Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-official-says-us-showing-some-flexibility-on-oil-sales-246833">Hassan Rouhani </a>said on Tuesday.

"No decision has ever been taken to hold talks with the US and there has been a lot of offers for talks but our answer will always be negative," Rouhani told an open session of parliament broadcast live on state radio.

"If America lifts all the sanctions then like before it can join multilateral talks between Tehran and parties to the 2015 deal," he added.

US President Donald Trump, although applying "maximum pressure" on Iran, has offered to meet its leaders and hold bilateral talks with no pre-conditions to end the confrontation between their countries.

Watch: Iranian Regime unveils new Drone

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Last month, Rouhani said Iran would not talk to its longtime foe until the United States lifted all of the sanctions it reimposed after it exited the 2015 nuclear deal last year.

European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States and save the deal by shielding Iran's economy from the sanctions.

But the European powers have warned that their support for the deal is dependent on Iran's full commitment to it.

Iran has called on the Europeans to accelerate their efforts and Rouhani stressed on Tuesday that Iran would take a third step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday unless the Europeans kept their promises to salvage the deal.

"If Europeans can purchase our oil or pre-purchase it and we can have access to our money, that will ease the situation and we can fully implement the deal... otherwise we will take our third step," he said.

The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries, reached under former US President Barack Obama, curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016.

Iran has started to scale back its nuclear commitments since May and it will take further steps on September 5, aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the European parties of the pact to protect its economic interests despite the US sanctions.

Iranian authorities have said the next step would be "stronger" and might include enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons.

Iran has increased its stockpile of heavy water and has increased the level of its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits allowed under the agreement

Enriching uranium up to 20% purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday.

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday. "No decision has ever been taken to hold talks with the US and there has been a lot of offers for talks but our answer will always be negative," Rouhani told an open session of parliament broadcast live on state radio. "If America lifts all the sanctions then like before it can join multilateral talks between Tehran and parties to the 2015 deal," he added. US President Donald Trump, although applying "maximum pressure" on Iran, has offered to meet its leaders and hold bilateral talks with no pre-conditions to end the confrontation between their countries. Watch: Iranian Regime unveils new Drone × Last month, Rouhani said Iran would not talk to its longtime foe until the United States lifted all of the sanctions it reimposed after it exited the 2015 nuclear deal last year. European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States and save the deal by shielding Iran's economy from the sanctions. But the European powers have warned that their support for the deal is dependent on Iran's full commitment to it. Iran has called on the Europeans to accelerate their efforts and Rouhani stressed on Tuesday that Iran would take a third step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday unless the Europeans kept their promises to salvage the deal. "If Europeans can purchase our oil or pre-purchase it and we can have access to our money, that will ease the situation and we can fully implement the deal... otherwise we will take our third step," he said. The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries, reached under former US President Barack Obama, curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016. Iran has started to scale back its nuclear commitments since May and it will take further steps on September 5, aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the European parties of the pact to protect its economic interests despite the US sanctions. Iranian authorities have said the next step would be "stronger" and might include enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Iran has increased its stockpile of heavy water and has increased the level of its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits allowed under the agreement Enriching uranium up to 20% purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani rules out bilateral talks with US

Japan will not join a US-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Though the United States is Japan's most important ally, Tokyo has fostered economic ties with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-eu-over-nuclear-commitments-as-deadline-for-further-steps-looms-247187">Iran</a>, and Japanese firms had been major buyers of Iranian oil until US sanctions forced them to find other suppliers.

Citing unidentified government sources, the Yomiuri said Japan was considering a plan to send its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the areas around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab shipping lane between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea.

It would also consider including the Strait of Hormuz in the SDF's sphere of activity if Iran agrees, the paper said.

Asked about the newspaper report, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined to mention specific measures that the government was considering to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels.

"As for what kind of steps would be effective to secure the safety of navigation of Japanese ships in the Middle East, we would like to look into the matter from various angles including stable crude oil supply, and Japan's ties with the United States and Iran," Suga told a regular news conference.

"As we investigate the issue, we want to keep our principle of maintaining our diplomatic effort for easing tensions and stabilising the situation in the Middle East."

Iran has denounced US efforts to set up the coalition and says countries in the region can protect waterways and work towards signing a non-aggression pact.

The Japanese government is set to make a final decision, including whether the plan is feasible, after the United Nations General Assembly later this month, the Yomiuri said.

Suga said arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month.

Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-sends-another-warship-to-gulf-245373">British tanker</a> and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US and Britain have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement.

Britain last month became the first US ally to announce its participation, although most European countries have been reluctant to sign up for fear of adding to tension in the region.

Japan will not join a US-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Japan will not join a US-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Tuesday. Though the United States is Japan's most important ally, Tokyo has fostered economic ties with Iran, and Japanese firms had been major buyers of Iranian oil until US sanctions forced them to find other suppliers. Citing unidentified government sources, the Yomiuri said Japan was considering a plan to send its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the areas around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab shipping lane between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea. It would also consider including the Strait of Hormuz in the SDF's sphere of activity if Iran agrees, the paper said. Asked about the newspaper report, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined to mention specific measures that the government was considering to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels. "As for what kind of steps would be effective to secure the safety of navigation of Japanese ships in the Middle East, we would like to look into the matter from various angles including stable crude oil supply, and Japan's ties with the United States and Iran," Suga told a regular news conference. "As we investigate the issue, we want to keep our principle of maintaining our diplomatic effort for easing tensions and stabilising the situation in the Middle East." Iran has denounced US efforts to set up the coalition and says countries in the region can protect waterways and work towards signing a non-aggression pact. The Japanese government is set to make a final decision, including whether the plan is feasible, after the United Nations General Assembly later this month, the Yomiuri said. Suga said arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month. Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of a British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US and Britain have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement. Britain last month became the first US ally to announce its participation, although most European countries have been reluctant to sign up for fear of adding to tension in the region.

Japan won't join US-led maritime coalition in Gulf: Report

Iran is capable of resuming production of 20 per cent&nbsp;enriched uranium within two days, the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Tuesday.

"If Iran decides, it can have 20 per cent&nbsp;enriched fuel within one to two days," Fars news agency quoted Kamalvandi as saying.

News agency AFP quoted Rouhani saying that Iran may further cut nuclear commitments in days.

Enriching uranium up to 20 per cent purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90 per cent pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran has said it will breach the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one by one, ratcheting up pressure on the countries who still hope to save it.

Tehran had threatened to take further steps by September 6, such as enriching uranium to 20 per cent or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons.

Tehran is prepared to take a "stronger step" in reducing its commitments under the deal with world powers if European countries don't take action to save the pact, its foreign ministry's spokesman said on Monday.

"The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran's rights and commitments to the JCPOA," state news agency IRNA quoted the foreign ministry's spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying on Monday.

However, Iran had earlier stressed that these steps are "reversible" if the European signatories of the pact fulfilled their obligations.

President Donald Trump last year exited the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspected sought to make a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Washington has also reimposed sanctions on exports of Iranian oil.

Iran denies ever having sought a nuclear weapon.

Also, Iran's government spokesman said on Monday that Iran and France's views on the deal have moved closer, mainly after phone calls between President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

(Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

Iran is capable of resuming production of 20 per cent enriched uranium within two days, the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Tuesday.

Iran is capable of resuming production of 20 per cent enriched uranium within two days, the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Tuesday. "If Iran decides, it can have 20 per cent enriched fuel within one to two days," Fars news agency quoted Kamalvandi as saying. News agency AFP quoted Rouhani saying that Iran may further cut nuclear commitments in days. Enriching uranium up to 20 per cent purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90 per cent pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb. Iran has said it will breach the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one by one, ratcheting up pressure on the countries who still hope to save it. Tehran had threatened to take further steps by September 6, such as enriching uranium to 20 per cent or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Tehran is prepared to take a "stronger step" in reducing its commitments under the deal with world powers if European countries don't take action to save the pact, its foreign ministry's spokesman said on Monday. "The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran's rights and commitments to the JCPOA," state news agency IRNA quoted the foreign ministry's spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying on Monday. However, Iran had earlier stressed that these steps are "reversible" if the European signatories of the pact fulfilled their obligations. President Donald Trump last year exited the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspected sought to make a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Washington has also reimposed sanctions on exports of Iranian oil. Iran denies ever having sought a nuclear weapon. Also, Iran's government spokesman said on Monday that Iran and France's views on the deal have moved closer, mainly after phone calls between President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. (Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

Will be able to resume production of 20% enriched uranium in 2 days: Iran atomic agency

Iran said on Monday it would further reduce its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal if European parties failed to shield Tehran's economy from sanctions reimposed by the United States after Washington quit the accord last year.

Iran said on Monday it would further reduce its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal if European parties failed to shield Tehran's economy from sanctions reimposed by the United States after Washington quit the accord last year. "It is meaningless to continue unilateral commitments to the deal if we don't enjoy its benefits as promised by the deal's European parties," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. Iran has said it will breach the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one by one, ratcheting up pressure on the countries who still hope to save it. Tehran has threatened to take further steps by September 6, such as enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Tehran is prepared to take a "stronger step" in reducing its commitments under the deal with world powers if European countries don't take action to save the pact, its foreign ministry's spokesman said on Monday. "The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran's rights and commitments to the JCPOA," state news agency IRNA quoted the foreign ministry's spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying on Monday. However, Iran had earlier stressed that these steps are "reversible" if the European signatories of the pact fulfilled their obligations. President Donald Trump last year exited the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspected sought to make a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Washington has also reimposed sanctions on exports of Iranian oil. Iran denies ever having sought a nuclear weapon. Also, Iran's government spokesman said on Monday that Iran and France's views on the deal have moved closer, mainly after phone cal/ls between President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. "Fortunately the points of views have become closer on many issues and now technical discussions are being held on ways to carry out the Europeans' commitments (in the nuclear deal)," the spokesman, Ali Rabiei, said in remarks carried by state television. He did not go into details. Two Iranian officials and one diplomat told Reuters on Aug. 25 that Iran wants to export a minimum of 700,000 barrels per day of its oil and ideally up to 1.5 million bpd if the West wants to negotiate with Tehran to save the nuclear deal. "Iran's oil should be purchased and its money accessible," Rabiei said on Monday. Iran's oil exports have plummeted because of the U.S. sanctions, which also make it difficult for the country to receive payments through banks.

Iran warns EU over nuclear commitments as deadline for further steps looms

The drone can climb to an altitude of 5,000 metres

Iranian Regime unveils new Drone

Iran's foreign minister accused the United States on Twitter on Saturday of engaging in "piracy and threats" to stop Tehran from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-official-says-us-showing-some-flexibility-on-oil-sales-246833">selling oil to traditional clients</a>, after Washington blacklisted an Iranian oil tanker that it said was headed to Syria.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States had reliable information the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blacklists-iranian-oil-tanker-adrian-darya-sanctions-captain-246781">Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya</a>, which the US&nbsp;Treasury Department has blacklisted, was headed to Syria.

"US engages in piracy &amp; threats to prevent Iran from selling oil to traditional customers," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Stop nagging @SecPompeo: We will sell oil to any &amp; all buyers."

Since ditching the nuclear deal, calling it flawed to Iran's advantage, Trump has reimposed sanctions to strangle its vital oil trade and force Tehran to accept stricter limits on its nuclear activity, curb its ballistic missile programme and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged his people on Wednesday to unite to overcome Washington's "economic war" while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted Trump.

Iranian tanker blacklisted

On Friday, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Washington had reliable information the vessel was headed to Syria, an ally of Tehran.

The ship was detained by Britain off Gibraltar in July due to suspicions it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. It was released in mid-August after Iran gave assurances that its cargo was not destined for Syria.

Turkey said on Friday the ship was headed to Lebanese waters after changing course several times. Beirut said it was not informed of the plan, but Turkey's information suggested that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo might be attempted once it nears the coast of Lebanon, which borders on Syria.

A senior Iranian military commander vowed that Iran would retaliate if any of its vessels was stopped in international waters, according to Fars news agency.

"Piracy against Iran can't be easily overlooked. It is natural for us to act when Iranian ships are stopped in any part of the world's waters. Iran's armed forces will certainly retaliate," Brigadier General Kiumars Heydari, the head of Iran's regular ground forces, told Fars.

Iran's foreign minister accused the United States on Twitter on Saturday of engaging in "piracy and threats" to stop Tehran from selling oil to traditional clients, after Washington blacklisted an Iranian oil tanker that it said was headed to Syria.

Iran's foreign minister accused the United States on Twitter on Saturday of engaging in "piracy and threats" to stop Tehran from selling oil to traditional clients, after Washington blacklisted an Iranian oil tanker that it said was headed to Syria. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States had reliable information the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, which the US Treasury Department has blacklisted, was headed to Syria. "US engages in piracy & threats to prevent Iran from selling oil to traditional customers," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Stop nagging @SecPompeo: We will sell oil to any & all buyers." Since ditching the nuclear deal, calling it flawed to Iran's advantage, Trump has reimposed sanctions to strangle its vital oil trade and force Tehran to accept stricter limits on its nuclear activity, curb its ballistic missile programme and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged his people on Wednesday to unite to overcome Washington's "economic war" while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted Trump. Iranian tanker blacklisted On Friday, the US Treasury Department blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Washington had reliable information the vessel was headed to Syria, an ally of Tehran. The ship was detained by Britain off Gibraltar in July due to suspicions it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. It was released in mid-August after Iran gave assurances that its cargo was not destined for Syria. Turkey said on Friday the ship was headed to Lebanese waters after changing course several times. Beirut said it was not informed of the plan, but Turkey's information suggested that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo might be attempted once it nears the coast of Lebanon, which borders on Syria. A senior Iranian military commander vowed that Iran would retaliate if any of its vessels was stopped in international waters, according to Fars news agency. "Piracy against Iran can't be easily overlooked. It is natural for us to act when Iranian ships are stopped in any part of the world's waters. Iran's armed forces will certainly retaliate," Brigadier General Kiumars Heydari, the head of Iran's regular ground forces, told Fars.

US engages in threats to stop Iran oil sales to traditional clients: Javad Zarif

The US Treasury Department on Friday blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, which is at the center of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran, and sanctioned its captain.

The ship, formerly called Grace 1, was detained by Britain off Gibraltar in July due to British suspicion it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. It was released in mid-August after Iran gave assurances its cargo was not headed to Syria.

"Vessels like the Adrian Darya 1 enable the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force) to ship and transfer large volumes of oil, which they attempt to mask and sell illicitly to fund the regime's malign activities and propagate terrorism," Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker said in a statement.

"Anyone providing support to the Adrian Darya 1 risks being sanctioned," she said.&nbsp;

The United States considers Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group.

Turkey said on Friday the ship was headed to Lebanon's waters after changing course several times, although Beirut said it was not informed of the plan. It raises the possibility that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo may be attempted once it nears Lebanon's coast.

The US Treasury Department on Friday blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, which is at the center of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran, and sanctioned its captain.

The US Treasury Department on Friday blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, which is at the center of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran, and sanctioned its captain. The ship, formerly called Grace 1, was detained by Britain off Gibraltar in July due to British suspicion it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. It was released in mid-August after Iran gave assurances its cargo was not headed to Syria. "Vessels like the Adrian Darya 1 enable the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force) to ship and transfer large volumes of oil, which they attempt to mask and sell illicitly to fund the regime's malign activities and propagate terrorism," Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker said in a statement. "Anyone providing support to the Adrian Darya 1 risks being sanctioned," she said. The United States considers Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group. Turkey said on Friday the ship was headed to Lebanon's waters after changing course several times, although Beirut said it was not informed of the plan. It raises the possibility that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo may be attempted once it nears Lebanon's coast.

US blacklists Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, sanctions captain

A senior Iranian official said on Saturday the United States had shown flexibility on the licensing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blacklists-iranian-oil-tanker-adrian-darya-sanctions-captain-246781"> Iranian oil sales</a> and this was a sign that Washington's "maximum pressure" policy against Tehran had been defeated, state media reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron paved the way at a G7 summit a week ago for a potential diplomatic solution to a confrontation between the United States and Iran brewing since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington last year from world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

"Macron met with ...Trump during the G7 meeting and the US side has shown some flexibility in the licensing of Iranian oil sales," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted by the state news agency IRNA as saying.

"This is a breach in the US maximum pressure policy and success for Iran's policy of maximum resistance," he said.

Araqchi did not elaborate, and there was no immediate French or US comment.

Since ditching the nuclear deal, calling it flawed to Iran's advantage, Trump has reimposed sanctions to strangle its vital oil trade and force Tehran to accept stricter limits on its nuclear activity, curb its ballistic missile programme and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East.

Araqchi said Iran and its European partners in the nuclear deal faced "difficult and complex" talks towards salvaging the pact. He said Tehran was determined to continue reducing its commitments under the accord until it received protection against sanctions on its oil sales and banking transactions.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged his people on Wednesday to unite to overcome Washington's "economic war" while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted Trump.

Iranian tanker blacklisted

On Friday, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Washington had reliable information the vessel was headed to Syria, an ally of Tehran.

The ship was detained by Britain off Gibraltar in July due to suspicions it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. It was released in mid-August after Iran gave assurances that its cargo was not destined for Syria.

Turkey said on Friday the ship was headed to Lebanese waters after changing course several times. Beirut said it was not informed of the plan, but Turkey's information suggested that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo might be attempted once it nears the coast of Lebanon, which borders on Syria.

A senior Iranian military commander vowed that Iran would retaliate if any of its vessels was stopped in international waters, according to Fars news agency.

"Piracy against Iran can't be easily overlooked. It is natural for us to act when Iranian ships are stopped in any part of the world's waters. Iran's armed forces will certainly retaliate," Brigadier General Kiumars Heydari, the head of Iran's regular ground forces, told Fars.

A senior Iranian official said on Saturday the United States had shown flexibility on the licensing of Iranian oil sales and this was a sign that Washington's "maximum pressure" policy against Tehran had been defeated, state media reported.

A senior Iranian official said on Saturday the United States had shown flexibility on the licensing of Iranian oil sales and this was a sign that Washington's "maximum pressure" policy against Tehran had been defeated, state media reported. French President Emmanuel Macron paved the way at a G7 summit a week ago for a potential diplomatic solution to a confrontation between the United States and Iran brewing since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington last year from world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. "Macron met with ...Trump during the G7 meeting and the US side has shown some flexibility in the licensing of Iranian oil sales," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted by the state news agency IRNA as saying. "This is a breach in the US maximum pressure policy and success for Iran's policy of maximum resistance," he said. Araqchi did not elaborate, and there was no immediate French or US comment. Since ditching the nuclear deal, calling it flawed to Iran's advantage, Trump has reimposed sanctions to strangle its vital oil trade and force Tehran to accept stricter limits on its nuclear activity, curb its ballistic missile programme and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East. Araqchi said Iran and its European partners in the nuclear deal faced "difficult and complex" talks towards salvaging the pact. He said Tehran was determined to continue reducing its commitments under the accord until it received protection against sanctions on its oil sales and banking transactions. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged his people on Wednesday to unite to overcome Washington's "economic war" while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted Trump. Iranian tanker blacklisted On Friday, the US Treasury Department blacklisted the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Washington had reliable information the vessel was headed to Syria, an ally of Tehran. The ship was detained by Britain off Gibraltar in July due to suspicions it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. It was released in mid-August after Iran gave assurances that its cargo was not destined for Syria. Turkey said on Friday the ship was headed to Lebanese waters after changing course several times. Beirut said it was not informed of the plan, but Turkey's information suggested that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo might be attempted once it nears the coast of Lebanon, which borders on Syria. A senior Iranian military commander vowed that Iran would retaliate if any of its vessels was stopped in international waters, according to Fars news agency. "Piracy against Iran can't be easily overlooked. It is natural for us to act when Iranian ships are stopped in any part of the world's waters. Iran's armed forces will certainly retaliate," Brigadier General Kiumars Heydari, the head of Iran's regular ground forces, told Fars.

Iran official says US showing 'some flexibility' on oil sales

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hezbollah-lebanon-to-be-careful-246001">Hezbollah militia</a> with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate.

"Dir balak," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks directed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-hit-pro-syria-palestinian-group-in-lebanon-245680">Lebanon</a>, using the Arabic for "watch out".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-air-strike-in-syria-sent-no-immunity-message-to-iran-245618">Israel and Lebanon</a>'s Hezbollah, which last fought a war in 2006, are on high alert after drones were used at the weekend to attack what a security official in the region described as a target linked to precision-guided missile projects.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the rare strike in Beirut, and said it will retaliate. The heavily armed Shi'ite movement has denied harbouring such missile facilities. Lebanon has accused Israel of seeking pretexts for aggression.

Without claiming responsibility for the drone attack, the Israeli military published what it said were details about an extensive Iranian-sponsored campaign to provide Hezbollah with the means to produce precision-guided missiles.

Such missiles - which Hezbollah acknowledges possessing - could potentially pose a counter-balance to Israel's overwhelming military force in any future war, with the capacity to home in on and knock out core infrastructure sites.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said that in recent months Iran had increased the pace of the project such that it was "faster in terms of buildings, facilities, locations, conversion and manufacturing facilities, and it means more people, operatives involved in doing so".

"It is time for them (the Lebanese government) to understand their responsibility and understand the fact that what they are letting Hezbollah and Iran do on Lebanese soil is their responsibility," Conricus said.

"They are the ones who are complicit in endangering Lebanon and Lebanese civilians which Hezbollah and Iran are using as human shields."

There was no immediate response from Tehran, Israel's arch-foe, whose nuclear programme and regional activities have been a focus of redoubled US&nbsp;pressure under President Donald Trump - with knock-on tensions in the Gulf.

After Hezbollah said it would respond to the Beirut strike by downing Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's skies, the Lebanese army on Wednesday shot at drones that it said had crossed the border. Israel said there was no damage to them.

In the past Israel has argued that the Lebanese army is too close to Hezbollah to warrant the more than $1.5 billion in US&nbsp;military assistance it has received since the 2006 war. Washington regards the army as a counter-weight to Hezbollah.

Conricus said there was no change to Israel's position on the Lebanese army. But he appeared to play down the threat.

"We continue to classify Hezbollah as our main enemy and the Lebanese Armed Forces as a potential enemy," he said. "If they fire at Israel, tactically speaking, ... then that specific force on the ground will be considered an active enemy, but strategically speaking Hezbollah is the enemy."

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the Hezbollah militia with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate.

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the Hezbollah militia with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate. "Dir balak," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks directed at Lebanon, using the Arabic for "watch out". Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which last fought a war in 2006, are on high alert after drones were used at the weekend to attack what a security official in the region described as a target linked to precision-guided missile projects. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the rare strike in Beirut, and said it will retaliate. The heavily armed Shi'ite movement has denied harbouring such missile facilities. Lebanon has accused Israel of seeking pretexts for aggression. Without claiming responsibility for the drone attack, the Israeli military published what it said were details about an extensive Iranian-sponsored campaign to provide Hezbollah with the means to produce precision-guided missiles. Such missiles - which Hezbollah acknowledges possessing - could potentially pose a counter-balance to Israel's overwhelming military force in any future war, with the capacity to home in on and knock out core infrastructure sites. Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said that in recent months Iran had increased the pace of the project such that it was "faster in terms of buildings, facilities, locations, conversion and manufacturing facilities, and it means more people, operatives involved in doing so". "It is time for them (the Lebanese government) to understand their responsibility and understand the fact that what they are letting Hezbollah and Iran do on Lebanese soil is their responsibility," Conricus said. "They are the ones who are complicit in endangering Lebanon and Lebanese civilians which Hezbollah and Iran are using as human shields." There was no immediate response from Tehran, Israel's arch-foe, whose nuclear programme and regional activities have been a focus of redoubled US pressure under President Donald Trump - with knock-on tensions in the Gulf. After Hezbollah said it would respond to the Beirut strike by downing Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's skies, the Lebanese army on Wednesday shot at drones that it said had crossed the border. Israel said there was no damage to them. In the past Israel has argued that the Lebanese army is too close to Hezbollah to warrant the more than $1.5 billion in US military assistance it has received since the 2006 war. Washington regards the army as a counter-weight to Hezbollah. Conricus said there was no change to Israel's position on the Lebanese army. But he appeared to play down the threat. "We continue to classify Hezbollah as our main enemy and the Lebanese Armed Forces as a potential enemy," he said. "If they fire at Israel, tactically speaking, ... then that specific force on the ground will be considered an active enemy, but strategically speaking Hezbollah is the enemy."

Israel says Iran boosting bid to set up Hezbollah precision-missile plants in Lebanon

20-year-old activist jailed for not wearing hijab for 24 years in Iran. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: Activist jailed for not wearing hijab

Iran's Interests in China's One Belt One Road Policy. Watch video to know more.

Iran's Interests in China's One Belt One Road Policy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-zarif-looks-forward-to-discussions-with-his-japanese-counterpart-245991">Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday told the United States to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-tells-us-to-take-first-step-by-lifting-all-sanctions-245908">take the first step</a>" by lifting all sanctions against Iran, dampening down the likelihood of meeting US counterpart Donald Trump.

Trump had said less than 24 hours earlier he was ready to meet with Rouhani within weeks, in a potential breakthrough reached during a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since Trump in May last year unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers.

"You must retreat from all illegal, unjust and wrong sanctions against the nation of Iran," Rouhani said.

"The key for positive change is in the hands of Washington," he said, because Iran had already ruled out ever doing what worries the US the most -- building an atomic bomb.

"This concern has already been removed" through a fatwa issued in 2003 by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added.

"We don't (intend to) make an atomic bomb... our military doctrine is based on conventional arms," said Rouhani.

"So take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked."

Meeting 'unimaginable'

In Biarritz, French President Emmanuel Macron had said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy.

Trump said he "would certainly agree to that" and that the timeline proposed by Macron was realistic.

The US leader was equally confident that Rouhani would be in favour.

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

News of the potential meeting was welcomed by financial markets.

"Expectations are ... rising that tensions in the Gulf can be de-escalated following President Macron's overtures to broker a meeting between Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart," noted AxiTrader analyst James Hughes.

The rial was higher at about 112,000 to the dollar, up from 117,500 a week ago under the unofficial rate in Iran's capital, according to the Bonbast website that monitors exchange rates.

But Zarif said Tuesday he had made it known at the G7 summit that a meeting between Rouhani and Trump would be highly improbable even if the Americans returned to the nuclear deal.

"On my trip to Biarritz I said that a meeting between Iran's president and Trump is not imaginable" until America rejoins the nuclear pact, said Zarif.

"Even at that time, we will not have a bilateral negotiation," he added.

No photo opportunity

Rouhani has indicated he is open to holding talks with the Americans, but it is an approach that has faced criticism from ultra-conservatives.

In his speech Tuesday, he said his government's policy of "constructive interaction" with the world was in line with Khamenei's approach of "extensive interaction".

But he stressed the US had to "retreat from their mistakes" and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal.

"Our path is clear if they come back to their commitments, we too will fully act on our commitments. If they do not come back to their commitments, we will continue our path," said Rouhani.

But the Iranian president said he was not just looking for photo opportunities.

"We seek to resolve issues and problems in a rational way but we are not after photos. For anyone wanting to take a picture with Hassan Rouhani, this is not possible," he said.

People on Tehran's streets expressed doubts over the possible benefits of any meeting between Rouhani and Trump.

"I believe there's no point in negotiating with America," said Valiollah Tavakoli, a self-employed man from the capital, adding there was little to show from the nuclear talks.

"People's situation got worse and worse every day. So as the supreme leader said, negotiation with America is useless."

The possible meeting between Rouhani and Trump was blasted as a photo opportunity Tuesday on the front page of the Javan newspaper close to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Both Rouhani and Trump are scheduled to be in New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September which could provide a stage for talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran. President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday told the United States to "take the first step" by lifting all sanctions against Iran, dampening down the likelihood of meeting US counterpart Donald Trump. Trump had said less than 24 hours earlier he was ready to meet with Rouhani within weeks, in a potential breakthrough reached during a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz. Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since Trump in May last year unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers. "You must retreat from all illegal, unjust and wrong sanctions against the nation of Iran," Rouhani said. "The key for positive change is in the hands of Washington," he said, because Iran had already ruled out ever doing what worries the US the most -- building an atomic bomb. "This concern has already been removed" through a fatwa issued in 2003 by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added. "We don't (intend to) make an atomic bomb... our military doctrine is based on conventional arms," said Rouhani. "So take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked." Meeting 'unimaginable' In Biarritz, French President Emmanuel Macron had said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy. Trump said he "would certainly agree to that" and that the timeline proposed by Macron was realistic. The US leader was equally confident that Rouhani would be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. News of the potential meeting was welcomed by financial markets. "Expectations are ... rising that tensions in the Gulf can be de-escalated following President Macron's overtures to broker a meeting between Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart," noted AxiTrader analyst James Hughes. The rial was higher at about 112,000 to the dollar, up from 117,500 a week ago under the unofficial rate in Iran's capital, according to the Bonbast website that monitors exchange rates. But Zarif said Tuesday he had made it known at the G7 summit that a meeting between Rouhani and Trump would be highly improbable even if the Americans returned to the nuclear deal. "On my trip to Biarritz I said that a meeting between Iran's president and Trump is not imaginable" until America rejoins the nuclear pact, said Zarif. "Even at that time, we will not have a bilateral negotiation," he added. No photo opportunity Rouhani has indicated he is open to holding talks with the Americans, but it is an approach that has faced criticism from ultra-conservatives. In his speech Tuesday, he said his government's policy of "constructive interaction" with the world was in line with Khamenei's approach of "extensive interaction". But he stressed the US had to "retreat from their mistakes" and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal. "Our path is clear if they come back to their commitments, we too will fully act on our commitments. If they do not come back to their commitments, we will continue our path," said Rouhani. But the Iranian president said he was not just looking for photo opportunities. "We seek to resolve issues and problems in a rational way but we are not after photos. For anyone wanting to take a picture with Hassan Rouhani, this is not possible," he said. People on Tehran's streets expressed doubts over the possible benefits of any meeting between Rouhani and Trump. "I believe there's no point in negotiating with America," said Valiollah Tavakoli, a self-employed man from the capital, adding there was little to show from the nuclear talks. "People's situation got worse and worse every day. So as the supreme leader said, negotiation with America is useless." The possible meeting between Rouhani and Trump was blasted as a photo opportunity Tuesday on the front page of the Javan newspaper close to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Both Rouhani and Trump are scheduled to be in New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September which could provide a stage for talks.

'Unimaginable!' says Javad Zarif as Iran dampens down prospect of Trump-Rouhani meeting

Iran is not seeking to increase tension but every country should be able to enjoy its rights under international law, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday.

Iran is not seeking to increase tension but every country should be able to enjoy its rights under international law, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday. Zarif made the comment in Yokohama, near Tokyo, at the beginning of a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "As our president has said, we are not at all seeking heightened tensions," Zarif said, speaking through a translator. "We believe every country should be able to enjoy its rights under international law." US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of an international agreement aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme in 2015 and reimposed sanctions on it. Trump said on Monday he would meet Iran’s president under the right circumstances to end the confrontation over the nuclear deal, and that talks were underway to see how countries could open credit lines to keep Iran’s economy afloat. But Trump ruled out lifting economic sanctions to compensate for losses suffered by Iran. On Tuesday, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would not talk to the United States until all sanctions were lifted. Japan, Washington's closest Asian ally, has historically had friendly ties with Iran. Abe visited Tehran in June to try to ease tensions.

Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif to Japan PM: We are not seeking heightened tensions

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-makes-surprise-visit-to-g7-summit-245580">Zarif kicked off his Asian tour</a> in Beijing on Monday, presenting a 25-year plan to cement Iran's ties with its biggest Asian trading partner amid biting US sanctions.

In Beijing, Zarif met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and said the pair had discussed a 25-year road map to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

China has continued to purchase Iranian crude despite sanctions.

"We reject actions of interference by others in the affairs of progressive countries including Iran and China," China's foreign minister told reporters after the meeting with Zarif.

"We have stood together in dealing with these interventions and interferences and rejecting them as a major threat to international peace and security and friendly relations among countries."

Zarif's Asian tour -- which also includes stopovers in Japan and Malaysia -- comes fresh on the heels of a surprise visit to the G7 summit in France over the weekend.

The summit in Biarritz saw a dramatic shift of focus when Zarif flew in at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the diplomatic deadlock on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.

Iran's top diplomat didn't meet US President Donald Trump, French diplomats said, but the presence of the two men in the same place at least sparked hopes of detente.&nbsp;

Zarif was a key architect of the 2015 nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States, European powers, Russia and China.&nbsp;

Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure" on Tehran via crippling sanctions has been criticised by European powers and China and is seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

In July, the US government imposed heavy sanctions seeking to hamper Zarif's travel, and effectively banning him from the United States.

Zarif tweeted that he was heading to Japan and Malaysia in the next leg of his Asian tour without offering details.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif kicked off his Asian tour in Beijing on Monday, presenting a 25-year plan to cement Iran's ties with its biggest Asian trading partner amid biting US sanctions.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif kicked off his Asian tour in Beijing on Monday, presenting a 25-year plan to cement Iran's ties with its biggest Asian trading partner amid biting US sanctions. In Beijing, Zarif met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and said the pair had discussed a 25-year road map to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. China has continued to purchase Iranian crude despite sanctions. "We reject actions of interference by others in the affairs of progressive countries including Iran and China," China's foreign minister told reporters after the meeting with Zarif. "We have stood together in dealing with these interventions and interferences and rejecting them as a major threat to international peace and security and friendly relations among countries." Zarif's Asian tour -- which also includes stopovers in Japan and Malaysia -- comes fresh on the heels of a surprise visit to the G7 summit in France over the weekend. The summit in Biarritz saw a dramatic shift of focus when Zarif flew in at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the diplomatic deadlock on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. Iran's top diplomat didn't meet US President Donald Trump, French diplomats said, but the presence of the two men in the same place at least sparked hopes of detente. Zarif was a key architect of the 2015 nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States, European powers, Russia and China. Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure" on Tehran via crippling sanctions has been criticised by European powers and China and is seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East. In July, the US government imposed heavy sanctions seeking to hamper Zarif's travel, and effectively banning him from the United States. Zarif tweeted that he was heading to Japan and Malaysia in the next leg of his Asian tour without offering details.

Iran's foreign minister meets China's Wang Yi, discusses 25-year road map to strengthen economic cooperation between two countries

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported.

"Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks.

"But first the US should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran," he added.

"We will continue to scale back our commitments under the 2015 deal if our interests are not guaranteed," news agency Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ready-to-meet-iranian-leader-rouhani-raising-hopes-of-breakthrough-245861">prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart</a> within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations.

"If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks.

Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour.&nbsp;

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief.

(With inputs from Reuters/AFP)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported. "Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported. "Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks. "But first the US should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran," he added. "We will continue to scale back our commitments under the 2015 deal if our interests are not guaranteed," news agency Reuters reported. US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations. "If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks. Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East. The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief. (With inputs from Reuters/AFP)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani says no talks with US unless sanctions lifted

In a meet with Indian PM Modi, U.S President Donald Trump said that it would be best if the Kashmir issue is resolved bilaterally.

Trump changes tune on Kashmir issue

An Iranian journalist covering Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's Nordic tour has fled the official delegation and applied for residency in Sweden, officials here said Tuesday.

An Iranian journalist covering Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's Nordic tour has fled the official delegation and applied for residency in Sweden, officials here said Tuesday. The Swedish Migration Agency said Amir-Tohid Fazel, a political reporter for Iran's ultra-conservative news agency Moj, had "applied for a residence permit in Sweden on 21 August 2019". It provided no further details. Fazel was travelling with Zarif's delegation as part of an international tour to Finland, Sweden and Norway and other countries. On August 20, "when I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues in Tehran contacted me via internet and said 'four plainclothes came to the news agency with a warrant for your arrest'," he said in an interview with Swedish television SVT. He had recently published a list of names of Iranian officials who allegedly hold dual citizenship in countries the Iranian government views as "hostile states". Iran does not recognise dual citizenship and refuses to provide consular aid to Iranian dual nationals. "The Iranian government officially announced that it will file a complaint," Fazel told SVT. The day after his colleague in Iran tipped him off, while still in Sweden, Fazel managed to slip away from the delegation. "It was very difficult because of the 48 bodyguards that were there to provide security for Dr Zarif and keep an eye on the reporters," he said. The journalist refused to be drawn on his political affiliation. Zarif has been on a world diplomatic tour that kicked off in Kuwait on August 17, before visiting the Nordic countries and France, where he held meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Biarritz. Iran occupies spot 170, out of 180, in the 2019 Reporters Without Borders rankings of countries' press freedoms. Iran has arrested and imprisoned a number of Iranians with dual nationality, in what Western governments have denounced as a ruthless policy to exercise diplomatic pressure.

Iran journalist flees Foreign Minister Zarif's delegation, applies for residency in Sweden

Iran tensions dominated talks as G7 summit ends. Watch this video to know more.

Iran tensions dominate talks as G7 summit ends

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday said that he was looking forward to discussions with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono as both countries have special interests in the security of the energy market and stability in the Gulf.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday said that he was looking forward to discussions with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono as both countries have special interests in the security of the energy market and stability in the Gulf. Zarif made the comment in Yokohama, outside of Tokyo, ahead of a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Kono. Japan has historically had friendly ties with Iran. It is also Washington's closest ally. Tension between Tehran and Washington have risen since US President Donald Trump's administration last year quit an international deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and began to ratchet up sanctions. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met Iranian president Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in June this year amid a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States. "Armed conflict needs to be prevented at all costs. Peace and stability in the Middle East is indispensable not only for this region but for global prosperity. No one is hoping for war," the Japanese leader said after the meeting.

Iran Foreign Minister Zarif looks forward to discussions with his Japanese counterpart 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has ruled out talks with the US. Watch this video to know more.

Hassan Rouhani rules out talks with US

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the road ahead was difficult "but worth trying" after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit on Sunday, August 25. Watch this video to know more.

Iran FM Javad Zarif makes surprise visit to G7 Summit

Israel said on Sunday an air strike against an arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Syria that it accused of planning "killer drone attacks" showed Tehran that its forces were vulnerable anywhere.

Israel said on Sunday an air strike against an arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Syria that it accused of planning "killer drone attacks" showed Tehran that its forces were vulnerable anywhere. A senior Revolutionary Guards commander denied that Iranian targets had been hit late on Saturday and said its military "advisory centres have not been harmed", the semi-official ILNA news agency reported. The Israeli military said its aircraft struck "Iranian Quds Force operatives and Shiite militias which were preparing to advance attack plans targeting sites in Israel from within Syria over the last number of days". The elite Quds Force is the overseas arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, told reporters "a number of attack drones", each armed with several kilogrammes of explosives, were to have been launched simultaneously at targets in northern Israel on Thursday but the plan was thwarted. He did not disclose what measures Israel took that day. He described the "killer drones" - designed to slam into targets - as highly accurate. The military released grainy black-and-white surveillance footage purporting to show the Iranian operatives on Thursday near the drones' launching site. In the footage, four people are seen walking in an open area, one of them carrying an object that the military identified as a killer drone. Conricus said the drones, accompanied by the Iranian operatives, had arrived at Damascus airport from Iran several weeks ago and were taken to a Quds-controlled compound in a village southeast of the city. Israel carried out Saturday's attack, Conricus said, after learning that another attempt to launch drones was imminent. Writing on Twitter after Saturday's Israeli strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Iran has no immunity anywhere. Our forces operate in every sector against the Iranian aggression. If someone rises up to kill you, kill him first." Speaking on Sunday on the Syrian front, Netanyahu added: "Any country that allows its territory to be used for attacks against Israel will face the consequences, and I repeat, the country will face the consequences."

Israel says air strike in Syria sent 'no immunity' message to Iran

Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump today at 3:45 PM IST today. PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

All eyes on crucial Modi-Trump bilateral meet

Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump at 3:45 PM IST today. PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

India at G7 Summit after a gap of 10 years

PM Modi-Trump to hold talks at 3:45 PM IST today

Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump today. PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

Indian PM Modi to meet US President today

Indian PM Narendra Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

Indian PM to hold 4 bilaterals at G7 Summit today

Indian PM Narendra Modi met Senegal President Macky Sall. Indian PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

Indian PM Modi meets Senegal President

US President Donald Trump met with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of G7 Summit. Watch this video to know more.

Trump meets Egypt's President on the sidelines of G7 Summit

US President Donald Trump on Sunday denied signing off on a joint G7 message to Iran over its nuclear programme as announced by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

"No, I haven't discussed that," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the southwestern French resort of Biarritz.

This contradicted Macron who shortly beforehand had said the G7 countries "agreed on what to say to Iran".

Trump said: "We’ll do our outreach. But you can’t stop people from talking. If they want to talk, they can talk."

A landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Western powers and Iran all but collapsed after Trump unilaterally withdrew US support last year, reimposing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

Macron has been leading efforts to defuse the crisis by finding ways of resuming dialogue, meeting Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif for rare talks in Paris on Friday on the eve of the summit.

He has also held telephone talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-wage-war-says-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-as-us-deploys-more-troops-to-middle-east-228306">President Hassan Rouhani</a>.

On Sunday, a diplomatic source said G7 leaders had mutually agreed to task Macron with sending a message to Iran.

"Emmanuel Macron was mandated to talk with Iran and address a message" to the country to avoid an escalation in the region, said the source.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday denied signing off on a joint G7 message to Iran over its nuclear programme as announced by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday denied signing off on a joint G7 message to Iran over its nuclear programme as announced by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. "No, I haven't discussed that," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the southwestern French resort of Biarritz. This contradicted Macron who shortly beforehand had said the G7 countries "agreed on what to say to Iran". Trump said: "We’ll do our outreach. But you can’t stop people from talking. If they want to talk, they can talk." A landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Western powers and Iran all but collapsed after Trump unilaterally withdrew US support last year, reimposing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy. Macron has been leading efforts to defuse the crisis by finding ways of resuming dialogue, meeting Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif for rare talks in Paris on Friday on the eve of the summit. He has also held telephone talks with President Hassan Rouhani. On Sunday, a diplomatic source said G7 leaders had mutually agreed to task Macron with sending a message to Iran. "Emmanuel Macron was mandated to talk with Iran and address a message" to the country to avoid an escalation in the region, said the source.

Donald Trump says hasn't 'discussed' joint G7 message to Iran

Iran has blacklisted US-based think-tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and its chief Mark Dubowitz on accusations of being behind "economic terrorism" against the Islamic republic.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-javad-zarif-heading-to-asia-in-push-against-us-sanctions-245310"> Iranian foreign ministry</a> said in a statement issued late Saturday that it had "added the so-called Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD) and its director to the sanctions list".

"The American institution with the deceitful name" and Dubowitz were accused of being involved in "designing, imposing and intensifying the impacts of economic terrorism against Iran", it said.

The FDD and Dubowitz were blamed for "seriously and actively trying to harm the Iranian people's security and vital interests", according to the English-language statement posted on the ministry's website.

They were accused of doing so through "fabricating and spreading lies, encouraging, providing consultations, lobbying, and launching a smear campaign" against Iran.

As a result, they would be "subject to legal consequences", it said.

The move would be "without prejudice to any further legal measures that the other administrative, judicial or security institutions and organisations may take" against them and their "collaborators and accomplices".

The FDD describes itself as a Washington-based "non-partisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy".

The think-tank responded to Tehran's move with a statement saying,&nbsp;"FDD considers its inclusion on any list put out by the regime as a badge of honour and looks forward to the day when Americans and others can visit a free and democratic Iran".

It strongly opposed the 2015 deal that saw world powers lift sanctions against Iran in return for limits on its nuclear programme.

Tensions between arch-foes Iran and the United States have escalated since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the accord last year and began reimposing sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Iran has blacklisted US-based think-tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and its chief Mark Dubowitz on accusations of being behind "economic terrorism" against the Islamic republic.

Iran has blacklisted US-based think-tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and its chief Mark Dubowitz on accusations of being behind "economic terrorism" against the Islamic republic. The Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement issued late Saturday that it had "added the so-called Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD) and its director to the sanctions list". "The American institution with the deceitful name" and Dubowitz were accused of being involved in "designing, imposing and intensifying the impacts of economic terrorism against Iran", it said. The FDD and Dubowitz were blamed for "seriously and actively trying to harm the Iranian people's security and vital interests", according to the English-language statement posted on the ministry's website. They were accused of doing so through "fabricating and spreading lies, encouraging, providing consultations, lobbying, and launching a smear campaign" against Iran. As a result, they would be "subject to legal consequences", it said. The move would be "without prejudice to any further legal measures that the other administrative, judicial or security institutions and organisations may take" against them and their "collaborators and accomplices". The FDD describes itself as a Washington-based "non-partisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy". The think-tank responded to Tehran's move with a statement saying, "FDD considers its inclusion on any list put out by the regime as a badge of honour and looks forward to the day when Americans and others can visit a free and democratic Iran". It strongly opposed the 2015 deal that saw world powers lift sanctions against Iran in return for limits on its nuclear programme. Tensions between arch-foes Iran and the United States have escalated since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the accord last year and began reimposing sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Iran blacklists US-based think-tank: Foreign ministry

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