Authorities in Iran have reportedly halted the impending execution of three anti-government protesters amid social media protests.

The internet access in Iran was disrupted on Wednesday after a social media campaign using Persian hashtag #do_not_execute was used 7.5 million times against the country's death penalty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tweets-in-farsi-condemning-irans-death-sentence-against-three-protesters-313544" hreflang="en">Trump tweets in Farsi condemning Iran's death sentence against protesters</a>

The campaign went viral and a broad range of groups and activists took up the call, including exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi who circulated the English version of the hashtag: #StopExecutionsInIran. Pahlavi is the son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was deposed by the Iranian Revolution.

It happened after it was announced on Tuesday that the Supreme Court had upheld their death sentences.

Iranian service providers linked to the regime's security services began slowing connection speeds according to Internet monitoring groups such as NetBlocks.org, one such watchdog.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Confirmed: Significant disruption to multiple networks in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> after 5 p.m. UTC (9:30 p.m. local time); real-time network data show significant impact to subscriber internet lines limiting citizens' ability to communicate; incident ongoing 📉 <a href="https://t.co/XZ1rNXgRHB">pic.twitter.com/XZ1rNXgRHB</a>
— NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1283106806332620801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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NetBlocks describing the incident as having a "partial impact" across multiple providers and said Wednesday that the disruption lasted for around three hours.

However, it was due to the campaign that a retrial has been ordered giving Amirhossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi an opportunity to prove their innocence.

Lawyers for the three men have been informed that they can for the first time examine the court papers and evidence against their clients.

Iran on Tuesday executed two people convicted of involvement in a 2010 bomb attack that killed a dozen people, the Islamic republic's judiciary said. 
&nbsp;

Authorities in Iran have reportedly halted the impending execution of three anti-government protesters amid social media protests. The internet access in Iran was disrupted on Wednesday after a social media campaign using Persian hashtag #do_not_execute was used 7.

Authorities in Iran have reportedly halted the impending execution of three anti-government protesters amid social media protests. The internet access in Iran was disrupted on Wednesday after a social media campaign using Persian hashtag #do_not_execute was used 7.5 million times against the country's death penalty. Also read: Trump tweets in Farsi condemning Iran's death sentence against protesters The campaign went viral and a broad range of groups and activists took up the call, including exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi who circulated the English version of the hashtag: #StopExecutionsInIran. Pahlavi is the son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was deposed by the Iranian Revolution. It happened after it was announced on Tuesday that the Supreme Court had upheld their death sentences. Iranian service providers linked to the regime's security services began slowing connection speeds according to Internet monitoring groups such as NetBlocks.org, one such watchdog. Confirmed: Significant disruption to multiple networks in #Iran after 5 p.m. UTC (9:30 p.m. local time); real-time network data show significant impact to subscriber internet lines limiting citizens' ability to communicate; incident ongoing 📉 pic.twitter.com/XZ1rNXgRHB — NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) July 14, 2020 × NetBlocks describing the incident as having a "partial impact" across multiple providers and said Wednesday that the disruption lasted for around three hours. However, it was due to the campaign that a retrial has been ordered giving Amirhossein Moradi, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Tamjidi an opportunity to prove their innocence. Lawyers for the three men have been informed that they can for the first time examine the court papers and evidence against their clients. Iran on Tuesday executed two people convicted of involvement in a 2010 bomb attack that killed a dozen people, the Islamic republic's judiciary said.

Iran: Judiciary halts execution of three protesters amid social media protests

Iran said that the misalignment of an air defence unit's radar system was the key "human error" that led to the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January, according to Reuters.

"A failure occurred due to a human error in following the procedure" for aligning the radar, causing a "107-degree error" in the system, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO) said in a report late Saturday.

This error "initiated a hazard chain" that saw further errors committed in the minutes before the plane was shot down, said the CAO document, presented as a "factual report" and not as the final report on the accident investigation, the report added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Trump warns Iran against 'massacre' as protests erupt over downing of Ukrainian airplane">Trump warns Iran against 'massacre' as protests erupt over downing of Ukrainian airplane</a>

Flight 752, a Ukraine International Airlines jetliner, was struck by two missiles and crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran's main airport on January 8, at a time of heightened US-Iranian tensions.

The Islamic republic admitted several days later that its forces accidentally shot down the Kiev-bound plane, killing all 176 people on board.

The CAO said that, despite the erroneous information available to the radar system operator on the aircraft's trajectory, he could have identified his target as an airliner, but instead there was a "wrong identification".&nbsp;

The report also noted that the first of the two missiles launched at the aircraft was fired by a defence unit operator who had acted "without receiving any response from the Coordination Center" on which he depended.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-to-lead-prayers-amid-outrage-over-ukrainian-plane-crash-274821">Iran's supreme leader Khamenei to lead 'prayers' amid uproar over Ukrainian plane crash</a>

The second missile was fired 30 seconds later, "by observing the continuity of trajectory of the detected target," the report added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Iran said that the misalignment of an air defence unit's radar system was the key "human error" that led to the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January, according to Reuters.

Iran said that the misalignment of an air defence unit's radar system was the key "human error" that led to the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January, according to Reuters. "A failure occurred due to a human error in following the procedure" for aligning the radar, causing a "107-degree error" in the system, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO) said in a report late Saturday. This error "initiated a hazard chain" that saw further errors committed in the minutes before the plane was shot down, said the CAO document, presented as a "factual report" and not as the final report on the accident investigation, the report added. Also read: Trump warns Iran against 'massacre' as protests erupt over downing of Ukrainian airplane Flight 752, a Ukraine International Airlines jetliner, was struck by two missiles and crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran's main airport on January 8, at a time of heightened US-Iranian tensions. The Islamic republic admitted several days later that its forces accidentally shot down the Kiev-bound plane, killing all 176 people on board. The CAO said that, despite the erroneous information available to the radar system operator on the aircraft's trajectory, he could have identified his target as an airliner, but instead there was a "wrong identification". The report also noted that the first of the two missiles launched at the aircraft was fired by a defence unit operator who had acted "without receiving any response from the Coordination Center" on which he depended. Also read: Iran's supreme leader Khamenei to lead 'prayers' amid uproar over Ukrainian plane crash The second missile was fired 30 seconds later, "by observing the continuity of trajectory of the detected target," the report added. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran says 'human error' to blame for downing of Ukrainian jet

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called the resurgence of coronavirus pandemic "truly tragic" on Sunday while holding a video conference with other lawmakers. Iranian leader urged the citizens to eradicate the worst outbreak in the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-imposes-border-checks-quarantine-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-312767" hreflang="en">Hungary imposes border checks, quarantine to prevent spread of coronavirus</a>

"Let everyone play their part in the best way to break the chain of transmission in the short term and save the country," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said.&nbsp;

Iran, despite reporting its first case in February, is struggling to contain the outbreak and has witnessed over 12,800 deaths.&nbsp;

This was Khamenei's first speech in the new parliament which took office at the end of May, dominated by conservatives and ultraconservatives elected in February elections. &nbsp;

Iran's supreme leader praised the health workers for their initiatives and "their sacrifices".

But he also strongly criticised "some people who do not even do something as simple as wearing a mask", saying he felt "ashamed" of such behaviour.&nbsp;

According to figures announced Sunday, 194 deaths from the COVID-19 disease and 2,186 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

The health ministry announced a record 221 deaths in a single day on Thursday.&nbsp;

In total, 257,303 cases have been reported in the country, including 12,829 deaths, health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said Sunday in a televised press conference.&nbsp;

The country had all its schools and cancelled the public events in the wake of the virus but resumed all the activities and lift the restrictions slowly since April.&nbsp;

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called the resurgence of coronavirus pandemic "truly tragic" on Sunday while holding a video conference with other lawmakers.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called the resurgence of coronavirus pandemic "truly tragic" on Sunday while holding a video conference with other lawmakers. Iranian leader urged the citizens to eradicate the worst outbreak in the country. Also read: Hungary imposes border checks, quarantine to prevent spread of coronavirus "Let everyone play their part in the best way to break the chain of transmission in the short term and save the country," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. Iran, despite reporting its first case in February, is struggling to contain the outbreak and has witnessed over 12,800 deaths. This was Khamenei's first speech in the new parliament which took office at the end of May, dominated by conservatives and ultraconservatives elected in February elections. Iran's supreme leader praised the health workers for their initiatives and "their sacrifices". But he also strongly criticised "some people who do not even do something as simple as wearing a mask", saying he felt "ashamed" of such behaviour. According to figures announced Sunday, 194 deaths from the COVID-19 disease and 2,186 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours. The health ministry announced a record 221 deaths in a single day on Thursday. In total, 257,303 cases have been reported in the country, including 12,829 deaths, health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said Sunday in a televised press conference. The country had all its schools and cancelled the public events in the wake of the virus but resumed all the activities and lift the restrictions slowly since April.

'Truly tragic': Iran's supreme leader on resurgence in coronavirus cases; urges everyone to fight against it

Iran said on Saturday that it ''cannot afford'' to shut down its sanction-hit economy despite record-high coronavirus death tolls and rising infections, according to AFP.

Iran said on Saturday that it ''cannot afford'' to shut down its sanction-hit economy despite record-high coronavirus death tolls and rising infections, according to AFP. Iran must continue "economic, social and cultural activities while observing health protocols", the report stated President Hassan Rouhani as saying during a televised virus taskforce meeting. "The simplest solution is to close down all activities, (but) the next day, people would come out to protest the (resulting) chaos, hunger, hardship and pressure," he added. Also read: Iran reports highest surge in COVID-19 cases in nearly two months The Islamic republic has been struggling since late February to contain the outbreak, the deadliest in the Middle East. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari reported Saturday that 188 people had died from the respiratory disease in the past 24 hours, raising the overall toll to 12,635. Iran's daily COVID-19 death toll has topped 100 since around mid-June, with a record single-day tally of 221 reported on Thursday. Lari also raised the country's caseload to 255,117, with 2,397 new infections recorded. Also read: Wedding party in Iran fuelled fresh surge in coronavirus cases, says Rouhani The outbreak's rising toll has prompted authorities to make wearing masks mandatory in enclosed public spaces and to allow the hardest-hit provinces to reimpose restrictive measures. Iran closed schools, cancelled public events and banned movement between its 31 provinces in March, but Rouhani's government progressively lifted restrictions from April to reopen its sanctions-hit economy. Iran has suffered a sharp economic downturn after US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions. The International Monetary Fund predicts Iran's economy will shrink by six percent this year. "It is not possible to keep businesses and economic activities shut down in the long-term," Rouhani said, emphasising that "the people will not accept this". Health Minister Said Namaki warned on Wednesday of a potential "revolt over poverty" and blamed US sanctions for the government's "empty coffers". (With inputs from AFP)

Cannot afford to shut down economy despite worsening virus outbreak: Iran

Tehran has built underground "missile cities" along the Gulf coastline, says Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy chief

Iran says it has built underground missile cities along Gulf coast

Iran claims to have established multiple underground missile cities along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Naval Commander has called these missile cities as a nightmare for Iran enemies.

WION Dispatch: Iran Navy Chief makes massive claim, Iran missile cities nightmare for Iran enemies

Iranian health authorities on Sunday announced 163 new deaths due to the COVID-19 disease, the country's highest official one-day toll since the outbreak began in February.

Iranian health authorities on Sunday announced 163 new deaths due to the COVID-19 disease, the country's highest official one-day toll since the outbreak began in February. The previous record of 162 deaths was announced on Monday in the Islamic republic, which has been battling the Middle East's deadliest outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The new deaths bring the total toll in Iran to 11,571, health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on state television. "In the past 24 hours, 2,560 people have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections to 240,438," Lari added. Official figures have shown a rising trajectory in fatalities and new confirmed cases since Iran reported a near-two month low in daily recorded infections in early May. The increase has prompted the government to make the wearing of masks mandatory in enclosed public spaces, with some officials and state television anchors wearing masks on camera as part of a campaign to encourage their use. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to respect hygiene rules aimed at reining in the outbreak. But footage on state television showed people still travelling without face coverings on public transport, where masks have been obligatory for more than two months. The Islamic republic has not imposed a full-scale lockdown but has introduced restrictions, including on religious and commercial sites. But with its US sanctions-strapped economy in crisis, the country had progressively lifted measures from April, as infection numbers had declined. Official figures show that the virus has rebounded since then. Lari said almost a third of Iran's 31 provinces were classed "red", the highest category in the country's virus risk ranking. Authorities say infections in the nine provinces, all on Iran's borders, have yet to peak.

Iran reports new record one-day virus death toll of 163: Official

A fire that broke out at Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Thursday caused significant damage, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran was quoted as saying on Sunday by the official IRNA news agency.

A fire that broke out at Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Thursday caused significant damage, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran was quoted as saying on Sunday by the official IRNA news agency. Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said the fire could slow down Tehran's development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term, and that Iran would replace the damaged building with a bigger one that had more advanced equipment, according to Reuters. The spokesman said the cause of the blaze had been determined, but gave no details. Also read: France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers Some Iranian officials have blamed possible cyber-sabotage, according to BBC. Centrifuges are needed to produce enriched uranium, which can be used to make reactor fuel but also nuclear weapons, the BBC report added. Kamalvandi said security officials were not talking about what caused the Natanz fire "because of security reasons". Also read: Iran nuclear deal is hanging by a thread The incident, he was quoted as saying, had "caused significant damage, but there were no casualties". Other fires and explosions have also occurred in the past week in Iran. Natanz is the centrepiece of Iran's enrichment programme, which Tehran says is for peaceful purposes. Western intelligence agencies and the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog (IAEA) believe it had a coordinated, clandestine nuclear arms programme that it halted in 2003. Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons. The Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP), Iran's main uranium enrichment site which is mostly underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog. The IAEA said on Friday that the location of the fire did not contain nuclear materials and that none of its inspectors was present at the time. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran admits fire at Natanz nuclear facility caused significant damage

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-negotiating-25-year-accord-with-china-310927">Also read: Iran says negotiating a 25-year accord with China</a> 
 
Rouhani made the comments on July 4 as he announced new steps to try to curb the coronavirus pandemic that was first confirmed in Iran in February.

"Not wearing a mask is a de facto violation of other people's rights," the Iranian president said, according to the presidential website.

The death toll from the outbreak in the country stood at 11,408, while the total number of infections reached 237,878, according to official figures released by the Health Ministry on July 4. The actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher. 
 
Wearing masks becomes mandatory from Sunday in covered public places, Rouhani said on state television after tougher curbs were imposed in cities and towns in five provinces where the outbreak is rising after an easing of lockdowns from mid-April.

“Government employees should not serve people who do not wear masks and employees who do not wear them should be considered absentees and sent home,” said Rouhani.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week. Also read: Iran says negotiating a 25-year accord with China Rouhani made the comments on July 4 as he announced new steps to try to curb the coronavirus pandemic that was first confirmed in Iran in February. "Not wearing a mask is a de facto violation of other people's rights," the Iranian president said, according to the presidential website. The death toll from the outbreak in the country stood at 11,408, while the total number of infections reached 237,878, according to official figures released by the Health Ministry on July 4. The actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher. Wearing masks becomes mandatory from Sunday in covered public places, Rouhani said on state television after tougher curbs were imposed in cities and towns in five provinces where the outbreak is rising after an easing of lockdowns from mid-April. “Government employees should not serve people who do not wear masks and employees who do not wear them should be considered absentees and sent home,” said Rouhani. (With inputs from Reuters)

Wear masks, or be denied public services: Iran to citizens

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sunday that Iran has been negotiating a 25-year accord with China whose terms will be announced once a deal is struck.

"With confidence and conviction, we are negotiating a 25-year strategic accord with China," Iran's top trading partner, he told a stormy session of parliament.

China is also a key market for Iranian crude exports, which however have been dampened by US sanctions imposed after Washington's 2018 withdrawal from a nuclear deal with Tehran.

An accord with China has been a hot topic on Iranian social media since populist ex-president Mahmud Ahmadinejad last month denounced negotiations underway with a foreign country.

But Zarif, who came under fire over the 2015 nuclear accord which Iranian conservatives had opposed, insisted there was "nothing secret" about the China deal.

The nation would be informed "when an accord has been concluded", he said, adding it had already been made public in January 2016 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tehran.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sunday that Iran has been negotiating a 25-year accord with China whose terms will be announced once a deal is struck.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sunday that Iran has been negotiating a 25-year accord with China whose terms will be announced once a deal is struck. "With confidence and conviction, we are negotiating a 25-year strategic accord with China," Iran's top trading partner, he told a stormy session of parliament. China is also a key market for Iranian crude exports, which however have been dampened by US sanctions imposed after Washington's 2018 withdrawal from a nuclear deal with Tehran. An accord with China has been a hot topic on Iranian social media since populist ex-president Mahmud Ahmadinejad last month denounced negotiations underway with a foreign country. But Zarif, who came under fire over the 2015 nuclear accord which Iranian conservatives had opposed, insisted there was "nothing secret" about the China deal. The nation would be informed "when an accord has been concluded", he said, adding it had already been made public in January 2016 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tehran.

Iran says negotiating 25-year accord with China

After a mysterious&nbsp;fire broke out at the&nbsp;Natanz nuclear site in Iran, Iranian officials have blamed it on cyber sabotage. However, Israel's Defence Minister retaliated by saying that Israel is not "necessarily" behind every mysterious incident.

"Not every incident that transpires in Iran necessarily has something to do with us. All those systems are complex, they have very high safety constraints and I'm not sure they always know how to maintain them," said Benny Gantz.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-threatens-retaliation-after-what-it-calls-possible-cyber-attack-on-nuclear-site-310563">Also read:&nbsp;Iran threatens retaliation after what it calls possible cyber attack on nuclear site</a>

The one-storey underground Natanz site was partly burned in a fire on Thursday. The building is the monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency as it is believed to be a focus point of the country's uranium enrichment programme.

Israel is believed to be the region's only nuclear power. The country has pledged to never allow Iran to obtain any form of atomic weapons and&nbsp;says its atomic programme is peaceful.

The comment from Israel came after reports stated that Iran thinks the reason behind this fire could either be a cyber sabotage, or simply Israel or the US. However, the statements were issued by unnamed sources in a news wire agency, and the sources did not offer any evidence to support their words.

Last month, Israeli security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin said Iran had attempted to mount a cyber attack on Israel`s water system in April.

There has not been a reply from Iran, as of now. Investigations are underway.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

After a mysterious fire broke out at the Natanz nuclear site in Iran, Iranian officials have blamed it on cyber sabotage. However, Israel's Defence Minister retaliated by saying that Israel is not "necessarily" behind every mysterious incident.

After a mysterious fire broke out at the Natanz nuclear site in Iran, Iranian officials have blamed it on cyber sabotage. However, Israel's Defence Minister retaliated by saying that Israel is not "necessarily" behind every mysterious incident. "Not every incident that transpires in Iran necessarily has something to do with us. All those systems are complex, they have very high safety constraints and I'm not sure they always know how to maintain them," said Benny Gantz. Also read: Iran threatens retaliation after what it calls possible cyber attack on nuclear site The one-storey underground Natanz site was partly burned in a fire on Thursday. The building is the monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency as it is believed to be a focus point of the country's uranium enrichment programme. Israel is believed to be the region's only nuclear power. The country has pledged to never allow Iran to obtain any form of atomic weapons and says its atomic programme is peaceful. The comment from Israel came after reports stated that Iran thinks the reason behind this fire could either be a cyber sabotage, or simply Israel or the US. However, the statements were issued by unnamed sources in a news wire agency, and the sources did not offer any evidence to support their words. Last month, Israeli security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin said Iran had attempted to mount a cyber attack on Israel`s water system in April. There has not been a reply from Iran, as of now. Investigations are underway. (With inputs from Reuters)

Israel 'not necessarily' behind every Iran incident: Israel's Defence Minister

Iran will retaliate against any country that carries out cyber attacks on its nuclear sites, the head of civilian defence said, after a fire at its Natanz plant which some Iranian officials said may have been caused by cyber sabotage.

The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Iran`s top security body said on Friday that the cause of the "incident" at the nuclear site had been determined, but "due to security considerations" it would be announced at a convenient time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-government-boosts-cyber-security-after-state-backed-attacks-309605">Also read:&nbsp;Australian government boosts cyber security after state-backed attacks</a>

Iran`s Atomic Energy Organisation initially reported an "incident" had occurred early on Thursday at Natanz, located in the desert in the central province of Isfahan.

It later published a photo of a one-storey brick building with its roof and walls partly burned. A door hanging off its hinges suggested that there had been an explosion inside the building.

"Responding to cyber attacks is part of the country`s defence might. If it is proven that our country has been targeted by a cyber attack, we will respond," civil defence chief Gholamreza Jalali told state TV late on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sees-china-as-main-suspect-in-state-based-cyberattacks-says-report-307077">Also read:&nbsp;Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report</a>

An article issued on Thursday by state news agency IRNA addressed what it called the possibility of sabotage by enemies such as Israel and the United States, although it stopped short of accusing either directly.

"So far Iran has tried to prevent intensifying crises and the formation of unpredictable conditions and situations," IRNA said. "But the crossing of red lines of the Islamic Republic of Iran by hostile countries, especially the Zionist regime and the U.S., means that strategy...should be revised."

Suspicions

Three Iranian officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said they believed the fire was the result of a cyber attack, but did not cite any evidence.

One of the officials said the attack had targeted a centrifuge assembly building, referring to the delicate cylindrical machines that enrich uranium, and said Iran`s enemies had carried out similar acts in the past.

Two of the officials said Israel could have been behind the Natanz incident, but offered no evidence.

Asked on Thursday evening about recent incidents reported at strategic Iranian sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters: "Clearly we can`t get into that."

The Israeli military and Netanyahu`s office, which oversees Israel`s foreign intelligence service Mossad, did not immediately respond to Reuters queries on Friday.

In 2010, the Stuxnet computer virus, which is widely believed to have been developed by the United States and Israel, was discovered after it was used to attack the Natanz facility.

The IAEA said on Friday the location of the fire did not contain nuclear materials, and that none of its inspectors was present at the time.

"The Agency has been in contact with relevant Iranian authorities to confirm there will be no impact on its safeguards verification activities, which are expected to continue as before," an IAEA statement said, adding that Iran had told it the cause of the fire was not yet known.

Natanz is the centrepiece of Iran`s enrichment programme, which Tehran says is only for peaceful purposes.

Western intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe it had a coordinated, clandestine nuclear arms programme that it halted in 2003.

Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons, saying its atomic programme is only for peaceful purposes.

Iran curbed its nuclear work in exchange for the removal of most global sanctions under an accord reached with six world powers in 2015, but has reduced compliance with the deal`s restrictions since the United States withdrew in 2018.

Iran will retaliate against any country that carries out cyber attacks on its nuclear sites, the head of civilian defence said, after a fire at its Natanz plant which some Iranian officials said may have been caused by cyber sabotage.

Iran will retaliate against any country that carries out cyber attacks on its nuclear sites, the head of civilian defence said, after a fire at its Natanz plant which some Iranian officials said may have been caused by cyber sabotage. The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Iran`s top security body said on Friday that the cause of the "incident" at the nuclear site had been determined, but "due to security considerations" it would be announced at a convenient time. Also read: Australian government boosts cyber security after state-backed attacks Iran`s Atomic Energy Organisation initially reported an "incident" had occurred early on Thursday at Natanz, located in the desert in the central province of Isfahan. It later published a photo of a one-storey brick building with its roof and walls partly burned. A door hanging off its hinges suggested that there had been an explosion inside the building. "Responding to cyber attacks is part of the country`s defence might. If it is proven that our country has been targeted by a cyber attack, we will respond," civil defence chief Gholamreza Jalali told state TV late on Thursday. Also read: Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report An article issued on Thursday by state news agency IRNA addressed what it called the possibility of sabotage by enemies such as Israel and the United States, although it stopped short of accusing either directly. "So far Iran has tried to prevent intensifying crises and the formation of unpredictable conditions and situations," IRNA said. "But the crossing of red lines of the Islamic Republic of Iran by hostile countries, especially the Zionist regime and the U.S., means that strategy...should be revised." Suspicions Three Iranian officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said they believed the fire was the result of a cyber attack, but did not cite any evidence. One of the officials said the attack had targeted a centrifuge assembly building, referring to the delicate cylindrical machines that enrich uranium, and said Iran`s enemies had carried out similar acts in the past. Two of the officials said Israel could have been behind the Natanz incident, but offered no evidence. Asked on Thursday evening about recent incidents reported at strategic Iranian sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters: "Clearly we can`t get into that." The Israeli military and Netanyahu`s office, which oversees Israel`s foreign intelligence service Mossad, did not immediately respond to Reuters queries on Friday. In 2010, the Stuxnet computer virus, which is widely believed to have been developed by the United States and Israel, was discovered after it was used to attack the Natanz facility. The IAEA said on Friday the location of the fire did not contain nuclear materials, and that none of its inspectors was present at the time. "The Agency has been in contact with relevant Iranian authorities to confirm there will be no impact on its safeguards verification activities, which are expected to continue as before," an IAEA statement said, adding that Iran had told it the cause of the fire was not yet known. Natanz is the centrepiece of Iran`s enrichment programme, which Tehran says is only for peaceful purposes. Western intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe it had a coordinated, clandestine nuclear arms programme that it halted in 2003. Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons, saying its atomic programme is only for peaceful purposes. Iran curbed its nuclear work in exchange for the removal of most global sanctions under an accord reached with six world powers in 2015, but has reduced compliance with the deal`s restrictions since the United States withdrew in 2018.

Iran threatens retaliation after what it calls possible cyber attack on nuclear site

Tehran on Thursday reported an "accident" at Natanz nuclear complex in central Iran, saying there were no casualties or radioactive pollution, and warned foes -- especially Israel -- against hostile actions.

There was "no nuclear material (at the damaged warehouse) and no potential of pollution," the spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation Behrouz Kamalvandi told state television.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-at-iranian-nuclear-facility-no-damage-reported-officials-say-310191">Fire breaks out at Iranian nuclear facility, no damage reported, officials say</a>

Kamalvandi said no radioactive material or personnel were present at the warehouse within the Natanz site in central Iran, one of the country's main uranium enrichment plants.

He noted that the cause was being investigated, and said it had caused "some structural damage" without specifying the nature of the accident.

There was "no interruption to the work of the enrichment site itself", which "is working at the pace it used to," Kamalvandi said.

Hours after the announcement, Iran's state news agency IRNA published an editorial warning that "if there are signs of hostile countries crossing Iran's red lines in any way, especially the Zionist regime (Israel) and the United States, Iran's strategy to confront the new situation must be fundamentally reconsidered."

The Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation released a photo purportedly from the site, showing a one-storey building with a damaged roof, walls apparently blackened by fire and doors hanging off their hinges as if blown out from the inside.

State TV later showed a different angle of the building with minor damage to its walls and some of its fans still working.

According to a statement released by the nuclear body, the warehouse was under construction and the accident caused no casualties.

Natanz governor Ramezan-Ali Ferdowsi told the Tasnim news agency that a fire had broken out at the warehouse.

Cause unknown&nbsp;

IRNA reported that unnamed Israeli social media accounts had claimed the Jewish state was responsible for the "sabotage attempts".

It stressed that Iran had tried "to prevent escalations and unpredictable situations while defending its position and national interests".

The BBC's Persian service, which Iranian authorities consider hostile, said it received a statement "hours before" the accident from a group called the "Homeland Cheetahs" who claimed responsibility for the accident.

They claimed to be "dissidents present in Iran's security apparatuses" and said the location was targeted as it was not "underground" and therefore the alleged attack could not be denied.

Iran's nuclear body has yet to provide an explanation for the cause of the accident.

Tehran-based analyst Mohammad Marandi ridiculed claims of responsibility for the accident on Twitter.

"If there's a fire anywhere, Iran's foes claim a military strike," said Marandi, who heads the American studies department at Tehran University.

"BBC Persian claims sabotage by a secret organisation, while their brethren in Israeli propaganda claim a drone strike! Poor coordination."

The accident comes six days after an explosion near a military complex rocked the Iranian capital.

The blast in the Parchin area in the southeast of Tehran was due to "leaking gas tanks", Iran's defence ministry said on Friday.

Parchin is suspected of having hosted conventional explosion tests with nuclear applications, which the Islamic republic denies.

Tehran announced in May last year it would progressively suspend certain commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, unilaterally abandoned by the United States in 2018.

Iran restarted enriching uranium at Natanz last September after having agreed under the accord to put such activities there on hold.

The UN nuclear watchdog said last month that Tehran was continuing to produce enriched uranium in Natanz using "no more than 5,060 (so called first-generation) centrifuges installed in 30 cascades".

Tehran has always denied its nuclear programme has any military dimension.

The 2015 deal promised Iran sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its atomic activities.

US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the deal was followed by Washington reimposing biting unilateral sanctions.

Tehran on Thursday reported an "accident" at Natanz nuclear complex in central Iran, saying there were no casualties or radioactive pollution, and warned foes -- especially Israel -- against hostile actions.

Tehran on Thursday reported an "accident" at Natanz nuclear complex in central Iran, saying there were no casualties or radioactive pollution, and warned foes -- especially Israel -- against hostile actions. There was "no nuclear material (at the damaged warehouse) and no potential of pollution," the spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation Behrouz Kamalvandi told state television. Also read | Fire breaks out at Iranian nuclear facility, no damage reported, officials say Kamalvandi said no radioactive material or personnel were present at the warehouse within the Natanz site in central Iran, one of the country's main uranium enrichment plants. He noted that the cause was being investigated, and said it had caused "some structural damage" without specifying the nature of the accident. There was "no interruption to the work of the enrichment site itself", which "is working at the pace it used to," Kamalvandi said. Hours after the announcement, Iran's state news agency IRNA published an editorial warning that "if there are signs of hostile countries crossing Iran's red lines in any way, especially the Zionist regime (Israel) and the United States, Iran's strategy to confront the new situation must be fundamentally reconsidered." The Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation released a photo purportedly from the site, showing a one-storey building with a damaged roof, walls apparently blackened by fire and doors hanging off their hinges as if blown out from the inside. State TV later showed a different angle of the building with minor damage to its walls and some of its fans still working. According to a statement released by the nuclear body, the warehouse was under construction and the accident caused no casualties. Natanz governor Ramezan-Ali Ferdowsi told the Tasnim news agency that a fire had broken out at the warehouse. Cause unknown IRNA reported that unnamed Israeli social media accounts had claimed the Jewish state was responsible for the "sabotage attempts". It stressed that Iran had tried "to prevent escalations and unpredictable situations while defending its position and national interests". The BBC's Persian service, which Iranian authorities consider hostile, said it received a statement "hours before" the accident from a group called the "Homeland Cheetahs" who claimed responsibility for the accident. They claimed to be "dissidents present in Iran's security apparatuses" and said the location was targeted as it was not "underground" and therefore the alleged attack could not be denied. Iran's nuclear body has yet to provide an explanation for the cause of the accident. Tehran-based analyst Mohammad Marandi ridiculed claims of responsibility for the accident on Twitter. "If there's a fire anywhere, Iran's foes claim a military strike," said Marandi, who heads the American studies department at Tehran University. "BBC Persian claims sabotage by a secret organisation, while their brethren in Israeli propaganda claim a drone strike! Poor coordination." The accident comes six days after an explosion near a military complex rocked the Iranian capital. The blast in the Parchin area in the southeast of Tehran was due to "leaking gas tanks", Iran's defence ministry said on Friday. Parchin is suspected of having hosted conventional explosion tests with nuclear applications, which the Islamic republic denies. Tehran announced in May last year it would progressively suspend certain commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, unilaterally abandoned by the United States in 2018. Iran restarted enriching uranium at Natanz last September after having agreed under the accord to put such activities there on hold. The UN nuclear watchdog said last month that Tehran was continuing to produce enriched uranium in Natanz using "no more than 5,060 (so called first-generation) centrifuges installed in 30 cascades". Tehran has always denied its nuclear programme has any military dimension. The 2015 deal promised Iran sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its atomic activities. US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the deal was followed by Washington reimposing biting unilateral sanctions.

Iran reports 'accident' at nuclear site, warns enemies

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday urged United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to extend the arms embargo on Iran which is set to expire in October. "Because of the flawed nuclear deal negotiated by the previous American administration, the arms embargo on the world`s most heinous terrorist regime is scheduled to expire on October 18th, a mere four months from now.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday urged United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to extend the arms embargo on Iran which is set to expire in October. "Because of the flawed nuclear deal negotiated by the previous American administration, the arms embargo on the world`s most heinous terrorist regime is scheduled to expire on October 18th, a mere four months from now. Four months," Pompeo said while urging the members to "Stand for international peace and security, as the United Nations` founders intended." "If you fail to act, Iran will be free to purchase Russian-made fighter jets that can strike up to a 3,000-kilometre radius, putting cities like Riyadh, New Delhi, Rome, and Warsaw in Iranian crosshairs. Iran will be free to upgrade and expand its fleet of submarines to further threaten international shipping and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea," he said. The secretary of state said Iran was not a responsible democracy like Australia or India. ''Just consider the secretary general`s UNSCR 2231 report that we`re discussing today. The report confirmed that weapons used to attack Saudi Arabia in September 2019 were of Iranian origin. The report has also confirmed the weapons interdicted off the coast of Yemen in November of 2019 and February 2020 were of Iranian origin," he said. The US Secretary said that Iran has already been violating the arms embargo, even before its expiration date. "Imagine if Iranian activity were sanctioned, authorized by this group if the restrictions were lifted," he noted. "The United States` overwhelming preference is to work with this council to extend the arms embargo to protect human life, to protect our national security, and to protect yours. We`ve imposed arms restrictions on Tehran in various forms for 13 years, and with good reason, and to substantial effect." "Renewing the embargo will exert more pressure on Tehran to start behaving like a normal nation," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Mike Pompeo urges UNSC to extend arms embargo on Iran

At least 19 people were killed after a powerful explosion hit a clinic in northern Tehran.

The blast occurred at the Sina At'har health care centre. Authorities sent medical units to the area immediately as &nbsp;plume of black smoke filled the sky.

According to reports, firefighters recovered six bodies with several still wounded. The blaze was later brought under control with reports indicating that the building caught fire after an explosion occurred as the gas canisters caught fire in the clinic's basement.

Iran's capital Tehran was earlier hit with&nbsp;an explosion near a military complex. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 19 people were killed after a powerful explosion hit a clinic in northern Tehran. The blast occurred at the Sina At'har health care centre. Authorities sent medical units to the area immediately as plume of black smoke filled the sky.

At least 19 people were killed after a powerful explosion hit a clinic in northern Tehran. The blast occurred at the Sina At'har health care centre. Authorities sent medical units to the area immediately as plume of black smoke filled the sky. According to reports, firefighters recovered six bodies with several still wounded. The blaze was later brought under control with reports indicating that the building caught fire after an explosion occurred as the gas canisters caught fire in the clinic's basement. Iran's capital Tehran was earlier hit with an explosion near a military complex.

At least 19 dead as explosion hits clinic in Iran

Iran recorded its highest number of deaths from COVID-19 within a 24-hour period, official health ministry figures showed on Monday.

Iran has faced surge in daily number of cases and death toll

Facing a surge in COVID-19 cases Iran has launched a campaign that is urging people to wear face masks. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Iran's 'mask-wearing' campaign to combat surge in COVID-19 cases

Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining President Donald Trump and dozens of others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

WION Dispatch: Iran issues arrest warrant against Donald Trump

Iran has issued an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the killing of top general of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Also read: Does the killing of Qasem Soleimani violate international law?</a> 
 
Prosecutor-General of Tehran Ali Alqasi Mehr is looking for Donald Trump and 35 other suspects behind the alleged assassination of top general and has asked Interpol for help. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-execute-cia-agent-involved-in-commander-soleimanis-killing-says-official-304510">Also read: Iran will execute CIA agent involved in commander Soleimani's killing, says official</a>

"36 individuals who have been involved or ordered the assassination of Hajj Qassem, including the political and military officials of the US and other governments, have been identified and arrest warrants have been issued for them by the judiciary officials and red alerts have also been issued for them via the Interpol," said Ali Alqasi Mehr.

The arrest warrant for the US President comes nearly six months after the general was killed on January 3. 
 
Interpol, based in Lyon, France, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran has issued an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the killing of top general of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani. Also read: Does the killing of Qasem Soleimani violate international law?

Iran has issued an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the killing of top general of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani. Also read: Does the killing of Qasem Soleimani violate international law? Prosecutor-General of Tehran Ali Alqasi Mehr is looking for Donald Trump and 35 other suspects behind the alleged assassination of top general and has asked Interpol for help. Also read: Iran will execute CIA agent involved in commander Soleimani's killing, says official "36 individuals who have been involved or ordered the assassination of Hajj Qassem, including the political and military officials of the US and other governments, have been identified and arrest warrants have been issued for them by the judiciary officials and red alerts have also been issued for them via the Interpol," said Ali Alqasi Mehr. The arrest warrant for the US President comes nearly six months after the general was killed on January 3. Interpol, based in Lyon, France, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran issues an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over killing of top general Qassem Soleimani

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-big-power-rivalry-is-likely-to-unfold-in-the-gulf-region-308187">Also read|&nbsp;How big power rivalry is likely to unfold in the Gulf region</a>

Iranian state media quoted a local official in Bushehr province on the Gulf as saying the Saudi coastguard had opened fire on Iranian fishermen who had strayed into Saudi waters but that initial reports said no one was hurt.

The Iranian report said the fishermen had left on June 21 for a 10-day trip. It did not specify when the engagement with the Saudi coastguard occurred.

It was not immediately clear whether the two reports referred to the same incident.

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday. The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots. Also read| How big power rivalry is likely to unfold in the Gulf region Iranian state media quoted a local official in Bushehr province on the Gulf as saying the Saudi coastguard had opened fire on Iranian fishermen who had strayed into Saudi waters but that initial reports said no one was hurt. The Iranian report said the fishermen had left on June 21 for a 10-day trip. It did not specify when the engagement with the Saudi coastguard occurred. It was not immediately clear whether the two reports referred to the same incident.

Saudi Arabia says it forces three Iranian boats out of its waters

Iran told the U.N.’s aviation agency that it would send black boxes from a downed Ukrainian jetliner to Paris for analysis, once countries involved in the investigation agree.

The other countries involved are Ukraine, Canada and the United States. Canada previously pressed Iran to send the black boxes to France for analysis.

“An Iranian aviation team will transfer the black boxes to France and data extraction will begin on July 20, if nothing happens out of the ordinary,” Mohsen Baharvand, the deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, was quoted as saying by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.

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Iran has advised today’s ICAO Council Session that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PS752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PS752</a> black boxes are to be read-out in France on 20 July, employing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> protocols while assuring the participation of representatives from all countries involved. ICAO advisors will continue supporting all parties.
— ICAO (@icao) <a href="https://twitter.com/icao/status/1276551478757535745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After initially denying any responsibility for the crash, Iranian officials were forced to admit that an IRGC air defence battery unintentionally shot down the airliner minutes after departing&nbsp;Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport amid heightened tensions with US&nbsp;forces in neighbouring Iraq.

Iran has requested help with repairing and downloading data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder of the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, the Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority tweeted.

However, Iran has refused to hand over the flight recorders from the Ukraine International Airlines flight, which was shot down on January&nbsp;8 near Tehran by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, killing 176 people including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.

Iran told the U.N.’s aviation agency that it would send black boxes from a downed Ukrainian jetliner to Paris for analysis, once countries involved in the investigation agree.

Iran told the U.N.’s aviation agency that it would send black boxes from a downed Ukrainian jetliner to Paris for analysis, once countries involved in the investigation agree. The other countries involved are Ukraine, Canada and the United States. Canada previously pressed Iran to send the black boxes to France for analysis. “An Iranian aviation team will transfer the black boxes to France and data extraction will begin on July 20, if nothing happens out of the ordinary,” Mohsen Baharvand, the deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, was quoted as saying by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency. Iran has advised today’s ICAO Council Session that #PS752 black boxes are to be read-out in France on 20 July, employing #COVID19 protocols while assuring the participation of representatives from all countries involved. ICAO advisors will continue supporting all parties. — ICAO (@icao) June 26, 2020 × After initially denying any responsibility for the crash, Iranian officials were forced to admit that an IRGC air defence battery unintentionally shot down the airliner minutes after departing Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport amid heightened tensions with US forces in neighbouring Iraq. Iran has requested help with repairing and downloading data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder of the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, the Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority tweeted. However, Iran has refused to hand over the flight recorders from the Ukraine International Airlines flight, which was shot down on January 8 near Tehran by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, killing 176 people including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.

Iran to hand over black boxes of downed Ukraine jet to France for analysis

Iran's supreme leader warned on Saturday that the country's economic problems would worsen if the novel coronavirus spreads unchecked, saying the initial momentum to contain it had since "waned".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-heads-for-snap-controversial-elections-despite-coronavirus-pandemic-308884" hreflang="en">Singapore heads for snap controversial elections despite coronavirus pandemic</a>

The Islamic republic has struggled to curb the COVID-19 outbreak since it reported its first cases in the Shiite holy city of Qom in February.

It shut down non-essential businesses, closed schools and cancelled public events in March, but the government gradually lifted restrictions from April to try to reopen the country's sanctions-hit economy.

"It is correct to say that something must be done to prevent economic problems caused by the coronavirus," said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"But in the case of negligence and significant spread of the disease, economic problems will increase, too," he said in a meeting with judiciary officials, according to his official website.

The Iranian rial has plunged to new lows against the US dollar in recent days due to the temporary economy shutdown, border closures and halt in non-oil exports, according to analysts.

Iran's economic problems have worsened since 2018, when President Donald Trump withdrew the US from a landmark nuclear agreement and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic, targeting vital oil sales and banking ties.

Iran's health ministry spokeswoman said there had been 2,456 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, raising the country's caseload to 220,180.

Sima Sadat Lari added in televised remarks that 125 of those infected had died during the same period, with overall fatalities reaching 10,364.

"The sacrifice of health workers, efforts by volunteer groups and overall cooperation by the people made Iran one of the world's successful countries" in controlling the outbreak, Khamenei said.

"But that was early in the (outbreak), and now unfortunately that momentum and effort has waned among some of the people and authorities," he added.

Official figures have shown a rising trajectory in new confirmed cases since early May, when Iran hit a near two-month low in daily recorded infections.

Iran has refrained from imposing a mandatory lockdown on people to stop the virus' spread, but has called for mask-wearing to be made compulsory.

Iran's supreme leader warned on Saturday that the country's economic problems would worsen if the novel coronavirus spreads unchecked, saying the initial momentum to contain it had since "waned".

Iran's supreme leader warned on Saturday that the country's economic problems would worsen if the novel coronavirus spreads unchecked, saying the initial momentum to contain it had since "waned". Also read: Singapore heads for snap controversial elections despite coronavirus pandemic The Islamic republic has struggled to curb the COVID-19 outbreak since it reported its first cases in the Shiite holy city of Qom in February. It shut down non-essential businesses, closed schools and cancelled public events in March, but the government gradually lifted restrictions from April to try to reopen the country's sanctions-hit economy. "It is correct to say that something must be done to prevent economic problems caused by the coronavirus," said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "But in the case of negligence and significant spread of the disease, economic problems will increase, too," he said in a meeting with judiciary officials, according to his official website. The Iranian rial has plunged to new lows against the US dollar in recent days due to the temporary economy shutdown, border closures and halt in non-oil exports, according to analysts. Iran's economic problems have worsened since 2018, when President Donald Trump withdrew the US from a landmark nuclear agreement and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic, targeting vital oil sales and banking ties. Iran's health ministry spokeswoman said there had been 2,456 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, raising the country's caseload to 220,180. Sima Sadat Lari added in televised remarks that 125 of those infected had died during the same period, with overall fatalities reaching 10,364. "The sacrifice of health workers, efforts by volunteer groups and overall cooperation by the people made Iran one of the world's successful countries" in controlling the outbreak, Khamenei said. "But that was early in the (outbreak), and now unfortunately that momentum and effort has waned among some of the people and authorities," he added. Official figures have shown a rising trajectory in new confirmed cases since early May, when Iran hit a near two-month low in daily recorded infections. Iran has refrained from imposing a mandatory lockdown on people to stop the virus' spread, but has called for mask-wearing to be made compulsory.

Iran's Khamenei warns economy will worsen if coronavirus spreads

Three men have been arrested in Iran on suspicion of trying to sell two babies on Instagram,&nbsp;semi-official ISNA news agency reported Thursday.

A 20-day-old baby and a two-month-old child were rescued from the online infant-selling ring, the news agency said.

Tehran Police Chief Hossein Rahimi said a third baby has been identified but is yet to be found, ISNA reported.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/instagram-in-trouble-as-nearly-50-million-users-data-gets-leaked-online-220423">Instagram in trouble as nearly 50 million users' data gets leaked online</a>

The babies had already been bought from "poor families" for up to $500&nbsp;and were being resold for between $2,000 and $2,500.

One of those arrested allegedly said he was "getting babies from poor families" and "handing them over to families who could provide a better future".

Brig-Gen Rahimi told local media that police officers had been alerted to "ads on Instagram for selling babies".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/instagram-will-overtake-twitter-as-source-of-news-study-306223">Instagram will overtake Twitter as source of news: Study</a>

The officers uncovered "10 to 15 such pages" on the photo-sharing service and found the two babies with the three men who were arrested, he said. The babies were handed over to social services.

The suspects claimed that they had bought the babies from poor families for a "small fee", according to the general.

In a video published by the Young Journalists' Club news agency, one of the men said: "This would have helped these babies have a better future."

This is not the first such case uncovered by the authorities in Iran.

Earlier this year, police in the province of Gorgan said they had arrested four women and a man who had allegedly been finding poor pregnant women and paying their hospital expenses, then taking away their babies after they gave birth.

In 2016, then Vice-President for Family and Women's Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi expressed concern over what she said was the "high number" of expectant mothers selling their babies.

She said women were being forced to do so by "a variety of factors", including poverty, drug addiction, child marriage and homelessness.

A spokesperson for Facebook, which owns Instagram said&nbsp;that the company was investigating. "We do not allow content or behaviour on Instagram that may lead to human exploitation, which includes the sale of children for illegal adoption. We're aware of reports of this activity, and we're continuing to investigate," the statement said.

Facebook has a human exploitation&nbsp;policy, which covers harmful activities related to human exploitation and trafficking, and Instagram users are encouraged to report any concerning content using in-app tools or its&nbsp;reporting form.

Iran is among 21 "Tier Three" countries in the US State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which<a href="https://cnn.com/2019/06/20/politics/2019-state-department-tip-report/index.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>ranks nations that comprise the worst offenders on human trafficking.

The countries listed in this tier do "not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and (are) not making any efforts to do so," according to the report, which was published last year.

Three men have been arrested in Iran on suspicion of trying to sell two babies on Instagram, semi-official ISNA news agency reported Thursday. A 20-day-old baby and a two-month-old child were rescued from the online infant-selling ring, the news agency said.

Three men have been arrested in Iran on suspicion of trying to sell two babies on Instagram, semi-official ISNA news agency reported Thursday. A 20-day-old baby and a two-month-old child were rescued from the online infant-selling ring, the news agency said. Tehran Police Chief Hossein Rahimi said a third baby has been identified but is yet to be found, ISNA reported. Also read| Instagram in trouble as nearly 50 million users' data gets leaked online The babies had already been bought from "poor families" for up to $500 and were being resold for between $2,000 and $2,500. One of those arrested allegedly said he was "getting babies from poor families" and "handing them over to families who could provide a better future". Brig-Gen Rahimi told local media that police officers had been alerted to "ads on Instagram for selling babies". Also read| Instagram will overtake Twitter as source of news: Study The officers uncovered "10 to 15 such pages" on the photo-sharing service and found the two babies with the three men who were arrested, he said. The babies were handed over to social services. The suspects claimed that they had bought the babies from poor families for a "small fee", according to the general. In a video published by the Young Journalists' Club news agency, one of the men said: "This would have helped these babies have a better future." This is not the first such case uncovered by the authorities in Iran. Earlier this year, police in the province of Gorgan said they had arrested four women and a man who had allegedly been finding poor pregnant women and paying their hospital expenses, then taking away their babies after they gave birth. In 2016, then Vice-President for Family and Women's Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi expressed concern over what she said was the "high number" of expectant mothers selling their babies. She said women were being forced to do so by "a variety of factors", including poverty, drug addiction, child marriage and homelessness. A spokesperson for Facebook, which owns Instagram said that the company was investigating. "We do not allow content or behaviour on Instagram that may lead to human exploitation, which includes the sale of children for illegal adoption. We're aware of reports of this activity, and we're continuing to investigate," the statement said. Facebook has a human exploitation policy, which covers harmful activities related to human exploitation and trafficking, and Instagram users are encouraged to report any concerning content using in-app tools or its reporting form. Iran is among 21 "Tier Three" countries in the US State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which ranks nations that comprise the worst offenders on human trafficking. The countries listed in this tier do "not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and (are) not making any efforts to do so," according to the report, which was published last year.

Three men arrested in Iran for allegedly selling babies on Instagram

Iranian authorities said they were investigating an explosion in the early hours of Friday at a Defense Ministry facility east of Tehran, near a site that has been crucial for Iran’s development of missiles and munitions.

The Iranian Defense Ministry said the blast was caused by an explosion in an industrial gas tank in a civilian area of Parchin. The fire was brought under control and the blast caused no casualties, a spokesman for the ministry, Davoud Abdi, said on state television.

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A 2004 satellite image showing the military complex at Parchin, Iran. Photograph: AFP

“Our colleagues are present on the ground and investigating the incident carefully,” Abdi said.

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First video report of a massive explosion with red light around Tehran, heard by many residents. Reports of a military outpost around there. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> <a href="https://t.co/lQT4CPFLUC">pic.twitter.com/lQT4CPFLUC</a>
— Farnaz Fassihi (@farnazfassihi) <a href="https://twitter.com/farnazfassihi/status/1276269323527639041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Videos and pictures posted on social media that were picked up by local news outlets showed a bright light flaring out across the sky over the city early on Friday, followed by a large plume of smoke. Witnesses said the blast came from the direction of Parchin, a major military site.

Parchin is home to a sprawling military base where Iranian technicians were alleged to have&nbsp;<a data-link-name="in body link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/julian-borger-global-security-blog/2012/mar/13/parchin-iaea-inspections">t</a>ested high explosive components for a nuclear warhead&nbsp;in the early 200s, a claim Iran has denied.

In 2014, the military site was suspected to have been damaged by a fire or explosion but investigations by the International Atomic Energy Agency were hampered by a lack of access.

Iranian authorities said they were investigating an explosion in the early hours of Friday at a Defense Ministry facility east of Tehran, near a site that has been crucial for Iran’s development of missiles and munitions.

Iranian authorities said they were investigating an explosion in the early hours of Friday at a Defense Ministry facility east of Tehran, near a site that has been crucial for Iran’s development of missiles and munitions. The Iranian Defense Ministry said the blast was caused by an explosion in an industrial gas tank in a civilian area of Parchin. The fire was brought under control and the blast caused no casualties, a spokesman for the ministry, Davoud Abdi, said on state television. A 2004 satellite image showing the military complex at Parchin, Iran. Photograph: AFP “Our colleagues are present on the ground and investigating the incident carefully,” Abdi said. First video report of a massive explosion with red light around Tehran, heard by many residents. Reports of a military outpost around there. #Iran pic.twitter.com/lQT4CPFLUC — Farnaz Fassihi (@farnazfassihi) June 25, 2020 × Videos and pictures posted on social media that were picked up by local news outlets showed a bright light flaring out across the sky over the city early on Friday, followed by a large plume of smoke. Witnesses said the blast came from the direction of Parchin, a major military site. Parchin is home to a sprawling military base where Iranian technicians were alleged to have tested high explosive components for a nuclear warhead in the early 200s, a claim Iran has denied. In 2014, the military site was suspected to have been damaged by a fire or explosion but investigations by the International Atomic Energy Agency were hampered by a lack of access.

Iran authorities investigating large explosion near key military site

Iran on Tuesday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll in over two months, as it battles to contain the Middle East's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak. 
 
Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told a news conference that the new fatalities brought the overall virus death toll to 9,863. 
 
That is Iran's highest single-day fatality rate since April 11, when 125 deaths were recorded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/iran-reports-over-100-virus-deaths-for-fourth-day-306511" hreflang="en">Iran reports over 100 virus deaths for fourth day</a> 
 
Lari also announced another 2,445 people had tested positive for COVID in the past 24 hours, raising the country's caseload to 209,970. 
 
The Islamic republic recorded a drop in its daily fatalities in early May, but there has been a rise in recent weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/irans-daily-virus-death-toll-tops-100-for-first-time-in-two-months-305880" hreflang="en">Iran's daily virus death toll tops 100 for first time in two months</a> 
 
There has been scepticism at home and abroad about the country's official COVID figures, with concerns the actual toll could be much higher. 
 
Iran has not imposed a mandatory lockdown on people to stop the virus's spread, but it closed schools, cancelled public events and banned movement between the country's 31 provinces in March. 
 
The government progressively lifted restrictions from April in order to reopen its sanctions-hit economy.

Iran on Tuesday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll in over two months, as it battles to contain the Middle East's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak.

Iran on Tuesday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll in over two months, as it battles to contain the Middle East's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told a news conference that the new fatalities brought the overall virus death toll to 9,863. That is Iran's highest single-day fatality rate since April 11, when 125 deaths were recorded. Also read: Iran reports over 100 virus deaths for fourth day Lari also announced another 2,445 people had tested positive for COVID in the past 24 hours, raising the country's caseload to 209,970. The Islamic republic recorded a drop in its daily fatalities in early May, but there has been a rise in recent weeks. Also read: Iran's daily virus death toll tops 100 for first time in two months There has been scepticism at home and abroad about the country's official COVID figures, with concerns the actual toll could be much higher. Iran has not imposed a mandatory lockdown on people to stop the virus's spread, but it closed schools, cancelled public events and banned movement between the country's 31 provinces in March. The government progressively lifted restrictions from April in order to reopen its sanctions-hit economy.

Iran reports highest virus deaths since April

The number of daily deaths from the new coronavirus pandemic topped 100 in Iran for the first time in two months on Sunday, health ministry data showed.

Iran recorded 107 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 8,837. The total number of cases in the country has reached 187,427.&nbsp;

"Today it was very painful for us to announce a triple digit statistic... this virus is unpredictable and shifting,” Health Ministry spokesman Sima Sadat Lari said on state TV.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-virus-cases-jump-nearly-3000-in-a-day-a-2-month-high-302542">Also read:&nbsp;Iran says virus cases jump nearly 3,000 in a day, a 2-month high</a>

"Observe health protocols, take social distancing seriously, avoid gatherings and trips that aren’t essential and, God willing, in the coming days we will see the statistic come down into double digits and even single digits."

Iran last announced more than 100 deaths in one day on April 13, when the tally was 111.

Iran will reimpose restrictions to stem the surge in coronavirus cases if health regulations are not observed, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-highest-surge-in-covid-19-cases-in-nearly-two-months-301871">Also read:&nbsp;Iran reports highest surge in COVID-19 cases in nearly two months</a>

After gradually relaxing its lockdown since mid-April, Iran has seen a sharp rise of new daily infections in recent weeks.

Seven provinces where infections have been on the rise are currently considered red zones, the health ministry says.

On Sunday Rouhani accused the United States of attempting to block Iran's request to the International Monetary Fund for $5 billion in emergency funding to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.

"We are hopeful that the (IMF) is not put under America's pressure and will act according to its commitments to all countries," he said in comments broadcast on state TV.

The number of daily deaths from the new coronavirus pandemic topped 100 in Iran for the first time in two months on Sunday, health ministry data showed. Iran recorded 107 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 8,837.

The number of daily deaths from the new coronavirus pandemic topped 100 in Iran for the first time in two months on Sunday, health ministry data showed. Iran recorded 107 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 8,837. The total number of cases in the country has reached 187,427. "Today it was very painful for us to announce a triple digit statistic... this virus is unpredictable and shifting,” Health Ministry spokesman Sima Sadat Lari said on state TV. Also read: Iran says virus cases jump nearly 3,000 in a day, a 2-month high "Observe health protocols, take social distancing seriously, avoid gatherings and trips that aren’t essential and, God willing, in the coming days we will see the statistic come down into double digits and even single digits." Iran last announced more than 100 deaths in one day on April 13, when the tally was 111. Iran will reimpose restrictions to stem the surge in coronavirus cases if health regulations are not observed, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday. Also read: Iran reports highest surge in COVID-19 cases in nearly two months After gradually relaxing its lockdown since mid-April, Iran has seen a sharp rise of new daily infections in recent weeks. Seven provinces where infections have been on the rise are currently considered red zones, the health ministry says. On Sunday Rouhani accused the United States of attempting to block Iran's request to the International Monetary Fund for $5 billion in emergency funding to help fight the coronavirus outbreak. "We are hopeful that the (IMF) is not put under America's pressure and will act according to its commitments to all countries," he said in comments broadcast on state TV.

Iran's daily virus death toll tops 100 for first time in two months

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump still has a good chance of being re-elected. Despite Trump's declining support in recent months, Trump is likely to win thanks to his strong support base, he said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump still has a good chance of being re-elected. Despite Trump's declining support in recent months, Trump is likely to win thanks to his strong support base, he said. "The biggest mistake in human sciences is to predict, especially in fluid and grave conditions. But allow me to venture a prediction that Mr Trump's re-election chances are still more that 50%," Zarif said in an interview. "Of course his chances have seriously decreased compared to four to five months ago." "But Mr Trump has a 30-35% base that has not moved and, as long as this base does not move, there is still a chance of his re-election," Zarif said in the live interview on Instagram with Iranian journalist Farid Modarresi, the first of its kind with a senior official of the Islamic Republic. Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry. Trump said earlier this month that Iranian leaders would be wrong if they expected his defeat in the November elections. Recent opinion polls have seen President Donald Trump lose ground to Democrat Joe Biden. "Don’t wait until after U.S. Election to make the Big deal. I’m going to win. You’ll make a better deal now!," Trump tweeted, addressing Iran. Iran's Foreign Ministry responded that Iran would not base its policies on internal U.S. matters, such as elections. Zarif said in the interview that Trump himself had likely reached the conclusion that his policies of "maximum pressure" against Iran had failed. "I don't think Trump believes anymore in talk that the Islamic Republic is about to collapse," Zarif said. "But he keeps repeating his mistakes. It seems that they (U.S. officials) know they have committed errors but don't know how to correct them."

Trump favourite to win US election, says Iran Foreign Minister Zarif

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers.

Iran sent a flotilla of five tankers of fuel to gasoline-starved ally Venezuela in May, and Tehran has said it will continue the shipments if Caracas requests more, despite Washington's criticism of the trade between the two nations, which are both under US sanctions.

"According to reports received by Noor News, after increasing military threats against Iranian vessels headed for Venezuela, an order was issued to Iran's armed forces to identify and track several US merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," Noor News said on its website.

"Options for reciprocal action were immediately identified and monitored for possible operations," the agency added.

Iran complained to the United Nations last month and summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents US interests in the Islamic Republic, over possible measures Washington could take against the Iranian tankers.

The United States, which did not hinder Iran's tanker cargoes, is considering imposing sanctions on dozens of additional foreign oil tankers for trading with Venezuela, a US official told Reuters earlier this month.

Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf last yearafter British forces detained an Iranian tanker off theterritory of Gibraltar. Both vessels were released after amonths-long standoff.

In an alert that appeared aimed squarely at Iran, the US Navy issued a warning last month to mariners in the Gulf to stay 100 meters (yards) away from US warships or risk being "interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures".

Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers.

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers. Iran sent a flotilla of five tankers of fuel to gasoline-starved ally Venezuela in May, and Tehran has said it will continue the shipments if Caracas requests more, despite Washington's criticism of the trade between the two nations, which are both under US sanctions. "According to reports received by Noor News, after increasing military threats against Iranian vessels headed for Venezuela, an order was issued to Iran's armed forces to identify and track several US merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," Noor News said on its website. "Options for reciprocal action were immediately identified and monitored for possible operations," the agency added. Iran complained to the United Nations last month and summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents US interests in the Islamic Republic, over possible measures Washington could take against the Iranian tankers. The United States, which did not hinder Iran's tanker cargoes, is considering imposing sanctions on dozens of additional foreign oil tankers for trading with Venezuela, a US official told Reuters earlier this month. Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf last yearafter British forces detained an Iranian tanker off theterritory of Gibraltar. Both vessels were released after amonths-long standoff. In an alert that appeared aimed squarely at Iran, the US Navy issued a warning last month to mariners in the Gulf to stay 100 meters (yards) away from US warships or risk being "interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures". Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry.

Iran prepared to retaliate if US stopped Venezuela-bound tankers

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. &nbsp;

"The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-new-government-completed-as-remaining-ministries-filled-303869">Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled</a>

The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-soldiers-unlikely-to-be-prosecuted-over-iraq-war-crimes-302601">British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes</a>

Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups.&nbsp;

Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. &nbsp;

The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US. &nbsp;

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said. Also read | Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq." Also read | British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups. Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US.

US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on June 9.

Death sentence for alleged Iranian spy Mahmoud Mousavi Majd for providing information about Qassem Soleimani

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US&nbsp;and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on Tuesday.

On January&nbsp;3, a US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US&nbsp;forces in the region.&nbsp;

"Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd, one of the spies for CIA and Mossad has been sentenced to death. He gave the whereabouts of martyr Soleimani to our enemies," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a televised news conference.&nbsp;

Following Soleimani's killing Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on Iraq’s Ain al-Asad base where U.S. forces were stationed on January&nbsp;8. No US&nbsp;troops were killed or faced immediate bodily injury, but hundreds were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.

An American airstrike&nbsp;killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability.

President Trump celebrated the assassination of Soleimani as a big win for America, stating that the slain commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force had put in harm's way multiple American lives.

As Iran promises revenge, people of the country came out by the&nbsp;millions to protest the American operation and pay their respects to the martyred 'Hero of the Iranian people'.

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on Tuesday.

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on Tuesday. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region. "Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd, one of the spies for CIA and Mossad has been sentenced to death. He gave the whereabouts of martyr Soleimani to our enemies," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a televised news conference. Following Soleimani's killing Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on Iraq’s Ain al-Asad base where U.S. forces were stationed on January 8. No US troops were killed or faced immediate bodily injury, but hundreds were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. An American airstrike killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability. President Trump celebrated the assassination of Soleimani as a big win for America, stating that the slain commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force had put in harm's way multiple American lives. As Iran promises revenge, people of the country came out by the millions to protest the American operation and pay their respects to the martyred 'Hero of the Iranian people'.

Iran will execute CIA agent involved in commander Soleimani's killing, says official

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