For The First Time In 20 Years, Iran's Major General Qassem Soleimani Agreed To An Interview. Here's The Gist.

Gravitas: Takeaways From Iran's Major General Soleimani's Rare Interview

A top Iranian constitutional body has approved a law allowing Iranian women to pass their nationality to their children, state media reported on Wednesday.

Human rights experts have said the measure could help thousands of children living in legal limbo by letting them acquire citizenship in Iran, one of about 25 countries that do not permit women married to foreigners to hand their nationality to their children.

The state news agency IRNA quoted Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, spokesman for the Guardian Council which vets legislation passed by parliament for compliance with the constitution, as saying the body had approved the measure.

The council had earlier objected to the proposed law on security grounds and required changes allowing background checks on foreign fathers of the children, according to local media reports.

The reform could benefit children born to women who have married men from Iran's large Afghan refugee and migrant population, according to Human Rights Watch. There are an estimated 3 million Afghans in Iran.

A top Iranian constitutional body has approved a law allowing Iranian women to pass their nationality to their children, state media reported on Wednesday. Human rights experts have said the measure could help thousands of children living in legal limbo by letting them acquire citizenship in Iran, one of about 25 countries that do not permit women married to foreigners to hand their nationality to their children.

A top Iranian constitutional body has approved a law allowing Iranian women to pass their nationality to their children, state media reported on Wednesday. Human rights experts have said the measure could help thousands of children living in legal limbo by letting them acquire citizenship in Iran, one of about 25 countries that do not permit women married to foreigners to hand their nationality to their children. The state news agency IRNA quoted Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, spokesman for the Guardian Council which vets legislation passed by parliament for compliance with the constitution, as saying the body had approved the measure. The council had earlier objected to the proposed law on security grounds and required changes allowing background checks on foreign fathers of the children, according to local media reports. The reform could benefit children born to women who have married men from Iran's large Afghan refugee and migrant population, according to Human Rights Watch. There are an estimated 3 million Afghans in Iran.

Iran passes law allowing women to pass citizenship to children

Iran's statement that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-warns-of-escalation-with-iran-says-he-prefers-political-solution-252727">Saudi Arabia</a> sent messages to its president through other countries was "not accurate", Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdom's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said.

Saudi Arabia blames Iran for an attack on two Saudi oil facilities on September&nbsp;14, a charge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">Tehran</a> denies. On Monday, an Iranian government spokesman said Saudi Arabia had sent messages to Iran's president through the leaders of other countries but did not specify their content.

"What the Iranian speaker said about the kingdom sending messages to the Iranian regime is not accurate," Jubeir said on Twitter late on Tuesday.

"What happened was that sister country sought to calm the situation, and we told them that the position of the kingdom was to always seek security and stability in the region."

In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince warned that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world did not come together to deter Iran, but said he preferred a political solution to a military one.

"We also told them that de-escalation should come from the party that is escalating and spreading chaos through hostile acts in the region," Jubeir added.

"We conveyed to them our position towards the Iranian regime that we always announce clearly in all venues, most recently at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2019-what-to-expect-at-the-74th-session-this-week-251385">United Nations General Assembly</a>," he said.

Iran's statement that Saudi Arabia sent messages to its president through other countries was "not accurate", Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdom's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said.

Iran's statement that Saudi Arabia sent messages to its president through other countries was "not accurate", Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdom's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said. Saudi Arabia blames Iran for an attack on two Saudi oil facilities on September 14, a charge Tehran denies. On Monday, an Iranian government spokesman said Saudi Arabia had sent messages to Iran's president through the leaders of other countries but did not specify their content. "What the Iranian speaker said about the kingdom sending messages to the Iranian regime is not accurate," Jubeir said on Twitter late on Tuesday. "What happened was that sister country sought to calm the situation, and we told them that the position of the kingdom was to always seek security and stability in the region." In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince warned that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world did not come together to deter Iran, but said he preferred a political solution to a military one. "We also told them that de-escalation should come from the party that is escalating and spreading chaos through hostile acts in the region," Jubeir added. "We conveyed to them our position towards the Iranian regime that we always announce clearly in all venues, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly," he said.

Saudi says Iran's remark on messages to its President 'not accurate'

Saudi Arabia's crown prince warned in an interview broadcast on Sunday that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world does not come together to deter Iran, but said he would prefer a political solution to a military one. Watch this video to know more.

Saudi crown prince warns of escalation with Iran, says he prefers political solution

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-strikes-saudi-high-speed-train-station-at-least-five-injured-252699">Saudi Arabia's crown prince</a> warned in an interview broadcast on Sunday that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world does not come together to deter Iran, but said he would prefer a political solution to a military one.

Speaking to the CBS programme "60 Minutes," Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, also denied that he ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives nearly a year ago, but said he ultimately bears "full responsibility" as the leader of his country.

While Khashoggi's death sparked a global uproar and tarnished the crown prince's reputation, the Trump administration's tense standoff with Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-foe, has more recently dominated US&nbsp;policy toward Riyadh, especially after the September&nbsp;14 attacks on the heartland of the Saudi oil industry.

"If the world does not take a strong and firm action to deter Iran, we will see further escalations that will threaten world interests," the crown prince said. "Oil supplies will be disrupted and oil prices will jump to unimaginably high numbers that we haven’t seen in our lifetimes."

The crown prince, in an interview conducted on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, said he agreed with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the September&nbsp;14 attacks, which damaged the world's biggest petroleum-processing facility and knocked out more than 5 per cent&nbsp;of global oil supply, were an act of war by Iran.

But he said he preferred a peaceful resolution because a war between Saudi Arabia and Iran would collapse the global economy.

The United States, European powers and Saudi Arabia have blamed the attacks on Iran. Tehran has denied any involvement. Instead, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility.

"The political and peaceful solution is much better than the military one," he said.

The crown prince also said US&nbsp;President Donald Trump should meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to craft a new deal on Tehran's nuclear program and influence across the Middle East.

Efforts to bring the two together last week at the United Nations General Assembly failed. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated over the US&nbsp;withdrawal from an Iranian nuclear deal and its reinstatement of sanctions against Tehran.

'Absolutely not'

Days before the anniversary of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-year-on-saudi-struggles-to-turn-page-on-khashoggi-murder-252688">killing of Khashoggi</a> in a Saudi consulate in Turkey, the crown prince said: "Absolutely not," when asked if he ordered the murder.

But he said he took full responsibility for the killing, "since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government."

"This was a mistake. And I must take all actions to avoid such a thing in the future," the crown prince said of the killing, which he called "heinous."

The CIA and some Western governments have said they believe he ordered it, but Saudi officials have repeatedly said he had no role.

After initial denials, the official Saudi narrative blamed the murder on rogue operatives. The public prosecutor said the then-deputy intelligence chief ordered the repatriation of Khashoggi, a royal insider who became an outspoken critic, but the lead negotiator ordered him killed after discussions for his return failed.

Asked how the killing could have happened without him knowing about it," the crown prince said: "Some think that I should know what 3 million people working for the Saudi government do daily? It's impossible that the 3 million would send their daily reports to the leader or the second highest person in the Saudi government."

He insisted that "the investigations are being carried out, and once charges are proven against someone, regardless of their rank, it will be taken to court, no exception made."

Eleven Saudi suspects have been put on trial in secretive proceedings but only a few hearings have been held. A U.N. report has called for Prince Mohammed and other senior Saudi officials to be investigated.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2, where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, according to reports, and his remains have not been found.

Asked about criticism of the Saudis in the US&nbsp;Congress over the Khashoggi killing and the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, which has taken a huge civilian toll, the crown prince said: "The (US-Saudi) relationship is much larger than that."

Trump has resisted congressional efforts to block US&nbsp;arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacked-saudi-border-frontline-captured-troops-houthis-252644">The crown prince</a> also repeated a Saudi call for Iran to halt its support for Houthi forces in Yemen and said he was open to "all initiatives for a political solution" to end the war there.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince warned in an interview broadcast on Sunday that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world does not come together to deter Iran, but said he would prefer a political solution to a military one.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince warned in an interview broadcast on Sunday that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world does not come together to deter Iran, but said he would prefer a political solution to a military one. Speaking to the CBS programme "60 Minutes," Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, also denied that he ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives nearly a year ago, but said he ultimately bears "full responsibility" as the leader of his country. While Khashoggi's death sparked a global uproar and tarnished the crown prince's reputation, the Trump administration's tense standoff with Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-foe, has more recently dominated US policy toward Riyadh, especially after the September 14 attacks on the heartland of the Saudi oil industry. "If the world does not take a strong and firm action to deter Iran, we will see further escalations that will threaten world interests," the crown prince said. "Oil supplies will be disrupted and oil prices will jump to unimaginably high numbers that we haven’t seen in our lifetimes." The crown prince, in an interview conducted on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, said he agreed with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the September 14 attacks, which damaged the world's biggest petroleum-processing facility and knocked out more than 5 per cent of global oil supply, were an act of war by Iran. But he said he preferred a peaceful resolution because a war between Saudi Arabia and Iran would collapse the global economy. The United States, European powers and Saudi Arabia have blamed the attacks on Iran. Tehran has denied any involvement. Instead, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility. "The political and peaceful solution is much better than the military one," he said. The crown prince also said US President Donald Trump should meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to craft a new deal on Tehran's nuclear program and influence across the Middle East. Efforts to bring the two together last week at the United Nations General Assembly failed. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated over the US withdrawal from an Iranian nuclear deal and its reinstatement of sanctions against Tehran. 'Absolutely not' Days before the anniversary of the killing of Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Turkey, the crown prince said: "Absolutely not," when asked if he ordered the murder. But he said he took full responsibility for the killing, "since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government." "This was a mistake. And I must take all actions to avoid such a thing in the future," the crown prince said of the killing, which he called "heinous." The CIA and some Western governments have said they believe he ordered it, but Saudi officials have repeatedly said he had no role. After initial denials, the official Saudi narrative blamed the murder on rogue operatives. The public prosecutor said the then-deputy intelligence chief ordered the repatriation of Khashoggi, a royal insider who became an outspoken critic, but the lead negotiator ordered him killed after discussions for his return failed. Asked how the killing could have happened without him knowing about it," the crown prince said: "Some think that I should know what 3 million people working for the Saudi government do daily? It's impossible that the 3 million would send their daily reports to the leader or the second highest person in the Saudi government." He insisted that "the investigations are being carried out, and once charges are proven against someone, regardless of their rank, it will be taken to court, no exception made." Eleven Saudi suspects have been put on trial in secretive proceedings but only a few hearings have been held. A U.N. report has called for Prince Mohammed and other senior Saudi officials to be investigated. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, according to reports, and his remains have not been found. Asked about criticism of the Saudis in the US Congress over the Khashoggi killing and the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, which has taken a huge civilian toll, the crown prince said: "The (US-Saudi) relationship is much larger than that." Trump has resisted congressional efforts to block US arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The crown prince also repeated a Saudi call for Iran to halt its support for Houthi forces in Yemen and said he was open to "all initiatives for a political solution" to end the war there.

Iran said on Monday that it is on track to create a new oil terminal on the Sea of Oman that would open a new export route for its crude and allow tankers to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The National Iranian Oil Company signed a contract worth around $52 million Monday with three local companies to supply 50 pumps for the pipeline project, according to the Iranian oil ministry's Shana website.

The pipeline will run from Bushehr province on the Gulf to Bandar-e-Jask on the Sea of Oman, on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;

"Construction of the Goreh-Jask pipeline and the crude oil export terminal at Jask Port are among the priority plans," Shana reported.

The approximately 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) pipeline will bring oil from Goreh in Bushehr to Jask, making it "strategically important as the country's second-largest crude oil export terminal," Shana reported.

According to Tehran's official IRNA news agency, Jask will export its first crude within 18 months.&nbsp;

In September 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced "a major part" of Iran's exports would be shifted to Jask from the Kharg Island terminal -- deep in the Gulf.

He said the project would be completed by the end of his term in summer 2021.

To reach the oil terminal on Kharg Island, tankers must pass the chokepoint Strait of Hormuz -- through which most Gulf oil passes -- slowing deliveries by several days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran has in the past repeatedly threatened to block the strait -- which is used by its Gulf rivals including Saudi Arabia -- when faced with sanctions on its oil exports and possible military action by the US.

Washington and Tehran came close to armed conflict in June following a military escalation in the Gulf.

Tension has grown since May 2018 when the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions aimed at stopping it from exporting oil.

Washington, Riyadh, Berlin, London and Paris blamed Iran for attacks that damaged the Saudi oil sector on September 14.

Iran said on Monday that it is on track to create a new oil terminal on the Sea of Oman that would open a new export route for its crude and allow tankers to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said on Monday that it is on track to create a new oil terminal on the Sea of Oman that would open a new export route for its crude and allow tankers to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The National Iranian Oil Company signed a contract worth around $52 million Monday with three local companies to supply 50 pumps for the pipeline project, according to the Iranian oil ministry's Shana website. The pipeline will run from Bushehr province on the Gulf to Bandar-e-Jask on the Sea of Oman, on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz. "Construction of the Goreh-Jask pipeline and the crude oil export terminal at Jask Port are among the priority plans," Shana reported. The approximately 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) pipeline will bring oil from Goreh in Bushehr to Jask, making it "strategically important as the country's second-largest crude oil export terminal," Shana reported. According to Tehran's official IRNA news agency, Jask will export its first crude within 18 months. In September 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced "a major part" of Iran's exports would be shifted to Jask from the Kharg Island terminal -- deep in the Gulf. He said the project would be completed by the end of his term in summer 2021. To reach the oil terminal on Kharg Island, tankers must pass the chokepoint Strait of Hormuz -- through which most Gulf oil passes -- slowing deliveries by several days. Iran has in the past repeatedly threatened to block the strait -- which is used by its Gulf rivals including Saudi Arabia -- when faced with sanctions on its oil exports and possible military action by the US. Washington and Tehran came close to armed conflict in June following a military escalation in the Gulf. Tension has grown since May 2018 when the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions aimed at stopping it from exporting oil. Washington, Riyadh, Berlin, London and Paris blamed Iran for attacks that damaged the Saudi oil sector on September 14.

Iran on track to open new oil terminal outside Gulf

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-ratchet-up-further-despite-un-efforts-252293">Iran and the United States </a>were close to establishing dialogue at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, but Washington disrupted the process, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-uses-advanced-centrifuges-in-new-nuclear-deal-breach-iaea-252257">Iranian government</a> spokesman Ali Rabiei said Monday.

According to Rabiei, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during a meeting with European sides to the nuclear deal, clearly said that Tehran is ready for "5 + 1" format talks, which, in addition to Russia, China, France, Germany and the UK, includes the US. However, the condition for this is the lifting of sanctions against Iran.

"However, Trump was not ready to lift sanctions from Iran... First, the United States is not serious enough about the talks. Second, Trump wanted to use sanctions against the people of Iran as a tool during the negotiations," Rabiei told reporters, saying Washington's approach was unacceptable.

"We were close to diplomacy and a final resolution [of the talks' problem], but the US government prevented this from happening. The responsibility for the failure to form the possibility of a dialogue in New York lies directly with the United States," he said.

Iran and the United States were close to establishing dialogue at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, but Washington disrupted the process, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said Monday.

Iran and the United States were close to establishing dialogue at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, but Washington disrupted the process, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said Monday. According to Rabiei, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during a meeting with European sides to the nuclear deal, clearly said that Tehran is ready for "5 + 1" format talks, which, in addition to Russia, China, France, Germany and the UK, includes the US. However, the condition for this is the lifting of sanctions against Iran. "However, Trump was not ready to lift sanctions from Iran... First, the United States is not serious enough about the talks. Second, Trump wanted to use sanctions against the people of Iran as a tool during the negotiations," Rabiei told reporters, saying Washington's approach was unacceptable. "We were close to diplomacy and a final resolution [of the talks' problem], but the US government prevented this from happening. The responsibility for the failure to form the possibility of a dialogue in New York lies directly with the United States," he said.

We were close to dialogue with US but Trump govt disrupted it: Iran

A British-flagged tanker that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-seized-british-flagged-tanker-free-to-leave-251454">detained by Iran</a> for 10 weeks, docked in Dubai on Saturday, after a standoff that has stoked tensions along a vital global shipping route for oil.

The Stena Impero, which sailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-released-by-iran-reaches-international-waters-swedish-owner-252426">out of Iranian waters</a> on Friday, was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on July 19, shortly after British forces detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. The Iranian ship was released in August.

Erik Hanell, the chief executive of Sweden's Stena Bulk, which owns the ship, told Reuters the crew would receive medical checks and would be de-briefed in Dubai, which lies across the Gulf from Iran, before travelling home to their families. Seven of the 23 crew were freed earlier this month.

The seizure of the vessel, which the Iranian authorities said was for marine violations, followed attacks on other merchant tankers in Gulf waters in May and June. The United States blamed those attacks on Iran, which Tehran denied.

Relations between Iran and the United States and its allies have deteriorated since Washington withdrew last year from a global agreement to rein in Tehran's nuclear work and imposed sanctions aimed at shutting down Iranian oil exports.

A British-flagged tanker that was detained by Iran for 10 weeks, docked in Dubai on Saturday, after a standoff that has stoked tensions along a vital global shipping route for oil.

A British-flagged tanker that was detained by Iran for 10 weeks, docked in Dubai on Saturday, after a standoff that has stoked tensions along a vital global shipping route for oil. The Stena Impero, which sailed out of Iranian waters on Friday, was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on July 19, shortly after British forces detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. The Iranian ship was released in August. Erik Hanell, the chief executive of Sweden's Stena Bulk, which owns the ship, told Reuters the crew would receive medical checks and would be de-briefed in Dubai, which lies across the Gulf from Iran, before travelling home to their families. Seven of the 23 crew were freed earlier this month. The seizure of the vessel, which the Iranian authorities said was for marine violations, followed attacks on other merchant tankers in Gulf waters in May and June. The United States blamed those attacks on Iran, which Tehran denied. Relations between Iran and the United States and its allies have deteriorated since Washington withdrew last year from a global agreement to rein in Tehran's nuclear work and imposed sanctions aimed at shutting down Iranian oil exports.

British tanker docks in Dubai after detention by Iran

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest during their bilateral meeting in New York.

Crucial India-Iran bilateral meet in New York

Tensions between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/resisting-us-pressure-on-iran-india-is-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place-213848">United States and Iran</a> escalated on Thursday as Washington <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-battlefield-warning-as-us-deploys-troops-251022">deployed more troops</a> to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging&nbsp;its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities.

The Pentagon announced it was sending 200 troops with Patriot missiles to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences following the strikes this month that knocked out half of the Kingdom's oil production.

After a week of diplomacy at the United Nations where European leaders unsuccessfully tried to arrange a US-Iran meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded that Washington back up its accusations that Iran was behind the attacks. &nbsp;

"Those who make the allegations must provide the needed proof. What is your evidence?", he told reporters.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons.

The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States shared evidence on the attacks with other countries during the UN General Assembly.

"I think now it has struck them how clear it is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prepared to do the right thing and behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters Thursday.

Iran "used their usual method of trying to obscure this through the use of a proxy force. They had to know it was the case that the world would rally against them, and yet they still chose to do it," he added.

Tehran has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-and-us-refusing-to-budge-as-tit-for-tat-ship-seizures-in-middle-east-raise-the-temperature-237920">blasted the allegations</a> as "ridiculous." It denies responsibility, and the attacks have been claimed by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels.

"If you do have any evidence or documentation please do make them available to me," Rouhani said.

He said that Western powers should instead stop arming Saudi Arabia in its offensive in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis.

'Vile and cowardly regime'

A senior Saudi official, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, urged a united front against Iran.

"It is a vile and cowardly regime, which hides behind its affiliated militias, pushing them to claim responsibility," said Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs.

"This regime is only checked by a firm and unified stand and the application of maximum and sustained pressure until it desists from its terrorist behavior," he said.

The US president reimposed economic sanctions and in May his administration said it would unilaterally force all countries to stop buying Iran's oil, one of Tehran's main sources of wealth.

Tehran soon afterward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">shot down an unmanned US drone</a>. At the very last minute, Trump stepped back from striking Iran in June as the risk of all-out war in the Middle East seemed all too real.

In its latest move to ratchet up the pressure, the United States banned senior Iranian regime figures and their families from entering the United States.

It came 24 hours after Washington announced it would punish Chinese companies that bought Iranian oil, on the last official day of Trump's participation at the UN General Assembly.

The US Defense Department said the troop deployment would involve one battery of surface-to-air missiles, along with four Sentinel radars used for air and missile defense systems.

And the UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed Thursday that Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, in a new breach of the agreement with world powers.

No meeting at UN

Speculation had been rife that Trump might meet Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN summit but the US leader returned to Washington without a rendezvous taking place.

Rouhani said Thursday that Iran would be willing to hold talks with the United States if Trump lifted sanctions and ended his policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran.

"If we reach a time when these preconditions are taken off the table, of course the possibility exists to talk with America," he said at the news conference.

French President Emmanuel Macron had shuttled between his US and Iranian counterparts over two days at the UN, trying to arrange an encounter.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday as Washington deployed more troops to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday as Washington deployed more troops to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities. The Pentagon announced it was sending 200 troops with Patriot missiles to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences following the strikes this month that knocked out half of the Kingdom's oil production. After a week of diplomacy at the United Nations where European leaders unsuccessfully tried to arrange a US-Iran meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded that Washington back up its accusations that Iran was behind the attacks. "Those who make the allegations must provide the needed proof. What is your evidence?", he told reporters. Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons. The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States shared evidence on the attacks with other countries during the UN General Assembly. "I think now it has struck them how clear it is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prepared to do the right thing and behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters Thursday. Iran "used their usual method of trying to obscure this through the use of a proxy force. They had to know it was the case that the world would rally against them, and yet they still chose to do it," he added. Tehran has blasted the allegations as "ridiculous." It denies responsibility, and the attacks have been claimed by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels. "If you do have any evidence or documentation please do make them available to me," Rouhani said. He said that Western powers should instead stop arming Saudi Arabia in its offensive in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. 'Vile and cowardly regime' A senior Saudi official, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, urged a united front against Iran. "It is a vile and cowardly regime, which hides behind its affiliated militias, pushing them to claim responsibility," said Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs. "This regime is only checked by a firm and unified stand and the application of maximum and sustained pressure until it desists from its terrorist behavior," he said. The US president reimposed economic sanctions and in May his administration said it would unilaterally force all countries to stop buying Iran's oil, one of Tehran's main sources of wealth. Tehran soon afterward shot down an unmanned US drone. At the very last minute, Trump stepped back from striking Iran in June as the risk of all-out war in the Middle East seemed all too real. In its latest move to ratchet up the pressure, the United States banned senior Iranian regime figures and their families from entering the United States. It came 24 hours after Washington announced it would punish Chinese companies that bought Iranian oil, on the last official day of Trump's participation at the UN General Assembly. The US Defense Department said the troop deployment would involve one battery of surface-to-air missiles, along with four Sentinel radars used for air and missile defense systems. And the UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed Thursday that Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, in a new breach of the agreement with world powers. No meeting at UN Speculation had been rife that Trump might meet Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN summit but the US leader returned to Washington without a rendezvous taking place. Rouhani said Thursday that Iran would be willing to hold talks with the United States if Trump lifted sanctions and ended his policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran. "If we reach a time when these preconditions are taken off the table, of course the possibility exists to talk with America," he said at the news conference. French President Emmanuel Macron had shuttled between his US and Iranian counterparts over two days at the UN, trying to arrange an encounter.

US-Iran tensions ratchet up further despite UN efforts

Modi meets Rouhani: Key highlights of the bilateral meeting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-rules-out-negotiations-with-us-at-unga-252069">Iran </a>has started using advanced models of centrifuges to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-capacity-to-raise-uranium-enrichment-beyond-20-iranian-nuclear-agency-spokesperson-248247">enrich uranium</a>, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Thursday, in a new breach of the faltering 2015 deal with world powers.

Advanced centrifuges at Iran's Natanz facility "were accumulating, or had been prepared to accumulate, enriched uranium", the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report seen.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-united-states-pay-more-for-a-wider-deal-252151">Iran demands United States pay more for a 'wider deal'</a>

Under the 2015 deal with world powers that puts curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, Tehran is only meant to enrich uranium using less efficient IR-1 centrifuges.

The landmark deal has been in jeopardy since May last year when President Donald Trump withdrew the US from it and reimposed sanctions.

The remaining parties to the deal with Iran — Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia — have tried to salvage the accord, but Tehran has repeatedly accused Europe of not doing enough.

Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Thursday, in a new breach of the faltering 2015 deal with world powers.

Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Thursday, in a new breach of the faltering 2015 deal with world powers. Advanced centrifuges at Iran's Natanz facility "were accumulating, or had been prepared to accumulate, enriched uranium", the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report seen. Also read: Iran demands United States pay more for a 'wider deal' Under the 2015 deal with world powers that puts curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, Tehran is only meant to enrich uranium using less efficient IR-1 centrifuges. The landmark deal has been in jeopardy since May last year when President Donald Trump withdrew the US from it and reimposed sanctions. The remaining parties to the deal with Iran — Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia — have tried to salvage the accord, but Tehran has repeatedly accused Europe of not doing enough.

Iran uses advanced centrifuges in new nuclear deal breach: IAEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on Thursday.

PM Modi to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani today

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded on Wednesday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-trump-rouhani-know-conditions-for-talks-but-up-to-them-to-deliver-251896">United States</a> "pay more" for any agreement that goes beyond the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Washington abandoned.

Rouhani also rejected meeting US President Donald Trump while the two are in New York this week for the annual United Nations General Assembly, but both US and Iranian officials suggested they have some interest in a negotiation.

It remains unclear how one might happen given Tehran's demand that Washington first ease sanctions that have blighted its economy and the US imposition of fresh penalties as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign.

"Our response to talks under pressure is 'No,'" Rouhani said in a speech to the General Assembly even as the United States tightened the vise by blacklisting Chinese firms for dealing in Iranian oil despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-resists-sanctions-drives-us-desperate-251461">US sanctions</a>.

The US-Iranian confrontation has ratcheted up since last year, when Trump withdrew from Iran's nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled the Islamic republic's economy.

Trump wants to go beyond that deal to further curb Iran's nuclear programme, halt its ballistic missile work and end its support for proxy forces in the Middle East.

"If you wish more, if you require more, you should give and pay more," Rouhani said in his General Assembly address, without giving details.

In his own speech on Tuesday, Trump accused Iranian leaders of "bloodlust" and called on other nations to put pressure on Iran after Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Washington blames on Tehran despite its denials.

The United States plans to increase its military presence in Saudi Arabia following the attacks.

Rouhani, however, said the Gulf region is "on the edge of collapse, as a single blunder can fuel a big fire," and vowed to respond "decisively and strongly" to any foreign violation of its security or territorial integrity.

Trump had said there was still a path to peace and Rouhani has left the door open to diplomacy, saying that if sanctions were lifted, Washington could join nuclear talks between Tehran and other powers.

"We want a peaceful resolution with the Islamic Republic of Iran," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters, saying it was up to Iran. "We hope we get the opportunity to negotiate with them."

The United States has also been reaching out to Iranian officials to discuss the fate of American nationals held in Iran, a US State Department official said on Wednesday.

No Trump-Rouhani meeting

Despite French and British leaders urging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-rouhani-meeting-not-scheduled-as-speculation-swirls-251685">Rouhani to sit down with Trump</a>, an Iranian official told Reuters there was no chance the US and Iranian presidents would meet this week.

"The chances of a meeting are zero. They know what to do," the official said. The official said the United States should return to the 2015 deal, lift sanctions and end the maximum pressure campaign.

Under that deal, Iran limited its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions that constricted its ability to trade with the world.

After abandoning the deal, Trump in May tightened sanctions on Iran in an effort to reduce its oil exports - its main source of foreign exchange and government revenues - to zero.

On Wednesday, the United States sanctioned five Chinese people and six entities it accused of knowingly transferring oil from Iran in violation of Washington's curbs on Tehran. The entities include two Cosco Shipping subsidiaries but not the parent company itself.

“This is one of the largest sanctions actions the United States has taken against entities and individuals identified as transporting Iranian oil since our sanctions were re-imposed in November 2018,” Pompeo said in a statement on the move.

While it at first fully adhered to the deal despite Trump's withdrawal, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance and has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, through which an estimated one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-rouhani-meeting-not-scheduled-as-speculation-swirls-251685">United States has blamed Iran</a> for a series of actions since May - some of which Iran has denied - that have roiled oil markets, including attacks on half a dozen tankers, shooting down a US drone and the September 14 attacks on Aramco facilities.

The air strikes on the heartland of Saudi Arabia's oil industry damaged the world’s biggest petroleum-processing facility and knocked out more than 5 per cent of global oil supply.

"This cannot go unanswered, there has to be consequences for Iran for what they did," Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said. He said Riyadh was consulting others and that its options included diplomatic and economic steps.

The United States, European powers and Saudi Arabia have blamed the attack on Iran, instead of the Yemeni Iran-aligned Houthi group, which claimed responsibility. Iran distanced itself from the attacks but said it was ready for "full-fledged" war.

In the penultimate sentence of his UN speech, Rouhani raised the possibility of talks.

"This is the message of the Iranian nation: Let's invest on hope towards a better future rather than in war and violence," he said. "Let’s return to justice; to peace; to law, commitment and promise and finally to the negotiating table."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded on Wednesday that the United States "pay more" for any agreement that goes beyond the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Washington abandoned.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded on Wednesday that the United States "pay more" for any agreement that goes beyond the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Washington abandoned. Rouhani also rejected meeting US President Donald Trump while the two are in New York this week for the annual United Nations General Assembly, but both US and Iranian officials suggested they have some interest in a negotiation. It remains unclear how one might happen given Tehran's demand that Washington first ease sanctions that have blighted its economy and the US imposition of fresh penalties as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign. "Our response to talks under pressure is 'No,'" Rouhani said in a speech to the General Assembly even as the United States tightened the vise by blacklisting Chinese firms for dealing in Iranian oil despite US sanctions. The US-Iranian confrontation has ratcheted up since last year, when Trump withdrew from Iran's nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled the Islamic republic's economy. Trump wants to go beyond that deal to further curb Iran's nuclear programme, halt its ballistic missile work and end its support for proxy forces in the Middle East. "If you wish more, if you require more, you should give and pay more," Rouhani said in his General Assembly address, without giving details. In his own speech on Tuesday, Trump accused Iranian leaders of "bloodlust" and called on other nations to put pressure on Iran after Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Washington blames on Tehran despite its denials. The United States plans to increase its military presence in Saudi Arabia following the attacks. Rouhani, however, said the Gulf region is "on the edge of collapse, as a single blunder can fuel a big fire," and vowed to respond "decisively and strongly" to any foreign violation of its security or territorial integrity. Trump had said there was still a path to peace and Rouhani has left the door open to diplomacy, saying that if sanctions were lifted, Washington could join nuclear talks between Tehran and other powers. "We want a peaceful resolution with the Islamic Republic of Iran," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters, saying it was up to Iran. "We hope we get the opportunity to negotiate with them." The United States has also been reaching out to Iranian officials to discuss the fate of American nationals held in Iran, a US State Department official said on Wednesday. No Trump-Rouhani meeting Despite French and British leaders urging Rouhani to sit down with Trump, an Iranian official told Reuters there was no chance the US and Iranian presidents would meet this week. "The chances of a meeting are zero. They know what to do," the official said. The official said the United States should return to the 2015 deal, lift sanctions and end the maximum pressure campaign. Under that deal, Iran limited its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions that constricted its ability to trade with the world. After abandoning the deal, Trump in May tightened sanctions on Iran in an effort to reduce its oil exports - its main source of foreign exchange and government revenues - to zero. On Wednesday, the United States sanctioned five Chinese people and six entities it accused of knowingly transferring oil from Iran in violation of Washington's curbs on Tehran. The entities include two Cosco Shipping subsidiaries but not the parent company itself. “This is one of the largest sanctions actions the United States has taken against entities and individuals identified as transporting Iranian oil since our sanctions were re-imposed in November 2018,” Pompeo said in a statement on the move. While it at first fully adhered to the deal despite Trump's withdrawal, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance and has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, through which an estimated one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. The United States has blamed Iran for a series of actions since May - some of which Iran has denied - that have roiled oil markets, including attacks on half a dozen tankers, shooting down a US drone and the September 14 attacks on Aramco facilities. The air strikes on the heartland of Saudi Arabia's oil industry damaged the world’s biggest petroleum-processing facility and knocked out more than 5 per cent of global oil supply. "This cannot go unanswered, there has to be consequences for Iran for what they did," Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said. He said Riyadh was consulting others and that its options included diplomatic and economic steps. The United States, European powers and Saudi Arabia have blamed the attack on Iran, instead of the Yemeni Iran-aligned Houthi group, which claimed responsibility. Iran distanced itself from the attacks but said it was ready for "full-fledged" war. In the penultimate sentence of his UN speech, Rouhani raised the possibility of talks. "This is the message of the Iranian nation: Let's invest on hope towards a better future rather than in war and violence," he said. "Let’s return to justice; to peace; to law, commitment and promise and finally to the negotiating table."

Iran demands United States pay more for a 'wider deal'

Chinese&nbsp;State Councillor and&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Wang Yi on Wednesday called on&nbsp;all&nbsp;the relevant parties to enhance their sense of urgency and make&nbsp;all-out&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;to push for a political and diplomatic settlement of the&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;issue.

Wang made the statement at a meeting with&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;affairs officials from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-to-step-up-diplomatic-efforts-on-iran-crisis-germany-246644">European Union (EU)</a>,&nbsp;Iran, Russia, France, Germany and Britain during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly high-level week.

He said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-addresses-united-nations-in-shadow-of-iran-crisis-domestic-scandal-251626">United States exertion of extreme pressure</a> on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has led to the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;crisis, and leaving the situation unchecked will trigger even a bigger crisis.

In order to properly&nbsp;solve&nbsp;the crisis, Wang said the relevant parties should uphold the fundamental principle of multilateralism.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), endorsed by the UN&nbsp;Security Council, is an important&nbsp;outcome of multilateral diplomacy, said Wang.

He pointed&nbsp;out&nbsp;that safeguarding the JCPOA, commonly known as the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal, is to uphold multilateralism, the authority of the UN&nbsp;Security Council, and the international order based on international law.

All&nbsp;parties should never waver in their determination in face of challenges and difficulties, he added.

Wang said&nbsp;all&nbsp;parties should continue to honour the commitments of the JCPOA.

Ensuring a balance between rights and obligations prescribed in the JCPOA concerns fairness and justice at the very least.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-iran-crisis-brewing-for-a-while-227215">Iran</a>&nbsp;should resume implementing the deal, while other parties should make every effort to safeguard&nbsp;Iran's legitimate economic benefits, Wang pointed&nbsp;out.

China will continue its legitimate economic, trade and energy cooperation with&nbsp;Iran, push ahead with the Arak heavy water reactor renovation project, and support the EU-initiated payment system to facilitate trade with&nbsp;Iran, said Wang.

He called on the relevant parties to stick to the right approach of resolving differences through consultation.

China stands for a solution based on the principle of gradual progress, equality and mutual benefit, said Wang.

Problems related to the implementation of the deal should be&nbsp;solved via the mechanism of the JCPOA Joint Commission, Wang said, adding that China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on&nbsp;Iran.

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on all the relevant parties to enhance their sense of urgency and make all-out efforts to push for a political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on all the relevant parties to enhance their sense of urgency and make all-out efforts to push for a political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. Wang made the statement at a meeting with foreign affairs officials from the European Union (EU), Iran, Russia, France, Germany and Britain during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly high-level week. He said that the United States exertion of extreme pressure on Iran has led to the Iran nuclear crisis, and leaving the situation unchecked will trigger even a bigger crisis. In order to properly solve the crisis, Wang said the relevant parties should uphold the fundamental principle of multilateralism. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), endorsed by the UN Security Council, is an important outcome of multilateral diplomacy, said Wang. He pointed out that safeguarding the JCPOA, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, is to uphold multilateralism, the authority of the UN Security Council, and the international order based on international law. All parties should never waver in their determination in face of challenges and difficulties, he added. Wang said all parties should continue to honour the commitments of the JCPOA. Ensuring a balance between rights and obligations prescribed in the JCPOA concerns fairness and justice at the very least. Iran should resume implementing the deal, while other parties should make every effort to safeguard Iran's legitimate economic benefits, Wang pointed out. China will continue its legitimate economic, trade and energy cooperation with Iran, push ahead with the Arak heavy water reactor renovation project, and support the EU-initiated payment system to facilitate trade with Iran, said Wang. He called on the relevant parties to stick to the right approach of resolving differences through consultation. China stands for a solution based on the principle of gradual progress, equality and mutual benefit, said Wang. Problems related to the implementation of the deal should be solved via the mechanism of the JCPOA Joint Commission, Wang said, adding that China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran.

Chinese foreign minister calls for international efforts to solve Iran nuclear issue

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-ruling-could-throw-boris-johnsons-brexit-plan-into-more-disarray-251621">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;called for the immediate&nbsp;release&nbsp;of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other&nbsp;dual&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;imprisoned&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-resists-sanctions-drives-us-desperate-251461">Iran</a> during a meeting with&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;in New York on Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement.

Johnson&nbsp;also "raised our deep concern about&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;destabilising activity in the region, including the attacks on the Aramco oil facilities, and insisted this must stop," the spokesperson said. He stressed support for the Iran nuclear deal and the need for dialogue, "including on a comprehensive successor deal."

In the meanwhile, French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-relations-with-macron-outstanding-225049">Emmanuel Macron </a>leader has been pushing to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran over the last few weeks, especially after an attack on Saudi oil facilities on Sept 14. that the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia have blamed on&nbsp;Iran.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for the immediate release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals imprisoned in Iran during a meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in New York on Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for the immediate release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals imprisoned in Iran during a meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in New York on Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement. Johnson also "raised our deep concern about Iran's destabilising activity in the region, including the attacks on the Aramco oil facilities, and insisted this must stop," the spokesperson said. He stressed support for the Iran nuclear deal and the need for dialogue, "including on a comprehensive successor deal." In the meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron leader has been pushing to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran over the last few weeks, especially after an attack on Saudi oil facilities on Sept 14. that the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran.

Britain's Johnson urges Rouhani to release imprisoned dual nationals

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said on Tuesday that&nbsp;he believed that the&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;for the leaders of the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-resists-sanctions-drives-us-desperate-251461">Iran</a> to meet were now in place, but the ball was now in their court to make it happen.

"I believe that the&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;in this context for a rapid return to negotiations have been created,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told reporters before heading back to Paris from New York, where he attended the annual United Nations General Assembly.

"It's now&nbsp;up&nbsp;to the Iranians and the United States to seize these&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;and work together to relaunch momentum", he added.

The French leader has been pushing to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran over the last few weeks, especially after an attack on Saudi oil facilities on September 14. that the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran.

Macron&nbsp;used two days of shuffle diplomacy at the United Nations to try to bring US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Iranian President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;face-to-face or at the very least get&nbsp;them&nbsp;to engage, fearing that a new incident could inflame the region.

But, with&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;demanding that the US lift tough sanctions that have strangled its economy and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-rouhani-meeting-not-scheduled-as-speculation-swirls-251685">Washington refusing</a> to do so until Iran comes to the table without&nbsp;conditions, the chances of a breakthrough still appear slim, even if the two leaders are still in New York on Wednesday.

"There is a common desire to progress and to not just find the terms of deescalation, but build a long-term accord,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said. "But it depends on the will of both sides."

Macron&nbsp;said the parameters of the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;were to ensure that Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, end Yemen's civil war, develop a plan for regional security that includes other crises in the region, ensure maritime flows in the Strait of Hormuz and lift economic sanctions.

But while&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said that those were the&nbsp;conditions, there appeared little to suggest that either side had agreed to take the next step.

"I think that lifting of sanctions on the part of the Americans without any visibility on the other subjects is not possible,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said.

"At the same time, clear commitments from Iran on the points I mentioned are not possible without American commitments", he added.

When asked whether he thought that they could still meet this week,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;urged the two leaders to not miss the chance.

"I don't think in the coming weeks and months there will be an opportunity for him <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-rouhani-calls-for-unity-to-overcome-us-economic-war-246275">(Rouhani)</a> to come back to the US, and I don't think President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;will be going to Tehran," he said.

"It's a physical opportunity to seize because I think the best way to start a negotiation is to have a meeting, have a frank discussion between the two main protagonists,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he believed that the conditions for the leaders of the United States and Iran to meet were now in place, but the ball was now in their court to make it happen.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he believed that the conditions for the leaders of the United States and Iran to meet were now in place, but the ball was now in their court to make it happen. "I believe that the conditions in this context for a rapid return to negotiations have been created," Macron told reporters before heading back to Paris from New York, where he attended the annual United Nations General Assembly. "It's now up to the Iranians and the United States to seize these conditions and work together to relaunch momentum", he added. The French leader has been pushing to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran over the last few weeks, especially after an attack on Saudi oil facilities on September 14. that the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran. Macron used two days of shuffle diplomacy at the United Nations to try to bring US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani face-to-face or at the very least get them to engage, fearing that a new incident could inflame the region. But, with Rouhani demanding that the US lift tough sanctions that have strangled its economy and Washington refusing to do so until Iran comes to the table without conditions, the chances of a breakthrough still appear slim, even if the two leaders are still in New York on Wednesday. "There is a common desire to progress and to not just find the terms of deescalation, but build a long-term accord," Macron said. "But it depends on the will of both sides." Macron said the parameters of the talks were to ensure that Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, end Yemen's civil war, develop a plan for regional security that includes other crises in the region, ensure maritime flows in the Strait of Hormuz and lift economic sanctions. But while Macron said that those were the conditions, there appeared little to suggest that either side had agreed to take the next step. "I think that lifting of sanctions on the part of the Americans without any visibility on the other subjects is not possible," Macron said. "At the same time, clear commitments from Iran on the points I mentioned are not possible without American commitments", he added. When asked whether he thought that they could still meet this week, Macron urged the two leaders to not miss the chance. "I don't think in the coming weeks and months there will be an opportunity for him (Rouhani) to come back to the US, and I don't think President Trump will be going to Tehran," he said. "It's a physical opportunity to seize because I think the best way to start a negotiation is to have a meeting, have a frank discussion between the two main protagonists," Macron said.

Macron says Trump, Rouhani know conditions for talks, but up to them to deliver

President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani speaks at the UNGA. To know more watch the video

President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani speaks at the UNGA

Hassan Rouhani to unveil operation 'Hope' in the Persian gulf

Iran Proposes Regional Peace Plan

European football's governing body (UEFA) said on Tuesday it would tell member clubs and national teams not to play games in countries where women do not have full access to stadiums.

UEFA's ruling executive committee agreed that it would "recommend to its 55 national associations and all European clubs not to play matches in countries where women have restricted access to stadiums".

UEFA did not specify which countries the action would affect.

Iran, however, has been the focus of attention since a female fan died earlier this month, after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for attending a match.

Soccer's world governing body FIFA says it has been given assurances by Iranian authorities that their World Cup qualifier against Cambodia in Tehran on Oct. 10 will be open to women.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said his body did not have the power to punish European teams who might play in countries that do not allow unrestricted access to women, but stressed that there was wide support in his organisation for the approach and for not playing teams from those countries.

"We cannot punish anyone if they play (in these countries) because it is out of our jurisdiction but that doesn't mean we should be quiet and say we can't do anything and we (just) develop European football," said the Slovene.

"Our advice to 55 associations and all the clubs... will be not to play there or with the teams from those countries where the basic rights of women are not respected.

"The representatives of the clubs and the leagues agreed with us".

European football's governing body (UEFA) said on Tuesday it would tell member clubs and national teams not to play games in countries where women do not have full access to stadiums.

European football's governing body (UEFA) said on Tuesday it would tell member clubs and national teams not to play games in countries where women do not have full access to stadiums. UEFA's ruling executive committee agreed that it would "recommend to its 55 national associations and all European clubs not to play matches in countries where women have restricted access to stadiums". UEFA did not specify which countries the action would affect. Iran, however, has been the focus of attention since a female fan died earlier this month, after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for attending a match. Soccer's world governing body FIFA says it has been given assurances by Iranian authorities that their World Cup qualifier against Cambodia in Tehran on Oct. 10 will be open to women. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said his body did not have the power to punish European teams who might play in countries that do not allow unrestricted access to women, but stressed that there was wide support in his organisation for the approach and for not playing teams from those countries. "We cannot punish anyone if they play (in these countries) because it is out of our jurisdiction but that doesn't mean we should be quiet and say we can't do anything and we (just) develop European football," said the Slovene. "Our advice to 55 associations and all the clubs... will be not to play there or with the teams from those countries where the basic rights of women are not respected. "The representatives of the clubs and the leagues agreed with us".

UEFA tells teams not to play where women can't watch

Iranian President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;met French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;on the sidelines of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly on Monday.

Macron&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday as he seeks to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday. Macron plans to meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday as he seeks to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Rouhani, Macron meet at UN summit

Iran said on Monday that a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-release-british-flagged-tanker-within-hours-swedish-owner-251217"> British-flagged oil tanker</a> is "free" to leave more than two months after it was seized in the Gulf.

"The legal process has finished and based on that the conditions for letting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-releases-7-indian-crew-members-from-seized-british-tanker-247667">oil tanker</a> go free have been fulfilled and the oil tanker can move," government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a news conference.

He did not specify when the Swedish-owned vessel would be allowed to set sail.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps surrounded the Stena Impero with attack boats before rappelling onto the deck of the tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19.

The vessel was impounded at Iran's Bandar Abbas port for allegedly failing to respond to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat.

Stena Bulk, the company that owns the tanker, said on Sunday that it expected the vessel to be released soon, but expressed caution about the situation.

"We understand that the political decision has been taken to release the ship," Stena Bulk's chief executive Erik Hanell told Swedish television station SVT.

"We hope it will be able to leave in a few hours, but we don't want to take anything for granted. We want to make sure the ship sails out of Iranian territorial waters," he said.

The ship's seizure came hours after a court in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar said it was extending the detention of the Grace 1, an Iranian oil tanker later renamed the Adrian Darya 1.

At the time, Tehran denied the seizure of the Stena Impero was a tit-for-tat move.

A Gibraltar court ordered the Iranian tanker's release on August 15 despite an 11th-hour US legal bid to keep it in detention. 
&nbsp;

Iran said on Monday that a British-flagged oil tanker is "free" to leave more than two months after it was seized in the Gulf. "The legal process has finished and based on that the conditions for letting the oil tanker go free have been fulfilled and the oil tanker can move," government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a news conference.

Iran said on Monday that a British-flagged oil tanker is "free" to leave more than two months after it was seized in the Gulf. "The legal process has finished and based on that the conditions for letting the oil tanker go free have been fulfilled and the oil tanker can move," government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a news conference. He did not specify when the Swedish-owned vessel would be allowed to set sail. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps surrounded the Stena Impero with attack boats before rappelling onto the deck of the tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19. The vessel was impounded at Iran's Bandar Abbas port for allegedly failing to respond to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. Stena Bulk, the company that owns the tanker, said on Sunday that it expected the vessel to be released soon, but expressed caution about the situation. "We understand that the political decision has been taken to release the ship," Stena Bulk's chief executive Erik Hanell told Swedish television station SVT. "We hope it will be able to leave in a few hours, but we don't want to take anything for granted. We want to make sure the ship sails out of Iranian territorial waters," he said. The ship's seizure came hours after a court in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar said it was extending the detention of the Grace 1, an Iranian oil tanker later renamed the Adrian Darya 1. At the time, Tehran denied the seizure of the Stena Impero was a tit-for-tat move. A Gibraltar court ordered the Iranian tanker's release on August 15 despite an 11th-hour US legal bid to keep it in detention.

Iran says seized British-flagged tanker 'free' to leave

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Tehran of being behind attacks on Saudi oil installations, in remarks to reporters en route to New York where he will meet&nbsp;Iran's president.

"I can tell you that the UK is attributing responsibility with a very high degree of probability to Iran for the Aramco attacks," he said, cited by Britain's Press Association news agency on Monday.

He is due to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly in New York.

He will also discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">attacks </a>at a joint meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"We think it very likely indeed that Iran was indeed responsible for using both UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), both drones and cruise missiles," Johnson told reporters.

"Clearly the difficulty is, how do we organise a global response? What is the way forward? And we will be working with our American friends and our European friends to construct a response that tries to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf region", he added.

The United States has accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-release-british-flagged-tanker-within-hours-swedish-owner-251217">Tehran</a> of carrying out air attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq plant and the Khurais oil field on September 14, knocking out half the kingdom's oil production.

Iran denies responsibility for the attacks which were claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-present-plan-for-gulf-security-at-un-this-week-251202">Iranian-backed </a>Huthi rebels in Yemen.

Johnson said,&nbsp;"clearly if we are asked either by the Saudis or the Americans to have a role then we would consider in what way we could be useful."

The British premier also said he would raise the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian mother held in Tehran since 2016, when he meets with Rouhani.

Johnson has been accused of making her plight worse when, in a previous job as foreign minister, he said she had been training journalists in Iran before she was arrested for sedition.

Her family strongly denies this and he swiftly backtracked. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the media group's philanthropic arm, denies all charges.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Tehran of being behind attacks on Saudi oil installations, in remarks to reporters en route to New York where he will meet Iran's president.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Tehran of being behind attacks on Saudi oil installations, in remarks to reporters en route to New York where he will meet Iran's president. "I can tell you that the UK is attributing responsibility with a very high degree of probability to Iran for the Aramco attacks," he said, cited by Britain's Press Association news agency on Monday. He is due to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly in New York. He will also discuss the attacks at a joint meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "We think it very likely indeed that Iran was indeed responsible for using both UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), both drones and cruise missiles," Johnson told reporters. "Clearly the difficulty is, how do we organise a global response? What is the way forward? And we will be working with our American friends and our European friends to construct a response that tries to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf region", he added. The United States has accused Tehran of carrying out air attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq plant and the Khurais oil field on September 14, knocking out half the kingdom's oil production. Iran denies responsibility for the attacks which were claimed by Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. Johnson said, "clearly if we are asked either by the Saudis or the Americans to have a role then we would consider in what way we could be useful." The British premier also said he would raise the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian mother held in Tehran since 2016, when he meets with Rouhani. Johnson has been accused of making her plight worse when, in a previous job as foreign minister, he said she had been training journalists in Iran before she was arrested for sedition. Her family strongly denies this and he swiftly backtracked. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the media group's philanthropic arm, denies all charges.

Iran behind attacks on Saudi oil sites: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-battlefield-warning-as-us-deploys-troops-251022">foreign forces creates "insecurity" in the Gulf</a>, after the US ordered the deployment of more troops to the region.

"Foreign forces can cause problems and insecurity for our people and for our region," Rouhani said in a televised speech at an annual military parade, adding that Iran would present to the UN a regional cooperation plan for peace.

Tensions escalated between arch-foes Iran and the United States after the devastating September 14 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-successful-cyber-attacks-on-oil-sector-251063">attacks on Saudi oil installations</a> that Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Tehran.

Following the attacks, the United States announced on Friday that it was sending reinforcements to Saudi Arabia at "the kingdom's request".

In his speech on Sunday, Rouhani called on the foreign powers in the Gulf region to "stay away".

"If they're sincere, then they should not make our region the site of an arms race," he said.

"Your presence has always brought pain and misery for the region. The farther you keep yourselves from our region and our nations, the more security there will be for our region."

Rouhani said Iran would present a plan for peace to the United Nations in the coming days.

"In this sensitive and important historical moment, we announce to our neighbours, that we extend the hand of friendship and brotherhood to them," he said.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that the presence of foreign forces creates "insecurity" in the Gulf, after the US ordered the deployment of more troops to the region.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that the presence of foreign forces creates "insecurity" in the Gulf, after the US ordered the deployment of more troops to the region. "Foreign forces can cause problems and insecurity for our people and for our region," Rouhani said in a televised speech at an annual military parade, adding that Iran would present to the UN a regional cooperation plan for peace. Tensions escalated between arch-foes Iran and the United States after the devastating September 14 attacks on Saudi oil installations that Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Tehran. Following the attacks, the United States announced on Friday that it was sending reinforcements to Saudi Arabia at "the kingdom's request". In his speech on Sunday, Rouhani called on the foreign powers in the Gulf region to "stay away". "If they're sincere, then they should not make our region the site of an arms race," he said. "Your presence has always brought pain and misery for the region. The farther you keep yourselves from our region and our nations, the more security there will be for our region." Rouhani said Iran would present a plan for peace to the United Nations in the coming days. "In this sensitive and important historical moment, we announce to our neighbours, that we extend the hand of friendship and brotherhood to them," he said.

After US deployed more troops, Rouhani says foreign forces create 'insecurity' in Gulf

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Pompeo added that he was confident US President Donald Trump would take action if such deterrence measures fail and that this was well understood by the Iranian leadership.

"Our mission set is to avoid war," Pompeo said. "You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense," he said.

Pompeo said Washington was taking measures to deter Tehran, but he added that Trump would take necessary action if Tehran failed to change its behavior. "If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary," he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have further escalated after an attack last weekend on Saudi oil facilities that initially disrupted half of the oil production from the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter, and was blamed on Tehran by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

US has slapped more sanctions on Iran, penalising the Iranian Central Bank while the Pentagon said it was sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities.

Iran denied involvement in the attack. Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war, has claimed responsibility.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking to CNN, said the attack on Saudi oil facilities was an attack on the world economic system. He said the United States expects that any country attached to the US&nbsp;dollar system will abide by the sanctions on Iran.

Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year and ramped up sanctions to strangle its oil exports, a mainstay of the Iranian economy.

The move dismantled part of former US President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief.

In recent weeks, Trump had weighed the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and suggested he could meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rouhani has said that Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, would not talk to the United States until Washington lifted sanctions.

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Pompeo added that he was confident US President Donald Trump would take action if such deterrence measures fail and that this was well understood by the Iranian leadership. "Our mission set is to avoid war," Pompeo said. "You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense," he said. Pompeo said Washington was taking measures to deter Tehran, but he added that Trump would take necessary action if Tehran failed to change its behavior. "If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary," he said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have further escalated after an attack last weekend on Saudi oil facilities that initially disrupted half of the oil production from the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter, and was blamed on Tehran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. US has slapped more sanctions on Iran, penalising the Iranian Central Bank while the Pentagon said it was sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities. Iran denied involvement in the attack. Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war, has claimed responsibility. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking to CNN, said the attack on Saudi oil facilities was an attack on the world economic system. He said the United States expects that any country attached to the US dollar system will abide by the sanctions on Iran. Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year and ramped up sanctions to strangle its oil exports, a mainstay of the Iranian economy. The move dismantled part of former US President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief. In recent weeks, Trump had weighed the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and suggested he could meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rouhani has said that Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, would not talk to the United States until Washington lifted sanctions.

Pompeo says US mission is to avoid war with Iran but measures in place to deter

The chief executive of the Swedish firm that owns the Stena Impero, the British-flagged tanker detained by Tehran on July 19, said on Sunday he had been informed that the vessel may be released within a few hours.

The Stena Impero was detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August.

Erik Hanell, chief executive of Stena Bulk, told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT: "We have received information now this morning that it seems like they will release the ship Stena Impero within a few hours. So we understand that the political decision to release the ship has been taken."

"We hope to be able to head out within a few hours, but we don’t want to anticipate events. We want to see that the ship sails out of Iranian territorial waters," Hanell told SVT.

Hanell did not immediate respond to a request for comment.

On September 4, Iran released seven of vessel's 23 crew members. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said at the time that Sweden had been in daily contact with Iran at a high political level since the vessel was seized.

The chief executive of the Swedish firm that owns the Stena Impero, the British-flagged tanker detained by Tehran on July 19, said on Sunday he had been informed that the vessel may be released within a few hours.

The chief executive of the Swedish firm that owns the Stena Impero, the British-flagged tanker detained by Tehran on July 19, said on Sunday he had been informed that the vessel may be released within a few hours. The Stena Impero was detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August. Erik Hanell, chief executive of Stena Bulk, told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT: "We have received information now this morning that it seems like they will release the ship Stena Impero within a few hours. So we understand that the political decision to release the ship has been taken." "We hope to be able to head out within a few hours, but we don’t want to anticipate events. We want to see that the ship sails out of Iranian territorial waters," Hanell told SVT. Hanell did not immediate respond to a request for comment. On September 4, Iran released seven of vessel's 23 crew members. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said at the time that Sweden had been in daily contact with Iran at a high political level since the vessel was seized.

Iran may release British-flagged tanker within hours: Swedish owner

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will present a plan for creating security in the Gulf in cooperation with other countries in the region when he attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will present a plan for creating security in the Gulf in cooperation with other countries in the region when he attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week. Saudi Arabia and the United States accuse Iran of attacking Saudi oil facilities on September 14, the biggest such assault on the world's top oil exporter. Iran denies involvement in the attack, which was claimed by Yemen's Houthi movement, a group aligned with Iran and currently fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen’s civil war. "This year we will present a plan to the world at the United Nations that the Islamic Republic of Iran in cooperation with the countries of the region can create security for the Persian Gulf and the Oman sea with the help of the countries of the region," Rouhani was cited as saying on his official website. He did not provide further details. US President Donald Trump on Friday approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air and missile defences after the attacks on Saudi oil sites. Rouhani said the presence of foreign forces in the region would create insecurity for oil and shipping. Saudi Arabia has described the strikes on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities as a test of whether there is global will to preserve international order, and will seek to form a united front at the United Nations General Assembly. "We are not someone who will violate the borders of others just as we will not allow anyone to violate our borders," Rouhani said at a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the start of Iran’s 1980-1988 war with Iraq, according to his website. Separately, the head of Iran's navy said the Islamic Republic would defend itself against any aggression. "In case of any miscalculation and aggression by the enemy, (the navy), along with other armed forces of the country, will give the most crushing reaction in the shortest time possible," Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi was cited as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency. Ballistic missiles, speedboats and warships were shown in video footage on state TV as part of the ceremonies. A domestically built long-range, surface-to-air missile air defence system, the Bavar-373, which Iranian media have described as a competitor to the Russian S-300 missile system, was also on display, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Last year, gunmen attacked a military parade commemorating the anniversary in the city of Ahvaz, killing 25, about half of whom were members of the elite Revolutionary Guards. At the time, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in Iran, accused Saudi Arabia of backing the attackers, which Riyadh denied.

Iran to present plan for Gulf security at United Nations this week

If an investigation shows that last week's attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-sending-troops-to-bolster-saudi-defences-after-attack-250910">Saudi Arabian oil facilities</a> was launched from Iranian territory, the kingdom would consider it an act of war, but Riyadh is currently seeking a peaceful resolution, a senior Saudi official said.

"We hold Iran responsible because the missiles and the drones that were fired at Saudi Arabia... were Iranian-built and Iranian-delivered," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told CNN late on Saturday.

"But to launch an attack from your territory, if that is the case, puts us in a different category... this would be considered an act of war."

Jubeir told reporters earlier that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-says-it-will-respond-appropriately-if-probe-confirms-irans-role-in-attacks-251076">Riyadh was awaiting the results of a probe</a>, which it has invited international investigators to join, into the Sept. 14 strikes which initially halved Saudi production, the largest-ever assault on oil facilities in the world's top oil exporter.

Riyadh has rejected a claim by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement that it carried out the strikes. Washington has blamed Iran, which denies any involvement.

"If they continue along this path, then they risk the possibility of military action," Jubeir said of Tehran. "But nobody wants war. Everybody wants to resolve this peacefully and the end result has to be an end to Iran's aggressive policies."

Saudi Arabia has called the strikes on Abqaiq and Khurais facilities as a test of global will to preserve international order and will look to form a united front at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

"Appeasement with Iran does not work. For example, trying to set up a parallel financial payment system is appeasement. Trying to give them a line of credit is appeasement. It just emboldens them," said Jubeir.

"The Iranians have to know that there will be consequences to their actions."

If an investigation shows that last week's attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities was launched from Iranian territory, the kingdom would consider it an act of war, but Riyadh is currently seeking a peaceful resolution, a senior Saudi official said.

If an investigation shows that last week's attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities was launched from Iranian territory, the kingdom would consider it an act of war, but Riyadh is currently seeking a peaceful resolution, a senior Saudi official said. "We hold Iran responsible because the missiles and the drones that were fired at Saudi Arabia... were Iranian-built and Iranian-delivered," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told CNN late on Saturday. "But to launch an attack from your territory, if that is the case, puts us in a different category... this would be considered an act of war." Jubeir told reporters earlier that Riyadh was awaiting the results of a probe, which it has invited international investigators to join, into the Sept. 14 strikes which initially halved Saudi production, the largest-ever assault on oil facilities in the world's top oil exporter. Riyadh has rejected a claim by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement that it carried out the strikes. Washington has blamed Iran, which denies any involvement. "If they continue along this path, then they risk the possibility of military action," Jubeir said of Tehran. "But nobody wants war. Everybody wants to resolve this peacefully and the end result has to be an end to Iran's aggressive policies." Saudi Arabia has called the strikes on Abqaiq and Khurais facilities as a test of global will to preserve international order and will look to form a united front at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week. "Appeasement with Iran does not work. For example, trying to set up a parallel financial payment system is appeasement. Trying to give them a line of credit is appeasement. It just emboldens them," said Jubeir. "The Iranians have to know that there will be consequences to their actions."

Saudi Arabia says if attack launched from Iran, it would be an act of war: Report

FIFA has been "assured" by Iranian authorities that women will be able to attend the October World Cup qualifier in Tehran, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifa-tells-iran-it-is-time-to-allow-women-into-stadiums-250611">Gianni Infantino</a>, president of the body said on Sunday.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blue-girl-football-fan-admitted-mistake-and-expressed-regret-iran-249651">female Iranian fan died</a> earlier this month, after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for attending a match.&nbsp;

FIFA officials have been in Iran this week discussing preparations for the Oct. 10 World Cup qualifier against Cambodia, their first home game of the 2022 qualifying competition.&nbsp;

"We need to have women attending – we need to push for that with respect but in a strong and forceful way and we cannot wait anymore," Infantino told a FIFA conference on women's football.&nbsp;

"We have been assured, that as of the next international game of Iran, women will be allowed to enter football stadiums," he said.&nbsp;

"This is something very important, it is 40 years that this has not happened, with a couple of exceptions, but it is important to move to the next level and to the next stage," he added.&nbsp;

FIFA said on Saturday it would be working with the Iranian football federation to develop plans for women to attend domestic matches in the Iranian league as well.&nbsp;

Sahar Khodayari, dubbed "Blue Girl" for the colours of her favourite team Esteghlal, died in hospital after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months, having attended the match in disguise as a man.&nbsp;

Khodayari’s death has caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally, prompting calls on social media for Iran’s football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA.&nbsp;

Critics say FIFA’s own statutes hold discrimination on grounds of gender punishable by suspension or expulsion.&nbsp;

While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams have been playing, since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution.&nbsp;

There were signs the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women was permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November, a match where Infantino was present.&nbsp;

Female fans, however, have been denied access to matches since. At Iran’s friendly against Syria in June, women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.&nbsp;

FIFA has been "assured" by Iranian authorities that women will be able to attend the October World Cup qualifier in Tehran, Gianni Infantino, president of the body said on Sunday.

FIFA has been "assured" by Iranian authorities that women will be able to attend the October World Cup qualifier in Tehran, Gianni Infantino, president of the body said on Sunday. A female Iranian fan died earlier this month, after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for attending a match. FIFA officials have been in Iran this week discussing preparations for the Oct. 10 World Cup qualifier against Cambodia, their first home game of the 2022 qualifying competition. "We need to have women attending – we need to push for that with respect but in a strong and forceful way and we cannot wait anymore," Infantino told a FIFA conference on women's football. "We have been assured, that as of the next international game of Iran, women will be allowed to enter football stadiums," he said. "This is something very important, it is 40 years that this has not happened, with a couple of exceptions, but it is important to move to the next level and to the next stage," he added. FIFA said on Saturday it would be working with the Iranian football federation to develop plans for women to attend domestic matches in the Iranian league as well. Sahar Khodayari, dubbed "Blue Girl" for the colours of her favourite team Esteghlal, died in hospital after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months, having attended the match in disguise as a man. Khodayari’s death has caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally, prompting calls on social media for Iran’s football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA. Critics say FIFA’s own statutes hold discrimination on grounds of gender punishable by suspension or expulsion. While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams have been playing, since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution. There were signs the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women was permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November, a match where Infantino was present. Female fans, however, have been denied access to matches since. At Iran’s friendly against Syria in June, women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.

Iran has 'assured' women can attend qualifier: Gianni Infantino

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump.

"There was no discussion about anything else," Morrison, who made a state visit to the White House on Friday, told journalists, according to a transcript.

"There was an appreciation of our involvement in that particular operation which was I remind everyone is about freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz. That's what that is about. The other matters that are being pursued by the United States are matters that they're pursuing."

Trump last week approved sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which the United States has squarely blamed on Iran.

The tension between the United States and Iran has been rising since President Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear agreement last year and the attack on the oil facilities has spurred concerns of an escalation into a new war.

The US president had signalled he would raise with Morrison a possible military contribution in Iran, although later he said the topic had not been discussed.

In August, Australia joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I made it very clear when we announced our involvement in that arrangement that it was very much about that freedom of navigation issue and that's what it is about and that's appreciated," Morrison said.

He also praised Trump for what he said was a "restraint" in relation to Iran.

"And it was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions," Morrison said. "So I think that should provide some assurance. I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest."

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump.

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump. "There was no discussion about anything else," Morrison, who made a state visit to the White House on Friday, told journalists, according to a transcript. "There was an appreciation of our involvement in that particular operation which was I remind everyone is about freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz. That's what that is about. The other matters that are being pursued by the United States are matters that they're pursuing." Trump last week approved sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which the United States has squarely blamed on Iran. The tension between the United States and Iran has been rising since President Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear agreement last year and the attack on the oil facilities has spurred concerns of an escalation into a new war. The US president had signalled he would raise with Morrison a possible military contribution in Iran, although later he said the topic had not been discussed. In August, Australia joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. "I made it very clear when we announced our involvement in that arrangement that it was very much about that freedom of navigation issue and that's what it is about and that's appreciated," Morrison said. He also praised Trump for what he said was a "restraint" in relation to Iran. "And it was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions," Morrison said. "So I think that should provide some assurance. I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest."

Australia offers Trump only limited commitment on Iran: PM Scott Morrison

The U.S Sends Troops to Bolster Saudi Defences after Attack

Iran's central bank hit with sanctions

iran

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