Iran agreed to allow the UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites. The announcement was made by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) after a meeting with the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran allows IAEA to service nuclear monitoring cameras after talks

Iraq's PM paid a visit to Iran over the weekend. Al-Khademi said that he will stand by Iran in all its challenges.

Iraqi PM Mustafa Al-Kadhemi visits Iran

Averting a diplomatic showdown, Iran on Sunday agreed to allow UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites.

The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) after a meeting with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in Tehran.

The announcement is likely to buy more time for Iran ahead of the IAEA board meeting this week where the Western powers had been arguing for Tehran to be censured over its lack of cooperation with international inspectors.&nbsp; Eslami said Iran would take part in that meeting and its negotiations with the IAEA would continue there.

“We agreed over the replacement of the memory cards of the agency’s cameras,” Mohammad Eslami, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies.

“IAEA’s inspectors are permitted to service the identified equipment and replace their storage media which will be kept under the joint IAEA and AEOI seals in the Islamic Republic of Iran," the nuclear bodies said in a joint statement.

“I am glad to say that today, (we) were able to have a very constructive result, which has to do with the continuity of the operation of the agency’s equipment here,” Grossi said.

It “is indispensable for us to provide the necessary guarantee and information to the IAEA and to the world that everything is in order.”

Iran and the world powers agreed in 2015 to the nuclear deal, which saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

In 2018, then-president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord, raising tensions across the wider Middle East and sparking a series of attacks and incidents.

After taking power, President Joe Biden said he’s willing to re-enter the accord, but so far, indirect talks have yet to see success.

(With inputs from agencies)

Averting a diplomatic showdown, Iran on Sunday agreed to allow UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites.

Averting a diplomatic showdown, Iran on Sunday agreed to allow UN nuclear watchdog to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras at its sensitive nuclear sites. The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) after a meeting with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in Tehran. The announcement is likely to buy more time for Iran ahead of the IAEA board meeting this week where the Western powers had been arguing for Tehran to be censured over its lack of cooperation with international inspectors. Eslami said Iran would take part in that meeting and its negotiations with the IAEA would continue there. “We agreed over the replacement of the memory cards of the agency’s cameras,” Mohammad Eslami, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies. “IAEA’s inspectors are permitted to service the identified equipment and replace their storage media which will be kept under the joint IAEA and AEOI seals in the Islamic Republic of Iran," the nuclear bodies said in a joint statement. “I am glad to say that today, (we) were able to have a very constructive result, which has to do with the continuity of the operation of the agency’s equipment here,” Grossi said. It “is indispensable for us to provide the necessary guarantee and information to the IAEA and to the world that everything is in order.” Iran and the world powers agreed in 2015 to the nuclear deal, which saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. In 2018, then-president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord, raising tensions across the wider Middle East and sparking a series of attacks and incidents. After taking power, President Joe Biden said he’s willing to re-enter the accord, but so far, indirect talks have yet to see success. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran reaches deal with IAEA, allows upgradation of surveillance cameras at nuclear sites

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks.

“One of the most significant tools that Iran has developed is its unmanned aerial vehicle system—an accurate, deadly system that can cross thousands of kilometres. The Iranians produce and export them to their proxies,” local media quoted Gantz who was speaking at Reichman University in Herzliya.

“Terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are receiving training on how to operate Iran-made drones in the Kashan Base north of Isfahan. Kashan is leading Iran’s export of aerial terrorism in the region,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-vs-terrorist-al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-claims-credit-for-911-islamic-state-asks-if-he-is-still-alive-412505">Terrorist vs terrorist: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive</a>

The minister called on the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal to enact sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

His comments a month after Tehran came under global scrutiny over a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman.

A July 29 blast aboard the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, near the mouth of the Gulf, a key oil shipping route, killed two crew —a Briton and a Romanian.

The U.S. military said explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier —which deployed to assist the Mercer Street—concluded the explosion was from a drone produced in Iran, which was accused by other world powers in the attack.

Iran has denied involvement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks.

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks. “One of the most significant tools that Iran has developed is its unmanned aerial vehicle system—an accurate, deadly system that can cross thousands of kilometres. The Iranians produce and export them to their proxies,” local media quoted Gantz who was speaking at Reichman University in Herzliya. “Terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are receiving training on how to operate Iran-made drones in the Kashan Base north of Isfahan. Kashan is leading Iran’s export of aerial terrorism in the region,” he added. Also read | Terrorist vs terrorist: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive The minister called on the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal to enact sanctions against the Islamic Republic. His comments a month after Tehran came under global scrutiny over a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman. A July 29 blast aboard the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, near the mouth of the Gulf, a key oil shipping route, killed two crew —a Briton and a Romanian. The U.S. military said explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier —which deployed to assist the Mercer Street—concluded the explosion was from a drone produced in Iran, which was accused by other world powers in the attack. Iran has denied involvement. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog was in Iran Sunday for talks on the nuclear dispute, days after the IAEA criticised Tehran for a lack of cooperation.

Rafael Grossi, who arrived in Tehran the previous evening, was to meet Iran's vice president Mohammad Eslami, who also heads the country's nuclear agency, official sources said.

Grossi's visit comes as talks remain locked in Vienna on saving Tehran's 2015 deal with major powers that promised it sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The landmark deal was torpedoed in 2018 by former US president Donald Trump's unilateral decision to withdraw the United States from it and impose a punishing sanctions regime.

Iran has since stepped away from many of its commitments, but the administration of US President Joe Biden has advocated a return to diplomacy to save the agreement.

A point of contention this year has been limits Iran has imposed on the IAEA's ability to monitor various of its nuclear facilities.

It has refused to provide real-time footage from cameras and other surveillance tools that the UN agency has installed in these locations.

Under a compromise deal, the monitoring equipment remains in the agency's custody but the data is in Iran's possession, and must not be erased as long as the arrangement remains in force.&nbsp;

Initially agreed for three months, the compromise was extended by another month and then expired on June 24.

The IAEA has since been urging Tehran to inform it of its intentions.

In its statement last Tuesday, the IAEA said its "verification and monitoring activities have been seriously undermined" by Tehran's actions.

It also said that Iran had boosted its stocks of uranium enriched above the levels allowed in the 2015 deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran's ultraconservative new President Ebrahim Raisi said Wednesday that his country was "transparent" about its nuclear activities.

The state-run Iran newspaper said the two sides would discuss Sunday "the temporary arrangement... on the supervision of IAEA inspectors and the contents of IAEA surveillance cameras installed in Iranian nuclear centres".

Grossi -- on his second trip to Iran this year -- was expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna airport around 8:30 pm (18:30 GMT).

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog was in Iran Sunday for talks on the nuclear dispute, days after the IAEA criticised Tehran for a lack of cooperation. Rafael Grossi, who arrived in Tehran the previous evening, was to meet Iran's vice president Mohammad Eslami, who also heads the country's nuclear agency, official sources said.

The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog was in Iran Sunday for talks on the nuclear dispute, days after the IAEA criticised Tehran for a lack of cooperation. Rafael Grossi, who arrived in Tehran the previous evening, was to meet Iran's vice president Mohammad Eslami, who also heads the country's nuclear agency, official sources said. Grossi's visit comes as talks remain locked in Vienna on saving Tehran's 2015 deal with major powers that promised it sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The landmark deal was torpedoed in 2018 by former US president Donald Trump's unilateral decision to withdraw the United States from it and impose a punishing sanctions regime. Iran has since stepped away from many of its commitments, but the administration of US President Joe Biden has advocated a return to diplomacy to save the agreement. A point of contention this year has been limits Iran has imposed on the IAEA's ability to monitor various of its nuclear facilities. It has refused to provide real-time footage from cameras and other surveillance tools that the UN agency has installed in these locations. Under a compromise deal, the monitoring equipment remains in the agency's custody but the data is in Iran's possession, and must not be erased as long as the arrangement remains in force. Initially agreed for three months, the compromise was extended by another month and then expired on June 24. The IAEA has since been urging Tehran to inform it of its intentions. In its statement last Tuesday, the IAEA said its "verification and monitoring activities have been seriously undermined" by Tehran's actions. It also said that Iran had boosted its stocks of uranium enriched above the levels allowed in the 2015 deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran's ultraconservative new President Ebrahim Raisi said Wednesday that his country was "transparent" about its nuclear activities. The state-run Iran newspaper said the two sides would discuss Sunday "the temporary arrangement... on the supervision of IAEA inspectors and the contents of IAEA surveillance cameras installed in Iranian nuclear centres". Grossi -- on his second trip to Iran this year -- was expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna airport around 8:30 pm (18:30 GMT).

IAEA chief in Iran for talks on nuclear dispute

UN nuclear watchdog&nbsp;chief&nbsp;Rafael Grossi will fly to Tehran this weekend for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;that may ease a standoff between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the&nbsp;West&nbsp;just as it threatens to escalate and scupper negotiations on reviving the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal.

Three diplomats who follow the International Atomic Energy Agency closely told Reuters that Grossi's trip&nbsp;before&nbsp;next week's meeting of the&nbsp;IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors was confirmed. Two said he would meet the new head of the Atomic Energy Organization of&nbsp;Iran, Mohammad Eslami, on Sunday.

The&nbsp;IAEA&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iran's envoy to the agency later confirmed the trip and the meeting.

"Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will meet with Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Head of the AEOI, Mohammad Eslami, in Tehran on Sunday," the&nbsp;IAEA&nbsp;said, adding that Grossi was expected to hold a news conference at Vienna airport around 8:30 pm on Sunday.

The&nbsp;IAEA&nbsp;informed member states this week that there had been no progress on two central issues: explaining uranium traces found at several old, undeclared sites and getting urgent access to some monitoring equipment so the agency can continue to keep track of parts of&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme as provided for by the 2015 deal.

Separate, indirect&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between the United States and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on both returning to compliance with the deal have been halted since June. Washington and its European allies have been urging hardline President Ebrahim Raisi's administration, which took office in August, to return to the&nbsp;talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-houthi-attacks-continue-us-removes-missile-defences-in-saudi-arabia-412347">Also read |&nbsp;Even as Houthi attacks continue, US removes missile defences in Saudi Arabia</a>

Under the 2015 deal between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and major powers, Tehran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Sanctions

President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal in 2018, re-introducing painful economic sanctions.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;responded as of 2019 by breaching many of the deal's core restrictions, like enriching uranium to a higher purity, closer to that suitable for use in nuclear weapons.

Western powers must decide whether to push for a resolution criticising&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and raising pressure on it for stonewalling the&nbsp;IAEA&nbsp;at next week's meeting of the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors. A resolution could jeopardise the resumption of&nbsp;talks&nbsp;on the deal as Tehran bristles at such moves.

Iran's Foreign Ministry warned against any such resolution.

"I hope the Board of Governors, under the influence of certain pressures, will not take any action that would destroy the process of customary cooperation between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the agency," said spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, the Fars news agency reported.

The European parties to the 2015 deal&nbsp;Britain, France and Germany held a meeting with the United States in Paris on Friday to discuss how to react at the&nbsp;IAEA&nbsp;board and to review options if&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;continues to stall on returning to negotiations. But diplomats said no decisions had been taken as of yet.

Countries on the&nbsp;IAEA&nbsp;Board of Governors will be watching Grossi's visit to see whether&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;yields either on granting access to the monitoring equipment to service it or offers the prospect of answers on the uranium particles found at the undeclared former sites.

Moves on those issues would make it less likely that a resolution is brought against&nbsp;Iran, diplomats say.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi will fly to Tehran this weekend for talks that may ease a standoff between Iran and the West just as it threatens to escalate and scupper negotiations on reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi will fly to Tehran this weekend for talks that may ease a standoff between Iran and the West just as it threatens to escalate and scupper negotiations on reviving the Iran nuclear deal. Three diplomats who follow the International Atomic Energy Agency closely told Reuters that Grossi's trip before next week's meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors was confirmed. Two said he would meet the new head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, on Sunday. The IAEA and Iran's envoy to the agency later confirmed the trip and the meeting. "Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will meet with Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the AEOI, Mohammad Eslami, in Tehran on Sunday," the IAEA said, adding that Grossi was expected to hold a news conference at Vienna airport around 8:30 pm on Sunday. The IAEA informed member states this week that there had been no progress on two central issues: explaining uranium traces found at several old, undeclared sites and getting urgent access to some monitoring equipment so the agency can continue to keep track of parts of Iran's nuclear programme as provided for by the 2015 deal. Separate, indirect talks between the United States and Iran on both returning to compliance with the deal have been halted since June. Washington and its European allies have been urging hardline President Ebrahim Raisi's administration, which took office in August, to return to the talks. Also read | Even as Houthi attacks continue, US removes missile defences in Saudi Arabia Under the 2015 deal between Iran and major powers, Tehran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Sanctions President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal in 2018, re-introducing painful economic sanctions. Iran responded as of 2019 by breaching many of the deal's core restrictions, like enriching uranium to a higher purity, closer to that suitable for use in nuclear weapons. Western powers must decide whether to push for a resolution criticising Iran and raising pressure on it for stonewalling the IAEA at next week's meeting of the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors. A resolution could jeopardise the resumption of talks on the deal as Tehran bristles at such moves. Iran's Foreign Ministry warned against any such resolution. "I hope the Board of Governors, under the influence of certain pressures, will not take any action that would destroy the process of customary cooperation between Iran and the agency," said spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, the Fars news agency reported. The European parties to the 2015 deal Britain, France and Germany held a meeting with the United States in Paris on Friday to discuss how to react at the IAEA board and to review options if Iran continues to stall on returning to negotiations. But diplomats said no decisions had been taken as of yet. Countries on the IAEA Board of Governors will be watching Grossi's visit to see whether Iran yields either on granting access to the monitoring equipment to service it or offers the prospect of answers on the uranium particles found at the undeclared former sites. Moves on those issues would make it less likely that a resolution is brought against Iran, diplomats say.

Iran invites IAEA chief for talks before showdown with West

Iran has increased its production of highly enriched uranium in recent months, while refusing to resume full cooperation with inspectors.

Iran enriches production of highly enriched uranium

The Iranian President has said that the country is ready to hold talks about reviving the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal.

Iranian President says that country ready for talks on reviving 2015 Iranian nuclear deal

After the withdrawal of Western troops and the Taliban seizing control,&nbsp;Iran's President&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi is calling for elections in Afghanistan to determine the future of the country. He hopes it can help the return of peace to the region.

Raisi said the Afghan people should vote to determine their own government 'as soon as possible', while speaking on state TV on Saturday.

Watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Economic and humanitarian crisis in Taliban led country

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"A government should be established there, which is elected by the votes and the will of the people," Raisi said.

"The Islamic Republic has always sought peace and calm in Afghanistan, and an end to bloodshed and fratricide, and the sovereignty of the people's will. We support a government elected by the Afghan people," he added.

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Meanwhile, at least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting the Islamist group.

According to TOLO news, the "aerial shooting" killed two people and wounded three last night.&nbsp;The incident was heavily criticised by Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid.&nbsp;"Avoid shooting in the air and thank God instead," Mujahid said on Twitter. "Bullets can harm civilians, so don't shoot unnecessarily."

(With inputs from agencies)

After the withdrawal of Western troops and the Taliban seizing control, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi is calling for elections in Afghanistan to determine the future of the country.

After the withdrawal of Western troops and the Taliban seizing control, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi is calling for elections in Afghanistan to determine the future of the country. He hopes it can help the return of peace to the region. Raisi said the Afghan people should vote to determine their own government 'as soon as possible', while speaking on state TV on Saturday. Watch | Afghanistan: Economic and humanitarian crisis in Taliban led country × "A government should be established there, which is elected by the votes and the will of the people," Raisi said. "The Islamic Republic has always sought peace and calm in Afghanistan, and an end to bloodshed and fratricide, and the sovereignty of the people's will. We support a government elected by the Afghan people," he added. Also Read: Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland Meanwhile, at least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting the Islamist group. According to TOLO news, the "aerial shooting" killed two people and wounded three last night. The incident was heavily criticised by Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid. "Avoid shooting in the air and thank God instead," Mujahid said on Twitter. "Bullets can harm civilians, so don't shoot unnecessarily." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi calls for polls in Afghanistan

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months.

The European Union-led talks, which aims&nbsp;to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have&nbsp;been underway since April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-talks-irans-supreme-leader-says-predatory-wolf-biden-no-different-from-trump-409148">Before talks, Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump</a>

Donald Trump, former US president, abandoned the nuclear agreement in 2018 and imposed tough sanctions against Iran.&nbsp;In contrast, to Trump, his&nbsp;successor, Joe Biden, wants to reinstate Washington into the agreement.

The negotiations were previously paused on June 20, two days after&nbsp;ultraconservative&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi won Iran's presidential election, with no date set for&nbsp;a resumption of dialogue.

On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appealed to his Iranian counterpart for "immediate resumption" of the Iran nuclear talks.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-hardline-new-president-sworn-in-amid-stalled-nuclear-talks-403262">Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks</a>

A French foreign ministry spokesman said that the minister stressed the importance and urgency of immediately getting back to negotiations, which have been suspended by Iran since June.&nbsp;

"We are not seeking to flee the negotiation table and the... government considers a real negotiation is a negotiation that produces palpable results allowing the rights of the Iranian nation to be guaranteed," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening by state television.

He said that the Vienna talks are "one of the questions on the foreign policy and government agenda".

Adding that "the other party knows full well that a process of two to three months is required for the new government to establish itself and to start taking decisions."

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-raisi-set-to-focus-on-economy-and-nuclear-deal-402130">Iran's Raisi set to focus on economy and nuclear deal</a>

Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani, the principal architect of the 2015 agreement on Iran's side, as president in early August.&nbsp;After receiving parliamentary approval, his government was sworn in on August 26.

Under the 2015 deal,&nbsp;Iran was offered an easing of sanctions as compensation for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear programme.

However, after the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions following Trump's withdrawal from the deal three years ago, Iran&nbsp;in retaliation,&nbsp;effectively abandoned most of its commitments.

The Vienna talks include Iran along with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the other five remaining parties to the CPTPP deal.

While the United States takes part in the talks, it does not have direct contact with Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months. The European Union-led talks, which aims to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have been underway since April.

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months. The European Union-led talks, which aims to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have been underway since April. Also read | Before talks, Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump Donald Trump, former US president, abandoned the nuclear agreement in 2018 and imposed tough sanctions against Iran. In contrast, to Trump, his successor, Joe Biden, wants to reinstate Washington into the agreement. The negotiations were previously paused on June 20, two days after ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi won Iran's presidential election, with no date set for a resumption of dialogue. On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appealed to his Iranian counterpart for "immediate resumption" of the Iran nuclear talks. Also read | Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks A French foreign ministry spokesman said that the minister stressed the importance and urgency of immediately getting back to negotiations, which have been suspended by Iran since June. "We are not seeking to flee the negotiation table and the... government considers a real negotiation is a negotiation that produces palpable results allowing the rights of the Iranian nation to be guaranteed," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening by state television. He said that the Vienna talks are "one of the questions on the foreign policy and government agenda". Adding that "the other party knows full well that a process of two to three months is required for the new government to establish itself and to start taking decisions." Also read | Iran's Raisi set to focus on economy and nuclear deal Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani, the principal architect of the 2015 agreement on Iran's side, as president in early August. After receiving parliamentary approval, his government was sworn in on August 26. Under the 2015 deal, Iran was offered an easing of sanctions as compensation for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear programme. However, after the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions following Trump's withdrawal from the deal three years ago, Iran in retaliation, effectively abandoned most of its commitments. The Vienna talks include Iran along with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the other five remaining parties to the CPTPP deal. While the United States takes part in the talks, it does not have direct contact with Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Tehran says talks on 2015 nuclear deal might not resume for 2-3 months

&nbsp;With the last troops of the US leaving Afghanistan within the stipulated deadline on Monday after 20 years of military operations, the Taliban is now shifting its focus on the government formation and is likely to make an announcement within a week.

According to sources in Afghanistan who are familiar with the matter, the Taliban’s top leadership has been holding a series of meetings in Kandahar province for the last four days to decide on the type of Islamic political system that is to be established in the region.

Among the type of governance that has been gaining currency within the leadership is the Iranian model of political system— a mix of theocracy and democracy where the Supreme Leader is the head of state and the highest-ranking political and religious authority even above the president.

The source said the supreme leader will be Hibatullah Akhundzada presiding the Supreme Council, which could have members ranging from 11 to 72.

Interestingly, sources in Afghanistan have said that the ‘Supreme Leader’ will stay in Kandahar— the heartland of the Taliban, from where the ethnic Pashtun fighters emerged in 1994 and swept through most of the rest of the country over the next two years.

Apart from that, Afghanistan would also have a governing body headed by the Prime Minister and his council of ministers.

Among the&nbsp;name&nbsp;that has been doing the rounds for the PM post is Abdul Ghani Baradar or Mullah Baradar or Mullah Yakub, son of Mullah Omar who founded the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 &amp; led the resistance against the Soviets in 1980s. He was ousted after the US invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-envoy-taliban-leader-meet-in-doha-talks-on-evacuation-terrorism-409724">Indian envoy, Taliban leader meet in Doha, talks on evacuation, terrorism</a>

With regards to the judicial system, Mullah Hakim is all set to be the chief justice, sources said.

Hakim is like an&nbsp;elderly figure to Mullah Omar and had been his teacher also. He is currently the chairman of the Taliban negotiating team in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the Taliban plans to restore the 1964/65 Afghan constitution which was framed by the then Afghan president Mohammed Daoud Khan. The decision to change the constitution is symbolic since the current one was drafted with the help of foreign forces.&nbsp;

Questions, however, still remain on how “inclusive” the governance structure would be and will it include the other ethnicities of the country like Hazaras, Tajiks— who faced persecution under the Taliban rule in the early 90s.

It is learnt that while the Taliban is mindful of making the political structure more “inclusive”, there have been reports of disagreement among some sections of the Taliban. While the hardline faction in Afghanistan is not keen, the other faction based in Doha wants more representation.

With the last troops of the US leaving Afghanistan within the stipulated deadline on Monday after 20 years of military operations, the Taliban is now shifting its focus on the government formation and is likely to make an announcement within a week.

With the last troops of the US leaving Afghanistan within the stipulated deadline on Monday after 20 years of military operations, the Taliban is now shifting its focus on the government formation and is likely to make an announcement within a week. According to sources in Afghanistan who are familiar with the matter, the Taliban’s top leadership has been holding a series of meetings in Kandahar province for the last four days to decide on the type of Islamic political system that is to be established in the region. Among the type of governance that has been gaining currency within the leadership is the Iranian model of political system— a mix of theocracy and democracy where the Supreme Leader is the head of state and the highest-ranking political and religious authority even above the president. The source said the supreme leader will be Hibatullah Akhundzada presiding the Supreme Council, which could have members ranging from 11 to 72. Interestingly, sources in Afghanistan have said that the ‘Supreme Leader’ will stay in Kandahar— the heartland of the Taliban, from where the ethnic Pashtun fighters emerged in 1994 and swept through most of the rest of the country over the next two years. Apart from that, Afghanistan would also have a governing body headed by the Prime Minister and his council of ministers. Among the name that has been doing the rounds for the PM post is Abdul Ghani Baradar or Mullah Baradar or Mullah Yakub, son of Mullah Omar who founded the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 & led the resistance against the Soviets in 1980s. He was ousted after the US invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Also read | Indian envoy, Taliban leader meet in Doha, talks on evacuation, terrorism With regards to the judicial system, Mullah Hakim is all set to be the chief justice, sources said. Hakim is like an elderly figure to Mullah Omar and had been his teacher also. He is currently the chairman of the Taliban negotiating team in Qatar. Meanwhile, the Taliban plans to restore the 1964/65 Afghan constitution which was framed by the then Afghan president Mohammed Daoud Khan. The decision to change the constitution is symbolic since the current one was drafted with the help of foreign forces. Questions, however, still remain on how “inclusive” the governance structure would be and will it include the other ethnicities of the country like Hazaras, Tajiks— who faced persecution under the Taliban rule in the early 90s. It is learnt that while the Taliban is mindful of making the political structure more “inclusive”, there have been reports of disagreement among some sections of the Taliban. While the hardline faction in Afghanistan is not keen, the other faction based in Doha wants more representation.

Taliban to follow Iran model of governance, Hibatullah Akhundzada to be Supreme Leader

Iraq hosted a regional summit aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East while emphasising the Arab country’s new role as a mediator.

Iranian, Gulf Arab officials meet in Baghdad

Just before nuclear talks with world powers in Vienna&nbsp;to get rid of sanctions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei has compared US President Joe Biden with his predecessor Donald Trump. Khamenei said Biden is no different from Trump and called him 'predatory wolf'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The supreme leader slammed the behaviour of the US on Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal on Saturday. He said the country behaved as if Iran had left the accord as the US unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018 and imposed harsh sanctions. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Iranian, Gulf Arab officials meet in Baghdad

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Talking about the signatories to the deal from Europe, Khamenei said, “they are like the US as well, but in words and rhetoric they are always demanding, as if it was Iran that for long ridiculed and undermined negotiations”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The remarks came when he met with President Ebrahim Raisi’s cabinet, which had earlier gained a sweeping vote of confidence in the parliament on Wednesday.

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Earlier, Iran's supreme leader declared Tehran would not accept Washington's "stubborn" demands in talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and said the United States had failed to guarantee that it would never abandon the pact again. &nbsp;

"The Americans acted completely cowardly and maliciously," state TV quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying. &nbsp;

"They once violated the nuclear deal at no cost by exiting it. Now they explicitly say that they cannot give guarantees that it would not happen again." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Just before nuclear talks with world powers in Vienna to get rid of sanctions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei has compared US President Joe Biden with his predecessor Donald Trump.

Just before nuclear talks with world powers in Vienna to get rid of sanctions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei has compared US President Joe Biden with his predecessor Donald Trump. Khamenei said Biden is no different from Trump and called him 'predatory wolf'. The supreme leader slammed the behaviour of the US on Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal on Saturday. He said the country behaved as if Iran had left the accord as the US unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018 and imposed harsh sanctions. Watch: Iranian, Gulf Arab officials meet in Baghdad × Talking about the signatories to the deal from Europe, Khamenei said, “they are like the US as well, but in words and rhetoric they are always demanding, as if it was Iran that for long ridiculed and undermined negotiations”. The remarks came when he met with President Ebrahim Raisi’s cabinet, which had earlier gained a sweeping vote of confidence in the parliament on Wednesday. Also Read: Hurricane Ida strengthens, Louisiana braces for severe blow Earlier, Iran's supreme leader declared Tehran would not accept Washington's "stubborn" demands in talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and said the United States had failed to guarantee that it would never abandon the pact again. "The Americans acted completely cowardly and maliciously," state TV quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying. "They once violated the nuclear deal at no cost by exiting it. Now they explicitly say that they cannot give guarantees that it would not happen again." (With inputs from agencies)

Before talks, Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump  

Iran's COVID-19 death toll has crossed 100,000 as the Delta variant spreads through West Asia's worst-affected nations. The country is struggling to contain the fifth wave of infections.

Iran battles fifth wave of COVID-19 infections, death toll crosses 100,000 mark

Iran has resumed fuel exports to Afghanistan following a request from the Taliban. The price of gasoline in the country has turned $900 per tonne as many panicked Afghans drove out of cities, fearing reprisals from the Taliban.

Iran resumes fuel exports to Afghanistan after Taliban request

After the leader of Lebanon’s Iran-aligned Hezbollah group said more vessels carrying Iranian fuel would sail soon to help ease the country’s energy crisis its foes in the country have warned of dire consequences from the purchase.

Lebanon Fuel Crisis: Hezbollah, govt spar over Iran sending oil tankers

Iran resumed fuel exports to Afghanistan a few days ago following a request from the new Afghan government.

Iran resumes fuel exports to Afghanistan

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

"Delaying the release of Iran's assets in Japanese banks is unjustifiable," Raisi told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the government website reported.

Japan and to a larger extent South Korea are both major exporters of technology, and hold billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-record-covid-deaths-as-country-lifts-all-restrictions-407649">Iran reports record Covid deaths as country lifts all restrictions</a>

These funds have been frozen since the former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran in 2018.

Washington said in mid-July that it was allowing Iran to use the frozen funds to settle debts in South Korea and Japan, but insisted that it did not allow any to be transferred to Tehran itself.

Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the 2015 accord have stalled since late June. The United States has been involved indirectly in the talks.

Motegi arrived in Tehran early Sunday after visiting Turkey and Iraq during a regional tour, and he will also go to Qatar.

At a press briefing after meeting Raisi, Motegi told Japanese reporters that during his visits he had discussed the situation in Afghanistan following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban.

He said he agreed with Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the need to cooperate to avoid Afghanistan becoming a "further destabilising factor".

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme. "Delaying the release of Iran's assets in Japanese banks is unjustifiable," Raisi told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the government website reported. Japan and to a larger extent South Korea are both major exporters of technology, and hold billions of dollars in Iranian assets. Also read | Iran reports record Covid deaths as country lifts all restrictions These funds have been frozen since the former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran in 2018. Washington said in mid-July that it was allowing Iran to use the frozen funds to settle debts in South Korea and Japan, but insisted that it did not allow any to be transferred to Tehran itself. Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the 2015 accord have stalled since late June. The United States has been involved indirectly in the talks. Motegi arrived in Tehran early Sunday after visiting Turkey and Iraq during a regional tour, and he will also go to Qatar. At a press briefing after meeting Raisi, Motegi told Japanese reporters that during his visits he had discussed the situation in Afghanistan following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban. He said he agreed with Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the need to cooperate to avoid Afghanistan becoming a "further destabilising factor".

Iran's Raisi calls on Japan to release frozen funds

Iran's ultraconservative President Ebrahim&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;said Saturday his government will prioritise&nbsp;tackling&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;and accelerating vaccinations ahead of an economic revival, as he defended his cabinet choices before parliament.

The conservative-dominated parliament began debating the male-only, largely conservative lineup in the morning ahead of a vote of confidence expected later this week.

"The government's first priority is controlling the coronavirus, improving the health situation and widespread vaccination,"&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;said.

"The&nbsp;economy&nbsp;and the livelihood situation is the second" priority, he added, noting that his lineup is meant to bring about "justice and progress".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-embassy-in-pakistan-condemns-balochistan-attack-demand-thorough-investigation-407381">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese Embassy in Pakistan condemns Balochistan attack, demand thorough investigation&nbsp;</a>

Since late June,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has seen what officials have called a "fifth wave" of&nbsp;Covid-19 infections, the country's worst yet, which they have largely blamed on the more contagious Delta variant of the virus.

Daily infections and deaths have hit record highs several times this month, raising total cases since the pandemic started to over 4.5 million and fatalities to more than 100,000.

Iran, battling the Middle East's deadliest&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;outbreak, launched a vaccination drive in February but it has progressed slower than authorities had hoped.

Choked by US sanctions that have made it difficult to transfer money abroad,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;says&nbsp;it has struggled to import vaccines.

Raisi&nbsp;has tapped 63-year-old optometrist Bahram Eynollahi as his health minister.

He defended his pick as "a figure who can rally forces in the fight against coronavirus".

Eynollahi was named by local media as a signatory of a January open letter that warned former president Hassan Rouhani against importing vaccines made by the United States, Britain and France, as they may cause "unknown and irreversible complications".

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had in the same month banned the use of vaccines made by the US and Britain, calling them "completely untrustworthy".

More than 16.3 million people out of the country's 83 million inhabitants have been given a first vaccine dose, but only 5.4 million have received the second, the health ministry said Friday.

Iran's ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday his government will prioritise tackling Covid and accelerating vaccinations ahead of an economic revival, as he defended his cabinet choices before parliament.

Iran's ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday his government will prioritise tackling Covid and accelerating vaccinations ahead of an economic revival, as he defended his cabinet choices before parliament. The conservative-dominated parliament began debating the male-only, largely conservative lineup in the morning ahead of a vote of confidence expected later this week. "The government's first priority is controlling the coronavirus, improving the health situation and widespread vaccination," Raisi said. "The economy and the livelihood situation is the second" priority, he added, noting that his lineup is meant to bring about "justice and progress". Also read | Chinese Embassy in Pakistan condemns Balochistan attack, demand thorough investigation Since late June, Iran has seen what officials have called a "fifth wave" of Covid-19 infections, the country's worst yet, which they have largely blamed on the more contagious Delta variant of the virus. Daily infections and deaths have hit record highs several times this month, raising total cases since the pandemic started to over 4.5 million and fatalities to more than 100,000. Iran, battling the Middle East's deadliest Covid outbreak, launched a vaccination drive in February but it has progressed slower than authorities had hoped. Choked by US sanctions that have made it difficult to transfer money abroad, Iran says it has struggled to import vaccines. Raisi has tapped 63-year-old optometrist Bahram Eynollahi as his health minister. He defended his pick as "a figure who can rally forces in the fight against coronavirus". Eynollahi was named by local media as a signatory of a January open letter that warned former president Hassan Rouhani against importing vaccines made by the United States, Britain and France, as they may cause "unknown and irreversible complications". Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had in the same month banned the use of vaccines made by the US and Britain, calling them "completely untrustworthy". More than 16.3 million people out of the country's 83 million inhabitants have been given a first vaccine dose, but only 5.4 million have received the second, the health ministry said Friday.

Iran's Raisi says tackling COVID-19, reviving economy priorities

Turkish security forces are tightening measures to ensure the security of the country's eastern border with Iran to prevent illegal migration and smuggling. For this purpose, a modular wall, observation posts and trenches are being set up close to the borderline with Iran.

Turkey tightens security measures, builds wall along its border with Iran

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that "defeat" of US in Afghanistan was a chance for peace in the war-wrecked country

"The military defeat and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan should offer an opportunity to restore life, security and lasting peace in that country," Raisi said, quoted by his office.

The statement was issued after the Taliban took control of Kabul. The statement didn't mention Taliban or fall of Kabul.

Raisi, during an exchange with Iran's outgoing foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, said Iran wanted good relations with neighbouring Afghanistan and was "closely monitoring the evolution of events" there.

The foreign ministry later said Zarif had met China's special envoy to Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, and discussed "the issue of persons displaced during the latest events in Afghanistan and their arrival en masse in neighbouring countries".

Iran shares a 900-kilometre (560-mile) border with Afghanistan. It already hosts nearly 3.5 million Afghans, according to the UN's refugee agency.

The interior ministry's border affairs chief, Hossein Ghassemi, said on Sunday that efforts were underway in three provinces bordering Afghanistan to set up temporary accommodation for a potential influx of Afghan refugees.

They would, "once conditions improve, be repatriated", he told the official IRNA news agency.

Analysts say Tehran is taking a pragmatic stance on the Taliban's resurgence, but many Iranians have painful memories of the hardline Sunni group's rule in the late 1990s.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that "defeat" of US in Afghanistan was a chance for peace in the war-wrecked country "The military defeat and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan should offer an opportunity to restore life, security and lasting peace in that country," Raisi said, quoted by his office.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that "defeat" of US in Afghanistan was a chance for peace in the war-wrecked country "The military defeat and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan should offer an opportunity to restore life, security and lasting peace in that country," Raisi said, quoted by his office. The statement was issued after the Taliban took control of Kabul. The statement didn't mention Taliban or fall of Kabul. Raisi, during an exchange with Iran's outgoing foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, said Iran wanted good relations with neighbouring Afghanistan and was "closely monitoring the evolution of events" there. The foreign ministry later said Zarif had met China's special envoy to Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, and discussed "the issue of persons displaced during the latest events in Afghanistan and their arrival en masse in neighbouring countries". Iran shares a 900-kilometre (560-mile) border with Afghanistan. It already hosts nearly 3.5 million Afghans, according to the UN's refugee agency. The interior ministry's border affairs chief, Hossein Ghassemi, said on Sunday that efforts were underway in three provinces bordering Afghanistan to set up temporary accommodation for a potential influx of Afghan refugees. They would, "once conditions improve, be repatriated", he told the official IRNA news agency. Analysts say Tehran is taking a pragmatic stance on the Taliban's resurgence, but many Iranians have painful memories of the hardline Sunni group's rule in the late 1990s. (With inputs from agencies)

US 'defeat' in Afghanistan is a chance for lasting peace: Iran

Iranian authorities announced new measures on Saturday to control COVID-19 as deaths and infections continue to rise.

Islamic republic is trying to contain what the officials have dubbed a "fifth wave" of the virus, caused by the highly infectious Delta variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-every-two-minutes-one-person-dies-says-report-as-iran-sees-surge-in-cases-404488">COVID-19: 'Every two minutes, one person dies,' says report as Iran sees surge in cases</a>

As per Iran's national <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> task force's orders, all non-essential businesses, government offices, and banks will have to close their doors from Monday until the end of next Saturday.

Alireza Raisi, the spokesman for the Covid task force, said travelling by car between provinces would be prohibited starting at noon on Sunday (0730 GMT) and lasting until August 27.

Authorities said the restrictions would have no impact on outdoor ceremonies held during two Shiite religious commemorations next week.

Iranian officials have opted to impose smaller measures, such as temporary travel bans and business closures, instead of a full lockdown on their 83 million citizens.

Deadliest outbreak

The country which has suffered the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East, officially recorded over 97,000 deaths and more than 4.38 million infections, with daily records having been broken several times&nbsp;this month.

Health authorities have acknowledged official figures understate the country's true death toll.

Criticism&nbsp;that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">inoculation campaign</a> began too late&nbsp;has started pouring in as Iran's health system struggles to cope with the rising number of cases.

The health ministry reported Saturday that about 14.7 million in Iran have received a first dose of the vaccine, but only 3.8 million have received a second dose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-records-over-500-covid-19-deaths-hits-new-high-404024">Iran records over 500 COVID-19 deaths, hits new high</a>

In addition to Sinopharm, Iran administers Sputnik V from Russia, Bharat Biotech from India, and&nbsp;AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines.

Although two locally-made vaccines have been approved for emergency use, the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, is in short supply.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has suggested that 60 million additional vaccine doses would need to be imported due to the unfavourable coronavirus situation.

In a meeting of the COVID-19 task force on Saturday, Raisi noted that 30 million doses would be imported and available "in a short time".

Iran's officials have said that due to the US sanctions, the country struggles to import vaccines as transferring money overseas has been problematic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian authorities announced new measures on Saturday to control COVID-19 as deaths and infections continue to rise. Islamic republic is trying to contain what the officials have dubbed a "fifth wave" of the virus, caused by the highly infectious Delta variant.

Iranian authorities announced new measures on Saturday to control COVID-19 as deaths and infections continue to rise. Islamic republic is trying to contain what the officials have dubbed a "fifth wave" of the virus, caused by the highly infectious Delta variant. Also read | COVID-19: 'Every two minutes, one person dies,' says report as Iran sees surge in cases As per Iran's national coronavirus task force's orders, all non-essential businesses, government offices, and banks will have to close their doors from Monday until the end of next Saturday. Alireza Raisi, the spokesman for the Covid task force, said travelling by car between provinces would be prohibited starting at noon on Sunday (0730 GMT) and lasting until August 27. Authorities said the restrictions would have no impact on outdoor ceremonies held during two Shiite religious commemorations next week. Iranian officials have opted to impose smaller measures, such as temporary travel bans and business closures, instead of a full lockdown on their 83 million citizens. Deadliest outbreak The country which has suffered the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East, officially recorded over 97,000 deaths and more than 4.38 million infections, with daily records having been broken several times this month. Health authorities have acknowledged official figures understate the country's true death toll. Criticism that the inoculation campaign began too late has started pouring in as Iran's health system struggles to cope with the rising number of cases. The health ministry reported Saturday that about 14.7 million in Iran have received a first dose of the vaccine, but only 3.8 million have received a second dose. Also read | Iran records over 500 COVID-19 deaths, hits new high In addition to Sinopharm, Iran administers Sputnik V from Russia, Bharat Biotech from India, and AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines. Although two locally-made vaccines have been approved for emergency use, the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, is in short supply. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has suggested that 60 million additional vaccine doses would need to be imported due to the unfavourable coronavirus situation. In a meeting of the COVID-19 task force on Saturday, Raisi noted that 30 million doses would be imported and available "in a short time". Iran's officials have said that due to the US sanctions, the country struggles to import vaccines as transferring money overseas has been problematic. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran tightens Covid restrictions as coronavirus cases and deaths surge

A shadow war between Israel and Iran is taking a dangerous turn - with the battle moving to the high seas. Will the retaliatory attacks lead to a full-blown war? On The West Asia Post tonight, Ghadi Francis takes a look at this growing conflict.

Iran, Israel clash yet again, Will the retaliatory attacks lead to a full-blown war

Iran's new Foreign Minister is a hardliner. He has close ties with the Revolutionary Armed Guards. He also enjoyed the patronage of former commander Qasem Soleimani. Palki Sharma introduces you to Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Gravitas: Hossein Amir-Abdollahian appointed as Iran's Foreign Minister

The Cabinet list included no women, few surprises and several officials from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Iran's President Raisi presents new ministers to Parliament

The Iranian Health Ministry on Tuesday (August 10) reported that Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has claimed 95,111 lives in the country so far after 508 new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

On its official site, it further confirmed 39,139 new cases, taking the total to 4,238,676. So far, 3,591,313 patients have recovered from the disease or been discharged from the hospital.&nbsp;

Earlier, Iran's state TV on Monday said that "at least one person is dying every two minutes" due to COVID-19 as cases continue to surge in the country, making Iran the worst-hit&nbsp;in the Middle East. "Every two seconds one person gets infected in Iran and almost every two minutes one person dies from the coronavirus," state TV said.

It also added that most of Iran's 31 provinces have moved from the lower risk orange level to red alert, in which only essential businesses are allowed to operate.&nbsp;

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As the COVID-19 infections have been increasing&nbsp;since June, the Iranian officials&nbsp;warned that it is a "fifth wave" caused by the highly infectious Delta variant.&nbsp;

Tehran, with a population of over eight million, is facing the highest numbers of deaths, infections and hospitalisation, according to Nader Tavakoli, deputy head of the capital's virus task force.&nbsp;

He recently told ISNA news agency that "we will see deaths increase in the coming days". He further added that "we have no idea when we would reach the peak of this fifth wave". He also mentioned that Tehran's hospitals and emergency wards are "overburdened".&nbsp;

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Vaccination in Iran:

Iran is now hoping that vaccinations will help with the health crisis and curb the spread of virus, however,&nbsp;the inoculation campaign, which was&nbsp;launched in February, has progressed slower than planned.&nbsp;

In January, Iran had&nbsp;banned the import of US and British vaccines, saying they were "unreliable" and could spread the infection.&nbsp;However, the authorities have approved the emergency use of two locally produced vaccines,&nbsp;with the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, still in short supply.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi has urged officials to speed up vaccinations.&nbsp;

By Tuesday, 13,520,127 people have received at least one&nbsp;dose of a vaccine in the country, while 3,274,980 have taken two doses.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The Iranian Health Ministry on Tuesday (August 10) reported that Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has claimed 95,111 lives in the country so far after 508 new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours.

The Iranian Health Ministry on Tuesday (August 10) reported that Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has claimed 95,111 lives in the country so far after 508 new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. On its official site, it further confirmed 39,139 new cases, taking the total to 4,238,676. So far, 3,591,313 patients have recovered from the disease or been discharged from the hospital. Earlier, Iran's state TV on Monday said that "at least one person is dying every two minutes" due to COVID-19 as cases continue to surge in the country, making Iran the worst-hit in the Middle East. "Every two seconds one person gets infected in Iran and almost every two minutes one person dies from the coronavirus," state TV said. It also added that most of Iran's 31 provinces have moved from the lower risk orange level to red alert, in which only essential businesses are allowed to operate. ALSO READ | Tokyo counts cost of $15 billion pandemic Olympics 'gamble' As the COVID-19 infections have been increasing since June, the Iranian officials warned that it is a "fifth wave" caused by the highly infectious Delta variant. Tehran, with a population of over eight million, is facing the highest numbers of deaths, infections and hospitalisation, according to Nader Tavakoli, deputy head of the capital's virus task force. He recently told ISNA news agency that "we will see deaths increase in the coming days". He further added that "we have no idea when we would reach the peak of this fifth wave". He also mentioned that Tehran's hospitals and emergency wards are "overburdened". ALSO READ | Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action Vaccination in Iran: Iran is now hoping that vaccinations will help with the health crisis and curb the spread of virus, however, the inoculation campaign, which was launched in February, has progressed slower than planned. In January, Iran had banned the import of US and British vaccines, saying they were "unreliable" and could spread the infection. However, the authorities have approved the emergency use of two locally produced vaccines, with the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, still in short supply. Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi has urged officials to speed up vaccinations. By Tuesday, 13,520,127 people have received at least one dose of a vaccine in the country, while 3,274,980 have taken two doses. (with inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 'Every two minutes, one person dies,' says report as Iran sees surge in cases

Iran's population of 84 million is much larger than the roughly 9 million people in Israel, allowing Iran to field an active-duty force of 525,000 troops, compared to Israel's 170,000.

A comparison between the militaries of Iran and Israel

A former judiciary chief, Mr Raisi has been heavily criticised over his human rights record. Campaign groups have accused him of involvement in the executions of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.

Ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi takes oath as Iran's new President

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday named the chairman of a powerful state-owned foundation sanctioned by the United States as his first vice-president.

Mohammad Mokhber, who has been long rumoured by local media to be the top pick for the position, has for years headed the foundation known as Setad, or the Execution of Imam Khomeini's order.

Mokhber was appointed to the position by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2007.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-new-steps-towards-the-development-of-ties-the-new-iran-president-tells-indias-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-403497">Also read |&nbsp;Will take new steps towards the development of ties, the new Iran President tells India's foreign minister S Jaishankar</a>

This was following a string of official positions at the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

Raisi, himself, won a June 18 election marked by record abstention and took over moderate Hassan Rouhani.

On Thursday, Raisi took the oath of office before parliament, to which he must present a list of ministers within two weeks.

Raisi also picked Gholamhossein Esmaili, the judiciary's spokesman during his tenure, as his chief of staff.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday named the chairman of a powerful state-owned foundation sanctioned by the United States as his first vice-president.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday named the chairman of a powerful state-owned foundation sanctioned by the United States as his first vice-president. Mohammad Mokhber, who has been long rumoured by local media to be the top pick for the position, has for years headed the foundation known as Setad, or the Execution of Imam Khomeini's order. Mokhber was appointed to the position by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2007. Also read | Will take new steps towards the development of ties, the new Iran President tells India's foreign minister S Jaishankar This was following a string of official positions at the southwestern province of Khuzestan. Raisi, himself, won a June 18 election marked by record abstention and took over moderate Hassan Rouhani. On Thursday, Raisi took the oath of office before parliament, to which he must present a list of ministers within two weeks. Raisi also picked Gholamhossein Esmaili, the judiciary's spokesman during his tenure, as his chief of staff.

US-sanctioned Mokhber named as first VP by Iran's Raisi

Hezbollah on Saturday vowed a "suitable and proportionate" response to Israeli strikes after&nbsp;jets pounded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-hamas-sites-in-gaza-in-response-to-fire-balloons-military-403602">Lebanon</a> this week.

"Our response was linked to the Israeli strikes that occurred in south Lebanon for the first time in 15 years," Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah said.

Nasrallah said the airstrikes were a "very dangerous development" as Israeli jets struck Lebanon for the first time in seven years.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-carries-out-airstrikes-in-lebanons-mahmudiya-town-403468/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We wanted to tell the enemy... that any airstrike by the Israeli Air Force on Lebanon will inevitably draw a response, though in a suitable and proportionate way&nbsp;because we want to serve the purpose of protecting our country," Nasrallah added.

Hezbollah had fired rockets at Israeli positions on Friday as Israel shot back with artillery fire. "We chose yesterday open land in the Shebaa farms area to send a message&nbsp;and to take a step, and we can later escalate by another step," Nasrallah asserted.

On Wednesday, rockets were fired at Israel as the country's defence forces hit back first with artillery fire and then went ahead with airstrikes.

Iran-backed Hezbollah said it had targeted open fields while firing several rockets as it did not want to escalate the latest clash. There were no casualties reported during the incident.

Last month Israeli jets had pounded Hamas position after incendiary balloons landed on Israeli territory from the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

Israel and Hamas were involved in a full-scale conflict in May lasting eleven days in which at least 260 people were killed&nbsp;as both sides exchanged fire with Israel sending jets across to Gaza inviting retaliation in the form of massive rocket attack by the Iran-backed militant group.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hezbollah on Saturday vowed a "suitable and proportionate" response to Israeli strikes after jets pounded Lebanon this week. "Our response was linked to the Israeli strikes that occurred in south Lebanon for the first time in 15 years," Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah said.

Hezbollah on Saturday vowed a "suitable and proportionate" response to Israeli strikes after jets pounded Lebanon this week. "Our response was linked to the Israeli strikes that occurred in south Lebanon for the first time in 15 years," Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah said. Nasrallah said the airstrikes were a "very dangerous development" as Israeli jets struck Lebanon for the first time in seven years. Watch: "We wanted to tell the enemy... that any airstrike by the Israeli Air Force on Lebanon will inevitably draw a response, though in a suitable and proportionate way because we want to serve the purpose of protecting our country," Nasrallah added. Hezbollah had fired rockets at Israeli positions on Friday as Israel shot back with artillery fire. "We chose yesterday open land in the Shebaa farms area to send a message and to take a step, and we can later escalate by another step," Nasrallah asserted. On Wednesday, rockets were fired at Israel as the country's defence forces hit back first with artillery fire and then went ahead with airstrikes. Iran-backed Hezbollah said it had targeted open fields while firing several rockets as it did not want to escalate the latest clash. There were no casualties reported during the incident. Last month Israeli jets had pounded Hamas position after incendiary balloons landed on Israeli territory from the Palestinian enclave. Israel and Hamas were involved in a full-scale conflict in May lasting eleven days in which at least 260 people were killed as both sides exchanged fire with Israel sending jets across to Gaza inviting retaliation in the form of massive rocket attack by the Iran-backed militant group. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon will draw suitable and proportionate response: Hezbollah chief

Iran reported over 500 daily COVID-19 deaths for the first time on Sunday, its health ministry announced, as new infections also hit a record high.

Iran registered 39,619 new infections in the 24 hours to Sunday, taking the total since the pandemic started to 4,158,729, the ministry said.

During that same period it recorded 542 deaths, taking the total number of fatalities to 94,015, it added.

Iranian health officials have acknowledged that the Islamic republic's COVID-19 figures underestimate the real toll.

But Iran remains the Middle East country worst hit by the pandemic.

COVID-19 infections have been surging since late June, in what officials have warned is a "fifth wave" caused by the highly infectious Delta variant.

Daily infections have hit several records over the past few weeks.

The previous recorded high for fatalities was 496, registered on April 26, at the height of the Islamic republic's previous wave.

Iran's state television said hospitals across the country were facing a "crisis" and described the health situation as bleak.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/indias-cumulative-covid-19-vaccination-coverage-exceeds-5068-million-403885">Also read |&nbsp;India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 506.8 million&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

"Although the vaccination pace has been accelerating, the observation of health protocols has dropped significantly," it said.

Iran has pinned its hopes on vaccinations to help with the health crisis.

But the innoculation campaign launched in February has progressed more slowly than authorities had planned.

Choked by US sanctions that have made it difficult to transfer money abroad, Iran says it is struggling to import vaccines for its 83 million population.

More than 12.5 million people have been given a first vaccine does, but only 3.7 million have received the necessary two jabs, the health ministry said on Sunday.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday that a "plan to transform the way to confront the coronavirus" was to be reviewed next week. He did not give any details.

Chairing a Covid task force meeting, he also vowed to "support domestic vaccine production" while "not hesitating" to import jabs from abroad.

The authorities have approved the emergency use of two locally produced vaccines, with the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, still in short supply.

Last week, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the government to take &nbsp;"necessary measures" to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Iran has avoided imposing a full lockdown on the population, and instead resorted to piecemeal measures such as temporary travel bans and business closures.

Outgoing health minister Saeed Namaki has suggested a two-week shutdown to help contain the spread of the virus.

Iran reported over 500 daily COVID-19 deaths for the first time on Sunday, its health ministry announced, as new infections also hit a record high. Iran registered 39,619 new infections in the 24 hours to Sunday, taking the total since the pandemic started to 4,158,729, the ministry said.

Iran reported over 500 daily COVID-19 deaths for the first time on Sunday, its health ministry announced, as new infections also hit a record high. Iran registered 39,619 new infections in the 24 hours to Sunday, taking the total since the pandemic started to 4,158,729, the ministry said. During that same period it recorded 542 deaths, taking the total number of fatalities to 94,015, it added. Iranian health officials have acknowledged that the Islamic republic's COVID-19 figures underestimate the real toll. But Iran remains the Middle East country worst hit by the pandemic. COVID-19 infections have been surging since late June, in what officials have warned is a "fifth wave" caused by the highly infectious Delta variant. Daily infections have hit several records over the past few weeks. The previous recorded high for fatalities was 496, registered on April 26, at the height of the Islamic republic's previous wave. Iran's state television said hospitals across the country were facing a "crisis" and described the health situation as bleak. Also read | India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 506.8 million "Although the vaccination pace has been accelerating, the observation of health protocols has dropped significantly," it said. Iran has pinned its hopes on vaccinations to help with the health crisis. But the innoculation campaign launched in February has progressed more slowly than authorities had planned. Choked by US sanctions that have made it difficult to transfer money abroad, Iran says it is struggling to import vaccines for its 83 million population. More than 12.5 million people have been given a first vaccine does, but only 3.7 million have received the necessary two jabs, the health ministry said on Sunday. Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday that a "plan to transform the way to confront the coronavirus" was to be reviewed next week. He did not give any details. Chairing a Covid task force meeting, he also vowed to "support domestic vaccine production" while "not hesitating" to import jabs from abroad. The authorities have approved the emergency use of two locally produced vaccines, with the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, still in short supply. Last week, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the government to take "necessary measures" to contain the spread of the pandemic. Iran has avoided imposing a full lockdown on the population, and instead resorted to piecemeal measures such as temporary travel bans and business closures. Outgoing health minister Saeed Namaki has suggested a two-week shutdown to help contain the spread of the virus.

Iran records over 500 COVID-19 deaths, hits new high

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