10 months after Mahsa Amini's death, Iranian police have relaunched morality police patrols to detain women refusing to wear hijabs. Has Iran gone back to square one after months of nationwide protests? Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Iran: Women's rights become the battleground

After the Gulf nation of Oman said it had negotiated a prisoner swap arrangement, a Belgian relief worker who had spent more than a year in prison in Iran was released. According to the Belgian foreign ministry, the relief worker, Olivier Vandecasteele, is scheduled to arrive in Belgium later on Friday. Assadolah Assadi, an Iranian ambassador, was released from Belgium and is currently travelling back to his home country, according to Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the nation's foreign minister.

Belgian aid worker jailed in Iran is freed after prisoner swap deal

Iran has unveiled its new Kheibar ballistic missile. Israel has warned of a possible war with Iran. Is the world ready for another war? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Iran unveils new Kheibar ballistic missile

An Iranian official has said that country's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has successfully tested a long-range, high-precision kamikaze drone loaded with a 50 kg warhead. The drone has reportedly been developed by Iran.

Iran successfully tests homemade kamikaze drone equipped with 50 kg warhead

One of the sons of former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was freed on a "conditional" basis after serving more than seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for fraud, Iranian media reported Wednesday.&nbsp;Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, 53, left Tehran’s Evin Prison late Tuesday, his lawyer Vahid Abolmaali said, quoted by the ISNA news agency.

Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani was convicted of fraud, embezzlement and undermining national security in August 2015. Previously, Rafsanjani had denounced the charges as "politically motivated".&nbsp;

Who is Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani?

Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani is the fourth child of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Iran. He is known as an Iranian "Aghazadeh", a term used to describe the children of elite who emerge as the men of means and influence.

He had served as a senior official in Iran’s oil sector in the mid-2000s.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/akbar-hashemi-rafsanjani-irans-evolving-revolutionary-11042">Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Iran's evolving revolutionary</a>

In 2009, Hashemi Rafsanjani aroused the anger of conservatives by forming a "vote protection committee" for that year’s presidential election.

He actively supported reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose allegations of large-scale fraud in favour of populist incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prompted mass protests.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-irans-anti-govt-movement-is-escalating-524580">Gravitas: Iran's anti-govt movement is escalating</a>

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Mehdi’s father, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, served as president from 1989 to 1997 and was regarded as a moderate who supported improving ties with the West.

Earlier this month, Rafsanjani’s daughter Faezeh Hashemi was sentenced to five years in prison for "collusion against the security of the country".

She was arrested in September and convicted of inciting Tehran residents to join protests over the death in custody of Mahsa Al-Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, who died after&nbsp; being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.

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One of the sons of former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was freed on a "conditional" basis after serving more than seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for fraud, Iranian media reported Wednesday.

One of the sons of former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was freed on a "conditional" basis after serving more than seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for fraud, Iranian media reported Wednesday. Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, 53, left Tehran’s Evin Prison late Tuesday, his lawyer Vahid Abolmaali said, quoted by the ISNA news agency. Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani was convicted of fraud, embezzlement and undermining national security in August 2015. Previously, Rafsanjani had denounced the charges as "politically motivated". Who is Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani? Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani is the fourth child of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Iran. He is known as an Iranian "Aghazadeh", a term used to describe the children of elite who emerge as the men of means and influence. He had served as a senior official in Iran’s oil sector in the mid-2000s. ALSO READ | Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Iran's evolving revolutionary In 2009, Hashemi Rafsanjani aroused the anger of conservatives by forming a "vote protection committee" for that year’s presidential election. He actively supported reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose allegations of large-scale fraud in favour of populist incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prompted mass protests. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Iran's anti-govt movement is escalating × Mehdi’s father, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, served as president from 1989 to 1997 and was regarded as a moderate who supported improving ties with the West. Earlier this month, Rafsanjani’s daughter Faezeh Hashemi was sentenced to five years in prison for "collusion against the security of the country". She was arrested in September and convicted of inciting Tehran residents to join protests over the death in custody of Mahsa Al-Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, who died after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. 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 releases pro-West former president Rafsanjani’s son on ‘conditional’ basis

Sunni worshippers took to the streets for the 14th week in Zahedan after Friday prayers during which the popular cleric Abdolhamid delivered another fiery sermon.

Iran's top Sunni Cleric again slams government

Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday appointed a new police chief, almost four months after the death of Mahsa Amini which triggered protests across the country.&nbsp;The country has been facing severe unrest since Iranian Kurdish woman Amini, aged 22, died in police custody on September 16 after she was arrested by the morality police for not following the strict Islamic dress code of the country.&nbsp;

Khamenei, who takes the final decision on issues of major state policies and holds the position of Iranian armed forces' commander-in-chief, appointed General Ahmad-Reza Radan who will replace Hossein Ashtari, read a statement issued by the official website of the leader.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-two-executed-for-killing-security-personnel-during-anti-hijab-protests-550248">Iran: Two executed for killing security personnel during anti-hijab protests</a>

The police department was ordered by Khamenei to "improve its capabilities" and "train specialised forces for various security sectors".&nbsp;

Born in 1963, Radan, initially held the position of deputy police chief from 2008 to 2014 and became the head of the police department's Centre for Strategic Studies.&nbsp;

Ashtari took his place as the deputy after he was made the commander of the force in 2015.&nbsp;

Both Ashtari and Radan started their military career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.&nbsp;

WATCH | WION Fineprint | Iran &amp; Russia's weapons deal?

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In 2010, the United States sanctioned the new chief, who was later also sanctioned by the European Union, over accusations of "human rights abuses" related to the protests that broke out after the presidential elections of 2009 in Iran.&nbsp;

Announcing the appointment of Radan in a statement, Khamenei expressed "gratitude and satisfaction" with the eight years of Ashtari's service.&nbsp;

The authorities in Iran call the ongoing protests across the country as "riots" and say that hundreds of people, which includes security forces' members, have lost their lives and thousands have been put behind bars.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday appointed a new police chief, almost four months after the death of Mahsa Amini which triggered protests across the country.

Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday appointed a new police chief, almost four months after the death of Mahsa Amini which triggered protests across the country. The country has been facing severe unrest since Iranian Kurdish woman Amini, aged 22, died in police custody on September 16 after she was arrested by the morality police for not following the strict Islamic dress code of the country. Khamenei, who takes the final decision on issues of major state policies and holds the position of Iranian armed forces' commander-in-chief, appointed General Ahmad-Reza Radan who will replace Hossein Ashtari, read a statement issued by the official website of the leader. ALSO READ| Iran: Two executed for killing security personnel during anti-hijab protests The police department was ordered by Khamenei to "improve its capabilities" and "train specialised forces for various security sectors". Born in 1963, Radan, initially held the position of deputy police chief from 2008 to 2014 and became the head of the police department's Centre for Strategic Studies. Ashtari took his place as the deputy after he was made the commander of the force in 2015. Both Ashtari and Radan started their military career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Iran & Russia's weapons deal? In 2010, the United States sanctioned the new chief, who was later also sanctioned by the European Union, over accusations of "human rights abuses" related to the protests that broke out after the presidential elections of 2009 in Iran. Announcing the appointment of Radan in a statement, Khamenei expressed "gratitude and satisfaction" with the eight years of Ashtari's service. The authorities in Iran call the ongoing protests across the country as "riots" and say that hundreds of people, which includes security forces' members, have lost their lives and thousands have been put behind bars. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader Khamenei appoints new police chief after nationwide protests

Top Iranian Sunni cleric says torture of protesters un-Islamic

Iran continues with its crackdown on protesters including celebrities who support the anti-government protests. Now a prominent chef Ebrahimi has been allegedly arrested for posting a recipe for Persian cutlets which the government views as a symbol of dissent.

Iran detains prominent chef Ebrahimi amid crackdown on protest

An Iranian man died by suicide in France's southeastern city of Lyon on Tuesday. The man took the step&nbsp;after announcing on social media that he was going to kill himself to ensure that the world pays attention to the reported crackdown on women protesters in Iran.&nbsp; Mohammad Moradi, 38, was found in the Rhone river that flows through the centre of Lyon late on Monday, an anonymous police source was quoted as saying by the news agency AFP. The police source further told AFP that the emergency services made an immediate intervention but were unable to revive him on the river bank.&nbsp; 
 
Moradi had posted a video on Instagram saying he was about to drown himself to highlight the crackdown on protesters in Iran that began after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Al-Amini after she reportedly violated the prescribed dress code for women in the country.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-100-days-of-anti-hijab-protests-in-iran-546847">Gravitas: 100 days of Anti-hijab protests in Iran</a>

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"When you see this video, I will be dead,"&nbsp;Moradi said in French.

"The police are attacking people, we have lost a lot of sons and daughters, we have to do something,"&nbsp;Moradi said in the video.

"I decided to commit suicide in the Rhone river. It is a challenge, to show that we, Iranian people, are very tired of this situation,"&nbsp;he added.

An investigation has been launched to "verify the theory of suicide, in view in particular of the messages posted by the person concerned on social networks announcing his intention", according to the Lyon prosecutors quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/iran-hijab-protests-show-the-limits-of-people-power-523233">&nbsp;Iran hijab protests show the limits of people power</a>

A small rally in Moradi's remembrance also took place on the banks of Rhone.&nbsp;Mourners placed candles and wreaths on the riverside railings.

"Mohammad Moradi killed himself to make the voice of revolution heard in Iran. Our voice is not carried by Western media,"&nbsp;Timothee Amini of the local Iranian community told AFP.&nbsp;

'His heart was beating for Iran'

Moradi was reportedly a history undergraduate and worked in a restaurant.&nbsp;He lived in Lyon with his wife for three years.

"His heart was beating for Iran, he could no longer bear the regime,"&nbsp;said Amini.

Protests have gripped Iran for over three months.

The Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said on Tuesday that 476 protesters have been killed in the violent crackdown with at least 100 Iranians facing execution over the protests. So far, two young men have already been executed. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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An Iranian man died by suicide in France's southeastern city of Lyon on Tuesday. The man took the step after announcing on social media that he was going to kill himself to ensure that the world pays attention to the reported crackdown on women protesters in Iran.

An Iranian man died by suicide in France's southeastern city of Lyon on Tuesday. The man took the step after announcing on social media that he was going to kill himself to ensure that the world pays attention to the reported crackdown on women protesters in Iran. Mohammad Moradi, 38, was found in the Rhone river that flows through the centre of Lyon late on Monday, an anonymous police source was quoted as saying by the news agency AFP. The police source further told AFP that the emergency services made an immediate intervention but were unable to revive him on the river bank. Moradi had posted a video on Instagram saying he was about to drown himself to highlight the crackdown on protesters in Iran that began after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Al-Amini after she reportedly violated the prescribed dress code for women in the country. WATCH | Gravitas: 100 days of Anti-hijab protests in Iran × "When you see this video, I will be dead," Moradi said in French. "The police are attacking people, we have lost a lot of sons and daughters, we have to do something," Moradi said in the video. "I decided to commit suicide in the Rhone river. It is a challenge, to show that we, Iranian people, are very tired of this situation," he added. An investigation has been launched to "verify the theory of suicide, in view in particular of the messages posted by the person concerned on social networks announcing his intention", according to the Lyon prosecutors quoted by AFP. ALSO READ | Iran hijab protests show the limits of people power A small rally in Moradi's remembrance also took place on the banks of Rhone. Mourners placed candles and wreaths on the riverside railings. "Mohammad Moradi killed himself to make the voice of revolution heard in Iran. Our voice is not carried by Western media," Timothee Amini of the local Iranian community told AFP. 'His heart was beating for Iran' Moradi was reportedly a history undergraduate and worked in a restaurant. He lived in Lyon with his wife for three years. "His heart was beating for Iran, he could no longer bear the regime," said Amini. Protests have gripped Iran for over three months. The Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said on Tuesday that 476 protesters have been killed in the violent crackdown with at least 100 Iranians facing execution over the protests. So far, two young men have already been executed. (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.

Iranian man kills himself in France to draw attention to crackdown on protests back home

The sister of Iran's supreme leader reportedly said that she hopes the "tyranny" of her brother, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will soon be overthrown as she called on the country's revolutionary guards to lay down their arms.

"I think it is appropriate now to declare that I oppose my brother’s actions and I express my sympathy with all mothers mourning the crimes of the Islamic Republic regime," Badri Hosseini Khamenei's France-based son Mahmoud Moradkhani shared in a letter as saying attributed to his mother.&nbsp;

"I think it is appropriate now to declare that I oppose my brother's actions and I express my sympathy with all mothers mourning the crimes of the Islamic Republic, from the time of Khomeini to the current era of the despotic caliphate of Ali Khamenei," it added,&nbsp;

Iran's Islamic regime faces dissent from the supreme leader's own family. Badri's family have been fierce critics of her brother's regime and its predecessors since the 1979 revolution overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-hijab-protest-morality-police-abolished-big-win-for-protesters-540016">Iran Hijab Protest: Morality police abolished, big win for protesters</a>

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Her husband, Ali Tehrani, was a prominent dissident and cleric who she followed into exile during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. When the pair returned to Iran in 1995 he was jailed for 10 years. Tehrani died in October this year.

"Our family’s opposition and struggle against this criminal system began a few months after the (1979) revolution,"&nbsp;the letter read.&nbsp;

"The crimes of this system, the suppression of any dissenting voice, the imprisonment of the most educated and the most caring youth of this land, the most severe punishments, and the large-scale executions began from the very beginning."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-year-old-iranian-protester-on-death-row-subjected-to-mock-executions-three-times-report-540396">27-year-old Iranian protester on death row subjected to 'mock executions' three times</a>

The letter condemned the authorities’ crackdown on the nationwide protests that have rocked Iran for almost the past three months since the custodial death of a 22-year-old Mahsa Al-Amini.&nbsp;

"I am sorry that due to physical ailments, I cannot participate in protest movements as I should. But in heart and soul, I am with the people of Iran,"&nbsp;it read further.&nbsp;

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's sister still lives in Iran. Her daughter, Farideh Moradkhani, a prominent activist, was arrested in November after calling on foreign governments to cut all ties with Tehran. She had already been arrested for her activism on two occasions before the latest protest movement.&nbsp;

Human rights groups have put the number of people killed since the protests began in Iran at more than 450. On Wednesday, five people were sentenced to death by hanging for killing a member of the Basij paramilitary force.

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The sister of Iran's supreme leader reportedly said that she hopes the "tyranny" of her brother, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will soon be overthrown as she called on the country's revolutionary guards to lay down their arms.

The sister of Iran's supreme leader reportedly said that she hopes the "tyranny" of her brother, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will soon be overthrown as she called on the country's revolutionary guards to lay down their arms. "I think it is appropriate now to declare that I oppose my brother’s actions and I express my sympathy with all mothers mourning the crimes of the Islamic Republic regime," Badri Hosseini Khamenei's France-based son Mahmoud Moradkhani shared in a letter as saying attributed to his mother. "I think it is appropriate now to declare that I oppose my brother's actions and I express my sympathy with all mothers mourning the crimes of the Islamic Republic, from the time of Khomeini to the current era of the despotic caliphate of Ali Khamenei," it added, Iran's Islamic regime faces dissent from the supreme leader's own family. Badri's family have been fierce critics of her brother's regime and its predecessors since the 1979 revolution overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. WATCH | Iran Hijab Protest: Morality police abolished, big win for protesters × Her husband, Ali Tehrani, was a prominent dissident and cleric who she followed into exile during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. When the pair returned to Iran in 1995 he was jailed for 10 years. Tehrani died in October this year. "Our family’s opposition and struggle against this criminal system began a few months after the (1979) revolution," the letter read. "The crimes of this system, the suppression of any dissenting voice, the imprisonment of the most educated and the most caring youth of this land, the most severe punishments, and the large-scale executions began from the very beginning." ALSO READ | 27-year-old Iranian protester on death row subjected to 'mock executions' three times The letter condemned the authorities’ crackdown on the nationwide protests that have rocked Iran for almost the past three months since the custodial death of a 22-year-old Mahsa Al-Amini. "I am sorry that due to physical ailments, I cannot participate in protest movements as I should. But in heart and soul, I am with the people of Iran," it read further. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's sister still lives in Iran. Her daughter, Farideh Moradkhani, a prominent activist, was arrested in November after calling on foreign governments to cut all ties with Tehran. She had already been arrested for her activism on two occasions before the latest protest movement. Human rights groups have put the number of people killed since the protests began in Iran at more than 450. On Wednesday, five people were sentenced to death by hanging for killing a member of the Basij paramilitary force. 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.

Sister of Iran's supreme leader denounces her brother's 'despotic' regime

The niece of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been arrested after she recorded a video describing the authorities led by her uncle as a "murderous and child-killing regime".

Iranian officials arrest supreme leader Khamenei's niece

Iran continues to remain on the boil, the Iranian regime has once again unleashed its fury on the protesters. Three more protesters have been killed by the Iranian forces. Watch the full video to know more.

Iran forces kill 3 more protesters in Mahsa's province

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was imprisoned in 2016, but has now returned to her husband and young daughter after a tireless campaign for her release.

What's the story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe?

In Iran, flash floods have left at least eight people dead and 14 injured in the southern region of the country, according to the officials, the deluge is expected to last until later this week. The spokesman for the national rescue service has said that the floods and the rainfall reported in the past few days led to an increase in casualties and deaths.

Flash floods hit Iran's southern region, relief operations underway in 87 Iranian cities

In Iran's Khuzestan Province, people have taken to the streets for six straight nights now. They are out of water. A violent crackdown has led to the deaths of at least 4 people.

Gravitas: Iranians take to the streets for water

The majority of voters in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;shunned presidential&nbsp;elections&nbsp;won by hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi,&nbsp;exiled&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;groups said on Saturday, hailing the "boycott" as a blow to the country's theocratic system.

Raisi won 62 per cent of the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;with about 90 per cent of ballots counted from Friday's&nbsp;election, Iranian authorities said. Turnout figures have yet to be released.

Iranian&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;groups based abroad had urged a&nbsp;boycott&nbsp;of the poll, which was held after the most prominent rivals to Raisi were either disqualified in pre-election&nbsp;vetting or withdrew.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultraconservative-cleric-ebrahim-raisi-wins-irans-presidential-election-392598">Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election</a>

Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the National Council of Resistance of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;(NCRI), said the "nationwide&nbsp;boycott" was the "greatest political and social blow" to the system led by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"The&nbsp;boycott&nbsp;proved and showed the world that the Iranian people's only&nbsp;vote&nbsp;is to overthrow this mediaeval regime," she was quoted by the NCRI as saying.

'Unity and solidarity'&nbsp;

The NCRI, in accusations backed by leading human rights groups, says that Raisi was part of a death commission that sent thousands of&nbsp;jailed opponents to their deaths within a few months in the summer of 1988.

Most of those killed were supporters of the People's Mujahedin Organisation of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;(MEK/PMOI) whose political wing is the NCRI. It backed Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1980-1988 war with&nbsp;Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-under-us-sanctions-set-to-take-over-iran-presidency-392512">Judge under US sanctions set to take over Iran presidency</a>

The MEK believed that the actual turnout was 10 per cent and the authorities would inflate it by a factor of five in an "astronomical fabrication", the NCRI said.

This assessment was based on reports of 1,200 witnesses from 400 cities in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and more than 3,500 video clips from polling stations, it said, without indicating how the figure had been calculated or giving further numerical proof.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of deposed shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and heir to the throne before the 1979 Islamic revolution, wrote on his official Twitter channel that Iranians had shown "unity and solidarity" by "boycotting and saying no to the authoritarian regime in&nbsp;Iran."

"You have shown the will and power of the nation. Your freedom is near," he added.

Figures inside&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;had also called for a&nbsp;boycott after the disqualification of prominent candidates in pre-vote&nbsp;vetting by the Guardians Council oversight body.

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Populist former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of those barred from running, said he would not&nbsp;vote, declaring in a video message: "I do not want to have a part in this sin."

Khamenei however hailed the&nbsp;election&nbsp;however as a victory "in the face of the propaganda of the enemy's mercenary media."

Amnesty International said Saturday Raisi had "presided over a spiralling crackdown on human rights" while serving as judiciary chief for the past two years and should be investigated for the 1988 killings.

"That Ebrahim Raisi has risen to the presidency instead of being investigated for the crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearance and torture, is a grim reminder that impunity reigns supreme in&nbsp;Iran," said its Secretary-General Agnes&nbsp;Callamard.

The majority of voters in Iran shunned presidential elections won by hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, exiled opposition groups said on Saturday, hailing the "boycott" as a blow to the country's theocratic system.

The majority of voters in Iran shunned presidential elections won by hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, exiled opposition groups said on Saturday, hailing the "boycott" as a blow to the country's theocratic system. Raisi won 62 per cent of the vote with about 90 per cent of ballots counted from Friday's election, Iranian authorities said. Turnout figures have yet to be released. Iranian opposition groups based abroad had urged a boycott of the poll, which was held after the most prominent rivals to Raisi were either disqualified in pre-election vetting or withdrew. Also read | Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), said the "nationwide boycott" was the "greatest political and social blow" to the system led by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The boycott proved and showed the world that the Iranian people's only vote is to overthrow this mediaeval regime," she was quoted by the NCRI as saying. 'Unity and solidarity' The NCRI, in accusations backed by leading human rights groups, says that Raisi was part of a death commission that sent thousands of jailed opponents to their deaths within a few months in the summer of 1988. Most of those killed were supporters of the People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK/PMOI) whose political wing is the NCRI. It backed Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1980-1988 war with Iran. Also read | Judge under US sanctions set to take over Iran presidency The MEK believed that the actual turnout was 10 per cent and the authorities would inflate it by a factor of five in an "astronomical fabrication", the NCRI said. This assessment was based on reports of 1,200 witnesses from 400 cities in Iran and more than 3,500 video clips from polling stations, it said, without indicating how the figure had been calculated or giving further numerical proof. Reza Pahlavi, the son of deposed shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and heir to the throne before the 1979 Islamic revolution, wrote on his official Twitter channel that Iranians had shown "unity and solidarity" by "boycotting and saying no to the authoritarian regime in Iran." "You have shown the will and power of the nation. Your freedom is near," he added. Figures inside Iran had also called for a boycott after the disqualification of prominent candidates in pre-vote vetting by the Guardians Council oversight body. Populist former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of those barred from running, said he would not vote, declaring in a video message: "I do not want to have a part in this sin." Khamenei however hailed the election however as a victory "in the face of the propaganda of the enemy's mercenary media." Amnesty International said Saturday Raisi had "presided over a spiralling crackdown on human rights" while serving as judiciary chief for the past two years and should be investigated for the 1988 killings. "That Ebrahim Raisi has risen to the presidency instead of being investigated for the crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearance and torture, is a grim reminder that impunity reigns supreme in Iran," said its Secretary-General Agnes Callamard.

Exiled opposition hails 'boycott' of Iran vote

Ebrahim Raisi (60), an ultraconservative cleric was declared winner of Saturday's presidential election in Iran. He will be the next president of the country. His victory was widely anticipated after many political heavyweights were barred from running.

Raisi won 62 percent of the vote with about 90 percent of ballots counted from Friday's election, poll officials said, without releasing turnout figures, after the three other candidates had conceded defeat.

"I congratulate the people on their choice," said outgoing moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who has served the maximum of two consecutive four-year terms and leaves office in August.

Raisi is set to take over as Iran's president at a critical time. Iran is currently seeking to salvage its tattered nuclear deal with major powers in the world and also seeking to free itself from crippling US sanctions that have caused economic downturn in the country. Iran had struck a nuclear deal with US and other world powers but US under Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, creating uncertainty about future of the deal. After Joe Biden became US president, talks to rescue the deal started.

The head of the Iranian judiciary, whose black turban signifies direct descent from Islam's Prophet Mohammed, Raisi is seen as close to the 81-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ultimate political power in Iran.

Friday's voting was extended by two hours past the original midnight deadline amid fears of a low turnout of 50 percent or less.&nbsp;

Many voters chose to stay away after the field of some 600 hopefuls including 40 women had been winnowed down to seven candidates, all men, excluding an ex-president and a former parliament speaker.

Three of the vetted candidates dropped out of the race two days before Friday's vote.

Populist former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of those barred from running by the Guardian Council of clerics and jurists, said he would not vote, declaring in a video message: "I do not want to have a part in this sin."

Raisi's victory was confirmed Saturday when he received the congratulations of the incumbent and the three other candidates -- ultraconservatives Mohsen Rezai and Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, and reformist Abdolnasser Hemmati.

Khamenei hailed the election saying that "the great winner ... is the Iranian nation because it has risen up once again in the face of the propaganda of the enemy's mercenary media".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ebrahim Raisi (60), an ultraconservative cleric was declared winner of Saturday's presidential election in Iran. He will be the next president of the country. His victory was widely anticipated after many political heavyweights were barred from running.

Ebrahim Raisi (60), an ultraconservative cleric was declared winner of Saturday's presidential election in Iran. He will be the next president of the country. His victory was widely anticipated after many political heavyweights were barred from running. Raisi won 62 percent of the vote with about 90 percent of ballots counted from Friday's election, poll officials said, without releasing turnout figures, after the three other candidates had conceded defeat. "I congratulate the people on their choice," said outgoing moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who has served the maximum of two consecutive four-year terms and leaves office in August. Raisi is set to take over as Iran's president at a critical time. Iran is currently seeking to salvage its tattered nuclear deal with major powers in the world and also seeking to free itself from crippling US sanctions that have caused economic downturn in the country. Iran had struck a nuclear deal with US and other world powers but US under Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, creating uncertainty about future of the deal. After Joe Biden became US president, talks to rescue the deal started. The head of the Iranian judiciary, whose black turban signifies direct descent from Islam's Prophet Mohammed, Raisi is seen as close to the 81-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ultimate political power in Iran. Friday's voting was extended by two hours past the original midnight deadline amid fears of a low turnout of 50 percent or less. Many voters chose to stay away after the field of some 600 hopefuls including 40 women had been winnowed down to seven candidates, all men, excluding an ex-president and a former parliament speaker. Three of the vetted candidates dropped out of the race two days before Friday's vote. Populist former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of those barred from running by the Guardian Council of clerics and jurists, said he would not vote, declaring in a video message: "I do not want to have a part in this sin." Raisi's victory was confirmed Saturday when he received the congratulations of the incumbent and the three other candidates -- ultraconservatives Mohsen Rezai and Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, and reformist Abdolnasser Hemmati. Khamenei hailed the election saying that "the great winner ... is the Iranian nation because it has risen up once again in the face of the propaganda of the enemy's mercenary media". (With inputs from agencies)

Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election

Under Iran's clerical system, the powers of the elected president are circumscribed by those of the hardline supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in office since 1989.

Iranians set to vote for president amid turnout concerns

The 60-year-old Raisi is widely believed to be the preferred candidate of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who considers Raisi a close confidant and possible successor.

Who is Ebrahim Raisi, the front-runner in Iran's presidential race?

The British-built fleet replenishment vessel Kharg, which measured more than 200 metres (more than 650 feet) long, caught fire on Tuesday off the port of Jask on the Gulf of Oman, the navy said.

Iran's biggest navy ship sinks after fire in Gulf of Oman

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country.

The blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries occurred at 2330 GMT. Mansour Shisheforoush, head of the province's crisis management organisation said that the blast took place due to "unclear reasons still being investigated"

He added that nine factory workers were injured and transferred to hospital, he added. Shisheforoush said several investigation teams were at the scene to determine the cause of the blast.

The factory is located about 45 kilometres (just under 30 miles) northwest of Isfahan city

The company manufactures "industrial-commercial explosive materials" and was established in 1941, according to its website.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country.

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country. The blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries occurred at 2330 GMT. Mansour Shisheforoush, head of the province's crisis management organisation said that the blast took place due to "unclear reasons still being investigated" He added that nine factory workers were injured and transferred to hospital, he added. Shisheforoush said several investigation teams were at the scene to determine the cause of the blast. The factory is located about 45 kilometres (just under 30 miles) northwest of Isfahan city The company manufactures "industrial-commercial explosive materials" and was established in 1941, according to its website. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Nine people injured in explosives factory blast

According to sources: The meeting was focused on Yemen, where a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been battling the Iran-aligned Houthi group since March 2015

Saudi Arabia and Iran held talks aimed at easing tensions

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, alongside visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said the Natanz attack could hurt negotiations over its tattered atomic deal with world powers.

Iran to begin 60% enrichment after Natanz-site incident

South Korea's Prime Minister arrived in Tehran for talks over $7 billion of Iranian funds trapped in his country by US sanctions.

Iran accused South Korea of holding 'hostage' $7 billion funds

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian officials confirmed an "incident" at Natanz, a day after the government said it was launching more than 150 new uranium enrichment centrifuges at the underground facility.

Iran nuclear incident at Natanz facility a 'terrorist action'

Iran’s production rate is already “up to 40 percent” faster than that, Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi indicated.

Iran produced 55kg of 20% enriched Uranium since January

A report claims Iran's nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed by a one-tonne gun - smuggled into Iran in pieces by Mossad. This comes at a time when Iran has started producing uranium metal, that can be used in nuclear weapons.

Gravitas: Iran's top nuclear scientist 'killed by a one-tonne gun'

The hardliners in Iran's parliament have rejected the budget proposed by Hassan Rouhani. A high stakes political battle is unfolding in Tehran - that could have implications for West Asia. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Iran is without a budget

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday not to be "trapped" by an alleged Israeli plan to provoke a war through attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq.

Fineprint: Iran's Foreign Minister urges Trump to avoid Israel 'trap' to provoke war

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