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Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist. The 59-year-old was targeted while travelling in a car near Absard city in Tehran province's eastern Damavand county.

The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "engaging in activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme.

A state television reporter said a pickup truck carrying explosives concealed under a cargo of wood exploded in front of Fakhrizadeh's car, before it was sprayed with bullets from an SUV in another lane.

Images from the scene showed a black sedan on the side of the road, its windshield pockmarked with bullet holes. A pool of blood was seen on the asphalt.

State television described Fakhrizadeh as one "of our country's nuclear scientists" and said Israel "had an old and deep enmity towards him".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there were "serious indications of an Israeli role" in his assassination.

"Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today," Zarif tweeted.

"This cowardice -- with serious indications of Israeli role -- shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators," he added.

He also called on the international community to "end their shameful double standards &amp; condemn this act of state terror."

'Heavy blow'

A spokesman for Netanyahu questioned by AFP in Jerusalem declined to comment.

Iran's armed forces chief of staff called Fakhrizdeh's death "a bitter and heavy blow to the country's defence system" and warned of "severe revenge" for those behind it.

"We assure (Iranians) that we will not rest until we have chased and punished" those involved, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in tweets picked up by state news agency IRNA.

Fakhrizadeh's assassination comes less than two months before Joe Biden is to take office as US president.

Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing crippling sanctions.

Trump said at the time that the deal known formally as the Joint&nbsp; 
Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, did not offer sufficient guarantees to stop Tehran from acquiring an atomic bomb.

Iran has always denied it wants such a weapon.

Trump on Friday retweeted reports on Fakhrizadeh's assassination, without commenting on it himself.

'Strike killers like lightning'

Hossein Dehghan, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader and a former senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accused Israel of trying to provoke a war through the assassination.

"In the last days of the political life of their gambling ally (Trump), the Zionists are trying to intensify pressure on Iran to create a full-blown war," he tweeted.

"We will strike the killers like lightning."

Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on International Relations said on Twitter that the "objective behind the killing wasn't to hinder (Iran's) nuclear programme but to undermine diplomacy."

She noted that recent high-level visits by US officials to Israel and Saudi Arabia "raised flags something being cooked up" to "provoke Iran &amp; complicate Biden's diplomatic push."

The killing of Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a series of assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran in recent years that the Islamic republic has blamed on Israel.

The New York Times reported earlier in November that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was secretly shot and killed in Tehran by two Israeli operatives on a motorcycle at Washington's behest.

The senior leader, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in August along with his daughter, Miriam, the widow of Osama bin Laden's son Hamza, the Times said, citing intelligence sources.

Iran said the report was based on "made-up information" and reaffirmed its denial of the presence of any of the group's members in the Islamic republic.

(With AFP inputs)

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist.

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist. The 59-year-old was targeted while travelling in a car near Absard city in Tehran province's eastern Damavand county. The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "engaging in activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme. A state television reporter said a pickup truck carrying explosives concealed under a cargo of wood exploded in front of Fakhrizadeh's car, before it was sprayed with bullets from an SUV in another lane. Images from the scene showed a black sedan on the side of the road, its windshield pockmarked with bullet holes. A pool of blood was seen on the asphalt. State television described Fakhrizadeh as one "of our country's nuclear scientists" and said Israel "had an old and deep enmity towards him". Also Read | Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there were "serious indications of an Israeli role" in his assassination. "Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today," Zarif tweeted. "This cowardice -- with serious indications of Israeli role -- shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators," he added. He also called on the international community to "end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror." 'Heavy blow' A spokesman for Netanyahu questioned by AFP in Jerusalem declined to comment. Iran's armed forces chief of staff called Fakhrizdeh's death "a bitter and heavy blow to the country's defence system" and warned of "severe revenge" for those behind it. "We assure (Iranians) that we will not rest until we have chased and punished" those involved, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in tweets picked up by state news agency IRNA. Fakhrizadeh's assassination comes less than two months before Joe Biden is to take office as US president. Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing crippling sanctions. Trump said at the time that the deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, did not offer sufficient guarantees to stop Tehran from acquiring an atomic bomb. Iran has always denied it wants such a weapon. Trump on Friday retweeted reports on Fakhrizadeh's assassination, without commenting on it himself. 'Strike killers like lightning' Hossein Dehghan, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader and a former senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accused Israel of trying to provoke a war through the assassination. "In the last days of the political life of their gambling ally (Trump), the Zionists are trying to intensify pressure on Iran to create a full-blown war," he tweeted. "We will strike the killers like lightning." Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on International Relations said on Twitter that the "objective behind the killing wasn't to hinder (Iran's) nuclear programme but to undermine diplomacy." She noted that recent high-level visits by US officials to Israel and Saudi Arabia "raised flags something being cooked up" to "provoke Iran & complicate Biden's diplomatic push." The killing of Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a series of assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran in recent years that the Islamic republic has blamed on Israel. The New York Times reported earlier in November that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was secretly shot and killed in Tehran by two Israeli operatives on a motorcycle at Washington's behest. The senior leader, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in August along with his daughter, Miriam, the widow of Osama bin Laden's son Hamza, the Times said, citing intelligence sources. Iran said the report was based on "made-up information" and reaffirmed its denial of the presence of any of the group's members in the Islamic republic. (With AFP inputs)

Iran accuses Israel of killing nuclear scientist, vows 'revenge'

The Pentagon announced early Saturday that it sent the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier back into the Mideast.

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Meir Javedanfar is an Iranian-born Israeli Middle East commentator. He left Iran in 1987, eight years after the Iranian Revolution and now lives in Israel. He worked as a foreign affairs commentator at BBC Persian.

Iran blames Israel for assassinating nuclear scientist in Tehran

In what will be seen as a victory for Iranian state hostage-taking by some and a humanitarian move by others, Moore-Gilbert was released on Wednesday morning.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert released from Iran jail in prisoner exchange

The sanctions freeze all U.S. property and assets of the designated entities while barring U.S. citizens from doing business with them.

U.S. sanctions Iranian entities for election meddling

New research suggests&nbsp;that Persians stumbled upon a version of chromium steel, commonly called as stainless steel, approximately 1000 years ago, surprising scientists.

According to the latest study published in the Journal of Archeology, Persians came across an alloy of chromium steel in 11th Century AD. It was used to produce swords, daggers, armor, and other items.

Rahil Alipour, the lead author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London, said&nbsp;“This particular crucible steel made in Chahak contains around 1 per cent&nbsp;to 2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;chromium and 2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;phosphorus.”

Until quite recently archeologists and historians believed that the discovery of&nbsp;chromium steel was a recent phenomenon.

Persians found&nbsp;stainless steel in&nbsp;Chahak, an archaeological site in southern Iran.&nbsp;Radiocarbon dating of this charcoal yielded a date range between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da5ae844-4537-4abb-84c2-49580d1d5cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Surprising-archaeologists-find-1000-year-old-stainless-steel-in-Iran.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Crucible remnant containing an embedded chunk of slag/Image:&nbsp;Rahil Alipour/UCL Archaeology

In the past, Chahak&nbsp;used to be an important hub for the production of steel, and it is the only archaeological site in Iran with evidence of crucible steel-making. In it&nbsp;iron is added to long tubular crucibles, along with other minerals and organic matter, which is then sealed and warmed in a furnace.

After cooling down, an ingot is removed by breaking the crucible. This technique was vitally important among many cultures, including the Vikings.

''The new paper provides the earliest evidence for the consistent and intentional addition of a chromium mineral, most likely chromite, to the crucible steel charge, resulting in the intentional production of a low-chromium steel,”&nbsp;said Rachel Alipore, another author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London.

“Crucible steel in general is a very high-quality steel,” Alipour said. “It does not contain impurities and is very ideal for production of arms and armour and other tools.”

New research suggests that Persians stumbled upon a version of chromium steel, commonly called as stainless steel, approximately 1000 years ago, surprising scientists.

New research suggests that Persians stumbled upon a version of chromium steel, commonly called as stainless steel, approximately 1000 years ago, surprising scientists. According to the latest study published in the Journal of Archeology, Persians came across an alloy of chromium steel in 11th Century AD. It was used to produce swords, daggers, armor, and other items. Rahil Alipour, the lead author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London, said “This particular crucible steel made in Chahak contains around 1 per cent to 2 per cent chromium and 2 per cent phosphorus.” Until quite recently archeologists and historians believed that the discovery of chromium steel was a recent phenomenon. Persians found stainless steel in Chahak, an archaeological site in southern Iran. Radiocarbon dating of this charcoal yielded a date range between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. In picture: Crucible remnant containing an embedded chunk of slag/Image: Rahil Alipour/UCL Archaeology In the past, Chahak used to be an important hub for the production of steel, and it is the only archaeological site in Iran with evidence of crucible steel-making. In it iron is added to long tubular crucibles, along with other minerals and organic matter, which is then sealed and warmed in a furnace. After cooling down, an ingot is removed by breaking the crucible. This technique was vitally important among many cultures, including the Vikings. ''The new paper provides the earliest evidence for the consistent and intentional addition of a chromium mineral, most likely chromite, to the crucible steel charge, resulting in the intentional production of a low-chromium steel,” said Rachel Alipore, another author of the new study and an archaeologist at University College London. “Crucible steel in general is a very high-quality steel,” Alipour said. “It does not contain impurities and is very ideal for production of arms and armour and other tools.”

Steel has been in circulation longer than you think

The United States on Monday will sanction more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran`s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs, a senior US official said, putting teeth behind UN sanctions on Tehran that Washington argues have resumed despite the opposition of allies and adversaries.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran could have enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of the year and that Tehran has resumed long-range missile cooperation with nuclear-armed North Korea. He did not provide detailed evidence regarding either assertion.

The new sanctions fit into US President Donald Trump`s effort to limit Iran`s regional influence and come a week after US-brokered deals for the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to normalize ties with Israel, pacts that may coalesce a wider coalition against Iran while appealing to pro-Israel US voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The new sanctions also put European allies, China and Russia on notice that while their inclination may be to ignore the US drive to maintain the UN sanctions on Iran, companies based in their nations would feel the bite for violating them.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-faces-maximum-isolation-as-world-powers-dismiss-sanctions-328980">Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions</a> 
 
A major part of the new US push is an executive order targeting those who buy or sell Iran conventional arms that was previously reported by Reuters and will also be unveiled by the Trump administration on Monday, the official said.

The Trump administration suspects Iran of seeking nuclear weapons - something Tehran denies - and Monday`s punitive steps are the latest in a series seeking to stymie Iran`s atomic program, which US ally Israel views as an existential threat.

"Iran is clearly doing everything it can to keep in existence a virtual turnkey capability to get back into the weaponization business at a moment`s notice should it choose to do so," the US official told Reuters.

The official argued Iran wants a nuclear weapons capability and the means to deliver it despite the 2015 deal that sought to prevent this by restraining Iran`s atomic program in return for access to the world market.

In May 2018, Trump abandoned that agreement to the dismay of the other parties - Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia - and restored US sanctions that have crippled Iran`s economy.

Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium.

"Because of Iran`s provocative nuclear escalation, it could have sufficient fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of this year," the official said without elaborating except to say this was based on "the totality" of information available to the United States, including from the IAEA.

The Vienna-based agency has said Iran only began significantly breaching the 2015 deal`s limits after the US withdrawal and it is still enriching uranium only up to 4.5%, well below the 20% it had achieved before that agreement, let alone the roughly 90% purity that is considered weapons-grade, suitable for an atomic bomb.

"Iran and North Korea have resumed cooperation on a long-range missile project, including the transfer of critical parts," he added, declining to say when such joint work first began, stopped, and then started again. 
Asked to comment on the impending new US sanctions and the US official`s other statements, a spokesman for&nbsp; 
Iran`s mission to the United Nations dismissed them as propaganda and said they would further isolate the United States.

"The US` `maximum pressure` show, which includes new propaganda measures almost every week, has clearly failed miserably, and announcing new measures will not change this fact," the mission`s spokesman, Alireza Miryousefi, told Reuters in an email.

"The entire world understands that these are a part of (the) next US election campaign, and they are ignoring the US` preposterous claims at the UN today. It will only make (the) US more isolated in world affairs," he said.

The White House declined comment in advance of Monday`s announcements.

`Snap&nbsp;back` of&nbsp;UN sanctions?

The US official confirmed Trump will issue an executive order that would allow the United States to punish those who buy or sell conventional arms to Iran with secondary sanctions, depriving them of access to the US market.

The proximate cause for this US action is the impending expiration of a UN arms embargo on Iran and to warn foreign actors - US entities are already barred from such trade - that if they buy or sell arms to Iran they will face US sanctions.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal the UN conventional arms embargo is set to expire on Oct. 18.

The United States says it has triggered a "snap back," or resumption, of virtually all UN sanctions on Iran, including the arms embargo, to come into effect at 8 p.m. on Saturday/0000 GMT on Sunday.

Other parties to the nuclear deal and most UN Security Council members have said they do not believe the United States has the right to reimpose the UN sanctions and that the US move has no legal effect.

On Friday, Britain, France and Germany told the Security Council that UN sanctions relief for Iran - agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal - would continue beyond Sunday, despite Washington`s assertion.

In letters to the Security Council on Saturday, China`s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun and Russia`s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia both described the US move as "illegitimate" and said the UN sanctions relief for Iran would continue.

Also on Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council he cannot act on the US declaration that UN sanctions had been reimposed because it was not clear whether they had snapped back. 
"It is not for the Secretary-General to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he said.

Targets include Iran's nuclear, missile, arms groups

The new executive order will define conventional weapons broadly as any item with a potential military use, meaning it could cover such things as speed boats that Iran retrofits to harass vessels in international waters, the US official told Reuters.

It would also apply to conventional circuit boards that can be used in ballistic missile guidance systems, he added.

The more than two dozen targets to be hit with sanctions on Monday include those involved in Iran`s conventional arms, nuclear and missile programs, the official said, saying some of the targets are already sanctioned under other US programs.

That could prompt criticism that the US move is redundant and designed for public relations purposes to look tough on Iran, a charge critics have made about past US sanctions actions.

Among the targets will be Iran`s "most nefarious arms organizations," about a dozen senior officials, scientists and experts from Iran`s nuclear complex, members of a procurement network that supplies military-grade dual-use goods for Iran`s missile program, and several senior officials involved in Iran`s ballistic missile program, the US official said.

The official declined to name the targets, saying this would be made public on Monday, and stressed that the United States wants to deter foreign companies from dealing with them even if their governments believe this is legally permitted.

"You might have a split in some countries where a foreign government may claim that the UN sanctions don`t snap back but their banks and companies will abide by US sanctions because they want to make sure they are not a future target," he said. 
&nbsp;

The United States on Monday will sanction more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran`s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs, a senior US official said, putting teeth behind UN sanctions on Tehran that Washington argues have resumed despite the opposition of allies and adversaries.

The United States on Monday will sanction more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran`s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs, a senior US official said, putting teeth behind UN sanctions on Tehran that Washington argues have resumed despite the opposition of allies and adversaries. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran could have enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of the year and that Tehran has resumed long-range missile cooperation with nuclear-armed North Korea. He did not provide detailed evidence regarding either assertion. The new sanctions fit into US President Donald Trump`s effort to limit Iran`s regional influence and come a week after US-brokered deals for the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to normalize ties with Israel, pacts that may coalesce a wider coalition against Iran while appealing to pro-Israel US voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The new sanctions also put European allies, China and Russia on notice that while their inclination may be to ignore the US drive to maintain the UN sanctions on Iran, companies based in their nations would feel the bite for violating them. Also Read | Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions A major part of the new US push is an executive order targeting those who buy or sell Iran conventional arms that was previously reported by Reuters and will also be unveiled by the Trump administration on Monday, the official said. The Trump administration suspects Iran of seeking nuclear weapons - something Tehran denies - and Monday`s punitive steps are the latest in a series seeking to stymie Iran`s atomic program, which US ally Israel views as an existential threat. "Iran is clearly doing everything it can to keep in existence a virtual turnkey capability to get back into the weaponization business at a moment`s notice should it choose to do so," the US official told Reuters. The official argued Iran wants a nuclear weapons capability and the means to deliver it despite the 2015 deal that sought to prevent this by restraining Iran`s atomic program in return for access to the world market. In May 2018, Trump abandoned that agreement to the dismay of the other parties - Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia - and restored US sanctions that have crippled Iran`s economy. Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium. "Because of Iran`s provocative nuclear escalation, it could have sufficient fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of this year," the official said without elaborating except to say this was based on "the totality" of information available to the United States, including from the IAEA. The Vienna-based agency has said Iran only began significantly breaching the 2015 deal`s limits after the US withdrawal and it is still enriching uranium only up to 4.5%, well below the 20% it had achieved before that agreement, let alone the roughly 90% purity that is considered weapons-grade, suitable for an atomic bomb. "Iran and North Korea have resumed cooperation on a long-range missile project, including the transfer of critical parts," he added, declining to say when such joint work first began, stopped, and then started again. Asked to comment on the impending new US sanctions and the US official`s other statements, a spokesman for Iran`s mission to the United Nations dismissed them as propaganda and said they would further isolate the United States. "The US` `maximum pressure` show, which includes new propaganda measures almost every week, has clearly failed miserably, and announcing new measures will not change this fact," the mission`s spokesman, Alireza Miryousefi, told Reuters in an email. "The entire world understands that these are a part of (the) next US election campaign, and they are ignoring the US` preposterous claims at the UN today. It will only make (the) US more isolated in world affairs," he said. The White House declined comment in advance of Monday`s announcements. `Snap back` of UN sanctions? The US official confirmed Trump will issue an executive order that would allow the United States to punish those who buy or sell conventional arms to Iran with secondary sanctions, depriving them of access to the US market. The proximate cause for this US action is the impending expiration of a UN arms embargo on Iran and to warn foreign actors - US entities are already barred from such trade - that if they buy or sell arms to Iran they will face US sanctions. Under the 2015 nuclear deal the UN conventional arms embargo is set to expire on Oct. 18. The United States says it has triggered a "snap back," or resumption, of virtually all UN sanctions on Iran, including the arms embargo, to come into effect at 8 p.m. on Saturday/0000 GMT on Sunday. Other parties to the nuclear deal and most UN Security Council members have said they do not believe the United States has the right to reimpose the UN sanctions and that the US move has no legal effect. On Friday, Britain, France and Germany told the Security Council that UN sanctions relief for Iran - agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal - would continue beyond Sunday, despite Washington`s assertion. In letters to the Security Council on Saturday, China`s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun and Russia`s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia both described the US move as "illegitimate" and said the UN sanctions relief for Iran would continue. Also on Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council he cannot act on the US declaration that UN sanctions had been reimposed because it was not clear whether they had snapped back. "It is not for the Secretary-General to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he said. Targets include Iran's nuclear, missile, arms groups The new executive order will define conventional weapons broadly as any item with a potential military use, meaning it could cover such things as speed boats that Iran retrofits to harass vessels in international waters, the US official told Reuters. It would also apply to conventional circuit boards that can be used in ballistic missile guidance systems, he added. The more than two dozen targets to be hit with sanctions on Monday include those involved in Iran`s conventional arms, nuclear and missile programs, the official said, saying some of the targets are already sanctioned under other US programs. That could prompt criticism that the US move is redundant and designed for public relations purposes to look tough on Iran, a charge critics have made about past US sanctions actions. Among the targets will be Iran`s "most nefarious arms organizations," about a dozen senior officials, scientists and experts from Iran`s nuclear complex, members of a procurement network that supplies military-grade dual-use goods for Iran`s missile program, and several senior officials involved in Iran`s ballistic missile program, the US official said. The official declined to name the targets, saying this would be made public on Monday, and stressed that the United States wants to deter foreign companies from dealing with them even if their governments believe this is legally permitted. "You might have a split in some countries where a foreign government may claim that the UN sanctions don`t snap back but their banks and companies will abide by US sanctions because they want to make sure they are not a future target," he said.

US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms

Iran said Sunday its arch-foe the United States is facing "maximum isolation" after major powers dismissed a unilateral US declaration that UN sanctions on Tehran were back in force.

The administration of US President Donald Trump said the sanctions had been re-activated under the "snapback" mechanism in a landmark 2015 nuclear treaty -- despite Washington having withdrawn from the deal.

As other signatories cast doubt on the move having any legal effect, Washington threatened to "impose consequences" on states failing to comply.

But Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said a concerted campaign by Washington to pressure Tehran had backfired.

"We can say that America's 'maximum pressure' against Iran, in its political and legal aspect, has turned into America's maximum isolation," he said in a televised cabinet meeting.

He praised the UN Security Council's approach to the issue as "very valuable" as it ignored "America's request (and) held no session to consider their request".

The Security Council was what "the Americans always thought of as their point of strength," he said.

The sanctions in question had been lifted when Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Britain, China, France, Russia and the US) and Germany signed the 2015 treaty on Iran's nuclear programme, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

But Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018, saying the deal -- negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama -- was insufficient.&nbsp;

He also renewed and strengthened Washington's own sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic republic.

The US insists it is still a participant in the agreement that it stormed out of -- but only so it can activate the snapback option, which it announced on August 20.

Iran said Sunday its arch-foe the United States is facing "maximum isolation" after major powers dismissed a unilateral US declaration that UN sanctions on Tehran were back in force.

Iran said Sunday its arch-foe the United States is facing "maximum isolation" after major powers dismissed a unilateral US declaration that UN sanctions on Tehran were back in force. The administration of US President Donald Trump said the sanctions had been re-activated under the "snapback" mechanism in a landmark 2015 nuclear treaty -- despite Washington having withdrawn from the deal. As other signatories cast doubt on the move having any legal effect, Washington threatened to "impose consequences" on states failing to comply. But Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said a concerted campaign by Washington to pressure Tehran had backfired. "We can say that America's 'maximum pressure' against Iran, in its political and legal aspect, has turned into America's maximum isolation," he said in a televised cabinet meeting. He praised the UN Security Council's approach to the issue as "very valuable" as it ignored "America's request (and) held no session to consider their request". The Security Council was what "the Americans always thought of as their point of strength," he said. The sanctions in question had been lifted when Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Britain, China, France, Russia and the US) and Germany signed the 2015 treaty on Iran's nuclear programme, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. But Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018, saying the deal -- negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama -- was insufficient. He also renewed and strengthened Washington's own sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic republic. The US insists it is still a participant in the agreement that it stormed out of -- but only so it can activate the snapback option, which it announced on August 20.

Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions

Iran has postponed a new trial due to start Sunday of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman detained in Tehran for sedition, her husband said.

"Yes, today's hearing was postponed," Richard Ratcliffe told AFP in London. Her Iranian lawyer was told "the case was not happening today", he added.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, has spent more than four years in jail or under house arrest since being arrested in the Iranian capital in April 2016 while on a visit to see relatives with her young daughter.

Iranian state television's website Iribnews said on Tuesday that she and her lawyer had been notified of a new indictment, without giving further details or a trial date.

Ratcliffe had said last week that she was due to appear in court on Sunday, and that it was "increasingly clear" she was being held as a "hostage" against a longstanding UK debt to Iran.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation -- the media organisation's philanthropic arm -- denied sedition but was convicted and jailed for five years.

Her British MP Tulip Siddiq also relayed the news of Sunday's postponement after speaking to Ratcliffe.

"She is relieved, frustrated, stressed and angry. Once again she's being treated like a bargaining chip," Siddiq tweeted. 
&nbsp;

Iran has postponed a new trial due to start Sunday of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman detained in Tehran for sedition, her husband said. "Yes, today's hearing was postponed," Richard Ratcliffe told AFP in London.

Iran has postponed a new trial due to start Sunday of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman detained in Tehran for sedition, her husband said. "Yes, today's hearing was postponed," Richard Ratcliffe told AFP in London. Her Iranian lawyer was told "the case was not happening today", he added. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, has spent more than four years in jail or under house arrest since being arrested in the Iranian capital in April 2016 while on a visit to see relatives with her young daughter. Iranian state television's website Iribnews said on Tuesday that she and her lawyer had been notified of a new indictment, without giving further details or a trial date. Ratcliffe had said last week that she was due to appear in court on Sunday, and that it was "increasingly clear" she was being held as a "hostage" against a longstanding UK debt to Iran. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation -- the media organisation's philanthropic arm -- denied sedition but was convicted and jailed for five years. Her British MP Tulip Siddiq also relayed the news of Sunday's postponement after speaking to Ratcliffe. "She is relieved, frustrated, stressed and angry. Once again she's being treated like a bargaining chip," Siddiq tweeted.

Iran postpones new trial of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: husband

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the show of unity by parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, after they defeated US efforts to restore international sanctions.

Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia, dubbed the "4+1", are struggling to save the accord after the United States withdrew from it in 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-and-germany-regret-us-end-to-iran-nuclear-waivers-301999">France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers</a>

Washington unilaterally reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Iran has stepped up its nuclear activities in the past year in retaliation for Washington's pullout from the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

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"Fortunately, yesterday in Vienna, the 4+1 clearly stated that they stand by the JCPOA and that America does not have the right to misuse it," Rouhani said in remarks to the weekly cabinet meeting broadcast on state television.

"They have not only pulled out of the JCPOA but also punished whoever has abided by it."

Rouhani called Washington's drive to reimpose UN sanctions against Iran "futile and childish."

European Union senior official Helga Schmid, who chaired the talks in Vienna, said the participants were "united in resolve to preserve" the nuclear agreement.

Schmid said that the US cannot launch the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran using a Security Council resolution enshrining a deal they have abandoned.

In a boost to Tuesday's talks, Iran last week agreed to let UN nuclear inspectors visit two sites suspected of having hosted undeclared activity in the early 2000s.

Rouhani said he had spoken to the current Security Council president, Abdou Abarry of Niger, who he said "shared our views" that the US cannot reimpose international sanctions.

The Security Council last week blocked the US bid to reimpose sanctions.

Washington also failed to rally enough support to extend an arms embargo on Iran, that is scheduled to begin being rolled back from October.

Rouhani hailed the pushbacks against the US as a "victory" for Tehran and a "disgraceful failure" for Washington.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the show of unity by parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, after they defeated US efforts to restore international sanctions.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the show of unity by parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, after they defeated US efforts to restore international sanctions. Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia, dubbed the "4+1", are struggling to save the accord after the United States withdrew from it in 2018. Also read: France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers Washington unilaterally reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic. Iran has stepped up its nuclear activities in the past year in retaliation for Washington's pullout from the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. "Fortunately, yesterday in Vienna, the 4+1 clearly stated that they stand by the JCPOA and that America does not have the right to misuse it," Rouhani said in remarks to the weekly cabinet meeting broadcast on state television. "They have not only pulled out of the JCPOA but also punished whoever has abided by it." Rouhani called Washington's drive to reimpose UN sanctions against Iran "futile and childish." European Union senior official Helga Schmid, who chaired the talks in Vienna, said the participants were "united in resolve to preserve" the nuclear agreement. Schmid said that the US cannot launch the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran using a Security Council resolution enshrining a deal they have abandoned. In a boost to Tuesday's talks, Iran last week agreed to let UN nuclear inspectors visit two sites suspected of having hosted undeclared activity in the early 2000s. Rouhani said he had spoken to the current Security Council president, Abdou Abarry of Niger, who he said "shared our views" that the US cannot reimpose international sanctions. The Security Council last week blocked the US bid to reimpose sanctions. Washington also failed to rally enough support to extend an arms embargo on Iran, that is scheduled to begin being rolled back from October. Rouhani hailed the pushbacks against the US as a "victory" for Tehran and a "disgraceful failure" for Washington.

Iran hails 'united resolve' to preserve nuclear deal against US

Three years after the MeToo movement spread globally, Iranian women have broken their silence on sexual violence.

MeToo in Iran: women break their long silence

Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks on Tuesday with the visiting head of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions.

"Today's talks were constructive," the head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said after meeting IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi.

"It was decided that the agency continue its work professionally and independently and Iran, too, act in the framework of its commitments," he said, quoted by state news agency IRNA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-grossito-to-make-first-visit-to-iran-on-august-24-322398">IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24</a>

The UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi arrived in the country on Monday&nbsp;as he seeked&nbsp;access for inspectors to two suspected former atomic sites after a months-long standoff between Tehran and the body.

Tehran said Grossi's visit would "strengthen ties and build trust" between Tehran and the IAEA. However, in a statement on Saturday, Grossi said he would address "the outstanding questions, in particular, the issue of the access".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-un-security-council-members-oppose-us-push-for-iran-sanctions-322327">Majority of UN Security Council members oppose US push for Iran sanctions</a>

"As long as the IAEA moves based on impartiality, independence and distances itself from political pressure of another countries, there will be no problems between the IAEA and Tehran,"&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters, state TV reported.

A senior&nbsp;Iranian nuclear official said on Sunday that the IAEA wanted access and inspection of "two places", one near Tehran and the other near the central city of Isfahan.

Grossi's visit comes after Washington's last week pushed at the UN&nbsp;Security Council to reimpose international sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under&nbsp;Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

However,&nbsp;Iranian authorities said Grossi's visit was not related to the US&nbsp;move to return all sanctions on&nbsp;Iran, which other parties to the deal - Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, have not supported.

In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement and reimposed some sanctions that have crippled Tehran's economy.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has retaliated by reducing compliance with the pact's restrictions.

Khatibzadeh said Grossi would meet high-ranking&nbsp;Iranian officials during his visit, including the foreign minister and the country's nuclear chief.

Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks on Tuesday with the visiting head of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions.

Iran's nuclear body said it held "constructive" talks on Tuesday with the visiting head of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid tensions over a US bid to reimpose UN sanctions. "Today's talks were constructive," the head of Iran's atomic agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said after meeting IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi. "It was decided that the agency continue its work professionally and independently and Iran, too, act in the framework of its commitments," he said, quoted by state news agency IRNA. Also read: IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24 The UN nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi arrived in the country on Monday as he seeked access for inspectors to two suspected former atomic sites after a months-long standoff between Tehran and the body. Tehran said Grossi's visit would "strengthen ties and build trust" between Tehran and the IAEA. However, in a statement on Saturday, Grossi said he would address "the outstanding questions, in particular, the issue of the access". Also read: Majority of UN Security Council members oppose US push for Iran sanctions "As long as the IAEA moves based on impartiality, independence and distances itself from political pressure of another countries, there will be no problems between the IAEA and Tehran," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters, state TV reported. A senior Iranian nuclear official said on Sunday that the IAEA wanted access and inspection of "two places", one near Tehran and the other near the central city of Isfahan. Grossi's visit comes after Washington's last week pushed at the UN Security Council to reimpose international sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. However, Iranian authorities said Grossi's visit was not related to the US move to return all sanctions on Iran, which other parties to the deal - Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, have not supported. In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement and reimposed some sanctions that have crippled Tehran's economy. Iran has retaliated by reducing compliance with the pact's restrictions. Khatibzadeh said Grossi would meet high-ranking Iranian officials during his visit, including the foreign minister and the country's nuclear chief.

Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi

Iranian authorities have arrested five&nbsp;Iranians on charges of spying for Israel, Britain and Germany, convicting and handing down prison sentences on at least two of them, the judiciary said on Tuesday.

"In recent months, five&nbsp;Iranians who were spying for foreign intelligence services have been arrested," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a virtual news conference.

One of the convicts, Massud Mossaheb, had been "spying for (Israeli spy agency) Mossad and Germany in the guise" of the general secretary of the Austrian-Iranian Society.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-at-risk-as-un-council-prepares-to-vote-on-arms-embargo-319607" hreflang="en">Iran nuclear deal at risk as UN council prepares to vote on arms embargo</a>

Speaking to state television, he said the second man, Shahram Shirkhani, spied for British intelligence services and tried to recruit some&nbsp;Iranian officials for Britain's MI6 agency.

Shirkhani had passed on classified information about&nbsp;Iran's Central Bank and Defence Ministry contracts, he said. He has been convicted and received a prison sentence.&nbsp;He gave no details on the other three detainees.

In July, Iran executed Reza Asgari, a former defense ministry employee convicted of spying on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency, and also Mahmoud Mousavi Majd, a member of the Revolutionary Guard convicted of providing information to the United States and Israel about the top Guard general who was later killed in a US&nbsp;Drone strike in Baghdad in January.

In June, Iran hanged Jalal Hajizavar, also a former staffer of the defense ministry, after he had admitted in court he was paid to spy for the CIA.

And in 2016, Iran executed a nuclear scientist convicted of spying for the United States.&nbsp;

Iranian authorities have arrested five Iranians on charges of spying for Israel, Britain and Germany, convicting and handing down prison sentences on at least two of them, the judiciary said on Tuesday.

Iranian authorities have arrested five Iranians on charges of spying for Israel, Britain and Germany, convicting and handing down prison sentences on at least two of them, the judiciary said on Tuesday. "In recent months, five Iranians who were spying for foreign intelligence services have been arrested," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a virtual news conference. One of the convicts, Massud Mossaheb, had been "spying for (Israeli spy agency) Mossad and Germany in the guise" of the general secretary of the Austrian-Iranian Society. Also read: Iran nuclear deal at risk as UN council prepares to vote on arms embargo Speaking to state television, he said the second man, Shahram Shirkhani, spied for British intelligence services and tried to recruit some Iranian officials for Britain's MI6 agency. Shirkhani had passed on classified information about Iran's Central Bank and Defence Ministry contracts, he said. He has been convicted and received a prison sentence. He gave no details on the other three detainees. In July, Iran executed Reza Asgari, a former defense ministry employee convicted of spying on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency, and also Mahmoud Mousavi Majd, a member of the Revolutionary Guard convicted of providing information to the United States and Israel about the top Guard general who was later killed in a US Drone strike in Baghdad in January. In June, Iran hanged Jalal Hajizavar, also a former staffer of the defense ministry, after he had admitted in court he was paid to spy for the CIA. And in 2016, Iran executed a nuclear scientist convicted of spying for the United States.

Iran: Two people convicted of spying for Israel, Germany, Britain

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali&nbsp;Khamenei, in a live speech on state TV on Friday, ruled out negotiations with the United States over Tehran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, calling on Iranians to resist US&nbsp;bullying.

"America's brutal sanctions on Iran are aimed at collapsing our economy ... Their aim is to limit our influence in the region and to halt our missile and nuclear capabilities,"&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said.

"Relying on national capabilities and cutting our dependence on oil exports will help us to resist America's pressure."

Decades-old tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared in the past year, with the sworn enemies appearing several times to come to the brink of war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-to-prevent-war-iran-must-increase-its-military-might-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-279499">To prevent war, Iran must increase its military might: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>

The tensions have been rising since 2018, when Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark nuclear accord and unilaterally reimposed crippling sanctions.

"There is no doubt that sanctions are a crime, a blow from the US to Iran," said supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a televised speech.

"But the smart Iranian has made the best use of this attack, this animosity and benefited... by using sanctions as a means to increase national self-reliance."

Khamenei said Western "think tanks admit that the maximum pressure (policy) of sanctions and US force has not succeeded."

The 2015 deal between Tehran and major powers promised relief from sanctions in return for limits on Iran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

After abandoning the agreement, the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran's vital oil exports and its access to the international banking system, and pressured allies and rivals alike to fall in line.

Iran has responded by trying to boost its non-oil exports, particularly to neighbouring countries.

"This has caused the country's economy to be naturally less reliant on oil," Khamenei said, casting the development in a positive light.

Khamenei condemned calls for Iran to open new talks with the United States, saying he would not agree to meetings that were aimed only at boosting Trump's re-election hopes.

On January&nbsp;3, a US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force. Washington had accused Soleimani of masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US&nbsp;forces in the region.

Iran retaliated for Soleimani's death days after by firing a volley of missiles at US troops stationed in Iraq, but&nbsp;Trump opted against responding militarily.

While the attack on the western Iraqi base of Ain al-Asad left no US soldiers dead, dozens suffered brain trauma.

According to&nbsp;Khamenei, Iran was opposed to "whatever may weaken the Iraqi government" in contrast to the US, which he said did not want "an independent, strong Iraqi government elected by popular vote".

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a live speech on state TV on Friday, ruled out negotiations with the United States over Tehran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, calling on Iranians to resist US bullying.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a live speech on state TV on Friday, ruled out negotiations with the United States over Tehran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, calling on Iranians to resist US bullying. "America's brutal sanctions on Iran are aimed at collapsing our economy ... Their aim is to limit our influence in the region and to halt our missile and nuclear capabilities," Khamenei said. "Relying on national capabilities and cutting our dependence on oil exports will help us to resist America's pressure." Decades-old tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared in the past year, with the sworn enemies appearing several times to come to the brink of war. Also read: To prevent war, Iran must increase its military might: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The tensions have been rising since 2018, when Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark nuclear accord and unilaterally reimposed crippling sanctions. "There is no doubt that sanctions are a crime, a blow from the US to Iran," said supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a televised speech. "But the smart Iranian has made the best use of this attack, this animosity and benefited... by using sanctions as a means to increase national self-reliance." Khamenei said Western "think tanks admit that the maximum pressure (policy) of sanctions and US force has not succeeded." The 2015 deal between Tehran and major powers promised relief from sanctions in return for limits on Iran's nuclear programme. After abandoning the agreement, the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran's vital oil exports and its access to the international banking system, and pressured allies and rivals alike to fall in line. Iran has responded by trying to boost its non-oil exports, particularly to neighbouring countries. "This has caused the country's economy to be naturally less reliant on oil," Khamenei said, casting the development in a positive light. Khamenei condemned calls for Iran to open new talks with the United States, saying he would not agree to meetings that were aimed only at boosting Trump's re-election hopes. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force. Washington had accused Soleimani of masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region. Iran retaliated for Soleimani's death days after by firing a volley of missiles at US troops stationed in Iraq, but Trump opted against responding militarily. While the attack on the western Iraqi base of Ain al-Asad left no US soldiers dead, dozens suffered brain trauma. According to Khamenei, Iran was opposed to "whatever may weaken the Iraqi government" in contrast to the US, which he said did not want "an independent, strong Iraqi government elected by popular vote".

Iran: Khamenei rejects talks with US over missile, nuclear programmes

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held “large-scale” military drills off the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday

Iran guard corps holds Military drills at Strait of Hormuz

There have been several explosions and fires around Iranian military, nuclear and industrial facilities over the last couple of weeks. Watch report.

Serial explosions hit Iran's strategic cities

Authorities in Iran have reportedly halted the impending execution of three anti-government protesters amid social media protests.

The internet access in Iran was disrupted on Wednesday after a social media campaign using Persian hashtag #do_not_execute was used 7.5 million times against the country's death penalty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tweets-in-farsi-condemning-irans-death-sentence-against-three-protesters-313544" hreflang="en">Trump tweets in Farsi condemning Iran's death sentence against protesters</a>

The campaign went viral and a broad range of groups and activists took up the call, including exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi who circulated the English version of the hashtag: #StopExecutionsInIran. Pahlavi is the son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was deposed by the Iranian Revolution.

It happened after it was announced on Tuesday that the Supreme Court had upheld their death sentences.

Iranian service providers linked to the regime's security services began slowing connection speeds according to Internet monitoring groups such as NetBlocks.org, one such watchdog.

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Confirmed: Significant disruption to multiple networks in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> after 5 p.m. UTC (9:30 p.m. local time); real-time network data show significant impact to subscriber internet lines limiting citizens' ability to communicate; incident ongoing 📉 <a href="https://t.co/XZ1rNXgRHB">pic.twitter.com/XZ1rNXgRHB</a>
— NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1283106806332620801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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NetBlocks describing the incident as having a "partial impact" across multiple providers and said Wednesday that the disruption lasted for around three hours.

However, it was due to the campaign that a retrial has been ordered giving Amirhossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi an opportunity to prove their innocence.

Lawyers for the three men have been informed that they can for the first time examine the court papers and evidence against their clients.

Iran on Tuesday executed two people convicted of involvement in a 2010 bomb attack that killed a dozen people, the Islamic republic's judiciary said. 
&nbsp;

Authorities in Iran have reportedly halted the impending execution of three anti-government protesters amid social media protests. The internet access in Iran was disrupted on Wednesday after a social media campaign using Persian hashtag #do_not_execute was used 7.

Authorities in Iran have reportedly halted the impending execution of three anti-government protesters amid social media protests. The internet access in Iran was disrupted on Wednesday after a social media campaign using Persian hashtag #do_not_execute was used 7.5 million times against the country's death penalty. Also read: Trump tweets in Farsi condemning Iran's death sentence against protesters The campaign went viral and a broad range of groups and activists took up the call, including exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi who circulated the English version of the hashtag: #StopExecutionsInIran. Pahlavi is the son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was deposed by the Iranian Revolution. It happened after it was announced on Tuesday that the Supreme Court had upheld their death sentences. Iranian service providers linked to the regime's security services began slowing connection speeds according to Internet monitoring groups such as NetBlocks.org, one such watchdog. Confirmed: Significant disruption to multiple networks in #Iran after 5 p.m. UTC (9:30 p.m. local time); real-time network data show significant impact to subscriber internet lines limiting citizens' ability to communicate; incident ongoing 📉 pic.twitter.com/XZ1rNXgRHB — NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) July 14, 2020 × NetBlocks describing the incident as having a "partial impact" across multiple providers and said Wednesday that the disruption lasted for around three hours. However, it was due to the campaign that a retrial has been ordered giving Amirhossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi an opportunity to prove their innocence. Lawyers for the three men have been informed that they can for the first time examine the court papers and evidence against their clients. Iran on Tuesday executed two people convicted of involvement in a 2010 bomb attack that killed a dozen people, the Islamic republic's judiciary said.

Iran: Judiciary halts execution of three protesters amid social media protests

Pressure has been mounting on Iran to release all of its prisoners amid fears that coronavirus spread in its jail could go unchecked. The United Nations has now asked Tehran to temporarily free inmates especially those who are political prisoners. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Iran releases 70,000 inmates amid coronavirus outbreak

India will be evacuating its pilgrims first from Iran, followed by the Indians students stranded in the country in the backdrop of novel coronavirus outbreak.

India to evacuate pilgrims from Iran,talking with Tehran

IAF C-17 Globemaster carrying the first batch of 58 Indian pilgrims, lands at Hindon air force station in Ghaziabad from Tehran, Iran.

India airlifts batch of 58 citizens from Iran

India on Monday sent an IAF C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft to coronavirus-hit Iran to evacuate stranded Indians over there, the Indian Air Force said.

India sends C-17 Globemaster to Iran to bring back Indians

Amid the turmoil at home, Iranians will vote in a parliamentary election on Friday. Will the hardliners dominate the polls? WION's Palki Sharma tells you what to expect from the elections in Iran.

Gravitas: Elections in Iran, what to expect

Iran will vote in what could be one of its most significant parliamentary elections. The political data is suggesting that the conservatives are all set to win but in a nation, as layered as Iran there might just be a twist in the deal. Watch report:

Fineprint: Iran polls to witness very poor turnout, Over 7,000 candidates disqualified

Iran said on Monday that it had not closed the "door to negotiations" in efforts to resolve a dispute over its nuclear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-iran-gave-us-slap-on-face-calls-missile-strikes-day-of-god-274857">agreement with world powers</a> that has escalated steadily since the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said any further move by Tehran to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-trying-daily-to-prevent-military-confrontation-rouhani-274650">scale back its commitments</a> to the deal would depend on actions by other parties after European states triggered a mechanism that could lead to the reimposition of U.N. sanctions.

<img alt="Iranian Flag" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6f3c61c-c793-4b2d-b535-0f1b09f539b8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T132248.149_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;An Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Britain, France and Germany, also signatories to the pact, triggered a dispute mechanism this month, citing Iranian violations. This starts a diplomatic process that could lead to U.N. sanctions being reimposed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-close-is-iran-to-producing-a-nuclear-bomb-275120">How close is Iran to producing a nuclear bomb?</a>

"Tehran still remains in the deal ... The European powers' claims about Iran violating the deal are unfounded," Mousavi told a weekly news conference in Tehran, saying that the "door to negotiations" had not been closed.

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Prospects for the 2015 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> nuclear deal’s survival are dimming. 
 
☛ Washington is tightening sanctions 
☛ Tehran is loosening its compliance 
☛ US.-Iranian clashes are picking up in intensity 
☛ European powers are cracking down on agreement breaches.<a href="https://t.co/PrFBvOPCYq">https://t.co/PrFBvOPCYq</a> <a href="https://t.co/EV10c68vhQ">pic.twitter.com/EV10c68vhQ</a>
— Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrisisGroup/status/1219152612991340546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Whether Iran will further decrease its nuclear commitments will depend on other parties and whether Iran's interests are secured under the deal," Mousavi said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and began a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-germany-put-iran-on-notice-over-2015-nuclear-deal-breaches-274303">policy of "maximum pressure"</a> on Iran, saying he wanted a new deal that would cover nuclear issues, Iran's ballistic missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East.

Britain has said a "Trump deal" could replace the 2015 agreement and France has called for broad talks to end a crisis with the United States, which briefly erupted into tit-for-tat US-Iranian military action this month.

Mousavi repeated Iran's rejection of a "Trump deal". Iranian officials have said Trump could not be trusted, so such deal would not have any value.

Iran said on Monday that it had not closed the "door to negotiations" in efforts to resolve a dispute over its nuclear agreement with world powers that has escalated steadily since the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018.

Iran said on Monday that it had not closed the "door to negotiations" in efforts to resolve a dispute over its nuclear agreement with world powers that has escalated steadily since the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018. Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said any further move by Tehran to scale back its commitments to the deal would depend on actions by other parties after European states triggered a mechanism that could lead to the reimposition of U.N. sanctions. [ An Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Britain, France and Germany, also signatories to the pact, triggered a dispute mechanism this month, citing Iranian violations. This starts a diplomatic process that could lead to U.N. sanctions being reimposed. Also Read: How close is Iran to producing a nuclear bomb? "Tehran still remains in the deal ... The European powers' claims about Iran violating the deal are unfounded," Mousavi told a weekly news conference in Tehran, saying that the "door to negotiations" had not been closed. Prospects for the 2015 #Iran nuclear deal’s survival are dimming. ☛ Washington is tightening sanctions ☛ Tehran is loosening its compliance ☛ US.-Iranian clashes are picking up in intensity ☛ European powers are cracking down on agreement breaches.https://t.co/PrFBvOPCYq pic.twitter.com/EV10c68vhQ — Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup) January 20, 2020 × "Whether Iran will further decrease its nuclear commitments will depend on other parties and whether Iran's interests are secured under the deal," Mousavi said. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and began a policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran, saying he wanted a new deal that would cover nuclear issues, Iran's ballistic missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East. Britain has said a "Trump deal" could replace the 2015 agreement and France has called for broad talks to end a crisis with the United States, which briefly erupted into tit-for-tat US-Iranian military action this month. Mousavi repeated Iran's rejection of a "Trump deal". Iranian officials have said Trump could not be trusted, so such deal would not have any value.

Iran not ruling out talks to end nuclear dispute, says official

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;was&nbsp;briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;as a "flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law".

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> calls brief detention of <a href="https://twitter.com/HMATehran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMATehran</a> a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb">https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb</a>
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice/status/1216114167888912385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the&nbsp;Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Rob Macaire</a> was&nbsp;arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/British?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#British</a> ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tehran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tehran</a> has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning <a href="https://t.co/lWfPasQsIH">pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH</a>
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tasnimnews_EN/status/1216104698182356992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;of our Ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;without grounds or explanation is a flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

"The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law".

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law". Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab calls brief detention of @HMATehran a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb — Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) January 11, 2020 × Earlier, the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British envoy Rob Macaire was arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters. #British ambassador to #Tehran has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH — Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) January 11, 2020 × "The arrest of our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. "The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

UK denounces brief arrest of envoy in Tehran as violation of law

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday&nbsp;that the United States is targetting 52&nbsp;sites in Iran and asserted of hitting them "very fast and very hard" if threats to the US are not stopped.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Trump said Iran is talking very boldly about targetting "US assets" after the killing of top commander Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chants-of-death-to-america-as-iraqis-mourn-death-of-iranian-commander-272136">Chants of 'Death to America' as Iraqis mourn death of Iranian commander Soleimani</a> 
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Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, &amp; badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593965838163968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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....hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593974679769093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593975732527112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, &amp; badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently hundreds of Iranian 
protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years."

He added that 52 represents the number of US hostages taken by Iran many years ago.&nbsp;

"Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targetted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; &nbsp;the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran 
itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!," Trump tweeted.

The threat by the US President comes after two mortar rounds hit an area near the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday, in apparent retaliation after the killing of Soleimani.&nbsp;

After the mortar attack, almost simultaneously, two rockets also were fired aiming the Al-Balad airbase where American troops are deployed. However, the US and Iraqi military confirmed that there were no casualties.&nbsp;

Soleimani, a much-revered figure in Iran and nearby region, was the leader of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' and was killed in a drone strike by the US near the Baghdad international airport. The strike killed 10 people including Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.&nbsp;

Yesterday, thousands of people in Iran chanted "Death to America" and called for "revenge" in the funeral procession in honour of late commander.&nbsp;

Pro-Iranian groups in Iran are threatening of targetting US installations across Iraq with missiles and warnings to Iraqi troops, part of great anger against the killing of Soleimani.&nbsp;

Earlier Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also called for "severe revenge" and vowed that "God willing, his work and his path will not be stopped".&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that the United States is targetting 52 sites in Iran and asserted of hitting them "very fast and very hard" if threats to the US are not stopped.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that the United States is targetting 52 sites in Iran and asserted of hitting them "very fast and very hard" if threats to the US are not stopped. Taking to Twitter, Trump said Iran is talking very boldly about targetting "US assets" after the killing of top commander Qasem Soleimani. Also read: Chants of 'Death to America' as Iraqis mourn death of Iranian commander Soleimani Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, & badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × ....hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × ....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × "Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, & badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years." He added that 52 represents the number of US hostages taken by Iran many years ago. "Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targetted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!," Trump tweeted. The threat by the US President comes after two mortar rounds hit an area near the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday, in apparent retaliation after the killing of Soleimani. After the mortar attack, almost simultaneously, two rockets also were fired aiming the Al-Balad airbase where American troops are deployed. However, the US and Iraqi military confirmed that there were no casualties. Soleimani, a much-revered figure in Iran and nearby region, was the leader of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' and was killed in a drone strike by the US near the Baghdad international airport. The strike killed 10 people including Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Yesterday, thousands of people in Iran chanted "Death to America" and called for "revenge" in the funeral procession in honour of late commander. Pro-Iranian groups in Iran are threatening of targetting US installations across Iraq with missiles and warnings to Iraqi troops, part of great anger against the killing of Soleimani. Earlier Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also called for "severe revenge" and vowed that "God willing, his work and his path will not be stopped".

US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump

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