Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British aid worker who had been detained by Iranian authorities for the last six years on espionage charges, was released on Wednesday, local authorities said.

Besides her, another British-Iranian national, Anoosheh Ashoori, was released after spending five years in prison. He was also held on spying charges—a claim Ashoori denies.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested at Tehran airport in April 2016 and later convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment.

The detention of dual citizens had roiled relations between London and Tehran.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq confirmed the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe on her official Twitter handle.

Siddiq said that she was informed that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was at the airport in Tehran and is heading home.

“Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have,” she tweeted.

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Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. 
 
I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have. 
 
More details to follow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeNazanin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeNazanin</a>
— Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) <a href="https://twitter.com/TulipSiddiq/status/1504037872206241795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to AP news agency, which cited Iranian state media, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was permitted to travel to the airport alongside British officials after UK "settled a debt of $530 million to Tehran".&nbsp;

Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been under house arrest and was given her UK passport back this week, BBC reported.

Her husband Richard Ratcliffe intensely campaigned for her release, and even launched hunger strike twice— first outside the Iranian embassy in London in 2019, and then in October last year outside the UK foreign ministry.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's sister-in-law Rebecca Ratcliffe told BBC News it was an "emotional day".

"It feels like we're on the home run now but until she leaves that airport we can't believe it," she said, adding that she had also spoken to Ratcliffe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British aid worker who had been detained by Iranian authorities for the last six years on espionage charges, was released on Wednesday, local authorities said.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British aid worker who had been detained by Iranian authorities for the last six years on espionage charges, was released on Wednesday, local authorities said. Besides her, another British-Iranian national, Anoosheh Ashoori, was released after spending five years in prison. He was also held on spying charges—a claim Ashoori denies. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested at Tehran airport in April 2016 and later convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment. The detention of dual citizens had roiled relations between London and Tehran. UK MP Tulip Siddiq confirmed the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe on her official Twitter handle. Siddiq said that she was informed that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was at the airport in Tehran and is heading home. “Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have,” she tweeted. Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have. More details to follow. #FreeNazanin — Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) March 16, 2022 × According to AP news agency, which cited Iranian state media, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was permitted to travel to the airport alongside British officials after UK "settled a debt of $530 million to Tehran". Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been under house arrest and was given her UK passport back this week, BBC reported. Her husband Richard Ratcliffe intensely campaigned for her release, and even launched hunger strike twice— first outside the Iranian embassy in London in 2019, and then in October last year outside the UK foreign ministry. Zaghari-Ratcliffe's sister-in-law Rebecca Ratcliffe told BBC News it was an "emotional day". "It feels like we're on the home run now but until she leaves that airport we can't believe it," she said, adding that she had also spoken to Ratcliffe. (With inputs from agencies)

UK national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, held in Iran for six years on espionage charges, released

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018.&nbsp;

Iran has been engaged in direct talks in Vienna to revive the accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly. The United States, which unliterally pulled out of the deal in 2018, is participating indirectly.

"We had four issues as our red lines," but "two issues have almost been resolved," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying Wednesday by state news agency IRNA, adding that "two issues remain, including (an) economic guarantee".

He did not elaborate on the second issue.

"If the American side fulfils our two remaining demands today, we will be ready to go to Vienna tomorrow," he said.

More than 10 months of negotiations had brought the parties close to renewing the landmark accord.

But the talks were halted after Russia this month demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian's remarks come a day after his visit to Moscow, where counterpart Sergei Lavrov said Russia had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran.

The 2015 agreement gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018.

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018. Iran has been engaged in direct talks in Vienna to revive the accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly. The United States, which unliterally pulled out of the deal in 2018, is participating indirectly. "We had four issues as our red lines," but "two issues have almost been resolved," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying Wednesday by state news agency IRNA, adding that "two issues remain, including (an) economic guarantee". He did not elaborate on the second issue. "If the American side fulfils our two remaining demands today, we will be ready to go to Vienna tomorrow," he said. More than 10 months of negotiations had brought the parties close to renewing the landmark accord. But the talks were halted after Russia this month demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran. Amir-Abdollahian's remarks come a day after his visit to Moscow, where counterpart Sergei Lavrov said Russia had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran. The 2015 agreement gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal

The world's attention is rightly focused on the war in Ukraine, however there are a number of other conflicts still raging across the world. Tensions have been increasing in between Iran and Israel. Watch this report.

War between Wars: Tensions between Iran and Israel intensifies

According to Iranian state media report, Iranian authorities have thwarted a planned sabotage at the country's key nuclear enrichment plant.

Iran accuses Israel of planning sabotage on Fordow nuclear plant

Iraq's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to protest against a ballistic missile attack on its northern Kurdish regional capital of Erbil, it further called it a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty.

Iraq summons Iranian ambassador to protest against Erbil missile attack

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will head to Moscow on Tuesday, the ministry said, days after negotiations on an&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal stalled amid new Russian demands.

"Russia has made its official demands loud and clear, and this needs to be discussed among all parties to the 2015 agreement, like all the demands that have been presented by other parties," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters on Monday.

"The foreign ministers of the parties (to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal) are in constant contact", and Amir-Abdollahian "will go to Moscow on Tuesday to continue the discussions", Khatibzadeh added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-revolutionary-guard-claims-responsibility-for-missile-strike-on-iraqs-kurdish-capital-461951">Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims responsibility for missile strike on Iraq's Kurdish capital</a>

More than 10 months of talks in Vienna have brought major powers close to renewing the landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on regulating&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme.

But the negotiations were halted after Russia on March 5 demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with&nbsp;Iran.

On March 11, the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the pause was "due to external factors," despite the fact that "a final text is essentially ready and on the table".

Iran&nbsp;waiting on Washington

The United States then put the ball in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Russia's courts after the EU announcement.

"We are confident that we can achieve mutual return to compliance... (if) those decisions are made in places like Tehran and Moscow," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has dismissed as "irrelevant" the Russian demands for guarantees, saying that they "just are not in any way linked together".

But on Monday,&nbsp;Iran's foreign ministry spokesman repeated Tehran's position that the move had to come from the US.

"The remaining issues and points between us and the United States need political decisions in Washington", Khatibzadeh said.

"If they (the US) announce that they have made a decision, then all the delegations can return to Vienna" to finalise an agreement, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chernobyl-nuclear-plant-restored-ukraine-tells-iaea-462044">Chernobyl Nuclear Plant restored: Ukraine tells IAEA</a>

"We are not at the point of announcing the agreement," he added.

Russia and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;have seen relations improve in recent years, and Moscow plays a central role in enforcing the 2015 pact, in particular by receiving excess enriched uranium from Tehran.

The JCPOA aimed to ensure&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon, which it has always denied seeking.

On Saturday, Britain, France and Germany warned against moves to "exploit" the JCPOA, seen as a tacit warning to Russia.

"Nobody should seek to exploit JCPOA negotiations to obtain assurances that are separate to the JCPOA," the British, French and German foreign ministries -- the three European parties to the negotiations -- said in a statement.

"This risks the collapse of the deal, depriving the Iranian people of sanctions lifting and the international community of the assurance needed on&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme," they added.

The current round of negotiations started in late November in the Austrian capital between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, with the US taking part indirectly.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US makes 'new demands' in nuclear talks, accuses Iran of trying to complicate efforts | World News

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-makes-new-demands-in-nuclear-talks-accuses-iran-of-trying-to-complicate-efforts-world-news-461324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 2105 deal gave&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

But the US unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and imposed tough economic sanctions on different sectors, including oil exports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will head to Moscow on Tuesday, the ministry said, days after negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal stalled amid new Russian demands.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will head to Moscow on Tuesday, the ministry said, days after negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal stalled amid new Russian demands. "Russia has made its official demands loud and clear, and this needs to be discussed among all parties to the 2015 agreement, like all the demands that have been presented by other parties," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters on Monday. "The foreign ministers of the parties (to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal) are in constant contact", and Amir-Abdollahian "will go to Moscow on Tuesday to continue the discussions", Khatibzadeh added. Also read | Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims responsibility for missile strike on Iraq's Kurdish capital More than 10 months of talks in Vienna have brought major powers close to renewing the landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on regulating Iran's nuclear programme. But the negotiations were halted after Russia on March 5 demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran. On March 11, the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the pause was "due to external factors," despite the fact that "a final text is essentially ready and on the table". Iran waiting on Washington The United States then put the ball in Iran and Russia's courts after the EU announcement. "We are confident that we can achieve mutual return to compliance... (if) those decisions are made in places like Tehran and Moscow," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has dismissed as "irrelevant" the Russian demands for guarantees, saying that they "just are not in any way linked together". But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman repeated Tehran's position that the move had to come from the US. "The remaining issues and points between us and the United States need political decisions in Washington", Khatibzadeh said. "If they (the US) announce that they have made a decision, then all the delegations can return to Vienna" to finalise an agreement, he said. Also read | Chernobyl Nuclear Plant restored: Ukraine tells IAEA "We are not at the point of announcing the agreement," he added. Russia and Iran have seen relations improve in recent years, and Moscow plays a central role in enforcing the 2015 pact, in particular by receiving excess enriched uranium from Tehran. The JCPOA aimed to ensure Iran would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon, which it has always denied seeking. On Saturday, Britain, France and Germany warned against moves to "exploit" the JCPOA, seen as a tacit warning to Russia. "Nobody should seek to exploit JCPOA negotiations to obtain assurances that are separate to the JCPOA," the British, French and German foreign ministries -- the three European parties to the negotiations -- said in a statement. "This risks the collapse of the deal, depriving the Iranian people of sanctions lifting and the international community of the assurance needed on Iran's nuclear programme," they added. The current round of negotiations started in late November in the Austrian capital between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, with the US taking part indirectly. Watch | US makes 'new demands' in nuclear talks, accuses Iran of trying to complicate efforts | World News The 2105 deal gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the US unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and imposed tough economic sanctions on different sectors, including oil exports.

Iran's foreign minister to hold talks on nuclear deal in Moscow

Tehran&nbsp;had&nbsp;warned&nbsp;Iraqi authorities many times that its territory should not be used by third parties to conduct attacks against&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday.

He was speaking one day after&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;attacked Erbil in northern&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;with a dozen ballistic missiles in an unprecedented assault on the capital of the autonomous&nbsp;Iraqi Kurdish region that appeared to target the United States and its allies.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the missile assault.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-revolutionary-guard-claims-responsibility-for-missile-strike-on-iraqs-kurdish-capital-461951">Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims responsibility for missile strike on Iraq's Kurdish capital</a>

Iranian state media said the Revolutionary Guards Corps had launched the attack against Israeli "strategic centres" in Erbil, suggesting it was revenge for recent Israeli air strikes that killed&nbsp;Iranian military personnel in Syria.

"The central government of&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;has the responsibility to ensure that its territory is not used as a base for attacks by third parties against&nbsp;Iran," said Khatibzadeh.

"Several times in the past,&nbsp;Iraq's territory was used against&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;by third parties including terrorist groups such as Kurdish militants, the United States and the Zionist entity," he added, referring to Israel.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-to-host-another-round-of-iran-saudi-arabia-talks-ministry-461841">&nbsp;Iraq to host another round of Iran-Saudi Arabia talks: Ministry</a>

The&nbsp;Iraqi Kurdish regional government said the attack only targeted civilian residential areas, not sites belonging to&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;countries, and called on the international community to carry out an investigation.

Sunday's attack came as talks to revive the 2015&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal face the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text.

Watch |&nbsp;US makes 'new demands' in nuclear talks, accuses Iran of trying to complicate efforts | World News

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-makes-new-demands-in-nuclear-talks-accuses-iran-of-trying-to-complicate-efforts-world-news-461324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In another setback for regional diplomacy,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;said on Sunday it was suspending a fifth round of talks due this week in Baghdad with regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Tehran had warned Iraqi authorities many times that its territory should not be used by third parties to conduct attacks against Iran, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday.

Tehran had warned Iraqi authorities many times that its territory should not be used by third parties to conduct attacks against Iran, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday. He was speaking one day after Iran attacked Erbil in northern Iraq with a dozen ballistic missiles in an unprecedented assault on the capital of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdish region that appeared to target the United States and its allies. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the missile assault. Also read | Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims responsibility for missile strike on Iraq's Kurdish capital Iranian state media said the Revolutionary Guards Corps had launched the attack against Israeli "strategic centres" in Erbil, suggesting it was revenge for recent Israeli air strikes that killed Iranian military personnel in Syria. "The central government of Iraq has the responsibility to ensure that its territory is not used as a base for attacks by third parties against Iran," said Khatibzadeh. "Several times in the past, Iraq's territory was used against Iran by third parties including terrorist groups such as Kurdish militants, the United States and the Zionist entity," he added, referring to Israel. Also read | Iraq to host another round of Iran-Saudi Arabia talks: Ministry The Iraqi Kurdish regional government said the attack only targeted civilian residential areas, not sites belonging to foreign countries, and called on the international community to carry out an investigation. Sunday's attack came as talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal face the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text. Watch | US makes 'new demands' in nuclear talks, accuses Iran of trying to complicate efforts | World News In another setback for regional diplomacy, Iran said on Sunday it was suspending a fifth round of talks due this week in Baghdad with regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry

Iraq&nbsp;will&nbsp;host&nbsp;another&nbsp;round&nbsp;of&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between regional foes&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;on Wednesday, the foreign&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;in Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed the development during remarks at a diplomatic forum in Antalya on Turkey's southern coast cited by local media. A foreign&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;spokesman confirmed the comments to Reuters.

The&nbsp;talks&nbsp;will be the fourth&nbsp;round&nbsp;hosted by Baghdad between officials from its two neighbours and mutual adversaries, according to local media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-eu-says-pause-in-vienna-talks-needed-due-to-external-factors-pointing-at-russia-461363">Iran nuclear deal: EU says 'pause' in Vienna talks needed due to 'external factors' pointing at Russia</a>

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;did not respond to request for comment.

Diplomats hope the opening of direct channels between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;will signal an easing of tensions across the Middle East after years of&nbsp;hostilities that have brought the region close to a full-scale conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-blogger-raif-badawi-released-after-10-years-in-prison-461523">Saudi blogger Raif Badawi released after 10 years in prison</a>

Talks&nbsp;to revive the 2015&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal on Friday faced the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text.

Negotiators have reached the final stages of 11 months of discussions to restore the deal, which lifted sanctions on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, long seen by the West as a cover for developing atomic bombs.

Iraq will host another round of talks between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details.

Iraq will host another round of talks between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed the development during remarks at a diplomatic forum in Antalya on Turkey's southern coast cited by local media. A foreign ministry spokesman confirmed the comments to Reuters. The talks will be the fourth round hosted by Baghdad between officials from its two neighbours and mutual adversaries, according to local media. Also read | Iran nuclear deal: EU says 'pause' in Vienna talks needed due to 'external factors' pointing at Russia The Saudi foreign ministry did not respond to request for comment. Diplomats hope the opening of direct channels between Iran and Saudi Arabia will signal an easing of tensions across the Middle East after years of hostilities that have brought the region close to a full-scale conflict. Also read | Saudi blogger Raif Badawi released after 10 years in prison Talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on Friday faced the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text. Negotiators have reached the final stages of 11 months of discussions to restore the deal, which lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, long seen by the West as a cover for developing atomic bombs.

Iraq to host another round of Iran-Saudi Arabia talks: Ministry

Iran oil minister said on Sunday that US seizure of Iranian tankers in recent months hasn't stopped the sanctions-hit country from increasing oil exports.&nbsp;

“The United States has on several occasions in the past months violated Iranian oil tankers to prevent export of shipments," Javad Owji said in an interview carried by Iranian media.

"When the enemy realised it could not stop our exports and contracts, they went after our ships," Owji said.&nbsp;

His remarks follow reports of a recent seizure of an Iranian oil tanker in the Bahamas, even as indirect Iran-US&nbsp;talks in Vienna to revive a 2015 nuclear deal could see the lifting of US&nbsp;sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear work.

A last-minute demand by Russia, a close ally of Iran, has forced world powers meeting in the Austrian capital to pause for an undetermined time, despite having a largely completed text.

On March 5, Russia unexpectedly demanded sweeping guarantees its trade with Iran would not be affected by sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine - a demand Western powers say is unacceptable and Washington has said it won't accept.

"Iran's oil exports have risen under the toughest sanctions and without waiting for the outcome of the Vienna talks," said Owji.

The increase was thanks to "different methods used to win contracts and finding different buyers," Owji said.

The rise had "even increased the bargaining power of friends in Vienna," he said, without elaborating.

Tehran's oil exports have been limited since former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 exited the 2015 nuclear accord and reimposed sanctions.

Iran views US&nbsp;sanctions as illegal and has said it will make every effort to sidestep them.

Its oil exports have risen to more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first time in almost three years, based on estimates from companies that track the flows, reflecting increased shipments to China.

Iran increased exports in 2021 despite the sanctions, according to estimates from oil industry consultants and analysts. But they remained well below the 2.5 million bpd shipped before sanctions were reintroduced.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran oil minister said on Sunday that US seizure of Iranian tankers in recent months hasn't stopped the sanctions-hit country from increasing oil exports. “The United States has on several occasions in the past months violated Iranian oil tankers to prevent export of shipments," Javad Owji said in an interview carried by Iranian media.

Iran oil minister said on Sunday that US seizure of Iranian tankers in recent months hasn't stopped the sanctions-hit country from increasing oil exports. “The United States has on several occasions in the past months violated Iranian oil tankers to prevent export of shipments," Javad Owji said in an interview carried by Iranian media. "When the enemy realised it could not stop our exports and contracts, they went after our ships," Owji said. His remarks follow reports of a recent seizure of an Iranian oil tanker in the Bahamas, even as indirect Iran-US talks in Vienna to revive a 2015 nuclear deal could see the lifting of US sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear work. A last-minute demand by Russia, a close ally of Iran, has forced world powers meeting in the Austrian capital to pause for an undetermined time, despite having a largely completed text. On March 5, Russia unexpectedly demanded sweeping guarantees its trade with Iran would not be affected by sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine - a demand Western powers say is unacceptable and Washington has said it won't accept. "Iran's oil exports have risen under the toughest sanctions and without waiting for the outcome of the Vienna talks," said Owji. The increase was thanks to "different methods used to win contracts and finding different buyers," Owji said. The rise had "even increased the bargaining power of friends in Vienna," he said, without elaborating. Tehran's oil exports have been limited since former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 exited the 2015 nuclear accord and reimposed sanctions. Iran views US sanctions as illegal and has said it will make every effort to sidestep them. Its oil exports have risen to more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first time in almost three years, based on estimates from companies that track the flows, reflecting increased shipments to China. Iran increased exports in 2021 despite the sanctions, according to estimates from oil industry consultants and analysts. But they remained well below the 2.5 million bpd shipped before sanctions were reintroduced. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran oil exports unaffected by US seizing tankers, says minister

The European Union has stalled the ongoing talks on the revival of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal just days after confirming that the final draft of an agreement is almost ready.

Iran nuclear talks stalled: European Union foreign policy chief announces pause

In a bid to&nbsp;compensate for the US ban on Russian oil,&nbsp;President Joe Biden has reached out to checkered oil regimes that he and former leaders of the country spectacularly snubbed or sanctioned in the past. These include United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia.

While the Biden administration is calling it a diplomatic masterstroke and saying it is part of a larger game plan, analysts are slamming the bizarre diplomacy which they believe will backfire.

They also believe he risks accusations of propping up authoritarian leaders and undermining his own battle for democracy.

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With the rise in crude prices brought on by the Ukraine war and Washington's decision to block all imports of Russian oil and gas, there is an urgent need to find other supply sources.

The average US price for regular unleaded gasoline has hit a record $4.25 a gallon, though that is about $1 a gallon below the inflation-adjusted peak.

US Strategic Petroleum Reserve levels fell last week to their lowest since July 2002, as the Biden administration had already approved releases in November as part of a larger effort to boost the US fuel supply.

Additional supply from OPEC could compensate for some supply shortfalls created by disruption to Russia's oil sales by economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other governments. But not for all of it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-troubling-new-strategic-convergence-china-plans-to-invest-more-russian-energy-commodity-firms-461231">Also read |&nbsp;A&nbsp;'troubling new strategic convergence': China plans to invest more in Russian energy, commodity firms</a>

Russia's economy faces the gravest crisis since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union after Western nations imposed sanctions on Russian companies, banks, individuals, and its central banking system, following its February 24 invasion of Ukraine.

"We have an interest globally in maintaining a... steady supply of energy, including through diplomatic effort," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday on the moves toward countries that have been out of US or Biden administration's favour, and in the case of Iran an armed threat.

"We have a multiplicity of interests, and use diplomacy to try to advance them," Blinken said.

The phrasing, as Russia's war raises the stakes in many areas, was a marked change from Biden's praise at the outset of his presidency of democratic values as "America's abiding advantage" in diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia has profited richly in the past couple of years from teaming with fellow top petroleum producer Russia to keep global oil and natural gas supply modest and prices high.

And Biden came to office vowing to isolate the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and the rest of the Saudi royal family over abuses that include the 2018 killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Above all, the US government is on the back foot in its ties with oil-rich Gulf monarchies.

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The White House on Wednesday was forced to deny a Wall Street Journal report which said the crown princes of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had declined to accept calls by the US president.

At the same time, news site Axios raised the prospect of a Biden trip to Riyadh in the spring in a bid to convince the kingdom to pump more oil.

"I don't know whether he's up to eating that much crow," Saudi Arabia analyst David Ottaway said of attempts now by Biden to improve his administration's relations with Prince Salman and Saudi Arabia, the country that could most easily end the global supply crunch. "He was going to make a pariah of this guy."

"Our response to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war shouldn't be to strengthen our relationship with the Saudis," tweeted Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, citing Saudi Arabia's years-long war in neighboring Yemen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/on-the-margin-india-re-asserts-strategic-autonomy-461314">Also read |&nbsp;On the Margin | India re-asserts strategic autonomy</a>

Gulf Arab states have so far taken a neutral stance between Western allies and Russia, with which they are partners under an oil producers' alliance known as OPEC+. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also have investment and business ties with Moscow.

A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) statement read out by Saudi Arabia at a UN General Assembly session last week had affirmed the bloc's "deep ties" with all parties involved and called for de-escalation, restraint, and diplomacy to end the conflict.

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Meanwhile, amid the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, a recent American mission to energy-rich Caracas was intended to be discreet.

US government emissaries met with Venezuela's controversial leader Nicolas Maduro, a sworn enemy of Washington which disputes his legitimacy as president.

But news of the meeting leaked and the Biden administration was left scrambling to explain why it was engaging with an authoritarian regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-releases-two-us-citizens-as-maduro-biden-attempt-to-bridge-gap-amid-russia-crisis-460657">Also read |&nbsp;Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro &amp; Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis</a>

Biden could certainly boast of success, as Caracas on Tuesday released two Americans detained in Venezuela. But the trip clearly had other motives.

"What we are doing is going all around the world, working with partners and organisations and entities, to try to increase the amount of oil on the market" and stabilise prices," said Victoria Nuland, the State Department's number three diplomat.

There are just a handful of countries that produce the "heavy fuel" that Russia was exporting, "so frankly we've got to look everywhere that we can," she said, without ruling out that Washington could buy Venezuelan crude.

The Trump Administration in early 2019 sanctioned Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA to squeeze Nicolas Maduro’s brutal regime, which has impoverished the country, persecuted political opponents, and sent millions of refugees across the region.

But Venezuela continues to pump about 800,000 barrels a day with help from Russia and Iran. Venezuela has returned the favour by supporting Putin’s war on Ukraine and denouncing the West’s “economic war” against the Russian people.

Effectively, said Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official under the Trump administration, the Biden administration is saying of Iran, "They will still be financing terrorism, but let's go ahead and buy their oil."

In a bid to compensate for the US ban on Russian oil, President Joe Biden has reached out to checkered oil regimes that he and former leaders of the country spectacularly snubbed or sanctioned in the past.

In a bid to compensate for the US ban on Russian oil, President Joe Biden has reached out to checkered oil regimes that he and former leaders of the country spectacularly snubbed or sanctioned in the past. These include United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. While the Biden administration is calling it a diplomatic masterstroke and saying it is part of a larger game plan, analysts are slamming the bizarre diplomacy which they believe will backfire. They also believe he risks accusations of propping up authoritarian leaders and undermining his own battle for democracy. With the rise in crude prices brought on by the Ukraine war and Washington's decision to block all imports of Russian oil and gas, there is an urgent need to find other supply sources. The average US price for regular unleaded gasoline has hit a record $4.25 a gallon, though that is about $1 a gallon below the inflation-adjusted peak. US Strategic Petroleum Reserve levels fell last week to their lowest since July 2002, as the Biden administration had already approved releases in November as part of a larger effort to boost the US fuel supply. Additional supply from OPEC could compensate for some supply shortfalls created by disruption to Russia's oil sales by economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other governments. But not for all of it. Also read | A 'troubling new strategic convergence': China plans to invest more in Russian energy, commodity firms Russia's economy faces the gravest crisis since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union after Western nations imposed sanctions on Russian companies, banks, individuals, and its central banking system, following its February 24 invasion of Ukraine. "We have an interest globally in maintaining a... steady supply of energy, including through diplomatic effort," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday on the moves toward countries that have been out of US or Biden administration's favour, and in the case of Iran an armed threat. "We have a multiplicity of interests, and use diplomacy to try to advance them," Blinken said. The phrasing, as Russia's war raises the stakes in many areas, was a marked change from Biden's praise at the outset of his presidency of democratic values as "America's abiding advantage" in diplomacy. Saudi Arabia has profited richly in the past couple of years from teaming with fellow top petroleum producer Russia to keep global oil and natural gas supply modest and prices high. And Biden came to office vowing to isolate the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and the rest of the Saudi royal family over abuses that include the 2018 killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Above all, the US government is on the back foot in its ties with oil-rich Gulf monarchies. The White House on Wednesday was forced to deny a Wall Street Journal report which said the crown princes of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had declined to accept calls by the US president. At the same time, news site Axios raised the prospect of a Biden trip to Riyadh in the spring in a bid to convince the kingdom to pump more oil. "I don't know whether he's up to eating that much crow," Saudi Arabia analyst David Ottaway said of attempts now by Biden to improve his administration's relations with Prince Salman and Saudi Arabia, the country that could most easily end the global supply crunch. "He was going to make a pariah of this guy." "Our response to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war shouldn't be to strengthen our relationship with the Saudis," tweeted Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, citing Saudi Arabia's years-long war in neighboring Yemen. Also read | On the Margin | India re-asserts strategic autonomy Gulf Arab states have so far taken a neutral stance between Western allies and Russia, with which they are partners under an oil producers' alliance known as OPEC+. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also have investment and business ties with Moscow. A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) statement read out by Saudi Arabia at a UN General Assembly session last week had affirmed the bloc's "deep ties" with all parties involved and called for de-escalation, restraint, and diplomacy to end the conflict. The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Meanwhile, amid the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, a recent American mission to energy-rich Caracas was intended to be discreet. US government emissaries met with Venezuela's controversial leader Nicolas Maduro, a sworn enemy of Washington which disputes his legitimacy as president. But news of the meeting leaked and the Biden administration was left scrambling to explain why it was engaging with an authoritarian regime. Also read | Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro & Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis Biden could certainly boast of success, as Caracas on Tuesday released two Americans detained in Venezuela. But the trip clearly had other motives. "What we are doing is going all around the world, working with partners and organisations and entities, to try to increase the amount of oil on the market" and stabilise prices," said Victoria Nuland, the State Department's number three diplomat. There are just a handful of countries that produce the "heavy fuel" that Russia was exporting, "so frankly we've got to look everywhere that we can," she said, without ruling out that Washington could buy Venezuelan crude. The Trump Administration in early 2019 sanctioned Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA to squeeze Nicolas Maduro’s brutal regime, which has impoverished the country, persecuted political opponents, and sent millions of refugees across the region. But Venezuela continues to pump about 800,000 barrels a day with help from Russia and Iran. Venezuela has returned the favour by supporting Putin’s war on Ukraine and denouncing the West’s “economic war” against the Russian people. Effectively, said Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official under the Trump administration, the Biden administration is saying of Iran, "They will still be financing terrorism, but let's go ahead and buy their oil."

Diplomatic masterstroke or perilous gambit? Will oil producers play hardball with Joe Biden?

France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the opportunity to reach a deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers was closing and called on all sides to take a responsible approach to reach an agreement.

"We are very close to an agreement, but the window of opportunity is closing," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told reporters in a daily briefing.

"We are concerned about the risks that additional delays pose to the possibility of concluding. Together with our E3 partners, we call on all parties to take a responsible approach and make the decisions necessary to conclude this agreement."

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A historic nuclear deal was reached between Iran and world powers in 2015 but former US President Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018, putting the entire agreement in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Iran on Thursday accused the United States of working to "complicate" efforts to restore a 2015 nuclear deal, after new Russian demands linked to its invasion of Ukraine raised concerns of further delays.

It came on the day Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in major state policies, stressed that his country will not give up on elements of "national strength", such as nuclear progress and regional influence

"Vienna negotiations are becoming more complicated every hour without a political decision by the United States," Iran's top security official Ali Shamkhani tweeted on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the opportunity to reach a deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers was closing and called on all sides to take a responsible approach to reach an agreement.

France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the opportunity to reach a deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers was closing and called on all sides to take a responsible approach to reach an agreement. "We are very close to an agreement, but the window of opportunity is closing," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told reporters in a daily briefing. "We are concerned about the risks that additional delays pose to the possibility of concluding. Together with our E3 partners, we call on all parties to take a responsible approach and make the decisions necessary to conclude this agreement." × A historic nuclear deal was reached between Iran and world powers in 2015 but former US President Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018, putting the entire agreement in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Iran on Thursday accused the United States of working to "complicate" efforts to restore a 2015 nuclear deal, after new Russian demands linked to its invasion of Ukraine raised concerns of further delays. It came on the day Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in major state policies, stressed that his country will not give up on elements of "national strength", such as nuclear progress and regional influence "Vienna negotiations are becoming more complicated every hour without a political decision by the United States," Iran's top security official Ali Shamkhani tweeted on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Window to revive Iran nuclear deal closing, says France

The United States does not have the will to reach an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran at talks in Vienna where it is insisting on "unacceptable proposals", Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said on Thursday.

The 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme was on the verge of being restored after 11 months of negotiations until Russia presented a new obstacle by demanding written guarantees from the United States that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with Iran.

Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme Security Council, said on Twitter that in the absence of a political decision by the United States the talks "become more complicated every hour".

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US approach to Iran's principled demands, coupled with its unreasonable offers and unjustified pressure to hastily reach an agreement, show that US isn't interested in a strong deal that would satisfy both parties. Absent US political decision, the talks get knottier by the hour.
— علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/alishamkhani_ir/status/1501802748760760320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prisoners-who-could-be-freed-alongside-iran-nuclear-deal-458114">Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal</a>

The United States “has no will to reach a strong agreement", he said adding that it was making “unacceptable proposals (and) insists on a quick agreement with false pretences”.

He did not elaborate on the US&nbsp;proposals.

US&nbsp;Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to reap extra benefits from its participation in the effort to restore the nuclear agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-remove-obstacle-for-reviving-nuke-deal-iran-iaea-agree-on-3-month-timeline-459480">To remove obstacle for reviving nuke deal, Iran, IAEA agree on 3-month timeline</a>

European negotiators from France, Britain, and Germany have temporarily left the talks as they believed they had gone as far as they could and it was now up to the United States and Iran to agree on outstanding issues.

Iran's chief negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, returned to Tehran unexpectedly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov outlined Moscow's new demands.

Watch |&nbsp;West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

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Iran's foreign minister said at the time that Tehran would not let its interests be harmed by "foreign elements". 
Bagheri Kani flew back to Vienna on Wednesday.

The United States does not have the will to reach an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran at talks in Vienna where it is insisting on "unacceptable proposals", Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said on Thursday.

The United States does not have the will to reach an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran at talks in Vienna where it is insisting on "unacceptable proposals", Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said on Thursday. The 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme was on the verge of being restored after 11 months of negotiations until Russia presented a new obstacle by demanding written guarantees from the United States that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with Iran. Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme Security Council, said on Twitter that in the absence of a political decision by the United States the talks "become more complicated every hour". US approach to Iran's principled demands, coupled with its unreasonable offers and unjustified pressure to hastily reach an agreement, show that US isn't interested in a strong deal that would satisfy both parties. Absent US political decision, the talks get knottier by the hour. — علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) March 10, 2022 × Also read | Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal The United States “has no will to reach a strong agreement", he said adding that it was making “unacceptable proposals (and) insists on a quick agreement with false pretences”. He did not elaborate on the US proposals. US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to reap extra benefits from its participation in the effort to restore the nuclear agreement. Also read | To remove obstacle for reviving nuke deal, Iran, IAEA agree on 3-month timeline European negotiators from France, Britain, and Germany have temporarily left the talks as they believed they had gone as far as they could and it was now up to the United States and Iran to agree on outstanding issues. Iran's chief negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, returned to Tehran unexpectedly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov outlined Moscow's new demands. Watch | West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal Iran's foreign minister said at the time that Tehran would not let its interests be harmed by "foreign elements". Bagheri Kani flew back to Vienna on Wednesday.

Iran says lack of US decision on nuclear deal makes talks 'more complicated every hour'

Iran said on Tuesday that it has successfully placed a military satellite in orbit. The development has come just when talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal have reached a critical stage.

"Iran's second military satellite -- named Nour-2 -- has been launched into space by the Qassed rocket of the aerospace wing of the evolutionary Guards and successfully placed in orbit 500 kilometres (310 miles) above the Earth," the official IRNA news agency reported.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the Nour-2 as a "reconnaissance satellite" in a statement on its Sepah News website.

Iran successfully put its first military satellite into orbit in April 2020, drawing a sharp rebuke from Washington.

Sepah News said Tuesday that the Nour-1 was "still fully operational and transmitting data".

The United States has repeatedly voiced concern that such launches could boost Iran's ballistic missile technology.

But Iran insists it is not seeking nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defensive purposes only.

At the end of December, Iran announced it had failed to put in orbit "three research cargos" carried by Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier as the rocket was unable to reach the required speed.

In January, Iran tested a solid-fuel rocket for its satellite programme, state media reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran said on Tuesday that it has successfully placed a military satellite in orbit. The development has come just when talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal have reached a critical stage.

Iran said on Tuesday that it has successfully placed a military satellite in orbit. The development has come just when talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal have reached a critical stage. "Iran's second military satellite -- named Nour-2 -- has been launched into space by the Qassed rocket of the aerospace wing of the evolutionary Guards and successfully placed in orbit 500 kilometres (310 miles) above the Earth," the official IRNA news agency reported. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the Nour-2 as a "reconnaissance satellite" in a statement on its Sepah News website. Iran successfully put its first military satellite into orbit in April 2020, drawing a sharp rebuke from Washington. Sepah News said Tuesday that the Nour-1 was "still fully operational and transmitting data". The United States has repeatedly voiced concern that such launches could boost Iran's ballistic missile technology. But Iran insists it is not seeking nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defensive purposes only. At the end of December, Iran announced it had failed to put in orbit "three research cargos" carried by Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier as the rocket was unable to reach the required speed. In January, Iran tested a solid-fuel rocket for its satellite programme, state media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran announces placement of new military satellite in orbit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met on Monday in order to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine and possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran.

Lapid flew to Riga, Latvia to connect with Washington's top diplomat two days after Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett travelled to Moscow for a three-hour meeting with President Vladimir Putin, hoping to find a way to end the bloodshed in Ukraine.

"The way to stop the war is to negotiate," Lapid said at the start of the meeting in a Riga hotel.

"Israel is speaking with both sides, both with Russia and Ukraine, and we're working in full coordination with our greatest ally the United States and with our European partners," he said.

Blinken thanked Israel for its effort to help find an end to the war.

On Sunday Bennett said Israel would press on with diplomatic efforts "as needed," despite Russia continuing its attack 12 days after its forces invaded Ukraine without provocation.

"Even if the chance is not great -- as soon as there is even a small opening, and we have access to all sides and the capability -- I see this as our moral obligation to make every effort," he said.

Lapid also said he would talk with Blinken about Israel's interests in the possible revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

"We're united and committed to the proposition that Iran must never attain a nuclear weapon," Blinken assured his Israeli counterpart.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met on Monday in order to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine and possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met on Monday in order to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine and possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran. Lapid flew to Riga, Latvia to connect with Washington's top diplomat two days after Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett travelled to Moscow for a three-hour meeting with President Vladimir Putin, hoping to find a way to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. "The way to stop the war is to negotiate," Lapid said at the start of the meeting in a Riga hotel. "Israel is speaking with both sides, both with Russia and Ukraine, and we're working in full coordination with our greatest ally the United States and with our European partners," he said. Blinken thanked Israel for its effort to help find an end to the war. On Sunday Bennett said Israel would press on with diplomatic efforts "as needed," despite Russia continuing its attack 12 days after its forces invaded Ukraine without provocation. "Even if the chance is not great -- as soon as there is even a small opening, and we have access to all sides and the capability -- I see this as our moral obligation to make every effort," he said. Lapid also said he would talk with Blinken about Israel's interests in the possible revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. "We're united and committed to the proposition that Iran must never attain a nuclear weapon," Blinken assured his Israeli counterpart. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Israel go in high-level diplomatic huddle on Ukraine, Iran

In an effort to remove an obstacle for reviving the nuclear deal, Iran and IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, on Saturday agreed for a three-month plan to resolve the issue of uranium particles, which were found at old but undeclared sites in the country. &nbsp;

The delegates are looking to settle the final issues within days as the indirect talks have been going on between Iran and the United States for over 11 months to salvage the 2015 deal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-un-watchdog-agree-approach-to-resolve-nuclear-issues-459333" hreflang="en">Iran, UN watchdog agree approach to resolve nuclear issues</a>

According to the diplomats, one unresolved issue has been the Iran’s demand for the closure of the International Atomic Energy Agency's investigation into uranium particles, which were found at three apparently old but undeclared sites. It had suggested that Iran had nuclear material there but it did not declare it to the agency. &nbsp;

The agency has been saying for a long time that Iran has not given satisfactory reply on those issues. But on Saturday, they announced a plan for a series of exchanges. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-delayed-presidential-vote-back-on-459326" hreflang="en">Iraq's delayed presidential vote back on</a>

After this, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi "will aim to report his conclusion by the June 2022 (IAEA) Board of Governors" meeting, which begins on June 6. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a news conference, when asked about what would be the effect on the deal if the issues remain unresolved, Grossi said, "It would be difficult to imagine you can have a cooperative relationship as if nothing had happened if the clarification of very important safeguards issues were to fail." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an effort to remove an obstacle for reviving the nuclear deal, Iran and IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, on Saturday agreed for a three-month plan to resolve the issue of uranium particles, which were found at old but undeclared sites in the country.

In an effort to remove an obstacle for reviving the nuclear deal, Iran and IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, on Saturday agreed for a three-month plan to resolve the issue of uranium particles, which were found at old but undeclared sites in the country. The delegates are looking to settle the final issues within days as the indirect talks have been going on between Iran and the United States for over 11 months to salvage the 2015 deal. Also Read: Iran, UN watchdog agree approach to resolve nuclear issues According to the diplomats, one unresolved issue has been the Iran’s demand for the closure of the International Atomic Energy Agency's investigation into uranium particles, which were found at three apparently old but undeclared sites. It had suggested that Iran had nuclear material there but it did not declare it to the agency. The agency has been saying for a long time that Iran has not given satisfactory reply on those issues. But on Saturday, they announced a plan for a series of exchanges. Also Read: Iraq's delayed presidential vote back on After this, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi "will aim to report his conclusion by the June 2022 (IAEA) Board of Governors" meeting, which begins on June 6. In a news conference, when asked about what would be the effect on the deal if the issues remain unresolved, Grossi said, "It would be difficult to imagine you can have a cooperative relationship as if nothing had happened if the clarification of very important safeguards issues were to fail." (With inputs from agencies)

To remove obstacle for reviving nuke deal, Iran, IAEA agree on 3-month timeline

Will Russia's invasion of Ukraine damage Iran Nuclear deal talks? IAEA presented queries to Tehran as the Nuclear agency chief reaches Iran.

IAEA presents queries to Tehran as Nuclear agency chief reaches Iran

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

The visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi is seen as critical to clinching a return to the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;agreement, and comes parallel to negotiations in the Austrian capital.

"This is a critical time but a positive outcome for everyone is possible," Grossi tweeted Friday before leaving for Iran, where he is slated to meet with the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-koreas-polls-kim-jong-led-north-holds-2022s-ninth-missile-test-459144">Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test</a>

The 2015 deal was aimed at guaranteeing that Tehran could not develop a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

The next few days are widely seen as a crunch point for negotiations.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," head of the British delegation Stephanie Al-Qaq said Friday, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

She added that they were "ready to return soon".

The three European countries, along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia, have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November, with the United States participating indirectly.

Grossi had vowed earlier this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the past presence of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;material at several undeclared sites.

Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal.

Grossi is expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-iran-nuclear-deal-close-european-diplomats-to-consult-with-ministers-459036">UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers</a>

Ready to go to Vienna

The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015, secured sanctions relief for Iran in return for strict curbs on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;program.

It began unravelling when then US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity.

The coming days are seen as so pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advances.

Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the&nbsp;UN's IAEA&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog said earlier this week.

Several observers believe that the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached by this weekend.

The EU has been chairing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement".&nbsp;

He stressed that there was "still work ongoing".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-clears-law-against-fake-news-on-army-bbc-cnn-others-suspend-operations-459126">Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations</a>

Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal is reached.

"I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell.

While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement.

Watch |&nbsp;The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident

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On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved.

However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

The UN nuclear watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

The UN nuclear watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers. The visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi is seen as critical to clinching a return to the nuclear agreement, and comes parallel to negotiations in the Austrian capital. "This is a critical time but a positive outcome for everyone is possible," Grossi tweeted Friday before leaving for Iran, where he is slated to meet with the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organisation. Also read | Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test The 2015 deal was aimed at guaranteeing that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. The next few days are widely seen as a crunch point for negotiations. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," head of the British delegation Stephanie Al-Qaq said Friday, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. She added that they were "ready to return soon". The three European countries, along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia, have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November, with the United States participating indirectly. Grossi had vowed earlier this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the past presence of nuclear material at several undeclared sites. Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal. Grossi is expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna. Also read | UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers Ready to go to Vienna The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015, secured sanctions relief for Iran in return for strict curbs on its nuclear program. It began unravelling when then US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its nuclear activity. The coming days are seen as so pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making nuclear advances. Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the UN's IAEA nuclear watchdog said earlier this week. Several observers believe that the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached by this weekend. The EU has been chairing nuclear deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement". He stressed that there was "still work ongoing". Also read | Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal is reached. "I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell. While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement. Watch | The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved. However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close'

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday after talks in Tehran that they agreed on an approach to resolve issues crucial in efforts to revive the country's 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal.

The announcement came shortly before Russia said it would seek guarantees from the United States before it backs the deal, potentially scuppering hopes the agreement could be wrapped up soon.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;agency and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;"did have a number of important matters that we needed... to&nbsp;resolve", but that they had now "decided to try a practical, pragmatic&nbsp;approach" to overcome them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-chief-in-tehran-for-talks-as-uk-says-deal-close-459147">UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close'</a>

Atomic Energy Organization of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;president Mohammed Eslami said the two sides had come to the "conclusion that some documents which need to be exchanged between the IAEA and the Iranian organisation should be exchanged" by May 22.

Grossi's visit to Tehran comes after Britain, one of the parties to parallel talks on the deal in Vienna, indicated an agreement was close.

The 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal has been hanging by a thread since the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump.

The landmark accord was aimed at guaranteeing Tehran could not develop a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

Oil-rich&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;said this week that it was ready to raise its crude exports "to the pre-November 2018 level" -- before punishing sanctions imposed by the Trump administration started to take effect.

The next few days are widely seen as a decisive point for negotiations on reviving the accord formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play" and were "ready to return soon", said British delegation head Stephanie Al-Qaq, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prisoners-who-could-be-freed-alongside-iran-nuclear-deal-458114">Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal</a>

Russia seeks US guarantees&nbsp;

But Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Moscow, itself slapped with sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, would seek guarantees from Washington before backing the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal.

Lavrov said Russia had requested that the US give it written guarantees that its sanctions "will not in any way harm our rights to free, fully-fledged trade and economic and investment cooperation, military-technical cooperation with&nbsp;Iran".

Russia is party to the ongoing talks in the Austrian capital to restore the agreement along with Britain, China, France and Germany. The United States involved indirectly.

Grossi vowed this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to clarify the presence in the past of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;material at several undeclared sites.

Iran&nbsp;has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy head of the Iranian atomic agency, told television he was hopeful&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;would reach an agreement with the IAEA during Grossi's visit.

Grossi is expected to hold a news conference on his return to Vienna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-iran-nuclear-deal-close-european-diplomats-to-consult-with-ministers-459036">UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers</a>

Work ongoing

The coming days are seen as pivotal by the West because of the rate&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is making&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advances.

Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the IAEA said this week.

Several observers believe the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached this weekend.

The EU has been chairing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement".

He stressed there was "still work ongoing".

Iran's top diplomat, Amir-Abdollahian, said earlier he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal was reached.

"I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell.

While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines",&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-risk-of-a-nuclear-disaster-in-ukraine-458711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult&nbsp;issues" remained unresolved.

However, "if&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday after talks in Tehran that they agreed on an approach to resolve issues crucial in efforts to revive the country's 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday after talks in Tehran that they agreed on an approach to resolve issues crucial in efforts to revive the country's 2015 nuclear deal. The announcement came shortly before Russia said it would seek guarantees from the United States before it backs the deal, potentially scuppering hopes the agreement could be wrapped up soon. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the UN agency and Iran "did have a number of important matters that we needed... to resolve", but that they had now "decided to try a practical, pragmatic approach" to overcome them. Also read | UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close' Atomic Energy Organization of Iran president Mohammed Eslami said the two sides had come to the "conclusion that some documents which need to be exchanged between the IAEA and the Iranian organisation should be exchanged" by May 22. Grossi's visit to Tehran comes after Britain, one of the parties to parallel talks on the deal in Vienna, indicated an agreement was close. The 2015 nuclear deal has been hanging by a thread since the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump. The landmark accord was aimed at guaranteeing Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. Oil-rich Iran said this week that it was ready to raise its crude exports "to the pre-November 2018 level" -- before punishing sanctions imposed by the Trump administration started to take effect. The next few days are widely seen as a decisive point for negotiations on reviving the accord formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play" and were "ready to return soon", said British delegation head Stephanie Al-Qaq, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. Also read | Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal Russia seeks US guarantees But Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Moscow, itself slapped with sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, would seek guarantees from Washington before backing the nuclear deal. Lavrov said Russia had requested that the US give it written guarantees that its sanctions "will not in any way harm our rights to free, fully-fledged trade and economic and investment cooperation, military-technical cooperation with Iran". Russia is party to the ongoing talks in the Austrian capital to restore the agreement along with Britain, China, France and Germany. The United States involved indirectly. Grossi vowed this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the presence in the past of nuclear material at several undeclared sites. Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal. Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy head of the Iranian atomic agency, told television he was hopeful Iran would reach an agreement with the IAEA during Grossi's visit. Grossi is expected to hold a news conference on his return to Vienna. Also read | UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers Work ongoing The coming days are seen as pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making nuclear advances. Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the IAEA said this week. Several observers believe the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached this weekend. The EU has been chairing nuclear deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement". He stressed there was "still work ongoing". Iran's top diplomat, Amir-Abdollahian, said earlier he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal was reached. "I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell. While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement. Watch | Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved. However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

Iran, UN watchdog agree approach to resolve nuclear issues

A&nbsp;deal&nbsp;on reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers on&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme is "close", Britain said on Friday, at a crunch point for negotiations in Vienna.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," British diplomat Stephanie Al-Qaq said on Twitter, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

Along with counterparts from China,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Russia they have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-scholz-urges-putin-to-end-hostilities-in-ukraine-459011">Also read |&nbsp;German Chancellor Scholz urges Putin to end hostilities in Ukraine</a>

The US has been participating indirectly.

Also on Friday,&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to Vienna if a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is reached to revive the accord.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told reporters that "we have received very positive signals that (Russian) Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov will take part" in an expected meeting of foreign ministers in the event of an agreement being reached.

The 2015&nbsp;deal&nbsp;began unravelling when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to start disregarding the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity laid down in the agreement.

A deal on reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers on Iran's nuclear programme is "close", Britain said on Friday, at a crunch point for negotiations in Vienna.

A deal on reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers on Iran's nuclear programme is "close", Britain said on Friday, at a crunch point for negotiations in Vienna. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," British diplomat Stephanie Al-Qaq said on Twitter, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. Along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia they have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November. Also read | German Chancellor Scholz urges Putin to end hostilities in Ukraine The US has been participating indirectly. Also on Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to Vienna if a deal is reached to revive the accord. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told reporters that "we have received very positive signals that (Russian) Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov will take part" in an expected meeting of foreign ministers in the event of an agreement being reached. The 2015 deal began unravelling when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the agreement.

UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers

Iran said that it was ready to step up exports of crude oil once US sanctions are lifted. Iran is currently negotiating with world powers to revive 2015 nuclear deal

Global oil prices have shot up in the aftermath of Russian invasion of Iran.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to increase its production and exports to the pre-November 2018 level," Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji was quoted as saying by the official IRNA agency.&nbsp;

Owji was referring to November 5, 2018 when the US under then president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions against Iran's oil sector, following its withdrawal in May that year from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement.

"It is up to the major consuming countries to take the necessary steps to maintain stability and calm in the oil market," Owji had said Wednesday after an OPEC meeting, according to Shana, the ministry's official agency.&nbsp;

In that meeting, the oil-rich Gulf states had failed to respond to Western pressure to increase crude output, prioritising their own strategic and economic interests.&nbsp;

"I promise to reach the highest oil export capacity within one to two months as soon as the green light from Vienna is given," Owji said.&nbsp;

The minister had, in comments on February 6, estimated his country's export capacity at 2.5 million barrels per day, out of total production of about 4 million bpd, according to the Shana agency.&nbsp;

"Iran is technically and operationally capable of stabilising its export share in the world market after the lifting of sanctions," he said.

Crude oil prices were already rising sharply before the Ukraine war amid supply shortages due to a strong recovery in global demand caused by the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in many countries.&nbsp;

Surging oil prices are playing a major role in sending global inflation to the highest levels in decades, forcing central banks to hike interest rates.

In recent days, negotiators have reported progress in the ongoing talks in Vienna aimed at salvaging the nuclear deal Iran reached with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran said that it was ready to step up exports of crude oil once US sanctions are lifted. Iran is currently negotiating with world powers to revive 2015 nuclear deal Global oil prices have shot up in the aftermath of Russian invasion of Iran.

Iran said that it was ready to step up exports of crude oil once US sanctions are lifted. Iran is currently negotiating with world powers to revive 2015 nuclear deal Global oil prices have shot up in the aftermath of Russian invasion of Iran. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to increase its production and exports to the pre-November 2018 level," Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji was quoted as saying by the official IRNA agency. Owji was referring to November 5, 2018 when the US under then president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions against Iran's oil sector, following its withdrawal in May that year from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. "It is up to the major consuming countries to take the necessary steps to maintain stability and calm in the oil market," Owji had said Wednesday after an OPEC meeting, according to Shana, the ministry's official agency. In that meeting, the oil-rich Gulf states had failed to respond to Western pressure to increase crude output, prioritising their own strategic and economic interests. "I promise to reach the highest oil export capacity within one to two months as soon as the green light from Vienna is given," Owji said. The minister had, in comments on February 6, estimated his country's export capacity at 2.5 million barrels per day, out of total production of about 4 million bpd, according to the Shana agency. "Iran is technically and operationally capable of stabilising its export share in the world market after the lifting of sanctions," he said. Crude oil prices were already rising sharply before the Ukraine war amid supply shortages due to a strong recovery in global demand caused by the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in many countries. Surging oil prices are playing a major role in sending global inflation to the highest levels in decades, forcing central banks to hike interest rates. In recent days, negotiators have reported progress in the ongoing talks in Vienna aimed at salvaging the nuclear deal Iran reached with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Will raise oil output once US sanctions lifted, says Iran

German Chancellor&nbsp;Olaf&nbsp;Scholz&nbsp;on Wednesday visited Israel for the first time since taking office, days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and amid international efforts to forge a new Iran nuclear deal.

He toured Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, laid a wreath and left a message in the guest book stressing Germany's historical responsibility toward the Jewish state.&nbsp;

"The mass murder of the Jews was instigated by Germany," he wrote.&nbsp;"It was planned and carried out by Germans.&nbsp;Consequently, every German government bears permanent responsibility for the security of the state of Israel and the protection of Jewish life."

Bennett welcomed&nbsp;Scholz, saying that "the Shoah, the methodical destruction of the Jews, is a wound that is the basis of the ties between Germany and Israel. From this wound we have built strong and significant ties."

The two heads of government -- both relatively new to office following many years under the political veterans Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu -- met as rapidly moving world events test their leadership.

They have diverged on their responses to Russia's war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Scholz's coalition government reversed a ban on sending weapons into conflict zones and halted the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany.

He also pledged 100 billion euros ($113 billion) this year to modernise Germany's army and committed to spending more than two percent of Germany's gross domestic product on defence annually, surpassing even NATO's target.

Deeply troubled&nbsp;

Israel has taken a more conservative approach to the Ukraine crisis, citing its warm ties with both Kyiv and Moscow.&nbsp;

Israeli leaders have said they do not want to upset a delicate security cooperation with Russia, which operates a large military presence in Syria, where Israel carries out frequent strikes against what it says are Iran-linked targets.&nbsp;

Bennett has resisted Ukraine's request for weapons, according to Israeli media, and this week is sending 100 tons of non-military assistance, including blankets, water purification kits and medical supplies.&nbsp;

In addition, Israel has set up a hotline for Jewish Ukrainians seeking to immigrate amid the hostilities.&nbsp;

Scholz's visit also comes as a new deal is said to be emerging to curb Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.&nbsp;

The original 2015 agreement unravelled when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it, with Israeli encouragement.&nbsp;

Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran and Russia are now negotiating in Vienna to salvage that agreement, with the United States taking part indirectly.

Israel's Bennett has said he is "deeply troubled" by the outlines of that deal, fearing it does too little to stop its arch enemy Iran from one day getting the nuclear bomb, a goal Tehran denies pursuing.

Scholz&nbsp;was later due to meet Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and visit the Knesset, or parliament.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday visited Israel for the first time since taking office, days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and amid international efforts to forge a new Iran nuclear deal.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday visited Israel for the first time since taking office, days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and amid international efforts to forge a new Iran nuclear deal. He toured Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, laid a wreath and left a message in the guest book stressing Germany's historical responsibility toward the Jewish state. "The mass murder of the Jews was instigated by Germany," he wrote. "It was planned and carried out by Germans. Consequently, every German government bears permanent responsibility for the security of the state of Israel and the protection of Jewish life." Bennett welcomed Scholz, saying that "the Shoah, the methodical destruction of the Jews, is a wound that is the basis of the ties between Germany and Israel. From this wound we have built strong and significant ties." The two heads of government -- both relatively new to office following many years under the political veterans Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu -- met as rapidly moving world events test their leadership. They have diverged on their responses to Russia's war in Ukraine. Scholz's coalition government reversed a ban on sending weapons into conflict zones and halted the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany. He also pledged 100 billion euros ($113 billion) this year to modernise Germany's army and committed to spending more than two percent of Germany's gross domestic product on defence annually, surpassing even NATO's target. Deeply troubled Israel has taken a more conservative approach to the Ukraine crisis, citing its warm ties with both Kyiv and Moscow. Israeli leaders have said they do not want to upset a delicate security cooperation with Russia, which operates a large military presence in Syria, where Israel carries out frequent strikes against what it says are Iran-linked targets. Bennett has resisted Ukraine's request for weapons, according to Israeli media, and this week is sending 100 tons of non-military assistance, including blankets, water purification kits and medical supplies. In addition, Israel has set up a hotline for Jewish Ukrainians seeking to immigrate amid the hostilities. Scholz's visit also comes as a new deal is said to be emerging to curb Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. The original 2015 agreement unravelled when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it, with Israeli encouragement. Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran and Russia are now negotiating in Vienna to salvage that agreement, with the United States taking part indirectly. Israel's Bennett has said he is "deeply troubled" by the outlines of that deal, fearing it does too little to stop its arch enemy Iran from one day getting the nuclear bomb, a goal Tehran denies pursuing. Scholz was later due to meet Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and visit the Knesset, or parliament.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Israel amid Ukraine war, Iran talks

Iran's&nbsp;Supreme Leader Ali&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;described&nbsp;homosexuality&nbsp;as part of the "moral deprivation" widespread in Western civilisation, during a televised speech on Tuesday.

"There is severe moral deprivation in the world today such as&nbsp;homosexuality&nbsp;and things that one cannot bring oneself to even talk about. Some have rightly called Western civilisation a new age of ignorance,"&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said.

Western rights groups have often criticised Iran, where homosexual acts among men can be punished by the death penalty.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-deal-talks-iran-says-west-still-not-making-political-decisions-457494">Nuclear deal talks: Iran says West still not making 'political decisions'</a>&nbsp;

Tehran has dismissed the criticism as baseless and due to a lack of understanding of its Islamic laws.

"The same moral vices of the age of ignorance (in pre-Islamic Arabia) exist today in the so-called civilised Western world in an organised and more widespread way. Life in Western civilisation is based on greed, and money is the basis of all Western values,"&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described homosexuality as part of the "moral deprivation" widespread in Western civilisation, during a televised speech on Tuesday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described homosexuality as part of the "moral deprivation" widespread in Western civilisation, during a televised speech on Tuesday. "There is severe moral deprivation in the world today such as homosexuality and things that one cannot bring oneself to even talk about. Some have rightly called Western civilisation a new age of ignorance," Khamenei said. Western rights groups have often criticised Iran, where homosexual acts among men can be punished by the death penalty. Also read | Nuclear deal talks: Iran says West still not making 'political decisions' Tehran has dismissed the criticism as baseless and due to a lack of understanding of its Islamic laws. "The same moral vices of the age of ignorance (in pre-Islamic Arabia) exist today in the so-called civilised Western world in an organised and more widespread way. Life in Western civilisation is based on greed, and money is the basis of all Western values," Khamenei said.

Iran's Khamenei says homosexuality example of West's immorality

Iran said on Monday that Western countries were yet to make 'political decisions' to conclude talks to restore 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator has returned to Vienna for talks. All sides engaged in talks in Vienna have indicated progress in negotiations, but countries are also saying that they are at a critical stage.

Iran has repeatedly emphasised the need for the West to make certain "decisions".

"Unfortunately, Western sides and the US haven't still made their political decisions on several remaining issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at his weekly press conference.

These issues are "in the fields of removal of sanctions, guarantees and some political claims about Iran's peaceful nuclear programme", he said.

Parties to the 2015 deal saw it as the best way to stop the Islamic republic from building a nuclear bomb -– a goal Tehran has always denied.

Iran has also restricted some inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog. The IAEA wants Iran to resolve questions surrounding the previous presence of nuclear material at undeclared sites but Iran is asking for this issue to be "closed."

Khatibzadeh said that, unless this dispute is settled, "we can't think of the possibility of an agreement about the return of the US to JCPOA."

He confirmed that Iran's chief negotiator Ali Bagheri returned to Vienna on Monday. Bagheri had gone home last Wednesday for consultations, during which talks continued at the level of experts in Vienna.

The negotiations to revive the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, involve Iran as well as France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly, and the United States indirectly.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran said on Monday that Western countries were yet to make 'political decisions' to conclude talks to restore 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator has returned to Vienna for talks.

Iran said on Monday that Western countries were yet to make 'political decisions' to conclude talks to restore 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator has returned to Vienna for talks. All sides engaged in talks in Vienna have indicated progress in negotiations, but countries are also saying that they are at a critical stage. Iran has repeatedly emphasised the need for the West to make certain "decisions". "Unfortunately, Western sides and the US haven't still made their political decisions on several remaining issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at his weekly press conference. These issues are "in the fields of removal of sanctions, guarantees and some political claims about Iran's peaceful nuclear programme", he said. Parties to the 2015 deal saw it as the best way to stop the Islamic republic from building a nuclear bomb -– a goal Tehran has always denied. Iran has also restricted some inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog. The IAEA wants Iran to resolve questions surrounding the previous presence of nuclear material at undeclared sites but Iran is asking for this issue to be "closed." Khatibzadeh said that, unless this dispute is settled, "we can't think of the possibility of an agreement about the return of the US to JCPOA." He confirmed that Iran's chief negotiator Ali Bagheri returned to Vienna on Monday. Bagheri had gone home last Wednesday for consultations, during which talks continued at the level of experts in Vienna. The negotiations to revive the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, involve Iran as well as France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly, and the United States indirectly. (With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear deal talks: Iran says West still not making 'political decisions'

Iran's&nbsp;chief&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;negotiator&nbsp;Ali Bagheri Kani will return to&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;on Sunday evening for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;on resolving the remaining issues in indirect negotiations with the United States to revive a 2015 deal, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Bagheri Kani, who flew to Tehran last week for consultations with Iranian officials, will "pursue the negotiations with a clear agenda aimed at resolving" the remaining issues, IRNA said.

Nournews, which is affiliated to&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;Supreme National Security Council that is in charge of the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;talks&nbsp;dossier, said a council meeting stressed "the need to quickly resolve the remaining issues that border between agreement and dead end".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-west-not-to-challenge-red-lines-in-vienna-nuke-talks-454708">Iran warns West not to challenge red lines in Vienna nuke talks</a>

It did not name the sticking points, but the main remaining disputes appear to include the extent of sanctions rollback and questions about uranium traces found at several old but undeclared sites.

"No restriction on time can prevent the continuation of the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;for a good agreement," Nournews added.

Iran has made clear it wants an end to the oil and banking sanctions that are hurting its economy, while insisting also on the lifting of human rights and terrorism-related curbs.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Tehran was ready to "immediately conclude" a deal in&nbsp;talks&nbsp;to revive its 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;accord with world powers if Western powers show real will.

"Seriously reviewing draft of the agreement...Our red lines are made clear to Western parties. Ready to immediately conclude a good deal, should they show real will," Amirabdollahian said on Twitter.

Ambirabdollahin is due on Tuesday to report to the Iranian parliament on the progress of the&nbsp;talks, local media said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muddywater-irans-ministry-of-intelligence-and-security-running-malicious-cyber-campaigns-warns-us-456283">'MuddyWater': Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security running malicious cyber campaigns, warns US</a>

On Friday, a senior U.S. State Department official said&nbsp;negotiators had made significant progress in the past week or so on reviving the deal but very tough issues remained.

The pact was abandoned in 2018 by then-US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who also reimposed extensive sanctions on Iran.

The deal between Iran and world powers limited Tehran's enrichment of uranium to make it harder for it to develop material for&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons, if it chose to, in return for a lifting of interntional sanctions against Tehran.

Other parties to the deal - Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia - have shuttled between the two sides during the&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;talks.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani will return to Vienna on Sunday evening for talks on resolving the remaining issues in indirect negotiations with the United States to revive a 2015 deal, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani will return to Vienna on Sunday evening for talks on resolving the remaining issues in indirect negotiations with the United States to revive a 2015 deal, the official IRNA news agency reported. Bagheri Kani, who flew to Tehran last week for consultations with Iranian officials, will "pursue the negotiations with a clear agenda aimed at resolving" the remaining issues, IRNA said. Nournews, which is affiliated to Iran's Supreme National Security Council that is in charge of the nuclear talks dossier, said a council meeting stressed "the need to quickly resolve the remaining issues that border between agreement and dead end". Also read | Iran warns West not to challenge red lines in Vienna nuke talks It did not name the sticking points, but the main remaining disputes appear to include the extent of sanctions rollback and questions about uranium traces found at several old but undeclared sites. "No restriction on time can prevent the continuation of the talks for a good agreement," Nournews added. Iran has made clear it wants an end to the oil and banking sanctions that are hurting its economy, while insisting also on the lifting of human rights and terrorism-related curbs. On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Tehran was ready to "immediately conclude" a deal in talks to revive its 2015 nuclear accord with world powers if Western powers show real will. "Seriously reviewing draft of the agreement...Our red lines are made clear to Western parties. Ready to immediately conclude a good deal, should they show real will," Amirabdollahian said on Twitter. Ambirabdollahin is due on Tuesday to report to the Iranian parliament on the progress of the talks, local media said. Also read | 'MuddyWater': Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security running malicious cyber campaigns, warns US On Friday, a senior U.S. State Department official said negotiators had made significant progress in the past week or so on reviving the deal but very tough issues remained. The pact was abandoned in 2018 by then-US President Donald Trump, who also reimposed extensive sanctions on Iran. The deal between Iran and world powers limited Tehran's enrichment of uranium to make it harder for it to develop material for nuclear weapons, if it chose to, in return for a lifting of interntional sanctions against Tehran. Other parties to the deal - Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia - have shuttled between the two sides during the Vienna talks.

Iran's nuclear negotiator returns to Vienna for talks

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned against a 'weaker' nuclear deal with Iran. How different is the new deal being drafted in Vienna? Could this end the Iran-Gulf states isolation? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Israel warns against 'weak' Iran nuclear deal

Israel has successfully tested a new naval air defense system, intercepting a series of threats in what officials called a key layer of protection against Iran and its proxies in the region.

Israel successfully tests C-Dome naval air defense system

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, arrived in Qatar for his firt visit to a Gulf Arab state for a major gas summit. The summit is likely to be dominated by tensions over Ukraine crisis.

Raisi and Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, a close US ally, are also expected to discuss growing efforts to revive a stalled international deal to regulate Iran's nuclear programme.

Tuesday's Gas Exporting Countries Forum will be overshadowed by growing tensions around Ukraine which have boosted demand for gas as well as the price paid by consumers.

Producing nations say they will not be able to provide substantial amounts of gas to Europe if Russia, which has been accused of preparing an attack on Ukraine, cuts supplies in any sanctions showdown.

Raisi has not travelled in the Gulf region since taking office in June, and it is only his fourth trip abroad. Qatar authorities imposed stringent security for his arrival at Doha airport, where he was met by the emir.

Qatar has added the Iran nuclear dispute to its list of diplomatic hotspots where it has taken a behind-the-scenes mediation role.&nbsp;

Earlier this month Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani went on an unannounced visit to Tehran after the emir met US President Joe Biden in Washington.&nbsp;

'Common concern'

The Qatar government said that the emir and Raisi would discuss issues of "common concern" without giving details. Diplomats said, however, that the nuclear talks would be on the agenda.

In 2015, Iran and six world powers including the United States reached a landmark nuclear agreement that offered Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump and reimposed heavy economic sanctions.

Talks on reviving the deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have been held in the Austrian capital Vienna since late November, involving Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia directly and the United States indirectly. 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, arrived in Qatar for his firt visit to a Gulf Arab state for a major gas summit. The summit is likely to be dominated by tensions over Ukraine crisis.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, arrived in Qatar for his firt visit to a Gulf Arab state for a major gas summit. The summit is likely to be dominated by tensions over Ukraine crisis. Raisi and Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, a close US ally, are also expected to discuss growing efforts to revive a stalled international deal to regulate Iran's nuclear programme. Tuesday's Gas Exporting Countries Forum will be overshadowed by growing tensions around Ukraine which have boosted demand for gas as well as the price paid by consumers. Producing nations say they will not be able to provide substantial amounts of gas to Europe if Russia, which has been accused of preparing an attack on Ukraine, cuts supplies in any sanctions showdown. Raisi has not travelled in the Gulf region since taking office in June, and it is only his fourth trip abroad. Qatar authorities imposed stringent security for his arrival at Doha airport, where he was met by the emir. Qatar has added the Iran nuclear dispute to its list of diplomatic hotspots where it has taken a behind-the-scenes mediation role. Earlier this month Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani went on an unannounced visit to Tehran after the emir met US President Joe Biden in Washington. 'Common concern' The Qatar government said that the emir and Raisi would discuss issues of "common concern" without giving details. Diplomats said, however, that the nuclear talks would be on the agenda. In 2015, Iran and six world powers including the United States reached a landmark nuclear agreement that offered Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump and reimposed heavy economic sanctions. Talks on reviving the deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have been held in the Austrian capital Vienna since late November, involving Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia directly and the United States indirectly.

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi on maiden Gulf trip for gas summit

Israeli&nbsp;Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that a U.S.-Iranian&nbsp;deal&nbsp;taking shape to revive&nbsp;Iran's 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;agreement with world powers is weaker than the original arrangement and&nbsp;would&nbsp;lead to a more violent&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East.

The 2015&nbsp;deal&nbsp;limited&nbsp;Iran’s enrichment of uranium to make it harder for Tehran to develop material for&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons, in return for a lifting of international sanctions against Tehran.

But it has eroded since 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed far-reaching sanctions on&nbsp;Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-sees-iran-nuclear-deal-shortly-warns-it-may-be-weaker-naftali-bennett-454791">Israel sees Iran nuclear deal 'shortly,' warns it may be 'weaker': Naftali Bennett</a>

"The emerging&nbsp;deal, as it seems, is highly likely to create a more violent, more volatile&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East," Bennett said in a speech in Jerusalem to Jewish American leaders.

The aim of the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;talks in Vienna is to return to the original bargain of lifting sanctions against&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;in exchange for restrictions on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activities that extend the time it&nbsp;would&nbsp;need to produce enough enriched uranium for an atomic bomb if it chose to.

Iran&nbsp;says&nbsp;its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;ambitions are peaceful.

Bennett said the biggest problem in current negotiations was the possibility of the shorter timeline - two and a half years - before&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;could freely operate advanced centrifuges, since the original timeline may not be extended.

"Israel will not accept&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;as a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;threshold state," he said, reiterating a long-standing position, at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. "Israel will always maintain its freedom of action to defend itself."

Watch |&nbsp;Israel PM Naftali Bennett slams emerging Nuclear Deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-pm-naftali-bennett-slams-emerging-nuclear-deal-454922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that a U.S.-Iranian deal taking shape to revive Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers is weaker than the original arrangement and would lead to a more violent Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that a U.S.-Iranian deal taking shape to revive Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers is weaker than the original arrangement and would lead to a more violent Middle East. The 2015 deal limited Iran’s enrichment of uranium to make it harder for Tehran to develop material for nuclear weapons, in return for a lifting of international sanctions against Tehran. But it has eroded since 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed far-reaching sanctions on Iran. Also read | Israel sees Iran nuclear deal 'shortly,' warns it may be 'weaker': Naftali Bennett "The emerging deal, as it seems, is highly likely to create a more violent, more volatile Middle East," Bennett said in a speech in Jerusalem to Jewish American leaders. The aim of the nuclear talks in Vienna is to return to the original bargain of lifting sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities that extend the time it would need to produce enough enriched uranium for an atomic bomb if it chose to. Iran says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. Bennett said the biggest problem in current negotiations was the possibility of the shorter timeline - two and a half years - before Iran could freely operate advanced centrifuges, since the original timeline may not be extended. "Israel will not accept Iran as a nuclear threshold state," he said, reiterating a long-standing position, at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. "Israel will always maintain its freedom of action to defend itself." Watch | Israel PM Naftali Bennett slams emerging Nuclear Deal

Israeli PM says revived Iran nuclear deal would mean a 'more violent' Middle East

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has warned the West against challenging Tehran's red lines in the Vienna talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal,. 
 
Amir Abdollahian made the remarks during a meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing 58th Munich Security Conference here, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
"Tehran's definite choice is to respect national interests and not to cross the logical and legitimate red lines of Iran," Abdollahian said. 
 
The Western parties to the deal must make their final decision on whether to end their current "economic terrorism and inaction", he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-says-iran-nuclear-deal-within-grasp-predicts-a-major-crisis-if-agreement-isnt-reached-453893">France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached</a> 
 
He also said that Iran favours the "quality" of any possible deal in the ongoing talks in Vienna. 
 
Rejecting some comments of "setting fake deadlines", Amir Abdollahian said that Iran believes the "quality" of an agreement should be assessed within the context of time. 
 
"If the legitimate demands of Tehran are respected today, an agreement can be reached in Vienna. In these last steps, it is important for the other party not to make miscalculations and not to drag the negotiations to the media space," he added. 
 
The top diplomat further emphasised his country's determination for "a good agreement", expressing the hope that parties to the negotiations can play an effective role in securing Iran`s "legitimate rights".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/454114">Iran supreme leader Khamenei urges nuclear energy progress amid talks</a> 
 
On Friday, Abdollahian said the talks between Iran and the world powers in Vienna are "very close to a good and accessible agreement". 
 
Former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, which prompted the latter to drop some of its nuclear commitments one year later and advance its halted nuclear programs.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal 'closer than ever'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-nuclear-deal-closer-than-ever-454461/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since April 2021, eight rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining parties, namely the UK, China, France, Russia plus Germany, with the United States indirectly involved in the talks, to revive the landmark deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has warned the West against challenging Tehran's red lines in the Vienna talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal,.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has warned the West against challenging Tehran's red lines in the Vienna talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal,. Amir Abdollahian made the remarks during a meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing 58th Munich Security Conference here, reports Xinhua news agency. "Tehran's definite choice is to respect national interests and not to cross the logical and legitimate red lines of Iran," Abdollahian said. The Western parties to the deal must make their final decision on whether to end their current "economic terrorism and inaction", he added. Also read | France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached He also said that Iran favours the "quality" of any possible deal in the ongoing talks in Vienna. Rejecting some comments of "setting fake deadlines", Amir Abdollahian said that Iran believes the "quality" of an agreement should be assessed within the context of time. "If the legitimate demands of Tehran are respected today, an agreement can be reached in Vienna. In these last steps, it is important for the other party not to make miscalculations and not to drag the negotiations to the media space," he added. The top diplomat further emphasised his country's determination for "a good agreement", expressing the hope that parties to the negotiations can play an effective role in securing Iran`s "legitimate rights". Also read | Iran supreme leader Khamenei urges nuclear energy progress amid talks On Friday, Abdollahian said the talks between Iran and the world powers in Vienna are "very close to a good and accessible agreement". Former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, which prompted the latter to drop some of its nuclear commitments one year later and advance its halted nuclear programs. Watch | Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal 'closer than ever' Since April 2021, eight rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining parties, namely the UK, China, France, Russia plus Germany, with the United States indirectly involved in the talks, to revive the landmark deal.

Iran warns West not to challenge red lines in Vienna nuke talks

Iran's top negotiator says that a nuclear deal is 'closer than ever'. But Tehran is holding out until the US Congress releases a political statement backing the agreement. Will Republicans sink Joe Biden's west Asian project? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal 'closer than ever'

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