What is the connection between a cricket Test between India and England at Leeds and a disturbing military conflict between Iran and the US involving Israel? On the face of it, there is none, but then cricket is a great metaphor to understand the game involving geopolitics and diplomacy. It was great to see a huge crowd of well-dressed English folk at the Headingly ground applauding Indian cricketers in a Test match that seems evenly poised as this is being written.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a time when the crowds for an India-England game were thin and often full of ethnic Indians. Things have changed so much that you could say the English now view India as closer to, if not better than, their old rivals, Australia. Some of the old assumptions that go back to Britain's colonial domination of India are gone -- from both sides.&nbsp;Time changes everything, and it is time to keep that in mind as we look at the options before India following the Israel-Iran faceoff in which the military might of President Donald Trump-led Washington is more than apparent as Iran's nuclear facilities have been pounded by US stealth bombers. The broad perception is that India is on the side of Israel and, therefore, the US. It gets tricky when you notice that diplomatic relations are more than messy in the merry-go-round of geopolitics. The US sees Iran as a terror-sponsoring state, but conveniently supports Pakistan that India sees as a terror sponsor because it is a useful ally in containing both Iran and China, not to speak of Afghanistan.&nbsp;Operation Sindoor showed that India is pretty much alone in its battle to contain state-supported terror attacks on India nurtured on the Pakistani soil by the very groups that the US has declared as terrorists. Don't look for logical consistency here. It is all about expediency and usefulness. Only the other day, General-turned Field Marshal Asim Munir was recommending Trump for the Nobel peace prize after an honourable luncheon at the White House but Pakistan is now officially not with the US on Iran bombings.&nbsp;What should India do now? The attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in general and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in particular has been pro-Israel and anti-Islamist terror, but for all practical purposes that translates as anti-Iran. This requires a course correction following last weekend's Operation Midnight Hammer.&nbsp;We need to stand back a little to get some context. While it is true that the US equated India and Pakistan in an undesirable false equivalence after Operation Sindoor, it is equally true that India decided to go ahead and buy Russian oil despite American sanctions against Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. If the "usefulness" or "sovereignty" criterion are applied equally, it is apparent that both India and the US have acted in self-interest, and not concerned about principled diplomacy on issues such as terror or the UN charter against unprovoked intervention or invasion of a sovereign country.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are backstories for all this that could fill several books but the real question for India is: what to do now? The answer could be simple: stay clear of taking sides, and do some purposeful diplomacy at the UN with details in mind on everything, from the Palestine problem to the Iran war, economic growth and bilateral trade.&nbsp;In plain language: Stay smart, stay neutral. There are already unconfirmed reports of US or Western military aircraft having refuelled in India as part of the attacks on Iran. That brings back memories of 1991 when the then short-lived government led by Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar allowed American military jets to refuel at Mumbai, sparking controversy at home and elsewhere.&nbsp;Regional security is of importance to India, and that concerns Pakistan, China, and Iran. There is no need to go out of the way to support the US, which is widely seen as losing credibility already lowered by Trump's trigger-happy trade tariffs on Europe, India, and China alike. India has solid trade relations with both China and the US. Iran is not a big trading partner as there is a total bilateral turnover of less than $2 billion, but the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz controlled by Iran shows that oil prices can zoom, hurting India's economic growth precisely at a bounce-back stage. Anything that causes an oil price spike is not good for India.&nbsp;It also does not help India if it spites a host of Muslim countries or their societies across the world when Israel is being widely criticised on its Gaza attacks on innocent Palestinians. In the considered interest of India's economy and regional security, it is best for India to be part of a broad coalition of nations at the United Nations to demand a cessation of hostilities and if possible, join efforts to facilitate negotiations.&nbsp;There are simplistic critics who equate Operation Sindoor with Operation Midnight Hammer. That is simply not on. An act of limited reactive defence on a terrorist attack with back-up evidence cannot be equated with a proactive, preemptive military pounding on Iran's nuclear programme, for which there is no evidence in international diplomacy. If India were to do with Pakistan what the US is doing with Iran, sometime in the 1980s or 1990s, India would have had an all-out war to bomb nuclear facilities at Kahua or Islamabad.&nbsp;My mind goes back to 1992, when in the month of January, India under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao established full diplomatic relations with Israel -- something that seemed impossible just a year earlier. But then, later that year in November, I was with Rao on board a jet to Senegal in Africa for a G-15 summit of emerging economies of the developed world -- and on the way, we stopped at the airport in Tunis, where Rao met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and held cordial talks. I watched from a distance as they smiled at each other.&nbsp;That meeting reminded one that if one is a friend of Israel, it does not mean one has to be a foe of the Palestinians. That spirit has to be brought back as India walks a diplomatic tightrope on a number of fronts. &nbsp;An elegant neutrality is a long-term asset.&nbsp;The wheels of fortune keep changing in both politics and international diplomacy. In times of confusion, it might be wise to remember how things can change -- be it in American politics or global diplomacy. In cricket, there was a time when Indian players were considered lucky when they played in the English county championships. We now have English players jostling for space in the Indian Premier League tournament.&nbsp;In a new atmosphere, we carry pride and competence, but not colonial baggage -- of adversity or subordination.&nbsp;The Leeds Test is a good example of how things can be brought back to an even keel by a mix of diligent work and patience. In diplomacy as in cricket, every ball has to be played with a sense of purpose and fair play. Taking blind swipes will just not be cricket.

Stay smart, stay neutral: Why India should avoid risky strokes in Iran-US crisis

What is the connection between a cricket Test between India and England at Leeds and a disturbing military conflict between Iran and the US involving Israel? On the face of it, there is none, but then cricket is a great metaphor to understand the game involving geopolitics and diplomacy. It was great to see a huge crowd of well-dressed English folk at the Headingly ground applauding Indian cricketers in a Test match that seems evenly poised as this is being written. There was a time when the crowds for an India-England game were thin and often full of ethnic Indians. Things have changed so much that you could say the English now view India as closer to, if not better than, their old rivals, Australia. Some of the old assumptions that go back to Britain's colonial domination of India are gone -- from both sides. Time changes everything, and it is time to keep that in mind as we look at the options before India following the Israel-Iran faceoff in which the military might of President Donald Trump-led Washington is more than apparent as Iran's nuclear facilities have been pounded by US stealth bombers. The broad perception is that India is on the side of Israel and, therefore, the US. It gets tricky when you notice that diplomatic relations are more than messy in the merry-go-round of geopolitics. The US sees Iran as a terror-sponsoring state, but conveniently supports Pakistan that India sees as a terror sponsor because it is a useful ally in containing both Iran and China, not to speak of Afghanistan. Operation Sindoor showed that India is pretty much alone in its battle to contain state-supported terror attacks on India nurtured on the Pakistani soil by the very groups that the US has declared as terrorists. Don't look for logical consistency here. It is all about expediency and usefulness. Only the other day, General-turned Field Marshal Asim Munir was recommending Trump for the Nobel peace prize after an honourable luncheon at the White House but Pakistan is now officially not with the US on Iran bombings. What should India do now? The attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in general and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in particular has been pro-Israel and anti-Islamist terror, but for all practical purposes that translates as anti-Iran. This requires a course correction following last weekend's Operation Midnight Hammer. We need to stand back a little to get some context. While it is true that the US equated India and Pakistan in an undesirable false equivalence after Operation Sindoor, it is equally true that India decided to go ahead and buy Russian oil despite American sanctions against Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. If the "usefulness" or "sovereignty" criterion are applied equally, it is apparent that both India and the US have acted in self-interest, and not concerned about principled diplomacy on issues such as terror or the UN charter against unprovoked intervention or invasion of a sovereign country. There are backstories for all this that could fill several books but the real question for India is: what to do now? The answer could be simple: stay clear of taking sides, and do some purposeful diplomacy at the UN with details in mind on everything, from the Palestine problem to the Iran war, economic growth and bilateral trade. In plain language: Stay smart, stay neutral. There are already unconfirmed reports of US or Western military aircraft having refuelled in India as part of the attacks on Iran. That brings back memories of 1991 when the then short-lived government led by Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar allowed American military jets to refuel at Mumbai, sparking controversy at home and elsewhere. Regional security is of importance to India, and that concerns Pakistan, China, and Iran. There is no need to go out of the way to support the US, which is widely seen as losing credibility already lowered by Trump's trigger-happy trade tariffs on Europe, India, and China alike. India has solid trade relations with both China and the US. Iran is not a big trading partner as there is a total bilateral turnover of less than $2 billion, but the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz controlled by Iran shows that oil prices can zoom, hurting India's economic growth precisely at a bounce-back stage. Anything that causes an oil price spike is not good for India. It also does not help India if it spites a host of Muslim countries or their societies across the world when Israel is being widely criticised on its Gaza attacks on innocent Palestinians. In the considered interest of India's economy and regional security, it is best for India to be part of a broad coalition of nations at the United Nations to demand a cessation of hostilities and if possible, join efforts to facilitate negotiations. There are simplistic critics who equate Operation Sindoor with Operation Midnight Hammer. That is simply not on. An act of limited reactive defence on a terrorist attack with back-up evidence cannot be equated with a proactive, preemptive military pounding on Iran's nuclear programme, for which there is no evidence in international diplomacy. If India were to do with Pakistan what the US is doing with Iran, sometime in the 1980s or 1990s, India would have had an all-out war to bomb nuclear facilities at Kahua or Islamabad. My mind goes back to 1992, when in the month of January, India under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao established full diplomatic relations with Israel -- something that seemed impossible just a year earlier. But then, later that year in November, I was with Rao on board a jet to Senegal in Africa for a G-15 summit of emerging economies of the developed world -- and on the way, we stopped at the airport in Tunis, where Rao met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and held cordial talks. I watched from a distance as they smiled at each other. That meeting reminded one that if one is a friend of Israel, it does not mean one has to be a foe of the Palestinians. That spirit has to be brought back as India walks a diplomatic tightrope on a number of fronts. An elegant neutrality is a long-term asset. The wheels of fortune keep changing in both politics and international diplomacy. In times of confusion, it might be wise to remember how things can change -- be it in American politics or global diplomacy. In cricket, there was a time when Indian players were considered lucky when they played in the English county championships. We now have English players jostling for space in the Indian Premier League tournament. In a new atmosphere, we carry pride and competence, but not colonial baggage -- of adversity or subordination. The Leeds Test is a good example of how things can be brought back to an even keel by a mix of diligent work and patience. In diplomacy as in cricket, every ball has to be played with a sense of purpose and fair play. Taking blind swipes will just not be cricket.

The broad perception is that India is on the side of Israel and, therefore, the US

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (June 18) hinted that he might join Israel in striking Iran, or might not do it, adding that nobody knows what he's going to do.When asked about joining Israeli strikes on Iran in the air, the US president said, "I may do it, I may not do it.""I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump told reporters as he supervised the installation of a new flagpole on the White House South Lawn.He further said that Iran has reached out to the White House and wants to negotiate, stressing that the country has "a lot of trouble".“I can tell you this, Iran’s got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate. And I said, why didn’t you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction.”<h2>Trump encouraged Netanyahu to attack Iran</h2>Trump said that he encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue his campaign in Iran.“I said: Keep going,” Trump told CNN when questioned about his message to the Israeli leader. "I speak to him every day,” Trump continued. “He’s a good man, doing a lot.”“No. So far, he’s done a good job. He has been treated very unfairly,” Trump said. “He’s a wartime president, and he’s going through this nonsense, it’s ridiculous.”While talking about the war situation, he further said there's a big difference between now and a week ago.“Nothing’s finished until it’s finished. You know, war is very complex. A lot of bad things can happen. A lot of turns are made. So I don’t know. I wouldn’t say that we won anything yet. I would say that we sure as hell made a lot of progress,” he said.He added, “The next week is going to be very big. Maybe less.”

When asked about joining Israeli strikes on Iran in the air, the US president said, "I may do it, I may not do it."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (June 18) hinted that he might join Israel in striking Iran, or might not do it, adding that nobody knows what he's going to do. When asked about joining Israeli strikes on Iran in the air, the US president said, "I may do it, I may not do it." "I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump told reporters as he supervised the installation of a new flagpole on the White House South Lawn. He further said that Iran has reached out to the White House and wants to negotiate, stressing that the country has "a lot of trouble". “I can tell you this, Iran’s got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate. And I said, why didn’t you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction.” Trump encouraged Netanyahu to attack Iran Trump said that he encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue his campaign in Iran. “I said: Keep going,” Trump told CNN when questioned about his message to the Israeli leader. "I speak to him every day,” Trump continued. “He’s a good man, doing a lot.” “No. So far, he’s done a good job. He has been treated very unfairly,” Trump said. “He’s a wartime president, and he’s going through this nonsense, it’s ridiculous.” While talking about the war situation, he further said there's a big difference between now and a week ago. “Nothing’s finished until it’s finished. You know, war is very complex. A lot of bad things can happen. A lot of turns are made. So I don’t know. I wouldn’t say that we won anything yet. I would say that we sure as hell made a lot of progress,” he said. He added, “The next week is going to be very big. Maybe less.”

When asked about joining Israeli strikes on Iran in the air, the US president said, "I may do it, I may not do it."

'Patience running out, I may do it or...': Trump hints at joining Israel in attacking Iran amid escalating war

Israel's military said it has struck Iranian military targets, including the nuclear sites of Isfahan and Natanz, after it carried out waves of strikes on Iran overnight. Iran said that two explosions hit areas close to Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility. Sound of explosions were also heard in Tehran.&nbsp;Tensions in West Asia escalated after Israel, on June 13, launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, hitting its nuclear and military sites and killing top generals of the country.&nbsp;In response, Iran vowed to avenge the attack on its nuclear sites and the assassination of its senior military leadership, saying it would respond forcefully and that the “end of this story will be written by Iran’s hand”. Israel then said that Iran had launched 100 drones towards Israel and that its air defences were intercepting them outside Israeli territory.&nbsp;The rise in tensions also comes as the US and Iran are negotiating over a nuclear deal. US President Donald Trump called on Iran to come to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme, warning of “much worse” consequences if it fails to act. He also said that he knew about the date of the Israeli attack. He added that Tehran might still have a “second chance” to reach a nuclear agreement.&nbsp;He also issued a clear threat about the strength of US and Israeli military power, saying, “The United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come, And they know how to use it.”&nbsp;Earlier, Iran accused the United States of backing the Israeli assault but Washington denied any involvement adding that it was aware of Israel's plan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran has said that two explosions hit areas close to Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility.

Israel's military said it has struck Iranian military targets, including the nuclear sites of Isfahan and Natanz, after it carried out waves of strikes on Iran overnight. Iran said that two explosions hit areas close to Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility. Sound of explosions were also heard in Tehran. Tensions in West Asia escalated after Israel, on June 13, launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, hitting its nuclear and military sites and killing top generals of the country. In response, Iran vowed to avenge the attack on its nuclear sites and the assassination of its senior military leadership, saying it would respond forcefully and that the “end of this story will be written by Iran’s hand”. Israel then said that Iran had launched 100 drones towards Israel and that its air defences were intercepting them outside Israeli territory. The rise in tensions also comes as the US and Iran are negotiating over a nuclear deal. US President Donald Trump called on Iran to come to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme, warning of “much worse” consequences if it fails to act. He also said that he knew about the date of the Israeli attack. He added that Tehran might still have a “second chance” to reach a nuclear agreement. He also issued a clear threat about the strength of US and Israeli military power, saying, “The United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come, And they know how to use it.” Earlier, Iran accused the United States of backing the Israeli assault but Washington denied any involvement adding that it was aware of Israel's plan.

Iran has said that two explosions hit areas close to Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility.

Israel strikes Isfahan nuclear center in Iran, sound of explosions heard near Tehran

Amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh on Wednesday (June 11) warned America that if nuclear talks break down and conflict emerges with the US, they will target American bases.This comes just days before the sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks."Some officials on the other side threaten conflict if negotiations don't come to fruition. If a conflict is imposed on us... all US bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries," Nasirzadeh said during a press conference.US President Donald Trump said that the negotiations would be held on Thursday, while Iran said that they would take place on Sunday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-travel-ban-calls-it-deep-hostility-towards-iranian-people-and-muslims-racism-1749355878975">Also read: 'Systemic racism': Iran slams Trump's travel ban, calls it ‘deep hostility towards Iranian people and Muslims’</a>&nbsp;Trump has been threatening Iran with bombing if it does not reach a new nuclear deal.Nasirzadeh further said that Iran recently tested a missile with a two-ton warhead and does not accept limitations. Notably in February, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran should continue to develop its military capabilities, including missiles.The two arch-enemies have held five rounds of talks since April, the highest-level contact since President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of a 2015 nuclear deal during his first term.On May 31, following the fifth round of negotiations, Iran announced that it had received "elements" of a US proposal for a deal, which Araghchi has denounced for its "ambiguities".Moreover, Trump announced that the next round of negotiations could determine whether a nuclear deal can be done to prevent military action.Meanwhile on Monday, Iran issued a warning against Israel, saying it is ready to face any potential Israeli strikes and would respond to them by targeting Israel’s “secret nuclear facilities.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sixth-round-of-iran-us-nuclear-talks-likely-on-sunday-amid-uranium-enrichment-standoff-1749614072397">Also read: Sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks likely on Sunday amid uranium enrichment standoff</a>

Nasirzadeh further said that Iran recently tested a missile with a two-ton warhead and does not accept limitations.

Amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh on Wednesday (June 11) warned America that if nuclear talks break down and conflict emerges with the US, they will target American bases. This comes just days before the sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks. "Some officials on the other side threaten conflict if negotiations don't come to fruition. If a conflict is imposed on us... all US bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries," Nasirzadeh said during a press conference. US President Donald Trump said that the negotiations would be held on Thursday, while Iran said that they would take place on Sunday. Also read: 'Systemic racism': Iran slams Trump's travel ban, calls it ‘deep hostility towards Iranian people and Muslims’ Trump has been threatening Iran with bombing if it does not reach a new nuclear deal. Nasirzadeh further said that Iran recently tested a missile with a two-ton warhead and does not accept limitations. Notably in February, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran should continue to develop its military capabilities, including missiles. The two arch-enemies have held five rounds of talks since April, the highest-level contact since President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of a 2015 nuclear deal during his first term. On May 31, following the fifth round of negotiations, Iran announced that it had received "elements" of a US proposal for a deal, which Araghchi has denounced for its "ambiguities". Moreover, Trump announced that the next round of negotiations could determine whether a nuclear deal can be done to prevent military action. Meanwhile on Monday, Iran issued a warning against Israel, saying it is ready to face any potential Israeli strikes and would respond to them by targeting Israel’s “secret nuclear facilities.” Also read: Sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks likely on Sunday amid uranium enrichment standoff

Nasirzadeh further said that Iran recently tested a missile with a two-ton warhead and does not accept limitations.

Iran's BIG warning to US: Tehran to target American bases if nuclear talks fail and conflict breaks out

The sixth Iran-US nuclear talks is likely planned for Sunday, Tehran announced as the two sides seem to be stuck in a standoff over uranium enrichment almost two months into the high-stakes talks.&nbsp;It followed as European powers and the United States submitted a censure motion to the UN nuclear watchdog as part of an attempt to increase pressure on Iran despite Tehran's threats.&nbsp;Iran said it will submit a counter-proposal to the new Washington draft, which it had condemned for not providing sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its nuclear program.&nbsp;"The next round of Iran-US indirect talks is being planned for next Sunday in Muscat," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement on Tuesday. &nbsp;There was no comment immediately available from mediator Oman, where some of the earlier rounds were hosted, while Washington indicated the talks could take place as early as Thursday.&nbsp;The two arch-enemies have held five rounds of talks since April, the highest-level contact since President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of a 2015 nuclear deal during his first term.&nbsp;Trump said the next session was expected on Thursday, although a source close to preparations indicated it would likely be on Friday or Saturday.&nbsp;Iran's chief negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will be present at the annual Oslo Forum in Norway on Thursday, his office added.&nbsp;On May 31, following the fifth round of negotiations, Iran announced that it had received "elements" of a US proposal for a deal, which Araghchi has denounced for its "ambiguities".&nbsp;Tehran has said that the proposal did not include issues previously raised in the talks such as the removal of sanctions -- a fundamental demand of Tehran, which has been under their weight for years.&nbsp;On Monday, foreign ministry spokesman Baqaei announced that Iran would make a "reasonable, logical and balanced" counter-proposal.<h3>‘National interests’</h3>Trump announced that the next round of negotiations could determine whether a nuclear deal can be done to prevent military action.&nbsp;In one of the main sticking points, Tehran has asserted its right to enrich uranium as "non-negotiable", while Washington dubbed any Iranian enrichment as "a red line".&nbsp;At present, Iran enriches uranium to 60 percent, well over the 3.67-percent threshold established in the 2015 accord and short but close to the 90 percent required for a nuclear warhead.&nbsp;The United States and other Western nations, along with Israel, have long accused Iran of attempting to gain atomic weapons, while Tehran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.&nbsp;In an interview on Tuesday, Iranian deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi declared there was no "deadlock" in the negotiations, and that the subsequent round would be the first where the parties are going to negotiate "any written material".&nbsp;"Any negotiations with an international dimension come with their own sensitivities and require a great deal of patience for them to reach a result," he told the official IRNA news agency.&nbsp;"What matters to us is that we can safeguard the national interests of the country through these talks, and that is how we proceed."&nbsp;A group of Iranian legislators in a statement released on Tuesday said that the United States had made the negotiations a "strategic trap" in collaboration with Israel.&nbsp;On Monday, the United Nations nuclear monitor opened a Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that will run until Friday to debate Iran's atomic endeavors and other matters.&nbsp;In a previous statement on Tuesday, Araghchi had again criticised the proposed resolution.&nbsp;"Any ill-considered and destructive decision in the Board of Governors against Iran will be met with an appropriate response," Araghchi said during a phone call with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

Sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks likely on Sunday amid uranium enrichment standoff

The sixth Iran-US nuclear talks is likely planned for Sunday, Tehran announced as the two sides seem to be stuck in a standoff over uranium enrichment almost two months into the high-stakes talks. It followed as European powers and the United States submitted a censure motion to the UN nuclear watchdog as part of an attempt to increase pressure on Iran despite Tehran's threats. Iran said it will submit a counter-proposal to the new Washington draft, which it had condemned for not providing sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its nuclear program. "The next round of Iran-US indirect talks is being planned for next Sunday in Muscat," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement on Tuesday. There was no comment immediately available from mediator Oman, where some of the earlier rounds were hosted, while Washington indicated the talks could take place as early as Thursday. The two arch-enemies have held five rounds of talks since April, the highest-level contact since President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of a 2015 nuclear deal during his first term. Trump said the next session was expected on Thursday, although a source close to preparations indicated it would likely be on Friday or Saturday. Iran's chief negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will be present at the annual Oslo Forum in Norway on Thursday, his office added. On May 31, following the fifth round of negotiations, Iran announced that it had received "elements" of a US proposal for a deal, which Araghchi has denounced for its "ambiguities". Tehran has said that the proposal did not include issues previously raised in the talks such as the removal of sanctions -- a fundamental demand of Tehran, which has been under their weight for years. On Monday, foreign ministry spokesman Baqaei announced that Iran would make a "reasonable, logical and balanced" counter-proposal. ‘National interests’ Trump announced that the next round of negotiations could determine whether a nuclear deal can be done to prevent military action. In one of the main sticking points, Tehran has asserted its right to enrich uranium as "non-negotiable", while Washington dubbed any Iranian enrichment as "a red line". At present, Iran enriches uranium to 60 percent, well over the 3.67-percent threshold established in the 2015 accord and short but close to the 90 percent required for a nuclear warhead. The United States and other Western nations, along with Israel, have long accused Iran of attempting to gain atomic weapons, while Tehran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. In an interview on Tuesday, Iranian deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi declared there was no "deadlock" in the negotiations, and that the subsequent round would be the first where the parties are going to negotiate "any written material". "Any negotiations with an international dimension come with their own sensitivities and require a great deal of patience for them to reach a result," he told the official IRNA news agency. "What matters to us is that we can safeguard the national interests of the country through these talks, and that is how we proceed." A group of Iranian legislators in a statement released on Tuesday said that the United States had made the negotiations a "strategic trap" in collaboration with Israel. On Monday, the United Nations nuclear monitor opened a Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that will run until Friday to debate Iran's atomic endeavors and other matters. In a previous statement on Tuesday, Araghchi had again criticised the proposed resolution. "Any ill-considered and destructive decision in the Board of Governors against Iran will be met with an appropriate response," Araghchi said during a phone call with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

Iran has said it will present a counter-proposal to the latest draft from Washington, which it had criticised for failing to offer sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme

Iran on Saturday (June 8) slammed US President Donald Trump's travel ban on countries, including Iran, and said that it showed "deep hostility" towards Iranians and Muslims. It also said that the ban violates “fundamental principles of international law, including the prohibition of discrimination and basic human rights.” Iran said that the ban is an example of racist mentality. &nbsp;Iran's foreign ministry posted a statement on X quoting a senior official and said, “The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals - merely due to their religion and nationality - not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates... international law.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iran slams Washington’s racist move to ban entry of citizens from several countries into US The director general for the Department for Iranian Affairs Abroad at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Alireza Hashemi Raja, strongly condemned the recent decision by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> government to bar… <a href="https://t.co/Qb3QbVKbIz">pic.twitter.com/Qb3QbVKbIz</a>&mdash; Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRIMFA_EN/status/1931301714247680281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Depriving hundreds of millions of people of the right to travel to another country solely based on their nationality or religion is an example of racial discrimination and systemic racism within the American ruling establishment,” the statement by Iran added.&nbsp;Iran said that it would take all necessary measures to protect the rights of Iranian nationals against the consequences of the US government's discriminatory decision.<h2>What is Trump's travel ban?</h2>Going ahead with its anti-immigration crackdown, Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation banning&nbsp;citizens os as many as 19 countries from entering the US. The decree, released late on Wednesday, bars and restricts travellers from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ban comes days after a deadly attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national. While Egypt is not included in the ban, President Trump cited the attack as a reminder of the risks posed by individuals who overstay visas or who come from nations with poor screening practices.&nbsp;The order divides nations into two categories: those under a complete travel ban and those facing visa restrictions. The majority are located in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Trump said that these countries are on the list because of the lack of document security and screening capabilities, high visa overstay rates, links to terrorism or state-sponsored terror.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Iran slammed US President Donald Trump's travel ban on countries and said that it showed deep hostility towards Iranians and Muslims

Iran on Saturday (June 8) slammed US President Donald Trump's travel ban on countries, including Iran, and said that it showed "deep hostility" towards Iranians and Muslims. It also said that the ban violates “fundamental principles of international law, including the prohibition of discrimination and basic human rights.” Iran said that the ban is an example of racist mentality. Iran's foreign ministry posted a statement on X quoting a senior official and said, “The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals - merely due to their religion and nationality - not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates... international law.”

Iran slammed US President Donald Trump's travel ban on countries, including Iran, and said that it showed "deep hostility" towards Iranians and Muslims.&nbsp;

'Systemic racism': Iran slams Trump's travel ban, calls it 'deep hostility towards Iranian people and Muslims'

Iran on Saturday (May 31) confirmed receiving “elements” of a US proposal for a potential nuclear deal. This comes after the White House announced that the United States sent a “detailed” proposal to Tehran, adding that it is in Tehran’s “best interest” to accept it.&nbsp;In a statement on X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi “paid a short visit to Tehran today to present elements of a US proposal which will be appropriately responded to in line with the principles, national interests and rights of the people of Iran.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, the White House said that a “detailed” proposal has been sent to Iran.&nbsp;“Special Envoy Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it's in their best interest to accept it,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.&nbsp;However, the New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the proposal was described as a series of bullet points rather than a full draft, calling on Iran to stop all enrichment of uranium. Instead, it proposes creating a regional grouping including the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, to produce nuclear power.&nbsp;The development comes after a UN report said that the Middle Eastern nation has stepped up its production of highly enriched uranium.&nbsp;<h2>Iran warns against European ‘exploitation’ of UN report</h2>&nbsp;Iran on Sunday (Jun 1) warned of retaliation if European powers “exploit” UN reports claiming the Middle Eastern nation has stepped up production of highly enriched uranium.&nbsp;According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60 per cent, nearly the 90 per cent level needed for atomic weapons.&nbsp;<h2>US-Iran talks</h2>&nbsp;As of now, five rounds of negotiations have taken place between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;After the recent discussions in Rome, Iran said that it is open to compromises on its nuclear program amid talks with the United States, but uranium enrichment remains non-negotiable, Tehran's Foreign Ministry told CNN, suggesting Washington understands this position.

The development comes after a UN report said that the Middle Eastern nation has stepped up its production of highly enriched uranium.

Iran on Saturday (May 31) confirmed receiving “elements” of a US proposal for a potential nuclear deal. This comes after the White House announced that the United States sent a “detailed” proposal to Tehran, adding that it is in Tehran’s “best interest” to accept it. In a statement on X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi “paid a short visit to Tehran today to present elements of a US proposal which will be appropriately responded to in line with the principles, national interests and rights of the people of Iran.” Meanwhile, the White House said that a “detailed” proposal has been sent to Iran. “Special Envoy Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it's in their best interest to accept it,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, the New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the proposal was described as a series of bullet points rather than a full draft, calling on Iran to stop all enrichment of uranium. Instead, it proposes creating a regional grouping including the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, to produce nuclear power. The development comes after a UN report said that the Middle Eastern nation has stepped up its production of highly enriched uranium. Iran warns against European ‘exploitation’ of UN report Iran on Sunday (Jun 1) warned of retaliation if European powers “exploit” UN reports claiming the Middle Eastern nation has stepped up production of highly enriched uranium. According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60 per cent, nearly the 90 per cent level needed for atomic weapons. US-Iran talks As of now, five rounds of negotiations have taken place between Washington and Tehran. After the recent discussions in Rome, Iran said that it is open to compromises on its nuclear program amid talks with the United States, but uranium enrichment remains non-negotiable, Tehran's Foreign Ministry told CNN, suggesting Washington understands this position.

The development comes after a UN report said that the Middle Eastern nation has stepped up its production of highly enriched uranium.

US claims ‘detailed’ nuclear proposal shared with Iran; Tehran contradicts, says only received ‘elements’

Iran on Friday (Aug 2) claimed the United States knew and greenlighted Israel's supposed killing of&nbsp;Hamas leader&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh. The claim was made by Iran's Intelligence Minister&nbsp;Ismail Khatib during an event organised to honour&nbsp;Haniyeh's death.&nbsp;

“Martyr Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination took place at the hands of the usurping Zionists with the United States’ greenlight,” the minister was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.

At the time of his death,&nbsp;Haniyeh was visiting Tehran&nbsp;to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“The assassination once again put the Zionist regime’s bestial nature on display,” Khatib added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjaqfbi59aHAxUuKkQIHRiIOdAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-more-arms-to-israel-amid-triple-threat-of-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-746467" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-more-arms-to-israel-amid-triple-threat-of-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-746467&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjaqfbi59aHAxUuKkQIHRiIOdAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">US to provide more arms to Israel amid triple threat of Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah ?</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, issued a stern warning to the Jewish nation on Friday, saying, "enemies of the nation, especially the Zionist gang and its supporters,” should expect revenge from the resistance.

Earlier in the day,&nbsp;Haniyeh's dead body was buried in Qatar, two days after his killing. Hundreds of people gathered for the funeral in Doha, waving Palestinian flags and raising chants.

Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.

<h2>Biden tough on Israel</h2>

Meanwhile, reports have emerged claiming US President Joe Biden has demanded Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu must stop escalating tensions in the region and work towards a peace deal in Gaza.

As per a report in Axios, Biden is frustrated with Israel's actions in Lebanon and Iran over the past week and is seeking instant de-escalation.

Watch:West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel

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The Biden&nbsp;administration is also reportedly furious because Netanyahu kept the US president&nbsp;in the dark about the two major killings in Beirut and Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Iran on Friday (Aug 2) claimed the United States knew and greenlighted Israel's supposed killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The claim was made by Iran's Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib during an event organised to honour Haniyeh's death.

Iran on Friday (Aug 2) claimed the United States knew and greenlighted Israel's supposed killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The claim was made by Iran's Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib during an event organised to honour Haniyeh's death. “Martyr Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination took place at the hands of the usurping Zionists with the United States’ greenlight,” the minister was quoted as saying by Iranian state media. At the time of his death, Haniyeh was visiting Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. “The assassination once again put the Zionist regime’s bestial nature on display,” Khatib added. Also read: US to provide more arms to Israel amid triple threat of Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah ? Meanwhile, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, issued a stern warning to the Jewish nation on Friday, saying, "enemies of the nation, especially the Zionist gang and its supporters,” should expect revenge from the resistance. Earlier in the day, Haniyeh's dead body was buried in Qatar, two days after his killing. Hundreds of people gathered for the funeral in Doha, waving Palestinian flags and raising chants. Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it. Biden tough on Israel Meanwhile, reports have emerged claiming US President Joe Biden has demanded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must stop escalating tensions in the region and work towards a peace deal in Gaza. As per a report in Axios, Biden is frustrated with Israel's actions in Lebanon and Iran over the past week and is seeking instant de-escalation. Watch:West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel × The Biden administration is also reportedly furious because Netanyahu kept the US president in the dark about the two major killings in Beirut and Tehran. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

US officials' proposed measure is aimed at stopping Iran from seizing and harassing civilian vessels in international waters.

US officials: Bid to stop Iran from seizing civilian vessels

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

Iran's top Sunni Cleric again slams government

Top Iranian Sunni cleric says torture of protesters un-Islamic

The Iranian Navy reportedly seized two US unmanned drone vessels for a brief period in the Red Sea before releasing them, in the second such incident this week.&nbsp;

According to state TV, the Iranian navy's "Jamaran destroyer encountered several American military unmanned research vessels on the international shipping route on Thursday while carrying out a counter-terrorism mission in the Red Sea.”

It added that the navy, "after warning an American destroyer twice, seized the two drone vessels to prevent possible accidents".

The navy then released two vessels in a safe area after securing the passage of international shipping, the state broadcaster said, while airing the clip of the two purported US vessels being released by Iranian forces on board a ship, AFP reported.

Confirming the development, the US Navy said its drone vessels were taking pictures of the surrounding environment and had been in the vicinity of the southern Red Sea for more than 200 days.

"At around 2 pm (local time) on Sept. 1, U.S. 5th Fleet detected the Iranian ship approaching both unmanned vessels and removing them from the water," the US Navy said in a statement.

The statement added that the two destroyers operating nearby—the USS Nitze and USS Delbert D. Black—"remained on scene communicating with the Iranian warship to de-escalate the situation".

The statement further stated that the US Navy vessels were released at around 8 am the following day.

The recent incident comes in the backdrop of nuclear negotiations with Iran that appear to be faltering.

The US said it received Iran's response to the European Union's framework to restore the nuclear deal, but officials in a statement termed Iran's response as " not constructive."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Iranian Navy reportedly seized two US unmanned drone vessels for a brief period in the Red Sea before releasing them, in the second such incident this week. According to state TV, the Iranian navy's "Jamaran destroyer encountered several American military unmanned research vessels on the international shipping route on Thursday while carrying out a counter-terrorism mission in the Red Sea.

The Iranian Navy reportedly seized two US unmanned drone vessels for a brief period in the Red Sea before releasing them, in the second such incident this week. According to state TV, the Iranian navy's "Jamaran destroyer encountered several American military unmanned research vessels on the international shipping route on Thursday while carrying out a counter-terrorism mission in the Red Sea.” It added that the navy, "after warning an American destroyer twice, seized the two drone vessels to prevent possible accidents". The navy then released two vessels in a safe area after securing the passage of international shipping, the state broadcaster said, while airing the clip of the two purported US vessels being released by Iranian forces on board a ship, AFP reported. Confirming the development, the US Navy said its drone vessels were taking pictures of the surrounding environment and had been in the vicinity of the southern Red Sea for more than 200 days. "At around 2 pm (local time) on Sept. 1, U.S. 5th Fleet detected the Iranian ship approaching both unmanned vessels and removing them from the water," the US Navy said in a statement. The statement added that the two destroyers operating nearby—the USS Nitze and USS Delbert D. Black—"remained on scene communicating with the Iranian warship to de-escalate the situation". The statement further stated that the US Navy vessels were released at around 8 am the following day. The recent incident comes in the backdrop of nuclear negotiations with Iran that appear to be faltering. The US said it received Iran's response to the European Union's framework to restore the nuclear deal, but officials in a statement termed Iran's response as " not constructive." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iran briefly seizes two US Navy drone vessels in second incident this week in Red Sea

The US envoy for Iran warned Friday that Tehran was approaching the point of no return for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal after it boosted its stocks of enriched uranium before talks resume this month.

US envoy to Iran says time shrinking for nuclear deal

Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has said that Iran might enrich Uranium up to 60% purity if the country needed to do so, adding that Iran will never yield to American pressure over its nuclear program.

WION Dispatch: Ali Khamenei says Iran may enrich Uranium up to 60%

Ali Khamenei says Iran may enrich Uranium up to 60%

Iran this week honours military commander Qasem Soleimani who was assassinated a year ago by arch-enemy the United States and is revered as a heroic warrior across the Islamic republic.

Since his death in a January 3 Baghdad drone strike that sparked mourning across Iran at mass funeral processions, the "martyr" Soleimani has entered the ranks of Iran's glorious generals, immortalised in portraits, sculptures, ballads and an upcoming TV series.

The commemorations on Sunday come only weeks before US President Donald Trump, who ordered the killing, leaves the White House and Joe Biden takes over, offering hopes of a somewhat less bellicose relationship.

Soleimani's killing at age 62 sharply heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, whose decades-old animosity had deepened when Trump withdrew from Iran's nuclear deal and launched a "maximum pressure" campaign to isolate Iran.

Within days, Iran retaliated to the killing of a military leader long deemed untouchable by firing rockets at Iraqi bases housing US forces, which claimed no lives but caused injuries and preceded a tragedy.

In the tense hours that followed the rocket strikes, when it appeared the conflict could escalate further, Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran, claiming the lives of all 176 aboard.

A year on, Iran is readying to honour Soleimani,&nbsp;whom the United States had labelled a "terrorist" in 2005, but whose portrait has been displayed by supporters in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen.

The anniversary comes as sanctions-hit Iran remains in the grip of the region's worst outbreak of the novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 55,000 out of more than 1.2 million people infected in the country.

Soleimani headed the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which directly answers to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A veteran of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, he went on to oversee Iran's military operations in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere.

- 'Courage and resistance' -

In the eyes of many Iranians, the country's projection of power beyond national borders under Soleimani saved the multi-ethnic nation from the conflict and disintegration suffered by Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Khamenei had already declared him a "living martyr" before his death, and in 2019 Soleimani became the only recipient of the highest military honour, the Order of Zolfaghar, since the revolution.

Khamenei said this month that "Soleimani embodies Iranian values" such as "courage and resistance spirit".

Iran regards Soleimani as having joined the hallowed ranks of warriors who fell for the motherland, from the era of the Persian empire into modern times.

In one of the dozens of songs broadcast during his multi-city funeral procession, Soleimani was compared by the poet Milad Erfanpour to the mythical heroes of the Persian epic Shahnameh, The Book of Kings.

"We have had many heroes, some of them fictional, in our long history, but Soleimani was a real human being whom we have known in flesh and soul," Erfanpour told AFP.

The late general's appeal transcended political, religious and class divisions, said academic Mehdi Zakerian, who noted that "in his speeches, Soleimani always spoke to all Iranians and not just to one social class".

"When he raised social or political issues in Iran, he always tried to express himself in a calculated and thoughtful way to avoid tensions," Zakerian told AFP.

"It is rare to find a consensus figure like Soleimani in Iran," said Fatima Alsmadi, a senior researcher at Doha's Al Jazeera Centre for Studies.

In a 2017 video widely shared on social media, the general is heard advising Iranian politicians to engage with citizens, no matter whether they are "veiled, unveiled, left, right, reformist or conservative".

Iran this week honours military commander Qasem Soleimani who was assassinated a year ago by arch-enemy the United States and is revered as a heroic warrior across the Islamic republic.

Iran this week honours military commander Qasem Soleimani who was assassinated a year ago by arch-enemy the United States and is revered as a heroic warrior across the Islamic republic. Since his death in a January 3 Baghdad drone strike that sparked mourning across Iran at mass funeral processions, the "martyr" Soleimani has entered the ranks of Iran's glorious generals, immortalised in portraits, sculptures, ballads and an upcoming TV series. The commemorations on Sunday come only weeks before US President Donald Trump, who ordered the killing, leaves the White House and Joe Biden takes over, offering hopes of a somewhat less bellicose relationship. Soleimani's killing at age 62 sharply heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, whose decades-old animosity had deepened when Trump withdrew from Iran's nuclear deal and launched a "maximum pressure" campaign to isolate Iran. Within days, Iran retaliated to the killing of a military leader long deemed untouchable by firing rockets at Iraqi bases housing US forces, which claimed no lives but caused injuries and preceded a tragedy. In the tense hours that followed the rocket strikes, when it appeared the conflict could escalate further, Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran, claiming the lives of all 176 aboard. A year on, Iran is readying to honour Soleimani, whom the United States had labelled a "terrorist" in 2005, but whose portrait has been displayed by supporters in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen. The anniversary comes as sanctions-hit Iran remains in the grip of the region's worst outbreak of the novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 55,000 out of more than 1.2 million people infected in the country. Soleimani headed the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which directly answers to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A veteran of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, he went on to oversee Iran's military operations in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. - 'Courage and resistance' - In the eyes of many Iranians, the country's projection of power beyond national borders under Soleimani saved the multi-ethnic nation from the conflict and disintegration suffered by Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Khamenei had already declared him a "living martyr" before his death, and in 2019 Soleimani became the only recipient of the highest military honour, the Order of Zolfaghar, since the revolution. Khamenei said this month that "Soleimani embodies Iranian values" such as "courage and resistance spirit". Iran regards Soleimani as having joined the hallowed ranks of warriors who fell for the motherland, from the era of the Persian empire into modern times. In one of the dozens of songs broadcast during his multi-city funeral procession, Soleimani was compared by the poet Milad Erfanpour to the mythical heroes of the Persian epic Shahnameh, The Book of Kings. "We have had many heroes, some of them fictional, in our long history, but Soleimani was a real human being whom we have known in flesh and soul," Erfanpour told AFP. The late general's appeal transcended political, religious and class divisions, said academic Mehdi Zakerian, who noted that "in his speeches, Soleimani always spoke to all Iranians and not just to one social class". "When he raised social or political issues in Iran, he always tried to express himself in a calculated and thoughtful way to avoid tensions," Zakerian told AFP. "It is rare to find a consensus figure like Soleimani in Iran," said Fatima Alsmadi, a senior researcher at Doha's Al Jazeera Centre for Studies. In a 2017 video widely shared on social media, the general is heard advising Iranian politicians to engage with citizens, no matter whether they are "veiled, unveiled, left, right, reformist or conservative".

Iran honours 'martyr' Soleimani, killed a year ago by US

Iran on&nbsp;Tuesday said it would welcome a US return to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal after its November 3 election provided it "guarantees" not to pull out again.

"It makes no difference to us which president in America decides to return" to the accord between Tehran and world powers, government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters.

"We would welcome such a decision by any president," he said.

But Washington "should be ready to be held responsible for the damages it has caused the people of Iran during the time it withdrew" and also "to provide other guarantees it will not repeat" such action.

Tensions have soared between Washington and Tehran under US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the deal in 2018 and has unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Joe Biden, Trump's challenger who is leading in polls, favours diplomacy with Iran and has backed the nuclear accord negotiated while he was vice president under Barack Obama.

The Trump administration has accused Iran as well as Russia of trying to interfere in the 2020 election, charges which Tehran has strongly denied.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said they favour no specific candidate in the race.

Iran on Tuesday said it would welcome a US return to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal after its November 3 election provided it "guarantees" not to pull out again.

Iran on Tuesday said it would welcome a US return to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal after its November 3 election provided it "guarantees" not to pull out again. "It makes no difference to us which president in America decides to return" to the accord between Tehran and world powers, government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters. "We would welcome such a decision by any president," he said. But Washington "should be ready to be held responsible for the damages it has caused the people of Iran during the time it withdrew" and also "to provide other guarantees it will not repeat" such action. Tensions have soared between Washington and Tehran under US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the deal in 2018 and has unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. Joe Biden, Trump's challenger who is leading in polls, favours diplomacy with Iran and has backed the nuclear accord negotiated while he was vice president under Barack Obama. The Trump administration has accused Iran as well as Russia of trying to interfere in the 2020 election, charges which Tehran has strongly denied. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they favour no specific candidate in the race.

Iran would hail US return to nuclear deal - with 'guarantees'

Iran has said it is more inclined to sell weapons rather than buy them, after it announced the end of a longstanding UN conventional arms embargo.

Tehran said the ban imposed more than a decade ago was lifted "automatically" as of Sunday, based on the terms of a 2015 landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

The Islamic republic's arch-enemy the United States had notably withdrawn from the deal.

"Before being a buyer in the arms market, Iran has the ability to supply" other countries, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters.

The lifting of the embargo allows Iran to buy and sell military equipment including tanks, armoured vehicles, combat aircraft, helicopters and heavy artillery.

According to Khatibzadeh, Iran will "act responsibly" and sell weapons to other countries "based on its own calculations."

The embargo on the sale of arms to Iran was due to start expiring progressively from October 18, under the terms of the UN resolution that enshrined the 2015 nuclear deal.

However, Washington has argued that arms sales to Iran would still violate UN resolutions, and has threatened sanctions on anyone involved is such deals.

President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the nuclear deal and unilaterally begun reimposing economic sanctions on Iran in 2018.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that arms sales to Iran would breach UN resolutions and result in sanctions, after Tehran said the longstanding UN embargo on arms trade with the Islamic republic had expired.

"The United States is prepared to use its domestic authorities to sanction any individual or entity that materially contributes to the supply, sale, or transfer of conventional arms to or from Iran," Pompeo said in a statement.

(with inputs from agencies)

Iran has said it is more inclined to sell weapons rather than buy them, after it announced the end of a longstanding UN conventional arms embargo. Tehran said the ban imposed more than a decade ago was lifted "automatically" as of Sunday, based on the terms of a 2015 landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

Iran has said it is more inclined to sell weapons rather than buy them, after it announced the end of a longstanding UN conventional arms embargo. Tehran said the ban imposed more than a decade ago was lifted "automatically" as of Sunday, based on the terms of a 2015 landmark nuclear deal with world powers. The Islamic republic's arch-enemy the United States had notably withdrawn from the deal. "Before being a buyer in the arms market, Iran has the ability to supply" other countries, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters. The lifting of the embargo allows Iran to buy and sell military equipment including tanks, armoured vehicles, combat aircraft, helicopters and heavy artillery. According to Khatibzadeh, Iran will "act responsibly" and sell weapons to other countries "based on its own calculations." The embargo on the sale of arms to Iran was due to start expiring progressively from October 18, under the terms of the UN resolution that enshrined the 2015 nuclear deal. However, Washington has argued that arms sales to Iran would still violate UN resolutions, and has threatened sanctions on anyone involved is such deals. President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the nuclear deal and unilaterally begun reimposing economic sanctions on Iran in 2018. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that arms sales to Iran would breach UN resolutions and result in sanctions, after Tehran said the longstanding UN embargo on arms trade with the Islamic republic had expired. "The United States is prepared to use its domestic authorities to sanction any individual or entity that materially contributes to the supply, sale, or transfer of conventional arms to or from Iran," Pompeo said in a statement. (with inputs from agencies)

Iran says will sell more arms than buy after embargo lifted

The United States on Thursday slapped fresh sanctions on Iran's financial sector, targeting 18 banks in an effort to further choke off Iranian revenues as Washington ramps up pressure on Tehran weeks ahead of the U.S. election.

United States sanctions 18 major Iranian banks

The President of United States of America has announced the new sanctions on Iranians for violating the United Nations' arms embargo. President Donald Trump demanded the enforcement by US allies who have disputed the fact that he has any such authority to reimpose the sanctions.

US President announces new sanctions on Iranians for violating UN arms embargo

The chief of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a US drone strike in Iraq.

The guard's website quoted Gen. Hossein Salami as saying, "Mr. Trump! Our revenge for martyrdom of our great general is obvious, serious and real."

In January, Iran had launched a ballistic missile attack targetting US soldiers in Iraq in response to the fatal drone strike.

US President Donald Trump has stepped up economic pressure on Iran with sanctions since he pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.

Trump warned this week that Washington would respond in a befitting manner to any Iranian attempts to take revenge for the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. He tweeted, "If they hit us in any way, any form, written instructions already done we're going to hit them 1000 times harder."

This also came in the backdrop of reports that said Iran was plotting to assassinate the US ambassador to South Africa in retaliation for Soleimani's killing at Baghdad's airport at the beginning of the year.

"We took out the world's number one terrorist and the mass murderer of American troops and many, many troops and many people all over the world," Trump had said. "Qasem Soleimani is dead. He's dead. Bad guy. Bad guy. Very bad guy."

Salami, on the other hand, rejected the report of an Iranian plot to assassinate Ambassador Lana Marks. He, however, clarified that Iran does intend to avenge the general's death.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal.

The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time.

 
&nbsp;

The chief of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a US drone strike in Iraq.

The chief of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a US drone strike in Iraq. The guard's website quoted Gen. Hossein Salami as saying, "Mr. Trump! Our revenge for martyrdom of our great general is obvious, serious and real." In January, Iran had launched a ballistic missile attack targetting US soldiers in Iraq in response to the fatal drone strike. US President Donald Trump has stepped up economic pressure on Iran with sanctions since he pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Trump warned this week that Washington would respond in a befitting manner to any Iranian attempts to take revenge for the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. He tweeted, "If they hit us in any way, any form, written instructions already done we're going to hit them 1000 times harder." This also came in the backdrop of reports that said Iran was plotting to assassinate the US ambassador to South Africa in retaliation for Soleimani's killing at Baghdad's airport at the beginning of the year. "We took out the world's number one terrorist and the mass murderer of American troops and many, many troops and many people all over the world," Trump had said. "Qasem Soleimani is dead. He's dead. Bad guy. Bad guy. Very bad guy." Salami, on the other hand, rejected the report of an Iranian plot to assassinate Ambassador Lana Marks. He, however, clarified that Iran does intend to avenge the general's death. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal. The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time.

Iran vows 'hit' on all involved in US killing of top general

Iran's central bank plans to take legal steps to counter a lawsuit filed in a US court by creditors seeking to seize $1.7 billion of its assets held by Deutsche Boerse's Clearstream unit.

The German stock exchange operator said earlier the creditors had filed the suit in a New York court seeking to require Clearstream to surrender assets that allegedly belong to Iran's central bank. It said the clearing house considers the claims to be unfounded and will take steps to defeat them.

Amir Hossein Tayyebi Fard, a deputy governor of the Iranian central bank, said in a statement on Saturday: "After repeated legal defeats in Luxembourg, the US plaintiffs are seeking legal action in US courts against Clearstream. Serious legal action is also underway to counter these measures."

The assets are worth $1.7 billion, according to the statement posted on the bank's website.

US authorities have targetted Luxembourg-based Clearstream for years in an investigation over whether it violated US money laundering and Iran sanction laws. Deutsche Boerse has denied wrongdoing.

In 2019, a Luxembourg court refused to enforce a US ruling that would have helped families of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks claim Iranian assets held with Clearstream.

In 2012, a New York court found there was evidence to show that Iran provided “material support and resources to al Qaeda for acts of terrorism”. The militant group carried out the hijacked plane attacks on New York and Washington.

That court awarded the plaintiffs damages of over $7 billion. Iran denies any links to Al Qaeda or any involvement in the September 11 attacks.

Iran's central bank plans to take legal steps to counter a lawsuit filed in a US court by creditors seeking to seize $1.7 billion of its assets held by Deutsche Boerse's Clearstream unit.

Iran's central bank plans to take legal steps to counter a lawsuit filed in a US court by creditors seeking to seize $1.7 billion of its assets held by Deutsche Boerse's Clearstream unit. The German stock exchange operator said earlier the creditors had filed the suit in a New York court seeking to require Clearstream to surrender assets that allegedly belong to Iran's central bank. It said the clearing house considers the claims to be unfounded and will take steps to defeat them. Amir Hossein Tayyebi Fard, a deputy governor of the Iranian central bank, said in a statement on Saturday: "After repeated legal defeats in Luxembourg, the US plaintiffs are seeking legal action in US courts against Clearstream. Serious legal action is also underway to counter these measures." The assets are worth $1.7 billion, according to the statement posted on the bank's website. US authorities have targetted Luxembourg-based Clearstream for years in an investigation over whether it violated US money laundering and Iran sanction laws. Deutsche Boerse has denied wrongdoing. In 2019, a Luxembourg court refused to enforce a US ruling that would have helped families of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks claim Iranian assets held with Clearstream. In 2012, a New York court found there was evidence to show that Iran provided “material support and resources to al Qaeda for acts of terrorism”. The militant group carried out the hijacked plane attacks on New York and Washington. That court awarded the plaintiffs damages of over $7 billion. Iran denies any links to Al Qaeda or any involvement in the September 11 attacks.

Iran to fight US suit to seize $1.7 billion held by Deutsche Boerse unit

US President Donald Trump has announced that he intends to move next week to trigger a "snapback" of international sanctions against Iran at the UNSC.

Trump threatens 'Snapback' of UN sanctions against Iran

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

Iran guard corps holds Military drills at Strait of Hormuz

Tehran, which opposes the presence of U.S. and Western navies in the Gulf, frequently holds naval war games in the strategic Strait

Iran moves mock aircraft carrier to sea amid high tensions with US

The US has circulated a draft resolution to the 15-member council that would indefinitely extend the arms embargo on Tehran.

US calls for indefinite arms embargo of Iran | Mike Pompeo | US-Iran Conflict

Iran on Wednesday said it launched a military satellite into orbit amid wider tensions with the US. This, it said, was a successful launch after months of failures.

There was no immediate independent confirmation of the launch of the satellite, which Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard called "Noor", or light.

The Guard on its official said the satellite successfully reached an orbit of 425 kilometers (264 miles) above the Earth's surface. The two-stage satellite launch took off from Iran's Central Desert.

The launch comes amid tensions between Tehran and Washington over its collapsing nuclear deal. A US drone strike had also, in January, killed Guard General Qassem Soleimani.

Iran on Wednesday said it launched a military satellite into orbit amid wider tensions with the US. This, it said, was a successful launch after months of failures.

Iran on Wednesday said it launched a military satellite into orbit amid wider tensions with the US. This, it said, was a successful launch after months of failures. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the launch of the satellite, which Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard called "Noor", or light. The Guard on its official said the satellite successfully reached an orbit of 425 kilometers (264 miles) above the Earth's surface. The two-stage satellite launch took off from Iran's Central Desert. The launch comes amid tensions between Tehran and Washington over its collapsing nuclear deal. A US drone strike had also, in January, killed Guard General Qassem Soleimani.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launch ‘1st military satellite’ into orbit: State media

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he could not rule out a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-rule-out-trump-rouhani-meeting-after-saudi-attacks-249856"> meeting with Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani</a> at the United Nations this week, but no encounter was yet scheduled.

Speculation has been rife over whether the two leaders would finally meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, with France's Emmanuel Macron trying to broker what would be a historic rendezvous.

The chances of this happening have seemingly diminished in the wake of a dramatic attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed by the United States on Iran, which denies being involved.

"I never rule anything out," Trump told reporters, but added that he had "nothing scheduled at this moment."

Macron is cautiously hopeful for a breakthrough and is seeking to bring the two together, having consulted informally with Trump on Monday, then meeting for more than 90 minutes with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ready-to-meet-iranian-leader-rouhani-raising-hopes-of-breakthrough-245861">Rouhani</a> that evening.

"The path of de-escalation is narrow but more necessary than ever, and it was time for Iran to take it," Macron told Rouhani in the meeting, according to a statement from the French presidency.

Macron plans to meet the US president again on Tuesday, and told reporters earlier on Monday, "I'll do everything I can so that conditions are created for discussion."

However, Trump responded to his efforts by saying "we don't need a mediator."&nbsp;

The Iranians "know whom to call," he said.

Not Closing the Door

Tehran and Washington have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing sanctions on Iran in a campaign of "maximum pressure."

Following the Group of Seven summit in France in August, though, Trump spoke openly of his willingness to meet his Iranian counterpart face-to-face, if the conditions were right.

Trump is fond of the optics of high-profile meetings - his summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are a testament to that -&nbsp;and a summit would mark a diplomatic coup a year ahead of his re-election bid.

He tempered his enthusiasm, though, after the devastating September 14 attacks on Saudi oil installations that Washington and Riyadh have, to varying degrees, blamed on Tehran.

The attacks heightened tensions and renewed fears of a military escalation in the region.

"Did the chances of a meeting increase with these strikes? No, we have to be clear, we can see that things are getting tense," Macron said Sunday en route to New York.

"The two main players are there," he said, referring to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-on-a-meeting-with-irans-rouhani-anything-is-possible-247640">Rouhani and Trump</a>. "Something can happen", he added.

Diplomats hope a meeting would help de-escalate tensions in the Gulf that have flared since May when the United States ended all waivers in its unilateral sanctions that seek to stop Iran from selling any oil.

Iran has responded by reducing its commitments under the nuclear deal and Trump has deployed military assets to the region.

Europeans urge dialogue

The door to talks appears open, though. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, viewed as a hawk on Iran, has spoken of the need to give diplomacy "every opportunity to succeed" in the wake of the Saudi attacks.

There are signs of goodwill on the Iranian side, too. On the eve of the General Assembly, Iran said a British-flagged oil tanker seized in the Gulf two months ago was free to leave.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who met his French counterpart late Sunday, said that "we are not closing the door for conversation."

"What we're saying is that you need to establish credibility," he told reporters at the United Nations, warning against any meeting becoming simply "a photo opportunity" for Trump.&nbsp;

Macron met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-prime-minister-boris-johnson-says-iran-behind-attacks-on-saudi-oil-sites-251431">Boris Johnson</a> on Monday afternoon where they agreed with the US that Iran was responsible for the blasts at the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities.

"There is no other plausible explanation," the leaders said in a joint statement.

But the three European countries, which remain part of the nuclear deal negotiated under former US president Barack Obama and are trying to salvage it -&nbsp;said that the solution was diplomacy.

"We urge Iran to engage in such a dialogue and refrain from further provocation and escalation," they said.

Macron said that if Trump became convinced he could get something from a meeting with Rouhani, he could decide to go ahead at very short notice.

A senior US official said no meeting was planned at this stage, even between lower-level officials.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he could not rule out a meeting with Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations this week, but no encounter was yet scheduled.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he could not rule out a meeting with Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations this week, but no encounter was yet scheduled. Speculation has been rife over whether the two leaders would finally meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, with France's Emmanuel Macron trying to broker what would be a historic rendezvous. The chances of this happening have seemingly diminished in the wake of a dramatic attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed by the United States on Iran, which denies being involved. "I never rule anything out," Trump told reporters, but added that he had "nothing scheduled at this moment." Macron is cautiously hopeful for a breakthrough and is seeking to bring the two together, having consulted informally with Trump on Monday, then meeting for more than 90 minutes with Rouhani that evening. "The path of de-escalation is narrow but more necessary than ever, and it was time for Iran to take it," Macron told Rouhani in the meeting, according to a statement from the French presidency. Macron plans to meet the US president again on Tuesday, and told reporters earlier on Monday, "I'll do everything I can so that conditions are created for discussion." However, Trump responded to his efforts by saying "we don't need a mediator." The Iranians "know whom to call," he said. Not Closing the Door Tehran and Washington have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing sanctions on Iran in a campaign of "maximum pressure." Following the Group of Seven summit in France in August, though, Trump spoke openly of his willingness to meet his Iranian counterpart face-to-face, if the conditions were right. Trump is fond of the optics of high-profile meetings - his summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are a testament to that - and a summit would mark a diplomatic coup a year ahead of his re-election bid. He tempered his enthusiasm, though, after the devastating September 14 attacks on Saudi oil installations that Washington and Riyadh have, to varying degrees, blamed on Tehran. The attacks heightened tensions and renewed fears of a military escalation in the region. "Did the chances of a meeting increase with these strikes? No, we have to be clear, we can see that things are getting tense," Macron said Sunday en route to New York. "The two main players are there," he said, referring to Rouhani and Trump. "Something can happen", he added. Diplomats hope a meeting would help de-escalate tensions in the Gulf that have flared since May when the United States ended all waivers in its unilateral sanctions that seek to stop Iran from selling any oil. Iran has responded by reducing its commitments under the nuclear deal and Trump has deployed military assets to the region. Europeans urge dialogue The door to talks appears open, though. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, viewed as a hawk on Iran, has spoken of the need to give diplomacy "every opportunity to succeed" in the wake of the Saudi attacks. There are signs of goodwill on the Iranian side, too. On the eve of the General Assembly, Iran said a British-flagged oil tanker seized in the Gulf two months ago was free to leave. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who met his French counterpart late Sunday, said that "we are not closing the door for conversation." "What we're saying is that you need to establish credibility," he told reporters at the United Nations, warning against any meeting becoming simply "a photo opportunity" for Trump. Macron met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday afternoon where they agreed with the US that Iran was responsible for the blasts at the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities. "There is no other plausible explanation," the leaders said in a joint statement. But the three European countries, which remain part of the nuclear deal negotiated under former US president Barack Obama and are trying to salvage it - said that the solution was diplomacy. "We urge Iran to engage in such a dialogue and refrain from further provocation and escalation," they said. Macron said that if Trump became convinced he could get something from a meeting with Rouhani, he could decide to go ahead at very short notice. A senior US official said no meeting was planned at this stage, even between lower-level officials.

Donald Trump says Rouhani meeting not scheduled as speculation swirls

Iran said on Friday it was responsible for maintaining the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, state radio reported, adding that blaming it for attacks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/received-distress-calls-from-two-tankers-under-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-us-fifth-fleet-226781">two oil tankers</a> in the Gulf of Oman was alarming.

"We are in charge of maintaining the security of the Strait and we rescued the crew of those attacked tankers in the shortest possible time ... U.S. Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo's accusations towards Iran is alarming," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

The United States blamed Iran for attacks on the two oil tankers in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-over-tanker-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-226990">Gulf of Oman</a> on Thursday that drove up oil prices and raised concern about a new U.S.-Iranian confrontation.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister shrugged off the U.S. allegations against Iran over the Gulf of Oman tanker attacks were part of "sabotage diplomacy" adopted by a so-called B Team, which he has said includes U.S. national security adviser John Bolton.

"That the US immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran—w/o a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence—only makes it abundantly clear that the #B_Team is moving to a #PlanB: Sabotage diplomacy—including by @AbeShinzo—and cover up its #EconomicTerrorism against Iran," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

Zarif has repeatedly said that Bolton, an ardent Iran hawk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could goad U.S. President Donald Trump into conflict with Tehran.&nbsp;

Iran said on Friday it was responsible for maintaining the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, state radio reported, adding that blaming it for attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman was alarming.

Iran said on Friday it was responsible for maintaining the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, state radio reported, adding that blaming it for attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman was alarming. "We are in charge of maintaining the security of the Strait and we rescued the crew of those attacked tankers in the shortest possible time ... U.S. Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo's accusations towards Iran is alarming," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The United States blamed Iran for attacks on the two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday that drove up oil prices and raised concern about a new U.S.-Iranian confrontation. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister shrugged off the U.S. allegations against Iran over the Gulf of Oman tanker attacks were part of "sabotage diplomacy" adopted by a so-called B Team, which he has said includes U.S. national security adviser John Bolton. "That the US immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran—w/o a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence—only makes it abundantly clear that the #B_Team is moving to a #PlanB: Sabotage diplomacy—including by @AbeShinzo—and cover up its #EconomicTerrorism against Iran," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. Zarif has repeatedly said that Bolton, an ardent Iran hawk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could goad U.S. President Donald Trump into conflict with Tehran.

Iran in charge of security of Strait of Hormuz: State radio

What started the problem?

On Sunday (January 29), a White House official, requesting anonymity, said Iran had conducted a ballistic missile test from a site east of Tehran.

But a United States defence official told CNN that the test failed and posed no immediate threat to the US or countries in the Middle East. The&nbsp;missile exploded after 630 miles (1,010 kms), the official said.

Iran&#39;s alleged violation of the nuclear deal signed by it and six world powers in 2015 has raised concerns around the world, especially in the Middle East and the US.

A United Nations resolution had barred Tehran from developing &quot;ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads&quot;.&nbsp;

That resolution ratified the July 2015 nuclear accord which aimed to scale down Tehran&#39;s nuclear activity.

In return, Iran won relief from debilitating economic sanctions.

International reaction

Iran&#39;s alleged contravention of Security Council Resolution 2231 has received widespread condemnation.

The United States, in particular, has come down hard on Tehran. The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Iran&#39;s action is &quot;absolutely unacceptable&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;The United States is not naive. We are not going to stand by. You will see us call them out as we said we would and you are also going to see us act accordingly,&quot; Haley said.

US State Department spokesman Mark Toner dubbed Tehran&#39;s action as &quot;provocative&quot; and &quot;irresponsible&quot;.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Iran had breached the nuclear accord that was so painfully drawn up and agreed to by Tehran and the six world powers --&nbsp;United States, Russia, China, Britain, Germany and France.

But he added that they were still in favour of the continuation of the nuclear deal and wants Tehran to avoid activities &quot;that could put the accord in jeopardy&quot;.

&quot;This deal has to be rigorously kept to,&quot; Ayrault said.

Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the missile test was a &quot;flagrant violation&quot; of the UN resolution. He also said he would raise the matter with the US later this month to impose stricter sanctions on Tehran. On his Facebook page, the Israeli premier said: &quot;Iranian aggression must not go unanswered.&quot;

Russia, however, has backed Iran, saying the missile test rumours were being circulated to &quot;heat up the situation&quot;.

&quot;Such actions, if they took place, do not breach the resolution,&quot; Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency,&nbsp;

What does Iran say?

Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied the missile test. But they have denied contravention of the nuclear accord.

Earlier, the country&#39;s foreign minister,&nbsp;Javad Zarif, said the missile&nbsp;was not a part of the nuclear accord&nbsp;and insisted that Iran &quot;will never use missiles produced in Iran to attack any other country&quot;.

&quot;No Iranian missiles have been produced to carry nuclear warheads,&quot; said Zarif, speaking at a joint news conference held with Ayrault in Tehran on Wednesday (February 1).

Zarif said the country&#39;s missiles are &quot;not designed for the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead&quot;. Instead, they were testing the missiles as part of a self-defence exercise.

Later in the day,&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran&#39;s defense minister said confirmed the Islamic Republic had tested a new missile, but added the test did not breach Tehran&#39;s nuclear accord.

&quot;The recent test was in line with our plans and we will not allow foreigners to interfere in our defense affairs,&quot; Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan said, according to Tasnim news agency.

&quot;The test did not violate the nuclear deal or the (UN) resolution 2231,&quot; he said.

So where does it all lead to?

Israel has been vocal about the alleged violation, mainly because it wants the US to renew sanctions on Iran. Other countries in the Middle East and Israel were up in arms when the previous US administration, under Barack Obama, had decided to lift the crippling sanctions that had been in place on the Shia-dominated country.

Israel&#39;s criticism, in particular, seems to be a subtle way of pushing the Donald Trump administration to act tough on Iran. The matter is expected to come up when the leaders of the two countries meet in a fortnight&#39;s time.

Trump&#39;s action against Iran will be his first litmus test, more so because the United States president has previously demonstrated his hawkish stance against Tehran.

During the poll campaign, Trump had said he would blow up Iranian vessels &quot;out of the water&quot; if they threatened US ships. But the problem is that Trump has long stated downscaling of US presence in the Middle East. What remains to be seen is whether Trump will reimpose strict sanctions on Tehran or get into a diplomatic loggerheads with them.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

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Tehran said it was not a breach of the accord it signed with 6 world powers in 2015. So what happens next?

What started the problem? On Sunday (January 29), a White House official, requesting anonymity, said Iran had conducted a ballistic missile test from a site east of Tehran. But a United States defence official told CNN that the test failed and posed no immediate threat to the US or countries in the Middle East. The missile exploded after 630 miles (1,010 kms), the official said. Iran's alleged violation of the nuclear deal signed by it and six world powers in 2015 has raised concerns around the world, especially in the Middle East and the US. A United Nations resolution had barred Tehran from developing "ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads". That resolution ratified the July 2015 nuclear accord which aimed to scale down Tehran's nuclear activity. In return, Iran won relief from debilitating economic sanctions. International reaction Iran's alleged contravention of Security Council Resolution 2231 has received widespread condemnation. The United States, in particular, has come down hard on Tehran. The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Iran's action is "absolutely unacceptable". "The United States is not naive. We are not going to stand by. You will see us call them out as we said we would and you are also going to see us act accordingly," Haley said. US State Department spokesman Mark Toner dubbed Tehran's action as "provocative" and "irresponsible". French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Iran had breached the nuclear accord that was so painfully drawn up and agreed to by Tehran and the six world powers -- United States, Russia, China, Britain, Germany and France. But he added that they were still in favour of the continuation of the nuclear deal and wants Tehran to avoid activities "that could put the accord in jeopardy". "This deal has to be rigorously kept to," Ayrault said. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the missile test was a "flagrant violation" of the UN resolution. He also said he would raise the matter with the US later this month to impose stricter sanctions on Tehran. On his Facebook page, the Israeli premier said: "Iranian aggression must not go unanswered." Russia, however, has backed Iran, saying the missile test rumours were being circulated to "heat up the situation". "Such actions, if they took place, do not breach the resolution," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency, What does Iran say? Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied the missile test. But they have denied contravention of the nuclear accord. Earlier, the country's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said the missile was not a part of the nuclear accord and insisted that Iran "will never use missiles produced in Iran to attack any other country". "No Iranian missiles have been produced to carry nuclear warheads," said Zarif, speaking at a joint news conference held with Ayrault in Tehran on Wednesday (February 1). Zarif said the country's missiles are "not designed for the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead". Instead, they were testing the missiles as part of a self-defence exercise. Later in the day, Iran's defense minister said confirmed the Islamic Republic had tested a new missile, but added the test did not breach Tehran's nuclear accord. "The recent test was in line with our plans and we will not allow foreigners to interfere in our defense affairs," Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan said, according to Tasnim news agency. "The test did not violate the nuclear deal or the (UN) resolution 2231," he said. So where does it all lead to? Israel has been vocal about the alleged violation, mainly because it wants the US to renew sanctions on Iran. Other countries in the Middle East and Israel were up in arms when the previous US administration, under Barack Obama, had decided to lift the crippling sanctions that had been in place on the Shia-dominated country. Israel's criticism, in particular, seems to be a subtle way of pushing the Donald Trump administration to act tough on Iran. The matter is expected to come up when the leaders of the two countries meet in a fortnight's time. Trump's action against Iran will be his first litmus test, more so because the United States president has previously demonstrated his hawkish stance against Tehran. During the poll campaign, Trump had said he would blow up Iranian vessels "out of the water" if they threatened US ships. But the problem is that Trump has long stated downscaling of US presence in the Middle East. What remains to be seen is whether Trump will reimpose strict sanctions on Tehran or get into a diplomatic loggerheads with them. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Iran tests ballistic missile, sparks flutter and fury

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