Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-renew-sanctions-waivers-for-five-iran-nuclear-programs-report-239595">protect it from US sanctions</a> by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.

"Under the current circumstances and until the necessary measures are taken (by the Europeans), the Republic of Iran will absolutely implement the third step (in cutting commitments)," Mohammad Javad Zarif said, adding that its European partners should guarantee Iran could sell its oil and collect the revenue.

Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.

Meanwhile, the commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that <a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-warship-commander-says-iran-trying-to-test-britain-in-gulf-239693">Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve</a>.

William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio.

"That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate.

"The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added.

"They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters.

"They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to."

Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from US sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from US sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister said on Wednesday. "Under the current circumstances and until the necessary measures are taken (by the Europeans), the Republic of Iran will absolutely implement the third step (in cutting commitments)," Mohammad Javad Zarif said, adding that its European partners should guarantee Iran could sell its oil and collect the revenue. Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions. Meanwhile, the commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve. William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio. "That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate. "The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added. "They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters. "They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to."

Will reduce more nuclear deal commitments unless Europe protects Iran from US sanctions: Javad Zarif

Oil prices fell on Monday after Iran described emergency talks on a multi-party nuclear agreement with a group of signatories as "constructive", suggesting an easing of tensions in the Middle East.

Brent crude futures were up 23 cents, or 0.4%, at $63.23 a barrel by 0054 GMT. Prices rose 1.6% last week.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 12 cents, or 0.2%, at $56.08 a barrel. WTI gained 1% last week.

An emergency meeting with parties to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal was constructive but there are unresolved issues and Tehran will continue to reduce its nuclear commitments if Europeans fail to salvage the pact, Iranian official Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday.

"The atmosphere was constructive. Discussions were good. I cannot say that we resolved everything, I can say there are lots of commitments," Araqchi, the senior Iranian nuclear negotiator, told reporters after the meeting in Vienna.

The meeting did not include the United States, which pulled out of the agreement in May 2018 and slapped sanctions back on Iranian oil exports.

Still, tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized but granted India consular access to 18 Indian crew members.

Denmark welcomed the British government's proposal for a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the strait.

The United States is also working on a multinational maritime security initiative in the Gulf.

Traders and investors are also focussed this week on meetings of major central banks including the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve, which is expected to lower interest rates.

US&nbsp;economic growth slowed less than expected in the second quarter with a boom in consumer spending, strengthening the outlook for oil consumption.

Growth outside the United States is slowing faster due partly to the impact of the US-China trade war. Senior US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators are meeting this week for the first time since trade talks broke down in May.

A positive outcome may boost crude prices, analysts said.

Oil prices fell on Monday after Iran described emergency talks on a multi-party nuclear agreement with a group of signatories as "constructive", suggesting an easing of tensions in the Middle East.

Oil prices fell on Monday after Iran described emergency talks on a multi-party nuclear agreement with a group of signatories as "constructive", suggesting an easing of tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude futures were up 23 cents, or 0.4%, at $63.23 a barrel by 0054 GMT. Prices rose 1.6% last week. US West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 12 cents, or 0.2%, at $56.08 a barrel. WTI gained 1% last week. An emergency meeting with parties to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal was constructive but there are unresolved issues and Tehran will continue to reduce its nuclear commitments if Europeans fail to salvage the pact, Iranian official Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday. "The atmosphere was constructive. Discussions were good. I cannot say that we resolved everything, I can say there are lots of commitments," Araqchi, the senior Iranian nuclear negotiator, told reporters after the meeting in Vienna. The meeting did not include the United States, which pulled out of the agreement in May 2018 and slapped sanctions back on Iranian oil exports. Still, tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized but granted India consular access to 18 Indian crew members. Denmark welcomed the British government's proposal for a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the strait. The United States is also working on a multinational maritime security initiative in the Gulf. Traders and investors are also focussed this week on meetings of major central banks including the US Federal Reserve, which is expected to lower interest rates. US economic growth slowed less than expected in the second quarter with a boom in consumer spending, strengthening the outlook for oil consumption. Growth outside the United States is slowing faster due partly to the impact of the US-China trade war. Senior US and Chinese negotiators are meeting this week for the first time since trade talks broke down in May. A positive outcome may boost crude prices, analysts said.

Oil falls after 'constructive' talks on Iran's nuclear deal

Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China met Iran in Vienna on Sunday (July 28) for talks to save the 2015 nuclear deal. The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal's formal name, is chaired by the EU foreign policy service's Secretary General Helga Schmid. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme last year and stepped up sanctions on Tehran. He said the nuclear deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says is defensive. It denies the missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 18th, 2019

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evil-britain-commits-piracy-and-steals-our-ship-there-will-be-a-response-at-an-appropriate-time-warns-khamenei-236467">Evil Britain commits piracy and steals our ship, there will be a response at an appropriate time, warns Khamenei</a>

Iran's supreme leader,&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Tuesday&nbsp;Iran would respond to Britain's "piracy" over the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-desperate-to-reach-trade-deal-with-us-totally-misleading-foreign-ministry-236382">China 'desperate' to reach trade deal with US totally misleading: Foreign ministry</a>

China on Tuesday rebuffed a suggestion from&nbsp;US President Donald Trump&nbsp;that Beijing needs a trade deal with the United States because its economy is slowing, saying this was "totally misleading" and that both countries wanted an agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-congresswomen-hit-back-after-racist-trump-tirade-236437">Democratic congresswomen hit back after Trump's 'racist' tirade</a>

Democratic congresswomen targeted in a xenophobic&nbsp;tirade by President Donald Trump&nbsp;hit back Monday, saying he was trying to distract attention away from his policies with his "blatantly racist attack."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-talks-at-risk-if-us-south-korea-exercises-go-ahead-north-korea-236394">Nuclear talks at risk if US-South Korea exercises go ahead: North Korea</a>

Talks on getting&nbsp;North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons&nbsp;are at risk because the United States looks set to break a promise not to hold military exercises with&nbsp;South Korea, North Korea said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-22-taliban-terrorists-1-civilian-killed-in-counter-terrorism-operation-236473">Afghanistan: 22 Taliban terrorists, 1 civilian killed in counter terrorism operation</a>

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday.

Evil Britain commits piracy and steals our ship, there will be a response at an appropriate time, warns Khamenei Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Tuesday Iran would respond to Britain's "piracy" over the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar.

Evil Britain commits piracy and steals our ship, there will be a response at an appropriate time, warns Khamenei Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Tuesday Iran would respond to Britain's "piracy" over the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar. China 'desperate' to reach trade deal with US totally misleading: Foreign ministry China on Tuesday rebuffed a suggestion from US President Donald Trump that Beijing needs a trade deal with the United States because its economy is slowing, saying this was "totally misleading" and that both countries wanted an agreement. Democratic congresswomen hit back after Trump's 'racist' tirade Democratic congresswomen targeted in a xenophobic tirade by President Donald Trump hit back Monday, saying he was trying to distract attention away from his policies with his "blatantly racist attack." Nuclear talks at risk if US-South Korea exercises go ahead: North Korea Talks on getting North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons are at risk because the United States looks set to break a promise not to hold military exercises with South Korea, North Korea said on Tuesday. Afghanistan: 22 Taliban terrorists, 1 civilian killed in counter terrorism operation Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iran’s leader is losing his grasp on power

The United States will use an emergency meeting of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-nuclear-deal-on-the-brink-of-collapse-234124"> UN nuclear watchdog</a>'s board on Wednesday to raise pressure on Iran over breaches of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">nuclear deal</a>, but diplomats expect no concrete action as parties to the deal considers their next move.

In the past two weeks, Iran has breached two limits central to the deal, which as a whole was aimed at extending the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, if it chose to, to a year from around 2-3 months.

Watch: Iran announces new breach of nuclear deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-announces-new-breach-of-nuclear-deal-233782/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran says it is responding to the punishing economic sanctions Washington has imposed on Tehran since it pulled out of the deal a year ago. While Washington says it is open to talks on a more far-reaching deal, Iran says it must first be able to sell as much oil as it did before the U.S. withdrawal.

With the two sides apparently deadlocked, Iran says it will continue to breach limits of the deal one by one until it receives the economic windfall the deal promised. Washington meanwhile is seeking to isolate Iran to force it to negotiate.

"The international community must hold Iran's regime accountable," the United States said in a statement explaining its decision to call the Board of Governors meeting. Any country on the board can call a meeting under International Atomic Energy Agency rules. The meeting begins at 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Diplomats from many other countries on the board, however, said that while there was likely to be fiery exchanges between the Iranian and U.S. envoys at the closed-door meeting, they did not expect the board to take any concrete action.

Sanctions Shield

That is partly because while Iran has breached the terms of the deal which the IAEA is policing, the IAEA is not a party to the deal and Iran has not violated the Safeguards Agreement binding it to the agency.

"We did not want this meeting," a European diplomat said, before adding wryly: "It's a chance for everyone to express themselves."

Iran has been calling on the European parties to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - to shield its economy from U.S. sanctions, and they have set up a vehicle for barter trade that will be able to handle small amounts. However, they say there is little they can do to ensure the vital oil sales Iran seeks.

IAEA inspectors verified on July 1 that Iran's stock of enriched uranium had gone over the 202.8 kg limit set by the deal, and on Monday that Iran had enriched uranium beyond the deal's 3.67% purity limit. That is still far below the 20% it enriched to before the deal and the roughly 90% needed to make uranium weapons-grade.

Having warned Iran against breaching the deal, the European parties on Tuesday expressed "deep concern" but stopped short of taking action like initiating a process that could lead to the re-imposition of sanctions lifted under the deal. Instead, they said all parties to the deal should meet urgently.

The United States will use an emergency meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog's board on Wednesday to raise pressure on Iran over breaches of its nuclear deal, but diplomats expect no concrete action as parties to the deal considers their next move.

The United States will use an emergency meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog's board on Wednesday to raise pressure on Iran over breaches of its nuclear deal, but diplomats expect no concrete action as parties to the deal considers their next move. In the past two weeks, Iran has breached two limits central to the deal, which as a whole was aimed at extending the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, if it chose to, to a year from around 2-3 months. Watch: Iran announces new breach of nuclear deal Iran says it is responding to the punishing economic sanctions Washington has imposed on Tehran since it pulled out of the deal a year ago. While Washington says it is open to talks on a more far-reaching deal, Iran says it must first be able to sell as much oil as it did before the U.S. withdrawal. With the two sides apparently deadlocked, Iran says it will continue to breach limits of the deal one by one until it receives the economic windfall the deal promised. Washington meanwhile is seeking to isolate Iran to force it to negotiate. "The international community must hold Iran's regime accountable," the United States said in a statement explaining its decision to call the Board of Governors meeting. Any country on the board can call a meeting under International Atomic Energy Agency rules. The meeting begins at 2:30 p.m. Diplomats from many other countries on the board, however, said that while there was likely to be fiery exchanges between the Iranian and U.S. envoys at the closed-door meeting, they did not expect the board to take any concrete action. Sanctions Shield That is partly because while Iran has breached the terms of the deal which the IAEA is policing, the IAEA is not a party to the deal and Iran has not violated the Safeguards Agreement binding it to the agency. "We did not want this meeting," a European diplomat said, before adding wryly: "It's a chance for everyone to express themselves." Iran has been calling on the European parties to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - to shield its economy from U.S. sanctions, and they have set up a vehicle for barter trade that will be able to handle small amounts. However, they say there is little they can do to ensure the vital oil sales Iran seeks. IAEA inspectors verified on July 1 that Iran's stock of enriched uranium had gone over the 202.8 kg limit set by the deal, and on Monday that Iran had enriched uranium beyond the deal's 3.67% purity limit. That is still far below the 20% it enriched to before the deal and the roughly 90% needed to make uranium weapons-grade. Having warned Iran against breaching the deal, the European parties on Tuesday expressed "deep concern" but stopped short of taking action like initiating a process that could lead to the re-imposition of sanctions lifted under the deal. Instead, they said all parties to the deal should meet urgently.

US and Iran to clash over nuclear deal breach at UN watchdog meeting

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning -09th July 2019

Iran has stated that it will breach the 2015 nuclear deal clauses one by one. Watch this video to know more.

Iran to raise uranium enrichment limit from 3.6% to 5%

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning -8th July 2019

Iran to lift Uranium enrichment limit, Uranium limit to surpass 3.6%.

Iran to lift Uranium enrichment limit

Iran announces further reductions of Nuclear deal commitment

Daniele Pagani, West Asia Bureau Chief on new Breach of Nuclear deal

Iran has said it increased Uranium enrichment. Japan concerned over Iran Nuclear Move and said to return immediately to commitment.

Return Immediately to commitment; Japan on Iran Nuclear move

No end to Iran-U.S. Tensions; Is a conflict imminent? To know more watch the video

No end to Iran-U.S. Tensions; Is a conflict imminent?

Iran Shifts From Patience to Confrontation

Japan concerned over Iran Nuclear Move

Iran to raise Uranium enrichment level from 3.67% to 5%. Iran set to announce further reductions of N deal. Iran President talks to french counterpart on phone. Watch this video to know more.

Iran to increase Uranium enrichment to 5%

Iran announces new breach of nuclear deal

France warned Iran on Tuesday against carrying out any further measures that would put into question the 2015 nuclear deal, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-before-nuclear-deal-iran-was-violating-terms-white-house-232206">Iran exceeded the limits of low enriched uranium</a> under the terms of the agreement.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement on Tuesday that he recalled "his attachment to the full respect of the 2015 nuclear accord and asks Iran to reverse without delay this excess, as well as to avoid all extra measures that would put into question its nuclear commitments."

The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal.

Iran announced on Monday it had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-playing-with-fire-on-nuclear-deal-trump-232172">amassed more low-enriched uranium</a> than permitted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, drawing a warning from US President Donald Trump that Tehran was "playing with fire."

Watch: Iraq alarmed by Iran uranium enrichment

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-alarmed-by-iran-uranium-enrichment-232244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tehran's announcement marked its first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States pulled out of it more than a year ago. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the move was not a violation of the accord, arguing that Iran was exercising its right to respond to the US walkout.

The step, however, could have far-reaching consequences for diplomacy at a time when European countries are trying to pull the United States and Iran back from confrontation. It comes less than two weeks after Trump said he ordered air strikes on Iran, only to cancel them minutes before impact.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile has now passed the 300-kg (661 lb) limit allowed under the deal.

The UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's nuclear programme under the deal, confirmed in Vienna that Tehran had breached the limit.

Trump, asked if he had a message for Iran, said,&nbsp;"No message to Iran. They know what they're doing. They know what they're playing with, and I think they're playing with fire. So, no message to Iran whatsoever."

The White House said earlier it would continue to apply "maximum pressure" on Iran "until its leaders alter their course of action." It also said Iran should be held to a standard barring all uranium enrichment.

France warned Iran on Tuesday against carrying out any further measures that would put into question the 2015 nuclear deal, after Iran exceeded the limits of low enriched uranium under the terms of the agreement.

France warned Iran on Tuesday against carrying out any further measures that would put into question the 2015 nuclear deal, after Iran exceeded the limits of low enriched uranium under the terms of the agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement on Tuesday that he recalled "his attachment to the full respect of the 2015 nuclear accord and asks Iran to reverse without delay this excess, as well as to avoid all extra measures that would put into question its nuclear commitments." The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal. Iran announced on Monday it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, drawing a warning from US President Donald Trump that Tehran was "playing with fire." Watch: Iraq alarmed by Iran uranium enrichment Tehran's announcement marked its first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States pulled out of it more than a year ago. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the move was not a violation of the accord, arguing that Iran was exercising its right to respond to the US walkout. The step, however, could have far-reaching consequences for diplomacy at a time when European countries are trying to pull the United States and Iran back from confrontation. It comes less than two weeks after Trump said he ordered air strikes on Iran, only to cancel them minutes before impact. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile has now passed the 300-kg (661 lb) limit allowed under the deal. The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's nuclear programme under the deal, confirmed in Vienna that Tehran had breached the limit. Trump, asked if he had a message for Iran, said, "No message to Iran. They know what they're doing. They know what they're playing with, and I think they're playing with fire. So, no message to Iran whatsoever." The White House said earlier it would continue to apply "maximum pressure" on Iran "until its leaders alter their course of action." It also said Iran should be held to a standard barring all uranium enrichment.

France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal

Iran rejected on Tuesday a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-playing-with-fire-on-nuclear-deal-trump-232172">White House accusation that Tehran</a> was long violating the terms of its nuclear deal with world powers, after the Islamic Republic said it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under the accord.

"Seriously?" foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a message on social network Twitter, after a statement by White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham that said, "There is little doubt that even before the deal’s existence, Iran was violating its terms."

Tehran's announcement drew a warning from President Donald Trump that Tehran was "playing with fire."

The move marked Iran's first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States pulled out of it more than a year ago. However, Zarif said the move was not a violation of the accord, arguing that Tehran was exercising its right to respond to the US&nbsp;walkout.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-atomic-energy-agency-confirms-irans-breach-of-uranium-232180/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The step, however, could have far-reaching consequences for diplomacy at a time when European countries are trying to pull the United States and Iran back from confrontation. It comes less than two weeks after Trump said he ordered air strikes on Iran, only to cancel them minutes before impact.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile has now passed the 300-kg(661 lb) limit allowed under the deal.

The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's nuclear programme under the deal, confirmed in Vienna that Tehran had breached the limit.

Trump, asked if he had a message for Iran, said, "No message to Iran. They know what they're doing. They know what they'replaying with, and I think they're playing with fire. So, no message to Iran whatsoever."

European powers, which remain party to the accord and have tried to keep it in place, urged Iran not to take further steps that would violate it. But they held off on declaring the agreement void or announcing sanctions of their own.

The White House charge that Iran probably was in violation of the nuclear deal before and after it was reached in 2015 sharply contrasts with CIA Director Gina Haspel’s testimony in January to the Senate Intelligence Committee saying, "At the moment, technically, they are in compliance."

Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, said the White House charge was "illogical".

He pointed out that at the time the nuclear deal was concluded, Tehran and the IAEA agreed on a "roadmap" through which Iran is addressing the nuclear watchdog’s unanswered questions about the nuclear weapons research program that the IAEA and the US intelligence community assessed ended in 2003.

"The process is still underway," he said.

He also said there was no international standard prohibiting Iran from enriching uranium, as asserted by Pompeo. "That is not the case. That is an American position," he said.

The six UN Security Council resolutions that Pompeo asserted established that standard were superseded by Resolution 2231 enshrining the nuclear deal and allowing Iran to enrich uranium within the agreement's restrictions.

While Iran announced on Monday that it breached the deal's restriction on storing more than 300 kg (661 lb) of low-enriched uranium, Kimball said the issue would be adjudicated through the accord’s dispute resolution mechanism.

It was the United States, he said, that first violated the deal when Trump withdrew from it while Iran still was in compliance and then re-imposed harsh U.S. sanctions that had been suspended by the nuclear agreement.

Iran’s breach, he said, does not affect the deal’s central target of extending to a year the time in which Iran could "breakout" and produce enough highly enriched uranium for a warhead.

The breach is a political move aimed at pressuring the European Union, China and Russia to compensate Iran for the serious damage to its economy from US&nbsp;sanctions, he said.

Iran rejected on Tuesday a White House accusation that Tehran was long violating the terms of its nuclear deal with world powers, after the Islamic Republic said it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under the accord.

Iran rejected on Tuesday a White House accusation that Tehran was long violating the terms of its nuclear deal with world powers, after the Islamic Republic said it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under the accord. "Seriously?" foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a message on social network Twitter, after a statement by White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham that said, "There is little doubt that even before the deal’s existence, Iran was violating its terms." Tehran's announcement drew a warning from President Donald Trump that Tehran was "playing with fire." The move marked Iran's first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States pulled out of it more than a year ago. However, Zarif said the move was not a violation of the accord, arguing that Tehran was exercising its right to respond to the US walkout. The step, however, could have far-reaching consequences for diplomacy at a time when European countries are trying to pull the United States and Iran back from confrontation. It comes less than two weeks after Trump said he ordered air strikes on Iran, only to cancel them minutes before impact. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile has now passed the 300-kg(661 lb) limit allowed under the deal. The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's nuclear programme under the deal, confirmed in Vienna that Tehran had breached the limit. Trump, asked if he had a message for Iran, said, "No message to Iran. They know what they're doing. They know what they'replaying with, and I think they're playing with fire. So, no message to Iran whatsoever." European powers, which remain party to the accord and have tried to keep it in place, urged Iran not to take further steps that would violate it. But they held off on declaring the agreement void or announcing sanctions of their own. The White House charge that Iran probably was in violation of the nuclear deal before and after it was reached in 2015 sharply contrasts with CIA Director Gina Haspel’s testimony in January to the Senate Intelligence Committee saying, "At the moment, technically, they are in compliance." Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, said the White House charge was "illogical". He pointed out that at the time the nuclear deal was concluded, Tehran and the IAEA agreed on a "roadmap" through which Iran is addressing the nuclear watchdog’s unanswered questions about the nuclear weapons research program that the IAEA and the US intelligence community assessed ended in 2003. "The process is still underway," he said. He also said there was no international standard prohibiting Iran from enriching uranium, as asserted by Pompeo. "That is not the case. That is an American position," he said. The six UN Security Council resolutions that Pompeo asserted established that standard were superseded by Resolution 2231 enshrining the nuclear deal and allowing Iran to enrich uranium within the agreement's restrictions. While Iran announced on Monday that it breached the deal's restriction on storing more than 300 kg (661 lb) of low-enriched uranium, Kimball said the issue would be adjudicated through the accord’s dispute resolution mechanism. It was the United States, he said, that first violated the deal when Trump withdrew from it while Iran still was in compliance and then re-imposed harsh U.S. sanctions that had been suspended by the nuclear agreement. Iran’s breach, he said, does not affect the deal’s central target of extending to a year the time in which Iran could "breakout" and produce enough highly enriched uranium for a warhead. The breach is a political move aimed at pressuring the European Union, China and Russia to compensate Iran for the serious damage to its economy from US sanctions, he said.

Even before nuclear deal, Iran was violating terms: White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured</a> 
 
Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-heat-stress-could-cost-80-million-jobs-by-2030-united-nations-232401">Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations</a> 
 
The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamaat-ul-mujahideen-bangladesh-using-some-madrasas-in-west-bengal-for-radicalization-home-ministry-232434">Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh using some Madrasas in West Bengal for radicalization: Home Ministry</a> 
 
Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said relevant inputs in this regard are regularly shared with the state governments and agencies concerned with the advice to take appropriate action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-warns-iran-against-further-breaches-of-nuclear-deal-232313">France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal</a> 
 
The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-several-suspected-united-states-spies-face-possible-death-sentences-232329">Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences</a> 
 
In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them.

UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them. Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050. Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh using some Madrasas in West Bengal for radicalization: Home Ministry Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said relevant inputs in this regard are regularly shared with the state governments and agencies concerned with the advice to take appropriate action. France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal. Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters shortly before departing South Korea on Sunday that a fresh round of talks will likely happen "sometime in July" and the North's negotiators would be foreign ministry diplomats.

Fresh round of US-North Korea talks likely in July: U.S

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-russians-1-ukrainian-behind-mh17-flight-crash-over-ukraine-in-2014-investigators-228694">3 Russians, 1 Ukrainian behind MH17 flight crash over Ukraine in 2014: Investigators</a>

Investigators today named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July, 2014.

All 298 passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines plane were killed which included 15 crew members.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-indias-shikhar-dhawan-ruled-out-due-to-thumb-fracture-228686">World Cup: India's Shikhar Dhawan ruled out due to thumb fracture</a>

India's first choice opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 after failing to recover from a hairline fracture on his left thumb.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-explores-moving-15-30-of-production-capacity-from-china-to-southeast-asia-report-228703">Apple explores moving 15-30% production from China; India, Vietnam to benefit: Report</a>

Apple Inc has asked its major suppliers to assess the cost implications of moving 15%-30% of their production capacity from China to Southeast Asia as it prepares for a restructuring of its supply chain, according to a Nikkei Asian Review report on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-give-europe-more-time-to-save-nuclear-deal-iran-228674">Will not give Europe more time to save nuclear deal: Iran</a>

Iran said on Wednesday it would not give European powers more time beyond July 8 to save its nuclear deal by shielding it from US sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evidence-suggests-saudi-crown-prince-is-liable-for-khashoggi-murder-un-expert-228685">Evidence suggests Saudi Crown Prince is liable for Khashoggi murder: UN expert</a>

Evidence suggests Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a UN rights investigator said on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

3 Russians, 1 Ukrainian behind MH17 flight crash over Ukraine in 2014: Investigators Investigators today named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July, 2014.

3 Russians, 1 Ukrainian behind MH17 flight crash over Ukraine in 2014: Investigators Investigators today named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July, 2014. All 298 passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines plane were killed which included 15 crew members. World Cup: India's Shikhar Dhawan ruled out due to thumb fracture India's first choice opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 after failing to recover from a hairline fracture on his left thumb. Apple explores moving 15-30% production from China; India, Vietnam to benefit: Report Apple Inc has asked its major suppliers to assess the cost implications of moving 15%-30% of their production capacity from China to Southeast Asia as it prepares for a restructuring of its supply chain, according to a Nikkei Asian Review report on Wednesday. Will not give Europe more time to save nuclear deal: Iran Iran said on Wednesday it would not give European powers more time beyond July 8 to save its nuclear deal by shielding it from US sanctions. Evidence suggests Saudi Crown Prince is liable for Khashoggi murder: UN expert Evidence suggests Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a UN rights investigator said on Wednesday.

Iran said on Monday it would breach internationally agreed curbs on its stock of low-enriched uranium in 10 days -- a move likely to strain already high tensions with Washington -- but it added European nations still had time to save a landmark nuclear deal.

Iran says it will reach allowed enriched uranium limit in 10 days

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-accelerated-enrichment-of-uranium-iaea-says-226200">Iran</a> on Saturday signalled that it might further scale back from its commitments signed under the nuclear deal unless other signatories show "positive signals".

"Iran cannot stick to this agreement unilaterally. It is necessary that all the sides of this agreement contribute to restoring it, " Al Jazeera quoted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-expects-positive-change-if-us-ends-economic-war-226665">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a>, as saying.

"Iran needed to see positive signals from other signatories to the pact, " he added.

However, he fell short of telling details of actions Tehran is planning to take.

Last month, Iran had halted some of the commitments, following an order from the country`s National Security Council.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced to withdraw from a nuclear deal and slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter`s support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts.

Watch--The US has turned up pressure on Iran: See the Timeline of Events

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The historic 2015 deal between Iran and world powers--United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany-- offered sanctions relief to Iran for scaling back its nuclear programme.

His comment comes days after, two oil tankers-- Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous-- were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has accused Iran of the attack. It also released a video backing its claim. During the address, the Iranian President, however, made no mention of attacks.

Tensions have escalated further in the already simmering region.

The US has remained rooted to its stand, saying it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme.

Washington recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.

Iran on Saturday signalled that it might further scale back from its commitments signed under the nuclear deal unless other signatories show "positive signals". "Iran cannot stick to this agreement unilaterally.

Iran on Saturday signalled that it might further scale back from its commitments signed under the nuclear deal unless other signatories show "positive signals". "Iran cannot stick to this agreement unilaterally. It is necessary that all the sides of this agreement contribute to restoring it, " Al Jazeera quoted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, as saying. "Iran needed to see positive signals from other signatories to the pact, " he added. However, he fell short of telling details of actions Tehran is planning to take. Last month, Iran had halted some of the commitments, following an order from the country`s National Security Council. US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced to withdraw from a nuclear deal and slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter`s support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts. Watch--The US has turned up pressure on Iran: See the Timeline of Events × The historic 2015 deal between Iran and world powers--United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany-- offered sanctions relief to Iran for scaling back its nuclear programme. His comment comes days after, two oil tankers-- Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous-- were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has accused Iran of the attack. It also released a video backing its claim. During the address, the Iranian President, however, made no mention of attacks. Tensions have escalated further in the already simmering region. The US has remained rooted to its stand, saying it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme. Washington recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.

Iran might scale back from nuclear deal commitments

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. But over the same period, data show France has cut purchases of Iranian oil and sharply increased imports from Iran's arch-enemy Saudi Arabia.

In recent weeks, France has used its energy needs to justify a surge in arms sales to the kingdom, even if there is no evidence the 50 per cent increase in Saudi purchases of French arms last year was conditional on France buying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rises-as-saudi-sees-producers-sticking-with-ongoing-supply-cuts-225845">Saudi oil.</a>

The surge in France's buying of Saudi oil shows Paris is doing less business with Iran even as it publicly encourages European partners to find a way to keep trade with Tehran flowing via the Franco-German-British Index trade system.

It also underscores how difficult it is for global power and permanent UN Security Council member like France to stand up against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-weak-demand-growth-rise-in-us-crude-stocks-226381">United States</a> and its closest Arab-world ally when they are determined to put the squeeze on Iran.

Last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly said trade ties with allies like Saudi Arabia were essential to safeguarding France's security and energy interests.

"(Weapons) exports make it possible to forge close ties with states that are strategic for the security of France," she told parliament, one of the first times a senior official has linked arms sales to France's broader economic relations with Saudi Arabia. "It puts us at the heart of the Middle East, a key region for our security interests and our energy supplies."

Asked about the link between oil purchases and arms sales, a French diplomatic source was straightforward: "We want to save the nuclear deal because it helps peace in the region, but we have always had a historical relationship with Saudi Arabia so why would we jeopardize this?"

The sharp drop-off in Iran's ability to sell its oil internationally has hit the economy hard, delivering exactly the impact the Instex system is designed to prevent in the long-term.

French finance ministry data shows France bought 2.2 billion euros ($2.49 billion) of Iranian light crude between April 2017 and March 2018, making it France's third largest supplier.

But over the following 12-months, that figure fell 57% to 936 million euros, with imports from Iran stopping altogether from September 2018 onwards, as sanctions bit.

In contrast, French purchases of Saudi oil jumped 50% to 3.7 billion euros between March 2018 and April 2019.

Industry sources say Saudi and Iranian crude oil have very similar properties that make them good substitutes. Over the same period, Paris also substantially increased its purchases of Russian and Iraqi crude, which are also similar.

All countries had to reduce oil imports from Iran as sanctions mounted, although China and India continued to buy after initial US waivers, although they have now also cut purchases.

Closer Saudi ties

France has nurtured close ties with Saudi Arabia. But the nuclear deal in 2015 between Iran and six world powers - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - eased sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, providing an economic lifeline for Riyadh's rival.

France, with business ties in Iran, moved quickly to capitalise, and some of its biggest corporations followed. The total was the first international oil company to return to Iran, while other French firms such as carmakers PSA and Renault also moved back.

Between 2016 and early 2018, French purchases of Iranian crude oil soared to more than 2 billion euros a year.

However, US President Donald Trump, who arrived in the White House as Iran's economy was reaping the benefits of the deal, called it "the worst ever negotiated". He pulled the United States out, re-imposed tough sanctions, including on Iran's oil sector, and threatened punishment for allies like France who kept doing business with Tehran.

The US decision was always likely to tighten French ties with Saudi Arabia, said Jalel Harchaoui, a fellow at Clingendael Institute in The Hague.

"The US unilaterally walking away from the JCPOA (nuclear deal) forced France to reduce its economic transactions with Iran. That development is seen as yet another reason to tighten the closeness between Paris and the Gulf capitals," he said.

Saudi Arabia backs the United States' tough line on Iran and has sought to broaden the anti-Iran front. France shares concerns over Iran's ballistic missile programme and meddling in the Middle East, but says engagement is preferable to isolation.

From weapons to energy security

The shift to buying more Saudi oil comes at a sensitive time for France and its relations with the kingdom.

In particular, President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from political rivals and human rights organisations over French weapons sales to Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. Both states have used the weapons in the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has urged Riyadh to end the "dirty war" in Yemen but also accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons they have used against Saudi territory.

He and Macron have defended arms sales to Saudi and the UAE as necessary in the global fight against terrorism.

Saudi Arabia has been France's top arms buyer over the last five years, with sales jumping 50 per cent to about 1 billion euros in 2018.

Rather than avoiding the issue, Macron's government has sought to draw a link between energy and security in answering criticism over the weapons sales.

"Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies," Party said.

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions.

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. But over the same period, data show France has cut purchases of Iranian oil and sharply increased imports from Iran's arch-enemy Saudi Arabia. In recent weeks, France has used its energy needs to justify a surge in arms sales to the kingdom, even if there is no evidence the 50 per cent increase in Saudi purchases of French arms last year was conditional on France buying Saudi oil. The surge in France's buying of Saudi oil shows Paris is doing less business with Iran even as it publicly encourages European partners to find a way to keep trade with Tehran flowing via the Franco-German-British Index trade system. It also underscores how difficult it is for global power and permanent UN Security Council member like France to stand up against the United States and its closest Arab-world ally when they are determined to put the squeeze on Iran. Last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly said trade ties with allies like Saudi Arabia were essential to safeguarding France's security and energy interests. "(Weapons) exports make it possible to forge close ties with states that are strategic for the security of France," she told parliament, one of the first times a senior official has linked arms sales to France's broader economic relations with Saudi Arabia. "It puts us at the heart of the Middle East, a key region for our security interests and our energy supplies." Asked about the link between oil purchases and arms sales, a French diplomatic source was straightforward: "We want to save the nuclear deal because it helps peace in the region, but we have always had a historical relationship with Saudi Arabia so why would we jeopardize this?" The sharp drop-off in Iran's ability to sell its oil internationally has hit the economy hard, delivering exactly the impact the Instex system is designed to prevent in the long-term. French finance ministry data shows France bought 2.2 billion euros ($2.49 billion) of Iranian light crude between April 2017 and March 2018, making it France's third largest supplier. But over the following 12-months, that figure fell 57% to 936 million euros, with imports from Iran stopping altogether from September 2018 onwards, as sanctions bit. In contrast, French purchases of Saudi oil jumped 50% to 3.7 billion euros between March 2018 and April 2019. Industry sources say Saudi and Iranian crude oil have very similar properties that make them good substitutes. Over the same period, Paris also substantially increased its purchases of Russian and Iraqi crude, which are also similar. All countries had to reduce oil imports from Iran as sanctions mounted, although China and India continued to buy after initial US waivers, although they have now also cut purchases. Closer Saudi ties France has nurtured close ties with Saudi Arabia. But the nuclear deal in 2015 between Iran and six world powers - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - eased sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, providing an economic lifeline for Riyadh's rival. France, with business ties in Iran, moved quickly to capitalise, and some of its biggest corporations followed. The total was the first international oil company to return to Iran, while other French firms such as carmakers PSA and Renault also moved back. Between 2016 and early 2018, French purchases of Iranian crude oil soared to more than 2 billion euros a year. However, US President Donald Trump, who arrived in the White House as Iran's economy was reaping the benefits of the deal, called it "the worst ever negotiated". He pulled the United States out, re-imposed tough sanctions, including on Iran's oil sector, and threatened punishment for allies like France who kept doing business with Tehran. The US decision was always likely to tighten French ties with Saudi Arabia, said Jalel Harchaoui, a fellow at Clingendael Institute in The Hague. "The US unilaterally walking away from the JCPOA (nuclear deal) forced France to reduce its economic transactions with Iran. That development is seen as yet another reason to tighten the closeness between Paris and the Gulf capitals," he said. Saudi Arabia backs the United States' tough line on Iran and has sought to broaden the anti-Iran front. France shares concerns over Iran's ballistic missile programme and meddling in the Middle East, but says engagement is preferable to isolation. From weapons to energy security The shift to buying more Saudi oil comes at a sensitive time for France and its relations with the kingdom. In particular, President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from political rivals and human rights organisations over French weapons sales to Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. Both states have used the weapons in the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has urged Riyadh to end the "dirty war" in Yemen but also accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons they have used against Saudi territory. He and Macron have defended arms sales to Saudi and the UAE as necessary in the global fight against terrorism. Saudi Arabia has been France's top arms buyer over the last five years, with sales jumping 50 per cent to about 1 billion euros in 2018. Rather than avoiding the issue, Macron's government has sought to draw a link between energy and security in answering criticism over the weapons sales. "Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies," Party said.

As Iran nuclear deal flounders, France turns to Saudi for oil

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-to-engage-with-iran-without-pre-conditions-pompeo-223645">Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran</a>.

"The change of the general behaviour and actions of the United States of America regarding the Iranian nation is the criterion" required for any talks to take place, said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran ignores word games and the use of new language to express secret aims," said Mousavi.

"Mr. Pompeo's emphasis on maintaining maximum pressure on Iran reflects the continuation of the same faulty behaviour that must be corrected," the spokesman said, quoted in a ministry statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-be-bullied-into-us-talks-president-hassan-rouhani-223523">Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani</a>

Pompeo, who is considered a hawk on Iranian issues, appeared to soften the US stance somewhat on Sunday following weeks of escalating tensions with Tehran.

"We are prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions," Pompeo said in Switzerland, which in the absence of US-Iranian diplomatic ties represents Washington's interests in the Islamic republic.

"We are ready to sit down with them," he said.

But Pompeo appeared to immediately back-pedal on the offer of conditions-free talks, stating that Washington was "certainly prepared to have (a) conversation when the Iranians will prove they are behaving as a normal nation."&nbsp;

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran.

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran. "The change of the general behaviour and actions of the United States of America regarding the Iranian nation is the criterion" required for any talks to take place, said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi. "The Islamic Republic of Iran ignores word games and the use of new language to express secret aims," said Mousavi. "Mr. Pompeo's emphasis on maintaining maximum pressure on Iran reflects the continuation of the same faulty behaviour that must be corrected," the spokesman said, quoted in a ministry statement. Also read: Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani Pompeo, who is considered a hawk on Iranian issues, appeared to soften the US stance somewhat on Sunday following weeks of escalating tensions with Tehran. "We are prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions," Pompeo said in Switzerland, which in the absence of US-Iranian diplomatic ties represents Washington's interests in the Islamic republic. "We are ready to sit down with them," he said. But Pompeo appeared to immediately back-pedal on the offer of conditions-free talks, stating that Washington was "certainly prepared to have (a) conversation when the Iranians will prove they are behaving as a normal nation."

Iran rules out talks unless US changes 'general behaviour and actions'

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