Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said on Sunday that its Natanz nuclear facility was hit by a terrorist act. This claim was made hours after it had said that an "accident" had caused a power failure there.

The episode has come a day after Iran said it had started advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges at the site. This is a breach of its commitment under 2015 nuclear deal.

Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organisation (IAEO), condemned a "futile" act, while urging the international community to "confront this anti-nuclear terrorism", &nbsp;in a statement carried by state television.

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The attack was carried out by "opponents of the country's industrial and political progress, who aim to prevent development of a thriving nuclear industry," he said, without specifying what country or entity might be behind the alleged sabotage.

IAEO spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi had earlier reported an accident at the enrichment facility caused by a "power failure". &nbsp;No-one was injured and there was no radioactive release, the official Fars news agency reported, citing the spokesman.

Kamalvandi said there had been "an accident in part of the electrical circuit of the enrichment facility" at the Natanz complex near Tehran.

"The causes of the accident are under investigation and more details will be released later," he added, before the later statement put out by the agency's chief.

He did not say whether power was cut only in the enrichment facility or across other installations at the site. 
Malek Chariati, spokesman for the Iranian parliament's energy commission, took to Twitter to allege sabotage.

"This incident, coming (the day after) National Nuclear Technology Day, as Iran endeavours to press the West into lifting sanctions, is strongly suspected to be sabotage or infiltration," Chariati said.

The nuclear deal was struck by USA and other world powers with Iran in 2015. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took USA out of it in 2018.

(With AFP inputs)

Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said on Sunday that its Natanz nuclear facility was hit by a terrorist act. This claim was made hours after it had said that an "accident" had caused a power failure there.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said on Sunday that its Natanz nuclear facility was hit by a terrorist act. This claim was made hours after it had said that an "accident" had caused a power failure there. The episode has come a day after Iran said it had started advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges at the site. This is a breach of its commitment under 2015 nuclear deal. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organisation (IAEO), condemned a "futile" act, while urging the international community to "confront this anti-nuclear terrorism", in a statement carried by state television. Also Read | US Defence Secretary Austin in Israel amid Iran nuclear talks The attack was carried out by "opponents of the country's industrial and political progress, who aim to prevent development of a thriving nuclear industry," he said, without specifying what country or entity might be behind the alleged sabotage. IAEO spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi had earlier reported an accident at the enrichment facility caused by a "power failure". No-one was injured and there was no radioactive release, the official Fars news agency reported, citing the spokesman. Kamalvandi said there had been "an accident in part of the electrical circuit of the enrichment facility" at the Natanz complex near Tehran. "The causes of the accident are under investigation and more details will be released later," he added, before the later statement put out by the agency's chief. He did not say whether power was cut only in the enrichment facility or across other installations at the site. Malek Chariati, spokesman for the Iranian parliament's energy commission, took to Twitter to allege sabotage. "This incident, coming (the day after) National Nuclear Technology Day, as Iran endeavours to press the West into lifting sanctions, is strongly suspected to be sabotage or infiltration," Chariati said. The nuclear deal was struck by USA and other world powers with Iran in 2015. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took USA out of it in 2018. (With AFP inputs)

Iran atomic agency claims nuclear facility hit by 'terrorism'

Iran imposed a 10-day lockdown across most of the country on Saturday to curb the spread of a fourth wave of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic, state media reported.

The lockdown affects 23 of the country’s 31 provinces, health ministry spokesman Alireza Raisi said. Businesses, schools, theatres and sports facilities have been forced to shut and gatherings are banned during the holy fasting month of Ramadan that begins on Wednesday.

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Iran’s coronavirus cases have surpassed 2 million with a new daily average of over 20,000 infections over the past week, according to the health ministry. It has reported more than 64,000 fatalities.

“Unfortunately, today we have entered a fourth wave,” President Hassan Rouhani said in televised remarks. He blamed the surge foremost on the variant that first emerged in the UK which spread to Iran earlier this year from neighbouring Iraq.

Other factors included widespread travel, weddings, and celebrations during the Iranian New Year holidays that began on March 20, he said.

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The UK variant is now predominant in the country, and 257 cities and towns are in red alert, Raisi said.

Iran has been the epicentre of the pandemic in the Middle East. In February, it closed several crossing points with Iraq in an effort to stem the spread of the UK variant.

The country’s vaccination drive has also been slow going.

Tehran says it has received more than 400,000 of 2 million Sputnik V vaccines on order from Russia, and that it is awaiting delivery of 4.2 million AstraZeneca shots.

It has also received 250,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine and part of an order of 500,000 doses of India’s COVAXIN.

With a population of 83 million, Iran had hoped to secure over 2 million vaccines by March 20 to vaccinate mainly healthcare workers. It is developing at least four local vaccine candidates, one in cooperation with Cuba, which are expected to reach production in a few months.

Iran imposed a 10-day lockdown across most of the country on Saturday to curb the spread of a fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported. The lockdown affects 23 of the country’s 31 provinces, health ministry spokesman Alireza Raisi said.

Iran imposed a 10-day lockdown across most of the country on Saturday to curb the spread of a fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported. The lockdown affects 23 of the country’s 31 provinces, health ministry spokesman Alireza Raisi said. Businesses, schools, theatres and sports facilities have been forced to shut and gatherings are banned during the holy fasting month of Ramadan that begins on Wednesday. Also read | PM Modi launches 'Tika Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases Iran’s coronavirus cases have surpassed 2 million with a new daily average of over 20,000 infections over the past week, according to the health ministry. It has reported more than 64,000 fatalities. “Unfortunately, today we have entered a fourth wave,” President Hassan Rouhani said in televised remarks. He blamed the surge foremost on the variant that first emerged in the UK which spread to Iran earlier this year from neighbouring Iraq. Other factors included widespread travel, weddings, and celebrations during the Iranian New Year holidays that began on March 20, he said. Also read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly The UK variant is now predominant in the country, and 257 cities and towns are in red alert, Raisi said. Iran has been the epicentre of the pandemic in the Middle East. In February, it closed several crossing points with Iraq in an effort to stem the spread of the UK variant. The country’s vaccination drive has also been slow going. Tehran says it has received more than 400,000 of 2 million Sputnik V vaccines on order from Russia, and that it is awaiting delivery of 4.2 million AstraZeneca shots. It has also received 250,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine and part of an order of 500,000 doses of India’s COVAXIN. With a population of 83 million, Iran had hoped to secure over 2 million vaccines by March 20 to vaccinate mainly healthcare workers. It is developing at least four local vaccine candidates, one in cooperation with Cuba, which are expected to reach production in a few months.

Iran orders 10-day shutdown amid fourth wave of coronavirus pandemic

US and Iranian officials clashed on Friday over what sanctions the United States should lift to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, with Washington predicting an impasse if Tehran sticks to a demand that all sanctions since 2017 be removed.&nbsp;

The two nations laid out tough stances as indirect talks in Vienna on how to bring both back into full compliance with the agreement wound up for the week, with some delegates citing progress.&nbsp;

The talks, in which European Union officials are shuttling between the remaining parties to the deal and the United States, aim to restore the bargain at the core of the agreement - restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of US and other international sanctions.&nbsp;

The United States was the first to renege on that bargain under then-President Donald Trump, who vehemently opposed the deal and sought to wreck it. He pulled out, reimposed the sanctions that were lifted, and brought in many more. Iran responded by breaching many of the nuclear restrictions.&nbsp;

"All Trump sanctions were anti-JCPOA and must be removed—w/o distinction between arbitrary designations," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Twitter, referring to the deal by its full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.&nbsp;

The United States says it is prepared to lift 'sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA'. While it has declined to elaborate, that appears to exclude sanctions formally unrelated to nuclear issues covered by the deal.&nbsp;

A senior US State Department official told reporters the United States had seen some signs of Iranian seriousness about returning to the nuclear pact but 'certainly not enough’.&nbsp;

"If Iran sticks to the position that every sanction that has been imposed since 2017 has to be lifted or there will be no deal, then we are heading towards an impasse," the senior US official told reporters on a conference call.&nbsp;

Whether the statements are opening gambits or more firm positions remains to be seen. European officials said Iran was bargaining hard at the outset.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US and Iranian officials clashed on Friday over what sanctions the United States should lift to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, with Washington predicting an impasse if Tehran sticks to a demand that all sanctions since 2017 be removed.

US and Iranian officials clashed on Friday over what sanctions the United States should lift to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, with Washington predicting an impasse if Tehran sticks to a demand that all sanctions since 2017 be removed. The two nations laid out tough stances as indirect talks in Vienna on how to bring both back into full compliance with the agreement wound up for the week, with some delegates citing progress. The talks, in which European Union officials are shuttling between the remaining parties to the deal and the United States, aim to restore the bargain at the core of the agreement - restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of US and other international sanctions. The United States was the first to renege on that bargain under then-President Donald Trump, who vehemently opposed the deal and sought to wreck it. He pulled out, reimposed the sanctions that were lifted, and brought in many more. Iran responded by breaching many of the nuclear restrictions. "All Trump sanctions were anti-JCPOA and must be removed—w/o distinction between arbitrary designations," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Twitter, referring to the deal by its full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The United States says it is prepared to lift 'sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA'. While it has declined to elaborate, that appears to exclude sanctions formally unrelated to nuclear issues covered by the deal. A senior US State Department official told reporters the United States had seen some signs of Iranian seriousness about returning to the nuclear pact but 'certainly not enough’. "If Iran sticks to the position that every sanction that has been imposed since 2017 has to be lifted or there will be no deal, then we are heading towards an impasse," the senior US official told reporters on a conference call. Whether the statements are opening gambits or more firm positions remains to be seen. European officials said Iran was bargaining hard at the outset. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Iran clash over sanctions; US sees possible 'impasse' 

Fighting for the key region of Marib in Yemen has intensified and as per loyalist military officials who were quoted by news agencies, 53 pro-government and Houthi rebel fighters were killed in the past 24 hours. Marib is the last significant pocket of territory under the Yemeni government's control in north Yemen. The Houthi rebels have been trying to seize the oil-rich region since February.

"The rebels have managed to seize a bit of territory" in the latest fighting northwest of the city, a pro-government military source said, assessing the city of Marib itself was not under threat.

AFP quoted the same source to say that 22 government soldiers including five officers had been killed, along with 31 rebels. Houthis rarely announced casualties on their own side.&nbsp;

If Marib falls to Houthi rebels, it will be a huge blow to the Yemeni government. The government is&nbsp;currently based in the southern city of Aden.

The rebels have stepped up missile and drone strikes against neighbouring Saudi Arabia in recent months, demanding the opening of Yemen's airspace and ports.

They have rejected a Saudi proposal for a ceasefire.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels overran Yemen's capital Sanaa in 2014. This prompted Saudi Arabia-led coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the Yemeni government.

(With AFP inputs)

Fighting for the key region of Marib in Yemen has intensified and as per loyalist military officials who were quoted by news agencies, 53 pro-government and Houthi rebel fighters were killed in the past 24 hours.

Fighting for the key region of Marib in Yemen has intensified and as per loyalist military officials who were quoted by news agencies, 53 pro-government and Houthi rebel fighters were killed in the past 24 hours. Marib is the last significant pocket of territory under the Yemeni government's control in north Yemen. The Houthi rebels have been trying to seize the oil-rich region since February. "The rebels have managed to seize a bit of territory" in the latest fighting northwest of the city, a pro-government military source said, assessing the city of Marib itself was not under threat. AFP quoted the same source to say that 22 government soldiers including five officers had been killed, along with 31 rebels. Houthis rarely announced casualties on their own side. If Marib falls to Houthi rebels, it will be a huge blow to the Yemeni government. The government is currently based in the southern city of Aden. The rebels have stepped up missile and drone strikes against neighbouring Saudi Arabia in recent months, demanding the opening of Yemen's airspace and ports. They have rejected a Saudi proposal for a ceasefire. Iran-backed Houthi rebels overran Yemen's capital Sanaa in 2014. This prompted Saudi Arabia-led coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the Yemeni government. (With AFP inputs)

Yemen: Battle for Marib heats up

Just a day after talks for rescuing the troubled nuclear deal got underway, Iran on Saturday announced that it had started up advanced Uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings in the very deal.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani officially inaugurated the cascades of 164 IR-6 centrifuges and 30 IR-5 devices at Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment plant in a ceremony broadcast by state television.

No images of the centrifuge cascades were aired on TV. However, engineers at the plant were seen talking that they had introduced uranium hexafluoride gas to the cascades after receiving the order from Rouhani.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-clash-over-sanctions-us-sees-possible-impasse-376570">US, Iran clash over sanctions; US sees possible 'impasse'&nbsp;</a>

Iran nuclear deal was struck by US and other world powers with Iran in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the accord in 2018.&nbsp;

Tuesday saw first round of talks with representatives of the remaining parties to the nuclear deal on bringing the United States back into the deal.

The Vienna talks are focused not only on lifting crippling economic sanctions Trump reimposed, but also on bringing Iran back into compliance after it responded by suspending several of its own commitments.

All sides said the talks, in which Washington is not participating directly but has the European Union as intermediary, had got off to a good start.

The IR-5 and IR-6 centrifuges allow uranium to be enriched more quickly and in greater amounts than the Iran's first generation devices, which are the only ones that the 2015 deal allows it to use.

Rouhani again underlined at the ceremony, which coincided with Iran's National Nuclear Technology Day, that Tehran's nuclear programme is solely for "peaceful" purposes.

(With AFP inputs)

Just a day after talks for rescuing the troubled nuclear deal got underway, Iran on Saturday announced that it had started up advanced Uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings in the very deal.

Just a day after talks for rescuing the troubled nuclear deal got underway, Iran on Saturday announced that it had started up advanced Uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings in the very deal. Iran President Hassan Rouhani officially inaugurated the cascades of 164 IR-6 centrifuges and 30 IR-5 devices at Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment plant in a ceremony broadcast by state television. No images of the centrifuge cascades were aired on TV. However, engineers at the plant were seen talking that they had introduced uranium hexafluoride gas to the cascades after receiving the order from Rouhani. Also Read | US, Iran clash over sanctions; US sees possible 'impasse' Iran nuclear deal was struck by US and other world powers with Iran in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the accord in 2018. Tuesday saw first round of talks with representatives of the remaining parties to the nuclear deal on bringing the United States back into the deal. The Vienna talks are focused not only on lifting crippling economic sanctions Trump reimposed, but also on bringing Iran back into compliance after it responded by suspending several of its own commitments. All sides said the talks, in which Washington is not participating directly but has the European Union as intermediary, had got off to a good start. The IR-5 and IR-6 centrifuges allow uranium to be enriched more quickly and in greater amounts than the Iran's first generation devices, which are the only ones that the 2015 deal allows it to use. Rouhani again underlined at the ceremony, which coincided with Iran's National Nuclear Technology Day, that Tehran's nuclear programme is solely for "peaceful" purposes. (With AFP inputs)

Iran starts advanced centrifuges a day after nuclear deal talks

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Iran released the tanker and its captain after seizing the vessel in January.

Iran frees South Korean Ship it seized on January

The United States has said that it is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran in order to resume compliance with the nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact.

US: Ready to lift sanctions inconsistent with 2015 Iran nuclear deal

Iran’s production rate is already “up to 40 percent” faster than that, Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi indicated.

Iran produced 55kg of 20% enriched Uranium since January

Iran and the United States have held indirect talks in Vienna to revive the embattled 2015 Nuclear deal. The officials from the five world powers also conducted the delicate diplomacy in Vienna.

US & Iran hold indirect talks in Vienna on reviving nuclear deal

The United States and Iran are expected to hold indirect talks in Vienna from Tuesday as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and other global powers.

US-Iran to hold indirect nuclear talks in Vienna today

Iran and the United States will begin indirect talks in Vienna on Tuesday aimed at bringing both countries back into full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal that Washington abandoned three years ago.&nbsp;

Iran has steadily overstepped the accord’s limits on its nuclear programme in response to Washington’s withdrawal from the accord in 2018 and its reimposition of sanctions that have crippled the Islamic Republic’s economy.&nbsp;

While Tehran has repeatedly rebuffed ‘direct and indirect negotiations’ with its old foe, Washington said on Monday it expected the talks to be difficult. Both Tehran and Washington did not foresee any early breakthrough.

"We are not optimistic nor pessimistic about the outcome of this meeting now, but we are confident that we are on the right track, and if America’s will, seriousness and honesty is proven, it could be a good sign for a better future for this agreement and ultimately its full implementation," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters.

US and Iranian officials will begin indirect talks in the Austrian capital, where the pact was originally reached in 2015, later on Tuesday. Officials from Britain, France and Germany, are expected to act as intermediaries. Russia and China, the other parties to the 2015 pact, will also attend.

A Western diplomat said on Friday that a shuttle-diplomacy approach would be adopted. The diplomat said France would be the main interlocutor for both sides.

According to diplomats, the remaining parties to the deal will first meet at a Viennese hotel for preparatory talks. The US delegation, headed by special envoy Rob Malley, will be based in a nearby hotel.&nbsp;

Adding fresh doubt to chances of a breakthrough, an Iranian official said, "Our agenda during the meeting will be removal of all US sanctions against Iran ... as our supreme leader has said repeatedly, anything less than that will not be accepted by Tehran."&nbsp;

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, has opposed any gradual easing of sanctions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran and the United States will begin indirect talks in Vienna on Tuesday aimed at bringing both countries back into full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal that Washington abandoned three years ago.

Iran and the United States will begin indirect talks in Vienna on Tuesday aimed at bringing both countries back into full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal that Washington abandoned three years ago. Iran has steadily overstepped the accord’s limits on its nuclear programme in response to Washington’s withdrawal from the accord in 2018 and its reimposition of sanctions that have crippled the Islamic Republic’s economy. While Tehran has repeatedly rebuffed ‘direct and indirect negotiations’ with its old foe, Washington said on Monday it expected the talks to be difficult. Both Tehran and Washington did not foresee any early breakthrough. "We are not optimistic nor pessimistic about the outcome of this meeting now, but we are confident that we are on the right track, and if America’s will, seriousness and honesty is proven, it could be a good sign for a better future for this agreement and ultimately its full implementation," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters. US and Iranian officials will begin indirect talks in the Austrian capital, where the pact was originally reached in 2015, later on Tuesday. Officials from Britain, France and Germany, are expected to act as intermediaries. Russia and China, the other parties to the 2015 pact, will also attend. A Western diplomat said on Friday that a shuttle-diplomacy approach would be adopted. The diplomat said France would be the main interlocutor for both sides. According to diplomats, the remaining parties to the deal will first meet at a Viennese hotel for preparatory talks. The US delegation, headed by special envoy Rob Malley, will be based in a nearby hotel. Adding fresh doubt to chances of a breakthrough, an Iranian official said, "Our agenda during the meeting will be removal of all US sanctions against Iran ... as our supreme leader has said repeatedly, anything less than that will not be accepted by Tehran." Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, has opposed any gradual easing of sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran, US begin indirect talks to bring nuclear deal to life

Iran has arrested an ‘Israeli spy’ and a number of other people, who were in contact with foreign intelligence services, Iranian state media reported on Monday, without giving the nationality of those arrested.

"An Israeli spy has been arrested in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province ... also other spies, who were in contact with several countries’ intelligence services have been arrested as well," it quoted an Intelligence Ministry official as saying.&nbsp;

Israeli officials did not immediately comment on the report.

The Islamic Republic does not recognise Israel and has accused it of being behind acts of sabotage and assassinations of nuclear scientists.

An Iranian convicted of spying for US and Israeli intelligence was executed in 2020.&nbsp;

Iran has blamed Israel for last year’s killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was seen by Western intelligence services as the mastermind of a covert Iranian nuclear weapons programme.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied seeking to build a nuclear arsenal. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the killing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has arrested an ‘Israeli spy’ and a number of other people, who were in contact with foreign intelligence services, Iranian state media reported on Monday, without giving the nationality of those arrested.

Iran has arrested an ‘Israeli spy’ and a number of other people, who were in contact with foreign intelligence services, Iranian state media reported on Monday, without giving the nationality of those arrested. "An Israeli spy has been arrested in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province ... also other spies, who were in contact with several countries’ intelligence services have been arrested as well," it quoted an Intelligence Ministry official as saying. Israeli officials did not immediately comment on the report. The Islamic Republic does not recognise Israel and has accused it of being behind acts of sabotage and assassinations of nuclear scientists. An Iranian convicted of spying for US and Israeli intelligence was executed in 2020. Iran has blamed Israel for last year’s killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was seen by Western intelligence services as the mastermind of a covert Iranian nuclear weapons programme. Tehran has denied seeking to build a nuclear arsenal. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the killing. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran arrests 'Israeli spy', others in touch with foreign intelligence: Report

Shortly after the Persian new year holidays, Iran is now facing the fourth wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;as millions travelled in and out of the country during the holiday season.

Out of 32 provinces, two (Alborz and Ilam) have been confirmed to be suffering from the fourth wave of the deadly virus. The authorities have also cautioned that seven more provinces are on the verge of entering the phase of the fourth wave.

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The President, Hassan Rouhani, has cautioned people against a worse situation and has urged people to take all necessary precautions.

“If we don’t have the necessary considerations, we might face this wave in other provinces as well. So we need to be careful,” he said.

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Iran has reported more than 1.9 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in 2020 and has lost more than 63,000 lives.

The surge in cases has come two weeks after Nowruz, the Iranian new year, which was celebrated on March 20.

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During the celebratory period of Nowruz, Iranians followed the tradition of travelling to scenic locations with friends and family, which may have contributed to the surge in infections.

Experts have blamed the freedom given to locals to travel within the country to the areas which were not coded as red or orange.

Shortly after the Persian new year holidays, Iran is now facing the fourth wave of coronavirus as millions travelled in and out of the country during the holiday season.

Shortly after the Persian new year holidays, Iran is now facing the fourth wave of coronavirus as millions travelled in and out of the country during the holiday season. Out of 32 provinces, two (Alborz and Ilam) have been confirmed to be suffering from the fourth wave of the deadly virus. The authorities have also cautioned that seven more provinces are on the verge of entering the phase of the fourth wave. Also read | Thousands protest against strict coronavirus restrictions in Germany The President, Hassan Rouhani, has cautioned people against a worse situation and has urged people to take all necessary precautions. “If we don’t have the necessary considerations, we might face this wave in other provinces as well. So we need to be careful,” he said. Also read | Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come Iran has reported more than 1.9 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in 2020 and has lost more than 63,000 lives. The surge in cases has come two weeks after Nowruz, the Iranian new year, which was celebrated on March 20. Also read | First baby born in Spain with coronavirus antibodies, reports say During the celebratory period of Nowruz, Iranians followed the tradition of travelling to scenic locations with friends and family, which may have contributed to the surge in infections. Experts have blamed the freedom given to locals to travel within the country to the areas which were not coded as red or orange.

Iran enters fourth wave of coronavirus after Nowruz holidays

Iran’s government wants the United States to lift all sanctions on its country and rejects any ‘step-by-step’ easing of the restrictions, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Saturday.

The two countries said on Friday they would hold indirect talks in Vienna from next week as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and global powers.

The US State Department said the focus would be on ‘the nuclear steps that Iran would need to take in order to return to compliance’ with that agreement.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Saturday that Tehran was opposed to any gradual easing of sanctions.

"No step-by-step plan is being considered," Khatibzadeh told Press TV. "The definitive policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the lifting of all US sanctions."

The aim of the talks in the Austrian capital is to reach an agreement within two months, according to a senior official with the European Union, the coordinator of the deal.

Former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to breach some of the accord’s nuclear restrictions.&nbsp;

Trump’s successor Joe Biden wants to revive the agreement but Washington and Tehran have been at odds over, who should take the first step.

Iran, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain - all parties to the 2015 deal - held virtual talks on Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the accord.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Iran’s government wants the United States to lift all sanctions on its country and rejects any ‘step-by-step’ easing of the restrictions, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Saturday.

Iran’s government wants the United States to lift all sanctions on its country and rejects any ‘step-by-step’ easing of the restrictions, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Saturday. The two countries said on Friday they would hold indirect talks in Vienna from next week as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and global powers. The US State Department said the focus would be on ‘the nuclear steps that Iran would need to take in order to return to compliance’ with that agreement. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Saturday that Tehran was opposed to any gradual easing of sanctions. "No step-by-step plan is being considered," Khatibzadeh told Press TV. "The definitive policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the lifting of all US sanctions." The aim of the talks in the Austrian capital is to reach an agreement within two months, according to a senior official with the European Union, the coordinator of the deal. Former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to breach some of the accord’s nuclear restrictions. Trump’s successor Joe Biden wants to revive the agreement but Washington and Tehran have been at odds over, who should take the first step. Iran, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain - all parties to the 2015 deal - held virtual talks on Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the accord. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran rejects 'step-by-step' lifting of sanctions, says state media

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced.&nbsp;

Representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran -- the countries still party to the agreement after the US left -- will attend.

"Participants will discuss the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA, and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the statement said, referring to the deal by its initials.

The meeting brings together the body that oversees the implementation of the JCPOA, which has been under threat since former US president Donald Trump pulled out in 2018 and Iran began to resume nuclear activities it had scaled back.&nbsp;

The online meeting will be chaired by senior EU diplomat Enrique Mora on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Trump denounced the 2015 accord, which saw Iran granted relief from international sanctions in exchange for accepting limits on its nuclear programme, which Western powers feared would lead to it acquiring an atomic weapon.

But new US President Joe Biden has promised to rejoin the agreement on the condition that Tehran first returns to respecting the commitments it dropped in retaliation for Trump's decision.

Earlier this month, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran may return to full compliance if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments.

The agreement was signed by Iran in Vienna in 2015 with the major powers United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, under an EU chair.

It was designed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear arsenal by imposing strict limits on its nuclear programme and force it to remain exclusively civilian and peaceful.&nbsp;

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced.

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced. Representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran -- the countries still party to the agreement after the US left -- will attend. "Participants will discuss the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA, and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the statement said, referring to the deal by its initials. The meeting brings together the body that oversees the implementation of the JCPOA, which has been under threat since former US president Donald Trump pulled out in 2018 and Iran began to resume nuclear activities it had scaled back. The online meeting will be chaired by senior EU diplomat Enrique Mora on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Trump denounced the 2015 accord, which saw Iran granted relief from international sanctions in exchange for accepting limits on its nuclear programme, which Western powers feared would lead to it acquiring an atomic weapon. But new US President Joe Biden has promised to rejoin the agreement on the condition that Tehran first returns to respecting the commitments it dropped in retaliation for Trump's decision. Earlier this month, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran may return to full compliance if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments. The agreement was signed by Iran in Vienna in 2015 with the major powers United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, under an EU chair. It was designed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear arsenal by imposing strict limits on its nuclear programme and force it to remain exclusively civilian and peaceful.

World powers, Iran to hold virtual nuclear talks Friday

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US. Talks on the future of Iran nuclear deal will begin in Vienna next week.

"The United States will not attend any meeting in which Iran is present, including the meeting of the joint commission (of the nuclear accord), and that is certain," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by the website.

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," tweeted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

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At virtual JCPOA JC meeting, Iran &amp; EU/E3+2 agreed to resume in-person talks in Vienna next Tues. 
 
Aim: Rapidly finalize sanction-lifting &amp; nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures. 
 
No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1377950244508475392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US and other world powers in 2015. Then US President Barack Obama had spent considerable political capital to bring other world powers including Russia to agree to the deal.

However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Though Biden administration has indicated that it will re-enter the deal, rounds of talks and some heavy diplomacy is likely to take place before that happens.

Also Read | US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran 
 
&nbsp;

Tehran says Washington has to lift international sanctions that were reimposed by Trump before it will make any moves to get back in line, and is refusing to hold direct negotiations with the US.&nbsp;

World powers and Iran have agreed to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold "separate contacts" with the US, the EU said.

Participants would meet in the Austrian capital "to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups", a statement said.&nbsp;

"The coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States," the European Union said, referring to the deal by its initials.

(With AFP inputs)

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US.

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US. Talks on the future of Iran nuclear deal will begin in Vienna next week. "The United States will not attend any meeting in which Iran is present, including the meeting of the joint commission (of the nuclear accord), and that is certain," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by the website. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," tweeted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At virtual JCPOA JC meeting, Iran & EU/E3+2 agreed to resume in-person talks in Vienna next Tues. Aim: Rapidly finalize sanction-lifting & nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures. No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 2, 2021 × Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US and other world powers in 2015. Then US President Barack Obama had spent considerable political capital to bring other world powers including Russia to agree to the deal. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Though Biden administration has indicated that it will re-enter the deal, rounds of talks and some heavy diplomacy is likely to take place before that happens. Also Read | US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran Tehran says Washington has to lift international sanctions that were reimposed by Trump before it will make any moves to get back in line, and is refusing to hold direct negotiations with the US. World powers and Iran have agreed to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold "separate contacts" with the US, the EU said. Participants would meet in the Austrian capital "to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups", a statement said. "The coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States," the European Union said, referring to the deal by its initials. (With AFP inputs)

Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran.&nbsp;

"These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them."

Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pulled off.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-meeting-us-at-nuclear-deal-talks-in-vienna-375001">Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary".&nbsp;

The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said.&nbsp;

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal.

However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead.

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them." Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president Donald Trump pulled off. Also read | Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary". The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter. US President Joe Biden has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal. However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.

US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran

Bollywood and its magic transcend borders! Ramesh Sippy's 1975 film 'Sholay' has attained cult status not just in India but also outside the country.&nbsp; 
 
Now a series of videos are doing the rounds of the internet which show a group of Bollywood lovers re-enacting Sholay song 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. The group, reportedly from Iran, perform the iconic song complete with a Gabbar and Basanti in tow.&nbsp; 
 
In the videos, a woman, clad in a green saree, can be seen playing Hema Malini's part and dancing to the song while a in white shirt is seen playing Dharmendra with his hands tied up to the door. There is also a man playing Gabbar.&nbsp; 
 
Their performance, presumably at someone's private party, is so earnest that it has got the Internet raving about it.&nbsp;

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میگن تمام ایران بسیج شدن ساقی این مهمونی رو پیدا کنن😱😤🤣😂😅🤪😜 پارت ۱ ( پارت ۲،۳ در کامنتها🤪) <a href="https://t.co/Ep8btYJ6B2">pic.twitter.com/Ep8btYJ6B2</a>
— Sheri 🇺🇸 (@Sheri_happy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sheri_happy/status/1375814220718206977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Some fans have also tagged the original cast of the film- Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra - but they are yet to react to it.&nbsp; 
 
Here's what others had to say.&nbsp;

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🥰 love from Bollywood <a href="https://t.co/ziVr6qqAnr">https://t.co/ziVr6qqAnr</a>
— অনির Onir اونیر ओनिर (@IamOnir) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamOnir/status/1376461219868073984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Sholay relived in Iran! <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anandmahindra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hvgoenka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hvgoenka</a> <a href="https://t.co/YT52lRQR5o">https://t.co/YT52lRQR5o</a>
— Varun Amar (@adv_varunamar) <a href="https://twitter.com/adv_varunamar/status/1377167177808179207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Iranian origin American lady dancing on song of Sholey "jab tak hai Jan" . She looks fabulous in Indian atire Sari . Fantastic recreation of scene. Bollywood impact in Asia. <a href="https://t.co/WMqqZGKl97">https://t.co/WMqqZGKl97</a>
— Abid Asad (@AbidAsad) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbidAsad/status/1376990708981112833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SrBachchan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aapkadharam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aapkadharam</a>, Bastani (<a href="https://twitter.com/dreamgirlhema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dreamgirlhema</a>) of Sholay is still loved and admired all over the world. Iranian are still mesmerized by it. Worth checking the thread... <a href="https://t.co/tt4ZoY7UDR">https://t.co/tt4ZoY7UDR</a>
— Vishal Dutta (@duttavishal321) <a href="https://twitter.com/duttavishal321/status/1376828651044433920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It is a beautiful performance. Appeared as if the movie is playing except that the broken glass n blood spots were not there. (Should not be there also). Lovely. Hats off.
— Sudhakar Chopra (@sudhakarchopra) <a href="https://twitter.com/sudhakarchopra/status/1376484749871509508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also, the gentle-looking Gabbar, the guy next to Dharmendra holding what is supposed to be a firearm and the plastic cups falling at Hema's feet. This is so lovely, it made my day.
— Anna MM Vetticad (@annavetticad) <a href="https://twitter.com/annavetticad/status/1376425341355352064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Just wow what a entertaining environment well done💕👏👏👌☺️
— Shivmangal Gupta (@Shivmangal496) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shivmangal496/status/1376618177073872896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bollywood and its magic transcend borders! Ramesh Sippy's 1975 film 'Sholay' has attained cult status not just in India but also outside the country. Now a series of videos are doing the rounds of the internet which show a group of Bollywood lovers re-enacting Sholay song 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'.

Bollywood and its magic transcend borders! Ramesh Sippy's 1975 film 'Sholay' has attained cult status not just in India but also outside the country. Now a series of videos are doing the rounds of the internet which show a group of Bollywood lovers re-enacting Sholay song 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. The group, reportedly from Iran, perform the iconic song complete with a Gabbar and Basanti in tow. In the videos, a woman, clad in a green saree, can be seen playing Hema Malini's part and dancing to the song while a in white shirt is seen playing Dharmendra with his hands tied up to the door. There is also a man playing Gabbar. Their performance, presumably at someone's private party, is so earnest that it has got the Internet raving about it. میگن تمام ایران بسیج شدن ساقی این مهمونی رو پیدا کنن😱😤🤣😂😅🤪😜 پارت ۱ ( پارت ۲،۳ در کامنتها🤪) pic.twitter.com/Ep8btYJ6B2 — Sheri 🇺🇸 (@Sheri_happy) March 27, 2021 × Some fans have also tagged the original cast of the film- Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra - but they are yet to react to it. Here's what others had to say. 🥰 love from Bollywood https://t.co/ziVr6qqAnr — অনির Onir اونیر ओनिर (@IamOnir) March 29, 2021 × Sholay relived in Iran! @anandmahindra @hvgoenka https://t.co/YT52lRQR5o — Varun Amar (@adv_varunamar) March 31, 2021 × Iranian origin American lady dancing on song of Sholey "jab tak hai Jan" . She looks fabulous in Indian atire Sari . Fantastic recreation of scene. Bollywood impact in Asia. https://t.co/WMqqZGKl97 — Abid Asad (@AbidAsad) March 30, 2021 × @SrBachchan @aapkadharam, Bastani (@dreamgirlhema) of Sholay is still loved and admired all over the world. Iranian are still mesmerized by it. Worth checking the thread... https://t.co/tt4ZoY7UDR — Vishal Dutta (@duttavishal321) March 30, 2021 × It is a beautiful performance. Appeared as if the movie is playing except that the broken glass n blood spots were not there. (Should not be there also). Lovely. Hats off. — Sudhakar Chopra (@sudhakarchopra) March 29, 2021 × Also, the gentle-looking Gabbar, the guy next to Dharmendra holding what is supposed to be a firearm and the plastic cups falling at Hema's feet. This is so lovely, it made my day. — Anna MM Vetticad (@annavetticad) March 29, 2021 × Just wow what a entertaining environment well done💕👏👏👌☺️ — Shivmangal Gupta (@Shivmangal496) March 29, 2021 ×

Watch: Iranian group performs Sholay's 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', Internet can't stop gushing

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Dushanbe, Tajikistan to attend the Heart of Asia Summit. He met with Iranian & Turkish Foreign Ministers and discussed bilateral cooperation.

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar meets Foreign Ministers of Iran and Turkey

China and Iran inked a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement on Saturday. Under the deal, China will invest $400 billion in Iran. In exchange, Beijing will get a steady supply of oil. What does this deal mean for India's Chabahar investments?

Gravitas: Iran - China strike $400 billion agreement

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Iranian and Turkish Foreign Ministers ahead of the Heart of Asia summit and discussed bilateral cooperation. He also visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site and lauded the good work done by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar visited Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site

President Joe Biden wants to forge an “alliance of democracies.” China wants to make clear that it has alliances of its own.

Only days after a rancorous encounter with U.S. officials in Alaska, China’s foreign minister joined his Russian counterpart last week to denounce Western meddling and sanctions.

He then headed to the Middle East to visit traditional U.S. allies, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as Iran, where he signed a sweeping investment agreement Saturday. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, reached out to Colombia one day and pledged support for North Korea on another.

Although officials denied the timing was intentional, the message clearly was. China hopes to position itself as the main challenger to an international order, led by the United States, that is generally guided by principles of democracy, respect for human rights and adherence to rule of law.

Such a system “does not represent the will of the international community,” China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told Russia’s, Sergey Lavrov, when they met in the southern Chinese city of Guilin.

In a joint statement, they accused the United States of bullying and interference and urged it to “reflect on the damage it has done to global peace and development in recent years.”

The threat of a U.S.-led coalition challenging China’s authoritarian policies has only bolstered Beijing’s ambition to be a global leader of nations that oppose Washington and its allies. It shows an increasingly confident and unapologetic China, one that not only refutes U.S. criticism of its internal affairs but that presents its own values as a model for others.

“They’re actually trying to build an argument like, ‘We’re the more responsible power. We’re not the spoilers or an axis of evil,’” John Delury, a professor of Chinese studies at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, said of China’s strategy.

As result, the world is increasingly dividing into distinct if not purely ideological camps, with both China and the United States hoping to lure supporters.

Biden made that clear in his first presidential news conference Thursday, presenting a foreign policy based on geopolitical competition between models of governance. He compared Xi to Russian President Vladimir Putin, “who thinks that autocracy is the wave of the future and democracy can’t function” in “an ever-complex world.”

He later called the challenge “a battle between the utility of democracies in the 21st century and autocracies.”

China, for its part, argues that it is the United States dividing the world into blocs. Xi set the tone shortly after Biden’s inauguration, telling this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that multilateralism should be based on consensus among many countries, not a view advanced by “one or the few.”

“To build small circles or start a new Cold War, to reject, threaten or intimidate others, to willfully impose decoupling, supply disruption or sanctions, and to create isolation or estrangement will only push the world into division and even confrontation,” Xi said.

In pushing back on criticism of its policies in recent days, China has championed the primacy of international organizations like the United Nations, where Beijing’s clout has grown.

Wang noted that more than 80 countries at the U.N. Human Rights Council had expressed support for China’s actions in Xinjiang, the far western region where authorities have detained and interned Uyghur Muslims in a campaign the United States declared a genocide.

As a result, the world is increasingly dividing into distinct, if not purely ideological, camps, with both China and the United States hoping to lure in supporters. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Wang secured an endorsement of its Xinjiang policies, as well as its quashing of dissent in Hong Kong, from Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, though a Saudi statement did not mention Xinjiang.

China’s most striking alignment is with Russia, where Putin has long complained about U.S. hegemony and its use — abuse, in his view — of the global financial system as an instrument of foreign policy.

The Russian foreign minister arrived in China on March 22 railing about U.S. sanctions and saying the world needed to reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar.

China and Russia have drawn closer especially since Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was met with international outrage and Western penalties. While the possibility of a formal alliance remains remote, the countries’ diplomatic and economic ties have deepened in common cause against the United States. So have strategic ties. The People’s Liberation Army and the Russian military now routinely hold exercises together and have twice conducted joint air patrols along Japan’s coast, most recently in December.

The two countries announced this month that they would build a research station on the moon together, setting the stage for competing space programs, one led by China and the other by the United States.

“The latest steps and gestures by the Biden administration, seen as hostile and insulting by the Russian and Chinese leaders, have predictably pushed Moscow and Beijing even deeper into a mutual embrace,” said Artyom Lukin, a professor of international studies at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia.

Chinese officials, like the Russians, have repeatedly said the United States lacks the standing to criticize other nations. They cite as evidence its military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and accuse it of instigating public protests against governments it opposes.

In his extraordinary confrontation with U.S. officials in Alaska, China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, cited racism and police brutality in the United States, along with mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, as evidence of the country’s decline.

China’s State Council released a report on human rights in the United States on Wednesday, using as an epigraph George Floyd’s plea to the police, “I can’t breathe.”

“The United States should lower the tone of democracy and human rights and talk more about cooperation in global affairs,” Yuan Peng, president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, a government think tank, wrote the same day.

From that perspective, Xi’s outreach to North Korea and Wang’s visit to Iran could signal China’s interest in working with the United States to resolve disputes over those two countries’ nuclear programs.

Biden’s administration may be open to that. After the Alaska meetings, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned both as potential areas where “our interests intersect” with China’s.

In other areas, a chasm is widening.

Since Biden’s election, China has sought to prevent the United States from forging a united front against it. It appealed to the new administration to resume cooperation after the confrontations of the Trump years. It sealed trade and investment agreements, including one with the European Union, hoping to box out Biden.

It did not work. The first results of Biden’s strategy emerged last week, when the United States, Canada, Britain and the European Union jointly announced sanctions on Chinese officials over Xinjiang. China’s condemnation was swift.

“The era when it was possible to make up a story and concoct lies to wantonly meddle in Chinese domestic affairs is past and will not come back,” Wang said.

China retaliated with sanctions of its own against elected officials and scholars in the European Union and Britain. Similar penalties followed Saturday on Canadians and Americans, including top officials at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a government body that held a hearing this month on forced labor in Xinjiang. All affected will be barred from traveling to China or conducting business with Chinese companies or individuals.

Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels, said China’s sanctions on Europeans were an overreaction that would drive officials into an anti-China camp.

They could also jeopardize China’s investment deal with the European Union, as many of those penalized are members of the European Parliament, whose approval is required. So could new campaigns by Chinese consumers against major Western brands like H&amp;amp;M and Nike.

Until now, many EU nations have not wanted to explicitly choose sides, eschewing the kind of bipolar ideological divisions seen during the Cold War, in part because of deepening economic ties with China.

With each new twist in relations, however, clearer camps are emerging.

“The Chinese mirror all the time,” Fallon said. “They always accuse people of Cold War thinking because I think that’s really, deep down, how they think.”

President Joe Biden wants to forge an “alliance of democracies.” China wants to make clear that it has alliances of its own. Only days after a rancorous encounter with U.

President Joe Biden wants to forge an “alliance of democracies.” China wants to make clear that it has alliances of its own. Only days after a rancorous encounter with U.S. officials in Alaska, China’s foreign minister joined his Russian counterpart last week to denounce Western meddling and sanctions. He then headed to the Middle East to visit traditional U.S. allies, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as Iran, where he signed a sweeping investment agreement Saturday. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, reached out to Colombia one day and pledged support for North Korea on another. Although officials denied the timing was intentional, the message clearly was. China hopes to position itself as the main challenger to an international order, led by the United States, that is generally guided by principles of democracy, respect for human rights and adherence to rule of law. Such a system “does not represent the will of the international community,” China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told Russia’s, Sergey Lavrov, when they met in the southern Chinese city of Guilin. In a joint statement, they accused the United States of bullying and interference and urged it to “reflect on the damage it has done to global peace and development in recent years.” The threat of a U.S.-led coalition challenging China’s authoritarian policies has only bolstered Beijing’s ambition to be a global leader of nations that oppose Washington and its allies. It shows an increasingly confident and unapologetic China, one that not only refutes U.S. criticism of its internal affairs but that presents its own values as a model for others. “They’re actually trying to build an argument like, ‘We’re the more responsible power. We’re not the spoilers or an axis of evil,’” John Delury, a professor of Chinese studies at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, said of China’s strategy. As result, the world is increasingly dividing into distinct if not purely ideological camps, with both China and the United States hoping to lure supporters. Biden made that clear in his first presidential news conference Thursday, presenting a foreign policy based on geopolitical competition between models of governance. He compared Xi to Russian President Vladimir Putin, “who thinks that autocracy is the wave of the future and democracy can’t function” in “an ever-complex world.” He later called the challenge “a battle between the utility of democracies in the 21st century and autocracies.” China, for its part, argues that it is the United States dividing the world into blocs. Xi set the tone shortly after Biden’s inauguration, telling this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that multilateralism should be based on consensus among many countries, not a view advanced by “one or the few.” “To build small circles or start a new Cold War, to reject, threaten or intimidate others, to willfully impose decoupling, supply disruption or sanctions, and to create isolation or estrangement will only push the world into division and even confrontation,” Xi said. In pushing back on criticism of its policies in recent days, China has championed the primacy of international organizations like the United Nations, where Beijing’s clout has grown. Wang noted that more than 80 countries at the U.N. Human Rights Council had expressed support for China’s actions in Xinjiang, the far western region where authorities have detained and interned Uyghur Muslims in a campaign the United States declared a genocide. As a result, the world is increasingly dividing into distinct, if not purely ideological, camps, with both China and the United States hoping to lure in supporters. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Wang secured an endorsement of its Xinjiang policies, as well as its quashing of dissent in Hong Kong, from Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, though a Saudi statement did not mention Xinjiang. China’s most striking alignment is with Russia, where Putin has long complained about U.S. hegemony and its use — abuse, in his view — of the global financial system as an instrument of foreign policy. The Russian foreign minister arrived in China on March 22 railing about U.S. sanctions and saying the world needed to reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar. China and Russia have drawn closer especially since Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was met with international outrage and Western penalties. While the possibility of a formal alliance remains remote, the countries’ diplomatic and economic ties have deepened in common cause against the United States. So have strategic ties. The People’s Liberation Army and the Russian military now routinely hold exercises together and have twice conducted joint air patrols along Japan’s coast, most recently in December. The two countries announced this month that they would build a research station on the moon together, setting the stage for competing space programs, one led by China and the other by the United States. “The latest steps and gestures by the Biden administration, seen as hostile and insulting by the Russian and Chinese leaders, have predictably pushed Moscow and Beijing even deeper into a mutual embrace,” said Artyom Lukin, a professor of international studies at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia. Chinese officials, like the Russians, have repeatedly said the United States lacks the standing to criticize other nations. They cite as evidence its military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and accuse it of instigating public protests against governments it opposes. In his extraordinary confrontation with U.S. officials in Alaska, China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, cited racism and police brutality in the United States, along with mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, as evidence of the country’s decline. China’s State Council released a report on human rights in the United States on Wednesday, using as an epigraph George Floyd’s plea to the police, “I can’t breathe.” “The United States should lower the tone of democracy and human rights and talk more about cooperation in global affairs,” Yuan Peng, president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, a government think tank, wrote the same day. From that perspective, Xi’s outreach to North Korea and Wang’s visit to Iran could signal China’s interest in working with the United States to resolve disputes over those two countries’ nuclear programs. Biden’s administration may be open to that. After the Alaska meetings, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned both as potential areas where “our interests intersect” with China’s. In other areas, a chasm is widening. Since Biden’s election, China has sought to prevent the United States from forging a united front against it. It appealed to the new administration to resume cooperation after the confrontations of the Trump years. It sealed trade and investment agreements, including one with the European Union, hoping to box out Biden. It did not work. The first results of Biden’s strategy emerged last week, when the United States, Canada, Britain and the European Union jointly announced sanctions on Chinese officials over Xinjiang. China’s condemnation was swift. “The era when it was possible to make up a story and concoct lies to wantonly meddle in Chinese domestic affairs is past and will not come back,” Wang said. China retaliated with sanctions of its own against elected officials and scholars in the European Union and Britain. Similar penalties followed Saturday on Canadians and Americans, including top officials at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a government body that held a hearing this month on forced labor in Xinjiang. All affected will be barred from traveling to China or conducting business with Chinese companies or individuals. Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels, said China’s sanctions on Europeans were an overreaction that would drive officials into an anti-China camp. They could also jeopardize China’s investment deal with the European Union, as many of those penalized are members of the European Parliament, whose approval is required. So could new campaigns by Chinese consumers against major Western brands like H&amp;M and Nike. Until now, many EU nations have not wanted to explicitly choose sides, eschewing the kind of bipolar ideological divisions seen during the Cold War, in part because of deepening economic ties with China. With each new twist in relations, however, clearer camps are emerging. “The Chinese mirror all the time,” Fallon said. “They always accuse people of Cold War thinking because I think that’s really, deep down, how they think.”

An alliance of autocracies? China wants to lead a new world order.

China agreed to invest $400 billion in Iran over 25 years in exchange for a steady supply of oil to fuel its growing economy under a sweeping economic and security agreement signed Saturday.

The deal could deepen China’s influence in the Middle East and undercut U.S. efforts to keep Iran isolated. But it was not immediately clear how much of the agreement can be implemented while the U.S. dispute with Iran over its nuclear program remains unresolved.

President Joe Biden has offered to resume negotiations with Iran over the 2015 nuclear accord that his predecessor, President Donald Trump, abrogated three years after it was signed. American officials say both countries can take synchronized steps to bring Iran into compliance with the terms of the agreement while the U.S. gradually lifts sanctions.

Iran has refused to do so, and China has backed it up, demanding that the United States act first to revive the deal it broke by lifting unilateral sanctions that have suffocated the Iranian economy. China was one of five world powers that, along with the U.S., signed the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.

The foreign ministers of the two countries, Javad Zarif and Wang Yi, signed the agreement during a ceremony at the foreign ministry in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, according to Iran’s semiofficial Fars News Agency. That capped a two-day visit by Wang that reflected China’s growing ambition to play a larger role in a region that has been a strategic preoccupation of the United States for decades.

“China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity,” Wang said in his meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the Chinese foreign ministry reported. The United States, Wang said, should immediately rescind its sanctions on Iran and “remove its long arm of jurisdictional measures that have been aimed at China, among others.”

Iran did not make the details of the agreement public before the signing, nor did the Chinese government give specifics. But experts said it was largely unchanged from an 18-page draft obtained last year by The New York Times.

That draft detailed $400 billion of Chinese investments to be made in dozens of fields, including banking, telecommunications, ports, railways, health care and information technology, over the next 25 years. In exchange, China would receive a regular — and, according to an Iranian official and an oil trader, heavily discounted — supply of Iranian oil.

The draft also called for deepening military cooperation, including joint training and exercises, joint research and weapons development and intelligence-sharing.

Iranian officials touted the agreement with Beijing — first proposed by China’s leader, Xi Jinping, during a 2016 visit — as a breakthrough. But it has been met with criticism inside Iran that the government could be giving too much away to China.

Hesamoddin Ashena, a top adviser to Rouhani, called the deal “an example of a successful diplomacy” on Twitter, saying it was a sign of Iran’s power “to participate in coalitions, not to remain in isolation.” He called it “an important decree for long-term cooperation after long negotiations and joint work.”

A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, called the document a “complete road map” of relations for the next quarter-century.

Wang has already visited Iran’s archrival, Saudi Arabia, as well as Turkey, and is scheduled to go to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman in the days ahead. He has said that the region is at a crossroads and offered China’s help in resolving persistent disputes, including over Iran’s nuclear program.

China is even ready to play host to direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians, hinting that U.S. dominance in the region has hindered peace and development.

In Iran, opinions about China’s expanding influence have been mixed.

After Xi first proposed the strategic agreement during his visit in 2016, negotiations to complete it moved slowly at first. Iran had just reached its deal with the United States and other nations to ease economic sanctions in exchange for severe restrictions on its nuclear research activities, and European companies began flocking to Iran with investments and offers of joint partnerships to develop gas and oil fields.

Those opportunities evaporated after Trump withdrew the United States from the deal and imposed new sanctions that the Europeans feared could entangle them, forcing Iran to look east.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, ordered a revival of talks with China, appointing a trusted conservative politician and former speaker of parliament, Ali Larijani, as a special envoy.

“China is a friend for hard times,” Zarif, the foreign minister, said after signing the deal. “The history of cooperation between two ancient cultures of Iran and China dates back centuries. Signing the cooperation agreement will further strengthen the ties of the two nations.”

Critics have complained that the negotiations lacked transparency and called the deal a sellout of Iran’s resources, comparing it to one-sided agreements that China has made with countries like Sri Lanka.

Supporters of the deal said that Iran had to be pragmatic and recognize China’s growing economic prominence.

“For too long in our strategic alliances, we have put all our eggs in the basket of the West, and it did not yield results,” said Ali Shariati, an economic analyst who until recently was a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce. “Now, if we shift policy and look at the East, it won’t be so bad.”

It remains to be seen how many of the ambitious projects detailed in the agreement will materialize. If the nuclear agreement collapses entirely, Chinese companies, too, could face secondary sanctions from Washington, an issue that has infuriated China in the past.

The U.S. prosecution of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei includes accusations that the company was furtively trading with Iran in violation of those sanctions.

Chinese officials have emphasized that both Washington and Tehran needed to take steps to resolve the nuclear dispute.

“All the parties can consider an approach of synchronized reciprocity, creating a road map for restoring observance of the agreement,” Wang said in the talks with his Iranian counterpart, Zarif. “There can be efforts to achieve initial gains, creating the conditions for relaunching the whole agreement.”

China agreed to invest $400 billion in Iran over 25 years in exchange for a steady supply of oil to fuel its growing economy under a sweeping economic and security agreement signed Saturday.

China agreed to invest $400 billion in Iran over 25 years in exchange for a steady supply of oil to fuel its growing economy under a sweeping economic and security agreement signed Saturday. The deal could deepen China’s influence in the Middle East and undercut U.S. efforts to keep Iran isolated. But it was not immediately clear how much of the agreement can be implemented while the U.S. dispute with Iran over its nuclear program remains unresolved. President Joe Biden has offered to resume negotiations with Iran over the 2015 nuclear accord that his predecessor, President Donald Trump, abrogated three years after it was signed. American officials say both countries can take synchronized steps to bring Iran into compliance with the terms of the agreement while the U.S. gradually lifts sanctions. Iran has refused to do so, and China has backed it up, demanding that the United States act first to revive the deal it broke by lifting unilateral sanctions that have suffocated the Iranian economy. China was one of five world powers that, along with the U.S., signed the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. The foreign ministers of the two countries, Javad Zarif and Wang Yi, signed the agreement during a ceremony at the foreign ministry in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, according to Iran’s semiofficial Fars News Agency. That capped a two-day visit by Wang that reflected China’s growing ambition to play a larger role in a region that has been a strategic preoccupation of the United States for decades. “China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity,” Wang said in his meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the Chinese foreign ministry reported. The United States, Wang said, should immediately rescind its sanctions on Iran and “remove its long arm of jurisdictional measures that have been aimed at China, among others.” Iran did not make the details of the agreement public before the signing, nor did the Chinese government give specifics. But experts said it was largely unchanged from an 18-page draft obtained last year by The New York Times. That draft detailed $400 billion of Chinese investments to be made in dozens of fields, including banking, telecommunications, ports, railways, health care and information technology, over the next 25 years. In exchange, China would receive a regular — and, according to an Iranian official and an oil trader, heavily discounted — supply of Iranian oil. The draft also called for deepening military cooperation, including joint training and exercises, joint research and weapons development and intelligence-sharing. Iranian officials touted the agreement with Beijing — first proposed by China’s leader, Xi Jinping, during a 2016 visit — as a breakthrough. But it has been met with criticism inside Iran that the government could be giving too much away to China. Hesamoddin Ashena, a top adviser to Rouhani, called the deal “an example of a successful diplomacy” on Twitter, saying it was a sign of Iran’s power “to participate in coalitions, not to remain in isolation.” He called it “an important decree for long-term cooperation after long negotiations and joint work.” A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, called the document a “complete road map” of relations for the next quarter-century. Wang has already visited Iran’s archrival, Saudi Arabia, as well as Turkey, and is scheduled to go to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman in the days ahead. He has said that the region is at a crossroads and offered China’s help in resolving persistent disputes, including over Iran’s nuclear program. China is even ready to play host to direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians, hinting that U.S. dominance in the region has hindered peace and development. In Iran, opinions about China’s expanding influence have been mixed. After Xi first proposed the strategic agreement during his visit in 2016, negotiations to complete it moved slowly at first. Iran had just reached its deal with the United States and other nations to ease economic sanctions in exchange for severe restrictions on its nuclear research activities, and European companies began flocking to Iran with investments and offers of joint partnerships to develop gas and oil fields. Those opportunities evaporated after Trump withdrew the United States from the deal and imposed new sanctions that the Europeans feared could entangle them, forcing Iran to look east. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, ordered a revival of talks with China, appointing a trusted conservative politician and former speaker of parliament, Ali Larijani, as a special envoy. “China is a friend for hard times,” Zarif, the foreign minister, said after signing the deal. “The history of cooperation between two ancient cultures of Iran and China dates back centuries. Signing the cooperation agreement will further strengthen the ties of the two nations.” Critics have complained that the negotiations lacked transparency and called the deal a sellout of Iran’s resources, comparing it to one-sided agreements that China has made with countries like Sri Lanka. Supporters of the deal said that Iran had to be pragmatic and recognize China’s growing economic prominence. “For too long in our strategic alliances, we have put all our eggs in the basket of the West, and it did not yield results,” said Ali Shariati, an economic analyst who until recently was a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce. “Now, if we shift policy and look at the East, it won’t be so bad.” It remains to be seen how many of the ambitious projects detailed in the agreement will materialize. If the nuclear agreement collapses entirely, Chinese companies, too, could face secondary sanctions from Washington, an issue that has infuriated China in the past. The U.S. prosecution of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei includes accusations that the company was furtively trading with Iran in violation of those sanctions. Chinese officials have emphasized that both Washington and Tehran needed to take steps to resolve the nuclear dispute. “All the parties can consider an approach of synchronized reciprocity, creating a road map for restoring observance of the agreement,” Wang said in the talks with his Iranian counterpart, Zarif. “There can be efforts to achieve initial gains, creating the conditions for relaunching the whole agreement.”

China, with $400 billion Iran deal, could deepen influence in Mideast

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi forces has destroyed two explosive-laden boats that the Iran-aligned group planned to use in an 'imminent' attack launched from the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Saudi state media reported on Sunday.&nbsp;

The coalition in separate statements also said it intercepted and destroyed three armed drones launched towards southern Saudi Arabia, including the city of Khamis Mushait.&nbsp;

The Houthis, who ousted Yemen's internationally recognised government from the capital, Sanaa, and now hold most of north Yemen, have kept up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia after Riyadh last week presented a new peace initiative.&nbsp;

US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking on Thursday returned to the region to push for the initiative, which includes a nationwide ceasefire.&nbsp;

The Houthis want the coalition to fully lift its sea and air blockade on areas the group controls.&nbsp;

The conflict, seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has caused what the United Nations says is the world's largest humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi forces has destroyed two explosive-laden boats that the Iran-aligned group planned to use in an 'imminent' attack launched from the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Saudi state media reported on Sunday.

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi forces has destroyed two explosive-laden boats that the Iran-aligned group planned to use in an 'imminent' attack launched from the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Saudi state media reported on Sunday. The coalition in separate statements also said it intercepted and destroyed three armed drones launched towards southern Saudi Arabia, including the city of Khamis Mushait. The Houthis, who ousted Yemen's internationally recognised government from the capital, Sanaa, and now hold most of north Yemen, have kept up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia after Riyadh last week presented a new peace initiative. US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking on Thursday returned to the region to push for the initiative, which includes a nationwide ceasefire. The Houthis want the coalition to fully lift its sea and air blockade on areas the group controls. The conflict, seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has caused what the United Nations says is the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi-led coalition destroys Houthi rigged boats, drones: Report 

In a major&nbsp;development, Iran and China have signed '25-year strategic cooperation pact'. This has brought&nbsp;the two US rivals closer to each other. It will be interesting to observe the ramifications of this move on the future of US-Iran nuclear deal.

An AFP correspondent reported that the deal was signed by Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The pact was kept under wraps.

The pact, which was first proposed in January 2016, forms part of Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase its sway overseas that has been a flagship project for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The pact is expected to include Chinese investment in Iran's energy and infrastructure sectors. China is Iran's long time ally. In 2016, China agreed to boost bilateral trade by more than ten times to $600 billion in the next decade.

"We believe this document can be very effective in deepening" Iran-China relations, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said, recalling that the pact had first been proposed during a visit to Tehran by Chinese President Xi Jinping in January 2016.

Xi and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani agreed then to establish a roadmap for "reciprocal investments in the fields of transport, ports, energy, industry and services."

"Iran's government and people are striving as they always have to broaden relations with trustworthy, independent countries like China," supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said at the time, describing the proposed cooperation agreement as "correct and reasonable".

Xi has championed the Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase China's sway overseas.

'Nothing secret'

In July last year, controversy erupted over the proposed deal after former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad charged that negotiations were being held for a "new, 25-year agreement with a foreign country" without the knowledge of the Iranian people.

The foreign minister was heckled in parliament when he assured lawmakers there was "nothing secret" in the proposed deal, which he promised would be publicly announced "once it has been finalised".

The government has yet to honour that promise and few details have been made public.

Wang's visit to Tehran comes just days after he hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for talks in the Chinese city of Guilin.

The three governments all face difficult relations with Washington after President Joe Biden's administration vowed to remain firm in its dealings with them, despite a renewed emphasis on diplomacy.

China and Russia are both parties to the troubled 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Biden has said he hopes to revive.

They were both deeply critical of the unilateral sanctions on Iran reimposed by Trump and have backed efforts to revive the agreement.

Biden has said he is not seeking "confrontation" with China, but that there will be intense competition between the rival superpowers.

"I told him (Xi) in person on several occasions we're not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be steep, steep competition," the US president said.

(With AFP inputs)

In a major development, Iran and China have signed '25-year strategic cooperation pact'. This has brought the two US rivals closer to each other. It will be interesting to observe the ramifications of this move on the future of US-Iran nuclear deal.

In a major development, Iran and China have signed '25-year strategic cooperation pact'. This has brought the two US rivals closer to each other. It will be interesting to observe the ramifications of this move on the future of US-Iran nuclear deal. An AFP correspondent reported that the deal was signed by Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The pact was kept under wraps. The pact, which was first proposed in January 2016, forms part of Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase its sway overseas that has been a flagship project for Chinese President Xi Jinping. The pact is expected to include Chinese investment in Iran's energy and infrastructure sectors. China is Iran's long time ally. In 2016, China agreed to boost bilateral trade by more than ten times to $600 billion in the next decade. "We believe this document can be very effective in deepening" Iran-China relations, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said, recalling that the pact had first been proposed during a visit to Tehran by Chinese President Xi Jinping in January 2016. Xi and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani agreed then to establish a roadmap for "reciprocal investments in the fields of transport, ports, energy, industry and services." "Iran's government and people are striving as they always have to broaden relations with trustworthy, independent countries like China," supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said at the time, describing the proposed cooperation agreement as "correct and reasonable". Xi has championed the Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase China's sway overseas. 'Nothing secret' In July last year, controversy erupted over the proposed deal after former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad charged that negotiations were being held for a "new, 25-year agreement with a foreign country" without the knowledge of the Iranian people. The foreign minister was heckled in parliament when he assured lawmakers there was "nothing secret" in the proposed deal, which he promised would be publicly announced "once it has been finalised". The government has yet to honour that promise and few details have been made public. Wang's visit to Tehran comes just days after he hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for talks in the Chinese city of Guilin. The three governments all face difficult relations with Washington after President Joe Biden's administration vowed to remain firm in its dealings with them, despite a renewed emphasis on diplomacy. China and Russia are both parties to the troubled 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Biden has said he hopes to revive. They were both deeply critical of the unilateral sanctions on Iran reimposed by Trump and have backed efforts to revive the agreement. Biden has said he is not seeking "confrontation" with China, but that there will be intense competition between the rival superpowers. "I told him (Xi) in person on several occasions we're not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be steep, steep competition," the US president said. (With AFP inputs)

Iran-China sign '25-year strategic cooperation pact'

Iran and China are set to sign to a 25-year cooperation agreement, state news IRNA said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Iran and both the countries may sign the deal soon, given both are facing sanctions by US.

The accord will reportedly include include provisions for Chinese investments in Iran’s energy and infrastructure sectors. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a long-time ally. In 2006, the country agreed to improve bilateral trade by more than 10 times to $600 million in the next 10 years.

"The signing of the comprehensive cooperation programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China by the foreign ministers of the two countries is another programme of this two-day trip," state news agency IRNA announced. Iran is taking steps to distance from the US and European countries.

Also read: I<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-rising-asian-age-will-china-be-able-to-ruin-india-bangladesh-friendship-373530" hreflang="en">n rising Asian age, will China be able to ruin India-Bangladesh friendship?</a>

"This document is a complete roadmap with strategic political and economic clauses covering trade, economic and transportation cooperation ... with a special focus on the private sectors of the two sides," Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said to local media.

China’s commerce ministry on Thursday said that Beijing is making efforts to preserve Iran nuclear deal, and to preserve the interests of both the countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-taiwan-sign-first-agreement-under-biden-administration-after-china-law-373392" hreflang="en">US, Taiwan sign first agreement under Biden administration after China law</a>

Iran has “indirectly” moved record amount of oil into China recently, Reuters earlier reported. But official records show no exchange of oil to have taken place in the first two months of 2021.

US President Joe Biden is attempting to revive talks with Iran on the nuclear pact which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump in 2018. But harsh sanctions remain in place, and Iran says no talks are possible until they’re lifted.

Iran and China are set to sign to a 25-year cooperation agreement, state news IRNA said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Iran and both the countries may sign the deal soon, given both are facing sanctions by US.

Iran and China are set to sign to a 25-year cooperation agreement, state news IRNA said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Iran and both the countries may sign the deal soon, given both are facing sanctions by US. The accord will reportedly include include provisions for Chinese investments in Iran’s energy and infrastructure sectors. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a long-time ally. In 2006, the country agreed to improve bilateral trade by more than 10 times to $600 million in the next 10 years. "The signing of the comprehensive cooperation programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China by the foreign ministers of the two countries is another programme of this two-day trip," state news agency IRNA announced. Iran is taking steps to distance from the US and European countries. Also read: In rising Asian age, will China be able to ruin India-Bangladesh friendship? "This document is a complete roadmap with strategic political and economic clauses covering trade, economic and transportation cooperation ... with a special focus on the private sectors of the two sides," Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said to local media. China’s commerce ministry on Thursday said that Beijing is making efforts to preserve Iran nuclear deal, and to preserve the interests of both the countries. Also read: US, Taiwan sign first agreement under Biden administration after China law Iran has “indirectly” moved record amount of oil into China recently, Reuters earlier reported. But official records show no exchange of oil to have taken place in the first two months of 2021. US President Joe Biden is attempting to revive talks with Iran on the nuclear pact which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump in 2018. But harsh sanctions remain in place, and Iran says no talks are possible until they’re lifted.

China, Iran to sign 25-year accord: Reports

Iran does not trust US promises on lifting sanctions and will only return to its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal once Washington fully removes the measures, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The administration of US President Joe Biden is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump, who reimposed sanctions. Iran retaliated by breaching the terms of the accord in a step-by-step response.&nbsp;

The United States and the other Western powers that signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at odds with Tehran over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely that US sanctions, which have crippled Iran's economy can be quickly removed.&nbsp;

"We trusted America at the time of (former US President Barack) Obama and fulfilled our commitments. But they didn’t. The Americans said on paper that sanctions will be lifted, but they didn’t lift sanctions in practice," Khamenei said in a speech on state TV. "Their promises have no credibility for us."&nbsp;

"On paper, they said the sanctions were lifted but they told any company that wanted to sign a contract with us that this was dangerous and risky. They scared away investors," Khamenei said.&nbsp;

"The Americans must lift all sanctions. We will verify it and if sanctions are ... really cancelled, we will return to our obligations without any problems," Khamenei said. "We have a lot of patience and we are not in a hurry."&nbsp;

Khamenei, who has the final say in matters of state, said Iranian planners should act on a worst-case scenario that sanctions would not be lifted soon.&nbsp;

"You should assume that sanctions will remain in place and plan the country's economy based on sanctions," Khamenei said, addressing current officials and those who might take over after the country's presidential election in June.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Iran does not trust US promises on lifting sanctions and will only return to its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal once Washington fully removes the measures, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday.

Iran does not trust US promises on lifting sanctions and will only return to its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal once Washington fully removes the measures, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday. The administration of US President Joe Biden is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump, who reimposed sanctions. Iran retaliated by breaching the terms of the accord in a step-by-step response. The United States and the other Western powers that signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at odds with Tehran over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely that US sanctions, which have crippled Iran's economy can be quickly removed. "We trusted America at the time of (former US President Barack) Obama and fulfilled our commitments. But they didn’t. The Americans said on paper that sanctions will be lifted, but they didn’t lift sanctions in practice," Khamenei said in a speech on state TV. "Their promises have no credibility for us." "On paper, they said the sanctions were lifted but they told any company that wanted to sign a contract with us that this was dangerous and risky. They scared away investors," Khamenei said. "The Americans must lift all sanctions. We will verify it and if sanctions are ... really cancelled, we will return to our obligations without any problems," Khamenei said. "We have a lot of patience and we are not in a hurry." Khamenei, who has the final say in matters of state, said Iranian planners should act on a worst-case scenario that sanctions would not be lifted soon. "You should assume that sanctions will remain in place and plan the country's economy based on sanctions," Khamenei said, addressing current officials and those who might take over after the country's presidential election in June. (With inputs from agencies)

US promises have no credibility for Iran: Khamenei  

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday.&nbsp;

"There is good ground for a production leap," Khamenei said, adding the government needed to get rid of any legal obstacles to higher output and growth as the economy suffers under US sanctions.&nbsp;

The army fired gun salutes at Tehran’s Azadi Square to usher in Nowruz - New Day in Persian and the most important date in the Iranian calendar, marked at the spring equinox - and the beginning of the year 1,400, which is celebrated in a dozen countries stretching from the Caucasus to central Asia.&nbsp;

In Washington, US President Joe Biden issued a Nowruz message calling for peace, prosperity and understanding.&nbsp;

"That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honouring ... This year, perhaps more than ever, that message is badly needed," Biden said in a White House statement.&nbsp;

Biden’s administration is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump who reimposed sanctions.&nbsp;

The United States and the other Western powers which originally signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at an impasse over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely US sanctions that have crippled its economy can be quickly removed.&nbsp;

In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said he was hopeful the new year will see the end of the sanctions.&nbsp;

“We will defeat the sanctions ... I am more hopeful than eight years ago”, Rouhani said, referring to when he was elected for his first term.&nbsp;

Rouhani is barred from standing for a third term and the slate of presidential candidates has yet to be finalised.&nbsp;

Iran’s hardliners say the US sanctions are proof Rouhani’s policy of reaching out to the country's enemies was a failure. A delay in progress on returning to the nuclear deal could hurt the chances of a moderate succeeding Rouhani, although the final decision on any diplomatic initiative would be taken by Khamenei rather than the elected president.&nbsp;

Khamenei said on Saturday that the June election will likely bring to office 'new managers who most probably will be energetic and strongly motivated'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday. "There is good ground for a production leap," Khamenei said, adding the government needed to get rid of any legal obstacles to higher output and growth as the economy suffers under US sanctions. The army fired gun salutes at Tehran’s Azadi Square to usher in Nowruz - New Day in Persian and the most important date in the Iranian calendar, marked at the spring equinox - and the beginning of the year 1,400, which is celebrated in a dozen countries stretching from the Caucasus to central Asia. In Washington, US President Joe Biden issued a Nowruz message calling for peace, prosperity and understanding. "That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honouring ... This year, perhaps more than ever, that message is badly needed," Biden said in a White House statement. Biden’s administration is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump who reimposed sanctions. The United States and the other Western powers which originally signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at an impasse over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely US sanctions that have crippled its economy can be quickly removed. In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said he was hopeful the new year will see the end of the sanctions. “We will defeat the sanctions ... I am more hopeful than eight years ago”, Rouhani said, referring to when he was elected for his first term. Rouhani is barred from standing for a third term and the slate of presidential candidates has yet to be finalised. Iran’s hardliners say the US sanctions are proof Rouhani’s policy of reaching out to the country's enemies was a failure. A delay in progress on returning to the nuclear deal could hurt the chances of a moderate succeeding Rouhani, although the final decision on any diplomatic initiative would be taken by Khamenei rather than the elected president. Khamenei said on Saturday that the June election will likely bring to office 'new managers who most probably will be energetic and strongly motivated'. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme leader ushers in Iranian New Year with message of hope 

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

"Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

"Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-unveils-new-city-of-missiles-370991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work.

"France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region."

Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance.

But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme. "Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. "Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said. Watch | The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work. "France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region." Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance. But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

France's Macron urges Iran to 'stop worsening' nuclear crisis

Iran's Civil Aviation body has released its final report on the shooting of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020. The Iranian report blamed an error by an air defence operator for the crash.

Iran releases report on Ukrainian passenger plane crash probe

Iran's civil aviation body, in a final report, has blamed an error by an air defence operator for the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020 that killed all 176 people aboard, the agency said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ukraine's foreign minister criticised the report, calling it a cynical attempt by the Islamic Republic authorities to cover up the true reasons for the crash.&nbsp;

The Iranian report said, "The plane was identified as a hostile target due to a mistake by the air defence operator...near Tehran and two missiles were fired at it," according to the agency's website.&nbsp;

"The flight's operation did not have a role in creating the error by the air defence battery," the report added.&nbsp;

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight on January 8, 2020 shortly after it took off from Tehran Airport.&nbsp;

The Iranian government later declared that the shooting down was a 'disastrous mistake' by forces, who were on high alert during a regional confrontation with the United States.&nbsp;

Iran was on edge about possible attacks after it fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US forces in retaliation for the killing days before of its most powerful military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in a US missile strike at Baghdad airport.&nbsp;

As in a preliminary report issued last June, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said the error arose from a misalignment of a battery's radar and a lack of communication between the air defence operator and his commanders.&nbsp;

"Following a tactical relocation, the relevant ADU (air defence unit) failed to adjust the system direction due to human error, causing the operator to observe the target flying west from IKA (airport) as a target approaching Tehran from the southwest at a relatively low altitude," the final report said.&nbsp;

"Without receiving a go-ahead or response from the command centre, he (operator) came to identify the target as a hostile one and fired missile(s) at the aircraft against the procedure planned," it said.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lambasted the report in a post on Facebook. "What we saw in the published report today is nothing more than a cynical attempt to hide the true reasons for the downing of our plane," he said.&nbsp;

"We will not allow Iran to hide the truth, we will not allow it to avoid responsibility for this crime."&nbsp;

The Tehran government has allocated $150,000 for damages to be paid to families of the crash victims said several people have been put on trial over the disaster.&nbsp;

Ukraine has said the compensation should be set through talks, taking into account international practice, once the causes of the tragedy are established and those responsible are brought to justice.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Iran's civil aviation body, in a final report, has blamed an error by an air defence operator for the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020 that killed all 176 people aboard, the agency said on Wednesday.

Iran's civil aviation body, in a final report, has blamed an error by an air defence operator for the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020 that killed all 176 people aboard, the agency said on Wednesday. Ukraine's foreign minister criticised the report, calling it a cynical attempt by the Islamic Republic authorities to cover up the true reasons for the crash. The Iranian report said, "The plane was identified as a hostile target due to a mistake by the air defence operator...near Tehran and two missiles were fired at it," according to the agency's website. "The flight's operation did not have a role in creating the error by the air defence battery," the report added. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight on January 8, 2020 shortly after it took off from Tehran Airport. The Iranian government later declared that the shooting down was a 'disastrous mistake' by forces, who were on high alert during a regional confrontation with the United States. Iran was on edge about possible attacks after it fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US forces in retaliation for the killing days before of its most powerful military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in a US missile strike at Baghdad airport. As in a preliminary report issued last June, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said the error arose from a misalignment of a battery's radar and a lack of communication between the air defence operator and his commanders. "Following a tactical relocation, the relevant ADU (air defence unit) failed to adjust the system direction due to human error, causing the operator to observe the target flying west from IKA (airport) as a target approaching Tehran from the southwest at a relatively low altitude," the final report said. "Without receiving a go-ahead or response from the command centre, he (operator) came to identify the target as a hostile one and fired missile(s) at the aircraft against the procedure planned," it said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lambasted the report in a post on Facebook. "What we saw in the published report today is nothing more than a cynical attempt to hide the true reasons for the downing of our plane," he said. "We will not allow Iran to hide the truth, we will not allow it to avoid responsibility for this crime." The Tehran government has allocated $150,000 for damages to be paid to families of the crash victims said several people have been put on trial over the disaster. Ukraine has said the compensation should be set through talks, taking into account international practice, once the causes of the tragedy are established and those responsible are brought to justice. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's final report blames air defence operator error for Ukraine plane crash 

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