US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/will-bypass-us-sanctions-or-overcome-them-through-negotiations-irans-rouhani-267706">free prisoners</a> but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure.

Iran has also voiced a willingness for more prisoner swaps after the exchange Saturday of Xiyue Wang, a US scholar detained since 2016, for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since last year.

"I do hope that the exchange that took place will lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs. We still have Americans held in Iran -- too many, for sure." Pompeo told reporters.

Pompeo said the United States will "follow every even tiny opening" to free the at least handful of Americans known to be in Iranian custody.&nbsp;

"I hope it portends well for this. We have had some indication that may be the case, but I don't want to overstate that and I don't want to give false optimism about that pathway," Pompeo said.

Pompeo, however, said the United States would not deviate from its campaign of trying to strangle Iran's economy through sanctions.

"As long as its malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said.

In the latest measures, the Treasury Department slapped sanctions on shipping networks owned by Iranian businessman Abdolhossein Khedri.

The Treasury Department said the companies have been used by the elite&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force to send weapons to Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are battling US ally Saudi Arabia.

The Treasury Department also designated sales offices in Hong Kong and Dubai for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Iran's Mahan Air</a>, which is already under US sanctions.

The United States says that the airline has assisted the clerical regime by flying fighters and supplies to war-ravaged Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad.

President Donald Trump, who has close relations with Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, last year pulled out of a multinational deal on Tehran's nuclear program and imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to free prisoners but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to free prisoners but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure. Iran has also voiced a willingness for more prisoner swaps after the exchange Saturday of Xiyue Wang, a US scholar detained since 2016, for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since last year. "I do hope that the exchange that took place will lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs. We still have Americans held in Iran -- too many, for sure." Pompeo told reporters. Pompeo said the United States will "follow every even tiny opening" to free the at least handful of Americans known to be in Iranian custody. "I hope it portends well for this. We have had some indication that may be the case, but I don't want to overstate that and I don't want to give false optimism about that pathway," Pompeo said. Pompeo, however, said the United States would not deviate from its campaign of trying to strangle Iran's economy through sanctions. "As long as its malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said. In the latest measures, the Treasury Department slapped sanctions on shipping networks owned by Iranian businessman Abdolhossein Khedri. The Treasury Department said the companies have been used by the elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force to send weapons to Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are battling US ally Saudi Arabia. The Treasury Department also designated sales offices in Hong Kong and Dubai for Iran's Mahan Air, which is already under US sanctions. The United States says that the airline has assisted the clerical regime by flying fighters and supplies to war-ravaged Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad. President Donald Trump, who has close relations with Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, last year pulled out of a multinational deal on Tehran's nuclear program and imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran, still hopeful for prisoner talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Iran's</a> President Hassan Rouhani today said that they will either bypass United States sanctions or find a solution through deliberations.&nbsp;

He added that his country intends not to ring any alarm bells with the US.

"The government is determined to defeat (the enemy) by bypassing America's sanctions...or through various means including talks, but we will not cross our red lines," Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

Ever since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Nuclear Deal, tensions have soared between the two countries. The sanctions put forward by the US have slowed down Iran's oil-based economy.

Watch: Iran unveils a 'resistance' budget

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unveils-a-resistance-budget-267298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Saturday, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-more-united-states-prisoner-swaps-iran-267212">a gesture of cooperation</a>, both the US and Iran recently freed a prisoner each.

After the release, US officials claimed that this could set a precedent for more prisoner swaps between the two countries in the future. Additionally, the US statement added that it was a positive sign and signified that Tehran was willing to discuss more issues.

Xiyue Wang, a US citizen who was held in Iran for three years on charges of spying was released. The US, similarly, released Massoud Soleimani, who was facing charges of trespassing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-budget-of-resistance-against-us-sanctions-266922">US sanctions</a> against Iran.

Iran on Monday claimed that there are 20 Iranians in American prisons, with cases linked to sanction violations.&nbsp;

According to Iran, talks between the two countries are possible only if Trump administration reverses its stance on the nuclear pact followed by dismissal of sanctions.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani today said that they will either bypass United States sanctions or find a solution through deliberations. He added that his country intends not to ring any alarm bells with the US.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani today said that they will either bypass United States sanctions or find a solution through deliberations. He added that his country intends not to ring any alarm bells with the US. "The government is determined to defeat (the enemy) by bypassing America's sanctions...or through various means including talks, but we will not cross our red lines," Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Rouhani as saying. Ever since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Nuclear Deal, tensions have soared between the two countries. The sanctions put forward by the US have slowed down Iran's oil-based economy. Watch: Iran unveils a 'resistance' budget On Saturday, as a gesture of cooperation, both the US and Iran recently freed a prisoner each. After the release, US officials claimed that this could set a precedent for more prisoner swaps between the two countries in the future. Additionally, the US statement added that it was a positive sign and signified that Tehran was willing to discuss more issues. Xiyue Wang, a US citizen who was held in Iran for three years on charges of spying was released. The US, similarly, released Massoud Soleimani, who was facing charges of trespassing US sanctions against Iran. Iran on Monday claimed that there are 20 Iranians in American prisons, with cases linked to sanction violations. According to Iran, talks between the two countries are possible only if Trump administration reverses its stance on the nuclear pact followed by dismissal of sanctions. (With inputs from Reuters)

Will bypass US sanctions or overcome them through negotiations: Iran's Rouhani

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-budget-of-resistance-against-us-sanctions-266922">Iran</a> has foiled a major cyber attack on its infrastructure that was launched by a foreign government, the Iranian telecoms minister said on Wednesday, two months after reports of a US&nbsp;cyber operation against the country.

US&nbsp;officials told Reuters in October that the United States had carried out a secret cyber strike on Iran after the September&nbsp;14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran. Iran denied involvement in the attacks, which were claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

"We recently faced a highly organised and state-sponsored attack on our e-government infrastructure which was...repelled by the country's security shield," Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi, Iran's minister for communications and information technology, was quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency as saying.

"It was a very big attack," Azari-Jahromi said, adding that details would be revealed later.

It was not clear whether Azari-Jahromi was referring to the US&nbsp;cyber attack, which US&nbsp;officials said took place in late September and targeted Tehran’s ability to spread "propaganda".

Asked about Reuters' October report of a cyber attack, Azari-Jahromi said then: "They must have dreamt it."

In late September, Iran reviewed security measures at its key Gulf oil and gas facilities, including preparedness for cyberattacks, following media reports of Washington weighing possible cyber attacks on Tehran.

The reported US&nbsp;cyber strike highlighted how President Donald Trump’s administration has been trying to counter what it sees as Iranian aggression while avoiding outright military conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-more-united-states-prisoner-swaps-iran-267212">Iran has long been on alert</a> over the threat of cyber attacks from abroad. The United States and Israel covertly sabotaged Iran’s disputed nuclear programme in 2009 and 2010 with the Stuxnet computer virus, which destroyed a number of Iranian centrifuges that were enriching uranium.

Tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply since Trump last year withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed trade and financial sanctions on Tehran.

Iran has foiled a major cyber attack on its infrastructure that was launched by a foreign government, the Iranian telecoms minister said on Wednesday, two months after reports of a US cyber operation against the country.

Iran has foiled a major cyber attack on its infrastructure that was launched by a foreign government, the Iranian telecoms minister said on Wednesday, two months after reports of a US cyber operation against the country. US officials told Reuters in October that the United States had carried out a secret cyber strike on Iran after the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran. Iran denied involvement in the attacks, which were claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement. "We recently faced a highly organised and state-sponsored attack on our e-government infrastructure which was...repelled by the country's security shield," Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi, Iran's minister for communications and information technology, was quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency as saying. "It was a very big attack," Azari-Jahromi said, adding that details would be revealed later. It was not clear whether Azari-Jahromi was referring to the US cyber attack, which US officials said took place in late September and targeted Tehran’s ability to spread "propaganda". Asked about Reuters' October report of a cyber attack, Azari-Jahromi said then: "They must have dreamt it." In late September, Iran reviewed security measures at its key Gulf oil and gas facilities, including preparedness for cyberattacks, following media reports of Washington weighing possible cyber attacks on Tehran. The reported US cyber strike highlighted how President Donald Trump’s administration has been trying to counter what it sees as Iranian aggression while avoiding outright military conflict. Iran has long been on alert over the threat of cyber attacks from abroad. The United States and Israel covertly sabotaged Iran’s disputed nuclear programme in 2009 and 2010 with the Stuxnet computer virus, which destroyed a number of Iranian centrifuges that were enriching uranium. Tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply since Trump last year withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed trade and financial sanctions on Tehran.

Foiled 'very big' foreign cyber attack: Iran

Hassan Rouhani calls it the budget of resistance, he defiant in the face of U.S Sanctions.

IRAN: Iran President Hassan Unveils a 'RESISTANCE' budget

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced a "budget of resistance" against US sanctions.

Iran unveils a ‘Resistance’ budget

Iran unveils a resistance budget, the budget will come into force in late March 2020.

Iran unveils a resistance budget

Iran said Monday it was open to more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-thanks-iran-as-american-freed-in-prisoner-swap-266888">prisoner swaps</a> with the US while stressing an exchange at the weekend was not the result of formal negotiations with its arch-foe.

US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for what he called a "very fair negotiation" after an American scholar was released Saturday in exchange for an Iranian scientist held in the United States.

The exchange involved Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-born American held in Iran since 2016, and Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since 2018.

But Iran's government dismissed the idea that it was the result of any negotiations between the two countries, which have not had diplomatic ties since 1980.

"This was only exchange and... regarding exchanges we are ready to act but there are no negotiations," spokesman Ali Rabiei said on state television.

"Negotiations or any kind of talks" can only take place "within the framework of the 5+1 and after America has refrained from sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The P5+1 is the group of countries that agreed to a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

The nuclear deal has been hanging by a thread since last year, when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord and began reimposing sweeping sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Iran's government has long demanded that the US first drops the sanctions for it to return to negotiations under the auspices of the P5+1.

Wang, a doctoral candidate at Princeton, was&nbsp;conducting research in Iran when&nbsp;he was imprisoned in August 2016. He had been serving 10 years on espionage charges.

Soleimani, a professor and stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested at a Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones.

On Monday, the Iranian spokesman Rabiei said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-and-american-freed-in-apparent-prisoner-swap-266840">prisoner swap</a> came despite a US rejection of an offer Tehran made to Washington last year for an exchange of all detainees.

A few months ago, he said, Iran had received a message from "a former US official" saying the Americans were ready to make an exchange.

Rabiei appeared to be referring to former US congressman Jim Slattery who, according to the New Yorker magazine, had approached the Iranians on behalf of the Wang family's lawyer.

In its report, the New Yorker&nbsp;said Soleimani was expected to be deported after pleading guilty under a deal that Slattery had worked on with Soleimani's lawyers.

"In a surprise move, however, the Justice Department instead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-release-two-western-hostages-in-afghanistan-263145">dropped all charges</a> against Soleimani," before the exchange went ahead, it said, citing an official from the US administration.&nbsp;

Iran said Monday it was open to more prisoner swaps with the US while stressing an exchange at the weekend was not the result of formal negotiations with its arch-foe.

Iran said Monday it was open to more prisoner swaps with the US while stressing an exchange at the weekend was not the result of formal negotiations with its arch-foe. US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for what he called a "very fair negotiation" after an American scholar was released Saturday in exchange for an Iranian scientist held in the United States. The exchange involved Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-born American held in Iran since 2016, and Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since 2018. But Iran's government dismissed the idea that it was the result of any negotiations between the two countries, which have not had diplomatic ties since 1980. "This was only exchange and... regarding exchanges we are ready to act but there are no negotiations," spokesman Ali Rabiei said on state television. "Negotiations or any kind of talks" can only take place "within the framework of the 5+1 and after America has refrained from sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The P5+1 is the group of countries that agreed to a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. The nuclear deal has been hanging by a thread since last year, when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord and began reimposing sweeping sanctions on the Islamic republic. Iran's government has long demanded that the US first drops the sanctions for it to return to negotiations under the auspices of the P5+1. Wang, a doctoral candidate at Princeton, was conducting research in Iran when he was imprisoned in August 2016. He had been serving 10 years on espionage charges. Soleimani, a professor and stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested at a Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones. On Monday, the Iranian spokesman Rabiei said the prisoner swap came despite a US rejection of an offer Tehran made to Washington last year for an exchange of all detainees. A few months ago, he said, Iran had received a message from "a former US official" saying the Americans were ready to make an exchange. Rabiei appeared to be referring to former US congressman Jim Slattery who, according to the New Yorker magazine, had approached the Iranians on behalf of the Wang family's lawyer. In its report, the New Yorker said Soleimani was expected to be deported after pleading guilty under a deal that Slattery had worked on with Soleimani's lawyers. "In a surprise move, however, the Justice Department instead dropped all charges against Soleimani," before the exchange went ahead, it said, citing an official from the US administration.

Ready for more United States prisoner swaps: Iran

Wang was convicted of espionage, given 10 years in jail

Iran-U.S Prisoner swap: U.S Pupil swapped for Iranian scientist

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-200-displaced-syrians-leave-al-hol-camp-kurdish-official-266983">Syria's eastern province</a> of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities.

Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said.

According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area.

At the start of that month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-kill-19-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-266857">air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters</a>, the monitor reported.

In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said.

An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory.

But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters.

The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-completes-pullback-from-northeast-syria-esper-says-266313">eastern shores</a> of the Euphrates.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday. The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities. Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said. According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area. At the start of that month, air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters, the monitor reported. In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said. An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory. But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters. The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the eastern shores of the Euphrates.

Syria: Airstrikes kill five pro-Iran fighters

Wang was convicted of espionage, given 10 years in jail.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States.

"Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions," Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio.

"This budget announces to the world that despite sanctions we will manage the country, especially in terms of oil," he added.

The budget for the financial year starting late March 2020 comes after fuel price hikes that were imposed in mid-November triggered deadly demonstrations across the Islamic republic.

In his speech, Rouhani announced a 15 per cent increase for public sector wages in a country whose economy has been battered by US sanctions.

US President Donald Trump began imposing punitive measures in May 2018, after unilaterally withdrawing from an accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear programme.

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Iran's economy will contract by 9.5 per cent this year.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a "budget of resistance" against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States. "Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions," Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio. "This budget announces to the world that despite sanctions we will manage the country, especially in terms of oil," he added. The budget for the financial year starting late March 2020 comes after fuel price hikes that were imposed in mid-November triggered deadly demonstrations across the Islamic republic. In his speech, Rouhani announced a 15 per cent increase for public sector wages in a country whose economy has been battered by US sanctions. US President Donald Trump began imposing punitive measures in May 2018, after unilaterally withdrawing from an accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear programme. The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Iran's economy will contract by 9.5 per cent this year.

Iran unveils budget of 'resistance' against US sanctions

European powers demanded at talks on Friday that Iran stop violating their nuclear deal, but stopped short of triggering a mechanism that could renew U.N. sanctions and kill the 2015 accord, officials said.

European powers demanded at talks on Friday that Iran stop violating their nuclear deal, but stopped short of triggering a mechanism that could renew U.N. sanctions and kill the 2015 accord, officials said. The meeting came amid heightened friction between Iran and the West. Tehran has rolled back its commitments under the 2015 deal in response to Washington's withdrawal last year and reimposition of sanctions that have crippled its economy. With Tehran angry over a lack of European protection from US sanctions, there appears scant scope for compromise. The Europeans and Iran clashed on Thursday over the Iranian ballistic missile programme before senior diplomats from the remaining parties to the deal - Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia - met Iranian officials in Vienna on Friday to assess the state of the nuclear agreement. As the U.S.-Iran confrontation has eroded the accord, the Europeans are torn between trying to save it and responding to Iran's breaches, which have increasingly tested their patience. The breaches have included exceeding the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed under the deal and resuming enrichment at Fordow, a plant buried inside a mountain that Iran hid from U.N. nuclear non-proliferation inspectors until Western spies exposed it in 2009. The European "E3" powers - France, Britain and Germany - have been considering triggering a mechanism in the deal that could lead to reimposition of global, United Nations sanctions. "All countries need to refrain from taking actions that further complicates the situation," Fu Cong, director general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told reporters after the talks. "In our view there is an element of automaticity into this and we can't be sure that countries can keep this process under control. It could aggravate tensions," he said, adding that the European powers had not indicated whether or when they would trigger the mechanism. 'Still alive' A European diplomat said the E3 had stressed the need for Iran's compliance. "The good thing is it's still alive," the diplomat said, highlighting the low expectations. Iran's top envoy to the talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, said that Iran would continue reducing its commitments to the deal unless it could benefit from it. "We repeated in this meeting too that until the time solutions are found so that Iran can benefit from (the nuclear deal), Iran's process of reducing commitments will continue," Araqchi said, according to the official IRNA news agency. Araqchi said that he had a "very useful" meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on Friday and that both sides emphasized they would continue their professional cooperation in comments broadcast on state TV. Diplomats have said a political decision was unlikely to be made until January, when Iran is expected to further scale back its adherence to the pact, under which it curtailed its nuclear activities in return for relief from sanctions. "The European parties to the deal should know that the clock is ticking for them. They try to keep Iran in the deal but then take no action against America's bullying and pressure," said a senior Iranian official. Underlining the tension, the Iranian delegation had earlier threatened to boycott the talks after discovering that an exiled Iranian opposition group planned an anti-government protest outside the hotel where the meeting was due to take place. Tehran has criticised the three European powers for failing to shield Iran from the far-reaching U.S. sanctions, which have driven away foreign companies interested in business there. "I don't think the Europeans have reached their red line yet, but the repeated violations and the fact we're now entering (nuclear) proliferation territory means their credibility is on the line," said a Western diplomat.

Iran deal limps on as Europeans delay sanctions blow

An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of heightened tensions.

Tehran announced the release of Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States shortly before Washington declared American researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home.

"Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

"Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government," which has looked after US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic ties, Zarif said.

In a statement issued in Washington, US President Donald Trump said that "after more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States".

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was "pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this matter" while also thanking Switzerland for its role.

A statement on the Iranian judiciary's Mizan Online website said Wang had been "freed on Islamic clemency" and handed over to Swiss officials in order to be returned to America.

Wang, a Chinese-born American, was serving 10 years on espionage charges in Iran.

A doctoral candidate in history at Princeton University, he had been researching Iran's Qajar dynasty when he was imprisoned in August 2016.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said Soleimani had been "freed moments ago after one year of illegal detention and was handed over to Iranian officials in Switzerland".

Soleimani, a professor and senior stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested on arrival at Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones, according to Iranian media.

"Going home," Zarif said in another tweet.

The Twitter post featured photos of the foreign minister alongside Soleimani outside and inside a plane bearing an Iranian flag. It was unclear when the picture was taken.

Spying allegations&nbsp;

The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic ties since 1980.

Relations between the two foes worsened in May 2018 when Trump withdrew the US from an international accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Iran retaliated one year later by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear pact.

The arch-enemies came to the brink of a military confrontation in June this year when Iran downed a US drone and Trump ordered retaliatory strikes before cancelling them at the last minute.

Iran has over the years arrested several foreign nationals most often on accusations of spying.

They include former US soldier Michael R. White, British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, French academic Roland Marchal and Australian university lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert.

Two other Australians, travel bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin, were released in October by Iran, in another apparent prisoner swap for Iranian student Reza Dehbashi, who had been wanted in the United States.

In September, an Iranian woman sentenced in the United States for violating Washington's sanctions against Tehran was released and returned home.

Negar Ghodskani was arrested in Australia in 2017 and later extradited to the United States, which said she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions.

Pregnant at the time of her arrest, she was sentenced to 27 months but released after already serving time in custody.

An unknown number of Iranians are detained abroad.

An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of heightened tensions.

An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of heightened tensions. Tehran announced the release of Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States shortly before Washington declared American researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home. "Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government," which has looked after US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic ties, Zarif said. In a statement issued in Washington, US President Donald Trump said that "after more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States". Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was "pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this matter" while also thanking Switzerland for its role. A statement on the Iranian judiciary's Mizan Online website said Wang had been "freed on Islamic clemency" and handed over to Swiss officials in order to be returned to America. Wang, a Chinese-born American, was serving 10 years on espionage charges in Iran. A doctoral candidate in history at Princeton University, he had been researching Iran's Qajar dynasty when he was imprisoned in August 2016. Iran's state news agency IRNA said Soleimani had been "freed moments ago after one year of illegal detention and was handed over to Iranian officials in Switzerland". Soleimani, a professor and senior stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested on arrival at Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones, according to Iranian media. "Going home," Zarif said in another tweet. The Twitter post featured photos of the foreign minister alongside Soleimani outside and inside a plane bearing an Iranian flag. It was unclear when the picture was taken. Spying allegations The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic ties since 1980. Relations between the two foes worsened in May 2018 when Trump withdrew the US from an international accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Iran retaliated one year later by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear pact. The arch-enemies came to the brink of a military confrontation in June this year when Iran downed a US drone and Trump ordered retaliatory strikes before cancelling them at the last minute. Iran has over the years arrested several foreign nationals most often on accusations of spying. They include former US soldier Michael R. White, British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, French academic Roland Marchal and Australian university lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Two other Australians, travel bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin, were released in October by Iran, in another apparent prisoner swap for Iranian student Reza Dehbashi, who had been wanted in the United States. In September, an Iranian woman sentenced in the United States for violating Washington's sanctions against Tehran was released and returned home. Negar Ghodskani was arrested in Australia in 2017 and later extradited to the United States, which said she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions. Pregnant at the time of her arrest, she was sentenced to 27 months but released after already serving time in custody. An unknown number of Iranians are detained abroad.

Iranian and American freed in apparent prisoner swap

Bullet for bodies in Iran: Is Iranian regime cracking from within?

U.S. top diplomat Brian Hook slams Tehran, says 1000 killed in Iran protests, U.S. and Iran spar over anti-govt. protests.

U.S. says 1000 killed in Iran protests

European powers will demand Iran stop violating their nuclear deal or potentially face renewed U.N sanctions, but with Tehran locked in conflict over US sanctions, there appears to be little scope for compromise when they meet on Friday.

European powers will demand Iran stop violating their nuclear deal or potentially face renewed U.N sanctions, but with Tehran locked in conflict over US sanctions, there appears to be little scope for compromise when they meet on Friday. The meeting comes amid heightened friction between Iran and the West. Tehran has rolled back its commitments under the 2015 deal in response to Washington's pullout from it last year and reimposition of sanctions that have crippled its economy. The Europeans and Tehran on Thursday clashed over Iran's ballistic missile programme before senior diplomats from the remaining parties to the deal, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, meet with Iranian officials in Vienna on Friday. As the accord has slowly eroded, the Europeans have been torn between trying to save it and responding to Iran's breaches, which have increasingly tested their patience. Iran's violations have included exceeding the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed under the deal and resuming enrichment at Fordow, a site buried inside a mountain that Iran hid from U.N. nuclear inspectors. "I think the window for a negotiation and to save the deal is barely open," said a European diplomat. The Europeans are considering triggering a mechanism in the deal that could lead to the reimposition of U.N. sanctions. Three diplomats said the political decision was unlikely to be made until January, when Iran is expected to reduce further its commitments to the pact, under which it curtailed its nuclear activities in return for relief from sanctions. "The European parties to the deal should know that the clock is ticking for them. They try to keep Iran in the deal but then take no action against America's bullying and pressure," said a senior Iranian official. Tehran has repeatedly criticised the three European powers for failing to shield Iran's economy from the far-reaching U.S. sanctions, which have driven away foreign companies interested in doing business there. Highlighting the widening gap between the two sides, Iran's foreign minister on Thursday said the three had shown their "miserable incompetence" in fulfilling their commitments. He was responding after they sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council accusing Tehran of having nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. "I don't think the Europeans have reached their red line yet, but the repeated violations and the fact we're now entering proliferation territory means their credibility is on the line," said a Western diplomat. Two diplomats said the Europeans hoped to announce soon the first transaction of a mechanism for barter trade called Inset that would net out amounts at either end for humanitarian goods. But even European diplomats acknowledge the mechanism is symbolic rather than a deal-saving device.

Europeans, Iran to cross swords at nuclear talks amid heightened tensions

The remaining signatories to the faltering Iran nuclear deal began <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europeans-iran-to-cross-swords-at-nuclear-talks-266519">crunch talks in Vienna on Friday</a> with questions over the survival of the landmark agreement after Tehran vowed to continue to breach the deal's limits on its nuclear programme.

Envoys from Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and Iran are taking part in the meeting, which is the first time the six parties gather in this format since July.

Since May, Iran has taken a series of measures, including stepping up uranium enrichment, in breach of the 2015 deal, with another such move likely in early January.&nbsp;

Iran insists that under the agreement it has the right to take these measures in retaliation for the US's withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and reimposition of crippling sanctions.

Since last month, European members have in turn begun raising the possibility of triggering the so-called "dispute resolution mechanism" foreseen in the accord, which could lead to the resumption of UN sanctions on Iran.

On the eve of what was already likely to be a strained meeting, Britain, France and Germany accused Iran of developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, in a letter to the UN on Thursday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif dismissed the allegation as "desperate falsehood".

Despite the mounting tension observers say Britain, France and Germany are unlikely to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism on Friday.&nbsp;

Analysts say if UN sanctions are re-imposed and the deal falls apart, Iran could also withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

"It's not clear whether that's worth the benefit," Ali Vaez of International Crisis Group told AFP.

But he warned the risk of the deal collapsing was increasing as Iran was "running out of measures that are easy to reverse and non-controversial".

"Both sides are locked into an escalatory cycle that is just very hard to imagine that they would step away from," he said.

Francois Nicoullaud, former French ambassador to Iran, also said tensions were expected to continue to rise.

"Maybe it won't be this time, but (the deal falling apart) will certainly be in the background of the discussions," Nicoullaud told AFP.

The joint commission meeting was moved at short notice from a hotel in downtown Vienna to take place at the European Union delegation for logistics reasons, according to an EU official.

'No breathing space'

Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani warned Sunday that if European partners triggered the dispute mechanism, Tehran may "seriously reconsider" its commitments to the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the deal's implementation.

European efforts to shield Iran from the effects of US sanctions by creating a mechanism to carry on legitimate trade with the Islamic republic have borne little fruit, much to Tehran's frustration.

The EU is growing increasingly concerned by Tehran rowing back from its commitments.

The dispute resolution mechanism in the deal has numerous stages, but it can eventually culminate in the UN Security Council voting on whether Iran should still have relief from sanctions lifted under the deal.

In such a scenario, Vaez said, "we will have a major non-proliferation crisis on our hands in the sense that the Russians and the Chinese have already declared they would not recognise the return of (sanctions)".

Vaez said in the end the path to a diplomatic solution would depend on Washington's next moves and whether it would at least be willing to relax its attempts to prevent sales of Iranian oil, a vital source of income for the country.

"The remaining parties to the deal have proved incapable of providing Iran with any kind of breathing space," Vaez said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Tehran is willing to return to the negotiating table if the United States first drops sanctions.

The remaining signatories to the faltering Iran nuclear deal began crunch talks in Vienna on Friday with questions over the survival of the landmark agreement after Tehran vowed to continue to breach the deal's limits on its nuclear programme.

The remaining signatories to the faltering Iran nuclear deal began crunch talks in Vienna on Friday with questions over the survival of the landmark agreement after Tehran vowed to continue to breach the deal's limits on its nuclear programme. Envoys from Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and Iran are taking part in the meeting, which is the first time the six parties gather in this format since July. Since May, Iran has taken a series of measures, including stepping up uranium enrichment, in breach of the 2015 deal, with another such move likely in early January. Iran insists that under the agreement it has the right to take these measures in retaliation for the US's withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and reimposition of crippling sanctions. Since last month, European members have in turn begun raising the possibility of triggering the so-called "dispute resolution mechanism" foreseen in the accord, which could lead to the resumption of UN sanctions on Iran. On the eve of what was already likely to be a strained meeting, Britain, France and Germany accused Iran of developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, in a letter to the UN on Thursday. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif dismissed the allegation as "desperate falsehood". Despite the mounting tension observers say Britain, France and Germany are unlikely to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism on Friday. Analysts say if UN sanctions are re-imposed and the deal falls apart, Iran could also withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). "It's not clear whether that's worth the benefit," Ali Vaez of International Crisis Group told AFP. But he warned the risk of the deal collapsing was increasing as Iran was "running out of measures that are easy to reverse and non-controversial". "Both sides are locked into an escalatory cycle that is just very hard to imagine that they would step away from," he said. Francois Nicoullaud, former French ambassador to Iran, also said tensions were expected to continue to rise. "Maybe it won't be this time, but (the deal falling apart) will certainly be in the background of the discussions," Nicoullaud told AFP. The joint commission meeting was moved at short notice from a hotel in downtown Vienna to take place at the European Union delegation for logistics reasons, according to an EU official. 'No breathing space' Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani warned Sunday that if European partners triggered the dispute mechanism, Tehran may "seriously reconsider" its commitments to the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the deal's implementation. European efforts to shield Iran from the effects of US sanctions by creating a mechanism to carry on legitimate trade with the Islamic republic have borne little fruit, much to Tehran's frustration. The EU is growing increasingly concerned by Tehran rowing back from its commitments. The dispute resolution mechanism in the deal has numerous stages, but it can eventually culminate in the UN Security Council voting on whether Iran should still have relief from sanctions lifted under the deal. In such a scenario, Vaez said, "we will have a major non-proliferation crisis on our hands in the sense that the Russians and the Chinese have already declared they would not recognise the return of (sanctions)". Vaez said in the end the path to a diplomatic solution would depend on Washington's next moves and whether it would at least be willing to relax its attempts to prevent sales of Iranian oil, a vital source of income for the country. "The remaining parties to the deal have proved incapable of providing Iran with any kind of breathing space," Vaez said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Tehran is willing to return to the negotiating table if the United States first drops sanctions.

Iran nuclear deal parties meet as accord nears collapse

The United Nations said Friday that at least 7,000 people have "reportedly" been arrested in Iran since mass demonstrations erupted last month, and called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.

In a statement, the UN human rights office also said it had obtained "verified video footage" showing security forces firing on protesters, apparently with intent to kill.&nbsp;

The rights office added that it had "information suggesting that at least 208 people were killed" during the unrest, supporting a toll previously given by Amnesty International.&nbsp;

"There are also reports, which the UN Human Rights Office has so far been unable to verify, suggesting more than twice that number killed," the statement added.&nbsp;

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said video obtained by her office shows "severe violence was used against protesters."

"We have also received footage which appears to show security forces shooting unarmed demonstrators from behind while they were running away, and shooting others directly in the face and vital organs – in other words shooting to kill," Bachelet said.&nbsp;

Additional video material shows "armed members of security forces shooting from the roof of a justice department building" in the city of Javanrud, west of Tehran in Kermanshah Province, as well as gunfire from helicopters in Sadra, in Fars Province.

The protests began on November 15 following a surprise hike in fuel prices.

Iran has yet to give overall figures for the number of people killed or arrested when security forces moved in to quell the unrest that saw buildings torched and shops looted.

Bachelet charged that "many of the arrested protesters have not had access to a lawyer," while raising alarm over "reports of severe overcrowding and harsh conditions in detention centres, which in some cities include military barracks, sports venues and schools."

"I urge the authorities to immediately release from detention all protesters who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty," she further said.&nbsp;

Iran has blamed the violence that broke out during the protests on "thugs" backed by its foes the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Tehran has also dismissed the high death tolls reported by foreign sources as "utter lies".

The United Nations said Friday that at least 7,000 people have "reportedly" been arrested in Iran since mass demonstrations erupted last month, and called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.

The United Nations said Friday that at least 7,000 people have "reportedly" been arrested in Iran since mass demonstrations erupted last month, and called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained. In a statement, the UN human rights office also said it had obtained "verified video footage" showing security forces firing on protesters, apparently with intent to kill. The rights office added that it had "information suggesting that at least 208 people were killed" during the unrest, supporting a toll previously given by Amnesty International. "There are also reports, which the UN Human Rights Office has so far been unable to verify, suggesting more than twice that number killed," the statement added. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said video obtained by her office shows "severe violence was used against protesters." "We have also received footage which appears to show security forces shooting unarmed demonstrators from behind while they were running away, and shooting others directly in the face and vital organs – in other words shooting to kill," Bachelet said. Additional video material shows "armed members of security forces shooting from the roof of a justice department building" in the city of Javanrud, west of Tehran in Kermanshah Province, as well as gunfire from helicopters in Sadra, in Fars Province. The protests began on November 15 following a surprise hike in fuel prices. Iran has yet to give overall figures for the number of people killed or arrested when security forces moved in to quell the unrest that saw buildings torched and shops looted. Bachelet charged that "many of the arrested protesters have not had access to a lawyer," while raising alarm over "reports of severe overcrowding and harsh conditions in detention centres, which in some cities include military barracks, sports venues and schools." "I urge the authorities to immediately release from detention all protesters who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty," she further said. Iran has blamed the violence that broke out during the protests on "thugs" backed by its foes the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Tehran has also dismissed the high death tolls reported by foreign sources as "utter lies".

At least 7,000 reportedly held in Iran protests: United Nations

Iran said in a letter to the United Nations on Thursday that it is determined to go ahead with its disputed ballistic missile programme, according to a copy of the letter tweeted by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

"Iran is determined to resolutely continue its activities related to ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles," Iran's U.N. envoy Majid Takhte Ravanchi wrote in the letter.

Iran said on Thursday a letter from three European powers to the U.N. Security Council accusing Tehran of having nuclear-capable ballistic missiles showed their "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-powers-letter-to-un-on-irans-missiles-shows-miserable-incompetence-javad-zarif-266483">miserable incompetence</a>" in fulfilling their commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal.

"Latest E3 letter to UNSG on missiles is a desperate falsehood to cover up their miserable incompetence in fulfilling bare minimum of their own #JCPOA obligations," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted, referring to the deal by its formal acronym. He urged Britain, France and Germany not to bow to "US bullying".

The British, German and French ambassadors, in a letter circulated on Wednesday, called on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to inform the Security Council in his next report that Iran’s missile programme was “inconsistent” with a U.N. resolution that had endorsed the nuclear deal reached between Iran and six world powers.

The letter surfaced at a time of heightened friction between Iran and the West, with Tehran rolling back its commitments under the deal step by step in response to Washington’s pullout from the pact last year and reimposition of sanctions on Iran that has crippled its economy.

Britain, France and Germany have sought to salvage the pact, under which Iran undertook to curtail its disputed uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from sanctions. But Tehran has criticised the three European powers for failing to shield Iran's economy from the US penalties.

The United States, Iran's arch-foe, and its Arab allies view Tehran’s ballistic missile programme as a Middle East security threat. Tehran says its missile development activity is solely defensive in nature.

Iran said in a letter to the United Nations on Thursday that it is determined to go ahead with its disputed ballistic missile programme, according to a copy of the letter tweeted by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Iran said in a letter to the United Nations on Thursday that it is determined to go ahead with its disputed ballistic missile programme, according to a copy of the letter tweeted by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. "Iran is determined to resolutely continue its activities related to ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles," Iran's U.N. envoy Majid Takhte Ravanchi wrote in the letter. Iran said on Thursday a letter from three European powers to the U.N. Security Council accusing Tehran of having nuclear-capable ballistic missiles showed their "miserable incompetence" in fulfilling their commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal. "Latest E3 letter to UNSG on missiles is a desperate falsehood to cover up their miserable incompetence in fulfilling bare minimum of their own #JCPOA obligations," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted, referring to the deal by its formal acronym. He urged Britain, France and Germany not to bow to "US bullying". The British, German and French ambassadors, in a letter circulated on Wednesday, called on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to inform the Security Council in his next report that Iran’s missile programme was “inconsistent” with a U.N. resolution that had endorsed the nuclear deal reached between Iran and six world powers. The letter surfaced at a time of heightened friction between Iran and the West, with Tehran rolling back its commitments under the deal step by step in response to Washington’s pullout from the pact last year and reimposition of sanctions on Iran that has crippled its economy. Britain, France and Germany have sought to salvage the pact, under which Iran undertook to curtail its disputed uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from sanctions. But Tehran has criticised the three European powers for failing to shield Iran's economy from the US penalties. The United States, Iran's arch-foe, and its Arab allies view Tehran’s ballistic missile programme as a Middle East security threat. Tehran says its missile development activity is solely defensive in nature.

Iran says it will continue ballistic missile programme

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;met US Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-meet-pompeo-in-portugal-amid-attempts-to-improve-ties-with-arab-world-266105">in Portugal</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday and called for increased&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;the "tottering" Iranian government.

"I think we have been fortunate that President Trump has led a consistent policy of&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;against&nbsp;Iran. Iran’s aggression is growing, but its empire is&nbsp;tottering,"&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said in Lisbon.

"And I say, let’s make it totter even further," he added.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&nbsp;stressed that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;was the main subject of his meeting with&nbsp;Pompeo, adding "the second subject is&nbsp;Iran, and so is the third".

Pompeo, in a tweet, said it had been a "productive meeting".

"We discussed efforts to counter&nbsp;Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region, the importance of economic cooperation with regional partners and other issues related to Israel’s security," he added.

The question of how to create Middle East stability when "there are anti-Iran&nbsp;protests taking place in Baghdad, anti-Iranian protests taking place in Beirut," was a key issue in talks held&nbsp;on&nbsp;the margins of a NATO summit which ended in London earlier Wednesday,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told reporters before leaving Lisbon.

Israel, which is widely believed to have the Middle East's sole but undeclared nuclear arsenal, has for years accused&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;of seeking to obtain nuclear weapons and strongly opposed a 2015 agreement designed to address the concerns of major powers.

'Should be ashamed'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-discusses-iran-with-israeli-pm-netanyahu-265644">Trump, a strong&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;ally</a>, unilaterally pulled the United States out of the deal in May last year and reimposed crippling sanctions.

Netanyahu, who is fighting for his political life after an indictment&nbsp;on&nbsp;graft charges, has hailed the Trump sanctions.

Israel believes they have squeezed the Iranian economy, prompting the government to raise fuel prices -- sparking nationwide protests.

Lebanon and Iraq, both countries where&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has significant influence, have also seen major demonstrations.

Netanyahu&nbsp;criticised European governments that have signed up to a barter system that would allow&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to trade without fear of US sanctions.

Six new European countries agreed to support the Instex system and&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said that "instead of supporting American sanctions, they are weakening them. That's not right.

"They should be ashamed of themselves. While people are risking their lives and dying&nbsp;on&nbsp;the streets of Tehran, they are giving sustenance and support to this tyrannical regime," he said before meeting with&nbsp;Pompeo.

Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to party elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-pm-netanyahu-agrees-for-party-election-264411/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Graft charges

Netanyahu, who was last month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-can-stay-on-as-prime-minister-despite-indictment-israels-attorney-general-264513">indicted&nbsp;on&nbsp;a variety of graft charges</a> and faces a third election within a year after deadlocked polls in April and September, has been bolstered by a number of landmark steps taken by Trump.

He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister but he is serving in a caretaker capacity after the inconclusive elections.

Wednesday's meeting was the first between the two men since&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;announced last month that the United States no longer considered Jewish settlements in the West Bank to be illegal.

The announcement broke with decades of international consensus that the settlements are illegal and a major barrier to peace with the Palestinians.

The US position offered a boost to&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;as he threatens to annex much of the West Bank, a step that would severely impede the long-held Palestinian hope for a separate state.

More&nbsp;than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, alongside around three million Palestinians.

Among previous steps, Trump earlier recognised bitterly contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cut off US funding for the UN body that supports Palestinian refugees.

Pompeo&nbsp;is due to meet his Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva before flying&nbsp;on&nbsp;to Morocco&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Portugal on Wednesday and called for increased pressure on the "tottering" Iranian government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Portugal on Wednesday and called for increased pressure on the "tottering" Iranian government. "I think we have been fortunate that President Trump has led a consistent policy of pressure against Iran. Iran’s aggression is growing, but its empire is tottering," Netanyahu said in Lisbon. "And I say, let’s make it totter even further," he added. Netanyahu stressed that Iran was the main subject of his meeting with Pompeo, adding "the second subject is Iran, and so is the third". Pompeo, in a tweet, said it had been a "productive meeting". "We discussed efforts to counter Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region, the importance of economic cooperation with regional partners and other issues related to Israel’s security," he added. The question of how to create Middle East stability when "there are anti-Iran protests taking place in Baghdad, anti-Iranian protests taking place in Beirut," was a key issue in talks held on the margins of a NATO summit which ended in London earlier Wednesday, Pompeo told reporters before leaving Lisbon. Israel, which is widely believed to have the Middle East's sole but undeclared nuclear arsenal, has for years accused Iran of seeking to obtain nuclear weapons and strongly opposed a 2015 agreement designed to address the concerns of major powers. 'Should be ashamed' Trump, a strong Netanyahu ally, unilaterally pulled the United States out of the deal in May last year and reimposed crippling sanctions. Netanyahu, who is fighting for his political life after an indictment on graft charges, has hailed the Trump sanctions. Israel believes they have squeezed the Iranian economy, prompting the government to raise fuel prices -- sparking nationwide protests. Lebanon and Iraq, both countries where Iran has significant influence, have also seen major demonstrations. Netanyahu criticised European governments that have signed up to a barter system that would allow Iran to trade without fear of US sanctions. Six new European countries agreed to support the Instex system and Netanyahu said that "instead of supporting American sanctions, they are weakening them. That's not right. "They should be ashamed of themselves. While people are risking their lives and dying on the streets of Tehran, they are giving sustenance and support to this tyrannical regime," he said before meeting with Pompeo. Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to party elections Graft charges Netanyahu, who was last month indicted on a variety of graft charges and faces a third election within a year after deadlocked polls in April and September, has been bolstered by a number of landmark steps taken by Trump. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister but he is serving in a caretaker capacity after the inconclusive elections. Wednesday's meeting was the first between the two men since Pompeo announced last month that the United States no longer considered Jewish settlements in the West Bank to be illegal. The announcement broke with decades of international consensus that the settlements are illegal and a major barrier to peace with the Palestinians. The US position offered a boost to Netanyahu as he threatens to annex much of the West Bank, a step that would severely impede the long-held Palestinian hope for a separate state. More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, alongside around three million Palestinians. Among previous steps, Trump earlier recognised bitterly contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cut off US funding for the UN body that supports Palestinian refugees. Pompeo is due to meet his Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva before flying on to Morocco on Thursday.

Netanyahu pushes Pompeo for more pressure on Iran in Portugal

Netanyahu presses Pompeo for Pressure on Tottering Iran. To know more watch the video

WION Dispatch: Pompeo meets Netanyahu in Lisbon

Iran's supreme leader has agreed that people killed in nationwide unrest last month who had no role in fomenting it should be treated as "martyrs" with their families compensated.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was responding to a report on the protests made by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, his official website said Wednesday.

He ordered that its recommendations "be implemented as soon as possible".

Demonstrations erupted in Iran on November 15 against a surprise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-iran-over-fuel-price-hike-262533">hike in petrol prices</a> by as much as 200 per cent.

Iran has yet to give overall figures for the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-disputes-exaggerated-protest-death-tolls-265440">people killed or arrested</a> when security forces moved in to quell the unrest that saw buildings torched and shops looted.

London-based human rights group Amnesty International said on Monday that at least 208 people had died.

But Iran has dismissed the high death tolls reported by foreign sources as "utter lies".

Khamenei agreed to the recommendation that "normal citizens with no role in the recent protests and riots who died in the clashes" be treated as "martyrs" with their families eligible for support from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation.

Iran usually grants the title of a martyr to soldiers killed on duty and the foundation is tasked with providing their families with financial benefits and better housing, employment and education opportunities.

Khamenei said that families whose loved ones "lost their lives in any way during the demonstrations" would be "paid their blood money as restitution".

Blood money is an Islamic legal term for financial compensation payable by law to the families of murder victims.

Even the families of those "killed while armed and in clashes with security forces" would not be held accountable for their loved ones' actions&nbsp;but would be shown "Islamic clemency" and "compensated proportionally", Khamenei's statement said.

Iran has blamed the violence that broke out during the protests on "thugs" backed by its foes the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

It has also accused exiled royalists and the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK), an exiled former rebel group which it considers a "terrorist" cult, of being behind the violence.

Israel and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-not-mulling-14000-more-troops-for-middle-east-pentagon-266317">United States</a> have seized on the protests as evidence Tehran's authority is "tottering" in the face of the crippling US sanctions President Donald Trump reimposed last year.

Iran's supreme leader has agreed that people killed in nationwide unrest last month who had no role in fomenting it should be treated as "martyrs" with their families compensated.

Iran's supreme leader has agreed that people killed in nationwide unrest last month who had no role in fomenting it should be treated as "martyrs" with their families compensated. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was responding to a report on the protests made by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, his official website said Wednesday. He ordered that its recommendations "be implemented as soon as possible". Demonstrations erupted in Iran on November 15 against a surprise hike in petrol prices by as much as 200 per cent. Iran has yet to give overall figures for the number of people killed or arrested when security forces moved in to quell the unrest that saw buildings torched and shops looted. London-based human rights group Amnesty International said on Monday that at least 208 people had died. But Iran has dismissed the high death tolls reported by foreign sources as "utter lies". Khamenei agreed to the recommendation that "normal citizens with no role in the recent protests and riots who died in the clashes" be treated as "martyrs" with their families eligible for support from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation. Iran usually grants the title of a martyr to soldiers killed on duty and the foundation is tasked with providing their families with financial benefits and better housing, employment and education opportunities. Khamenei said that families whose loved ones "lost their lives in any way during the demonstrations" would be "paid their blood money as restitution". Blood money is an Islamic legal term for financial compensation payable by law to the families of murder victims. Even the families of those "killed while armed and in clashes with security forces" would not be held accountable for their loved ones' actions but would be shown "Islamic clemency" and "compensated proportionally", Khamenei's statement said. Iran has blamed the violence that broke out during the protests on "thugs" backed by its foes the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. It has also accused exiled royalists and the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK), an exiled former rebel group which it considers a "terrorist" cult, of being behind the violence. Israel and the United States have seized on the protests as evidence Tehran's authority is "tottering" in the face of the crippling US sanctions President Donald Trump reimposed last year.

Khamenei orders Iran unrest victims treated as 'martyrs'

Several thousand men backing a paramilitary force close to Iran flooded the Iraqi capital's main protest camp on Thursday, worrying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../iraq-protests-still-ongoing-people-say-poverty- is-problem-266062">anti-government demonstrators</a> who have denounced Tehran's role in their country.

The men arrived in Tahrir (Liberation) Square in apparently coordinated marches from different parts of the capital, waving sticks, Iraqi flags and the logo of the Hashed al-Shaabi armed network.

Some carried portraits&nbsp;of Hashed fighters killed in fighting against jihadists as well as pictures of the country's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

The Hashed had backed the Iraqi government but after a dramatic intervention by Sistani last week, it dropped its support. The embattled prime minister, Adel Abdel Mahdi, resigned at the weekend.

Many units within the Shiite-majority force have been trained or equipped by Iran.

The demonstrators occupying the square for weeks have explicitly criticised Iran for backing an Iraqi political elite they see as corrupt and inept.&nbsp;

They have insisted that all current figures in power are tainted with graft and have been wary of political parties seeking to coopt the youth-dominated movement.

The new arrivals on Thursday mixed in with thousands of other protesters in the square, who appeared worried although no confrontation or skirmishes took place.

"They've ruined it," one protester said, as another muttered, "It's going to get messy."

Mass rallies have rocked the capital and Shiite-majority south since early October, first denouncing government graft and a lack of jobs before moving to broader demands for deep-rooted regime change.&nbsp;

Nearly 430 people have been killed and 20,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted, according to an AFP toll compiled from medics, police and a national commission.

The victims' families have been demanding justice for their loved ones, and many of them hit the streets of Iraq's southern Diwaniyah on Thursday.&nbsp;

They joined thousands of other protesters, mostly teachers and students taking part in a general strike, AFP's correspondent said.

"The authorities are putting off the issue of who killed our sons and brothers in the protests," said Assaad Malek, whose brother died in protest-related violence.

"They should take a tough stance and severely punish the officers and SWAT forces who killed my brother," he added.

A verdict for security force members accused of violence against protesters in Diwaniyah was scheduled for Thursday, but the session was indefinitely postponed.

In the southern hotspot of Nasiriyah, hundreds hit the main protest camp in the city centre, joined by delegations from the province's powerful tribes.

Tribal dignitaries intervened last week to tamp down tensions between protesters and security forces after more than two dozen people were killed in a bloody crackdown.

Several thousand men backing a paramilitary force close to Iran flooded the Iraqi capital's main protest camp on Thursday, worrying anti-government demonstrators who have denounced Tehran's role in their country.

Several thousand men backing a paramilitary force close to Iran flooded the Iraqi capital's main protest camp on Thursday, worrying anti-government demonstrators who have denounced Tehran's role in their country. The men arrived in Tahrir (Liberation) Square in apparently coordinated marches from different parts of the capital, waving sticks, Iraqi flags and the logo of the Hashed al-Shaabi armed network. Some carried portraits of Hashed fighters killed in fighting against jihadists as well as pictures of the country's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. The Hashed had backed the Iraqi government but after a dramatic intervention by Sistani last week, it dropped its support. The embattled prime minister, Adel Abdel Mahdi, resigned at the weekend. Many units within the Shiite-majority force have been trained or equipped by Iran. The demonstrators occupying the square for weeks have explicitly criticised Iran for backing an Iraqi political elite they see as corrupt and inept. They have insisted that all current figures in power are tainted with graft and have been wary of political parties seeking to coopt the youth-dominated movement. The new arrivals on Thursday mixed in with thousands of other protesters in the square, who appeared worried although no confrontation or skirmishes took place. "They've ruined it," one protester said, as another muttered, "It's going to get messy." Mass rallies have rocked the capital and Shiite-majority south since early October, first denouncing government graft and a lack of jobs before moving to broader demands for deep-rooted regime change. Nearly 430 people have been killed and 20,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted, according to an AFP toll compiled from medics, police and a national commission. The victims' families have been demanding justice for their loved ones, and many of them hit the streets of Iraq's southern Diwaniyah on Thursday. They joined thousands of other protesters, mostly teachers and students taking part in a general strike, AFP's correspondent said. "The authorities are putting off the issue of who killed our sons and brothers in the protests," said Assaad Malek, whose brother died in protest-related violence. "They should take a tough stance and severely punish the officers and SWAT forces who killed my brother," he added. A verdict for security force members accused of violence against protesters in Diwaniyah was scheduled for Thursday, but the session was indefinitely postponed. In the southern hotspot of Nasiriyah, hundreds hit the main protest camp in the city centre, joined by delegations from the province's powerful tribes. Tribal dignitaries intervened last week to tamp down tensions between protesters and security forces after more than two dozen people were killed in a bloody crackdown.

Pro-paramilitary demonstrators flood Iraqi protest camp

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States. John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

Indications Iranian 'aggression' could occur: Pentagon official

The Iranian port city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr has emerged as the scene of some of the worst violence in Iran’s brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests.

Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to the country’s restive ethnic Arab minority, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr strengthened Iran in its belief that the anti-government outburst was yet another effort to destabilise the Islamic republic by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Iranian state television reported that security forces had confronted a separatist group in the city that was armed with “semi-heavy” weapons. It claimed the armed rioters had fought with security personnel for hours.

Iranian exiles in contact with family and friends in Bandar-e-Mahshahr said protesters blocked off a road leading from the city, that is home to Iran’s largest petrochemical complex, to the village of Koora.

In contrast to past protests in the province, the protesters chanted slogans against Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani rather than Arab nationalist phrases.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ 3rd Marine Force Division, based on the outskirts of the city, intervened with armoured vehicles after police failed to disperse the protesters. The exiles said the Guards opened fire on protesters trying to escape into nearby marshlands.

An unconfirmed video purportedly documenting the killing of up to 100 people shows armoured vehicles driving down a road as multiple rounds are fired and men are heard shouting. “They simply mowed them down,” said one of the exiles who studied in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and has relatives in the city.

In many ways, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and multiple other Iranian cities fit a global pattern; a specific issue sparks anti-government demonstrations that quickly evolve into a mass movement demanding a complete overhaul of a political system that has failed to cater to the aspirations of major segments of the population.

In Hong Kong the spark was a law that would enable extraditions to mainland China, in Santiago de Chile it was public transportation price hikes and in Iran, it was a surprise increase in petrol prices.

Struggling under the yoke of harsh US economic sanctions imposed after the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 from the international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian leaders failed to recognise that long-standing mismanagement of the economy and widespread corruption was undermining their legitimacy.

The notion of a US-Saudi-Israeli conspiracy to stoke unrest among Iran’s ethnic minorities in a bid to destabilise the regime was reinforced by statements in recent years by American, Saudi and Israeli officials and a series of violent incidents in Khuzestan as well as the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan and Kurdish regions of Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s insistence that the Iranian protests constituted a ‘dangerous conspiracy’ by the United States was hardly surprising.

The protests erupted after weeks in which demonstrators in Iraq denounced Iranian influence in their country and attacked the Islamic republic’s consulates in Basra and Najaf. Similarly, Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia, has been paralysed for the past two months by anti-sectarian protesters.

The conviction that Iran’s enemies were tightening the noose around its neck may well have some grounding in reality even if the Islamic republic’s most recent regional setbacks, as well as the outburst of deep-seated anger at home, cannot be reduced to foreign conspiracies.

The brutality with which the regime cracked down on protesters as well as its drastic decision to shut down the Internet for four days suggests that Iran has little faith in indications that Saudi Arabia is groping for ways to dial down tension with its arch-rival or Omani efforts to mediate.

It also explains why the squashing of the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr may have been particularly harsh.

The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian Arab separatist group, claimed responsibility in September 2018 for an attack on a Revolutionary Guards parade in the Khuzestan capital of Ahwaz in which 29 people were killed and 70 others wounded.

Unidentified gunmen in the Netherlands killed Ahmad Mola Nissi, a leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), in November 2017.

Shot dead on a street in The Hague, Mola Nissi died the violent life he was alleged to have lived.

A 52-year-old refugee living in the Netherlands since 2005, Mola Nissi was believed to have been responsible for attacks in Khuzestan in 2005, 2006 and 2013 on oil facilities, the office of the Khuzestan governor, other government offices, and banks.

Mola Nissi focussed in his most recent years on media activities and fundraising, at times creating footage of alleged attacks involving gas cylinder explosions to attract Saudi funding, according to Iranian activists.

Mola Nissi was killed as he was preparing to establish a television station backed by Saudi-trained personnel and funding that would target Khuzestan.

Protests in Khuzestan have focussed in recent years on identity, environmental degradation, and social issues.

International human rights groups have long accused Iran of discriminating against Iranian Arabs even though a majority are Shiite rather than Sunni Muslims. Dozens of protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations in Ahwaz in 2011 that were inspired by the popular Arab revolts.

“Despite Khuzestan's natural resource wealth, its ethnic Arab population, which is believed to constitute a majority in the province, has long complained about the lack of socio-economic development in the region. They also allege that the Iranian government has engaged in systematic discrimination against them, particularly in the areas of employment, housing, and civil and political rights,” Human Rights Watch said at the time.

That was in 2011. Like in the rest of Iran, things have only gotten worse in Khuzestan since. 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The Iranian port city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr has emerged as the scene of some of the worst violence in Iran’s brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests. Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to the country’s restive ethnic Arab minority, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr strengthened Iran in its belief that the anti-government outburst was yet another effort to destabilise the Islamic republic by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The Iranian port city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr has emerged as the scene of some of the worst violence in Iran’s brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests. Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to the country’s restive ethnic Arab minority, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr strengthened Iran in its belief that the anti-government outburst was yet another effort to destabilise the Islamic republic by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iranian state television reported that security forces had confronted a separatist group in the city that was armed with “semi-heavy” weapons. It claimed the armed rioters had fought with security personnel for hours. Iranian exiles in contact with family and friends in Bandar-e-Mahshahr said protesters blocked off a road leading from the city, that is home to Iran’s largest petrochemical complex, to the village of Koora. In contrast to past protests in the province, the protesters chanted slogans against Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani rather than Arab nationalist phrases. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ 3rd Marine Force Division, based on the outskirts of the city, intervened with armoured vehicles after police failed to disperse the protesters. The exiles said the Guards opened fire on protesters trying to escape into nearby marshlands. An unconfirmed video purportedly documenting the killing of up to 100 people shows armoured vehicles driving down a road as multiple rounds are fired and men are heard shouting. “They simply mowed them down,” said one of the exiles who studied in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and has relatives in the city. In many ways, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and multiple other Iranian cities fit a global pattern; a specific issue sparks anti-government demonstrations that quickly evolve into a mass movement demanding a complete overhaul of a political system that has failed to cater to the aspirations of major segments of the population. In Hong Kong the spark was a law that would enable extraditions to mainland China, in Santiago de Chile it was public transportation price hikes and in Iran, it was a surprise increase in petrol prices. Struggling under the yoke of harsh US economic sanctions imposed after the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 from the international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian leaders failed to recognise that long-standing mismanagement of the economy and widespread corruption was undermining their legitimacy. The notion of a US-Saudi-Israeli conspiracy to stoke unrest among Iran’s ethnic minorities in a bid to destabilise the regime was reinforced by statements in recent years by American, Saudi and Israeli officials and a series of violent incidents in Khuzestan as well as the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan and Kurdish regions of Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei’s insistence that the Iranian protests constituted a ‘dangerous conspiracy’ by the United States was hardly surprising. The protests erupted after weeks in which demonstrators in Iraq denounced Iranian influence in their country and attacked the Islamic republic’s consulates in Basra and Najaf. Similarly, Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia, has been paralysed for the past two months by anti-sectarian protesters. The conviction that Iran’s enemies were tightening the noose around its neck may well have some grounding in reality even if the Islamic republic’s most recent regional setbacks, as well as the outburst of deep-seated anger at home, cannot be reduced to foreign conspiracies. The brutality with which the regime cracked down on protesters as well as its drastic decision to shut down the Internet for four days suggests that Iran has little faith in indications that Saudi Arabia is groping for ways to dial down tension with its arch-rival or Omani efforts to mediate. It also explains why the squashing of the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr may have been particularly harsh. The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian Arab separatist group, claimed responsibility in September 2018 for an attack on a Revolutionary Guards parade in the Khuzestan capital of Ahwaz in which 29 people were killed and 70 others wounded. Unidentified gunmen in the Netherlands killed Ahmad Mola Nissi, a leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), in November 2017. Shot dead on a street in The Hague, Mola Nissi died the violent life he was alleged to have lived. A 52-year-old refugee living in the Netherlands since 2005, Mola Nissi was believed to have been responsible for attacks in Khuzestan in 2005, 2006 and 2013 on oil facilities, the office of the Khuzestan governor, other government offices, and banks. Mola Nissi focussed in his most recent years on media activities and fundraising, at times creating footage of alleged attacks involving gas cylinder explosions to attract Saudi funding, according to Iranian activists. Mola Nissi was killed as he was preparing to establish a television station backed by Saudi-trained personnel and funding that would target Khuzestan. Protests in Khuzestan have focussed in recent years on identity, environmental degradation, and social issues. International human rights groups have long accused Iran of discriminating against Iranian Arabs even though a majority are Shiite rather than Sunni Muslims. Dozens of protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations in Ahwaz in 2011 that were inspired by the popular Arab revolts. “Despite Khuzestan's natural resource wealth, its ethnic Arab population, which is believed to constitute a majority in the province, has long complained about the lack of socio-economic development in the region. They also allege that the Iranian government has engaged in systematic discrimination against them, particularly in the areas of employment, housing, and civil and political rights,” Human Rights Watch said at the time. That was in 2011. Like in the rest of Iran, things have only gotten worse in Khuzestan since. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Protests in Iran seen as a consipiracy to destabilise current political regime

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-enemy-conspiracy-defeated-in-protest-hit-iran-263405">Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Wednesday that Iran is still ready for nuclear talks on condition the United States first lifts "unlawful" sanctions.

"If they are prepared to put aside the sanctions, we are ready to talk and negotiate, even at the level of heads of the 5+1 countries," Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television.

Rouhani has long demanded the lifting of US sanctions for Iran's return to talks under the auspices of the so-called P5+1 that reached a 2015 nuclear deal, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

Watch: Hassan Rouhani's stern warning to US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-usa-direct-hassan-rouhanis-stern-warning-to-us-252072/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are under sanctions. This situation... is&nbsp;(because of) incitement by the Zionists and the region's reactionary," he said, referring to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"This situation... is a cruel act by the White House. We have no choice but to resist and persevere against those imposers of sanctions.

"At the same time, we have not closed the window for negotiations," Rouhani said.

"I tell the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-finds-new-oil-field-with-53-billion-barrels-of-crude-hassan-rouhani-261158">nation of Iran</a> that any time America is prepared to lift and put aside&nbsp;its wrong, cruel, unlawful, incorrect, terrorist sanctions, immediately the heads of 5+1 can meet and we have no problem."

The landmark 2015 deal gave Iran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

It has been at risk of falling apart since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in May last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it was agreed between Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany.

Twelve months on from the US pullout, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-cannot-allow-insecurity-in-the-face-of-protests-rouhani-262786">Iran began reducing its commitments</a> to the deal hoping to win concessions from those still party to the accord.

Its latest step back came last month, when engineers began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges at the underground Fordow plant south of Tehran.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is still ready for nuclear talks on condition the United States first lifts "unlawful" sanctions. "If they are prepared to put aside the sanctions, we are ready to talk and negotiate, even at the level of heads of the 5+1 countries," Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is still ready for nuclear talks on condition the United States first lifts "unlawful" sanctions. "If they are prepared to put aside the sanctions, we are ready to talk and negotiate, even at the level of heads of the 5+1 countries," Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television. Rouhani has long demanded the lifting of US sanctions for Iran's return to talks under the auspices of the so-called P5+1 that reached a 2015 nuclear deal, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. Watch: Hassan Rouhani's stern warning to US "We are under sanctions. This situation... is (because of) incitement by the Zionists and the region's reactionary," he said, referring to Israel and Saudi Arabia. "This situation... is a cruel act by the White House. We have no choice but to resist and persevere against those imposers of sanctions. "At the same time, we have not closed the window for negotiations," Rouhani said. "I tell the nation of Iran that any time America is prepared to lift and put aside its wrong, cruel, unlawful, incorrect, terrorist sanctions, immediately the heads of 5+1 can meet and we have no problem." The landmark 2015 deal gave Iran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. It has been at risk of falling apart since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in May last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it was agreed between Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany. Twelve months on from the US pullout, Iran began reducing its commitments to the deal hoping to win concessions from those still party to the accord. Its latest step back came last month, when engineers began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges at the underground Fordow plant south of Tehran.

Ready for talks if United States lifts sanctions: Iran

Defying US Sanctions, six European nations became the new entrants to a barter system which is designed to circumvent US sanctions against trade with Iran. This as Washington slams the move.

The instrument in support of trade exchanges or Instrument for Supporting Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) has been founded by UK, France and Germany.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the three countries said that they warmly welcome the decision taken by the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to join Instex as shareholders.&nbsp;

The Paris-based Instex functions as a clearinghouse allowing Iran to continue to sell oil and other products in exchange of goods.

The system is not in violation of US Sanctions as it does not involve financial transactions.

The Eurozone has been trying to save the Iran nuclear deal after Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the international agreement in 2018.

Meanwhile, Paris, London and Berlin have urged Iran to return to full compliance with its commitments under the deal without delay.

Tehran has been increasingly breaching the deal by increasing its uranium enrichment.

Remember, the 2015 deal was signed between US, European Union, Russia, China and Iran.&nbsp;

Tehran had agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return of lifting of international economic sanctions.

The US However reinstated sanctions against Iran citing its non-compliance to the deal.

The US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell slammed the six nations for joining the Instex saying that they were funding the Iranian regime at a time of violent anti-government protests.&nbsp;

Defying US Sanctions, six European nations became the new entrants to a barter system which is designed to circumvent US sanctions against trade with Iran. This as Washington slams the move.

Defying US Sanctions, six European nations became the new entrants to a barter system which is designed to circumvent US sanctions against trade with Iran. This as Washington slams the move. The instrument in support of trade exchanges or Instrument for Supporting Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) has been founded by UK, France and Germany. In a joint statement, the three countries said that they warmly welcome the decision taken by the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to join Instex as shareholders. The Paris-based Instex functions as a clearinghouse allowing Iran to continue to sell oil and other products in exchange of goods. The system is not in violation of US Sanctions as it does not involve financial transactions. The Eurozone has been trying to save the Iran nuclear deal after Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the international agreement in 2018. Meanwhile, Paris, London and Berlin have urged Iran to return to full compliance with its commitments under the deal without delay. Tehran has been increasingly breaching the deal by increasing its uranium enrichment. Remember, the 2015 deal was signed between US, European Union, Russia, China and Iran. Tehran had agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return of lifting of international economic sanctions. The US However reinstated sanctions against Iran citing its non-compliance to the deal. The US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell slammed the six nations for joining the Instex saying that they were funding the Iranian regime at a time of violent anti-government protests.

Six European countries join US sanctions-busting barter system for Iran oil trade

According to a White House statement, United States President Donald Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday about Iran and various issues.

"The leaders discussed the threat from Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues," the White House said in an email statement.

Relations between Iran and the United States have worsened since last year when Trump pulled out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed sanctions on the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a White House statement, United States President Donald Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday about Iran and various issues.

According to a White House statement, United States President Donald Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday about Iran and various issues. "The leaders discussed the threat from Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues," the White House said in an email statement. Relations between Iran and the United States have worsened since last year when Trump pulled out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed sanctions on the country. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Trump discusses Iran with Israeli PM Netanyahu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../in-bloodiest-day-of-iraqi-protests-forces-kill-28 -protesters-265133">&nbsp;Iraqi security forces</a> shot dead at least 45 protesters on Thursday after demonstrators stormed and torched an Iranian consulate overnight, in what could mark a turning point in the uprising against the Tehran-backed authorities.

At least 29 people died in the southern city of Nassiriya when troops opened fire on demonstrators who blocked a bridge before dawn on Thursday and later gathered outside a police station. Police and medical sources said dozens of others were wounded.

Four people were killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../iraqi-forces-kill-16-protesters-after-iranian- consulate-torched-265072">Baghdad</a>, where security forces opened fire with live ammunition and rubber bullets against protesters near a bridge over the Tigris river, the sources said, and twelve died in clashes in Najaf.

In Nassiriya thousands of mourners took to the streets, defying a curfew to bury their dead after the mass shooting.

Video of protesters cheering in the night as flames billowed from the consulate were a stunning image after years in which Tehran's influence among Shi'ite&nbsp;Muslims in Arab states has been a defining factor in Middle East politics.

The bloodshed that followed was one of the most violent days since the uprising began at the start of October, with anti-corruption demonstrations that swelled into a revolt against authorities seen by young demonstrators as stooges of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../iran-arrests-eight-linked-to-cia-during-unrest- state-media-265030">Tehran</a>.

Iran closed the Mehran border crossing to Iraq on Thursday night because of security reasons, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported, citing a local border official.

"With attention to the recent events and the unrest in the country of Iraq the Mehran border has been closed from tonight," Mojtaba Soleimani, the manager of the border post said, according to Mehr.

He said it was not clear when the border would reopen.

In Najaf, a city of ancient pilgrimage shrines that serves as seat of Iraq's powerful Shi'ite clergy, the Iranian consulate was reduced to a charred ruin after it was stormed overnight.

The protesters, overwhelmingly Shi'ite, accused the Iraqi authorities of turning against their own people to defend Iran.

"All the riot police in Najaf and the security forces started shooting at us as if we were burning Iraq as a whole," a protester who witnessed the burning of the consulate told Reuters, asking not to be identified.

Another protester, Ali, described the attack on the consulate as "a brave act and a reaction from the Iraqi people. We don't want the Iranians".

But he predicted more violence: "There will be revenge from Iran, I'm sure. They're still here and the security forces are going to keep shooting at us."

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attack and demanded "the Iraqi government's firm response to the aggressors".

So far, the authorities have been unyielding in response to the unrest, shooting dead hundreds of demonstrators with live ammunition and tear gas, while floating proposals for political reform that the protesters dismiss as trivial and cosmetic.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has so far rejected calls to resign, after meetings with senior politicians that were attended by the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, the elite unit that directs its militia allies abroad.

Abdul Mahdi on Thursday summoned a senior military commander in Dhi Qar province, where Nassiriya is located, to Baghdad to explain why the situation had deteriorated, a military statement said.

"CUT THE HANDS"

In a statement that indicated more violence was to come, the military commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of paramilitary groups whose most powerful factions are close to Iran, suggested the overnight unrest in Najaf was a threat to Shi'ite clergy based in the city.

The paramilitary fighters would use full force against anyone who threatened Iraq's most senior Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis said in a statement posted on the PMF website.

"We will cut the hand of anyone trying to get near al-Sistani," he said.

Influential populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr issued a fresh call for the government to resign, while warning those who torched the embassy that they risked provoking a violent backlash from the authorities.

"Do not give them cover to end your revolution, and stay clear of religious sites," he said in a statement on Twitter. If the government does not resign, "this is the beginning of the end of Iraq," he said.

Fanar Haddad, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute, said the government and its paramilitary allies could use the consulate incident to justify crushing the demonstrations.

"It sends a message to Iran, but it also works to the advantage of people like Muhandis," he said. The paramilitaries could use the consulate incident as "a pretext to clamp down, framing what happened as a threat against Sistani."

Sistani himself has appeared to back the protesters since the unrest erupted, calling on politicians to meet the popular demands for reform.

Authorities set up "crisis cells" in several provinces to try to restore order, a military statement said on Thursday. They would be led by provincial governors but include military leaders who would take charge of local security forces.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 45 protesters on Thursday after demonstrators stormed and torched an Iranian consulate overnight, in what could mark a turning point in the uprising against the Tehran-backed authorities.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 45 protesters on Thursday after demonstrators stormed and torched an Iranian consulate overnight, in what could mark a turning point in the uprising against the Tehran-backed authorities. At least 29 people died in the southern city of Nassiriya when troops opened fire on demonstrators who blocked a bridge before dawn on Thursday and later gathered outside a police station. Police and medical sources said dozens of others were wounded. Four people were killed in Baghdad, where security forces opened fire with live ammunition and rubber bullets against protesters near a bridge over the Tigris river, the sources said, and twelve died in clashes in Najaf. In Nassiriya thousands of mourners took to the streets, defying a curfew to bury their dead after the mass shooting. Video of protesters cheering in the night as flames billowed from the consulate were a stunning image after years in which Tehran's influence among Shi'ite Muslims in Arab states has been a defining factor in Middle East politics. The bloodshed that followed was one of the most violent days since the uprising began at the start of October, with anti-corruption demonstrations that swelled into a revolt against authorities seen by young demonstrators as stooges of Tehran. Iran closed the Mehran border crossing to Iraq on Thursday night because of security reasons, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported, citing a local border official. "With attention to the recent events and the unrest in the country of Iraq the Mehran border has been closed from tonight," Mojtaba Soleimani, the manager of the border post said, according to Mehr. He said it was not clear when the border would reopen. In Najaf, a city of ancient pilgrimage shrines that serves as seat of Iraq's powerful Shi'ite clergy, the Iranian consulate was reduced to a charred ruin after it was stormed overnight. The protesters, overwhelmingly Shi'ite, accused the Iraqi authorities of turning against their own people to defend Iran. "All the riot police in Najaf and the security forces started shooting at us as if we were burning Iraq as a whole," a protester who witnessed the burning of the consulate told Reuters, asking not to be identified. Another protester, Ali, described the attack on the consulate as "a brave act and a reaction from the Iraqi people. We don't want the Iranians". But he predicted more violence: "There will be revenge from Iran, I'm sure. They're still here and the security forces are going to keep shooting at us." Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attack and demanded "the Iraqi government's firm response to the aggressors". So far, the authorities have been unyielding in response to the unrest, shooting dead hundreds of demonstrators with live ammunition and tear gas, while floating proposals for political reform that the protesters dismiss as trivial and cosmetic. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has so far rejected calls to resign, after meetings with senior politicians that were attended by the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, the elite unit that directs its militia allies abroad. Abdul Mahdi on Thursday summoned a senior military commander in Dhi Qar province, where Nassiriya is located, to Baghdad to explain why the situation had deteriorated, a military statement said. "CUT THE HANDS" In a statement that indicated more violence was to come, the military commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of paramilitary groups whose most powerful factions are close to Iran, suggested the overnight unrest in Najaf was a threat to Shi'ite clergy based in the city. The paramilitary fighters would use full force against anyone who threatened Iraq's most senior Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis said in a statement posted on the PMF website. "We will cut the hand of anyone trying to get near al-Sistani," he said. Influential populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr issued a fresh call for the government to resign, while warning those who torched the embassy that they risked provoking a violent backlash from the authorities. "Do not give them cover to end your revolution, and stay clear of religious sites," he said in a statement on Twitter. If the government does not resign, "this is the beginning of the end of Iraq," he said. Fanar Haddad, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute, said the government and its paramilitary allies could use the consulate incident to justify crushing the demonstrations. "It sends a message to Iran, but it also works to the advantage of people like Muhandis," he said. The paramilitaries could use the consulate incident as "a pretext to clamp down, framing what happened as a threat against Sistani." Sistani himself has appeared to back the protesters since the unrest erupted, calling on politicians to meet the popular demands for reform. Authorities set up "crisis cells" in several provinces to try to restore order, a military statement said on Thursday. They would be led by provincial governors but include military leaders who would take charge of local security forces.

Iraqi forces kill 45 protesters after Iranian consulate torched

Iran said Thursday that European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal could not trigger a dispute mechanism in the agreement that could lead to the reimposition of UN sanctions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had Wednesday raised the possibility of triggering the mechanism, but Iran's foreign ministry disputed that this would be permissible.

The deal "does not allow the European parties to invoke the mechanism as Iran is exercising its legal right in response to the United States' illegal and unilateral actions," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA.

The nuclear deal -- known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action -- has been unravelling since May 2018 when the United States unilaterally withdrew from it and began reimposing sanctions on Iran.

The three European countries still party to the deal -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been trying to salvage it.

But their efforts have borne little fruit and one year after the US pullout Iran began retaliating by taking a series of steps to row back its commitments to the accord.

On Wednesday, Le Drian said that "every two months there is another notch (from Iran) to the extent that we are wondering today... about the implementation of the dispute resolution mechanism in the treaty".

"Given the succession of actions taken by the Iranian authorities, who are progressively at odds with the contents of the JCPOA, the question comes up," he added.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman hit out at what he called the "irresponsible and unconstructive" remarks.

"It extremely discredits the effectiveness of political initiatives for the whole implementation of the JCPOA by all sides in line with the system of lifting sanctions," said Mousavi.

Iran said Thursday that European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal could not trigger a dispute mechanism in the agreement that could lead to the reimposition of UN sanctions.

Iran said Thursday that European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal could not trigger a dispute mechanism in the agreement that could lead to the reimposition of UN sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had Wednesday raised the possibility of triggering the mechanism, but Iran's foreign ministry disputed that this would be permissible. The deal "does not allow the European parties to invoke the mechanism as Iran is exercising its legal right in response to the United States' illegal and unilateral actions," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA. The nuclear deal -- known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action -- has been unravelling since May 2018 when the United States unilaterally withdrew from it and began reimposing sanctions on Iran. The three European countries still party to the deal -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been trying to salvage it. But their efforts have borne little fruit and one year after the US pullout Iran began retaliating by taking a series of steps to row back its commitments to the accord. On Wednesday, Le Drian said that "every two months there is another notch (from Iran) to the extent that we are wondering today... about the implementation of the dispute resolution mechanism in the treaty". "Given the succession of actions taken by the Iranian authorities, who are progressively at odds with the contents of the JCPOA, the question comes up," he added. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman hit out at what he called the "irresponsible and unconstructive" remarks. "It extremely discredits the effectiveness of political initiatives for the whole implementation of the JCPOA by all sides in line with the system of lifting sanctions," said Mousavi.

Iran says Europeans cannot invoke nuclear deal's dispute mechanism

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