Oil prices steadied on Tuesday as a resumption of output in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Barry and a boom in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj4bTblLnjAhWJA4gKHayhADcQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2N7rYgrXrmgJR5alcxjn-1">US&nbsp;supply</a> due to shale oil countered tensions in the Middle East.

Prices remained under pressure as data on Monday showed that second-quarter economic growth in China slowed to 6.2% from a year earlier, the weakest pace in at least 27 years.

Brent crude futures were up 4 cents at $66.52 a barrel by 0852 GMT. The international benchmark lost 24 cents, or 0.4%, on Monday.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose by 1 cent to $59.59 a barrel. The US&nbsp;benchmark fell about 1% in the previous session.

US&nbsp;oil companies on Monday began restoring some of the nearly 74% of production that was shut at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-45-per-cent-on-united-states-crude-stocks-draw-gulf-of-mexico-storm-234960&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU6vaclbnjAhVinI8KHdSmCrUQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3wuMvTZ1nP71fehkxYtIVE">Gulf of Mexico</a> platforms ahead of Hurricane Barry.

"Crude oil is having a quiet day today after giving back some of last week's gains," Saxo Bank commodity strategist Ole Hansen said.

"US&nbsp;output from the Gulf looks set to increase and ... Barry failed to hit refinery assets along the coast."

Workers were returning to the more than 280 production platforms that had been evacuated. However, it can still take several days for full production to resume.

"You could almost hear the big sigh of relief from oil producers and refiners in the region as the storm passed without causing significant damage," PVM analyst Tamas Varga said.

The market was also weighed down by signs of further increases in output from the United States, which has ridden a wave of shale oil production to become the world's biggest crude producer, ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia.

US&nbsp;oil output from seven major shale formations is expected to rise by about 49,000 barrels per day in August, to a record 8.55 million barrels per day, the US&nbsp;Energy Information Administration said.

Rising US&nbsp;output will undermine efforts by Russia and Saudi Arabia to reduce global oil inventories by convincing suppliers in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and outside OPEC to cut production.

The global supplier group, known as OPEC+, agreed this month to extend production cuts for another nine months.

Market activity has started to slow as it tends to do in July and August, the peak European and US&nbsp;holiday season, Hansen said.

Tension between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme kept the market nervous given the potential for a price spike should the situation deteriorate.

"The Iranian tension ... still makes any oil bear careful," Varga said.

Oil prices steadied on Tuesday as a resumption of output in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Barry and a boom in US supply due to shale oil countered tensions in the Middle East.

Oil prices steadied on Tuesday as a resumption of output in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Barry and a boom in US supply due to shale oil countered tensions in the Middle East. Prices remained under pressure as data on Monday showed that second-quarter economic growth in China slowed to 6.2% from a year earlier, the weakest pace in at least 27 years. Brent crude futures were up 4 cents at $66.52 a barrel by 0852 GMT. The international benchmark lost 24 cents, or 0.4%, on Monday. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose by 1 cent to $59.59 a barrel. The US benchmark fell about 1% in the previous session. US oil companies on Monday began restoring some of the nearly 74% of production that was shut at Gulf of Mexico platforms ahead of Hurricane Barry. "Crude oil is having a quiet day today after giving back some of last week's gains," Saxo Bank commodity strategist Ole Hansen said. "US output from the Gulf looks set to increase and ... Barry failed to hit refinery assets along the coast." Workers were returning to the more than 280 production platforms that had been evacuated. However, it can still take several days for full production to resume. "You could almost hear the big sigh of relief from oil producers and refiners in the region as the storm passed without causing significant damage," PVM analyst Tamas Varga said. The market was also weighed down by signs of further increases in output from the United States, which has ridden a wave of shale oil production to become the world's biggest crude producer, ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia. US oil output from seven major shale formations is expected to rise by about 49,000 barrels per day in August, to a record 8.55 million barrels per day, the US Energy Information Administration said. Rising US output will undermine efforts by Russia and Saudi Arabia to reduce global oil inventories by convincing suppliers in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and outside OPEC to cut production. The global supplier group, known as OPEC+, agreed this month to extend production cuts for another nine months. Market activity has started to slow as it tends to do in July and August, the peak European and US holiday season, Hansen said. Tension between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme kept the market nervous given the potential for a price spike should the situation deteriorate. "The Iranian tension ... still makes any oil bear careful," Varga said.

Oil steadies as US supply concerns ease, Iran tension unresolved

Iran confirmed on Tuesday it had detained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-says-franco-iranian-academic-arrested-in-iran-236233">French-Iranian scholar Fariba Adelkhah</a> but declined to give any more details, a day after Paris demanded information on her case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-demands-answers-after-dual-national-detained-in-iran-236341">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> said on Monday he was worried by the arrest of the 60-year-old anthropologist, an incident that has complicated French efforts to defuse tensions in the region.

"This person was detained recently ... but due to the nature of the case, this is not the proper time to give any information about it," Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a live broadcast on the judiciary's website.

"More transparent information will be provided as the case progresses," Esmaili said.

Adelkhah, a senior research fellow at Sciences Po university in Paris, was arrested in June by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, a news website IranWire reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

France’s foreign ministry demanded consular access to Adelkhah "without delay" on Monday, though there was no immediate public response from Tehran.

Rights activists have accused Iran of arresting several dual nationals to try and win concessions from other countries a charge that the Islamic republic has regularly dismissed.

Adelkhah's arrest comes at a time when France and other European powers are caught up in an international standoff over Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States abandoned last year.

Paris and the other European signatories have said they want to save the deal under which Tehran got sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities and have pushed for more diplomacy to ease tensions.

Tehran has been pressing them to do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive under the accord.

Iran confirmed on Tuesday it had detained French-Iranian scholar Fariba Adelkhah but declined to give any more details, a day after Paris demanded information on her case.

Iran confirmed on Tuesday it had detained French-Iranian scholar Fariba Adelkhah but declined to give any more details, a day after Paris demanded information on her case. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he was worried by the arrest of the 60-year-old anthropologist, an incident that has complicated French efforts to defuse tensions in the region. "This person was detained recently ... but due to the nature of the case, this is not the proper time to give any information about it," Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a live broadcast on the judiciary's website. "More transparent information will be provided as the case progresses," Esmaili said. Adelkhah, a senior research fellow at Sciences Po university in Paris, was arrested in June by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, a news website IranWire reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources. France’s foreign ministry demanded consular access to Adelkhah "without delay" on Monday, though there was no immediate public response from Tehran. Rights activists have accused Iran of arresting several dual nationals to try and win concessions from other countries a charge that the Islamic republic has regularly dismissed. Adelkhah's arrest comes at a time when France and other European powers are caught up in an international standoff over Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States abandoned last year. Paris and the other European signatories have said they want to save the deal under which Tehran got sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities and have pushed for more diplomacy to ease tensions. Tehran has been pressing them to do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive under the accord.

Iran confirms arrest of French-Iranian scholar, gives no details

The remaining parties to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-visa-to-irans-javad-zarif-for-united-nation-meeting-this-week-sources-236046&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi1ocnt-rjjAhVT-WEKHf-gCNAQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0XnDcqJYQmlBGDMAurg3Hn">Iran nuclear deal</a> do not see Tehran's breaches as significant and do not intend for now to trigger the pact's dispute mechanism, preferring more diplomacy to ease the crisis, the EU foreign policy chief said on Monday.

She spoke at the end of a European Union foreign ministers meeting after Britain said there was only a "small window" of time to salvage the deal, while Iran warned it would ramp up uranium enrichment if the EU failed to do more to that end.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-hits-out-at-us-in-iaea-meet-234819&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjepLeD_LjjAhXXBIgKHbVUAt04MhAWMAR6BAgDEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PH9R6SLIOtEtvmC-3HUS5">US-Iranian tensions</a> have escalated since US President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its economy.

The EU ministers drew no conclusions on what action should next be taken to head off a feared US-Iranian conflict. But by suggesting that Iran's non-compliance was not significant, it could anger the United States, which last week warned it would intensify sanctions on Iran over its breaches, and it did prompt an immediate outcry from Israel, Iran's regional arch-enemy.

"For the time being, none of the parties to the agreement has signalled their intention to invoke this article," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a news conference in Brussels, referring to a mechanism to punish non-compliance.

"(It) means that none of them for the moment, for the time being with the current data we have had in particular from the (UN nuclear watchdog) IAEA, (consider Iran's) non-compliance...to be significant non-compliance."

Nuclear breches

IAEA inspectors last week confirmed Iran is now enriching uranium to 4.5% fissile purity, above the 3.67% limit set by its deal, the second breach in as many weeks after Tehran exceeded limits on its stock of low enriched uranium.

The level at which Iran is now refining uranium is still well below the 20% purity of enrichment Iran reached before the deal, and the 90% needed to yield bomb-grade nuclear fuel. Low-enriched uranium provides fuel for civilian power plants.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said earlier in the day that Iran remained "a good year away from developing a nuclear bomb". He told reporters in Brussels: "There is still some closing, but a small window to keep the deal alive."

Under the terms of the deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union.

This activates a dispute mechanism that could eventually end with a restoration of global, UN sanctions against Iran. Mogherini said a joint commission meeting was possible, although when and at what level had yet to be decided.

She indicated that for now the EU would focus on diplomatic efforts to save the nuclear deal, which signatories in 2015 touted as essential to ward off the risk of a wider Middle East war jeopardising global energy supplies.

"The deal is not in good health, but it's still alive. We hope and we invite Iran to reverse these steps and go back to full compliance with the agreement," Mogherini, adding that they were all reversible.

'Appeasement'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the EU's response on Monday, saying it recalled failed diplomacy with Nazi Germany in the run-up to World War Two.

"(It) reminds me of the European appeasement of the 1930s," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

"Then, too, there were those who stuck their head in the sand and did not see the approaching danger," said Netanyahu, who has often cast Iran's nuclear projects as a mortal menace to Israel and the wider world. Iran denies seeking a nuclear bomb.

The Brussels gathering had been called to flesh out ways of convincing Iran and the United States to reduce tensions and start a dialogue amid fears the 2015 deal is close to collapse.

Fears of direct US.-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran's downing of a US surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute.

In reaction to the reimposition of tough US sanctions, which have notably targeted Iran's vital oil revenue stream, Tehran has cut some of its nuclear commitments under the deal.

That led the European parties to the pact, France, Britain and Germany, to warn Tehran not to shred the deal's terms.

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom suggested the Europeans would leave the door open for diplomacy but that Tehran should exercise restraint.

"It improves their chances of having a good discussion with the EU and other partners in the JCPOA (Iran deal)," she told reporters. "We encourage them to use all diplomatic means and create new diplomatic channels ...to de-escalate the tense situation. We have to use every opportunity to keep the deal."

The Islamic Republic's nuclear energy agency said Tehran would return to the situation before the nuclear deal unless European countries fulfilled their obligations.

"These actions are not taken out of stubbornness but to give diplomacy a chance," agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said.

"And if the Europeans and America don't want to fulfil their commitments we will create a balance in this deal by reducing commitments and return the situation to four years ago."

Iran says the European countries must do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive in return for UN-monitored limits to its nuclear capacity under the deal.

Trade mechanism

The Europeans are also trying to set up Instex, a barter-based trade conduit with Iran, but an equivalent Iranian mechanism has yet to start. Should the mechanism go ahead it would initially only deal in products such as pharmaceuticals and foods, which are not subject to US sanctions.

Mogherini also said the shareholders of Instex, which now includes 10 EU members, were considering whether to include oil, something that until now has been ruled out given the threat of US blowback.

Iran has said Instex must include oil sales or provide substantial credit facilities for it to be beneficial.

The remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal do not see Tehran's breaches as significant and do not intend for now to trigger the pact's dispute mechanism, preferring more diplomacy to ease the crisis, the EU foreign policy chief said on Monday.

The remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal do not see Tehran's breaches as significant and do not intend for now to trigger the pact's dispute mechanism, preferring more diplomacy to ease the crisis, the EU foreign policy chief said on Monday. She spoke at the end of a European Union foreign ministers meeting after Britain said there was only a "small window" of time to salvage the deal, while Iran warned it would ramp up uranium enrichment if the EU failed to do more to that end. US-Iranian tensions have escalated since US President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its economy. The EU ministers drew no conclusions on what action should next be taken to head off a feared US-Iranian conflict. But by suggesting that Iran's non-compliance was not significant, it could anger the United States, which last week warned it would intensify sanctions on Iran over its breaches, and it did prompt an immediate outcry from Israel, Iran's regional arch-enemy. "For the time being, none of the parties to the agreement has signalled their intention to invoke this article," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a news conference in Brussels, referring to a mechanism to punish non-compliance. "(It) means that none of them for the moment, for the time being with the current data we have had in particular from the (UN nuclear watchdog) IAEA, (consider Iran's) non-compliance...to be significant non-compliance." Nuclear breches IAEA inspectors last week confirmed Iran is now enriching uranium to 4.5% fissile purity, above the 3.67% limit set by its deal, the second breach in as many weeks after Tehran exceeded limits on its stock of low enriched uranium. The level at which Iran is now refining uranium is still well below the 20% purity of enrichment Iran reached before the deal, and the 90% needed to yield bomb-grade nuclear fuel. Low-enriched uranium provides fuel for civilian power plants. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said earlier in the day that Iran remained "a good year away from developing a nuclear bomb". He told reporters in Brussels: "There is still some closing, but a small window to keep the deal alive." Under the terms of the deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union. This activates a dispute mechanism that could eventually end with a restoration of global, UN sanctions against Iran. Mogherini said a joint commission meeting was possible, although when and at what level had yet to be decided. She indicated that for now the EU would focus on diplomatic efforts to save the nuclear deal, which signatories in 2015 touted as essential to ward off the risk of a wider Middle East war jeopardising global energy supplies. "The deal is not in good health, but it's still alive. We hope and we invite Iran to reverse these steps and go back to full compliance with the agreement," Mogherini, adding that they were all reversible. 'Appeasement' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the EU's response on Monday, saying it recalled failed diplomacy with Nazi Germany in the run-up to World War Two. "(It) reminds me of the European appeasement of the 1930s," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "Then, too, there were those who stuck their head in the sand and did not see the approaching danger," said Netanyahu, who has often cast Iran's nuclear projects as a mortal menace to Israel and the wider world. Iran denies seeking a nuclear bomb. The Brussels gathering had been called to flesh out ways of convincing Iran and the United States to reduce tensions and start a dialogue amid fears the 2015 deal is close to collapse. Fears of direct US.-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran's downing of a US surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute. In reaction to the reimposition of tough US sanctions, which have notably targeted Iran's vital oil revenue stream, Tehran has cut some of its nuclear commitments under the deal. That led the European parties to the pact, France, Britain and Germany, to warn Tehran not to shred the deal's terms. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom suggested the Europeans would leave the door open for diplomacy but that Tehran should exercise restraint. "It improves their chances of having a good discussion with the EU and other partners in the JCPOA (Iran deal)," she told reporters. "We encourage them to use all diplomatic means and create new diplomatic channels ...to de-escalate the tense situation. We have to use every opportunity to keep the deal." The Islamic Republic's nuclear energy agency said Tehran would return to the situation before the nuclear deal unless European countries fulfilled their obligations. "These actions are not taken out of stubbornness but to give diplomacy a chance," agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said. "And if the Europeans and America don't want to fulfil their commitments we will create a balance in this deal by reducing commitments and return the situation to four years ago." Iran says the European countries must do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive in return for UN-monitored limits to its nuclear capacity under the deal. Trade mechanism The Europeans are also trying to set up Instex, a barter-based trade conduit with Iran, but an equivalent Iranian mechanism has yet to start. Should the mechanism go ahead it would initially only deal in products such as pharmaceuticals and foods, which are not subject to US sanctions. Mogherini also said the shareholders of Instex, which now includes 10 EU members, were considering whether to include oil, something that until now has been ruled out given the threat of US blowback. Iran has said Instex must include oil sales or provide substantial credit facilities for it to be beneficial.

Nuclear deal parties not ready to launch dispute mechanism against Iran, prefer more diplomacy: European Union

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday demanded an explanation from Iran after the arrest last month of Franco-Iranian dual national Fariba Adelkhah, an incident that complicates Paris' efforts to defuse tensions in the region.&nbsp;

Adelkhah, an academic researcher, was arrested in Iran in June by the Revolutionary Guards for allegedly spying, according to media reports over the weekend.

"What's happened worries me a lot. We were informed for several days and I had the opportunity to express not only my disagreement but my desire to have clarifications from President (Hassan) Rouhani," Macron told a news conference in Belgrade.

"I’m waiting for the clarifications, but it's obvious that France protects its citizens."

Adelkhah, a 60-year-old anthropologist, is a senior research fellow at Sciences Po in Paris. Her arrest comes as France is trying to de-escalate tension between longtime foes Iran and the United States over Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal.

"No explanations at this stage have been given to me to explain in a valid way this arrest," Macron said.&nbsp;

Asked earlier on Monday about the arrest, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim news agency that he had heard reports of the arrest but had no further information.

It was not clear when Macron spoke to Rouhani on the issue, but he officially spoke to Rouhani on July &nbsp;6. At the time, there was no mention in the readout by the French presidency of Adelkhah’s arrest. Macron's top diplomat was also in Tehran and saw Rouhani last week.&nbsp;

France’s foreign ministry earlier on Monday demanded consular access to her "without delay."

"The French authorities in this difficult context have taken steps with Iranian authorities to get information from them on her situation and the conditions of her arrest and asked for consular access as is foreseen in these circumstances, a necessary precursor for her quick release," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement.

"No satisfactory response has been given to these requests."

Iran previously arrested and charged French citizens, including in 2009. Iran released that detainee a year later.

Rights activists have criticised Iran's arrests of dual nationals that they say are aimed at getting concessions from other countries. In April, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif offered a prisoner swap to secure the release of jailed Iranians in the United States.

Iranian authorities have denied holding detainees for ransom and accuse Western governments of holding Iranians on trumped-up charges.

In 2016, Iran released five U.S. citizens in a prisoner exchange as the nuclear deal was implemented.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday demanded an explanation from Iran after the arrest last month of Franco-Iranian dual national Fariba Adelkhah, an incident that complicates Paris' efforts to defuse tensions in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday demanded an explanation from Iran after the arrest last month of Franco-Iranian dual national Fariba Adelkhah, an incident that complicates Paris' efforts to defuse tensions in the region. Adelkhah, an academic researcher, was arrested in Iran in June by the Revolutionary Guards for allegedly spying, according to media reports over the weekend. "What's happened worries me a lot. We were informed for several days and I had the opportunity to express not only my disagreement but my desire to have clarifications from President (Hassan) Rouhani," Macron told a news conference in Belgrade. "I’m waiting for the clarifications, but it's obvious that France protects its citizens." Adelkhah, a 60-year-old anthropologist, is a senior research fellow at Sciences Po in Paris. Her arrest comes as France is trying to de-escalate tension between longtime foes Iran and the United States over Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal. "No explanations at this stage have been given to me to explain in a valid way this arrest," Macron said. Asked earlier on Monday about the arrest, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim news agency that he had heard reports of the arrest but had no further information. It was not clear when Macron spoke to Rouhani on the issue, but he officially spoke to Rouhani on July 6. At the time, there was no mention in the readout by the French presidency of Adelkhah’s arrest. Macron's top diplomat was also in Tehran and saw Rouhani last week. France’s foreign ministry earlier on Monday demanded consular access to her "without delay." "The French authorities in this difficult context have taken steps with Iranian authorities to get information from them on her situation and the conditions of her arrest and asked for consular access as is foreseen in these circumstances, a necessary precursor for her quick release," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement. "No satisfactory response has been given to these requests." Iran previously arrested and charged French citizens, including in 2009. Iran released that detainee a year later. Rights activists have criticised Iran's arrests of dual nationals that they say are aimed at getting concessions from other countries. In April, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif offered a prisoner swap to secure the release of jailed Iranians in the United States. Iranian authorities have denied holding detainees for ransom and accuse Western governments of holding Iranians on trumped-up charges. In 2016, Iran released five U.S. citizens in a prisoner exchange as the nuclear deal was implemented.

France's Emmanuel Macron demands answers after dual national detained in Iran

Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration says it is open to negotiations with Iran on a more far-reaching agreement on nuclear and security issues. But Iran has made any talks conditional on first being able to export as much oil as it did before the United States withdrew from the nuclear pact with world powers in May 2018.

Rouhani: Iran ready to talk to US if sanctions lifted

A Franco-Iranian academic based at a prestigious Paris university has been arrested in Iran and denied contact with consular staff, the French foreign ministry said Monday.&nbsp;

The detention of Fariba Adelkhah, a well-known expert on Iran and Shiite Islam at Sciences Po, risks increasing tension between Paris and Tehran at a critical moment in the crisis over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-europeans-americans-dont-carry-out-their-duties-will-reverse-nuclear-deal-to-four-years-ago-warns-iran-236232">Iranian nuclear programme</a>.

"The French authorities were recently informed of the arrest of Fariba Adelkhah," said the foreign ministry statement which confirmed she holds dual nationality.

"France calls on the Iranian authorities to shed full light on Mrs Adelkhah's situation and repeats its demands, particularly with regard to an immediate authorisation for consular access," it said.

"No satisfactory response has been received until now," it added.

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said he could not confirm the charges.

Adelkhah, 60, is the latest Iranian national with a Western passport to be arrested in Iran.

British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has been jailed in Tehran since 2016 on sedition charges, a detention that has caused major tensions with Britain.

Adelkhah's arrest comes just as French President Emmanuel Macron was seeking to lead European efforts to find a way of keeping alive the 2015 nuclear deal, which limits Iran's atomic programme.

Macron has sent an envoy to Tehran twice in the last month and was even rumoured to be considering becoming the first French president in more than 40 years to travel to the Iranian capital.

The landmark deal is at risk of collapsing after US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out unilaterally, leading Iran to violate safeguards that limited its stockpiling and enrichment of uranium.

'Talented researcher'

Jean-Francois Bayart, a French academic and friend of Adelkhah's, said he and colleagues had alerted French authorities when the anthropologist did not return home from a trip to her homeland as scheduled on June 25.

He said he thought she had been arrested on June 5 and was being held at the Evin prison in Tehran.

"She has been visited by her family. She hasn't been mistreated, but I'm worried about her because she isn't physically strong," Bayart told AFP. "We don't know how long this totally unacceptable detention is going to last."

"Iran doesn't recognise dual nationality, so for them she is Iranian, which is why consular access has not been permitted," he added. "But talks have taken place at the highest levels between the countries."

Other Iranian dual nationals jailed in Iran include Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer, who are serving 10-year sentences for espionage in a case that has outraged Washington.

Chinese-American Xiyue Wang, a Princeton University researcher, is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage and US national Michael White, 46, was this year also sentenced to 10 years.

French academic Clotilde Reiss was detained in Iran for 10 months in 2009-10 before being released in a case that attracted widespread attention at the time.

At around the same time as her release, French judicial authorities freed Ali Vakili Rad, who had been convicted of the 1991 murder outside Paris of the ousted shah's former prime minister Shapour Bakhtiar.

The timing led to speculation about a bilateral deal over the prisoners, though French authorities denied any exchange.

For several months in 2007, Iran detained US-Iranian academic Haleh Esfandiari, one of the most prominent US-based academics working on Iran, who at the time was director of the Middle East programme at the Wilson Center.&nbsp;

She was arrested while visiting her mother in Iran.

Bayart said that Adelkhah had arrived in France in 1977 to study.

"She's a free, independent and extremely talented researcher," he told AFP.

A Franco-Iranian academic based at a prestigious Paris university has been arrested in Iran and denied contact with consular staff, the French foreign ministry said Monday.

A Franco-Iranian academic based at a prestigious Paris university has been arrested in Iran and denied contact with consular staff, the French foreign ministry said Monday. The detention of Fariba Adelkhah, a well-known expert on Iran and Shiite Islam at Sciences Po, risks increasing tension between Paris and Tehran at a critical moment in the crisis over the Iranian nuclear programme. "The French authorities were recently informed of the arrest of Fariba Adelkhah," said the foreign ministry statement which confirmed she holds dual nationality. "France calls on the Iranian authorities to shed full light on Mrs Adelkhah's situation and repeats its demands, particularly with regard to an immediate authorisation for consular access," it said. "No satisfactory response has been received until now," it added. Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said he could not confirm the charges. Adelkhah, 60, is the latest Iranian national with a Western passport to be arrested in Iran. British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has been jailed in Tehran since 2016 on sedition charges, a detention that has caused major tensions with Britain. Adelkhah's arrest comes just as French President Emmanuel Macron was seeking to lead European efforts to find a way of keeping alive the 2015 nuclear deal, which limits Iran's atomic programme. Macron has sent an envoy to Tehran twice in the last month and was even rumoured to be considering becoming the first French president in more than 40 years to travel to the Iranian capital. The landmark deal is at risk of collapsing after US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out unilaterally, leading Iran to violate safeguards that limited its stockpiling and enrichment of uranium. 'Talented researcher' Jean-Francois Bayart, a French academic and friend of Adelkhah's, said he and colleagues had alerted French authorities when the anthropologist did not return home from a trip to her homeland as scheduled on June 25. He said he thought she had been arrested on June 5 and was being held at the Evin prison in Tehran. "She has been visited by her family. She hasn't been mistreated, but I'm worried about her because she isn't physically strong," Bayart told AFP. "We don't know how long this totally unacceptable detention is going to last." "Iran doesn't recognise dual nationality, so for them she is Iranian, which is why consular access has not been permitted," he added. "But talks have taken place at the highest levels between the countries." Other Iranian dual nationals jailed in Iran include Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer, who are serving 10-year sentences for espionage in a case that has outraged Washington. Chinese-American Xiyue Wang, a Princeton University researcher, is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage and US national Michael White, 46, was this year also sentenced to 10 years. French academic Clotilde Reiss was detained in Iran for 10 months in 2009-10 before being released in a case that attracted widespread attention at the time. At around the same time as her release, French judicial authorities freed Ali Vakili Rad, who had been convicted of the 1991 murder outside Paris of the ousted shah's former prime minister Shapour Bakhtiar. The timing led to speculation about a bilateral deal over the prisoners, though French authorities denied any exchange. For several months in 2007, Iran detained US-Iranian academic Haleh Esfandiari, one of the most prominent US-based academics working on Iran, who at the time was director of the Middle East programme at the Wilson Center. She was arrested while visiting her mother in Iran. Bayart said that Adelkhah had arrived in France in 1977 to study. "She's a free, independent and extremely talented researcher," he told AFP.

France says Franco-Iranian academic arrested in Iran

Iran on Monday urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal "to take practical, effective and responsible decisions" to save the landmark agreement.

"We stress that the continued voluntary and goodwill based actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran are rooted in the principle of reciprocity of rights and duties" in the nuclear deal, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Any expectation for Iran to return to the conditions prior to May 8, 2019 without proof of any political will and practical ability of the European parties" to ensure sanctions relief "is an unrealistic expectation".

The statement comes a day after three key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-powers-urge-dialogue-end-to-escalation-in-iran-nuclear-crisis-235919">European powers</a>- Britain, France and Germany- called for an end to the escalating tensions between US and Iran.

As tensions further intensified between the two countries, Britain, France and Germany expressed concern on Sunday that the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme risked further unravelling but said it was up to Tehran to ensure the deal survived.

The statement was published after President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and senior British cabinet minister David Lidington at the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris.

The three European powers were among the key players in the 2015 deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme.

But US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced Washington was pulling out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies.

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-european-union-talks-uk-calls-for-reduced-tensions-with-iran-236083">European Union foreign ministers are also meeting</a> to discuss the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme.

(With inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

Iran on Monday urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal "to take practical, effective and responsible decisions" to save the landmark agreement. "We stress that the continued voluntary and goodwill based actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran are rooted in the principle of reciprocity of rights and duties" in the nuclear deal, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran on Monday urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal "to take practical, effective and responsible decisions" to save the landmark agreement. "We stress that the continued voluntary and goodwill based actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran are rooted in the principle of reciprocity of rights and duties" in the nuclear deal, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "Any expectation for Iran to return to the conditions prior to May 8, 2019 without proof of any political will and practical ability of the European parties" to ensure sanctions relief "is an unrealistic expectation". The statement comes a day after three key European powers- Britain, France and Germany- called for an end to the escalating tensions between US and Iran. As tensions further intensified between the two countries, Britain, France and Germany expressed concern on Sunday that the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme risked further unravelling but said it was up to Tehran to ensure the deal survived. The statement was published after President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and senior British cabinet minister David Lidington at the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris. The three European powers were among the key players in the 2015 deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme. But US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced Washington was pulling out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies. Meanwhile, the European Union foreign ministers are also meeting to discuss the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme. (With inputs from AFP)

Take practical, effective and responsible decisions: Iran to EU on nuclear deal

At a time when<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/irans-leader-is-losing-his-grasp-on-power-235191"> Iran</a> is reeling under the consequences of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rouhani-iran-ready-to-talk-to-us-if-sanctions-lifted-236006">US sanctions</a>, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

News agency&nbsp;AP cited&nbsp;a&nbsp;20-year-old high school graduate Paniz Masoumi as saying, "I would not remove my hijab because I am not looking for trouble. They have impounded my car for two weeks now under the excuse of being slackly veiled. I am sure that I had not removed my headscarf. They have labelled me as poorly veiled to impound my car and charge me money."

Another&nbsp;18-year-old high school graduate Nikki Ghassempour said, "If the society accepts the freedom of choice when it comes to hijab and change how they view those who are not veiled, I would remove my hijab too. Otherwise, I won't."

While many have restrained their desires due to the fear of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies, some women have found an alternative to hijab in loosely draped colorful scarves.&nbsp;The scarf show as much hair as they cover.

Even in Tehran's grand bazaar, most female shoppers are seen carrying casual hijabs.&nbsp;

Still, a sizeable minority of women have covered head-to-toe in black robes and tightly pulled headscarves - the chador.

Last month Iran hired 2,000 morality police to punish women who refuse to wear the compulsory hijab in public.&nbsp;

Reformists lawmakers point out that morality police has been a failure.

Reformist lawmaker Parvaneh Salahshouri said, "The morality police were not successful in institutionalising the hijab for women. The question I have always asked the policymakers in this regard has been whether their policies have worked or not. What we see is that the morality police have been a failure".

Last month, a video showing morality police grabbing an unveiled teenage girl and violently pushing her into the back of a police car, prompted widespread criticism.

According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, women, who appear in public places and roads without wearing an Islamic hijab, will be sentenced to ten days to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of 50 thousand to five hundred rials.

Some Islamic hardliners in Iran have called for harsh punishment, even lashes, arguing that allowing women to show their hair leads to moral decay and the disintegration of families.

Amid all the chaos, Tehran is barely being able to cope with US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign.&nbsp;US sanctions have hit the Iranian economy hard. While the oil-rich nation's crude exports have been down, inflation and unemployment have risen drastically.&nbsp;Frustration over the sanctions is running high among Iranians, who have seen the value of Iran's currency plummet by about 60 per cent over the past year.

But inside Iran, the debate is still over whether women should leave their houses without a hijab

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code. News agency AP cited a 20-year-old high school graduate Paniz Masoumi as saying, "I would not remove my hijab because I am not looking for trouble. They have impounded my car for two weeks now under the excuse of being slackly veiled. I am sure that I had not removed my headscarf. They have labelled me as poorly veiled to impound my car and charge me money." Another 18-year-old high school graduate Nikki Ghassempour said, "If the society accepts the freedom of choice when it comes to hijab and change how they view those who are not veiled, I would remove my hijab too. Otherwise, I won't." While many have restrained their desires due to the fear of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies, some women have found an alternative to hijab in loosely draped colorful scarves. The scarf show as much hair as they cover. Even in Tehran's grand bazaar, most female shoppers are seen carrying casual hijabs. Still, a sizeable minority of women have covered head-to-toe in black robes and tightly pulled headscarves - the chador. Last month Iran hired 2,000 morality police to punish women who refuse to wear the compulsory hijab in public. Reformists lawmakers point out that morality police has been a failure. Reformist lawmaker Parvaneh Salahshouri said, "The morality police were not successful in institutionalising the hijab for women. The question I have always asked the policymakers in this regard has been whether their policies have worked or not. What we see is that the morality police have been a failure". Last month, a video showing morality police grabbing an unveiled teenage girl and violently pushing her into the back of a police car, prompted widespread criticism. According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, women, who appear in public places and roads without wearing an Islamic hijab, will be sentenced to ten days to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of 50 thousand to five hundred rials. Some Islamic hardliners in Iran have called for harsh punishment, even lashes, arguing that allowing women to show their hair leads to moral decay and the disintegration of families. Amid all the chaos, Tehran is barely being able to cope with US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign. US sanctions have hit the Iranian economy hard. While the oil-rich nation's crude exports have been down, inflation and unemployment have risen drastically. Frustration over the sanctions is running high among Iranians, who have seen the value of Iran's currency plummet by about 60 per cent over the past year. But inside Iran, the debate is still over whether women should leave their houses without a hijab

In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public

The United States has granted a visa to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-genocidal-taunts-will-not-end-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-hits-back-220126">Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif </a>to attend a UN meeting in New York this week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved the decision.

Had Pompeo not approved giving a visa to Zarif, Iran's top diplomat, and nuclear negotiator, it could have been a signal that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-shares-muted-as-prospect-of-sharp-united-states-rate-cut-fades-234064">United States</a> was trying to further isolate the Islamic Republic and perhaps closing the door to diplomacy.

US-Iranian tensions have worsened since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">US President Donald Trump</a> decided last year to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its FU economy.

They have taken several turns for the worse in the last two and a half months after Trump acted to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports because of US concerns about its nuclear and missile programs and regional activities.

Since that decision, there have been two sets of attacks on tankers in the Gulf that Washington blamed on Tehran despite its denials, and Iran has downed a US drone that prompted plans for a US retaliatory air strike that was abruptly called off.

On June 24, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had said Zarif would be hit with US sanctions that week, an unusual stance because the United States typically does not preview such decisions to keep its targets from moving assets out of US jurisdiction. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters Washington had decided to hold off on blacklisting him for now.

Imposing sanctions on Iran's chief negotiator would have been unusual because it could impede any US effort to use diplomacy to resolve its disagreements with Tehran.

Iran's mission to the United Nations said Zarif had arrived in New York, where he is to attend a ministerial meeting at the United Nations on sustainable development goals, which aim to tackle issues including conflict, hunger, gender equality and climate change by 2030.

The United States has granted a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to attend a UN meeting in New York this week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved the decision.

The United States has granted a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to attend a UN meeting in New York this week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved the decision. Had Pompeo not approved giving a visa to Zarif, Iran's top diplomat, and nuclear negotiator, it could have been a signal that the United States was trying to further isolate the Islamic Republic and perhaps closing the door to diplomacy. US-Iranian tensions have worsened since US President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its FU economy. They have taken several turns for the worse in the last two and a half months after Trump acted to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports because of US concerns about its nuclear and missile programs and regional activities. Since that decision, there have been two sets of attacks on tankers in the Gulf that Washington blamed on Tehran despite its denials, and Iran has downed a US drone that prompted plans for a US retaliatory air strike that was abruptly called off. On June 24, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had said Zarif would be hit with US sanctions that week, an unusual stance because the United States typically does not preview such decisions to keep its targets from moving assets out of US jurisdiction. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters Washington had decided to hold off on blacklisting him for now. Imposing sanctions on Iran's chief negotiator would have been unusual because it could impede any US effort to use diplomacy to resolve its disagreements with Tehran. Iran's mission to the United Nations said Zarif had arrived in New York, where he is to attend a ministerial meeting at the United Nations on sustainable development goals, which aim to tackle issues including conflict, hunger, gender equality and climate change by 2030.

US grants visa to Iran's Javad Zarif  for United Nation meeting this week: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-drop-as-trade-tensions-stoke-economy-worries-234147">Oil prices</a> slipped on Monday after China posted its slowest quarterly economic growth in at least 27 years, reinforcing concerns about demand in the world's largest crude oil importer.

Brent crude futures for September fell 15 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to $66.57 a barrel by 0611 GMT while US crude for August was down 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $59.97 a barrel. Both contracts last week posted their biggest weekly gains in three weeks on cuts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-45-per-cent-on-united-states-crude-stocks-draw-gulf-of-mexico-storm-234960">US oil production</a> and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East.

Refineries in the path of Tropical Storm Barry continued to operate despite flood threats while the storm has slashed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-braces-for-flooding-trump-declares-emergency-ahead-of-storm-barry-235308">US Gulf of Mexico</a> crude output by 73per cent, or 1.38 million barrels per day.

"The supply side is keeping prices firm," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney.

China's economic growth slowed to 6.2 per cent in the second quarter from a year earlier, in line with analysts' expectations, with demand at home and abroad faltering as the Sino-US trade war bites.

Still, China's industrial output and retail sales beat forecasts, "suggesting that the economy in China is healthier than we previously been pricing," McCarthy said.

China's crude oil throughput rose to a record of 13.07 million barrels per day in June, up 7.7 per cent from a year earlier, following the start-up of two new, large refineries, official data showed on Monday.

ANZ analysts said China's crude oil imports year-to-date still looked impressive even as imports fell in June for a second straight month.

"We believe additional crude oil quota (given) to private refiners should keep the imports upbeat in H2 2019," the bank said.

In the Middle East, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday that Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year.

Meanwhile Britain has offered to facilitate the release of the detained Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 if Tehran gave guarantees that it would not go to Syria.

"The Iran situation is also in focus. It's not making headlines but it has the potential to move markets around," CMC Markets' McCarthy said.

Oil prices slipped on Monday after China posted its slowest quarterly economic growth in at least 27 years, reinforcing concerns about demand in the world's largest crude oil importer.

Oil prices slipped on Monday after China posted its slowest quarterly economic growth in at least 27 years, reinforcing concerns about demand in the world's largest crude oil importer. Brent crude futures for September fell 15 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to $66.57 a barrel by 0611 GMT while US crude for August was down 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $59.97 a barrel. Both contracts last week posted their biggest weekly gains in three weeks on cuts in US oil production and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East. Refineries in the path of Tropical Storm Barry continued to operate despite flood threats while the storm has slashed US Gulf of Mexico crude output by 73per cent, or 1.38 million barrels per day. "The supply side is keeping prices firm," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. China's economic growth slowed to 6.2 per cent in the second quarter from a year earlier, in line with analysts' expectations, with demand at home and abroad faltering as the Sino-US trade war bites. Still, China's industrial output and retail sales beat forecasts, "suggesting that the economy in China is healthier than we previously been pricing," McCarthy said. China's crude oil throughput rose to a record of 13.07 million barrels per day in June, up 7.7 per cent from a year earlier, following the start-up of two new, large refineries, official data showed on Monday. ANZ analysts said China's crude oil imports year-to-date still looked impressive even as imports fell in June for a second straight month. "We believe additional crude oil quota (given) to private refiners should keep the imports upbeat in H2 2019," the bank said. In the Middle East, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday that Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year. Meanwhile Britain has offered to facilitate the release of the detained Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 if Tehran gave guarantees that it would not go to Syria. "The Iran situation is also in focus. It's not making headlines but it has the potential to move markets around," CMC Markets' McCarthy said.

Slower China Gross Domestic Product growth nudges oil prices lower

British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt told his Iranian counterpart on Saturday (July 13) that Britain would facilitate the release of the detained Grace 1 oil tanker if Tehran gave guarantees it would not go to Syria.

UK to facilitate release of Iranian tanker if it gets Syria guarantees: Hunt

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that&nbsp;Iran was ready for talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-foreign-minister-heads-to-new-york-for-un-conference-amid-soaring-tension-with-us-report-235591">2015 nuclear deal</a> it exited last year, reported news agency Reuters.

"We have always believed in talks ... if they lift sanctions, end the imposed economic pressure and return to the deal, we are ready to hold talks with America today, right now and anywhere," Rouhani reportedly said in a televised speech on Sunday according to the report.

Tension between the between the longtime foes&nbsp;has heightened between since US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the pact.

Iran on Saturday said it will continue its oil exports under any conditions. 
&nbsp; 
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in a telephone call on Saturday that Iran will continue its oil exports under any conditions, according to a statement on the Iranian foreign ministry website.

Zarif also said Britain should quickly release the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concern-was-destination-not-origin-of-oil-us-says-iran-tanker-will-be-freed-after-guarantees-on-destination-235616">Grace 1 oil tanker</a>, which was seized last week by British Royal Marines off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of violating sanctions against Syria.

Hunt told Zarif that Britain would facilitate the release of the tanker if Tehran gave guarantees it would not go to Syria, Hunt wrote on Twitter.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that Iran was ready for talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it exited last year, reported news agency Reuters.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that Iran was ready for talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it exited last year, reported news agency Reuters. "We have always believed in talks ... if they lift sanctions, end the imposed economic pressure and return to the deal, we are ready to hold talks with America today, right now and anywhere," Rouhani reportedly said in a televised speech on Sunday according to the report. Tension between the between the longtime foes has heightened between since US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the pact. Iran on Saturday said it will continue its oil exports under any conditions. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in a telephone call on Saturday that Iran will continue its oil exports under any conditions, according to a statement on the Iranian foreign ministry website. Zarif also said Britain should quickly release the Grace 1 oil tanker, which was seized last week by British Royal Marines off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of violating sanctions against Syria. Hunt told Zarif that Britain would facilitate the release of the tanker if Tehran gave guarantees it would not go to Syria, Hunt wrote on Twitter. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iranian President Rouhani says ready to talk to US if sanctions lifted: Report

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning 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 - July 13th, 2019

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran.

And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic.

"When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said.

"Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said.

He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting.

On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war.

Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war.

But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet.

Syria presence downgraded

Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria.

"The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said.

"We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said.

The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction.

Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country.

Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time.

Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April.

But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added.

Tel Aviv 'within range'

Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people".

"He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there.

Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year.

The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television. His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic. "When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said. "Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said. He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting. On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war. Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war. But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet. Syria presence downgraded Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria. "The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said. "We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said. The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction. Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country. Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time. Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April. But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added. Tel Aviv 'within range' Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people". "He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there. Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year. The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

Hezbollah warns Iran able to bombard Israel if war started

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif travelled to New York on Saturday to a United Nations conference, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iran's state news agency IRNA, amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran.

Tension is running high between the United States and Iran over Tehran's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-announce-more-cuts-to-nuclear-deal-commitments-on-sunday-report-233659"> nuclear programme</a> and Washington has blamed Iranian forces for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf region, a charge Tehran denies.

The two nations came close to conflict last month when Iran shot down a US drone, prompting Washington to order retaliatory airstrikes which was called off at the last minute.

Zarif will attend a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York and would then travel to Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua, the report added quoting IRNA.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in June that Washington would impose sanctions on top Iranian officials, including Zarif, a step that could have impeded any diplomatic efforts to resolve their disagreements.

But two sources familiar with the matter told on Thursday the United States had decided not to impose sanctions on Zarif for now, in a sign that Washington might be holding a door open for diplomacy.

President Donald Trump withdrew the United States last year from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/be-careful-iran-threats-will-come-back-to-bite-you-warns-trump-232882">2015 accord</a> between Iran and world powers that had aimed to curb Tehran's nuclear programme.

Washington has ratcheted up sanctions on Iran since then, driving Iranian oil exports sharply lower.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif travelled to New York on Saturday to a United Nations conference, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iran's state news agency IRNA, amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif travelled to New York on Saturday to a United Nations conference, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iran's state news agency IRNA, amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran. Tension is running high between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme and Washington has blamed Iranian forces for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf region, a charge Tehran denies. The two nations came close to conflict last month when Iran shot down a US drone, prompting Washington to order retaliatory airstrikes which was called off at the last minute. Zarif will attend a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York and would then travel to Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua, the report added quoting IRNA. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in June that Washington would impose sanctions on top Iranian officials, including Zarif, a step that could have impeded any diplomatic efforts to resolve their disagreements. But two sources familiar with the matter told on Thursday the United States had decided not to impose sanctions on Zarif for now, in a sign that Washington might be holding a door open for diplomacy. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States last year from a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers that had aimed to curb Tehran's nuclear programme. Washington has ratcheted up sanctions on Iran since then, driving Iranian oil exports sharply lower.

Iranian foreign minister heads to New York for UN conference amid soaring tension with US: Report

Trump warns Iran again. Trump said, ''Iran treading on dangerous territory.'' Iran has exceeded Uranium enrichment limit by 4.5%. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump: ''Iran if you're listening, better be careful''

By Shahram Akbarzadeh

Iran’s announcement last Sunday that it would break the limit on uranium enrichment agreed to in the nuclear deal with world powers was not a surprise. It came hot on the heels of another breach only a few days earlier on the 300-kilogram limit agreed to in the deal on stockpiles of low-enriched uranium.

Iran had warned Europe that it would start dismantling the nuclear accord if the promised economic benefits of the agreement did not materialise. A year after the US withdrew from the nuclear deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, and imposed very strict sanctions on Iran, the Iranian leadership appears ready to give up on finding a diplomatic solution to this deadlock.

This bodes ill for the future of President Hassan Rouhani and regional security. A weakened Rouhani will find it difficult to fend off his hard-line critics in Iran and keep the nuclear deal alive.

With every step away from diplomacy, the hard-liners have taken a step forward and appear to be now setting the political agenda in Iran.

Rouhani’s riskiest gamble 
 
The JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany.

This was Rouhani’s greatest achievement and riskiest gamble. He faced the ire of hard-liners in Iran who continue to have a formidable presence in the parliament, as well as the security and judicial system.

They accused Rouhani of selling out Iranian sovereignty and betraying the ideals of the Islamic revolution by scaling back Iran’s nuclear program and subjecting it to an unprecedented international monitoring regime.

Rouhani nonetheless pushed through his agenda of finding a diplomatic solution to Iran’s isolation because he believed that years of sanctions and mismanagement had pushed the Iranian economy to the brink of collapse.

He staked his political fortunes on bringing Iran out of isolation.

The JCPOA was the compromise deal to assure the international community that Iran would not pursue a nuclear weapons program in return for sanctions relief to revive the Iranian economy.

But US President Donald Trump never liked the deal. He campaigned against it and often questioned Iran’s commitment to it, though the UN International Atomic Energy Agency consistently reported on Iran’s compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Despite much lobbying by European powers, Trump withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reimposed severe unilateral sanctions on Iran, and anyone dealing with Iran.

Losing control to the hard-liners

Trump’s decision to tear up the nuclear deal was seen by the conservatives in Iran as a vindication of their feelings towards the United States. They lambasted Rouhani for putting his trust in the US.

In May 2019, the situation got even more tense after Trump announced that US warships were sailing to the Persian Gulf to counter potential Iranian hostility. No intelligence regarding a suspected Iranian threat was shared.

The escalation of tensions following the alleged Iranian attack on two oil tankers last month, and the downing of a US reconnaissance drone by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards has made it very hard to find a diplomatic solution. Drums of war are silencing voices of diplomacy.

While Rouhani came to office with an olive branch, he realises that he has effectively lost the political contest against his hard-line critics. He has another two years in office, but is at risk of losing the presidency if the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who yields ultimate power in Iran, is disillusioned with his performance.

This realisation has seriously undermined Rouhani, who appears to have adopted the language and posture of the hard-liners in relation to the US. It is unclear if this can save him in office, or embolden his critics who seem to be gaining significant momentum.

In May, the Supreme Leader appointed a battle-hardened General as the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, an arm of the Revolutionary Guards that suppresses domestic dissent.

This was a significant development for the hard-liners in case they seek to assert political control. Basij has been a ruthless security force inside Iran and can provide the necessary street support for a potential coup against Rouhani.

Another notable military commander is General Qasem Soleimani, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Iran due to his performance as commander of Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guards’ international arm operating mostly in Iraq and Syria to defeat the Islamic State.

He is considered a war hero by the public and now has the confidence of the Supreme Leader. This is an ominous development for Rouhani.

Breaking with the tenets of the nuclear deal was also clearly not Rouhani’s objective, as it would reverse his hard-won diplomatic gains and discredit his legacy.

Iran’s recent breaches on uranium enrichment and stockpiles were incremental steps to exert pressure on European leaders to adhere to their promises of sanctions relief. This strategy was predicated on the assumption that Europe has more to lose with the collapse of JCPOA than a rift with the United States. It can only be described as a desperate move, showing that Rouhani is fast running out of options.

The window of opportunity for a diplomatic solution is fast closing and the alternative scenario of the return of a combative government in Tehran is looking more and more unavoidable. This would shut the doors to diplomacy and increase the chance of confrontation with the West.

Trump accused Iran of not wanting to sit at the table. He may be fulfilling his own prophecy.

(Shahram Akbarzadeh is Professor of Middle East &amp; Central Asian Politics, Deputy Director (International), Alfred Deakin Research Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/irans-leader-is-losing-his-grasp-on-power-does-this-mean-diplomacy-is-doomed-119997">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Shahram Akbarzadeh Iran’s announcement last Sunday that it would break the limit on uranium enrichment agreed to in the nuclear deal with world powers was not a surprise.

By Shahram Akbarzadeh Iran’s announcement last Sunday that it would break the limit on uranium enrichment agreed to in the nuclear deal with world powers was not a surprise. It came hot on the heels of another breach only a few days earlier on the 300-kilogram limit agreed to in the deal on stockpiles of low-enriched uranium. Iran had warned Europe that it would start dismantling the nuclear accord if the promised economic benefits of the agreement did not materialise. A year after the US withdrew from the nuclear deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, and imposed very strict sanctions on Iran, the Iranian leadership appears ready to give up on finding a diplomatic solution to this deadlock. This bodes ill for the future of President Hassan Rouhani and regional security. A weakened Rouhani will find it difficult to fend off his hard-line critics in Iran and keep the nuclear deal alive. With every step away from diplomacy, the hard-liners have taken a step forward and appear to be now setting the political agenda in Iran. Rouhani’s riskiest gamble The JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany. This was Rouhani’s greatest achievement and riskiest gamble. He faced the ire of hard-liners in Iran who continue to have a formidable presence in the parliament, as well as the security and judicial system. They accused Rouhani of selling out Iranian sovereignty and betraying the ideals of the Islamic revolution by scaling back Iran’s nuclear program and subjecting it to an unprecedented international monitoring regime. Rouhani nonetheless pushed through his agenda of finding a diplomatic solution to Iran’s isolation because he believed that years of sanctions and mismanagement had pushed the Iranian economy to the brink of collapse. He staked his political fortunes on bringing Iran out of isolation. The JCPOA was the compromise deal to assure the international community that Iran would not pursue a nuclear weapons program in return for sanctions relief to revive the Iranian economy. But US President Donald Trump never liked the deal. He campaigned against it and often questioned Iran’s commitment to it, though the UN International Atomic Energy Agency consistently reported on Iran’s compliance with the terms of the agreement. Despite much lobbying by European powers, Trump withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reimposed severe unilateral sanctions on Iran, and anyone dealing with Iran. Losing control to the hard-liners Trump’s decision to tear up the nuclear deal was seen by the conservatives in Iran as a vindication of their feelings towards the United States. They lambasted Rouhani for putting his trust in the US. In May 2019, the situation got even more tense after Trump announced that US warships were sailing to the Persian Gulf to counter potential Iranian hostility. No intelligence regarding a suspected Iranian threat was shared. The escalation of tensions following the alleged Iranian attack on two oil tankers last month, and the downing of a US reconnaissance drone by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards has made it very hard to find a diplomatic solution. Drums of war are silencing voices of diplomacy. While Rouhani came to office with an olive branch, he realises that he has effectively lost the political contest against his hard-line critics. He has another two years in office, but is at risk of losing the presidency if the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who yields ultimate power in Iran, is disillusioned with his performance. This realisation has seriously undermined Rouhani, who appears to have adopted the language and posture of the hard-liners in relation to the US. It is unclear if this can save him in office, or embolden his critics who seem to be gaining significant momentum. In May, the Supreme Leader appointed a battle-hardened General as the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, an arm of the Revolutionary Guards that suppresses domestic dissent. This was a significant development for the hard-liners in case they seek to assert political control. Basij has been a ruthless security force inside Iran and can provide the necessary street support for a potential coup against Rouhani. Another notable military commander is General Qasem Soleimani, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Iran due to his performance as commander of Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guards’ international arm operating mostly in Iraq and Syria to defeat the Islamic State. He is considered a war hero by the public and now has the confidence of the Supreme Leader. This is an ominous development for Rouhani. Breaking with the tenets of the nuclear deal was also clearly not Rouhani’s objective, as it would reverse his hard-won diplomatic gains and discredit his legacy. Iran’s recent breaches on uranium enrichment and stockpiles were incremental steps to exert pressure on European leaders to adhere to their promises of sanctions relief. This strategy was predicated on the assumption that Europe has more to lose with the collapse of JCPOA than a rift with the United States. It can only be described as a desperate move, showing that Rouhani is fast running out of options. The window of opportunity for a diplomatic solution is fast closing and the alternative scenario of the return of a combative government in Tehran is looking more and more unavoidable. This would shut the doors to diplomacy and increase the chance of confrontation with the West. Trump accused Iran of not wanting to sit at the table. He may be fulfilling his own prophecy. (Shahram Akbarzadeh is Professor of Middle East & Central Asian Politics, Deputy Director (International), Alfred Deakin Research Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Iran’s leader is losing his grasp on power

Iranian boats attempted to seize British tanker. Royal Navy fends off Iranian seizure of oil tanker. UK claimed 3 Iranian boats tried to stop their tanker. Watch this video to know more.

Gibraltar: 2 Indian Officials Arrested

Did Iran Try To Block British Tanker? Tensions worsen in the Strait of Hormuz. Britain says that Iran tried to 'impede' its tanker. Iran calls Britain's allegations 'worthless'. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have previously hinted at capturing a British tanker after Britain captured Iran's tanker last week. This escalation comes amidst worsening ties between Iran and the U.S. Palki explains the significance.

Gravitas: Tensions worsen in Strait of Hormuz

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 12th, 2019

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula.

"We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula. "We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

UK says it does not want to increase tension with Iran

Five boats believed to belong to Iranian Revolutionary Guards approached a British oil tanker in the Gulf and asked it to stop in Iranian waters, but withdrew after a British warship warned them, U.S. officials said. Watch this video to know more.

US: Iranian boats try to seize UK tanker in the Gulf

How serious are Iran's breaches of the 2015 deal and what does higher enrichment mean?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-attempted-to-seize-british-tanker-fended-off-by-warship-hms-montrose-report-234800">Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report</a> 
 
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hasnt-acknowledged-presence-of-indian-prisoners-of-war-defence-personnel-in-its-custody-government-in-lok-sabha-234803">Pak hasn't acknowledged presence of Indian PoWs: Govt in Lok Sabha</a> 
 
In a written reply in Lok Sabha to a question on the number of Indian PoWs during the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the government said that as per available information, around 83 missing Indian defence personnel, including PoWs, are believed to be in Pakistan's custody.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-negotiating-new-military-deal-with-us-as-president-sirisena-vows-to-veto-agreement-234805">Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe negotiating 'new military deal' with US as President Sirisena vows to veto agreement</a> 
 
Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-hands-win-to-trump-in-hotel-emoluments-case-president-celebrates-234802">US court hands win to Trump in hotel 'emoluments' case; president celebrates</a> 
 
The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/we-are-proud-of-you-chin-up-bollywood-celebrities-react-to-team-indias-loss-in-icc-cricket-wc-2019-234816">Bollywood celebrities react to team India's loss in ICC Cricket WC 2019</a> 
 
The match, which went on for two days due to rain on the first day, left a lot of Bollywood celebrities disappointed as well.&nbsp;

Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar.

Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar. Pak hasn't acknowledged presence of Indian PoWs: Govt in Lok Sabha In a written reply in Lok Sabha to a question on the number of Indian PoWs during the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the government said that as per available information, around 83 missing Indian defence personnel, including PoWs, are believed to be in Pakistan's custody. Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe negotiating 'new military deal' with US as President Sirisena vows to veto agreement Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island. US court hands win to Trump in hotel 'emoluments' case; president celebrates The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case. Bollywood celebrities react to team India's loss in ICC Cricket WC 2019 The match, which went on for two days due to rain on the first day, left a lot of Bollywood celebrities disappointed as well.

News brief: Big stories of the day

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 11th, 2019

Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency on July 10 slammed US sanctions against Iran, calling them "economic terrorism". Watch this video to know more.

Iran hits out at U.S. in IAEA meet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-china-watch-keenly-as-sri-lanka-negotiates-new-military-deal-with-us-234975">India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US</a>

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-us-will-regret-detaining-our-oil-tanker-irans-elite-revolutionary-guards-deputy-commander-234959">Britain and US will regret detaining our oil tanker: Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards deputy commander</a>

Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/french-parliament-passes-law-taxing-us-digital-giants-234955">French law taxing US digital giants draws angry response from US President Trump</a>

The French parliament on Thursday passed a law taxing internet giants including Apple and Google in defiance of a probe ordered by President Donald Trump that could trigger reprisal tariffs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-kicked-me-out-of-rcb-relationship-is-spoiled-jokes-widies-cricketer-chris-gayle-234909">'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle</a>

West Indies legendary cricketer Chris Gayle, known for his power-hitting and dynamic attitude, spoke exclusively to Zee Business about his relationship with Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Indian fans.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-wanted-to-be-a-model-at-my-show-us-tv-host-wendy-williams-234938">Meghan Markle wanted to be a model at my show: US TV host Wendy Williams</a>

Not many in the people in the world can claim that they know more things about Duchess of Sussex aka Meghan Markle than what is already out in the public.&nbsp;

India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again. Britain and US will regret detaining our oil tanker: Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards deputy commander Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency. French law taxing US digital giants draws angry response from US President Trump The French parliament on Thursday passed a law taxing internet giants including Apple and Google in defiance of a probe ordered by President Donald Trump that could trigger reprisal tariffs. 'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle West Indies legendary cricketer Chris Gayle, known for his power-hitting and dynamic attitude, spoke exclusively to Zee Business about his relationship with Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Indian fans. Meghan Markle wanted to be a model at my show: US TV host Wendy Williams Not many in the people in the world can claim that they know more things about Duchess of Sussex aka Meghan Markle than what is already out in the public.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically important choke points.

World's most important oil transit path: The strait of Hormuz

Iranian boats tried to impede a British oil tanker near the Gulf - before being driven off by a Royal Navy ship, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Iranian boats tried to intercept British tanker

Russia on Thursday blamed Washington for the escalation in tensions with Tehran after Britain said Iranian ships had attempted to impede a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-flagged-tanker-stopped-in-gulf-safe-and-well-maritime-trade-official-233543">British oil tanker in Gulf</a> waters.

"The situation is very concerning," said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, quoted by news agency RIA Novosti.

"The reasons for this are clear. This is Washington's deliberate, premeditated course to exacerbate tensions."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists he was aware that "such an incident allegedly took place" but also of Tehran's denial.

"As before, we call on everyone to behave with restraint in the Persian Gulf in order not to exacerbate the situation," he said, calling for dialogue.

Britain said the confrontation on Wednesday saw three Iranian boats attempt to "impede the passage" of a commercial vessel called British Heritage, which is owned by British energy giant BP.

This led a British warship moving between the three boats and warning them off, UK defence ministry officials said.

The incident followed Britain's detention off the coast of Gibraltar on July 4 of an Iranian oil tanker allegedly destined for Syria.

Ryabkov on Thursday called Britain's actions "outrageous" saying that they violated not only international law but also European Union internal legislation.

Russia on Thursday blamed Washington for the escalation in tensions with Tehran after Britain said Iranian ships had attempted to impede a British oil tanker in Gulf waters.

Russia on Thursday blamed Washington for the escalation in tensions with Tehran after Britain said Iranian ships had attempted to impede a British oil tanker in Gulf waters. "The situation is very concerning," said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, quoted by news agency RIA Novosti. "The reasons for this are clear. This is Washington's deliberate, premeditated course to exacerbate tensions." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists he was aware that "such an incident allegedly took place" but also of Tehran's denial. "As before, we call on everyone to behave with restraint in the Persian Gulf in order not to exacerbate the situation," he said, calling for dialogue. Britain said the confrontation on Wednesday saw three Iranian boats attempt to "impede the passage" of a commercial vessel called British Heritage, which is owned by British energy giant BP. This led a British warship moving between the three boats and warning them off, UK defence ministry officials said. The incident followed Britain's detention off the coast of Gibraltar on July 4 of an Iranian oil tanker allegedly destined for Syria. Ryabkov on Thursday called Britain's actions "outrageous" saying that they violated not only international law but also European Union internal legislation.

Russia blames United States over Gulf tanker incident

U.S. Top Pentagon General has said that they are working to put together an international military coalition to protect all tankers that travel on the coast of Iran and Yemen.

U.S. moots coalition to patrol Iran coast

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