Iran unveiled what is being&nbsp;described as its first-ever domestically-made hypersonic ballistic missile ‘Fattah’, on Tuesday (June 6), reported the state-run IRNA news agency. The missile is said to be capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and can reportedly penetrate the most advanced&nbsp;missile defence systems.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Fattah’: What do we know about Iran’s new missile?</h2>

The hypersonic missile named by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&nbsp;'Fattah' in Farsi, which roughly translates to “the opener,”&nbsp;as per Al Jazeera, was unveiled&nbsp;on Tuesday, at a ceremony, the images of which were posted by the state media.&nbsp;

It showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the unveiling of the missile. "Today we feel that the deterrent power has been formed. This power is an anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries," said Raisi&nbsp;at the event, as per the Associated Press.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-fateh-missile-that-iran-is-rumored-to-deliver-to-russia-526073">What is the Fateh missile that Iran is rumored to deliver to Russia?</a>

“The precision-guided Fattah hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 km and it is capable of penetrating all defence shields,” said the head of the IRGC’s aerospace force, Amirali Hajizadeh, as quoted by Reuters citing the Iranian state television. The missile can move at a speed of up to Mach 15 (5,145 metres or 16,880 feet per second), reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

“It can bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States and the Zionist regime, including Israel's Iron Dome,” reported Reuters, citing Iran’s state TV, adding that the missile is a “big generational leap in the field of missiles”.&nbsp;

This missile also comes months after the IRGC aerospace chief first made the announcement back in November at an event marking the death anniversary of Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, known as the father of Iranian missile technology.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-developed-a-hypersonic-missile-that-can-penetrate-advanced-air-defence-system-532874">Iran claims it has developed hypersonic missile that can ‘penetrate advanced air defence system’</a>

“The Fattah cannot be destroyed by any other missile due to how it moves in different directions and at different altitudes,” said Hajizadeh, on Tuesday, as quoted by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran’s supposed nuclear ambitions raise concerns</h2>

The announcement last year prompted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi to express concern, as hypersonic missiles, like ballistic missiles,&nbsp;can be equipped with nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

However, Grossi said that the new missile would not have “any influence” on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear activities. The United States had unilaterally withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed renewed sanctions. Since then, Tehran has not been obligated to follow the strict limits it agreed to on&nbsp;its nuclear activities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-developed-long-range-cruise-missile-565701">&nbsp;Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West</a>

Meanwhile, countries in the West and Israel have raised concerns over Iran’s missile programme, which they say can be used to carry nuclear warheads. However,&nbsp;Tehran has said that it is not pursuing any such plans.&nbsp;

Israel, which the Islamic Republic refuses to recognise, had also recently suggested the possibility of military action against Iran as efforts by six world powers to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal have stalled.

<h2>Iran’s ‘Khaibar’ ballistic missile</h2>

Late last month, Iran claimed to have&nbsp;successfully test-launched its 4th generation Khorramshahr, “Khaibar.” The missile in question was the surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres and was able to carry a 1,500 kg warhead.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-iran-claims-to-have-successfully-conducted-test-launch-of-ballistic-missile-596561/#about-the-test-launch-596566">In pics | Iran claims to have successfully conducted test-launch of ballistic missile</a>

Iran has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East and has produced missiles capable of&nbsp;hitting its rivals Israel and the US bases, as per media reports.&nbsp;The Islamic Republic has maintained that it will further develop its “defensive” missile programme.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Iran unveiled what is being described as its first-ever domestically-made hypersonic ballistic missile ‘Fattah’, on Tuesday (June 6), reported the state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran unveiled what is being described as its first-ever domestically-made hypersonic ballistic missile ‘Fattah’, on Tuesday (June 6), reported the state-run IRNA news agency. The missile is said to be capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and can reportedly penetrate the most advanced missile defence systems. ‘Fattah’: What do we know about Iran’s new missile? The hypersonic missile named by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'Fattah' in Farsi, which roughly translates to “the opener,” as per Al Jazeera, was unveiled on Tuesday, at a ceremony, the images of which were posted by the state media. It showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the unveiling of the missile. "Today we feel that the deterrent power has been formed. This power is an anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries," said Raisi at the event, as per the Associated Press. ALSO READ | What is the Fateh missile that Iran is rumored to deliver to Russia? “The precision-guided Fattah hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 km and it is capable of penetrating all defence shields,” said the head of the IRGC’s aerospace force, Amirali Hajizadeh, as quoted by Reuters citing the Iranian state television. The missile can move at a speed of up to Mach 15 (5,145 metres or 16,880 feet per second), reported Al Jazeera. “It can bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States and the Zionist regime, including Israel's Iron Dome,” reported Reuters, citing Iran’s state TV, adding that the missile is a “big generational leap in the field of missiles”. This missile also comes months after the IRGC aerospace chief first made the announcement back in November at an event marking the death anniversary of Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, known as the father of Iranian missile technology. ALSO READ | Iran claims it has developed hypersonic missile that can ‘penetrate advanced air defence system’ “The Fattah cannot be destroyed by any other missile due to how it moves in different directions and at different altitudes,” said Hajizadeh, on Tuesday, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Iran’s supposed nuclear ambitions raise concerns The announcement last year prompted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi to express concern, as hypersonic missiles, like ballistic missiles, can be equipped with nuclear warheads. However, Grossi said that the new missile would not have “any influence” on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear activities. The United States had unilaterally withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed renewed sanctions. Since then, Tehran has not been obligated to follow the strict limits it agreed to on its nuclear activities. ALSO READ | Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West Meanwhile, countries in the West and Israel have raised concerns over Iran’s missile programme, which they say can be used to carry nuclear warheads. However, Tehran has said that it is not pursuing any such plans. Israel, which the Islamic Republic refuses to recognise, had also recently suggested the possibility of military action against Iran as efforts by six world powers to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal have stalled. Iran’s ‘Khaibar’ ballistic missile Late last month, Iran claimed to have successfully test-launched its 4th generation Khorramshahr, “Khaibar.” The missile in question was the surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres and was able to carry a 1,500 kg warhead. ALSO READ | In pics | Iran claims to have successfully conducted test-launch of ballistic missile Iran has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East and has produced missiles capable of hitting its rivals Israel and the US bases, as per media reports. The Islamic Republic has maintained that it will further develop its “defensive” missile programme. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile ‘Fattah’: Here's what we know

Iran`s decision to end snap inspections by U.N. inspectors on February 23 would not mean abandoning its 2015 nuclear deal, but the United States must still lift sanctions on Tehran to rescue the pact, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday.

"All our steps (to breach the deal) are reversible...The move on February 23 is not abandoning the deal," Zarif said in a televised interview with Iran`s English Language Press TV.

Under a law enacted by hardline Iranian lawmakers last year, the government is obliged on February 23 to limit IAEA inspections to declared nuclear sites only, revoking its short-notice access to any location seen as relevant for information-gathering, if other parties did not fully comply with the deal.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-head-rafael-grossi-arrives-in-iran-ahead-of-us-sanctions-deadline-365182" hreflang="en">UN nuclear watchdog head, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline</a>

President Joe Biden`s administration said on Thursday it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions. Former President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

But Iran and the United States have been at odds over who should take the first step to revive the accord. Iran insists the United States must first lift U.S. sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal.

Zarif reiterated Iran`s stance that Washington should take the first step by lifting all sanctions if it wants to revive the accord.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uns-nuclear-watchdog-chief-arrives-in-tehran-iran-365126">WATCH|</a>

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"The United States must return to the deal and lift all sanctions ... The United States is addicted to sanctions but they should know that Iran will not yield to pressure," he said. "We are not seeking nuclear weapons."

Zarif also said that "for all practical purposes" the Biden administration is pursuing the same policy of "maximum pressure" as Trump. 
Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency who is in Tehran to discuss the agency`s "essential verification activities" met on Sunday with Iran´s atomic chief, state media reported.

Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, said on Saturday that the agency`s concerns over Iran`s ending the implementation of the IAEA`s Additional Protocol - which entails snap inspections - will be discussed during his meeting with Grossi.

Iran`s decision to end snap inspections by U.N. inspectors on February 23 would not mean abandoning its 2015 nuclear deal, but the United States must still lift sanctions on Tehran to rescue the pact, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday.

Iran`s decision to end snap inspections by U.N. inspectors on February 23 would not mean abandoning its 2015 nuclear deal, but the United States must still lift sanctions on Tehran to rescue the pact, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday. "All our steps (to breach the deal) are reversible...The move on February 23 is not abandoning the deal," Zarif said in a televised interview with Iran`s English Language Press TV. Under a law enacted by hardline Iranian lawmakers last year, the government is obliged on February 23 to limit IAEA inspections to declared nuclear sites only, revoking its short-notice access to any location seen as relevant for information-gathering, if other parties did not fully comply with the deal. Also read| UN nuclear watchdog head, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline President Joe Biden`s administration said on Thursday it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions. Former President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. But Iran and the United States have been at odds over who should take the first step to revive the accord. Iran insists the United States must first lift U.S. sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal. Zarif reiterated Iran`s stance that Washington should take the first step by lifting all sanctions if it wants to revive the accord. WATCH| "The United States must return to the deal and lift all sanctions ... The United States is addicted to sanctions but they should know that Iran will not yield to pressure," he said. "We are not seeking nuclear weapons." Zarif also said that "for all practical purposes" the Biden administration is pursuing the same policy of "maximum pressure" as Trump. Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency who is in Tehran to discuss the agency`s "essential verification activities" met on Sunday with Iran´s atomic chief, state media reported. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, said on Saturday that the agency`s concerns over Iran`s ending the implementation of the IAEA`s Additional Protocol - which entails snap inspections - will be discussed during his meeting with Grossi.

Iran's Zarif says ending IAEA snap inspections doesn't breach 2015 nuclear deal

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions.

Wednesday`s breakthrough in the dispute over the sites was announced in a joint statement by Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi`s first visit to the Islamic Republic since he took over the role in December.

"Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," Grossi and Iran`s nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hails-constructive-talks-with-visiting-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-322966">Also read:&nbsp;Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi</a>

It said dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites - one near Karaj west of Tehran, the other near Isfahan in central Iran - had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there.

In March Grossi informed his agency that Iran had denied IAEA inspectors access to the two sites, where uranium conversion and explosives testing are suspected of having been carried out in the early 2000s. Demolition and other work that might have removed traces of the past - "sanitization" in inspectors` parlance - appear to have since occurred there.

The IAEA had demanded access to the sites since January because they are suspected of having hosted nuclear material, which the agency must fully account for in order to verify that a country`s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-grossito-to-make-first-visit-to-iran-on-august-24-322398">Also read:&nbsp;IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24</a>

Under a 2015 deal with major powers, Iran is implementing the so-called Additional Protocol, an agreement with individual member states that grants the IAEA the power to carry out snap inspections, even of places not declared to be nuclear sites.

While the Vienna-based agency says it has the right to go to the sites without permission, Iran objected because at least some of the information pointing to the sites came from a trove of documents on its past activities that Tehran`s main Middle East adversary Israel says it seized in Iran.

US&nbsp;intelligence services and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic has long denied seeking to develop atomic bombs.

'That's all for now'

Wednesday`s statement said that, at least for now, the IAEA does not want access to more undeclared sites. 
It is still, however, seeking answers on the origin and whereabouts of a uranium metal disc that may have been at a third site that it sees no point in going to because of "extensive sanitization and levelling" there in 2003 and 2004.

"In this present context, based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have any further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations other than those declared by Tehran," the statement said.

While Wednesday`s deal must still be followed through on and will begin a process of taking samples and checking the origin of any nuclear particles that are found, it marks an initial victory for Grossi and his agency, whose 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution in June raising pressure on Iran.

It also comes as the United States, despite having pulled out of world powers` deal with Iran in 2018, is seeking to use a mechanism available to parties to the deal to trigger the reimposition of global U.N. sanctions against Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 accord.

Wednesday`s agreement "will end the case (of the two sites)", Salehi told Iranian state TV, while reiterating that Iran will not accept any demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 accord.

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions.

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions. Wednesday`s breakthrough in the dispute over the sites was announced in a joint statement by Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi`s first visit to the Islamic Republic since he took over the role in December. "Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," Grossi and Iran`s nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters. Also read: Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi It said dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites - one near Karaj west of Tehran, the other near Isfahan in central Iran - had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there. In March Grossi informed his agency that Iran had denied IAEA inspectors access to the two sites, where uranium conversion and explosives testing are suspected of having been carried out in the early 2000s. Demolition and other work that might have removed traces of the past - "sanitization" in inspectors` parlance - appear to have since occurred there. The IAEA had demanded access to the sites since January because they are suspected of having hosted nuclear material, which the agency must fully account for in order to verify that a country`s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful. Also read: IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24 Under a 2015 deal with major powers, Iran is implementing the so-called Additional Protocol, an agreement with individual member states that grants the IAEA the power to carry out snap inspections, even of places not declared to be nuclear sites. While the Vienna-based agency says it has the right to go to the sites without permission, Iran objected because at least some of the information pointing to the sites came from a trove of documents on its past activities that Tehran`s main Middle East adversary Israel says it seized in Iran. US intelligence services and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic has long denied seeking to develop atomic bombs. 'That's all for now' Wednesday`s statement said that, at least for now, the IAEA does not want access to more undeclared sites. It is still, however, seeking answers on the origin and whereabouts of a uranium metal disc that may have been at a third site that it sees no point in going to because of "extensive sanitization and levelling" there in 2003 and 2004. "In this present context, based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have any further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations other than those declared by Tehran," the statement said. While Wednesday`s deal must still be followed through on and will begin a process of taking samples and checking the origin of any nuclear particles that are found, it marks an initial victory for Grossi and his agency, whose 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution in June raising pressure on Iran. It also comes as the United States, despite having pulled out of world powers` deal with Iran in 2018, is seeking to use a mechanism available to parties to the deal to trigger the reimposition of global U.N. sanctions against Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 accord. Wednesday`s agreement "will end the case (of the two sites)", Salehi told Iranian state TV, while reiterating that Iran will not accept any demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 accord.

Iran relents on IAEA inspections at two sites, ending standoff

Iran said on Sunday it is fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount, in further defiance of US efforts to squeeze the country with sanctions and force it to renegotiate a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

In a news conference broadcast live, senior Iranian officials said Tehran would keep reducing its commitments every 60 days unless signatories of the pact moved to protect it from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-begin-enriching-uranium-beyond-367-in-a-few-hours-official-233732">US sanctions</a>.

"In a few hours the technical process will come to an end and the enrichment beyond 3.67% will begin," said Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation. &nbsp;

"And tomorrow early in the morning, when the IAEA (UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog) takes the sample we would have gone beyond 3.67%."

Under the pact, Iran can enrich uranium to 3.67% fissile material, well below the 20% it was reaching before the deal and the roughly 90% suitable for a nuclear weapon.

Kamalvandi said Iran would enrich uranium for use in fuelling its Bushehr power plant, to the level of 5%, confirming what Reuters reported on Saturday.

"We are fully prepared to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-announce-more-cuts-to-nuclear-deal-commitments-on-sunday-report-233659">enrich uranium</a> at any level and with any amount," he said.

Iran shows no sign of caving in to pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a confrontation that has taken on a military dimension, with Washington blaming Tehran for attacks on oil tankers, and Iran shooting down a US drone, prompting aborted US air strikes.

Long-tense relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse in May 2018 when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal reached before he took office, and reimposed sanctions.

Trump argues that the deal is too weak because some of its terms are not permanent, and because it does not cover non-nuclear issues such as Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional aspirations.

Tehran pressures European powers&nbsp;

Iran's announcement challenging Washington is a test of European diplomacy. The Europeans, who opposed last year’s decision by Trump to abandon the agreement, had pleaded with Iran to keep within its parameters.

Tehran has expressed frustration over what it says is the failure of European parties to the agreement to salvage the pact by protecting Iran's economic interests from US&nbsp;sanctions.

"European countries have failed to uphold their commitments and they are also responsible," Abbas Araqchi, Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, told the news conference in Tehran.

"The doors of diplomacy are open but what matters are new initiatives which are required."

In a sign of heightening Western concern, French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had agreed to seek conditions for a resumption of dialogue on the Iranian nuclear question by July 15.

Under the 2015 deal between Iran and six powers, most international sanctions against Tehran were lifted in return for limitations on its nuclear work.

Those restrictions were aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly two to three months.

Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, such as power generation, and not to make bombs.

Iran's main demand - in talks with the European parties to the deal and as a precondition to any talks with the United States - is to be allowed to sell its oil at the levels before Washington pulled out of the agreement and restored sanctions.

Iranian crude exports were around 300,000 barrels per day or less in late June, industry sources said, a fraction of the more than 2.5 million bpd Iran shipped in April 2018, the month before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal.

Israel's energy minister described as moderate on Sunday the announced increase of Iranian uranium enrichment but accused Tehran of breaking internationally agreed limitations on its nuclear projects and moving towards a potential bomb.

"It means ... that it is brushing off the red lines that were agreed (and) that it has begun its march, a march that is not simple, towards nuclear weaponry," Yuval Steinitz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Israel's Ynet TV.

Iran said on Sunday it is fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount, in further defiance of US efforts to squeeze the country with sanctions and force it to renegotiate a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Iran said on Sunday it is fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount, in further defiance of US efforts to squeeze the country with sanctions and force it to renegotiate a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In a news conference broadcast live, senior Iranian officials said Tehran would keep reducing its commitments every 60 days unless signatories of the pact moved to protect it from US sanctions. "In a few hours the technical process will come to an end and the enrichment beyond 3.67% will begin," said Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation. "And tomorrow early in the morning, when the IAEA (UN nuclear watchdog) takes the sample we would have gone beyond 3.67%." Under the pact, Iran can enrich uranium to 3.67% fissile material, well below the 20% it was reaching before the deal and the roughly 90% suitable for a nuclear weapon. Kamalvandi said Iran would enrich uranium for use in fuelling its Bushehr power plant, to the level of 5%, confirming what Reuters reported on Saturday. "We are fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount," he said. Iran shows no sign of caving in to pressure from US President Donald Trump in a confrontation that has taken on a military dimension, with Washington blaming Tehran for attacks on oil tankers, and Iran shooting down a US drone, prompting aborted US air strikes. Long-tense relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse in May 2018 when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal reached before he took office, and reimposed sanctions. Trump argues that the deal is too weak because some of its terms are not permanent, and because it does not cover non-nuclear issues such as Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional aspirations. Tehran pressures European powers Iran's announcement challenging Washington is a test of European diplomacy. The Europeans, who opposed last year’s decision by Trump to abandon the agreement, had pleaded with Iran to keep within its parameters. Tehran has expressed frustration over what it says is the failure of European parties to the agreement to salvage the pact by protecting Iran's economic interests from US sanctions. "European countries have failed to uphold their commitments and they are also responsible," Abbas Araqchi, Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, told the news conference in Tehran. "The doors of diplomacy are open but what matters are new initiatives which are required." In a sign of heightening Western concern, French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had agreed to seek conditions for a resumption of dialogue on the Iranian nuclear question by July 15. Under the 2015 deal between Iran and six powers, most international sanctions against Tehran were lifted in return for limitations on its nuclear work. Those restrictions were aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly two to three months. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, such as power generation, and not to make bombs. Iran's main demand - in talks with the European parties to the deal and as a precondition to any talks with the United States - is to be allowed to sell its oil at the levels before Washington pulled out of the agreement and restored sanctions. Iranian crude exports were around 300,000 barrels per day or less in late June, industry sources said, a fraction of the more than 2.5 million bpd Iran shipped in April 2018, the month before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal. Israel's energy minister described as moderate on Sunday the announced increase of Iranian uranium enrichment but accused Tehran of breaking internationally agreed limitations on its nuclear projects and moving towards a potential bomb. "It means ... that it is brushing off the red lines that were agreed (and) that it has begun its march, a march that is not simple, towards nuclear weaponry," Yuval Steinitz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Israel's Ynet TV.

Iran says it will enrich uranium 'at any level', challenging US

Iran has followed through on a threat to accelerate its production of enriched uranium, the head of the UN&nbsp;atomic watchdog said on Monday, departing from his usual guarded language to say he was worried about increasing tension.

The assessment comes at a time of sharply increased US-Iranian confrontation in recent weeks, a year after Washington abandoned an agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international financial sanctions.

Washington tightened sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and companies to halt all imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system. It has also dispatched extra troops to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats.

Iran has responded with a threat to increase its enrichment of uranium, saying it is up to Europeans who still support the nuclear deal to save it by finding ways to ensure Tehran gets the economic benefits it was promised.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano, whose agency is responsible for monitoring Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal, said Iran was now producing more enriched uranium than before, but it was not clear when it might reach stockpile limits set in the pact.

“Yes, (the) production rate is increasing,” he told a news conference when asked if enriched uranium production had accelerated since the agency’s last quarterly report, which found Iran compliant with the nuclear deal as of May 20. He declined to quantify the increase.

Iran said last month it was still abiding by the deal but would quadruple its production of enriched uranium - a move that could take it out of compliance if stockpiles rise too far. It demanded European countries do more to shield it from sanctions.

On Monday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas became the most senior Western official to visit Iran since the new war of words erupted last month between Washington and Tehran.

“The situation in the region here is highly explosive and extremely serious,” Maas told a news conference alongside Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif. “A dangerous escalation of existing tensions can also lead to military escalation.”

In his meeting with Maas, President Hassan Rouhani blamed the United States for the soaring tension and called on the European signatories of the deal to “resist the economic war on Iran imposed by America”.

“This war ... will never be beneficial for any country and the Iranian people will resist these pressures and bullying behaviours,” Iran’s state TV quoted Rouhani as saying.

Zarif said Iran would cooperate with the European Union to save the deal. “Reducing tension is only possible through stopping the economic war by America,” he said. “Those who wage such wars cannot expect to remain safe.”

Maas called on Iran to avoid an escalation and stick to its commitments from the nuclear deal. Otherwise, Tehran would risk further isolation on the international stage and more instability in the region, Maas warned in an interview with ZDF television, broadcast shortly after his return to Berlin on Monday evening.

Reduce tensions through dialogue

Amano said he was worried about increasing tensions over the nuclear issue. He added he hoped “that ways can be found to reduce the current tensions through dialogue. It is essential that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments” under the deal.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said the IAEA findings showed “that Iran is going in the wrong direction and it underscores the continuing challenge Iran poses to international peace and security.”

Washington’s European allies opposed its decision last year to abandon the nuclear deal, reached in 2015 between Iran and the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China. They 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&nbsp;punishment.

Iran says the Europeans have not done enough to provide it with alternative ways to trade.

“We have not seen any serious measures taken by the Europeans in the past year despite their fairly good political stance,” Rouhani said.

Maas said there were limits to how much help the European countries could provide.

“We want to fulfil our obligations,” Maas said during his news conference with Zarif. “We cannot work miracles, but we will try to avert a failure” of the nuclear deal.

France, Britain and Germany have set up a special-purpose vehicle called Instex, designed to allow payments to Iran that would legally bypass sanctions. It has yet to be launched.

It is a new instrument and not straightforward to put into effect, Maas told reporters, adding: “But all the formal requirements are in place now, and so I’m assuming we’ll be ready to use it in the foreseeable future.”

Washington has denounced the European plans. Diplomats say the system is unlikely to have much impact on commercial business with Iran but could be used for humanitarian transactions that are permitted under US&nbsp;sanctions.

The State Department’s Ortagus said the United States would not support any payment mechanism that allowed countries or businesses to conduct transactions with sanctioned Iranian entities.

Washington says the nuclear deal should be expanded to cover other issues including Iran’s missile program and its role in wars in the region. European countries argue that while they share those concerns, it would be harder to address them without the nuclear deal in place.

Iran has ruled out any negotiation over its ballistic missile program and its activities in the Middle East, where Tehran has been involved in proxy wars with Saudi Arabia for decades.

Iran has followed through on a threat to accelerate its production of enriched uranium, the head of the UN atomic watchdog said on Monday, departing from his usual guarded language to say he was worried about increasing tension.

Iran has followed through on a threat to accelerate its production of enriched uranium, the head of the UN atomic watchdog said on Monday, departing from his usual guarded language to say he was worried about increasing tension. The assessment comes at a time of sharply increased US-Iranian confrontation in recent weeks, a year after Washington abandoned an agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international financial sanctions. Washington tightened sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and companies to halt all imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system. It has also dispatched extra troops to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats. Iran has responded with a threat to increase its enrichment of uranium, saying it is up to Europeans who still support the nuclear deal to save it by finding ways to ensure Tehran gets the economic benefits it was promised. IAEA chief Yukiya Amano, whose agency is responsible for monitoring Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal, said Iran was now producing more enriched uranium than before, but it was not clear when it might reach stockpile limits set in the pact. “Yes, (the) production rate is increasing,” he told a news conference when asked if enriched uranium production had accelerated since the agency’s last quarterly report, which found Iran compliant with the nuclear deal as of May 20. He declined to quantify the increase. Iran said last month it was still abiding by the deal but would quadruple its production of enriched uranium - a move that could take it out of compliance if stockpiles rise too far. It demanded European countries do more to shield it from sanctions. On Monday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas became the most senior Western official to visit Iran since the new war of words erupted last month between Washington and Tehran. “The situation in the region here is highly explosive and extremely serious,” Maas told a news conference alongside Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif. “A dangerous escalation of existing tensions can also lead to military escalation.” In his meeting with Maas, President Hassan Rouhani blamed the United States for the soaring tension and called on the European signatories of the deal to “resist the economic war on Iran imposed by America”. “This war ... will never be beneficial for any country and the Iranian people will resist these pressures and bullying behaviours,” Iran’s state TV quoted Rouhani as saying. Zarif said Iran would cooperate with the European Union to save the deal. “Reducing tension is only possible through stopping the economic war by America,” he said. “Those who wage such wars cannot expect to remain safe.” Maas called on Iran to avoid an escalation and stick to its commitments from the nuclear deal. Otherwise, Tehran would risk further isolation on the international stage and more instability in the region, Maas warned in an interview with ZDF television, broadcast shortly after his return to Berlin on Monday evening. Reduce tensions through dialogue Amano said he was worried about increasing tensions over the nuclear issue. He added he hoped “that ways can be found to reduce the current tensions through dialogue. It is essential that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments” under the deal. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said the IAEA findings showed “that Iran is going in the wrong direction and it underscores the continuing challenge Iran poses to international peace and security.” Washington’s European allies opposed its decision last year to abandon the nuclear deal, reached in 2015 between Iran and the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China. They 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. Iran says the Europeans have not done enough to provide it with alternative ways to trade. “We have not seen any serious measures taken by the Europeans in the past year despite their fairly good political stance,” Rouhani said. Maas said there were limits to how much help the European countries could provide. “We want to fulfil our obligations,” Maas said during his news conference with Zarif. “We cannot work miracles, but we will try to avert a failure” of the nuclear deal. France, Britain and Germany have set up a special-purpose vehicle called Instex, designed to allow payments to Iran that would legally bypass sanctions. It has yet to be launched. It is a new instrument and not straightforward to put into effect, Maas told reporters, adding: “But all the formal requirements are in place now, and so I’m assuming we’ll be ready to use it in the foreseeable future.” Washington has denounced the European plans. Diplomats say the system is unlikely to have much impact on commercial business with Iran but could be used for humanitarian transactions that are permitted under US sanctions. The State Department’s Ortagus said the United States would not support any payment mechanism that allowed countries or businesses to conduct transactions with sanctioned Iranian entities. Washington says the nuclear deal should be expanded to cover other issues including Iran’s missile program and its role in wars in the region. European countries argue that while they share those concerns, it would be harder to address them without the nuclear deal in place. Iran has ruled out any negotiation over its ballistic missile program and its activities in the Middle East, where Tehran has been involved in proxy wars with Saudi Arabia for decades.

Iran has accelerated enrichment of uranium: IAEA

Iran has been abiding by the terms of its nuclear deal with global powers, the latest report from the UN atomic watchdog indicated Monday, days after fresh US sanctions hit the country.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report showed that as of early November, Iran had been complying with the restrictions to its nuclear programme laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Sweeping new American sanctions against Iran, which came into effect on 5 November, have raised fears about whether the deal can survive.

Iran has been abiding by the terms of its nuclear deal with global powers, the latest report from the UN atomic watchdog indicated Monday, days after fresh US sanctions hit the country.

Iran has been abiding by the terms of its nuclear deal with global powers, the latest report from the UN atomic watchdog indicated Monday, days after fresh US sanctions hit the country. The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report showed that as of early November, Iran had been complying with the restrictions to its nuclear programme laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Sweeping new American sanctions against Iran, which came into effect on 5 November, have raised fears about whether the deal can survive.

Iran sticking to nuclear deal conditions: IAEA

Iran is still implementing the 2015 accord over its nuclear programme, according to a report by the UN's nuclear watchdog.

The International Atomic Energy Agency report, seen by AFP Thursday, shows that Iran is abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions.

The latest assessment from the IAEA comes just two weeks after US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the accord, throwing its future into jeopardy.

The IAEA urged Iran to stick with the accord and even go beyond its legal obligations so as to boost international confidence in Tehran's commitments.

A senior diplomat at IAEA headquarters said this was not prompted by any lack of co-operation or change of behaviour on Iran's part.

The IAEA is "encouraging (Iran) &nbsp;to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, the diplomat said, adding that Tehran could for example invite inspectors to sites they had not demanded access to.

Signatories Britain, France, Germany plus the European Union, Russia and China have been trying to salvage the deal after Trump's decision but Iran has warned that if it suffers as a result the reintroduction of US economic sanctions, it could walk away from the accord.

The report by UN's nuclear watchdog, seen by AFP, shows that Iran is abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities

Iran is still implementing the 2015 accord over its nuclear programme, according to a report by the UN's nuclear watchdog. The International Atomic Energy Agency report, seen by AFP Thursday, shows that Iran is abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions. The latest assessment from the IAEA comes just two weeks after US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the accord, throwing its future into jeopardy. The IAEA urged Iran to stick with the accord and even go beyond its legal obligations so as to boost international confidence in Tehran's commitments. A senior diplomat at IAEA headquarters said this was not prompted by any lack of co-operation or change of behaviour on Iran's part. The IAEA is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, the diplomat said, adding that Tehran could for example invite inspectors to sites they had not demanded access to. Signatories Britain, France, Germany plus the European Union, Russia and China have been trying to salvage the deal after Trump's decision but Iran has warned that if it suffers as a result the reintroduction of US economic sanctions, it could walk away from the accord.

Iran still implementing terms of 2015 nuclear deal: IAEA