Meir Javedanfar is an Iranian-born Israeli Middle East commentator. He left Iran in 1987, eight years after the Iranian Revolution and now lives in Israel. He worked as a foreign affairs commentator at BBC Persian.

Iran blames Israel for assassinating nuclear scientist in Tehran

As per reports, Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. He&nbsp;was known as the 'father'&nbsp;of Iran's nuclear program. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has kept up the heat on Vladimir Putin as he urged the European Parliament to target oligarchs around Putin. In Africa, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has assured African envoys that he will protect civilians in Tigray region. Read this and much more in top 10 World news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-report-345915"><img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3a89328-2032-488c-8095-d39c3761952a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_2.JPG" /></a>

Iranian media reported that the high-level nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" was killed on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-oligarchs-around-putin-navalny-to-european-parliament-345874">Target oligarchs around Putin, Navalny to European Parliament</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-oligarchs-around-putin-navalny-to-european-parliament-345874"><img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95de3c26-26a6-4d23-bb87-0870e2e76920" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/navalny_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Kremlin has denied allegations that it was behind Navalny's poisoning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-israel-saudi-arabia-cool-tensions-jordans-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-under-scrutiny-345856">As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-israel-saudi-arabia-cool-tensions-jordans-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-under-scrutiny-345856"><img alt="Al Aqsa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47802f22-88a4-4072-afb5-0bd719793851" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Al%20Aqsa.JPG" /></a> 
Last month, a UAE delegation had visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, a move which was criticised by Palestinian PM Muhammad Shtayyeh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-clamps-down-on-corruption-in-major-drive-345883">Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-clamps-down-on-corruption-in-major-drive-345883"><img alt="Saudi Corruption" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad0a48c4-a768-4f14-8fe2-d0fabc16466f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Saudi_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The individuals in the net are involved with many ministries in Saudi Arabia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-leader-nicola-sturgeon-warns-uk-wants-referendum-early-in-next-parliament-345873">Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon warns UK; wants referendum 'early in next parliament'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-leader-nicola-sturgeon-warns-uk-wants-referendum-early-in-next-parliament-345873"><img alt="Scotland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a442a20a-8e8d-4952-b87a-edf4de13ab93" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Scotland.JPG" /></a> 
Sturgeon said the UK government's current opposition to the independence referendum, indyref2, was 'unsustainable'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-jailed-for-harvesting-of-organs-from-patients-345835">Chinese doctors jailed for harvesting of organs from patients</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-jailed-for-harvesting-of-organs-from-patients-345835"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f245ac95-dcfe-4937-b9c8-62e3fd35ea99" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chinese%20doctor.JPG" /></a> 
 
Families in Anhui territory in China were fooled into marking counterfeit assent structures for organ harvesting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-pm-tells-african-envoys-he-will-protect-civilians-in-tigray-345885">Ethiopian PM tells African envoys he will protect civilians in Tigray</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-pm-tells-african-envoys-he-will-protect-civilians-in-tigray-345885"><img alt="Ethiopia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89596df6-9e94-49bd-b664-f9d0f598b071" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Abiy%20Ahmed.JPG" /></a> 
 
A statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-african-american-cardinal-readies-for-princehood-345881">First African-American cardinal readies for 'princehood'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-african-american-cardinal-readies-for-princehood-345881"><img alt="Cardinal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb52be51-2f85-48d5-8bed-acc8ce372657" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardinal.JPG" /></a> 
 
The 72-year old Washington archbishop, who is currently under quarantine ahead of the big day in the Vatican on Saturday, shows no sign of pre-ceremony nerves

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-to-dig-up-zombie-mink-that-resurfaced-from-mass-graves-345916">Denmark to dig up 'zombie mink' that resurfaced from mass graves</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-to-dig-up-zombie-mink-that-resurfaced-from-mass-graves-345916"><img alt="Denmark" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6eca1f1b-3268-4f33-b92f-190dd47ae32a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Denmark_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Denmark is facing a new horror, as cadavers of the culled minks have re-emerged from the earth, as per footage from local channels

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-3-billion-people-affected-by-water-shortages-report-345894">More than 3 billion people affected by water shortages: Report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-3-billion-people-affected-by-water-shortages-report-345894"><img alt="Water" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="458fd2a3-d3a3-46a5-87d1-da7902aede03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/water.JPG" /></a> 
 
A report titled 'The State of Food and Agriculture 2020:Overcoming water challenges in agriculture' by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published on Thursday shows fresh water available for each person has plunged by a fifth over two decades

As per reports, Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. He was known as the 'father' of Iran's nuclear program. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has kept up the heat on Vladimir Putin as he urged the European Parliament to target oligarchs around Putin.

As per reports, Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. He was known as the 'father' of Iran's nuclear program. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has kept up the heat on Vladimir Putin as he urged the European Parliament to target oligarchs around Putin. In Africa, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has assured African envoys that he will protect civilians in Tigray region. Read this and much more in top 10 World news. Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Iranian media reported that the high-level nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" was killed on Friday. Target oligarchs around Putin, Navalny to European Parliament Kremlin has denied allegations that it was behind Navalny's poisoning. As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny Last month, a UAE delegation had visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, a move which was criticised by Palestinian PM Muhammad Shtayyeh. Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive The individuals in the net are involved with many ministries in Saudi Arabia Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon warns UK; wants referendum 'early in next parliament' Sturgeon said the UK government's current opposition to the independence referendum, indyref2, was 'unsustainable' Chinese doctors jailed for harvesting of organs from patients Families in Anhui territory in China were fooled into marking counterfeit assent structures for organ harvesting Ethiopian PM tells African envoys he will protect civilians in Tigray A statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting First African-American cardinal readies for 'princehood' The 72-year old Washington archbishop, who is currently under quarantine ahead of the big day in the Vatican on Saturday, shows no sign of pre-ceremony nerves Denmark to dig up 'zombie mink' that resurfaced from mass graves Denmark is facing a new horror, as cadavers of the culled minks have re-emerged from the earth, as per footage from local channels More than 3 billion people affected by water shortages: Report A report titled 'The State of Food and Agriculture 2020:Overcoming water challenges in agriculture' by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published on Thursday shows fresh water available for each person has plunged by a fifth over two decades

Top 10 world news: Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated, Navalny on Putin, and more!

Iranian news agencies said assailants targeted his car with a bomb before shooting at him.

WION Dispatch: Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated

Iran's&nbsp;defence ministry said today&nbsp;top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated.

"Unfortunately, the medical team did not succeed in reviving (Fakhrizadeh), and a few minutes ago, this manager and scientist achieved the high status of martyrdom after years of effort and struggle," Iran's armed forces said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice—with serious indications of Israeli role—shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators 
 
Iran calls on int'l community—and especially EU—to end their shameful double standards &amp; condemn this act of state terror.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1332345633425022976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Fakhrizadeh's bodyguard was reportedly killed. The high-level nuclear scientist is referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" and is known as the "father" of Iran's nuclear programme.

According to reports,&nbsp;Fakhrizadeh's&nbsp;assassination&nbsp;took place in Absard in Tehran's Damavand county.&nbsp;

Terrorists reportedly bombed a car before opening fire at Fakhrizadeh's car.&nbsp;Iranian media reported Fakhrizadeh died of injuries in hospital after armed assassins fired at his car.

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javed Zarif condemned the nuclear scientist's assassination as a "terrorist act".

Iran's defence ministry said today top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. "Unfortunately, the medical team did not succeed in reviving (Fakhrizadeh), and a few minutes ago, this manager and scientist achieved the high status of martyrdom after years of effort and struggle," Iran's armed forces said in a statement.

Iran's defence ministry said today top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. "Unfortunately, the medical team did not succeed in reviving (Fakhrizadeh), and a few minutes ago, this manager and scientist achieved the high status of martyrdom after years of effort and struggle," Iran's armed forces said in a statement. Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice—with serious indications of Israeli role—shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators Iran calls on int'l community—and especially EU—to end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 27, 2020 × Fakhrizadeh's bodyguard was reportedly killed. The high-level nuclear scientist is referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" and is known as the "father" of Iran's nuclear programme. According to reports, Fakhrizadeh's assassination took place in Absard in Tehran's Damavand county. Terrorists reportedly bombed a car before opening fire at Fakhrizadeh's car. Iranian media reported Fakhrizadeh died of injuries in hospital after armed assassins fired at his car. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javed Zarif condemned the nuclear scientist's assassination as a "terrorist act".

Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated

In what will be seen as a victory for Iranian state hostage-taking by some and a humanitarian move by others, Moore-Gilbert was released on Wednesday morning.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert released from Iran jail in prisoner exchange

France has asked Pakistan to take back comments that compared President Emmanuel Macron to Nazis. The comment was made by a Pakistani minister. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that Christmas this year will not be 'normal' in light of coronavirus pandemic. In Syria, 14 pro-Iran militia fighters were killed in an Israeli airstrike, said a report. Afghan Vice President has vowed to track those behind Kabul terror attack. Read this and more.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721">'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721"><img alt="Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4e9d647-a320-469a-8747-119dd530c7fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/macron%20main.JPG" /></a>

France's foreign ministry said that the remarks by the minister were 'hateful' and 'blatant lies', demanding Pakistan to 'rectify' the statements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710">No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710"><img alt="Sunak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c751cb90-aabf-4050-851c-97086bef6644" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rishi%20Sunak.JPG" /></a> 
 
Sunak's comments came after the government affirmed that there will be a tougher set of restrictions after the current lockdown ends on December 2

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-says-report-344707">Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-says-report-344707"><img alt="Syria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89266dc5-793d-4af9-93ba-ef4dde32b534" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Syria%20airstrikes.JPG" /></a> 
 
More than 10 strikes hit positions of Iran-backed militias outside the border town of Albu Kamal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-israel-over-its-role-in-syria-344713">Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria</a>

<img alt="Syria airstrike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7353cbde-ae26-45ad-935e-105480354190" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Syria.JPG" />

Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vp-vows-to-track-those-behind-kabul-terror-attack-344699">Afghan VP vows to track those behind Kabul terror attack</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vp-vows-to-track-those-behind-kabul-terror-attack-344699"><img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85bd4a6f-a280-4a81-8ae6-6d03fe75ea81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afghanistan_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The attack that took place on Saturday saw rockets being fired in densely populated areas of Kabul, including in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasal-spray-that-aims-to-fight-covid-19-other-respiratory-illness-gets-million-dollar-funding-344698">Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus nasal spray" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37fe87de-3dc0-463b-a22b-ef764f1406c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nasal%20spray.JPG" />

 
If the technology turns out successful, other than coronavirus, infections like common cold and influenza can also be dealt with

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-who-killed-afghan-official-with-promises-of-sex-released-with-taliban-prisoners-344648">Women who killed Afghan official with promises of sex, released with Taliban prisoners</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-who-killed-afghan-official-with-promises-of-sex-released-with-taliban-prisoners-344648"><img alt="Woman afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bb8bf47-db32-4506-92b3-7b302cf0df36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/woman.JPG" /></a> 
The two were also infamous for brutal murders, other than their 'honeytrap' killings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-cull-almost-200000-chickens-after-bird-flu-outbreak-344695">Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-cull-almost-200000-chickens-after-bird-flu-outbreak-344695"><img alt="Dutch chickens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e86f610a-a98e-4597-8e5a-2e481b549bd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/dutch.JPG" /></a> 
 
Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-collects-5000-gifts-for-donations-this-christmas-344704">Couple collects 5,000 gifts for donations this Christmas</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-collects-5000-gifts-for-donations-this-christmas-344704"><img alt="Christmas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f542f1df-59a4-4d07-850c-55c6152ccaf8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Christmas.JPG" /></a> 
 
The couple, who run the popular TikTok channel The Smithy Family, initially decided to buy 60 gifts for Christmas for needy people but were surprised to see how people supported their efforts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-annual-taiwan-protest-anger-focussed-on-us-pork-344692">Thousands join annual Taiwan protest, anger focussed on US pork</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-annual-taiwan-protest-anger-focussed-on-us-pork-344692"><img alt="Taiwan pork" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ba1e039-c607-4643-a3e9-079ebbf1f4af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taiwan_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
Taiwan`s main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) rallied its supporters to join in the march for the first time, having mounted an increasingly strident campaign against the pork move, which it says threatens food safety.

France has asked Pakistan to take back comments that compared President Emmanuel Macron to Nazis. The comment was made by a Pakistani minister. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that Christmas this year will not be 'normal' in light of coronavirus pandemic.

France has asked Pakistan to take back comments that compared President Emmanuel Macron to Nazis. The comment was made by a Pakistani minister. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that Christmas this year will not be 'normal' in light of coronavirus pandemic. In Syria, 14 pro-Iran militia fighters were killed in an Israeli airstrike, said a report. Afghan Vice President has vowed to track those behind Kabul terror attack. Read this and more. 'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis France's foreign ministry said that the remarks by the minister were 'hateful' and 'blatant lies', demanding Pakistan to 'rectify' the statements No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak Sunak's comments came after the government affirmed that there will be a tougher set of restrictions after the current lockdown ends on December 2 Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report More than 10 strikes hit positions of Iran-backed militias outside the border town of Albu Kamal Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012 Afghan VP vows to track those behind Kabul terror attack The attack that took place on Saturday saw rockets being fired in densely populated areas of Kabul, including in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone. Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding If the technology turns out successful, other than coronavirus, infections like common cold and influenza can also be dealt with Women who killed Afghan official with promises of sex, released with Taliban prisoners The two were also infamous for brutal murders, other than their 'honeytrap' killings Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds. Couple collects 5,000 gifts for donations this Christmas The couple, who run the popular TikTok channel The Smithy Family, initially decided to buy 60 gifts for Christmas for needy people but were surprised to see how people supported their efforts Thousands join annual Taiwan protest, anger focussed on US pork Taiwan`s main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) rallied its supporters to join in the march for the first time, having mounted an increasingly strident campaign against the pork move, which it says threatens food safety.

Top 10 World news: Macron fumes over 'Nazi' jibe, Iran warns Israel, and more!

At least 14 pro-Iran fighters from Afghanistan and Iraq were killed in airstrikes in eastern Syria, said Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The airstrikes were carried out in the border province of Deir Ezzor on Saturday night. The Observatory said that the airstrikes were carried out by Israeli warplanes. The attacks have killed 8 Iraqis and 6 Afghan fighters.

Israeli army said it doesn't comment on foreign reports, as per AFP.

More than 10 strikes hit positions of Iran-backed militias outside the border town of Albu Kamal, according to the war monitor.

The attacks also destroyed two bases as well as several military vehicles, the Observatory added.

Iran-backed fighters are heavily deployed in a stretch of territory between the Syrian towns of Albu Kamal and Mayadeen, both former strongholds of the Islamic State group.

Along with Russia, Iran has been a key backer of the Damascus regime in its nine-year-long civil war.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.

The Israeli army rarely acknowledges individual strikes.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions more since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 14 pro-Iran fighters from Afghanistan and Iraq were killed in airstrikes in eastern Syria, said Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The airstrikes were carried out in the border province of Deir Ezzor on Saturday night.

At least 14 pro-Iran fighters from Afghanistan and Iraq were killed in airstrikes in eastern Syria, said Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The airstrikes were carried out in the border province of Deir Ezzor on Saturday night. The Observatory said that the airstrikes were carried out by Israeli warplanes. The attacks have killed 8 Iraqis and 6 Afghan fighters. Israeli army said it doesn't comment on foreign reports, as per AFP. More than 10 strikes hit positions of Iran-backed militias outside the border town of Albu Kamal, according to the war monitor. The attacks also destroyed two bases as well as several military vehicles, the Observatory added. Iran-backed fighters are heavily deployed in a stretch of territory between the Syrian towns of Albu Kamal and Mayadeen, both former strongholds of the Islamic State group. Along with Russia, Iran has been a key backer of the Damascus regime in its nine-year-long civil war. Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops. The Israeli army rarely acknowledges individual strikes. Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions more since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. (With AFP inputs)

Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria.

“The Zionist regime (Israel) is well aware that the era of hit and run is over and therefore they are very cautious,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khateebzadeh in a virtual news conference. He was quoted by Reuters.

Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-airstrikes-says-report-344707">Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report</a>

Iran denies having military forces in Syria and says it has sent commandos to the country as military advisers. Tehran says it will provide military advisers to Syria for as long as necessary.

“Iran’s presence in Syria is advisory and naturally if anyone disrupts this advisory presence, our response will be a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh said.

Khatibzadeh refused to confirm deaths of Iranian forces in Syria.

(With Reuters inputs)

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria.

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria. “The Zionist regime (Israel) is well aware that the era of hit and run is over and therefore they are very cautious,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khateebzadeh in a virtual news conference. He was quoted by Reuters. Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012. Also Read | Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report Iran denies having military forces in Syria and says it has sent commandos to the country as military advisers. Tehran says it will provide military advisers to Syria for as long as necessary. “Iran’s presence in Syria is advisory and naturally if anyone disrupts this advisory presence, our response will be a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh said. Khatibzadeh refused to confirm deaths of Iranian forces in Syria. (With Reuters inputs)

Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria

USA has granted Iraq a 45-day sanctions waiver that will expire days before US President Donald Trump's term ends. The waiver will allow Iraq to import Iranian gas. Iraq buys gas and electricity from Iran to supply a third of its power sector. US has blacklisted Iran's energy industry in late 2018 but has granted Baghdad a series of temporary waivers in hopes that Iraq would wean itself off Iranian energy and partners with US firms.

The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad.

In May, Washington granted Iraq a four-month extension as a gesture of goodwill towards Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who had just formed a cabinet seen as US-friendly.

But when it renewed the waiver in late September, the Trump administration gave Iraq just 60 days.

This time, it went even shorter: 45 days, a top Iraqi official told AFP, expiring around a week before Trump is set to hand over the White House to President-elect Joe Biden.&nbsp;

"They (the Trump administration) wanted a last opportunity to have a say," an official said.

The shorter waiver comes amid concern by Iraqi and Western officials that Trump could use his final days in office to strike at Iran and its allies in Iraq.

The State Department is drawing up plans for a possible closure of the American embassy in Baghdad, which has been targeted by dozens of rocket attacks in the last year.

And two Iraqi officials have said they expect a "bucket list of sanctions" against Iranian interests in Iraq ahead of the White House handover.

(With AFP inputs)

USA has granted Iraq a 45-day sanctions waiver that will expire days before US President Donald Trump's term ends. The waiver will allow Iraq to import Iranian gas.

USA has granted Iraq a 45-day sanctions waiver that will expire days before US President Donald Trump's term ends. The waiver will allow Iraq to import Iranian gas. Iraq buys gas and electricity from Iran to supply a third of its power sector. US has blacklisted Iran's energy industry in late 2018 but has granted Baghdad a series of temporary waivers in hopes that Iraq would wean itself off Iranian energy and partners with US firms. The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad. In May, Washington granted Iraq a four-month extension as a gesture of goodwill towards Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who had just formed a cabinet seen as US-friendly. But when it renewed the waiver in late September, the Trump administration gave Iraq just 60 days. This time, it went even shorter: 45 days, a top Iraqi official told AFP, expiring around a week before Trump is set to hand over the White House to President-elect Joe Biden. "They (the Trump administration) wanted a last opportunity to have a say," an official said. The shorter waiver comes amid concern by Iraqi and Western officials that Trump could use his final days in office to strike at Iran and its allies in Iraq. The State Department is drawing up plans for a possible closure of the American embassy in Baghdad, which has been targeted by dozens of rocket attacks in the last year. And two Iraqi officials have said they expect a "bucket list of sanctions" against Iranian interests in Iraq ahead of the White House handover. (With AFP inputs)

US extends Iraq sanction waiver, to end days before Biden inauguration

Canada's top cyber security centre has warned of high-tech threats that the country faces from state-run programs from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.&nbsp;

"The number of cyber threat actors is rising, and they are becoming more sophisticated", said the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-teenager-awarded-childrens-peace-prize-for-fighting-cybercrime-343119">Bangladeshi teenager awarded Children's Peace Prize for fighting cybercrime</a>

The report also said these nations are likely building capacities to disrupt key Canadian infrastructure, like the electricity supply to push their motive.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-warns-of-imminent-cyber-crime-threat-to-hospitals-in-us-338792#:~:text=The%20Federal%20Bureau%20of%20Investigation,them%20to%20increase%20their%20protection.&amp;text=The%20federal%20agencies%20urged%20US,precautions%22%20to%20protect%20their%20networks.">FBI warns of 'imminent' cyber crime threat to hospitals in US</a>

It also expected targetting intellectual property related to the fight against the pandemic for boosting their own response to the crisis.&nbsp;

Cyber spying and online influence campaigns are some of the major threats that Canadians and their companies face, it said.&nbsp;

"The most sophisticated capabilities belong to state sponsored cyber threat actors who are motivated by economic, ideological, and geopolitical goals," the centre said.

"We assess that almost certainly the state-sponsored programs of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea pose the greatest state-sponsored cyber threats to Canadian individuals and organizations."

The centre also expected these state-funded attackers to continue conducting "commercial espionage against Canadian businesses, academia, and governments".

It said that the pandemic has caused a rise in teleworking and internet activity amongst the Canadians, which expose them to many cyber threats.&nbsp;

Canada's top cyber security centre has warned of high-tech threats that the country faces from state-run programs from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. "The number of cyber threat actors is rising, and they are becoming more sophisticated", said the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as reported by news agency AFP.

Canada's top cyber security centre has warned of high-tech threats that the country faces from state-run programs from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. "The number of cyber threat actors is rising, and they are becoming more sophisticated", said the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as reported by news agency AFP. Also read | Bangladeshi teenager awarded Children's Peace Prize for fighting cybercrime The report also said these nations are likely building capacities to disrupt key Canadian infrastructure, like the electricity supply to push their motive. Also read | FBI warns of 'imminent' cyber crime threat to hospitals in US It also expected targetting intellectual property related to the fight against the pandemic for boosting their own response to the crisis. Cyber spying and online influence campaigns are some of the major threats that Canadians and their companies face, it said. "The most sophisticated capabilities belong to state sponsored cyber threat actors who are motivated by economic, ideological, and geopolitical goals," the centre said. "We assess that almost certainly the state-sponsored programs of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea pose the greatest state-sponsored cyber threats to Canadian individuals and organizations." The centre also expected these state-funded attackers to continue conducting "commercial espionage against Canadian businesses, academia, and governments". It said that the pandemic has caused a rise in teleworking and internet activity amongst the Canadians, which expose them to many cyber threats.

Canada facing cyber security threat from China, Russia state-sponsored programs: Report

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes.&nbsp;

The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lead-scientist-behind-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-ugur-sahin-says-life-will-not-return-to-normal-till-next-winter-343465">Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter</a>

Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.

The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory.

On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria.

Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War.

According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot</a>

Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria."

US visit

The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran.

Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency.

Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal. &nbsp;

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border. An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes. The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement. Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another. Also read| Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops. The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory. On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria. Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War. According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces." Also read: Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria." US visit The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran. Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency. Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal.

Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets

Saudi Arabia and Iraq on Wednesday reopened their Arar desert crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after 30 years of sealed land borders between the two countries.

Arar has been closed since 1990 after the two countries cut ties following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

Top officials including Iraq's interior minister and the head of its border commission travelled from Baghdad to formally open Arar, where a line of cargo trucks stood waiting.

The Saudi ambassador to Iraq was also in attendance and a delegation from Riyadh was to open the Saudi side of the border.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-prince-warns-iron-fist-response-to-extremists-threatening-its-security-343064/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Arar will be open to both goods and people for the first time since Riyadh cut off its diplomatic relationship with Baghdad in 1990, following Iraqi ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

Riyadh has been wooing Baghdad as part of an effort to stem the growing regional influence of Iran, while Iraq is seeking economic benefits from closer ties with its southern neighbour.

The Saudi-Iraqi rapprochement extends back to 2015 when Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Baghdad following a 25-year break.

In July Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed investment agreements on energy and sports.

Ties have remained rocky ever since, but current Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has a close personal relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Kadhemi was to travel to Saudi Arabia as his first foreign trip as prime minister in May, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute when Saudi King Salman was hospitalised.

He has yet to make the trip, although Iraqi ministers have visited Riyadh to meet with their counterparts and a top-level Saudi delegation travelled to Baghdad last week.

Baghdad sees Arar as a potential alternative to its crossings with eastern neighbour Iran, through which Iraq brings in a large share of its imports.&nbsp;

'Let them invest'

But pro-Iran factions in Iraq, which call themselves the "Islamic Resistance," have stood firmly against closer ties with Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of Arar's opening, one such group identifying itself as Ashab al-Kahf published a statement announcing its "rejection of the Saudi project in Iraq".

"The intelligence cadres of the Islamic Resistance are following all the details of the Saudi enemy's activities on the Iraqi border," it warned.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening, Kadhemi fired back against those describing the rapprochement as Saudi "colonialism".

"This is a lie. It's shameful," he said.

"Let them invest. Welcome to Iraq," Kadhemi added, saying Saudi investment could bring in a flood of new jobs to Iraq where more than one-third of youth are unemployed.

The closer ties have been a long time coming.

They did not improve much after Saddam's toppling in the 2003 US-led invasion, as Riyadh looked at the new Shiite-dominated political class with suspicion due to their ties to Iran.

A thaw began in 2017 when then Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir travelled to Baghdad -- the first such visit in decades -- followed by a Riyadh trip by Iraqi premier Haider al-Abadi.

The first commercial flights resumed between the two countries and officials began discussing Arar, with high-profile US diplomat Brett McGurk even visiting the crossing in 2017 to support its reopening.&nbsp;

But those plans were repeatedly delayed, with Arar only opened on rare occasions to allow Iraqi religious pilgrims through on their way to Mecca for the hajj.

More in the works?&nbsp; 
Iraq is the second-largest producer in the OPEC oil cartel, outranked only by Saudi Arabia.

Its oil, gas and electricity infrastructure is severely outdated and inefficient but low oil prices this year have stymied efforts to revamp it.

Baghdad is also notoriously slow to activate external investment, with international firms and foreign countries complaining that rampant corruption hamstrings more investment.

Kadhemi's government has sought to fast-track foreign investment including Saudi support for energy and agriculture.

On his trip to Washington this summer, he agreed to a half-dozen projects that would use Saudi funding to finance US energy firms.

Last year, Iraq signed a deal to plug into the Gulf Cooperation Council's power grid and add up to 500 MW of electricity to its dilapidated electricity sector.

Those deals too have been criticised by pro-Iran factions in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq on Wednesday reopened their Arar desert crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after 30 years of sealed land borders between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq on Wednesday reopened their Arar desert crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after 30 years of sealed land borders between the two countries. Arar has been closed since 1990 after the two countries cut ties following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. Top officials including Iraq's interior minister and the head of its border commission travelled from Baghdad to formally open Arar, where a line of cargo trucks stood waiting. The Saudi ambassador to Iraq was also in attendance and a delegation from Riyadh was to open the Saudi side of the border. Arar will be open to both goods and people for the first time since Riyadh cut off its diplomatic relationship with Baghdad in 1990, following Iraqi ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. Riyadh has been wooing Baghdad as part of an effort to stem the growing regional influence of Iran, while Iraq is seeking economic benefits from closer ties with its southern neighbour. The Saudi-Iraqi rapprochement extends back to 2015 when Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Baghdad following a 25-year break. In July Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed investment agreements on energy and sports. Ties have remained rocky ever since, but current Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has a close personal relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Kadhemi was to travel to Saudi Arabia as his first foreign trip as prime minister in May, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute when Saudi King Salman was hospitalised. He has yet to make the trip, although Iraqi ministers have visited Riyadh to meet with their counterparts and a top-level Saudi delegation travelled to Baghdad last week. Baghdad sees Arar as a potential alternative to its crossings with eastern neighbour Iran, through which Iraq brings in a large share of its imports. 'Let them invest' But pro-Iran factions in Iraq, which call themselves the "Islamic Resistance," have stood firmly against closer ties with Saudi Arabia. Ahead of Arar's opening, one such group identifying itself as Ashab al-Kahf published a statement announcing its "rejection of the Saudi project in Iraq". "The intelligence cadres of the Islamic Resistance are following all the details of the Saudi enemy's activities on the Iraqi border," it warned. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening, Kadhemi fired back against those describing the rapprochement as Saudi "colonialism". "This is a lie. It's shameful," he said. "Let them invest. Welcome to Iraq," Kadhemi added, saying Saudi investment could bring in a flood of new jobs to Iraq where more than one-third of youth are unemployed. The closer ties have been a long time coming. They did not improve much after Saddam's toppling in the 2003 US-led invasion, as Riyadh looked at the new Shiite-dominated political class with suspicion due to their ties to Iran. A thaw began in 2017 when then Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir travelled to Baghdad -- the first such visit in decades -- followed by a Riyadh trip by Iraqi premier Haider al-Abadi. The first commercial flights resumed between the two countries and officials began discussing Arar, with high-profile US diplomat Brett McGurk even visiting the crossing in 2017 to support its reopening. But those plans were repeatedly delayed, with Arar only opened on rare occasions to allow Iraqi religious pilgrims through on their way to Mecca for the hajj. More in the works? Iraq is the second-largest producer in the OPEC oil cartel, outranked only by Saudi Arabia. Its oil, gas and electricity infrastructure is severely outdated and inefficient but low oil prices this year have stymied efforts to revamp it. Baghdad is also notoriously slow to activate external investment, with international firms and foreign countries complaining that rampant corruption hamstrings more investment. Kadhemi's government has sought to fast-track foreign investment including Saudi support for energy and agriculture. On his trip to Washington this summer, he agreed to a half-dozen projects that would use Saudi funding to finance US energy firms. Last year, Iraq signed a deal to plug into the Gulf Cooperation Council's power grid and add up to 500 MW of electricity to its dilapidated electricity sector. Those deals too have been criticised by pro-Iran factions in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq reopen Arar border crossing after 30 years

President Donald Trump left Last 2 months in office and he wants to attack on Iran's main nuke site white house has declined the comment because this can result a broader conflict

Donald Trump wants to attack on Iran

Al Qaeda’s second-in-command was killed in Iran in August by Israeli operatives acting at the behest of the United States, a report has claimed.

The New York Times reported on Friday, citing intelligence officials, that Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle in Tehran more than three months ago.

Tehran has, however, denied the report saying there were no al Qaeda "terrorists" on Iranian soil.

"From time to time, Washington and Tel Aviv try to tie Iran to such groups by lying and leaking false information to the media in order to avoid responsibility for the criminal activities of this group and other terrorist groups in the region," Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Abdullash was accused of helping to mastermind the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa.

The killing of Masri, who was seen as a likely successor to al Qaeda’s current leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, was kept secret until now.

The US authorities had been tracking Masri and other al Qaeda operatives in Iran for years, the report said.

Masri was killed along with his daughter, the widow of Osama bin Laden’s son Hamza bin Laden.

Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, was killed in a US raid in Pakistan in 2011.

Al Qaeda’s second-in-command was killed in Iran in August by Israeli operatives acting at the behest of the United States, a report has claimed. The New York Times reported on Friday, citing intelligence officials, that Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle in Tehran more than three months ago.

Al Qaeda’s second-in-command was killed in Iran in August by Israeli operatives acting at the behest of the United States, a report has claimed. The New York Times reported on Friday, citing intelligence officials, that Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle in Tehran more than three months ago. Tehran has, however, denied the report saying there were no al Qaeda "terrorists" on Iranian soil. "From time to time, Washington and Tel Aviv try to tie Iran to such groups by lying and leaking false information to the media in order to avoid responsibility for the criminal activities of this group and other terrorist groups in the region," Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Abdullash was accused of helping to mastermind the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa. The killing of Masri, who was seen as a likely successor to al Qaeda’s current leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, was kept secret until now. The US authorities had been tracking Masri and other al Qaeda operatives in Iran for years, the report said. Masri was killed along with his daughter, the widow of Osama bin Laden’s son Hamza bin Laden. Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, was killed in a US raid in Pakistan in 2011.

Report says al Qaeda’s No 2 leader was killed in August; Iran refutes claim

An Iranian model who was blinded in an acid attack after divorcing her husband has spoken about her ordeal, calling for tougher punishments for offenders.

Iranian model blinded in acid attack calls for tougher penalties

In Pics | Assad regime completes 50 years of its grip on Syria

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is now more than 12 times the limit set down in a 2015 deal with world powers, the UN's nuclear agency reported on Wednesday.

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report seen by AFP said that as of 2 November "Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile... was 2442.9 kg."

The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 300 kilograms (661 pounds) of enriched uranium in a particular compound form, which is the equivalent of 202.8 kg of uranium in non-compound form.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/we-hope-lesson-has-been-learnt-says-iran-on-nuclear-deal-with-usa-341410" hreflang="en">We hope 'lesson' has been learnt, says Iran on nuclear deal with USA</a> 
 
The UN's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that Iran's explanations over the presence of nuclear material at an undeclared site in the country were "not credible". 
 
Despite Iranian authorities providing some information about the site, "the agency informed Iran that it continues to consider Iran's response to be not technically credible," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report seen by AFP. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/satellite-photos-show-activity-at-irans-natanz-nuclear-facility-338798/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A full and prompt explanation from Iran regarding the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin... at a location in Iran not declared to the Agency, is needed," the report said. 
 
While the IAEA has not identified the site in question, diplomatic sources have indicated to AFP that it is in the Turquzabad district of Tehran, previously identified by Israel as an alleged site of secret atomic activity. 
 
The new report did not provide any new information about two other locations where the IAEA took samples in September and where undeclared nuclear activity may have taken place in the early 2000s. 
 
The analysis of those samples is ongoing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-to-impose-sanctions-on-iranians-for-violence-against-protesters-342040" hreflang="en">US to impose sanctions on Iranians for violence against protesters</a> 
 
The report did confirm that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is now more than 12 times the limit set down in a 2015 deal with world powers. 
 
It said that as of November 2, "Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile... was 2,442.9 kg." 
 
The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 300 kilogrammes (661 pounds) of enriched uranium in a particular compound form, which is the equivalent of 202.8 kilogrammes of non-compound enriched uranium.

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is now more than 12 times the limit set down in a 2015 deal with world powers, the UN's nuclear agency reported on Wednesday.

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is now more than 12 times the limit set down in a 2015 deal with world powers, the UN's nuclear agency reported on Wednesday. An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report seen by AFP said that as of 2 November "Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile... was 2442.9 kg." The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 300 kilograms (661 pounds) of enriched uranium in a particular compound form, which is the equivalent of 202.8 kg of uranium in non-compound form. Also read: We hope 'lesson' has been learnt, says Iran on nuclear deal with USA The UN's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that Iran's explanations over the presence of nuclear material at an undeclared site in the country were "not credible". Despite Iranian authorities providing some information about the site, "the agency informed Iran that it continues to consider Iran's response to be not technically credible," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report seen by AFP. "A full and prompt explanation from Iran regarding the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin... at a location in Iran not declared to the Agency, is needed," the report said. While the IAEA has not identified the site in question, diplomatic sources have indicated to AFP that it is in the Turquzabad district of Tehran, previously identified by Israel as an alleged site of secret atomic activity. The new report did not provide any new information about two other locations where the IAEA took samples in September and where undeclared nuclear activity may have taken place in the early 2000s. The analysis of those samples is ongoing. Also read: US to impose sanctions on Iranians for violence against protesters The report did confirm that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is now more than 12 times the limit set down in a 2015 deal with world powers. It said that as of November 2, "Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile... was 2,442.9 kg." The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 300 kilogrammes (661 pounds) of enriched uranium in a particular compound form, which is the equivalent of 202.8 kilogrammes of non-compound enriched uranium.

Iran's enriched uranium stockpile 12 times over limit set in 2015 deal: UN nuclear agency

Several hundred protesters gathered in Baghdad on Saturday and demanded ouster of US troops from Iraq. Iraqi Parliament had voted to this effect earlier this year.

"We will choose resistance if parliament's vote is not ratified!" read one of the banners at the demonstration, which took place near an entrance to the high-security Green Zone, where the US embassy and other foreign missions are located.&nbsp;

Some of the protesters carried sign having logo of Hashed-al-Shaabi. It is a state-sponsored network of armed groups including many supported by Iran.

In January, after US airstrike killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and the Hashed's deputy head, outraged Iraqi parliamentarians had voted to oust all foreign forces deployed in the country.

The US has sent thousands of troops to Iraq since 2014 to lead an international coalition helping Baghdad fight the Islamic State jihadist group.

Washington has drawn down those forces in recent months to around 3,000, and other coalition countries have also shrunk their footprint.

Starting in October 2019, rockets regularly targeted those troops as well as diplomats at the US embassy. 
Over the summer, there was a marked increase in attacks against coalition logistics convoys using roadside bombs.

Enraged by the ongoing attacks, the US in late September threatened to close its Baghdad embassy and carry out bombing raids against hard-line elements of the Hashed.

Pro-Iran factions announced a temporary truce in October that put an end to the attacks, with no rockets targeting the embassy or foreign troops since.

Iraq has long been caught in the struggle for influence between its two main allies, the US and Iran, with the tug-of-war intensifying under US President Donald Trump.

Baghdad has been closely monitoring the results of the US presidential elections, seeing a change in the White House as a sign that tensions between Washington and Tehran could decrease.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Several hundred protesters gathered in Baghdad on Saturday and demanded ouster of US troops from Iraq. Iraqi Parliament had voted to this effect earlier this year.

Several hundred protesters gathered in Baghdad on Saturday and demanded ouster of US troops from Iraq. Iraqi Parliament had voted to this effect earlier this year. "We will choose resistance if parliament's vote is not ratified!" read one of the banners at the demonstration, which took place near an entrance to the high-security Green Zone, where the US embassy and other foreign missions are located. Some of the protesters carried sign having logo of Hashed-al-Shaabi. It is a state-sponsored network of armed groups including many supported by Iran. In January, after US airstrike killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and the Hashed's deputy head, outraged Iraqi parliamentarians had voted to oust all foreign forces deployed in the country. The US has sent thousands of troops to Iraq since 2014 to lead an international coalition helping Baghdad fight the Islamic State jihadist group. Washington has drawn down those forces in recent months to around 3,000, and other coalition countries have also shrunk their footprint. Starting in October 2019, rockets regularly targeted those troops as well as diplomats at the US embassy. Over the summer, there was a marked increase in attacks against coalition logistics convoys using roadside bombs. Enraged by the ongoing attacks, the US in late September threatened to close its Baghdad embassy and carry out bombing raids against hard-line elements of the Hashed. Pro-Iran factions announced a temporary truce in October that put an end to the attacks, with no rockets targeting the embassy or foreign troops since. Iraq has long been caught in the struggle for influence between its two main allies, the US and Iran, with the tug-of-war intensifying under US President Donald Trump. Baghdad has been closely monitoring the results of the US presidential elections, seeing a change in the White House as a sign that tensions between Washington and Tehran could decrease. (With inputs from AFP)

Hundreds demand US ouster from Iraq in Baghdad

A governing panel at the United Nations' aviation agency urged Iran on Friday to accelerate an investigation into the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in January.&nbsp;

An Iranian official said a final report on the crash would be circulated soon.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation said members of its 36-nation council issued the call, nearly 10 months after a Ukraine International Airlines flight was shot down by an Iranian ground-to-air missile, killing 176 people.

Iran's representative to ICAO, however, said he had made a full report to the council on the progress of the investigation.

A draft of the final report has been completed and is being translated, Farhad Parvaresh told Reuters.

It will be sent to participating nations in "a couple of weeks," he said, adding that Iran was adhering to international rules on air investigations known as Annex 13.

Those rules include a recommendation that the final report appears within 12 months, which in this case runs until early January, though many high-profile probes take longer.

Although the deadline has not yet been reached, some states including Canada are concerned about what they view as a lack of transparency, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it accidentally shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, mistaking it for a missile at a time when tensions were high between Iran and the United States.

Canada and families of the victims are pressing Iran for additional answers following an initial report on the contents of black boxes, which were sent to France for analysis in July. 
Many of the 176 victims killed in the crash were Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 
Ukraine, where the Boeing 737 was operated, and the United States, where it was designed and built, are automatically part of any formal accident investigation under ICAO rules. 
The rules say any participating nations should be given 60 days to make comments before the final report can be published.

A governing panel at the United Nations' aviation agency urged Iran on Friday to accelerate an investigation into the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in January.

A governing panel at the United Nations' aviation agency urged Iran on Friday to accelerate an investigation into the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in January. An Iranian official said a final report on the crash would be circulated soon. The International Civil Aviation Organisation said members of its 36-nation council issued the call, nearly 10 months after a Ukraine International Airlines flight was shot down by an Iranian ground-to-air missile, killing 176 people. Iran's representative to ICAO, however, said he had made a full report to the council on the progress of the investigation. A draft of the final report has been completed and is being translated, Farhad Parvaresh told Reuters. It will be sent to participating nations in "a couple of weeks," he said, adding that Iran was adhering to international rules on air investigations known as Annex 13. Those rules include a recommendation that the final report appears within 12 months, which in this case runs until early January, though many high-profile probes take longer. Although the deadline has not yet been reached, some states including Canada are concerned about what they view as a lack of transparency, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it accidentally shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, mistaking it for a missile at a time when tensions were high between Iran and the United States. Canada and families of the victims are pressing Iran for additional answers following an initial report on the contents of black boxes, which were sent to France for analysis in July. Many of the 176 victims killed in the crash were Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Ukraine, where the Boeing 737 was operated, and the United States, where it was designed and built, are automatically part of any formal accident investigation under ICAO rules. The rules say any participating nations should be given 60 days to make comments before the final report can be published.

UN aviation agency asks Iran to expedite investigation of downed jet

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped that three-year experience was a 'lesson' for the next US government. His apparent reference was Donald Trump's policy of applying 'maximum pressure on the Iranian regime just a year after it had entered into a nuclear deal with the US and other world powers. Donald Trump has withdrawn US from the nuclear deal.

"We hope the three-year experience will be a lesson for America's next administration to abide by laws and regulations and return to its commitments," Rouhani said in a televised speech.

"Our people have faced economic terrorism for the past three years and shown unparalleled resistance and patience."

Rouhani said Iran would "continue its resistance and patience until the other side bows before laws and regulations".

The Islamic republic hoped that "those imposing sanctions realise their path was wrong and that they will not achieve their goals in any way".

The nuclear deal with Iran had been struck by former US President Barack Obama after spending much of his political capital in the year 2015. The huge effort had resulted in Iran agreeing to limit its nuclear program under a deal with P5+1 (USA, Russia, UK, France, China and Germany).

Trump had unilaterally withdrawn USA from the deal and took steps to reimpose stringent sanctions on Iran.

Donald Trump is increasingly appearing to lose the White House to Joe Biden, the former Vice-president of the USA.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-addresses-us-vows-action-against-coronavirus-341333">Biden addresses US, vows action against coronavirus</a>

Biden has said he plans to embark on a "credible path to return to diplomacy" with Iran if he wins the presidency and raised the possibility of returning to the 2015 nuclear deal

Iranian officials have said they will focus on the policies of the next US administration rather than who becomes president.

Tehran has also stressed that a possible US return to the nuclear agreement would have to be accompanied by compensation for damages caused by the withdrawal and a "guarantee" it will not be repeated.

(With Reuters inputs)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped that three-year experience was a 'lesson' for the next US government. His apparent reference was Donald Trump's policy of applying 'maximum pressure on the Iranian regime just a year after it had entered into a nuclear deal with the US and other world powers.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped that three-year experience was a 'lesson' for the next US government. His apparent reference was Donald Trump's policy of applying 'maximum pressure on the Iranian regime just a year after it had entered into a nuclear deal with the US and other world powers. Donald Trump has withdrawn US from the nuclear deal. "We hope the three-year experience will be a lesson for America's next administration to abide by laws and regulations and return to its commitments," Rouhani said in a televised speech. "Our people have faced economic terrorism for the past three years and shown unparalleled resistance and patience." Rouhani said Iran would "continue its resistance and patience until the other side bows before laws and regulations". The Islamic republic hoped that "those imposing sanctions realise their path was wrong and that they will not achieve their goals in any way". The nuclear deal with Iran had been struck by former US President Barack Obama after spending much of his political capital in the year 2015. The huge effort had resulted in Iran agreeing to limit its nuclear program under a deal with P5+1 (USA, Russia, UK, France, China and Germany). Trump had unilaterally withdrawn USA from the deal and took steps to reimpose stringent sanctions on Iran. Donald Trump is increasingly appearing to lose the White House to Joe Biden, the former Vice-president of the USA. Also Read | Biden addresses US, vows action against coronavirus Biden has said he plans to embark on a "credible path to return to diplomacy" with Iran if he wins the presidency and raised the possibility of returning to the 2015 nuclear deal Iranian officials have said they will focus on the policies of the next US administration rather than who becomes president. Tehran has also stressed that a possible US return to the nuclear agreement would have to be accompanied by compensation for damages caused by the withdrawal and a "guarantee" it will not be repeated. (With Reuters inputs)

We hope 'lesson' has been learnt, says Iran on nuclear deal with USA      

America's allies and rivals are closely watching the result of US election 2020. A tight election is always exciting to watch. Even more so when the prize is the White House. The world is watching America closely. Its choice will shape the world for the next four years.

For American allies, its a situation they face every four years. Partners like the UK aren't too worried about the results. The fundamentals of their relationship remain strong.&nbsp;

"The UK-US relationship is in great shape and we're confident that it will go from strength to strength, whichever candidate wins the election," said Dominic Raab, UK Foreign Secretary

But if it is a toss-up between Trump and Biden, Europe will be backing the Democrat. Trans-Atlantic ties have deteriorated under Trump. A Biden victory would reset the relationship.

Some officials are not hiding their preference. Chairman of Germany's Foreign Affairs Committee tweeted on election night saying that Germany was not prepared to work with Trump anymore.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/planned-anti-trump-protests-across-the-country-us-election-2020-340576/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

One ally that would be rooting for Trump is Israel. Trump's efforts to normalise ties with the Arab world have not been forgotten.

"If the policy of the next U.S president will be a continuation of the current policy, it will be able to lead to more peace agreements, a concessionary policy will get the peace deals stuck," said Eli Cohen, Israeli Intelligence Ministry

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-historical-firsts-in-the-presidential-election-340498#four-consecutive-two-term-presidencies-340478">US election 2020: Historical firsts in the presidential election</a> 
 
So the allies are divided. What about America's rivals?

For the likes of China and Iran, the election is make-or-break.

China's state newspaper Global Times is openly mocking the elections and comparing it to disputed polls in developing nations. Beijing has realised that there is bipartisan support for a tougher stance on China.

Officially, it says that it has no position on the issue.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-criticises-surprise-ballot-dumps-for-lagging-behind-joe-biden-340569">US election 2020: Donald Trump criticises 'surprise ballot dumps' for lagging behind Joe Biden</a>

"The U.S. election is its internal affairs. China doesn't take a position on this issue," said Wang Wenbin, Spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Iran, the two candidates differ substantially. Trump is likely to continue his maximum pressure campaign. But Biden might consider restarting talks. A Biden victory bodes well for Iran.

But much like China, It is not making its preference known.

"The outcome of the U.S. presidential election will not have an impact on our policy (towards the United States). Our policy is clear and does not change. It does not matter to us who comes and goes," said Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamanei.

This is the defining moment for the entire world. The 2020 elections have not just divided Americans, it has created failures in the western bloc. The world is watching with bated breath as the American election goes down the wire.

America's allies and rivals are closely watching the result of US election 2020. A tight election is always exciting to watch. Even more so when the prize is the White House.

America's allies and rivals are closely watching the result of US election 2020. A tight election is always exciting to watch. Even more so when the prize is the White House. The world is watching America closely. Its choice will shape the world for the next four years. For American allies, its a situation they face every four years. Partners like the UK aren't too worried about the results. The fundamentals of their relationship remain strong. "The UK-US relationship is in great shape and we're confident that it will go from strength to strength, whichever candidate wins the election," said Dominic Raab, UK Foreign Secretary But if it is a toss-up between Trump and Biden, Europe will be backing the Democrat. Trans-Atlantic ties have deteriorated under Trump. A Biden victory would reset the relationship. Some officials are not hiding their preference. Chairman of Germany's Foreign Affairs Committee tweeted on election night saying that Germany was not prepared to work with Trump anymore. × One ally that would be rooting for Trump is Israel. Trump's efforts to normalise ties with the Arab world have not been forgotten. "If the policy of the next U.S president will be a continuation of the current policy, it will be able to lead to more peace agreements, a concessionary policy will get the peace deals stuck," said Eli Cohen, Israeli Intelligence Ministry Also Read | US election 2020: Historical firsts in the presidential election So the allies are divided. What about America's rivals? For the likes of China and Iran, the election is make-or-break. China's state newspaper Global Times is openly mocking the elections and comparing it to disputed polls in developing nations. Beijing has realised that there is bipartisan support for a tougher stance on China. Officially, it says that it has no position on the issue. Also Read | US election 2020: Donald Trump criticises 'surprise ballot dumps' for lagging behind Joe Biden "The U.S. election is its internal affairs. China doesn't take a position on this issue," said Wang Wenbin, Spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Iran, the two candidates differ substantially. Trump is likely to continue his maximum pressure campaign. But Biden might consider restarting talks. A Biden victory bodes well for Iran. But much like China, It is not making its preference known. "The outcome of the U.S. presidential election will not have an impact on our policy (towards the United States). Our policy is clear and does not change. It does not matter to us who comes and goes," said Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamanei. This is the defining moment for the entire world. The 2020 elections have not just divided Americans, it has created failures in the western bloc. The world is watching with bated breath as the American election goes down the wire.

America's allies and rivals watch US election results closely

Less than a week before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a>, the threats of hacking the voter bank and details are getting more serious, and the&nbsp;US official bodies FBI and Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have now released a report on the earlier reported hack.

The US Presidential elections, between&nbsp;the current Republican candidate and President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and his Democrat rival and former Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>,&nbsp;are scheduled on November 03 and the early voting has already started in majority states and more than 80 million people have already cast their ballots. However, with an increase in mail-in voting, the threat of data breach has increased.

A few weeks back, the US official bodies, FBI and CISA, had revealed that some international organisations (private) were trying to hack into voters'data. On Friday, the two security organisations have confirmed that those hacks were initiated by Iranian hackers.&nbsp;The hacking campaign being talked about included several emails sent to US voters — selected on a random basis — portraying to be a far-right group of being a Trump supporter. It also featured a video message where the hackers urged the viewers to create chaos by breaking into voter registration records.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-moves-his-election-night-party-to-the-white-house-339149">Also read|&nbsp;Trump 'moves' his election night party to the White House</a>

"We have confirmed that in at least one state the threat actor did obtain [access] to a voter registration database by abusing a website misconfiguration,"&nbsp;said Jermaine Roebuck, an official at DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. "We are aware of the specific states that were targeted in this activity and we’re actively coordinating with those states currently to ensure proper remediation."

CISA and the FBI confirmed Friday that "the actor successfully obtained voter registration data in at least one state." However, the states have not been specified yet, but the video was flashed in Alaska, locals claimed. As of now, the local media has reported that 10 states have been scanned — the reports have not been confirmed yet, though. It is also not clear whether&nbsp;or not the hackers were able to actually break into the systems.

The security organisations also claimed that the Iranian hackers had also scanned several other states' election sites to assess their vulnerability.&nbsp;

The statement has come after the US-based news agency Reuters reported that Russian hackers are trying to&nbsp;target California and Indiana branches of the Democratic Party this year. The report has not been confirmed by the security officials.

Less than a week before the US election, the threats of hacking the voter bank and details are getting more serious, and the US official bodies FBI and Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have now released a report on the earlier reported hack.

Less than a week before the US election, the threats of hacking the voter bank and details are getting more serious, and the US official bodies FBI and Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have now released a report on the earlier reported hack. The US Presidential elections, between the current Republican candidate and President Donald Trump and his Democrat rival and former Vice President Joe Biden, are scheduled on November 03 and the early voting has already started in majority states and more than 80 million people have already cast their ballots. However, with an increase in mail-in voting, the threat of data breach has increased. A few weeks back, the US official bodies, FBI and CISA, had revealed that some international organisations (private) were trying to hack into voters'data. On Friday, the two security organisations have confirmed that those hacks were initiated by Iranian hackers. The hacking campaign being talked about included several emails sent to US voters — selected on a random basis — portraying to be a far-right group of being a Trump supporter. It also featured a video message where the hackers urged the viewers to create chaos by breaking into voter registration records. Also read| Trump 'moves' his election night party to the White House "We have confirmed that in at least one state the threat actor did obtain [access] to a voter registration database by abusing a website misconfiguration," said Jermaine Roebuck, an official at DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. "We are aware of the specific states that were targeted in this activity and we’re actively coordinating with those states currently to ensure proper remediation." CISA and the FBI confirmed Friday that "the actor successfully obtained voter registration data in at least one state." However, the states have not been specified yet, but the video was flashed in Alaska, locals claimed. As of now, the local media has reported that 10 states have been scanned — the reports have not been confirmed yet, though. It is also not clear whether or not the hackers were able to actually break into the systems. The security organisations also claimed that the Iranian hackers had also scanned several other states' election sites to assess their vulnerability. The statement has come after the US-based news agency Reuters reported that Russian hackers are trying to target California and Indiana branches of the Democratic Party this year. The report has not been confirmed by the security officials.

Iranians behind hacked US election data, FBI and Homeland Security reveal

The United States revealed on Thursday it had seized Iranian missiles shipped to Yemen and sold 1.1 million barrels of previously seized Iranian oil that was bound for Venezuela, in the Trump administration’s latest move to increase pressure on Tehran less than a week before Nov. 3 election.

The unsealing of the forfeiture complaints, by the Justice Department, came at the same time that the Treasury Department and State Department jointly slapped sanctions on a combined 11 different entities and individuals for their involvement in the purchase and sale of Iranian petrochemicals.

The latest actions against Iran come after U.S. intelligence officials earlier this month alleged that Iranian hackers sought to threaten some U.S. voters by sending them spoofed emails that were made to appear as though they were from the pro-Trump Proud Boys group.

Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said on Thursday that the unsealing of the Justice Department’s complaints was “divorced from politics.”

“These actions started last summer. And these are fluid, organic situations,” he said.

The Justice Department’s forfeiture civil cases involve alleged schemes by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to secretly ship weapons to Yemen and fuel to Venezuela.

Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John Demers said on Thursday that the U.S. government had sold and delivered 1.1 million barrels of Iranian fuel that had been destined for Venezuela, which it had seized earlier this year.

According to the complaint, the fuel originated with firms tied to the IRGC, and shippers took steps to mask ownership. The two vessels carrying the fuel, the Liberia-flagged Euroforce and Singapore-flagged Maersk Progress, had struggled to discharge and shifted course multiple times over the past several weeks.

The United States revealed on Thursday it had seized Iranian missiles shipped to Yemen and sold 1.1 million barrels of previously seized Iranian oil that was bound for Venezuela, in the Trump administration’s latest move to increase pressure on Tehran less than a week before Nov.

The United States revealed on Thursday it had seized Iranian missiles shipped to Yemen and sold 1.1 million barrels of previously seized Iranian oil that was bound for Venezuela, in the Trump administration’s latest move to increase pressure on Tehran less than a week before Nov. 3 election. The unsealing of the forfeiture complaints, by the Justice Department, came at the same time that the Treasury Department and State Department jointly slapped sanctions on a combined 11 different entities and individuals for their involvement in the purchase and sale of Iranian petrochemicals. The latest actions against Iran come after U.S. intelligence officials earlier this month alleged that Iranian hackers sought to threaten some U.S. voters by sending them spoofed emails that were made to appear as though they were from the pro-Trump Proud Boys group. Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said on Thursday that the unsealing of the Justice Department’s complaints was “divorced from politics.” “These actions started last summer. And these are fluid, organic situations,” he said. The Justice Department’s forfeiture civil cases involve alleged schemes by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to secretly ship weapons to Yemen and fuel to Venezuela. Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John Demers said on Thursday that the U.S. government had sold and delivered 1.1 million barrels of Iranian fuel that had been destined for Venezuela, which it had seized earlier this year. According to the complaint, the fuel originated with firms tied to the IRGC, and shippers took steps to mask ownership. The two vessels carrying the fuel, the Liberia-flagged Euroforce and Singapore-flagged Maersk Progress, had struggled to discharge and shifted course multiple times over the past several weeks.

US seizes Iranian missiles, slaps Iran-related sanctions on 11 entities

Satellite images shows that Iran has started construction at its Natanz nuclear facility. The pictures from the San Francisco-based Planet Labs shows what appears to be construction equipment.

Satellite photos show activity at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility

Iran is the worst-affected country by COVID-19 in West Asia. Health authorities say that they are recording a death from the virus every four minutes & the bodies are piling up. Watch the report to know more.

Your Story: COVID-19: Iran reports a death every four minutes

Iran on&nbsp;Tuesday said it would welcome a US return to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal after its November 3 election provided it "guarantees" not to pull out again.

"It makes no difference to us which president in America decides to return" to the accord between Tehran and world powers, government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters.

"We would welcome such a decision by any president," he said.

But Washington "should be ready to be held responsible for the damages it has caused the people of Iran during the time it withdrew" and also "to provide other guarantees it will not repeat" such action.

Tensions have soared between Washington and Tehran under US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the deal in 2018 and has unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Joe Biden, Trump's challenger who is leading in polls, favours diplomacy with Iran and has backed the nuclear accord negotiated while he was vice president under Barack Obama.

The Trump administration has accused Iran as well as Russia of trying to interfere in the 2020 election, charges which Tehran has strongly denied.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said they favour no specific candidate in the race.

Iran on Tuesday said it would welcome a US return to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal after its November 3 election provided it "guarantees" not to pull out again.

Iran on Tuesday said it would welcome a US return to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal after its November 3 election provided it "guarantees" not to pull out again. "It makes no difference to us which president in America decides to return" to the accord between Tehran and world powers, government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters. "We would welcome such a decision by any president," he said. But Washington "should be ready to be held responsible for the damages it has caused the people of Iran during the time it withdrew" and also "to provide other guarantees it will not repeat" such action. Tensions have soared between Washington and Tehran under US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the deal in 2018 and has unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. Joe Biden, Trump's challenger who is leading in polls, favours diplomacy with Iran and has backed the nuclear accord negotiated while he was vice president under Barack Obama. The Trump administration has accused Iran as well as Russia of trying to interfere in the 2020 election, charges which Tehran has strongly denied. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they favour no specific candidate in the race.

Iran would hail US return to nuclear deal - with 'guarantees'

The coronavirus pandemic has left no territory untouched, and Iran is no different. The country is currently grappling with another wave of COVID-19, and is registering a coronavirus related death every four minutes. 
 
As reported by Reuters, health authorities claim that hospitals are increasingly becoming&nbsp;crammed, and running out of beds to treat new patients.&nbsp;

The head of the country's coronavirus task force told state TV that the healthcare workers are increasingly "tired", while urging everyone to follow protocols.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-brokered-sudan-israel-deal-secured-by-ransom-iran-says-337733" hreflang="en">US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal secured by 'ransom', Iran says</a>

&nbsp;"Our doctors and nurses are tired. I urge everyone to respect the protocols," Alireza Zali said. Iran is the hardest hit Middle East country. Over the last 24 hours, the country has reported 337 deaths, and 5,960 new cases.&nbsp; This amounted to a death every four minutes, according to local media.

Health authorities have warned of serious consequences if social distancing norms are continually flouted. Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi last week said that the death count could go up to 600 a day owing to poor social distancing.&nbsp;

Schools, shops, restaurants, mosques and other institutions in the country have remained shut, with the restrictions earlier slated to end today. But now, the lockdown has been extended until November 20. 
 
43 counties that have witnessed a surge in infections will be liable to "extreme measures and limitations", at least for the coming week.&nbsp; 
 
Out of the country's 31 provinces, 21 are currently on a coronavirus red alert.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-metoo-awakening-stirs-in-iran-337419" hreflang="en">A #MeToo awakening stirs in Iran</a>

According to Iran, US sanctions are getting in the way of efforts to minimise the outbreak. On the other hand, the US has accused Iran of "incompetent and deadly governance".&nbsp;

The US has not lifted sanctions on the country that were reimposed in 2018 after Donald Trump exited the nuclear deal with six other powers.

The country's death toll has risen to 32,953, and the total number of cases stand at 574,856, according to the Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat.

Critics are sceptical of Iran's numbers. A report put out by Iran parliament's research centre in April suggested that the toll of COVID-19 in the country might be twice as high as the reported numbers.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has left no territory untouched, and Iran is no different. The country is currently grappling with another wave of COVID-19, and is registering a coronavirus related death every four minutes.

The coronavirus pandemic has left no territory untouched, and Iran is no different. The country is currently grappling with another wave of COVID-19, and is registering a coronavirus related death every four minutes. As reported by Reuters, health authorities claim that hospitals are increasingly becoming crammed, and running out of beds to treat new patients. The head of the country's coronavirus task force told state TV that the healthcare workers are increasingly "tired", while urging everyone to follow protocols. Also read: US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal secured by 'ransom', Iran says "Our doctors and nurses are tired. I urge everyone to respect the protocols," Alireza Zali said. Iran is the hardest hit Middle East country. Over the last 24 hours, the country has reported 337 deaths, and 5,960 new cases. This amounted to a death every four minutes, according to local media. Health authorities have warned of serious consequences if social distancing norms are continually flouted. Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi last week said that the death count could go up to 600 a day owing to poor social distancing. Schools, shops, restaurants, mosques and other institutions in the country have remained shut, with the restrictions earlier slated to end today. But now, the lockdown has been extended until November 20. 43 counties that have witnessed a surge in infections will be liable to "extreme measures and limitations", at least for the coming week. Out of the country's 31 provinces, 21 are currently on a coronavirus red alert. Also read: A #MeToo awakening stirs in Iran According to Iran, US sanctions are getting in the way of efforts to minimise the outbreak. On the other hand, the US has accused Iran of "incompetent and deadly governance". The US has not lifted sanctions on the country that were reimposed in 2018 after Donald Trump exited the nuclear deal with six other powers. The country's death toll has risen to 32,953, and the total number of cases stand at 574,856, according to the Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat. Critics are sceptical of Iran's numbers. A report put out by Iran parliament's research centre in April suggested that the toll of COVID-19 in the country might be twice as high as the reported numbers.

Iran is reporting a coronavirus-related death every four minutes

The sanctions freeze all U.S. property and assets of the designated entities while barring U.S. citizens from doing business with them.

U.S. sanctions Iranian entities for election meddling

The United States has sanctioned five Iranian groups that it says attempted to interfere in the upcoming presidential election between President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: US punishes Iran for 'election interference'

Three years into the global #MeToo movement, women who say they have been sexually assaulted are improbably going public in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The movement’s reach inside Iran gained momentum in late August after allegations aired on Iranian social media against more than 100 men, including a giant e-commerce company’s former star manager, a prominent sociology professor and the owner of a popular bookstore.

But the highest-profile person to face such allegations so far is a nearly 80-year-old, internationally acclaimed artist with ties to the ruling elite. Thirteen women, in interviews with The New York Times, accused the artist, Aydin Aghdashloo, of sexual misconduct over a 30-year span. Most are former students, and some are journalists who have reported on art and culture.

The willingness by women who say they were victims to share their stories more openly is a groundbreaking shift in Iran’s conservative society, where discussing sex is culturally prohibited, sex outside marriage is illegal, and the burden of proof for victims of sexual crimes is onerous. A raped woman often gets the blame.

Aghdashloo declined requests for an interview but strenuously denied wrongdoing, and according to his lawyer has already taken legal action against one accuser. In a written statement provided to The Times, Aghdashloo described himself as an independent artist whose career was built on creative achievement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-22-year-old-force-behind-egypts-growing-metoo-movement-332193">Also read|&nbsp;The 22-year-old force behind Egypt’s growing #MeToo movement</a>

“The allegations of sexual abuse against me are full of significant inaccuracies, mischaracterizations and fabrications,” he wrote. “To be clear, I have always sought to treat people with respect and dignity and I have never abused, assaulted nor taken advantage of anyone.”

Still, he wrote, “I am not a perfect man,” and that if his behavior had offended or distressed anyone, “I deeply apologize.”

How the authorities treat the perpetrators and victims of sexual misconduct has become a test of the #MeToo movement’s durability in Iran, a country of more than 80 million.

Compared with the impact in the United States after the accusations against Harvey Weinstein, the imprisoned Hollywood mogul, the fallout in Iran is only beginning to unfold. But there are signs that the male-controlled power structure in Iran has started to respond to accusations like those made against Aghdashloo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-iranian-women-break-silence-about-sexual-abuse-through-twitter-324450">Also read|&nbsp;#MeToo: Iranian women break silence about sexual abuse through Twitter</a>

Tehran’s police chief announced on Oct. 12 that the bookstore owner, Keyvan Emamverdi, had confessed to raping 300 women, after 30 took the brave step of filing legal complaints. The police said he would be charged with “corruption on earth,” a capital offense.

The e-commerce company Digikala opened an investigation into its former manager and apologized to female employees. Iran’s sociology union expelled the accused professor and called for a zero-tolerance policy at universities. A painting by Aghdashloo was pulled from the cover of a famous literary collection, and at least three women have said they are considering legal action against him.

“This is a turning point for sexual abuse, the biggest taboo for women in Iran has been sex and sexual violence and abuse,” said Elnaaz Mohammadi, 33-year-old co-founder of Dideban Azar, or Abuse Watch, an education and advocacy group in Tehran.

She said the group had received complaints about Aghdashloo from “students who have left his classes distraught and crying,” and that “all his denials have no value.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-nod-to-metoo-china-codifies-sexual-harassment-by-law-302707">Also read|&nbsp;In nod to #MeToo, China codifies sexual harassment by law</a>

Paintings by Aghdashloo, a dual citizen of Canada, have been auctioned and displayed worldwide, and France honored him in 2016. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution he worked with the family of the shah to curate museums. He then moved into the circles of the revolution’s ruling clerics, and he and his family have business links to the hierarchy.

Despite a few mentions in Iran’s conservative media as a royalist and Western spy, Aghdashloo has generally received glowing coverage in state media, with no hint of any possible sexual abuse.

The Times found and interviewed former students of Aghdashloo’s after an Iranian journalist now living in the United States, Sara Omatali, posted on Twitter Aug. 22 that he had sexually assaulted her in 2006 when she visited to interview him.

She wrote that he had greeted her while naked with a robe draped on his shoulder, forced a kiss and pressed his body on hers. Her account appeared to be the catalyst for others.

In telephone interviews, 45 people — including former students, a longtime teaching assistant, art gallery owners, actresses, a Tehran art agent and journalists covering art and culture in Iran — all said Aghdashloo’s behavior toward young female students had been known in Iran’s art circles.

Thirteen said they had been victims, including one who was 13 years old at the time. Many said they did not know each other. In each of these 13 instances, a family member, friend, or colleague recalled in separate interviews having been told about it.

Nineteen described him as the “Harvey Weinstein of Iran,” elevating or destroying careers of women depending on their receptiveness to his advances.

One former student said he had offered her one of his paintings — worth $100,000, the price of a small apartment in Tehran — if she slept with him. Another said he had retaliated when she refused him, telling galleries to shun her artwork. Her career faltered.

“Aghdashloo’s reputation was an open secret in the art world but nobody did anything about it,” said Solmaz Azhdari, 32, who studied painting under him. She said she had witnessed him placing his hands between a young female student’s legs in 2007 during a sketching class, as Azhdari stooped to retrieve a dropped pencil.

In telling their stories, some asked to be identified only by their first names — a reflection of the subject’s sensitivity in a conservative society and their fear of Aghdashloo.

Three years into the global #MeToo movement, women who say they have been sexually assaulted are improbably going public in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The movement’s reach inside Iran gained momentum in late August after allegations aired on Iranian social media against more than 100 men, including a giant e-commerce company’s former star manager, a prominent sociology professor and the owner of a popular bookstore.

But the highest-profile person to face such allegations so far is a nearly 80-year-old, internationally acclaimed artist with ties to the ruling elite. Thirteen women, in interviews with The New York Times, accused the artist, Aydin Aghdashloo, of sexual misconduct over a 30-year span. Most are former students, and some are journalists who have reported on art and culture.

The willingness by women who say they were victims to share their stories more openly is a groundbreaking shift in Iran’s conservative society, where discussing sex is culturally prohibited, sex outside marriage is illegal, and the burden of proof for victims of sexual crimes is onerous. A raped woman often gets the blame.

Aghdashloo declined requests for an interview but strenuously denied wrongdoing, and according to his lawyer has already taken legal action against one accuser. In a written statement provided to The Times, Aghdashloo described himself as an independent artist whose career was built on creative achievement.

“The allegations of sexual abuse against me are full of significant inaccuracies, mischaracterizations and fabrications,” he wrote. “To be clear, I have always sought to treat people with respect and dignity and I have never abused, assaulted nor taken advantage of anyone.”

Still, he wrote, “I am not a perfect man,” and that if his behavior had offended or distressed anyone, “I deeply apologize.”

How the authorities treat the perpetrators and victims of sexual misconduct has become a test of the #MeToo movement’s durability in Iran, a country of more than 80 million.

Compared with the impact in the United States after the accusations against Harvey Weinstein, the imprisoned Hollywood mogul, the fallout in Iran is only beginning to unfold. But there are signs that the male-controlled power structure in Iran has started to respond to accusations like those made against Aghdashloo.

Tehran’s police chief announced on Oct. 12 that the bookstore owner, Keyvan Emamverdi, had confessed to raping 300 women, after 30 took the brave step of filing legal complaints. The police said he would be charged with “corruption on earth,” a capital offense.

The e-commerce company Digikala opened an investigation into its former manager and apologized to female employees. Iran’s sociology union expelled the accused professor and called for a zero-tolerance policy at universities. A painting by Aghdashloo was pulled from the cover of a famous literary collection, and at least three women have said they are considering legal action against him.

“This is a turning point for sexual abuse, the biggest taboo for women in Iran has been sex and sexual violence and abuse,” said Elnaaz Mohammadi, 33-year-old co-founder of Dideban Azar, or Abuse Watch, an education and advocacy group in Tehran.

She said the group had received complaints about Aghdashloo from “students who have left his classes distraught and crying,” and that “all his denials have no value.”

Paintings by Aghdashloo, a dual citizen of Canada, have been auctioned and displayed worldwide, and France honored him in 2016. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution he worked with the family of the shah to curate museums. He then moved into the circles of the revolution’s ruling clerics, and he and his family have business links to the hierarchy.

Despite a few mentions in Iran’s conservative media as a royalist and Western spy, Aghdashloo has generally received glowing coverage in state media, with no hint of any possible sexual abuse.

The Times found and interviewed former students of Aghdashloo’s after an Iranian journalist now living in the United States, Sara Omatali, posted on Twitter Aug. 22 that he had sexually assaulted her in 2006 when she visited to interview him.

She wrote that he had greeted her while naked with a robe draped on his shoulder, forced a kiss and pressed his body on hers. Her account appeared to be the catalyst for others.

In telephone interviews, 45 people — including former students, a longtime teaching assistant, art gallery owners, actresses, a Tehran art agent and journalists covering art and culture in Iran — all said Aghdashloo’s behavior toward young female students had been known in Iran’s art circles.

Thirteen said they had been victims, including one who was 13 years old at the time. Many said they did not know each other. In each of these 13 instances, a family member, friend, or colleague recalled in separate interviews having been told about it.

Nineteen described him as the “Harvey Weinstein of Iran,” elevating or destroying careers of women depending on their receptiveness to his advances.

One former student said he had offered her one of his paintings — worth $100,000, the price of a small apartment in Tehran — if she slept with him. Another said he had retaliated when she refused him, telling galleries to shun her artwork. Her career faltered.

“Aghdashloo’s reputation was an open secret in the art world but nobody did anything about it,” said Solmaz Azhdari, 32, who studied painting under him. She said she had witnessed him placing his hands between a young female student’s legs in 2007 during a sketching class, as Azhdari stooped to retrieve a dropped pencil.

In telling their stories, some asked to be identified only by their first names — a reflection of the subject’s sensitivity in a conservative society and their fear of Aghdashloo.

‘I was terrified of what he could do to me or my career.’

Maryam, an art photographer, 49, said she had visited Aghdashloo in 2010, to collect two paintings from his basement studio for the gallery where she worked.

She said Aghdashloo had insisted she view his paintings of nude women, then forcibly kissed her and tore at her clothes. When she screamed, Maryam said, he covered her mouth with his hands; she pushed him away and fled, shouting “you have no shame!”

Maryam said she quit her job, and on her mother’s advice never publicized the encounter or contacted the police.

“I was terrified of what he could do to me and my career if I told anyone or brought charges,” she said.

In his art classes, the former students said, he asked the women to sit on his lap when he reviewed their work, pressed against them while teaching, touched their bodies, made lewd comments and shared explicit details of a fascination with adolescent girls.

Mehrnaz, 54, said he made her sit on his lap and caressed her thighs. Atty, 30, said he had locked her in his office and forcibly kissed her. Another said he asked the color of her underwear as he touched her.

Afarin, a Tehran teacher, said she had been molested repeatedly 30 years ago, at age 13, by Aghdashloo, who would press his groin against her and touch her thighs while teaching painting technique. She had been too terrified to tell her parents, she said, and still avoids the street where Aghdashloo held class.

“I feel relieved that a man who has abused so many women and girls is finally being exposed,” she said.

Laleh Sabouri, a 50-year-old actress and television star, took art lessons with Aghdashloo for two years. Days after Omatali’s Twitter posting, Sabouri tweeted that most women were terrified of being alone with him and that accusations of rape would be “befitting.” Aghdashloo’s lawyer said he had taken legal action over that tweet, calling it “baseless.”

One of Aghdashloo’s teaching assistants, who helped manage his workshops for 12 years, said she had witnessed frequent misbehavior by him toward female students and that some had complained to her. She had confronted him and he replied that women should consider his affection a privilege, the assistant recalled. She ultimately resigned, she said, because he had assaulted her.

Omatali’s account struck a nerve among Iranian female journalists. Several said the advice in newsrooms was that no woman should interview Aghdashloo alone.

Solmaz Naraghi, 42, an art and culture reporter, said Aghdashloo sexually harassed her repeatedly in public after she had rebuffed his advances during one such interview. Her former husband recalled her in tears at a gallery after an encounter with Aghdashloo.

His supporters have rallied to defend him, including former students who posted a letter on Instagram. His first wife, Hollywood actress Shoreh Aghdashloo, said he was “simply not capable of such heinous acts.” One former student, Mitra Zad, said she had seen “nothing but good things” from him.

A formidable figure who straddles art and politics

Aydin Aghdashloo’s influence in Iran’s art world seemed to only grow after the revolution. He often boasted about connections to government and religious officials and said he was invulnerable because of them, former students and the teaching assistant said — a description he rejected in his statement to the Times.

“I have always worked as an independent artist and, following the revolution, have earned my living not through credits and connections to the state but through my art,” Aghdashloo wrote.

His students have included the daughter of Tehran’s Friday Prayer imam and grandchildren of a founding cleric of the revolution. He has worked as a consultant, instructor, author and art appraiser for Astan Quds Razavi, a religious and economic conglomerate controlled by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which is under U.S. sanctions. The former head of Astan is Iran’s judiciary chief.

Aghdashloo’s daughter married into a family that owns Part Sazan, a conglomerate with ties to state-owned enterprises in the oil, gas and automotive industries. The link to the company, which lists a senior member of the Revolutionary Guard's Basij militia as chief executive and board member, has further strengthened his aura of impunity, a number of women said.

Anonymous allegations against Aghdashloo first surfaced in 2018 when an Iranian investigative journalist, Afshin Parvaresh, posted on Instagram that he had interviewed 21 women, including a minor, who said Aghdashloo had assaulted them. Parvaresh said he received violent threats. Aghdashloo’s lawyer denied his client was responsible.

Some Iranian women’s rights activists say significant challenges hinder #MeToo cases. If an accuser fails to meet the high standard of proof for rape, she can then be accused of adultery.

“A woman who is a victim can quickly turn into a criminal if she can’t prove rape,” said Shadi Sadr, a prominent Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate based in London. “When she testifies that there was sex, she is testifying against herself as well.”

Still, more women are asking how to bring charges, said Leila Rahimi, a Tehran lawyer offering them free consultation and representation.

“You cannot hide this crime happening over and over in our society,” Rahimi said. “Both for women and men, silence does not improve things.”

Three years into the global #MeToo movement, women who say they have been sexually assaulted are improbably going public in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The movement’s reach inside Iran gained momentum in late August after allegations aired on Iranian social media against more than 100 men, including a giant e-commerce company’s former star manager, a prominent sociology professor and the owner of a popular bookstore.

Three years into the global #MeToo movement, women who say they have been sexually assaulted are improbably going public in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The movement’s reach inside Iran gained momentum in late August after allegations aired on Iranian social media against more than 100 men, including a giant e-commerce company’s former star manager, a prominent sociology professor and the owner of a popular bookstore. But the highest-profile person to face such allegations so far is a nearly 80-year-old, internationally acclaimed artist with ties to the ruling elite. Thirteen women, in interviews with The New York Times, accused the artist, Aydin Aghdashloo, of sexual misconduct over a 30-year span. Most are former students, and some are journalists who have reported on art and culture. The willingness by women who say they were victims to share their stories more openly is a groundbreaking shift in Iran’s conservative society, where discussing sex is culturally prohibited, sex outside marriage is illegal, and the burden of proof for victims of sexual crimes is onerous. A raped woman often gets the blame. Aghdashloo declined requests for an interview but strenuously denied wrongdoing, and according to his lawyer has already taken legal action against one accuser. In a written statement provided to The Times, Aghdashloo described himself as an independent artist whose career was built on creative achievement. Also read| The 22-year-old force behind Egypt’s growing #MeToo movement “The allegations of sexual abuse against me are full of significant inaccuracies, mischaracterizations and fabrications,” he wrote. “To be clear, I have always sought to treat people with respect and dignity and I have never abused, assaulted nor taken advantage of anyone.” Still, he wrote, “I am not a perfect man,” and that if his behavior had offended or distressed anyone, “I deeply apologize.” How the authorities treat the perpetrators and victims of sexual misconduct has become a test of the #MeToo movement’s durability in Iran, a country of more than 80 million. Compared with the impact in the United States after the accusations against Harvey Weinstein, the imprisoned Hollywood mogul, the fallout in Iran is only beginning to unfold. But there are signs that the male-controlled power structure in Iran has started to respond to accusations like those made against Aghdashloo. Also read| #MeToo: Iranian women break silence about sexual abuse through Twitter Tehran’s police chief announced on Oct. 12 that the bookstore owner, Keyvan Emamverdi, had confessed to raping 300 women, after 30 took the brave step of filing legal complaints. The police said he would be charged with “corruption on earth,” a capital offense. The e-commerce company Digikala opened an investigation into its former manager and apologized to female employees. Iran’s sociology union expelled the accused professor and called for a zero-tolerance policy at universities. A painting by Aghdashloo was pulled from the cover of a famous literary collection, and at least three women have said they are considering legal action against him. “This is a turning point for sexual abuse, the biggest taboo for women in Iran has been sex and sexual violence and abuse,” said Elnaaz Mohammadi, 33-year-old co-founder of Dideban Azar, or Abuse Watch, an education and advocacy group in Tehran. She said the group had received complaints about Aghdashloo from “students who have left his classes distraught and crying,” and that “all his denials have no value.” Also read| In nod to #MeToo, China codifies sexual harassment by law Paintings by Aghdashloo, a dual citizen of Canada, have been auctioned and displayed worldwide, and France honored him in 2016. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution he worked with the family of the shah to curate museums. He then moved into the circles of the revolution’s ruling clerics, and he and his family have business links to the hierarchy. Despite a few mentions in Iran’s conservative media as a royalist and Western spy, Aghdashloo has generally received glowing coverage in state media, with no hint of any possible sexual abuse. The Times found and interviewed former students of Aghdashloo’s after an Iranian journalist now living in the United States, Sara Omatali, posted on Twitter Aug. 22 that he had sexually assaulted her in 2006 when she visited to interview him. She wrote that he had greeted her while naked with a robe draped on his shoulder, forced a kiss and pressed his body on hers. Her account appeared to be the catalyst for others. In telephone interviews, 45 people — including former students, a longtime teaching assistant, art gallery owners, actresses, a Tehran art agent and journalists covering art and culture in Iran — all said Aghdashloo’s behavior toward young female students had been known in Iran’s art circles. Thirteen said they had been victims, including one who was 13 years old at the time. Many said they did not know each other. In each of these 13 instances, a family member, friend, or colleague recalled in separate interviews having been told about it. Nineteen described him as the “Harvey Weinstein of Iran,” elevating or destroying careers of women depending on their receptiveness to his advances. One former student said he had offered her one of his paintings — worth $100,000, the price of a small apartment in Tehran — if she slept with him. Another said he had retaliated when she refused him, telling galleries to shun her artwork. Her career faltered. “Aghdashloo’s reputation was an open secret in the art world but nobody did anything about it,” said Solmaz Azhdari, 32, who studied painting under him. She said she had witnessed him placing his hands between a young female student’s legs in 2007 during a sketching class, as Azhdari stooped to retrieve a dropped pencil. In telling their stories, some asked to be identified only by their first names — a reflection of the subject’s sensitivity in a conservative society and their fear of Aghdashloo. Three years into the global #MeToo movement, women who say they have been sexually assaulted are improbably going public in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The movement’s reach inside Iran gained momentum in late August after allegations aired on Iranian social media against more than 100 men, including a giant e-commerce company’s former star manager, a prominent sociology professor and the owner of a popular bookstore. But the highest-profile person to face such allegations so far is a nearly 80-year-old, internationally acclaimed artist with ties to the ruling elite. Thirteen women, in interviews with The New York Times, accused the artist, Aydin Aghdashloo, of sexual misconduct over a 30-year span. Most are former students, and some are journalists who have reported on art and culture. The willingness by women who say they were victims to share their stories more openly is a groundbreaking shift in Iran’s conservative society, where discussing sex is culturally prohibited, sex outside marriage is illegal, and the burden of proof for victims of sexual crimes is onerous. A raped woman often gets the blame. Aghdashloo declined requests for an interview but strenuously denied wrongdoing, and according to his lawyer has already taken legal action against one accuser. In a written statement provided to The Times, Aghdashloo described himself as an independent artist whose career was built on creative achievement. “The allegations of sexual abuse against me are full of significant inaccuracies, mischaracterizations and fabrications,” he wrote. “To be clear, I have always sought to treat people with respect and dignity and I have never abused, assaulted nor taken advantage of anyone.” Still, he wrote, “I am not a perfect man,” and that if his behavior had offended or distressed anyone, “I deeply apologize.” How the authorities treat the perpetrators and victims of sexual misconduct has become a test of the #MeToo movement’s durability in Iran, a country of more than 80 million. Compared with the impact in the United States after the accusations against Harvey Weinstein, the imprisoned Hollywood mogul, the fallout in Iran is only beginning to unfold. But there are signs that the male-controlled power structure in Iran has started to respond to accusations like those made against Aghdashloo. Tehran’s police chief announced on Oct. 12 that the bookstore owner, Keyvan Emamverdi, had confessed to raping 300 women, after 30 took the brave step of filing legal complaints. The police said he would be charged with “corruption on earth,” a capital offense. The e-commerce company Digikala opened an investigation into its former manager and apologized to female employees. Iran’s sociology union expelled the accused professor and called for a zero-tolerance policy at universities. A painting by Aghdashloo was pulled from the cover of a famous literary collection, and at least three women have said they are considering legal action against him. “This is a turning point for sexual abuse, the biggest taboo for women in Iran has been sex and sexual violence and abuse,” said Elnaaz Mohammadi, 33-year-old co-founder of Dideban Azar, or Abuse Watch, an education and advocacy group in Tehran. She said the group had received complaints about Aghdashloo from “students who have left his classes distraught and crying,” and that “all his denials have no value.” Paintings by Aghdashloo, a dual citizen of Canada, have been auctioned and displayed worldwide, and France honored him in 2016. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution he worked with the family of the shah to curate museums. He then moved into the circles of the revolution’s ruling clerics, and he and his family have business links to the hierarchy. Despite a few mentions in Iran’s conservative media as a royalist and Western spy, Aghdashloo has generally received glowing coverage in state media, with no hint of any possible sexual abuse. The Times found and interviewed former students of Aghdashloo’s after an Iranian journalist now living in the United States, Sara Omatali, posted on Twitter Aug. 22 that he had sexually assaulted her in 2006 when she visited to interview him. She wrote that he had greeted her while naked with a robe draped on his shoulder, forced a kiss and pressed his body on hers. Her account appeared to be the catalyst for others. In telephone interviews, 45 people — including former students, a longtime teaching assistant, art gallery owners, actresses, a Tehran art agent and journalists covering art and culture in Iran — all said Aghdashloo’s behavior toward young female students had been known in Iran’s art circles. Thirteen said they had been victims, including one who was 13 years old at the time. Many said they did not know each other. In each of these 13 instances, a family member, friend, or colleague recalled in separate interviews having been told about it. Nineteen described him as the “Harvey Weinstein of Iran,” elevating or destroying careers of women depending on their receptiveness to his advances. One former student said he had offered her one of his paintings — worth $100,000, the price of a small apartment in Tehran — if she slept with him. Another said he had retaliated when she refused him, telling galleries to shun her artwork. Her career faltered. “Aghdashloo’s reputation was an open secret in the art world but nobody did anything about it,” said Solmaz Azhdari, 32, who studied painting under him. She said she had witnessed him placing his hands between a young female student’s legs in 2007 during a sketching class, as Azhdari stooped to retrieve a dropped pencil. In telling their stories, some asked to be identified only by their first names — a reflection of the subject’s sensitivity in a conservative society and their fear of Aghdashloo. ‘I was terrified of what he could do to me or my career.’ Maryam, an art photographer, 49, said she had visited Aghdashloo in 2010, to collect two paintings from his basement studio for the gallery where she worked. She said Aghdashloo had insisted she view his paintings of nude women, then forcibly kissed her and tore at her clothes. When she screamed, Maryam said, he covered her mouth with his hands; she pushed him away and fled, shouting “you have no shame!” Maryam said she quit her job, and on her mother’s advice never publicized the encounter or contacted the police. “I was terrified of what he could do to me and my career if I told anyone or brought charges,” she said. In his art classes, the former students said, he asked the women to sit on his lap when he reviewed their work, pressed against them while teaching, touched their bodies, made lewd comments and shared explicit details of a fascination with adolescent girls. Mehrnaz, 54, said he made her sit on his lap and caressed her thighs. Atty, 30, said he had locked her in his office and forcibly kissed her. Another said he asked the color of her underwear as he touched her. Afarin, a Tehran teacher, said she had been molested repeatedly 30 years ago, at age 13, by Aghdashloo, who would press his groin against her and touch her thighs while teaching painting technique. She had been too terrified to tell her parents, she said, and still avoids the street where Aghdashloo held class. “I feel relieved that a man who has abused so many women and girls is finally being exposed,” she said. Laleh Sabouri, a 50-year-old actress and television star, took art lessons with Aghdashloo for two years. Days after Omatali’s Twitter posting, Sabouri tweeted that most women were terrified of being alone with him and that accusations of rape would be “befitting.” Aghdashloo’s lawyer said he had taken legal action over that tweet, calling it “baseless.” One of Aghdashloo’s teaching assistants, who helped manage his workshops for 12 years, said she had witnessed frequent misbehavior by him toward female students and that some had complained to her. She had confronted him and he replied that women should consider his affection a privilege, the assistant recalled. She ultimately resigned, she said, because he had assaulted her. Omatali’s account struck a nerve among Iranian female journalists. Several said the advice in newsrooms was that no woman should interview Aghdashloo alone. Solmaz Naraghi, 42, an art and culture reporter, said Aghdashloo sexually harassed her repeatedly in public after she had rebuffed his advances during one such interview. Her former husband recalled her in tears at a gallery after an encounter with Aghdashloo. His supporters have rallied to defend him, including former students who posted a letter on Instagram. His first wife, Hollywood actress Shoreh Aghdashloo, said he was “simply not capable of such heinous acts.” One former student, Mitra Zad, said she had seen “nothing but good things” from him. A formidable figure who straddles art and politics Aydin Aghdashloo’s influence in Iran’s art world seemed to only grow after the revolution. He often boasted about connections to government and religious officials and said he was invulnerable because of them, former students and the teaching assistant said — a description he rejected in his statement to the Times. “I have always worked as an independent artist and, following the revolution, have earned my living not through credits and connections to the state but through my art,” Aghdashloo wrote. His students have included the daughter of Tehran’s Friday Prayer imam and grandchildren of a founding cleric of the revolution. He has worked as a consultant, instructor, author and art appraiser for Astan Quds Razavi, a religious and economic conglomerate controlled by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which is under U.S. sanctions. The former head of Astan is Iran’s judiciary chief. Aghdashloo’s daughter married into a family that owns Part Sazan, a conglomerate with ties to state-owned enterprises in the oil, gas and automotive industries. The link to the company, which lists a senior member of the Revolutionary Guard's Basij militia as chief executive and board member, has further strengthened his aura of impunity, a number of women said. Anonymous allegations against Aghdashloo first surfaced in 2018 when an Iranian investigative journalist, Afshin Parvaresh, posted on Instagram that he had interviewed 21 women, including a minor, who said Aghdashloo had assaulted them. Parvaresh said he received violent threats. Aghdashloo’s lawyer denied his client was responsible. Some Iranian women’s rights activists say significant challenges hinder #MeToo cases. If an accuser fails to meet the high standard of proof for rape, she can then be accused of adultery. “A woman who is a victim can quickly turn into a criminal if she can’t prove rape,” said Shadi Sadr, a prominent Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate based in London. “When she testifies that there was sex, she is testifying against herself as well.” Still, more women are asking how to bring charges, said Leila Rahimi, a Tehran lawyer offering them free consultation and representation. “You cannot hide this crime happening over and over in our society,” Rahimi said. “Both for women and men, silence does not improve things.”

A #MeToo awakening stirs in Iran

United States' Director of National intelligence, John Ratcliffe has said that Russia & Iran have both taken actions to trying to interfere in the 2020 presidential election.

US intel agencies: Iran & Russia have tried to interfere in 2020 election

iran

Iran, News on Iran, stories on Iran, articles on Iran, Iran stories at Wion, Iran news, Iran latest news