The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal. US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks with each other over revival of 2015 nuclear deal.

"This time, we have gone into more detail," a senior US official said of the latest EU-led talks.

"We have provided Iran with a number of examples of the kind of sanctions that we believe we would need to lift in order to come back into compliance and the sanctions that we believe we would not need to lift," he said.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US under former President Barack Obama. Other world powers were party too. But Donald Trump unilaterally pulled US out of the nuclear deal during his presidency.

Iran has pressed for the United States to lift all sanctions imposed under Trump before it rolls back the steps Tehran took away from the 2015 deal in protest.

The US official said that the United States and Iran have not yet gone into detail on the question of who goes first.

But the official said: "We're open to different kinds of sequencing which meets our interest -- which is to see both sides in full compliance."

He declined to confirm a Wall Street Journal report that the Biden administration has voiced a willingness to ease sanctions on the Iranian finance and oil sectors.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier voiced optimism, saying that negotiations have made "60-70 percent progress."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal.

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal. US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks with each other over revival of 2015 nuclear deal. "This time, we have gone into more detail," a senior US official said of the latest EU-led talks. "We have provided Iran with a number of examples of the kind of sanctions that we believe we would need to lift in order to come back into compliance and the sanctions that we believe we would not need to lift," he said. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US under former President Barack Obama. Other world powers were party too. But Donald Trump unilaterally pulled US out of the nuclear deal during his presidency. Iran has pressed for the United States to lift all sanctions imposed under Trump before it rolls back the steps Tehran took away from the 2015 deal in protest. The US official said that the United States and Iran have not yet gone into detail on the question of who goes first. But the official said: "We're open to different kinds of sequencing which meets our interest -- which is to see both sides in full compliance." He declined to confirm a Wall Street Journal report that the Biden administration has voiced a willingness to ease sanctions on the Iranian finance and oil sectors. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier voiced optimism, saying that negotiations have made "60-70 percent progress." (With inputs from agencies)

US gives 'examples' of sanctions against Iran it is ready to lift

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on eight Iranian militia commanders and police chiefs, including the leader of the Revolutionary Guards over a crackdown on protests in 2019.

These mark the first EU sanctions on Iran since 2013 and include travel bans and asset freezes.&nbsp;The EU also targeted three Iranian prisons with asset freezes, and has also blacklisted Hossein Salami, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, an elite armed force in Iran.

"Hossein Salami took part in the sessions that resulted in the orders to use lethal force to suppress the November 2019 protests. Hossein Salami therefore bears responsibility for serious human rights violations in Iran," the EU was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/iran-israel-war-of-words-ensue-over-natanz-nuclear-facility-power-outage-377148" hreflang="en">Iran-Israel war of words ensue over Natanz nuclear facility power outage</a>

EU sanctioned prisoners where many who were detained in the 2019 protests were wounded with boiling water and were denied medical treatment.

In addition, 1,500 people were killed in less than two weeks of protests that began in November 2019, as per a toll provided to Reuters by three officials from the Iranian interior ministry. The United Nations estimates that at least 304 had died.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/irans-foreign-minister-says-israel-made-very-bad-gamble-by-sabotaging-natanz-site-377242" hreflang="en">Iran's foreign minister says Israel made 'very bad gamble' by sabotaging Natanz site</a>

Iran has referred to the toll as “fake news” and has repeatedly rejected human rights abuses accusations by Western countries.&nbsp; The Islamic country dismissed the EU’s sanctions as “invalid”.

"In response, Iran suspends comprehensive talks with the EU, including human rights talks and all cooperation resulting from these talks, especially in the areas of terrorism, drugs and refugees," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh was cited as saying by local media.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on eight Iranian militia commanders and police chiefs, including the leader of the Revolutionary Guards over a crackdown on protests in 2019.

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on eight Iranian militia commanders and police chiefs, including the leader of the Revolutionary Guards over a crackdown on protests in 2019. These mark the first EU sanctions on Iran since 2013 and include travel bans and asset freezes. The EU also targeted three Iranian prisons with asset freezes, and has also blacklisted Hossein Salami, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, an elite armed force in Iran. "Hossein Salami took part in the sessions that resulted in the orders to use lethal force to suppress the November 2019 protests. Hossein Salami therefore bears responsibility for serious human rights violations in Iran," the EU was quoted as saying by Reuters. Also read: Iran-Israel war of words ensue over Natanz nuclear facility power outage EU sanctioned prisoners where many who were detained in the 2019 protests were wounded with boiling water and were denied medical treatment. In addition, 1,500 people were killed in less than two weeks of protests that began in November 2019, as per a toll provided to Reuters by three officials from the Iranian interior ministry. The United Nations estimates that at least 304 had died. Also read: Iran's foreign minister says Israel made 'very bad gamble' by sabotaging Natanz site Iran has referred to the toll as “fake news” and has repeatedly rejected human rights abuses accusations by Western countries. The Islamic country dismissed the EU’s sanctions as “invalid”. "In response, Iran suspends comprehensive talks with the EU, including human rights talks and all cooperation resulting from these talks, especially in the areas of terrorism, drugs and refugees," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh was cited as saying by local media. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union sanctions eight Iranian officials over deadly 2019 protests

As the United Nations nuclear watchdog looks forward to a technical dialogue with Iran, the United States said it is hopeful that Iran would come forward for diplomacy after European allies dropped plans to censure Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-rejects-nuclear-deal-talks-says-time-not-suitable-367126/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We supported the e3, we supported it. We also recognize that the director general has put forward a realistic schedule which we understand Iran has accepted when it comes to the next steps. We will look forward with strong interest for Iran's willingness to engage in a way that leads to credible concrete progress on these issues," Ned Price, State Department spokesperson said.

Iran has so far refused to take part in a meeting brokered by the Europeans on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The international atomic energy agency said that it expects to understand what is happening in Iran by this summer with the first meeting to be scheduled in early April.

Iran has accepted to discuss the impending issues including the presence of uranium particles, the status of nuclear sites and the 2015 nuclear deal restrictions.

"I'm clearly aiming at having a far more clear understanding of this issue by the summer or before. I think this is possible, this is not something impossible. We had information, we want to compare it with our Iranian counterparts," Rafael Grossi, IAEA director-general said.

Iran has been blaming the West for crippling its economy with stringent sanctions. It is expected to report back on the progress to the UN body by June.

As the United Nations nuclear watchdog looks forward to a technical dialogue with Iran, the United States said it is hopeful that Iran would come forward for diplomacy after European allies dropped plans to censure Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog.

As the United Nations nuclear watchdog looks forward to a technical dialogue with Iran, the United States said it is hopeful that Iran would come forward for diplomacy after European allies dropped plans to censure Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog. Watch: "We supported the e3, we supported it. We also recognize that the director general has put forward a realistic schedule which we understand Iran has accepted when it comes to the next steps. We will look forward with strong interest for Iran's willingness to engage in a way that leads to credible concrete progress on these issues," Ned Price, State Department spokesperson said. Iran has so far refused to take part in a meeting brokered by the Europeans on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The international atomic energy agency said that it expects to understand what is happening in Iran by this summer with the first meeting to be scheduled in early April. Iran has accepted to discuss the impending issues including the presence of uranium particles, the status of nuclear sites and the 2015 nuclear deal restrictions. "I'm clearly aiming at having a far more clear understanding of this issue by the summer or before. I think this is possible, this is not something impossible. We had information, we want to compare it with our Iranian counterparts," Rafael Grossi, IAEA director-general said. Iran has been blaming the West for crippling its economy with stringent sanctions. It is expected to report back on the progress to the UN body by June.

Looking forward with strong interest for Iran's willingness to engage: US on nuclear issue

After the Biden administration offered talks with Iran over the nuclear deal, foreign minister Javad Zarif said that the "US should unconditionally and effectively lift all sanctions or re-labelled by Trump."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-says-ready-for-talks-with-iran-to-revive-nuclear-deal-364659/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures," Iran's foreign minister added. The Biden administration had agreed to talk with Iran officials led by European allies on the nuclear deal after secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with his European counterparts.

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US acknowledged Pompeo's claims re Res. 2231 had no legal validity. 
 
We agree. 
 
In compliance w/ 2231: 
 
US unconditionally &amp; effectively lift all sanctions imposed, re-imposed or re-labeled by Trump. 
 
We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. 
 
Simple: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommitActMeet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommitActMeet</a>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1362650873407676419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US allies have however insisted on compliance to the nuclear deal as a precondition.

"If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end," a joint statement from the four nations said. Iran had breached the nuclear deal in 2019 after the former Trump administration had walked out of the nuclear deal in 2018.

The Trump administration had imposed harsh sanctions against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-offers-talks-with-iran-over-nuclear-deal-364657"> Iran </a>targeting its banking and oil sectors even as it&nbsp;sanctioned its leaders. Iran has threatened to ban UN inspectors from inspecting its nuclear sites if the US does not reverse sanctions imposed by Trump.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany have urged Iran not to breach the nuclear deal further.&nbsp;

Iran has maintained that the sanctions should be taken back with Zarif insisting that "E3/EU must abide by own commitments and demand an end to Trump's legacy of economic terrorism against Iran".

After the Biden administration offered talks with Iran over the nuclear deal, foreign minister Javad Zarif said that the "US should unconditionally and effectively lift all sanctions or re-labelled by Trump.

After the Biden administration offered talks with Iran over the nuclear deal, foreign minister Javad Zarif said that the "US should unconditionally and effectively lift all sanctions or re-labelled by Trump." Watch: "We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures," Iran's foreign minister added. The Biden administration had agreed to talk with Iran officials led by European allies on the nuclear deal after secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with his European counterparts. US acknowledged Pompeo's claims re Res. 2231 had no legal validity. We agree. In compliance w/ 2231: US unconditionally & effectively lift all sanctions imposed, re-imposed or re-labeled by Trump. We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple: #CommitActMeet — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) February 19, 2021 × The US allies have however insisted on compliance to the nuclear deal as a precondition. "If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end," a joint statement from the four nations said. Iran had breached the nuclear deal in 2019 after the former Trump administration had walked out of the nuclear deal in 2018. The Trump administration had imposed harsh sanctions against Iran targeting its banking and oil sectors even as it sanctioned its leaders. Iran has threatened to ban UN inspectors from inspecting its nuclear sites if the US does not reverse sanctions imposed by Trump. The United States, Britain, France and Germany have urged Iran not to breach the nuclear deal further. Iran has maintained that the sanctions should be taken back with Zarif insisting that "E3/EU must abide by own commitments and demand an end to Trump's legacy of economic terrorism against Iran".

US should unconditionally lift all sanctions imposed by Trump, says Iran after Biden offers to talk

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the US must "completely lift" sanctions first, followed by verification by Tehran, if it wants them to reverse their nuclear steps.

"Iran has fulfilled all its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, not the United States and the three European countries. If they want Iran to return to its commitments, the United States must lift all sanctions first," Khamenei wrote on Twitter.

"After verifying whether all sanctions have been lifted, then we will return to full compliance," he added.

Former US president Donald Trump exited the nuclear accord between Iran and six powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

But the new US president, Joe Biden, who took office last month, said if Tehran returned to strict compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact, Washington would follow suit and use that as a springboard to a broader agreement that might restrict Iran's missile development and regional activities.

Iran has breached the deal in a step-by-step response to Trump's "maximum pressure" policy, but it has repeatedly said it could quickly reverse those violations if US sanctions are removed.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the US must "completely lift" sanctions first, followed by verification by Tehran, if it wants them to reverse their nuclear steps.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the US must "completely lift" sanctions first, followed by verification by Tehran, if it wants them to reverse their nuclear steps. "Iran has fulfilled all its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, not the United States and the three European countries. If they want Iran to return to its commitments, the United States must lift all sanctions first," Khamenei wrote on Twitter. "After verifying whether all sanctions have been lifted, then we will return to full compliance," he added. Former US president Donald Trump exited the nuclear accord between Iran and six powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. But the new US president, Joe Biden, who took office last month, said if Tehran returned to strict compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact, Washington would follow suit and use that as a springboard to a broader agreement that might restrict Iran's missile development and regional activities. Iran has breached the deal in a step-by-step response to Trump's "maximum pressure" policy, but it has repeatedly said it could quickly reverse those violations if US sanctions are removed.

Iran says won't resume nuclear commitments until US lifts sanctions

Iran on Friday called on the new US administration to "unconditionally" lift sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on the Islamic republic to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, warning against any concessions.

Under Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump, Washington withdrew from the deal, designed to stop Iran developing a nuclear weapon - and bolstered sanctions in a bid to force Tehran into talks on a broader agreement that also addressed its ballistic missile program and support for proxies around the Middle East.

Biden, who took office on Wednesday, “can begin by removing all sanctions imposed since Trump assumed office and seek to re-enter and abide by the 2015 nuclear deal without altering its painstakingly negotiated terms,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote in&nbsp;an op-ed in the US foreign policy magazine Foreign Affairs on Tehran's view towards saving the deal.

“In turn, Iran would reverse all the remedial measures it has taken in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal,” he said on Friday, adding that the “initiative squarely rests with Washington”.

Since Trump abandoned the deal in 2018, Iran has breached its key limits one after the other, building up its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, refining uranium to a higher level of purity and using advanced centrifuges for enrichment.

Biden has said that if Tehran resumed strict compliance with the 2015 agreement Washington would rejoin it.

“But we would use that, as a platform with our allies and partners ..., to seek a longer and stronger agreement and also...to capture these other issues, particularly with regard to missiles and Iran’s destabilizing activities,” Antony Blinken, Biden’s choice for secretary of state, said on Tuesday.

Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal was agreed between Iran, the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.

It offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear ambitions and guarantees it would not seek an atomic bomb. Iran has maintained it has only pursued a civilian nuclear energy programme.

"The new administration in Washington has a fundamental choice to make," Zarif, who is considered one of the architects of the 2015 nuclear deal, wrote in the op-ed.

"It can embrace the failed policies of the Trump administration," or Biden "can choose a better path by ending Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure' and returning to the deal his predecessor abandoned," he added.

"But if Washington instead insists on extracting concessions, then this opportunity will be lost."

'Collective efforts'&nbsp;

The sanctions targeted Iran's vital oil sales and international banking ties, plunging its economy into a deep recession.

Since 2019, Iran has suspended its compliance with most of the limits set by the deal in response to Washington's abandonment of sanctions relief and what Tehran deemed as Europe's inaction to provide it with the JCPOA's economic benefits.

The Iranian government has signalled a readiness to engage with Biden, who took office on January 20 and who has expressed willingness to return to diplomacy with Tehran.

Biden's pick for secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, said at a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday that Trump's policies had made Iran "more dangerous".

Blinken confirmed Biden's desire for Washington to return to the nuclear agreement but said that was conditional on Tehran's return to strict compliance with its commitments.

But Tehran has insisted that Washington must first lift all sanctions and return to its own JCPOA obligations.

"The incoming Biden administration can still salvage the nuclear agreement, but only if it can muster the genuine political will in Washington to demonstrate that the United States is ready to be a real partner in collective efforts," Zarif wrote.

"The administration should begin by unconditionally removing, with full effect, all sanctions imposed, reimposed, or relabeled since Trump took office," he added.

"In turn, Iran would reverse all the remedial measures it has taken in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal."

'Revenge' tweet&nbsp;

Iran has maintained it would return to full compliance with the deal if sanctions were lifted and it could benefit from the economic relief it expected under the JCPOA.

Biden, along with Paris and Berlin, have expressed a desire to negotiate more broadly with Iran, notably on its missile programme and regional influence.&nbsp;

In his op-ed, Zarif indicated Iran was not open to further negotiations, made clear in the title of the op-ed: "Iran wants the nuclear deal it made. Don't ask Tehran to meet new demands."

"Iranians are running out of patience," Zarif wrote, as evidenced by legislation the country's parliament passed in December requiring Tehran "to boost uranium enrichment and limit UN (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspections if sanctions are not removed by February".

In a sign that tensions between Iran and the US remain high, a Twitter account linked to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted on Thursday a tweet vowing vengeance for the death of storied foreign operations chief General Qasem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a 2020 drone strike in Iraq ordered by Trump.

"Revenge is inevitable. Soleimani's killer and the man who gave the orders must face vengeance," it said, accompanied by a photomontage of Trump playing golf under the shadow of a warplane.

"Revenge can take place at any moment."

Twitter later suspended the account, saying it had violated its rules.

Iran on Friday called on the new US administration to "unconditionally" lift sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on the Islamic republic to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, warning against any concessions.

Iran on Friday called on the new US administration to "unconditionally" lift sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on the Islamic republic to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, warning against any concessions. Under Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump, Washington withdrew from the deal, designed to stop Iran developing a nuclear weapon - and bolstered sanctions in a bid to force Tehran into talks on a broader agreement that also addressed its ballistic missile program and support for proxies around the Middle East. Biden, who took office on Wednesday, “can begin by removing all sanctions imposed since Trump assumed office and seek to re-enter and abide by the 2015 nuclear deal without altering its painstakingly negotiated terms,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote in an op-ed in the US foreign policy magazine Foreign Affairs on Tehran's view towards saving the deal. “In turn, Iran would reverse all the remedial measures it has taken in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal,” he said on Friday, adding that the “initiative squarely rests with Washington”. Since Trump abandoned the deal in 2018, Iran has breached its key limits one after the other, building up its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, refining uranium to a higher level of purity and using advanced centrifuges for enrichment. Biden has said that if Tehran resumed strict compliance with the 2015 agreement Washington would rejoin it. “But we would use that, as a platform with our allies and partners ..., to seek a longer and stronger agreement and also...to capture these other issues, particularly with regard to missiles and Iran’s destabilizing activities,” Antony Blinken, Biden’s choice for secretary of state, said on Tuesday. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal was agreed between Iran, the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany. It offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear ambitions and guarantees it would not seek an atomic bomb. Iran has maintained it has only pursued a civilian nuclear energy programme. "The new administration in Washington has a fundamental choice to make," Zarif, who is considered one of the architects of the 2015 nuclear deal, wrote in the op-ed. "It can embrace the failed policies of the Trump administration," or Biden "can choose a better path by ending Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure' and returning to the deal his predecessor abandoned," he added. "But if Washington instead insists on extracting concessions, then this opportunity will be lost." 'Collective efforts' The sanctions targeted Iran's vital oil sales and international banking ties, plunging its economy into a deep recession. Since 2019, Iran has suspended its compliance with most of the limits set by the deal in response to Washington's abandonment of sanctions relief and what Tehran deemed as Europe's inaction to provide it with the JCPOA's economic benefits. The Iranian government has signalled a readiness to engage with Biden, who took office on January 20 and who has expressed willingness to return to diplomacy with Tehran. Biden's pick for secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, said at a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday that Trump's policies had made Iran "more dangerous". Blinken confirmed Biden's desire for Washington to return to the nuclear agreement but said that was conditional on Tehran's return to strict compliance with its commitments. But Tehran has insisted that Washington must first lift all sanctions and return to its own JCPOA obligations. "The incoming Biden administration can still salvage the nuclear agreement, but only if it can muster the genuine political will in Washington to demonstrate that the United States is ready to be a real partner in collective efforts," Zarif wrote. "The administration should begin by unconditionally removing, with full effect, all sanctions imposed, reimposed, or relabeled since Trump took office," he added. "In turn, Iran would reverse all the remedial measures it has taken in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal." 'Revenge' tweet Iran has maintained it would return to full compliance with the deal if sanctions were lifted and it could benefit from the economic relief it expected under the JCPOA. Biden, along with Paris and Berlin, have expressed a desire to negotiate more broadly with Iran, notably on its missile programme and regional influence. In his op-ed, Zarif indicated Iran was not open to further negotiations, made clear in the title of the op-ed: "Iran wants the nuclear deal it made. Don't ask Tehran to meet new demands." "Iranians are running out of patience," Zarif wrote, as evidenced by legislation the country's parliament passed in December requiring Tehran "to boost uranium enrichment and limit UN (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspections if sanctions are not removed by February". In a sign that tensions between Iran and the US remain high, a Twitter account linked to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted on Thursday a tweet vowing vengeance for the death of storied foreign operations chief General Qasem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a 2020 drone strike in Iraq ordered by Trump. "Revenge is inevitable. Soleimani's killer and the man who gave the orders must face vengeance," it said, accompanied by a photomontage of Trump playing golf under the shadow of a warplane. "Revenge can take place at any moment." Twitter later suspended the account, saying it had violated its rules.

Iran calls on Biden to 'unconditionally' lift US sanctions imposed by Donald Trump

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&nbsp;posted an image of a golfer resembling ex-US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-biden-removes-trumps-diet-coke-button-from-oval-desk-358513">Trump</a> allegedly being targeted by a drone as he vowed&nbsp;to avenge top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani assassination&nbsp;by US drone strike last year.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-vows-action-on-trumps-impeachment-trial-358512/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As ex-US president Donald Trump left the White House on January 20, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had hailed the departure of "tyrant Trump".&nbsp;

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🔻انتقام حتمی است 
 
قاتل سلیمانی و آمر به قتل سلیمانی باید انتقامشان را پس بدهند. 
اگر چه کفش پای سلیمانی هم بر سرِ قاتل او شرف دارد؛ اما بالاخره غلطی کردند، بایستی <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#انتقام</a> پس بدهند؛ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%87%D9%85_%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1_%D9%87%D9%85_%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%84?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#هم_آمر_هم_قاتل</a> بدانند که در هر زمان ممکن باید انتقامشان را پس بدهند. 
۱۳۹۹/۰۹/۲۶ <a href="https://t.co/i2DYpPSBhw">pic.twitter.com/i2DYpPSBhw</a>
— KHAMENEI.IR‎ | سایت (@khamenei_site) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_site/status/1352349195114569739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Tyrant's era came to an end and today is the final day of his ominous reign," President Hassan Rouhani had said in televised remarks during his cabinet meeting, adding, "someone for whom all of his four years bore no fruit other than injustice and corruption and causing problems for his own people and the world".

Trump had targeted Iran with harsh sanctions on its&nbsp;oil and banking sectors while pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal.&nbsp;

After Biden was sworn in, Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said: "Trump, Pompeo &amp; Co. are relegated to the dustbin of history in disgrace."

&nbsp;"Perhaps new folks in DC have learned," Zarif said in a cryptic message on Twitter.

"We expect (the Biden administration) to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years," Rouhani had said, adding,"Trump's political career had died... but the JCPOA is alive."&nbsp;

Biden's pick for secretary of state &nbsp;Anthony Blinken had confirmed President Biden's desire to return to the nuclear agreement, although he added that it would be based on the condiction Tehran allows strict compliance.

Zarif had however asserted that "Mr Biden should know that his responsibility is to lift these sanctions" while adding "the ball is in America's court"

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted an image of a golfer resembling ex-US President Donald Trump allegedly being targeted by a drone as he vowed to avenge top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani assassination by US drone strike last year.

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted an image of a golfer resembling ex-US President Donald Trump allegedly being targeted by a drone as he vowed to avenge top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani assassination by US drone strike last year. Watch: As ex-US president Donald Trump left the White House on January 20, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had hailed the departure of "tyrant Trump". 🔻انتقام حتمی است قاتل سلیمانی و آمر به قتل سلیمانی باید انتقامشان را پس بدهند. اگر چه کفش پای سلیمانی هم بر سرِ قاتل او شرف دارد؛ اما بالاخره غلطی کردند، بایستی #انتقام پس بدهند؛ #هم_آمر_هم_قاتل بدانند که در هر زمان ممکن باید انتقامشان را پس بدهند. ۱۳۹۹/۰۹/۲۶ pic.twitter.com/i2DYpPSBhw — KHAMENEI.IR‎ | سایت (@khamenei_site) January 21, 2021 × "Tyrant's era came to an end and today is the final day of his ominous reign," President Hassan Rouhani had said in televised remarks during his cabinet meeting, adding, "someone for whom all of his four years bore no fruit other than injustice and corruption and causing problems for his own people and the world". Trump had targeted Iran with harsh sanctions on its oil and banking sectors while pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal. After Biden was sworn in, Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said: "Trump, Pompeo & Co. are relegated to the dustbin of history in disgrace." "Perhaps new folks in DC have learned," Zarif said in a cryptic message on Twitter. "We expect (the Biden administration) to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years," Rouhani had said, adding,"Trump's political career had died... but the JCPOA is alive." Biden's pick for secretary of state Anthony Blinken had confirmed President Biden's desire to return to the nuclear agreement, although he added that it would be based on the condiction Tehran allows strict compliance. Zarif had however asserted that "Mr Biden should know that his responsibility is to lift these sanctions" while adding "the ball is in America's court"

Drone on Trump playing golf? Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows Soleimani revenge

The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-says-al-qaedas-no-2-leader-was-killed-in-august-iran-refutes-claim-343091">Iran</a> targeting a foundation controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-wants-to-rejoin-iran-nuclear-deal-but-it-wont-be-easy-343936" hreflang="en">Biden wants to rejoin Iran nuclear deal, but it won’t be easy</a>

The US Treasury Department also targeted Iran's intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi and blacklisted &nbsp;Bonyad Mostazafan from the Foundation of the Oppressed controlled by Khamenei.

US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said: "Iran's Supreme Leader uses Bonyad Mostazafan to reward his allies under the pretence of charity," adding,"The United States will continue to target key officials and revenue-generating sources that enable the regime's ongoing repression of its own people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-for-options-for-attacking-iran-last-week-but-held-off-report-says-343587">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump asked for options for attacking Iran last week but held off, report says</a>

The Trump government accused intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi of human rights abuses against Iranians. It also blacklisted two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officials accusing them of involvement in the killing people in Mahshahr during last year's crackdown.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "Nations who believe in supporting the freedoms of expression and association should condemn Iran's egregious human rights violations, and reaffirm respect for the dignity and human rights and fundamental freedoms of every person by imposing consequences on the regime as we have, today."

"The Iranian regime seeks a repeat of the failed experiment that lifted sanctions and shipped them huge amounts of cash in exchange for modest nuclear limitations," he said in a statement.

"This is indeed troubling, but even more disturbing is the notion that the United States should fall victim to this nuclear extortion and abandon our sanctions," Pompeo added.

The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions against Iran targeting a foundation controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also Read: Biden wants to rejoin Iran nuclear deal, but it won’t be easy The US Treasury Department also targeted Iran's intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi and blacklisted Bonyad Mostazafan from the Foundation of the Oppressed controlled by Khamenei.

The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions against Iran targeting a foundation controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also Read: Biden wants to rejoin Iran nuclear deal, but it won’t be easy The US Treasury Department also targeted Iran's intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi and blacklisted Bonyad Mostazafan from the Foundation of the Oppressed controlled by Khamenei. US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said: "Iran's Supreme Leader uses Bonyad Mostazafan to reward his allies under the pretence of charity," adding,"The United States will continue to target key officials and revenue-generating sources that enable the regime's ongoing repression of its own people." Also Read: Trump asked for options for attacking Iran last week but held off, report says The Trump government accused intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi of human rights abuses against Iranians. It also blacklisted two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officials accusing them of involvement in the killing people in Mahshahr during last year's crackdown. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "Nations who believe in supporting the freedoms of expression and association should condemn Iran's egregious human rights violations, and reaffirm respect for the dignity and human rights and fundamental freedoms of every person by imposing consequences on the regime as we have, today." "The Iranian regime seeks a repeat of the failed experiment that lifted sanctions and shipped them huge amounts of cash in exchange for modest nuclear limitations," he said in a statement. "This is indeed troubling, but even more disturbing is the notion that the United States should fall victim to this nuclear extortion and abandon our sanctions," Pompeo added.

Trump administration imposes fresh sanctions on Iran, targets Khamenei-linked foundation

The Trump administration on Thursday targetted 18 Iranian banks to shut the country global banking system just weeks ahead of the US elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-president-accuses-us-of-savagery-after-new-sanctions-330495">Also Read:&nbsp;Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions</a>

"Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

However, the US government declared that it was exempting transactions in humanitarian goods amid the coronavirus crisis.

The US government has given the banks 45 days to wind down operations. The move comes as the Trump government continues to squeeze Iran after walking out of the Iran nuclear deal two years ago which was brokered by former President Barack Obama.

The latest sanctions have been aimed to stop Iran from using the financial system to fund the nuclear programme and "malign regional influence", it said, without going into specific details.&nbsp;

President Hassan Rouhani had said earlier that the country was going through the toughest year due to US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic as the country's oil exports plunged to a new low amid the embargo.

The US government has targeted several sectors of the Iranian economy in a bid to apply "maximum pressure" on the Rouhani government.

The Trump administration on Thursday targetted 18 Iranian banks to shut the country global banking system just weeks ahead of the US elections. Also Read: Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions "Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

The Trump administration on Thursday targetted 18 Iranian banks to shut the country global banking system just weeks ahead of the US elections. Also Read: Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions "Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. However, the US government declared that it was exempting transactions in humanitarian goods amid the coronavirus crisis. The US government has given the banks 45 days to wind down operations. The move comes as the Trump government continues to squeeze Iran after walking out of the Iran nuclear deal two years ago which was brokered by former President Barack Obama. The latest sanctions have been aimed to stop Iran from using the financial system to fund the nuclear programme and "malign regional influence", it said, without going into specific details. President Hassan Rouhani had said earlier that the country was going through the toughest year due to US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic as the country's oil exports plunged to a new low amid the embargo. The US government has targeted several sectors of the Iranian economy in a bid to apply "maximum pressure" on the Rouhani government.

Trump administration targets Iran's financial sector, sanctions major banks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-against-iran-venezuelas-maduro-329294">US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7774b9d-f644-4332-b17b-969250f1c462" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bah1.jpg" />

The US government also accused Iran of carrying out attack on Saudi oil facilities. However, Iran said the sanctions would have no effect calling it "nothing new."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-scrambles-fighters-for-fourth-time-in-five-days-amid-chinese-incursion-329291">Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion</a>

<img alt="Taiwan fighter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0113c532-4627-4400-9ca8-de7ae8cc81cb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TFighter1.JPG" />

The Chinese fighters had intruded the same defence zone thrice last week as Taiwan's defence ministry said it has "the right to self-defence and to counter-attack".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-upgrades-virus-alert-level-pm-johnson-set-to-announce-new-measures-329290">UK upgrades virus alert level; PM Johnson set to announce new measures</a>

<img alt="coronavirus in UK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee75d1cf-7e1c-462c-bef3-13fc1862a45a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F2_0.jpg" />

PM Johnson will also be chairing COBR emergencies committee meeting on Tuesday morning, the British PM had earlier said that the rising cases were "cause for great concern".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-officer-charged-with-spying-for-china-329293">New York police officer charged with spying for China</a>

<img alt="New York Police" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="817bd9e2-76d9-448b-8364-8f7df0553ab7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NYPD.jpg" />

Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-spain-is-struggling-to-find-ways-to-spend-billions-in-crisis-funds-329287">Gravitas: Spain is struggling to find ways to spend billions in crisis funds</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-spain-is-struggling-to-find-ways-to-spend-billions-in-crisis-funds-329287/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro The US government also accused Iran of carrying out attack on Saudi oil facilities. However, Iran said the sanctions would have no effect calling it "nothing new.

US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro The US government also accused Iran of carrying out attack on Saudi oil facilities. However, Iran said the sanctions would have no effect calling it "nothing new." Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion The Chinese fighters had intruded the same defence zone thrice last week as Taiwan's defence ministry said it has "the right to self-defence and to counter-attack". UK upgrades virus alert level; PM Johnson set to announce new measures PM Johnson will also be chairing COBR emergencies committee meeting on Tuesday morning, the British PM had earlier said that the rising cases were "cause for great concern". New York police officer charged with spying for China Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources. Watch: Gravitas: Spain is struggling to find ways to spend billions in crisis funds

Morning news brief: US sanctions on Iran, Taiwan scrambles jets again & more!

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

The Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal.

The rest of the world has, hence, set the stage for a showdown at the world body ahead of its annual General Assembly.

The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time.

Snapback means that international sanctions eased or lifted by the nuclear deal are reimposed and must be enforced by UN member states.

That is 30 days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified the council that Iran was in significant non-performance with its obligations under the accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

"The United States took this decisive action because, in addition to Iran's failure to perform its JCPOA commitments, the Security Council failed to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, which had been in place for 13 years," Pompeo said in a statement.

"We initiated the snapback process to restore virtually all previously terminated U.N. Sanctions, including the arms embargo. The world will be safer as a result."

The White House plans to issue an executive order on Monday spelling out how the US plans to enforce the restored sanctions.

The US move, however, faces opposition from the other members of the Security Council. They say the US lost legal standing to invoke snapback when President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed American sanctions on Iran.

The US, on the other hand, argues it retains the right to do it as an original participant in the deal and a member of the council.

Those bans were either removed or set to expire under the terms of the deal in which Iran was granted billions of dollars in sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

China and Russia have been particularly adamant in rejecting the move. Even Britain, France and Germany said the sanctions relief provided by the nuclear deal will remain in place.

Also, Trump plans to address Iran in a speech to the General Assembly's annual high-level meeting on Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal. The rest of the world has, hence, set the stage for a showdown at the world body ahead of its annual General Assembly.

The Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal. The rest of the world has, hence, set the stage for a showdown at the world body ahead of its annual General Assembly. The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time. Snapback means that international sanctions eased or lifted by the nuclear deal are reimposed and must be enforced by UN member states. That is 30 days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified the council that Iran was in significant non-performance with its obligations under the accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. "The United States took this decisive action because, in addition to Iran's failure to perform its JCPOA commitments, the Security Council failed to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, which had been in place for 13 years," Pompeo said in a statement. "We initiated the snapback process to restore virtually all previously terminated U.N. Sanctions, including the arms embargo. The world will be safer as a result." The White House plans to issue an executive order on Monday spelling out how the US plans to enforce the restored sanctions. The US move, however, faces opposition from the other members of the Security Council. They say the US lost legal standing to invoke snapback when President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed American sanctions on Iran. The US, on the other hand, argues it retains the right to do it as an original participant in the deal and a member of the council. Those bans were either removed or set to expire under the terms of the deal in which Iran was granted billions of dollars in sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. China and Russia have been particularly adamant in rejecting the move. Even Britain, France and Germany said the sanctions relief provided by the nuclear deal will remain in place. Also, Trump plans to address Iran in a speech to the General Assembly's annual high-level meeting on Tuesday.

US says all UN sanctions on Iran restored. Other nations reject move

The Russian foreign ministry on Sunday condemned the unilateral declaration by the United States that UN sanctions on Iran are back in force as "illegitimate" and "unacceptable".

"The illegitimate initiatives and actions of the United States by definition cannot have international legal consequences for other countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Russia, a key ally of Iran, accused Washington of putting on a "theatrical performance" and insisted that the US statements "do not correspond to reality."

It accused the US of "trying to force everyone to wear virtual reality goggles" and accept its version of events, adding: "The world is not an American computer game."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-all-un-sanctions-on-iran-restored-other-nations-reject-move-328750">Also read:&nbsp;US says all UN sanctions on Iran restored. Other nations reject move</a>

Washington's defiance has dealt a "serious blow to the authority of the UN Security Council" and showed "open contempt for its decisions and for international law as a whole," the ministry said.

"This is unacceptable, and not only for us, but for other members of the Security Council too."

Russia said it "fully supports" the position of the majority of Security Council members that the US moves are "legally and procedurally null and void."

Russia said that efforts to ensure the fulfilment of the 2015 nuclear accord would be continued.

"The US should not exacerbate the situation but immediately renounce its course to destroy the JCPOA (2015 nuclear deal)," Moscow said.

The Russian foreign ministry on Sunday condemned the unilateral declaration by the United States that UN sanctions on Iran are back in force as "illegitimate" and "unacceptable".

The Russian foreign ministry on Sunday condemned the unilateral declaration by the United States that UN sanctions on Iran are back in force as "illegitimate" and "unacceptable". "The illegitimate initiatives and actions of the United States by definition cannot have international legal consequences for other countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia, a key ally of Iran, accused Washington of putting on a "theatrical performance" and insisted that the US statements "do not correspond to reality." It accused the US of "trying to force everyone to wear virtual reality goggles" and accept its version of events, adding: "The world is not an American computer game." Also read: US says all UN sanctions on Iran restored. Other nations reject move Washington's defiance has dealt a "serious blow to the authority of the UN Security Council" and showed "open contempt for its decisions and for international law as a whole," the ministry said. "This is unacceptable, and not only for us, but for other members of the Security Council too." Russia said it "fully supports" the position of the majority of Security Council members that the US moves are "legally and procedurally null and void." Russia said that efforts to ensure the fulfilment of the 2015 nuclear accord would be continued. "The US should not exacerbate the situation but immediately renounce its course to destroy the JCPOA (2015 nuclear deal)," Moscow said.

Moscow slams 'illegitimate' US claims on Iran sanctions

Amid the sanctions row over Iran, the differences between the United States and United Nations Security Council(UNSC) members Britain, France and Germany have come out in the open as US officials said that "UN sanctions against Iran will come back into place this weekend."

Watch:

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UNSC members Britain, France and Germany have however contested the US sanctions and informed the UN body that they favour sanctions relief for Iran. The Trump administration had pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, however, the US insists it is still a participant since its name is still listed.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had last month triggered the 30-day process at the UNSC to enforce UN sanctions on Iran. However, 13 members of the Security Council say the Trump administration's move is void as it is no longer part of the nuclear deal. The US government had introduced the "snapback," which aims to re-establish all sanctions against Iran on August 20.

Earlier last month, the Trump administration had moved to extend arms embargo on Iran at the UNSC but had suffered a defeat. Pompeo hit back at US allies saying they were "siding with Iran's Ayatollahs."&nbsp;

Pompeo had asserted that the US would "do all the things we need to do to make sure that those sanctions are enforced."&nbsp;

"We are going to act in a way -- and we have acted in a way -- that will prevent Iran from being able to purchase Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems," he said, adding, "We expect every nation to comply with UN Security Council resolutions - period, full stop."

Amid the sanctions row over Iran, the differences between the United States and United Nations Security Council(UNSC) members Britain, France and Germany have come out in the open as US officials said that "UN sanctions against Iran will come back into place this weekend.

Amid the sanctions row over Iran, the differences between the United States and United Nations Security Council(UNSC) members Britain, France and Germany have come out in the open as US officials said that "UN sanctions against Iran will come back into place this weekend." Watch: Also Read: Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran? UNSC members Britain, France and Germany have however contested the US sanctions and informed the UN body that they favour sanctions relief for Iran. The Trump administration had pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, however, the US insists it is still a participant since its name is still listed. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had last month triggered the 30-day process at the UNSC to enforce UN sanctions on Iran. However, 13 members of the Security Council say the Trump administration's move is void as it is no longer part of the nuclear deal. The US government had introduced the "snapback," which aims to re-establish all sanctions against Iran on August 20. Earlier last month, the Trump administration had moved to extend arms embargo on Iran at the UNSC but had suffered a defeat. Pompeo hit back at US allies saying they were "siding with Iran's Ayatollahs." Pompeo had asserted that the US would "do all the things we need to do to make sure that those sanctions are enforced." "We are going to act in a way -- and we have acted in a way -- that will prevent Iran from being able to purchase Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems," he said, adding, "We expect every nation to comply with UN Security Council resolutions - period, full stop."

US, UNSC members struggle over 'snapback' option as Iran sanctions deadline looms

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said today that the Trump administration will "do all the things" to ensure sanctions on Iran are enforced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-the-us-brokered-abraham-accord-a-regional-front-against-iran-328000">Also Read:&nbsp;Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran?</a>

"The United States will do what it always does. It will do its share as part of its responsibilities to enable peace, this time in the Middle East," Pompeo said at a &nbsp;joint news conference with British foreign secretary Dominic Raab.

"We'll do all the things we need to do to make sure that those sanctions are enforced," Pompeo asserted.

However, the United Nations had said earlier said that it cannot proceed with the reimposition of UN sanctions, with 13 of the Security Council's 15 nations objecting to the US move.

The United States had earlier failed to extend an embargo on conventional arms sales to Iran. Pompeo insisted that "the sanctions are authorized by a valid UN Security Council resolution."

"I think we've been very successful despite what the world said would happen if we made the decision the president made rightly back in May of 2018," Pompeo asserted.

"We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions so that the arms embargo will become permanent next week. We believe deeply that this is good for the peoples of all nations," the US secretary of state said.

"There were those who said that American sanctions would not be successful, I think anyone who has stared at the state of the Islamic Republic of Iran's financial situation today, the fact that they can no longer have the resources to underwrite Hezbollah and the Shia militias and all of the places that they have spent money for nefarious activities over all of these years, those resources are greatly reduced," Pompeo added.

The US government had pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal however Pompeo argues that the United States remains a "participant" as it was listed in the 2015 resolution.

Foreign secretary Raab said: "We have always welcomed US and indeed any other efforts to broaden it. The means by which we get there, there may be shades of difference but we have handled them... constructively."

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said today that the Trump administration will "do all the things" to ensure sanctions on Iran are enforced. Also Read: Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran?

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said today that the Trump administration will "do all the things" to ensure sanctions on Iran are enforced. Also Read: Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran? "The United States will do what it always does. It will do its share as part of its responsibilities to enable peace, this time in the Middle East," Pompeo said at a joint news conference with British foreign secretary Dominic Raab. "We'll do all the things we need to do to make sure that those sanctions are enforced," Pompeo asserted. However, the United Nations had said earlier said that it cannot proceed with the reimposition of UN sanctions, with 13 of the Security Council's 15 nations objecting to the US move. The United States had earlier failed to extend an embargo on conventional arms sales to Iran. Pompeo insisted that "the sanctions are authorized by a valid UN Security Council resolution." "I think we've been very successful despite what the world said would happen if we made the decision the president made rightly back in May of 2018," Pompeo asserted. "We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions so that the arms embargo will become permanent next week. We believe deeply that this is good for the peoples of all nations," the US secretary of state said. "There were those who said that American sanctions would not be successful, I think anyone who has stared at the state of the Islamic Republic of Iran's financial situation today, the fact that they can no longer have the resources to underwrite Hezbollah and the Shia militias and all of the places that they have spent money for nefarious activities over all of these years, those resources are greatly reduced," Pompeo added. The US government had pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal however Pompeo argues that the United States remains a "participant" as it was listed in the 2015 resolution. Foreign secretary Raab said: "We have always welcomed US and indeed any other efforts to broaden it. The means by which we get there, there may be shades of difference but we have handled them... constructively."

We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions on Iran: Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Tuesday that Washington would prevent Iran from purchasing "Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems" as the end to a UN arms embargo against Tehran approaches.

While the European Union and United Nations disagreed with the US decision to withdraw from an international nuclear deal in 2018 and reimpose unilateral sanctions on Iran, Washington was acting to "keep the world safe," he told France Inter radio.

"We are going to act in a way -– and we have acted in a way –- that will prevent Iran from being able to purchase Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems and resell weapons to Hezbollah to undermine the very efforts that (French) President Macron is ably trying to lead in Lebanon," Pompeo said.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group, has long been targeted by US sanctions and is blacklisted as a "terrorist" organisation.&nbsp;

But it is also a powerful political player with seats in parliament in Lebanon, where the French president is seeking to foster political reform.

"It's irreconcilable that you would permit Iran to have more money, more wealth, and more arms, and still be working to try and help disconnect Hezbollah from the disaster that they have created inside of Lebanon," Pompeo said.

The United States faces widespread opposition in a new bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran, which has been progressively stepping up its nuclear activities since Washington pulled out of the deal in 2018.

It also wants to extend the UN arms embargo on the country expiring on October 18.

"While the EU has made a different decision about that (nuclear) agreement, they share our concern about the extension of that arms embargo," Pompeo said.

The United States, he insisted, would "continue to defend the international order to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from returning to its malign activity" in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.

Iran earlier Tuesday warned the US against making a "strategic mistake" after President Donald Trump threatened Tehran over reports it planned to avenge the killing of top general Qasem Soleimani.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Tuesday that Washington would prevent Iran from purchasing "Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems" as the end to a UN arms embargo against Tehran approaches.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Tuesday that Washington would prevent Iran from purchasing "Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems" as the end to a UN arms embargo against Tehran approaches. While the European Union and United Nations disagreed with the US decision to withdraw from an international nuclear deal in 2018 and reimpose unilateral sanctions on Iran, Washington was acting to "keep the world safe," he told France Inter radio. "We are going to act in a way -– and we have acted in a way –- that will prevent Iran from being able to purchase Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems and resell weapons to Hezbollah to undermine the very efforts that (French) President Macron is ably trying to lead in Lebanon," Pompeo said. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group, has long been targeted by US sanctions and is blacklisted as a "terrorist" organisation. But it is also a powerful political player with seats in parliament in Lebanon, where the French president is seeking to foster political reform. "It's irreconcilable that you would permit Iran to have more money, more wealth, and more arms, and still be working to try and help disconnect Hezbollah from the disaster that they have created inside of Lebanon," Pompeo said. The United States faces widespread opposition in a new bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran, which has been progressively stepping up its nuclear activities since Washington pulled out of the deal in 2018. It also wants to extend the UN arms embargo on the country expiring on October 18. "While the EU has made a different decision about that (nuclear) agreement, they share our concern about the extension of that arms embargo," Pompeo said. The United States, he insisted, would "continue to defend the international order to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from returning to its malign activity" in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. Iran earlier Tuesday warned the US against making a "strategic mistake" after President Donald Trump threatened Tehran over reports it planned to avenge the killing of top general Qasem Soleimani.

Will prevent Iran from getting Chinese, Russian arms: US

Iran on Sunday said that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has cancelled television broadcasting rights of the regional champions' league to the Islamic republic due to US sanctions.

Iran on Sunday said that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has cancelled television broadcasting rights of the regional champions' league to the Islamic republic due to US sanctions. Also read: 'The only regret I have...' - Neymar alleges racism after Alvaro Gonzalez bust-up in PSG vs Marseille According to Iran's football federation, the AFC had written to it cancelling the contract "due to international sanctions." The AFC "also cannot provide the live signal for the group stage of the Asian Champions' League," Iran's official body said. As a form of protest, Iran has written to the AFC. Iran has "sent its representatives to the Asian Champions' League and therefore expects the AFC to prepare the necessary framework for live broadcast of the matches ... so that millions of fans in Iran can watch," the federation said. The United States imposed harsh unilateral sanctions after withdrawing from a landmark nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018. These sanctions were to target key oil and banking sectors. The AFC has not yet officially commented on the matter. Also read: Salah hat-trick saves Liverpool, Arsenal cruise as Premier League returns Asia's club tournament was put on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tournament will resume on Monday in Qatar. Four Iranian clubs, including Persepolis, Esteghlal, Shahr Khodro and Sepahan, represent Iran in the tournament. Shahr Khodro is set to play the United Arab Emirates-based Al Ahli later Monday. Esteghlal was also scheduled to play the UAE's Al Wahda. However, the Emirati side said they cannot travel after a number of their club members tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. (Inputs from AFP)

Iran says AFC tournament TV rights cut due to 'international sanctions'

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Russia's foreign ministry said there was 'suspicious haste' to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader.

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Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

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Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation' Russia's foreign ministry said there was 'suspicious haste' to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader.

Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation' Russia's foreign ministry said there was 'suspicious haste' to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader. UN blocks Trump administration's bid to trigger 'snapback' sanctions on Iran Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday. African-American Jacob Blake shot at by police paralyzed with shattered spine Demonstrations against police brutality erupted in Charlotte, North Carolina as police and protesters engaged in physical conflicts Canada court blocks release of intelligence documents to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou A Canadian court on Tuesday blocked Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request for intelligence documents over national security concerns. Read more Watch: Gravitas: Extreme Staycation: The Stay-At-Home Vacation

Morning news brief: Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning, UN blocks US 'snapback' on Iran sanctions

The United Nations on Tuesday&nbsp;blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-need-permission-to-initiate-snapback-us-in-tussle-with-france-uk-over-iran-sanctions-322448">Also Read:&nbsp;'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions</a>

Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

Watch:

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier that the US had started a 30-day process to reimpose all international sanctions against Iran as it had allegedly breached the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States said it can trigger the "snapback" process since a 2015 Security Council resolution still enshrines the nuclear deal names after its participant.

After the announcement, US ambassador Kelly Craft said: "Let me just make it really, really clear: the Trump administration has no fear in standing in limited company on this matter," she told the council. "I only regret that other members of this council have lost their way and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists."

The United States had walked out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran two years ago. The deal was signed along with other western powers, the US government alleged that the Iran government had failed to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad hit out at Pompeo saying it was "lawless bullying leaves US isolated again."

After the announcement by the Council, Iran said the US request, "including all references therein, are null and void, have no legal standing and effect and are thus completely inadmissible."

The United Nations on Tuesday blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC. Also Read: 'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

The United Nations on Tuesday blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC. Also Read: 'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday. Watch: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier that the US had started a 30-day process to reimpose all international sanctions against Iran as it had allegedly breached the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States said it can trigger the "snapback" process since a 2015 Security Council resolution still enshrines the nuclear deal names after its participant. After the announcement, US ambassador Kelly Craft said: "Let me just make it really, really clear: the Trump administration has no fear in standing in limited company on this matter," she told the council. "I only regret that other members of this council have lost their way and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists." The United States had walked out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran two years ago. The deal was signed along with other western powers, the US government alleged that the Iran government had failed to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad hit out at Pompeo saying it was "lawless bullying leaves US isolated again." After the announcement by the Council, Iran said the US request, "including all references therein, are null and void, have no legal standing and effect and are thus completely inadmissible."

UN blocks Trump administration's bid to trigger 'snapback' sanctions on Iran

Iran said on Saturday that it ''cannot afford'' to shut down its sanction-hit economy despite record-high coronavirus death tolls and rising infections, according to AFP.

Iran said on Saturday that it ''cannot afford'' to shut down its sanction-hit economy despite record-high coronavirus death tolls and rising infections, according to AFP. Iran must continue "economic, social and cultural activities while observing health protocols", the report stated President Hassan Rouhani as saying during a televised virus taskforce meeting. "The simplest solution is to close down all activities, (but) the next day, people would come out to protest the (resulting) chaos, hunger, hardship and pressure," he added. Also read: Iran reports highest surge in COVID-19 cases in nearly two months The Islamic republic has been struggling since late February to contain the outbreak, the deadliest in the Middle East. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari reported Saturday that 188 people had died from the respiratory disease in the past 24 hours, raising the overall toll to 12,635. Iran's daily COVID-19 death toll has topped 100 since around mid-June, with a record single-day tally of 221 reported on Thursday. Lari also raised the country's caseload to 255,117, with 2,397 new infections recorded. Also read: Wedding party in Iran fuelled fresh surge in coronavirus cases, says Rouhani The outbreak's rising toll has prompted authorities to make wearing masks mandatory in enclosed public spaces and to allow the hardest-hit provinces to reimpose restrictive measures. Iran closed schools, cancelled public events and banned movement between its 31 provinces in March, but Rouhani's government progressively lifted restrictions from April to reopen its sanctions-hit economy. Iran has suffered a sharp economic downturn after US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions. The International Monetary Fund predicts Iran's economy will shrink by six percent this year. "It is not possible to keep businesses and economic activities shut down in the long-term," Rouhani said, emphasising that "the people will not accept this". Health Minister Said Namaki warned on Wednesday of a potential "revolt over poverty" and blamed US sanctions for the government's "empty coffers". (With inputs from AFP)

Cannot afford to shut down economy despite worsening virus outbreak: Iran

The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate.

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Iranian-flagged oil tankers, which delivered some 1.5 million barrels of gasoline and oil to Venezuela in recent weeks, had been placed on the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blacklist.

"Mariners who do business with Iran and Venezuela will face consequences from the United States of America," Pompeo said.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded on Twitter, calling the move "more proof of the hatred by (US President Donald) Trump's hawks against Venezuela".

"As a result of today's sanctions, these captains' assets will be blocked. Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation," Pompeo said.

"The rogue regimes in Caracas and Tehran are unified by their penchant for repressing their people, corruption, self-enrichment, and gross mismanagement of their people's wealth," Pompeo added.

Iran said the latest sanctions showed the US campaign against it was failing.

"US desperate moves against Iranian individuals... just signal the miserable failure of the so-called 'max pressure'," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi tweeted.

"Despite US pressure, #Iran &amp; #Venezuela remain steadfast in countering unlawful American sanctions," he added.

The move came as Venezuela accused the United States Wednesday of "an act of provocation" after a US warship steamed close to the South American country's territorial waters the previous day.

The vessel sailed in an area that "the illegitimate Maduro regime falsely claims to have control over," the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement.

The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate.

The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate. Also read: COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Iranian-flagged oil tankers, which delivered some 1.5 million barrels of gasoline and oil to Venezuela in recent weeks, had been placed on the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blacklist. "Mariners who do business with Iran and Venezuela will face consequences from the United States of America," Pompeo said. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded on Twitter, calling the move "more proof of the hatred by (US President Donald) Trump's hawks against Venezuela". "As a result of today's sanctions, these captains' assets will be blocked. Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation," Pompeo said. "The rogue regimes in Caracas and Tehran are unified by their penchant for repressing their people, corruption, self-enrichment, and gross mismanagement of their people's wealth," Pompeo added. Iran said the latest sanctions showed the US campaign against it was failing. "US desperate moves against Iranian individuals... just signal the miserable failure of the so-called 'max pressure'," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi tweeted. "Despite US pressure, #Iran & #Venezuela remain steadfast in countering unlawful American sanctions," he added. The move came as Venezuela accused the United States Wednesday of "an act of provocation" after a US warship steamed close to the South American country's territorial waters the previous day. The vessel sailed in an area that "the illegitimate Maduro regime falsely claims to have control over," the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement.

US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery

Polling booths opened in Iran on Thursday with President Hassan Rouhani's fate in the balance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-defends-barring-of-candidates-as-campaign-ends-281826">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran defends barring of candidates as campaign ends</a>

The country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-pullout-from-nuclear-deal-makes-iran-elections-even-more-crucial-281859">Khamenei</a> was one of the early voters while calling people to take part in the election "as soon as possible" and &nbsp;"guarantee the country's national interests".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-parliamentary-election-today-281912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is the eleventh parliamentary election in the country since 1979 taking place this time under US sanctions and under the cloud of former Quad chief Sulemani's death which created widespread uproar in the country after the Iran general was killed by a US drone strike in Iraq.

Public anger aimed at the government last month as Iran's army brought down a Ukrainian airliner killing all 176 people on board on the same day the US conducted drone strikes against Sulemani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-to-vote-in-crucial-parliamentary-election-many-see-as-lost-cause-281844">In Pics: Iran to vote in crucial parliamentary election, many see as 'lost cause'</a>

Experts feel the Conservatives may win ousting Rouhani as the country battles high inflation and economic downturn amid US sanctions. In the past ten elections, Iran has averaged 60.5 per cent turnout.

The Guardian Council said it expected at least 50 per cent of registered voters to cast ballots.

At least 58 million people are eligible to vote with 16,033 candidates contesting for 290 seats in 31 provinces.

Voting for the Majles, Iran's parliament lasts for at least ten hours or more with final results expected by Sunday.

Polling booths opened in Iran on Thursday with President Hassan Rouhani's fate in the balance. Also Read: Iran defends barring of candidates as campaign ends The country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was one of the early voters while calling people to take part in the election "as soon as possible" and "guarantee the country's national interests".

Polling booths opened in Iran on Thursday with President Hassan Rouhani's fate in the balance. Also Read: Iran defends barring of candidates as campaign ends The country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was one of the early voters while calling people to take part in the election "as soon as possible" and "guarantee the country's national interests". Watch Video: It is the eleventh parliamentary election in the country since 1979 taking place this time under US sanctions and under the cloud of former Quad chief Sulemani's death which created widespread uproar in the country after the Iran general was killed by a US drone strike in Iraq. Public anger aimed at the government last month as Iran's army brought down a Ukrainian airliner killing all 176 people on board on the same day the US conducted drone strikes against Sulemani. In Pics: Iran to vote in crucial parliamentary election, many see as 'lost cause' Experts feel the Conservatives may win ousting Rouhani as the country battles high inflation and economic downturn amid US sanctions. In the past ten elections, Iran has averaged 60.5 per cent turnout. The Guardian Council said it expected at least 50 per cent of registered voters to cast ballots. At least 58 million people are eligible to vote with 16,033 candidates contesting for 290 seats in 31 provinces. Voting for the Majles, Iran's parliament lasts for at least ten hours or more with final results expected by Sunday.

Voting begins in Iran's parliamentary elections

Iran and Saudi Arabia appeared no closer to bridging their differences on Saturday with both sides sticking to their positions and regional facilitator Oman seeing no breakthrough before US elections in November.

Iran and Saudi Arabia appeared no closer to bridging their differences on Saturday with both sides sticking to their positions and regional facilitator Oman seeing no breakthrough before US elections in November. Tensions in the Gulf region stepped up after the killing in early January of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani by the United States in Iraq. European and Arab states have since scrambled to avert a full-fledged conflict between the two sides. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud both attended the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and took part in a session on defusing tensions in the Gulf. Also Read: How Saudi-Iranian oil rivalry has been shaped by American power But the two were kept apart with Zarif even claiming that his Saudi counterpart had asked to reshuffle the schedule so that he wouldn't have to meet him. "I believe our neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia, do not want to (de-escalate)," Zarif said, adding that he believed Riyadh was firmly under the influence of the US campaign to put maximum pressure on Tehran. When asked about possible contacts with Iran, Prince Faisal said there had been neither private messages nor direct contacts. He said the ball was in Iran's court, especially as it had been behind attacks on the kingdom, including drone and missile strikes on its oil facilities in September. "Our message to Iran is to change its behaviour first before anything is to be discussed," he said after Zarif had left the room thirty minutes earlier. "Until we can talk about the real sources of that instability, talk is going to be unproductive." After Washington withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Trump began a policy of "maximum pressure", saying a broader deal should be negotiated on nuclear issues, Iran's missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East. US sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, slashing its oil exports. Iran has long said it will not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place. [ Irani Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (Courtesy: AFP) ] Zarif said French and Japanese efforts to bring Iran and the United States around the negotiating table had "fallen on deaf ears" because Trump believed Iran was on the verge of economic collapse. "He is wrong," Zarif said. "Everything they want is about regime change." Oman often considered as a facilitator for talks between Washington and Tehran appeared downcast on the prospects. "The reality is there are no messages," Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said after meeting Zarif earlier in the day. "I'm not anticipating anything (will happen) in the next six months," he said, referring to upcoming US elections.

No dialogue for now as Saudis, Iranians camp on positions

The United States will not lift sanctions on Iran in order to negotiate, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump tweeted late on Saturday, seemingly in response to a Der Spiegel interview with Iran's foreign minister.

"Iranian Foreign Minister says Iran wants to negotiate with The United States, but wants sanctions removed. @FoxNews @OANN No Thanks!" Trump tweeted in English on Saturday and later in Farsi.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from the interview with Der Spiegel published on Friday, where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-caught-saying-get-rid-of-ukraine-ambassador-on-tape-report-276592">Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape</a>

"@realdonaldtrump is better advised to base his foreign policy comments &amp; decisions on facts, rather than @FoxNews headlines or his Farsi translators," Zarif said in the tweet with the interview excerpt.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have reached the highest levels in decades after the US&nbsp;killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad on January&nbsp;3, prompting Iran to fire missiles days later at bases in Iraq where US&nbsp;troops are stationed.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-capacity-to-enrich-uranium-at-any-percentage-nuclear-agency-276573">Have capacity to enrich uranium at any percentage: Iran nuclear agency</a>

Tensions between the two have been increasing steadily since Trump pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have driven down Iran's oil exports and hammered its economy.

The United States will not lift sanctions on Iran in order to negotiate, US President Donald Trump tweeted late on Saturday, seemingly in response to a Der Spiegel interview with Iran's foreign minister.

The United States will not lift sanctions on Iran in order to negotiate, US President Donald Trump tweeted late on Saturday, seemingly in response to a Der Spiegel interview with Iran's foreign minister. "Iranian Foreign Minister says Iran wants to negotiate with The United States, but wants sanctions removed. @FoxNews @OANN No Thanks!" Trump tweeted in English on Saturday and later in Farsi. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from the interview with Der Spiegel published on Friday, where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted. Also read: Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape "@realdonaldtrump is better advised to base his foreign policy comments & decisions on facts, rather than @FoxNews headlines or his Farsi translators," Zarif said in the tweet with the interview excerpt. Tensions between Iran and the United States have reached the highest levels in decades after the US killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad on January 3, prompting Iran to fire missiles days later at bases in Iraq where US troops are stationed. Also read: Have capacity to enrich uranium at any percentage: Iran nuclear agency Tensions between the two have been increasing steadily since Trump pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have driven down Iran's oil exports and hammered its economy.

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-iran-sanctions-are-already-in-effect-says-us-president-donald-trump-273262">retaliation to the attack on its military bases</a> housing US troops in Iraq.&nbsp;

The targets of the sanctions include, Iran's manufacturing, mining and textile sectors, as well as several senior Iranian officials who Washington said, were involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-was-start-of-a-series-of-attacks-across-the-region-iranian-commander-273235">Wednesday's strikes</a>.

"As a result of these actions, we will cut off billions of dollars of support to the Iranian regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at a White House briefing while standing beside the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Mnuchin also said that the measures hitting Iran's economy "will continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons." &nbsp;

Among the targeted senior Iranian officials, are Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Iranian armed forces deputy chief of staff and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the regime.

The US said that these officials are working towards the disability of the region.

The US Treasury also slapped sanction on 17 Iranian metals producers and mining companies which it said generated billions of dollars in revenue.

The sanctions also included a network of three entities that are based in China and Seychelles as well as a vessel "involved in the purchase, sale, and transfer of Iranian metals products," the Treasury said in a statement.

Tensions between Washington&nbsp;and Tehran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport.

Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq&nbsp;</a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Although the two sides seem to have stepped back from the brink of armed conflict, Trump vowed on Wednesday to impose the additional sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq.

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq. The targets of the sanctions include, Iran's manufacturing, mining and textile sectors, as well as several senior Iranian officials who Washington said, were involved in the Wednesday's strikes. "As a result of these actions, we will cut off billions of dollars of support to the Iranian regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at a White House briefing while standing beside the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mnuchin also said that the measures hitting Iran's economy "will continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons." Among the targeted senior Iranian officials, are Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Iranian armed forces deputy chief of staff and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the regime. The US said that these officials are working towards the disability of the region. The US Treasury also slapped sanction on 17 Iranian metals producers and mining companies which it said generated billions of dollars in revenue. The sanctions also included a network of three entities that are based in China and Seychelles as well as a vessel "involved in the purchase, sale, and transfer of Iranian metals products," the Treasury said in a statement. Tensions between Washington and Tehran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport. Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Although the two sides seem to have stepped back from the brink of armed conflict, Trump vowed on Wednesday to impose the additional sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

In retaliation to missile attacks, US imposes more sanctions on Iran

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a televised address from the White House.

"It's already been done. We've increased them. They were very severe, but now it's increased substantially," Trump said, without offering any specifics.

Trump on Wednesday announced new sanctions after Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbase in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Trump has also said that these missile attacks had not harmed any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff.

He termed these sanctions as 'punishing economic sanctions' against the Iran government.

Meanwhile, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-plane-crash-investigators-consider-several-leads-including-missile-strike-technical-malfunction-act-of-terror-273238">Ukraine airline crash in Tehran</a>, Trump said he has his "suspicions over Iran".

"I have my suspicions," Trump.&nbsp;"It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake."

"Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crashed-boeing-underwent-maintenance-checks-2-days-before-accident-ukraine-airline-273006">Ukraine International Airlines&nbsp;</a>(UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board.

The crash, which killed mainly Iranians and Canadians, came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week.

Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani was killed after US strike&nbsp;Baghdad International Airport, marking a dramatic escalation in the shadow war of Iran and US.

Following the strike, Trump addressed the nation from the White House and&nbsp;said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting&nbsp;to de-escalate the&nbsp;standoff.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a televised address from the White House. "It's already been done. We've increased them.

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a televised address from the White House. "It's already been done. We've increased them. They were very severe, but now it's increased substantially," Trump said, without offering any specifics. Trump on Wednesday announced new sanctions after Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbase in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Trump has also said that these missile attacks had not harmed any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff. He termed these sanctions as 'punishing economic sanctions' against the Iran government. Meanwhile, on Ukraine airline crash in Tehran, Trump said he has his "suspicions over Iran". "I have my suspicions," Trump. "It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake." "Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened." The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The crash, which killed mainly Iranians and Canadians, came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week. Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani was killed after US strike Baghdad International Airport, marking a dramatic escalation in the shadow war of Iran and US. Following the strike, Trump addressed the nation from the White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting to de-escalate the standoff. (With inputs from agencies)

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, says US President Donald Trump

Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-meet-japan-pm-amid-tension-with-us-269275">Hassan Rouhani </a>concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo.

On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry.

The economic crisis in Iran deepened after the US withdrew from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and imposed sanctions on the country. The JCPOA limits Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and prevents the country from sanctions.&nbsp;

The visit to Japan was the first by an Iranian head of state in two decades and came following deadly protests in Iran over fuel price hikes.&nbsp;

In a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, Rouhani sought help from Japan and other countries to revive the Iranian economy.&nbsp;

"We welcome any plan that can increase trade, especially in the field of energy and increasing the exports and sales of oil," Rouhani told Abe, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.

The Japanese PM asked his counterpart to follow the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that Tokyo will do its best to ensure stability is maintained in the Middle East. Rouhani asked Abe to work with other countries to keep the nuclear deal in place.&nbsp;

Japan is a key US ally and in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, Abe earlier visited Tehran in June.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo. On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo. On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry. The economic crisis in Iran deepened after the US withdrew from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and imposed sanctions on the country. The JCPOA limits Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and prevents the country from sanctions. The visit to Japan was the first by an Iranian head of state in two decades and came following deadly protests in Iran over fuel price hikes. In a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, Rouhani sought help from Japan and other countries to revive the Iranian economy. "We welcome any plan that can increase trade, especially in the field of energy and increasing the exports and sales of oil," Rouhani told Abe, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA. The Japanese PM asked his counterpart to follow the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that Tokyo will do its best to ensure stability is maintained in the Middle East. Rouhani asked Abe to work with other countries to keep the nuclear deal in place. Japan is a key US ally and in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, Abe earlier visited Tehran in June. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Seeking economic support, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded two-day Japan visit

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States.

"Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions," Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio.

"This budget announces to the world that despite sanctions we will manage the country, especially in terms of oil," he added.

The budget for the financial year starting late March 2020 comes after fuel price hikes that were imposed in mid-November triggered deadly demonstrations across the Islamic republic.

In his speech, Rouhani announced a 15 per cent increase for public sector wages in a country whose economy has been battered by US sanctions.

US President Donald Trump began imposing punitive measures in May 2018, after unilaterally withdrawing from an accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear programme.

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Iran's economy will contract by 9.5 per cent this year.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States. "Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions," Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio. "This budget announces to the world that despite sanctions we will manage the country, especially in terms of oil," he added. The budget for the financial year starting late March 2020 comes after fuel price hikes that were imposed in mid-November triggered deadly demonstrations across the Islamic republic. In his speech, Rouhani announced a 15 per cent increase for public sector wages in a country whose economy has been battered by US sanctions. US President Donald Trump began imposing punitive measures in May 2018, after unilaterally withdrawing from an accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear programme. The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Iran's economy will contract by 9.5 per cent this year.

Iran unveils budget of 'resistance' against US sanctions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-concerned-by-irans-nuclear-deal-breach-261502">Europe's threat</a> to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say.

Britain, France and Germany have sought to salvage the pact, under which Iran undertook to curtail its uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from sanctions crippling its economy since the United States withdrew last year.

But the three European powers have failed to make good on the trade and investment dividends promised to Iran under the deal as they have been unable to shield Tehran from renewed US&nbsp;sanctions that have strangled its vital oil trade.

That has prompted Iran to renege step by step from its non-proliferation commitments under the deal.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranium-particles-detected-at-undeclared-site-in-iran-iaea-report-261503">U.N. nuclear watchdog (IAEA)</a> confirmed on Monday that Iran had resumed enriching uranium in its underground Fordow plant and was rapidly accelerating enrichment with a variety of advanced centrifuge machines also banned by the deal.

The move has alarmed European powers that had previously dismissed Tehran's breaches, such as exceeding the cap on stockpiles of enriched uranium and on the fissile purity of enrichment, as insignificant and reversible.

Britain, France, and Germany raised the prospect of a restoration of international sanctions for the first time late on Monday after a meeting of foreign ministers in Paris, saying they were ready "to consider all mechanisms ... including the dispute resolution mechanism".

Under the terms of the 2015 deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union.

If the complaining party cannot resolve the matter at the Commission level, it could then notify the U.N. Security Council, which must vote within 30 days on a resolution on continuing Iran's sanctions relief.

If this is not adopted within that time span, sanctions that were in place under previous U.N. resolutions would be reimposed - known as a "snapback" - unless the Council decided otherwise.

"We don't want to pull out of the (deal) too soon, but equally we cannot sit back. The Russians and the Chinese are not going to trigger this, but us, as Europeans, will have to take a stance at some point," said a European diplomat.

"It is not if but when, unless Iran pulls back, but even then, they are gaining (nuclear) knowledge by spinning these centrifuges, so we have to react."

Enrichment is the main pathway towards producing fuel that detonates a nuclear bomb, though Iran has refined to a fissile purity of 4.5 per cent&nbsp;- roughly suitable for electricity generation - far below the bomb-grade threshold of 90 per cent.

European disquiet has been exacerbated by the detention of an IAEA inspector at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility at the end of October, contrary to stipulations in the deal that Iran must grant daily access to the site as requested.

Diplomats said a meeting of the parties to the accord would take place over the next week to discuss latest developments. However, they say, the Europeans are unlikely to trigger the mechanism before January when Iran is due to announce its next round of steps away from compliance with the deal.

"What we're now seeing is the dismantling of the JCPOA," said another diplomat, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the agreement is formally known.

"We haven't decided on launching the mechanism, because we need to be sure of how it will help us in trying to defuse tensions. The questions we're asking is when, how, and whether it benefits us to do it?"

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated on Tuesday that Iran had itself launched the complaint mechanism and it was ceasing to heed its deal commitments because the Europeans had failed to protect it from US&nbsp;sanctions.

The deal's objective was to extend the time Iran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for an atom bomb, if it sought one - something sometimes referred to as "breakout time" to about a year from 2-3 months.

"We're now entering a phase where Iran's actions have a serious impact on the breakout time," said another EU diplomat, adding that the window to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table was very small now.

Europe's threat to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say.

Europe's threat to trigger a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran marks a significant breakdown in diplomacy to try to save the 2015 nuclear deal and could presage its death knell, diplomats say. Britain, France and Germany have sought to salvage the pact, under which Iran undertook to curtail its uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from sanctions crippling its economy since the United States withdrew last year. But the three European powers have failed to make good on the trade and investment dividends promised to Iran under the deal as they have been unable to shield Tehran from renewed US sanctions that have strangled its vital oil trade. That has prompted Iran to renege step by step from its non-proliferation commitments under the deal. The U.N. nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed on Monday that Iran had resumed enriching uranium in its underground Fordow plant and was rapidly accelerating enrichment with a variety of advanced centrifuge machines also banned by the deal. The move has alarmed European powers that had previously dismissed Tehran's breaches, such as exceeding the cap on stockpiles of enriched uranium and on the fissile purity of enrichment, as insignificant and reversible. Britain, France, and Germany raised the prospect of a restoration of international sanctions for the first time late on Monday after a meeting of foreign ministers in Paris, saying they were ready "to consider all mechanisms ... including the dispute resolution mechanism". Under the terms of the 2015 deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union. If the complaining party cannot resolve the matter at the Commission level, it could then notify the U.N. Security Council, which must vote within 30 days on a resolution on continuing Iran's sanctions relief. If this is not adopted within that time span, sanctions that were in place under previous U.N. resolutions would be reimposed - known as a "snapback" - unless the Council decided otherwise. "We don't want to pull out of the (deal) too soon, but equally we cannot sit back. The Russians and the Chinese are not going to trigger this, but us, as Europeans, will have to take a stance at some point," said a European diplomat. "It is not if but when, unless Iran pulls back, but even then, they are gaining (nuclear) knowledge by spinning these centrifuges, so we have to react." Enrichment is the main pathway towards producing fuel that detonates a nuclear bomb, though Iran has refined to a fissile purity of 4.5 per cent - roughly suitable for electricity generation - far below the bomb-grade threshold of 90 per cent. European disquiet has been exacerbated by the detention of an IAEA inspector at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility at the end of October, contrary to stipulations in the deal that Iran must grant daily access to the site as requested. Diplomats said a meeting of the parties to the accord would take place over the next week to discuss latest developments. However, they say, the Europeans are unlikely to trigger the mechanism before January when Iran is due to announce its next round of steps away from compliance with the deal. "What we're now seeing is the dismantling of the JCPOA," said another diplomat, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the agreement is formally known. "We haven't decided on launching the mechanism, because we need to be sure of how it will help us in trying to defuse tensions. The questions we're asking is when, how, and whether it benefits us to do it?" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated on Tuesday that Iran had itself launched the complaint mechanism and it was ceasing to heed its deal commitments because the Europeans had failed to protect it from US sanctions. The deal's objective was to extend the time Iran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for an atom bomb, if it sought one - something sometimes referred to as "breakout time" to about a year from 2-3 months. "We're now entering a phase where Iran's actions have a serious impact on the breakout time," said another EU diplomat, adding that the window to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table was very small now.

European concerns raise prospect of renewed U.N. sanctions on Iran

Iran's oil minister said Monday that an oil field whose <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-finds-new-oil-field-with-53-billion-barrels-of-crude-hassan-rouhani-261158">discovery President Hassan Rouhani</a> announced at the weekend adds only 22.2 billion barrels to the country's estimated crude reserves.

Out of the amount at the site, only a tenth -&nbsp;2.2 billion barrels -&nbsp;can be extracted due to technological limitations, the minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, told reporters in Tehran.

Rouhani on Sunday announced the discovery of a field containing 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, saying it was a "small gift by the government to the people of Iran".

The oil minister said the discovery added 22.2 billion barrels to the country's oil reserves.

"Considering that there was already 31 billion barrels of oil (in the region), the amount added is 22.2 billion barrels," he said.

Due to the area's "dense and stone material", the amount that can be extracted is only "2.2 billion barrels, considering the current technology we have," he added.

The discovery spans 2,400 square kilometres (926 square miles), according to a map Zanganeh showed journalists.

It could potentially be expanded towards to southwest and east through further exploration.

The oil layer is about 3.1 kilometres (nearly two miles) deep, with an average thickness of 80 metres (yards).

Iran is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

It sits on the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves, estimated by energy giant BP at 155.6 billion barrels of crude, and also has the second-largest gas reserves.

Yet the Islamic republic has struggled to sell its oil since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Iran.

The remaining parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have worked to save it by finding ways to bypass US sanctions, but their efforts have so far borne little fruit.

Iran's oil minister said Monday that an oil field whose discovery President Hassan Rouhani announced at the weekend adds only 22.2 billion barrels to the country's estimated crude reserves.

Iran's oil minister said Monday that an oil field whose discovery President Hassan Rouhani announced at the weekend adds only 22.2 billion barrels to the country's estimated crude reserves. Out of the amount at the site, only a tenth - 2.2 billion barrels - can be extracted due to technological limitations, the minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, told reporters in Tehran. Rouhani on Sunday announced the discovery of a field containing 53 billion barrels of oil in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, saying it was a "small gift by the government to the people of Iran". The oil minister said the discovery added 22.2 billion barrels to the country's oil reserves. "Considering that there was already 31 billion barrels of oil (in the region), the amount added is 22.2 billion barrels," he said. Due to the area's "dense and stone material", the amount that can be extracted is only "2.2 billion barrels, considering the current technology we have," he added. The discovery spans 2,400 square kilometres (926 square miles), according to a map Zanganeh showed journalists. It could potentially be expanded towards to southwest and east through further exploration. The oil layer is about 3.1 kilometres (nearly two miles) deep, with an average thickness of 80 metres (yards). Iran is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It sits on the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves, estimated by energy giant BP at 155.6 billion barrels of crude, and also has the second-largest gas reserves. Yet the Islamic republic has struggled to sell its oil since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Iran. The remaining parties to the accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have worked to save it by finding ways to bypass US sanctions, but their efforts have so far borne little fruit.

New oil field adds 22.2 billion barrels with current technology, confirms Iran

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