Maritime tensions are running high in west Asia after an oil tanker managed by an Israeli billionaire was hit by a drone attack last month. Iran has now been isolated over the attack it denied any involvement in.

Israel Tanker Attack: G7 Blames Iran in lethal tanker attack

Israel and Iran have been engaged in a clandestine maritime showdown that has left commercial tankers belonging to the two countries damaged. However, tensions have escalated between both countries after the recent tanker attack and Israel has threatened to strike Iran alone. Israel has said that it possesess 'hard evidence' against Iran. But Iran has denied any involvement in the attack.

Tensions between Israel, Iran escalate after tanker attack

At his meeting with Jaishankar, Raisi stressed the importance of close cooperation and coordination between India and Iran in developing regional peace and stability

Iran President Raisi backs India’s role in establishing security in Afghanistan

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad.

The mid-ranking Shia cleric formally started his four-year term on Tuesday when supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed his victory in the June election, when most prominent rivals were barred from standing.&nbsp;

At a difficult period, the former judicial chief, known for his mistrust of the West, assumes the reins. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-403178">In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi</a>

Iran's indirect discussions with the US to save the historic 2015 nuclear agreement have stagnated, as Washington maintains crushing sanctions and regional conflicts rage.

During his half-hour inaugural speech, Raisi stated that the sanctions must be lifted.&nbsp;

"I swear to safeguard the official religion and the establishment of the Islamic Republic and constitution of the nation," Raisi said in taking the oath at parliament

During the ceremony, honours were given to Qassem Soleimani, the senior Iranian commander who was killed by former US President Donald Trump in a targeted killing.&nbsp;

Raisi immediately demonstrated that he and the Supreme Leader are on the same page.

In addition, the next president has a large majority in parliament, allowing him to rapidly pass legislation that might lead to substantial changes in Iran's internal and international policy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad.

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad. The mid-ranking Shia cleric formally started his four-year term on Tuesday when supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed his victory in the June election, when most prominent rivals were barred from standing. At a difficult period, the former judicial chief, known for his mistrust of the West, assumes the reins. In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Iran's indirect discussions with the US to save the historic 2015 nuclear agreement have stagnated, as Washington maintains crushing sanctions and regional conflicts rage. During his half-hour inaugural speech, Raisi stated that the sanctions must be lifted. "I swear to safeguard the official religion and the establishment of the Islamic Republic and constitution of the nation," Raisi said in taking the oath at parliament During the ceremony, honours were given to Qassem Soleimani, the senior Iranian commander who was killed by former US President Donald Trump in a targeted killing. Raisi immediately demonstrated that he and the Supreme Leader are on the same page. In addition, the next president has a large majority in parliament, allowing him to rapidly pass legislation that might lead to substantial changes in Iran's internal and international policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks

In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi was inaugurated as President of Iran on Tuesday. After swearing in as the President Raisi's foremost concern will be on Iran's economy. Iran is dealing with crippling water shortages and severe COVID crisis which will become challenges that the new President will have to deal with. Mr. Raisi will also have to tackle negotiations aimed at reviving the nuclear deal from which the U.S. withdrew after imposing sanctions.

Ebrahim Raisi attains presidency of Iran, to deal with major challenges including COVID crisis

Iranian-backed forces are believed to have seized an oil tanker in the Gulf off the coast of the UAE. Two of the maritime sources identified the seized vessel as the Panama-flagged asphalt/bitumen tanker Asphalt Princess in an area in the Arabian Sea leading to the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for about a fifth of the world's seaborne oil exports.

Iranian-backed forces seize oil tanker in Gulf off coast of UAE

Indian Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August 5, which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers. This will be Jaishankar's second visit to Iran in a matter of a month.

Indian Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar to visit Iran this week

Mr. Raisi won a presidential election in June in which more than half the electorate stayed away after many heavyweights were barred from standing.

Who is Iran's ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi?

The EU is legitimizing Iranian aggression by sending its deputy foreign affairs chief to the inauguration of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, says Israel.

'EU legitimising terror by sending diplomat to Raisi inauguration': Israel

Maritime tensions are escalating in the Middle East after a tanker connected to an Israeli billionaire was attacked in the Arabian Sea. Two crewmembers died following the attack. The US, Israel and the UK are blaming Iran for the attack. But Iran has denied such allegations.

Iran-Israel tensions escalate after tanker connected to Israeli billionaire comes under drone attack

Israel has blamed Iran for a tanker attack of Oman despite Tehran's denial of it. Iranian government has rejected claims by Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom that it was behind an attack on a ship off Oman earlier this week that killed two crew members.

Israel blames Iran for tanker attack of Oman despite Tehran's denial

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August&nbsp;5,&nbsp;which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers.&nbsp;

This will be Jaishankar's&nbsp;second visit to Iran in a matter of&nbsp;a&nbsp;month. Last month,&nbsp;he had visited Iran while going to Moscow. During the stopover,&nbsp;he called on President-elect Ebrahim Raisi,&nbsp;who is&nbsp;the first foreign minister to&nbsp;be slated to become president. During his meeting with the Iranian President-elect, he handed over a personal message from Indian PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

In a tweet after the meet, Indian EAM said, "Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues. <a href="https://t.co/Ef7iEutkZi">pic.twitter.com/Ef7iEutkZi</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1412769835470180355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He also held talks with Iran's foreign minister Zarif during which Afghanistan was the key focus. Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said,&nbsp;"The two sides also stressed&nbsp;on&nbsp;the need to strengthen intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan,&nbsp;which leads to a comprehensive political solution".&nbsp;

Iran is&nbsp;the&nbsp;key to India's connectivity to the west due to the Chabahar port in which New Delhi has invested. The port provides connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and will be part of the North-South International transport corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August 5, which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August 5, which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers. This will be Jaishankar's second visit to Iran in a matter of a month. Last month, he had visited Iran while going to Moscow. During the stopover, he called on President-elect Ebrahim Raisi, who is the first foreign minister to be slated to become president. During his meeting with the Iranian President-elect, he handed over a personal message from Indian PM Narendra Modi. In a tweet after the meet, Indian EAM said, "Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues." Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues. pic.twitter.com/Ef7iEutkZi — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 7, 2021 × He also held talks with Iran's foreign minister Zarif during which Afghanistan was the key focus. Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said, "The two sides also stressed on the need to strengthen intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan, which leads to a comprehensive political solution". Iran is the key to India's connectivity to the west due to the Chabahar port in which New Delhi has invested. The port provides connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and will be part of the North-South International transport corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow.

EAM Jaishankar to represent India at Iran President Raisi's oath-taking ceremony 

Iran's ultraconservative Ebrahim&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;will be inaugurated&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday as the new president of the Islamic republic, a country mired in deep&nbsp;economic crisis&nbsp;and hit by crippling US sanctions.

He replaces moderate president Hassan Rouhani, whose landmark achievement was the 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and six world powers.

Raisi, 60, will have to tackle the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;talks aimed at reviving the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;from which the US unilaterally withdrew.&nbsp;

Two days after Tuesday's inauguration by the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;will take the oath before parliament.

He won June's election when more than half the voters stayed away after many political heavyweights were barred from standing.

A former judiciary chief,&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;has been criticised by the West for his human rights record.

Iran's economic problems, exacerbated by the American sanctions, will be the new president's greatest challenge, according to Clement Therme, a researcher at the European University Institute in Italy.

"His main objective will be to improve the economic situation by reinforcing the Islamic republic's economic relations with neighbouring countries," Therme told AFP.

"The goal would be to build a business model that would protect&nbsp;Iran's economic growth from American policies and decisions."

Therme believes&nbsp;Raisi's main priority will be to "remove US sanctions" so&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;can bolster trade with its neighbours and non-Western countries such as China and Russia.

The 2015&nbsp;deal&nbsp;saw&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;accept curbs&nbsp;on&nbsp;its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;capabilities in return for an easing of sanctions.

But former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord three years later and ramped up sanctions again, prompting Tehran to pull back from most of its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;commitments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-nuclear-talks-with-iran-cannot-go-on-indefinitely-401458">Also read |&nbsp;Blinken says nuclear talks with Iran 'cannot go on indefinitely'</a>

Trump's successor Joe Biden has signalled his readiness to return to the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;and engaged in indirect negotiations with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;alongside formal talks with the agreement's remaining parties -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia.

Economic malaise&nbsp;

The US sanctions choked&nbsp;Iran, including by seeking to stop its oil exports, and the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;contracted by more than six percent in both 2018 and 2019.

This was a blow to Rouhani who had hoped to liberalise the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;and develop the private sector.

In the winter of 2017-2018, and again in 2019, street protests sparked by economic woes rocked the country.

And in July this year, demonstrators in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, which has been hit by drought, took to the streets to vent their anger.

The economic malaise has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has left many Iranians struggling to get by.

Iranian reformist economist Saeed Laylaz said that the outgoing president was an "idealist" in his approach to the West.

"Rouhani believed he would be able to solve all the country's problems quickly," said Laylaz, who has acted as an adviser to Iranian presidents.

Laylaz believes that&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;will choose a different path.

After his election,&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;made clear that his key foreign policy would be to improve ties with regional countries.

In mid-July, Rouhani said he hoped his successor can clinch a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to lift US sanctions and conclude&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;talks.

But Khamenei, who will preside over&nbsp;Raisi's inauguration&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday and whose word is final in policy matters, has warned against trusting the West.

Nuclear&nbsp;talks

Raisi&nbsp;himself has already said he will not negotiate with the other parties to the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal, and indirectly with the US, just for the sake of negotiations.

His government will support talks that "guarantee national interests", he has said.

Six rounds of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;talks between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and world powers were held in Vienna between April and June. The last round concluded&nbsp;on&nbsp;June 20, and no date has been&nbsp;set&nbsp;for another.

Officials in Tehran said there would be no new talks until&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;assumed office.

According to Therme, the new administration in Tehran, where the ultra-conservative camp deeply distrusts the United States, has no wish to press things.

There is a will in Tehran "to show the American side there is no urgency for a quick compromise", he said.

The new government also wants to show "it can clinch a better&nbsp;deal&nbsp;than the previous one", Therme added.

According to Laylaz, the future of the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;will be one of the factors that will affect the fate of the&nbsp;economy.

"If&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;declares its intention not to pursue the negotiations, the sanctions will remain," he said.

But he also expects Washington and Tehran to reach a compromise. "Iran&nbsp;and the United States cannot continue with the status quo," Laylaz said.

Iran's ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi will be inaugurated on Tuesday as the new president of the Islamic republic, a country mired in deep economic crisis and hit by crippling US sanctions.

Iran's ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi will be inaugurated on Tuesday as the new president of the Islamic republic, a country mired in deep economic crisis and hit by crippling US sanctions. He replaces moderate president Hassan Rouhani, whose landmark achievement was the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers. Raisi, 60, will have to tackle the nuclear talks aimed at reviving the deal from which the US unilaterally withdrew. Two days after Tuesday's inauguration by the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Raisi will take the oath before parliament. He won June's election when more than half the voters stayed away after many political heavyweights were barred from standing. A former judiciary chief, Raisi has been criticised by the West for his human rights record. Iran's economic problems, exacerbated by the American sanctions, will be the new president's greatest challenge, according to Clement Therme, a researcher at the European University Institute in Italy. "His main objective will be to improve the economic situation by reinforcing the Islamic republic's economic relations with neighbouring countries," Therme told AFP. "The goal would be to build a business model that would protect Iran's economic growth from American policies and decisions." Therme believes Raisi's main priority will be to "remove US sanctions" so Iran can bolster trade with its neighbours and non-Western countries such as China and Russia. The 2015 deal saw Iran accept curbs on its nuclear capabilities in return for an easing of sanctions. But former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord three years later and ramped up sanctions again, prompting Tehran to pull back from most of its nuclear commitments. Also read | Blinken says nuclear talks with Iran 'cannot go on indefinitely' Trump's successor Joe Biden has signalled his readiness to return to the deal and engaged in indirect negotiations with Iran alongside formal talks with the agreement's remaining parties -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. Economic malaise The US sanctions choked Iran, including by seeking to stop its oil exports, and the economy contracted by more than six percent in both 2018 and 2019. This was a blow to Rouhani who had hoped to liberalise the economy and develop the private sector. In the winter of 2017-2018, and again in 2019, street protests sparked by economic woes rocked the country. And in July this year, demonstrators in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, which has been hit by drought, took to the streets to vent their anger. The economic malaise has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has left many Iranians struggling to get by. Iranian reformist economist Saeed Laylaz said that the outgoing president was an "idealist" in his approach to the West. "Rouhani believed he would be able to solve all the country's problems quickly," said Laylaz, who has acted as an adviser to Iranian presidents. Laylaz believes that Raisi will choose a different path. After his election, Raisi made clear that his key foreign policy would be to improve ties with regional countries. In mid-July, Rouhani said he hoped his successor can clinch a deal to lift US sanctions and conclude nuclear talks. But Khamenei, who will preside over Raisi's inauguration on Tuesday and whose word is final in policy matters, has warned against trusting the West. Nuclear talks Raisi himself has already said he will not negotiate with the other parties to the nuclear deal, and indirectly with the US, just for the sake of negotiations. His government will support talks that "guarantee national interests", he has said. Six rounds of nuclear talks between Iran and world powers were held in Vienna between April and June. The last round concluded on June 20, and no date has been set for another. Officials in Tehran said there would be no new talks until Raisi assumed office. According to Therme, the new administration in Tehran, where the ultra-conservative camp deeply distrusts the United States, has no wish to press things. There is a will in Tehran "to show the American side there is no urgency for a quick compromise", he said. The new government also wants to show "it can clinch a better deal than the previous one", Therme added. According to Laylaz, the future of the nuclear deal will be one of the factors that will affect the fate of the economy. "If Iran declares its intention not to pursue the negotiations, the sanctions will remain," he said. But he also expects Washington and Tehran to reach a compromise. "Iran and the United States cannot continue with the status quo," Laylaz said.

Iran's Raisi set to focus on economy and nuclear deal

Hundreds of Iranians marched through Tehran in rare protests over blackouts and power outages. Workers in the lucrative oil industry have also gone on strike. How will this instability affect Iran's upcoming change of guard? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Iran: Drought triggers anti-govt protests

Iran recorded over 34,900 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday. This was the country's single-day record for cases as vaccinations lag.

The previous single-day record was of 31,814 infections and had been set only a day earlier. 357 COVID-19 fatalities were recorded by the health authorities. Total death toll in 89,479. This is the highest death toll in West Asia.

Spread of the variant had prompted new restrictions last week. Government ordered closure of state offices &nbsp;public places and non-essential businesses in the capital of Tehran. However, the lockdown measures had little effect.

Iran is reeling from a series of crises. US sanctions, global isolation, heatwave, blackouts and protests over water shortage in southwest have hounded the West Asian nation.

Fewer than 3 per cent of Iranians have been vaccinated either with Iran's locally produced shots or Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.

Iran recorded over 34,900 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday. This was the country's single-day record for cases as vaccinations lag. The previous single-day record was of 31,814 infections and had been set only a day earlier.

Iran recorded over 34,900 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday. This was the country's single-day record for cases as vaccinations lag. The previous single-day record was of 31,814 infections and had been set only a day earlier. 357 COVID-19 fatalities were recorded by the health authorities. Total death toll in 89,479. This is the highest death toll in West Asia. Spread of the variant had prompted new restrictions last week. Government ordered closure of state offices public places and non-essential businesses in the capital of Tehran. However, the lockdown measures had little effect. Iran is reeling from a series of crises. US sanctions, global isolation, heatwave, blackouts and protests over water shortage in southwest have hounded the West Asian nation. Fewer than 3 per cent of Iranians have been vaccinated either with Iran's locally produced shots or Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.

Iran reports highest Covid infections for second straight day

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. 
 
Macron's phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under surveillance by Morocco, which used NSO Group's Pegasus software, according to France's Le Monde newspaper. The French leader has called for an investigation. 
 
Gantz will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Wednesday, an official Israeli statement said. 
 
"Gantz will discuss the crisis in Lebanon and the developing agreement with Iran. He will also update the minister on the topic of NSO," it said. 
 
Israel's Defence Ministry oversees commercial exports of spyware and cyber-surveillance technologies like Pegasus. 
 
A global investigation published last week by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. 
 
Israel has since set up a senior inter-ministerial team to assess any possible misuse of the spyware. 
 
NSO rejected the reports, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, the company said. 
 
Gantz's trip was planned before the NSO affair and was meant to focus on the growing economic crisis in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, and on world powers' efforts to resume a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli media said. 
 
Israel is concerned a revival of the deal may eventually allow its arch-foe Tehran to acquire atomic weapons. Iran denies seeking the bomb. Attempts to revive the 2015 accord, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress. 
 
France's foreign ministry said on Monday that Iran was endangering the chance of concluding an accord with world powers over reviving the deal if it did not return to the negotiating table soon.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron's phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under surveillance by Morocco, which used NSO Group's Pegasus software, according to France's Le Monde newspaper. The French leader has called for an investigation. Gantz will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Wednesday, an official Israeli statement said. "Gantz will discuss the crisis in Lebanon and the developing agreement with Iran. He will also update the minister on the topic of NSO," it said. Israel's Defence Ministry oversees commercial exports of spyware and cyber-surveillance technologies like Pegasus. A global investigation published last week by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. Israel has since set up a senior inter-ministerial team to assess any possible misuse of the spyware. NSO rejected the reports, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, the company said. Gantz's trip was planned before the NSO affair and was meant to focus on the growing economic crisis in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, and on world powers' efforts to resume a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli media said. Israel is concerned a revival of the deal may eventually allow its arch-foe Tehran to acquire atomic weapons. Iran denies seeking the bomb. Attempts to revive the 2015 accord, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress. France's foreign ministry said on Monday that Iran was endangering the chance of concluding an accord with world powers over reviving the deal if it did not return to the negotiating table soon.

Israel defence minister to visit France to discuss Iran, row over NSO spyware Pegasus

There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

Violence escalates in water-shortage protests in Iran’s Khuzestan

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.&nbsp;

According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events.&nbsp;

For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela.&nbsp;

The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela.&nbsp;

The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic.&nbsp;

After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time.&nbsp;

Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.&nbsp;

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic. According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events. For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela. The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela. The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic. After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time. Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.

Earlier Venezuela, now two Iranian ships appear to reach St Petersburg

In Iran's Khuzestan Province, people have taken to the streets for six straight nights now. They are out of water. A violent crackdown has led to the deaths of at least 4 people.

Gravitas: Iranians take to the streets for water

Three people including a police officer were reportedly killed as&nbsp;protests erupted in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan over water shortages.

There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran&nbsp;as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating&nbsp;the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

Reports said the protests have been going on for the past six days amid reports of Internet slowdown and backouts in the country.

Last week Iran's state media had reported a protester was shot in Shadegan town with protests taking place in other parts including in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Izeh and&nbsp;Mahshahr.

The country's social media has witnessed heightened activity over the water crisis with #KhuzestanIsThirsty and #KhuzestanHasNoWater trending on various platforms.

Khuzestan has been hit with persistent drought leading to protests in towns since last week. Two years ago the province was hit by mass anti-government protests.

The country has faced repeated droughts in the last 10 years with severe situation in the south.

Reports had claimed the government had sent a delegation comprising of ministers to Khuzestan to tackle the water shortage&nbsp;problem last week amid protests.

Local media had reported last week a youth was shot during the second night of protests during a rally as rioters reportedly shot in the air which allegedly hit the protester even as people chanted slogans against the government.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Three people including a police officer were reportedly killed as protests erupted in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan over water shortages. There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

Three people including a police officer were reportedly killed as protests erupted in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan over water shortages. There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic. Reports said the protests have been going on for the past six days amid reports of Internet slowdown and backouts in the country. Last week Iran's state media had reported a protester was shot in Shadegan town with protests taking place in other parts including in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Izeh and Mahshahr. The country's social media has witnessed heightened activity over the water crisis with #KhuzestanIsThirsty and #KhuzestanHasNoWater trending on various platforms. Khuzestan has been hit with persistent drought leading to protests in towns since last week. Two years ago the province was hit by mass anti-government protests. The country has faced repeated droughts in the last 10 years with severe situation in the south. Reports had claimed the government had sent a delegation comprising of ministers to Khuzestan to tackle the water shortage problem last week amid protests. Local media had reported last week a youth was shot during the second night of protests during a rally as rioters reportedly shot in the air which allegedly hit the protester even as people chanted slogans against the government. (With inputs from Agencies)

Protests erupt in Iran over water crisis; at least three killed

The Biden administration has lashed out at Iran for accusing it of delaying a proposed prisoner swap to force a quick resumption of indirect nuclear talks.

The State Department slammed as 'outrageous' comments made by Iran's deputy foreign minister, who alleged the US and Britain were holding the swap 'hostage' to the negotiations over salvaging the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA.

In a pair of tweets from his verified account, Abbas Aragchi said the nuclear talks in Vienna could not resume until Iran's hardline president-elect is inaugurated in early August.

"We're in a transition period as a democratic transfer of power is underway in our capital," he said.

"The nuclear talks must thus obviously await our new administration. This is what every democracy demands," Aragchi said. He added that the US and Britain 'need to understand this and stop linking a humanitarian exchange ready to be implemented with the JCPOA'.

"Keeping such an exchange hostage to political aims achieves neither," said Aragchi, who is Iran's chief negotiator at the Vienna talks.&nbsp;"10 prisoners on all sides may be released tomorrow if US &amp; UK fulfill their part of deal."

A sixth round of nuclear talks ended last month without agreement ahead of Iran's presidential election won by Ebrahim Raisi.

The US has repeatedly said it is ready for a seventh round as soon as Iran is ready while also calling for the immediate release of American citizens detained in Iran.

In response to Aragchi's remarks, State Department spokesman Ned Price categorically rejected the claim, denied there was already an agreement on a swap, and said the US was prepared to continue talks on prisoners even while waiting for the resumption of the nuclear negotiations.

"These comments are an outrageous effort to deflect blame for the current impasse on a potential mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA," Price said.

"We stand ready to return to Vienna to complete work on a mutual return to the JCPOA once Iran has made the necessary decisions."

Price called Aragchi's reference to the possible imminent release of 10 prisoners on all sides 'just another cruel effort to raise the hopes of their families.'&nbsp;"If Iran were truly interested in making a humanitarian gesture, it would simply release the detainees immediately," he said.

The Biden administration has lashed out at Iran for accusing it of delaying a proposed prisoner swap to force a quick resumption of indirect nuclear talks. The State Department slammed as 'outrageous' comments made by Iran's deputy foreign minister, who alleged the US and Britain were holding the swap 'hostage' to the negotiations over salvaging the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA.

The Biden administration has lashed out at Iran for accusing it of delaying a proposed prisoner swap to force a quick resumption of indirect nuclear talks. The State Department slammed as 'outrageous' comments made by Iran's deputy foreign minister, who alleged the US and Britain were holding the swap 'hostage' to the negotiations over salvaging the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA. In a pair of tweets from his verified account, Abbas Aragchi said the nuclear talks in Vienna could not resume until Iran's hardline president-elect is inaugurated in early August. "We're in a transition period as a democratic transfer of power is underway in our capital," he said. "The nuclear talks must thus obviously await our new administration. This is what every democracy demands," Aragchi said. He added that the US and Britain 'need to understand this and stop linking a humanitarian exchange ready to be implemented with the JCPOA'. "Keeping such an exchange hostage to political aims achieves neither," said Aragchi, who is Iran's chief negotiator at the Vienna talks. "10 prisoners on all sides may be released tomorrow if US & UK fulfill their part of deal." A sixth round of nuclear talks ended last month without agreement ahead of Iran's presidential election won by Ebrahim Raisi. The US has repeatedly said it is ready for a seventh round as soon as Iran is ready while also calling for the immediate release of American citizens detained in Iran. In response to Aragchi's remarks, State Department spokesman Ned Price categorically rejected the claim, denied there was already an agreement on a swap, and said the US was prepared to continue talks on prisoners even while waiting for the resumption of the nuclear negotiations. "These comments are an outrageous effort to deflect blame for the current impasse on a potential mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA," Price said. "We stand ready to return to Vienna to complete work on a mutual return to the JCPOA once Iran has made the necessary decisions." Price called Aragchi's reference to the possible imminent release of 10 prisoners on all sides 'just another cruel effort to raise the hopes of their families.' "If Iran were truly interested in making a humanitarian gesture, it would simply release the detainees immediately," he said.

US hits Iran for delay in nuclear, prisoner swap talks

Representatives of the Afghan Government and the Taliban insurgents will be meeting in Doha today for the second day to resume talks for peace following continued fighting in the region.

Doha Peace Talks: Afghan, Taliban negotiators hold talks in Doha

A demonstrator was shot dead during&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages in drought-hit Khuzestan in southwestern&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;state&nbsp;media&nbsp;reported Saturday, with an official blaming the death on "opportunists and rioters".

The demonstrator was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the Khuzestan province town of Shadegan, the official IRNA news agency said.

The province is&nbsp;Iran's main oil-producing region and one of its wealthiest, but it has been hit by a persistent drought that has led to tensions since late March.

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"Last night (Friday), a number of Shadegan's people had gathered to protest&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages due to the drought, during which opportunists and rioters shot dead one of the demonstrators," the county's acting governor, Omid Sabripour, told IRNA.

Sabripour said the perpetrators "sought to agitate the people by shooting in the air", and a "young Shadegan resident" was shot in the process.

In separate comments to the ISNA news agency, Sabripour said&nbsp;the shooting was directed at both the demonstrators and security forces.

He added that the victim was a "30-year-old passer-by" and that those responsible were identified.

Some were arrested on Friday night, with a manhunt launched for the others.

Iran&nbsp;has endured repeated droughts over the past&nbsp;decade, particularly in the south.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-detects-technical-fault-in-bushehr-nuclear-power-plant-392978">Iran detects 'technical fault' in Bushehr nuclear power plant</a>

Earlier this month, President Hassan Rouhani said the drought was "unprecedented", with average rainfall down 52 per cent compared to the previous year.

The Islamic republic has also experienced regular floods in recent years, made worse when torrential rain falls on sun-baked earth.

In other parts of the country, floods over the past three days have&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least four people, with two others missing, Iranian Red Crescent Society spokesman Mohammad-Hassan Qosian told IRNA on Saturday.

Another person was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by lightning.

'Insecurity'&nbsp;

Khuzestan's governor on Friday dismissed videos of&nbsp;protests&nbsp;as false.

"Some seek to agitate the people and publish fake videos," Qasem Soleimani-Dashtaki told IRNA.

Videos on social&nbsp;media&nbsp;apparently showed&nbsp;protests&nbsp;in several Khuzestan towns, including Susangerd, Mahshahr and Hamidiyeh as well as Shadegan.

Farsi-language&nbsp;media&nbsp;based abroad said security forces had cracked down on protesters demonstrating against severe&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages&nbsp;on Thursday, but domestic&nbsp;media&nbsp;played down the reports.

Khuzestan MP Abdollah Izadpanah warned on Friday that "Khuzestan's insecurity means a lack of security for the whole country."

He blamed the&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages on "mistakes and unjustified decisions" such as the extraction of&nbsp;water&nbsp;from Khuzestan's rivers to other provinces, ISNA reported.

On Friday, the government sent a delegation to Khuzestan to address the problem.

This month, rolling blackouts began in the capital Tehran and several other large cities, which officials blamed on the impact of the drought on hydroelectric power generation, as well as surging demand.

Power cuts in the peak summer months are not uncommon in&nbsp;Iran, but the ongoing drought has intensified the situation.

Khuzestan is home to a largely Sunni Arab minority, which has frequently complained of marginalisation in mainly Shiite&nbsp;Iran.

In 2019, the province was a hotspot of anti-government&nbsp;protests&nbsp;that had shaken other areas of the Islamic republic.

Over the years, blistering summer heatwaves and seasonal sandstorms blowing in from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Iraq have dried up Khuzestan's once-fertile plains.

Scientists say climate change amplifies droughts, and their intensity and frequency, in turn, threaten food security.

A demonstrator was shot dead during protests against water shortages in drought-hit Khuzestan in southwestern Iran, state media reported Saturday, with an official blaming the death on "opportunists and rioters".

A demonstrator was shot dead during protests against water shortages in drought-hit Khuzestan in southwestern Iran, state media reported Saturday, with an official blaming the death on "opportunists and rioters". The demonstrator was killed in the Khuzestan province town of Shadegan, the official IRNA news agency said. The province is Iran's main oil-producing region and one of its wealthiest, but it has been hit by a persistent drought that has led to tensions since late March. Also read | Iran President Hassan Rouhani issues rare apology for power cuts "Last night (Friday), a number of Shadegan's people had gathered to protest water shortages due to the drought, during which opportunists and rioters shot dead one of the demonstrators," the county's acting governor, Omid Sabripour, told IRNA. Sabripour said the perpetrators "sought to agitate the people by shooting in the air", and a "young Shadegan resident" was shot in the process. In separate comments to the ISNA news agency, Sabripour said the shooting was directed at both the demonstrators and security forces. He added that the victim was a "30-year-old passer-by" and that those responsible were identified. Some were arrested on Friday night, with a manhunt launched for the others. Iran has endured repeated droughts over the past decade, particularly in the south. Also read | Iran detects 'technical fault' in Bushehr nuclear power plant Earlier this month, President Hassan Rouhani said the drought was "unprecedented", with average rainfall down 52 per cent compared to the previous year. The Islamic republic has also experienced regular floods in recent years, made worse when torrential rain falls on sun-baked earth. In other parts of the country, floods over the past three days have killed at least four people, with two others missing, Iranian Red Crescent Society spokesman Mohammad-Hassan Qosian told IRNA on Saturday. Another person was killed by lightning. 'Insecurity' Khuzestan's governor on Friday dismissed videos of protests as false. "Some seek to agitate the people and publish fake videos," Qasem Soleimani-Dashtaki told IRNA. Videos on social media apparently showed protests in several Khuzestan towns, including Susangerd, Mahshahr and Hamidiyeh as well as Shadegan. Farsi-language media based abroad said security forces had cracked down on protesters demonstrating against severe water shortages on Thursday, but domestic media played down the reports. Khuzestan MP Abdollah Izadpanah warned on Friday that "Khuzestan's insecurity means a lack of security for the whole country." He blamed the water shortages on "mistakes and unjustified decisions" such as the extraction of water from Khuzestan's rivers to other provinces, ISNA reported. On Friday, the government sent a delegation to Khuzestan to address the problem. This month, rolling blackouts began in the capital Tehran and several other large cities, which officials blamed on the impact of the drought on hydroelectric power generation, as well as surging demand. Power cuts in the peak summer months are not uncommon in Iran, but the ongoing drought has intensified the situation. Khuzestan is home to a largely Sunni Arab minority, which has frequently complained of marginalisation in mainly Shiite Iran. In 2019, the province was a hotspot of anti-government protests that had shaken other areas of the Islamic republic. Over the years, blistering summer heatwaves and seasonal sandstorms blowing in from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Iraq have dried up Khuzestan's once-fertile plains. Scientists say climate change amplifies droughts, and their intensity and frequency, in turn, threaten food security.

One shot dead in Iran water shortage protests: State media

Facebook said on Thursday that it disrupted Iran-based spying operation that targetted aerospace and defence workers in the US and Europe.&nbsp;

As per head of cyber espionage investigations Mike Dvilyanski, fake accounts posing as company job recruiters or employees were used to dupe targets.

"This effort was highly targeted," Dvilyanski said in a telephone briefing.

"It is hard for us to know how successful this campaign was, but it had all the hallmarks of a well-resourced operation."

A company named Mahak Rayan Afraz tech company in Tehran made some of the malicious code used in the cyber spying campaign. The company has ties to Islamic Revolutionary Guard corps, according to Dvilyanski

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Facebook took down 200 accounts it said where used to dupe defense or aerospace industry workers into connecting outside the social network, say by email or at bogus job websites.

The group referred to as "Tortoiseshell" had focused its activities in the Middle East until last year, when it took aim primarily at the United States, according to Dvilyanski.

"This group used various malicious tactics to identify its targets and infect their devices with malware to enable espionage," said Facebook director of threat disruption David Agranovich.

"Our platform was one of the elements of the much broader cross-platform cyber-espionage operation, and its activity on Facebook manifested primarily in social engineering and driving people off-platform."

Malware slipped onto devices of victims was designed to glean information including log-in credentials to email or social media, according to Dvilyanski.

Facebook said it appeared fewer than 200 users may have fallen for the ruse, and that those people have been notified of the deception.

Facebook also blocked some of the booby-trapped website links from being shared at the social network, according to executives.

The US tech giant added that it shared findings with internet industry peers and law enforcement.

"We were only part of this campaign, and we are taking action on our platform," Dvilyanski said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook said on Thursday that it disrupted Iran-based spying operation that targetted aerospace and defence workers in the US and Europe. As per head of cyber espionage investigations Mike Dvilyanski, fake accounts posing as company job recruiters or employees were used to dupe targets.

Facebook said on Thursday that it disrupted Iran-based spying operation that targetted aerospace and defence workers in the US and Europe. As per head of cyber espionage investigations Mike Dvilyanski, fake accounts posing as company job recruiters or employees were used to dupe targets. "This effort was highly targeted," Dvilyanski said in a telephone briefing. "It is hard for us to know how successful this campaign was, but it had all the hallmarks of a well-resourced operation." A company named Mahak Rayan Afraz tech company in Tehran made some of the malicious code used in the cyber spying campaign. The company has ties to Islamic Revolutionary Guard corps, according to Dvilyanski Also Read | Iran not ready for nuclear talks until President-elect Ebrahim Raisi takes over Facebook took down 200 accounts it said where used to dupe defense or aerospace industry workers into connecting outside the social network, say by email or at bogus job websites. The group referred to as "Tortoiseshell" had focused its activities in the Middle East until last year, when it took aim primarily at the United States, according to Dvilyanski. "This group used various malicious tactics to identify its targets and infect their devices with malware to enable espionage," said Facebook director of threat disruption David Agranovich. "Our platform was one of the elements of the much broader cross-platform cyber-espionage operation, and its activity on Facebook manifested primarily in social engineering and driving people off-platform." Malware slipped onto devices of victims was designed to glean information including log-in credentials to email or social media, according to Dvilyanski. Facebook said it appeared fewer than 200 users may have fallen for the ruse, and that those people have been notified of the deception. Facebook also blocked some of the booby-trapped website links from being shared at the social network, according to executives. The US tech giant added that it shared findings with internet industry peers and law enforcement. "We were only part of this campaign, and we are taking action on our platform," Dvilyanski said. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran-based spies targetted US, European defence workers, says Facebook

Iran is not prepared to resume negotiations on coming back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday. 
 
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Iran had conveyed this to European officials acting as interlocutors in the indirect US-Iranian negotiations and that the current thinking is the Vienna talks will not resume before mid-August. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultraconservative-cleric-ebrahim-raisi-wins-irans-presidential-election-392598">WION | Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election</a> 
 
"They are not prepared to come back before the new government," said the source, saying it was not clear whether this meant until Raisi formally takes over on Aug. 5 or until his government is in place. 
 
"We are now talking probably not before mid-August," added the source. 
 
Talks began in April on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but have appeared stuck since their sixth round ended on June 20, with no sign when they may resume. 
 
The agreement, which Democratic former President Barack Obama negotiated and Republican former President Donald Trump abandoned, struck a balance between Iran accepting limits to its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. 
 
The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when the talks may resume.

Iran is not prepared to resume negotiations on coming back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday.

Iran is not prepared to resume negotiations on coming back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Iran had conveyed this to European officials acting as interlocutors in the indirect US-Iranian negotiations and that the current thinking is the Vienna talks will not resume before mid-August. WION | Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election "They are not prepared to come back before the new government," said the source, saying it was not clear whether this meant until Raisi formally takes over on Aug. 5 or until his government is in place. "We are now talking probably not before mid-August," added the source. Talks began in April on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but have appeared stuck since their sixth round ended on June 20, with no sign when they may resume. The agreement, which Democratic former President Barack Obama negotiated and Republican former President Donald Trump abandoned, struck a balance between Iran accepting limits to its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when the talks may resume.

Iran not ready for nuclear talks until President-elect Ebrahim Raisi takes over

Iran President Hassan Rouhani has said that they could enrich uranium's purity up to 90%. However, he did say that the country is still seeking the revival of a 2015 deal that would limit its atomic activities in return for a lifting of sanctions.

Hassan Rouhani: Iran can enrich Uranium's purity up to 90% if needed

She is the ninth Iranian female athlete to qualify, signaling a change in the way Tehran perceives women in sports.

West Asia Post: Iran's 'Wind girl' at the Olympics

Five&nbsp;Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government&nbsp;for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two&nbsp;years now.

The Indian citizens&nbsp;— Aniket Sham Yenpure, Mandar Milind Worlikar from Mumbai, Naveen Singh from Uttarakhand, Pranav Kumar from Bihar, and Thamizhselvan Rengasamy from Tamil Nadu — were arrested in connection with a narcotics case, only to be released after a local court in Chabahar found them innocent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-consulate-in-city-still-open-says-kandahar-governors-spokesman-397532" hreflang="en">Indian consulate in city still open, says Kandahar governor's&nbsp;spokesman</a>

They spent 403 days in Chabahar Central Jail and were released from prison on March 09 but have not been handed back their passports.

Indian world forum President Puneet Singh has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their behalf seeking help. He also highlighted that they were duped by recruiters. Highlighting that "these seafarers belonging to lower middle class families have not only been duped by their respective recruitment and placement services agents in India" who in "collusion with their international partners promised them hefty pay jobs in Gulf", &nbsp;Puneet explained that "each of them has been extorted to the tune of Rs 500,000 as charges towards arranging overseas employment."

The agent had assured them of employment with shipping companies in UAE but was diverted mid-way to Iran without being given any remunerations. The five Indians are between the age group of 30 to 22. It is understood that after the letter, Prime Minister's office has taken cognizance of the development.

Five Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two years now.

Five Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two years now. The Indian citizens — Aniket Sham Yenpure, Mandar Milind Worlikar from Mumbai, Naveen Singh from Uttarakhand, Pranav Kumar from Bihar, and Thamizhselvan Rengasamy from Tamil Nadu — were arrested in connection with a narcotics case, only to be released after a local court in Chabahar found them innocent. Also read | Indian consulate in city still open, says Kandahar governor's spokesman They spent 403 days in Chabahar Central Jail and were released from prison on March 09 but have not been handed back their passports. Indian world forum President Puneet Singh has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their behalf seeking help. He also highlighted that they were duped by recruiters. Highlighting that "these seafarers belonging to lower middle class families have not only been duped by their respective recruitment and placement services agents in India" who in "collusion with their international partners promised them hefty pay jobs in Gulf", Puneet explained that "each of them has been extorted to the tune of Rs 500,000 as charges towards arranging overseas employment." The agent had assured them of employment with shipping companies in UAE but was diverted mid-way to Iran without being given any remunerations. The five Indians are between the age group of 30 to 22. It is understood that after the letter, Prime Minister's office has taken cognizance of the development.

Indians stranded in Iran's Chabahar seek govt help for repatriation

In an attempt to provide the much-needed boost to marriages,&nbsp;Iran has come up with a state-approved&nbsp;Islamic dating app, Hamdam.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The users of the&nbsp;app&nbsp;will first&nbsp;have to take a psychology test and&nbsp;later, the&nbsp;successful matches will be accompanied by a consultant for the first four years of marriage, &nbsp;The Guardian said in a report.

According to the state television,&nbsp;the country has come up with the app for&nbsp;facilitating 'lasting and informed marriage' for its youth.&nbsp;

The name, Hamdam, means&nbsp;companion in&nbsp;Farsi.&nbsp;The service allows users to 'search and choose spouse'.&nbsp;

Although&nbsp;dating apps are popular in the Islamic Republic, Iran’s cyberspace police chief Colonel Ali Mohammad Rajabi&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“This&nbsp;is the only state-sanctioned platform of its kind in the country.&nbsp;All others are illegal.”&nbsp;

This app has been developed by the&nbsp;Tebyan&nbsp;Cultural Institute, which is a&nbsp;part of Iran’s Islamic Propaganda&nbsp;Organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the unveiling,&nbsp;Tebyan&nbsp;head Komeil Khojasteh, said, “Family values were threatened by outside forces. Family is the devil’s target, and (Iran’s enemies) seek to impose their own ideas on it. The app helps create 'healthy' families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The website of the app claims it uses 'artificial intelligence' to find matches 'for bachelors seeking permanent marriage and a single spouse only'.&nbsp;

Before browsing&nbsp;the potential partners, the&nbsp;users have to first verify their identity and go through a ‘psychology test'.&nbsp;Registration is free on the app.&nbsp;

After a match is made,&nbsp;the app 'introduces the families together in the presence of service consultants', who will 'accompany' the couple for the first four years&nbsp;of&nbsp;marriage.&nbsp;

In an attempt to provide the much-needed boost to marriages, Iran has come up with a state-approved Islamic dating app, Hamdam. The users of the app will first have to take a psychology test and later, the successful matches will be accompanied by a consultant for the first four years of marriage, The Guardian said in a report.

In an attempt to provide the much-needed boost to marriages, Iran has come up with a state-approved Islamic dating app, Hamdam. The users of the app will first have to take a psychology test and later, the successful matches will be accompanied by a consultant for the first four years of marriage, The Guardian said in a report. According to the state television, the country has come up with the app for facilitating 'lasting and informed marriage' for its youth. The name, Hamdam, means companion in Farsi. The service allows users to 'search and choose spouse'. Although dating apps are popular in the Islamic Republic, Iran’s cyberspace police chief Colonel Ali Mohammad Rajabi said, “This is the only state-sanctioned platform of its kind in the country. All others are illegal.” This app has been developed by the Tebyan Cultural Institute, which is a part of Iran’s Islamic Propaganda Organisation. At the unveiling, Tebyan head Komeil Khojasteh, said, “Family values were threatened by outside forces. Family is the devil’s target, and (Iran’s enemies) seek to impose their own ideas on it. The app helps create 'healthy' families.” The website of the app claims it uses 'artificial intelligence' to find matches 'for bachelors seeking permanent marriage and a single spouse only'. Before browsing the potential partners, the users have to first verify their identity and go through a ‘psychology test'. Registration is free on the app. After a match is made, the app 'introduces the families together in the presence of service consultants', who will 'accompany' the couple for the first four years of marriage.

Iran government launches Islamic dating app to create 'healthy' families 

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