Iran and its long-time foe the United States have mounted since Thursday when two oil tankers were attacked near the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, which Washington blamed on Tehran. Iran denied involvement in the attacks and said on Monday it would soon breach limits on how much-enriched uranium it can stockpile under a 2015 nuclear deal, which had sought to limit its nuclear capabilities. Exceeding the uranium cap at the heart of the accord would prompt a diplomatic crisis, forcing the other signatories, which include China, Russia and European powers, to confront Iran. The standoff drew a call for caution from China. Its top diplomat warned that the world should not open a "Pandora's Box" in the Middle East, as he denounced US pressure on Iran and called on it not to drop out of the landmark nuclear deal. Russia urged restraint on all sides. In a speech, Rouhani dismissed US efforts to isolate Iran as unsuccessful and suggested the US administration of President Donald Trump was inexperienced in international affairs. But he said Iran did not seek conflict. "Iran will not wage war against any nation," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "Despite all of the Americans' efforts in the region and their desire to cut off our ties with all of the world and their desire to keep Iran secluded, they have been unsuccessful." On Monday, Iranian officials made several assertive comments about security, including the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, who said Tehran was responsible for security in the Gulf and urged US forces to leave the region. Sanctions tightened Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday announced the deployment of about 1,000 more troops to the Middle East for what he said were defensive purposes, citing concerns about a threat from Iran. The new US deployment is in addition to a 1,500-troop increase announced last month in response to tanker attacks in May. Washington previously tightened sanctions, ordering all countries and companies to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system. Iran's announcement on Monday that it would soon breach limits on how much-enriched uranium it can stockpile under the deal was denounced by a White House National Security Council spokesman as "nuclear blackmail." The move further undermines the nuclear pact, but Rouhani said on Monday the collapse of the deal would not be in the interests of the region or the world. The nuclear deal seeks to head off any pathway to an Iranian nuclear bomb in return for the removal of most international sanctions. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said the United States should not use "extreme pressure" to resolve issues with Iran. China 'very concerned' Wang told reporters China, a close energy partner of Iran, was "of course, very concerned" about the situation in the Gulf and with Iran, and called on all sides to ease tension. "We call on all sides to remain rational and exercise restraint, and not take any escalatory actions that irritate regional tensions, and not open a Pandora's box," Wang said. "In particular, the US side should alter its extreme pressure methods," Wang said. "Any unilateral behaviour has no basis in international law. Not only will it not resolve the problem, it will only create an even greater crisis." Wang also said the Iran nuclear deal was the only feasible way to resolve its nuclear issue, and urged Iran to be prudent. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the EU would only react to any breach if the International Atomic Energy Agency formally identified one. The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran's missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries.

'Won't wage war,' says Iran President Hassan Rouhani as US deploys more troops to Middle East

Iran said Monday it will surpass from June 27 its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weighing-full-range-of-options-to-counter-iran-including-a-military-strike-mike-pompeo-on-iran-227800">uranium stockpile limit set under </a>the nuclear deal with world powers, turning up the pressure after the US walked away from the landmark pact last year.

"Today the countdown to pass the 300 kilogrammes reserve of enriched uranium has started and in 10 days time... we will pass this limit," Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said at a press conference broadcast live.

The move "will be reversed once other parties live up to their commitments," he added, speaking from the Arak nuclear plant south-west of Tehran.

On May 8,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-scale-back-nuclear-deal-commitments-report-227660"> President Hassan Rouhani</a> announced that Iran would stop observing restrictions on its stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal.

He said the move was in retaliation for the unilateral US withdrawal from the accord a year earlier, which saw Washington impose tough economic sanctions on Tehran.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-wont-rule-out-war-with-iran-225052/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated ever since, with Washington bolstering its military presence in the region and blacklisting Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation.

The US has also blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, a charge Tehran has denied as "baseless".

Iran has threatened to go even further in scaling down nuclear commitments by July 8 unless remaining partners to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and especially enable it to sell its oil.

Under the agreement, Iran pledged to reduce its nuclear capacities for several years and allow international inspectors inside the country to monitor its activities in return for relief from international sanctions.

The deal set a limit on the number of uranium-enriching centrifuges, and restricted its right to enrich uranium to no higher than 3.67 per cent, well below weapons-grade levels of around 90 per cent.

It also called on Iran to export enriched uranium and heavy water to ensure that the country's reserves would stay within the production ceiling set by the agreement, yet recent US restrictions have made such exports virtually impossible.

According to Rouhani, his ultimatum last month was intended to "save the (deal), not destroy it".

The three European parties to the accord created a trade mechanism meant to bypass US sanctions, but their attempt was dismissed by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "bitter joke."

If world powers do not step up to help Iran, the atomic energy organisation spokesman warned further steps could be taken.

"They range from going to 3.68 per cent to any other per cent according to the country's needs," said Kamalvandi.

Authorities are still debating whether to "redesign or revive" the Arak reactor, he added.

Uranium enriched to much higher levels than Iran's current stocks can be used as the fissile core of a nuclear weapon, while heavy water is a source of plutonium, which can be used as an alternative way to produce a warhead.

"A point to Europeans: if the first step took time to be done, other steps, especially increasing enrichment... need no more than a day or two," said Kamalvandi.

Germany has acknowledged the economic benefits Tehran hoped for from the deal were now "more difficult to obtain", but has urged Iran to fully respect the "extraordinarily important" nuclear deal.

Iran said Monday it will surpass from June 27 its uranium stockpile limit set under the nuclear deal with world powers, turning up the pressure after the US walked away from the landmark pact last year.

Iran said Monday it will surpass from June 27 its uranium stockpile limit set under the nuclear deal with world powers, turning up the pressure after the US walked away from the landmark pact last year. "Today the countdown to pass the 300 kilogrammes reserve of enriched uranium has started and in 10 days time... we will pass this limit," Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said at a press conference broadcast live. The move "will be reversed once other parties live up to their commitments," he added, speaking from the Arak nuclear plant south-west of Tehran. On May 8, President Hassan Rouhani announced that Iran would stop observing restrictions on its stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal. He said the move was in retaliation for the unilateral US withdrawal from the accord a year earlier, which saw Washington impose tough economic sanctions on Tehran. Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated ever since, with Washington bolstering its military presence in the region and blacklisting Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. The US has also blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, a charge Tehran has denied as "baseless". Iran has threatened to go even further in scaling down nuclear commitments by July 8 unless remaining partners to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and especially enable it to sell its oil. Under the agreement, Iran pledged to reduce its nuclear capacities for several years and allow international inspectors inside the country to monitor its activities in return for relief from international sanctions. The deal set a limit on the number of uranium-enriching centrifuges, and restricted its right to enrich uranium to no higher than 3.67 per cent, well below weapons-grade levels of around 90 per cent. It also called on Iran to export enriched uranium and heavy water to ensure that the country's reserves would stay within the production ceiling set by the agreement, yet recent US restrictions have made such exports virtually impossible. According to Rouhani, his ultimatum last month was intended to "save the (deal), not destroy it". The three European parties to the accord created a trade mechanism meant to bypass US sanctions, but their attempt was dismissed by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "bitter joke." If world powers do not step up to help Iran, the atomic energy organisation spokesman warned further steps could be taken. "They range from going to 3.68 per cent to any other per cent according to the country's needs," said Kamalvandi. Authorities are still debating whether to "redesign or revive" the Arak reactor, he added. Uranium enriched to much higher levels than Iran's current stocks can be used as the fissile core of a nuclear weapon, while heavy water is a source of plutonium, which can be used as an alternative way to produce a warhead. "A point to Europeans: if the first step took time to be done, other steps, especially increasing enrichment... need no more than a day or two," said Kamalvandi. Germany has acknowledged the economic benefits Tehran hoped for from the deal were now "more difficult to obtain", but has urged Iran to fully respect the "extraordinarily important" nuclear deal.

Will exceed enriched uranium limit in 10 days: Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-accelerated-enrichment-of-uranium-iaea-says-226200">Iran</a> on Saturday signalled that it might further scale back from its commitments signed under the nuclear deal unless other signatories show "positive signals".

"Iran cannot stick to this agreement unilaterally. It is necessary that all the sides of this agreement contribute to restoring it, " Al Jazeera quoted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-expects-positive-change-if-us-ends-economic-war-226665">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a>, as saying.

"Iran needed to see positive signals from other signatories to the pact, " he added.

However, he fell short of telling details of actions Tehran is planning to take.

Last month, Iran had halted some of the commitments, following an order from the country`s National Security Council.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced to withdraw from a nuclear deal and slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter`s support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts.

Watch--The US has turned up pressure on Iran: See the Timeline of Events

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The historic 2015 deal between Iran and world powers--United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany-- offered sanctions relief to Iran for scaling back its nuclear programme.

His comment comes days after, two oil tankers-- Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous-- were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has accused Iran of the attack. It also released a video backing its claim. During the address, the Iranian President, however, made no mention of attacks.

Tensions have escalated further in the already simmering region.

The US has remained rooted to its stand, saying it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme.

Washington recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.

Iran on Saturday signalled that it might further scale back from its commitments signed under the nuclear deal unless other signatories show "positive signals". "Iran cannot stick to this agreement unilaterally.

Iran on Saturday signalled that it might further scale back from its commitments signed under the nuclear deal unless other signatories show "positive signals". "Iran cannot stick to this agreement unilaterally. It is necessary that all the sides of this agreement contribute to restoring it, " Al Jazeera quoted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, as saying. "Iran needed to see positive signals from other signatories to the pact, " he added. However, he fell short of telling details of actions Tehran is planning to take. Last month, Iran had halted some of the commitments, following an order from the country`s National Security Council. US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced to withdraw from a nuclear deal and slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter`s support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts. Watch--The US has turned up pressure on Iran: See the Timeline of Events × The historic 2015 deal between Iran and world powers--United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany-- offered sanctions relief to Iran for scaling back its nuclear programme. His comment comes days after, two oil tankers-- Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous-- were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has accused Iran of the attack. It also released a video backing its claim. During the address, the Iranian President, however, made no mention of attacks. Tensions have escalated further in the already simmering region. The US has remained rooted to its stand, saying it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme. Washington recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.

Iran might scale back from nuclear deal commitments

As the blame game continued over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sophisticated-tanker-attacks-likely-the-work-of-a-state-actor-uae-225109">tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman</a>, Iran President Rouhani slammed the US during his speech at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-behind-tanker-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-us-acting-ambassador-jonathan-cohen-226968">US government</a> over the last two years, violating all the international structures and rules and using its economic, financial and military resources, has taken an aggressive approach and presents a serious risk to stability in the region and the world," Rouhani said, in translated comments, at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The two tankers, one Norwegian- and one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flying-objects-damaged-japanese-tanker-during-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-kokuka-sangyo-co-president-227084">Japanese-owned</a>, were set ablaze in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran on Thursday, escalating tensions across the region and sending world oil prices soaring.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/received-distress-calls-from-two-tankers-under-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-us-fifth-fleet-226781">Iran </a>was responsible for the attack that occurred in the Gulf of Oman.

"This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping," Pompeo said.

US military tried to back up Pompeo's claim asserting&nbsp;that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Gashti Class patrol boat approached the Kokuka Courageous "and was observed and recorded removing (an) unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous."&nbsp;

The US also released a video of the incident.

The United Arab Emirates said Friday that twin attacks on tankers in the Sea of Oman just weeks after four ships were damaged off the UAE coast marked a dangerous escalation".

"The attack against the tankers in the Gulf of Oman is a worrying development and a dangerous escalation," the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif charged that the US administration had "immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran without a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence".

He accused it of seeking to "sabotage diplomacy" as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Tehran in a bid to ease Iran-US tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the blame game continued over tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman, Iran President Rouhani slammed the US during his speech at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

As the blame game continued over tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman, Iran President Rouhani slammed the US during his speech at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. "The US government over the last two years, violating all the international structures and rules and using its economic, financial and military resources, has taken an aggressive approach and presents a serious risk to stability in the region and the world," Rouhani said, in translated comments, at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The two tankers, one Norwegian- and one Japanese-owned, were set ablaze in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran on Thursday, escalating tensions across the region and sending world oil prices soaring. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier that Iran was responsible for the attack that occurred in the Gulf of Oman. "This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping," Pompeo said. US military tried to back up Pompeo's claim asserting that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Gashti Class patrol boat approached the Kokuka Courageous "and was observed and recorded removing (an) unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous." The US also released a video of the incident. The United Arab Emirates said Friday that twin attacks on tankers in the Sea of Oman just weeks after four ships were damaged off the UAE coast marked a dangerous escalation". "The attack against the tankers in the Gulf of Oman is a worrying development and a dangerous escalation," the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif charged that the US administration had "immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran without a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence". He accused it of seeking to "sabotage diplomacy" as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Tehran in a bid to ease Iran-US tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

US 'serious threat to global stability': Iran President Hassan Rouhani at SCO summit

Japan is in a unique position as a U.S. ally because it has long maintained close ties with Iran, making Abe an ideal mediator. U.S.-Iran ties have frayed since President Donald Trump pulled out of an Iran nuclear deal in which it agreed to curb its nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions. The United States has also hinted at military confrontation, sending extra forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats

Explainer: Why is Japan's Abe going to Iran? What can he accomplish?

Iran will not repeat its "bitter experience" of negotiating with the United States, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, amid an escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Abe, who visited Tehran carrying a message to Iranian leaders from US President Donald Trump, warned on Wednesday of unintended clashes in the crisis-hit Middle East after meeting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Tensions between the United States and Iran, already at a high pitch, were expected to escalate further on Thursday after reports of suspected attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf.

State media quoted Khamenei as saying in his meeting with Abe: "I do not see Trump as worthy of any message exchange, and I do not have any reply for him, now or in future."

Khamenei also said Trump's promise not to seek regime change in Iran was "a lie", adding that he did not believe Washington's offer of honest negotiations with Tehran.

Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has no trust in America and will never repeat the bitter experience of previous negotiations with America in the framework of the JCPOA,” Khamenei said, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. “No wise and proud nation will accept negotiations under pressure.”

Abe told reporters in Tehran that "Supreme Leader Khamenei made a comment that the country will not and should not make, hold or use nuclear weapons, and that it has no such intentions."

Last month Washington revoked sanctions waivers that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude, effectively ordering all countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

On a visit to Japan last month, US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran.

Iran will not repeat its "bitter experience" of negotiating with the United States, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, amid an escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Iran will not repeat its "bitter experience" of negotiating with the United States, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, amid an escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington. Abe, who visited Tehran carrying a message to Iranian leaders from US President Donald Trump, warned on Wednesday of unintended clashes in the crisis-hit Middle East after meeting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Tensions between the United States and Iran, already at a high pitch, were expected to escalate further on Thursday after reports of suspected attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf. State media quoted Khamenei as saying in his meeting with Abe: "I do not see Trump as worthy of any message exchange, and I do not have any reply for him, now or in future." Khamenei also said Trump's promise not to seek regime change in Iran was "a lie", adding that he did not believe Washington's offer of honest negotiations with Tehran. Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has no trust in America and will never repeat the bitter experience of previous negotiations with America in the framework of the JCPOA,” Khamenei said, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. “No wise and proud nation will accept negotiations under pressure.” Abe told reporters in Tehran that "Supreme Leader Khamenei made a comment that the country will not and should not make, hold or use nuclear weapons, and that it has no such intentions." Last month Washington revoked sanctions waivers that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude, effectively ordering all countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions. On a visit to Japan last month, US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran.

Iranian leader tells Japan's Abe he has no reply to message from Trump

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said that the European Union should resist the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-over-economic-war-waged-through-us-sanctions-226075">economic terrorism</a>" committed by the United States against Iran and fulfill its obligation under the 2015 nuclear deal.

The US withdrawal from the JCPOA has had nothing, but the adverse impact on the interaction among the countries and regional stability. If EU states maintain that JCPOA benefits Iran and EU ties as well as regional stability and peace, it should take practical steps to save the deal," IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

He made the comments during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Tehran.

Accusing the US of breaching the nuclear agreement, Rouhani said that Washington launched "terrorist actions" in the reaction and added that the EU did not have any "responsible reactions" from their side.

"The US is moving on track of economic terrorism with its oppressive sanctions," he said.

Denying US' claims that Iran is planning to build nuclear bombs, Rouhani said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified Tehran's compliance with the deal in 15 reports.

The Iranian President asserted that his country took steps in ensuring stability in the region and is fighting against terror in countries including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

On the other hand, Maas talked about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East saying, "We and the EU are seeking to reduce tensions in the region and will spare no effort in this respect."

Disregarding the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Maas noted that Germany is against Washington's policies and Berlin is trying to save the agreement by cooperating with EU states particularly France and the UK.

Ties between the US and Iran soured after Washington pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year.

Following this, the US slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter's support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts.

The historic 2015 deal between Iran and world powers including the EU and the US, offered sanctions relief to Iran for scaling back its nuclear programme.

The US has remained rooted to its stand, saying it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme.

Washington also recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said that the European Union should resist the "economic terrorism" committed by the United States against Iran and fulfill its obligation under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said that the European Union should resist the "economic terrorism" committed by the United States against Iran and fulfill its obligation under the 2015 nuclear deal. The US withdrawal from the JCPOA has had nothing, but the adverse impact on the interaction among the countries and regional stability. If EU states maintain that JCPOA benefits Iran and EU ties as well as regional stability and peace, it should take practical steps to save the deal," IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying. He made the comments during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Tehran. Accusing the US of breaching the nuclear agreement, Rouhani said that Washington launched "terrorist actions" in the reaction and added that the EU did not have any "responsible reactions" from their side. "The US is moving on track of economic terrorism with its oppressive sanctions," he said. Denying US' claims that Iran is planning to build nuclear bombs, Rouhani said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified Tehran's compliance with the deal in 15 reports. The Iranian President asserted that his country took steps in ensuring stability in the region and is fighting against terror in countries including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. On the other hand, Maas talked about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East saying, "We and the EU are seeking to reduce tensions in the region and will spare no effort in this respect." Disregarding the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Maas noted that Germany is against Washington's policies and Berlin is trying to save the agreement by cooperating with EU states particularly France and the UK. Ties between the US and Iran soured after Washington pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year. Following this, the US slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter's support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts. The historic 2015 deal between Iran and world powers including the EU and the US, offered sanctions relief to Iran for scaling back its nuclear programme. The US has remained rooted to its stand, saying it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme. Washington also recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.

EU should resist US' economic terrorism against Iran: Hassan Rouhani

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions.

A cautious thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington set in in 2015 when Iran struck a deal with six big powers limiting its nuclear activity. But tensions with the United States have mounted again since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

West European signatories, including Germany, want to try to keep the nuclear accord alive although they share the Trump administration's disquiet about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around in the Middle East.

Germany, France and Britain maintain that the nuclear pact remains the best way to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium, a potential pathway to the development of nuclear weapons.

A German diplomatic source confirmed that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would meet his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Rouhani on Monday.

Maas warned during a weekend stopover in Iraq en route to Tehran about the dangers of any conflict with Iran for the entire Middle East and said the Europeans were convinced it was worth trying to keep the nuclear agreement with Iran.

In Abu Dhabi, he also sounded a warning to Iran.

"We are not prepared to have a discussion on 'less for less'," Maas told reporters, referring to Iran's decision to reciprocate for the reimposition of sanctions.

Last month, Iran scaled back some commitments under the 2015 deal and warned that in 60 days it would resume refining uranium to a higher fissile degree than that permitted by the accord if Europe failed to shield its trade from US sanctions.

Maas also said that, in his talks, he would stress his concerns about Iranian activity in Syria and Yemen.

"However, we think that this should take place as part of a dialogue," he said, adding he did not think a strategy of maximum pressure and threats was helpful.

Washington has sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials call Iranian threats to US troops and interests in the region.

Iran has always said its nuclear activity is peaceful and refuses to put its missile and military capabilities on the negotiating table, as the Trump administration has demanded.

Zarif was quoted by Fars news agency on Sunday as saying Maas's visit showed Germany was trying to "keep the (nuclear deal) alive".

But, suggesting Iran did not view Maas as a mediator with Washington, he added: "It is unlikely that the German foreign minister is travelling to Tehran to carry a special message.”

Maas coordinated his trip with France and Britain, and also discussed it with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions.

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions. A cautious thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington set in in 2015 when Iran struck a deal with six big powers limiting its nuclear activity. But tensions with the United States have mounted again since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions. West European signatories, including Germany, want to try to keep the nuclear accord alive although they share the Trump administration's disquiet about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around in the Middle East. Germany, France and Britain maintain that the nuclear pact remains the best way to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium, a potential pathway to the development of nuclear weapons. A German diplomatic source confirmed that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would meet his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Rouhani on Monday. Maas warned during a weekend stopover in Iraq en route to Tehran about the dangers of any conflict with Iran for the entire Middle East and said the Europeans were convinced it was worth trying to keep the nuclear agreement with Iran. In Abu Dhabi, he also sounded a warning to Iran. "We are not prepared to have a discussion on 'less for less'," Maas told reporters, referring to Iran's decision to reciprocate for the reimposition of sanctions. Last month, Iran scaled back some commitments under the 2015 deal and warned that in 60 days it would resume refining uranium to a higher fissile degree than that permitted by the accord if Europe failed to shield its trade from US sanctions. Maas also said that, in his talks, he would stress his concerns about Iranian activity in Syria and Yemen. "However, we think that this should take place as part of a dialogue," he said, adding he did not think a strategy of maximum pressure and threats was helpful. Washington has sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials call Iranian threats to US troops and interests in the region. Iran has always said its nuclear activity is peaceful and refuses to put its missile and military capabilities on the negotiating table, as the Trump administration has demanded. Zarif was quoted by Fars news agency on Sunday as saying Maas's visit showed Germany was trying to "keep the (nuclear deal) alive". But, suggesting Iran did not view Maas as a mediator with Washington, he added: "It is unlikely that the German foreign minister is travelling to Tehran to carry a special message.” Maas coordinated his trip with France and Britain, and also discussed it with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

German minister Heiko Maas lands in Iran in bid to save nuclear pact

Iran rejected French calls for wider international talks over its nuclear and military ambitions, saying on Friday it would only discuss its existing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abe-set-for-mediation-mission-to-iran-224969">2015 atomic pact</a> with world powers, state TV reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron had said a day earlier that Paris and Washington both wanted to stop<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862"> Tehran getting nuclear arms</a> and new talks should focus on curbing its ballistic missiles programme and on other issues.

But Iran's foreign ministry said it would not hold any discussions beyond the 2015 pact which US President Donald Trump abandoned last year as he pressed for tougher restrictions.

"Under this circumstances, talking about issues beyond the deal ... will lead to further mistrust among the remaining signatories of the deal," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a statement.

The United States pulled out of the 2015 agreement - under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear work in exchange for sanctions relief- saying it was not permanent and did not do enough to control Iran's missiles and regional influence.

France and other European signatories to the deal have said they wanted to save it, but many of their companies have cancelled deals with Tehran, under financial pressure from the United States.

Watch: Trump won't rule out war with Iran

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"The Europeans have so far failed to fulfil their commitments under the deal and ... to protect Iran's interests after America's illegal withdrawal," Mousavi added in his statement, according to state TV.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran.

Mousavi dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

Iran's top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed Washington's call for negotiations.

However, Iran's pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani has signalled Iran's willingness to hold talks if the US showed its respect and returned to the nuclear accord.

Iran rejected French calls for wider international talks over its nuclear and military ambitions, saying on Friday it would only discuss its existing 2015 atomic pact with world powers, state TV reported.

Iran rejected French calls for wider international talks over its nuclear and military ambitions, saying on Friday it would only discuss its existing 2015 atomic pact with world powers, state TV reported. French President Emmanuel Macron had said a day earlier that Paris and Washington both wanted to stop Tehran getting nuclear arms and new talks should focus on curbing its ballistic missiles programme and on other issues. But Iran's foreign ministry said it would not hold any discussions beyond the 2015 pact which US President Donald Trump abandoned last year as he pressed for tougher restrictions. "Under this circumstances, talking about issues beyond the deal ... will lead to further mistrust among the remaining signatories of the deal," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a statement. The United States pulled out of the 2015 agreement - under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear work in exchange for sanctions relief- saying it was not permanent and did not do enough to control Iran's missiles and regional influence. France and other European signatories to the deal have said they wanted to save it, but many of their companies have cancelled deals with Tehran, under financial pressure from the United States. Watch: Trump won't rule out war with Iran × "The Europeans have so far failed to fulfil their commitments under the deal and ... to protect Iran's interests after America's illegal withdrawal," Mousavi added in his statement, according to state TV. Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response. Iran's top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed Washington's call for negotiations. However, Iran's pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani has signalled Iran's willingness to hold talks if the US showed its respect and returned to the nuclear accord.

Iran rejects French call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal: Report

By Annie Waqar&nbsp;

The most ambitious effort to peacefully constrain the nuclear aspirations of a nation hangs by a thread. Eight years of patient and difficult negotiations to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme were cast aside when president Donald Trump withdrew US support for the deal in May 2018.

Since then, tensions between Iran and the US, a signatory to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – alongside the UK, Germany, France, Russia and China – have escalated. Last November, the US inflamed things further by re-imposing economic sanctions targeting both Iran and the states that trade with it.

The US decision in early May to deploy an aircraft carrier strike force and B-52 bombers, in response to what Washington said was an imminent Iranian plan to attack US assets, has kept tensions at a boil.

Washington stated that the latest show of force was in response to a “campaign” of recent attacks, including a rocket launched into the Green Zone in Baghdad, explosive devices that damaged four tankers near the entrance to the Gulf, and drone attacks by Yemeni rebels on a key Saudi oil pipeline. Iran has denied any association with the incidents.

More recently, the US withdrew waivers which were part of the JCPOA deal with Iran. By revoking the waivers that enabled Iran to ship abroad excess supplies of enriched uranium and heavy water, the US has left the Islamic Republic pondering whether it should continue to comply with certain key parts of the deal.

Iran’s foreign affairs minister, Javed Zarif, and Iraq’s foreign minister, Ali Alhakim, held a joint news conference in May, during which Zarif called on European states to do more to preserve the nuclear deal. Zarif also called the deployment of extra US troops to the Gulf region “extremely dangerous and a threat to international peace and security”.

A supportive Alhakim stated: “The sanctions against sisterly Iran are ineffective and we stand by its side.”

Certainly, sanctions have damaged Iran’s economy. The Iranian currency has hit a record low against the US dollar amid continued economic difficulties following the reimposition of sanctions, and the purchasing power of Iranians has dropped significantly. Indeed, Iran’s economy in 2019 is expected to fall deeper into recession, with estimated negative growth of 5.5 per cent or higher.

Iran’s choice

Tehran has requested that the European signatories to the nuclear accord – France, Germany and the UK – keep the pact alive. The JCPOA sets a 3.67 per cent limit on uranium enhancement (enough to fuel a commercial nuclear plant) and bars Iran from accumulating supplies of more than 300kg of low-enriched uranium and 130 tons of heavy water, a coolant used in nuclear reactors.

Tehran has rightly said the deal agreed to end Iran’s financial isolation in return for the strict limitations on its nuclear activities. But by bolstering sanctions, the US has scared organisations and banks into diminishing, ceasing or avoiding altogether business with Iranian partners, with serious repercussions for Iran’s economy.

Europe, by and large, has supported diplomacy with Iran. It has argued that Trump’s rejection of the deal compromises the pragmatic wing of Iran’s administration and plays into the hands of hardliners. The EU has long had questions about Tehran’s missile program, and its involvement in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, but it has viewed these as separate from the nuclear agreement.

The economic sanctions have certainly put the moderate Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani under pressure, both internationally and domestically. Iranian hardliners argue that Iran surrendered too much in the agreement.

Rouhani has perhaps come up with a clever way of deflecting domestic criticism of him – at least for now – by suggesting that the Islamic Republic hold a referendum over its nuclear program. The official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) stated that Rouhani, who recently was openly chastised by the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the suggestion at a gathering of senior Iranian editors on May 25.

Khamenei, who has the last say on all issues of state in Iran, has not yet responded to Rouhani’s recent proposition. The Islamic Republic has seen just three referendums since 1979: one on its change from a monarchy to an Islamic republic, and two on its constitution.

A nuclear threat?

In the meantime, Iran has also threatened to quadruple its uranium-enrichment production limit, but stressed that even this uranium would not be enhanced beyond the 3.67 per cent&nbsp;limit set by the JCPOA, making it unsuitable for developing a nuclear weapon. Rouhani has also said that Tehran will keep its excess enriched uranium and heavy water rather than exporting it.

If Europe fails to find a way for business and investors to work with Iran without being penalised by US sanctions, however, Rouhani has said that Iran will begin enriching uranium even further. In principle, this more highly-enriched uranium could be used as the fissile core of a nuclear weapon. This would send Iran back on its way towards making a bomb, and mark the end of the JCPOA.

According to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) most recent quarterly report, Iran’s enriched uranium and heavy water stocks have grown but have not exceeded the ceilings set in the nuclear agreement. This suggests that Iran continues to comply with the JCPOA – for now, at least.

So far, Iran has also abstained from getting entangled in military brinkmanship with the US. But Trump may soon face a tough choice: either engage in a military clash with Iran or return to the JCPOA. The latter may be a u-turn too far for the bellicose president.

Either way, it is difficult to convince nations to surrender nuclear weapons once they have them. In this case, everything peaceful should be done to ensure that Iran is prevented from acquiring one in the first place.

(Annie Waqar is Lecturer/Academic consultant, University of Westminster) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-so-will-islamic-republic-now-develop-a-bomb-117809">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Annie Waqar The most ambitious effort to peacefully constrain the nuclear aspirations of a nation hangs by a thread. Eight years of patient and difficult negotiations to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme were cast aside when president Donald Trump withdrew US support for the deal in May 2018.

By Annie Waqar The most ambitious effort to peacefully constrain the nuclear aspirations of a nation hangs by a thread. Eight years of patient and difficult negotiations to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme were cast aside when president Donald Trump withdrew US support for the deal in May 2018. Since then, tensions between Iran and the US, a signatory to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – alongside the UK, Germany, France, Russia and China – have escalated. Last November, the US inflamed things further by re-imposing economic sanctions targeting both Iran and the states that trade with it. The US decision in early May to deploy an aircraft carrier strike force and B-52 bombers, in response to what Washington said was an imminent Iranian plan to attack US assets, has kept tensions at a boil. Washington stated that the latest show of force was in response to a “campaign” of recent attacks, including a rocket launched into the Green Zone in Baghdad, explosive devices that damaged four tankers near the entrance to the Gulf, and drone attacks by Yemeni rebels on a key Saudi oil pipeline. Iran has denied any association with the incidents. More recently, the US withdrew waivers which were part of the JCPOA deal with Iran. By revoking the waivers that enabled Iran to ship abroad excess supplies of enriched uranium and heavy water, the US has left the Islamic Republic pondering whether it should continue to comply with certain key parts of the deal. Iran’s foreign affairs minister, Javed Zarif, and Iraq’s foreign minister, Ali Alhakim, held a joint news conference in May, during which Zarif called on European states to do more to preserve the nuclear deal. Zarif also called the deployment of extra US troops to the Gulf region “extremely dangerous and a threat to international peace and security”. A supportive Alhakim stated: “The sanctions against sisterly Iran are ineffective and we stand by its side.” Certainly, sanctions have damaged Iran’s economy. The Iranian currency has hit a record low against the US dollar amid continued economic difficulties following the reimposition of sanctions, and the purchasing power of Iranians has dropped significantly. Indeed, Iran’s economy in 2019 is expected to fall deeper into recession, with estimated negative growth of 5.5 per cent or higher. Iran’s choice Tehran has requested that the European signatories to the nuclear accord – France, Germany and the UK – keep the pact alive. The JCPOA sets a 3.67 per cent limit on uranium enhancement (enough to fuel a commercial nuclear plant) and bars Iran from accumulating supplies of more than 300kg of low-enriched uranium and 130 tons of heavy water, a coolant used in nuclear reactors. Tehran has rightly said the deal agreed to end Iran’s financial isolation in return for the strict limitations on its nuclear activities. But by bolstering sanctions, the US has scared organisations and banks into diminishing, ceasing or avoiding altogether business with Iranian partners, with serious repercussions for Iran’s economy. Europe, by and large, has supported diplomacy with Iran. It has argued that Trump’s rejection of the deal compromises the pragmatic wing of Iran’s administration and plays into the hands of hardliners. The EU has long had questions about Tehran’s missile program, and its involvement in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, but it has viewed these as separate from the nuclear agreement. The economic sanctions have certainly put the moderate Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani under pressure, both internationally and domestically. Iranian hardliners argue that Iran surrendered too much in the agreement. Rouhani has perhaps come up with a clever way of deflecting domestic criticism of him – at least for now – by suggesting that the Islamic Republic hold a referendum over its nuclear program. The official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) stated that Rouhani, who recently was openly chastised by the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the suggestion at a gathering of senior Iranian editors on May 25. Khamenei, who has the last say on all issues of state in Iran, has not yet responded to Rouhani’s recent proposition. The Islamic Republic has seen just three referendums since 1979: one on its change from a monarchy to an Islamic republic, and two on its constitution. A nuclear threat? In the meantime, Iran has also threatened to quadruple its uranium-enrichment production limit, but stressed that even this uranium would not be enhanced beyond the 3.67 per cent limit set by the JCPOA, making it unsuitable for developing a nuclear weapon. Rouhani has also said that Tehran will keep its excess enriched uranium and heavy water rather than exporting it. If Europe fails to find a way for business and investors to work with Iran without being penalised by US sanctions, however, Rouhani has said that Iran will begin enriching uranium even further. In principle, this more highly-enriched uranium could be used as the fissile core of a nuclear weapon. This would send Iran back on its way towards making a bomb, and mark the end of the JCPOA. According to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) most recent quarterly report, Iran’s enriched uranium and heavy water stocks have grown but have not exceeded the ceilings set in the nuclear agreement. This suggests that Iran continues to comply with the JCPOA – for now, at least. So far, Iran has also abstained from getting entangled in military brinkmanship with the US. But Trump may soon face a tough choice: either engage in a military clash with Iran or return to the JCPOA. The latter may be a u-turn too far for the bellicose president. Either way, it is difficult to convince nations to surrender nuclear weapons once they have them. In this case, everything peaceful should be done to ensure that Iran is prevented from acquiring one in the first place. (Annie Waqar is Lecturer/Academic consultant, University of Westminster) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Iran nuclear deal is hanging by a thread

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-to-engage-with-iran-without-pre-conditions-pompeo-223645">Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran</a>.

"The change of the general behaviour and actions of the United States of America regarding the Iranian nation is the criterion" required for any talks to take place, said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran ignores word games and the use of new language to express secret aims," said Mousavi.

"Mr. Pompeo's emphasis on maintaining maximum pressure on Iran reflects the continuation of the same faulty behaviour that must be corrected," the spokesman said, quoted in a ministry statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-be-bullied-into-us-talks-president-hassan-rouhani-223523">Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani</a>

Pompeo, who is considered a hawk on Iranian issues, appeared to soften the US stance somewhat on Sunday following weeks of escalating tensions with Tehran.

"We are prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions," Pompeo said in Switzerland, which in the absence of US-Iranian diplomatic ties represents Washington's interests in the Islamic republic.

"We are ready to sit down with them," he said.

But Pompeo appeared to immediately back-pedal on the offer of conditions-free talks, stating that Washington was "certainly prepared to have (a) conversation when the Iranians will prove they are behaving as a normal nation."&nbsp;

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran.

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran. "The change of the general behaviour and actions of the United States of America regarding the Iranian nation is the criterion" required for any talks to take place, said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi. "The Islamic Republic of Iran ignores word games and the use of new language to express secret aims," said Mousavi. "Mr. Pompeo's emphasis on maintaining maximum pressure on Iran reflects the continuation of the same faulty behaviour that must be corrected," the spokesman said, quoted in a ministry statement. Also read: Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani Pompeo, who is considered a hawk on Iranian issues, appeared to soften the US stance somewhat on Sunday following weeks of escalating tensions with Tehran. "We are prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions," Pompeo said in Switzerland, which in the absence of US-Iranian diplomatic ties represents Washington's interests in the Islamic republic. "We are ready to sit down with them," he said. But Pompeo appeared to immediately back-pedal on the offer of conditions-free talks, stating that Washington was "certainly prepared to have (a) conversation when the Iranians will prove they are behaving as a normal nation."

Iran rules out talks unless US changes 'general behaviour and actions'

President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday suggested Iran may be willing to hold talks if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-march-to-back-palestinians-reject-trump-mideast-plan-223234">United States</a> showed respect and followed international rules, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-firm-stand-needed-to-deter-iran-iraq-demurs-223124">Tehran</a> would not be "bullied" into negotiations.

"We are men of reason and negotiation ... if one sits at the negotiating table with total respect and in the framework of international law," Rouhani said, quoted by the government's website.

"We have shown that we do not submit to bullying and covetous powers," he said.

Iran is locked in a tense standoff with the US after Washington withdrew from the deal last year and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-countries-buying-iranian-oil-will-be-subject-to-sanctions-223000">reimposed sanctions</a>.

Rouhani has repeatedly ruled out negotiations unless Washington lifts sanctions against the Islamic republic and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal signed by Tehran and world powers.

Washington has since May beefed up its military presence in the Middle East due to alleged Iranian "threats".

But US President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington does not seek "regime change" in Iran and held out the possibility of talks.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has likened negotiations with the Trump administration to "poison" since "they don't stand by anything," referring to Washington's withdrawal from the deal.

Watch: Protesters in Iran, Iraq burn Israel, US flags on ‘Quds Day’

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President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday suggested Iran may be willing to hold talks if the United States showed respect and followed international rules, but Tehran would not be "bullied" into negotiations.

President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday suggested Iran may be willing to hold talks if the United States showed respect and followed international rules, but Tehran would not be "bullied" into negotiations. "We are men of reason and negotiation ... if one sits at the negotiating table with total respect and in the framework of international law," Rouhani said, quoted by the government's website. "We have shown that we do not submit to bullying and covetous powers," he said. Iran is locked in a tense standoff with the US after Washington withdrew from the deal last year and reimposed sanctions. Rouhani has repeatedly ruled out negotiations unless Washington lifts sanctions against the Islamic republic and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal signed by Tehran and world powers. Washington has since May beefed up its military presence in the Middle East due to alleged Iranian "threats". But US President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington does not seek "regime change" in Iran and held out the possibility of talks. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has likened negotiations with the Trump administration to "poison" since "they don't stand by anything," referring to Washington's withdrawal from the deal. Watch: Protesters in Iran, Iraq burn Israel, US flags on ‘Quds Day’ ×

Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani

Tens of thousands of Iranians marking the annual "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on Friday condemned a planned Middle East peace plan touted by US President Donald Trump as the "deal of the century."&nbsp;

State television said state-sponsored marches were being held in 950 communities across Iran and showed demonstrators carrying banners with slogans such as "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine" and "Death to America".

"No to the deal of the century" read a banner splashed across the news screen on state TV, which also showed a Quds Day march in neighbouring Iraq`s capital Baghdad.

Iran`s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that Washington’s long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan was doomed to fail and that the Palestinian resistance movement would respond firmly to those who proposed it.

Palestinian officials have already spurned the plan, believing it will be heavily biased in favour of Israel.

Opposition to Israel is a cornerstone of Shi`ite-led Iran. It backs Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist militant groups opposed to peace with Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise.

Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the Trump plan would fail, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-too-great-to-be-intimidated-rouhani-218701">President Hassan Rouhani </a>said on Wednesday that the deal of the century would be the "bankruptcy of the century" for its who proponents.

Israel, the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of fomenting tension in the Middle East and of sponsoring terrorism. Tehran denies this.

Quds Day was launched by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran`s 1979 Islamic revolution, and is held on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Tens of thousands of Iranians marking the annual "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on Friday condemned a planned Middle East peace plan touted by US President Donald Trump as the "deal of the century.

Tens of thousands of Iranians marking the annual "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on Friday condemned a planned Middle East peace plan touted by US President Donald Trump as the "deal of the century." State television said state-sponsored marches were being held in 950 communities across Iran and showed demonstrators carrying banners with slogans such as "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine" and "Death to America". "No to the deal of the century" read a banner splashed across the news screen on state TV, which also showed a Quds Day march in neighbouring Iraq`s capital Baghdad. Iran`s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that Washington’s long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan was doomed to fail and that the Palestinian resistance movement would respond firmly to those who proposed it. Palestinian officials have already spurned the plan, believing it will be heavily biased in favour of Israel. Opposition to Israel is a cornerstone of Shi`ite-led Iran. It backs Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist militant groups opposed to peace with Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise. Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the Trump plan would fail, and President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the deal of the century would be the "bankruptcy of the century" for its who proponents. Israel, the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of fomenting tension in the Middle East and of sponsoring terrorism. Tehran denies this. Quds Day was launched by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran`s 1979 Islamic revolution, and is held on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Iranians march to back Palestinians, reject Trump Mideast plan

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-orders-1500-troops-to-middle-east-221402">US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East</a> is a "threat to international peace," state media reported.

"Increased US presence in our region is very dangerous and a threat to international peace and security and must be confronted," Zarif told the official IRNA news agency before heading home from a visit to Pakistan.

Washington says the reinforcements, which come after the deployment earlier this month of an aircraft carrier task force, B-52 bombers, an amphibious assault ship and a missile defence system, are in response to "campaign" of recent attacks approved by Iran's top leadership.

"Americans make such claims to justify their hostile policies and to create tension in the Persian Gulf," Zarif said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-washington-tehran-tension-india-ends-iranian-oil-imports-envoy-221168">United States this month ended the last exemptions</a> it had granted from sweeping unilateral sanctions it reimposed after abandoning a landmark 2015 nuclear between major powers and Iran in May last year.

The move dealt a heavy new blow to Iran's already reeling economy as even vocal critics of the renewed sanctions, like Turkey, announced they had stopped buying Iranian oil.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East is a "threat to international peace," state media reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East is a "threat to international peace," state media reported. "Increased US presence in our region is very dangerous and a threat to international peace and security and must be confronted," Zarif told the official IRNA news agency before heading home from a visit to Pakistan. Washington says the reinforcements, which come after the deployment earlier this month of an aircraft carrier task force, B-52 bombers, an amphibious assault ship and a missile defence system, are in response to "campaign" of recent attacks approved by Iran's top leadership. "Americans make such claims to justify their hostile policies and to create tension in the Persian Gulf," Zarif said. The United States this month ended the last exemptions it had granted from sweeping unilateral sanctions it reimposed after abandoning a landmark 2015 nuclear between major powers and Iran in May last year. The move dealt a heavy new blow to Iran's already reeling economy as even vocal critics of the renewed sanctions, like Turkey, announced they had stopped buying Iranian oil.

US troop boost 'threat to international peace': Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

Saudi Arabia has called for emergency regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying Sunday that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself.

King Salman invited Gulf leaders and Arab League member states to two emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences", the kingdom's official SPA news agency reported Saturday.

The announcement came days after mysterious sabotage attacks against several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone attacks on a crude pipeline by Iran-aligned Yemen rebels, which Riyadh claimed were carried out on Iranian orders.

The United States has also deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Gulf over alleged threats from Iran.

Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, said Sunday his country does not want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself.

Saudi Arabia "does not want a war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it," he said.

"But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with strength and determination to defend itself and its interests."

The kingdom's regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation.

The UAE's foreign ministry said the current "critical circumstances" require a unified Arab and Gulf stance.

The meetings will be a "significant opportunity for the countries of the region to achieve their aspirations for establishing peace and stability," it said.

Sabotage probe ongoing

Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off the UAE's Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threatened to close in the event of a war.

That incident was followed by drone strikes Tuesday by Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed.

Jubeir said the UAE was leading the probe into the damaged oil tankers but added that "we have some indications and we will make the announcements once the investigations are completed".

The Emirates has said three Western countries -- the US, France and Norway -- would also be part of the investigation, along with the UAE and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Neither of the two Gulf states, both close allies of the United States, have given details on the exact nature of the ship attacks.

Despite international scepticism, the US government has cited increasing threats from Iran, a long-time enemy of both the US and its regional allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia.

SPA said Sunday that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about enhancing security in the region.&nbsp;

The US has already strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying several of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged Iranian threats.

US President Donald Trump last week predicted that Iran would "soon" want to negotiate.

Saudi Arabia has called for emergency regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying Sunday that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself.

Saudi Arabia has called for emergency regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying Sunday that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself. King Salman invited Gulf leaders and Arab League member states to two emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences", the kingdom's official SPA news agency reported Saturday. The announcement came days after mysterious sabotage attacks against several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone attacks on a crude pipeline by Iran-aligned Yemen rebels, which Riyadh claimed were carried out on Iranian orders. The United States has also deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Gulf over alleged threats from Iran. Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, said Sunday his country does not want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself. Saudi Arabia "does not want a war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it," he said. "But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with strength and determination to defend itself and its interests." The kingdom's regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation. The UAE's foreign ministry said the current "critical circumstances" require a unified Arab and Gulf stance. The meetings will be a "significant opportunity for the countries of the region to achieve their aspirations for establishing peace and stability," it said. Sabotage probe ongoing Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off the UAE's Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threatened to close in the event of a war. That incident was followed by drone strikes Tuesday by Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed. Jubeir said the UAE was leading the probe into the damaged oil tankers but added that "we have some indications and we will make the announcements once the investigations are completed". The Emirates has said three Western countries -- the US, France and Norway -- would also be part of the investigation, along with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Neither of the two Gulf states, both close allies of the United States, have given details on the exact nature of the ship attacks. Despite international scepticism, the US government has cited increasing threats from Iran, a long-time enemy of both the US and its regional allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. SPA said Sunday that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about enhancing security in the region. The US has already strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying several of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged Iranian threats. US President Donald Trump last week predicted that Iran would "soon" want to negotiate.

Saudi calls for urgent Arab talks over Iran tensions

Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-calls-for-unity-to-face-unprecedented-us-pressure-217908/amp">Hassan Rouhani</a> has said that the Islamic Republic is "too great to be intimidated by anyone" in a late night meeting with clerics.

"God willing we will pass this difficult period with glory and our heads held high, and defeat the enemy," Rouhani said late Monday as he met Sunni clerics to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the official government website dolat.Ir said.

He was speaking after four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, were reportedly attacked off the UAE coast on Sunday, in a sign of mounting regional tensions. Iran has called for an investigation into what it called an "alarming" incident.

Iran and the United States have engaged in a war of words in recent weeks since Tehran began to roll back commitments set out in a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ship-seizure-by-us-violates-spirit-of-trump-kim-summit-218542">US President Donald Trump </a>withdraw the United States from the deal last year and has unilaterally reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. Last month, Washington designated Iran's revolutionary guards as a "foreign terrorist organisation", the first time that part of a foreign government has been branded as such.

The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group plus an amphibious assault ship, a Patriot missile battery and B-52 bombers by the US to the region has triggered fears of possible military clashes.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said that the Islamic Republic is "too great to be intimidated by anyone" in a late night meeting with clerics. "God willing we will pass this difficult period with glory and our heads held high, and defeat the enemy," Rouhani said late Monday as he met Sunni clerics to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the official government website dolat.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said that the Islamic Republic is "too great to be intimidated by anyone" in a late night meeting with clerics. "God willing we will pass this difficult period with glory and our heads held high, and defeat the enemy," Rouhani said late Monday as he met Sunni clerics to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the official government website dolat.Ir said. He was speaking after four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, were reportedly attacked off the UAE coast on Sunday, in a sign of mounting regional tensions. Iran has called for an investigation into what it called an "alarming" incident. Iran and the United States have engaged in a war of words in recent weeks since Tehran began to roll back commitments set out in a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. US President Donald Trump withdraw the United States from the deal last year and has unilaterally reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. Last month, Washington designated Iran's revolutionary guards as a "foreign terrorist organisation", the first time that part of a foreign government has been branded as such. The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group plus an amphibious assault ship, a Patriot missile battery and B-52 bombers by the US to the region has triggered fears of possible military clashes.

Iran too great to be intimidated by anyone: Rouhani

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday.&nbsp;

"The timely decision of the Islamic republic regarding its commitments in the (nuclear deal) showed that Iran is not in a position of weakness," said Ali Mottahari, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Tehran announced Wednesday that it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rolls-back-nuclear-commitments-under-pact-abandoned-by-washington-216990">stop respecting some of the curbs on its nuclear activities</a> imposed under the landmark 2015 deal with world powers.

The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days.

The sweeping sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the Iranian economy.&nbsp;

Mottahari's comments came a day after President Hassan Rouhani called for unity among Iranian political factions during a time of heightened tensions with the United States.

Rouhani said Iran was facing "an all-out war unprecedented in the history of the Islamic republic".

Iran's situation could be worse than during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, he said according to the government's official website.

"In the war we didn't have any banking, sales of oil and import-export problems and the only sanctions against us were arms embargoes," he said, during what was billed as an informal meeting with members of different political groups and parties.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Iran in recent days over alleged threats from Tehran.

Washington said on Saturday it was deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Patriot missile battery to bolster an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers already sent to the Gulf.

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday.

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday. "The timely decision of the Islamic republic regarding its commitments in the (nuclear deal) showed that Iran is not in a position of weakness," said Ali Mottahari, according to the official IRNA news agency. Tehran announced Wednesday that it would stop respecting some of the curbs on its nuclear activities imposed under the landmark 2015 deal with world powers. The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days. The sweeping sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the Iranian economy. Mottahari's comments came a day after President Hassan Rouhani called for unity among Iranian political factions during a time of heightened tensions with the United States. Rouhani said Iran was facing "an all-out war unprecedented in the history of the Islamic republic". Iran's situation could be worse than during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, he said according to the government's official website. "In the war we didn't have any banking, sales of oil and import-export problems and the only sanctions against us were arms embargoes," he said, during what was billed as an informal meeting with members of different political groups and parties. The administration of US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Iran in recent days over alleged threats from Tehran. Washington said on Saturday it was deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Patriot missile battery to bolster an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers already sent to the Gulf.

Move on nuclear curbs shows 'Iran not in position of weakness', says lawmaker

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