Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the country's state television on Sunday (March 12) that Iran and the United States have reached an agreement for a prisoner swap. He expressed hope that the prisoner exchange would take place soon.

"Regarding the issue of prisoner swaps between Iran and the US, we have reached an agreement in the recent days and if everything goes well on the US side, I think we will witness a prisoner exchange in a short period," Amirabdollahian said.

"On our part everything is ready, while the US is currently working on the final technical coordination."&nbsp;

A White House official denied Amirabdollahian's statement about the prisoner swap with Washington, adding that the United States was committed to securing the release of Americans held in Iran.

"Claims by Iranian officials that we have reached a deal for the release of the U.S. citizens wrongfully held by Iran are false," a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said. &nbsp;

One of several Americans held in Iran is Siamak Namazi, a businessman with dual US-Iranian citizenship, who was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for spying and cooperating with the US&nbsp;government.

Emad Sharghi, an Iranian-American businessman was first arrested in 2018 when he was working for a tech investment company, is also jailed in Iran, as is Iranian-American environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, who also holds British citizenship.

Iranian sources told Reuters that two regional countries were involved in the series of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington for the release of prisoners.

For years, Tehran has sought the release of more than a dozen Iranians in the United States, including seven Iranian-American dual nationals, two Iranians with permanent U.S. residency and four Iranian citizens with no legal status in the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the country's state television on Sunday (March 12) that Iran and the United States have reached an agreement for a prisoner swap.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the country's state television on Sunday (March 12) that Iran and the United States have reached an agreement for a prisoner swap. He expressed hope that the prisoner exchange would take place soon. "Regarding the issue of prisoner swaps between Iran and the US, we have reached an agreement in the recent days and if everything goes well on the US side, I think we will witness a prisoner exchange in a short period," Amirabdollahian said. "On our part everything is ready, while the US is currently working on the final technical coordination." A White House official denied Amirabdollahian's statement about the prisoner swap with Washington, adding that the United States was committed to securing the release of Americans held in Iran. "Claims by Iranian officials that we have reached a deal for the release of the U.S. citizens wrongfully held by Iran are false," a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said. One of several Americans held in Iran is Siamak Namazi, a businessman with dual US-Iranian citizenship, who was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for spying and cooperating with the US government. Emad Sharghi, an Iranian-American businessman was first arrested in 2018 when he was working for a tech investment company, is also jailed in Iran, as is Iranian-American environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, who also holds British citizenship. Iranian sources told Reuters that two regional countries were involved in the series of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington for the release of prisoners. For years, Tehran has sought the release of more than a dozen Iranians in the United States, including seven Iranian-American dual nationals, two Iranians with permanent U.S. residency and four Iranian citizens with no legal status in the United States. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran says prisoner swap deal struck with US, Washington denies

The Iranian Supreme Court upheld the death sentence handed over to a Swedish-Iranian dissident who was convicted of leading an Arab separatist group accused of attacks, including the one on a military parade in 2018 that killed 25 people and injured nearly 250. According to the Mizan news agency on Sunday (March 12), Habib Farajollah Chaab was sentenced to death after several court sessions in the presence of his lawyer.&nbsp;

The death sentence of Habib Farajollah Chaab on charges of corruption on earth through the formation, management and leadership of a rebel group called Harakat al-Nidal, and the design and execution of numerous terrorist operations in Khuzestan province, was approved by the Supreme Court, the report said.&nbsp;

Chaab was arrested in 2020 and has been in Iran since then. He was found guilty on charges of "corruption on earth" and the formation of the group-Harakat al-Nidal, which Tehran calls a terrorist group. The Swedish-Iranian dissident was sentenced to death on December 6 last year.&nbsp;

His sentencing comes nearly a week after Iran sentenced to death six members of the rebel group. They were found guilty of armed operations between 2017 and 2019 that killed four people, including a soldier and two members of the Basij paramilitary force, local media reported on March 6.&nbsp;

The members were identified as&nbsp;Ali Mojadam, Mohammad Reza Moghadam, Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghobishavi and Salem Mousavi.

Iran has had tense relations with its ethnic minorities including Arabs, Kurds, Azeris and Baluch, accusing them of aligning with neighbouring countries. &nbsp;And as per Amnesty International, Iran executes more people every year than any other country except China. &nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Iranian Supreme Court upheld the death sentence handed over to a Swedish-Iranian dissident who was convicted of leading an Arab separatist group accused of attacks, including the one on a military parade in 2018 that killed 25 people and injured nearly 250.

The Iranian Supreme Court upheld the death sentence handed over to a Swedish-Iranian dissident who was convicted of leading an Arab separatist group accused of attacks, including the one on a military parade in 2018 that killed 25 people and injured nearly 250. According to the Mizan news agency on Sunday (March 12), Habib Farajollah Chaab was sentenced to death after several court sessions in the presence of his lawyer. The death sentence of Habib Farajollah Chaab on charges of corruption on earth through the formation, management and leadership of a rebel group called Harakat al-Nidal, and the design and execution of numerous terrorist operations in Khuzestan province, was approved by the Supreme Court, the report said. Chaab was arrested in 2020 and has been in Iran since then. He was found guilty on charges of "corruption on earth" and the formation of the group-Harakat al-Nidal, which Tehran calls a terrorist group. The Swedish-Iranian dissident was sentenced to death on December 6 last year. His sentencing comes nearly a week after Iran sentenced to death six members of the rebel group. They were found guilty of armed operations between 2017 and 2019 that killed four people, including a soldier and two members of the Basij paramilitary force, local media reported on March 6. The members were identified as Ali Mojadam, Mohammad Reza Moghadam, Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghobishavi and Salem Mousavi. Iran has had tense relations with its ethnic minorities including Arabs, Kurds, Azeris and Baluch, accusing them of aligning with neighbouring countries. And as per Amnesty International, Iran executes more people every year than any other country except China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentence of Swedish-Iranian dissident

Over 100 have been arrested in Iran, the arrests are in connection with the poisoning of hundreds of school girl across the country and this is according to the state-run news agency. The agency said that the aim of the attacks was to shut down classrooms.

Over 100 arrested for schoolgirls poisoning, Iranian Interior Ministry releases statement

The surprise deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic ties offers much for the United States to be intrigued about, including a possible path to rein in Tehran's nuclear program and a chance to cement a ceasefire in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and Iran resume ties after seven years

China's role in Saudi-Iran deal a tricky test for the U.S.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after talks in Beijing between officials from the two rival Middle East powers.

Iran, Saudi Arabia restore relations in deal brokered by China

Step by systematic step, Chinese President Xi Jinping is moving closer to his ambition to turn his country into a power that can match or surpass the United States as the global military, economic and diplomatic leader.

The latest move to fulfil that ambition was a Chinese-brokered breakthrough agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, long rivals for Middle Eastern dominance, to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies after a seven-year rupture.

It was not by coincidence that the agreement, announced in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, coincided with a unanimous vote – 2,952-0 – in Beijing by the National People’s Congress to give Xi another five years in power, a third term without precedent.

The rapprochement prompted swift applause and thanks to China from the United Nations, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric saying that “good neighbourly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region.”

It is a region where the United States has been the dominant power broker for decades but the White House scoffed at suggestions that the Saudi-Iran agreement was a sign of waning American influence.

“I would stridently push back on the idea that we are stepping back in the Middle East – far from it,” John Kirby, the spokesman of the National Security Council told reporters. But Mark Dubowitz, head of the hawkish anti-Iranian Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, saw it as “a lose, lose, lose for American interests.”

In September 2020, Washington’s power to influence competing powers in the Middle East was highlighted by US-brokered agreements by Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal relations.

The so-called Abraham Accords were signed at the White House and then President Donald Trump hailed it as a significant foreign policy win.

China’s show of diplomatic muscle in the Middle East, with its role in the Saudi-Iran agreement, complements a systematic increase in Chinese involvement in Africa for the past two decades. With its Belt and Road Initiative, China grew political influence and commercial relationships through lending for infrastructure and mining projects throughout the continent.

America’s diminished influence in Africa, often reflected by abstentions or anti-US&nbsp;votes in the UN&nbsp;General Assembly, alarmed the administration of President Joe Biden enough to call a summit last December of almost 50 African heads of government. But whether that will dent China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner remains to be seen.

Why is the Saudi-Iran agreement important? For one, it might help to end the long and brutal war in Yemen, where Iran is backing Houthi rebels who are fighting their Saudi-backed government antagonists.

Optimists might feel that the new agreement could also lessen centuries-old animosity between adherents of Islam’s two main strands. Saudi Arabia portrays itself as the keeper of the Sunni faith while Iran sees itself as the protector of the Shia minority.

It was a Sunni-Shia conflict that led to the break in relations between Riyadh and Tehran: In 2016, Iranian protesters invaded Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran in retaliation for the execution of a prominent Shia cleric, Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. A critic of the Saudi government, he was beheaded, along with 46 people executed for alleged terrorism offences.

A year later, Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for a series of attacks on oil installations, including one that temporarily cut Saudi oil production by almost half. Iran denied the action.

Analysts say that the Chinese-brokered agreement is likely to dim American hopes to broker a peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia to forge a united front against Iran, whose apparent progress towards building a nuclear bomb is a matter of great concern, not only for the US&nbsp;and the region but also the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Will there be Middle East stability in our time? Don’t bet on it. Will China, the world’s most populous country, eventually overtake the United States? Time will tell.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Step by systematic step, Chinese President Xi Jinping is moving closer to his ambition to turn his country into a power that can match or surpass the United States as the global military, economic and diplomatic leader.

Step by systematic step, Chinese President Xi Jinping is moving closer to his ambition to turn his country into a power that can match or surpass the United States as the global military, economic and diplomatic leader. The latest move to fulfil that ambition was a Chinese-brokered breakthrough agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, long rivals for Middle Eastern dominance, to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies after a seven-year rupture. It was not by coincidence that the agreement, announced in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, coincided with a unanimous vote – 2,952-0 – in Beijing by the National People’s Congress to give Xi another five years in power, a third term without precedent. The rapprochement prompted swift applause and thanks to China from the United Nations, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric saying that “good neighbourly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region.” It is a region where the United States has been the dominant power broker for decades but the White House scoffed at suggestions that the Saudi-Iran agreement was a sign of waning American influence. “I would stridently push back on the idea that we are stepping back in the Middle East – far from it,” John Kirby, the spokesman of the National Security Council told reporters. But Mark Dubowitz, head of the hawkish anti-Iranian Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, saw it as “a lose, lose, lose for American interests.” In September 2020, Washington’s power to influence competing powers in the Middle East was highlighted by US-brokered agreements by Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal relations. The so-called Abraham Accords were signed at the White House and then President Donald Trump hailed it as a significant foreign policy win. China’s show of diplomatic muscle in the Middle East, with its role in the Saudi-Iran agreement, complements a systematic increase in Chinese involvement in Africa for the past two decades. With its Belt and Road Initiative, China grew political influence and commercial relationships through lending for infrastructure and mining projects throughout the continent. America’s diminished influence in Africa, often reflected by abstentions or anti-US votes in the UN General Assembly, alarmed the administration of President Joe Biden enough to call a summit last December of almost 50 African heads of government. But whether that will dent China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner remains to be seen. Why is the Saudi-Iran agreement important? For one, it might help to end the long and brutal war in Yemen, where Iran is backing Houthi rebels who are fighting their Saudi-backed government antagonists. Optimists might feel that the new agreement could also lessen centuries-old animosity between adherents of Islam’s two main strands. Saudi Arabia portrays itself as the keeper of the Sunni faith while Iran sees itself as the protector of the Shia minority. It was a Sunni-Shia conflict that led to the break in relations between Riyadh and Tehran: In 2016, Iranian protesters invaded Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran in retaliation for the execution of a prominent Shia cleric, Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. A critic of the Saudi government, he was beheaded, along with 46 people executed for alleged terrorism offences. A year later, Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for a series of attacks on oil installations, including one that temporarily cut Saudi oil production by almost half. Iran denied the action. Analysts say that the Chinese-brokered agreement is likely to dim American hopes to broker a peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia to forge a united front against Iran, whose apparent progress towards building a nuclear bomb is a matter of great concern, not only for the US and the region but also the International Atomic Energy Agency. Will there be Middle East stability in our time? Don’t bet on it. Will China, the world’s most populous country, eventually overtake the United States? Time will tell. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi-Iran deal highlights China’s growing global influence

As the mystery over the poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran continues, the government made its first arrests in the case. The poisoning that started in November in Iran's Qom city has spread to at least 25 of the 31 provinces.

The West Asia Post: Iran makes first arrests in poisoning cases

Iran is deepening its military ties with Russia from supplying drones for the Ukraine war. Iran has now reportedly reached a mega deal to purchase the advanced SU-35 fighter jets as it is now putting in motion a plan to modernize its aging fighter jet.

Iran finalises deal to procure Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to re-establish relations after years of hostility. The absence of ties between the two countries threatened stability and security in the gulf and helped fuel conflicts in west Asia, from Yemen to Syria. The deal, brokered by china, was announced after days of previously undisclosed talks in Beijing between top officials from the two nations. As per a statement issued by Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China, Tehran, and Riyadh agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies within two months. Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in 2016 when its embassy in Tehran was stormed during a dispute over Riyadh's execution of a Shi'ite Muslim cleric. The kingdom had also blamed Iran for missile and drone attacks on its oil facilities in 2019, as well as attacks on tankers in gulf waters. Iran had denied the charges. In the past, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen has also allegedly carried out cross-border missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Iran, Saudi Arabia agree to resume ties, with China’s help

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

In a statement to the United Nations, Tehran said it began approaching "countries to buy fighter jets" to replenish its fleet in the wake of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

"Russia announced it was ready to sell them" after the expiry in October 2020 of restrictions on Iran purchasing conventional weapons under UN Resolution 2231, said the statement carried late Friday by the official IRNA news agency.

"The Sukhoi 35 fighter jets were technically acceptable for Iran," it added.

There have been signs of deepening military ties between Iran and Russia in the past year. Ukraine accuses Iran of providing Russia with Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones which have been used to carry out attacks against Ukrainian targets.

The United States has expressed alarm over the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warning in December that Russia looked likely to sell Iran its fighter jets.

Kirby maintained that Iranian pilots had reportedly been learning to fly the Sukhoi warplanes in Russia, and that Tehran may receive the aircraft within the next year, which would "significantly strengthen Iran's air force relative to its regional neighbours".

Iran currently has mostly Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era, as well as some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7.

Some American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution are also part of its fleet. 
 
The United States began reimposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions. In a statement to the United Nations, Tehran said it began approaching "countries to buy fighter jets" to replenish its fleet in the wake of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. "Russia announced it was ready to sell them" after the expiry in October 2020 of restrictions on Iran purchasing conventional weapons under UN Resolution 2231, said the statement carried late Friday by the official IRNA news agency. "The Sukhoi 35 fighter jets were technically acceptable for Iran," it added. There have been signs of deepening military ties between Iran and Russia in the past year. Ukraine accuses Iran of providing Russia with Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones which have been used to carry out attacks against Ukrainian targets. The United States has expressed alarm over the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warning in December that Russia looked likely to sell Iran its fighter jets. Kirby maintained that Iranian pilots had reportedly been learning to fly the Sukhoi warplanes in Russia, and that Tehran may receive the aircraft within the next year, which would "significantly strengthen Iran's air force relative to its regional neighbours". Iran currently has mostly Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era, as well as some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7. Some American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution are also part of its fleet. The United States began reimposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran seals deal to buy Sukhoi-35 from Russia to modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jets

Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to restore ties after China-brokered talks

Former Israel PM slams Saudi-Iran deal as U.S. welcomes efforts to de-escalate West Asia tensions

Iran & Saudi Arabia have decided to normalise relations in an agreement brokered by China. How did Beijing pull off this diplomatic coup? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: China brokers truce between Iran & Saudi Arabia

Gravitas: Iran, Saudi Arabia restore relations in deal brokered by China

With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement in West Asia. The deal, which entails Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities within two months, indicates a shifting of sands&nbsp;in Beijing's favour in a region where&nbsp;the United States has waged conflicts&nbsp;and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies.&nbsp;

"The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which China mediated, reflects a new reality in West Asia, namely, that China is now a geopolitical and economic power in the region with the ability to influence bilateral relationships and security dynamics," Washington-based Middle East Institute's Mohammed Soliman, the intellectual architect of I2U2 (India, Israel, United Arab Emirates and the United States) group told WION.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-agree-to-restore-relations-report-570638">Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to restore diplomatic ties, reopen embassies</a>

While the spotlight is on China's increasing influence in West Asia as it wades from economic sphere to substantive mediation efforts in the region, it does not displace the United States as the primary security actor in the Gulf, argues Anna Jacobs, senior Gulf Analyst at Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

Saudi Arabia is the largest Foreign Military Sales customer of the United States, with over $100 billion in active FMS cases, according to the latest data published by the US State Department.&nbsp;

"However, China-brokered Saudi-Iran deal does reflect Beijing's increasing influence in the Gulf beyond the economic sphere. China seems ready to wade more substantively into dialogue and mediation efforts in the region, which reflects China's rising geopolitical clout," Jacobs added.

<h2>Beijing's diplomacy outfoxes West</h2>

China in recent years has spent significant diplomatic capital to build closer economic ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Shia and Sunni powerhouses of the Islamic world rivalling each other's geostrategic trajectories.&nbsp;

"The Saudi-Iran deal shows a desire from both countries to deal with their differences through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than conflict and proxy competition," Jacobs said.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping raised the idea of the talks most recently during a state visit to Riyadh in December, according to people familiar with the matter cited by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: China, Iran &amp; Russia to create a new World Order?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-china-iran-russia-to-create-a-new-world-order-563496/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While Riyadh is an important oil supplier to the world’s second-largest economy, Beijing has made a special effort to make significant oil purchases from Tehran despite the United States-led sanctions against Iran for its reported nuclear belligerence in the region.&nbsp;

<h2>Saudi-Iran ties: The hostilities of recent past</h2>

The Saudi-Iran ties soured in January 2016 after the execution of a prominent Saudi Arabia Shia cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, commonly referred to as Sheikh Nimr. Following the execution, a mob in Tehran stormed the Saudi embassy while another set the Saudi consulate in Mashhad on fire. Mashhad is Iran's second most populous city located about 900 km east of Tehran.&nbsp;

The already strained Saudi-Iran ties were severed shortly after.&nbsp;

In 2019, the two sides were on the brink of war when Iran was blamed for missile and drone attacks on a Saudi oil field.

<h2>Saudi-Iran ties restored: Implications for conflicts in West Asia</h2>

Since the beginning of the civil war in Yemen in 2014, Iran has been accused of backing Houthi rebels in Yemen, a Shiite movement fighting Yemen's Sunni-dominated government. But as part of the deal, Iran has reportedly pledged to halt attacks against Saudi Arabia, including from Houthi rebels it has admitted supporting 'politically' in the past.

"It would be difficult for Saudi Arabia to agree to a roadmap for normalising relations with Iran without serious security assurances from Iran in Yemen, as well as on a host of other issues," Jacobs said, reflecting on the importance of restoration of a number of bilateral agreements between Tehran and Riyadh after Friday's breakthrough, including a Security Cooperation Agreement.&nbsp;

But Soliman urges caution on a wider expectation related to the cessation of hostilities in the region.&nbsp;

"There are no clear guarantees from China that it might push Iran to change its approach to the region, particularly in Yemen," Soliman advises.&nbsp;

In Yemen, a United Nations-negotiated ceasefire between the Houthi rebels and Yemeni government expired in October 2022 but a de-facto truce continues to remain in place, leading to a&nbsp;pause in fighting.&nbsp;

After Friday's breakthrough, the need for a more permanent ceasefire in Yemen are being felt.&nbsp;

"In Yemen, there is already a de-facto truce without a formal truce, which has been positive, but the Saudi-Iran deal suggests there could be a more permanent ceasefire deal in the making in Yemen," Jacobs said.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement in West Asia.

With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement in West Asia. The deal, which entails Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities within two months, indicates a shifting of sands in Beijing's favour in a region where the United States has waged conflicts and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies. "The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which China mediated, reflects a new reality in West Asia, namely, that China is now a geopolitical and economic power in the region with the ability to influence bilateral relationships and security dynamics," Washington-based Middle East Institute's Mohammed Soliman, the intellectual architect of I2U2 (India, Israel, United Arab Emirates and the United States) group told WION. ALSO READ | Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to restore diplomatic ties, reopen embassies While the spotlight is on China's increasing influence in West Asia as it wades from economic sphere to substantive mediation efforts in the region, it does not displace the United States as the primary security actor in the Gulf, argues Anna Jacobs, senior Gulf Analyst at Brussels-based International Crisis Group. Saudi Arabia is the largest Foreign Military Sales customer of the United States, with over $100 billion in active FMS cases, according to the latest data published by the US State Department. "However, China-brokered Saudi-Iran deal does reflect Beijing's increasing influence in the Gulf beyond the economic sphere. China seems ready to wade more substantively into dialogue and mediation efforts in the region, which reflects China's rising geopolitical clout," Jacobs added. Beijing's diplomacy outfoxes West China in recent years has spent significant diplomatic capital to build closer economic ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Shia and Sunni powerhouses of the Islamic world rivalling each other's geostrategic trajectories. "The Saudi-Iran deal shows a desire from both countries to deal with their differences through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than conflict and proxy competition," Jacobs said. Chinese leader Xi Jinping raised the idea of the talks most recently during a state visit to Riyadh in December, according to people familiar with the matter cited by the Wall Street Journal. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: China, Iran & Russia to create a new World Order? × While Riyadh is an important oil supplier to the world’s second-largest economy, Beijing has made a special effort to make significant oil purchases from Tehran despite the United States-led sanctions against Iran for its reported nuclear belligerence in the region. Saudi-Iran ties: The hostilities of recent past The Saudi-Iran ties soured in January 2016 after the execution of a prominent Saudi Arabia Shia cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, commonly referred to as Sheikh Nimr. Following the execution, a mob in Tehran stormed the Saudi embassy while another set the Saudi consulate in Mashhad on fire. Mashhad is Iran's second most populous city located about 900 km east of Tehran. The already strained Saudi-Iran ties were severed shortly after. In 2019, the two sides were on the brink of war when Iran was blamed for missile and drone attacks on a Saudi oil field. Saudi-Iran ties restored: Implications for conflicts in West Asia Since the beginning of the civil war in Yemen in 2014, Iran has been accused of backing Houthi rebels in Yemen, a Shiite movement fighting Yemen's Sunni-dominated government. But as part of the deal, Iran has reportedly pledged to halt attacks against Saudi Arabia, including from Houthi rebels it has admitted supporting 'politically' in the past. "It would be difficult for Saudi Arabia to agree to a roadmap for normalising relations with Iran without serious security assurances from Iran in Yemen, as well as on a host of other issues," Jacobs said, reflecting on the importance of restoration of a number of bilateral agreements between Tehran and Riyadh after Friday's breakthrough, including a Security Cooperation Agreement. But Soliman urges caution on a wider expectation related to the cessation of hostilities in the region. "There are no clear guarantees from China that it might push Iran to change its approach to the region, particularly in Yemen," Soliman advises. In Yemen, a United Nations-negotiated ceasefire between the Houthi rebels and Yemeni government expired in October 2022 but a de-facto truce continues to remain in place, leading to a pause in fighting. After Friday's breakthrough, the need for a more permanent ceasefire in Yemen are being felt. "In Yemen, there is already a de-facto truce without a formal truce, which has been positive, but the Saudi-Iran deal suggests there could be a more permanent ceasefire deal in the making in Yemen," Jacobs said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West

Iran and Saudi Arabia, regional competitors in West Asia, have agreed to restore diplomatic ties, state media reported.

"Following talks, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months," Iran's&nbsp;official IRNA news agency said, citing a joint statement.

Riyadh had cut ties with Tehran after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in the Islamic republic in 2016 following the Saudi execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The two countries have now decided to mutually open diplomatic missions.

The official Saudi Press Agency also published the statement.

Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, had travelled to Beijing on Monday for "intensive negotiations with his Saudi counterpart in China in order to finally resolve the problems between Tehran and Riyadh", IRNA said.

Shiite-majority Iran and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflict zones across the Middle East, including in Yemen where the Houthi rebels are backed by Tehran, and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government.

Iraq, a neighbour to both countries, had hosted several rounds of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia since April 2021.

Those encounters were held at a relatively low level, involving security and intelligence officials.

In Friday's statement, Iran and Saudi Arabia said they "thank the Republic of Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the talks held between the two sides in 2021 and 2022 as well as the leaders and government of the People's Republic of China for hosting and supporting the talks held in that country."

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Iran and Saudi Arabia, regional competitors in West Asia, have agreed to restore diplomatic ties, state media reported. "Following talks, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months," Iran's official IRNA news agency said, citing a joint statement.

Iran and Saudi Arabia, regional competitors in West Asia, have agreed to restore diplomatic ties, state media reported. "Following talks, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months," Iran's official IRNA news agency said, citing a joint statement. Riyadh had cut ties with Tehran after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in the Islamic republic in 2016 following the Saudi execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The two countries have now decided to mutually open diplomatic missions. The official Saudi Press Agency also published the statement. Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, had travelled to Beijing on Monday for "intensive negotiations with his Saudi counterpart in China in order to finally resolve the problems between Tehran and Riyadh", IRNA said. Shiite-majority Iran and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflict zones across the Middle East, including in Yemen where the Houthi rebels are backed by Tehran, and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government. Iraq, a neighbour to both countries, had hosted several rounds of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia since April 2021. Those encounters were held at a relatively low level, involving security and intelligence officials. In Friday's statement, Iran and Saudi Arabia said they "thank the Republic of Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the talks held between the two sides in 2021 and 2022 as well as the leaders and government of the People's Republic of China for hosting and supporting the talks held in that country." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to restore diplomatic ties, reopen embassies: Report

Iran announced on March 7 it had made the first arrests in a spate of mystery poisonings of schoolgirls that has affected more than 5,000 pupils since late November.

Arrests in six provinces of Iran as school poisoning cases top 5,000 victims

The Iranian government on Tuesday announced that few suspects have been arrested in the case of mystery poisonings of schoolgirls, which affected more than 5,000 students since late November.

On Monday, Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that the perpetrators of the "unforgivable crime" must be tracked down "without mercy" as public anger continues to mount.

In a statement, the interior ministry on Tuesday said that "a number of people", who are suspected of producing hazardous substances, have been arrested in six provinces, which includes a pupil's parent.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-of-the-poisoned-schoolgirls-in-iran-a-case-of-mass-psychogenic-illness-569037">Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness?</a>

Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Majid Mirahmadi on Tuesday said that several arrests have been made by the "intelligence agencies", "and the relevant agencies are conducting a full investigation".

Since late November, cases of poisoning were reported from multiple Iranian schools with people suffering from vertigo, nausea and shortness of breath, after complaining about "unpleasant" odours on school premises. Some of the girls have received treatment in the hospital.

"Twenty-five (out of 31) provinces and approximately 230 schools have been affected, and more than 5,000 schoolgirls and boys poisoned," said Mohammad-Hassan Asafari, the parliamentary fact-finding committee's member on Monday.

"Various tests are being carried out to identify the type and cause of the poisonings. So far, no specific information has been obtained regarding the type of poison used,” he added.

The cases of mystery poisonings have led to a wave of anger and have increased demand for action from the government authorities.

According to a statement from the interior ministry, arrests were made in West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, Khorasan, Khuzestan, Fars and Alborz provinces.

WATCH | Iran: Girls 'poisoned' to stop them from going to school

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-girls-poisoned-to-stop-them-from-going-to-school-566538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“One of those arrested had allegedly used their child to insert the 'irritant' into the school, and then recorded videos of sick students which were sent to “hostile media" to "create fear... and close schools", the statement read.

The statement added that three suspects have been found with criminal records "including involvement in the recent riots", by which the Iranian authorities referred to the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.

Amini, aged 22, was arrested by morality police over failure to follow the strict dress code for women and died in custody on September 16.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Iranian government on Tuesday announced that few suspects have been arrested in the case of mystery poisonings of schoolgirls, which affected more than 5,000 students since late November.

The Iranian government on Tuesday announced that few suspects have been arrested in the case of mystery poisonings of schoolgirls, which affected more than 5,000 students since late November. On Monday, Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that the perpetrators of the "unforgivable crime" must be tracked down "without mercy" as public anger continues to mount. In a statement, the interior ministry on Tuesday said that "a number of people", who are suspected of producing hazardous substances, have been arrested in six provinces, which includes a pupil's parent. ALSO READ | Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness? Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Majid Mirahmadi on Tuesday said that several arrests have been made by the "intelligence agencies", "and the relevant agencies are conducting a full investigation". Since late November, cases of poisoning were reported from multiple Iranian schools with people suffering from vertigo, nausea and shortness of breath, after complaining about "unpleasant" odours on school premises. Some of the girls have received treatment in the hospital. "Twenty-five (out of 31) provinces and approximately 230 schools have been affected, and more than 5,000 schoolgirls and boys poisoned," said Mohammad-Hassan Asafari, the parliamentary fact-finding committee's member on Monday. "Various tests are being carried out to identify the type and cause of the poisonings. So far, no specific information has been obtained regarding the type of poison used,” he added. The cases of mystery poisonings have led to a wave of anger and have increased demand for action from the government authorities. According to a statement from the interior ministry, arrests were made in West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, Khorasan, Khuzestan, Fars and Alborz provinces. WATCH | Iran: Girls 'poisoned' to stop them from going to school “One of those arrested had allegedly used their child to insert the 'irritant' into the school, and then recorded videos of sick students which were sent to “hostile media" to "create fear... and close schools", the statement read. The statement added that three suspects have been found with criminal records "including involvement in the recent riots", by which the Iranian authorities referred to the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody. Amini, aged 22, was arrested by morality police over failure to follow the strict dress code for women and died in custody on September 16. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iran makes first arrest in school poisonings as cases reach 5,000

A recent report in Psychology Today suggests that the alleged poisoning of young school girls in Iran may appear to be state terrorism, but might actually be psychogenic in nature. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: The mystery behind the alleged poisoning of children in Iran

As protests continue in Iran over suspected poison attacks on schoolgirls, Iran's Judiciary on Monday said that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished. The further clampdown on women's rights in Iran comes less than a year after Mahsa Amini's death. Meanwhile, at least 15 people were killed and dozens were injured in a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains in Serasan Island, in Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. &nbsp;

Amoung other news,&nbsp;the drama continued in Pakistan over Imran Khan a day after he dodged his arrest. Islamabad court rejected a plea filed by the former prime minister where he sought suspension of a non-bailable warrant issued against him in the Toshakhana case.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-women-to-be-punished-for-violating-islamic-dress-code-says-judiciary-569190">Iran: Women to be punished for violating Islamic dress code, says judiciary chief</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/02/322655-mahsa-amini.png?imwidth=1920" />

Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday (March 6) that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished, reported Iran's official IRNA news agency. The report has come less than a year after Mahsa Amini's death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/landslide-strikes-indonesia-at-least-15-killed-50-feared-missing-569262">Landslide strikes Indonesia, at least 15 killed, 50 feared missing &nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337068-land.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

At least 15 people were killed and more than dozens injured after a landslide caused by incessant rains struck Serasan Island, Riau Islands Province—one of the outermost islands in Indonesia. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-court-rejects-pak-ex-pm-imran-khans-plea-to-suspend-arrest-warrant-in-toshakhana-case-569132">Islamabad court rejects Pak ex-PM Imran Khan's plea to suspend arrest warrant in Toshakhana case</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337012-khan.png?imwidth=1920" />

A court in Pakistan's capital Islamabad has rejected a plea filed by former prime minister Imran Khan seeking suspension of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him in the Toshakhana (gift depository) case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-defence-minister-sergei-shoigu-visits-mariupol-in-ukraine-569159">Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visits Mariupol in Ukraine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337028-sergei-shoigu.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday (March 6) that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited Mariuopol, a city in southern Ukraine. His visit has come about a year after Russian forces besieged the city, levelling it to the ground.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-will-soon-allow-users-to-post-tweets-with-10000-characters-says-elon-musk-569196">Twitter will ‘soon’ allow users to post tweets with 10,000 characters, says Elon Musk</a>

 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337051-wion-images-91.png?imwidth=1920" />

Twitter chief Elon Musk, on early Sunday (March 6) confirmed that users on the microblogging platform can send “longform tweets” with up to 10,000 characters. While responding to a user’s question, Musk also said that the feature would be rolled out “soon” without giving any specific timeline.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-may-cease-to-exist-warns-pm-fumio-kishida-aide-as-birthrate-plummets-to-record-levels-569234">Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/24/290103-untitled-design-2022-08-24t142706248.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
 
Japan may disappear if the current trend of falling birth rate continues, warned Masako Mori, an upper house lawmaker and former minister who advises Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the falling birthrate problem.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-defence-minister-warns-china-may-make-sudden-entry-569220">Taiwan’s defence minister warns China may make ‘sudden entry’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337052-taiwan.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng on Monday said that the country should prepare itself for a “sudden entry” of the Chinese military into its air and sea space, and pressed for increased military exchanges with the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-bgt-202223-steve-smith-set-to-lead-in-final-test-in-pat-cumminss-absence-569184">India vs Australia, BGT 2022/23: Steve Smith set to lead in final Test in Pat Cummins' absence</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337039-india-vs-aus-bgt-2022-23-smith-set-to-lead-in-final-test-in-cummins-absence.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Steve Smith is set to lead Australia in the fourth and final Test versus India as well, with regular skipper Pat Cummins to remain in Australia with his ailing mother. The Aussie speedster's mother Maria is ill with breast cancer and is in palliative care, as reported by Cricket Australia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/1-dead-8-injured-in-stampede-at-glorilla-concert-in-new-york-569228">1 dead, 8 injured in stampede at GloRilla concert in New York</a> 
&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337055-untitled-design-2023-03-06t191703637.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Rapper GloRilla, a Memphis native, was performing at the Rochester Main Street Armory, New York on Sunday when false fears of a shooting caused a stampede, killing one person and injuring eight others, according to Rochester police Lt. Nicholas Adams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/you-season-4-part-ii-release-date-when-how-to-watch-you-season-4-part-ii-check-release-date-on-netflix-569224">YOU Season 4, Part II Release Date: When &amp; How to Watch YOU Season 4, Part II, Check release date on Netflix</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/337053-you-season-4.png?imwidth=1920" />Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) has returned with a new identity, a new love interest and a new serial murderer to confront. Joe's aspirations for a fresh life in the UK were dashed when he found himself in the sights of the 'Eat The Rich' killer, who was eager to become best friends with him after fleeing the California carnage of season three. What does Joe intend to do now that he knows who they are?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As protests continue in Iran over suspected poison attacks on schoolgirls, Iran's Judiciary on Monday said that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished.

As protests continue in Iran over suspected poison attacks on schoolgirls, Iran's Judiciary on Monday said that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished. The further clampdown on women's rights in Iran comes less than a year after Mahsa Amini's death. Meanwhile, at least 15 people were killed and dozens were injured in a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains in Serasan Island, in Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. Amoung other news, the drama continued in Pakistan over Imran Khan a day after he dodged his arrest. Islamabad court rejected a plea filed by the former prime minister where he sought suspension of a non-bailable warrant issued against him in the Toshakhana case. Click on the headlines to read more: Iran: Women to be punished for violating Islamic dress code, says judiciary chief Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday (March 6) that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished, reported Iran's official IRNA news agency. The report has come less than a year after Mahsa Amini's death. Landslide strikes Indonesia, at least 15 killed, 50 feared missing At least 15 people were killed and more than dozens injured after a landslide caused by incessant rains struck Serasan Island, Riau Islands Province—one of the outermost islands in Indonesia. Islamabad court rejects Pak ex-PM Imran Khan's plea to suspend arrest warrant in Toshakhana case A court in Pakistan's capital Islamabad has rejected a plea filed by former prime minister Imran Khan seeking suspension of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him in the Toshakhana (gift depository) case. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visits Mariupol in Ukraine Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday (March 6) that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited Mariuopol, a city in southern Ukraine. His visit has come about a year after Russian forces besieged the city, levelling it to the ground. Twitter will ‘soon’ allow users to post tweets with 10,000 characters, says Elon Musk Twitter chief Elon Musk, on early Sunday (March 6) confirmed that users on the microblogging platform can send “longform tweets” with up to 10,000 characters. While responding to a user’s question, Musk also said that the feature would be rolled out “soon” without giving any specific timeline. Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels Japan may disappear if the current trend of falling birth rate continues, warned Masako Mori, an upper house lawmaker and former minister who advises Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the falling birthrate problem. Taiwan’s defence minister warns China may make ‘sudden entry’ Taiwan’s Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng on Monday said that the country should prepare itself for a “sudden entry” of the Chinese military into its air and sea space, and pressed for increased military exchanges with the US. India vs Australia, BGT 2022/23: Steve Smith set to lead in final Test in Pat Cummins' absence Steve Smith is set to lead Australia in the fourth and final Test versus India as well, with regular skipper Pat Cummins to remain in Australia with his ailing mother. The Aussie speedster's mother Maria is ill with breast cancer and is in palliative care, as reported by Cricket Australia. 1 dead, 8 injured in stampede at GloRilla concert in New York Rapper GloRilla, a Memphis native, was performing at the Rochester Main Street Armory, New York on Sunday when false fears of a shooting caused a stampede, killing one person and injuring eight others, according to Rochester police Lt. Nicholas Adams. YOU Season 4, Part II Release Date: When & How to Watch YOU Season 4, Part II, Check release date on Netflix Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) has returned with a new identity, a new love interest and a new serial murderer to confront. Joe's aspirations for a fresh life in the UK were dashed when he found himself in the sights of the 'Eat The Rich' killer, who was eager to become best friends with him after fleeing the California carnage of season three. What does Joe intend to do now that he knows who they are?

Top 10 world news: Iran's judiciary to punish women over dress code, Indonesia landslides kill 15, & more

A recent report in Psychology Today<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/its-catching/202303/psychology-and-the-mystery-of-the-poisoned-schoolgirls"> </a>suggests&nbsp;that the alleged "poisoning" of young school girls in Iran may appear to be state terrorism, but might actually be&nbsp;psychogenic in nature.&nbsp;It follows&nbsp;a pattern: A mass illness, a media frenzy, and accusations of state terrorism.

The <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/its-catching/202303/psychology-and-the-mystery-of-the-poisoned-schoolgirls">report&nbsp;</a>says that Iran's&nbsp;case of "poisoning" should be taken with a pinch of salt as&nbsp;there is no proof of a poisonous chemical, there have been no fatalities, and almost all sufferers have recovered quickly.

There are startling similarities between the events in Iran, Afghanistan, and the West Bank where female students in Islamic schools have in different time periods&nbsp;exhibited symptoms like&nbsp;headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and blurred vision, and have fainted&nbsp;and were taken to the hospital.&nbsp;

In line with Iran's "poisoning"&nbsp;case, despite many medical examinations which have included blood testing, Iranian authorities have not made any arrests and been unable to identify a chemical agent.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-discovered-huge-deposits-of-lithium-critical-for-electric-mobility-568617">Iran says it has discovered huge deposits of Lithium critical for electric mobility</a>

Experts&nbsp;say that there is a bigger psychological factor at play. The girls in all three cases - Afghanistan, West Bank and Palestine - were suffering from a mass psychogenic illness, as per&nbsp;Psychology Today.&nbsp;Another study conducted by the World Health Organization that looked at comparable outbreaks at 22 schools nationwide and analysed blood, urine, and water also came to the same conclusion.&nbsp;

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank in March and April 1983, approximately a thousand Palestinian schoolgirls experienced headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and weakness.

The incident generated worrying allegations of widespread poisonings and made international news. It gave rise to accusations that the girls had been poisoned by Israeli operatives or extremist civilians.

The outbreak's original instance, which happened at a school, was ultimately linked to a lavatory odour.

However, it was determined by two different studies published in The Lancet that the sickness was psychological. Another examination, which was reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry, concluded that the outbreak was significantly influenced by an Israeli newspaper article in which a writer falsely claimed that some of the sufferers had become blind.

<h2>What happened in Iran?</h2>

Dozens of schoolgirls in Iran were taken to the hospital on Tuesday following a mysterious poisoning, the most recent in a string of such 'attacks', as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

There have been hundreds of cases of respiratory distress among Iranian schoolgirls in the last three months, mostly in the city of Qom, south of Tehran, with some requiring hospitalisation.

Iran's supreme leader Ali&nbsp;Khamenei said on Monday that poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls in recent months is an "unforgivable" crime amid the spread of suspected poisoning across the country with hundreds of girls hospitalised.

"Authorities should seriously pursue the issue of students' poisoning. This is an unforgivable crime... the perpetrators of this crime should be severely punished," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media.

According to a government official who spoke to the Guardian, the attacks were likely a calculated attempt to compel the closure of girls' schools.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

A recent report in Psychology Today suggests that the alleged "poisoning" of young school girls in Iran may appear to be state terrorism, but might actually be psychogenic in nature.

A recent report in Psychology Today suggests that the alleged "poisoning" of young school girls in Iran may appear to be state terrorism, but might actually be psychogenic in nature. It follows a pattern: A mass illness, a media frenzy, and accusations of state terrorism. The report says that Iran's case of "poisoning" should be taken with a pinch of salt as there is no proof of a poisonous chemical, there have been no fatalities, and almost all sufferers have recovered quickly. There are startling similarities between the events in Iran, Afghanistan, and the West Bank where female students in Islamic schools have in different time periods exhibited symptoms like headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and blurred vision, and have fainted and were taken to the hospital. In line with Iran's "poisoning" case, despite many medical examinations which have included blood testing, Iranian authorities have not made any arrests and been unable to identify a chemical agent. ALSO READ | Iran says it has discovered huge deposits of Lithium critical for electric mobility Experts say that there is a bigger psychological factor at play. The girls in all three cases - Afghanistan, West Bank and Palestine - were suffering from a mass psychogenic illness, as per Psychology Today. Another study conducted by the World Health Organization that looked at comparable outbreaks at 22 schools nationwide and analysed blood, urine, and water also came to the same conclusion. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank in March and April 1983, approximately a thousand Palestinian schoolgirls experienced headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and weakness. The incident generated worrying allegations of widespread poisonings and made international news. It gave rise to accusations that the girls had been poisoned by Israeli operatives or extremist civilians. The outbreak's original instance, which happened at a school, was ultimately linked to a lavatory odour. However, it was determined by two different studies published in The Lancet that the sickness was psychological. Another examination, which was reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry, concluded that the outbreak was significantly influenced by an Israeli newspaper article in which a writer falsely claimed that some of the sufferers had become blind. What happened in Iran? Dozens of schoolgirls in Iran were taken to the hospital on Tuesday following a mysterious poisoning, the most recent in a string of such 'attacks', as reported by AFP. There have been hundreds of cases of respiratory distress among Iranian schoolgirls in the last three months, mostly in the city of Qom, south of Tehran, with some requiring hospitalisation. Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei said on Monday that poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls in recent months is an "unforgivable" crime amid the spread of suspected poisoning across the country with hundreds of girls hospitalised. "Authorities should seriously pursue the issue of students' poisoning. This is an unforgivable crime... the perpetrators of this crime should be severely punished," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media. According to a government official who spoke to the Guardian, the attacks were likely a calculated attempt to compel the closure of girls' schools. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of  mass psychogenic illness?

Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday (March 6) that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished, reported Iran's official IRNA news agency. The report has come less than a year after Mahsa Amini's death.

Mahsa Amini (22) was detained by Iran's feared Morality Police in September last year for her 'inappropriate attire.' Amini's custodial death sparked nationwide protests which the authorities found hard to contain.

"Removing one's hijab is equivalent to showing enmity to the Islamic Republic and its values. People who engage in such an abnormal act will be punished," Ejei said as per IRNA news agency.

"With the help of the judiciary and executive, authorities will use all available means to deal with the people who cooperate with the enemy and commit this sin that harms public order."

Watch | Iran: Over 1200 schoolgirls fall ill due to alleged poisoning

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-over-1200-schoolgirls-fall-ill-due-to-alleged-poisoning-569139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The protests in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini have been met with brutal crackdown from the state. This has resulted in death of several protesters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-of-the-poisoned-schoolgirls-in-iran-a-case-of-mass-psychogenic-illness-569037">Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness?</a>

The protests that started after death of Mahsa Amini were nationwide. The anger among the people even elicited demands of downfall of the Islamic clerical regime led by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iranian-leader-calls-suspected-poisoning-of-schoolgirls-unforgivable-warns-no-amnesty-for-perpetrators-569165">Iranian leader calls suspected poisoning of schoolgirls ‘unforgivable’, warns no amnesty for perpetrators</a>

The regime has, on many occasions, chosen to denounce the protests. The protesters have been regarded as 'rioters' by Iran's top leaders.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday (March 6) that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished, reported Iran's official IRNA news agency.

Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday (March 6) that women violating the Islamic dress code will be punished, reported Iran's official IRNA news agency. The report has come less than a year after Mahsa Amini's death. Mahsa Amini (22) was detained by Iran's feared Morality Police in September last year for her 'inappropriate attire.' Amini's custodial death sparked nationwide protests which the authorities found hard to contain. "Removing one's hijab is equivalent to showing enmity to the Islamic Republic and its values. People who engage in such an abnormal act will be punished," Ejei said as per IRNA news agency. "With the help of the judiciary and executive, authorities will use all available means to deal with the people who cooperate with the enemy and commit this sin that harms public order." Watch | Iran: Over 1200 schoolgirls fall ill due to alleged poisoning × The protests in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini have been met with brutal crackdown from the state. This has resulted in death of several protesters. Also Read | Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness? The protests that started after death of Mahsa Amini were nationwide. The anger among the people even elicited demands of downfall of the Islamic clerical regime led by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also Read | Iranian leader calls suspected poisoning of schoolgirls ‘unforgivable’, warns no amnesty for perpetrators The regime has, on many occasions, chosen to denounce the protests. The protesters have been regarded as 'rioters' by Iran's top leaders. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran: Women to be punished for violating Islamic dress code, says judiciary chief

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday (March 6) addressed the reports of the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Tehran and called the incidents an “unforgivable” crime. This was the first time he had acknowledged the matter since the poisoning allegedly began late last year and has since affected hundreds.&nbsp;

According to state media reports and officials more than 1,000 girls from different schools across the country have suffered “mild poison” attacks since November. “Authorities should seriously pursue the issue of students' poisoning,” said Khamenei, on state TV, as per Reuters. He added, “If it is proven deliberate, those perpetrators of this unforgivable crime should be sentenced to capital punishment and there will be no amnesty for them.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-over-1200-schoolgirls-fall-ill-due-to-alleged-poisoning-569139">Iran: Over 1200 schoolgirls fall ill due to alleged poisoning</a>

Even Iranian officials only recently began to only acknowledge such incidents in recent weeks. The Iranian leader’s remarks also come days after more Iranian girls were hospitalised over suspected poisoning over the weekend amid growing concerns over their safety across the country.&nbsp;

According to Iranian media reports, more than 60 schools across ten provinces have reported that girls are falling mysteriously ill including one boy’s school. However, the number of schools has varied across media outlets. Meanwhile, officials have said more than 50 schools across 21 of Iran’s 30 provinces have reported these suspected attacks since November.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-of-the-poisoned-schoolgirls-in-iran-a-case-of-mass-psychogenic-illness-569037">Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness?</a>

Over the weekend, Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that “suspicious samples” had been collected by investigators and said some 52 schools had been affected by suspected poisonings. However, he did not elaborate any further and said that they were being studied and urged the public to remain calm. &nbsp;

“In field studies, suspicious samples have been found, which are being investigated...to identify the causes of the students' illness, and the results will be published as soon as possible,” said Vahidi as per Iran’s official IRNA news agency. This comes after parents reportedly took to the streets in the Iranian capital city of Tehran to protest the possible cases of poisoning, on Saturday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday (March 6) addressed the reports of the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Tehran and called the incidents an “unforgivable” crime.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday (March 6) addressed the reports of the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Tehran and called the incidents an “unforgivable” crime. This was the first time he had acknowledged the matter since the poisoning allegedly began late last year and has since affected hundreds. According to state media reports and officials more than 1,000 girls from different schools across the country have suffered “mild poison” attacks since November. “Authorities should seriously pursue the issue of students' poisoning,” said Khamenei, on state TV, as per Reuters. He added, “If it is proven deliberate, those perpetrators of this unforgivable crime should be sentenced to capital punishment and there will be no amnesty for them.” ALSO WATCH | Iran: Over 1200 schoolgirls fall ill due to alleged poisoning Even Iranian officials only recently began to only acknowledge such incidents in recent weeks. The Iranian leader’s remarks also come days after more Iranian girls were hospitalised over suspected poisoning over the weekend amid growing concerns over their safety across the country. According to Iranian media reports, more than 60 schools across ten provinces have reported that girls are falling mysteriously ill including one boy’s school. However, the number of schools has varied across media outlets. Meanwhile, officials have said more than 50 schools across 21 of Iran’s 30 provinces have reported these suspected attacks since November. ALSO READ | Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness? Over the weekend, Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that “suspicious samples” had been collected by investigators and said some 52 schools had been affected by suspected poisonings. However, he did not elaborate any further and said that they were being studied and urged the public to remain calm. “In field studies, suspicious samples have been found, which are being investigated...to identify the causes of the students' illness, and the results will be published as soon as possible,” said Vahidi as per Iran’s official IRNA news agency. This comes after parents reportedly took to the streets in the Iranian capital city of Tehran to protest the possible cases of poisoning, on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian leader calls suspected poisoning of schoolgirls ‘unforgivable’, warns no amnesty for perpetrators

In the most uncanny incident so far, cases of mystery illnesses have escalated in Iran over the weekend. The recent cases have come from the city of Abhar and from the southwestern city of of Ahvaz.

Iran: Over 1200 schoolgirls fall ill due to alleged poisoning

Since the time Uranium of high-grade purity has been discovered in Iran, the transfer between IAEA, the United Nations' Nuclear Watchdog and local Iranian authorities have been at the centre of scrutiny and discussions.

Second day of talks between Iran & IAEA: Discussions over weapon-grade Uranium discovered in Iran

Parents protested against suspected poisoning incidents in Tehran's streets after dozens of schoolgirls were reportedly hospitalised across Iran on Saturday.

Girls in at least 30 schools in Iran suspiciously fall ill

Since the time Uranium of high-grade purity was discovered in Iran, the tussle between IAEA, the UN Nuclear watchdog and local Iranian authorities have been at the centre of scrutiny and discussions. The discovery of weapon-grade Uranium has now led to new negotiations between the two nations. The new agreement between Iran and the Nuclear watchdog entails re-installing of monitoring equipment to gain access to people of interest. The nuclear watchdog's chief said that an investigation into uranium traces at undeclared sites will be one of the priorities.

IAEA-Iran Talks: Discussions over weapon-grade Uranium discovered in Iran

A day after the UN nuclear watchdog chief said that any military attack on a nuclear facility was illegal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed remarks by Raphael Grossi as "unworthy".

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Grossi, who was on a two-day visit to Iran, after meetings with Iranian officials, said in a press conference on Saturday that any military attack on a nuclear facility is an outlaw.&nbsp;

While denouncing Grossi's remarks, Israel, Iran's regional archrival, asserted that the country is "permitted" to defend itself.&nbsp;Speaking with his cabinet in televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu stated, "Rafael Grossi is a worthy person who made an unworthy remark."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauritian-foreign-minister-alan-ganoo-praises-indias-leadership-at-g20-highlights-impact-of-ukraine-conflict-568771">Mauritian Foreign Minister Alan Ganoo praises India's leadership at G20, highlights impact of Ukraine conflict</a>

"Outside what law? Is it permissible for Iran, which openly calls for our destruction, to organise the tools of slaughter for our destruction? Are we forbidden from defending ourselves? We are obviously permitted to do this."

Tel Aviv has been calling out Europe and the United States for a firm stance against Iran in view of its nuclear programme advances.

Israel was also accused of launching attacks on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. A power failure occurred at Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site in April 2021 following an explosion at the facility. Iranian officials at the time blamed Israel for it.&nbsp;

Tehran also accused Israel of killing its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh using a remote-controlled weapon.&nbsp;Rafael Grossi was in Iran for a two-day visit to hold discussions in an effort to persuade the nation to assist with an investigation into uranium traces discovered at undeclared sites.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-foreign-minister-naledi-pandor-sees-indias-g20-leadership-as-opportunity-for-global-south-568817">South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor sees India's G20 leadership as opportunity for Global South</a>

“I think any attack, any military attack on a nuclear facility is outlaw, is out of the normative structures that we all abide by," Grossi had said on Saturday.&nbsp;

“We certainly hope that we are going to be able to protect the nuclear power plant which is under threat now, which is [Ukraine’s] Zaporizhzhia,” Grossi said. “But this is valid and applicable to every nuclear facility in the world.”

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africas-foreign-minister-speaks-to-wion-on-india-ties-russia-ukraine-conflict-568786">South Africa's Foreign Minister speaks to WION on India ties, Russia Ukraine conflict</a>

According to a classified IAEA assessment obtained by AFP this week, uranium particles up to 83.7 per cent enriched — just under the 90% needed to create an atomic bomb — had been found at Iran's subterranean Fordo site around 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A day after the UN nuclear watchdog chief said that any military attack on a nuclear facility was illegal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed remarks by Raphael Grossi as "unworthy".

A day after the UN nuclear watchdog chief said that any military attack on a nuclear facility was illegal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed remarks by Raphael Grossi as "unworthy". International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Grossi, who was on a two-day visit to Iran, after meetings with Iranian officials, said in a press conference on Saturday that any military attack on a nuclear facility is an outlaw. While denouncing Grossi's remarks, Israel, Iran's regional archrival, asserted that the country is "permitted" to defend itself. Speaking with his cabinet in televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu stated, "Rafael Grossi is a worthy person who made an unworthy remark." Also Read | Mauritian Foreign Minister Alan Ganoo praises India's leadership at G20, highlights impact of Ukraine conflict "Outside what law? Is it permissible for Iran, which openly calls for our destruction, to organise the tools of slaughter for our destruction? Are we forbidden from defending ourselves? We are obviously permitted to do this." Tel Aviv has been calling out Europe and the United States for a firm stance against Iran in view of its nuclear programme advances. Israel was also accused of launching attacks on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. A power failure occurred at Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site in April 2021 following an explosion at the facility. Iranian officials at the time blamed Israel for it. Tehran also accused Israel of killing its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh using a remote-controlled weapon. Rafael Grossi was in Iran for a two-day visit to hold discussions in an effort to persuade the nation to assist with an investigation into uranium traces discovered at undeclared sites. Also Read | South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor sees India's G20 leadership as opportunity for Global South “I think any attack, any military attack on a nuclear facility is outlaw, is out of the normative structures that we all abide by," Grossi had said on Saturday. “We certainly hope that we are going to be able to protect the nuclear power plant which is under threat now, which is [Ukraine’s] Zaporizhzhia,” Grossi said. “But this is valid and applicable to every nuclear facility in the world.” Watch | South Africa's Foreign Minister speaks to WION on India ties, Russia Ukraine conflict According to a classified IAEA assessment obtained by AFP this week, uranium particles up to 83.7 per cent enriched — just under the 90% needed to create an atomic bomb — had been found at Iran's subterranean Fordo site around 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netanyahu rejects Grossi’s remarks over possible attack on Iran, says Israel ‘permitted’ to defend itself

Since the time Uranium of high-grade purity was discovered in Iran, the tussle between IAEA, the UN Nuclear watchdog and local Iranian authorities have been at the centre of scrutiny and discussions. The discovery of weapon-grade Uranium has now led to new negotiations between the two nations.

Talks between Iran authorities & IAEA

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is in Iran to hold talks with Iranian officials over the country's nuclear program. The visit comes at a time when the agency is seeking Iran's increased cooperation over its nuclear activities. WION's Eric Njoka speaks to a professor & Israel institute fellow, at the University of California Irvine, Alon Burstein on the impact of the visit and status of the nuclear talks.

UN Nuclear Chief crucial visit to Iran

iran

Iran, News on Iran, stories on Iran, articles on Iran, Iran stories at Wion, Iran news, Iran latest news