After massive protests in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday (June 04) said foreign ''enemies'' seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic are responsible for them.

Accusing them of piracy for seizing two Greek ships after the United States confiscated Iranian oil from a tanker, Khamenei said enemies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran.

According to him, “Who is the pirate here? You stole our oil. We took it back from you. Taking back a stolen good is no theft."

Referring to week-long protests over the collapse of a building in southwestern Iran last month that killed 37 people, Khamenei said, "Today, the enemies’ most important hope for striking a blow at the country is based on popular protests.”

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During a televised speech on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he highlighted that ''the enemies’ calculation is as wrong as many earlier ones.''

Repeating his call for punishment of officials responsible for the collapse of the 10-storey Metropol tower block in Abadan, Khamenei said the United States is seeking to use protests to weaken the Islamic republic.

In an apparent attempt to stop the use of social media to organise rallies and disseminate videos, Iran residents have reported disrupted internet services.

Iran, which has been reeling under the effect of sanctions imposed by the United States since 2018, has witnessed waves of protests over living conditions in recent years.

Exacerbated by rising prices worldwide since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, demonstrations against the rising cost of living and corruption have occurred in several Iranian cities. 
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(With inputs from agencies)

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After massive protests in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday (June 04) said foreign ''enemies'' seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic are responsible for them.

After massive protests in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday (June 04) said foreign ''enemies'' seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic are responsible for them. Accusing them of piracy for seizing two Greek ships after the United States confiscated Iranian oil from a tanker, Khamenei said enemies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran. According to him, “Who is the pirate here? You stole our oil. We took it back from you. Taking back a stolen good is no theft." Referring to week-long protests over the collapse of a building in southwestern Iran last month that killed 37 people, Khamenei said, "Today, the enemies’ most important hope for striking a blow at the country is based on popular protests.” During a televised speech on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he highlighted that ''the enemies’ calculation is as wrong as many earlier ones.'' Repeating his call for punishment of officials responsible for the collapse of the 10-storey Metropol tower block in Abadan, Khamenei said the United States is seeking to use protests to weaken the Islamic republic. In an apparent attempt to stop the use of social media to organise rallies and disseminate videos, Iran residents have reported disrupted internet services. Iran, which has been reeling under the effect of sanctions imposed by the United States since 2018, has witnessed waves of protests over living conditions in recent years. Exacerbated by rising prices worldwide since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, demonstrations against the rising cost of living and corruption have occurred in several Iranian cities. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Khamenei blames protests in Iran on foreign 'enemies' seeking to overthrow Islamic Republic

An Iranian Instagram star&nbsp;Sahar Tabar has been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for posting distorted images online.

Tabar,&nbsp;whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a 19-year-old Iranian woman who was popular on the social media platform Instagram and at one point had nearly&nbsp;486,000 followers. However, her good days suddenly turned into a nightmare when she was arrested for her social media activities.

She gained followers by posting several pictures and videos. In some of these pictures, Tabar can be seen with filters on her face which gave her a gaunt look similar to a zombie. As per authorities, through these images, she had disrespected the&nbsp;Islamic Republic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-opposition-figure-ruhollah-zam-349254">Iran executes opposition figure Ruhollah Zam</a>

It was also alleged that these images of Tabar were corrupting young children's brains. She has been charged with&nbsp;blasphemy, gaining wealth from&nbsp;inappropriate means, inciting violence and encouraging youngsters for corruption. She claimed to have been, now, cleared of two out of four charges. However, she has refused to point out the details as she is now hoping for a complete pardon.

She was arrested a year ago and had also requested a release from detention claiming she had been infected by the deadly coronavirus. Tabar has also been presented as a "victim with an abnormal personality and mental state" by the local media. This portrayal of her personality has been backed by her medical records which point towards a condition of medical instability and add several visits to&nbsp;psychiatric hospitals as a proof of the same.

Tabar had also made tries to reach out to the Hollywood actress Angelina&nbsp;Jolie, requesting her tp stand up for another woman in need of support. "The Islamic Republic has a history of tormenting women. We need to be united against this gender apartheid," she had said.

Her lawyers are now hoping for a complete pardon on the basis of her medical condition and her age at the time of the alleged crime.

An Iranian Instagram star Sahar Tabar has been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for posting distorted images online. Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a 19-year-old Iranian woman who was popular on the social media platform Instagram and at one point had nearly 486,000 followers.

An Iranian Instagram star Sahar Tabar has been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for posting distorted images online. Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a 19-year-old Iranian woman who was popular on the social media platform Instagram and at one point had nearly 486,000 followers. However, her good days suddenly turned into a nightmare when she was arrested for her social media activities. She gained followers by posting several pictures and videos. In some of these pictures, Tabar can be seen with filters on her face which gave her a gaunt look similar to a zombie. As per authorities, through these images, she had disrespected the Islamic Republic. Also read| Iran executes opposition figure Ruhollah Zam It was also alleged that these images of Tabar were corrupting young children's brains. She has been charged with blasphemy, gaining wealth from inappropriate means, inciting violence and encouraging youngsters for corruption. She claimed to have been, now, cleared of two out of four charges. However, she has refused to point out the details as she is now hoping for a complete pardon. She was arrested a year ago and had also requested a release from detention claiming she had been infected by the deadly coronavirus. Tabar has also been presented as a "victim with an abnormal personality and mental state" by the local media. This portrayal of her personality has been backed by her medical records which point towards a condition of medical instability and add several visits to psychiatric hospitals as a proof of the same. Tabar had also made tries to reach out to the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, requesting her tp stand up for another woman in need of support. "The Islamic Republic has a history of tormenting women. We need to be united against this gender apartheid," she had said. Her lawyers are now hoping for a complete pardon on the basis of her medical condition and her age at the time of the alleged crime.

Iranian woman arrested for posting 'Zombie-like' images; charged for blasphemy

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'

The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development.

"If the Europeans, or anyone else, want to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-long-range-cruise-missile-on-revolution-anniversary-194571">conspire to disarm Iran of missiles</a>, we will be forced to make a strategic leap," the guards' deputy commander Brigadier-General Hossein Salami said on state TV on Saturday.

"All that hear me today, come to terms with the new reality of Iran's missile might: there are no obstacles or technical limitations to us increasing (their) range," he added.

The Islamic Republic develops its missile technology according to a "defensive strategy" which changes according to need, he said.

Earlier Saturday, Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres (840 miles), coinciding with the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the Hoveizeh cruise missile had successfully hit its targets, calling it the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

Washington withdrew from the accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the agreement, although some have demanded a new section to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Tehran denies this, insisting its missile programme is "purely defensive."

The weapon tested Saturday takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Salami on Saturday warned world powers "not to seek (new) negotiations or make recommendations or requests on Iran's missile power".

"Our enemies only understand the language of force," he said.&nbsp;

"If you cannot talk to them in that language, they will use it to talk to you."

The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development.

The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development. "If the Europeans, or anyone else, want to conspire to disarm Iran of missiles, we will be forced to make a strategic leap," the guards' deputy commander Brigadier-General Hossein Salami said on state TV on Saturday. "All that hear me today, come to terms with the new reality of Iran's missile might: there are no obstacles or technical limitations to us increasing (their) range," he added. The Islamic Republic develops its missile technology according to a "defensive strategy" which changes according to need, he said. Earlier Saturday, Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres (840 miles), coinciding with the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the Hoveizeh cruise missile had successfully hit its targets, calling it the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran". Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology. Washington withdrew from the accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons. European governments have stuck by the agreement, although some have demanded a new section to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen. Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe. Tehran denies this, insisting its missile programme is "purely defensive." The weapon tested Saturday takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Salami on Saturday warned world powers "not to seek (new) negotiations or make recommendations or requests on Iran's missile power". "Our enemies only understand the language of force," he said. "If you cannot talk to them in that language, they will use it to talk to you."

Do not thwart our missile development or we 'will be forced to make strategic leap': Iran

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

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

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

Iran celebrates 40 years since revolution with Khomeini return

Iranian Paralympic cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad died Saturday after crashing in the C4-5 race.&nbsp; 
 
The 48-year-old athlete fell in the first section of a mountainous descent. 
 
The International Paralympic Committee said the athlete received immediate treatment at the site but died of his injuries while being transported to hospital.&nbsp; 
 
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) spokesman Craig Spence told reporters, &quot;The athlete received treatment at the scene and was in the process of being taken to the athlete hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest. The ambulance then diverted to the nearby Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra where he passed away soon after arrival.&quot; 
 
Paralympic officials broke the news to Golbarnezhad&#39;s family in Iran. His teammates too were shocked to hear the news during a meeting at the Athletes&#39; Village. 
 
&quot;The Paralympic Family is united in grief at this horrendous tragedy, which casts a shadow over what have been great Paralympic Games here in Rio,&quot; said IPC President Philip Craven, calling it a sad news for the sport.&nbsp; 
 
The Iranian flag was lowered to half-mast in the Paralympic Village to honour Golbarnezhad. A minute of silence will be held during Sunday&#39;s closing ceremony. 
 
The cyclist, who wore a prosthesis on his left leg, took up the sport in 2002 and competed at the London 2012 Paralympics. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Dismissing negotiations with the US, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said their aim is to undermine Iran's presence in the region

Iranian Paralympic cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad died Saturday after crashing in the C4-5 race. The 48-year-old athlete fell in the first section of a mountainous descent. The International Paralympic Committee said the athlete received immediate treatment at the site but died of his injuries while being transported to hospital. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) spokesman Craig Spence told reporters, "The athlete received treatment at the scene and was in the process of being taken to the athlete hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest. The ambulance then diverted to the nearby Unimed Rio Hospital in Barra where he passed away soon after arrival." Paralympic officials broke the news to Golbarnezhad's family in Iran. His teammates too were shocked to hear the news during a meeting at the Athletes' Village. "The Paralympic Family is united in grief at this horrendous tragedy, which casts a shadow over what have been great Paralympic Games here in Rio," said IPC President Philip Craven, calling it a sad news for the sport. The Iranian flag was lowered to half-mast in the Paralympic Village to honour Golbarnezhad. A minute of silence will be held during Sunday's closing ceremony. The cyclist, who wore a prosthesis on his left leg, took up the sport in 2002 and competed at the London 2012 Paralympics. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader Khamenei warns against US intervention in regional conflicts