Iran denied on Saturday its oil infrastructure had been successfully attacked by a cyber operation, after reports of disruptions to the sector online.

"Contrary to Western media claims, investigations done today show no successful cyberattack was made on the country's oil installations and other crucial infrastructure," the government's cybersecurity official said.

The statement did not specify which reports it was addressing.

NetBlocks, an organization that tracks internet outages, tweeted early Saturday that "network data show intermittent disruptions to internet connectivity in #Iran."

But it said the cause was unclear and impact limited, affecting "online industrial and government platforms" and specific providers.

"Data are consistent with a cyber attack or unplanned technical incident on affected networks as opposed to a purposeful withdrawal of shutdown incident," it added.

Iran's Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi has acknowledged in the past that Tehran has "been facing cyber terrorism such as Stuxnet."

The Stuxnet virus, discovered in 2010, is believed to have been engineered by Israel and the US to damage nuclear facilities in Iran.

Iran at the time accused the US and Israel of using the virus to target its centrifuges used for uranium enrichment.

Iran denied on Saturday its oil infrastructure had been successfully attacked by a cyber operation, after reports of disruptions to the sector online. "Contrary to Western media claims, investigations done today show no successful cyberattack was made on the country's oil installations and other crucial infrastructure," the government's cybersecurity official said.

Iran denied on Saturday its oil infrastructure had been successfully attacked by a cyber operation, after reports of disruptions to the sector online. "Contrary to Western media claims, investigations done today show no successful cyberattack was made on the country's oil installations and other crucial infrastructure," the government's cybersecurity official said. The statement did not specify which reports it was addressing. NetBlocks, an organization that tracks internet outages, tweeted early Saturday that "network data show intermittent disruptions to internet connectivity in #Iran." But it said the cause was unclear and impact limited, affecting "online industrial and government platforms" and specific providers. "Data are consistent with a cyber attack or unplanned technical incident on affected networks as opposed to a purposeful withdrawal of shutdown incident," it added. Iran's Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi has acknowledged in the past that Tehran has "been facing cyber terrorism such as Stuxnet." The Stuxnet virus, discovered in 2010, is believed to have been engineered by Israel and the US to damage nuclear facilities in Iran. Iran at the time accused the US and Israel of using the virus to target its centrifuges used for uranium enrichment.

Iran denies successful cyber attacks on oil sector

Trump imposes more sanctions on Iran, says ' highest sanction on a country ever'. Watch video to know more.

Trump imposes more sanctions on Iran, says 'highest sanction on a country ever'

Saudi Arabia will take appropriate steps to respond to an attack on its oil facilities if, as expected, a Saudi investigation confirms that Iran is responsible, a senior official said on Saturday.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said the probe would prove that the September&nbsp;14 strikes came from the north and that Iran bore responsibility, a charge Tehran denies.

Riyadh has rejected a claim by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement that it carried out the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-has-emerged-from-attacks-stronger-than-ever-ceo-251027">strikes on two oil plants</a> that initially halved Saudi production, the largest-ever assault on oil facilities in the world's top oil exporter.

It has already said the investigation so far shows that Iranian weapons were used and the attack originated from the north, and that it was pinpointing the exact location.

Saudi Arabia will take appropriate steps to respond to an attack on its oil facilities if, as expected, a Saudi investigation confirms that Iran is responsible, a senior official said on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia will take appropriate steps to respond to an attack on its oil facilities if, as expected, a Saudi investigation confirms that Iran is responsible, a senior official said on Saturday. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said the probe would prove that the September 14 strikes came from the north and that Iran bore responsibility, a charge Tehran denies. Riyadh has rejected a claim by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement that it carried out the strikes on two oil plants that initially halved Saudi production, the largest-ever assault on oil facilities in the world's top oil exporter. It has already said the investigation so far shows that Iranian weapons were used and the attack originated from the north, and that it was pinpointing the exact location.

Saudi says it will respond appropriately if probe confirms Iran's role in attacks

Another Theatre of Conflict? The U.S holds off a striking Iran, sends troops to Saudi

U.S To send troops, equipment to Saudi

Any country that attacks<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-new-us-sanctions-target-iranians-access-to-food-medicine-250961"> Iran </a>will become the "main battlefield", the Revolutionary Guards warned Saturday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-sending-troops-to-bolster-saudi-defences-after-attack-250910">Washington ordered reinforcements </a>to the Gulf following attacks on Saudi oil installations it blames on Tehran.

Tensions escalated between arch-foes Iran and the United States after last weekend's attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield halved the kingdom's oil output.

Yemen's Huthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the strikes but the US says it has concluded the attacks involved cruise missiles from Iran and amounted to "an act of war".

Washington approved the deployment of troops to Saudi Arabia at "the kingdom's request," Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, noting the forces would be "defensive in nature" and focused on air and missile defence.

But Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami said Iran was "ready for any type of scenario".

"Whoever wants their land to become the main battlefield, go ahead," he told a news conference in Tehran.

"We will never allow any war to encroach upon Iran's territory.

"We hope that they don't make a strategic mistake", he said, listing past US military "adventures" against Iran.

Salami was speaking at Tehran's Islamic Revolution and Holy Defence museum during the unveiling of an exhibition of what Iran says are US and other drones captured in its territory.

It featured a badly damaged drone with US military markings said to be an RQ-4 Global Hawk that Iran downed in June, as well as an RQ-170 Sentinel captured in 2011 and still intact.

'Act of war'

The Guards also displayed the domestically manufactured Khordad 3 air defence battery they say was used to shoot down the Global Hawk.

"What are your drones doing in our airspace? We will shoot them down, shoot anything that encroaches on our airspace," said Salami, noting Iran had defeated "America's technological dominance" in air defence and drone manufacture.

His remarks came only days after strikes on Saudi oil facilities claimed by Yemen's Huthis, but the US says it has concluded the attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and amounted to "an act of war".

Saudi Arabia, which has been bogged down in a five-year war across its southern border in Yemen, has said Iran "unquestionably sponsored" the attacks.

The kingdom says the weapons used in the attacks were Iranian-made, but it stopped short of directly blaming its regional rival.

"Sometimes they talk of military options," Salami said, apparently referring to the Americans.

Yet he warned that "a limited aggression will not remain limited" as Iran was determined to respond and would "not rest until the aggressor's collapse."

'Crushing response'

The Guards' aerospace commander said the US ought to learn from its past failures and abandon its hostile rhetoric.

"We've stood tall for the past 40 years and if the enemy makes a mistake, it will certainly receive a crushing response," Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh said.

The United States upped the ante on Friday by announcing new sanctions against Iran's central bank, with President Donald Trump calling the measures the toughest America has ever imposed on another country.

Washington has imposed a series of sanctions against Tehran since unilaterally pulling out of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal in May last year.

It already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran's central bank, but the US Treasury said Friday's designation was over the regulator's work in funding "terrorism".

The "action targets a crucial funding mechanism that the Iranian regime uses to support its terrorist network, including the Qods Force, Hezbollah and other militants that spread terror and destabilise the region," said US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The Qods Force is the Guards' foreign operations arm, while Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite militant group closely allied with Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the new sanctions meant the United States was "trying to block the Iranian people's access to food and medicine".

It showed the US was in "despair" and that "the maximum pressure policy has reached its end," semi-official news agency ISNA quoted him as saying from New York.

Any country that attacks Iran will become the "main battlefield", the Revolutionary Guards warned Saturday after Washington ordered reinforcements to the Gulf following attacks on Saudi oil installations it blames on Tehran.

Any country that attacks Iran will become the "main battlefield", the Revolutionary Guards warned Saturday after Washington ordered reinforcements to the Gulf following attacks on Saudi oil installations it blames on Tehran. Tensions escalated between arch-foes Iran and the United States after last weekend's attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield halved the kingdom's oil output. Yemen's Huthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the strikes but the US says it has concluded the attacks involved cruise missiles from Iran and amounted to "an act of war". Washington approved the deployment of troops to Saudi Arabia at "the kingdom's request," Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, noting the forces would be "defensive in nature" and focused on air and missile defence. But Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami said Iran was "ready for any type of scenario". "Whoever wants their land to become the main battlefield, go ahead," he told a news conference in Tehran. "We will never allow any war to encroach upon Iran's territory. "We hope that they don't make a strategic mistake", he said, listing past US military "adventures" against Iran. Salami was speaking at Tehran's Islamic Revolution and Holy Defence museum during the unveiling of an exhibition of what Iran says are US and other drones captured in its territory. It featured a badly damaged drone with US military markings said to be an RQ-4 Global Hawk that Iran downed in June, as well as an RQ-170 Sentinel captured in 2011 and still intact. 'Act of war' The Guards also displayed the domestically manufactured Khordad 3 air defence battery they say was used to shoot down the Global Hawk. "What are your drones doing in our airspace? We will shoot them down, shoot anything that encroaches on our airspace," said Salami, noting Iran had defeated "America's technological dominance" in air defence and drone manufacture. His remarks came only days after strikes on Saudi oil facilities claimed by Yemen's Huthis, but the US says it has concluded the attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and amounted to "an act of war". Saudi Arabia, which has been bogged down in a five-year war across its southern border in Yemen, has said Iran "unquestionably sponsored" the attacks. The kingdom says the weapons used in the attacks were Iranian-made, but it stopped short of directly blaming its regional rival. "Sometimes they talk of military options," Salami said, apparently referring to the Americans. Yet he warned that "a limited aggression will not remain limited" as Iran was determined to respond and would "not rest until the aggressor's collapse." 'Crushing response' The Guards' aerospace commander said the US ought to learn from its past failures and abandon its hostile rhetoric. "We've stood tall for the past 40 years and if the enemy makes a mistake, it will certainly receive a crushing response," Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh said. The United States upped the ante on Friday by announcing new sanctions against Iran's central bank, with President Donald Trump calling the measures the toughest America has ever imposed on another country. Washington has imposed a series of sanctions against Tehran since unilaterally pulling out of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal in May last year. It already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran's central bank, but the US Treasury said Friday's designation was over the regulator's work in funding "terrorism". The "action targets a crucial funding mechanism that the Iranian regime uses to support its terrorist network, including the Qods Force, Hezbollah and other militants that spread terror and destabilise the region," said US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The Qods Force is the Guards' foreign operations arm, while Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite militant group closely allied with Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the new sanctions meant the United States was "trying to block the Iranian people's access to food and medicine". It showed the US was in "despair" and that "the maximum pressure policy has reached its end," semi-official news agency ISNA quoted him as saying from New York.

Iran issues 'battlefield' warning as US deploys troops

Iran's foreign minister on Saturday denounced renewed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-new-us-sanctions-on-iran-central-bank-250885">US sanctions against its central bank</a> as an attempt to deny ordinary Iranians access to food and medicine, and said the move was a sign of US desperation.

The United States on Friday imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran, some aimed at its central bank and sovereign wealth fund, following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia</a> that Riyadh and US&nbsp;officials have blamed on Iran.

Iran denies involvement in the attacks, which initially halved oil output from Saudi Arabia. Responsibility was claimed by Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iranian-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war.

"This is a sign of US desperation ... When they repeatedly sanction the same institution, this means their attempt at bringing the Iranian nation to its knees under 'maximum pressure' has failed," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters in remarks shown on state television.

"But this is dangerous and unacceptable as an attempt at blocking ... the Iranian people's access to food and medicine," Zarif said, speaking after arriving in New York for the annual UN&nbsp;General Assembly next week.

Meanwhile, there were reports on social media that a number of Iranian servers and websites -- including those of some petrochemical firms -- were under a cyber-attack. There was no immediate official comment, and the websites of the main state oil company NIOC appeared to be functioning normally. Residents said their internet access was not affected.

NetBlocks, an organisation that monitors internet connectivity, said its data showed "intermittent disruptions" to some internet services in Iran starting from Friday evening.

Watch: Iran's central bank hit with sanctions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-central-bank-hit-with-sanctions-250937/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the group said the impact was limited, affecting only specific providers, and the cause was unclear. "Data are consistent with a cyber-attack or unplanned technical incident on affected networks as opposed to a purposeful withdrawal or shutdown incident," it said in a tweet.

The fresh sanctions target the Central Bank of Iran, which was already under other US sanctions, the National Development Fund of Iran -- the country's sovereign wealth fund — and an Iranian company that US&nbsp;officials say is used to conceal financial transfers for Iranian military purchases.

Zarif said he would meet on Wednesday with foreign ministers of the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear accord, which was agreed with Britain, France, Germany China and Russia as well as the United States.

"As we have said before, the United States can only attend if it returns to the (nuclear accord) ... and ends its economic war against Iran," Zarif said.

The United States withdrew from the accord last year and re-imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran.

"I hope the US&nbsp;government realises that they are no longer the only economic superpower in the world and that there are many countries that want to benefit from the Iranian market," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, according to state media.

Iran's foreign minister on Saturday denounced renewed US sanctions against its central bank as an attempt to deny ordinary Iranians access to food and medicine, and said the move was a sign of US desperation.

Iran's foreign minister on Saturday denounced renewed US sanctions against its central bank as an attempt to deny ordinary Iranians access to food and medicine, and said the move was a sign of US desperation. The United States on Friday imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran, some aimed at its central bank and sovereign wealth fund, following attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia that Riyadh and US officials have blamed on Iran. Iran denies involvement in the attacks, which initially halved oil output from Saudi Arabia. Responsibility was claimed by Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iranian-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war. "This is a sign of US desperation ... When they repeatedly sanction the same institution, this means their attempt at bringing the Iranian nation to its knees under 'maximum pressure' has failed," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters in remarks shown on state television. "But this is dangerous and unacceptable as an attempt at blocking ... the Iranian people's access to food and medicine," Zarif said, speaking after arriving in New York for the annual UN General Assembly next week. Meanwhile, there were reports on social media that a number of Iranian servers and websites -- including those of some petrochemical firms -- were under a cyber-attack. There was no immediate official comment, and the websites of the main state oil company NIOC appeared to be functioning normally. Residents said their internet access was not affected. NetBlocks, an organisation that monitors internet connectivity, said its data showed "intermittent disruptions" to some internet services in Iran starting from Friday evening. Watch: Iran's central bank hit with sanctions But the group said the impact was limited, affecting only specific providers, and the cause was unclear. "Data are consistent with a cyber-attack or unplanned technical incident on affected networks as opposed to a purposeful withdrawal or shutdown incident," it said in a tweet. The fresh sanctions target the Central Bank of Iran, which was already under other US sanctions, the National Development Fund of Iran -- the country's sovereign wealth fund — and an Iranian company that US officials say is used to conceal financial transfers for Iranian military purchases. Zarif said he would meet on Wednesday with foreign ministers of the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear accord, which was agreed with Britain, France, Germany China and Russia as well as the United States. "As we have said before, the United States can only attend if it returns to the (nuclear accord) ... and ends its economic war against Iran," Zarif said. The United States withdrew from the accord last year and re-imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran. "I hope the US government realises that they are no longer the only economic superpower in the world and that there are many countries that want to benefit from the Iranian market," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, according to state media.

Iran says new US sanctions target Iranians' access to food, medicine

Iran clears out that it's President & Foreign Minister got U.S. visas to attend United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Watch this video to know more.

Iran says, ''Our President & Foreign Minister got U.S. visas to attend UNGA''

The Houthi movement attracts its Zaidi-Shia followers in Yemen by promoting regional political-religious issues in its media, including the overarching US-Israeli conspiracy and Arab collusion.

Who are the Houthis? Know their history

Saudi Arabia unveils new ‘evidence’ proving Iranian involvement in oil attacks. Watch video to know more.

Saudi Arabia unveils new ‘evidence’ proving Iranian involvement in oil attacks

Houthis In Focus After Attacks On Saudi Oil Facilities

Gravitas: Houthis, backed by Iran, Take on Saudi Arabia

The United States wants to build a coalition of European and Arab partners to deter Iran after an attack on Saudi Arabia that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described on Wednesday (September 18) as "an act of war" against the world's top oil exporter.

WION Dispatch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran

Iran's Revolutionary Guards' commander said Thursday the country is "so powerful" that it is "falsely" accused of being behind any regional incident, days after attacks on Saudi oil installations, Fars news agency reported.

All paths are closed to Iran's enemies seeking to infiltrate the country, said Guards' commander Major General Hossein Salami, adding the country's border guards are vigilant.

"We've gone beyond such concerns, and the enemy knows it too. Today we are so powerful that they are forced to falsely accuse us to be behind any incident," Fars quoted Salami as saying.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have claimed responsibility for Saturday's strikes, but the US claims it has concluded the attacks involved cruise missiles from Iran.

The attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oil field halved the kingdom's oil output.

Salami's remarks were part of a speech made to villagers at North Khorasan province, detailing the Guards' outreach programs for the poor.

Saudi Arabia, which has been bogged down in a five-year war in Yemen, has said the weapons used in the attacks were Iranian-made but has not directly blamed its regional arch-rival.

Tehran has repeatedly denied accusations from Washington and Riyadh that it arms the Huthis.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards' commander said Thursday the country is "so powerful" that it is "falsely" accused of being behind any regional incident, days after attacks on Saudi oil installations, Fars news agency reported.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards' commander said Thursday the country is "so powerful" that it is "falsely" accused of being behind any regional incident, days after attacks on Saudi oil installations, Fars news agency reported. All paths are closed to Iran's enemies seeking to infiltrate the country, said Guards' commander Major General Hossein Salami, adding the country's border guards are vigilant. "We've gone beyond such concerns, and the enemy knows it too. Today we are so powerful that they are forced to falsely accuse us to be behind any incident," Fars quoted Salami as saying. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have claimed responsibility for Saturday's strikes, but the US claims it has concluded the attacks involved cruise missiles from Iran. The attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oil field halved the kingdom's oil output. Salami's remarks were part of a speech made to villagers at North Khorasan province, detailing the Guards' outreach programs for the poor. Saudi Arabia, which has been bogged down in a five-year war in Yemen, has said the weapons used in the attacks were Iranian-made but has not directly blamed its regional arch-rival. Tehran has repeatedly denied accusations from Washington and Riyadh that it arms the Huthis.

'Powerful' Iran 'falsely' accused of everything: Revolutionary Guards

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told Iran it is time to allow women into football stadiums and the global soccer body expects "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifa-officials-to-visit-iran-after-death-of-blue-girl-249729">positive developments</a>", starting with their next home match in October.

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.

Infantino said in a FIFA statement he was hopeful that the Iranian football federation and government authorities had been receptive to "our repeated calls to address this unacceptable situation."

He added, "Our position is clear and firm. Women have to be allowed into football stadiums in Iran. Now is the moment to change things and FIFA is expecting positive developments starting in the next Iran home match in October."

Iran, who have qualified for five World Cup finals, including each of the last two, host Cambodia on Oct. 10 in their first home game of the 2022 qualifying competition.

This month, a female fan died after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for attending a match.

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.

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.

Infantino said a FIFA delegation was now in Iran. "I am looking forward to hearing good news from them," he said.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told Iran it is time to allow women into football stadiums and the global soccer body expects "positive developments", starting with their next home match in October.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told Iran it is time to allow women into football stadiums and the global soccer body expects "positive developments", starting with their next home match in October. 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. Infantino said in a FIFA statement he was hopeful that the Iranian football federation and government authorities had been receptive to "our repeated calls to address this unacceptable situation." He added, "Our position is clear and firm. Women have to be allowed into football stadiums in Iran. Now is the moment to change things and FIFA is expecting positive developments starting in the next Iran home match in October." Iran, who have qualified for five World Cup finals, including each of the last two, host Cambodia on Oct. 10 in their first home game of the 2022 qualifying competition. This month, a female fan died after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for attending a match. 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. 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. Infantino said a FIFA delegation was now in Iran. "I am looking forward to hearing good news from them," he said.

'Women have to be allowed into football stadiums,' FIFA tells Iran

Drone and missile debris recovered by investigators at the Saudi Aramco attack site is proof of Iranian culpability, a Saudi defense ministry representative said.

Saudi minister claims 'Weapon debris proves Iranian role in Aramco attack'

Saudi Arabia has said that strikes on its oil infrastructure were originated from "north" and were "unquestionably" sponsored by Iran.

Riyadh said that the attack was a deliberate attempt to "disrupt" the global economy.

Addressing a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Spokesperson of Defence Ministry Colonel Al-Malki presented information confirming the Iranian role in the sabotage act which targeted the most important site in the world as it is the most important source of oil production, saying that "since the beginning of the Iranian coup in the region, we have seen a remarkable growth in the Iranian aggression against the Kingdom. This aggression is revealed throughout history."

"I will focus on two main parts of our findings regarding the initial investigations with the partners. First, this attack was not carried out from Yemen as the Houthis claimed. Second, this attack is originated from the north and undoubtedly was supported by Iran. All the evidence, in our presentation before you, leaves no doubt about the Iranian role in the sabotage," he affirmed.

Saudi officials said the missile on display, which had what appeared to be a jet engine attached to it, was a land-attack cruise missile that failed to explode.

Al-Malki said a total of 18 drones and seven missiles were launched, including what he called Iranian Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reported Al Jazeera.

Riyadh admission that the attack was carried out by Iran came at a time when US Secretary of State is visiting the country.

During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself.

The drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. The attack took place on Saturday escalating tensions in the region.

Iran has denied involvement and warned the United States it would retaliate "immediately" if targeted over the attacks.

"The press conference proved that Saudi Arabia knows nothing about where the missiles and drones were made or launched from, and failed to explain why the country's defence system failed to intercept them," an adviser to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani Hesameddin Ashena wrote on Twitter.

Saudi Arabia has said that strikes on its oil infrastructure were originated from "north" and were "unquestionably" sponsored by Iran. Riyadh said that the attack was a deliberate attempt to "disrupt" the global economy.

Saudi Arabia has said that strikes on its oil infrastructure were originated from "north" and were "unquestionably" sponsored by Iran. Riyadh said that the attack was a deliberate attempt to "disrupt" the global economy. Addressing a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Spokesperson of Defence Ministry Colonel Al-Malki presented information confirming the Iranian role in the sabotage act which targeted the most important site in the world as it is the most important source of oil production, saying that "since the beginning of the Iranian coup in the region, we have seen a remarkable growth in the Iranian aggression against the Kingdom. This aggression is revealed throughout history." "I will focus on two main parts of our findings regarding the initial investigations with the partners. First, this attack was not carried out from Yemen as the Houthis claimed. Second, this attack is originated from the north and undoubtedly was supported by Iran. All the evidence, in our presentation before you, leaves no doubt about the Iranian role in the sabotage," he affirmed. Saudi officials said the missile on display, which had what appeared to be a jet engine attached to it, was a land-attack cruise missile that failed to explode. Al-Malki said a total of 18 drones and seven missiles were launched, including what he called Iranian Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reported Al Jazeera. Riyadh admission that the attack was carried out by Iran came at a time when US Secretary of State is visiting the country. During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself. The drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. The attack took place on Saturday escalating tensions in the region. Iran has denied involvement and warned the United States it would retaliate "immediately" if targeted over the attacks. "The press conference proved that Saudi Arabia knows nothing about where the missiles and drones were made or launched from, and failed to explain why the country's defence system failed to intercept them," an adviser to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani Hesameddin Ashena wrote on Twitter.

Attacks on oil facilities 'unquestionably' sponsored by Iran: Saudi Arabia

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">US-Taliban</a> talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops.

Last week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US-Taliban talks collapsed</a> and fighting resurged.

The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">American troops from Afghanistan</a> in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

"In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media.

Mousavi did not give further details.

The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan.

Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants.

But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that.

In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this.

Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there.

Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed. Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of US-Taliban talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops. Last week, the US-Taliban talks collapsed and fighting resurged. The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. "In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media. Mousavi did not give further details. The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan. Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants. But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that. In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this. Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there. Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran says it held talks with Afghanistan's Taliban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-blames-iran-for-saudi-attacks-pretend-diplomacy-249751">US</a> Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-dismisses-us-claim-it-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-says-ready-for-war-249810">Iran</a>.

Vice President Mike Pence announced that Pompeo was on his way to the kingdom to "discuss our response."

"As the president said, we don't want war with anybody but the United States is prepared," Pence said in a speech in Washington.

"We're locked and loaded and we're ready to defend our interests and allies in the region, make no mistake about it," he said, echoing President Donald Trump's words on Sunday.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the Trump administration has concluded that last weekend's attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and that evidence would be presented at the UN General Assembly next week.

The apparent hardening of the US position came as Iran's supreme leader ruled out negotiations with Washington "at any level."

This appeared to nix remaining hopes for a dramatic meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-rule-out-trump-rouhani-meeting-after-saudi-attacks-249856">Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a> at the United Nations next week.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One over California, Trump said he too had cooled on what had always seemed to be a diplomatic longshot.

"I never rule anything out, but I prefer not meeting him," Trump said.

'It's not possible'

Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for Saturday's oil installation attacks, which halved output from the petro-state, a close ally of Washington.

But a senior US administration official cast doubt on that claim, saying that while the Huthis said they used 10 drones, one Saudi oil facility was hit "at least 17 times," and another twice by "precision-guided munitions."

Additionally, neither the type of drone "nor the cruise missiles employed in the attack can reach the facilities from Yemen. It's not possible," the official said.

The Huthis are at war with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, turning the impoverished nation into a proxy battlefield for bitter regional rivals Tehran and Riyadh.

The increasingly complex conflict dovetails with the Trump administration's attempt to curb Iranian power through a "maximum pressure" campaign of crippling economic sanctions.

Trump began that campaign after unilaterally pulling out of a 2015 international deal meant to reward Iran for allowing restrictions on its nuclear industry.

He says that Tehran is secretly cheating and trying to build nuclear weapons and must be stopped.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington's real goal was to bring his country to its knees.

"The policy of 'maximum pressure' against the Iranian nation is worthless and all Islamic Republic of Iran officials unanimously believe there will be no negotiations with the US at any level," he said in a televised address.

Khamenei also said that as long as sanctions are in place, direct talks are impossible, including a meeting at the UN.

'Support for war?'

Whether the new stage of the long-running US-Iranian standoff leads to conflict is the big unknown.

Saudi Arabia, which has bought huge quantities of US weaponry, is considered a strategic ally in the region, second to Israel, another bitter foe of Iran.

Trump called off a retaliatory US missile attack on Iran in June after the Iranians shot down a spy drone. He said he did not want to kill what generals told him could be up to 150 people.

Trump's administration is considering responses to the latest attack including a cyber attack or a physical strike on Iranian oil infrastructure or its Revolutionary Guards, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials.

Republican Lindsey Graham&nbsp;a vital Trump ally in Congress struck a belligerent tone Tuesday, charging that "such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran's blessing and direct involvement."

"This is literally an act of war," Graham said.

'Oil market nervous'

The strikes hit Abqaiq, the world's largest oil processing facility, and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-falls-more-than-1-per-cent-as-market-awaits-response-to-saudi-oil-attacks-250122">Oil prices</a>&nbsp;receded more than five per cent on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous day's gains as analysts said they were expecting Saudi output to recover sooner than expected.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in Iran. Vice President Mike Pence announced that Pompeo was on his way to the kingdom to "discuss our response." "As the president said, we don't want war with anybody but the United States is prepared," Pence said in a speech in Washington. "We're locked and loaded and we're ready to defend our interests and allies in the region, make no mistake about it," he said, echoing President Donald Trump's words on Sunday. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the Trump administration has concluded that last weekend's attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and that evidence would be presented at the UN General Assembly next week. The apparent hardening of the US position came as Iran's supreme leader ruled out negotiations with Washington "at any level." This appeared to nix remaining hopes for a dramatic meeting between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations next week. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One over California, Trump said he too had cooled on what had always seemed to be a diplomatic longshot. "I never rule anything out, but I prefer not meeting him," Trump said. 'It's not possible' Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for Saturday's oil installation attacks, which halved output from the petro-state, a close ally of Washington. But a senior US administration official cast doubt on that claim, saying that while the Huthis said they used 10 drones, one Saudi oil facility was hit "at least 17 times," and another twice by "precision-guided munitions." Additionally, neither the type of drone "nor the cruise missiles employed in the attack can reach the facilities from Yemen. It's not possible," the official said. The Huthis are at war with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, turning the impoverished nation into a proxy battlefield for bitter regional rivals Tehran and Riyadh. The increasingly complex conflict dovetails with the Trump administration's attempt to curb Iranian power through a "maximum pressure" campaign of crippling economic sanctions. Trump began that campaign after unilaterally pulling out of a 2015 international deal meant to reward Iran for allowing restrictions on its nuclear industry. He says that Tehran is secretly cheating and trying to build nuclear weapons and must be stopped. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington's real goal was to bring his country to its knees. "The policy of 'maximum pressure' against the Iranian nation is worthless and all Islamic Republic of Iran officials unanimously believe there will be no negotiations with the US at any level," he said in a televised address. Khamenei also said that as long as sanctions are in place, direct talks are impossible, including a meeting at the UN. 'Support for war?' Whether the new stage of the long-running US-Iranian standoff leads to conflict is the big unknown. Saudi Arabia, which has bought huge quantities of US weaponry, is considered a strategic ally in the region, second to Israel, another bitter foe of Iran. Trump called off a retaliatory US missile attack on Iran in June after the Iranians shot down a spy drone. He said he did not want to kill what generals told him could be up to 150 people. Trump's administration is considering responses to the latest attack including a cyber attack or a physical strike on Iranian oil infrastructure or its Revolutionary Guards, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials. Republican Lindsey Graham a vital Trump ally in Congress struck a belligerent tone Tuesday, charging that "such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran's blessing and direct involvement." "This is literally an act of war," Graham said. 'Oil market nervous' The strikes hit Abqaiq, the world's largest oil processing facility, and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia. Oil prices receded more than five per cent on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous day's gains as analysts said they were expecting Saudi output to recover sooner than expected.

Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia after US blames Iran

Saudi Arabia is involved in several proxy wars in the region and continues to make a mockery of rights.

But even then, countries like the US, which have been directly affected by the terror exports from Saudi, continue to support Saudi Arabia.

The reason is oil and Saudi Arabia has loads of it. Simply put - it's Petro-Islam.

So, how long will Saudi Arabia get a free pass and a pat on the back for being the breeding ground of terrorism?

There is no clear answer because the world runs on oil. On Wion Edit, we discuss the need to find alternatives for oil.

Importers cannot continue to face supply disruption due to the crisis in West Asia.

Countries like India have diversified their oil procurement in an attempt to stay insulated from supply issues. But that's at best - a stop-gap solution.

If you look at the oil producers, with the exception of the US and Russia, most countries are facing turmoil.

Venezuela, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Qatar and now Saudi Arabia. All these countries face threats of terrorism.

And this will only intensify and&nbsp;lead to more disputes over this crucial commodity. Depending on crude, therefore, is an economic risk in the medium to long term.

Several countries are moving towards generating power entirely through renewable energy sources. Countries like Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Nicaragua, Germany are well on course to achieving independence from oil.

That means that these countries need not worry about political disruptions in countries like Saudi Arabia.

Besides&nbsp;this, the transition is cost-effective too.

Over the last few years, India has come a long way in its push for renewable energy. Right now, the share of renewable energy in India is above 20 per cent. The government should continue this transition more aggressively.

This will help India escape the wrath of OPEC cartel.&nbsp;

The sooner&nbsp;countries find alternatives to oil, the better it will be for economic autonomy. Besides, it will help in ending the many conflicts in West Asia.

The only way to end the radical Petro-Islam is to achieve independence from oil. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Saudi Arabia is involved in several proxy wars in the region and continues to make a mockery of rights. But even then, countries like the US, which have been directly affected by the terror exports from Saudi, continue to support Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is involved in several proxy wars in the region and continues to make a mockery of rights. But even then, countries like the US, which have been directly affected by the terror exports from Saudi, continue to support Saudi Arabia. The reason is oil and Saudi Arabia has loads of it. Simply put - it's Petro-Islam. So, how long will Saudi Arabia get a free pass and a pat on the back for being the breeding ground of terrorism? There is no clear answer because the world runs on oil. On Wion Edit, we discuss the need to find alternatives for oil. Importers cannot continue to face supply disruption due to the crisis in West Asia. Countries like India have diversified their oil procurement in an attempt to stay insulated from supply issues. But that's at best - a stop-gap solution. If you look at the oil producers, with the exception of the US and Russia, most countries are facing turmoil. Venezuela, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Qatar and now Saudi Arabia. All these countries face threats of terrorism. And this will only intensify and lead to more disputes over this crucial commodity. Depending on crude, therefore, is an economic risk in the medium to long term. Several countries are moving towards generating power entirely through renewable energy sources. Countries like Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Nicaragua, Germany are well on course to achieving independence from oil. That means that these countries need not worry about political disruptions in countries like Saudi Arabia. Besides this, the transition is cost-effective too. Over the last few years, India has come a long way in its push for renewable energy. Right now, the share of renewable energy in India is above 20 per cent. The government should continue this transition more aggressively. This will help India escape the wrath of OPEC cartel. The sooner countries find alternatives to oil, the better it will be for economic autonomy. Besides, it will help in ending the many conflicts in West Asia. The only way to end the radical Petro-Islam is to achieve independence from oil. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

WION Edit: Achieving independence from oil

Both U.S. and Its Ally Saudi blame Iran for the attacks. To know more watch the video.

Saudi Oil Field Attacks: Pompeo heads to Saudi as U.S Blames Iran

Iran will never hold one-on-one talks with the United States, but could engage in multilateral discussions if Washington returns to the 2015 nuclear deal, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday, according to state TV.

Iran will never hold one-on-one talks with the United States, but could engage in multilateral discussions if Washington returns to the 2015 nuclear deal, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday, according to state TV. US President Donald Trump has said he could meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, possibly at the UN General Assembly in New York later in September. "Iranian officials, at any level, will never talk to American officials ... this is part of their (US) policy to put pressure on Iran ... their policy of maximum pressure will fail," state TV quoted Khamenei as saying. "If America changes its behaviour and returns to (Iran's 2015) nuclear deal, then it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to the deal", Khamenei added, according to the report. Trump has stepped up sanctions against Iran since last year when he withdrew from the nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers. "If we yield to their pressure and hold talks with Americans ... This will show that their maximum pressure on Iran has succeeded. They should know that this policy has no value for us," said Khamenei, who has the last say on all state matters. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked following a weekend attack on major oil sites in Saudi Arabia that the United States said Iran was responsible for. Iran denies the charge.

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei rejects one-on-one talks with United States

Oil shed some of its massive gains on Tuesday (September 17) as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-need-middle-east-oil-gas-but-will-help-our-allies-says-trump-after-attacks-on-saudi-arabias-aramco-250005">United States</a> flagged the possible release of crude reserves, but the threat of military action over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">attacks on Saudi oil</a> facilities kept prices elevated and stocks under pressure.

While equity market losses have not been large, shaky investor confidence continued to support safe-haven assets, with gold edging higher on Tuesday and Treasury prices rising.

Investors otherwise broadly remained on the sidelines ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve on Wednesday (September 18) and the next round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-dismisses-us-claim-it-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-says-ready-for-war-249810">US</a>-China trade talks on Thursday.

The benchmark Nikkei average added 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to 22,021.86 in mid-morning trade to mark its highest level since May 7, as soaring oil prices triggered by attacks on Saudi oil facilities boosted oil and gas-related companies.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.6 per&nbsp;cent.

Chinese shares fell 0.85 per cent, while Australian shares were down 0.27 per cent.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 1.78 per cent to&nbsp;$67.79 per barrel in Asia on Tuesday.

On Monday Brent surged by 14.6 per cent for&nbsp;its biggest one-day percentage gain since at least 1988.

Saturday's attack on Saudi oil facilities has halved the kingdom's oil output, creating the biggest disruption to global oil supplies in absolute terms since the overthrow of the Iranian Shah in 1979, International Energy Agency data show.

In South Korea, stocks opened slightly lower with the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) down 3.14 points or 0.15 per cent to 2,059.08 points as of 0200 GMT.

China stocks fell on Tuesday as Beijing kept a key money rate unchanged even as recent readings pointed to further downward pressure on the world's second-largest economy.

In Hong Kong, stocks extended falls after credit rating agency Moody's downgraded the island city's outlook.

The Hang Seng index dropped 1.0 per cent, to 26,849.72, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index lost 1.0 per cent, to 10,520.42.

Oil shed some of its massive gains on Tuesday (September 17) as the United States flagged the possible release of crude reserves, but the threat of military action over the attacks on Saudi oil facilities kept prices elevated and stocks under pressure.

Oil shed some of its massive gains on Tuesday (September 17) as the United States flagged the possible release of crude reserves, but the threat of military action over the attacks on Saudi oil facilities kept prices elevated and stocks under pressure. While equity market losses have not been large, shaky investor confidence continued to support safe-haven assets, with gold edging higher on Tuesday and Treasury prices rising. Investors otherwise broadly remained on the sidelines ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday (September 18) and the next round of US-China trade talks on Thursday. The benchmark Nikkei average added 0.2 per cent to 22,021.86 in mid-morning trade to mark its highest level since May 7, as soaring oil prices triggered by attacks on Saudi oil facilities boosted oil and gas-related companies. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.6 per cent. Chinese shares fell 0.85 per cent, while Australian shares were down 0.27 per cent. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 1.78 per cent to $67.79 per barrel in Asia on Tuesday. On Monday Brent surged by 14.6 per cent for its biggest one-day percentage gain since at least 1988. Saturday's attack on Saudi oil facilities has halved the kingdom's oil output, creating the biggest disruption to global oil supplies in absolute terms since the overthrow of the Iranian Shah in 1979, International Energy Agency data show. In South Korea, stocks opened slightly lower with the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) down 3.14 points or 0.15 per cent to 2,059.08 points as of 0200 GMT. China stocks fell on Tuesday as Beijing kept a key money rate unchanged even as recent readings pointed to further downward pressure on the world's second-largest economy. In Hong Kong, stocks extended falls after credit rating agency Moody's downgraded the island city's outlook. The Hang Seng index dropped 1.0 per cent, to 26,849.72, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index lost 1.0 per cent, to 10,520.42.

Oil falls more than 1 per cent as market awaits response to Saudi oil attacks

US President Donald Trump said on Monday said it looked like Iran was behind attacks on oil plants in Saudi Arabia but stressed he did not want to go to war, as the attacks sent oil prices soaring and raised fears of a new Middle East conflict.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday said it looked like Iran was behind attacks on oil plants in Saudi Arabia but stressed he did not want to go to war, as the attacks sent oil prices soaring and raised fears of a new Middle East conflict. Iran has rejected US charges it was behind the strikes on Saturday that damaged the world's biggest crude-processing plant and triggered the largest jump in crude prices in decades. Relations between the United States and Iran have deteriorated since Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear accord last year and reimposed sanctions over Tehran's nuclear and ballistic programs. Washington also wants to pressure Tehran to end its support of regional proxy forces, including in Yemen where Saudi forces have been fighting Iran-backed Houthis for four years. The United States was still investigating if Iran was behind the Saudi strikes, Trump said, but "it's certainly looking that way at this moment." Trump, who has spent much of his presidency trying to disentangle the United States from wars he inherited, made clear, however, he was not going to rush into a new conflict on behalf of Saudi Arabia. "I'm somebody that would like not to have war," Trump said. Several US Cabinet members, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Energy Secretary Rick Perry, have blamed Tehran for the strikes. Pompeo and others will travel to Saudi Arabia soon, Trump said. A day after saying the United States was "locked and loaded" to respond to the incident, Trump said on Monday there was "no rush" to do so. "We have a lot of options but I'm not looking at options right now. We want to find definitively who did this," he said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the strikes were carried out by "Yemeni people" retaliating for attacks by a Saudi-led military coalition in a war with the Houthi movement. "Yemeni people are exercising their legitimate right of defence," Rouhani told reporters during a visit to Ankara. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi called the allegations "unacceptable and entirely baseless." The attacks cut 5% of world crude oil production. Oil prices surged by as much as 19% after the incidents but later came off their peaks. The intraday jump was the biggest since the 1990-91 Gulf crisis over Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The market eased from its peak after Trump said he would release U.S. emergency supplies and producers said there were enough stocks stored up worldwide to make up for the shortfall. Prices were around 12% higher by afternoon in the United States.

US President Trump says he does not want war after attack on Saudi oil facilities

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Ankara on Monday (September 16) for a trilateral summit on Syria.

Leaders of Turkey, Iran and Russia gather for Syria talks

Erdogan hosts Putin and Rouhani for new round of Syria talks. Watch video to know more.

Erdogan hosts Putin and Rouhani for new round of Syria talks

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the evening from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 16th, 2019

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">oil to US allies</a>, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran.

"We are a net Energy Exporter, &amp; now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Because we have done so well with Energy over the last few years (thank you, Mr. President!), we are a net Energy Exporter, &amp; now the Number One Energy Producer in the World. We don’t need Middle Eastern Oil &amp; Gas, &amp; in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1173560246863876096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We don't need Middle Eastern Oil &amp; Gas, &amp; in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!" he added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/long-series-of-rocket-and-drone-strikes-against-saudi-arabian-oil-facilities-249718/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump's comments come after weekend drone strikes on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which slashed the country's oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap into their strategic reserves.

Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, have claimed responsibility.

On Sunday, Trump warned that the US was "locked and loaded" to respond to the Saturday attacks.

It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone strikes.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the US was the top global oil producer in 2018, turning out nearly 18 million barrels per day.

Saudi Arabia was second, with 12.42 million barrels per day.

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply oil to US allies, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran. "We are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted.

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply oil to US allies, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran. "We are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted. Because we have done so well with Energy over the last few years (thank you, Mr. President!), we are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World. We don’t need Middle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2019 × "We don't need Middle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!" he added. Watch Video: Trump's comments come after weekend drone strikes on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which slashed the country's oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap into their strategic reserves. Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, have claimed responsibility. On Sunday, Trump warned that the US was "locked and loaded" to respond to the Saturday attacks. It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone strikes. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the US was the top global oil producer in 2018, turning out nearly 18 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia was second, with 12.42 million barrels per day.

Don't need Middle East oil & gas, but will help our allies, says Trump after attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized a vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 250,000 litres of diesel fuel to the United Arab Emirates, Iran's semi-official Students News agency ISNA reported on Monday.

"It was detained near Iran's Greater Tunb island in the Persian Gulf...the crew have been handed over to legal authorities in the southern Hormozgan province," ISNA said, without elaborating on the nationalities of the crewmen.

The reported seizure coincided with raised international tensions following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-locked-and-loaded-after-saudi-attacks-as-oil-prices-surge-249886">weekend attack on a major oil installation in Saudi Arabia</a>, Tehran's longtime regional foe.

Responsibility for the strike was claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement, while the United States has blamed Iran itself for the strike. Iran denies the accusation.

Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and the fall of its national currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.

Iran stepped up its fight against smuggling fuel earlier this month when its coast guards seized a vessel for smuggling fuel in the Gulf and detained its 12 Filipino crew members.

In July, Iran seized a British oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz for alleged marine violations, two weeks after British forces detained an Iranian tanker near Gibraltar accused of taking oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

Iran's Adrian Darya 1, formerly Grace 1, was released last month. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that the British-flagged Steno Impero oil tanker will be released soon.

The latest reported ship seizure by Iran follows a series of incidents involving shipping in and near the Gulf after U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports took full effect in May.

The incidents coincided with stepped up attacks by the Houthis on targets in Saudi Arabia.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized a vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 250,000 litres of diesel fuel to the United Arab Emirates, Iran's semi-official Students News agency ISNA reported on Monday.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized a vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 250,000 litres of diesel fuel to the United Arab Emirates, Iran's semi-official Students News agency ISNA reported on Monday. "It was detained near Iran's Greater Tunb island in the Persian Gulf...the crew have been handed over to legal authorities in the southern Hormozgan province," ISNA said, without elaborating on the nationalities of the crewmen. The reported seizure coincided with raised international tensions following a weekend attack on a major oil installation in Saudi Arabia, Tehran's longtime regional foe. Responsibility for the strike was claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement, while the United States has blamed Iran itself for the strike. Iran denies the accusation. Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and the fall of its national currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states. Iran stepped up its fight against smuggling fuel earlier this month when its coast guards seized a vessel for smuggling fuel in the Gulf and detained its 12 Filipino crew members. In July, Iran seized a British oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz for alleged marine violations, two weeks after British forces detained an Iranian tanker near Gibraltar accused of taking oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Iran's Adrian Darya 1, formerly Grace 1, was released last month. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that the British-flagged Steno Impero oil tanker will be released soon. The latest reported ship seizure by Iran follows a series of incidents involving shipping in and near the Gulf after U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports took full effect in May. The incidents coincided with stepped up attacks by the Houthis on targets in Saudi Arabia.

Iran seizes vessel in Gulf for allegedly smuggling diesel fuel: State media

Yemen's Houthi movement said on Monday that Saudi Aramco's oil processing plants were still a target and could be attacked at "any moment", warning foreigners to leave the area.

Yemen's Houthi movement said on Monday that Saudi Aramco's oil processing plants were still a target and could be attacked at "any moment", warning foreigners to leave the area. The attacks on Aramco plants in Abqaiq and Khurais in the kingdom's eastern region were carried out by drones with normal and jet engines, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a tweet. Sarea said Saudi Arabia should stop its "aggression and blockade on Yemen". Oil prices surged nearly a fifth at one point following the strikes on two saudi plants, including the world's biggest petroleum processing facility in Abqaiq, which knocked out more than 5% of global oil supply. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for the damage, but the US has pointed the finger directly at Iran.

Yemen's Houthis say Saudi's Aramco plants still a target: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-how-womens-life-changes-after-fight-for-human-rights-249538">Iran</a> will adopt a policy of maximum crude production if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-boltons-departure-will-not-push-tehran-to-talks-with-us-249008">United States</a> lifts sanctions on the country's oil industry, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Saturday.

"Maximum production would be the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum's policy in case (US) sanctions are eased on Iran's oil industry," the ministry's official news website SHANA quoted Zanganeh as saying.

Since exiting from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers last year, US President Donald Trump has reimposed sanctions on Iran. He has also introduced other limitations, including threats of sanctions against any country importing oil from Iran, causing a more than 80 per cent&nbsp;drop in the OPEC member's oil exports.

"Our oil industry is alive, it is active. The US&nbsp;sanctions cannot stop Iran's oil exports," Zanganeh said.

Trump has pursued a policy of “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-blamed-on-iran-after-yemens-drone-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249717">maximum pressure</a>” on Iran to try to force it into broader talks to restrict its ballistic missile program and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East.

But Iran has ruled out talks until all sanctions imposed on it are lifted. European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Iran will adopt a policy of maximum crude production if the United States lifts sanctions on the country's oil industry, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Saturday.

Iran will adopt a policy of maximum crude production if the United States lifts sanctions on the country's oil industry, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Saturday. "Maximum production would be the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum's policy in case (US) sanctions are eased on Iran's oil industry," the ministry's official news website SHANA quoted Zanganeh as saying. Since exiting from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers last year, US President Donald Trump has reimposed sanctions on Iran. He has also introduced other limitations, including threats of sanctions against any country importing oil from Iran, causing a more than 80 per cent drop in the OPEC member's oil exports. "Our oil industry is alive, it is active. The US sanctions cannot stop Iran's oil exports," Zanganeh said. Trump has pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran to try to force it into broader talks to restrict its ballistic missile program and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East. But Iran has ruled out talks until all sanctions imposed on it are lifted. European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Will adopt maximum crude output policy if US lifts sanctions: Iran

FIFA officials will visit Iran, following the death of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blue-girl-football-fan-admitted-mistake-and-expressed-regret-iran-249651">female fan</a> who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer's governing body told Reuters on Wednesday.

Sahar Khodayari, dubbed “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/death-of-female-iranian-football-fan-puts-fifa-and-asian-soccer-body-in-dock-249419">Blue Girl</a>” due to her favourite team Esteghlal’s colours, died in hospital on Monday after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months having attended the match in disguise as a man.

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.

A FIFA spokesman said that meetings with Iranian soccer officials, expected inside the next two weeks, were part of preparations for Iran's World Cup qualifying games -- they face Cambodia at home on October&nbsp;10 -- and were not a specific response to Khodayari's death.

The FIFA officials, however, will check the preparations made by the Iranian FA to provide access to that October&nbsp;10 match for women.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously urged Iranian authorities to take "concrete steps" to allow Iranian and foreign women to buy tickets and attend games.

The death of Khodayari has caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally and there have been calls on social media for Iran's football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA.

Popular Iranian exile musician Arash Sobhani, of the group Kiosk, was among those who took to social media to protest and told Reuters that Infantino needed to take action.

"He needs to step up and do what is right. Ban the Iranian federation until they allow all the Iranian women to go to the stadium. They should be just as equal as the men," he said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIFA expressed its condolences and said it reiterated "our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran."

"Foul language"

Jesper Moller, president of the Danish Football Union, and a member of FIFA's organising committee for competitions, told Danish newspaper Politiken that he expects action from the governing body.

"FIFA has an independent disciplinary system and they will look at it. I will let them. And once they have given a verdict, it may well be that the case ends up with the international sports court, CAS. But that it (the stadium ban) must be punished is clear,” said Moller, who is also a member of European governing body UEFA's executive committee.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff said on Wednesday that women would be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence was curbed. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We don’t see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable," Mahmoud Vaezi told state television.

He said the sports minister would contact leaders of supporter groups to "improve the atmosphere from a moral standpoint" and special areas for women would be set up in stadiums.

"If there is a well-mannered atmosphere in stadiums, we have no objection to (the admission of women)," Vaezi told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Iran's national team won a World Cup qualifier in Hong Kong 2-0 on Tuesday.

Captain Masoud Shojaei issued a statement on Instagram, describing the match as "the most bitter and saddest win of the national team."

"We scored two goals and won the game on the field. But we lost because Sahar is no longer," he wrote.

"Shame on me for not having been able to do anything and shame on those who took away the most obvious right from Sahar and all Sahars."

"Equality is a lie"

Former Australia captain and human rights activist Craig Foster told Reuters that FIFA needed to enforce its own rules.

"The FIFA statutes say that discrimination on grounds of gender is punishable by suspension or expulsion," he said.

"If the statutes are not worth upholding, then withdraw them and let football be honest to the women of Iran. Because at the moment, despite the promise, equality is a lie," he added.

There were signs that the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November.

Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis played Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section".

That came after concerted efforts from pressure groups both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz.

It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation.

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 officials will visit Iran, following the death of a female fan who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer's governing body told Reuters on Wednesday.

FIFA officials will visit Iran, following the death of a female fan who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer's governing body told Reuters on Wednesday. Sahar Khodayari, dubbed “Blue Girl” due to her favourite team Esteghlal’s colours, died in hospital on Monday after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months having attended the match in disguise as a man. 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. A FIFA spokesman said that meetings with Iranian soccer officials, expected inside the next two weeks, were part of preparations for Iran's World Cup qualifying games -- they face Cambodia at home on October 10 -- and were not a specific response to Khodayari's death. The FIFA officials, however, will check the preparations made by the Iranian FA to provide access to that October 10 match for women. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously urged Iranian authorities to take "concrete steps" to allow Iranian and foreign women to buy tickets and attend games. The death of Khodayari has caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally and there have been calls on social media for Iran's football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA. Popular Iranian exile musician Arash Sobhani, of the group Kiosk, was among those who took to social media to protest and told Reuters that Infantino needed to take action. "He needs to step up and do what is right. Ban the Iranian federation until they allow all the Iranian women to go to the stadium. They should be just as equal as the men," he said. In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIFA expressed its condolences and said it reiterated "our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran." "Foul language" Jesper Moller, president of the Danish Football Union, and a member of FIFA's organising committee for competitions, told Danish newspaper Politiken that he expects action from the governing body. "FIFA has an independent disciplinary system and they will look at it. I will let them. And once they have given a verdict, it may well be that the case ends up with the international sports court, CAS. But that it (the stadium ban) must be punished is clear,” said Moller, who is also a member of European governing body UEFA's executive committee. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff said on Wednesday that women would be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence was curbed. "We don’t see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable," Mahmoud Vaezi told state television. He said the sports minister would contact leaders of supporter groups to "improve the atmosphere from a moral standpoint" and special areas for women would be set up in stadiums. "If there is a well-mannered atmosphere in stadiums, we have no objection to (the admission of women)," Vaezi told reporters after a cabinet meeting. Iran's national team won a World Cup qualifier in Hong Kong 2-0 on Tuesday. Captain Masoud Shojaei issued a statement on Instagram, describing the match as "the most bitter and saddest win of the national team." "We scored two goals and won the game on the field. But we lost because Sahar is no longer," he wrote. "Shame on me for not having been able to do anything and shame on those who took away the most obvious right from Sahar and all Sahars." "Equality is a lie" Former Australia captain and human rights activist Craig Foster told Reuters that FIFA needed to enforce its own rules. "The FIFA statutes say that discrimination on grounds of gender is punishable by suspension or expulsion," he said. "If the statutes are not worth upholding, then withdraw them and let football be honest to the women of Iran. Because at the moment, despite the promise, equality is a lie," he added. There were signs that the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November. Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis played Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section". That came after concerted efforts from pressure groups both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz. It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation. 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.

FIFA officials to visit Iran after death of 'Blue Girl'

In this video watch, The long series of rocket and drone strikes against Saudi Arabian oil facilities.

Long series of rocket and drone strikes against Saudi Arabian oil facilities

iran

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