Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived here on Monday on a one-day visit, stressed upon the idea of strengthening relations shared by the two countries.

"We (India and Iran) have had very good relations in the past and we expect to continue these relations. We will have a number of meetings today and we will work on expanding the very good relations that we have with India," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told ANI in Delhi.

Zarif's day-long visit is part of Tehran's efforts to reach out to major world powers after the US pulled out from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015 under which Tehran had agreed to stop its sensitive nuclear activities in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions 
 
The issue is expected to be discussed extensively in the talks between Swaraj and Zarif, officials said. The Chabahar port project is also likely to figure in the meeting

This comes after the United States President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal officially known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actionm, which limited Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

The Ministry of External Affairs later issued a statement on May 10 saying it will take necessary steps to safeguard India's interest with respect to Iran's nuclear deal.

"We will take necessary measures to safeguard our interest. It is too early to come to a conclusion on implications of US withdrawing from JCPOA," MEA official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Iran is India's third largest oil supplier and there were apprehensions about possible impact of the US decision on India's oil import. However, the officials said the US decision to reinstate financial sanctions on Iran would not impact India's oil imports as long as European countries did not follow suit

Foreign Minister Zarif has been visiting leaders of several countries to discuss the future of Iran nuclear deal including meeting the European Union, British, French, and German counterparts in Brussels.

Further among the key issues between India and Iran is the development of Chabahar port.

Earlier on March 15, India issued a statement saying that Iran is free to choose partners for developing Chabahar Port.

It came after Iran invited China and Pakistan to participate in the development of the strategic Chabahar Port and extended support to the right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Indo-Iran ties have been on a upswing in the last three years. Prime Minister Modi visited Tehran in May 2016 with an aim to craft a strategic relationship with Iran and expand India's ties with West Asia

Zarif's day-long visit is part of Tehran's efforts to reach out to major world powers after the US pulled out from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015 under which Tehran had agreed to stop its sensitive nuclear activities in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions

Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived here on Monday on a one-day visit, stressed upon the idea of strengthening relations shared by the two countries. "We (India and Iran) have had very good relations in the past and we expect to continue these relations. We will have a number of meetings today and we will work on expanding the very good relations that we have with India," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told ANI in Delhi. Zarif's day-long visit is part of Tehran's efforts to reach out to major world powers after the US pulled out from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015 under which Tehran had agreed to stop its sensitive nuclear activities in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions The issue is expected to be discussed extensively in the talks between Swaraj and Zarif, officials said. The Chabahar port project is also likely to figure in the meeting This comes after the United States President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal officially known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actionm, which limited Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. The Ministry of External Affairs later issued a statement on May 10 saying it will take necessary steps to safeguard India's interest with respect to Iran's nuclear deal. "We will take necessary measures to safeguard our interest. It is too early to come to a conclusion on implications of US withdrawing from JCPOA," MEA official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Iran is India's third largest oil supplier and there were apprehensions about possible impact of the US decision on India's oil import. However, the officials said the US decision to reinstate financial sanctions on Iran would not impact India's oil imports as long as European countries did not follow suit Foreign Minister Zarif has been visiting leaders of several countries to discuss the future of Iran nuclear deal including meeting the European Union, British, French, and German counterparts in Brussels. Further among the key issues between India and Iran is the development of Chabahar port. Earlier on March 15, India issued a statement saying that Iran is free to choose partners for developing Chabahar Port. It came after Iran invited China and Pakistan to participate in the development of the strategic Chabahar Port and extended support to the right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Indo-Iran ties have been on a upswing in the last three years. Prime Minister Modi visited Tehran in May 2016 with an aim to craft a strategic relationship with Iran and expand India's ties with West Asia

Iran Foreign Minister urges on strengthening relations with India

It seems unlikely that Iran will meet the new demands made by the United States after its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal, while the withdrawal’s fallout will continue, according to some experts on international affairs.

The experts made the remarks in a current affairs commenting program of the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Sunday when commenting on US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent statement on Iran such as demanding Iran to cease its uranium enrichment, stop supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen and withdraw all its forces from Syria.

Hua Liming, former Chinese ambassador to Iran, said the US&nbspdemands are seeking to overturn the Iranian regime.

"What President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo said, that was kind of regime change in Iran. That means Iran, the regime will collapse at all, because this is the basis of the Iranian regime now. And I have read in the news that the Iranian leader, Khamenei just put these questions: no discussion about the ballistic missile, no discussion about Iranian regional role and no discussion about 'sunset' at articles. So this is the answer of the Iranians," said Hua.

Iran will not give up its uranium enrichment, which was allowed within stringent limitations by the JCPOA, as demanded by the Trump administration, according to Meir Javendanfar, an Israel-based expert on Middle East affairs.

"This is just the pipe dream to think that the Iranian regime, whatever you think of it, is going to completely give up enrichment. In Iran the enrichment program and the right to enrich is a very much part of the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It would be extremely difficult, if not politically suicidal, for the supreme leader to agree to such a term. So, on the one hand, I think they are unreasonable, but on the other hand, I have to be absolutely honest with you, I think President Trump made a terrible mistake to walk out of the deal," he said.

As a US&nbspcitizen, Eward Lehman, also a senior fellow with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said he is disappointed at the US&nbspgovernment’s discard of direct diagloue with Iran.

"I understand people can polarize on issues, but I think when the United States doesn't have a direct dialogue, that's not good for anybody and for people and I understand what our Israeli friend was saying as well. I mean trying to poison deals and that's really not helpful. We are all humans in the world here, we are all trying to get along and that's what I find is the worst, but I agree with them, I think that it's going to be very difficult, a bridge too far probably to make," said Lehman.

Javendanfar believes that the US&nbspwithdrawal will continue to jeopardize the JCPOA, as the European negotiators could eventually turn to the US&nbspside.

"I think it won't be long before Iran walks away from the deal, because the Europeans are not going to be able to make up the loss which America has left behind. From my conversation with some European officials, they said that, 'look we can't force our companies to do business with Iran'," he said.

However, China will continue to go all-out in safeguarding the deal, according to Hua.

"China has announced that China will remain in the JCPOA, because China has been one of the major contributors of the JCPOA in the long discussions, the long negotiations for 18 months. So this is the fruit of the efforts of the five plus one. China will not easily give up the JCPOA," said the former diplomat.

Iran will not give up its uranium enrichment, which was allowed within stringent limitations by the JCPOA, as demanded by the Trump administration, according to Meir Javendanfar, an Israel-based expert on Middle East affairs

It seems unlikely that Iran will meet the new demands made by the United States after its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal, while the withdrawal’s fallout will continue, according to some experts on international affairs. The experts made the remarks in a current affairs commenting program of the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Sunday when commenting on US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent statement on Iran such as demanding Iran to cease its uranium enrichment, stop supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen and withdraw all its forces from Syria. Hua Liming, former Chinese ambassador to Iran, said the US&nbspdemands are seeking to overturn the Iranian regime. "What President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo said, that was kind of regime change in Iran. That means Iran, the regime will collapse at all, because this is the basis of the Iranian regime now. And I have read in the news that the Iranian leader, Khamenei just put these questions: no discussion about the ballistic missile, no discussion about Iranian regional role and no discussion about 'sunset' at articles. So this is the answer of the Iranians," said Hua. Iran will not give up its uranium enrichment, which was allowed within stringent limitations by the JCPOA, as demanded by the Trump administration, according to Meir Javendanfar, an Israel-based expert on Middle East affairs. "This is just the pipe dream to think that the Iranian regime, whatever you think of it, is going to completely give up enrichment. In Iran the enrichment program and the right to enrich is a very much part of the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It would be extremely difficult, if not politically suicidal, for the supreme leader to agree to such a term. So, on the one hand, I think they are unreasonable, but on the other hand, I have to be absolutely honest with you, I think President Trump made a terrible mistake to walk out of the deal," he said. As a US&nbspcitizen, Eward Lehman, also a senior fellow with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said he is disappointed at the US&nbspgovernment’s discard of direct diagloue with Iran. "I understand people can polarize on issues, but I think when the United States doesn't have a direct dialogue, that's not good for anybody and for people and I understand what our Israeli friend was saying as well. I mean trying to poison deals and that's really not helpful. We are all humans in the world here, we are all trying to get along and that's what I find is the worst, but I agree with them, I think that it's going to be very difficult, a bridge too far probably to make," said Lehman. Javendanfar believes that the US&nbspwithdrawal will continue to jeopardize the JCPOA, as the European negotiators could eventually turn to the US&nbspside. "I think it won't be long before Iran walks away from the deal, because the Europeans are not going to be able to make up the loss which America has left behind. From my conversation with some European officials, they said that, 'look we can't force our companies to do business with Iran'," he said. However, China will continue to go all-out in safeguarding the deal, according to Hua. "China has announced that China will remain in the JCPOA, because China has been one of the major contributors of the JCPOA in the long discussions, the long negotiations for 18 months. So this is the fruit of the efforts of the five plus one. China will not easily give up the JCPOA," said the former diplomat.

Iran unlikely to meet US demands after JCPOA pullout: Experts

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's comment on Iran's right to uranium enrichment is inadmissible.

Qassemi said, the newly appointed Secretary of State doesn't know about the realities and international developments, Sputnik reported.

He further said that their right to uranium enrichment had been established and its awareness exists in the country.

In an interview with Voice of America, on May 25, Pompeo said, it is not "appropriate for Iran to have the capacity to create fissile material, to enrich uranium or have a plutonium factory."

If Iran needs a peaceful nuclear programme, they could import the material, he added.

Earlier this week, Pompeo tore into the Iranian regime, saying he threatened to impose the "strongest sanctions in the history" of Iran.

Pompeo asserted that the deal required "major" changes and said Washington D.C. would never allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-all-is-not-lost-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-139806">still possible</a> to save the Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015, despite US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of an international agreement earlier this month aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and said he would reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran immediately.

Since then, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-signatories-meet-for-the-first-time-since-us-pullout-139626">signatories of the Iran nuclear deal</a> meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna on Friday in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal.

For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-out-of-iran-nuclear-deal-reimposes-us-sanctions-135588">which pulled out on May 8.</a>

Qassemi said, the newly appointed Secretary of State doesn't know about the realities and international developments, Sputnik reported

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's comment on Iran's right to uranium enrichment is inadmissible. Qassemi said, the newly appointed Secretary of State doesn't know about the realities and international developments, Sputnik reported. He further said that their right to uranium enrichment had been established and its awareness exists in the country. In an interview with Voice of America, on May 25, Pompeo said, it is not "appropriate for Iran to have the capacity to create fissile material, to enrich uranium or have a plutonium factory." If Iran needs a peaceful nuclear programme, they could import the material, he added. Earlier this week, Pompeo tore into the Iranian regime, saying he threatened to impose the "strongest sanctions in the history" of Iran. Pompeo asserted that the deal required "major" changes and said Washington D.C. would never allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was still possible to save the Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015, despite US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of an international agreement earlier this month aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and said he would reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran immediately. Since then, signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna on Friday in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal. For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8.

Iran says has legal right to uranium enrichment

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-toughens-stance-on-iran-lists-sweeping-demands-138742">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-toughens-stance-on-iran-lists-sweeping-demands-138742"> demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions</a>

The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-final-congress-jds-deal-to-be-hammered-out-today-138758">Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today</a>

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-plane-crash-death-toll-rises-to-111-mexico-suspends-lease-company-138762">Cuba plane crash: Death toll rises to 111, Mexico suspends lease company</a>

The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barack-and-michelle-obama-sign-agreement-with-netflix-to-produce-content--138757">Barack and Michelle Obama to produce movies, series with Netflix</a>

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement with video streaming giant Netflix Inc to produce films and series.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-gunman-accused-of-murdering-indian-techie-srinivas-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-138764">US gunman accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas pleads guilty to federal charges</a>

US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.

&nbsp;

US demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran. Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi. Cuba plane crash: Death toll rises to 111, Mexico suspends lease company The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline. Barack and Michelle Obama to produce movies, series with Netflix Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement with video streaming giant Netflix Inc to produce films and series. US gunman accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas pleads guilty to federal charges US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a sign that it will allow some flexibility in exchange rates under threatened US&nbsp;sanctions,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has lowered the official value of the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;versus the&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;for the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time since&nbsp;it tried to stamp out a free currency market last month.

In early April, with the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;sinking to record lows before US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision to exit the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal, Tehran said it was unifying official and free-market rates for the currency at a single value of 42,000 to the&nbsp;dollar.

Authorities threatened anyone trading the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;at other rates with arrest, and sent police to patrol money exchange shops in big cities.

This week, however, the central bank has begun engineering a very slow decline of the&nbsp;rial, suggesting it will let the currency&nbsp;move&nbsp;gradually in response to supply and demand, as long as a fresh free-fall can be avoided.

The central bank set the rate at 42,050 on Monday and 42,060 on Tuesday, its website showed. Central bank chief Valiollah Seif hinted at the possibility of further falls, saying the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;could&nbsp;move as much as 5 or 6 percent during the fiscal year to March 20, 2019, the Financial Tribune newspaper reported.

Seif was quoted as telling a meeting of the banks' chief executives that the central bank would decide foreign exchange rates based on inflation in&nbsp;Iran, which is now running slightly above 8 percent.

By letting the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;depreciate,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;may be able to boost its export sector and make it easier to attract flows of hard currency into the country, partly offsetting economic damage from the sanctions that Trump is threatening to impose.

But at the same time, authorities are desperate to prevent a sharp&nbsp;rial&nbsp;drop that could cause inflation to jump. Rising consumer prices were partly responsible for public protests that were crushed in January with the deaths of at least 25 people.

Residents of Tehran told Reuters that trade in the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;at values other than the official rate had largely halted because of the danger of arrest. But some deals were still being done by&nbsp;Iranians who wanted to trade or travel abroad and could not obtain enough&nbsp;dollars through official channels.

Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi said in mid-May that 180 people had been arrested over foreign exchange-related offences, according to the&nbsp;Iranian daily Financial Tribune.

Foreigners in Tehran said they were exchanging currency with dealers in the basements of buildings or petrol stations in order to escape notice. “It is more dangerous than buying drugs,” said one.

In early May, after Trump's decision to pull out of the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal, the&nbsp;rial&nbsp;traded in the black market at record lows of about 75,000.

It has&nbsp;since&nbsp;recovered to around 64,000. An&nbsp;Iranian analyst in Tehran said authorities had been pumping&nbsp;dollars into the market in order to stabilise it but added that given heavy demand for hard currency and investors' jitters over Trump's decision, it was not clear how long a price of 64,000 could be sustained.

In early April, with the rial sinking to record lows before US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal, Tehran said it was unifying official and free-market rates for the currency at a single value of 42,000 to the dollar

In a sign that it will allow some flexibility in exchange rates under threatened US sanctions, Iran has lowered the official value of the rial versus the dollar for the first time since it tried to stamp out a free currency market last month. In early April, with the rial sinking to record lows before US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal, Tehran said it was unifying official and free-market rates for the currency at a single value of 42,000 to the dollar. Authorities threatened anyone trading the rial at other rates with arrest, and sent police to patrol money exchange shops in big cities. This week, however, the central bank has begun engineering a very slow decline of the rial, suggesting it will let the currency move gradually in response to supply and demand, as long as a fresh free-fall can be avoided. The central bank set the rate at 42,050 on Monday and 42,060 on Tuesday, its website showed. Central bank chief Valiollah Seif hinted at the possibility of further falls, saying the rial could move as much as 5 or 6 percent during the fiscal year to March 20, 2019, the Financial Tribune newspaper reported. Seif was quoted as telling a meeting of the banks' chief executives that the central bank would decide foreign exchange rates based on inflation in Iran, which is now running slightly above 8 percent. By letting the rial depreciate, Iran may be able to boost its export sector and make it easier to attract flows of hard currency into the country, partly offsetting economic damage from the sanctions that Trump is threatening to impose. But at the same time, authorities are desperate to prevent a sharp rial drop that could cause inflation to jump. Rising consumer prices were partly responsible for public protests that were crushed in January with the deaths of at least 25 people. Residents of Tehran told Reuters that trade in the rial at values other than the official rate had largely halted because of the danger of arrest. But some deals were still being done by Iranians who wanted to trade or travel abroad and could not obtain enough dollars through official channels. Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi said in mid-May that 180 people had been arrested over foreign exchange-related offences, according to the Iranian daily Financial Tribune. Foreigners in Tehran said they were exchanging currency with dealers in the basements of buildings or petrol stations in order to escape notice. “It is more dangerous than buying drugs,” said one. In early May, after Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, the rial traded in the black market at record lows of about 75,000. It has since recovered to around 64,000. An Iranian analyst in Tehran said authorities had been pumping dollars into the market in order to stabilise it but added that given heavy demand for hard currency and investors' jitters over Trump's decision, it was not clear how long a price of 64,000 could be sustained.

In first move since FX crackdown, Iran lowers rial vs dollar

The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran.

Iran dismissed Washington's ultimatum and one senior Iranian official said it showed the United States is seeking "regime change" in Iran.

Weeks after President Donald Trump pulled out of an international nuclear deal with Iran, his administration threatened to impose "the strongest sanctions in history," and vowed to "crush" Iranian operatives abroad, setting Washington and Tehran further on a course of confrontation.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded sweeping changes that would force Iran effectively to reverse the recent spread of its military and political influence through the Middle East to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

The speech added to the tension between the two countries, which grew notably when Trump this month withdrew from the 2015 international agreement aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

If Washington sees tangible shifts in Iran's policies, it is prepared to lift sanctions, Pompeo said.

"The sting of sanctions will only grow more painful if the regime does not change course from the unacceptable and unproductive path it has chosen for itself and the people of Iran," Pompeo said in his first major speech since becoming secretary of state.

"These will be the strongest sanctions in history by the time we are done," he added.

The European Union largely dismissed Pompeo's speech and said it remained committed to the full implementation of the nuclear deal.

Pompeo took aim at Iran's policy of expansion in the Middle East through support for armed groups in countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

He warned that the United States would "crush" Iranian operatives and proxies abroad and told Tehran to pull out forces under its command from the Syrian civil war where they have helped President Bashar al-Assad gain the upper hand.

Iran's president summarily dismissed Pompeo's demands.

"Who are you to decide for Iran and the world?," the semi-official ILNA news agency quoted Hassan Rouhani as saying.

"The world today does not accept America to decide for the world, as countries are independent ... that era is over ... We will continue our path with the support of our nation."

A senior Iranian official said Pompeo's remarks showed that the United States was pushing for "regime change," a charged phrase often associated with the US&nbsp;invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein.

Pompeo warned that if Iran fully resumed its nuclear program Washington would be ready to respond and said the administration would hold companies doing prohibited business in Iran to account.

"Our demands on Iran are not unreasonable: give up your program," Pompeo said, "Should they choose to go back, should they begin to enrich, we are fully prepared to respond to that as well," he said, declining to elaborate.

Pompeo said Washington would work with the Defense Department and allies to counter Iran in the cyberspace and maritime areas.

The Pentagon said it would take all necessary steps to confront Iranian behavior in the region and was assessing whether that could include new actions or doubling down on current ones.

Pompeo will have an uphill battle convincing European allies to sign on to the administration's "Plan B" on Iran after its withdrawal from the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Secretary Pompeo’s speech has not demonstrated how walking away from the JCPOA has made or will make the region safer from the threat of nuclear proliferation or how it puts us in a better position to influence Iran’s conduct in areas outside the scope of JCPOA. There is no alternative to the JCPOA," the EU said in a statement.

Naming names

Pompeo said if Iran made major changes, the United States was prepared to ease sanctions, re-establish full diplomatic and commercial relations and support the country's re-integration into the international economic system.

Any new US&nbsp;sanctions will raise the cost of trade for Iran and are expected to further deter Western companies from investing there, giving hardliners, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an opportunity to cement their grip on power.

Iran's ruling elite are mindful of recent protests sparked by economic hardship, which is, in part, their calculation for working with the Europeans on ways to salvage the nuclear deal.

Pompeo's speech did not explicitly call for regime change but he repeatedly urged the Iranian people not to put up with their leaders, specifically naming Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

"At the end of the day the Iranian people will get to make a choice about their leadership," Pompeo said.

Suzanne Maloney, deputy director of the Brooking Institution think tank's foreign policy program, said Pompeo's speech did indeed amount to a strategy of regime change.

"There is only one way to read it and that is that Trump administration has wedded itself to a regime-change strategy to Iran, one that is likely to alienate our allies. One with dubious prospects for success," she said.

The administration's approach "explicitly puts the onus on the Iranian people to change their leadership or face cataclysmic financial pressure," said Maloney who has advised the State Department on Iran in the Bush administration between 2005-2007.

Lebanese analyst Ghaleb Kandil, who has close ties to the pro-Iran Hezbollah group, said Washington's demands have previously not worked.

"These are conditions that were tested in previous phases of American pressures, before the nuclear deal, when Iran was in more difficult circumstances than it is in these days, and it did not surrender to these conditions or accept them," said Kandil.

Pompeo outlined 12 US&nbsp;demands for Iran including to stop uranium enrichment, never to pursue plutonium reprocessing and to close its heavy water reactor.

It also had to declare all previous military dimensions of its nuclear program and to permanently and verifiably abandon such work, he said.

Pompeo's demand that Tehran stop uranium enrichment goes even further than the nuclear deal. Iran says its nuclear work has medical uses and will produce energy to meet domestic demand and complement its oil reserves.

Washington's regional allies, the Gulf Arabs and Israel, who were strong critics of the deal, praised the administration's position on Monday.

European parties to the nuclear deal - France, Britain and Germany - are working to find a way to keep the nuclear pact in effect after Washington's exit.

Iran dismissed Washington's ultimatum and one senior Iranian official said it showed the United States is seeking 'regime change' in Iran

The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran. Iran dismissed Washington's ultimatum and one senior Iranian official said it showed the United States is seeking "regime change" in Iran. Weeks after President Donald Trump pulled out of an international nuclear deal with Iran, his administration threatened to impose "the strongest sanctions in history," and vowed to "crush" Iranian operatives abroad, setting Washington and Tehran further on a course of confrontation. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded sweeping changes that would force Iran effectively to reverse the recent spread of its military and political influence through the Middle East to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The speech added to the tension between the two countries, which grew notably when Trump this month withdrew from the 2015 international agreement aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Washington sees tangible shifts in Iran's policies, it is prepared to lift sanctions, Pompeo said. "The sting of sanctions will only grow more painful if the regime does not change course from the unacceptable and unproductive path it has chosen for itself and the people of Iran," Pompeo said in his first major speech since becoming secretary of state. "These will be the strongest sanctions in history by the time we are done," he added. The European Union largely dismissed Pompeo's speech and said it remained committed to the full implementation of the nuclear deal. Pompeo took aim at Iran's policy of expansion in the Middle East through support for armed groups in countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. He warned that the United States would "crush" Iranian operatives and proxies abroad and told Tehran to pull out forces under its command from the Syrian civil war where they have helped President Bashar al-Assad gain the upper hand. Iran's president summarily dismissed Pompeo's demands. "Who are you to decide for Iran and the world?," the semi-official ILNA news agency quoted Hassan Rouhani as saying. "The world today does not accept America to decide for the world, as countries are independent ... that era is over ... We will continue our path with the support of our nation." A senior Iranian official said Pompeo's remarks showed that the United States was pushing for "regime change," a charged phrase often associated with the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein. Pompeo warned that if Iran fully resumed its nuclear program Washington would be ready to respond and said the administration would hold companies doing prohibited business in Iran to account. "Our demands on Iran are not unreasonable: give up your program," Pompeo said, "Should they choose to go back, should they begin to enrich, we are fully prepared to respond to that as well," he said, declining to elaborate. Pompeo said Washington would work with the Defense Department and allies to counter Iran in the cyberspace and maritime areas. The Pentagon said it would take all necessary steps to confront Iranian behavior in the region and was assessing whether that could include new actions or doubling down on current ones. Pompeo will have an uphill battle convincing European allies to sign on to the administration's "Plan B" on Iran after its withdrawal from the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Secretary Pompeo’s speech has not demonstrated how walking away from the JCPOA has made or will make the region safer from the threat of nuclear proliferation or how it puts us in a better position to influence Iran’s conduct in areas outside the scope of JCPOA. There is no alternative to the JCPOA," the EU said in a statement. Naming names Pompeo said if Iran made major changes, the United States was prepared to ease sanctions, re-establish full diplomatic and commercial relations and support the country's re-integration into the international economic system. Any new US sanctions will raise the cost of trade for Iran and are expected to further deter Western companies from investing there, giving hardliners, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an opportunity to cement their grip on power. Iran's ruling elite are mindful of recent protests sparked by economic hardship, which is, in part, their calculation for working with the Europeans on ways to salvage the nuclear deal. Pompeo's speech did not explicitly call for regime change but he repeatedly urged the Iranian people not to put up with their leaders, specifically naming Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. "At the end of the day the Iranian people will get to make a choice about their leadership," Pompeo said. Suzanne Maloney, deputy director of the Brooking Institution think tank's foreign policy program, said Pompeo's speech did indeed amount to a strategy of regime change. "There is only one way to read it and that is that Trump administration has wedded itself to a regime-change strategy to Iran, one that is likely to alienate our allies. One with dubious prospects for success," she said. The administration's approach "explicitly puts the onus on the Iranian people to change their leadership or face cataclysmic financial pressure," said Maloney who has advised the State Department on Iran in the Bush administration between 2005-2007. Lebanese analyst Ghaleb Kandil, who has close ties to the pro-Iran Hezbollah group, said Washington's demands have previously not worked. "These are conditions that were tested in previous phases of American pressures, before the nuclear deal, when Iran was in more difficult circumstances than it is in these days, and it did not surrender to these conditions or accept them," said Kandil. Pompeo outlined 12 US demands for Iran including to stop uranium enrichment, never to pursue plutonium reprocessing and to close its heavy water reactor. It also had to declare all previous military dimensions of its nuclear program and to permanently and verifiably abandon such work, he said. Pompeo's demand that Tehran stop uranium enrichment goes even further than the nuclear deal. Iran says its nuclear work has medical uses and will produce energy to meet domestic demand and complement its oil reserves. Washington's regional allies, the Gulf Arabs and Israel, who were strong critics of the deal, praised the administration's position on Monday. European parties to the nuclear deal - France, Britain and Germany - are working to find a way to keep the nuclear pact in effect after Washington's exit.

US demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reacted to the United States seeking sweeping changes in Tehran's foreign and nuclear policies. Zarif took to Twitter posting that the Trump administration is repeating the "the same wrong choices".

"US&nbsp;diplomacy sham is merely a regression to old habits: imprisoned by delusions and failed policies—dictated by corrupt special interest—it repeats the same wrong choices and will thus reap the same ill rewards. Iran, meanwhile, is working with partners for post-US JCPOA solutions," read Zarif's tweet.

As the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran, the United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions. The changes called for included requiring Iran to drop its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war.&nbsp;

Iran dismissed Washington's ultimatum and one senior Iranian official said it showed the United States is seeking "regime change" in Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded changes that would force Tehran effectively to reverse the recent spread of its military and political influence through the Middle East to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reacted to the United States seeking sweeping changes in Tehran's foreign and nuclear policies. Zarif took to Twitter posting that the Trump administration is repeating the "the same wrong choices". "US diplomacy sham is merely a regression to old habits: imprisoned by delusions and failed policies—dictated by corrupt special interest—it repeats the same wrong choices and will thus reap the same ill rewards. Iran, meanwhile, is working with partners for post-US JCPOA solutions," read Zarif's tweet. As the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran, the United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions. The changes called for included requiring Iran to drop its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war. Iran dismissed Washington's ultimatum and one senior Iranian official said it showed the United States is seeking "regime change" in Iran. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded changes that would force Tehran effectively to reverse the recent spread of its military and political influence through the Middle East to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. (With inputs from Reuters)

US is repeating mistakes on Iran: Zarif tweets over Pompeo's sweeping demands

As fuel prices hit record highs, the government may be mulling a tax cut.&nbsp

Petrol was selling in Delhi on Sunday at <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-diesel-prices-hit-record-highs-in-delhi-138381">Rs 76.24 a litre</a>, the highest ever since September 14, 2013.&nbsp

On Monday, prices climbed even higher to Rs 76.57 a litre.&nbsp

This is the eighth straight day fuel prices have risen.&nbsp

Oil retailers had frozen prices on April 24 — after being nudged by the government to do so&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp— as Karnataka went to the polls.&nbsp

The freeze was lifted on May 14, two days after the elections.&nbsp

The retailers are now trying to catch up with global oil prices.&nbsp

On Sunday however, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in Bhubaneshwar that the Centre was "sensitive" about "rising fuel prices". That alternatives were being explored and that he hoped something would "work out soon".&nbsp

That, news reports said Monday, indicated the government may be thinking about a tax cut.&nbsp

Pradhan has so far&nbspruled out an excise cut, saying the price rise is temporary. He has blamed the price rise on OPEC's decision to cut production, US sanctions on Iran, and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-maduro-wins-presidential-vote-138497">instability in Venezuela</a>.&nbsp

He has instead urged states to cut VAT and bring fuels under the GST regime.&nbsp

But the minister's statement on Sunday, the reports said, indicates a rethink by the government in order to avoid the public outcry getting any louder. 
&nbsp

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Sunday that the Centre was 'sensitive' about 'rising fuel prices'. That alternatives were being explored and that he hoped something would 'work out soon'

As fuel prices hit record highs, the government may be mulling a tax cut. Petrol was selling in Delhi on Sunday at Rs 76.24 a litre, the highest ever since September 14, 2013. On Monday, prices climbed even higher to Rs 76.57 a litre. This is the eighth straight day fuel prices have risen. Oil retailers had frozen prices on April 24 — after being nudged by the government to do so — as Karnataka went to the polls. The freeze was lifted on May 14, two days after the elections. The retailers are now trying to catch up with global oil prices. On Sunday however, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in Bhubaneshwar that the Centre was "sensitive" about "rising fuel prices". That alternatives were being explored and that he hoped something would "work out soon". That, news reports said Monday, indicated the government may be thinking about a tax cut. Pradhan has so far&nbspruled out an excise cut, saying the price rise is temporary. He has blamed the price rise on OPEC's decision to cut production, US sanctions on Iran, and the instability in Venezuela. He has instead urged states to cut VAT and bring fuels under the GST regime. But the minister's statement on Sunday, the reports said, indicates a rethink by the government in order to avoid the public outcry getting any louder.

As fuel prices hit record highs, government may be mulling a tax cut

US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear accord and re-impose sanctions on Tehran threatens to derail a project to help build Afghanistan's economy, endangering a key goal of the U.S. strategy to end America's longest war.

The Indian-backed Chabahar port complex in Iran is being developed as part of a new transportation corridor for land-locked Afghanistan that could potentially open the way for millions of dollars in trade and cut its dependence on Pakistan, its sometimes-hostile neighbor.

Building Afghanistan's economy would also slash Kabul's dependence on foreign aid and put a major dent in the illicit opium trade, the Taliban's main revenue source.

But Trump's decision to re-impose sanctions on Iran and penalize financial institutions for doing business with Tehran is clouding Chabahar's viability as banks, nervous they could be hit with crippling penalties, pull back from financing.

"President Trump's decision has brought us back to the drawing board and we will have to renegotiate terms and conditions on using Chabahar," a senior Indian diplomat said. "It is a route that can change the way India-Iran-Afghanistan do business, but for now everything is in a state of uncertainty."

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Launched in 2016, the joint Iran-India-Afghanistan Chabahar project already was facing holdups. It has yet to see significant traffic apart from some containers of donated wheat from India, and the first shipments of Afghan dried fruit to India are not expected before July.

At least three contracts to build infrastructure at the port now have been delayed, with two Chinese companies and a Finnish group left hanging while bankers seek clarity from Washington before approving guarantees, a person close to the project said.

In addition, Afghan traders, who were hoping for an alternative to Pakistan's port of Karachi, now find themselves cut off from funding and forced to rely on the traditional hawala money transfer system, which is insufficient on its own to transform an economy. Hawala is a trust-based system commonly used in Afghanistan that involves the movement of funds between agents in different countries.

"We know our correspondent banks would not let us pay for imports coming through that port," said a senior executive at one major Afghan lender.

Chabahar is among a number of projects of transport and energy networks projects designed to boost Afghanistan's trade and lay the foundations for a mining industry capable of exploiting its billions of dollars in untapped mineral reserves.

Bypassing the border with Pakistan, which last year was closed for some 50 days over various disputes, Chabahar is seen as a way for Afghanistan to consolidate its relationships with India and other regional powers.

"The only way to get India more involved" in Afghanistan's economic development "is through Chabahar," said Barnett Rubin, an expert with New York University's Center for International Cooperation and a former adviser to the State Department and the United Nations. "Our Iran policy is headed for a train wreck with our Afghanistan policy."

Some 17 years after the US-led invasion to oust the Taliban from power, Afghanistan remains one of the world's poorest countries, highly dependent on foreign aid.

Apart from illegal opium exports estimated at some $2 billion by the International Monetary Fund, its main products are dried and fresh fruits, and carpets, none of which amount to more than a fraction of the value of the drugs trade.

Initially Afghanistan would export agricultural produce – such as pomegranates and grapes - through Chabahar, utilizing a section of a road India paid for and then an extension to the Iranian border that New Delhi built, experts said.

Eventually, those exports could expand to mineral resources, something Trump has expressed an interest in gaining for U.S. firms. For India, this would mean using a planned railroad to Chabahar to export iron ore from two tracts at the Hajigak iron mine in central Afghanistan that it won the rights to exploit, the experts said.

"The economic piece is really important to get a glimmer of hope for Afghanistan to move beyond a land-locked, poppy-based economy. We are now shooting that in the head," said Thomas Lynch, a National Defense University expert and a former U.S. Army officer who advised the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on South Asia policy.

"There is no other legitimate and reliable way to do that. You can't do it by air, you can't do it through Pakistan because they just extort for everything they do," said Lynch. "The lifeline runs through Chabahar."

In addition, by hindering the development of Chabahar, the United States will leave Afghanistan dependent on Pakistan, historically its main trade partner and outlet to the world.

That would undermine another Trump goal of pressuring Islamabad to shutter Afghan insurgent sanctuaries on its side of the border and force the militants into peace talks.

Afghan officials have lobbied hard for exemptions to the sanctions for Afghan companies operating though Chabahar without success and are waiting for clarity from Washington.

"Now the uncertainty is that we don't know what's going to happen with Chabahar," said Atiqullah Nusrat, Chief Executive of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "We haven't heard anything so we have to wait and see what happens."

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

The Indian-backed Chabahar port complex in Iran is being developed as part of a new transportation corridor for land-locked Afghanistan that could potentially open the way for millions of dollars in trade and cut its dependence on Pakistan, its sometimes-hostile neighbor

US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear accord and re-impose sanctions on Tehran threatens to derail a project to help build Afghanistan's economy, endangering a key goal of the U.S. strategy to end America's longest war. The Indian-backed Chabahar port complex in Iran is being developed as part of a new transportation corridor for land-locked Afghanistan that could potentially open the way for millions of dollars in trade and cut its dependence on Pakistan, its sometimes-hostile neighbor. Building Afghanistan's economy would also slash Kabul's dependence on foreign aid and put a major dent in the illicit opium trade, the Taliban's main revenue source. But Trump's decision to re-impose sanctions on Iran and penalize financial institutions for doing business with Tehran is clouding Chabahar's viability as banks, nervous they could be hit with crippling penalties, pull back from financing. "President Trump's decision has brought us back to the drawing board and we will have to renegotiate terms and conditions on using Chabahar," a senior Indian diplomat said. "It is a route that can change the way India-Iran-Afghanistan do business, but for now everything is in a state of uncertainty." The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Launched in 2016, the joint Iran-India-Afghanistan Chabahar project already was facing holdups. It has yet to see significant traffic apart from some containers of donated wheat from India, and the first shipments of Afghan dried fruit to India are not expected before July. At least three contracts to build infrastructure at the port now have been delayed, with two Chinese companies and a Finnish group left hanging while bankers seek clarity from Washington before approving guarantees, a person close to the project said. In addition, Afghan traders, who were hoping for an alternative to Pakistan's port of Karachi, now find themselves cut off from funding and forced to rely on the traditional hawala money transfer system, which is insufficient on its own to transform an economy. Hawala is a trust-based system commonly used in Afghanistan that involves the movement of funds between agents in different countries. "We know our correspondent banks would not let us pay for imports coming through that port," said a senior executive at one major Afghan lender. Chabahar is among a number of projects of transport and energy networks projects designed to boost Afghanistan's trade and lay the foundations for a mining industry capable of exploiting its billions of dollars in untapped mineral reserves. Bypassing the border with Pakistan, which last year was closed for some 50 days over various disputes, Chabahar is seen as a way for Afghanistan to consolidate its relationships with India and other regional powers. "The only way to get India more involved" in Afghanistan's economic development "is through Chabahar," said Barnett Rubin, an expert with New York University's Center for International Cooperation and a former adviser to the State Department and the United Nations. "Our Iran policy is headed for a train wreck with our Afghanistan policy." Some 17 years after the US-led invasion to oust the Taliban from power, Afghanistan remains one of the world's poorest countries, highly dependent on foreign aid. Apart from illegal opium exports estimated at some $2 billion by the International Monetary Fund, its main products are dried and fresh fruits, and carpets, none of which amount to more than a fraction of the value of the drugs trade. Initially Afghanistan would export agricultural produce – such as pomegranates and grapes - through Chabahar, utilizing a section of a road India paid for and then an extension to the Iranian border that New Delhi built, experts said. Eventually, those exports could expand to mineral resources, something Trump has expressed an interest in gaining for U.S. firms. For India, this would mean using a planned railroad to Chabahar to export iron ore from two tracts at the Hajigak iron mine in central Afghanistan that it won the rights to exploit, the experts said. "The economic piece is really important to get a glimmer of hope for Afghanistan to move beyond a land-locked, poppy-based economy. We are now shooting that in the head," said Thomas Lynch, a National Defense University expert and a former U.S. Army officer who advised the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on South Asia policy. "There is no other legitimate and reliable way to do that. You can't do it by air, you can't do it through Pakistan because they just extort for everything they do," said Lynch. "The lifeline runs through Chabahar." In addition, by hindering the development of Chabahar, the United States will leave Afghanistan dependent on Pakistan, historically its main trade partner and outlet to the world. That would undermine another Trump goal of pressuring Islamabad to shutter Afghan insurgent sanctuaries on its side of the border and force the militants into peace talks. Afghan officials have lobbied hard for exemptions to the sanctions for Afghan companies operating though Chabahar without success and are waiting for clarity from Washington. "Now the uncertainty is that we don't know what's going to happen with Chabahar," said Atiqullah Nusrat, Chief Executive of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "We haven't heard anything so we have to wait and see what happens."

US sanctions on Iran threaten vital Afghanistan trade project

&nbspIran's nuclear chief said on Saturday that the European Union had promised to save the nuclear deal with major powers despite U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to exit the accord and reimpose sanctions on Tehran.

"We hope their efforts materialise ... America's actions ... show that it is not a trustworthy country in international dealings," Ali Akbar Salehi told a joint news conference in Tehran with the European Commissioner for Energy and Climate, Miguel Arias Canete.

Under the 2015 deal with major powers, Iran curbed its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of most Western sanctions on the country. The sanctions were lifted in 2016.

Canete, who arrived in Tehran late on Friday for a two-day visit, aims to reassure Iran that the 28-nation EU wants to keep trade open despite the U.S. withdrawal from the pact, announced by Trump on May 8.

"We have sent a message to our Iranian friends that as long as they are sticking to the agreement the Europeans will... fulfil their commitment. And they said the same thing on the other side," Canete said.

"We will try to intensify our flows of trade that have been very positive for the Iranian economy."

The EU was once the biggest importer of Iranian oil.

Under the 2015 deal with major powers, Iran curbed its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of most Western sanctions on the country. The sanctions were lifted in 2016

&nbspIran's nuclear chief said on Saturday that the European Union had promised to save the nuclear deal with major powers despite U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to exit the accord and reimpose sanctions on Tehran. "We hope their efforts materialise ... America's actions ... show that it is not a trustworthy country in international dealings," Ali Akbar Salehi told a joint news conference in Tehran with the European Commissioner for Energy and Climate, Miguel Arias Canete. Under the 2015 deal with major powers, Iran curbed its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of most Western sanctions on the country. The sanctions were lifted in 2016. Canete, who arrived in Tehran late on Friday for a two-day visit, aims to reassure Iran that the 28-nation EU wants to keep trade open despite the U.S. withdrawal from the pact, announced by Trump on May 8. "We have sent a message to our Iranian friends that as long as they are sticking to the agreement the Europeans will... fulfil their commitment. And they said the same thing on the other side," Canete said. "We will try to intensify our flows of trade that have been very positive for the Iranian economy." The EU was once the biggest importer of Iranian oil.

Iran says EU promising to salvage nuclear deal despite Trump move

Iran said Saturday it would wait to see whether Europe produces tangible results in overcoming US sanctions before deciding whether to stay in the nuclear deal, as a top EU official visited Tehran to present plans to maintain trade ties.

"The ball is in the court of the EU. They have presented different proposals, we will see if they materialise," Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation head Ali Akbar Salehi told reporters.

He was speaking after a meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, the first high-level Western official to visit Iran since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal earlier this month.

Canete called the nuclear deal "fundamental for peace in the region" as he outlined EU plans to continue oil and gas purchases and protect European companies, despite renewed US sanctions on Iran that are set to be phased in over the next six months.

"For sure there are clear difficulties with the sanctions," Canete said at a press conference alongside Salehi.&nbsp

"We will have to ask for waivers, for carve-outs for the companies that make investments."

Salehi acknowledged Europe's efforts but said: "We want tangible results, otherwise we take our own decisions. I personally don't want to see such decisions being taken."

EU firms eye exit

Iran has threatened to resume industrial uranium enrichment "without limit" unless its interests are preserved.&nbsp

Salehi said the Iranian people had lost trust in the nuclear agreement, and if trade benefits were not protected "they will lose more confidence... and we will be forced to leave."

European leaders have outlined measures to protect EU firms from US sanctions.&nbsp

But several of their companies -- including France's Total and Holland's Maersk -- have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once US sanctions are reimposed unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington.&nbsp

Canete was due to meet Iran's Environment Minister Isa Kalantari and Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh later on Saturday, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday.

Iran's trade with the European Union is around 20 billion euros, evenly split between imports and exports.&nbsp

The vast majority of EU purchases from Iran -- 90 percent -- are oil purchases, going primarily to Spain, France, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and Germany.

Iran, which has the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves, produces some 3.8 million barrels of oil per day, 70 percent of which goes to China and other Asian countries, and 20 percent to Europe.&nbsp

It also has the second-biggest gas reserves in the world, but limited infrastructure means little is exported.

Russia and China -- the other parties to the nuclear deal -- have also vowed to maintain trade with Iran and are less vulnerable to economic pressure from Washington.&nbsp

Top European Union official visited Tehran on Saturday to present plans to maintain trade ties

Iran said Saturday it would wait to see whether Europe produces tangible results in overcoming US sanctions before deciding whether to stay in the nuclear deal, as a top EU official visited Tehran to present plans to maintain trade ties. "The ball is in the court of the EU. They have presented different proposals, we will see if they materialise," Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation head Ali Akbar Salehi told reporters. He was speaking after a meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, the first high-level Western official to visit Iran since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal earlier this month. Canete called the nuclear deal "fundamental for peace in the region" as he outlined EU plans to continue oil and gas purchases and protect European companies, despite renewed US sanctions on Iran that are set to be phased in over the next six months. "For sure there are clear difficulties with the sanctions," Canete said at a press conference alongside Salehi. "We will have to ask for waivers, for carve-outs for the companies that make investments." Salehi acknowledged Europe's efforts but said: "We want tangible results, otherwise we take our own decisions. I personally don't want to see such decisions being taken." EU firms eye exit Iran has threatened to resume industrial uranium enrichment "without limit" unless its interests are preserved. Salehi said the Iranian people had lost trust in the nuclear agreement, and if trade benefits were not protected "they will lose more confidence... and we will be forced to leave." European leaders have outlined measures to protect EU firms from US sanctions. But several of their companies -- including France's Total and Holland's Maersk -- have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once US sanctions are reimposed unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington. Canete was due to meet Iran's Environment Minister Isa Kalantari and Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh later on Saturday, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday. Iran's trade with the European Union is around 20 billion euros, evenly split between imports and exports. The vast majority of EU purchases from Iran -- 90 percent -- are oil purchases, going primarily to Spain, France, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and Germany. Iran, which has the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves, produces some 3.8 million barrels of oil per day, 70 percent of which goes to China and other Asian countries, and 20 percent to Europe. It also has the second-biggest gas reserves in the world, but limited infrastructure means little is exported. Russia and China -- the other parties to the nuclear deal -- have also vowed to maintain trade with Iran and are less vulnerable to economic pressure from Washington.

Iran wary as EU presents measures to save nuclear deal

Taliban fighters emerged from hiding in the dead of night to launch attacks in the Afghan city of Farah, battling government forces who thought they had cleared out the insurgents following heavy clashes earlier in the week, residents and officials said.

The heavily armed fighters had gone to ground in residential areas following their surprise attack on Tuesday, when they nearly overran Farah, before Afghan troops backed by US&nbspair power fought them off.

"From one side, there were Taliban and from the other side, war planes firing from the air. People were terrified," said city shopkeeper Qudratullah.

The Taliban fighters emerged from their hiding places about an hour before midnight on Wednesday, some of them firing on security forces from rooftops, with gunbattles raging into the early hours of Thursday.

At least one suicide bomb attack was launched near the city's police headquarters.

"The city has been turned into a military zone, people are worried and shops are closed," said resident Baz Mohammad.

"After what happened last night, anything can happen any time."

Schools were also declared closed for the whole of the month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday, because of the security situation, said Kabir Haqmal, media advisor to the ministry of education.

After months of relative calm over the winter, the latest fighting underlines the challenge facing the Kabul government and its US&nbspallies who are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency.

The United States has sent thousands of extra trainers to help Afghan forces and stepped up air strikes dramatically, with the aim of pressing the Taliban to the negotiating table, but there has been little to indicate the plan is working.

Blaming Iran

In Farah, US&nbspforces have provided air support with A-10 attack aircraft and pilotless drones, while the Afghan air force has conducted numerous strikes with its own helicopters and A-29 ground attack aircraft.

Officials had earlier said the city was clear of Taliban but confirmed the fighting overnight.

"A number of Taliban clashed with Afghan forces in different parts of the city," said Fazel Ahmad Sherzad, the city's police chief.

"Right now there is no fighting but a search and clearance operation is underway," he said.

He said a number of foreign fighters appeared to be operating with the Taliban but there was no way of independently verifying that. Officials in Farah often blame neighbouring Iran for helping the Taliban in the area.

Fighting has increased across Afghanistan in recent weeks with government forces under heavy pressure in provinces including Badakhshan, Baghlan and Faryab in the north, Farah in the west and Zabul and Ghazni south of the capital Kabul.

In addition, Kabul itself has been targeted by a wave of suicide attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people since the beginning of the year.

Remote and sparsely populated Farah, on the border with Iran has seen heavy fighting for months with Taliban forces inflicting heavy casualties on the police and army and even on elite special forces units.

The Taliban fighters emerged from their hiding places about an hour before midnight on Wednesday

Taliban fighters emerged from hiding in the dead of night to launch attacks in the Afghan city of Farah, battling government forces who thought they had cleared out the insurgents following heavy clashes earlier in the week, residents and officials said. The heavily armed fighters had gone to ground in residential areas following their surprise attack on Tuesday, when they nearly overran Farah, before Afghan troops backed by US&nbspair power fought them off. "From one side, there were Taliban and from the other side, war planes firing from the air. People were terrified," said city shopkeeper Qudratullah. The Taliban fighters emerged from their hiding places about an hour before midnight on Wednesday, some of them firing on security forces from rooftops, with gunbattles raging into the early hours of Thursday. At least one suicide bomb attack was launched near the city's police headquarters. "The city has been turned into a military zone, people are worried and shops are closed," said resident Baz Mohammad. "After what happened last night, anything can happen any time." Schools were also declared closed for the whole of the month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday, because of the security situation, said Kabir Haqmal, media advisor to the ministry of education. After months of relative calm over the winter, the latest fighting underlines the challenge facing the Kabul government and its US&nbspallies who are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency. The United States has sent thousands of extra trainers to help Afghan forces and stepped up air strikes dramatically, with the aim of pressing the Taliban to the negotiating table, but there has been little to indicate the plan is working. Blaming Iran In Farah, US&nbspforces have provided air support with A-10 attack aircraft and pilotless drones, while the Afghan air force has conducted numerous strikes with its own helicopters and A-29 ground attack aircraft. Officials had earlier said the city was clear of Taliban but confirmed the fighting overnight. "A number of Taliban clashed with Afghan forces in different parts of the city," said Fazel Ahmad Sherzad, the city's police chief. "Right now there is no fighting but a search and clearance operation is underway," he said. He said a number of foreign fighters appeared to be operating with the Taliban but there was no way of independently verifying that. Officials in Farah often blame neighbouring Iran for helping the Taliban in the area. Fighting has increased across Afghanistan in recent weeks with government forces under heavy pressure in provinces including Badakhshan, Baghlan and Faryab in the north, Farah in the west and Zabul and Ghazni south of the capital Kabul. In addition, Kabul itself has been targeted by a wave of suicide attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people since the beginning of the year. Remote and sparsely populated Farah, on the border with Iran has seen heavy fighting for months with Taliban forces inflicting heavy casualties on the police and army and even on elite special forces units.

Taliban emerge from hiding to battle Afghan forces in city near Iran

&nbspThe best way to address international concern about Iran's role in the region and its ballistic missile programme is within the framework of the nuclear deal, even after the United States pulled out, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

"The question is whether you can talk better if you terminate an agreement or if you stay in it ... we say you can talk better if you remain in it," Merkel told lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Wednesday.

European powers this week vowed to keep the 2015 nuclear deal alive without the United States by trying to keep Iran's oil and investment flowing, but admitted they would struggle to provide the guarantees Tehran seeks.

The deal between Iran and six world powers lifted most international sanctions in 2016 in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, under strict surveillance by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

"This agreement is everything other than ideal, but Iran is, according to all the knowledge of the international nuclear authorities, sticking to the commitments of the agreement," said Merkel.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the pact he branded "the worst deal ever" and reimposed U.S. sanctions on Iran.

"Despite all the difficulties that we have these days, the transatlantic relationship is and remains paramount," Merkel told lawmakers. "But these transatlantic relationships also must be able to deal with differences of opinion."

European powers this week vowed to keep the 2015 nuclear deal alive without the United States by trying to keep Iran's oil and investment flowing, but admitted they would struggle to provide the guarantees Tehran seeks

&nbspThe best way to address international concern about Iran's role in the region and its ballistic missile programme is within the framework of the nuclear deal, even after the United States pulled out, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. "The question is whether you can talk better if you terminate an agreement or if you stay in it ... we say you can talk better if you remain in it," Merkel told lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Wednesday. European powers this week vowed to keep the 2015 nuclear deal alive without the United States by trying to keep Iran's oil and investment flowing, but admitted they would struggle to provide the guarantees Tehran seeks. The deal between Iran and six world powers lifted most international sanctions in 2016 in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, under strict surveillance by the U.N. nuclear watchdog. "This agreement is everything other than ideal, but Iran is, according to all the knowledge of the international nuclear authorities, sticking to the commitments of the agreement," said Merkel. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the pact he branded "the worst deal ever" and reimposed U.S. sanctions on Iran. "Despite all the difficulties that we have these days, the transatlantic relationship is and remains paramount," Merkel told lawmakers. "But these transatlantic relationships also must be able to deal with differences of opinion."

Iran nuclear accord not ideal, but best to stick with it: Merkel

Europe and Iran sought a united front on Tuesday to save the nuclear deal US&nbspPresident Donald Trump abandoned last week, with Britain warning against regime change and Tehran expressing hope it could keep the economic benefits of the accord.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Brussels ahead of a meeting with his British, French and German counterparts later on Tuesday, holding "good and constructive" talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

"We are on the right path to move forward ... Whatever (is) decided should preserve and guarantee Iran's rights ... Our talks (with the E3) will continue in the next two weeks," he said, referring to Britain, France and Germany.

Many European diplomats doubt privately that the 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers can survive the reimposition of US&nbspsanctions ordered by Trump, but the European powers will say that they stick by the terms of the 2015 pact giving Iran sanctions relief in return for an end to its nuclear ambitions.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani asked the European Union to stand against the United States' "illegal and illogical" actions, saying that Tehran could stay in the accord only if it fully benefits from it.

The accord lifted international sanctions on Iran in 2016 in return for Tehran shutting down its capacity, under strict surveillance by the UN&nbspnuclear watchdog, to stockpile enriched uranium for a possible atomic bomb.

Trump denounced the accord, completed under his predecessor Barack Obama, as a "horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made" as it did not cover Iran's ballistic missile programme or its role in Middle East conflicts.

The deal's proponents say it is crucial to forestalling a nuclear Iran and preventing wider war in the Middle East.

Mogherini, who as the EU's top diplomat chaired the final stretch of 12 years of negotiations to clinch the Iran accord in July 2015 in Vienna, said: "We will all save it together."

Zarif said talks would go on for the next two weeks and EU diplomats said they needed some time to understand the US&nbspposition.

"One of the questions that we need to ask the Americans is whether their final objective is to make the Iranians yield on its nuclear programme or to get rid of the regime," said a senior French official, acknowledging that Paris was concerned by the ideological shift in Washington since John Bolton was appointed US&nbspNational Security Advisor.

Those comments were echoed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who told parliament that regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue.

French diplomats said they also wanted to assess Iran's intentions in sticking to the deal, but also to see how open it was to serious talks on other Western concerns.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to secure a wider deal after the US&nbspwithdrawal with four pillars: limiting Iran's nuclear program in the short and the long term, restraining its ballistic missile program and curbing what the West views as its destabilising behaviour in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

Sanctions dilemma

European diplomats acknowledged that the EU support, however sincere, risked looking hollow after Trump last week reimposed an array of wide sanctions on the Islamic Republic that will hit European companies investing in Iran.

The EU, which with Germany, France, Britain, Russia, China and the United States, signed the nuclear accord with Iran, does have some steps it can take to shield European business in Iran.

They include retaliatory sanctions, allowing the European Investment Bank to invest directly in Iran and coordinating euro-denominated credit lines from European governments. In the past, the European Union has also lodged complaints at the World Trade Organisation.

But the reach of the US&nbspfinancial system, the dominance of the US&nbspdollar, Trump's efforts to weaken the WTO and the presence of European companies' operations in the United States all weaken any potential EU measures.

"It is going to be very difficult for us to preserve the economic benefits of the Iran deal," one senior European diplomat said. "We will try to uphold our side of the bargain."

Following Tuesday's evening talks in Brussels, all 28 EU leaders are expected to discuss their next steps at a summit in Sofia on Wednesday, but no decisions are expected.

They could consider retaliatory sanctions using the EU's so-called blocking statute that bans any EU company from complying with US&nbspsanctions and does not recognise any court rulings that enforce American penalties.

But the measures have never been used and may be difficult to enforce, while EU companies could still face asset seizures, fines and possibly criminal charges in the United States.

"Let's not fool ourselves that there are dozens of things we can do," said a second senior European diplomat. "We don't have much to threaten the Americans. Optimism doesn't abound."

European diplomats acknowledged that the EU support, however sincere, risked looking hollow after Trump last week reimposed an array of wide sanctions on the Islamic Republic

Europe and Iran sought a united front on Tuesday to save the nuclear deal US&nbspPresident Donald Trump abandoned last week, with Britain warning against regime change and Tehran expressing hope it could keep the economic benefits of the accord. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Brussels ahead of a meeting with his British, French and German counterparts later on Tuesday, holding "good and constructive" talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. "We are on the right path to move forward ... Whatever (is) decided should preserve and guarantee Iran's rights ... Our talks (with the E3) will continue in the next two weeks," he said, referring to Britain, France and Germany. Many European diplomats doubt privately that the 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers can survive the reimposition of US&nbspsanctions ordered by Trump, but the European powers will say that they stick by the terms of the 2015 pact giving Iran sanctions relief in return for an end to its nuclear ambitions. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani asked the European Union to stand against the United States' "illegal and illogical" actions, saying that Tehran could stay in the accord only if it fully benefits from it. The accord lifted international sanctions on Iran in 2016 in return for Tehran shutting down its capacity, under strict surveillance by the UN&nbspnuclear watchdog, to stockpile enriched uranium for a possible atomic bomb. Trump denounced the accord, completed under his predecessor Barack Obama, as a "horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made" as it did not cover Iran's ballistic missile programme or its role in Middle East conflicts. The deal's proponents say it is crucial to forestalling a nuclear Iran and preventing wider war in the Middle East. Mogherini, who as the EU's top diplomat chaired the final stretch of 12 years of negotiations to clinch the Iran accord in July 2015 in Vienna, said: "We will all save it together." Zarif said talks would go on for the next two weeks and EU diplomats said they needed some time to understand the US&nbspposition. "One of the questions that we need to ask the Americans is whether their final objective is to make the Iranians yield on its nuclear programme or to get rid of the regime," said a senior French official, acknowledging that Paris was concerned by the ideological shift in Washington since John Bolton was appointed US&nbspNational Security Advisor. Those comments were echoed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who told parliament that regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue. French diplomats said they also wanted to assess Iran's intentions in sticking to the deal, but also to see how open it was to serious talks on other Western concerns. French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to secure a wider deal after the US&nbspwithdrawal with four pillars: limiting Iran's nuclear program in the short and the long term, restraining its ballistic missile program and curbing what the West views as its destabilising behaviour in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon. Sanctions dilemma European diplomats acknowledged that the EU support, however sincere, risked looking hollow after Trump last week reimposed an array of wide sanctions on the Islamic Republic that will hit European companies investing in Iran. The EU, which with Germany, France, Britain, Russia, China and the United States, signed the nuclear accord with Iran, does have some steps it can take to shield European business in Iran. They include retaliatory sanctions, allowing the European Investment Bank to invest directly in Iran and coordinating euro-denominated credit lines from European governments. In the past, the European Union has also lodged complaints at the World Trade Organisation. But the reach of the US&nbspfinancial system, the dominance of the US&nbspdollar, Trump's efforts to weaken the WTO and the presence of European companies' operations in the United States all weaken any potential EU measures. "It is going to be very difficult for us to preserve the economic benefits of the Iran deal," one senior European diplomat said. "We will try to uphold our side of the bargain." Following Tuesday's evening talks in Brussels, all 28 EU leaders are expected to discuss their next steps at a summit in Sofia on Wednesday, but no decisions are expected. They could consider retaliatory sanctions using the EU's so-called blocking statute that bans any EU company from complying with US&nbspsanctions and does not recognise any court rulings that enforce American penalties. But the measures have never been used and may be difficult to enforce, while EU companies could still face asset seizures, fines and possibly criminal charges in the United States. "Let's not fool ourselves that there are dozens of things we can do," said a second senior European diplomat. "We don't have much to threaten the Americans. Optimism doesn't abound."

With few options, Iran, Europe try to save nuclear deal

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue and that any change would not necessarily be for the better.

Johnson made the comments in parliament on Tuesday in response to a question about whether he thought John Bolton, the US&nbspNational Security Advisor, was seeking regime change in Tehran.

"I have to tell you that I do not believe that regime change in Tehran is the objective that we should be seeking," Johnson said.

"We might conceivably achieve regime change at some stage in the near future but I cannot with any confidence say that would be a change for the better because it seems equally plausible to me to imagine that Qasem Soleimani of the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps) could put himself in a very good position to take over from Ayatollah Khamenei for instance."

Johnson made the comments in parliament on Tuesday

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue and that any change would not necessarily be for the better. Johnson made the comments in parliament on Tuesday in response to a question about whether he thought John Bolton, the US&nbspNational Security Advisor, was seeking regime change in Tehran. "I have to tell you that I do not believe that regime change in Tehran is the objective that we should be seeking," Johnson said. "We might conceivably achieve regime change at some stage in the near future but I cannot with any confidence say that would be a change for the better because it seems equally plausible to me to imagine that Qasem Soleimani of the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps) could put himself in a very good position to take over from Ayatollah Khamenei for instance."

UK's Johnson: We should not pursue regime change in Iran

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The United States on Sunday threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational.

White House National Security adviser John Bolton said US&nbspsanctions on European companies that maintain business dealings with Iran were "possible," but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he remained hopeful Washington and its allies could strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran.

Bolton struck a more hawkish tone with his comments in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" program than Pompeo did when he was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-withdrawal-from-iran-deal-wasnt-aimed-at-the-europeans-136612">Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans'</a>

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on May 8 announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration.

So far, China, France, Russia, Britain, the European Union and Iran remain in the accord, which placed controls on Iran's nuclear program and led to a relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and companies doing business there.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599">US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo</a>

Despite the US&nbspexit, Britain and Iran on Sunday expressed their commitment to ensuring that the accord is upheld, according to a statement released by British Prime Minister Theresa May's office.

And Germany said it will spend the next few months trying to persuade Washington to change its mind.

When asked whether the United States might impose sanctions on European companies that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton told CNN: "It's possible. It depends on the conduct of other governments."

Pompeo said he was "hopeful in the days and weeks ahead we can come up with a deal that really works, that really protects the world from Iranian bad behaviour, not just their nuclear program, but their missiles and their malign behavior as well."

'REGIME CHANGE'

The US&nbspwithdrawal from the Iran deal has upset Washington's European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Germany's minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, said on Sunday that Berlin will try to "persuade the US&nbspgovernment to change its behaviour."

In an interview with ZDF public television, Altmaier noted the United States has set a 90-day deadline for foreign firms to comply with the return of sanctions and that this period can be used to convince Washington to change course.

Israel and Iran engaged in an extensive military exchange on the heels of Trump's decision to leave the deal. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in a telephone call that he was worried about stability in the Middle East, according to Macron's office.

As a private citizen, Bolton in the past has suggested that the United States push for a change in Iran's government. But in an interview aired on the ABC's "This Week" program, Bolton said, "That's not the policy of the administration. The policy of the administration is to make sure that Iran never gets close to deliverable nuclear weapons."

In the CNN interview, Bolton did not respond directly when asked whether Trump might seek "regime change" in Iran, or whether the U.S. military would be ordered to make a preemptive strike against any Iranian nuclear facility.

"I'm not the national security decision-maker," Bolton said, adding that Trump "makes the decision and the advice that I give him is between us."

When pressed by CNN on whether the Trump administration would sanction European firms that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton said, "I think the Europeans will see that it's in their interest ultimately to come along with us."

Bolton said Europe was still digesting Trump's May 8 move.

"I think at the moment there's some feeling in Europe - they're really surprised we got out of it, really surprised at the reimposition of strict sanctions. I think that will sink in we'll see what happens then," Bolton said.

The US threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran even as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep the agreement operational

The United States on Sunday threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational. White House National Security adviser John Bolton said US&nbspsanctions on European companies that maintain business dealings with Iran were "possible," but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he remained hopeful Washington and its allies could strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran. Bolton struck a more hawkish tone with his comments in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" program than Pompeo did when he was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday." Also read: Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans' US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on May 8 announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration. So far, China, France, Russia, Britain, the European Union and Iran remain in the accord, which placed controls on Iran's nuclear program and led to a relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and companies doing business there. Also read: US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo Despite the US&nbspexit, Britain and Iran on Sunday expressed their commitment to ensuring that the accord is upheld, according to a statement released by British Prime Minister Theresa May's office. And Germany said it will spend the next few months trying to persuade Washington to change its mind. When asked whether the United States might impose sanctions on European companies that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton told CNN: "It's possible. It depends on the conduct of other governments." Pompeo said he was "hopeful in the days and weeks ahead we can come up with a deal that really works, that really protects the world from Iranian bad behaviour, not just their nuclear program, but their missiles and their malign behavior as well." 'REGIME CHANGE' The US&nbspwithdrawal from the Iran deal has upset Washington's European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Germany's minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, said on Sunday that Berlin will try to "persuade the US&nbspgovernment to change its behaviour." In an interview with ZDF public television, Altmaier noted the United States has set a 90-day deadline for foreign firms to comply with the return of sanctions and that this period can be used to convince Washington to change course. Israel and Iran engaged in an extensive military exchange on the heels of Trump's decision to leave the deal. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in a telephone call that he was worried about stability in the Middle East, according to Macron's office. As a private citizen, Bolton in the past has suggested that the United States push for a change in Iran's government. But in an interview aired on the ABC's "This Week" program, Bolton said, "That's not the policy of the administration. The policy of the administration is to make sure that Iran never gets close to deliverable nuclear weapons." In the CNN interview, Bolton did not respond directly when asked whether Trump might seek "regime change" in Iran, or whether the U.S. military would be ordered to make a preemptive strike against any Iranian nuclear facility. "I'm not the national security decision-maker," Bolton said, adding that Trump "makes the decision and the advice that I give him is between us." When pressed by CNN on whether the Trump administration would sanction European firms that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton said, "I think the Europeans will see that it's in their interest ultimately to come along with us." Bolton said Europe was still digesting Trump's May 8 move. "I think at the moment there's some feeling in Europe - they're really surprised we got out of it, really surprised at the reimposition of strict sanctions. I think that will sink in we'll see what happens then," Bolton said.

US threatens sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran

Britain and its European partners remain committed to ensuring the nuclear deal with Iran is upheld and Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the pact, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Iranian president on Sunday.

"Both leaders agreed the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries, and looked forward to the meeting of UK, German, French and Iranian foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday," according to a readout of the call with President Hassan Rouhani that was issued by May's office.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's decision last week to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.&nbsp

Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement.

US President Donald Trump's decision last week to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East

Britain and its European partners remain committed to ensuring the nuclear deal with Iran is upheld and Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the pact, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Iranian president on Sunday. "Both leaders agreed the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries, and looked forward to the meeting of UK, German, French and Iranian foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday," according to a readout of the call with President Hassan Rouhani that was issued by May's office. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's decision last week to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement.

UK PM May says committed to ensuring Iran deal is upheld

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani today. Sirisena is on a two-day visit to Iran.

Sri Lanka and Iran will aim at strengthening economic and trade ties. Both the leaders are likely to sign new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs).

Sirisena will also attend an investment and trade event organised by the Iran Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Iran, one of the largest oil and natural gas producing and exporting nations in the world, assists numerous development activities in Sri Lanka.

Tehran has invested in Sri Lanka's oil refinery to double its output capacity. Rouhani-led regime also supports Sri Lanka's rural electricity demand.

This will be Sirisena's first state visit to Iran after assuming office as Sri Lanka's president.

Tehran has invested in Sri Lanka's oil refinery to double its output capacity

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani today. Sirisena is on a two-day visit to Iran. Sri Lanka and Iran will aim at strengthening economic and trade ties. Both the leaders are likely to sign new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs). Sirisena will also attend an investment and trade event organised by the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Iran, one of the largest oil and natural gas producing and exporting nations in the world, assists numerous development activities in Sri Lanka. Tehran has invested in Sri Lanka's oil refinery to double its output capacity. Rouhani-led regime also supports Sri Lanka's rural electricity demand. This will be Sirisena's first state visit to Iran after assuming office as Sri Lanka's president.

Sirisena. Rouhani meet to strengthen economic, trade ties

Within a week of US President Donald Trump announcing America's pullout from the Iran nuclear accord, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.&nbsp;

Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement.

According to reports, President Hassan Rouhani has asked Zarif to get European countries, like China and Russia, to take measures that could save the nuke deal post United States' exit.&nbsp;

Zarif is scheduled to leave for Russia after his China visit from where he will head to Brussels to meet foreign ministers from Germany, Britain and France and discuss the "fate of the nuclear deal".

&nbsp;

According to reports, President Hassan Rouhani has asked Zarif to get European countries to take measures that could save the nuke deal

Within a week of US President Donald Trump announcing America's pullout from the Iran nuclear accord, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement. According to reports, President Hassan Rouhani has asked Zarif to get European countries, like China and Russia, to take measures that could save the nuke deal post United States' exit. Zarif is scheduled to leave for Russia after his China visit from where he will head to Brussels to meet foreign ministers from Germany, Britain and France and discuss the "fate of the nuclear deal".

Iran-China meet over nuke deal after US exit

The Iranian government has sentenced eight people to death over last year's attacks claimed by the Islamic State. The trial began last month.

According to reports, the accused were found guilty of aiding the group of militants that attacked Iran's parliament and a shrine last June.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 18 and injured more than 50.

The group of attackers, that included five militants, was killed by the security forces.&nbsp;

As per reports, eighteen others face trial over the attacks.&nbsp;The convicts have 20 days to appeal.&nbsp;

As per reports, eighteen others face trial over the attacks

The Iranian government has sentenced eight people to death over last year's attacks claimed by the Islamic State. The trial began last month. According to reports, the accused were found guilty of aiding the group of militants that attacked Iran's parliament and a shrine last June. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 18 and injured more than 50. The group of attackers, that included five militants, was killed by the security forces. As per reports, eighteen others face trial over the attacks. The convicts have 20 days to appeal.

Iran sentences eight over last year's IS attacks

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Sunday that Tehran would remain committed to its 2015 nuclear deal if its interests can be protected and said the U.S. withdrawal from the accord was a "violation of morals".

"The U.S. withdrawal ... is a violation of morals, the correct way to carry out politics and diplomacy and against international regulations," Rouhani during a meeting with visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena.

"If the remaining five countries continue to abide by the agreement, Iran will remain in the deal despite the will of America," Rouhani said in remarks carried by state television.

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil.

In what is seen as a last-ditch effort to save the accord after Washington's withdrawal, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has embarked on a tour of world powers.

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Sunday that Tehran would remain committed to its 2015 nuclear deal if its interests can be protected and said the U.S. withdrawal from the accord was a "violation of morals". "The U.S. withdrawal ... is a violation of morals, the correct way to carry out politics and diplomacy and against international regulations," Rouhani during a meeting with visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. "If the remaining five countries continue to abide by the agreement, Iran will remain in the deal despite the will of America," Rouhani said in remarks carried by state television. U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil. In what is seen as a last-ditch effort to save the accord after Washington's withdrawal, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has embarked on a tour of world powers.

Rouhani says Iran may remain part of nuclear accord

Iran's foreign minister was due to leave Saturday for a whirlwind diplomatic tour as world leaders scramble to salvage something from the wreckage of a landmark nuclear deal in the wake of Washington's withdrawal.

Mohammad Javad Zarif's tour starts two days after unprecedented Israeli strikes in Syria which a monitor said killed at least 11 Iranian fighters, triggering fears of a broader conflict between the two arch-enemies.

He will visit Beijing, Moscow and Brussels, a spokesman said, holding meetings with all of the remaining parties to the 2015 agreement.

Before leaving, Zarif published a government statement on his Twitter page, slamming the "extremist administration" of US President Donald Trump for abandoning "an accord recognised as a victory of diplomacy by the international community".&nbsp

It reiterated that Iran was preparing to resume "industrial-scale" uranium enrichment "without any restrictions" unless Europe provided solid guarantees that it could maintain trade ties despite renewed US sanctions.&nbsp

Zarif's delicate diplomatic mission was complicated by reports of clashes between Iranian and Israeli forces in Syria on Thursday.

The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said Saturday that 11 Iranians were among the pro-regime fighters killed in strikes by Israel, which has vowed to prevent Iran gaining a military foothold in neighbouring Syria.

"Six Syrian soldiers and 21 foreign fighters, including 11 Iranians" were among the dead, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.&nbsp

Tehran, which has sought to avoid an escalation in regional conflict that could alienate its European partners, has not commented on whether its forces were hit.&nbsp

Israel and its allies have blamed the Iranian Revolutionary Guards for initiating Thursday's exchange by launching missiles into the occupied Golan Heights.&nbsp

The White House backed Israel's claims, accusing Iran of "reckless actions" that posed a "severe threat" to stability in the Middle East.

Iran denies that version of events, saying the Israeli strikes were launched on "invented pretexts".&nbsp

Diplomats fume at Trump

Meanwhile, European diplomats in Tehran fumed that Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal could undermine years of patient work to restore commercial and diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic.&nbsp

"Since the signing of the JCPOA (nuclear deal), we have gone from an atmosphere like a gold rush, to one of utter depression," said a Western trade diplomat on condition of anonymity.&nbsp

"We are waiting now for how the decision-makers in the European Union will react. If the EU leans towards accommodating the US, all the progress we have made since 2015 will be lost."

But she emphasised that many of the problems began long before Trump's move last Tuesday.

"Decisions on the Iranian side took longer than expected, international banks were reluctant to work with Iran and the recent decline in the value of (Iran's currency) made international business even more difficult," she said.&nbsp

Iranian hardliners -- who have long opposed President Hassan Rouhani's moves to improve ties with the West -- are already mobilising against the efforts to save the nuclear deal.

"Officials shouldn't trust France and Britain. They will never abandon the US for us," said housewife Poormoslem at a protest rally against Trump on Friday.

A photo on the official Instagram site of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showed him reading a Farsi translation of Michael Wolff's scabrous account of the Trump White House, "The Fire and the Fury", quickly picking up more than 100,000 likes.&nbsp

Khamenei said this week he is highly doubtful that Europe will provide the "real guarantees" needed for Iran to stay in the nuclear deal.&nbsp

But analysts said Iran was determined to maintain the moral high ground in the coming weeks.

"For the first time, Iran has the chance to show the world they are not the rogue nation they are always presented as, that they negotiated in good faith and keep to their commitments," said Karim Emile Bitar of the Institute for International and Strategic Studies in Paris.

The challenge for Rouhani is to maintain his diplomatic efforts in the face of mounting challenges at home, where Iranians were already suffering high unemployment and inflation before Trump's decision.&nbsp

Many say sanctions allow the government to blame outsiders for its own bad decisions.&nbsp

The Western trade diplomat gave the example of Iran's recent restrictions on transferring funds to the EU -- an effort to control the rapid slide of the rial -- that caused huge problems for importers.&nbsp

"It's really annoying that the Iranian government is never blamed for the really bad decisions they have taken lately concerning business, and only the sanctions are blamed," she said.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Iran's foreign minister will visit Beijing, Moscow and Brussels, a spokesman said

Iran's foreign minister was due to leave Saturday for a whirlwind diplomatic tour as world leaders scramble to salvage something from the wreckage of a landmark nuclear deal in the wake of Washington's withdrawal. Mohammad Javad Zarif's tour starts two days after unprecedented Israeli strikes in Syria which a monitor said killed at least 11 Iranian fighters, triggering fears of a broader conflict between the two arch-enemies. He will visit Beijing, Moscow and Brussels, a spokesman said, holding meetings with all of the remaining parties to the 2015 agreement. Before leaving, Zarif published a government statement on his Twitter page, slamming the "extremist administration" of US President Donald Trump for abandoning "an accord recognised as a victory of diplomacy by the international community". It reiterated that Iran was preparing to resume "industrial-scale" uranium enrichment "without any restrictions" unless Europe provided solid guarantees that it could maintain trade ties despite renewed US sanctions. Zarif's delicate diplomatic mission was complicated by reports of clashes between Iranian and Israeli forces in Syria on Thursday. The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said Saturday that 11 Iranians were among the pro-regime fighters killed in strikes by Israel, which has vowed to prevent Iran gaining a military foothold in neighbouring Syria. "Six Syrian soldiers and 21 foreign fighters, including 11 Iranians" were among the dead, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. Tehran, which has sought to avoid an escalation in regional conflict that could alienate its European partners, has not commented on whether its forces were hit. Israel and its allies have blamed the Iranian Revolutionary Guards for initiating Thursday's exchange by launching missiles into the occupied Golan Heights. The White House backed Israel's claims, accusing Iran of "reckless actions" that posed a "severe threat" to stability in the Middle East. Iran denies that version of events, saying the Israeli strikes were launched on "invented pretexts". Diplomats fume at Trump Meanwhile, European diplomats in Tehran fumed that Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal could undermine years of patient work to restore commercial and diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic. "Since the signing of the JCPOA (nuclear deal), we have gone from an atmosphere like a gold rush, to one of utter depression," said a Western trade diplomat on condition of anonymity. "We are waiting now for how the decision-makers in the European Union will react. If the EU leans towards accommodating the US, all the progress we have made since 2015 will be lost." But she emphasised that many of the problems began long before Trump's move last Tuesday. "Decisions on the Iranian side took longer than expected, international banks were reluctant to work with Iran and the recent decline in the value of (Iran's currency) made international business even more difficult," she said. Iranian hardliners -- who have long opposed President Hassan Rouhani's moves to improve ties with the West -- are already mobilising against the efforts to save the nuclear deal. "Officials shouldn't trust France and Britain. They will never abandon the US for us," said housewife Poormoslem at a protest rally against Trump on Friday. A photo on the official Instagram site of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showed him reading a Farsi translation of Michael Wolff's scabrous account of the Trump White House, "The Fire and the Fury", quickly picking up more than 100,000 likes. Khamenei said this week he is highly doubtful that Europe will provide the "real guarantees" needed for Iran to stay in the nuclear deal. But analysts said Iran was determined to maintain the moral high ground in the coming weeks. "For the first time, Iran has the chance to show the world they are not the rogue nation they are always presented as, that they negotiated in good faith and keep to their commitments," said Karim Emile Bitar of the Institute for International and Strategic Studies in Paris. The challenge for Rouhani is to maintain his diplomatic efforts in the face of mounting challenges at home, where Iranians were already suffering high unemployment and inflation before Trump's decision. Many say sanctions allow the government to blame outsiders for its own bad decisions. The Western trade diplomat gave the example of Iran's recent restrictions on transferring funds to the EU -- an effort to control the rapid slide of the rial -- that caused huge problems for importers. "It's really annoying that the Iranian government is never blamed for the really bad decisions they have taken lately concerning business, and only the sanctions are blamed," she said.

Iran minister on diplomatic tour to save nuclear deal

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday called for unity among Muslims and efforts towards scientific advancement, saying this would make it impossible for "enemies" such as the United States to dominate Islamic countries.

Shi’ite Iran faces off with Western-allied Sunni Saudi Arabia for influence in the Middle East. The two regional powers back opposing sides in the conflicts in Yemen and Syria as well as rival political groups in Iraq and Lebanon.

"Today, every movement that leads to mutual understanding of Islamic groups and sects is a good thing, and this gathering is an example of the movement for the unification of the Islamic nation," said Khamenei in remarks carried by his official website.

"The scientific movement must accelerate and the Islamic nation must once again reach heights of science and civilization so that the enemies of Islam and the Americans cannot order around the heads of Islamic countries," Khamenei told a meeting about Shi'ite contributions to sciences.

Iran frequently calls for Islamic unity to help Tehran in its confrontation with its arch-foe, the United States.

Washington on Tuesday pulled out of a nuclear deal with Iran, a move accompanied by the threat of penalties against any foreign firms doing business in Iran.

Tehran denies seeking atomic weapons and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful uses in areas including electricity, agriculture and medicine.

Iran frequently calls for Islamic unity to help Tehran in its confrontation with its arch-foe, the United States

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday called for unity among Muslims and efforts towards scientific advancement, saying this would make it impossible for "enemies" such as the United States to dominate Islamic countries. Shi’ite Iran faces off with Western-allied Sunni Saudi Arabia for influence in the Middle East. The two regional powers back opposing sides in the conflicts in Yemen and Syria as well as rival political groups in Iraq and Lebanon. "Today, every movement that leads to mutual understanding of Islamic groups and sects is a good thing, and this gathering is an example of the movement for the unification of the Islamic nation," said Khamenei in remarks carried by his official website. "The scientific movement must accelerate and the Islamic nation must once again reach heights of science and civilization so that the enemies of Islam and the Americans cannot order around the heads of Islamic countries," Khamenei told a meeting about Shi'ite contributions to sciences. Iran frequently calls for Islamic unity to help Tehran in its confrontation with its arch-foe, the United States. Washington on Tuesday pulled out of a nuclear deal with Iran, a move accompanied by the threat of penalties against any foreign firms doing business in Iran. Tehran denies seeking atomic weapons and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful uses in areas including electricity, agriculture and medicine.

Iran urges Muslims to develop sciences to shake off US hegemony

The White House wants<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/severe-consequences-to-be-faced-if-iran-resumes-nuclear-programme-trump-135826"> intrusive inspections of Iran's nuclear</a> sites to continue despite President Donald Trump's withdrawal from a landmark accord on Tehran's atomic program, US officials have told AFP.

Days after the US president walked away from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-iran-now-make-the-bomb-depends-on-europe-135805">three-year-old deal that mandated rigorous </a>scrutiny of Iranian facilities, senior administration officials said monitoring should continue regardless.

Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal between Tehran and major world powers forces Iran to open any site to inspectors within 24 days at most and introduced 24-hour remote surveillance at some sites.

Supporters of the Obama-era accord argue it provided "the world's most robust" monitoring regime, allowing access to the Islamic republic's most sensitive nuclear sites.&nbsp;

Speaking at a rally in Indiana on Thursday, Trump said tough inspections were still needed.

"We must be able to go to a site and check that site. We have to be able to go into their military bases to see whether or not they're cheating," he said.

The White House is demanding the existing inspection regime, however imperfect, continue under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog.

"We expect Iran will continue to implement the Additional Protocol and cooperate with the IAEA whether or not the JCPOA remains in place," one senior administration official said.

A second official confirmed to AFP on Thursday that Washington still wanted the inspections.

Other signatories to the Iran deal -- including Tehran, China and European powers -- have vowed to press ahead with the agreement's implementation.

But officials are privately skeptical about how long it can survive, particularly if the United States imposes sanctions on European companies doing business in Iran.

And non-proliferation experts have warned that a vital window into Iran's nuclear activities could be lost.

"If the agreement collapses, Iran is under no obligation to implement any of these provisions, either the Additional Protocol or the deal-specific measures," said Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association.

"The nuclear deal with Iran put the country's program under a microscope," she told AFP, saying the measures serve as "an early warning system that will set off alarm bells if Iran tries to cheat on its commitments or conduct illicit activities."

Since the nuclear accord was reached in 2015, the IAEA has carried out hundreds of inspections inside Iran.

That includes monitoring at Fordo, an underground fuel enrichment plant inside a base used by Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The JCPOA adds an extra layer of scrutiny not found in existing accords, including monitoring of mines and restrictions on multi-point detonation systems and nuclear computer simulations.

The IAEA has so far confirmed that Iran is adhering to its "nuclear-related commitments," although the US administration questions that conclusion.

"You cannot say that Iran is in compliance unless you are 100 percent certain that the IAEA and our intelligence are infallible," said US national security advisor John Bolton.

That approach has left some questioning why the administration wants monitoring to continue at all.

"If they don't trust the inspections, I don't know why they would be strongly encouraging Iran to comply," said Corey Hinderstein, a fuel cycle expert who previously worked on implementation of the deal at the Department of Energy.

"The fact is the inspections are and have been effective," she said.

American citizens are working on the IAEA inspection team, but are based in Vienna, not on the ground in Iran.

Hinderstein said there is every indication that the US is preparing to pull out of other non-inspection mechanisms in the agreement, including converting the Arak heavy water reactor and the "procurement channel" that regulates the import of dual use materials to Iran.

Trump has described the agreement as "the worst deal in history" and vowed to renegotiate it.

He has also warned that Iran will be punished if it returns to military-scale uranium enrichment.

"If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before," Trump said.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C6fGuQ5DrN4" width="560"></iframe>

Since the nuclear accord was reached in 2015, the IAEA has carried out hundreds of inspections inside Iran.

The White House wants intrusive inspections of Iran's nuclear sites to continue despite President Donald Trump's withdrawal from a landmark accord on Tehran's atomic program, US officials have told AFP. Days after the US president walked away from a three-year-old deal that mandated rigorous scrutiny of Iranian facilities, senior administration officials said monitoring should continue regardless. Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal between Tehran and major world powers forces Iran to open any site to inspectors within 24 days at most and introduced 24-hour remote surveillance at some sites. Supporters of the Obama-era accord argue it provided "the world's most robust" monitoring regime, allowing access to the Islamic republic's most sensitive nuclear sites. Speaking at a rally in Indiana on Thursday, Trump said tough inspections were still needed. "We must be able to go to a site and check that site. We have to be able to go into their military bases to see whether or not they're cheating," he said. The White House is demanding the existing inspection regime, however imperfect, continue under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog. "We expect Iran will continue to implement the Additional Protocol and cooperate with the IAEA whether or not the JCPOA remains in place," one senior administration official said. A second official confirmed to AFP on Thursday that Washington still wanted the inspections. Other signatories to the Iran deal -- including Tehran, China and European powers -- have vowed to press ahead with the agreement's implementation. But officials are privately skeptical about how long it can survive, particularly if the United States imposes sanctions on European companies doing business in Iran. And non-proliferation experts have warned that a vital window into Iran's nuclear activities could be lost. "If the agreement collapses, Iran is under no obligation to implement any of these provisions, either the Additional Protocol or the deal-specific measures," said Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association. "The nuclear deal with Iran put the country's program under a microscope," she told AFP, saying the measures serve as "an early warning system that will set off alarm bells if Iran tries to cheat on its commitments or conduct illicit activities." Since the nuclear accord was reached in 2015, the IAEA has carried out hundreds of inspections inside Iran. That includes monitoring at Fordo, an underground fuel enrichment plant inside a base used by Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The JCPOA adds an extra layer of scrutiny not found in existing accords, including monitoring of mines and restrictions on multi-point detonation systems and nuclear computer simulations. The IAEA has so far confirmed that Iran is adhering to its "nuclear-related commitments," although the US administration questions that conclusion. "You cannot say that Iran is in compliance unless you are 100 percent certain that the IAEA and our intelligence are infallible," said US national security advisor John Bolton. That approach has left some questioning why the administration wants monitoring to continue at all. "If they don't trust the inspections, I don't know why they would be strongly encouraging Iran to comply," said Corey Hinderstein, a fuel cycle expert who previously worked on implementation of the deal at the Department of Energy. "The fact is the inspections are and have been effective," she said. American citizens are working on the IAEA inspection team, but are based in Vienna, not on the ground in Iran. Hinderstein said there is every indication that the US is preparing to pull out of other non-inspection mechanisms in the agreement, including converting the Arak heavy water reactor and the "procurement channel" that regulates the import of dual use materials to Iran. Trump has described the agreement as "the worst deal in history" and vowed to renegotiate it. He has also warned that Iran will be punished if it returns to military-scale uranium enrichment. "If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before," Trump said.

Iran nuclear site inspection must continue: US official

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-agrees-unanimously-to-send-justice-km-josephs-name-for-elevation-to-sc-back-to-centre-136144">Collegium agrees unanimously to send Justice KM Joseph's name for elevation to SC back to Centre</a>

The Supreme Court collegium has unanimously agreed to send its nomination of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the Supreme Court back to the Centre.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/without-nepal-indias-history-is-incomplete-pm-modi-at-janakpur-136068">Without Nepal India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur</a>

The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-maharashtra-ats-chief-himanshu-roy-commits-suicide-136091">Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy shoots himself</a>

Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy committed suicide in Mumbai today by shooting himself with his service revolver. Himanshu Roy allegedly shot himself at his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to the Mumbai Hospital where he was declared dead.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-restrictions-on-us-diplomats-says-they-will-not-be-allowed-to-roam-freely-136125">Pakistan announces restrictions on US diplomats, says they will not be allowed to roam freely</a>

Pakistan's Foreign Office has announced that all the United States diplomats in the country would face restrictions as part of which they will not be able to roam around freely from now.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-syria-has-every-right-to-defend-itself-against-israel-136132">Iran says Syria has every right to defend itself against Israel</a>

Iran on Friday supported Syria's right to defend itself against aggression from Israel, state TV reported, accusing others of remaining silent over the attacks on Tehran's key regional ally.

Collegium agrees unanimously to send Justice KM Joseph's name for elevation to SC back to Centre The Supreme Court collegium has unanimously agreed to send its nomination of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the Supreme Court back to the Centre. Without Nepal India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long. Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy shoots himself Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy committed suicide in Mumbai today by shooting himself with his service revolver. Himanshu Roy allegedly shot himself at his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to the Mumbai Hospital where he was declared dead. Pakistan announces restrictions on US diplomats, says they will not be allowed to roam freely Pakistan's Foreign Office has announced that all the United States diplomats in the country would face restrictions as part of which they will not be able to roam around freely from now. Iran says Syria has every right to defend itself against Israel Iran on Friday supported Syria's right to defend itself against aggression from Israel, state TV reported, accusing others of remaining silent over the attacks on Tehran's key regional ally.

Chinese businessman Sheng Kuan Li didn’t worry about sanctions when he decided in 2010 to invest $200 million in a steel mill in Iran that started producing ingots and billet within months of the lifting of punitive measures against the Islamic republic as part of 2015 international nuclear agreement with Iran.

With no operations in the United States, Mr. Li was not concerned about being targeted by the US Treasury. Mr. Li, moreover, circumvented financial restrictions on Iran by funding his investment through what he called a "private transfer," a money swap that was based on trust and avoided regular banking channels.

In doing so, Mr. Li was following standard Chinese practice of evading the sanctions regime by using alternative routes or establishing alternative institutions that were in effect immune.

To be able to continue to purchase Iranian oil while sanctions were in place, China, for example, established the Bank of Kunlun to handle Chinese payments.

The Chinese experience in circumventing the earlier sanctions will come in handy with Beijing rejecting US President Donald J. Trump’s renewed effort to isolate Iran and force it to make further concessions on its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs as well as the Islamic republic’s regional role in the Middle East by walking away from the 2015 agreement and reintroducing punitive economic measures.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in response to Mr. Trump’s announcement that the People’s Republic was committed to the deal and would "maintain communication with all parties and continue to protect and execute the agreement fully."

China’s likely willingness to circumvent US sanctions is one factor that will influence Iran’s decision on whether it will stick to the agreement. Iran’s decision depends on the readiness and ability of the other signatories - Britain, France, Germany and Russia – to also stand up to the United States.

China’s experience in circumventing sanctions could come in handy as Europe, that like China has rejected Mr. Trump’s move and vowed to ignore the sanctions, weighs ways of putting its money where its mouth is by attempting to shield European companies from potential US punitive action. One possibility would be to use alternative Chinese financial networks.

Nonetheless, this time round, rejecting and violating US sanctions may prove for China as well as the other signatories to be a trickier undertaking. Last time round, China and the other signatories were part of an international consensus that aimed to force Iran to accept restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program even if they at times circumvented the sanctions.

China and other signatories are in the wake of the re-imposition of US sanctions likely to be operating in a far more confrontational environment in which the subtext of Mr. Trump’s decision as well the positions of Saudi Arabia and Israel appears to be a policy that seeks to achieve regime change in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, have suggested in recent months in their 11-month old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar that they are willing to quietly sanction those who fail to support them.

There is little reason to doubt that they would do the same in their confrontation with Iran with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman describing the dispute with Qatar as "trivial’ in comparison to the kingdom’s existential battle with Iran.

Saudi Arabia demonstrated its greater assertiveness by forcing major multi-national financial institutions to choose sides in the Gulf spat. In response to Saudi pressure, JP Morgan and HSBC last month walked away from participating in a $12 billion bond sale.

Earlier, Doha Bank, Qatar’s fifth-biggest lender, was forced to reduce the size of a two-year, $575 million bank loan that it had raised in December 2015 to $400 million, when it sought a one-year extension of the facility because Chinese, Hong Kong and Japanese banks opted not to participate.

In the utmost consequence, China’s concerted effort to remain aloof of the Middle East’s multiple conflicts could be severely compromised if it were forced to take sides in a conflict between Iran, a country with which China feels that it has much in common and that it in the past has helped develop its ballistic and nuclear programs, and Saudi Arabia, a more recently found friend that is economically important to the People’s Republic.

To be sure, greater Saudi assertiveness does not mean that the kingdom does not have to tread carefully in potentially seeking to penalize China and others for their potential refusal to go along with Mr. Trump’s confronting of Iran.

Saudi Arabia desperately needs foreign investment to implement Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030, a far-reaching plan for social and economic reform that aims to diversify the kingdom’s conservative society and oil-dependent economy and turn it into the 21st century, knowledge-based state.

China, moreover, is one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost oil export markets. While the Saudi military remains focussed on US and European arms purchases, China, at a time that a military confrontation with Iran is not beyond the realm of the possible, is a source of weaponry the United States has been so far unwilling to sell to the kingdom.

With the United States refusing to share its most advanced drone technology, China agreed last year to open its first overseas defense production facility in Saudi Arabia. State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) will manufacture its CH-4 Caihong, or Rainbow drone as well as associated equipment in Saudi Arabia. The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone.

The stakes in the battle to save the Iranian nuclear deal in the wake of Mr. Trump’s decision go however far beyond a belief that the nuclear deal is serving its purpose in curbing potential Iranian nuclear ambitions and economic opportunity.

Leveraging its experience, an effort by China together with Russia and Europe that keeps the Iranian nuclear deal in place and thwarts US sanctions would deliver one of the heaviest body blows to US credibility and perceptions of US power since Mr. Trump came to office in January of last year.

Said a Middle Eastern diplomat: "A successful countering of US sanctions would demonstrate beyond doubt limits to America’s ability to impose its will. That would have wide-reaching consequences, not in the least question marks in Saudi Arabia and Israel on the degree to which they can risk continuing putting most of their eggs in Washington’s basket."

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Leveraging its experience, an effort by China together with Russia and Europe that keeps the Iranian nuclear deal in place

Chinese businessman Sheng Kuan Li didn’t worry about sanctions when he decided in 2010 to invest $200 million in a steel mill in Iran that started producing ingots and billet within months of the lifting of punitive measures against the Islamic republic as part of 2015 international nuclear agreement with Iran. With no operations in the United States, Mr. Li was not concerned about being targeted by the US Treasury. Mr. Li, moreover, circumvented financial restrictions on Iran by funding his investment through what he called a "private transfer," a money swap that was based on trust and avoided regular banking channels. In doing so, Mr. Li was following standard Chinese practice of evading the sanctions regime by using alternative routes or establishing alternative institutions that were in effect immune. To be able to continue to purchase Iranian oil while sanctions were in place, China, for example, established the Bank of Kunlun to handle Chinese payments. The Chinese experience in circumventing the earlier sanctions will come in handy with Beijing rejecting US President Donald J. Trump’s renewed effort to isolate Iran and force it to make further concessions on its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs as well as the Islamic republic’s regional role in the Middle East by walking away from the 2015 agreement and reintroducing punitive economic measures. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in response to Mr. Trump’s announcement that the People’s Republic was committed to the deal and would "maintain communication with all parties and continue to protect and execute the agreement fully." China’s likely willingness to circumvent US sanctions is one factor that will influence Iran’s decision on whether it will stick to the agreement. Iran’s decision depends on the readiness and ability of the other signatories - Britain, France, Germany and Russia – to also stand up to the United States. China’s experience in circumventing sanctions could come in handy as Europe, that like China has rejected Mr. Trump’s move and vowed to ignore the sanctions, weighs ways of putting its money where its mouth is by attempting to shield European companies from potential US punitive action. One possibility would be to use alternative Chinese financial networks. Nonetheless, this time round, rejecting and violating US sanctions may prove for China as well as the other signatories to be a trickier undertaking. Last time round, China and the other signatories were part of an international consensus that aimed to force Iran to accept restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program even if they at times circumvented the sanctions. China and other signatories are in the wake of the re-imposition of US sanctions likely to be operating in a far more confrontational environment in which the subtext of Mr. Trump’s decision as well the positions of Saudi Arabia and Israel appears to be a policy that seeks to achieve regime change in Tehran. Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, have suggested in recent months in their 11-month old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar that they are willing to quietly sanction those who fail to support them. There is little reason to doubt that they would do the same in their confrontation with Iran with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman describing the dispute with Qatar as "trivial’ in comparison to the kingdom’s existential battle with Iran. Saudi Arabia demonstrated its greater assertiveness by forcing major multi-national financial institutions to choose sides in the Gulf spat. In response to Saudi pressure, JP Morgan and HSBC last month walked away from participating in a $12 billion bond sale. Earlier, Doha Bank, Qatar’s fifth-biggest lender, was forced to reduce the size of a two-year, $575 million bank loan that it had raised in December 2015 to $400 million, when it sought a one-year extension of the facility because Chinese, Hong Kong and Japanese banks opted not to participate. In the utmost consequence, China’s concerted effort to remain aloof of the Middle East’s multiple conflicts could be severely compromised if it were forced to take sides in a conflict between Iran, a country with which China feels that it has much in common and that it in the past has helped develop its ballistic and nuclear programs, and Saudi Arabia, a more recently found friend that is economically important to the People’s Republic. To be sure, greater Saudi assertiveness does not mean that the kingdom does not have to tread carefully in potentially seeking to penalize China and others for their potential refusal to go along with Mr. Trump’s confronting of Iran. Saudi Arabia desperately needs foreign investment to implement Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030, a far-reaching plan for social and economic reform that aims to diversify the kingdom’s conservative society and oil-dependent economy and turn it into the 21st century, knowledge-based state. China, moreover, is one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost oil export markets. While the Saudi military remains focussed on US and European arms purchases, China, at a time that a military confrontation with Iran is not beyond the realm of the possible, is a source of weaponry the United States has been so far unwilling to sell to the kingdom. With the United States refusing to share its most advanced drone technology, China agreed last year to open its first overseas defense production facility in Saudi Arabia. State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) will manufacture its CH-4 Caihong, or Rainbow drone as well as associated equipment in Saudi Arabia. The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone. The stakes in the battle to save the Iranian nuclear deal in the wake of Mr. Trump’s decision go however far beyond a belief that the nuclear deal is serving its purpose in curbing potential Iranian nuclear ambitions and economic opportunity. Leveraging its experience, an effort by China together with Russia and Europe that keeps the Iranian nuclear deal in place and thwarts US sanctions would deliver one of the heaviest body blows to US credibility and perceptions of US power since Mr. Trump came to office in January of last year. Said a Middle Eastern diplomat: "A successful countering of US sanctions would demonstrate beyond doubt limits to America’s ability to impose its will. That would have wide-reaching consequences, not in the least question marks in Saudi Arabia and Israel on the degree to which they can risk continuing putting most of their eggs in Washington’s basket." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Playing US sanctions - China walks a fine line in Iran

Israel today hit "dozens" of Iranian military targets in Syria soon after Iran attacked Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday, creating greater tensions.&nbsp;

"The (Israeli military) has struck dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria," Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists.

Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported.

Conricus said they targeted intelligence, logistics, storage, and vehicles as well as the origin of the rockets. It was one of the largest Israeli military operations in recent years and the biggest against Iranian targets.

Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles and also destroyed a Syrian radar. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other".

However, Israeli army said that it is not "looking to escalate the situation with Iran."&nbsp;

Attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-out-of-iran-nuclear-deal-reimposes-us-sanctions-135588">withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal</a>.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-dismay-support-how-the-world-sees-us-withdrawal-from-iran-nuclear-deal-135597">Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal</a>

Attacks came soon after Iran hit Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday

Israel today hit "dozens" of Iranian military targets in Syria soon after Iran attacked Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday, creating greater tensions. "The (Israeli military) has struck dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria," Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists. Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported. Conricus said they targeted intelligence, logistics, storage, and vehicles as well as the origin of the rockets. It was one of the largest Israeli military operations in recent years and the biggest against Iranian targets. Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles and also destroyed a Syrian radar. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other". However, Israeli army said that it is not "looking to escalate the situation with Iran." Attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Also read: Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal

Israel army hits dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran will face some "serious consequences" if they restarted its nuclear program.&nbsp

On being asked what if Tehran restarted its nuclear efforts, Trump said, "I would advise Iran not to start their nuclear program I would advise them very strongly," "If they do, there will be very severe consequences," as quoted by Arab News.

After the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned that his country could resume uranium enrichment "without limit" but would refrain from doing so for now.

In announcing the US pullout on Tuesday, Trump called the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core".

Trump announced Tuesday he is quitting the Iran nuclear deal, pitting him against the United States' closest allies and leaving the future of Tehran's nuclear ambitions in question.

The 2015 agreement, which was negotiated by the Obama administration and included Germany, France and Britain, had lifted most US and international economic sanctions against Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program, making it impossible to produce a bomb and establishing rigorous inspections.

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, claimed that the deal, initially involving seven parties, could yet continue. But Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who helped engineer the deal to ease his country’s economically crippling isolation, told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that Europe had only a “limited opportunity” to preserve the pact.&nbsp

After the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned that his country could resume uranium enrichment 'without limit' but would refrain from doing so for now

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran will face some "serious consequences" if they restarted its nuclear program. On being asked what if Tehran restarted its nuclear efforts, Trump said, "I would advise Iran not to start their nuclear program I would advise them very strongly," "If they do, there will be very severe consequences," as quoted by Arab News. After the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned that his country could resume uranium enrichment "without limit" but would refrain from doing so for now. In announcing the US pullout on Tuesday, Trump called the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core". Trump announced Tuesday he is quitting the Iran nuclear deal, pitting him against the United States' closest allies and leaving the future of Tehran's nuclear ambitions in question. The 2015 agreement, which was negotiated by the Obama administration and included Germany, France and Britain, had lifted most US and international economic sanctions against Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program, making it impossible to produce a bomb and establishing rigorous inspections. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, claimed that the deal, initially involving seven parties, could yet continue. But Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who helped engineer the deal to ease his country’s economically crippling isolation, told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that Europe had only a “limited opportunity” to preserve the pact.

'Severe consequences' to be faced if Iran resumes nuclear programme: Trump

Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Wednesday and hit fresh 3-1/2 year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran.

Ignoring pleas by allies, U.S. President Trump on Tuesday pulled out of a 2015 international deal with Iran and announced the "highest level" of sanctions against the OPEC member, making investors nervous about rising risks of conflict in the Middle East and about oil supplies in a tight market.

News of the deal prompted a volatile trading session on Tuesday in the heaviest volumes for front-month U.S. crude futures since Nov. 30, 2016.

The United States will likely re-impose sanctions against Iran after 180 days, unless some other agreement is reached.

Brent crude futures rose $2.36, or 3.2 percent, to settle at $77.21 a barrel. The global benchmark hit a session high of $77.43, the highest since November 2014. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $2.08 to settle at $71.14 a barrel, a 3-percent gain.

Both contracts notched their biggest daily percentage gain in a month.

Prices extended gains after U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed domestic crude inventories &nbsp;fell 2.2 million barrels in the latest week, far exceeding forecasts for a decrease of 719,000 barrels.

Net U.S. crude imports <usoici=eci> fell last week by 955,000 barrels per day to 5.4 million bpd, the lowest since mid-February, the EIA data showed.</usoici=eci>

U.S. gasoline futures <rbc1> hit a high of $2.1701 a gallon, the highest since Hurricane Harvey sent prices surging in August. U.S. heating oil futures <hoc1> surged to $2.2258 a gallon, the highest since February 2015.</hoc1></rbc1>

"A whopping drop in imports has resulted in a moderate draw to crude stocks, while a drop in both gasoline and distillates inventories round out a broadly supportive report," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData.

Oil ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait said their countries will work closely with major OPEC and non-OPEC producers to lessen the impact of any supply shortages after U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The country, the third-biggest producer of crude within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, exported about 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in April.

Analysts' estimates of the possible reduction in Iranian crude supplies as a result of any new U.S. sanctions range from 200,000 bpd to 1 million bpd.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a note that Trump's announcement brought upside risks to its forecast that Brent crude will hit $82.50 a barrel by the summer.

Several refiners in Asia said they were seeking alternatives to Iranian supplies.

A number of countries have already cut reliance on Iranian oil, as well as other "traditional" sources of supply, due to a surge in cheaper U.S. crude exports.

Volumes jumped for all key crude oil futures contracts as investors took new positions and refiners hedged to protect themselves from higher feedstock prices. 
&nbsp;

Ignoring pleas by allies, U.S. President Trump on Tuesday pulled out of a 2015 international deal with Iran and announced the "highest level" of sanctions against the OPEC member

Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Wednesday and hit fresh 3-1/2 year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran. Ignoring pleas by allies, U.S. President Trump on Tuesday pulled out of a 2015 international deal with Iran and announced the "highest level" of sanctions against the OPEC member, making investors nervous about rising risks of conflict in the Middle East and about oil supplies in a tight market. News of the deal prompted a volatile trading session on Tuesday in the heaviest volumes for front-month U.S. crude futures since Nov. 30, 2016. The United States will likely re-impose sanctions against Iran after 180 days, unless some other agreement is reached. Brent crude futures rose $2.36, or 3.2 percent, to settle at $77.21 a barrel. The global benchmark hit a session high of $77.43, the highest since November 2014. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $2.08 to settle at $71.14 a barrel, a 3-percent gain. Both contracts notched their biggest daily percentage gain in a month. Prices extended gains after U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed domestic crude inventories fell 2.2 million barrels in the latest week, far exceeding forecasts for a decrease of 719,000 barrels. Net U.S. crude imports fell last week by 955,000 barrels per day to 5.4 million bpd, the lowest since mid-February, the EIA data showed. U.S. gasoline futures hit a high of $2.1701 a gallon, the highest since Hurricane Harvey sent prices surging in August. U.S. heating oil futures surged to $2.2258 a gallon, the highest since February 2015. "A whopping drop in imports has resulted in a moderate draw to crude stocks, while a drop in both gasoline and distillates inventories round out a broadly supportive report," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData. Oil ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait said their countries will work closely with major OPEC and non-OPEC producers to lessen the impact of any supply shortages after U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The country, the third-biggest producer of crude within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, exported about 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in April. Analysts' estimates of the possible reduction in Iranian crude supplies as a result of any new U.S. sanctions range from 200,000 bpd to 1 million bpd. Investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a note that Trump's announcement brought upside risks to its forecast that Brent crude will hit $82.50 a barrel by the summer. Several refiners in Asia said they were seeking alternatives to Iranian supplies. A number of countries have already cut reliance on Iranian oil, as well as other "traditional" sources of supply, due to a surge in cheaper U.S. crude exports. Volumes jumped for all key crude oil futures contracts as investors took new positions and refiners hedged to protect themselves from higher feedstock prices.

Oil jumps 3% after US quits Iran deal, US stock drawdown

Britain challenged the United States on Wednesday to spell out its vision of a new negotiated settlement with Iran after President&nbsp;Donald Trump pulled out&nbsp;of the 2015 international nuclear deal. 
 
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain had no intention of walking away from the&nbsp;deal, known as the JCPOA. He also said Britain would do its utmost to protect UK commercial interests in Iran. 
 
"Now that the Trump administration has left the JCPOA, the responsibility falls on them to describe how they in Washington will build a new negotiated solution to our shared concerns," he told parliament. 
 
"President Trump said himself last night that he is committed to finding a new solution and we should hold him to his word." 
 
Johnson said he had no problem with Trump's goal for a lasting solution to Iran's nuclear threat and other Iranian policies seen as malign by London and Washington, but added: "The question is: how does the U.S. propose to achieve it?"

Asked about the potential impact of new U.S. economic sanctions against Iran on British firms seeking to do business in the country, Johnson did not go into specifics but indicated the government would be supportive of companies. 
 
"We will do our utmost to protect UK commercial interests," he said. 
 
Asked what suggestions the British government would be making to the U.S. administration about the way ahead in dealing with Iran, Johnson talked about the idea of a follow-on agreement that would preserve the central pillars of the JCPOA while addressing other issues beyond the nuclear programme. 
 
"The central idea is that around the core of the JCPOA you build a super-structure, a follow-on agreement that would address the problems of the sunset clauses, address the issue of the ICBMs (inter-continental ballistic missiles) and satisfy the president's anxieties," he said. 
 
Throughout his statement, Johnson repeatedly said the JCPOA had delivered on the core goal of preventing Iran from moving towards acquiring a nuclear bomb. He also said the central bargain of the deal, better economic prospects for Iran in return for de-nuclearisation, remained valid. 
 
"We did our utmost to prevent this outcome. From the moment that President Trump's administration took office, we made the case for keeping the JCPOA at every level," he said. 
 
"The U.S. decision makes no difference to the British assessment that the constraints imposed on Iran's nuclear ambitions by the JCPOA remain vital for our national security and the stability of the Middle East.

"For as long as Iran abides by the agreement ... then Britain will remain a party to the JCPOA," he added. "Britain has no intention of walking away."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain had no intention of walking away from the deal, known as the JCPOA. He also said Britain would do its utmost to protect UK commercial interests in Iran

Britain challenged the United States on Wednesday to spell out its vision of a new negotiated settlement with Iran after President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 international nuclear deal. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain had no intention of walking away from the deal, known as the JCPOA. He also said Britain would do its utmost to protect UK commercial interests in Iran. "Now that the Trump administration has left the JCPOA, the responsibility falls on them to describe how they in Washington will build a new negotiated solution to our shared concerns," he told parliament. "President Trump said himself last night that he is committed to finding a new solution and we should hold him to his word." Johnson said he had no problem with Trump's goal for a lasting solution to Iran's nuclear threat and other Iranian policies seen as malign by London and Washington, but added: "The question is: how does the U.S. propose to achieve it?" Asked about the potential impact of new U.S. economic sanctions against Iran on British firms seeking to do business in the country, Johnson did not go into specifics but indicated the government would be supportive of companies. "We will do our utmost to protect UK commercial interests," he said. Asked what suggestions the British government would be making to the U.S. administration about the way ahead in dealing with Iran, Johnson talked about the idea of a follow-on agreement that would preserve the central pillars of the JCPOA while addressing other issues beyond the nuclear programme. "The central idea is that around the core of the JCPOA you build a super-structure, a follow-on agreement that would address the problems of the sunset clauses, address the issue of the ICBMs (inter-continental ballistic missiles) and satisfy the president's anxieties," he said. Throughout his statement, Johnson repeatedly said the JCPOA had delivered on the core goal of preventing Iran from moving towards acquiring a nuclear bomb. He also said the central bargain of the deal, better economic prospects for Iran in return for de-nuclearisation, remained valid. "We did our utmost to prevent this outcome. From the moment that President Trump's administration took office, we made the case for keeping the JCPOA at every level," he said. "The U.S. decision makes no difference to the British assessment that the constraints imposed on Iran's nuclear ambitions by the JCPOA remain vital for our national security and the stability of the Middle East. "For as long as Iran abides by the agreement ... then Britain will remain a party to the JCPOA," he added. "Britain has no intention of walking away."

Britain tells Trump: Spell out how you will deal with Iran now

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