An Iraqi armed group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq says its fighters have carried out 19 operations targeting US bases in Iraq and the wider region over the past few days, using drones and missiles in the strikes.


Iraqi Resistance Fighter Carry 19 Anti-US Ops Across Iraq

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on nations to sever ties with Iran. The appeal came during a virtual meeting with around 60 envoys stationed in Israel. Saar stated that Iran's actions against its neighbours and its own people necessitate global isolation. This push for diplomatic severance highlights Israel's ongoing military campaign against the Islamic republic.


Israel Holds Meeting With 60 Envoys Stationed in Israel; Calls To Cut Ties With Iran

Massive anti-regime protests rocked Munich as nearly 200,000 demonstrators marched against Iran’s Islamic Republic. Protesters rejected both a return to the Shah and continued clerical rule, while Reza Pahlavi claimed a potential role in Iran’s democratic transition.


Anti-Iran Regime Protests: Reza Pahlavi Claims Role in Iran's Democratic Transition

The Israel-Iran war is also one of propaganda and mis/disinformation, with both sides claiming victories. At the core of this is the propaganda machinery of Iran, which has a vast network of state-run TV channels, official and semi-official newspapers, wire agencies, and social media handles. Countering this is a group of media based outside, run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters. Covertly or publicly, many of these groups get support from the adversaries of the Islamic Republic. &nbsp;<h2>Iran regime controls most of media landscape</h2>The regime controls all broadcasting in Iran, with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting or IRIB reflecting its official ideology. That was one of the reasons that IRIB building was a target of Israeli bombardment that started on June 13. IRIB holds the monopoly of both TV and radio broadcasting, and its chief is appointed by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;While the Iranian Constitution allows for freedom of expression, its media is strictly controlled by the state. Censorship and restrictions prevail even as independent media groups continue to operate inside Iran.&nbsp; Both the print and online media are subject to control, and anything seen as detrimental to Islam could face consequences. The regime also monitors social media and the internet. Iranian authorities have in the past targeted groups and individuals for anti-regime posts, by constant monitoring of internet service providers and mobile companies. Foreign media can only have a limited presence in Iran, where satellite dishes are deemed illegal.&nbsp;<h2>Iran's exile media networks offer a different perspective</h2>In spite of all the controls, many Iranians manage to watch or read Persian and English-language channels and online media. They use VPN and social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram for accessing such information. The media networks in exile offer a different perspective on Iran, and are known to support dissident movements, with tacit or overt support from Israel, the US, and the West. From the Iranian regime's perspective, these are seen as troublemakers, fomenting dissent and exhorting and amplifying disruptive activities in the nation. &nbsp;Iran frequently claims that these media groups are backed by foreign intelligence. Several of these groups are thought to be funded by countries like the US and Saudi. Below are the top networks, either run by Iranians abroad or global channels: &nbsp;<h2>Iran International</h2>Iran International, a London-based Persian news channel, was launched in 2017. Opposed to the Islamic Republic regime, the channel and its website have covered and amplified protests like the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement against the hijab. The regime accuses Iran International of being funded by Saudi Arabia, and inciting unrest in the country.<h2>Manoto TV</h2>Based in the UK, this Persian channel gives both political and entertainment content and is popular with the youth and monarchists. The Iranian regime accuses this network of having received Western funding to destabilise it. &nbsp;<h2>Radio Farda</h2>Funded by the US, this Persian news service is based in Prague and offers uncensored reporting on Iran. Its coverage often amplifies reporting on human rights violations in Iran and anti-regime protests. It is accused by Iran of being a front of the US intel agency CIA, but Radio Farda is largely a journalistic operation with not much evidence of any espionage links. &nbsp;<h2>BBC Persian</h2>The British Broadcasting Corporation operates the BBC Persian service. It is known to report on Iranian politics and protests. The Iranian regime, over the years, have put various pressures on BBC Persian, including on its journalists.&nbsp;<h2>Simay Azadi (INTV)</h2>INTV network is linked to the opposition group MEK. The network promotes activities of MEK and its political fronts, and advocates regime change in Iran. It is mainly a propaganda outlet for MEK and Iran has alleged that it has ties to Israel and US. &nbsp;<h2>Kayhan Life</h2>Based out of the US, Kayhan Life is known to support the voices of Iranian dissidents and monarchists, as well as the causes of MEK. Iran sees it as part of Western propaganda against the Islamic Republic.&nbsp; Besides these, there are several outlets on social media platforms, run by individuals or groups, that are opposed to the regime. One such outlet was the ‘Amadnews’ channel on the Telegram platform run by journalist Roohollah Zam, who was executed by Iran. Zam was known for anti-regime leaks and for supporting the protests. He was accused by Iran of colluding with foreign nations. &nbsp;

Media groups based abroad, several of them run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters, are countering Iranian propaganda. 

The Israel-Iran war is also one of propaganda and mis/disinformation, with both sides claiming victories. At the core of this is the propaganda machinery of Iran, which has a vast network of state-run TV channels, official and semi-official newspapers, wire agencies, and social media handles. Countering this is a group of media based outside, run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters. Covertly or publicly, many of these groups get support from the adversaries of the Islamic Republic. Iran regime controls most of media landscape The regime controls all broadcasting in Iran, with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting or IRIB reflecting its official ideology. That was one of the reasons that IRIB building was a target of Israeli bombardment that started on June 13. IRIB holds the monopoly of both TV and radio broadcasting, and its chief is appointed by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While the Iranian Constitution allows for freedom of expression, its media is strictly controlled by the state. Censorship and restrictions prevail even as independent media groups continue to operate inside Iran. Both the print and online media are subject to control, and anything seen as detrimental to Islam could face consequences. The regime also monitors social media and the internet. Iranian authorities have in the past targeted groups and individuals for anti-regime posts, by constant monitoring of internet service providers and mobile companies. Foreign media can only have a limited presence in Iran, where satellite dishes are deemed illegal. Iran's exile media networks offer a different perspective In spite of all the controls, many Iranians manage to watch or read Persian and English-language channels and online media. They use VPN and social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram for accessing such information. The media networks in exile offer a different perspective on Iran, and are known to support dissident movements, with tacit or overt support from Israel, the US, and the West. From the Iranian regime's perspective, these are seen as troublemakers, fomenting dissent and exhorting and amplifying disruptive activities in the nation. Iran frequently claims that these media groups are backed by foreign intelligence. Several of these groups are thought to be funded by countries like the US and Saudi. Below are the top networks, either run by Iranians abroad or global channels: Iran International Iran International, a London-based Persian news channel, was launched in 2017. Opposed to the Islamic Republic regime, the channel and its website have covered and amplified protests like the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement against the hijab. The regime accuses Iran International of being funded by Saudi Arabia, and inciting unrest in the country. Manoto TV Based in the UK, this Persian channel gives both political and entertainment content and is popular with the youth and monarchists. The Iranian regime accuses this network of having received Western funding to destabilise it. Radio Farda Funded by the US, this Persian news service is based in Prague and offers uncensored reporting on Iran. Its coverage often amplifies reporting on human rights violations in Iran and anti-regime protests. It is accused by Iran of being a front of the US intel agency CIA, but Radio Farda is largely a journalistic operation with not much evidence of any espionage links. BBC Persian The British Broadcasting Corporation operates the BBC Persian service. It is known to report on Iranian politics and protests. The Iranian regime, over the years, have put various pressures on BBC Persian, including on its journalists. Simay Azadi (INTV) INTV network is linked to the opposition group MEK. The network promotes activities of MEK and its political fronts, and advocates regime change in Iran. It is mainly a propaganda outlet for MEK and Iran has alleged that it has ties to Israel and US. Kayhan Life Based out of the US, Kayhan Life is known to support the voices of Iranian dissidents and monarchists, as well as the causes of MEK. Iran sees it as part of Western propaganda against the Islamic Republic. Besides these, there are several outlets on social media platforms, run by individuals or groups, that are opposed to the regime. One such outlet was the ‘Amadnews’ channel on the Telegram platform run by journalist Roohollah Zam, who was executed by Iran. Zam was known for anti-regime leaks and for supporting the protests. He was accused by Iran of colluding with foreign nations.

Media groups based abroad, several of them run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters, are countering Iranian propaganda.&nbsp;

Propaganda war: How foreign-backed Iranian media fight against Iran, which virtually controls its press

An Iranian general claimed that the Islamic republic had developed a hypersonic missile capable of penetrating all defence systems, raising concerns from the UN nuclear watchdog.

Iran claims of developing hypersonic missile that can breach all defence systems

"For Islamic Republic, hijab is a tool to control women and through women to control the whole society. For them, this is like the Berlin Wall, if we tear this wall down, the Islamic Republic won't exist. Women have been pushing back the compulsory Hijab laws and all the anti-women laws in Iran but this is the time that the movement is gaining momentum. This is the women's revolution," says Masih Alinejad, who is an activist in Iran.

'Hijab is a tool to control women,' says activist Masih Alinejad

Iran flatly dismissed a call by Saudi Arabia for Gulf states to be consulted on any potential negotiations with the Islamic republic on its nuclear programme.

Iran dismisses Saudi's call for inclusion in nuclear talks

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions.

Wednesday`s breakthrough in the dispute over the sites was announced in a joint statement by Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi`s first visit to the Islamic Republic since he took over the role in December.

"Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," Grossi and Iran`s nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hails-constructive-talks-with-visiting-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-322966">Also read:&nbsp;Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi</a>

It said dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites - one near Karaj west of Tehran, the other near Isfahan in central Iran - had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there.

In March Grossi informed his agency that Iran had denied IAEA inspectors access to the two sites, where uranium conversion and explosives testing are suspected of having been carried out in the early 2000s. Demolition and other work that might have removed traces of the past - "sanitization" in inspectors` parlance - appear to have since occurred there.

The IAEA had demanded access to the sites since January because they are suspected of having hosted nuclear material, which the agency must fully account for in order to verify that a country`s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-grossito-to-make-first-visit-to-iran-on-august-24-322398">Also read:&nbsp;IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24</a>

Under a 2015 deal with major powers, Iran is implementing the so-called Additional Protocol, an agreement with individual member states that grants the IAEA the power to carry out snap inspections, even of places not declared to be nuclear sites.

While the Vienna-based agency says it has the right to go to the sites without permission, Iran objected because at least some of the information pointing to the sites came from a trove of documents on its past activities that Tehran`s main Middle East adversary Israel says it seized in Iran.

US&nbsp;intelligence services and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic has long denied seeking to develop atomic bombs.

'That's all for now'

Wednesday`s statement said that, at least for now, the IAEA does not want access to more undeclared sites. 
It is still, however, seeking answers on the origin and whereabouts of a uranium metal disc that may have been at a third site that it sees no point in going to because of "extensive sanitization and levelling" there in 2003 and 2004.

"In this present context, based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have any further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations other than those declared by Tehran," the statement said.

While Wednesday`s deal must still be followed through on and will begin a process of taking samples and checking the origin of any nuclear particles that are found, it marks an initial victory for Grossi and his agency, whose 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution in June raising pressure on Iran.

It also comes as the United States, despite having pulled out of world powers` deal with Iran in 2018, is seeking to use a mechanism available to parties to the deal to trigger the reimposition of global U.N. sanctions against Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 accord.

Wednesday`s agreement "will end the case (of the two sites)", Salehi told Iranian state TV, while reiterating that Iran will not accept any demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 accord.

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions.

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions. Wednesday`s breakthrough in the dispute over the sites was announced in a joint statement by Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi`s first visit to the Islamic Republic since he took over the role in December. "Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," Grossi and Iran`s nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters. Also read: Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi It said dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites - one near Karaj west of Tehran, the other near Isfahan in central Iran - had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there. In March Grossi informed his agency that Iran had denied IAEA inspectors access to the two sites, where uranium conversion and explosives testing are suspected of having been carried out in the early 2000s. Demolition and other work that might have removed traces of the past - "sanitization" in inspectors` parlance - appear to have since occurred there. The IAEA had demanded access to the sites since January because they are suspected of having hosted nuclear material, which the agency must fully account for in order to verify that a country`s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful. Also read: IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24 Under a 2015 deal with major powers, Iran is implementing the so-called Additional Protocol, an agreement with individual member states that grants the IAEA the power to carry out snap inspections, even of places not declared to be nuclear sites. While the Vienna-based agency says it has the right to go to the sites without permission, Iran objected because at least some of the information pointing to the sites came from a trove of documents on its past activities that Tehran`s main Middle East adversary Israel says it seized in Iran. US intelligence services and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic has long denied seeking to develop atomic bombs. 'That's all for now' Wednesday`s statement said that, at least for now, the IAEA does not want access to more undeclared sites. It is still, however, seeking answers on the origin and whereabouts of a uranium metal disc that may have been at a third site that it sees no point in going to because of "extensive sanitization and levelling" there in 2003 and 2004. "In this present context, based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have any further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations other than those declared by Tehran," the statement said. While Wednesday`s deal must still be followed through on and will begin a process of taking samples and checking the origin of any nuclear particles that are found, it marks an initial victory for Grossi and his agency, whose 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution in June raising pressure on Iran. It also comes as the United States, despite having pulled out of world powers` deal with Iran in 2018, is seeking to use a mechanism available to parties to the deal to trigger the reimposition of global U.N. sanctions against Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 accord. Wednesday`s agreement "will end the case (of the two sites)", Salehi told Iranian state TV, while reiterating that Iran will not accept any demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 accord.

Iran relents on IAEA inspections at two sites, ending standoff

Iran taunted the United States on the 41st anniversary Tuesday of the ouster of its ally the shah, as huge crowds took to the streets to mark the historic occasion.

Waving national flags and holding portraits of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the crowds converged on Tehran's iconic Azadi Square braving sub-zero temperatures.

"It is unbearable for the United States to accept the victory of a great nation and that a superpower has been driven out of this land," President Hassan Rouhani told the gathering.

"It is natural for them to have dreamt, for 41 years, of returning to this land, because they know that we are one of the most powerful countries" in the Middle East, he added.

Tehran and Washington have been sworn enemies since 1979, when the government of the US-backed shah was ousted and the Islamic republic established.

Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had already fled the country weeks earlier after months of protests against his regime.

That November radical students demanding the shah's extradition seized 52 hostages at the US embassy in Tehran and held them for 444 days, prompting Washington to sever ties.

The bad blood between Tehran and Washington worsened in 2018 when US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a deal that froze Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed crippling sanctions.

In the capital, the atmosphere was mixed, with some people casually strolling the streets with their children clutching balloons and others chanting hardline slogans and trampling on US and Israeli flags.

"Death to America" and "We will resist until the end", read some of the banners they carried.

Show of unity

Women in black chadors held portraits of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Qasem Soleimani, a hugely popular general killed in a US drone strike last month.

Young men posed for selfies in front of a row of coffins draped in US flags and bearing the logos of companies seen as symbols of American imperialism.

Girls marched with backpacks bearing Soleimani's face as patriotic songs and Koranic verses were played on loudspeakers and volunteers dished out bowls of soup to keep people warm.

"I'm here to support the authority of the Islamic republic," one participant, Yasser Mohammadi, 37, told AFP.

"Maybe we have some problems internally, like the economy and mismanagement, but this won't stop us supporting our Islamic republic.

"We want to show the world that what the US is doing is wrong, including the killing of Soleimani."

State television showed crowds on the streets of the northern cities of Rasht and Tabriz, dressed in woolly scarves and hats and holding umbrellas, seemingly undeterred by heavy snowfall.

The state had appealed for a large turnout as a show of solidarity after a year in which Iran has been shaken by protests and military tensions with the United States.

"Securing our country and our region depends on our unity, and participation in this rally is a symbol of this unity," said Hadi Khamenei, brother of the supreme leader.

Iran's economy has been battered since May 2018, when Trump abandoned the multilateral nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.

Crucial elections

When Iran raised petrol prices in November, nationwide protests erupted and turned violent before security forces put them down amid a near-total internet blackout.

Tensions with Washington escalated in early January when the US killed Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, the Quds Force.

Iran retaliated by targeting US forces but then accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 people on board, in a tragedy that sparked anger at home and abroad.

This year's anniversary comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in Iran.

The alliance of moderates and reformers that propelled Rouhani to power in 2013 is scrambling to avoid losing its majority in the February 21 election.

Rouhani's government has come under intense pressure from conservatives for agreeing the 2015 nuclear deal that has unravelled since Trump's withdrawal.

"In the past two years, America has put so much pressure on our beloved people, on all of our trade, all of our exports, all of our imports, and all of the country's needs, to exhaust the patience of our people," Rouhani told Tuesday's rally.

But "the Americans did not understand the greatness of the Iranian people," he said.

"The United States believes it is facing 41 years of civilisation. No, the Americans are facing thousands of years of Iranian civilisation."

Iran taunted the United States on the 41st anniversary Tuesday of the ouster of its ally the shah, as huge crowds took to the streets to mark the historic occasion.

Iran taunted the United States on the 41st anniversary Tuesday of the ouster of its ally the shah, as huge crowds took to the streets to mark the historic occasion. Waving national flags and holding portraits of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the crowds converged on Tehran's iconic Azadi Square braving sub-zero temperatures. "It is unbearable for the United States to accept the victory of a great nation and that a superpower has been driven out of this land," President Hassan Rouhani told the gathering. "It is natural for them to have dreamt, for 41 years, of returning to this land, because they know that we are one of the most powerful countries" in the Middle East, he added. Tehran and Washington have been sworn enemies since 1979, when the government of the US-backed shah was ousted and the Islamic republic established. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had already fled the country weeks earlier after months of protests against his regime. That November radical students demanding the shah's extradition seized 52 hostages at the US embassy in Tehran and held them for 444 days, prompting Washington to sever ties. The bad blood between Tehran and Washington worsened in 2018 when US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a deal that froze Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed crippling sanctions. In the capital, the atmosphere was mixed, with some people casually strolling the streets with their children clutching balloons and others chanting hardline slogans and trampling on US and Israeli flags. "Death to America" and "We will resist until the end", read some of the banners they carried. Show of unity Women in black chadors held portraits of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Qasem Soleimani, a hugely popular general killed in a US drone strike last month. Young men posed for selfies in front of a row of coffins draped in US flags and bearing the logos of companies seen as symbols of American imperialism. Girls marched with backpacks bearing Soleimani's face as patriotic songs and Koranic verses were played on loudspeakers and volunteers dished out bowls of soup to keep people warm. "I'm here to support the authority of the Islamic republic," one participant, Yasser Mohammadi, 37, told AFP. "Maybe we have some problems internally, like the economy and mismanagement, but this won't stop us supporting our Islamic republic. "We want to show the world that what the US is doing is wrong, including the killing of Soleimani." State television showed crowds on the streets of the northern cities of Rasht and Tabriz, dressed in woolly scarves and hats and holding umbrellas, seemingly undeterred by heavy snowfall. The state had appealed for a large turnout as a show of solidarity after a year in which Iran has been shaken by protests and military tensions with the United States. "Securing our country and our region depends on our unity, and participation in this rally is a symbol of this unity," said Hadi Khamenei, brother of the supreme leader. Iran's economy has been battered since May 2018, when Trump abandoned the multilateral nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions. Crucial elections When Iran raised petrol prices in November, nationwide protests erupted and turned violent before security forces put them down amid a near-total internet blackout. Tensions with Washington escalated in early January when the US killed Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, the Quds Force. Iran retaliated by targeting US forces but then accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 people on board, in a tragedy that sparked anger at home and abroad. This year's anniversary comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in Iran. The alliance of moderates and reformers that propelled Rouhani to power in 2013 is scrambling to avoid losing its majority in the February 21 election. Rouhani's government has come under intense pressure from conservatives for agreeing the 2015 nuclear deal that has unravelled since Trump's withdrawal. "In the past two years, America has put so much pressure on our beloved people, on all of our trade, all of our exports, all of our imports, and all of the country's needs, to exhaust the patience of our people," Rouhani told Tuesday's rally. But "the Americans did not understand the greatness of the Iranian people," he said. "The United States believes it is facing 41 years of civilisation. No, the Americans are facing thousands of years of Iranian civilisation."

'Unbearable for US to accept Iran's victory': Rouhani taunts on anniversary of Shah's ouster

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in Friday's sermon that Iran's missile attacks on US bases in Iraq this month hit the US "slap on the face", giving divine support to the Islamic Republic.

Iran's Khamenei delivers Friday sermon, bid to quell public anger

Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful -- and expensive -- eyes in the sky.

At the time the attack was launched at 1:35 am on January 8, the US army was flying seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Iraq to monitor bases where US-led coalition forces are deployed.

They included MQ-1C Gray Eagles, advanced surveillance drones that can fly for as long as 27 hours and carry a payload of up to four Hellfire missiles.

"We thought it may lead to a ground assault, so we kept the aircraft up," said one of the pilots, 26-year-old Staff Sergeant Costin Herwig.

Herwig was flying a Gray Eagle when the first Iranian missile struck the base, retaliation for the January 3 killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.&nbsp;

Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful -- and expensive -- eyes in the sky.

Moments after volleys of Iranian missiles began to batter Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, US soldiers at the desert facility lost contact with their ultra-powerful -- and expensive -- eyes in the sky. At the time the attack was launched at 1:35 am on January 8, the US army was flying seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Iraq to monitor bases where US-led coalition forces are deployed. They included MQ-1C Gray Eagles, advanced surveillance drones that can fly for as long as 27 hours and carry a payload of up to four Hellfire missiles. "We thought it may lead to a ground assault, so we kept the aircraft up," said one of the pilots, 26-year-old Staff Sergeant Costin Herwig. Herwig was flying a Gray Eagle when the first Iranian missile struck the base, retaliation for the January 3 killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.

As Iran missiles battered Iraq base, US lost eyes in sky

Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834">Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Tuesday that everyone responsible for the accidental shooting down of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-boeing-737-airliner-turned-was-headed-to-airport-when-it-crashed-iran-civil-aviation-authority-273145">Ukrainian airliner</a> last week must be punished.

"For our people, it is very important in this incident that anyone who was at fault or negligent at any level" face justice, he said in a televised speech.

"Anyone who should be punished must be punished," said Rouhani.

"The judiciary must form a special court with high-ranking judge and dozens of experts. The whole world will be watching."

The Ukraine International Airlines plane was brought down by a missile shortly after takeoff from Tehran last Wednesday, killing all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-all-passengers-aboard-ukrainian-airplane-killed-in-crash-272841">176 passengers</a> and crew on board.

Iran for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence that the airliner had been downed by a missile before acknowledging that version was correct on Saturday.

It has come under mounting international pressure to ensure its investigation into the tragedy is full and transparent.

The authorities' handling of the air disaster and has also angered people in Iran.

Videos posted on social networks on Monday purported to show people taking to the streets for a third consecutive day, with demonstrators apparently shouting slogans against the Islamic republic.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that everyone responsible for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week must be punished. "For our people, it is very important in this incident that anyone who was at fault or negligent at any level" face justice, he said in a televised speech.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that everyone responsible for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week must be punished. "For our people, it is very important in this incident that anyone who was at fault or negligent at any level" face justice, he said in a televised speech. "Anyone who should be punished must be punished," said Rouhani. "The judiciary must form a special court with high-ranking judge and dozens of experts. The whole world will be watching." The Ukraine International Airlines plane was brought down by a missile shortly after takeoff from Tehran last Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Iran for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence that the airliner had been downed by a missile before acknowledging that version was correct on Saturday. It has come under mounting international pressure to ensure its investigation into the tragedy is full and transparent. The authorities' handling of the air disaster and has also angered people in Iran. Videos posted on social networks on Monday purported to show people taking to the streets for a third consecutive day, with demonstrators apparently shouting slogans against the Islamic republic.

Rouhani says Iran must 'punish' all responsible for air disaster

The United States on Thursday sanctioned two Iranian judges for punishing "Iranian citizens and dual-nationals for exercising their freedoms of expression or assembly."

"Today, the Department of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-says-trade-deal-with-china-to-boost-global-economy-268327">Treasury</a>'s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two judges presiding over branches of the Iranian regime`s Revolutionary Court who, for years, have punished Iranian citizens and dual-nationals for exercising their freedoms of expression or assembly. In many cases, these judges sentenced political prisoners to death," the US Treasury said in a statement.

"Through their respective branches of the Revolutionary Courts, Abolghassem Salavati and Mohammad Moghisseh, both designated today, oversaw the Iranian regime's miscarriage of justice in show trials in which journalists, attorneys, political activists, and members of Iran`s ethnic and religious minority groups were penalised for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, lashes, and even execution," it added.

Under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-visit-japan-amid-heightened-tensions-with-united-states-268703">sanctions</a>, all property and interests in property of the persons designated subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them."In addition, foreign financial institutions that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for, or persons that provide material or certain other support to, the individuals designated today risk exposure to sanctions that could sever their access to the US financial system or block their property and interests in property under US jurisdiction," US Treasury Department said.

Earlier, US Secretary of State, Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-call-on-pakistan-to-arrest-and-prosecute-perpetrators-of-cross-border-terror-attacks-269230">Pompeo</a> said, "Today I am announcing several new actions in support of the Iranian people. First, I have re-designated Iran as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. The world should know Iran is among the worst violators of basic fundamental religious freedoms. Second, today the United States Department of Treasury will sanction two Iranian judges: Mohammad Moghisseh, and Abolghassem Salavati.

"The US Secretary of State further announced that under the Immigration and Nationality <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-sues-trump-administration-over-rule-to-limit-legal-immigration-242914">Act</a>, visas for current or former Iranian officials and individuals responsible for or complicit in the abuse, detention, or killing of peaceful protesters, or for inhibiting their rights to freedom of expression or assembly, will be restricted.

"Our action will also restrict visas for these individuals` family members. The materials that are being provided to us by citizens from all across Iran will be invaluable in us using this new authority to put true pressure and to hold accountable those who are denying freedom and justice to the people of Iran," he said.

Pompeo said if the regime in Iran respects the rights of all Iranians and abides by its commitments, it can win back respect from its own citizens.&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday sanctioned two Iranian judges for punishing "Iranian citizens and dual-nationals for exercising their freedoms of expression or assembly.

The United States on Thursday sanctioned two Iranian judges for punishing "Iranian citizens and dual-nationals for exercising their freedoms of expression or assembly." "Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two judges presiding over branches of the Iranian regime`s Revolutionary Court who, for years, have punished Iranian citizens and dual-nationals for exercising their freedoms of expression or assembly. In many cases, these judges sentenced political prisoners to death," the US Treasury said in a statement. "Through their respective branches of the Revolutionary Courts, Abolghassem Salavati and Mohammad Moghisseh, both designated today, oversaw the Iranian regime's miscarriage of justice in show trials in which journalists, attorneys, political activists, and members of Iran`s ethnic and religious minority groups were penalised for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, lashes, and even execution," it added. Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the persons designated subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them."In addition, foreign financial institutions that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for, or persons that provide material or certain other support to, the individuals designated today risk exposure to sanctions that could sever their access to the US financial system or block their property and interests in property under US jurisdiction," US Treasury Department said. Earlier, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said, "Today I am announcing several new actions in support of the Iranian people. First, I have re-designated Iran as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. The world should know Iran is among the worst violators of basic fundamental religious freedoms. Second, today the United States Department of Treasury will sanction two Iranian judges: Mohammad Moghisseh, and Abolghassem Salavati. "The US Secretary of State further announced that under the Immigration and Nationality Act, visas for current or former Iranian officials and individuals responsible for or complicit in the abuse, detention, or killing of peaceful protesters, or for inhibiting their rights to freedom of expression or assembly, will be restricted. "Our action will also restrict visas for these individuals` family members. The materials that are being provided to us by citizens from all across Iran will be invaluable in us using this new authority to put true pressure and to hold accountable those who are denying freedom and justice to the people of Iran," he said. Pompeo said if the regime in Iran respects the rights of all Iranians and abides by its commitments, it can win back respect from its own citizens.

US sanctions two Iranian judges for overseeing 'Iranian regimes miscarriage of justice'

Iran on Saturday disputed death tolls issued abroad for the bloodshed that erupted during protests in the country over fuel prices after a rights group said over 160 demonstrators were killed.

The demonstrations flared in mid-November after the price of petrol in the Islamic republic went up overnight by as much as 200 per cent.

Officials in Iran have yet to say how many people died in the ensuing violence that saw banks, petrol pumps and police stations set on fire.

London-based human rights group Amnesty International said in a tweet on Friday that the crackdown claimed the lives of 161 demonstrators.

But Iran's deputy interior minister, Jamal Orf, disputed such figures.

"Statistics by international organisations on those killed in the recent incidents are not credible," he was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

Orf accused the sources that reported the figures of "exaggerating" them.

The prosecution service, he added, was set to announce the figures based on those it receives from the coroner's office.

Prior to its latest tweet, Amnesty International said on Monday that 143 demonstrators had been killed in the crackdown, citing what it called "credible reports".

The governments of the United States, France and Germany have condemned Iran over the bloodshed.

The unrest broke out on November 15, hours after it was announced that the price of gas would rise to 15,000 rials per litre (12 US cents) from 10,000 for the first 60 litres, and to 30,000 rials for any extra fuel bought after that each month.

Iran's economy has been battered since last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic.

The government in Tehran said proceeds from the fuel price hike would go to the neediest people in the country.

According to IRNA, the payments have since been made in three installations between November 18 and 23. 
&nbsp;

Iran on Saturday disputed death tolls issued abroad for the bloodshed that erupted during protests in the country over fuel prices after a rights group said over 160 demonstrators were killed.

Iran on Saturday disputed death tolls issued abroad for the bloodshed that erupted during protests in the country over fuel prices after a rights group said over 160 demonstrators were killed. The demonstrations flared in mid-November after the price of petrol in the Islamic republic went up overnight by as much as 200 per cent. Officials in Iran have yet to say how many people died in the ensuing violence that saw banks, petrol pumps and police stations set on fire. London-based human rights group Amnesty International said in a tweet on Friday that the crackdown claimed the lives of 161 demonstrators. But Iran's deputy interior minister, Jamal Orf, disputed such figures. "Statistics by international organisations on those killed in the recent incidents are not credible," he was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. Orf accused the sources that reported the figures of "exaggerating" them. The prosecution service, he added, was set to announce the figures based on those it receives from the coroner's office. Prior to its latest tweet, Amnesty International said on Monday that 143 demonstrators had been killed in the crackdown, citing what it called "credible reports". The governments of the United States, France and Germany have condemned Iran over the bloodshed. The unrest broke out on November 15, hours after it was announced that the price of gas would rise to 15,000 rials per litre (12 US cents) from 10,000 for the first 60 litres, and to 30,000 rials for any extra fuel bought after that each month. Iran's economy has been battered since last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic. The government in Tehran said proceeds from the fuel price hike would go to the neediest people in the country. According to IRNA, the payments have since been made in three installations between November 18 and 23.

Iran disputes 'exaggerated' protest death tolls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-firm-stand-needed-to-deter-iran-iraq-demurs-223124">Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri</a> on Saturday warned&nbsp;regional&nbsp;countries of&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;if it is proven that they meddled to stoke recent&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iran.

"Some countries in the region should know that they will not have an easy life in the region if clues are found that show they intervened to create&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iran," said Jahangiri, quoted by the semi-official news agency Fars.

Iran&nbsp;has blamed "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes - the United&nbsp;States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia - for stirring up&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;following hikes in gasoline prices which led to some of the worst violence in a decade.

Iran's&nbsp;regional&nbsp;rival Saudi Arabia and its arch-foe Israel have backed US&nbsp;moves to reimpose sanctions that have crippled Tehran's economy after Washington withdrew from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-afghanistan-exchange-treaty-to-extradite-criminal-offenders-264264"> Islamic Republic's</a> 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Meanwhile, police said 180 "ringleaders" of the&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;had been detained by its agents across the country, state television reported. On Friday the judiciary said the Revolutionary Guards had arrested about 100 leaders of protests.

About 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested,&nbsp;Iranian media said nearly a week ago.

The Center for Human Rights in&nbsp;Iran, a New York-based advocacy group, said on its website that a tally based on official figures and credible reports suggested that "a minimum of 2,755 people have been arrested with the actual minimum number likely being closer to 4,000".

Iranian troops and members of the elite Revolutionary Guards helped police quell violent&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;in Kermanshah province this week,&nbsp;Iranian officials said on Saturday, accusing "US&nbsp;agents" of being among the armed protesters.

The&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;appears to be the worst violence at least since&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;stamped out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-pm-modis-israel-visit-bring-the-second-green-revolution-to-india-17670">"Green Revolution"</a> in 2009 when dozens of protesters were killed over several months.

Rights group Amnesty International said at least 30 people were killed in Kermanshah, making it the worst-hit by the protests and it updated its death toll to 115 from 106.

Iran&nbsp;rejected the death toll figures as "speculative".

Bahman Reyhani, the Revolutionary Guards' commander in Kermanshah, said "the rioters belonged to anti-revolutionary (exiled opposition) groups and America's intelligence services," the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

He did not name the groups. Armed&nbsp;Iranian Kurdish militants have long operated near the province's border with Iraq.

Guards spokesman Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif said the protests had been initiated by royalists seeking the return of the Pahlavi dynasty toppled by the 1979 revolution, and the exiled Mujahideen Khalq armed opposition group, Tasnim reported.

He said "secessionist" groups were also involved, apparently referring to ethnic Arab and the Kurdish militants.

Protests began in several areas on November 15 after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50 per cent&nbsp;and imposed rationing. The&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;spread to at least 100 towns and cities as demonstrators demanded senior officials step down.

Iran&nbsp;condemned the US&nbsp;decision to impose sanctions on the&nbsp;Iranian information minister on Friday for his role in a nationwide internet shutdown meant to help stifle the protests.

"Everyone knows that the current US&nbsp;administration does not value the principles of democracy, transparency and human rights, including freedom of the internet, for others," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, according to state media.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Iran's National Security Council that had ordered the shutdown approved reactivating fixed-line internet in some areas after a five-day outage.

The restoration of the internet, slow on the first two days, sped up on Saturday, with observatory NetBlocks indicating that network data showed connectivity was up to 72 per cent&nbsp;of normal levels.

Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri on Saturday warned regional countries of consequences if it is proven that they meddled to stoke recent unrest in Iran. "Some countries in the region should know that they will not have an easy life in the region if clues are found that show they intervened to create unrest in Iran," said Jahangiri, quoted by the semi-official news agency Fars.

Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri on Saturday warned regional countries of consequences if it is proven that they meddled to stoke recent unrest in Iran. "Some countries in the region should know that they will not have an easy life in the region if clues are found that show they intervened to create unrest in Iran," said Jahangiri, quoted by the semi-official news agency Fars. Iran has blamed "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes - the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia - for stirring up unrest following hikes in gasoline prices which led to some of the worst violence in a decade. Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia and its arch-foe Israel have backed US moves to reimpose sanctions that have crippled Tehran's economy after Washington withdrew from the Islamic Republic's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Meanwhile, police said 180 "ringleaders" of the unrest had been detained by its agents across the country, state television reported. On Friday the judiciary said the Revolutionary Guards had arrested about 100 leaders of protests. About 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested, Iranian media said nearly a week ago. The Center for Human Rights in Iran, a New York-based advocacy group, said on its website that a tally based on official figures and credible reports suggested that "a minimum of 2,755 people have been arrested with the actual minimum number likely being closer to 4,000". Iranian troops and members of the elite Revolutionary Guards helped police quell violent unrest in Kermanshah province this week, Iranian officials said on Saturday, accusing "US agents" of being among the armed protesters. The unrest appears to be the worst violence at least since Iran stamped out a "Green Revolution" in 2009 when dozens of protesters were killed over several months. Rights group Amnesty International said at least 30 people were killed in Kermanshah, making it the worst-hit by the protests and it updated its death toll to 115 from 106. Iran rejected the death toll figures as "speculative". Bahman Reyhani, the Revolutionary Guards' commander in Kermanshah, said "the rioters belonged to anti-revolutionary (exiled opposition) groups and America's intelligence services," the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. He did not name the groups. Armed Iranian Kurdish militants have long operated near the province's border with Iraq. Guards spokesman Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif said the protests had been initiated by royalists seeking the return of the Pahlavi dynasty toppled by the 1979 revolution, and the exiled Mujahideen Khalq armed opposition group, Tasnim reported. He said "secessionist" groups were also involved, apparently referring to ethnic Arab and the Kurdish militants. Protests began in several areas on November 15 after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50 per cent and imposed rationing. The unrest spread to at least 100 towns and cities as demonstrators demanded senior officials step down. Iran condemned the US decision to impose sanctions on the Iranian information minister on Friday for his role in a nationwide internet shutdown meant to help stifle the protests. "Everyone knows that the current US administration does not value the principles of democracy, transparency and human rights, including freedom of the internet, for others," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, according to state media. On Thursday, Iran's National Security Council that had ordered the shutdown approved reactivating fixed-line internet in some areas after a five-day outage. The restoration of the internet, slow on the first two days, sped up on Saturday, with observatory NetBlocks indicating that network data showed connectivity was up to 72 per cent of normal levels.

Some countries will not have it easy if clues found on creating unrest in Iran: Vice President Jahangiri

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-peace-has-been-reinstated-after-three-security-personnel-were-killed-by-rioters-263134">The Iranian government</a> said Tuesday it will unblock the internet only when authorities are sure it will not be abused during violent demonstrations against a petrol price hike.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/revisiting-2013-pakistan-elections-when-the-islamic-republic-witnessed-its-first-democratic-transfer-of-power-137455">The Islamic republic</a> has been largely offline since the internet restrictions were imposed the day after the nationwide demonstrations broke out on Friday.

"Many professions and banks... have faced problems, and we have been trying to solve this," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said, quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA.

"The internet will come back gradually in some provinces where there are assurances the internet will not be abused," he said.

"We understand that people have faced difficulties... but the bigger concern under the current circumstances is maintaining the country's peace and stability."

Demonstrations broke out in Iran on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be raised by as much as 200 per cent in the sanctions-hit country.

At least five deaths have been confirmed in the violence that has seen masked young men set alight petrol stations, banks and other public property.

The full extent of the protests remains unclear, however, largely as a result of the internet restrictions.

The outage has stemmed the flow of videos shared on social media of demonstrations or associated acts of violence.

Netblocks, a website that monitors global net shutdowns, said internet connectivity in Iran was at four per cent on Tuesday compared with normal levels.

"Sixty-five hours after #Iran implemented a near-total internet shutdown, some of the last remaining networks are now being cut," it said on Twitter.

Iran's economy has been battered since May last year when<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-respond-sceptically-to-trumps-willingness-to-testify-during-impeachment-hearings-263050"> President Donald Trump</a> unilaterally withdrew the US from a 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions.

The Iranian government said Tuesday it will unblock the internet only when authorities are sure it will not be abused during violent demonstrations against a petrol price hike.

The Iranian government said Tuesday it will unblock the internet only when authorities are sure it will not be abused during violent demonstrations against a petrol price hike. The Islamic republic has been largely offline since the internet restrictions were imposed the day after the nationwide demonstrations broke out on Friday. "Many professions and banks... have faced problems, and we have been trying to solve this," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said, quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA. "The internet will come back gradually in some provinces where there are assurances the internet will not be abused," he said. "We understand that people have faced difficulties... but the bigger concern under the current circumstances is maintaining the country's peace and stability." Demonstrations broke out in Iran on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be raised by as much as 200 per cent in the sanctions-hit country. At least five deaths have been confirmed in the violence that has seen masked young men set alight petrol stations, banks and other public property. The full extent of the protests remains unclear, however, largely as a result of the internet restrictions. The outage has stemmed the flow of videos shared on social media of demonstrations or associated acts of violence. Netblocks, a website that monitors global net shutdowns, said internet connectivity in Iran was at four per cent on Tuesday compared with normal levels. "Sixty-five hours after #Iran implemented a near-total internet shutdown, some of the last remaining networks are now being cut," it said on Twitter. Iran's economy has been battered since May last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions.

Iran to unblock internet once 'abuse' stops: Government

At least 28 Afghan nationals were killed in a truck crash in southeastern Iran on Thursday, semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Two trucks collided in Khash county in Sistan-Baluchistan province, said Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's emergency services, adding that another 21 passengers were injured.

One of the drivers lost control after a tyre blowout and crashed into the other vehicle, according to state TV.

Iran is one of the deadliest countries in the world for road accidents, according to the World Health Organisation.

According to Iranian officials, the Islamic republic is home to some three million Afghan immigrants.

At least 28 Afghan nationals were killed in a truck crash in southeastern Iran on Thursday, semi-official news agency ISNA reported. Two trucks collided in Khash county in Sistan-Baluchistan province, said Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's emergency services, adding that another 21 passengers were injured.

At least 28 Afghan nationals were killed in a truck crash in southeastern Iran on Thursday, semi-official news agency ISNA reported. Two trucks collided in Khash county in Sistan-Baluchistan province, said Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's emergency services, adding that another 21 passengers were injured. One of the drivers lost control after a tyre blowout and crashed into the other vehicle, according to state TV. Iran is one of the deadliest countries in the world for road accidents, according to the World Health Organisation. According to Iranian officials, the Islamic republic is home to some three million Afghan immigrants.

28 Afghan nationals killed in Iran truck crash

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

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

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

Iran blacklists US-based think-tank: Foreign ministry

Britain on Monday warned <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-put-your-life-in-danger-iran-publishes-exchange-with-british-warship-during-tanker-seizure-239211&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6u9qi-dnjAhWLM48KHRfTD50QFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw10n5QiTBy-nDC311reqIlE">Iran </a>that it must follow international rules and release a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-links-tanker-row-to-ailing-nuclear-deal-239002&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjr2_So9tnjAhWCp48KHfEPBzgQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1IEAgHge9Qw2MnRt8zI6cw">British-flagged vessel seized</a> by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that it could release an Iranian tanker in exchange for a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf.

Raab also told BBC radio that "this is not about some kind of barter. This is about the international law and the rules of the international legal system being upheld and that is what we will insist on."

Tensions have spiked between Iran and Britain since after Iranian commandos seized a British-flagged tanker earlier this month. That came after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accused of violating sanctions on Syria.

Britain on Monday warned Iran that it must follow international rules and release a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that it could release an Iranian tanker in exchange for a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf.

Britain on Monday warned Iran that it must follow international rules and release a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that it could release an Iranian tanker in exchange for a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf. Raab also told BBC radio that "this is not about some kind of barter. This is about the international law and the rules of the international legal system being upheld and that is what we will insist on." Tensions have spiked between Iran and Britain since after Iranian commandos seized a British-flagged tanker earlier this month. That came after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accused of violating sanctions on Syria.

Iran should 'respect international laws': Britain's Foreign Minister

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-sure-to-guarantee-freedom-of-navigation-in-strait-of-hormuz-pompeo-227699">recent attacks on civilian oil tankers</a> in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike.

"The United States is considering a full range of options. We have briefed the President a couple of times, we'll continue to keep him updated. We are confident that we can take a set of actions that can restore deterrence which is our mission set," Pompeo said in a TV interview.

Pompeo, at the same time, suggested that Washington seeks to prevent the ongoing tension with Iran from escalating any further.

"President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don't want war," he said in another interview with Fox News on the same day.

Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gulf-of-oman-saudi-arabia-blames-tanker-attacks-on-rival-iran-227499/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pompeo, in a series of Sunday television interviews, emphasized the US international outreach in the wake of what the US says were Iranian attacks Thursday on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has denied being involved in the attacks and accused America of promoting a negative campaign against it.

Last week, two oil tankers — Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

Shortly after the incident, the United States claimed that Tehran was responsible for the attack, a statement that was denounced by the latter earlier today.

To back its claim, the US released a blurry video which, the country believed, showed the boat crew of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers shortly after the attack.

The UK, in a statement, said that Iran should be held responsible for the attack on four oil tankers off the port of Fujairah last month.&nbsp;

A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over recent attacks on civilian oil tankers in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike.

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over recent attacks on civilian oil tankers in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike. "The United States is considering a full range of options. We have briefed the President a couple of times, we'll continue to keep him updated. We are confident that we can take a set of actions that can restore deterrence which is our mission set," Pompeo said in a TV interview. Pompeo, at the same time, suggested that Washington seeks to prevent the ongoing tension with Iran from escalating any further. "President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don't want war," he said in another interview with Fox News on the same day. Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran Pompeo, in a series of Sunday television interviews, emphasized the US international outreach in the wake of what the US says were Iranian attacks Thursday on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has denied being involved in the attacks and accused America of promoting a negative campaign against it. Last week, two oil tankers — Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Shortly after the incident, the United States claimed that Tehran was responsible for the attack, a statement that was denounced by the latter earlier today. To back its claim, the US released a blurry video which, the country believed, showed the boat crew of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers shortly after the attack. The UK, in a statement, said that Iran should be held responsible for the attack on four oil tankers off the port of Fujairah last month. A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. (With inputs from agencies)

US weighing 'full range' of options to counter Iran, including a military strike: Mike Pompeo on Iran

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-commander-says-he-could-send-carrier-into-strait-of-hormuz-despite-iran-tensions-217422">Strait of Hormuz</a>.

Pompeo would not be drawn on what options the US is considering to protect shipping -- or to punish Iran -- in the wake of Thursday's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

"What you should assume is we are going to guarantee freedom of navigation throughout the strait," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday."

A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

"This is an international challenge, important to the entire globe. The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," Pompeo said.

He would not lay out US evidence for Iran's involvement in the Gulf of Oman explosions but insisted, "It's unmistakable what happened here. &nbsp;

"These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial shipping, on the freedom of navigation, with the clear intent to deny transit through the strait."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Pompeo would not be drawn on what options the US is considering to protect shipping -- or to punish Iran -- in the wake of Thursday's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman. "What you should assume is we are going to guarantee freedom of navigation throughout the strait," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. "This is an international challenge, important to the entire globe. The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," Pompeo said. He would not lay out US evidence for Iran's involvement in the Gulf of Oman explosions but insisted, "It's unmistakable what happened here. "These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial shipping, on the freedom of navigation, with the clear intent to deny transit through the strait."

Will make sure to guarantee freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz: Pompeo

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump </a>said he was prepared to talk to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205"> Iranian President Hassan Rouhani </a>but that there was always a chance of US&nbsp;military action against the Islamic Republic.

"So Iran is a place that was extremely hostile when I first came into office," Trump told British television station ITV. "They were a terrorist nation number one in the world at that time and probably maybe are today."&nbsp;

When asked if he thought he would need to take military action, he said: "There`s always a chance. Do I want to? No. I`d rather not. But there`s always a chance."

He said when asked, that he was prepared to talk to Rouhani,&nbsp;"Yeah of course. I would much rather talk."&nbsp;

This comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by US President Donald Trump’s offer of negotiations <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-abandon-its-missile-programme-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-224364">and would not give up its missile programme</a>.

Watch: 'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran': Donald Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-iran-wants-to-fight-that-will-be-the-official-end-of-iran-donald-trump-220006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran and the United States have been drawn into starker confrontation in the past month, a year after Washington pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting international sanctions.

Trump has condemned the nuclear deal, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around the Middle East. He has called on Iran to come to the negotiating table to reach a new deal.

Trump said last week that Iran "has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership. We’re not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We’re looking for no nuclear weapons."

Reacting to those comments, Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television, "The US president recently said Iran can achieve development with its current leaders. That means they do not seek regime change ... But this political trick will not deceive Iranian officials and the Iranian nation."

"In the missile programme, they know we have reached a point of deterrence and stability. They want to deprive us from it, but they will never succeed," Khamenei said, speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Khamenei said US sanctions have created hardship for Iranians and called on the government to make improving economic conditions its top priority.

US President Donald Trump said he was prepared to talk to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani but that there was always a chance of US military action against the Islamic Republic.

US President Donald Trump said he was prepared to talk to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani but that there was always a chance of US military action against the Islamic Republic. "So Iran is a place that was extremely hostile when I first came into office," Trump told British television station ITV. "They were a terrorist nation number one in the world at that time and probably maybe are today." When asked if he thought he would need to take military action, he said: "There`s always a chance. Do I want to? No. I`d rather not. But there`s always a chance." He said when asked, that he was prepared to talk to Rouhani, "Yeah of course. I would much rather talk." This comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by US President Donald Trump’s offer of negotiations and would not give up its missile programme. Watch: 'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran': Donald Trump Iran and the United States have been drawn into starker confrontation in the past month, a year after Washington pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting international sanctions. Trump has condemned the nuclear deal, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around the Middle East. He has called on Iran to come to the negotiating table to reach a new deal. Trump said last week that Iran "has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership. We’re not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We’re looking for no nuclear weapons." Reacting to those comments, Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television, "The US president recently said Iran can achieve development with its current leaders. That means they do not seek regime change ... But this political trick will not deceive Iranian officials and the Iranian nation." "In the missile programme, they know we have reached a point of deterrence and stability. They want to deprive us from it, but they will never succeed," Khamenei said, speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khamenei said US sanctions have created hardship for Iranians and called on the government to make improving economic conditions its top priority.

Donald Trump prepared to talk to Iran but says always a chance of military action

Tens of thousands of Iranians marking the annual "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on Friday condemned a planned Middle East peace plan touted by US President Donald Trump as the "deal of the century."&nbsp;

State television said state-sponsored marches were being held in 950 communities across Iran and showed demonstrators carrying banners with slogans such as "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine" and "Death to America".

"No to the deal of the century" read a banner splashed across the news screen on state TV, which also showed a Quds Day march in neighbouring Iraq`s capital Baghdad.

Iran`s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that Washington’s long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan was doomed to fail and that the Palestinian resistance movement would respond firmly to those who proposed it.

Palestinian officials have already spurned the plan, believing it will be heavily biased in favour of Israel.

Opposition to Israel is a cornerstone of Shi`ite-led Iran. It backs Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist militant groups opposed to peace with Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise.

Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the Trump plan would fail, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-too-great-to-be-intimidated-rouhani-218701">President Hassan Rouhani </a>said on Wednesday that the deal of the century would be the "bankruptcy of the century" for its who proponents.

Israel, the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of fomenting tension in the Middle East and of sponsoring terrorism. Tehran denies this.

Quds Day was launched by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran`s 1979 Islamic revolution, and is held on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Tens of thousands of Iranians marking the annual "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on Friday condemned a planned Middle East peace plan touted by US President Donald Trump as the "deal of the century.

Tens of thousands of Iranians marking the annual "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on Friday condemned a planned Middle East peace plan touted by US President Donald Trump as the "deal of the century." State television said state-sponsored marches were being held in 950 communities across Iran and showed demonstrators carrying banners with slogans such as "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine" and "Death to America". "No to the deal of the century" read a banner splashed across the news screen on state TV, which also showed a Quds Day march in neighbouring Iraq`s capital Baghdad. Iran`s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that Washington’s long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan was doomed to fail and that the Palestinian resistance movement would respond firmly to those who proposed it. Palestinian officials have already spurned the plan, believing it will be heavily biased in favour of Israel. Opposition to Israel is a cornerstone of Shi`ite-led Iran. It backs Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist militant groups opposed to peace with Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise. Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the Trump plan would fail, and President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the deal of the century would be the "bankruptcy of the century" for its who proponents. Israel, the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of fomenting tension in the Middle East and of sponsoring terrorism. Tehran denies this. Quds Day was launched by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran`s 1979 Islamic revolution, and is held on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Iranians march to back Palestinians, reject Trump Mideast plan

President Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Iran on Sunday, suggesting that if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2020-white-house-hopefuls-turn-to-foreign-policy-slam-trump-on-iran-219993">Islamic republic attacks American interests</a>, it will be destroyed.

"If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again," Trump said in a tweet.

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If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1130207891049332737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been on the rise as the United States has deployed a carrier group and B-52 bombers to the Gulf over what it termed Iranian "threats." This account has been met with widespread scepticism outside the United States.

The White House has sent mixed signals in recent days, amid multiple US media reports of infighting in Trump's cabinet over how hard to push Washington's arch-foe Iran.

The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region.

On Sunday, a Katyusha rocket was fired into Baghdad's Green Zone housing government offices and embassies including the US mission. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack.

According to US media reports, Trump's long-hawkish national security advisor John Bolton is pushing a hard line on Iran, but others in the administration are resisting.

Trump himself said recently that he has to "temper" Bolton.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-no-war-as-we-dont-want-war-and-no-can-confront-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-219604">Iran's foreign minister</a> downplayed the prospect of a new war in the region on Saturday, saying Tehran opposed it and no party was under the "illusion" the Islamic republic could be confronted.

"We are certain... there will not be a war since neither we want war nor does anyone have the illusion they can confront Iran in the region," Mohammad Javad Zarif told state-run news agency IRNA at the end of a visit to China.

Iran-US relations hit a new low last year as US Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions that had been lifted in exchange for Tehran scaling back its nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia called Sunday for emergency regional talks to discuss the mounting Gulf tensions, saying that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself.

It comes days after mysterious sabotage attacks on several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone strikes on a Saudi crude pipeline by Yemen rebels who Riyadh claimed were acting on Iranian orders.

King Salman invited Gulf leaders and Arab League member states to two emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences", the kingdom's official SPA news agency reported late Saturday.

Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, said Sunday his country does not want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself.

Saudi Arabia "does not want a war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it," he said.

"But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with strength and determination to defend itself and its interests."

The kingdom's regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation. The United Arab Emirates' foreign ministry said the current "critical circumstances" require a unified Arab and Gulf stance.

Oil producing countries met Sunday in Saudi Arabia to discuss how to stabilise a volatile oil market amid the rising US-Iran tensions, which threaten to disrupt global supply.

Oil supplies are sufficient and stockpiles still rising despite massive output drops from Iran and Venezuela said Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said at the meeting in Jeddah.

'Childish regimes'

Qatar Sunday weighed in on the escalating tensions, saying it did not believe the US or Iran wanted a war in the region.&nbsp;

"US President Donald Trump has said he does not want war, and I do not think Iran wants war or instability in the region," minister of state for foreign affairs Sultan al-Muraikhi told AFP on the sidelines of a Qatar Fund for Development briefing.

"I think if we move away from the childish regimes in the region, all troubles will be settled."

Muraikhi said Doha -- which remains isolated by neighbouring former allies in a long-running diplomatic dispute -- has not yet received a formal invitation to either meeting.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt are among the countries that cut ties with Qatar in June 2017 over accusations it supports terrorism and seeks closer ties with Tehran.&nbsp;

Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off the UAE's Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threatened to close in the event of a war.

That incident was followed by drone strikes Tuesday claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed.

Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of ordering the pipeline attacks, targeting "the security of oil supplies... and the global economy".&nbsp;

President Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Iran on Sunday, suggesting that if the Islamic republic attacks American interests, it will be destroyed. "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran.

President Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Iran on Sunday, suggesting that if the Islamic republic attacks American interests, it will be destroyed. "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again," Trump said in a tweet. If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019 × Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been on the rise as the United States has deployed a carrier group and B-52 bombers to the Gulf over what it termed Iranian "threats." This account has been met with widespread scepticism outside the United States. The White House has sent mixed signals in recent days, amid multiple US media reports of infighting in Trump's cabinet over how hard to push Washington's arch-foe Iran. The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region. On Sunday, a Katyusha rocket was fired into Baghdad's Green Zone housing government offices and embassies including the US mission. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack. According to US media reports, Trump's long-hawkish national security advisor John Bolton is pushing a hard line on Iran, but others in the administration are resisting. Trump himself said recently that he has to "temper" Bolton. Iran's foreign minister downplayed the prospect of a new war in the region on Saturday, saying Tehran opposed it and no party was under the "illusion" the Islamic republic could be confronted. "We are certain... there will not be a war since neither we want war nor does anyone have the illusion they can confront Iran in the region," Mohammad Javad Zarif told state-run news agency IRNA at the end of a visit to China. Iran-US relations hit a new low last year as US Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions that had been lifted in exchange for Tehran scaling back its nuclear program. Saudi Arabia called Sunday for emergency regional talks to discuss the mounting Gulf tensions, saying that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself. It comes days after mysterious sabotage attacks on several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone strikes on a Saudi crude pipeline by Yemen rebels who Riyadh claimed were acting on Iranian orders. King Salman invited Gulf leaders and Arab League member states to two emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences", the kingdom's official SPA news agency reported late Saturday. Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, said Sunday his country does not want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself. Saudi Arabia "does not want a war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it," he said. "But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with strength and determination to defend itself and its interests." The kingdom's regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation. The United Arab Emirates' foreign ministry said the current "critical circumstances" require a unified Arab and Gulf stance. Oil producing countries met Sunday in Saudi Arabia to discuss how to stabilise a volatile oil market amid the rising US-Iran tensions, which threaten to disrupt global supply. Oil supplies are sufficient and stockpiles still rising despite massive output drops from Iran and Venezuela said Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said at the meeting in Jeddah. 'Childish regimes' Qatar Sunday weighed in on the escalating tensions, saying it did not believe the US or Iran wanted a war in the region. "US President Donald Trump has said he does not want war, and I do not think Iran wants war or instability in the region," minister of state for foreign affairs Sultan al-Muraikhi told AFP on the sidelines of a Qatar Fund for Development briefing. "I think if we move away from the childish regimes in the region, all troubles will be settled." Muraikhi said Doha -- which remains isolated by neighbouring former allies in a long-running diplomatic dispute -- has not yet received a formal invitation to either meeting. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt are among the countries that cut ties with Qatar in June 2017 over accusations it supports terrorism and seeks closer ties with Tehran. Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off the UAE's Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threatened to close in the event of a war. That incident was followed by drone strikes Tuesday claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed. Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of ordering the pipeline attacks, targeting "the security of oil supplies... and the global economy".

If Iran wants to fight, that will be official end of it: Trump warns to never threaten US again