Iran is to launch a three-day annual navy drill from Friday in a vast area of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean including a sensitive global shipping route, state TV reported on Thursday.

"The drill will be held in the waters of Strait of Hormuz, Makran coast, Oman Sea and the north of the Indian Ocean, covering 2 million square kilometres and going on for three days," said Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, Iran's navy commander.

The exercise aims to evaluate the navy's equipment, practice launching weapons and "enable the troops to gain readiness for a real battle," he added.

The strait at the mouth of the Gulf is crucial to global energy supplies, with about a third of the world's seaborne oil passing through it every day.

The show of military might comes at a time of heightened tensions with Iran's main regional rival Saudi Arabia and with Washington, which last year withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

The Strait of Hormuz is an international transit route where American forces routinely pass and which has seen tense encounters between them and Iranian forces in the past.

Dubbed as "Velayat 97," the drill will showcase Iran's submarines, warships, helicopters and drones, according to the admiral.

The exercise will also include missile launches from the vessels, Khanzadi added. 
&nbsp;

Iran is to launch a three-day annual navy drill from Friday in a vast area of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean including a sensitive global shipping route, state TV reported on Thursday.

Iran is to launch a three-day annual navy drill from Friday in a vast area of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean including a sensitive global shipping route, state TV reported on Thursday. "The drill will be held in the waters of Strait of Hormuz, Makran coast, Oman Sea and the north of the Indian Ocean, covering 2 million square kilometres and going on for three days," said Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, Iran's navy commander. The exercise aims to evaluate the navy's equipment, practice launching weapons and "enable the troops to gain readiness for a real battle," he added. The strait at the mouth of the Gulf is crucial to global energy supplies, with about a third of the world's seaborne oil passing through it every day. The show of military might comes at a time of heightened tensions with Iran's main regional rival Saudi Arabia and with Washington, which last year withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The Strait of Hormuz is an international transit route where American forces routinely pass and which has seen tense encounters between them and Iranian forces in the past. Dubbed as "Velayat 97," the drill will showcase Iran's submarines, warships, helicopters and drones, according to the admiral. The exercise will also include missile launches from the vessels, Khanzadi added.

Iran announces 3-day navy drill from Gulf to Indian Ocean

The man who carried out a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-3-terrorists-for-suicide-bomb-attack-198114">suicide bombing which killed 27 members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards</a> near the border with Pakistan last week was Pakistani, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Tuesday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

One other member of the militant cell that planned the attack was also a Pakistani citizen, the head of the Guards' ground forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said.

Iran has repeatedly blamed Pakistan for sheltering militants connected with attacks in the border area, although Tuesday's remarks appear to be the first time Tehran has said Pakistani citizens were directly involved in the attack.

Iran also accuses regional rival Saudi Arabia of promoting violence among members of Iran's Sunni Muslim minority. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia deny any role in attacks in Iran.

Three Iranians from Sistan and Baluchistan province in southeast Iran were also part of the cell and two of them have been arrested, according to Pakpour. The guards announced three arrests in the case on Monday.

The Sunni group Jaish al Adl (Army of Justice), which says it seeks greater rights and better living conditions for ethnic minority Baluchis in eastern Iran claimed responsibility for the attack.

“Today Saudi Arabia is the heart of evil in the region and the world,” Brigadier General Hossein Salami, the deputy head of the Guards, said on Tuesday at a ceremony commemorating those killed in the attack, according to the Fars news agency.

Remnants of the car used in the suicide attack were given to the police, Pakpour said. Once the owner of the car was identified, intelligence and security forces carried out arrests.

The militants had planned to carry out multiple attacks, Pakpour said: “This group had prepared a lot of ammunition and equipment.”

The man who carried out a suicide bombing which killed 27 members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards near the border with Pakistan last week was Pakistani, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Tuesday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

The man who carried out a suicide bombing which killed 27 members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards near the border with Pakistan last week was Pakistani, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Tuesday, according to the Tasnim news agency. One other member of the militant cell that planned the attack was also a Pakistani citizen, the head of the Guards' ground forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said. Iran has repeatedly blamed Pakistan for sheltering militants connected with attacks in the border area, although Tuesday's remarks appear to be the first time Tehran has said Pakistani citizens were directly involved in the attack. Iran also accuses regional rival Saudi Arabia of promoting violence among members of Iran's Sunni Muslim minority. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia deny any role in attacks in Iran. Three Iranians from Sistan and Baluchistan province in southeast Iran were also part of the cell and two of them have been arrested, according to Pakpour. The guards announced three arrests in the case on Monday. The Sunni group Jaish al Adl (Army of Justice), which says it seeks greater rights and better living conditions for ethnic minority Baluchis in eastern Iran claimed responsibility for the attack. “Today Saudi Arabia is the heart of evil in the region and the world,” Brigadier General Hossein Salami, the deputy head of the Guards, said on Tuesday at a ceremony commemorating those killed in the attack, according to the Fars news agency. Remnants of the car used in the suicide attack were given to the police, Pakpour said. Once the owner of the car was identified, intelligence and security forces carried out arrests. The militants had planned to carry out multiple attacks, Pakpour said: “This group had prepared a lot of ammunition and equipment.”

Suicide bomber who killed 27 elite guards was from Pakistan: Iran's Guards commander

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-india-has-demonstrated-lack-of-faith-throughout-the-proceedings-alleges-pakistan-at-icj-198323">Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India has demonstrated lack of faith throughout the proceedings, alleges Pakistan at ICJ</a>

Pakistan on Tuesday responded to India at the International Court of Justice(ICJ) in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, insisting that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-claims-victory-says-eliminated-jem-leadership-in-less-than-100-hours-198278">Army claims victory says eliminated JeM leadership in less than 100 hours after Pulwama attack</a>

Giving a strong message to terrorists and Pakistan, after the Pulwama attack, top officials of the security forces on Tuesday said that anyone who picks up the gun will be killed.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hopes-pakistan-india-will-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue-says-china-on-pulwama-tensions-198315">Hope Pakistan, India will exercise restraint, engage in dialogue: China on Pulwama tensions</a>

China on Tuesday urged restraint by India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions over the Pulwama terror attack and called on both the countries to peacefully resolve their issues through dialogue as soon as possible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-after-weeks-of-speculation-aiadmk-announces-alliance-with-bjp-and-pmk-198338">Lok Sabha polls 2019: After weeks of speculation, AIADMK announces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-after-weeks-of-speculation-aiadmk-announces-alliance-with-bjp-and-pmk-198338">alliance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-after-weeks-of-speculation-aiadmk-announces-alliance-with-bjp-and-pmk-198338"> with BJP and PMK</a>

Ending weeks of speculation, Tamil Nadu's ruling party the AIADMK made two important alliance announcements in a day, &nbsp;offering 7 Lok Sabha seats and 1 Rajya Sabha seat to the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and 5 Lok Sabha seats to the BJP.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bomber-who-killed-27-members-of-irans-guards-was-pakistani-guards-commander-198313">Suicide</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bomber-who-killed-27-members-of-irans-guards-was-pakistani-guards-commander-198313"> bomber who killed 27 elite guards was Pakistani: Iran's Guards commander</a>

The man who carried out a suicide bombing which killed 27 members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards near the border with Pakistan last week was Pakistani, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Tuesday

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India has demonstrated lack of faith throughout the proceedings, alleges Pakistan at ICJ Pakistan on Tuesday responded to India at the International Court of Justice(ICJ) in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, insisting that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India has demonstrated lack of faith throughout the proceedings, alleges Pakistan at ICJ Pakistan on Tuesday responded to India at the International Court of Justice(ICJ) in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, insisting that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman. Army claims victory says eliminated JeM leadership in less than 100 hours after Pulwama attack Giving a strong message to terrorists and Pakistan, after the Pulwama attack, top officials of the security forces on Tuesday said that anyone who picks up the gun will be killed. Hope Pakistan, India will exercise restraint, engage in dialogue: China on Pulwama tensions China on Tuesday urged restraint by India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions over the Pulwama terror attack and called on both the countries to peacefully resolve their issues through dialogue as soon as possible. Lok Sabha polls 2019: After weeks of speculation, AIADMK announces alliance with BJP and PMK Ending weeks of speculation, Tamil Nadu's ruling party the AIADMK made two important alliance announcements in a day, offering 7 Lok Sabha seats and 1 Rajya Sabha seat to the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and 5 Lok Sabha seats to the BJP. Suicide bomber who killed 27 elite guards was Pakistani: Iran's Guards commander The man who carried out a suicide bombing which killed 27 members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards near the border with Pakistan last week was Pakistani, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Tuesday

News brief: Big stories of the day

Iran's exports of crude oil were higher than expected in January and are at least holding steady this month, according to tanker data and industry sources, as some customers have increased purchases due to waivers from US&nbsp;sanctions.

Shipments are averaging 1.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, Refinitiv Eikon data showed and a source at a company that tracks Iranian exports said. They were between 1.1 and 1.3 million bpd in January, higher than first thought.

A high rate of Iranian shipments would weigh on oil prices and work against a global push to cut supply in 2019 led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC member Iran negotiated an exemption from the production-cutting pact.

"We think people are taking more ahead of the deadline," said the industry source who tracks Iranian exports, referring to the scheduled end of US&nbsp;sanctions waivers in May.

Increased exports from the Islamic Republic might prompt renewed US&nbsp;efforts to clamp down on flows. However, this would run the risk of driving up oil prices as Washington is also seeking to curtail exports from another foe, Venezuela.

Iran's exports have become more opaque since US&nbsp;sanctions on the country's oil sector took effect in November. While most agree they have dropped steeply, views on flows can differ by as much as several hundred thousand barrels per day - enough to affect prices.

The February shipments are up from January's 1.1 million bpd, according to Refinitiv. The industry source estimated January exports at 1.3 million bpd, close to February's level.

In any case, the January figures are higher than initial estimates. Some had predicted Iranian crude exports would stay below 1 million bpd last month, a similar rate to that in December.

A source at a second company that tracks Iranian exports said shipments in the first 10 days of February were above 1.1 million bpd and on a rising trend - higher than the source expected.

Washington gave waivers to eight buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea, which were all purchasing Iranian crude in February, according to Refinitiv.

The rise in shipments raises the prospect of less generous waivers, should Washington renew such exemptions when those in place expire. The US&nbsp;special representative for Iran said last month there would be a much deeper reduction in Iranian exports.

Shipments have dropped steeply from at least 2.5 million bpd in April 2018, the month before US&nbsp;President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions.

Tehran has vowed to keep exporting oil despite US&nbsp;efforts to reduce its shipments to zero.

 
&nbsp;

Iran's exports of crude oil were higher than expected in January and are at least holding steady this month, according to tanker data and industry sources, as some customers have increased purchases due to waivers from US sanctions.

Iran's exports of crude oil were higher than expected in January and are at least holding steady this month, according to tanker data and industry sources, as some customers have increased purchases due to waivers from US sanctions. Shipments are averaging 1.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, Refinitiv Eikon data showed and a source at a company that tracks Iranian exports said. They were between 1.1 and 1.3 million bpd in January, higher than first thought. A high rate of Iranian shipments would weigh on oil prices and work against a global push to cut supply in 2019 led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC member Iran negotiated an exemption from the production-cutting pact. "We think people are taking more ahead of the deadline," said the industry source who tracks Iranian exports, referring to the scheduled end of US sanctions waivers in May. Increased exports from the Islamic Republic might prompt renewed US efforts to clamp down on flows. However, this would run the risk of driving up oil prices as Washington is also seeking to curtail exports from another foe, Venezuela. Iran's exports have become more opaque since US sanctions on the country's oil sector took effect in November. While most agree they have dropped steeply, views on flows can differ by as much as several hundred thousand barrels per day - enough to affect prices. The February shipments are up from January's 1.1 million bpd, according to Refinitiv. The industry source estimated January exports at 1.3 million bpd, close to February's level. In any case, the January figures are higher than initial estimates. Some had predicted Iranian crude exports would stay below 1 million bpd last month, a similar rate to that in December. A source at a second company that tracks Iranian exports said shipments in the first 10 days of February were above 1.1 million bpd and on a rising trend - higher than the source expected. Washington gave waivers to eight buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea, which were all purchasing Iranian crude in February, according to Refinitiv. The rise in shipments raises the prospect of less generous waivers, should Washington renew such exemptions when those in place expire. The US special representative for Iran said last month there would be a much deeper reduction in Iranian exports. Shipments have dropped steeply from at least 2.5 million bpd in April 2018, the month before US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Tehran has vowed to keep exporting oil despite US efforts to reduce its shipments to zero.

Despite sanctions, Iran's oil exports rise in early 2019

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in southeastern Iran.

"Safehouses in (the cities of) Saravan and Khash were identified and eliminated, and the terrorists based in them were arrested," the force said on its official Sepah news agency.

"Three of the terrorists were arrested and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated," it said.

The Guards said the three arrested had "produced, guided and supported" the vehicle used in Wednesday's suicide bombing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-india-iran-lashes-out-on-pakistan-on-terror-front-summons-pak-envoy-197945">The bombing killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards</a> travelling on a bus in the volatile province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

The attack was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice).

Iran has provided Pakistani officials with "information on the terrorist groups' hidden and semi-hidden training centres", army chief-of-staff Mohammad Bagheri told Tasnim news agency.

Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari has accused Pakistan's army and intelligence agency of sheltering the jihadists.

On Sunday, the foreign ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran and urged Islamabad to "seriously confront... the terrorist groups active on its border" with Iran.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in southeastern Iran.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in southeastern Iran. "Safehouses in (the cities of) Saravan and Khash were identified and eliminated, and the terrorists based in them were arrested," the force said on its official Sepah news agency. "Three of the terrorists were arrested and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated," it said. The Guards said the three arrested had "produced, guided and supported" the vehicle used in Wednesday's suicide bombing. The bombing killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards travelling on a bus in the volatile province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan. The attack was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice). Iran has provided Pakistani officials with "information on the terrorist groups' hidden and semi-hidden training centres", army chief-of-staff Mohammad Bagheri told Tasnim news agency. Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari has accused Pakistan's army and intelligence agency of sheltering the jihadists. On Sunday, the foreign ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran and urged Islamabad to "seriously confront... the terrorist groups active on its border" with Iran.

Iran arrests 3 'terrorists' for suicide bomb attack

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.&nbsp;

Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs”

Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran.

In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other."

Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue."

After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest. Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs” Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran. In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other." Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue." After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

After India, Iran lashes out on Pakistan on terror front; summons Pak envoy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran Tuesday that Israeli missiles can travel "very far", on the eve of a conference in Poland about peace and security in the Middle East.

Speaking during a visit to a naval base in the northern port of Haifa, Netanyahu said, "The missiles you see behind me can go very far, against any enemy, including Iran's proxies in our region" -- an apparent reference to Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement.

"We are constantly working according to our u

nderstanding and the need to prevent Iran and its proxies from entrenching on our northern border and in our region in general," Netanyahu added.

"We are doing everything necessary," said Netanyahu, as he inspected Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system.

Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel would not allow Iran and its ally Hezbollah to entrench themselves in neighbouring Syria where they are backing the Damascus regime against rebels and jihadists.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria in the past few years against Iranian and Hezbollah targets.

On Wednesday the Israeli prime minister is set to take part in an international conference in Warsaw co-organised by the United States and Poland.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month announced the two-day conference saying it would focus on the "destabilising influence" of Iran in the Middle East.

But with few RSVPs coming, Poland and the US have toned down the agenda to focus on ways of promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

During the conference, US President Donald Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, who has been putting final touches on a "deal of the century" for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, will make a rare speaking appearance.

Kushner may offer hints of the US peace proposal but is not expected to unveil the full deal until after the April 9 election in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran Tuesday that Israeli missiles can travel "very far", on the eve of a conference in Poland about peace and security in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran Tuesday that Israeli missiles can travel "very far", on the eve of a conference in Poland about peace and security in the Middle East. Speaking during a visit to a naval base in the northern port of Haifa, Netanyahu said, "The missiles you see behind me can go very far, against any enemy, including Iran's proxies in our region" -- an apparent reference to Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement. "We are constantly working according to our u nderstanding and the need to prevent Iran and its proxies from entrenching on our northern border and in our region in general," Netanyahu added. "We are doing everything necessary," said Netanyahu, as he inspected Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel would not allow Iran and its ally Hezbollah to entrench themselves in neighbouring Syria where they are backing the Damascus regime against rebels and jihadists. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria in the past few years against Iranian and Hezbollah targets. On Wednesday the Israeli prime minister is set to take part in an international conference in Warsaw co-organised by the United States and Poland. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month announced the two-day conference saying it would focus on the "destabilising influence" of Iran in the Middle East. But with few RSVPs coming, Poland and the US have toned down the agenda to focus on ways of promoting peace and security in the Middle East. During the conference, US President Donald Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, who has been putting final touches on a "deal of the century" for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, will make a rare speaking appearance. Kushner may offer hints of the US peace proposal but is not expected to unveil the full deal until after the April 9 election in Israel.

Israel warns Iran that its missiles can travel 'very far'

Iran has stood ready to support the Lebanese government and provide all-around military aid, said Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, on Monday at a press conference after talks with Lebanese foreign minister Gebran Bassil.

Zarif arrived on Sunday in the Lebanese capital where he met with the country's President Michel Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

He was the first Iranian government minister to visit Lebanon after Lebanon formed a new government on January 31, 2019.

He said Iran is ready to provide all-round military aid to Lebanon when the Lebanese side deems it appropriate.

On his part, Bassil welcomed Iran's aid, but said it must be unconditional and the Lebanese government will conduct an assessment based on its national interests.

"All the aid to our troops and organizations must be unconditional. As long as it can enhance the strengthening of our country and government organizations, we should embrace it," he said.

Analysts believe that Hezbollah has gained a greater say in the new Lebanese government, which has previously drawn criticism from Israel and caused tensions in the bilateral ties.

Zarif's visit and his offer of military aid are feared to add to uncertainty in the bilateral ties of Lebanon and Israel.

Hezbollah is a militant group and political party that was founded by Shiite clerics in Lebanon following the Israeli invasion in 1982. It is believed to coordinate its efforts closely with Shiite-dominated Iran.

Bassil also announced that his country would not attend the international ministerial meeting on the Middle East on February 13-14 in Warsaw.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Jan. 11 the meeting would "focus on Middle East stability and peace and freedom and security here in this region, and that includes an important element of making sure that Iran is not a destabilizing influence."

Zarif has dismissed the meeting as an "anti-Iranian circus event."

Iran has stood ready to support the Lebanese government and provide all-around military aid, said Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, on Monday at a press conference after talks with Lebanese foreign minister Gebran Bassil.

Iran has stood ready to support the Lebanese government and provide all-around military aid, said Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, on Monday at a press conference after talks with Lebanese foreign minister Gebran Bassil. Zarif arrived on Sunday in the Lebanese capital where he met with the country's President Michel Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri. He was the first Iranian government minister to visit Lebanon after Lebanon formed a new government on January 31, 2019. He said Iran is ready to provide all-round military aid to Lebanon when the Lebanese side deems it appropriate. On his part, Bassil welcomed Iran's aid, but said it must be unconditional and the Lebanese government will conduct an assessment based on its national interests. "All the aid to our troops and organizations must be unconditional. As long as it can enhance the strengthening of our country and government organizations, we should embrace it," he said. Analysts believe that Hezbollah has gained a greater say in the new Lebanese government, which has previously drawn criticism from Israel and caused tensions in the bilateral ties. Zarif's visit and his offer of military aid are feared to add to uncertainty in the bilateral ties of Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah is a militant group and political party that was founded by Shiite clerics in Lebanon following the Israeli invasion in 1982. It is believed to coordinate its efforts closely with Shiite-dominated Iran. Bassil also announced that his country would not attend the international ministerial meeting on the Middle East on February 13-14 in Warsaw. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Jan. 11 the meeting would "focus on Middle East stability and peace and freedom and security here in this region, and that includes an important element of making sure that Iran is not a destabilizing influence." Zarif has dismissed the meeting as an "anti-Iranian circus event."

Iranian FM offers Lebanon all-round military aid in Beirut

By Naser Ghobadzadeh

Iran’s ruling clergy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, during which Shi'ite Islamists, led by religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, toppled Mohammad Reza Shah’s secular monarchy.

The linchpin of the Islamic Republic’s political system is Ayatollah Khomeini’s doctrine of Wilayat-i Faqih, or guardianship of the jurist, which makes a Shia religious jurist the head of state. The jurist’s legitimacy to hold the most powerful position in the state is claimed to be based on divine sovereignty.

As its name suggests, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s current system combines theocratic and republican elements. The president and parliament are democratically elected, while the members of powerful institutions such as the Guardian Council and the judiciary are appointed by the Supreme Leader (Walī-yi Faqīh).

The Guardian Council oversees elections and the final approval of the legislation. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, all legislation, policies and programs must be consistent with the observance of Islamic principles. The Guardian Council has a duty to monitor all legislative decisions and determine whether their implementation would cause a violation.

This unprecedented political system brought in four decades of internal conflict. The established Islamic Republic of Iran also ceased being a US ally and instead became an enemy. International sanctions, along with the clergy’s mismanagement and endemic corruption, have resulted in a dire economic situation. There is a strong fear the high unemployment and inflation rate will continue to rise.

Under these circumstances, there are now doubts the Islamic Republic can survive. And some wonder whether we may soon see another revolution. So, what is the situation in Iran 40 years after the Shah was overthrown and who is agitating for change?

Decades of unrest

After Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989, a more conservative Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, came to power and strengthened the theocracy.

The reformist movement emerged in the mid-1990s to counter the newly established conservative regime. They had little chance of gaining power through theocratic institutions, so they focused on the electoral side. They campaigned for women’s rights, democratic rule and a civil-military divide.

Reformists gained power twice: from 1997 to 2005 and from 2013 – with the election of the relatively moderate president, Hassan Rouhani – until now. In these years, reformists controlled electoral institutions such as the presidency and the parliament.

For decades, reformers have struggled to limit the power of theocratic institutions – while still broadly complying by the laws of the clergy, and the principles set in place by Khomeini – and expand the power of republican institutions. However, they were no match for the Khamenei-led resistance, and theocratic institutions are more powerful today than they were in the mid-1990s.

Iran has also continually had tense relations with the international community. In addition to eight years of war with Iraq, Iran has been under sanctions for almost all of the past four decades. These have been imposed by the US, the EU, and the United Nations over claims Iran breached its nuclear obligations.

Today, the Donald Trump-led US government is pursuing an extremely hostile approach to Iran. Crucially, the US has withdrawn from a nuclear deal negotiated with the Obama administration – under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program. The US has reapplied previous sanctions (which were lifted under the deal) and imposed new ones. Iranians are also the most affected of the Muslim majority countries included in Trump’s travel ban.

Reformists have made some progress towards easing economic hardship, loosening social control, and initiating a temporary easing of tensions with the outside community. But the parlous nature of the political structure empowers the theocrats to manipulate the system and stymie any reform effort that promises a path to democratisation.

Reformists or pro-regime opposition

The protests that swept Iran between December 2017 and January 2018 showed that many Iranians don’t consider the reformists capable of bringing about meaningful change. Protesters expressed their anger over increasing economic hardship, as well as Iran’s support and funding for foreign conflicts, namely the civil wars in Yemen and Syria. They also chanted slogans calling for an end to the rule of clerics.

Rampant corruption, the failure of Rouhani to fulfil his promises – such as boosting the economy, extending individual and political freedoms, ensuring equality for women and men, and easing access to the internet – and the return of sanctions have combined to shatter hope of reform. This has been expressed in global protests by the Iranian diaspora calling for a change to the government.

It seems unlikely the reformists will be able to maintain their positions in the country’s electoral institutions. The sad reality is that even if they have another chance, the result will only compound their failures.

These circumstances have led to another stream of opposition – one agitating for a toppling of the Islamic Republic and regime change – gaining currency. Most members of this group are in exile, including Iran’s ex-prince and son of the Shah overthrown by the revolution, Reza Pahlavi.

But there is profound disagreement between the opposition groups in exile. Although they share a similar goal, they have consistently proven unable to agree on an overarching framework. The profound divisions among the groups have drained both their resources and intellectual capacity, which has rendered them incapable of contesting the country’s ruling clergy.

Those advocating for regime change have also been incapable of articulating a viable alternative to the Islamic Republic. All opposition groups overuse the abstract notion of “secular democracy” without clearly explaining what exactly they have in mind.

Pahlavi’s desire is reportedly not to put himself back on the throne, but to let the people decide what the political system would look like. He has said, "It’s not the form that matters, it’s the content; I believe Iran must be a secular, parliamentary democracy. The final form has to be decided by the people."

While this is a legitimate statement, figures like Pahlavi ought to offer viable alternatives that would help bring opposition groups together. Potential alternatives should also be structured to appeal to the masses, a considerable segment of whom have expressed disillusionment with the ideal of an Islamic state.

Opposition groups are absorbed in delegitimising the Islamic Republic, questioning the way the clergy run the country. In doing so, they forget the people who have already expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the clergy.

The opposition needs to skillfully craft an alternative to the Islamic Republic and a comprehensive plan for the transition to democracy. Until an alternative political system is formulated and popularised, the opposition will remain impotent and unable to initiate a transformation in the country.

Of course, change is not impossible. A military confrontation with Israel or the US, the departure of 79-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei, or a spontaneous mass uprising could prove a game changer.

(Naser Ghobadzadeh is Senior Lecturer, National School of Arts, Australian Catholic University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/forty-years-on-from-the-iranian-revolution-could-the-country-be-at-risk-of-another-one-110693">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Naser Ghobadzadeh Iran’s ruling clergy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, during which Shi'ite Islamists, led by religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, toppled Mohammad Reza Shah’s secular monarchy.

By Naser Ghobadzadeh Iran’s ruling clergy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, during which Shi'ite Islamists, led by religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, toppled Mohammad Reza Shah’s secular monarchy. The linchpin of the Islamic Republic’s political system is Ayatollah Khomeini’s doctrine of Wilayat-i Faqih, or guardianship of the jurist, which makes a Shia religious jurist the head of state. The jurist’s legitimacy to hold the most powerful position in the state is claimed to be based on divine sovereignty. As its name suggests, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s current system combines theocratic and republican elements. The president and parliament are democratically elected, while the members of powerful institutions such as the Guardian Council and the judiciary are appointed by the Supreme Leader (Walī-yi Faqīh). The Guardian Council oversees elections and the final approval of the legislation. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, all legislation, policies and programs must be consistent with the observance of Islamic principles. The Guardian Council has a duty to monitor all legislative decisions and determine whether their implementation would cause a violation. This unprecedented political system brought in four decades of internal conflict. The established Islamic Republic of Iran also ceased being a US ally and instead became an enemy. International sanctions, along with the clergy’s mismanagement and endemic corruption, have resulted in a dire economic situation. There is a strong fear the high unemployment and inflation rate will continue to rise. Under these circumstances, there are now doubts the Islamic Republic can survive. And some wonder whether we may soon see another revolution. So, what is the situation in Iran 40 years after the Shah was overthrown and who is agitating for change? Decades of unrest After Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989, a more conservative Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, came to power and strengthened the theocracy. The reformist movement emerged in the mid-1990s to counter the newly established conservative regime. They had little chance of gaining power through theocratic institutions, so they focused on the electoral side. They campaigned for women’s rights, democratic rule and a civil-military divide. Reformists gained power twice: from 1997 to 2005 and from 2013 – with the election of the relatively moderate president, Hassan Rouhani – until now. In these years, reformists controlled electoral institutions such as the presidency and the parliament. For decades, reformers have struggled to limit the power of theocratic institutions – while still broadly complying by the laws of the clergy, and the principles set in place by Khomeini – and expand the power of republican institutions. However, they were no match for the Khamenei-led resistance, and theocratic institutions are more powerful today than they were in the mid-1990s. Iran has also continually had tense relations with the international community. In addition to eight years of war with Iraq, Iran has been under sanctions for almost all of the past four decades. These have been imposed by the US, the EU, and the United Nations over claims Iran breached its nuclear obligations. Today, the Donald Trump-led US government is pursuing an extremely hostile approach to Iran. Crucially, the US has withdrawn from a nuclear deal negotiated with the Obama administration – under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program. The US has reapplied previous sanctions (which were lifted under the deal) and imposed new ones. Iranians are also the most affected of the Muslim majority countries included in Trump’s travel ban. Reformists have made some progress towards easing economic hardship, loosening social control, and initiating a temporary easing of tensions with the outside community. But the parlous nature of the political structure empowers the theocrats to manipulate the system and stymie any reform effort that promises a path to democratisation. Reformists or pro-regime opposition The protests that swept Iran between December 2017 and January 2018 showed that many Iranians don’t consider the reformists capable of bringing about meaningful change. Protesters expressed their anger over increasing economic hardship, as well as Iran’s support and funding for foreign conflicts, namely the civil wars in Yemen and Syria. They also chanted slogans calling for an end to the rule of clerics. Rampant corruption, the failure of Rouhani to fulfil his promises – such as boosting the economy, extending individual and political freedoms, ensuring equality for women and men, and easing access to the internet – and the return of sanctions have combined to shatter hope of reform. This has been expressed in global protests by the Iranian diaspora calling for a change to the government. It seems unlikely the reformists will be able to maintain their positions in the country’s electoral institutions. The sad reality is that even if they have another chance, the result will only compound their failures. These circumstances have led to another stream of opposition – one agitating for a toppling of the Islamic Republic and regime change – gaining currency. Most members of this group are in exile, including Iran’s ex-prince and son of the Shah overthrown by the revolution, Reza Pahlavi. But there is profound disagreement between the opposition groups in exile. Although they share a similar goal, they have consistently proven unable to agree on an overarching framework. The profound divisions among the groups have drained both their resources and intellectual capacity, which has rendered them incapable of contesting the country’s ruling clergy. Those advocating for regime change have also been incapable of articulating a viable alternative to the Islamic Republic. All opposition groups overuse the abstract notion of “secular democracy” without clearly explaining what exactly they have in mind. Pahlavi’s desire is reportedly not to put himself back on the throne, but to let the people decide what the political system would look like. He has said, "It’s not the form that matters, it’s the content; I believe Iran must be a secular, parliamentary democracy. The final form has to be decided by the people." While this is a legitimate statement, figures like Pahlavi ought to offer viable alternatives that would help bring opposition groups together. Potential alternatives should also be structured to appeal to the masses, a considerable segment of whom have expressed disillusionment with the ideal of an Islamic state. Opposition groups are absorbed in delegitimising the Islamic Republic, questioning the way the clergy run the country. In doing so, they forget the people who have already expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the clergy. The opposition needs to skillfully craft an alternative to the Islamic Republic and a comprehensive plan for the transition to democracy. Until an alternative political system is formulated and popularised, the opposition will remain impotent and unable to initiate a transformation in the country. Of course, change is not impossible. A military confrontation with Israel or the US, the departure of 79-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei, or a spontaneous mass uprising could prove a game changer. (Naser Ghobadzadeh is Senior Lecturer, National School of Arts, Australian Catholic 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.)

Forty years on from the Iranian revolution, could the country be at risk of another one?

Iran's president on Monday insisted "enemy" plots against the country would fail as vast crowds marked 40 years since the Islamic revolution at a time of heightened tensions with the United States.

"The presence of people today on the streets all over Islamic Iran... means that the enemy will never reach its evil objectives," a defiant President Hassan Rouhani told those thronging Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) square, decrying a "conspiracy" involving Washington.

Chador-clad women, militia members in camouflage fatigues and ordinary citizens marched through the capital in freezing rain to commemorate the day in February 1979 that Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ended millennia of royal rule.

The routes leading up to the square were packed with people as loudspeakers blared revolutionary anthems and slogans.

Life-size replicas of Iranian-made cruise and ballistic missiles stood in a statement of defiance after the US last year reimposed sanctions following its withdrawal from a deal on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Rouhani lambasted calls from the United States and Europe for a fresh agreement to curb Iran's missile programme.

"We have not, and will not, request permission from anyone for increasing our defensive power and for building all kinds of... missiles," he told the crowd.

Speaking from a flower-festooned stage overlooking the square, the president warned that Iran was now far stronger than when it faced off against Saddam Hussein's Iraq in a devastating conflict from 1980-88.

"Today the whole world should know that the Islamic Republic of Iran is considerably more powerful than the days of the war," Rouhani said.

Seemingly reaching out to his political critics within the country, the president added: "The more we allow different ideas, beliefs and (political) factions the stronger our system will be."

A pre-prepared resolution was read out ahead of his speech that proclaimed "unquestioning obedience to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei" and called US President Donald Trump an "idiot".

The events Monday were the culmination of official celebrations called the "10 Day Dawn" that mark the period between February 1, 1979, and February 11 when Shiite cleric Khomeini returned from exile and ousted the shah's last government.

The state has played up this year's anniversary as 40 is symbolic of maturity in the Islamic tradition and the age at which Prophet Mohammed received revelations from God.

But despite the official festivities, today's Islamic republic faces acute economic challenges as it struggles with a mix of domestic hardships and US sanctions.

'Support the revolution'

State television offered blanket coverage of the commemorations, showing marches in cities ranging from Abadan in southwestern Iran to Mashhad in the northeast.

Banners held by marchers or hung along the streets bore slogans including "Death to America", "Death to Israel", "we will trample on America", "forty years of challenge, forty years of US defeats".

A number of Israeli and American flags were set on fire by the crowds.

An anchor on state television warned of hostile foreign media trying to downplay the participation of Iranians in the march but expressed confidence that "they would be confounded by the unprecedented level of attendance".

Those who took to the streets were bullish despite the economic problems in the country, made worse by Washington's punitive measures.

Former public servant Saaghi insisted that it remained paramount for Iranians to stick by the revolution.

"We are here to support the revolution," the 57-year-old pensioner, who refused to give his first name, told AFP at the event in Tehran.

He compared the US sanctions and economic hardships to "riding a bicycle when someone puts a stick in the wheels" but pointed to advances in other fields as more than making up for them.

"On the revolution's 40th anniversary we are at the top for scientific achievements like nanotechnology or accurate missiles," he said.

Cleric Hossein Firouzi told AFP Iran's revolution had achieved everything it set out to in terms of military power, political identity and scientific achievements.

"Iran has changed from a backwards nation to world power," said the 50-year-old.

Current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to publish "a detailed statement explaining the 'second step' of the progress of the Islamic revolution", his official website said. 
&nbsp;

Iran's president on Monday insisted "enemy" plots against the country would fail as vast crowds marked 40 years since the Islamic revolution at a time of heightened tensions with the United States.

Iran's president on Monday insisted "enemy" plots against the country would fail as vast crowds marked 40 years since the Islamic revolution at a time of heightened tensions with the United States. "The presence of people today on the streets all over Islamic Iran... means that the enemy will never reach its evil objectives," a defiant President Hassan Rouhani told those thronging Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) square, decrying a "conspiracy" involving Washington. Chador-clad women, militia members in camouflage fatigues and ordinary citizens marched through the capital in freezing rain to commemorate the day in February 1979 that Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ended millennia of royal rule. The routes leading up to the square were packed with people as loudspeakers blared revolutionary anthems and slogans. Life-size replicas of Iranian-made cruise and ballistic missiles stood in a statement of defiance after the US last year reimposed sanctions following its withdrawal from a deal on Tehran's nuclear programme. Rouhani lambasted calls from the United States and Europe for a fresh agreement to curb Iran's missile programme. "We have not, and will not, request permission from anyone for increasing our defensive power and for building all kinds of... missiles," he told the crowd. Speaking from a flower-festooned stage overlooking the square, the president warned that Iran was now far stronger than when it faced off against Saddam Hussein's Iraq in a devastating conflict from 1980-88. "Today the whole world should know that the Islamic Republic of Iran is considerably more powerful than the days of the war," Rouhani said. Seemingly reaching out to his political critics within the country, the president added: "The more we allow different ideas, beliefs and (political) factions the stronger our system will be." A pre-prepared resolution was read out ahead of his speech that proclaimed "unquestioning obedience to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei" and called US President Donald Trump an "idiot". The events Monday were the culmination of official celebrations called the "10 Day Dawn" that mark the period between February 1, 1979, and February 11 when Shiite cleric Khomeini returned from exile and ousted the shah's last government. The state has played up this year's anniversary as 40 is symbolic of maturity in the Islamic tradition and the age at which Prophet Mohammed received revelations from God. But despite the official festivities, today's Islamic republic faces acute economic challenges as it struggles with a mix of domestic hardships and US sanctions. 'Support the revolution' State television offered blanket coverage of the commemorations, showing marches in cities ranging from Abadan in southwestern Iran to Mashhad in the northeast. Banners held by marchers or hung along the streets bore slogans including "Death to America", "Death to Israel", "we will trample on America", "forty years of challenge, forty years of US defeats". A number of Israeli and American flags were set on fire by the crowds. An anchor on state television warned of hostile foreign media trying to downplay the participation of Iranians in the march but expressed confidence that "they would be confounded by the unprecedented level of attendance". Those who took to the streets were bullish despite the economic problems in the country, made worse by Washington's punitive measures. Former public servant Saaghi insisted that it remained paramount for Iranians to stick by the revolution. "We are here to support the revolution," the 57-year-old pensioner, who refused to give his first name, told AFP at the event in Tehran. He compared the US sanctions and economic hardships to "riding a bicycle when someone puts a stick in the wheels" but pointed to advances in other fields as more than making up for them. "On the revolution's 40th anniversary we are at the top for scientific achievements like nanotechnology or accurate missiles," he said. Cleric Hossein Firouzi told AFP Iran's revolution had achieved everything it set out to in terms of military power, political identity and scientific achievements. "Iran has changed from a backwards nation to world power," said the 50-year-old. Current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to publish "a detailed statement explaining the 'second step' of the progress of the Islamic revolution", his official website said.

Mammoth crowds mark 40th anniversary of Iran revolution

WION Dispatch, 11th February, 2019

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-iran-to-continue-expanding-military-might-missile-work-196656">that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground</a> if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic.

"The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," Yadollah Javani, the Guards’ deputy head for political affairs was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

He was speaking at a rally celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic.

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic. "The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," Yadollah Javani, the Guards’ deputy head for political affairs was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. He was speaking at a rally celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

Iran says it will 'raze Tel Aviv to the ground' if attacked by US: IRNA

When the global oil trading industry gathered for its biggest annual meeting in Asia in September last year, US oil producing companies came well prepared.

US giant Exxon Mobil and European rival Royal Dutch/Shell prepared brochures for oil buyers detailing various US crude grades and why they were suitable to replace part of Asia's long-standing supplies from the Middle East, Africa and Russia.

As the oil industry gathers in London this month for the annual IP Week, US crude producers may have every reason to toast the success of their campaign in Europe, as well as Asia.

Only a few years ago, before the hydro-fracking and shale revolution overturned the economics of US oil production, the United States was the world's largest oil importer by far and prohibited exports of oil by law.

Now shipments of US crude into Europe have just hit a new record. January imports were 630,000 barrels per day, still - behind Russia and Iraq but above other OPEC producers including Nigeria and Libya.

Higher US crude exports have been helped by lower supplies of Iranian and Venezuelan crude, which Washington has put under sanctions, scaring buyers across the world.

In the whole of 2018, US supplies to Europe doubled to 430,000 bpd, according to Refinitiv Eikon flows data. That represented 6 per cent of overall imports or equal to the levels of Iranian oil imports to Europe before the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Tehran.

"US crude is a real headache. It puts a lot of pressure on regional light grades. In fact, prices for all grades are affected because it is such a significant extra supply," said a trader with a European trader selling Russian oil.

Pressure will likely only increase as for 2019 US crude oil production is expected to average 12.06 million bpd, up 1.18 million bpd from last year, according to US government.

Future predictions say the United States could produce as much as 15 million bpd of crude and up to 20 million bpd of total oil liquids, giving it complete self-sufficiency as it would fully cover its consumption of 18-19 million bpd.

Booming US production has prompted OPEC and major non-OPEC producers like Russia to slash output by 3-4 per cent since 2017 to prop up prices. The pact has helped double prices to $60 per barrel but at the expense of a market share loss to US firms.

"Welcome to the free market," said a US-based executive of an international trading firm. "Local producers either need to drop their pricing to compete or find other markets".

Competition is particularly acute in northwest Europe, where Britain and the Netherlands imported 6.5 and 5.1 million tonnes of US crude in 2018 respectively.

BP, Litasco, Equinor, Total and ExxonMobil were among the main buyers in the Baltic replacing North Sea barrels with US grades, traders say.

"WTI is the new dated Brent," said a senior crude trader referring to the US and European benchmarks.

BP takes US oil to its Gelsenkirchen refinery in Germany while Poland's PKN Orlen said in January it would cut Russia's Urals purchases from Kremlin oil major Rosneft by 30 per cent and partially replace it with US barrels. In Britain, the main US oil buyers are Essar Oil and Exxon Mobil, traders said.

In the Mediterranean, buyers of US barrels - Italy, Spain, France - tend to use them to replace light Caspian CPC Blend, Russia's Urals and Iranian oil, traders said.

Greece's Hellenic Petroleum added WTI to its list of preferred crude options alongside Urals and CPC as did Turkey's Tupras. In Italy, US oil flows to Kuwait Petroleum's Milazzo refinery and the Swiss Varo Energy's plant.

WTI was by far the most popular US grade among European buyers in 2018, followed by Midland Eagle Ford, Bakken and Mars.

As the world moves to tighter marine fuel regulations, which will increase demand for light barrels, demand for US oil - which is predominantly light - will only rise.

"I expect US crude to become even more popular in Europe. It seems that whatever is happening to oil markets these days, the US benefits," said a trader with large European major.

When the global oil trading industry gathered for its biggest annual meeting in Asia in September last year, US oil producing companies came well prepared. US giant Exxon Mobil and European rival Royal Dutch/Shell prepared brochures for oil buyers detailing various US crude grades and why they were suitable to replace part of Asia's long-standing supplies from the Middle East, Africa and Russia.

When the global oil trading industry gathered for its biggest annual meeting in Asia in September last year, US oil producing companies came well prepared. US giant Exxon Mobil and European rival Royal Dutch/Shell prepared brochures for oil buyers detailing various US crude grades and why they were suitable to replace part of Asia's long-standing supplies from the Middle East, Africa and Russia. As the oil industry gathers in London this month for the annual IP Week, US crude producers may have every reason to toast the success of their campaign in Europe, as well as Asia. Only a few years ago, before the hydro-fracking and shale revolution overturned the economics of US oil production, the United States was the world's largest oil importer by far and prohibited exports of oil by law. Now shipments of US crude into Europe have just hit a new record. January imports were 630,000 barrels per day, still - behind Russia and Iraq but above other OPEC producers including Nigeria and Libya. Higher US crude exports have been helped by lower supplies of Iranian and Venezuelan crude, which Washington has put under sanctions, scaring buyers across the world. In the whole of 2018, US supplies to Europe doubled to 430,000 bpd, according to Refinitiv Eikon flows data. That represented 6 per cent of overall imports or equal to the levels of Iranian oil imports to Europe before the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Tehran. "US crude is a real headache. It puts a lot of pressure on regional light grades. In fact, prices for all grades are affected because it is such a significant extra supply," said a trader with a European trader selling Russian oil. Pressure will likely only increase as for 2019 US crude oil production is expected to average 12.06 million bpd, up 1.18 million bpd from last year, according to US government. Future predictions say the United States could produce as much as 15 million bpd of crude and up to 20 million bpd of total oil liquids, giving it complete self-sufficiency as it would fully cover its consumption of 18-19 million bpd. Booming US production has prompted OPEC and major non-OPEC producers like Russia to slash output by 3-4 per cent since 2017 to prop up prices. The pact has helped double prices to $60 per barrel but at the expense of a market share loss to US firms. "Welcome to the free market," said a US-based executive of an international trading firm. "Local producers either need to drop their pricing to compete or find other markets". Competition is particularly acute in northwest Europe, where Britain and the Netherlands imported 6.5 and 5.1 million tonnes of US crude in 2018 respectively. BP, Litasco, Equinor, Total and ExxonMobil were among the main buyers in the Baltic replacing North Sea barrels with US grades, traders say. "WTI is the new dated Brent," said a senior crude trader referring to the US and European benchmarks. BP takes US oil to its Gelsenkirchen refinery in Germany while Poland's PKN Orlen said in January it would cut Russia's Urals purchases from Kremlin oil major Rosneft by 30 per cent and partially replace it with US barrels. In Britain, the main US oil buyers are Essar Oil and Exxon Mobil, traders said. In the Mediterranean, buyers of US barrels - Italy, Spain, France - tend to use them to replace light Caspian CPC Blend, Russia's Urals and Iranian oil, traders said. Greece's Hellenic Petroleum added WTI to its list of preferred crude options alongside Urals and CPC as did Turkey's Tupras. In Italy, US oil flows to Kuwait Petroleum's Milazzo refinery and the Swiss Varo Energy's plant. WTI was by far the most popular US grade among European buyers in 2018, followed by Midland Eagle Ford, Bakken and Mars. As the world moves to tighter marine fuel regulations, which will increase demand for light barrels, demand for US oil - which is predominantly light - will only rise. "I expect US crude to become even more popular in Europe. It seems that whatever is happening to oil markets these days, the US benefits," said a trader with large European major.

With Iran squeezed out, US oil takes on new rivals in Europe

Iranian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-launch-two-satellites-in-coming-days-190236">President Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

"We have not asked and will not ask for permission to develop different types of ... missiles and will continue our path and our military power," Rouhani said in a speech at Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) square, where tens of thousands gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution.

Rouhani also vowed Iran would defeat US&nbsp;sanctions, reimposed after President Donald Trump withdrew from Tehran's nuclear accord with world powers last year.

"The Iranian people have and will have some economic difficulties (due to the sanctions) but we will overcome the problems by helping each other," Rouhani said.

&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported. "We have not asked and will not ask for permission to develop different types of ... missiles and will continue our path and our military power," Rouhani said in a speech at Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) square, where tens of thousands gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution. Rouhani also vowed Iran would defeat US sanctions, reimposed after President Donald Trump withdrew from Tehran's nuclear accord with world powers last year. "The Iranian people have and will have some economic difficulties (due to the sanctions) but we will overcome the problems by helping each other," Rouhani said.

Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani

Iran is waiting for Lebanon to show a desire to accept its military assistance, Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday, reiterating an offer of support to the US-backed Lebanese military.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, whose government backs the powerful Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah, was speaking at Beirut airport at the start of his first visit to Lebanon since its new government was formed late last month.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said last week he was ready to secure air defence systems for the Lebanese army from Iran to confront Israeli warplanes and to secure "everything it wants to be the strongest army in the region".

Asked if Iran was ready to offer military aid, Zarif said, "We always have this type of readiness and we announced on other occasions that this tendency exists in Iran but we are waiting for this desire to exist on the Lebanese side."

The United States, which lists Hezbollah as a terrorist group, says its military aid to Lebanon aims to strengthen the army as "the sole" military force defending the country and to counter threats from neighbouring Syria.

The new Lebanese national unity government is led by the Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and groups most of the main political factions, including Hezbollah, which has expanded its role in the new cabinet.

Zarif, who is due to meet government officials on Monday, said his visit aimed to declare Iran's support for Lebanon and to announce that it "has complete and comprehensive readiness to deal with the brotherly Lebanese government in all areas".

In a speech last week, Nasrallah asked why Lebanon was "ignoring" Iran while "offering our necks to others" - an apparent reference to the United States, which has tightened sanctions against his group.

The make-up of Hariri's government largely reflects the result of a parliamentary election last year, in which Hezbollah and groups that support its possession of arms secured more than 70 of the 128 seats in parliament.

The role of Hezbollah, a heavily armed group founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, has grown through its naming of the new health minister - the first time it has controlled a ministry with a large budget.

Iran is waiting for Lebanon to show a desire to accept its military assistance, Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday, reiterating an offer of support to the US-backed Lebanese military.

Iran is waiting for Lebanon to show a desire to accept its military assistance, Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday, reiterating an offer of support to the US-backed Lebanese military. Mohammad Javad Zarif, whose government backs the powerful Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah, was speaking at Beirut airport at the start of his first visit to Lebanon since its new government was formed late last month. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said last week he was ready to secure air defence systems for the Lebanese army from Iran to confront Israeli warplanes and to secure "everything it wants to be the strongest army in the region". Asked if Iran was ready to offer military aid, Zarif said, "We always have this type of readiness and we announced on other occasions that this tendency exists in Iran but we are waiting for this desire to exist on the Lebanese side." The United States, which lists Hezbollah as a terrorist group, says its military aid to Lebanon aims to strengthen the army as "the sole" military force defending the country and to counter threats from neighbouring Syria. The new Lebanese national unity government is led by the Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and groups most of the main political factions, including Hezbollah, which has expanded its role in the new cabinet. Zarif, who is due to meet government officials on Monday, said his visit aimed to declare Iran's support for Lebanon and to announce that it "has complete and comprehensive readiness to deal with the brotherly Lebanese government in all areas". In a speech last week, Nasrallah asked why Lebanon was "ignoring" Iran while "offering our necks to others" - an apparent reference to the United States, which has tightened sanctions against his group. The make-up of Hariri's government largely reflects the result of a parliamentary election last year, in which Hezbollah and groups that support its possession of arms secured more than 70 of the 128 seats in parliament. The role of Hezbollah, a heavily armed group founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, has grown through its naming of the new health minister - the first time it has controlled a ministry with a large budget.

Iran awaits Lebanese 'desire' to accept its military aid: Foreign minister

By Raman Ghavami

In a recent summary of human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy director, Philip Luther, referred to 2018 as a “year of shame.” The unenviable title is the result of the arrest of more than 7,000 anti-regime dissidents and activists, including over 5,000 of those who have participated in the anti-government protests that took place between December 2017 and January 2018. 
 
The demonstrations were the biggest and most widespread since those that ushered in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, with Amnesty describing them as “anti-authoritarian and anti-corruption protests.”

In Luther’s words, “the scale of the arrests, imprisonment and flogging sentences reveal the extreme lengths the authorities have gone to in order to suppress peaceful protesters.” According to the human rights group, most of the mass arrests are taking place in the regions where ethnic minorities such as Azeris, Kurds, Arabs and Baluchis live. As Ahwazi activist Yasser Assadi has told this author, “since the attack on the military parade in September 2018, Iranian security forces have arrested more than 700 Ahwazi Arab activists.” Assadi also believes that “Iran used the attack to start a wide-scale crackdown on activists in Khuzestan province.”

The mass arrests are ongoing and, according to the Human Rights Organisation of Kurdistan in Iran and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN), more than 100 environmental and civil rights activists have been detained, summoned or arrested in Kurdish areas since the beginning of 2019. According to Kaveh Kermanshahi, the speaker for KHRN and a consultant at Berlin-based LesMigraS, “the new wave of arresting activists in Kurdish cities is alarming and 2019 may be the worst year for activists in Iran.” Kermanshahi thinks that the silence of the Western media on this issue emboldens the Iranian government. “Tehran starts to arrest activists, and as the media in the West do not react, security forces then widen their mass arrest operations across the region,” he says.

One of the most disturbing aspects of these mass arrests has been the routine torture of detainees and the ensuing forced confessions. Torture in Iranian prisons has always been rampant, aimed at extracting false confessions to be broadcast on state television. The Iranian government favours this method for two main reasons. First, to legitimize its claims that activists are all agents of foreign countries. Second, to break the will of those who oppose the policies of the government.

Since December 2017, the authorities intensified their efforts, specifically targeting journalists, social media and women’s rights activists, Ahwazi Arabs, Kurds and their families. A human rights activist based in Tehran who wishes to remain anonymous says that “Iran uses this method to establish a regime of fear where people would hesitate to participate in any anti-regime protest. However, whilst this method may scare people in central parts of the country for the time being, for ethnic minority groups this is not the case as this pushes more of them to join opposition groups in order to take revenge and protect themselves.”

“The Iranian regime’s violations of human rights in Ahwaz are so widespread that many Ahwazis have resigned themselves to joking that there are no rights left to be violated. Prisons are flooded with dissidents and the increasing amount of protests against the government have resulted in extreme measures against Ahwazi Arabs,” says Rahim Hamid, an Iranian journalist.

Amnesty International’s findings, as well as reports by other human rights organisations, prove that the situation in Iran has deteriorated under President Hassan Rouhani, who is widely considered to be a moderate. Despite this, his foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has repeatedly claimed that Iran does not have political prisoners — although he only does so when speaking in the West. However, the documented reports demonstrate the opposite, and data from the likes of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is in sharp contrast with Zarif’s assertions. Iran habitually makes the CPJ’s top 10 most censored countries list and was the in eighths place for the number of journalists imprisoned in 2018 (down from first place a decade ago.).

This may not be the last year of shame for Iran because, inevitably, as more protests occur, the more arrests and torture of dissidents by security forces are bound to happen. These human rights violations have always been justified by sentences given to opponents of the regime. For instance, the Islamic Revolutionary Courts of Iran have sentenced 61,000 activists and political figures to death since the 1979 Islamic Revolution — all the sentences have been carried out. 
 
Moreover, more than 300 Iranians have been assassinated abroad by the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Shameful statistics like this is what has led the majority of Iranians and observers who have been following Iran closely to believe that the regime in Tehran cannot be reformed and that the only option to end this misery is regime change coming from within, with the support of the international community.

(Raman Ghavami is a Middle East analyst based in London and the Middle East)

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/iran-human-rights-protests-censorship-middle-east-news-09451/">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

By Raman Ghavami In a recent summary of human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy director, Philip Luther, referred to 2018 as a “year of shame.

By Raman Ghavami In a recent summary of human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy director, Philip Luther, referred to 2018 as a “year of shame.” The unenviable title is the result of the arrest of more than 7,000 anti-regime dissidents and activists, including over 5,000 of those who have participated in the anti-government protests that took place between December 2017 and January 2018. The demonstrations were the biggest and most widespread since those that ushered in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, with Amnesty describing them as “anti-authoritarian and anti-corruption protests.” In Luther’s words, “the scale of the arrests, imprisonment and flogging sentences reveal the extreme lengths the authorities have gone to in order to suppress peaceful protesters.” According to the human rights group, most of the mass arrests are taking place in the regions where ethnic minorities such as Azeris, Kurds, Arabs and Baluchis live. As Ahwazi activist Yasser Assadi has told this author, “since the attack on the military parade in September 2018, Iranian security forces have arrested more than 700 Ahwazi Arab activists.” Assadi also believes that “Iran used the attack to start a wide-scale crackdown on activists in Khuzestan province.” The mass arrests are ongoing and, according to the Human Rights Organisation of Kurdistan in Iran and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN), more than 100 environmental and civil rights activists have been detained, summoned or arrested in Kurdish areas since the beginning of 2019. According to Kaveh Kermanshahi, the speaker for KHRN and a consultant at Berlin-based LesMigraS, “the new wave of arresting activists in Kurdish cities is alarming and 2019 may be the worst year for activists in Iran.” Kermanshahi thinks that the silence of the Western media on this issue emboldens the Iranian government. “Tehran starts to arrest activists, and as the media in the West do not react, security forces then widen their mass arrest operations across the region,” he says. One of the most disturbing aspects of these mass arrests has been the routine torture of detainees and the ensuing forced confessions. Torture in Iranian prisons has always been rampant, aimed at extracting false confessions to be broadcast on state television. The Iranian government favours this method for two main reasons. First, to legitimize its claims that activists are all agents of foreign countries. Second, to break the will of those who oppose the policies of the government. Since December 2017, the authorities intensified their efforts, specifically targeting journalists, social media and women’s rights activists, Ahwazi Arabs, Kurds and their families. A human rights activist based in Tehran who wishes to remain anonymous says that “Iran uses this method to establish a regime of fear where people would hesitate to participate in any anti-regime protest. However, whilst this method may scare people in central parts of the country for the time being, for ethnic minority groups this is not the case as this pushes more of them to join opposition groups in order to take revenge and protect themselves.” “The Iranian regime’s violations of human rights in Ahwaz are so widespread that many Ahwazis have resigned themselves to joking that there are no rights left to be violated. Prisons are flooded with dissidents and the increasing amount of protests against the government have resulted in extreme measures against Ahwazi Arabs,” says Rahim Hamid, an Iranian journalist. Amnesty International’s findings, as well as reports by other human rights organisations, prove that the situation in Iran has deteriorated under President Hassan Rouhani, who is widely considered to be a moderate. Despite this, his foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has repeatedly claimed that Iran does not have political prisoners — although he only does so when speaking in the West. However, the documented reports demonstrate the opposite, and data from the likes of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is in sharp contrast with Zarif’s assertions. Iran habitually makes the CPJ’s top 10 most censored countries list and was the in eighths place for the number of journalists imprisoned in 2018 (down from first place a decade ago.). This may not be the last year of shame for Iran because, inevitably, as more protests occur, the more arrests and torture of dissidents by security forces are bound to happen. These human rights violations have always been justified by sentences given to opponents of the regime. For instance, the Islamic Revolutionary Courts of Iran have sentenced 61,000 activists and political figures to death since the 1979 Islamic Revolution — all the sentences have been carried out. Moreover, more than 300 Iranians have been assassinated abroad by the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Shameful statistics like this is what has led the majority of Iranians and observers who have been following Iran closely to believe that the regime in Tehran cannot be reformed and that the only option to end this misery is regime change coming from within, with the support of the international community. (Raman Ghavami is a Middle East analyst based in London and the Middle East) (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Amnesty International calls 2018 the 'year of shame' for Iran - and rightly so

Senior Iranian figures said on Wednesday that Syria was a top foreign policy priority and American troops should withdraw, as planned by US President Donald Trump.

"Whether they want to or not, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-takes-us-to-icj-over-re-imposed-sanctions--152409">the Americans must leave Syria</a>," Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported as saying.

There are fears in the West that Trump's plan to extricate about 2,000 soldiers from Syria will cede influence to Tehran, which has backed President Bashar al-Assad in the nearly eight-year war, and also allow Islamic State militants to regroup.

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"Now 90 per cent of Syrian soil is under the control of the government and the rest will soon be freed by the Syrian army," Velayati added during a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem in Tehran, according to the Tasnim news agency.

President Hassan Rouhani told Moualem that peace in Syria was a priority. "One of the important regional and foreign policy goals of the Islamic Republic is the stability and complete security of Syria," Tasnim quoted him as saying.

"And establishing normal conditions in Syria and the return of the people of this country to their normal lives."

Moualem was in Tehran for negotiations before the meeting of leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran in the Russian Black Sea resort town Sochi on Feb. 14 over Syria.

Separately, Rear-Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, a deputy commander of the regular armed forces, said on Wednesday that Iran plans to extend the range of its land-to-sea missiles beyond 300 kilometres (186 miles), according to the Fars news agency.

Iran has expanded its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries.

Tehran says the programme is purely defensive.

The European Union said on Monday it was gravely concerned by Iran's ballistic missile launches and tests and urged it to stop activity that deepens mistrust and destabilises the region.

Senior Iranian figures said on Wednesday that Syria was a top foreign policy priority and American troops should withdraw, as planned by US President Donald Trump.

Senior Iranian figures said on Wednesday that Syria was a top foreign policy priority and American troops should withdraw, as planned by US President Donald Trump. "Whether they want to or not, the Americans must leave Syria," Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported as saying. There are fears in the West that Trump's plan to extricate about 2,000 soldiers from Syria will cede influence to Tehran, which has backed President Bashar al-Assad in the nearly eight-year war, and also allow Islamic State militants to regroup. 'Now 90 per cent of Syrian soil is under the control of the government and the rest will soon be freed by the Syrian army,' Velayati added × "Now 90 per cent of Syrian soil is under the control of the government and the rest will soon be freed by the Syrian army," Velayati added during a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem in Tehran, according to the Tasnim news agency. President Hassan Rouhani told Moualem that peace in Syria was a priority. "One of the important regional and foreign policy goals of the Islamic Republic is the stability and complete security of Syria," Tasnim quoted him as saying. "And establishing normal conditions in Syria and the return of the people of this country to their normal lives." Moualem was in Tehran for negotiations before the meeting of leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran in the Russian Black Sea resort town Sochi on Feb. 14 over Syria. Separately, Rear-Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, a deputy commander of the regular armed forces, said on Wednesday that Iran plans to extend the range of its land-to-sea missiles beyond 300 kilometres (186 miles), according to the Fars news agency. Iran has expanded its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the programme is purely defensive. The European Union said on Monday it was gravely concerned by Iran's ballistic missile launches and tests and urged it to stop activity that deepens mistrust and destabilises the region.

'Get out of Syria,' Iran tells US

Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants.

Israel, which views Iran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria. With an election looming in April, Israel has been increasingly open about carrying out its air strikes.

In a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem in Tehran, the secretary of Iran's National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria's territorial integrity and were "unacceptable".

"If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria and warned them to "get out of there" fast.

In January, Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on what they called an Iranian arms cache in Syria.

Syria's Moalem was quoted on Tuesday by a Hezbollah-run media unit as saying: "The Syrian government considers it to be its duty to keep Iranian security forces in Syrian territory."

Iran has also repeatedly said it will keep military forces in Syria.

Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants.

Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants. Israel, which views Iran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria. With an election looming in April, Israel has been increasingly open about carrying out its air strikes. In a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem in Tehran, the secretary of Iran's National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria's territorial integrity and were "unacceptable". "If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria and warned them to "get out of there" fast. In January, Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on what they called an Iranian arms cache in Syria. Syria's Moalem was quoted on Tuesday by a Hezbollah-run media unit as saying: "The Syrian government considers it to be its duty to keep Iranian security forces in Syrian territory." Iran has also repeatedly said it will keep military forces in Syria.

Iran warns Israel against further air strikes in Syria

Iran on Tuesday ruled out the linkage between a new <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-line-with-us-sanctions-china-dramatically-reduces-trade-with-tehran-193997">EU mechanism to trade with Tehran</a> bypassing US sanctions and an anti-money laundering bill.

"Linking implementation of this mechanism... with the requirements of institutions such as the FATF is unacceptable," the foreign ministry said, referring to the international Financial Action Task Force.

Iran is on a FATF blacklist drawn up to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorist groups, but the Paris-based organisation has suspended counter-measures since 2017 while Tehran works on reforms.

EU leaders on Monday welcomed the bloc's new mechanism to trade with Iran but warned Tehran over its ballistic missile programme and regional policies while calling for it to implement reforms to comply with FATF demands.

Britain, France and Germany created the system last week to allow firms to trade with Iran without falling foul of US sanctions.

The foreign ministry, in its statement, welcomed the EU's "positive stances" but also criticised the bloc's warnings on its missile programme and its regional policies.

"Iran’s defence activities... are merely defensive, deterrent and a domestic matter that has never been on the agenda of our negotiations with other countries," it said.

"Raising such issues under current regional circumstances and clear threats against the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not constructive," the ministry said.

It urged European countries "to take a realistic look at regional incidents and issues and not to be influenced" by the United States.

Brussels, for its part, hopes the special payment mechanism for trade with Iran&nbsp; — registered under the name INSTEX — will help save the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers.

Washington has reimposed sanctions after President Donald Trump last year quit the accord which lifted the measures in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran has welcomed INSTEX as a "first step", while US officials have said it would not affect its efforts to exert economic pressure on Tehran.

Iran on Tuesday ruled out the linkage between a new EU mechanism to trade with Tehran bypassing US sanctions and an anti-money laundering bill. "Linking implementation of this mechanism.

Iran on Tuesday ruled out the linkage between a new EU mechanism to trade with Tehran bypassing US sanctions and an anti-money laundering bill. "Linking implementation of this mechanism... with the requirements of institutions such as the FATF is unacceptable," the foreign ministry said, referring to the international Financial Action Task Force. Iran is on a FATF blacklist drawn up to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorist groups, but the Paris-based organisation has suspended counter-measures since 2017 while Tehran works on reforms. EU leaders on Monday welcomed the bloc's new mechanism to trade with Iran but warned Tehran over its ballistic missile programme and regional policies while calling for it to implement reforms to comply with FATF demands. Britain, France and Germany created the system last week to allow firms to trade with Iran without falling foul of US sanctions. The foreign ministry, in its statement, welcomed the EU's "positive stances" but also criticised the bloc's warnings on its missile programme and its regional policies. "Iran’s defence activities... are merely defensive, deterrent and a domestic matter that has never been on the agenda of our negotiations with other countries," it said. "Raising such issues under current regional circumstances and clear threats against the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not constructive," the ministry said. It urged European countries "to take a realistic look at regional incidents and issues and not to be influenced" by the United States. Brussels, for its part, hopes the special payment mechanism for trade with Iran — registered under the name INSTEX — will help save the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers. Washington has reimposed sanctions after President Donald Trump last year quit the accord which lifted the measures in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Iran has welcomed INSTEX as a "first step", while US officials have said it would not affect its efforts to exert economic pressure on Tehran.

Iran rejects EU trade, anti-money laundering link

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela</a>

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.&nbsp;

"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president</a>

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059"> leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">country</a>

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.

In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">Body found in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090"> of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators</a>

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-pitch-optimism-greatness-in-state-of-union-white-house-194496">US President Donald Trump</a> said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

"Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader.

"I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests."

Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag.

As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

US President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting. "Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday. Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader. "I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests." Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag. As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.

Trump says sending military into Venezuela is 'an option': Report

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.

In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-keep-us-military-in-iraq-to-watch-iran-says-trump-in-an-interview-with-cbs-194887">We might as well keep it</a>," he said, referring to Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq that he visited in December.

"If somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he said in the interview aired on Sunday.

His comments sparked a new round of demands in Baghdad for US forces to leave the country.

"The Iraqi constitution rejects the use of Iraq as a base for hitting or attacking a neighbouring country," President Barham Saleh said.

Saleh said US forces were in the country legally under an agreement between the two countries, but that "any action taken outside this framework is unacceptable".

Iraq's government plays a delicate balancing act between its two main allies, Washington and Tehran, which are bitter enemies.&nbsp;

The US has been leading a coalition to crush the Islamic State group which grabbed swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014, and multiple offensives have since ousted the jihadists from all but a sliver of territory in eastern Syria.

Baghdad's position has also been complicated by Trump's shock December decision to pull troops out of neighbouring Syria, prompting pro-Iran factions to step up calls for an accelerated US withdrawal from Iraq.

Sabah al-Saadi, a member of parliament in the bloc led by influential anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, has proposed a bill demanding a US pullout.

Trump's latest remarks had made passing such a law "a national duty".

Deputy speaker of parliament Hassan Karim al-Kaabi, also close to Sadr, said they were a "new provocation", weeks after the US president sparked outrage in Iraq by visiting US troops at Ain al-Asad without meeting a single Iraqi official.

Officially, Iraq says there are no American bases on its soil -- only instructors deployed at Iraqi bases.

Kurdish MP Sarkawt Shams tweeted that the mission of US troops in Iraq was "to help Iraqi security forces against terrorism, not 'watching' others".

"We are expecting the United States to respect Our mutual interests and avoid pushing Iraq into a regional conflict," he said.

Washington has had troops in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. At the height of its fight against insurgents, it had up to 170,000 US troops in the country, before a partial withdrawal starting in late 2011.

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". "We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it," he said, referring to Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq that he visited in December. "If somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he said in the interview aired on Sunday. His comments sparked a new round of demands in Baghdad for US forces to leave the country. "The Iraqi constitution rejects the use of Iraq as a base for hitting or attacking a neighbouring country," President Barham Saleh said. Saleh said US forces were in the country legally under an agreement between the two countries, but that "any action taken outside this framework is unacceptable". Iraq's government plays a delicate balancing act between its two main allies, Washington and Tehran, which are bitter enemies. The US has been leading a coalition to crush the Islamic State group which grabbed swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014, and multiple offensives have since ousted the jihadists from all but a sliver of territory in eastern Syria. Baghdad's position has also been complicated by Trump's shock December decision to pull troops out of neighbouring Syria, prompting pro-Iran factions to step up calls for an accelerated US withdrawal from Iraq. Sabah al-Saadi, a member of parliament in the bloc led by influential anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, has proposed a bill demanding a US pullout. Trump's latest remarks had made passing such a law "a national duty". Deputy speaker of parliament Hassan Karim al-Kaabi, also close to Sadr, said they were a "new provocation", weeks after the US president sparked outrage in Iraq by visiting US troops at Ain al-Asad without meeting a single Iraqi official. Officially, Iraq says there are no American bases on its soil -- only instructors deployed at Iraqi bases. Kurdish MP Sarkawt Shams tweeted that the mission of US troops in Iraq was "to help Iraqi security forces against terrorism, not 'watching' others". "We are expecting the United States to respect Our mutual interests and avoid pushing Iraq into a regional conflict," he said. Washington has had troops in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. At the height of its fight against insurgents, it had up to 170,000 US troops in the country, before a partial withdrawal starting in late 2011.

After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-sending-military-to-venezuela-an-option-cbs-194884">US President Donald Trump</a> said it was important to keep a US military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said the United States spent a fortune on a base in Iraq. "We might as well keep it. One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview.

Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran."

"All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up."

Trump defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which was criticized by members of his own Republican Party and caused concern among some allies in the region.

He said some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to the base in Iraq and "ultimately some will be coming home."

US President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a US military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a US military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday. Trump said the United States spent a fortune on a base in Iraq. "We might as well keep it. One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran." "All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up." Trump defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which was criticized by members of his own Republican Party and caused concern among some allies in the region. He said some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to the base in Iraq and "ultimately some will be coming home."

Want to keep US military in Iraq to 'watch Iran', says Trump

Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country's 1979 Islamic revolution.

"The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometres (840 miles) and accurately hit the set target," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said, quoted on state television which broadcast footage of its launch.

"It can be ready in the shortest possible time and flies at a very low altitude," he said.

Hatami described the Hoveizeh as the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran" in defending itself.

It is part of the Soumar group of cruise missiles, first unveiled in 2015 with a range of 700 kilometres, according to the minister.

The Hoveizeh unveiling was part of an arms exhibition dubbed "40 years of defensive achievements" and held in Tehran.

Friday marked the beginning of 10 days of celebrations of the Islamic revolution that ousted the pro-Western shah.

On Thursday, thousands of Iranians had packed the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but this is still sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Iran has "no intention of increasing the range" of its missiles, the country's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Tuesday.

'Purely defensive' 
 
Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

US President Donald Trump's administration pulled out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some have demanded an addition to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons".

The US has repeatedly accused Iran of violating the resolution.

But Tehran denies seeking any nuclear weapons capability, and insists that its missile development programme is "purely defensive" and compliant with the resolution.

Iran's space programme has also been criticised by the West, with Washington charging that an abortive satellite launch in mid-January was cover for a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

Iran tried unsuccessfully to put a satellite into orbit on January 15 and plans to "vigorously carry on" and make a second attempt, Shamkhani said.

Iran's newly-tested missile takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Several Iranian cities were battered by missiles during the eight-year conflict in a bombing campaign dubbed the "war of the cities".

Iranian officials say Western sanctions have starved its air force of spare parts and replacement aircraft, limiting its operational capacity and forcing it to rely on the missile programme.

As Iranians marked the anniversary of the revolution, the US on Saturday lashed out at the country's leadership, insisting it had failed to make good on pledges to improve the lives of ordinary people.

"When he returned to Iran in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini made lots of promises to the Iranian people, including justice, freedom, and prosperity," the US State Department said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"40 years later, Iran's ruling regime has broken all those promises."

Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country's 1979 Islamic revolution.

Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country's 1979 Islamic revolution. "The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometres (840 miles) and accurately hit the set target," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said, quoted on state television which broadcast footage of its launch. "It can be ready in the shortest possible time and flies at a very low altitude," he said. Hatami described the Hoveizeh as the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran" in defending itself. It is part of the Soumar group of cruise missiles, first unveiled in 2015 with a range of 700 kilometres, according to the minister. The Hoveizeh unveiling was part of an arms exhibition dubbed "40 years of defensive achievements" and held in Tehran. Friday marked the beginning of 10 days of celebrations of the Islamic revolution that ousted the pro-Western shah. On Thursday, thousands of Iranians had packed the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but this is still sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East. Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe. Iran has "no intention of increasing the range" of its missiles, the country's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Tuesday. 'Purely defensive' Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology. US President Donald Trump's administration pulled out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons. European governments have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some have demanded an addition to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen. UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons". The US has repeatedly accused Iran of violating the resolution. But Tehran denies seeking any nuclear weapons capability, and insists that its missile development programme is "purely defensive" and compliant with the resolution. Iran's space programme has also been criticised by the West, with Washington charging that an abortive satellite launch in mid-January was cover for a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability. Iran tried unsuccessfully to put a satellite into orbit on January 15 and plans to "vigorously carry on" and make a second attempt, Shamkhani said. Iran's newly-tested missile takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Several Iranian cities were battered by missiles during the eight-year conflict in a bombing campaign dubbed the "war of the cities". Iranian officials say Western sanctions have starved its air force of spare parts and replacement aircraft, limiting its operational capacity and forcing it to rely on the missile programme. As Iranians marked the anniversary of the revolution, the US on Saturday lashed out at the country's leadership, insisting it had failed to make good on pledges to improve the lives of ordinary people. "When he returned to Iran in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini made lots of promises to the Iranian people, including justice, freedom, and prosperity," the US State Department said on Twitter. "40 years later, Iran's ruling regime has broken all those promises."

Iran in 'successful test' of new cruise missile on revolution anniversary

Iran unveiled a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) on Saturday during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported.

"This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said during the unveiling ceremony.

Hatami said the surface-to-surface missile, named Hoveizeh, was from the Soumar family of cruise missiles, which were unveiled in 2015.

Western experts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, although there are concerns about its long-range ballistic missiles.

Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace division, said at the event Iran had overcome initial problems in producing jet engines for cruise missiles and could now manufacture a full range of the weapons.

Iran said in January its bid to launch a satellite failed after Tehran ignored US warnings to avoid such activity.

Washington warned Tehran last month against undertaking three planned rocket launches that it said would violate a UN Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology.

A UN Security Council resolution, which enshrined Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, "called upon" Tehran to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons.

Iran says its missile tests are not in violation of the resolution and denies its missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It says its missiles are defensive and used for deterrence and has rejected talks over its missile programme.

US President Donald Trump quit the deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme.

Washington says although Iran has met the terms, the accord was too generous, failing to rein in Iran’s ballistic missile programme or curb what the United States says is interference in regional affairs.

Iran unveiled a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) on Saturday during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported.

Iran unveiled a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) on Saturday during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported. "This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said during the unveiling ceremony. Hatami said the surface-to-surface missile, named Hoveizeh, was from the Soumar family of cruise missiles, which were unveiled in 2015. Western experts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, although there are concerns about its long-range ballistic missiles. Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace division, said at the event Iran had overcome initial problems in producing jet engines for cruise missiles and could now manufacture a full range of the weapons. Iran said in January its bid to launch a satellite failed after Tehran ignored US warnings to avoid such activity. Washington warned Tehran last month against undertaking three planned rocket launches that it said would violate a UN Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology. A UN Security Council resolution, which enshrined Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, "called upon" Tehran to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons. Iran says its missile tests are not in violation of the resolution and denies its missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It says its missiles are defensive and used for deterrence and has rejected talks over its missile programme. US President Donald Trump quit the deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme. Washington says although Iran has met the terms, the accord was too generous, failing to rein in Iran’s ballistic missile programme or curb what the United States says is interference in regional affairs.

Iran unveils long-range cruise missile on revolution anniversary

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-india-increases-significant-contribution-to-maldives-bimstec-to-get-similar-funds-as-saarc-194396">Budget 2019: India increases significant contribution to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-india-increases-significant-contribution-to-maldives-bimstec-to-get-similar-funds-as-saarc-194396">Maldives</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-india-increases-significant-contribution-to-maldives-bimstec-to-get-similar-funds-as-saarc-194396">; BIMSTEC to get similar funds as SAARC</a>

The&nbsp;interim Budget saw India&nbsp;increase its contribution substantially to the Maldives while bringing support to SAARC and BIMSTEC Secretariat at the same level.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/defence-budget-increased-over-rs-20000-crore-crosses-rs-300000-crore-for-first-time-194380">Defence Budget increased over Rs 20,000 crore; crosses Rs 3,00,000 crore for first time</a>

An outlay of Rs 3.05 lakh crore was set aside for the&nbsp;defence Budget for 2019-20&nbsp;which was a hike of around Rs 20,000 crore compared to allocation of Rs 2.85 lakh crore in the current fiscal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-will-take-india-on-path-to-development-pm-modi-194378">Budget</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-will-take-india-on-path-to-development-pm-modi-194378"> will take India on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-will-take-india-on-path-to-development-pm-modi-194378">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-will-take-india-on-path-to-development-pm-modi-194378"> to development: PM Modi</a>

After the government presented its final Budget,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324">&nbsp;PM&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324">Modi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324">&nbsp;while addressing the n</a>ation said the Budget will bring positive changes in the country. "Various government schemes will help the marginalised section of society," the prime minister asserted, adding,"it will bring down the poverty level in the country."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/inf-treaty-with-russia-has-been-invalidated-germany-194404">INF treaty with Russia has been invalidated: Germany</a>

Germany said on Friday that&nbsp;Russia had "de facto invalidated"&nbsp;a landmark cold war missile reduction treaty which the US is poised to abandon, with Europe anxious at the prospect of a new arms race.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/firmly-support-eu-efforts-to-safeguard-iran-nuclear-deal-china-194415">Firmly support EU efforts to safeguard Iran nuclear deal: China</a>

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the country highly appreciates the efforts made by European countries to uphold the Iran nuclear deal and supports the establishment of the new trade mechanism for Iran.

Budget 2019: India increases significant contribution to Maldives; BIMSTEC to get similar funds as SAARC The interim Budget saw India increase its contribution substantially to the Maldives while bringing support to SAARC and BIMSTEC Secretariat at the same level.

Budget 2019: India increases significant contribution to Maldives; BIMSTEC to get similar funds as SAARC The interim Budget saw India increase its contribution substantially to the Maldives while bringing support to SAARC and BIMSTEC Secretariat at the same level. Defence Budget increased over Rs 20,000 crore; crosses Rs 3,00,000 crore for first time An outlay of Rs 3.05 lakh crore was set aside for the defence Budget for 2019-20 which was a hike of around Rs 20,000 crore compared to allocation of Rs 2.85 lakh crore in the current fiscal. Budget will take India on path to development: PM Modi After the government presented its final Budget, PM Modi while addressing the nation said the Budget will bring positive changes in the country. "Various government schemes will help the marginalised section of society," the prime minister asserted, adding,"it will bring down the poverty level in the country." INF treaty with Russia has been invalidated: Germany Germany said on Friday that Russia had "de facto invalidated" a landmark cold war missile reduction treaty which the US is poised to abandon, with Europe anxious at the prospect of a new arms race. Firmly support EU efforts to safeguard Iran nuclear deal: China China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the country highly appreciates the efforts made by European countries to uphold the Iran nuclear deal and supports the establishment of the new trade mechanism for Iran.

Thousands of Iranians gathered at the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on Friday to launch celebrations for the 40th anniversary of its revolution.

The ceremonies for the 1979 revolution started at 9:33 am, the exact time that Khomeini returned to Iran and his plane touched down at Tehran airport, AFP correspondents said.

As an army band played revolutionary anthems, the huge hall of the mausoleum was filled with people from all walks of life, amid schoolchildren dressed in the red, white and green of the Iranian flag.

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head of the influential expert's assembly which appoints the supreme leader of the Islamic republic, delivered a keynote speech rebuking factions seeking better ties with Washington.

"Curses on the wrong school of thought that thinks we can't run the country unless America helps us," he said, shaking a raised left hand.

"America's power is on the decline, we should not be afraid of America," Jannati said.

On February 1 each year, Iran begins 10 days of celebrations to mark the anniversary of Khomeini's return from exile after the pro-Western shah fled Iran following widespread demonstrations.

The celebrations culminate on 11 February which marks the fall of 2,500 years of monarchy in Iran.

Thousands of Iranians gathered at the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on Friday to launch celebrations for the 40th anniversary of its revolution.

Thousands of Iranians gathered at the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on Friday to launch celebrations for the 40th anniversary of its revolution. The ceremonies for the 1979 revolution started at 9:33 am, the exact time that Khomeini returned to Iran and his plane touched down at Tehran airport, AFP correspondents said. As an army band played revolutionary anthems, the huge hall of the mausoleum was filled with people from all walks of life, amid schoolchildren dressed in the red, white and green of the Iranian flag. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head of the influential expert's assembly which appoints the supreme leader of the Islamic republic, delivered a keynote speech rebuking factions seeking better ties with Washington. "Curses on the wrong school of thought that thinks we can't run the country unless America helps us," he said, shaking a raised left hand. "America's power is on the decline, we should not be afraid of America," Jannati said. On February 1 each year, Iran begins 10 days of celebrations to mark the anniversary of Khomeini's return from exile after the pro-Western shah fled Iran following widespread demonstrations. The celebrations culminate on 11 February which marks the fall of 2,500 years of monarchy in Iran.

Iran celebrates 40 years since revolution with Khomeini return

Facebook said Thursday it took down hundreds of accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries.

The world's biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts "for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour tied to Iran."

The pages were part of a campaign to promote Iranian interests in various countries by creating fake Facebook or Instagram identities as residents of those nations, according to a statement by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-accounts-with-russia-links-191006">Nathaniel Gleicher, head of cybersecurity policy at Facebook.</a>

"We can prove that this is content emanating from Iran; controlled by actors in Iran, and most of the content is reposted from Iran state media," Gleicher said during a press briefing.

"But, we are not in a position to directly assert who the actor is in this case."

The announcement was the latest by Facebook as it seeks to stamp out efforts by state actors and others to manipulate the social network using fraudulent accounts.

"We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don't want our services to be used to manipulate people," Gleicher said.

"In this case, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action."

The operators "typically represented themselves as locals, often using fake accounts, and posted news stories on current events," including "commentary that repurposed Iranian state media's reporting on topics like Israel-Palestine relations and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen," Gleicher said.

Twitter in the wings

Facebook's team looked for additional activity related to a large taken-down of Iran-linked content in August of last year and collaborated with Twitter which provided insights from the one-to-many messaging platform, according to Gleicher.

"This is an encouraging example of the kind of collaboration we are working to build across the industry," Gleicher said.

The operation dating back to as early as 2010 had 262 pages, 356 accounts, and three groups on Facebook, as well as 162 accounts on Instagram and were followed by about two million users.

About two million users followed at least one of these pages, about 1,600 accounts joined at least one of these groups.

More than 254,000 accounts followed at least one of these Instagram accounts.

Less than $30,000 was spent in total by the accounts on Facebook or Instagram ads, paid for mostly in US dollars, British pounds, and euros, according to the social network.

Facebook said the fake accounts were part of an influence campaign that operated in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, US, and Yemen.

Facebook began looking into these kinds of activities after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election, aimed at sowing discord.

Twitter meanwhile released a report on its efforts to curb manipulation during the 2018 US elections, noting that it blocked accounts originating in Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

Facebook said Thursday it took down hundreds of accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries. The world's biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts "for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour tied to Iran.

Facebook said Thursday it took down hundreds of accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries. The world's biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts "for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour tied to Iran." The pages were part of a campaign to promote Iranian interests in various countries by creating fake Facebook or Instagram identities as residents of those nations, according to a statement by Nathaniel Gleicher, head of cybersecurity policy at Facebook. "We can prove that this is content emanating from Iran; controlled by actors in Iran, and most of the content is reposted from Iran state media," Gleicher said during a press briefing. "But, we are not in a position to directly assert who the actor is in this case." The announcement was the latest by Facebook as it seeks to stamp out efforts by state actors and others to manipulate the social network using fraudulent accounts. "We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don't want our services to be used to manipulate people," Gleicher said. "In this case, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action." The operators "typically represented themselves as locals, often using fake accounts, and posted news stories on current events," including "commentary that repurposed Iranian state media's reporting on topics like Israel-Palestine relations and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen," Gleicher said. Twitter in the wings Facebook's team looked for additional activity related to a large taken-down of Iran-linked content in August of last year and collaborated with Twitter which provided insights from the one-to-many messaging platform, according to Gleicher. "This is an encouraging example of the kind of collaboration we are working to build across the industry," Gleicher said. The operation dating back to as early as 2010 had 262 pages, 356 accounts, and three groups on Facebook, as well as 162 accounts on Instagram and were followed by about two million users. About two million users followed at least one of these pages, about 1,600 accounts joined at least one of these groups. More than 254,000 accounts followed at least one of these Instagram accounts. Less than $30,000 was spent in total by the accounts on Facebook or Instagram ads, paid for mostly in US dollars, British pounds, and euros, according to the social network. Facebook said the fake accounts were part of an influence campaign that operated in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, US, and Yemen. Facebook began looking into these kinds of activities after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election, aimed at sowing discord. Twitter meanwhile released a report on its efforts to curb manipulation during the 2018 US elections, noting that it blocked accounts originating in Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

Facebook takes down over 700 pages for engaging in Iran-led manipulation campaign

China has dramatically reduced its trade with Iran in line with US sanctions, raising questions whether Iran will remain committed to an international agreement that puts severe limits on its nuclear endeavours.

Reduced Chinese trade also suggests that Iran is likely to face increased obstacles as it seeks to blunt the impact of the harsh US sanctions imposed last year in a bid to force the Islamic republic to change its regional and defence policy.

China’s apparent willingness to accommodate the sanctions is remarkable given Beijing’s declared efforts to salvage the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program as well as its escalating trade and technology dispute with the United States.

Bourse &amp; Bazaar, a self-described media and business diplomacy company operated by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, the founder of the Europe-Iran Forum, disclosed China’s reduced trade on almost the same day that the US Justice Department filed criminal charges against Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou.

The Justice Department asserts that the company and Meng violated Iran sanctions in addition to stealing US robotic technology.

Based on a review of trade data from China’s General Customs Administration, Bourse &amp; Bazaar concluded that Chinese trade with Iran had dropped by 70 per cent in the first two months after the re-imposition of US sanctions.

In addition, China’s Bank of Kunlun, the vehicle China used in the past for business with Iran because it had no exposure to the United States and as a result was not vulnerable to US sanctions, said in December that it would restrict its business with Iran to humanitarian trade, effectively excluding all other transactions.

China replaced Europe as Iran’s main trading partner in 2012 at a time that Iran was under United Nations sanctions. Those sanctions were lifted with the conclusion of the nuclear agreement in 2015.

Bourse &amp; Bazaar said Chinese exports to Iran had dropped to $400 million in the period from October to December of last year compared to $1.2 billion in the same period in 2017.

“China may be abandoning the policy of sustaining trade with Iran in direct contravention of US sanctions, introducing both economic risks in regards to Iran’s continued industrialization and political risks in regards to Iran’s continued compliance with the JCPOA,” the report said, referring to the nuclear accord by the initials of its official designation, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The report said that Iran relies on China for the import of badly needed industrial machinery and technology funded by its oil exports.

Iranian oil exports to China rebounded after the US gave China and seven other countries a six-month waiver but that did not revive Chinese exports, the report said.

Chinese compliance with US sanctions, at least in terms of trade could put to the test Iran’s declared commitment to the nuclear agreement in the wake of US President Donald J Trump’s withdrawal from the accord last May.

Iran has said its continued commitment would be determined by whether the accord remained in its interest, determined primarily by the ability and willingness of the other signatories to the agreement -- China, the European Union, Britain, France, Germany and Russia – to help it blunt the impact of the US sanctions.

The signatories have so far maintained that Iran has complied with the agreement even if the European Union recently sanctioned Iran’s intelligence ministry for allegedly targeting Iranian dissidents in the Netherlands, Denmark and France.

Germany subsequently banned Mahan Air, an Iranian airline sanctioned by the United States, from landing at its airports, asserting that Mahan Air had ferried fighters and weapons to Iranian-backed forces in Syria. Mahan Air operated four flights a week to Duesseldorf and Munich.

The signatories’ position appeared to be supported by a Worldwide Threat Assessment by the US intelligence community that in effect concluded that the Trump administration’s Iran policy had so far failed.

"We continue to assess that Iran is not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities we judge necessary to produce a nuclear device,” Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee in a hearing on the 42-page report.

The report warned that US policy could empower Iranian hard-liners; had sparked at best only sporadic uncoordinated anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic; had failed to persuade Iran to change its regional and defense policy; and could prompt it to pursue more aggressive policies to counter perceived US, Saudi and Israeli attempts to destabilise the regime in Tehran.

Disclosure of Chinese willingness to comply to some degree with US sanctions as well as the European sanctions come in advance of a conference in Warsaw next month convened by the United States to discuss peace and security in the Middle East.

The conference, to which Iran has not been invited, is widely seen as a US effort to bolster support for its Iran policy. Russia and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini have said that they would not be participating in the meeting.

An article in China’s state-owned Global Times discussing the Warsaw meeting under the headline, Poland is getting closer to the US, but should China be worried? Noted that Poland had arrested on espionage charges a former Chinese employee of Huawei and was considering banning the company.

The European Union, in a bid to blunt the impact of the US sanctions, is believed to be on the verge of launching a financial clearinghouse known as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that would allow European companies to continue to trade with Iran in accordance with EU law and could be open to other partners such as China.

The vehicle is being conceived as an alternative to the Brussels-based Society for the Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) international financial messaging system used by more than 10,000 banks worldwide.

The US has blacklisted tens of Iranian banks and pressured SWIFT into agreeing to steer clear of handling transactions of those banks.

The Bourse &amp; Bazaar report warned that continued Chinese refusal to buck US sanctions and ensure Iran has the necessary industrial machinery and technology to keep its economy running would fuel unemployment in the country that could be “devastating and destabilising.”

The report said Iran was more likely to withdraw from the nuclear agreement in a move that could significantly raise tensions in the Middle East as a result of Chinese rather than European compliance with US sanctions.

“If the nuclear deal collapses due to extraordinary economic pressures in Iran, China may be to blame,” the report said. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China has dramatically reduced its trade with Iran in line with US sanctions, raising questions whether Iran will remain committed to an international agreement that puts severe limits on its nuclear endeavours.

China has dramatically reduced its trade with Iran in line with US sanctions, raising questions whether Iran will remain committed to an international agreement that puts severe limits on its nuclear endeavours. Reduced Chinese trade also suggests that Iran is likely to face increased obstacles as it seeks to blunt the impact of the harsh US sanctions imposed last year in a bid to force the Islamic republic to change its regional and defence policy. China’s apparent willingness to accommodate the sanctions is remarkable given Beijing’s declared efforts to salvage the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program as well as its escalating trade and technology dispute with the United States. Bourse & Bazaar, a self-described media and business diplomacy company operated by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, the founder of the Europe-Iran Forum, disclosed China’s reduced trade on almost the same day that the US Justice Department filed criminal charges against Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou. The Justice Department asserts that the company and Meng violated Iran sanctions in addition to stealing US robotic technology. Based on a review of trade data from China’s General Customs Administration, Bourse & Bazaar concluded that Chinese trade with Iran had dropped by 70 per cent in the first two months after the re-imposition of US sanctions. In addition, China’s Bank of Kunlun, the vehicle China used in the past for business with Iran because it had no exposure to the United States and as a result was not vulnerable to US sanctions, said in December that it would restrict its business with Iran to humanitarian trade, effectively excluding all other transactions. China replaced Europe as Iran’s main trading partner in 2012 at a time that Iran was under United Nations sanctions. Those sanctions were lifted with the conclusion of the nuclear agreement in 2015. Bourse & Bazaar said Chinese exports to Iran had dropped to $400 million in the period from October to December of last year compared to $1.2 billion in the same period in 2017. “China may be abandoning the policy of sustaining trade with Iran in direct contravention of US sanctions, introducing both economic risks in regards to Iran’s continued industrialization and political risks in regards to Iran’s continued compliance with the JCPOA,” the report said, referring to the nuclear accord by the initials of its official designation, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The report said that Iran relies on China for the import of badly needed industrial machinery and technology funded by its oil exports. Iranian oil exports to China rebounded after the US gave China and seven other countries a six-month waiver but that did not revive Chinese exports, the report said. Chinese compliance with US sanctions, at least in terms of trade could put to the test Iran’s declared commitment to the nuclear agreement in the wake of US President Donald J Trump’s withdrawal from the accord last May. Iran has said its continued commitment would be determined by whether the accord remained in its interest, determined primarily by the ability and willingness of the other signatories to the agreement -- China, the European Union, Britain, France, Germany and Russia – to help it blunt the impact of the US sanctions. The signatories have so far maintained that Iran has complied with the agreement even if the European Union recently sanctioned Iran’s intelligence ministry for allegedly targeting Iranian dissidents in the Netherlands, Denmark and France. Germany subsequently banned Mahan Air, an Iranian airline sanctioned by the United States, from landing at its airports, asserting that Mahan Air had ferried fighters and weapons to Iranian-backed forces in Syria. Mahan Air operated four flights a week to Duesseldorf and Munich. The signatories’ position appeared to be supported by a Worldwide Threat Assessment by the US intelligence community that in effect concluded that the Trump administration’s Iran policy had so far failed. "We continue to assess that Iran is not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities we judge necessary to produce a nuclear device,” Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee in a hearing on the 42-page report. The report warned that US policy could empower Iranian hard-liners; had sparked at best only sporadic uncoordinated anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic; had failed to persuade Iran to change its regional and defense policy; and could prompt it to pursue more aggressive policies to counter perceived US, Saudi and Israeli attempts to destabilise the regime in Tehran. Disclosure of Chinese willingness to comply to some degree with US sanctions as well as the European sanctions come in advance of a conference in Warsaw next month convened by the United States to discuss peace and security in the Middle East. The conference, to which Iran has not been invited, is widely seen as a US effort to bolster support for its Iran policy. Russia and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini have said that they would not be participating in the meeting. An article in China’s state-owned Global Times discussing the Warsaw meeting under the headline, Poland is getting closer to the US, but should China be worried? Noted that Poland had arrested on espionage charges a former Chinese employee of Huawei and was considering banning the company. The European Union, in a bid to blunt the impact of the US sanctions, is believed to be on the verge of launching a financial clearinghouse known as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that would allow European companies to continue to trade with Iran in accordance with EU law and could be open to other partners such as China. The vehicle is being conceived as an alternative to the Brussels-based Society for the Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) international financial messaging system used by more than 10,000 banks worldwide. The US has blacklisted tens of Iranian banks and pressured SWIFT into agreeing to steer clear of handling transactions of those banks. The Bourse & Bazaar report warned that continued Chinese refusal to buck US sanctions and ensure Iran has the necessary industrial machinery and technology to keep its economy running would fuel unemployment in the country that could be “devastating and destabilising.” The report said Iran was more likely to withdraw from the nuclear agreement in a move that could significantly raise tensions in the Middle East as a result of Chinese rather than European compliance with US sanctions. “If the nuclear deal collapses due to extraordinary economic pressures in Iran, China may be to blame,” the report said. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In line with US sanctions, China dramatically reduces trade with Tehran

US intelligence chiefs contradicted some of President Donald Trump's most fundamental foreign policy claims Tuesday, underscoring a persistent division in his view of the world and theirs.

In a hearing on global threats at the Senate Intelligence Committee, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-supported-terror-groups-will-continue-attacks-in-india-us-193778">the country's top spies</a> took issue with Trump's assertion that the Islamic State group has been defeated, and that North Korea can be convinced to forego its nuclear weapons.

They also challenged Trump's claim that Tehran is actively seeking nuclear weapons, the justification Trump gave for withdrawing last year from a multilateral treaty on Iran.

And they underscored again that Russia meddled deeply on Trump's behalf in the 2016 presidential election -- which he has repeatedly denied -- and can be expected to do the same in 2020.

The hearing took place weeks after Trump cited a victory over Islamic State to justify his sudden announcement of an immediate pullout from Syria -- a move that alarmed the US defense establishment and allies in the Middle East.

And it came just weeks before Trump plans a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to negotiate a hoped-for denuclearization of the hermit state.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the committee that the US intelligence community believes it is unlikely that Pyongyang will agree to completely denuclearize.&nbsp;

"We continue to assess that North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities, even as it seeks to negotiate partial denuclearization steps to obtain key US and international concessions," Coats said in the annual "Worldwide Threat Assessment" report.

"North Korea's leaders see having a nuclear weapons capability as "critical to regime survival."

IS eyeing comeback 
The report also warned that Islamic State is hardly vanquished and could easily rise again in a vacuum left by departing US forces, resuming global attacks and restarting its propaganda machine.

"ISIS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and it maintains eight branches, more than a dozen networks, and thousands of dispersed supporters around the world, despite significant leadership and territorial losses," Coats said.

Iran complying with deal 
The Coats report highlighted the broad and increasing threat to the United States from China, a point of agreement across the board in the Trump administration.

It characterized the US-China struggle as an ideological battle between the Western model of a democratically-based economy and China's authoritarian capitalism.&nbsp;

"Chinese leaders will increasingly seek to assert China's model of authoritarian capitalism as an alternative -- and implicitly superior -- development path abroad, exacerbating great-power competition that could threaten international support for democracy, human rights and the rule of law," the report said.

It also warned of a growing alignment between China and Russia, saying their relationship "is likely to strengthen in the coming year as some of their interests and threat perceptions converge, particularly regarding perceived US unilateralism and interventionism and Western promotion of democratic values and human rights."

FBI Director Christopher Wray told the panel that the FBI is investigating Chinese economic espionage in nearly all of its 56 field offices around the country.

"China writ large is the most significant counterintelligence threat we face," Wray said.

Iran adhering to nuclear deal 
But the intelligence community showed a distinct divergence on other thrusts of Trump policy.

On Iran, Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel told the hearing that the country is still abiding by the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, despite Trump's decision to withdraw last year, claiming Tehran had broken it.

"At the moment technically they are in compliance" with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Haspel told lawmakers.

"I think the most recent information is the Iranians are considering taking steps that would lessen their adherence to JCPOA as they seek to pressure the European to come through with the investment and trade benefits that Iran hoped to gain from the deal."

There was no comment from the White House on the Coats report. But analysts said it showed a glaring divide that has existed since the beginning of Trump's term in 2017.

"A normal human being listening to the intel chiefs today on Iran and North Korea would conclude that Trump was dead wrong to withdraw from the JCPOA and dead right to negotiate with KJU even though zero nukes was magical thinking," said Aaron David Miller, director of the Middle East program at the Woodrow Wilson Center think tank in Washington.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US intelligence chiefs contradicted some of President Donald Trump's most fundamental foreign policy claims Tuesday, underscoring a persistent division in his view of the world and theirs.

US intelligence chiefs contradicted some of President Donald Trump's most fundamental foreign policy claims Tuesday, underscoring a persistent division in his view of the world and theirs. In a hearing on global threats at the Senate Intelligence Committee, the country's top spies took issue with Trump's assertion that the Islamic State group has been defeated, and that North Korea can be convinced to forego its nuclear weapons. They also challenged Trump's claim that Tehran is actively seeking nuclear weapons, the justification Trump gave for withdrawing last year from a multilateral treaty on Iran. And they underscored again that Russia meddled deeply on Trump's behalf in the 2016 presidential election -- which he has repeatedly denied -- and can be expected to do the same in 2020. The hearing took place weeks after Trump cited a victory over Islamic State to justify his sudden announcement of an immediate pullout from Syria -- a move that alarmed the US defense establishment and allies in the Middle East. And it came just weeks before Trump plans a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to negotiate a hoped-for denuclearization of the hermit state. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the committee that the US intelligence community believes it is unlikely that Pyongyang will agree to completely denuclearize. "We continue to assess that North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities, even as it seeks to negotiate partial denuclearization steps to obtain key US and international concessions," Coats said in the annual "Worldwide Threat Assessment" report. "North Korea's leaders see having a nuclear weapons capability as "critical to regime survival." IS eyeing comeback The report also warned that Islamic State is hardly vanquished and could easily rise again in a vacuum left by departing US forces, resuming global attacks and restarting its propaganda machine. "ISIS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and it maintains eight branches, more than a dozen networks, and thousands of dispersed supporters around the world, despite significant leadership and territorial losses," Coats said. Iran complying with deal The Coats report highlighted the broad and increasing threat to the United States from China, a point of agreement across the board in the Trump administration. It characterized the US-China struggle as an ideological battle between the Western model of a democratically-based economy and China's authoritarian capitalism. "Chinese leaders will increasingly seek to assert China's model of authoritarian capitalism as an alternative -- and implicitly superior -- development path abroad, exacerbating great-power competition that could threaten international support for democracy, human rights and the rule of law," the report said. It also warned of a growing alignment between China and Russia, saying their relationship "is likely to strengthen in the coming year as some of their interests and threat perceptions converge, particularly regarding perceived US unilateralism and interventionism and Western promotion of democratic values and human rights." FBI Director Christopher Wray told the panel that the FBI is investigating Chinese economic espionage in nearly all of its 56 field offices around the country. "China writ large is the most significant counterintelligence threat we face," Wray said. Iran adhering to nuclear deal But the intelligence community showed a distinct divergence on other thrusts of Trump policy. On Iran, Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel told the hearing that the country is still abiding by the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, despite Trump's decision to withdraw last year, claiming Tehran had broken it. "At the moment technically they are in compliance" with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Haspel told lawmakers. "I think the most recent information is the Iranians are considering taking steps that would lessen their adherence to JCPOA as they seek to pressure the European to come through with the investment and trade benefits that Iran hoped to gain from the deal." There was no comment from the White House on the Coats report. But analysts said it showed a glaring divide that has existed since the beginning of Trump's term in 2017. "A normal human being listening to the intel chiefs today on Iran and North Korea would conclude that Trump was dead wrong to withdraw from the JCPOA and dead right to negotiate with KJU even though zero nukes was magical thinking," said Aaron David Miller, director of the Middle East program at the Woodrow Wilson Center think tank in Washington.

Iran not looking to build bomb, North Korea will not give up nukes: US intelligence chiefs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-hit-by-hysteria-since-dropping-nuclear-deal-189680">Iran's President Hassan Rouhan</a>i slammed his critics on Wednesday, defending the political achievements of a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-nuclear-deal-momentum-is-growing-in-iran-190888"> landmark 2015 nuclear dea</a>l and calling the US an "oath-breaker".

"One should not condemn the government or the great Islamic system instead of America — this is the greatest damage that can be done," he said on state TV.

Hardliners have repeatedly hammered the 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers since the early stages of negotiations, calling it a fool's errand and a deception.

They contend that Iran has gained nothing from the agreement despite complying with its restrictions on the Islamic republic's nuclear programme, intensifying their criticism after Washington withdrew from the treaty last year.

Speaking during an annual ceremony of allegiance to the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Rouhani said: "America has not been an oath-breaker only to us, but also to Europe, China, NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)."

President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the deal — technically called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — last May, reimposing punishing sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Washington also withdrew from the TPP trade agreement in 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change control the next year and forced Canada and Mexico to renegotiate and sign a new deal in 2018 replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The other parties to the Iran nuclear deal — Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia along with the European Union — have insisted it remains in force and is working.

Rouhani took another jab at opponents who have criticised Iranian diplomats' lack of foresight over not predicting the US withdrawal.

"No agreement is based on whether the other party remains, but the main basis is the country's interests," he said.

He ended his speech by calling for "unity", saying Khomeini's main concern was not foreign forces but domestic "discord". 
&nbsp;

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed his critics on Wednesday, defending the political achievements of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and calling the US an "oath-breaker".

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed his critics on Wednesday, defending the political achievements of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and calling the US an "oath-breaker". "One should not condemn the government or the great Islamic system instead of America — this is the greatest damage that can be done," he said on state TV. Hardliners have repeatedly hammered the 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers since the early stages of negotiations, calling it a fool's errand and a deception. They contend that Iran has gained nothing from the agreement despite complying with its restrictions on the Islamic republic's nuclear programme, intensifying their criticism after Washington withdrew from the treaty last year. Speaking during an annual ceremony of allegiance to the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Rouhani said: "America has not been an oath-breaker only to us, but also to Europe, China, NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)." President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the deal — technically called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — last May, reimposing punishing sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Washington also withdrew from the TPP trade agreement in 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change control the next year and forced Canada and Mexico to renegotiate and sign a new deal in 2018 replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement. The other parties to the Iran nuclear deal — Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia along with the European Union — have insisted it remains in force and is working. Rouhani took another jab at opponents who have criticised Iranian diplomats' lack of foresight over not predicting the US withdrawal. "No agreement is based on whether the other party remains, but the main basis is the country's interests," he said. He ended his speech by calling for "unity", saying Khomeini's main concern was not foreign forces but domestic "discord".

US oath-breaker not only to us, but also to Europe, China, NAFTA and TPP: Rouhani

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