Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration says it is open to negotiations with Iran on a more far-reaching agreement on nuclear and security issues. But Iran has made any talks conditional on first being able to export as much oil as it did before the United States withdrew from the nuclear pact with world powers in May 2018.

Rouhani: Iran ready to talk to US if sanctions lifted

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-openly-sowing-seeds-of-hostility-reject-pompeos-baseless-allegation-iran-230839">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region.

"I want to convince Trump that it is in his interest to re-open a negotiation process (and) go back on certain sanctions to give negotiations a chance," Macron told reporters on the train from Tokyo to Kyoto.

The French leader will meet his US&nbsp;counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 summit this weekend.

Macron said the idea would be to begin a discussion and set up the parameters of talks ranging from Iran's nuclear activities to its wider role in the region.

"We'd give ourselves a few months," Macron said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-slams-mike-pompeos-remarks-against-the-countrys-role-in-sponsoring-terrorism-230851/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Washington pulled out of the nuclear accord last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran.

Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to collapse, though it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions - a move the White House has called "nuclear blackmail".

The European powers are scrambling to protect trade with Iran but what they can achieve pales in comparison to US sanctions aimed at slashing Iran's vital oil exports to zero.

Diplomats have also stressed the European signatories are weary of Iranian demands that they sustain a pact that Washington has withdrawn from and said if Tehran followed suit they would have little choice but to acquiesce in the reimposition of UN sanctions.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, which is policing the deal's nuclear restrictions, does not generally comment on details of its inspections. It was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.

"We've made it clear to the Iranians that we have zero tolerance on the nuclear issue," a senior European official said. "They are close to the threshold, but we will wait for the IAEA to report back to us in the coming days."

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince US President Donald Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince US President Donald Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region. "I want to convince Trump that it is in his interest to re-open a negotiation process (and) go back on certain sanctions to give negotiations a chance," Macron told reporters on the train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The French leader will meet his US counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 summit this weekend. Macron said the idea would be to begin a discussion and set up the parameters of talks ranging from Iran's nuclear activities to its wider role in the region. "We'd give ourselves a few months," Macron said. Washington pulled out of the nuclear accord last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to collapse, though it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions - a move the White House has called "nuclear blackmail". The European powers are scrambling to protect trade with Iran but what they can achieve pales in comparison to US sanctions aimed at slashing Iran's vital oil exports to zero. Diplomats have also stressed the European signatories are weary of Iranian demands that they sustain a pact that Washington has withdrawn from and said if Tehran followed suit they would have little choice but to acquiesce in the reimposition of UN sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which is policing the deal's nuclear restrictions, does not generally comment on details of its inspections. It was not immediately available for comment on Thursday. "We've made it clear to the Iranians that we have zero tolerance on the nuclear issue," a senior European official said. "They are close to the threshold, but we will wait for the IAEA to report back to us in the coming days."

I want to convince Trump to drop certain sanctions against Iran to give negotiations a chance: Macron

By Natasha Lindstaedt

After Iran shot down a US drone that allegedly entered Iran’s airspace, Donald Trump signed new sanctions against Iran on June 24, including against its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The move came days after the US president took to Twitter to reveal the US had been ten minutes away from striking back at Iran, but reversed course when Trump found out that 150 people could be killed.

Iran’s recent provocation came after a series of attacks in the busy Strait of Hormuz and the sabotage of four vessels travelling through the strait in May. Iran was accused of ramping up its sabotage activity – with experts pointing to Iran’s involvement due to the precision of the attacks.

Before Trump assumed office, tensions between Iran and the US were finally starting to thaw. This was largely due to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known as the Iran nuclear deal, an agreement involving Iran, the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany, which aimed to block Iran from building nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.

Despite Trump’s former secretary of defence, James Mattis, testifying to a senate committee that Iran was adhering to the deal in April 2018, the president believed he needed to undo one of the signature policies of the Obama administration – arguing that doing so would bring Iran to its knees. He withdrew the US from the deal in early May 2018, saying it: “Didn’t bring calm, it didn’t bring peace, and it never will.”

No plan B

But rather than bringing Iran to its knees, Trump’s decision has emboldened Iran to take on more risks. Iran has absolutely nothing to lose and the approach advocated by moderates within the Iranian regime to co-operate with the West has clearly failed. By pulling out of the deal, Trump has no plan B and offers no options for Iran other than to engage in bad behaviour. If Iran believes that complying with international agreements is rewarded in this way, it could lose faith in the benefits of co-operating with the international community at all.

On June 23, Trump indicated he wants to talk to the Iranians and sent two envoys to the region, including secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. But Khamenei is adamant that no talks will take place unless sanctions against Iran are lifted. Iran’s foreign policy spokesperson, Abbas Mousavi, tweeted on June 24 that imposing sanction against Khamenei: “Is the permanent closure of the path of diplomacy.”

Unlike Trump, whose foreign policy has no focus and seems to change course based on his mood, few leaders have a more singular focus than Khamenei. His 30 years in power have been guided by an implacable single vision of resisting US hegemony and imperialism at any cost. Unlike Kim Jong Un of North Korea, Khamenei has no interest in a historic photo-op with the president.

Additionally powerful are the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Originally formed after the 1979 Iranian revolution as a paramilitary organisation designed to protect the regime against coup attempts, the IRGC has grown into the most powerful organisation in Iran, dictating Iranian foreign policy and domestic politics. It is as resolute as Khamenei in its commitment to fight against what it perceives to be US arrogance.

In contrast, Trump has no clear foreign policy and no coherent process for national security decision making within his administration, as recent events demonstrate. One moment Trump threatened to destroy Iran, the next moment he made apologies for Iran, claiming the drone attack may have been made in error and that he wanted to engage in talks.

Such an erratic approach of provoking a conflict, pushing things to the brink and assuming that others will cave in may work in the world of business, but it doesn’t work in foreign policy. Iran is responding to the uncertainty by taking bigger risks and sowing more chaos in the region. The recent escalation of tensions has made Iran’s leadership more resolute than ever to fight against US aggression. The Iranian regime also understands that Trump wants to avoid a surge in oil prices, which usually happens when tensions rise in the region.

More sanctions won’t work

But the hawks within Trump’s administration, such as the national security adviser, John Bolton, believe a war with Iran is necessary. The US has far greater military capabilities than Iran, whose oil industry is vulnerable to attack. It’s also true that Iran’s economy has been struggling with 13% unemployment, growth rates at under 2 per cent and inflation at 52 per cent. However, Iran’s economy has struggled in similar ways before and regime change has not taken place.

The sanctions, which are designed to cripple the Iranian economy, have undermined the middle class and small businesses that are most critical to pushing for positive change, while lining the pockets of the hardliners and justifying their position. The IRGC, designated as a terrorist organisation by Trump in April, is benefiting from the sanctions because of its heavy involvement in black market activity such as petroleum smuggling. Wider studies on sanctions show that they are only effective against dictatorships built around the personality of a strong leader and have little effect in regimes where dictatorships are more institutionalised.

The further ramping up of sanctions is highly unlikely to force Iran to back down and commit to talks – or to prevent future attacks that are difficult to directly attribute to Iran. Given the importance and single-mindedness of Iran’s ideology, its leaders will only accept some form of face-saving diplomacy, most notably that the US does a complete U-turn and recommits to the Iran nuclear deal.

(Natasha Lindstaedt is Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-donald-trump-is-backing-the-us-into-a-corner-on-iran-119327">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Natasha Lindstaedt After Iran shot down a US drone that allegedly entered Iran’s airspace, Donald Trump signed new sanctions against Iran on June 24, including against its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

By Natasha Lindstaedt After Iran shot down a US drone that allegedly entered Iran’s airspace, Donald Trump signed new sanctions against Iran on June 24, including against its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The move came days after the US president took to Twitter to reveal the US had been ten minutes away from striking back at Iran, but reversed course when Trump found out that 150 people could be killed. Iran’s recent provocation came after a series of attacks in the busy Strait of Hormuz and the sabotage of four vessels travelling through the strait in May. Iran was accused of ramping up its sabotage activity – with experts pointing to Iran’s involvement due to the precision of the attacks. Before Trump assumed office, tensions between Iran and the US were finally starting to thaw. This was largely due to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known as the Iran nuclear deal, an agreement involving Iran, the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany, which aimed to block Iran from building nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. Despite Trump’s former secretary of defence, James Mattis, testifying to a senate committee that Iran was adhering to the deal in April 2018, the president believed he needed to undo one of the signature policies of the Obama administration – arguing that doing so would bring Iran to its knees. He withdrew the US from the deal in early May 2018, saying it: “Didn’t bring calm, it didn’t bring peace, and it never will.” No plan B But rather than bringing Iran to its knees, Trump’s decision has emboldened Iran to take on more risks. Iran has absolutely nothing to lose and the approach advocated by moderates within the Iranian regime to co-operate with the West has clearly failed. By pulling out of the deal, Trump has no plan B and offers no options for Iran other than to engage in bad behaviour. If Iran believes that complying with international agreements is rewarded in this way, it could lose faith in the benefits of co-operating with the international community at all. On June 23, Trump indicated he wants to talk to the Iranians and sent two envoys to the region, including secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. But Khamenei is adamant that no talks will take place unless sanctions against Iran are lifted. Iran’s foreign policy spokesperson, Abbas Mousavi, tweeted on June 24 that imposing sanction against Khamenei: “Is the permanent closure of the path of diplomacy.” Unlike Trump, whose foreign policy has no focus and seems to change course based on his mood, few leaders have a more singular focus than Khamenei. His 30 years in power have been guided by an implacable single vision of resisting US hegemony and imperialism at any cost. Unlike Kim Jong Un of North Korea, Khamenei has no interest in a historic photo-op with the president. Additionally powerful are the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Originally formed after the 1979 Iranian revolution as a paramilitary organisation designed to protect the regime against coup attempts, the IRGC has grown into the most powerful organisation in Iran, dictating Iranian foreign policy and domestic politics. It is as resolute as Khamenei in its commitment to fight against what it perceives to be US arrogance. In contrast, Trump has no clear foreign policy and no coherent process for national security decision making within his administration, as recent events demonstrate. One moment Trump threatened to destroy Iran, the next moment he made apologies for Iran, claiming the drone attack may have been made in error and that he wanted to engage in talks. Such an erratic approach of provoking a conflict, pushing things to the brink and assuming that others will cave in may work in the world of business, but it doesn’t work in foreign policy. Iran is responding to the uncertainty by taking bigger risks and sowing more chaos in the region. The recent escalation of tensions has made Iran’s leadership more resolute than ever to fight against US aggression. The Iranian regime also understands that Trump wants to avoid a surge in oil prices, which usually happens when tensions rise in the region. More sanctions won’t work But the hawks within Trump’s administration, such as the national security adviser, John Bolton, believe a war with Iran is necessary. The US has far greater military capabilities than Iran, whose oil industry is vulnerable to attack. It’s also true that Iran’s economy has been struggling with 13% unemployment, growth rates at under 2 per cent and inflation at 52 per cent. However, Iran’s economy has struggled in similar ways before and regime change has not taken place. The sanctions, which are designed to cripple the Iranian economy, have undermined the middle class and small businesses that are most critical to pushing for positive change, while lining the pockets of the hardliners and justifying their position. The IRGC, designated as a terrorist organisation by Trump in April, is benefiting from the sanctions because of its heavy involvement in black market activity such as petroleum smuggling. Wider studies on sanctions show that they are only effective against dictatorships built around the personality of a strong leader and have little effect in regimes where dictatorships are more institutionalised. The further ramping up of sanctions is highly unlikely to force Iran to back down and commit to talks – or to prevent future attacks that are difficult to directly attribute to Iran. Given the importance and single-mindedness of Iran’s ideology, its leaders will only accept some form of face-saving diplomacy, most notably that the US does a complete U-turn and recommits to the Iran nuclear deal. (Natasha Lindstaedt is Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Donald Trump’s decision has emboldened Iran to take on more risks

The United States' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-ultimately-responsible-says-trump-after-fresh-us-sanctions-on-iran-230106">decision to impose sanctions on Iran's supreme leader</a> and other top officials will permanently close the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday.

"Imposing useless sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the commander of Iran's diplomacy (Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif) is the permanent closure of the path of diplomacy," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a tweet.

"Trump's desperate administration is destroying the established international mechanisms for maintaining world peace and security."

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering new sanctions against Khamenei, and eight Revolutionary Guard commanders,&nbsp;taking an unprecedented step to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran's downing of an unmanned American drone.

"We do not ask for conflict," he said, adding that depending on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-welcomes-any-defusion-of-tensions-in-gulf-region-report-229912">Iran's response the sanctions</a>&nbsp;could end tomorrow - or it "can also be years from now."

Washington said it will also impose sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif this week.

Khamenei is Iran's utmost authority who has the last say on all state matters.

Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington.

Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage.

During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' decision to impose sanctions on Iran's supreme leader and other top officials will permanently close the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday.

The United States' decision to impose sanctions on Iran's supreme leader and other top officials will permanently close the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday. "Imposing useless sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the commander of Iran's diplomacy (Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif) is the permanent closure of the path of diplomacy," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a tweet. "Trump's desperate administration is destroying the established international mechanisms for maintaining world peace and security." US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering new sanctions against Khamenei, and eight Revolutionary Guard commanders, taking an unprecedented step to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran's downing of an unmanned American drone. "We do not ask for conflict," he said, adding that depending on Iran's response the sanctions could end tomorrow - or it "can also be years from now." Washington said it will also impose sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif this week. Khamenei is Iran's utmost authority who has the last say on all state matters. Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington. Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage. During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul. Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions mean 'permanent closure' of path to diplomacy: Iran

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 24, imposing additional economic sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Apparently, it’s in retaliation to shooting down of the US Drone by Iran over its airspace last week, which has left the US red-faced, wargaming all options on the table from military retaliation to additional curbs, sanctions, talks and possibly another deal.&nbsp;

The US claims to have exercised restraints after ordering cyber attacks on Iranian missiles, which Iran denies to have any effect. The immediate trigger was a strike on merchant ships, for which the US blamed Iran.

No conclusive evidence appeared to confirm it to be a hostile act by Iran. It makes Strait of Hormuz another flashpoint in the global arena, more so when Iran finds support from some of the US competitors.&nbsp;

These triggers are only a by-product of greater US agenda to contain the behaviour of Iran’, where Israel and Saudi Arabia are direct beneficiaries because Iran has no capability to strike the mainland of the US. &nbsp;

Earlier US Presidents like Clinton and Obama did not consider striking Iran as a worthwhile option, instead the US worked very hard to get Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) signed in 2015 with Iran (commonly known as Iran nuclear deal), even at the cost of differing with some of its allies and strategic partners.&nbsp;

It’s a subject of discussion in hindsight, as to why President Trump found it necessary to pull out of it and re-impose sanctions on Iran to moderate its behaviour, to help some of its allies? Did he have a better plan to achieve what the US wanted to or it was just an election promise; hence a domestic compulsion?&nbsp;

JCPoA was signed to reach an end state, wherein Iran gives up the means to make nuclear weapons and the United States and allies agree to reduce sanctions on Iran in return. The Republicans were not too happy with JCPoA at that time and made it an election issue.&nbsp;

The IAEA had not reported any conclusive breach of the agreement by Iran, which implies that it was workable, with some suspicion, minor allegations and counter allegations. President Trump delivered his election promise by walking out of the deal. Additional sanctions were imposed based on the narrative of the US and Israel that Iran was enriching Uranium beyond the agreed limit.&nbsp;

The fresh wish list of the US and Israel which they want Iran to follow seems to be a tall order for any meaningful negotiations. It includes ceasing its nuclear weapon programme, uranium enrichment and nuclear-capable ballistic missile systems permanently, under international verification with unqualified access to international inspectors.&nbsp;

It also desired Iran to pull out completely from Syria, end its support to Houthi militants in Yemen, Taliban in Afghanistan and allow disarming of Shia militants in Iraq. It also wanted Iran to cease backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and Palestinians.&nbsp;

Regime change in Iran due to economic pressure could also have been its unstated desire. With no such restrictions on Saudi Arabia, Iran refused to accept the new conditions, which it viewed as a threat to the survival of Shia community, more so when the US is continuing to increase the military strength of its arch-rival Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The rhetoric, provocative speeches, renewed sanctions and efforts to curtail their oil exports, have not worked so far. In my opinion, Iran has shown no signs that it&nbsp;will&nbsp;buckle under US pressure so far. People in Iran may/may not be happy with President Rouhani, but when it comes to taking an anti-American position, they will stand with him, because ‘Hate America’ sentiments are very strong in Iran and further economic hardship to them will make it even stronger.

Will sanctions and other measures (short of war) change Iran's behaviour is questionable, if it did not do so in North Korea. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Possibility of US-Iran conflict&nbsp;

The US will like to step up economic, diplomatic and information warfare to include electronic and cyber war. &nbsp;The sabre rattling may not end up in conventional war. The US has past experiences of starting a conflict in Middle-East, but later finding conflict termination difficult, leading to more chaos. With such bitter experience, it may not start it again. Iran is not a threat to its mainland; hence during the run-up to the election, President Trump may not like to get entangled in one more flashpoint for someone else, besides North Korea, South China Sea and the ongoing trade war with China. The war will push an alliance of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan, besides creating a problem of strategic balancing for its allies. The rhetoric will soon be seen following a US-North Korean downward curve.&nbsp;

The Iranian actions also seem to indicate impatience. Even if Iran feels that it's been pushed to the wall, I see no justification in threatening the world with 60 days ultimatum to commence dangerous level of enrichment, if the deal is not protected by then. It seems to be an overreaction when other partners of the deal like the EU have not walked out of it and criticised US action.&nbsp;

The economic strangulation of Iran may not work, if China and some other countries defy sanctions and start questioning the efficacy of CAATSA being US-centric, at the cost of some of the core interests of other countries like energy security.&nbsp;

Global implications of instability in the Gulf&nbsp;

A disturbed Gulf region and Strait of Hormuz has affected the oil flow adversely, and the most affected countries are China, India and Japan. The threatened air space has increased the distance of all the commercial flights, earlier routed over this region, resulting in extra fuel consumption and time delays. President Trump’s idea of prioritising US military hardware sale to Saudi Arabia over the further probe into Jamal Khashoggi’s murder will embolden Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The rise in oil prices resulting in further downslide in the global economy will be a natural outcome. These side-effects of sanctions make Iran different from the effects of sanctions on North Korea in near similar circumstances.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Impact on India&nbsp;

Iran had been the third largest supplier of crude to India. The crude oil supplied by Iran was the cheapest for India, as it&nbsp;had agreed to accept payment in rupee terms. Any alternate arrangement will force India to buy oil in dollar terms, causing a heavy drain in foreign exchange. Most refineries in India are designed to refine crude from Gulf countries. India does not have enough refineries for US shale oil; hence it will have to be purchased at a much higher cost and that too in dollar terms, which will push the cost of oil products even more, which will be a challenge for India. &nbsp;

These incidents will affect Indian investment in Chabahar port of Iran adversely. The development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking India with CAR countries and Russia will be adversely affected by the US sanctions. The commercial traffic to Afghanistan and beyond through INSTC will also be affected by instability in Iran. The Indian Diaspora in the Gulf region will also be insecure.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 24, imposing additional economic sanctions on Iran. Apparently, it’s in retaliation to shooting down of the US Drone by Iran over its airspace last week, which has left the US red-faced, wargaming all options on the table from military retaliation to additional curbs, sanctions, talks and possibly another deal.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 24, imposing additional economic sanctions on Iran. Apparently, it’s in retaliation to shooting down of the US Drone by Iran over its airspace last week, which has left the US red-faced, wargaming all options on the table from military retaliation to additional curbs, sanctions, talks and possibly another deal. The US claims to have exercised restraints after ordering cyber attacks on Iranian missiles, which Iran denies to have any effect. The immediate trigger was a strike on merchant ships, for which the US blamed Iran. No conclusive evidence appeared to confirm it to be a hostile act by Iran. It makes Strait of Hormuz another flashpoint in the global arena, more so when Iran finds support from some of the US competitors. These triggers are only a by-product of greater US agenda to contain the behaviour of Iran’, where Israel and Saudi Arabia are direct beneficiaries because Iran has no capability to strike the mainland of the US. Earlier US Presidents like Clinton and Obama did not consider striking Iran as a worthwhile option, instead the US worked very hard to get Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) signed in 2015 with Iran (commonly known as Iran nuclear deal), even at the cost of differing with some of its allies and strategic partners. It’s a subject of discussion in hindsight, as to why President Trump found it necessary to pull out of it and re-impose sanctions on Iran to moderate its behaviour, to help some of its allies? Did he have a better plan to achieve what the US wanted to or it was just an election promise; hence a domestic compulsion? JCPoA was signed to reach an end state, wherein Iran gives up the means to make nuclear weapons and the United States and allies agree to reduce sanctions on Iran in return. The Republicans were not too happy with JCPoA at that time and made it an election issue. The IAEA had not reported any conclusive breach of the agreement by Iran, which implies that it was workable, with some suspicion, minor allegations and counter allegations. President Trump delivered his election promise by walking out of the deal. Additional sanctions were imposed based on the narrative of the US and Israel that Iran was enriching Uranium beyond the agreed limit. The fresh wish list of the US and Israel which they want Iran to follow seems to be a tall order for any meaningful negotiations. It includes ceasing its nuclear weapon programme, uranium enrichment and nuclear-capable ballistic missile systems permanently, under international verification with unqualified access to international inspectors. It also desired Iran to pull out completely from Syria, end its support to Houthi militants in Yemen, Taliban in Afghanistan and allow disarming of Shia militants in Iraq. It also wanted Iran to cease backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and Palestinians. Regime change in Iran due to economic pressure could also have been its unstated desire. With no such restrictions on Saudi Arabia, Iran refused to accept the new conditions, which it viewed as a threat to the survival of Shia community, more so when the US is continuing to increase the military strength of its arch-rival Saudi Arabia. The rhetoric, provocative speeches, renewed sanctions and efforts to curtail their oil exports, have not worked so far. In my opinion, Iran has shown no signs that it will buckle under US pressure so far. People in Iran may/may not be happy with President Rouhani, but when it comes to taking an anti-American position, they will stand with him, because ‘Hate America’ sentiments are very strong in Iran and further economic hardship to them will make it even stronger. Will sanctions and other measures (short of war) change Iran's behaviour is questionable, if it did not do so in North Korea. Possibility of US-Iran conflict The US will like to step up economic, diplomatic and information warfare to include electronic and cyber war. The sabre rattling may not end up in conventional war. The US has past experiences of starting a conflict in Middle-East, but later finding conflict termination difficult, leading to more chaos. With such bitter experience, it may not start it again. Iran is not a threat to its mainland; hence during the run-up to the election, President Trump may not like to get entangled in one more flashpoint for someone else, besides North Korea, South China Sea and the ongoing trade war with China. The war will push an alliance of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan, besides creating a problem of strategic balancing for its allies. The rhetoric will soon be seen following a US-North Korean downward curve. The Iranian actions also seem to indicate impatience. Even if Iran feels that it's been pushed to the wall, I see no justification in threatening the world with 60 days ultimatum to commence dangerous level of enrichment, if the deal is not protected by then. It seems to be an overreaction when other partners of the deal like the EU have not walked out of it and criticised US action. The economic strangulation of Iran may not work, if China and some other countries defy sanctions and start questioning the efficacy of CAATSA being US-centric, at the cost of some of the core interests of other countries like energy security. Global implications of instability in the Gulf A disturbed Gulf region and Strait of Hormuz has affected the oil flow adversely, and the most affected countries are China, India and Japan. The threatened air space has increased the distance of all the commercial flights, earlier routed over this region, resulting in extra fuel consumption and time delays. President Trump’s idea of prioritising US military hardware sale to Saudi Arabia over the further probe into Jamal Khashoggi’s murder will embolden Saudi Arabia. The rise in oil prices resulting in further downslide in the global economy will be a natural outcome. These side-effects of sanctions make Iran different from the effects of sanctions on North Korea in near similar circumstances. Impact on India Iran had been the third largest supplier of crude to India. The crude oil supplied by Iran was the cheapest for India, as it had agreed to accept payment in rupee terms. Any alternate arrangement will force India to buy oil in dollar terms, causing a heavy drain in foreign exchange. Most refineries in India are designed to refine crude from Gulf countries. India does not have enough refineries for US shale oil; hence it will have to be purchased at a much higher cost and that too in dollar terms, which will push the cost of oil products even more, which will be a challenge for India. These incidents will affect Indian investment in Chabahar port of Iran adversely. The development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking India with CAR countries and Russia will be adversely affected by the US sanctions. The commercial traffic to Afghanistan and beyond through INSTC will also be affected by instability in Iran. The Indian Diaspora in the Gulf region will also be insecure. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Iran has shown no signs of buckling under US pressure

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States was very prepared with regard to Iran, as tensions ramped up after attacks on several oil tankers and Tehran's announcement it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-exceed-enriched-uranium-limit-in-10-days-iran-227944">step up uranium enrichment</a>.

"We're very prepared for Iran. We'll see what happens," Trump told reporters.

On Monday, the United States announced it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-deployment-of-1000-additional-troops-to-middle-east-amid-iran-tensions-228136">deploy about 1,000 more troops to the Middle East</a>, citing concerns about a threat from Iran.

US officials have blamed Iran for attacks last week on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and attacks on four tankers in May off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has denied any involvement.

"If you look at what they've done. And I'm not just talking about over the last week. I'm talking about over a long period of years. They've been a nation of terror," Trump said.

Iran said on Monday it would soon breach limits on how much enriched uranium it can stockpile under a 2015 nuclear agreement.

Trump withdrew the United States from deal last year and imposed sanctions on Iran.

In an interview with Time magazine published on Tuesday, Trump said he was prepared to take military action to stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, but left open whether he would back the use of force to protect oil supplies in the Gulf.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States was very prepared with regard to Iran, as tensions ramped up after attacks on several oil tankers and Tehran's announcement it would step up uranium enrichment.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States was very prepared with regard to Iran, as tensions ramped up after attacks on several oil tankers and Tehran's announcement it would step up uranium enrichment. "We're very prepared for Iran. We'll see what happens," Trump told reporters. On Monday, the United States announced it would deploy about 1,000 more troops to the Middle East, citing concerns about a threat from Iran. US officials have blamed Iran for attacks last week on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and attacks on four tankers in May off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has denied any involvement. "If you look at what they've done. And I'm not just talking about over the last week. I'm talking about over a long period of years. They've been a nation of terror," Trump said. Iran said on Monday it would soon breach limits on how much enriched uranium it can stockpile under a 2015 nuclear agreement. Trump withdrew the United States from deal last year and imposed sanctions on Iran. In an interview with Time magazine published on Tuesday, Trump said he was prepared to take military action to stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, but left open whether he would back the use of force to protect oil supplies in the Gulf.

Trump says US is 'very prepared' with regard to Iran

Iran said Tuesday it had dismantled a US spy network after Washington announced it would deploy 1,000 more troops to the Middle East and as key powers expressed concerns about regional tensions.

Tehran's announcement came a day after it said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stick-to-nuclear-commitments-warn-germany-uk-over-enriched-uranium-row-228119"> its uranium stockpile will on June 27 surpass a limit</a> agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal, a multilateral agreement Washington unilaterally abandoned in May last year.

Tensions between Tehran and the US have escalated ever since, with Washington bolstering its military presence in the region, reimposing sanctions and blacklisting Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation.

"Following clues in the American intelligence services, we recently found the new recruits Americans had hired and dismantled a new network," Iran's state news agency IRNA said, quoting an intelligence ministry official.

It said some members of the alleged CIA network had been arrested and handed over to the judiciary, while others still required "additional investigations".

In what it termed a "wide-reaching blow" to &nbsp;US intelligence, IRNA said Tehran had carried out the operation in cooperation with "foreign allies", without naming any state.

The agency's source did not specify how many agents were arrested or if they were operating only in Iran.

'Show restraint'

In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday urged all sides "to show restraint."

"We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region," he told journalists.

And China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned all sides "not to take any actions to provoke the escalation of tension... and not to open a Pandora's box."

He urged Washington to "change its practise of extreme pressure" but also called on Tehran not to abandon the nuclear agreement "so easily."

On Monday, Washington piled on the pressure against Iran by announcing a new troop deployment.

"I have authorised approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes", acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan said in a statement.

The United States has blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, an accusation Tehran denies as "baseless."

The Pentagon released new images on Monday that it said showed Iran was behind the attack on one of the ships.

The US argument centres on what it describes as an unexploded limpet mine on the Kokuka Courageous tanker ship that it says was removed by Iranians on a patrol boat.

"Iran is responsible for the attack based on video evidence and the resources and proficiency needed to quickly remove the unexploded limpet mine," the Pentagon said in a statement accompanying the imagery.

The US released a grainy black and white video last week it said showed the Iranians removing the mine, but has not provided an explanation for why they allegedly did so while the US military was in the area.

French President Emmanuel Macron took a more circumspect line, saying that "only once all the information has been gathered and all the doubts lifted can the attributions (of blame) be made in a certain way."

The images released Monday show the site where the unexploded mine was allegedly attached, personnel on a patrol boat who are said to have removed the device, and damage from another device that did explode.

Tehran has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack on the Kokuka Courageous and another ship, and hinted that Washington itself could have done it to pile further pressure on the Islamic republic.

Iran ultimatum

Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Monday that the country would soon pass the amount of low-enriched uranium allowed under the nuclear deal.

"The countdown to pass the 300 kilogrammes reserve of enriched uranium has started and in 10 days' time... we will pass this limit," Kamalvandi said.

The move "will be reversed once other parties live up to their commitments," he added.

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus responded that the world "should not yield to nuclear extortion."

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced on May 8 that Iran would stop observing restrictions it had agreed to in the nuclear deal, in retaliation for the US withdrawal.

Rouhani also warned that his country will further scale down nuclear commitments by July 8 unless remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and sell its oil.

On Tuesday, he reiterated in a speech that Tehran was committed to the nuclear deal and said there was "no one in the world that does not praise Iran."

European leaders have urged Iran to stick to the deal, which saw the country pledge to reduce nuclear capacities for several years and allow international inspectors to monitor its activities on the ground in return for relief from international sanctions.

The deal set a limit on the number of uranium-enriching centrifuges, and restricted the country's right to enrich uranium to no higher than 3.67 percent, well below weapons-grade levels of around 90 percent.

Iran said Tuesday it had dismantled a US spy network after Washington announced it would deploy 1,000 more troops to the Middle East and as key powers expressed concerns about regional tensions.

Iran said Tuesday it had dismantled a US spy network after Washington announced it would deploy 1,000 more troops to the Middle East and as key powers expressed concerns about regional tensions. Tehran's announcement came a day after it said its uranium stockpile will on June 27 surpass a limit agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal, a multilateral agreement Washington unilaterally abandoned in May last year. Tensions between Tehran and the US have escalated ever since, with Washington bolstering its military presence in the region, reimposing sanctions and blacklisting Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. "Following clues in the American intelligence services, we recently found the new recruits Americans had hired and dismantled a new network," Iran's state news agency IRNA said, quoting an intelligence ministry official. It said some members of the alleged CIA network had been arrested and handed over to the judiciary, while others still required "additional investigations". In what it termed a "wide-reaching blow" to US intelligence, IRNA said Tehran had carried out the operation in cooperation with "foreign allies", without naming any state. The agency's source did not specify how many agents were arrested or if they were operating only in Iran. 'Show restraint' In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday urged all sides "to show restraint." "We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region," he told journalists. And China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned all sides "not to take any actions to provoke the escalation of tension... and not to open a Pandora's box." He urged Washington to "change its practise of extreme pressure" but also called on Tehran not to abandon the nuclear agreement "so easily." On Monday, Washington piled on the pressure against Iran by announcing a new troop deployment. "I have authorised approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes", acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan said in a statement. The United States has blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, an accusation Tehran denies as "baseless." The Pentagon released new images on Monday that it said showed Iran was behind the attack on one of the ships. The US argument centres on what it describes as an unexploded limpet mine on the Kokuka Courageous tanker ship that it says was removed by Iranians on a patrol boat. "Iran is responsible for the attack based on video evidence and the resources and proficiency needed to quickly remove the unexploded limpet mine," the Pentagon said in a statement accompanying the imagery. The US released a grainy black and white video last week it said showed the Iranians removing the mine, but has not provided an explanation for why they allegedly did so while the US military was in the area. French President Emmanuel Macron took a more circumspect line, saying that "only once all the information has been gathered and all the doubts lifted can the attributions (of blame) be made in a certain way." The images released Monday show the site where the unexploded mine was allegedly attached, personnel on a patrol boat who are said to have removed the device, and damage from another device that did explode. Tehran has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack on the Kokuka Courageous and another ship, and hinted that Washington itself could have done it to pile further pressure on the Islamic republic. Iran ultimatum Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Monday that the country would soon pass the amount of low-enriched uranium allowed under the nuclear deal. "The countdown to pass the 300 kilogrammes reserve of enriched uranium has started and in 10 days' time... we will pass this limit," Kamalvandi said. The move "will be reversed once other parties live up to their commitments," he added. US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus responded that the world "should not yield to nuclear extortion." Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced on May 8 that Iran would stop observing restrictions it had agreed to in the nuclear deal, in retaliation for the US withdrawal. Rouhani also warned that his country will further scale down nuclear commitments by July 8 unless remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and sell its oil. On Tuesday, he reiterated in a speech that Tehran was committed to the nuclear deal and said there was "no one in the world that does not praise Iran." European leaders have urged Iran to stick to the deal, which saw the country pledge to reduce nuclear capacities for several years and allow international inspectors to monitor its activities on the ground in return for relief from international sanctions. The deal set a limit on the number of uranium-enriching centrifuges, and restricted the country's right to enrich uranium to no higher than 3.67 percent, well below weapons-grade levels of around 90 percent.

Iran says CIA spy network dismantled, arrested number of spies

Iran has no plans to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries despite being treated like an enemy by some fellow members, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said in an interview published on Saturday.

“Iran has no plans to leave OPEC...and regrets that some members of OPEC have turned this organisation into a political forum for confronting two founding members of OPEC, meaning Iran and Venezuela,” Zanganeh told the Iranian parliament news site ICANA.

“And two regional countries are showing enmity towards us in this organisation. We are not their enemy but they are showing enmity towards us...and (they) use oil as a weapon against us in the global market and world."

Zanganeh did not name the two countries.

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - both US allies - have spiked this year after the two said they would increase oil production to make up for Iranian crude cut off from the market by US sanctions.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump's administration added Iran's largest petrochemical holding group to its sanctions list, accusing it of indirectly supporting Tehran's Revolutionary Guards. Washington said the move aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but analysts called it largely symbolic.

Zanganeh was also quoted by ICANA as saying the United States had made it increasingly difficult for Iran to sidestep sanctions but it had come up with new ways to circumvent them.

"We have thought about confronting America's actions and constantly have found and will find new ways and anyway this is a war where we are standing strong and will not retreat," he said, without elaborating.

The Trump administration is seeking to isolate Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

Iran has no plans to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries despite being treated like an enemy by some fellow members, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said in an interview published on Saturday.

Iran has no plans to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries despite being treated like an enemy by some fellow members, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said in an interview published on Saturday. “Iran has no plans to leave OPEC...and regrets that some members of OPEC have turned this organisation into a political forum for confronting two founding members of OPEC, meaning Iran and Venezuela,” Zanganeh told the Iranian parliament news site ICANA. “And two regional countries are showing enmity towards us in this organisation. We are not their enemy but they are showing enmity towards us...and (they) use oil as a weapon against us in the global market and world." Zanganeh did not name the two countries. Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - both US allies - have spiked this year after the two said they would increase oil production to make up for Iranian crude cut off from the market by US sanctions. On Friday, US President Donald Trump's administration added Iran's largest petrochemical holding group to its sanctions list, accusing it of indirectly supporting Tehran's Revolutionary Guards. Washington said the move aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but analysts called it largely symbolic. Zanganeh was also quoted by ICANA as saying the United States had made it increasingly difficult for Iran to sidestep sanctions but it had come up with new ways to circumvent them. "We have thought about confronting America's actions and constantly have found and will find new ways and anyway this is a war where we are standing strong and will not retreat," he said, without elaborating. The Trump administration is seeking to isolate Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

Iran has no plans to leave OPEC despite tensions: Oil minister

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

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

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

Iran-US Tensions Looks Set To Worsen As Tehran Increases Uranium-Enrichment Capacity.

Gravitas: Iran Quadruples Uranium-Enrichment Capacity

By Naser Ghobadzadeh

Iran’s ruling clergy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, during which Shi'ite Islamists, led by religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, toppled Mohammad Reza Shah’s secular monarchy.

The linchpin of the Islamic Republic’s political system is Ayatollah Khomeini’s doctrine of Wilayat-i Faqih, or guardianship of the jurist, which makes a Shia religious jurist the head of state. The jurist’s legitimacy to hold the most powerful position in the state is claimed to be based on divine sovereignty.

As its name suggests, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s current system combines theocratic and republican elements. The president and parliament are democratically elected, while the members of powerful institutions such as the Guardian Council and the judiciary are appointed by the Supreme Leader (Walī-yi Faqīh).

The Guardian Council oversees elections and the final approval of the legislation. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, all legislation, policies and programs must be consistent with the observance of Islamic principles. The Guardian Council has a duty to monitor all legislative decisions and determine whether their implementation would cause a violation.

This unprecedented political system brought in four decades of internal conflict. The established Islamic Republic of Iran also ceased being a US ally and instead became an enemy. International sanctions, along with the clergy’s mismanagement and endemic corruption, have resulted in a dire economic situation. There is a strong fear the high unemployment and inflation rate will continue to rise.

Under these circumstances, there are now doubts the Islamic Republic can survive. And some wonder whether we may soon see another revolution. So, what is the situation in Iran 40 years after the Shah was overthrown and who is agitating for change?

Decades of unrest

After Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989, a more conservative Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, came to power and strengthened the theocracy.

The reformist movement emerged in the mid-1990s to counter the newly established conservative regime. They had little chance of gaining power through theocratic institutions, so they focused on the electoral side. They campaigned for women’s rights, democratic rule and a civil-military divide.

Reformists gained power twice: from 1997 to 2005 and from 2013 – with the election of the relatively moderate president, Hassan Rouhani – until now. In these years, reformists controlled electoral institutions such as the presidency and the parliament.

For decades, reformers have struggled to limit the power of theocratic institutions – while still broadly complying by the laws of the clergy, and the principles set in place by Khomeini – and expand the power of republican institutions. However, they were no match for the Khamenei-led resistance, and theocratic institutions are more powerful today than they were in the mid-1990s.

Iran has also continually had tense relations with the international community. In addition to eight years of war with Iraq, Iran has been under sanctions for almost all of the past four decades. These have been imposed by the US, the EU, and the United Nations over claims Iran breached its nuclear obligations.

Today, the Donald Trump-led US government is pursuing an extremely hostile approach to Iran. Crucially, the US has withdrawn from a nuclear deal negotiated with the Obama administration – under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program. The US has reapplied previous sanctions (which were lifted under the deal) and imposed new ones. Iranians are also the most affected of the Muslim majority countries included in Trump’s travel ban.

Reformists have made some progress towards easing economic hardship, loosening social control, and initiating a temporary easing of tensions with the outside community. But the parlous nature of the political structure empowers the theocrats to manipulate the system and stymie any reform effort that promises a path to democratisation.

Reformists or pro-regime opposition

The protests that swept Iran between December 2017 and January 2018 showed that many Iranians don’t consider the reformists capable of bringing about meaningful change. Protesters expressed their anger over increasing economic hardship, as well as Iran’s support and funding for foreign conflicts, namely the civil wars in Yemen and Syria. They also chanted slogans calling for an end to the rule of clerics.

Rampant corruption, the failure of Rouhani to fulfil his promises – such as boosting the economy, extending individual and political freedoms, ensuring equality for women and men, and easing access to the internet – and the return of sanctions have combined to shatter hope of reform. This has been expressed in global protests by the Iranian diaspora calling for a change to the government.

It seems unlikely the reformists will be able to maintain their positions in the country’s electoral institutions. The sad reality is that even if they have another chance, the result will only compound their failures.

These circumstances have led to another stream of opposition – one agitating for a toppling of the Islamic Republic and regime change – gaining currency. Most members of this group are in exile, including Iran’s ex-prince and son of the Shah overthrown by the revolution, Reza Pahlavi.

But there is profound disagreement between the opposition groups in exile. Although they share a similar goal, they have consistently proven unable to agree on an overarching framework. The profound divisions among the groups have drained both their resources and intellectual capacity, which has rendered them incapable of contesting the country’s ruling clergy.

Those advocating for regime change have also been incapable of articulating a viable alternative to the Islamic Republic. All opposition groups overuse the abstract notion of “secular democracy” without clearly explaining what exactly they have in mind.

Pahlavi’s desire is reportedly not to put himself back on the throne, but to let the people decide what the political system would look like. He has said, "It’s not the form that matters, it’s the content; I believe Iran must be a secular, parliamentary democracy. The final form has to be decided by the people."

While this is a legitimate statement, figures like Pahlavi ought to offer viable alternatives that would help bring opposition groups together. Potential alternatives should also be structured to appeal to the masses, a considerable segment of whom have expressed disillusionment with the ideal of an Islamic state.

Opposition groups are absorbed in delegitimising the Islamic Republic, questioning the way the clergy run the country. In doing so, they forget the people who have already expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the clergy.

The opposition needs to skillfully craft an alternative to the Islamic Republic and a comprehensive plan for the transition to democracy. Until an alternative political system is formulated and popularised, the opposition will remain impotent and unable to initiate a transformation in the country.

Of course, change is not impossible. A military confrontation with Israel or the US, the departure of 79-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei, or a spontaneous mass uprising could prove a game changer.

(Naser Ghobadzadeh is Senior Lecturer, National School of Arts, Australian Catholic University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/forty-years-on-from-the-iranian-revolution-could-the-country-be-at-risk-of-another-one-110693">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Naser Ghobadzadeh Iran’s ruling clergy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, during which Shi'ite Islamists, led by religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, toppled Mohammad Reza Shah’s secular monarchy.

By Naser Ghobadzadeh Iran’s ruling clergy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, during which Shi'ite Islamists, led by religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, toppled Mohammad Reza Shah’s secular monarchy. The linchpin of the Islamic Republic’s political system is Ayatollah Khomeini’s doctrine of Wilayat-i Faqih, or guardianship of the jurist, which makes a Shia religious jurist the head of state. The jurist’s legitimacy to hold the most powerful position in the state is claimed to be based on divine sovereignty. As its name suggests, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s current system combines theocratic and republican elements. The president and parliament are democratically elected, while the members of powerful institutions such as the Guardian Council and the judiciary are appointed by the Supreme Leader (Walī-yi Faqīh). The Guardian Council oversees elections and the final approval of the legislation. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, all legislation, policies and programs must be consistent with the observance of Islamic principles. The Guardian Council has a duty to monitor all legislative decisions and determine whether their implementation would cause a violation. This unprecedented political system brought in four decades of internal conflict. The established Islamic Republic of Iran also ceased being a US ally and instead became an enemy. International sanctions, along with the clergy’s mismanagement and endemic corruption, have resulted in a dire economic situation. There is a strong fear the high unemployment and inflation rate will continue to rise. Under these circumstances, there are now doubts the Islamic Republic can survive. And some wonder whether we may soon see another revolution. So, what is the situation in Iran 40 years after the Shah was overthrown and who is agitating for change? Decades of unrest After Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989, a more conservative Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, came to power and strengthened the theocracy. The reformist movement emerged in the mid-1990s to counter the newly established conservative regime. They had little chance of gaining power through theocratic institutions, so they focused on the electoral side. They campaigned for women’s rights, democratic rule and a civil-military divide. Reformists gained power twice: from 1997 to 2005 and from 2013 – with the election of the relatively moderate president, Hassan Rouhani – until now. In these years, reformists controlled electoral institutions such as the presidency and the parliament. For decades, reformers have struggled to limit the power of theocratic institutions – while still broadly complying by the laws of the clergy, and the principles set in place by Khomeini – and expand the power of republican institutions. However, they were no match for the Khamenei-led resistance, and theocratic institutions are more powerful today than they were in the mid-1990s. Iran has also continually had tense relations with the international community. In addition to eight years of war with Iraq, Iran has been under sanctions for almost all of the past four decades. These have been imposed by the US, the EU, and the United Nations over claims Iran breached its nuclear obligations. Today, the Donald Trump-led US government is pursuing an extremely hostile approach to Iran. Crucially, the US has withdrawn from a nuclear deal negotiated with the Obama administration – under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program. The US has reapplied previous sanctions (which were lifted under the deal) and imposed new ones. Iranians are also the most affected of the Muslim majority countries included in Trump’s travel ban. Reformists have made some progress towards easing economic hardship, loosening social control, and initiating a temporary easing of tensions with the outside community. But the parlous nature of the political structure empowers the theocrats to manipulate the system and stymie any reform effort that promises a path to democratisation. Reformists or pro-regime opposition The protests that swept Iran between December 2017 and January 2018 showed that many Iranians don’t consider the reformists capable of bringing about meaningful change. Protesters expressed their anger over increasing economic hardship, as well as Iran’s support and funding for foreign conflicts, namely the civil wars in Yemen and Syria. They also chanted slogans calling for an end to the rule of clerics. Rampant corruption, the failure of Rouhani to fulfil his promises – such as boosting the economy, extending individual and political freedoms, ensuring equality for women and men, and easing access to the internet – and the return of sanctions have combined to shatter hope of reform. This has been expressed in global protests by the Iranian diaspora calling for a change to the government. It seems unlikely the reformists will be able to maintain their positions in the country’s electoral institutions. The sad reality is that even if they have another chance, the result will only compound their failures. These circumstances have led to another stream of opposition – one agitating for a toppling of the Islamic Republic and regime change – gaining currency. Most members of this group are in exile, including Iran’s ex-prince and son of the Shah overthrown by the revolution, Reza Pahlavi. But there is profound disagreement between the opposition groups in exile. Although they share a similar goal, they have consistently proven unable to agree on an overarching framework. The profound divisions among the groups have drained both their resources and intellectual capacity, which has rendered them incapable of contesting the country’s ruling clergy. Those advocating for regime change have also been incapable of articulating a viable alternative to the Islamic Republic. All opposition groups overuse the abstract notion of “secular democracy” without clearly explaining what exactly they have in mind. Pahlavi’s desire is reportedly not to put himself back on the throne, but to let the people decide what the political system would look like. He has said, "It’s not the form that matters, it’s the content; I believe Iran must be a secular, parliamentary democracy. The final form has to be decided by the people." While this is a legitimate statement, figures like Pahlavi ought to offer viable alternatives that would help bring opposition groups together. Potential alternatives should also be structured to appeal to the masses, a considerable segment of whom have expressed disillusionment with the ideal of an Islamic state. Opposition groups are absorbed in delegitimising the Islamic Republic, questioning the way the clergy run the country. In doing so, they forget the people who have already expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the clergy. The opposition needs to skillfully craft an alternative to the Islamic Republic and a comprehensive plan for the transition to democracy. Until an alternative political system is formulated and popularised, the opposition will remain impotent and unable to initiate a transformation in the country. Of course, change is not impossible. A military confrontation with Israel or the US, the departure of 79-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei, or a spontaneous mass uprising could prove a game changer. (Naser Ghobadzadeh is Senior Lecturer, National School of Arts, Australian Catholic University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Forty years on from the Iranian revolution, could the country be at risk of another one?

Foreign powers, including<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-now-says-he-told-putin-we-cant-have-meddling-in-us-elections-152735"> Russia</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-meddling-in-us-mid-term-elections-166628">China</a> and Iran, sought to influence voters in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-moves-to-crack-down-on-asylum-seekers-ahead-of-us-elections-174989">US&nbsp;2018 mid-term elections</a>, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US&nbsp;voting systems, the top US&nbsp;intelligence official said on Friday.

US&nbsp;Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats added that the intelligence community did not assess the impact of the foreign influence efforts on the election results.

The findings were included in a report that Coats submitted to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hours-ahead-of-midnight-deadline-trump-meets-republican-senators-to-thrash-out-wall-funding-dilemma-185729">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> and US&nbsp;agencies involved in election security as required by an executive order signed by Trump in September.

The order declared election interference a national emergency in the wake of an intelligence assessment that Russia conducted an influence operation to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

Russia denies that it interfered in the 2016 contest.

"At this time, the intelligence community does not have intelligence reporting that indicates any compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts or disrupted the ability to tally votes," Coats said in a statement on the 2018 election report.

"The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election," he continued. "Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests."

Coats did not elaborate on details of the foreign influence operations, and he said that the intelligence community did not assess their impact on voters who last month elected a new US&nbsp;Congress, state legislatures, governors and other officials.

"The Russians did not go away after the 2016 election," Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement on the new report.

"Now that the Russian playbook is out in the open, we're going to see more and more adversaries trying to take advantage of the openness of our society to sow division and attempt to manipulate Americans," Warner added.

Special Counsel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawyer-says-mueller-can-interview-trump-only-over-my-dead-body-184611">Robert Mueller</a> is investigating possible collusion during the 2016 presidential race between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump denies any cooperation and has repeatedly denounced Mueller's probe as a "witch hunt."

Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday.

Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday. US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats added that the intelligence community did not assess the impact of the foreign influence efforts on the election results. The findings were included in a report that Coats submitted to US President Donald Trump and US agencies involved in election security as required by an executive order signed by Trump in September. The order declared election interference a national emergency in the wake of an intelligence assessment that Russia conducted an influence operation to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. Russia denies that it interfered in the 2016 contest. "At this time, the intelligence community does not have intelligence reporting that indicates any compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts or disrupted the ability to tally votes," Coats said in a statement on the 2018 election report. "The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election," he continued. "Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests." Coats did not elaborate on details of the foreign influence operations, and he said that the intelligence community did not assess their impact on voters who last month elected a new US Congress, state legislatures, governors and other officials. "The Russians did not go away after the 2016 election," Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement on the new report. "Now that the Russian playbook is out in the open, we're going to see more and more adversaries trying to take advantage of the openness of our society to sow division and attempt to manipulate Americans," Warner added. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating possible collusion during the 2016 presidential race between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump denies any cooperation and has repeatedly denounced Mueller's probe as a "witch hunt."

Russia, China, Iran sought to influence midterm elections: US spy chief

Iran said on Sunday it would continue missile tests to build up its defences and denied this was in breach of UN&nbsp;resolutions following US&nbsp;allegations that Tehran had tested a new missile capable of carrying multiple warheads.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday condemned what he called Iran's testing of a medium-range ballistic missile in violation of the 2015 international agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme, from which Washington has withdrawn.

"Missile tests...are carried out for defence and the country's deterrence, and we will continue this," Brigadier- General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran's armed forces, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"We will continue to both develop and test missiles. This is outside the framework of (nuclear) negotiations and part of our national security, for which we will not ask any country's permission," Shekarchi said.

He did not confirm or deny Iran had tested a new missile.

Earlier, US&nbsp;National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted: "Iran just test-fired a... ballistic missile capable of reaching Israel and Europe. This provocative behaviour cannot be tolerated."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi also said Iranian missiles were purely defensive and added, "There is no Security Council resolution prohibiting missile programme and missile tests by Iran".

UN Resolution 2231 enshrined Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States in which Tehran curbed its disputed uranium enrichment programme in exchange for an end to international sanctions.

The resolution says Iran is "called upon" to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons.

Iran has repeatedly said its missile programme is purely defensive and denied that its missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads, or that it has any intent of developing nuclear weapons through uranium enrichment.

Qasemi, addressing Pompeo, said: "It is...ironic that you cite a resolution that you have not only breached through your unilateral and unlawful withdrawal form the accord, but that you also encourage others to breach, or even threaten to punish and sanction them if they carry it out."

In May, President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the nuclear deal, approved before he took office, and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Trump said the deal was flawed as it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for armed proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq.

Separately, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States of arming militant groups which fight against the Tehran-backed Syrian government and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen.

"US (is) proliferating advanced weapons to extremists incl Al Qaeda &amp; ISIS (Islamic State)," Zarif said on Twitter, referring to a British newspaper report that said many arms supplied by Britain and the United States had ended up in the hands of militias fighting in the Yemen war.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter that he was deeply concerned by "Iran's test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile. Provocative, threatening and inconsistent with UNSCR 2231".

"Our support for (the Iran nuclear accord) in no way lessens our concer

Iran said on Sunday it would continue missile tests to build up its defences and denied this was in breach of UN resolutions following US allegations that Tehran had tested a new missile capable of carrying multiple warheads.

Iran said on Sunday it would continue missile tests to build up its defences and denied this was in breach of UN resolutions following US allegations that Tehran had tested a new missile capable of carrying multiple warheads. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday condemned what he called Iran's testing of a medium-range ballistic missile in violation of the 2015 international agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme, from which Washington has withdrawn. "Missile tests...are carried out for defence and the country's deterrence, and we will continue this," Brigadier- General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran's armed forces, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We will continue to both develop and test missiles. This is outside the framework of (nuclear) negotiations and part of our national security, for which we will not ask any country's permission," Shekarchi said. He did not confirm or deny Iran had tested a new missile. Earlier, US National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted: "Iran just test-fired a... ballistic missile capable of reaching Israel and Europe. This provocative behaviour cannot be tolerated." Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi also said Iranian missiles were purely defensive and added, "There is no Security Council resolution prohibiting missile programme and missile tests by Iran". UN Resolution 2231 enshrined Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States in which Tehran curbed its disputed uranium enrichment programme in exchange for an end to international sanctions. The resolution says Iran is "called upon" to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly said its missile programme is purely defensive and denied that its missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads, or that it has any intent of developing nuclear weapons through uranium enrichment. Qasemi, addressing Pompeo, said: "It is...ironic that you cite a resolution that you have not only breached through your unilateral and unlawful withdrawal form the accord, but that you also encourage others to breach, or even threaten to punish and sanction them if they carry it out." In May, President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the nuclear deal, approved before he took office, and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Trump said the deal was flawed as it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for armed proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq. Separately, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States of arming militant groups which fight against the Tehran-backed Syrian government and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. "US (is) proliferating advanced weapons to extremists incl Al Qaeda & ISIS (Islamic State)," Zarif said on Twitter, referring to a British newspaper report that said many arms supplied by Britain and the United States had ended up in the hands of militias fighting in the Yemen war. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter that he was deeply concerned by "Iran's test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile. Provocative, threatening and inconsistent with UNSCR 2231". "Our support for (the Iran nuclear accord) in no way lessens our concer

Iran says it will continue missile tests after US allegation

The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight jurisdictions to keep importing Iranian oil when US&nbsp;sanctions come back into force on Monday, sparing them for now from the threat of US&nbsp;economic penalties.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who announced the decision in a conference call, did not name the jurisdictions but said the European Union as a whole, which has 28 members, would not receive one.

Turkey's Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said his country had been told it would get a waiver.

US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also said Washington had made clear to the Brussels-based SWIFT financial messaging service that it was expected to disconnect all Iranian financial institutions that the United States plans to blacklist as of Monday. He declined to name the targeted institutions.

Another 700 companies, individuals, businesses, aircraft and ships will be added to the US sanctions list, widely expanding the people and entities Washington seeks to block from accessing global business and financial networks.

The restoration of sanctions is part of a wider effort by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to force Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its support for proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East.

"This part of the campaign is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world, Pompeo said. "Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlier activities and behave as a normal country."

Trump set in motion the resumption of US&nbsp;sanctions on May 8, when he announced his withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement under which Tehran had agreed to curtail its nuclear program in return for relief from US&nbsp;economic penalties.

Iran said it was not troubled over the re-imposition of US&nbsp;sanctions, which target not only its vital oil and gas sector but also shipping, ship-building and banking industries.

"America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation ... We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the country's economic affairs," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state TV.

The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight jurisdictions to keep importing Iranian oil when US sanctions come back into force on Monday, sparing them for now from the threat of US economic penalties.

The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight jurisdictions to keep importing Iranian oil when US sanctions come back into force on Monday, sparing them for now from the threat of US economic penalties. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who announced the decision in a conference call, did not name the jurisdictions but said the European Union as a whole, which has 28 members, would not receive one. Turkey's Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said his country had been told it would get a waiver. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also said Washington had made clear to the Brussels-based SWIFT financial messaging service that it was expected to disconnect all Iranian financial institutions that the United States plans to blacklist as of Monday. He declined to name the targeted institutions. Another 700 companies, individuals, businesses, aircraft and ships will be added to the US sanctions list, widely expanding the people and entities Washington seeks to block from accessing global business and financial networks. The restoration of sanctions is part of a wider effort by US President Donald Trump to force Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its support for proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East. "This part of the campaign is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world, Pompeo said. "Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlier activities and behave as a normal country." Trump set in motion the resumption of US sanctions on May 8, when he announced his withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement under which Tehran had agreed to curtail its nuclear program in return for relief from US economic penalties. Iran said it was not troubled over the re-imposition of US sanctions, which target not only its vital oil and gas sector but also shipping, ship-building and banking industries. "America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation ... We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the country's economic affairs," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state TV.

Want to cut Iran from global banking network Swift: US Treasury

The United States today dismissed the order passed by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordering the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">Also</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167"> Read:&nbsp;Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran, says&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">US</a>

"This is a meritless case over which the court has no jurisdiction," US ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra&nbsp;said after the ruling at UN's top court.

Hoekstra added that ICJ had "declined to grant the sweeping measures requested by Iran" and it was "a narrow decision on a very limited range of sectors."

"The court considers that the United States, in accordance with its obligations under the 1955 treaty must remove by means of its choosing any impediment arising from the measures announced on 8 May 2018 to the free exportation to the territory of Iran of goods required for humanitarian needs," the ICJ said.

The world court called for US sanctions exception on "medicines and medical devices, food&nbsp;stuff and agricultural commodities as well as goods and services required for the safety of civil aviation such as spare parts, equipment and associated services necessary for civil aircraft."

"In its opinion, the measures adopted by the United States have the potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran and the lives of its users to the extent that they prevent Iranian airlines from acquiring spare parts and other necessary equipment as well as from accessing associated services necessary for civil aircraft," it added.

"Unanimously both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve," the UN court ordered.&nbsp;

Iran called the ruling a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right".

The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," Iran's forign ministry said in a statement.

The UN's top court gave its judgement after Iran had filed a case against the US for imposing sanctions against it. Iran said the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity. The US had argued that Iran was misusing the international court.

The 1955 treaty was signed before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution after which US relations with Iran deterioted.

The United States today dismissed the order passed by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordering the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

The United States today dismissed the order passed by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordering the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran. Also Read: Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran, says ICJ to US "This is a meritless case over which the court has no jurisdiction," US ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra said after the ruling at UN's top court. Hoekstra added that ICJ had "declined to grant the sweeping measures requested by Iran" and it was "a narrow decision on a very limited range of sectors." "The court considers that the United States, in accordance with its obligations under the 1955 treaty must remove by means of its choosing any impediment arising from the measures announced on 8 May 2018 to the free exportation to the territory of Iran of goods required for humanitarian needs," the ICJ said. The world court called for US sanctions exception on "medicines and medical devices, food stuff and agricultural commodities as well as goods and services required for the safety of civil aviation such as spare parts, equipment and associated services necessary for civil aircraft." "In its opinion, the measures adopted by the United States have the potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran and the lives of its users to the extent that they prevent Iranian airlines from acquiring spare parts and other necessary equipment as well as from accessing associated services necessary for civil aircraft," it added. "Unanimously both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve," the UN court ordered. Iran called the ruling a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right". The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," Iran's forign ministry said in a statement. The UN's top court gave its judgement after Iran had filed a case against the US for imposing sanctions against it. Iran said the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity. The US had argued that Iran was misusing the international court. The 1955 treaty was signed before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution after which US relations with Iran deterioted.

ICJ ruling on Iran meritless, says US

President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Saturday said that US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran are leading to economic pain that could lead to a "successful revolution," contrasting with administration comments that government change in Tehran is not US&nbsp;policy.

"I don't know when we're going to overthrow them," said Giuliani, who spoke in his own capacity though he is a Trump ally, at an Iran Uprising Summit held by the Organisation of Iranian-American Communities, which opposes Tehran's government.&nbsp;

"It could be in a few days, months, a couple of years. But it's going to happen," Giuliani told a crowd at a hotel in Times Square.

Giuliani's comments were in contrast with the Trump administration`s policy of not seeking a change of government even though it is reimposing sanctions that are crippling Iran's economy.&nbsp;

Trump ripped up a global deal on Iran`s nuclear program in May and his administration is snapping back sanctions on the Islamic Republic, including measures on its oil exports from November 4.&nbsp;

The Trump administration hopes the sanctions will force Iran not only to curb its nuclear program but also halt militancy in the Middle East.

Iran says it has complying with the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran, the United States and five other world powers. A quarterly report by the UN atomic watchdog late last month said Iran had remained within the main restrictions of the agreement.&nbsp;

Trump`s National Security Adviser John Bolton told Reuters in August that "regime change" in Iran is not American policy. He said the administration wants a massive change in the regime's behavior.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US backed Gulf Arab States of carrying out a shooting attack at a military parade that killed 25 people on Saturday, though he did not name the regional states he believed were to blame.

"The people of Iran obviously have now had enough," Giuliani said on Saturday. "The sanctions are working. The currency is going to nothing ... these are the kinds of conditions that lead to successful revolution.”

Giuliani has suggested before that the re-imposition of sanctions was aimed at regime change. At a conference in June where he addressed the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, he said Trump`s policy would suffocate Iran`s ayatollahs.&nbsp;

The US State Department has said Giuliani does not speak for the administration on Iran.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Saturday said that US sanctions on Iran are leading to economic pain that could lead to a "successful revolution," contrasting with administration comments that government change in Tehran is not US policy.

President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Saturday said that US sanctions on Iran are leading to economic pain that could lead to a "successful revolution," contrasting with administration comments that government change in Tehran is not US policy. "I don't know when we're going to overthrow them," said Giuliani, who spoke in his own capacity though he is a Trump ally, at an Iran Uprising Summit held by the Organisation of Iranian-American Communities, which opposes Tehran's government. "It could be in a few days, months, a couple of years. But it's going to happen," Giuliani told a crowd at a hotel in Times Square. Giuliani's comments were in contrast with the Trump administration`s policy of not seeking a change of government even though it is reimposing sanctions that are crippling Iran's economy. Trump ripped up a global deal on Iran`s nuclear program in May and his administration is snapping back sanctions on the Islamic Republic, including measures on its oil exports from November 4. The Trump administration hopes the sanctions will force Iran not only to curb its nuclear program but also halt militancy in the Middle East. Iran says it has complying with the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran, the United States and five other world powers. A quarterly report by the UN atomic watchdog late last month said Iran had remained within the main restrictions of the agreement. Trump`s National Security Adviser John Bolton told Reuters in August that "regime change" in Iran is not American policy. He said the administration wants a massive change in the regime's behavior. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US backed Gulf Arab States of carrying out a shooting attack at a military parade that killed 25 people on Saturday, though he did not name the regional states he believed were to blame. "The people of Iran obviously have now had enough," Giuliani said on Saturday. "The sanctions are working. The currency is going to nothing ... these are the kinds of conditions that lead to successful revolution.” Giuliani has suggested before that the re-imposition of sanctions was aimed at regime change. At a conference in June where he addressed the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, he said Trump`s policy would suffocate Iran`s ayatollahs. The US State Department has said Giuliani does not speak for the administration on Iran.

Trump lawyer Giuliani says Iran's government will be overthrown

Iran's powerful parliament speaker Ali Larijani said Sunday that the time for Europe to show it can save the nuclear deal was coming to an end.&nbsp

"This issue must be clear that Iran's officials will not wait for Europe's endless promises," Larijani, a key establishment figure, told parliament in a televised address.

"The time for negotiations is coming to an end and if Europe considers itself capable of maintaining the nuclear agreement, it must announce its decision explicitly and promptly, as otherwise Iran will take the next steps with regards to nuclear and other issues."

The United States announced last month that it was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions that would hit international businesses working in the Islamic republic.&nbsp

The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have vowed to stay in the accord but appear powerless to stop their companies pulling out of Iran for fear of US penalties.&nbsp

Several major firms -- including France's Total and Peugeot, and Russia's Lukoil -- have said they are preparing to exit Iran before US deadlines, the last of which is November 4.&nbsp

Iran has warned it is ready to resume uranium enrichment to 20 per cent "within days" if the deal falls apart. &nbsp

That is still within civilian-use limits, and Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is not for military purposes, but is far above the 3.67 percent enrichment permitted under the 2015 agreement.&nbsp

The United States announced last month that it was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions that would hit international businesses working in the Islamic republic

Iran's powerful parliament speaker Ali Larijani said Sunday that the time for Europe to show it can save the nuclear deal was coming to an end. "This issue must be clear that Iran's officials will not wait for Europe's endless promises," Larijani, a key establishment figure, told parliament in a televised address. "The time for negotiations is coming to an end and if Europe considers itself capable of maintaining the nuclear agreement, it must announce its decision explicitly and promptly, as otherwise Iran will take the next steps with regards to nuclear and other issues." The United States announced last month that it was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions that would hit international businesses working in the Islamic republic. The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have vowed to stay in the accord but appear powerless to stop their companies pulling out of Iran for fear of US penalties. Several major firms -- including France's Total and Peugeot, and Russia's Lukoil -- have said they are preparing to exit Iran before US deadlines, the last of which is November 4. Iran has warned it is ready to resume uranium enrichment to 20 per cent "within days" if the deal falls apart. That is still within civilian-use limits, and Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is not for military purposes, but is far above the 3.67 percent enrichment permitted under the 2015 agreement.

Iran says time for Europe to save nuke deal almost over

Signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal.

For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8.

US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran -- concluded under his predecessor Barack Obama -- saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions.&nbsp;

He also said it did not go far enough in restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme, or its intervention in regional conflicts from Yemen to Iraq and Syria.

Since the US's pull out, the other signatories have since embarked on a diplomatic marathon to try to keep the agreement afloat.

According to a report seen by AFP&nbsp;Thursday, an International Atomic Energy Agency report shows Iran is still abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions.

The IAEA, however, is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, said a senior diplomat in Vienna, where the IAEA is based.&nbsp;

Iran said it is waiting for concrete measures from the EU nations before it decides whether the deal can be saved while threatening to restart its uranium enrichment programme at an "industrial level" if not.

The five signatories still committed to the agreement have said they want Iran to stay in the deal, with the European countries saying they would not rule out further talks with the Islamic Republic on an expanded text.

However, several Iranian officials warned that the Vienna meeting would be devoted to the existing agreement only, implying that there was no question of broadening the discussions.

US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions

Signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna on Friday in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal. For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8. US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran -- concluded under his predecessor Barack Obama -- saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He also said it did not go far enough in restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme, or its intervention in regional conflicts from Yemen to Iraq and Syria. Since the US's pull out, the other signatories have since embarked on a diplomatic marathon to try to keep the agreement afloat. According to a report seen by AFP Thursday, an International Atomic Energy Agency report shows Iran is still abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions. The IAEA, however, is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, said a senior diplomat in Vienna, where the IAEA is based. Iran said it is waiting for concrete measures from the EU nations before it decides whether the deal can be saved while threatening to restart its uranium enrichment programme at an "industrial level" if not. The five signatories still committed to the agreement have said they want Iran to stay in the deal, with the European countries saying they would not rule out further talks with the Islamic Republic on an expanded text. However, several Iranian officials warned that the Vienna meeting would be devoted to the existing agreement only, implying that there was no question of broadening the discussions.

Iran nuclear deal signatories meet for the first time since US pullout

In a sign that it will allow some flexibility in exchange rates under threatened US&nbsp;sanctions,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has lowered the official value of the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;versus the&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;for the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time since&nbsp;it tried to stamp out a free currency market last month.

In early April, with the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;sinking to record lows before US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision to exit the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal, Tehran said it was unifying official and free-market rates for the currency at a single value of 42,000 to the&nbsp;dollar.

Authorities threatened anyone trading the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;at other rates with arrest, and sent police to patrol money exchange shops in big cities.

This week, however, the central bank has begun engineering a very slow decline of the&nbsp;rial, suggesting it will let the currency&nbsp;move&nbsp;gradually in response to supply and demand, as long as a fresh free-fall can be avoided.

The central bank set the rate at 42,050 on Monday and 42,060 on Tuesday, its website showed. Central bank chief Valiollah Seif hinted at the possibility of further falls, saying the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;could&nbsp;move as much as 5 or 6 percent during the fiscal year to March 20, 2019, the Financial Tribune newspaper reported.

Seif was quoted as telling a meeting of the banks' chief executives that the central bank would decide foreign exchange rates based on inflation in&nbsp;Iran, which is now running slightly above 8 percent.

By letting the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;depreciate,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;may be able to boost its export sector and make it easier to attract flows of hard currency into the country, partly offsetting economic damage from the sanctions that Trump is threatening to impose.

But at the same time, authorities are desperate to prevent a sharp&nbsp;rial&nbsp;drop that could cause inflation to jump. Rising consumer prices were partly responsible for public protests that were crushed in January with the deaths of at least 25 people.

Residents of Tehran told Reuters that trade in the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;at values other than the official rate had largely halted because of the danger of arrest. But some deals were still being done by&nbsp;Iranians who wanted to trade or travel abroad and could not obtain enough&nbsp;dollars through official channels.

Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi said in mid-May that 180 people had been arrested over foreign exchange-related offences, according to the&nbsp;Iranian daily Financial Tribune.

Foreigners in Tehran said they were exchanging currency with dealers in the basements of buildings or petrol stations in order to escape notice. “It is more dangerous than buying drugs,” said one.

In early May, after Trump's decision to pull out of the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal, the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;traded in the black market at record lows of about 75,000.

It has&nbsp;since&nbsp;recovered to around 64,000. An&nbsp;Iranian analyst in Tehran said authorities had been pumping&nbsp;dollars into the market in order to stabilise it but added that given heavy demand for hard currency and investors' jitters over Trump's decision, it was not clear how long a price of 64,000 could be sustained.

In early April, with the rial sinking to record lows before US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal, Tehran said it was unifying official and free-market rates for the currency at a single value of 42,000 to the dollar

In a sign that it will allow some flexibility in exchange rates under threatened US sanctions, Iran has lowered the official value of the rial versus the dollar for the first time since it tried to stamp out a free currency market last month. In early April, with the rial sinking to record lows before US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal, Tehran said it was unifying official and free-market rates for the currency at a single value of 42,000 to the dollar. Authorities threatened anyone trading the rial at other rates with arrest, and sent police to patrol money exchange shops in big cities. This week, however, the central bank has begun engineering a very slow decline of the rial, suggesting it will let the currency move gradually in response to supply and demand, as long as a fresh free-fall can be avoided. The central bank set the rate at 42,050 on Monday and 42,060 on Tuesday, its website showed. Central bank chief Valiollah Seif hinted at the possibility of further falls, saying the rial could move as much as 5 or 6 percent during the fiscal year to March 20, 2019, the Financial Tribune newspaper reported. Seif was quoted as telling a meeting of the banks' chief executives that the central bank would decide foreign exchange rates based on inflation in Iran, which is now running slightly above 8 percent. By letting the rial depreciate, Iran may be able to boost its export sector and make it easier to attract flows of hard currency into the country, partly offsetting economic damage from the sanctions that Trump is threatening to impose. But at the same time, authorities are desperate to prevent a sharp rial drop that could cause inflation to jump. Rising consumer prices were partly responsible for public protests that were crushed in January with the deaths of at least 25 people. Residents of Tehran told Reuters that trade in the rial at values other than the official rate had largely halted because of the danger of arrest. But some deals were still being done by Iranians who wanted to trade or travel abroad and could not obtain enough dollars through official channels. Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi said in mid-May that 180 people had been arrested over foreign exchange-related offences, according to the Iranian daily Financial Tribune. Foreigners in Tehran said they were exchanging currency with dealers in the basements of buildings or petrol stations in order to escape notice. “It is more dangerous than buying drugs,” said one. In early May, after Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, the rial traded in the black market at record lows of about 75,000. It has since recovered to around 64,000. An Iranian analyst in Tehran said authorities had been pumping dollars into the market in order to stabilise it but added that given heavy demand for hard currency and investors' jitters over Trump's decision, it was not clear how long a price of 64,000 could be sustained.

In first move since FX crackdown, Iran lowers rial vs dollar

Iran warned the United States on Thursday of "unpleasant" consequences if Washington pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, Iranian state TV reported.

"Iran has several options if the United States leaves the nuclear deal. Tehran`s reaction to America's withdrawal of the deal will be unpleasant," TV quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying on his arrival in New York.&nbsp

Under Iran's settlement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were lifted in January 2016.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has given the European signatories a May 12 deadline to “fix the terrible flaws” of the 2015 nuclear deal, or he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran.

Iran has said it will stick to the accord as long as the other parties respect it, but will “shred” the deal if Washington pulls out.

Under Iran's settlement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were lifted in January 2016

Iran warned the United States on Thursday of "unpleasant" consequences if Washington pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, Iranian state TV reported. "Iran has several options if the United States leaves the nuclear deal. Tehran`s reaction to America's withdrawal of the deal will be unpleasant," TV quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying on his arrival in New York. Under Iran's settlement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were lifted in January 2016. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has given the European signatories a May 12 deadline to “fix the terrible flaws” of the 2015 nuclear deal, or he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran. Iran has said it will stick to the accord as long as the other parties respect it, but will “shred” the deal if Washington pulls out.

Iran warns of 'unpleasant' response if US drops nuclear deal: Report

Iran on Saturday condemned new sanctions passed by the US Congress against its missile programme, which President Donald Trump is set to sign into law, and vowed to continue it.

&quot;We will continue with full power our missile programme,&quot; foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state broadcaster IRIB.

&quot;We consider the action by the US as hostile, reprehensible and unacceptable, and it&#39;s ultimately an effort to weaken the nuclear deal,&quot; Ghasemi added, referring to a 2015 agreement with the United States and other world powers that lifted some sanctions on Tehran.

&quot;The military and missile fields... are our domestic policies and others have no right to intervene or comment on them.

&quot;We reserve the right to reciprocate and make an adequate response to the US actions,&quot; he said.

The sanctions bill, which also targets Russia and North Korea, was passed by the US Senate on Thursday, two days after being approved by the House of Representatives.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Friday that President Donald Trump will sign the bill into law.

Separately on Friday, Washington imposed new sanctions targeting Iran&#39;s missile programme a day after Tehran tested a satellite-launch rocket.

The US Treasury singled out six companies owned or controlled by Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, which it said was central to the programme, freezing their US assets and barring US citizens from dealing with them.

The sanctions bill, which also targets Russia and North Korea, was passed by the US Senate on Thursday, two days after being approved by the House of Representatives

Iran on Saturday condemned new sanctions passed by the US Congress against its missile programme, which President Donald Trump is set to sign into law, and vowed to continue it. "We will continue with full power our missile programme," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state broadcaster IRIB. "We consider the action by the US as hostile, reprehensible and unacceptable, and it's ultimately an effort to weaken the nuclear deal," Ghasemi added, referring to a 2015 agreement with the United States and other world powers that lifted some sanctions on Tehran. "The military and missile fields... are our domestic policies and others have no right to intervene or comment on them. "We reserve the right to reciprocate and make an adequate response to the US actions," he said. The sanctions bill, which also targets Russia and North Korea, was passed by the US Senate on Thursday, two days after being approved by the House of Representatives. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Friday that President Donald Trump will sign the bill into law. Separately on Friday, Washington imposed new sanctions targeting Iran's missile programme a day after Tehran tested a satellite-launch rocket. The US Treasury singled out six companies owned or controlled by Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, which it said was central to the programme, freezing their US assets and barring US citizens from dealing with them.

Iran to carry on missile programme, condemns US sanctions

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