Iran on Thursday issued a warning to the United States as president Joe Biden and the Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid signed a joint pledge to deny Iran any kind of nuclear arms.

No Nuclear arms | Iran vows 'harsh response' for stoking tensions

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid discussed Iran's rapidly progressing nuclear programme during which Biden said that the United States will use all "national power" to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapon. Both leaders also signed a 'Jerusalem Declaration' against Iran.

Biden in Israel: US will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, says President Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid held a joint press conference after both leaders signed a declaration against Iran. Listen in

Biden in Israel: Biden holds press conference with Lapid, both sign declaration against Iran

American President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed a joint strategic declaration in Jerusalem, in which the US vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Biden in Israel: Biden, Lapid sign 'Jerusalem Declaration' to counter Iran in West Asia

In an interview aired Wednesday (July 13), United States President Joe Biden said that former President Donald Trump made a "gigantic mistake" withdrawing the US from the Iran nuclear deal.

In an interview aired Wednesday (July 13), United States President Joe Biden said that former President Donald Trump made a "gigantic mistake" withdrawing the US from the Iran nuclear deal. Biden also said that Iran is now closer to acquiring a nuclear weapon. During an interview with Israel's Channel 12 News, Biden said, "The only thing worse than the Iran that exists now is Iran with nuclear weapons." The interview was taped ahead of a four-day trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia. As per Biden, the use of force will be the last resort to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. In the interview, Biden said he would keep Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list even if that killed off the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Biden further slammed the Trump administration's foreign policy. he said, "There are those who thought with the last administration we sort of walked away from the Middle East, that we were going to create a vacuum that China and or Russia would fill, and we can't let that happen." 2015 Nuclear deal In 2015, Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. The pact made it harder to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions. In 2018, then US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later. So far, the efforts to resurrect the deal failed. But Iran has taken part in the on-off talks that opened in Vienna in April last year. Also, indirect talks between Tehran and US President Joe Biden's administration have been taking place to reinstate the pact. 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.

Joe Biden says use of force 'last resort' to keep Iran from nuclear weapons

Iran and Saudi Arabia are interested in holding more talks, Tehran's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, three months after a fifth round of contacts aimed at restoring relations between the Middle East's two main rival powers.

Tehran gave an update on the status of the talks as U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Israel in a high-stakes Middle East trip that will include Saudi Arabia. Both countries are U.S. allies while Iran is a longtime adversary of Washington.

Tehran and Riyadh, the leading Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim powers in the Middle East, severed ties in 2016 with both parties backing opposide sides in proxy wars across the region, from Yemen to Syria and elsewhere.

"Our conclusion is that the negotiations have been positive. Both sides are interested in a continuation of the meetings," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani told a televised weekly news conference.

"The delay in holding the next round of talks between Tehran and Riyadh is due to efforts (being made) to take an important step forward at the next meeting in Baghdad," he said.

In May, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said there had been some progress in the Iraq-mediated talks with Iran but "not enough".

The fifth round of the talks was held in April after Iran suspended the negotiations in March without giving a reason, but the decision came on the heels of Saudi Arabia's execution of 81 prisoners, its biggest mass use of the death penalty in decades.

Iran condemned the executions, which according to rights activists included 41 Shi'ite Muslims.

U.S. officials say Biden's trip - his first to the Middle East as president - could yield more steps toward normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, historic foes but also two of America's strongest allies in the turbulent region.

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Iran and Saudi Arabia are interested in holding more talks, Tehran's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, three months after a fifth round of contacts aimed at restoring relations between the Middle East's two main rival powers.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are interested in holding more talks, Tehran's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, three months after a fifth round of contacts aimed at restoring relations between the Middle East's two main rival powers. Tehran gave an update on the status of the talks as U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Israel in a high-stakes Middle East trip that will include Saudi Arabia. Both countries are U.S. allies while Iran is a longtime adversary of Washington. Tehran and Riyadh, the leading Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim powers in the Middle East, severed ties in 2016 with both parties backing opposide sides in proxy wars across the region, from Yemen to Syria and elsewhere. "Our conclusion is that the negotiations have been positive. Both sides are interested in a continuation of the meetings," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani told a televised weekly news conference. "The delay in holding the next round of talks between Tehran and Riyadh is due to efforts (being made) to take an important step forward at the next meeting in Baghdad," he said. In May, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said there had been some progress in the Iraq-mediated talks with Iran but "not enough". The fifth round of the talks was held in April after Iran suspended the negotiations in March without giving a reason, but the decision came on the heels of Saudi Arabia's execution of 81 prisoners, its biggest mass use of the death penalty in decades. Iran condemned the executions, which according to rights activists included 41 Shi'ite Muslims. U.S. officials say Biden's trip - his first to the Middle East as president - could yield more steps toward normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, historic foes but also two of America's strongest allies in the turbulent region. 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 it and Saudi Arabia interested in more talks

Europe is on the edge after the Russian Nord Stream gas link was shutdown. President Vladmir Putin is making fresh moves. He will travel to Iran next week. Palki Sharma tells you what to expect.

Gravitas: Ukraine war: Putin renews old friendships

Jake Sullivan, the White House national security advisor said that Iran is planning to supply hundreds of drones with combat weapon capabilities to Russia for use in Ukraine.

US Security Advisor: Iran will supply combat drones to Russia

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from 
September 15-16, Uzbekistan's acting foreign minister, Vladimir Norov, said on Monday, as reported by ANI.

"This year, within Uzbekistan's chairmanship, Iran will be admitted to the SCO as an observer state ... A memorandum on Iran's obligations as an SCO member will also be signed in Samarkand," Norov said at a panel meeting in Moscow.

The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and China. It evolved from an earlier regional security grouping formed in 1996 after the collapse of the Soviet Union when the Central Asian states gained independence from Moscow. The historical meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was held on June 8-9, 2017 in Astana. At the meeting, the status of a full member of the Organization was granted to India and Pakistan.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-committee-to-focus-on-trump-proud-boys-and-oath-keepers-at-capitol-riot-hearing-496526">&nbsp;US House committee to focus on Trump, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at Capitol riot hearing</a>

Initially focused on regional security, including border conflicts, terrorism and militant Islam, its activities have expanded to cover economics and trade, transport and law enforcement. Security and economic cooperation remain priorities. China and Russia are the dominant members. Russia regards Central Asia as its sphere of influence but Chinese economic sway is growing. At an informal level, the SCO is a diplomatic platform that helps address and contain potential friction.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from September 15-16, Uzbekistan's acting foreign minister, Vladimir Norov, said on Monday, as reported by ANI.

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from September 15-16, Uzbekistan's acting foreign minister, Vladimir Norov, said on Monday, as reported by ANI. "This year, within Uzbekistan's chairmanship, Iran will be admitted to the SCO as an observer state ... A memorandum on Iran's obligations as an SCO member will also be signed in Samarkand," Norov said at a panel meeting in Moscow. The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and China. It evolved from an earlier regional security grouping formed in 1996 after the collapse of the Soviet Union when the Central Asian states gained independence from Moscow. The historical meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was held on June 8-9, 2017 in Astana. At the meeting, the status of a full member of the Organization was granted to India and Pakistan. Also Read: US House committee to focus on Trump, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at Capitol riot hearing Initially focused on regional security, including border conflicts, terrorism and militant Islam, its activities have expanded to cover economics and trade, transport and law enforcement. Security and economic cooperation remain priorities. China and Russia are the dominant members. Russia regards Central Asia as its sphere of influence but Chinese economic sway is growing. At an informal level, the SCO is a diplomatic platform that helps address and contain potential friction. (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 will become full-fledged member of SCO this year

The Kremlin on Tuesday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Tehran on July 19 with Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders will attend a Syria summit.&nbsp;

"The president's visit to Tehran is being planned for July 19," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He said the trio would meet for peace talks on Syria.&nbsp;

The three countries have been holding talks on Syria under the so-called "Astana peace process" to end a more than 11 years on conflict in the country. Visit to Tehran will be Vladimir Putin's second visit abroad since the start of Ukraine conflict. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Putin visited Tajikistan in late June.

The Kremlin said Putin will also hold separate talks with Erdogan in Tehran, without providing more details.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader has been offering to meet Putin for months, as Ankara tries to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. &nbsp;

News of Putin's Iran visit has come just when United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has agreed to to extend a vital system for cross-border aid to war-ravaged Syria by six months.

"Russia forced the hand of everyone. Either close the mechanism or only six months. We cannot let people die," one ambassador told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The aid delivery mechanism across Turkey's border into rebel-held Syria at the Bab al-Hawa crossing is the only way United Nations assistance can reach civilians without navigating areas controlled by Syrian government forces.

The system, in place since 2014, had expired on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kremlin on Tuesday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Tehran on July 19 with Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Kremlin on Tuesday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Tehran on July 19 with Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders will attend a Syria summit. "The president's visit to Tehran is being planned for July 19," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He said the trio would meet for peace talks on Syria. The three countries have been holding talks on Syria under the so-called "Astana peace process" to end a more than 11 years on conflict in the country. Visit to Tehran will be Vladimir Putin's second visit abroad since the start of Ukraine conflict. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Putin visited Tajikistan in late June. The Kremlin said Putin will also hold separate talks with Erdogan in Tehran, without providing more details. The Turkish leader has been offering to meet Putin for months, as Ankara tries to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. News of Putin's Iran visit has come just when United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has agreed to to extend a vital system for cross-border aid to war-ravaged Syria by six months. "Russia forced the hand of everyone. Either close the mechanism or only six months. We cannot let people die," one ambassador told AFP on condition of anonymity. The aid delivery mechanism across Turkey's border into rebel-held Syria at the Bab al-Hawa crossing is the only way United Nations assistance can reach civilians without navigating areas controlled by Syrian government forces. The system, in place since 2014, had expired on Sunday. (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 ×

Putin to travel to Iran next week for Syria summit: Kremlin

The&nbsp;Indian central bank's decision to let importers pay with&nbsp;rupees&nbsp;and&nbsp;exporters be paid in&nbsp;rupees is likely to make&nbsp;trade&nbsp;easier with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;South Asian&nbsp;neighbours,&nbsp;and&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;a long term goal to internationalise the currency,&nbsp;experts&nbsp;said.

On Monday, the Reserve Bank of&nbsp;India&nbsp;said it had put in place a mechanism for international&nbsp;trade&nbsp;settlements in&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;rupees (INR) with immediate effect.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupee-hits-all-time-low-of-789-against-dollar-80-level-at-sight-492813">Rupee hits all-time low of 78.9 against dollar; 80-level at sight</a>

The RBI said that "in order to promote growth of global&nbsp;trade&nbsp;with emphasis on exports from&nbsp;India&nbsp;and&nbsp;to support the increasing interest of global trading community in INR, it has been decided to put in place an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment,&nbsp;and&nbsp;settlement&nbsp;of exports/imports in INR."

"This step can be particularly useful for neighbouring countries,&nbsp;and&nbsp;also those countries willing to use the&nbsp;rupee&nbsp;as a base currency for&nbsp;trade&nbsp;diversification in their&nbsp;settlement&nbsp;rules," said Rahul Bajoria, chief&nbsp;India&nbsp;economist at Barclays.

Watch |&nbsp;RBI allows payment for International trade in Rupee

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Engineering Export Promotion Council chairman Mahesh Desai noted the new mechanism "would facilitate&nbsp;trade&nbsp;with countries under sanctions, like&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia."

Trade&nbsp;between&nbsp;India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has come to a virtual standstill due to sanctions imposed on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;over the war in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-slides-to-record-low-of-7782-against-us-dollar-486849">Indian rupee slides to record low of 77.82 against US dollar</a>

The new steps allow&nbsp;Indian exporters&nbsp;and&nbsp;importers to use special&nbsp;Rupee&nbsp;Vostro Accounts to settle&nbsp;trade&nbsp;denominated in&nbsp;rupees,&nbsp;and&nbsp;banks will need the RBI's approval to use the&nbsp;settlement&nbsp;system.

"We see this as a first step towards 100 per cent&nbsp;convertibility of&nbsp;rupee," Desai said, noting it would also reduce currency fluctuation risks for importers&nbsp;and&nbsp;exporters.

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The Indian central bank's decision to let importers pay with rupees and exporters be paid in rupees is likely to make trade easier with Russia and South Asian neighbours, and will help a long term goal to internationalise the currency, experts said.

The Indian central bank's decision to let importers pay with rupees and exporters be paid in rupees is likely to make trade easier with Russia and South Asian neighbours, and will help a long term goal to internationalise the currency, experts said. On Monday, the Reserve Bank of India said it had put in place a mechanism for international trade settlements in Indian rupees (INR) with immediate effect. Also read | Rupee hits all-time low of 78.9 against dollar; 80-level at sight The RBI said that "in order to promote growth of global trade with emphasis on exports from India and to support the increasing interest of global trading community in INR, it has been decided to put in place an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in INR." "This step can be particularly useful for neighbouring countries, and also those countries willing to use the rupee as a base currency for trade diversification in their settlement rules," said Rahul Bajoria, chief India economist at Barclays. Watch | RBI allows payment for International trade in Rupee Engineering Export Promotion Council chairman Mahesh Desai noted the new mechanism "would facilitate trade with countries under sanctions, like Iran and Russia." Trade between India and Russia has come to a virtual standstill due to sanctions imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Also read | Indian rupee slides to record low of 77.82 against US dollar The new steps allow Indian exporters and importers to use special Rupee Vostro Accounts to settle trade denominated in rupees, and banks will need the RBI's approval to use the settlement system. "We see this as a first step towards 100 per cent convertibility of rupee," Desai said, noting it would also reduce currency fluctuation risks for importers and exporters. 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.

Rupee settlement will help India trade with Russia, Iran and S Asian neighbours - experts

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year within Uzbekistan's chairmanship. The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and China.

Iran to become SCO member this year, Uzbekistan takes chairmanship

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from September 15-16.

Iran to become SCO member this year

UN atomic watchdog has reported that Iran has begun using advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium. With no progress in sight for Iran's nuclear deal revival, Iran has begun enrichment with new machines. However, sanctions on Iran continue to hurt its economy.

IAEA: Tehran using advanced centrifuges to enrich Uranium, No progress in Iran nuclear deal

With no progress in sight for Iran's nuclear deal revival, Iran has begun enrichment with new machines. However, sanctions on Iran continue to hurt its economy.

No progress in Iran nuclear deal revival, Iran begins enrichment with new machines

Iranian authorities arrested two film directors for "inciting unrest" following the deadly collapse of a building in the country's southwest&nbsp;in May, state media reported late Friday.

Award-winning filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof and his colleague Mostafa Aleahmad were arrested over events relating to the building collapse, which sparked angry protests, state news agency IRNA reported.

"In the midst of the heart-breaking incident in Abadan's Metropol, (the filmmakers) were involved in inciting unrest and disrupting the psychological security of society," IRNA said.

The 10-storey Metropol building that was under construction in Abadan in southwestern Khuzestan province collapsed on May 23, killing 43 people and sparking angry protests in solidarity with victims' families.

Demonstrators demanded that those "incompetent officials" responsible for the tragedy be prosecuted and punished, while many faced tear gas, warning shots and arrests by the police.

A group of Iranian filmmakers led by Rasoulof published an open letter calling on the security forces to "lay down their arms" in the face of outrage over the "corruption, theft, inefficiency and repression" surrounding the Abadan collapse.

Rasoulof, 50, won the Golden Bear, the Berlin film festival's top prize, in 2020 with his film "There Is No Evil" but was unable to accept the prize in person as he was barred from leaving Iran.

His passport had been confiscated after his 2017 film "A Man of Integrity" premiered at Cannes, where it won the top prize in the "Un Certain Regard" section of the festival.&nbsp;

Iranian authorities arrested two film directors for "inciting unrest" following the deadly collapse of a building in the country's southwest in May, state media reported late Friday.

Iranian authorities arrested two film directors for "inciting unrest" following the deadly collapse of a building in the country's southwest in May, state media reported late Friday. Award-winning filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof and his colleague Mostafa Aleahmad were arrested over events relating to the building collapse, which sparked angry protests, state news agency IRNA reported. "In the midst of the heart-breaking incident in Abadan's Metropol, (the filmmakers) were involved in inciting unrest and disrupting the psychological security of society," IRNA said. The 10-storey Metropol building that was under construction in Abadan in southwestern Khuzestan province collapsed on May 23, killing 43 people and sparking angry protests in solidarity with victims' families. Demonstrators demanded that those "incompetent officials" responsible for the tragedy be prosecuted and punished, while many faced tear gas, warning shots and arrests by the police. A group of Iranian filmmakers led by Rasoulof published an open letter calling on the security forces to "lay down their arms" in the face of outrage over the "corruption, theft, inefficiency and repression" surrounding the Abadan collapse. Rasoulof, 50, won the Golden Bear, the Berlin film festival's top prize, in 2020 with his film "There Is No Evil" but was unable to accept the prize in person as he was barred from leaving Iran. His passport had been confiscated after his 2017 film "A Man of Integrity" premiered at Cannes, where it won the top prize in the "Un Certain Regard" section of the festival.

Iran arrests two filmmakers for 'inciting unrest': Media

Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment further with the use of advanced machines at its underground Fordow plant in a setup that can more easily change between enrichment levels, the U.N. atomic watchdog said in a report on Saturday seen by Reuters.

Western diplomats have long expressed concern about devices this cascade, or cluster, of centrifuges is equipped with.

The use of these so-called modified sub-headers means Iran could switch more quickly and easily to enriching to higher purity levels.

While Iran is required to inform the International Atomic Energy Agency about such a switch, if it chose not to, it might escape detection for some time as there is currently a lag between Iran's enrichment and IAEA inspectors' verification of what is produced.

"On 7 July 2022, Iran informed the Agency that, on the same day, it had begun feeding the aforementioned cascade with UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235," the confidential report to IAEA member states said.

UF6 refers to uranium hexafluoride gas which is fed into centrifuges to be enriched.

In a report on June 20 also seen by Reuters, the IAEA said that months after Iran informed it of its intention to use the cascade, Iran had begun feeding UF6 into it for passivation, a process that comes before enrichment.

The IAEA verified on July 6 that passivation had ended, Saturday's report said.

"On 9 July 2022, the Agency verified that Iran had begun feeding UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235 into the cascade of 166 IR-6 centrifuges with modified sub-headers for the declared purpose of producing UF6 enriched up to 20% U-235," it said.

Iran is already enriching to up to 60% elsewhere, well above the up to 20% it produced before its 2015 deal with major powers that capped its enrichment level at 3.67% but still below the roughly 90% of weapons grade.

The move is the latest step of many to breach and move well beyond the restrictions which the 2015 deal imposed on Iran's nuclear activities. It comes as talks to revive that deal are at an impasse and Western powers have warned time is running out to reach an agreement.

The United States pulled out of the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, re-imposing sanctions against Tehran that the deal had lifted.

A year later, Iran began retaliating by breaching the deal's restrictions.

Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment further with the use of advanced machines at its underground Fordow plant in a setup that can more easily change between enrichment levels, the U.

Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment further with the use of advanced machines at its underground Fordow plant in a setup that can more easily change between enrichment levels, the U.N. atomic watchdog said in a report on Saturday seen by Reuters. Western diplomats have long expressed concern about devices this cascade, or cluster, of centrifuges is equipped with. The use of these so-called modified sub-headers means Iran could switch more quickly and easily to enriching to higher purity levels. While Iran is required to inform the International Atomic Energy Agency about such a switch, if it chose not to, it might escape detection for some time as there is currently a lag between Iran's enrichment and IAEA inspectors' verification of what is produced. "On 7 July 2022, Iran informed the Agency that, on the same day, it had begun feeding the aforementioned cascade with UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235," the confidential report to IAEA member states said. UF6 refers to uranium hexafluoride gas which is fed into centrifuges to be enriched. In a report on June 20 also seen by Reuters, the IAEA said that months after Iran informed it of its intention to use the cascade, Iran had begun feeding UF6 into it for passivation, a process that comes before enrichment. The IAEA verified on July 6 that passivation had ended, Saturday's report said. "On 9 July 2022, the Agency verified that Iran had begun feeding UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235 into the cascade of 166 IR-6 centrifuges with modified sub-headers for the declared purpose of producing UF6 enriched up to 20% U-235," it said. Iran is already enriching to up to 60% elsewhere, well above the up to 20% it produced before its 2015 deal with major powers that capped its enrichment level at 3.67% but still below the roughly 90% of weapons grade. The move is the latest step of many to breach and move well beyond the restrictions which the 2015 deal imposed on Iran's nuclear activities. It comes as talks to revive that deal are at an impasse and Western powers have warned time is running out to reach an agreement. The United States pulled out of the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, re-imposing sanctions against Tehran that the deal had lifted. A year later, Iran began retaliating by breaching the deal's restrictions.

Iran escalates uranium enrichment with adaptable machines at Fordow, IAEA reports

Iran, where president Ibrahim Raisi's regime is busy purging a number of its senior officials over the fear that the regime's top branch has been compromised with Israeli spies.

Iran fears Israeli spies in its ranks, supreme leader shuffles military ranks

The Iranian nuclear threat will be one of the key issues addressed by US President Joe Biden on his visit to the Middle East next week. Tensions are growing between Israel and Iran, as both sides step up assassination threats and cyber-attacks. For more details, we're joined by VOA’s Jessica Stone.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Discussing Israel-Iran tension amidst Biden visit & New Cold War

America's top diplomat for Iran Robert Malley has made a big claim. Malley says Iran can develop a nuclear bomb "within weeks". Can Western powers revive the nuclear pact in time? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Iran can make a nuclear bomb

A new set of sanctions are being imposed by the US in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates-based companies for violating the oil sanctions that are being put on Iran.

US targets companies for violating Iran oil sanctions

Iran's state television and news agency have reported that the country's revolutionary guards have arrested several foreign diplomats including a British national. These diplomats have been accused of espionage however the British government was quick to deny these allegations claiming that none of their personnel had been detained.

Iran's revolutionary guard arrests diplomats accused of spying

The state television in Iran reported on Wednesday that the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has detained a number of foreign nationals including one of United Kingdom’s top-rated diplomats. The detentions were made on accusations of spying as the IRGC observed by the help of their drones that the individuals were taking soil samples from a prohibited area of the desert, according to a report by Fars news agency. The report added that the area was quite close to the site where IRGC had earlier conducted missile exercises. The detainees included the UK deputy ambassador and he, along with his family, will be deported in the aftermath of this event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bye-bye-boris-buzzes-in-british-parliament-but-johnson-vows-to-stay-in-power-495098" hreflang="en">'Bye Bye Boris' buzzes in British parliament but Johnson vows to stay in power</a>

"These spies were taking earth samples in Iran's central desert where the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace missile exercises were conducted," state TV said.

The state media ran a picture which showed four people in the desert on their bicycles and in another picture, they were photographed collecting soil samples from the desert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-recession-euro-steady-after-dropping-to-a-two-decade-low-oil-prices-bounce-back-495016">Global Recession: Euro steady after dropping to a two-decade low</a>

Earlier, the United States said in a statement that a number of entities - located in Iran, Vietnam, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong -- "have supported Iranian energy trade generating millions of dollars' worth of illicit revenue", according to an AFP report.

"While the United States is committed to achieving an agreement with Iran that seeks a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we will continue to use all our authorities to enforce sanctions on the sale of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals," Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said.

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The state television in Iran reported on Wednesday that the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has detained a number of foreign nationals including one of United Kingdom’s top-rated diplomats.

The state television in Iran reported on Wednesday that the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has detained a number of foreign nationals including one of United Kingdom’s top-rated diplomats. The detentions were made on accusations of spying as the IRGC observed by the help of their drones that the individuals were taking soil samples from a prohibited area of the desert, according to a report by Fars news agency. The report added that the area was quite close to the site where IRGC had earlier conducted missile exercises. The detainees included the UK deputy ambassador and he, along with his family, will be deported in the aftermath of this event. Also read | 'Bye Bye Boris' buzzes in British parliament but Johnson vows to stay in power "These spies were taking earth samples in Iran's central desert where the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace missile exercises were conducted," state TV said. The state media ran a picture which showed four people in the desert on their bicycles and in another picture, they were photographed collecting soil samples from the desert. Also read | Global Recession: Euro steady after dropping to a two-decade low Earlier, the United States said in a statement that a number of entities - located in Iran, Vietnam, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong -- "have supported Iranian energy trade generating millions of dollars' worth of illicit revenue", according to an AFP report. "While the United States is committed to achieving an agreement with Iran that seeks a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we will continue to use all our authorities to enforce sanctions on the sale of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals," Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson 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 detains several foreign nationals, including British diplomat, for 'spying'

US Treasury on Wednesday (June 6) said that it was freezing assets of members of an international network. The international network was violating oil sanctions on Tehran by way of selling millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil to East Asia.

The asset freeze is targetting Iranian petrochemical firms in addition to China and UAE-based alleged front companies for Iran's state-owned company. The sanctions are also targetting Triliance, a Hong Kong-based company already under US sanctions for its dealings with Iran.

Washington had already imposed sanctions on Iranian petrochemical producers in mid-June, as well as Chinese and Indian brokers, expanding pressure amid a deadlock in negotiations on restoring a 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear program.

"While the United States is committed to achieving an agreement with Iran that seeks a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we will continue to use all our authorities to enforce sanctions," the Treasury said, referring to the nuclear deal.

Wednesday's announcement came ahead of a highly-anticipated visit next week by President Joe Biden to Israel and Saudi Arabia when efforts to contain the nuclear threat from Iran will be top of the agenda.

Sanctions were also imposed on China-based broker Jeff Gao and Indian national Mohammad Shaheed Ruknooddin Bhore for allegedly managing business for Triliance.

All of the targets' property and interests in the United States will be frozen, and US-based people and companies are blocked from conducting business dealings with them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Treasury on Wednesday (June 6) said that it was freezing assets of members of an international network. The international network was violating oil sanctions on Tehran by way of selling millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil to East Asia.

US Treasury on Wednesday (June 6) said that it was freezing assets of members of an international network. The international network was violating oil sanctions on Tehran by way of selling millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil to East Asia. The asset freeze is targetting Iranian petrochemical firms in addition to China and UAE-based alleged front companies for Iran's state-owned company. The sanctions are also targetting Triliance, a Hong Kong-based company already under US sanctions for its dealings with Iran. Washington had already imposed sanctions on Iranian petrochemical producers in mid-June, as well as Chinese and Indian brokers, expanding pressure amid a deadlock in negotiations on restoring a 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear program. "While the United States is committed to achieving an agreement with Iran that seeks a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we will continue to use all our authorities to enforce sanctions," the Treasury said, referring to the nuclear deal. Wednesday's announcement came ahead of a highly-anticipated visit next week by President Joe Biden to Israel and Saudi Arabia when efforts to contain the nuclear threat from Iran will be top of the agenda. Sanctions were also imposed on China-based broker Jeff Gao and Indian national Mohammad Shaheed Ruknooddin Bhore for allegedly managing business for Triliance. All of the targets' property and interests in the United States will be frozen, and US-based people and companies are blocked from conducting business dealings with them. (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 ×

US Treasury freezes assets of network selling Iranian oil

Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media.

"The indictment... has been issued and referred to the court on the charges of propaganda activity against the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and blasphemy," Tehran's chief prosecutor Ali Salehi said, according to the judiciary's website Mizan Online.

Faezeh Hashemi (59), the daughter of the former president is a former lawmaker and women's rights activist. Charges against her are connected to comments reportedly made by her in an audio debate on social media in April this year.

According to the local media, Hashemi said that Iran's demand for Revolutionary Guards to be removed from a US terror list was "damaging" to the country's "national interest". The Revolutionary Guards are ideological arm of Iran's military.

Watch | Iran: Ex-President's daughter Faezeh Hashemi charged with propaganda against regime

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Removal of the Guards from the terror list is a key sticking point in negotiations to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

She is reported to have called Khadija a "businesswoman", showing that women can also engage in economic activity, and whose money the prophet spent.

She later said the comments had been a "joke... without any intention of causing insult", state news agency IRNA reported.

Hashemi's late father was a moderate who advocated improved ties with the West and the United States.

In 2012, she was sentenced to six months in jail on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic republic".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media.

Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media. "The indictment... has been issued and referred to the court on the charges of propaganda activity against the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and blasphemy," Tehran's chief prosecutor Ali Salehi said, according to the judiciary's website Mizan Online. Faezeh Hashemi (59), the daughter of the former president is a former lawmaker and women's rights activist. Charges against her are connected to comments reportedly made by her in an audio debate on social media in April this year. According to the local media, Hashemi said that Iran's demand for Revolutionary Guards to be removed from a US terror list was "damaging" to the country's "national interest". The Revolutionary Guards are ideological arm of Iran's military. Watch | Iran: Ex-President's daughter Faezeh Hashemi charged with propaganda against regime × Removal of the Guards from the terror list is a key sticking point in negotiations to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal. She is reported to have called Khadija a "businesswoman", showing that women can also engage in economic activity, and whose money the prophet spent. She later said the comments had been a "joke... without any intention of causing insult", state news agency IRNA reported. Hashemi's late father was a moderate who advocated improved ties with the West and the United States. In 2012, she was sentenced to six months in jail on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic republic". (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 ×

Former Iran president's daughter charged with propaganda and blasphemy

The daughter of Iran’s former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was charged with carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy in social media comments. The charges are connected to comments reportedly made by Faezeh Hashemi, 59, during an audio debate on a social media forum in April.

Iran: Ex-President's daughter Faezeh Hashemi charged with propaganda against regime

Iran slashed oil prices to remain in competition in the market in China as Beijing buys Russian crude in large volumes.

Iran doubles discount on crude for China to compete with Russia

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated on Saturday (July 2) during a visit to Damascus that Iran is working toward a political solution to prevent Turkey from invading northern Syria.

Iran plans to offer a political solution to ease Syria Turkey tension

Iran plans to offer a political solution to ease Syria-Turkey tension

Iran is seeking to resolve the ongoing tension between Syria and Turkiye. Syria has welcomed the intervention by Iran. Iran said that it is ready to offer a political solution.

Iran seeks to resolve Syria-Turkiye tension

At least five people were killed and 44 others injured after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Iran early Saturday, state news agency IRNA reported.

The quake hit 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the port city of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province at 1.32 am, the US Geological Survey said.

Iranian media put the strength of the quake at 6.1 while the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said it had a 6.0 magnitude. The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), EMSC said.

It was followed by at least 7 more minor quakes with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 6, USGS said.

All the injured have been taken to hospitals.

Three people were killed in Sayeh Khosh village close to the epicentre of the quake, IRNA reported, citing a member of the village Islamic council who said three bodies had been pulled from the rubble.

The quake was so strong that it was felt in various parts of UAE, Khaleej Times reported. However, no loss of life or property damage has been reported yet.

Distressed residents took to social media to share videos of the quake and its effects.

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Just experienced the mother of all earthquakes and it was one of the longest ones in my 20 years of living in UAE and a really strong one here in Dubai…. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dubai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uae?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uae</a> praying for everyone’s safety. May Allah have mercy. <a href="https://t.co/iCELmDggIZ">pic.twitter.com/iCELmDggIZ</a>
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) <a href="https://twitter.com/falamb3/status/1542987618102697984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dubai</a> twice in one night. Both were strong and long stretched. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a>. Hope everyone is safe. <a href="https://t.co/Nfmm6TbNEY">pic.twitter.com/Nfmm6TbNEY</a>
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Iran is an area of strong seismic activity as it is situated on the edge of several tectonic plates and crossing various fault lines.

Iran's deadliest quake was a 7.4-magnitude tremor that struck in 1990, killing 40,000 people in the north of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least five people were killed and 44 others injured after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Iran early Saturday, state news agency IRNA reported. The quake hit 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the port city of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province at 1.

At least five people were killed and 44 others injured after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Iran early Saturday, state news agency IRNA reported. The quake hit 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the port city of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province at 1.32 am, the US Geological Survey said. Iranian media put the strength of the quake at 6.1 while the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said it had a 6.0 magnitude. The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), EMSC said. It was followed by at least 7 more minor quakes with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 6, USGS said. All the injured have been taken to hospitals. Three people were killed in Sayeh Khosh village close to the epicentre of the quake, IRNA reported, citing a member of the village Islamic council who said three bodies had been pulled from the rubble. The quake was so strong that it was felt in various parts of UAE, Khaleej Times reported. However, no loss of life or property damage has been reported yet. Distressed residents took to social media to share videos of the quake and its effects. Just experienced the mother of all earthquakes and it was one of the longest ones in my 20 years of living in UAE and a really strong one here in Dubai…. #Dubai #earthquake #uae praying for everyone’s safety. May Allah have mercy. pic.twitter.com/iCELmDggIZ — Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) July 1, 2022 × #Earthquake in #Dubai twice in one night. Both were strong and long stretched. #UAE. Hope everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/Nfmm6TbNEY — Dr Prithvi priya (@drprithvipriya) July 1, 2022 × Iran is an area of strong seismic activity as it is situated on the edge of several tectonic plates and crossing various fault lines. Iran's deadliest quake was a 7.4-magnitude tremor that struck in 1990, killing 40,000 people in the north of the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

6.3 magnitude earthquake jolts southern Iran, 5 killed, 44 injured; tremors felt in UAE too

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