Amid the growing escalation between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has claimed fresh attacks against Hezbollah. Israeli fighter jets struck military targets inside South Lebanon and this comes as US continues to urge de-escalation between the two the Israeli forces. Watch in for more details!

Israel's offensive in Lebanon will pull Iran in the war, says US

Ahead of the June 28th snap election in Iran presidential candidate Saeed Jalili held a campaign rally in Sharif University in Tehran promising the supporters that he was committed to protecting the country against foreign interference. Watch in for more details!

Iran Presidential elections: Candidates campaign ahead of June 28 polls

Iran has exhausted its thousand years worth water reserve in just three decades. Most of the 250 billion cubic meters of water in the country's aquifer has been used. Watch in for more details!

Iran exhausts 1,000-year water reserve in 30 years; has highest global land subsidence

Iran exhausts 1,000 year water reserve in 30 years

Headlines of the hour: - Palestine soccer player, family killed - Four killed in Crimea city of Sevastopol - Iran motion to blacklist Canada Army - Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal challenges stay on bail - India: Two jawans killed in Chhattisgarh - Indian Army erects bridge in Sikkim - Shake up at Musk's X?

Iran motion to blacklist Canada Army | Indian Army erects bridge in Sikkim

Iran: Presidential candidate Jalili says 'committed to protecting Iran against foreign interference'

Iran Presidential Election 2024: Presidential candidate Jalili campaigns at Tehran University

Iran: Campaign for 28 June Presidential poll, Saeed Jalili campaigns at Sharif University in Tehran

Rapidly escalating cross tensions between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah have threatened to boil over. Hezbollah has released an aggressive video specifying Israeli targets it tends to attack in case of a war. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah warns of 'no restraint, no rules' war against Israel

Israel Hezbollah tensions have peaked like never before. Missiles fired by both the sides over the last few days and statements from Iran and Israel ratcheting up the tensions between the two warring sides. This has now led the UN Secretary General warning of Lebanon heading the Gaza way.

Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Iran warns Israel against war on Lebanon

Watch top headlines of the hour: - PM Modi may skip Astana SCO Summit - India: High-level panel formed for fair exams - Iran Supreme Court overturns Salehi's death sentence - Sino-French satellite launched into orbit - US warship Rossevelt in Busan for joint drills - Russia pounds energy infrastructure in Ukraine

Russia pounds energy infra in Ukraine | PM Modi may skip Astana SCO Summit

Israel-Hezbollah conflict: UN Chief António Guterres condemns Israel-Hezbollah war

China has downgraded its diplomatic stance towards Pakistan, reclassifying its relationship from a “top priority” to a “priority” within its foreign policy framework. Watch in for more details!

China downgrades diplomatic stance towards Pakistan, takes away 'high priority' status

The upcoming presidential election in Iran, scheduled for June 28, has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. One of the most critical aspects to observe in this election is the voter turnout. Watch in for more details!

Turnout a key issue in Iran's presidential elections

Canada on Wednesday listed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code after years of mounting pressure. Watch in for more details!

Canada puts Iran's IRGC on its terrorist list

Canada lists Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as 'terrorist' entity

Canada lists Iran's IRGC as 'Terrorist Group', top Iranian officials barred from entering Canada

Six presidential candidates discussed Iran's economic problems in a live debate on television, ahead of the June 28 presidential election following a helicopter crash last month that killed President Ebrahim Raisi. Watch in for more details!

Iranian presidential candidates participate in television debate

On June 28, an early election will be held following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Just six of the eighty lawmakers who registered to run for office were given the go-ahead by the Guardian Council of the nation.

Battle for Iran Presidential polls: Who are top candidates in Presidential race

Iran and Sweden conducted a prisoner swap on Saturday which was mediated by Oman. The swap involved the release of a former Iranian official in exchange for European Union diplomat and Swedish Iranian citizen.

Sweden & Iran exchange prisoners, release mediated by Oman

Sweden Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement on Saturday (Jun 15) that a European Union diplomat and a second&nbsp;Swede, held in captivity in Iran, have been freed and are on their way home.&nbsp;

In a prisoner swap, Iran and Sweden saw a former Iranian official Hamid Noury jailed in Sweden freed. Meanwhile, Tehran&nbsp;released Swedish citizens Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi.&nbsp;

Floderus was arrested in Iran in 2022 and charged with spying for Israel and "corruption on earth", a crime that carries the death penalty. The Swedish government and his family dismissed the charges, saying that the allegations were fabricated. While the Swedish-Iranian dual national Azizi was arrested in Iran in November 2023.&nbsp;

Noury was given a life sentence in Sweden for his involvement in the deaths of thousands of political prisoners while serving as the deputy prosecutor at the Gohardasht prison outside of Tehran.&nbsp;

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Kristersson posted a video on X, saying, "Iran has made these Swedes pawns in a cynical negotiation game with the aim of getting the Iranian citizen Hamid Noury released from Sweden."&nbsp;

The Swedish prime minister said, "It has been clear all along that this operation would require difficult decisions."&nbsp;

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said, "Delighted at the news that our Swedish colleague Johan Floderus and his compatriot Saeed Azizi have been released from unjustified Iranian custody."&nbsp;

"I wish them a good reunion with their loved ones. Congratulations to Sweden for its persistent work to achieve this outcome," she added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-leaders-gather-in-switzerland-to-pave-way-for-russia-ukraine-peace-732098">Global leaders gather in Switzerland to pave way for Russia-Ukraine peace</a>&nbsp;

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Delighted at the news that our Swedish colleague Johan Floderus and his compatriot Saeed Azizi have been released from unjustified Iranian custody. 
 
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Congratulations to Sweden for its persistent work to achieve this outcome.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1801946047410745357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, another Swedish-Iranian dual national, Ahmadreza Djalali, remains in an Iranian jail. An emergency medicine doctor, Djalali was arrested in 2016 while on an academic visit to Iran.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sweden Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement on Saturday (Jun 15) that a European Union diplomat and a second Swede, held in captivity in Iran, have been freed and are on their way home.

Sweden Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement on Saturday (Jun 15) that a European Union diplomat and a second Swede, held in captivity in Iran, have been freed and are on their way home. In a prisoner swap, Iran and Sweden saw a former Iranian official Hamid Noury jailed in Sweden freed. Meanwhile, Tehran released Swedish citizens Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi. Floderus was arrested in Iran in 2022 and charged with spying for Israel and "corruption on earth", a crime that carries the death penalty. The Swedish government and his family dismissed the charges, saying that the allegations were fabricated. While the Swedish-Iranian dual national Azizi was arrested in Iran in November 2023. Noury was given a life sentence in Sweden for his involvement in the deaths of thousands of political prisoners while serving as the deputy prosecutor at the Gohardasht prison outside of Tehran. Also read: Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violates Swedish airspace Kristersson posted a video on X, saying, "Iran has made these Swedes pawns in a cynical negotiation game with the aim of getting the Iranian citizen Hamid Noury released from Sweden." The Swedish prime minister said, "It has been clear all along that this operation would require difficult decisions." Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said, "Delighted at the news that our Swedish colleague Johan Floderus and his compatriot Saeed Azizi have been released from unjustified Iranian custody." "I wish them a good reunion with their loved ones. Congratulations to Sweden for its persistent work to achieve this outcome," she added. Also read: Global leaders gather in Switzerland to pave way for Russia-Ukraine peace Delighted at the news that our Swedish colleague Johan Floderus and his compatriot Saeed Azizi have been released from unjustified Iranian custody. I wish them a good reunion with their loved ones. Congratulations to Sweden for its persistent work to achieve this outcome. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 15, 2024 × Meanwhile, another Swedish-Iranian dual national, Ahmadreza Djalali, remains in an Iranian jail. An emergency medicine doctor, Djalali was arrested in 2016 while on an academic visit to Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

EU diplomat Johan Floderus freed as Sweden and Iran swap prisoners

Iran's presidential election: Who are the six candidates running for Iran's presidential election?

Iran, as per the&nbsp;International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report released&nbsp;on Thursday (June 13), is expanding its nuclear capabilities further. The&nbsp;report&nbsp;comes a week after the IAEA's board of governors passed a resolution criticising Tehran's lack of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

<h2>'Moderate' development</h2>

AFP reports that the IAEA has informed its members about Tehran disclosing plans to install additional cascades — a series of centrifuges used for uranium enrichment — at its facilities in Natanz and Fordow.&nbsp;

A diplomatic source, as per the report, described this development as "moderate."

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US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement said, "The report issued today by the IAEA makes clear that Iran aims to continue expanding its nuclear programme in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose."&nbsp;

He urged Iran to "cooperate with the IAEA without further delay to fully implement its legally binding safeguards obligations".

<h2>IAEA resolution against Iran</h2>

The latest IAEA motion, brought by Britain, France, and Germany, marks the first such resolution since November 2022&nbsp;—&nbsp;China and Russia were in opposition to it.

It came amid ongoing concerns over Iran's escalating nuclear activities and Western fears that Tehran may be aiming to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.&nbsp;

The resolution was criticised by Tehran as "hasty and unwise."

Although the censure motion is mostly symbolic at this stage, it aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Iran, with the possibility of referring the issue to the UN Security Council.

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Previously, similar resolutions have led Tehran to retaliate by removing surveillance equipment from its nuclear facilities and increasing its uranium enrichment activities.

According to the IAEA, Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching uranium to the high level of 60 per cent, just short of weapons grade, while continuing to accumulate large uranium stockpiles. The agency has previously stated that Tehran has significantly ramped up its nuclear programme and now possesses enough material to build several atomic bombs.

Iran has over the years abandoned its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, which provided relief from Western sanctions for curbs on its atomic programme. The deal fell apart in 2018, after under the then-president Donald Trump, the United States withdrew from it. All efforts to revive the deal have so far failed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran, as per the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report released on Thursday (June 13), is expanding its nuclear capabilities further. The report comes a week after the IAEA's board of governors passed a resolution criticising Tehran's lack of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

Iran, as per the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report released on Thursday (June 13), is expanding its nuclear capabilities further. The report comes a week after the IAEA's board of governors passed a resolution criticising Tehran's lack of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. 'Moderate' development AFP reports that the IAEA has informed its members about Tehran disclosing plans to install additional cascades — a series of centrifuges used for uranium enrichment — at its facilities in Natanz and Fordow. A diplomatic source, as per the report, described this development as "moderate." Also read | Special IAF aircraft transporting mortal remains of Indian victims of Kuwait blaze en route to Kochi US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement said, "The report issued today by the IAEA makes clear that Iran aims to continue expanding its nuclear programme in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose." He urged Iran to "cooperate with the IAEA without further delay to fully implement its legally binding safeguards obligations". IAEA resolution against Iran The latest IAEA motion, brought by Britain, France, and Germany, marks the first such resolution since November 2022 — China and Russia were in opposition to it. It came amid ongoing concerns over Iran's escalating nuclear activities and Western fears that Tehran may be aiming to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The resolution was criticised by Tehran as "hasty and unwise." Although the censure motion is mostly symbolic at this stage, it aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Iran, with the possibility of referring the issue to the UN Security Council. Also read | Biden says Hamas needs to act on truce deal, blames group for delay Previously, similar resolutions have led Tehran to retaliate by removing surveillance equipment from its nuclear facilities and increasing its uranium enrichment activities. According to the IAEA, Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching uranium to the high level of 60 per cent, just short of weapons grade, while continuing to accumulate large uranium stockpiles. The agency has previously stated that Tehran has significantly ramped up its nuclear programme and now possesses enough material to build several atomic bombs. Iran has over the years abandoned its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, which provided relief from Western sanctions for curbs on its atomic programme. The deal fell apart in 2018, after under the then-president Donald Trump, the United States withdrew from it. All efforts to revive the deal have so far failed. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran defies IAEA with new uranium enrichment plans, to install new cascades in Natanz and Fordow

Iran's critical snap elections are scheduled on the 28th of June. A lot is at stake here. Who will replace Ebrahim Raisi? Our next report will tell you more.

6 candidates made it to Iran's presidential candidacy list

Israeli army releases video said to show strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Hezbollah fires barrage of rockets on northern Israel, strikes deeper into Israeli territory

Iran's Guardian Council has approved the country's Hardline Parliament speaker and five others to contest the country's presidential elections on Sunday. This development comes following a helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Former President Ahmadinejad was barred from running for polls.

Iran approves 6 candidates for Presidential elections, Former President Ahmadinejad barred

Iran approves 6 candidates for Presidential race, Guardian council bars Former President Ahmadinejad

Iran Presidential Elections: Former President Ahmadinejad barred from running for polls

There are 80 candidates in the fray to become Iran's next president. However, European countries are seeking to limit Iran's nuclear activities. Will there be nuclear censure ahead of Presidential Polls? Watch in for more details!

Iran's atomic situation ahead of Presidential Polls

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Iran has condemned a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors to pass a resolution criticising Tehran as ‘hasty and unwise’, Iranian State TV reported.

The UN nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation board of governors passed a resolution on Wednesday (June 5) calling on Iran to cooperate with it.

“The decision of the Western countries was quick and hasty, and it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the course of diplomatic engagement and constructive cooperation between Iran and the opposing parties,” state TV cited Iran’s mission to the United Nations as saying.

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Britain, France and Germany led the motion at the IAEA board, the first since November 2022, urging Iran to cooperate. However, China and Russia opposed.

The move comes amid an impasse over Iran’s escalating nuclear activities and as Western powers fear Tehran may be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran has consistently denied.

The resolution passed with 20 votes in favour – including the United States, which initially was reluctant for fear of aggravating Middle East tensions – with 12 abstention and one country not participating, reported AFP news agency.

The censure motion aims to raise diplomatic pressure on Iran, with the option to potentially refer the issue to the UN Security Council.

Iran preemptively condemned the censure motion as lacking legal, technical, and political merit, threatening a strong response.

In the past, similar resolutions have provoked Tehran to retaliate by removing surveillance cameras and other equipment from its nuclear facilities and ratcheting up its uranium enrichment activities.

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The IAEA has said that Tehran has significantly ramped up its nuclear programme and now has enough material to build several atomic bombs.

‘Strong and renewed message’

As per the IAEA, Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to the high level of 60 percent – just short of weapons-grade – while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles.

In a statement, Britain, France, and Germany (E3) emphasised the resolution's strong message backing the IAEA's efforts. They warned Iran that the international community will not tolerate actions that threaten the non-proliferation system and undermine safeguards designed to prevent nuclear proliferation.

“We hope Iran takes this chance to resolve these matters so that no further Board action is necessary.”

However, Iran has gradually broken away from its promises under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015.

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The landmark deal provided Iran with relief from Western sanctions in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme, but it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the US under then-President Donald Trump in 2018.

Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed.

Iran, along with Russia and China, in a joint statement urged Western countries to show political will and take the necessary action to resume the implementation of the 2015 deal, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.

But the US rejected that claims, saying Iran refused an agreement when it was probable and “continued with activities that negated the chance for that deal, and now making baseless statements.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has condemned a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors to pass a resolution criticising Tehran as ‘hasty and unwise’, Iranian State TV reported.

Iran has condemned a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors to pass a resolution criticising Tehran as ‘hasty and unwise’, Iranian State TV reported. The UN nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation board of governors passed a resolution on Wednesday (June 5) calling on Iran to cooperate with it. “The decision of the Western countries was quick and hasty, and it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the course of diplomatic engagement and constructive cooperation between Iran and the opposing parties,” state TV cited Iran’s mission to the United Nations as saying. Also read: Israel hits 'Hamas compound' inside central Gaza UN school; 27 killed Britain, France and Germany led the motion at the IAEA board, the first since November 2022, urging Iran to cooperate. However, China and Russia opposed. The move comes amid an impasse over Iran’s escalating nuclear activities and as Western powers fear Tehran may be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran has consistently denied. The resolution passed with 20 votes in favour – including the United States, which initially was reluctant for fear of aggravating Middle East tensions – with 12 abstention and one country not participating, reported AFP news agency. The censure motion aims to raise diplomatic pressure on Iran, with the option to potentially refer the issue to the UN Security Council. Iran preemptively condemned the censure motion as lacking legal, technical, and political merit, threatening a strong response. In the past, similar resolutions have provoked Tehran to retaliate by removing surveillance cameras and other equipment from its nuclear facilities and ratcheting up its uranium enrichment activities. Also read: Putin says Russia could supply arms to other nations to strike the West The IAEA has said that Tehran has significantly ramped up its nuclear programme and now has enough material to build several atomic bombs. ‘Strong and renewed message’ As per the IAEA, Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to the high level of 60 percent – just short of weapons-grade – while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles. In a statement, Britain, France, and Germany (E3) emphasised the resolution's strong message backing the IAEA's efforts. They warned Iran that the international community will not tolerate actions that threaten the non-proliferation system and undermine safeguards designed to prevent nuclear proliferation. “We hope Iran takes this chance to resolve these matters so that no further Board action is necessary.” However, Iran has gradually broken away from its promises under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015. Also read: South Koreans send balloons carrying anti-Kim Jong Un material to North The landmark deal provided Iran with relief from Western sanctions in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme, but it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the US under then-President Donald Trump in 2018. Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed. Iran, along with Russia and China, in a joint statement urged Western countries to show political will and take the necessary action to resume the implementation of the 2015 deal, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. But the US rejected that claims, saying Iran refused an agreement when it was probable and “continued with activities that negated the chance for that deal, and now making baseless statements. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran criticises UN nuclear watchdog resolution, calls it ‘unwise’

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