Iranian President Hassan Rouhani predicted a "deluge" of drugs, refugees and attacks on the West if <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seeks-regional-front-against-us-economic-terrorism-182445">US&nbsp;sanctions</a> weaken Iran's ability to contain them.

"I warn those who impose sanctions that if Iran's ability to fight drugs and terrorism are affected ... you will not be safe from a deluge of drugs, asylum seekers, bombs and terrorism," Rouhani said in a speech carried live on state television.

Separately, Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted as saying that the United States is selling more arms into the Middle East than the region needs, making it a "tinderbox".

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran’s vital oil industry last month.

Drug trafficking is a serious challenge for Iran as it borders Afghanistan - the world’s largest opium producer - and Pakistan, a major transit country for drugs.

"We spend $800 million a year to fight drugs which ensures the health of nations stretching from of Eastern Europe to the American West and North Africa to West Asia. Imagine what a disaster there would be if there is a breach in the dam," Rouhani said.

In 2012, Iran accounted for two thirds of the world’s opium seizures and one fourth of the world’s heroin and morphine seizures, a U.N. report published in 2014 showed.

"We have been just as determined in the fight against terrorism ... sacrificing hundreds of valuable troops and spending millions of dollars annually," Rouhani said.

"We don't expect the West to pay their share, but they should know that sanctions hurt Iran's capacity to fight drugs and terrorism," Rouhani added.

Iran, a key supporter of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, has sent military advisers as well as materiel and regional Shi’ite militias to fight militant groups.

In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias and their Iranian advisers helped Iraq defeat Islamic State.

"Economic terrorism means creating horror in a country and create fear in other countries that intend to invest (there). America's withdrawal from the (nuclear accord) is undoubtedly a clear example of economic terrorism," Rouhani told a meeting of heads of parliaments of China, Russia, and four other countries.

More than 700,000 undocumented Afghans have returned from Iran this year as the Iranian economy tightens, according to data from the UN’s migration agency, and Iranian media said some Afghans were seeking to enter Turkey to reach Europe.&nbsp;

Zarif warned about the dangers of large U.S. arms sales in the Middle East, where Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia is a major buyer of Western weapons.

"The Americans have turned the region into a tinderbox. The level of arms sales by the Americans is unbelievable and much beyond regional needs and this points to the very dangerous policies followed by the Americans," IRNA reported Zarif as saying.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani predicted a "deluge" of drugs, refugees and attacks on the West if US sanctions weaken Iran's ability to contain them. "I warn those who impose sanctions that if Iran's ability to fight drugs and terrorism are affected .

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani predicted a "deluge" of drugs, refugees and attacks on the West if US sanctions weaken Iran's ability to contain them. "I warn those who impose sanctions that if Iran's ability to fight drugs and terrorism are affected ... you will not be safe from a deluge of drugs, asylum seekers, bombs and terrorism," Rouhani said in a speech carried live on state television. Separately, Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted as saying that the United States is selling more arms into the Middle East than the region needs, making it a "tinderbox". US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran’s vital oil industry last month. Drug trafficking is a serious challenge for Iran as it borders Afghanistan - the world’s largest opium producer - and Pakistan, a major transit country for drugs. "We spend $800 million a year to fight drugs which ensures the health of nations stretching from of Eastern Europe to the American West and North Africa to West Asia. Imagine what a disaster there would be if there is a breach in the dam," Rouhani said. In 2012, Iran accounted for two thirds of the world’s opium seizures and one fourth of the world’s heroin and morphine seizures, a U.N. report published in 2014 showed. "We have been just as determined in the fight against terrorism ... sacrificing hundreds of valuable troops and spending millions of dollars annually," Rouhani said. "We don't expect the West to pay their share, but they should know that sanctions hurt Iran's capacity to fight drugs and terrorism," Rouhani added. Iran, a key supporter of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, has sent military advisers as well as materiel and regional Shi’ite militias to fight militant groups. In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias and their Iranian advisers helped Iraq defeat Islamic State. "Economic terrorism means creating horror in a country and create fear in other countries that intend to invest (there). America's withdrawal from the (nuclear accord) is undoubtedly a clear example of economic terrorism," Rouhani told a meeting of heads of parliaments of China, Russia, and four other countries. More than 700,000 undocumented Afghans have returned from Iran this year as the Iranian economy tightens, according to data from the UN’s migration agency, and Iranian media said some Afghans were seeking to enter Turkey to reach Europe. Zarif warned about the dangers of large U.S. arms sales in the Middle East, where Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia is a major buyer of Western weapons. "The Americans have turned the region into a tinderbox. The level of arms sales by the Americans is unbelievable and much beyond regional needs and this points to the very dangerous policies followed by the Americans," IRNA reported Zarif as saying.

Iran's Rouhani predicts 'deluge' of drugs, refugees, attacks on West

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mary-kom-wins-record-sixth-gold-medal-in-womens-world-championships-179144">Mary Kom clinches record sixth gold medal in Women's World Boxing Championships</a>

Mary Kom defeated Ukraine's Hanna Okhota 5-0 in 48kg light flyweight category to win gold in Women's World Boxing Championships on Saturday.

She scripted history by clinching a record sixth World Championship gold medal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-linkens-farmers-woes-to-55-60-years-of-congress-misrule-179154">Modi </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-linkens-farmers-woes-to-55-60-years-of-congress-misrule-179154">linkens</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-linkens-farmers-woes-to-55-60-years-of-congress-misrule-179154"> farmers' woes to 55-60 years of Congress misrule&nbsp;</a>

This generation of farmers are suffering due to the wrongdoings and wrong policies of the Congress, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday.&nbsp;

Modi said that his government is bearing the brunt of Congress misrule.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-congress-lacks-a-stand-on-ayodhya-dispute-bjp-pitches-a-political-narrative-on-it-179142">As Congress lacks a stand on Ayodhya dispute, BJP pitches a political narrative on it</a>

After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. It will be followed by a holy ceremony (yagna) which will take place between December 1 and 6.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-fire-tear-gas-at-fuel-price-protesters-179140">French police fire tear gas at fuel price protesters</a>

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-calls-for-muslims-to-unite-against-united-states-179157">Iran President Hassan Rouhani calls for Muslims to unite against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-calls-for-muslims-to-unite-against-united-states-179157">United</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-calls-for-muslims-to-unite-against-united-states-179157"> States</a>

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on Muslims worldwide on Saturday to unite against the United States, instead of "rolling out red carpets for criminals".

Washington in May reimposed sanctions on Tehran, after President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran under which they had been lifted.

Mary Kom clinches record sixth gold medal in Women's World Boxing Championships Mary Kom defeated Ukraine's Hanna Okhota 5-0 in 48kg light flyweight category to win gold in Women's World Boxing Championships on Saturday.

Mary Kom clinches record sixth gold medal in Women's World Boxing Championships Mary Kom defeated Ukraine's Hanna Okhota 5-0 in 48kg light flyweight category to win gold in Women's World Boxing Championships on Saturday. She scripted history by clinching a record sixth World Championship gold medal. Modi linkens farmers' woes to 55-60 years of Congress misrule This generation of farmers are suffering due to the wrongdoings and wrong policies of the Congress, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. Modi said that his government is bearing the brunt of Congress misrule. As Congress lacks a stand on Ayodhya dispute, BJP pitches a political narrative on it After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. It will be followed by a holy ceremony (yagna) which will take place between December 1 and 6. French police fire tear gas at fuel price protesters Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France. Iran President Hassan Rouhani calls for Muslims to unite against United States Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on Muslims worldwide on Saturday to unite against the United States, instead of "rolling out red carpets for criminals". Washington in May reimposed sanctions on Tehran, after President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran under which they had been lifted.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Iran will continue to export oil despite US&nbsp;sanctions, which are part of a psychological war doomed to failure, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday.

By reimposing sanctions on OPEC's third biggest crude producer, Washington wants to force Tehran to drop its ballistic missile programmes, further curb its nuclear work and limit its support for proxy militias from Syria to Lebanon and Yemen.

"We will not yield to this pressure, which is part of the psychological war launched against Iran," Rouhani said in a speech in the city of Khoy, broadcast live on state television.

"They have failed to stop our oil exports. We will keep exporting it ... Your regional policies have failed and you blame Iran for that failure from Afghanistan to Yemen and Syria," he added, to chants of "Death to America!".

Rouhani said Washington lacked the necessary international support for its sanctions, and noted that it had granted temporary waivers to eight major buyers of Iranian oil.

"America is isolated now. Iran is supported by many countries. Except for the Zionist regime (Israel) and some countries in the region, no other country backs America's pressure on Iran," he said.

The European Union, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, participants with the United States in the 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, have been trying to find ways to circumvent the US&nbsp;limitations.

In particular, the EU has been trying to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for non-dollar trade with Iran.

But this has not stopped foreign businesses ranging from oil companies and trading houses to firms leaving Iran for fear of incurring US penalties.

Iran has threatened to exit the deal if its economic benefits are not preserved, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told a news conference that it remained "hopeful that the Europeans can save the deal".

The SPV was conceived as a clearing house that could be used to help match Iranian oil and gas exports against purchases of EU goods, circumventing the US&nbsp;sanctions, which are based on the global use of the dollar for oil trade.

The EU wanted to have the SPV set up by this month, but no country has offered to host it, six diplomats told Reuters last week.

"We expect EU to implement the SPV as soon as possible," Qasemi said. "Iran adheres to its commitments as long as other signatories honour theirs."

Iran's deputy Oil Minister Amirhossein Zamaninia said "France might host the SPV", the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Monday.

The French Foreign Ministry declined to comment. The Finance Ministry has said that all options are on the table for the SPV and that no decisions had been taken.

Washington has warned that European banks and firms who engage in the SPV will be at risk from the reimposed US&nbsp;sanctions.

Iran will continue to export oil despite US sanctions, which are part of a psychological war doomed to failure, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday. By reimposing sanctions on OPEC's third biggest crude producer, Washington wants to force Tehran to drop its ballistic missile programmes, further curb its nuclear work and limit its support for proxy militias from Syria to Lebanon and Yemen.

Iran will continue to export oil despite US sanctions, which are part of a psychological war doomed to failure, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday. By reimposing sanctions on OPEC's third biggest crude producer, Washington wants to force Tehran to drop its ballistic missile programmes, further curb its nuclear work and limit its support for proxy militias from Syria to Lebanon and Yemen. "We will not yield to this pressure, which is part of the psychological war launched against Iran," Rouhani said in a speech in the city of Khoy, broadcast live on state television. "They have failed to stop our oil exports. We will keep exporting it ... Your regional policies have failed and you blame Iran for that failure from Afghanistan to Yemen and Syria," he added, to chants of "Death to America!". Rouhani said Washington lacked the necessary international support for its sanctions, and noted that it had granted temporary waivers to eight major buyers of Iranian oil. "America is isolated now. Iran is supported by many countries. Except for the Zionist regime (Israel) and some countries in the region, no other country backs America's pressure on Iran," he said. The European Union, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, participants with the United States in the 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, have been trying to find ways to circumvent the US limitations. In particular, the EU has been trying to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for non-dollar trade with Iran. But this has not stopped foreign businesses ranging from oil companies and trading houses to firms leaving Iran for fear of incurring US penalties. Iran has threatened to exit the deal if its economic benefits are not preserved, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told a news conference that it remained "hopeful that the Europeans can save the deal". The SPV was conceived as a clearing house that could be used to help match Iranian oil and gas exports against purchases of EU goods, circumventing the US sanctions, which are based on the global use of the dollar for oil trade. The EU wanted to have the SPV set up by this month, but no country has offered to host it, six diplomats told Reuters last week. "We expect EU to implement the SPV as soon as possible," Qasemi said. "Iran adheres to its commitments as long as other signatories honour theirs." Iran's deputy Oil Minister Amirhossein Zamaninia said "France might host the SPV", the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Monday. The French Foreign Ministry declined to comment. The Finance Ministry has said that all options are on the table for the SPV and that no decisions had been taken. Washington has warned that European banks and firms who engage in the SPV will be at risk from the reimposed US sanctions.

We will not yield to this pressure: Rouhani says Iran will continue oil exports despite US sanctions

Iran and Iraq could raise their annual bilateral trade to US $20 billion from the current level of US $12 billion, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, amid concerns in Tehran over the economic impact of renewed US&nbsp;sanctions.

Rouhani's remarks, made after a meeting with visiting Iraqi President Barham Salih, came about two weeks after the United States restored sanctions targeting Iran’s key oil industry as well as its banking and transportation sectors.

"... through bilateral efforts, we can raise this figure (for bilateral trade) to US $20 billion in the near future," Rouhani said in comments broadcast live on Iranian state television.

"We held talks on trade in electricity, gas, petroleum products and activities ... in the field of oil exploration and extraction," Rouhani said.

Iraqi officials told Reuters last week that Iraq had agreed to trade Iraqi food items in return for Iranian gas and energy supplies.

Baghdad is seeking US&nbsp;approval to allow it to import Iranian gas for its power stations. Iraqi officials say they needs more time to find an alternative source than a 45-day waiver granted to it by the United States.

"It will be important to create free trade zones at our shared border and to connect the two countries' railways," Salih said.

"We will not forget your support for the Iraqi people in the fight against (Iraqi dictator) Saddam (Hussein). Neither do we forget Iran's stand in the recent fight against terrorism," added Salih, an Iraqi Kurd.

Iran wields wide influence in Iraq, its smaller Arab neighbour, where its Revolutionary Guards played a key role in training and arming the mainly Shi’ite militias that helped defeat Islamic State.

Iraq imports a wide range of goods from Iran, including food, agricultural products, home appliances, air conditioners and spare car parts. The goods element of Iranian imports to Iraq was worth about US $6 billion in the 12 months ending March 2018, or about 15 per cent of Iraq’s total imports for 2017.

Energy contracts also contribute to the total volume of bilateral trade.

Iraqi central bank officials said in August that their country’s economy was closely linked to non-Arab Iran, which is engaged in several proxy wars with Saudi Arabia in the region.

Iran and Iraq could raise their annual bilateral trade to US $20 billion from the current level of US $12 billion, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, amid concerns in Tehran over the economic impact of renewed US sanctions.

Iran and Iraq could raise their annual bilateral trade to US $20 billion from the current level of US $12 billion, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, amid concerns in Tehran over the economic impact of renewed US sanctions. Rouhani's remarks, made after a meeting with visiting Iraqi President Barham Salih, came about two weeks after the United States restored sanctions targeting Iran’s key oil industry as well as its banking and transportation sectors. "... through bilateral efforts, we can raise this figure (for bilateral trade) to US $20 billion in the near future," Rouhani said in comments broadcast live on Iranian state television. "We held talks on trade in electricity, gas, petroleum products and activities ... in the field of oil exploration and extraction," Rouhani said. Iraqi officials told Reuters last week that Iraq had agreed to trade Iraqi food items in return for Iranian gas and energy supplies. Baghdad is seeking US approval to allow it to import Iranian gas for its power stations. Iraqi officials say they needs more time to find an alternative source than a 45-day waiver granted to it by the United States. "It will be important to create free trade zones at our shared border and to connect the two countries' railways," Salih said. "We will not forget your support for the Iraqi people in the fight against (Iraqi dictator) Saddam (Hussein). Neither do we forget Iran's stand in the recent fight against terrorism," added Salih, an Iraqi Kurd. Iran wields wide influence in Iraq, its smaller Arab neighbour, where its Revolutionary Guards played a key role in training and arming the mainly Shi’ite militias that helped defeat Islamic State. Iraq imports a wide range of goods from Iran, including food, agricultural products, home appliances, air conditioners and spare car parts. The goods element of Iranian imports to Iraq was worth about US $6 billion in the 12 months ending March 2018, or about 15 per cent of Iraq’s total imports for 2017. Energy contracts also contribute to the total volume of bilateral trade. Iraqi central bank officials said in August that their country’s economy was closely linked to non-Arab Iran, which is engaged in several proxy wars with Saudi Arabia in the region.

Rouhani sees Iran, Iraq expanding trade despite US sanctions

Iran's parliament approved a government economic reshuffle on Saturday, days before new US&nbsp;sanctions on Tehran's oil exports take effect, after President Hassan Rouhani said Washington was isolated among its allies in its confrontation with Iran.

"It does not happen often that the US&nbsp;makes a decision and its traditional allies abandon it," Rouhani told parliament before the vote to approve the new appointments.

Academic Farhad Dejpasand, widely seen as a technocrat, received a vote of confidence by a wide margin as the new minister of economics and finance.

The reshuffle, approved in a parliamentary session carried live on state TV, also brought in new industry, labour and roads ministers.

Washington reintroduced sanctions against Iran’s currency trade, metals and auto sectors in August after it pulled out from a multinational 2015 deal that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Iran’s nuclear programme.

European countries have criticised the United States for withdrawing from the accord and have been putting together a package of economic measures to help offset the impact of US&nbsp;pressures on Tehran's economy.

Diplomats told Reuters that a new European Union mechanism to facilitate payments for Iranian exports should be legally in place by Nov. 4, when the next phase of US&nbsp;sanctions targeting Iran's vital oil exports take effect, although it will not be operational until early next year.

"Our main enemy, America, faces us with a drawn sword and we have to fight it and we have to unite. Regardless of factions ... we are all part of the Iranian nation," Rouhani said earlier, urging MPs to vote for his proposed ministers.

"Part of our economic problems has to do with the (high) rate of exchange of hard currencies, but our foreign exchange reserves are better than in any of the past five years," he said, without giving figures.

The cabinet changes come as the government faces intense pressure over the economic instability mostly caused by the US&nbsp;sanctions.

The economy has markedly deteriorated in the past year, suffering rising inflation and unemployment, a 70 per cent fall in the value of the rial currency so far this year and state corruption.

"A year ago no one would have believed ... that Europe would stand with Iran and against America," Rouhani said.

"Russia, China, India, the European Union, and some African and Latin American countries are our friends. We have to work with them and attract investments," he added.

Mohammad Shariatmadari, the outgoing industries minister, was approved to head the Labour, Cooperatives and Social Affairs Ministry.

Parliament also approved the appointment of Mohammad Eslami to head the Urban Development and Roads Ministry, while Reza Rahmani, who previously headed a parliamentary commission on mining and industry, became the new industry, mines and trade minister.

Iran's parliament approved a government economic reshuffle on Saturday, days before new US sanctions on Tehran's oil exports take effect, after President Hassan Rouhani said Washington was isolated among its allies in its confrontation with Iran.

Iran's parliament approved a government economic reshuffle on Saturday, days before new US sanctions on Tehran's oil exports take effect, after President Hassan Rouhani said Washington was isolated among its allies in its confrontation with Iran. "It does not happen often that the US makes a decision and its traditional allies abandon it," Rouhani told parliament before the vote to approve the new appointments. Academic Farhad Dejpasand, widely seen as a technocrat, received a vote of confidence by a wide margin as the new minister of economics and finance. The reshuffle, approved in a parliamentary session carried live on state TV, also brought in new industry, labour and roads ministers. Washington reintroduced sanctions against Iran’s currency trade, metals and auto sectors in August after it pulled out from a multinational 2015 deal that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Iran’s nuclear programme. European countries have criticised the United States for withdrawing from the accord and have been putting together a package of economic measures to help offset the impact of US pressures on Tehran's economy. Diplomats told Reuters that a new European Union mechanism to facilitate payments for Iranian exports should be legally in place by Nov. 4, when the next phase of US sanctions targeting Iran's vital oil exports take effect, although it will not be operational until early next year. "Our main enemy, America, faces us with a drawn sword and we have to fight it and we have to unite. Regardless of factions ... we are all part of the Iranian nation," Rouhani said earlier, urging MPs to vote for his proposed ministers. "Part of our economic problems has to do with the (high) rate of exchange of hard currencies, but our foreign exchange reserves are better than in any of the past five years," he said, without giving figures. The cabinet changes come as the government faces intense pressure over the economic instability mostly caused by the US sanctions. The economy has markedly deteriorated in the past year, suffering rising inflation and unemployment, a 70 per cent fall in the value of the rial currency so far this year and state corruption. "A year ago no one would have believed ... that Europe would stand with Iran and against America," Rouhani said. "Russia, China, India, the European Union, and some African and Latin American countries are our friends. We have to work with them and attract investments," he added. Mohammad Shariatmadari, the outgoing industries minister, was approved to head the Labour, Cooperatives and Social Affairs Ministry. Parliament also approved the appointment of Mohammad Eslami to head the Urban Development and Roads Ministry, while Reza Rahmani, who previously headed a parliamentary commission on mining and industry, became the new industry, mines and trade minister.

Rouhani reshuffles economic team, says US isolated against Iran

The United States is seeking regime change in Iran, President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday in a speech broadcast on state TV.

The US is using psychological and economic warfare and questioning the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic to pursue regime change in Iran, Rouhani said in a speech commemorating the beginning of the academic year at Tehran University.

The United States is seeking regime change in Iran, President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday in a speech broadcast on state TV. The US is using psychological and economic warfare and questioning the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic to pursue regime change in Iran, Rouhani said in a speech commemorating the beginning of the academic year at Tehran University.

US is seeking regime change in Iran: Rouhani

Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for the Iran nuclear deal to be "earnestly" implemented as he met the country's president following the US withdrawal from the pact, state media said Monday.

Xi met one-on-one with Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani on Sunday following a two-day regional security summit in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao that also included Russia and former Soviet republics.

President Donald Trump announced last month the US was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposing sanctions that would hit international businesses working in the Islamic republic.

The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have vowed to stay in the accord but their companies risk huge penalties if they keep doing business in Iran.

In his meeting with Rouhani, Xi described the deal as "an important outcome of multilateralism", according to the official Xinhua news service.

Xi said the deal is "conducive to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and the international non-proliferation regime, and should continue to be implemented earnestly," according to Xinhua.

Rouhani said Iran expects the international community, including China, "to play a positive role in properly dealing with relevant issues", the agency reported.

During the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the assembled leaders, including Rouhani, that the US withdrawal could "destabilise the situation" but Moscow still supports the "unconditional implementation" of the deal.

Rouhani also had a bilateral meeting with Putin in Qingdao on Saturday and said more talks were needed between their two countries following Washington's "illegal" withdrawal, according to the Kremlin.

Xi met one-on-one with Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani on Sunday following a two-day regional security summit in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao that also included Russia and former Soviet republics

Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for the Iran nuclear deal to be "earnestly" implemented as he met the country's president following the US withdrawal from the pact, state media said Monday. Xi met one-on-one with Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani on Sunday following a two-day regional security summit in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao that also included Russia and former Soviet republics. President Donald Trump announced last month the US was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposing sanctions that would hit international businesses working in the Islamic republic. The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have vowed to stay in the accord but their companies risk huge penalties if they keep doing business in Iran. In his meeting with Rouhani, Xi described the deal as "an important outcome of multilateralism", according to the official Xinhua news service. Xi said the deal is "conducive to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and the international non-proliferation regime, and should continue to be implemented earnestly," according to Xinhua. Rouhani said Iran expects the international community, including China, "to play a positive role in properly dealing with relevant issues", the agency reported. During the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the assembled leaders, including Rouhani, that the US withdrawal could "destabilise the situation" but Moscow still supports the "unconditional implementation" of the deal. Rouhani also had a bilateral meeting with Putin in Qingdao on Saturday and said more talks were needed between their two countries following Washington's "illegal" withdrawal, according to the Kremlin.

China's Xi backs nuclear deal in talks with Iran leader

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

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

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

Sirisena. Rouhani meet to strengthen economic, trade ties

President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Iran's Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday, with the two leaders agreeing to work toward "the continued implementation of the nuclear deal" following the US decision to withdraw from the agreement, the French presidency said.

"The French and Iranian presidents agreed to pursue their joint efforts with all nations involved, with the aim of continued implementation of the nuclear deal and maintaining regional stability," Macron's office said in a statement.

'The French and Iranian presidents agreed to pursue their joint efforts with all nations involved,' Macron's office said in a statement

President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Iran's Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday, with the two leaders agreeing to work toward "the continued implementation of the nuclear deal" following the US decision to withdraw from the agreement, the French presidency said. "The French and Iranian presidents agreed to pursue their joint efforts with all nations involved, with the aim of continued implementation of the nuclear deal and maintaining regional stability," Macron's office said in a statement.

Macron, Rouhani agree to seek 'continued implementation of nuclear deal'

Amid speculation US president<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-rouhani-decide-to-work-on-iran-nuclear-deal-despite-threats-by-trump--133752"> will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal</a>, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea.

"I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks.

"You know in seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump said expressing dissatisfaction with the nuclear deal, adding,"That is just not an acceptable situation. They're not sitting back idly. They're setting off missiles, which they say are for television purposes."

Last week while meeting French president Macron at the White House the two leaders had spoken about the impending May 12th deadline in which the stakeholders - US, UK, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union will have to decide&nbspon the future course of action.&nbsp

Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions.

Trump has been against the deal since the beginning of this presidency, which was brokered by the Obama administration with the Islamic state in 2015.&nbsp

Macron had said he would be interested in negotiating a "new deal" with Iran in the presence of Trump.

Trump has kept everyone guessing on the outcome retreating yesterday "we'll see what happens."&nbspTrump has often termed the deal "terrible" and said it needs to be "fixed"

However, speaking to reporters the US president said: "That doesn't mean we won't negotiate a real agreement."

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Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions.

Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks. "You know in seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump said expressing dissatisfaction with the nuclear deal, adding,"That is just not an acceptable situation. They're not sitting back idly. They're setting off missiles, which they say are for television purposes." Last week while meeting French president Macron at the White House the two leaders had spoken about the impending May 12th deadline in which the stakeholders - US, UK, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union will have to decide&nbspon the future course of action. Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions. Trump has been against the deal since the beginning of this presidency, which was brokered by the Obama administration with the Islamic state in 2015. Macron had said he would be interested in negotiating a "new deal" with Iran in the presence of Trump. Trump has kept everyone guessing on the outcome retreating yesterday "we'll see what happens."&nbspTrump has often termed the deal "terrible" and said it needs to be "fixed" However, speaking to reporters the US president said: "That doesn't mean we won't negotiate a real agreement."

Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani will work on saving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal over the coming weeks despite threats from US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The two leaders had an hour-long phone call where Macron conveyed his hopes for including Tehran's missile programmes, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 and the regional crisis in the Middle East.

As per reports, the Iran government had claimed that the US had breached the agreement by criticizing it ahead of President Donald Trump's decision about whether to abandon the deal.

Rouhani had said that Trump's critical comments about the deal had built "fear and ambiguity for different countries and businesses for their relations with Iran" which could ultimately hamper the country's economy.&nbsp;

Macron, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, came to Washington last week in hopes of persuading President Donald Trump not to reimpose sanctions on Iran before a May 12 deadline and imperil the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions. The deal — struck by Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — under Trump's predecessor, former President Barack Obama.

The United States has been trying to drum up support for new sanctions against Iran and has repeatedly threatened to tear up the 2015 agreement.

Trump on January&nbsp;12 gave the three European nations an ultimatum to "fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal" or he would refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran. Key U.S. sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh "waivers" to suspend them.

Trump sees three defects in the agreement: a failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program the terms under which international inspectors can visit suspect Iranian nuclear sites and "sunset" clauses under which key limits on the Iranian nuclear program start to expire.

At a news conference with Trump on Tuesday, Macron said he wanted "to work on a new deal with Iran" to limit Iran's nuclear program in the short term and long term, restrain its ballistic missile activities and curb what the West sees as its destabilizing behavior in the Middle East.

The two leaders had an hour-long phone call where Macron conveyed his hopes for including Tehran's missile programmes, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 and the regional crisis in the Middle East

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani will work on saving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal over the coming weeks despite threats from US President Donald Trump. The two leaders had an hour-long phone call where Macron conveyed his hopes for including Tehran's missile programmes, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 and the regional crisis in the Middle East. As per reports, the Iran government had claimed that the US had breached the agreement by criticizing it ahead of President Donald Trump's decision about whether to abandon the deal. Rouhani had said that Trump's critical comments about the deal had built "fear and ambiguity for different countries and businesses for their relations with Iran" which could ultimately hamper the country's economy. Macron, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, came to Washington last week in hopes of persuading President Donald Trump not to reimpose sanctions on Iran before a May 12 deadline and imperil the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions. The deal — struck by Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — under Trump's predecessor, former President Barack Obama. The United States has been trying to drum up support for new sanctions against Iran and has repeatedly threatened to tear up the 2015 agreement. Trump on January 12 gave the three European nations an ultimatum to "fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal" or he would refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran. Key U.S. sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh "waivers" to suspend them. Trump sees three defects in the agreement: a failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program the terms under which international inspectors can visit suspect Iranian nuclear sites and "sunset" clauses under which key limits on the Iranian nuclear program start to expire. At a news conference with Trump on Tuesday, Macron said he wanted "to work on a new deal with Iran" to limit Iran's nuclear program in the short term and long term, restrain its ballistic missile activities and curb what the West sees as its destabilizing behavior in the Middle East.

Macron, Rouhani will work on saving Iran nuclear deal despite threats from Trump

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned US&nbsp;President&nbsp;on Tuesday to stay in the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers in 2015, or face "severe consequences", as other signatories stepped up efforts to save the agreement.

Trump has said that unless European allies fix what he has called "terrible flaws" in the deal by May 12, he will restore US&nbsp;economic sanctions on Iran, which would be a severe blow to the pact.

The other powers that signed the deal - Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France - have all said they want to preserve the agreement that curbed Iran's nuclear programme in return for lifting most sanctions.

"I am telling those in the White House that if they do not live up to their commitments, the Iranian government will firmly react," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television.

"If anyone betrays the deal, they should know that they would face severe consequences," he told a cheering crowd of thousands gathered in the city of Tabriz. "Iran is prepared for all possible situations," he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Washington, trying to convince Trump not to tear up the accord.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday he had agreed with his Chinese counterpart that Moscow and Beijing would try to block any US&nbsp;attempt to sabotage the nuclear deal.

Iran has warned that it will ramp up its nuclear programme if the deal collapses.

Donald Trump has said that unless European allies fix what he has called "terrible flaws" in the deal by May 12, he will restore U.S. economic sanctions on Iran, which would be a severe blow to the pact

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned US President on Tuesday to stay in the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers in 2015, or face "severe consequences", as other signatories stepped up efforts to save the agreement. Trump has said that unless European allies fix what he has called "terrible flaws" in the deal by May 12, he will restore US economic sanctions on Iran, which would be a severe blow to the pact. The other powers that signed the deal - Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France - have all said they want to preserve the agreement that curbed Iran's nuclear programme in return for lifting most sanctions. "I am telling those in the White House that if they do not live up to their commitments, the Iranian government will firmly react," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television. "If anyone betrays the deal, they should know that they would face severe consequences," he told a cheering crowd of thousands gathered in the city of Tabriz. "Iran is prepared for all possible situations," he added. French President Emmanuel Macron is in Washington, trying to convince Trump not to tear up the accord. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday he had agreed with his Chinese counterpart that Moscow and Beijing would try to block any US attempt to sabotage the nuclear deal. Iran has warned that it will ramp up its nuclear programme if the deal collapses.

Iran warns Trump to remain in the nuclear deal or to 'face severe consequences': State TV

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani agreed on Saturday to step up efforts to bring stability to war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Modi reiterated India`s commitment to help Afghanistan become &quot;a peaceful, secure, permanent, prosperous and pluralistic country&quot; after holding talks with Rouhani in New Delhi on the last day of his three-day visit.

&quot;Looking at our common interests, we are committed to stopping the expansion of such forces that promote international organised crime in terrorism, extremism, illegal drug trafficking, cyber-crime and various forms,&quot; Modi said

&quot;We want to see our region and the world free from terrorism.&quot;

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The two countries want to see our neighbor Afghanistan safe and prosper. We want to see our neighbors free of terrorism: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/98bYhcSERn">pic.twitter.com/98bYhcSERn</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964787964470579200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There was no mention of financial assistance or providing weapons to help Afghanistan fight militants by either leader.

They did not name Pakistan but it has long been accused of supporting insurgents in Afghanistan.

India has been a key supporter of Kabul&#39;s government and has poured more than $2 billion into the country since the Taliban were toppled in 2001.

In 2016, India offered $1 billion in economic aid to strengthen various sectors in the war-torn nation including education, health and agriculture.

Modi said both countries wanted to increase economic cooperation, regional connectivity and improve energy security to reach landlocked Afghanistan and central Asia via the southern Iranian port of Chabahar.

The port, which was inaugurated in December, has been touted as a way for India to establish trade routes that bypass its rival Pakistan.

India has been a key purchaser of Iranian oil and gas, and maintained trade ties even as international sanctions were imposed on Tehran over its nuclear programme between 2012 and 2016.

However, local Indian media have reported frustrations over delays in awarding a contract to develop a major gas field known as Farzad B in the Gulf.

India&#39;s foreign ministry said Saturday that &quot;discussions continue&quot; on Farzad B.&nbsp;

The two leaders also signed agreements for avoidance of double taxation and the implementation of an extradition treaty from 2008.

As part of a lease contract, India will help Iran run a multi-purpose container terminal at Chabahar for 18 months.

India, Iran and Afghanistan signed a three-way transit agreement in 2016 to develop Chabahar port aiming to boost economic growth in the region.

 
&nbsp;

India has been a key supporter of Kabul's government and has poured more than $2 billion into the country since the Taliban were toppled in 2001

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani agreed on Saturday to step up efforts to bring stability to war-ravaged Afghanistan. Modi reiterated India`s commitment to help Afghanistan become "a peaceful, secure, permanent, prosperous and pluralistic country" after holding talks with Rouhani in New Delhi on the last day of his three-day visit. "Looking at our common interests, we are committed to stopping the expansion of such forces that promote international organised crime in terrorism, extremism, illegal drug trafficking, cyber-crime and various forms," Modi said "We want to see our region and the world free from terrorism." The two countries want to see our neighbor Afghanistan safe and prosper. We want to see our neighbors free of terrorism: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/98bYhcSERn — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2018 × There was no mention of financial assistance or providing weapons to help Afghanistan fight militants by either leader. They did not name Pakistan but it has long been accused of supporting insurgents in Afghanistan. India has been a key supporter of Kabul's government and has poured more than $2 billion into the country since the Taliban were toppled in 2001. In 2016, India offered $1 billion in economic aid to strengthen various sectors in the war-torn nation including education, health and agriculture. Modi said both countries wanted to increase economic cooperation, regional connectivity and improve energy security to reach landlocked Afghanistan and central Asia via the southern Iranian port of Chabahar. The port, which was inaugurated in December, has been touted as a way for India to establish trade routes that bypass its rival Pakistan. India has been a key purchaser of Iranian oil and gas, and maintained trade ties even as international sanctions were imposed on Tehran over its nuclear programme between 2012 and 2016. However, local Indian media have reported frustrations over delays in awarding a contract to develop a major gas field known as Farzad B in the Gulf. India's foreign ministry said Saturday that "discussions continue" on Farzad B. The two leaders also signed agreements for avoidance of double taxation and the implementation of an extradition treaty from 2008. As part of a lease contract, India will help Iran run a multi-purpose container terminal at Chabahar for 18 months. India, Iran and Afghanistan signed a three-way transit agreement in 2016 to develop Chabahar port aiming to boost economic growth in the region.

India, Iran agree to step up efforts to help Afghanistan

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday evening reached New Delhi after a two-day visit to southern city Hyderabad.

In Delhi, Rouhani will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi on Saturday. He will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind.

Both Iranian and Indian sides would review the progress achieved in bilateral relations and also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, The Iranian leader addressed the Muslim congregation at Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad, after performing the Friday prayers at the historic mosque.&nbsp;

Religious scholars from different schools of thoughts will also participate in the session.

This is the second time that President Rouhani is visiting Hyderabad, and the first visit after assuming charge as the President of Iran in 2013.

In Delhi, Rouhani will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday evening reached New Delhi after a two-day visit to southern city Hyderabad. In Delhi, Rouhani will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi on Saturday. He will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind. Both Iranian and Indian sides would review the progress achieved in bilateral relations and also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Earlier in the day, The Iranian leader addressed the Muslim congregation at Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad, after performing the Friday prayers at the historic mosque. Religious scholars from different schools of thoughts will also participate in the session. This is the second time that President Rouhani is visiting Hyderabad, and the first visit after assuming charge as the President of Iran in 2013.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reaches Delhi

Iran&#39;s President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday called for a &quot;year of unity&quot; after recent protests as Iran celebrated 39 years since the Islamic revolution.

Rouhani said conservative officials should not block candidates they dislike from future elections, and that there should be greater trust in the people, including the use of referenda on key issues.

&quot;I request that the 40th year of the revolution, the coming year, be the year of unity. I ask conservatives, reformists, moderates and all parties and all people to come and be together,&quot; he said in a speech before a huge crowd in Tehran.

Rouhani, a long-time regime insider who won power in 2013 and again in 2017 with the backing of reformists, has faced tough criticism from conservatives over his efforts to rebuild relations with the West and ease civil liberties.&nbsp;

He has tried to use protests that hit dozens of cities over the new year as a way to convince conservatives that they must follow his calls for reform.&nbsp;

&quot;We should trust the people. We must allow all inclinations to participate in elections,&quot; he said in an apparent swipe at the conservative-dominated Guardian Council, which regularly blocks hundreds of reformist candidates from standing in presidential and parliamentary votes.

&quot;Our revolution was victorious when we were all together,&quot; he said.

&quot;And today we must once again invite everyone to get on board the successful and victorious train of the revolution.

&quot;All Iranian races, all Iranian religions, Shiites and Sunnis, Muslims, Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians -- whoever believes in the constitution, that is our criteria. He is a revolutionary and he must be respected,&quot; Rouhani said.&nbsp;

He raised a controversial demand to use referenda, which are allowed under article 59 of the constitution that was passed after the 1979 revolution, but have not been used for decades.

&quot;If there are differences of opinions on a couple of issues... bring the ballot box and according to the article 59 of the constitution, whatever people say, act accordingly,&quot; said Rouhani.

His words immediately triggered support on social media, including tweets with the hashtag #referendum.

Rouhani did not specify which issues could be put in question, but his comments come amid growing debate over social freedoms including an imposed headscarf for women, which has triggered unprecedented protests by a small number of people in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Rouhani&#39;s office issued a study last month saying half of Tehranis did not support mandatory hijab, making it very difficult to enforce.

&quot;We should leave people alone and not interfere in their private sphere,&quot; said Rouhani.&nbsp;

He referred to an order from revolutionary founder Ruhollah Khomeini, which banned the authorities from intruding in people&#39;s private lives.

Rouhani said conservative officials should not block candidates they dislike from future elections, and that there should be greater trust in the people, including the use of referenda on key issues

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday called for a "year of unity" after recent protests as Iran celebrated 39 years since the Islamic revolution. Rouhani said conservative officials should not block candidates they dislike from future elections, and that there should be greater trust in the people, including the use of referenda on key issues. "I request that the 40th year of the revolution, the coming year, be the year of unity. I ask conservatives, reformists, moderates and all parties and all people to come and be together," he said in a speech before a huge crowd in Tehran. Rouhani, a long-time regime insider who won power in 2013 and again in 2017 with the backing of reformists, has faced tough criticism from conservatives over his efforts to rebuild relations with the West and ease civil liberties. He has tried to use protests that hit dozens of cities over the new year as a way to convince conservatives that they must follow his calls for reform. "We should trust the people. We must allow all inclinations to participate in elections," he said in an apparent swipe at the conservative-dominated Guardian Council, which regularly blocks hundreds of reformist candidates from standing in presidential and parliamentary votes. "Our revolution was victorious when we were all together," he said. "And today we must once again invite everyone to get on board the successful and victorious train of the revolution. "All Iranian races, all Iranian religions, Shiites and Sunnis, Muslims, Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians -- whoever believes in the constitution, that is our criteria. He is a revolutionary and he must be respected," Rouhani said. He raised a controversial demand to use referenda, which are allowed under article 59 of the constitution that was passed after the 1979 revolution, but have not been used for decades. "If there are differences of opinions on a couple of issues... bring the ballot box and according to the article 59 of the constitution, whatever people say, act accordingly," said Rouhani. His words immediately triggered support on social media, including tweets with the hashtag #referendum. Rouhani did not specify which issues could be put in question, but his comments come amid growing debate over social freedoms including an imposed headscarf for women, which has triggered unprecedented protests by a small number of people in recent weeks. Rouhani's office issued a study last month saying half of Tehranis did not support mandatory hijab, making it very difficult to enforce. "We should leave people alone and not interfere in their private sphere," said Rouhani. He referred to an order from revolutionary founder Ruhollah Khomeini, which banned the authorities from intruding in people's private lives.

Iran's Rouhani calls for 'year of unity' after protests

As violent protests continued to rock Iran, President Trump in an early morning tweet said the United States will give &quot;great support&quot; to Iran at an &quot;appropriate time&quot;.

The anti-government demonstrations which began on December 28th in Mashhad quickly spread to western Kermanshah and religious centre Qom.

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Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/948548807612084224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The protests spread to Tehran on December 31st in which 200 people were arrested. Iranian media and officials reported later 10 people had died during the protests overnight.

On January 1st, Rouhani played down the protests as &quot;nothing&quot; and insisted the Iranian people will &quot;respond to rioters and lawbreakers&quot;.

President Donald Trump hit back saying it is &quot;time for change&quot; in Iran and later denounced the Iranian regime as &quot;brutal and corrupt&quot;.

Keeping the pressure on Iran, US envoy Nikki Haley on Tuesday called for an emergency session on Iran at the UN Security Council.

Rouhani phoned his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to demand action against&nbsp;&quot;terrorist&quot; Iranian opposition group as the French president called for &quot;restraint and appeasement&quot;.

On January 1st, Rouhani played down the protests as "nothing" and insisted the Iranian people will "respond to rioters and lawbreakers".

As violent protests continued to rock Iran, President Trump in an early morning tweet said the United States will give "great support" to Iran at an "appropriate time". The anti-government demonstrations which began on December 28th in Mashhad quickly spread to western Kermanshah and religious centre Qom. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 × The protests spread to Tehran on December 31st in which 200 people were arrested. Iranian media and officials reported later 10 people had died during the protests overnight. On January 1st, Rouhani played down the protests as "nothing" and insisted the Iranian people will "respond to rioters and lawbreakers". President Donald Trump hit back saying it is "time for change" in Iran and later denounced the Iranian regime as "brutal and corrupt". Keeping the pressure on Iran, US envoy Nikki Haley on Tuesday called for an emergency session on Iran at the UN Security Council. Rouhani phoned his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to demand action against "terrorist" Iranian opposition group as the French president called for "restraint and appeasement".

People of Iran will get support from US at an appropriate time, tweets Trump

Fresh protests broke out as night fell in Iran Monday with reports of a policeman shot dead, as the authorities moved to crack down on days of unrest across the country.

There was a heavy police presence in Tehran as small groups of protesters ran through the city centre shouting anti-regime slogans, local agencies reported.

Some arrests were made before calm returned to the capital, reports said.

State television said one policeman had been killed and three others wounded by fire from hunting rifles in the city of Najafabad in central Iran.

The latest demonstrations came despite President Hassan Rouhani&#39;s vow that the nation would deal with &quot;rioters and lawbreakers&quot;.

Media cited Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran&#39;s Supreme National Security Council, as blaming the violence on social media.

&quot;Hashtags and messages about the situation in Iran come from the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia,&quot; he said.

&quot;What is happening on social networks concerning the situation in the country is a proxy war against the Iranian people.&quot;

US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised Tehran over four days of demonstrations, said it was &quot;time for a change&quot; and that Iran&#39;s people were &quot;hungry&quot; for freedom.

Iran&#39;s intelligence ministry released a statement saying &quot;rioters and instigators&quot; have been identified &quot;and will be dealt with seriously soon&quot;.

The Revolutionary Guards published photos of three wanted people and called on the public to report any &quot;seditionist elements&quot;.

The deadliest night yet was on Sunday, with state television reporting six people killed by gunfire in the western town of Tuyserkan, and a local lawmaker saying two people had been shot dead in the southwestern town of Izeh.

Two others, including a teenage boy, were run down and killed by a fire engine protesters stole in the western town of Dorud, the state broadcaster said.

The total death toll linked to the protests currently stands at 13.

Biggest test for regime 
Rouhani tried to play down the unrest, which began in second city Mashhad last Thursday and quickly spread across the country to become the biggest test for the regime since mass protests in 2009.

&quot;This is nothing,&quot; Rouhani said in a statement on the presidency website.

&quot;Our nation will deal with this minority who chant slogans against the law and people&#39;s wishes, and insult the sanctities and values of the revolution.&quot;

Pro-regime rallies were held across several towns and cities.&nbsp;

Reporting restrictions remained tight, but videos on social media showed seemingly widespread anti-government protests, with attacks on government buildings and a school for clergy in the northwestern town of Takestan on Sunday.

&#39;Scared of talking&#39; 
Tehran has seen relatively small protests, but many people sympathise with economic grievances driving the unrest.

&quot;Life is really difficult. The high prices really put me under pressure. My husband is a government worker but his salary is no way enough for us to make ends meet,&quot; said Farzaneh Mirzaie, 42, a mother of two.

&quot;Mr Rouhani says it&#39;s free for people to protest but we&#39;re scared of speaking. Even now, I&#39;m scared of talking to you,&quot; added Sarita Mohammadi, a 35-year-old teacher.

The authorities have confirmed more than 400 arrests since the outbreak of the unrest, of whom around 100 have been freed.&nbsp;

&quot;Those who have rightful demands must be guided in lawful ways and those who riot and commit sabotage and chaos and set fire to public property... must be confronted decisively,&quot; judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani told the state broadcaster.

&quot;The country must have discipline,&quot; he added.

Trump, a fierce critic of Tehran, used one of his first tweets of 2018 to again lash out.

&quot;The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years. They are hungry for food &amp; for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. TIME FOR CHANGE!&quot; he tweeted.

The European Union Monday pushed Iran to guarantee the right to protest and separately British foreign minister Boris Johnson said &quot;the UK is watching events in Iran closely&quot;.

&quot;We believe that there should be meaningful debate about the legitimate and important issues the protesters are raising and we look to the Iranian authorities to permit this,&quot; Johnson said in a statement.

Living costs, unemployment 
After initial silence, state media have shown some footage of demonstrations, focusing on young men attacking banks and vehicles, an attack on a town hall in Tehran and images of a man burning the Iranian flag.

Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to mend the economy and ease social tensions, but high living costs and a 12 percent unemployment rate have left many feeling that progress is too slow.

&quot;We have no problem bigger than unemployment. Our economy needs an operation. We must all stand together,&quot; Rouhani acknowledged on Monday.

In 2009, authorities ruthlessly put down protests which followed a disputed presidential election that gave hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second term. At least 36 people were killed in 2009, according to an official toll, while the opposition says 72 died.

There was a heavy police presence in Tehran as small groups of protesters ran through the city centre shouting anti-regime slogans, local agencies reported

Fresh protests broke out as night fell in Iran Monday with reports of a policeman shot dead, as the authorities moved to crack down on days of unrest across the country. There was a heavy police presence in Tehran as small groups of protesters ran through the city centre shouting anti-regime slogans, local agencies reported. Some arrests were made before calm returned to the capital, reports said. State television said one policeman had been killed and three others wounded by fire from hunting rifles in the city of Najafabad in central Iran. The latest demonstrations came despite President Hassan Rouhani's vow that the nation would deal with "rioters and lawbreakers". Media cited Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, as blaming the violence on social media. "Hashtags and messages about the situation in Iran come from the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia," he said. "What is happening on social networks concerning the situation in the country is a proxy war against the Iranian people." US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised Tehran over four days of demonstrations, said it was "time for a change" and that Iran's people were "hungry" for freedom. Iran's intelligence ministry released a statement saying "rioters and instigators" have been identified "and will be dealt with seriously soon". The Revolutionary Guards published photos of three wanted people and called on the public to report any "seditionist elements". The deadliest night yet was on Sunday, with state television reporting six people killed by gunfire in the western town of Tuyserkan, and a local lawmaker saying two people had been shot dead in the southwestern town of Izeh. Two others, including a teenage boy, were run down and killed by a fire engine protesters stole in the western town of Dorud, the state broadcaster said. The total death toll linked to the protests currently stands at 13. Biggest test for regime Rouhani tried to play down the unrest, which began in second city Mashhad last Thursday and quickly spread across the country to become the biggest test for the regime since mass protests in 2009. "This is nothing," Rouhani said in a statement on the presidency website. "Our nation will deal with this minority who chant slogans against the law and people's wishes, and insult the sanctities and values of the revolution." Pro-regime rallies were held across several towns and cities. Reporting restrictions remained tight, but videos on social media showed seemingly widespread anti-government protests, with attacks on government buildings and a school for clergy in the northwestern town of Takestan on Sunday. 'Scared of talking' Tehran has seen relatively small protests, but many people sympathise with economic grievances driving the unrest. "Life is really difficult. The high prices really put me under pressure. My husband is a government worker but his salary is no way enough for us to make ends meet," said Farzaneh Mirzaie, 42, a mother of two. "Mr Rouhani says it's free for people to protest but we're scared of speaking. Even now, I'm scared of talking to you," added Sarita Mohammadi, a 35-year-old teacher. The authorities have confirmed more than 400 arrests since the outbreak of the unrest, of whom around 100 have been freed. "Those who have rightful demands must be guided in lawful ways and those who riot and commit sabotage and chaos and set fire to public property... must be confronted decisively," judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani told the state broadcaster. "The country must have discipline," he added. Trump, a fierce critic of Tehran, used one of his first tweets of 2018 to again lash out. "The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years. They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. TIME FOR CHANGE!" he tweeted. The European Union Monday pushed Iran to guarantee the right to protest and separately British foreign minister Boris Johnson said "the UK is watching events in Iran closely". "We believe that there should be meaningful debate about the legitimate and important issues the protesters are raising and we look to the Iranian authorities to permit this," Johnson said in a statement. Living costs, unemployment After initial silence, state media have shown some footage of demonstrations, focusing on young men attacking banks and vehicles, an attack on a town hall in Tehran and images of a man burning the Iranian flag. Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to mend the economy and ease social tensions, but high living costs and a 12 percent unemployment rate have left many feeling that progress is too slow. "We have no problem bigger than unemployment. Our economy needs an operation. We must all stand together," Rouhani acknowledged on Monday. In 2009, authorities ruthlessly put down protests which followed a disputed presidential election that gave hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second term. At least 36 people were killed in 2009, according to an official toll, while the opposition says 72 died.

Fresh protests in Iran; policeman killed, 3 injured

Iran&#39;s President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday that government bodies must provide &quot;space for criticism&quot; as he sought to head off days of unrest, but also warned protesters that violence was unacceptable.

Hundreds of protesters marched through Tehran and other cities in a fourth day of demonstrations as authorities cut access to social media.

Rouhani finally broke his silence on the protests that mark the biggest test for the regime since mass protests in 2009.

They began as demonstrations against economic conditions in second city Mashhad on Thursday, but quickly turned against the Islamic regime as a whole with thousands marching in towns across Iran amid chants of &quot;Death to the dictator&quot;.

&quot;The people are absolutely free in expressing their criticisms and even protests,&quot; Rouhani said at a cabinet meeting, according to the state broadcaster.

&quot;But criticism is different to violence and destroying public property.&quot;

He sought a conciliatory tone, saying that government bodies &quot;should provide space for legal criticism and protest&quot; and calling for greater transparency and a more balanced media.

US President Donald Trump said the &quot;big protests&quot; showed people &quot;were getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism&quot;.

&quot;Looks like they will not take it any longer,&quot; he wrote on Twitter.

In a later tweet, Trump accused Iran of &quot;numerous violations of Human Rights,&quot; and commented on the disruption to social media, saying it &quot;has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!&quot;

Rouhani dismissed Trump&#39;s comments.&nbsp;

&quot;This man who today in America wants to sympathise with our people has forgotten that a few months ago he called the nation of Iran terrorist.&quot;

&quot;This person whose whole being is against the nation of Iran has no right to feel pity for the people of Iran.&quot;

200 arrests in Tehran

Two hundred people were reported to have been arrested in Saturday night&#39;s unrest in Tehran, and officials confirmed two people had been killed in the small western town of Dorud.&nbsp;

In an apparent attempt to stave off more unrest, the authorities began blocking access to photo sharing and online messaging services on mobile phones, including Telegram, which the government accused of being used to foment violence, local media and Telegram&#39;s CEO said.

Conservative news agency Fars said Tehran shops had closed on Sunday &quot;for fear of damage to their shops by rioters.&quot;

After initial silence, state media has shown footage of unrest, focusing on young men violently targeting banks and vehicles, an attack on a town hall in Tehran, and images of a man burning the Iranian flag.

&quot;Those who damage public property, disrupt order and break the law must be responsible for their behaviour and pay the price,&quot; Interior Minister Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli said on state television.

&quot;The spreading of violence, fear and terror will definitely be confronted,&quot; he added.

There have been reminders of the continued support for the regime among conservative sections of society, with pro-regime students holding another day of demonstrations at the University of Tehran.

They had outnumbered protesters at the university on Saturday.

Dozens arrested

Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to mend the economy and ease social tensions, but anger over high living costs and a 12-percent unemployment rate have left many feeling that progress is too slow.&nbsp;

Unemployment is particularly high among young people, who are generally considered less deferential to authority.

&quot;Rouhani has run an austerity budget since 2013 with the idea that it&#39;s a tough but necessary pill to swallow to manage inflation and currency problems and try to improve Iran&#39;s attractiveness for investment,&quot; said Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, founder of the Europe-Iran Forum.&nbsp;

&quot;But choosing years of austerity immediately after a very tough period of sanctions is bound to test people&#39;s patience,&quot; he told AFP.

The total number of arrests from the protests around the country remained unclear.

An official in Arak, around 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Tehran, said 80 people had been detained there overnight.

Police have so far taken a relatively soft approach to the unrest. They deny shooting the two men killed in Dorud, and information has been hard to obtain amid a near-total media blackout.

The authorities have blamed external forces for fomenting violence, saying the majority of social media reports were emanating from regional rival Saudi Arabia or exile groups based in Europe.

Since the ruthless repression of the 2009 protests against a disputed presidential election that gave hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second term, many middle-class Iranians have abandoned hope of securing change from the streets.

But low-level strikes and demonstrations have continued, with groups such as bus drivers, teachers and factory workers regularly protesting against unpaid wages and poor conditions.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday warned protesters that violence was unacceptable

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday that government bodies must provide "space for criticism" as he sought to head off days of unrest, but also warned protesters that violence was unacceptable. Hundreds of protesters marched through Tehran and other cities in a fourth day of demonstrations as authorities cut access to social media. Rouhani finally broke his silence on the protests that mark the biggest test for the regime since mass protests in 2009. They began as demonstrations against economic conditions in second city Mashhad on Thursday, but quickly turned against the Islamic regime as a whole with thousands marching in towns across Iran amid chants of "Death to the dictator". "The people are absolutely free in expressing their criticisms and even protests," Rouhani said at a cabinet meeting, according to the state broadcaster. "But criticism is different to violence and destroying public property." He sought a conciliatory tone, saying that government bodies "should provide space for legal criticism and protest" and calling for greater transparency and a more balanced media. US President Donald Trump said the "big protests" showed people "were getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism". "Looks like they will not take it any longer," he wrote on Twitter. In a later tweet, Trump accused Iran of "numerous violations of Human Rights," and commented on the disruption to social media, saying it "has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!" Rouhani dismissed Trump's comments. "This man who today in America wants to sympathise with our people has forgotten that a few months ago he called the nation of Iran terrorist." "This person whose whole being is against the nation of Iran has no right to feel pity for the people of Iran." 200 arrests in Tehran Two hundred people were reported to have been arrested in Saturday night's unrest in Tehran, and officials confirmed two people had been killed in the small western town of Dorud. In an apparent attempt to stave off more unrest, the authorities began blocking access to photo sharing and online messaging services on mobile phones, including Telegram, which the government accused of being used to foment violence, local media and Telegram's CEO said. Conservative news agency Fars said Tehran shops had closed on Sunday "for fear of damage to their shops by rioters." After initial silence, state media has shown footage of unrest, focusing on young men violently targeting banks and vehicles, an attack on a town hall in Tehran, and images of a man burning the Iranian flag. "Those who damage public property, disrupt order and break the law must be responsible for their behaviour and pay the price," Interior Minister Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli said on state television. "The spreading of violence, fear and terror will definitely be confronted," he added. There have been reminders of the continued support for the regime among conservative sections of society, with pro-regime students holding another day of demonstrations at the University of Tehran. They had outnumbered protesters at the university on Saturday. Dozens arrested Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to mend the economy and ease social tensions, but anger over high living costs and a 12-percent unemployment rate have left many feeling that progress is too slow. Unemployment is particularly high among young people, who are generally considered less deferential to authority. "Rouhani has run an austerity budget since 2013 with the idea that it's a tough but necessary pill to swallow to manage inflation and currency problems and try to improve Iran's attractiveness for investment," said Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, founder of the Europe-Iran Forum. "But choosing years of austerity immediately after a very tough period of sanctions is bound to test people's patience," he told AFP. The total number of arrests from the protests around the country remained unclear. An official in Arak, around 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Tehran, said 80 people had been detained there overnight. Police have so far taken a relatively soft approach to the unrest. They deny shooting the two men killed in Dorud, and information has been hard to obtain amid a near-total media blackout. The authorities have blamed external forces for fomenting violence, saying the majority of social media reports were emanating from regional rival Saudi Arabia or exile groups based in Europe. Since the ruthless repression of the 2009 protests against a disputed presidential election that gave hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second term, many middle-class Iranians have abandoned hope of securing change from the streets. But low-level strikes and demonstrations have continued, with groups such as bus drivers, teachers and factory workers regularly protesting against unpaid wages and poor conditions.

Iran's Rouhani rejects violence but vows 'space for criticism'

Iran&#39;s President Hassan Rouhani warned the US against tearing up the nuclear deal as he was inaugurated for a second term Saturday, but he also faces challenges closer to home amid accusations he is rolling over to conservatives.

Rouhani met with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini before the ceremony and called for greater efforts to safeguard the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers in the face of new US sanctions.

&quot;Iran will not be the first to violate the nuclear deal...but nor will it stay silent when the United States fails to respect its commitments,&quot; he told the packed parliament hall.

&quot;Iran has proved that it will respond to respect with respect, and to sanctions and threats with an appropriate response and with resistance,&quot; he added.

Some of Iran&#39;s older friends, including Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, also attended the ceremony which came two days after Rouhani was officially sworn in by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The emir of Qatar, which has fallen out with its Gulf allies in part over ties to Iran, was notably absent, despite attending Rouhani&#39;s last inauguration in 2013.

Reformist criticism 
 
But among Iranians, the real attention was on who would be named to Rouhani&#39;s new cabinet.

He has already been barraged with criticism over indications that women would again be entirely absent and that his reformist allies would barely be represented.

Rouhani&#39;s last government had three women among a large cohort of vice presidents, but they lacked ministerial roles that would require approval by parliament.

&quot;It was the reformists that allowed him to win the elections in 2013 and 2017... he must listen to those who supported him,&quot; Rassoul Montajabnia of the reformist National Confidence party told the Arman newspaper.

Rouhani won a convincing victory over hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi in the May presidential election, vowing to continue rebuilding ties with the West and easing social restrictions at home.

That helped win over the reformists - whose candidates dropped out of the last two elections to ensure his victory.

&quot;Rouhani created a lot of expectation and now there is a sense that he is retreating from his promises,&quot; said Ali Shakourirad, head of the reformist People&#39;s Unity Party.

The absence of women was down to pressure from religious conservatives behind the scenes, Shakourirad said.

&quot;Rouhani didn&#39;t want to make his task any more complicated than it already is,&quot; he told AFP.

The final line-up is due to be announced in coming days, and must then be approved by parliament.

Backroom bargaining 
 
Despite the furore, the reshuffle is not expected to touch big names such as Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Oil Minister Bijan Namadar Zanganeh.

&quot;The main ministers are very likely to stay in place,&quot; said Henry Smith, Iran analyst with consultancy Control Risks.

&quot;Rouhani will have a fairly smooth time getting parliament to approve his appointees. He&#39;s been doing back and forth consultations with the necessary power centres - the parliament speaker, supreme leader, the Revolutionary Guards -- and I don&#39;t think you&#39;ll see a significant change in economic or indeed social policy,&quot; he added.

Despite his efforts to build backroom consensus, hardliners have given Rouhani a rough ride since his election, perhaps worried at the growing strength of the reformists.

The arrest of his brother on corruption charges was interpreted by some as a shot across the bow by the hardline judiciary.

Rouhani also triggered a war of words with the Revolutionary Guards after criticising their outsized role in the economy, although analysts say this is part of a cautious realignment of Iran&#39;s policies to balance its security priorities with the need to attract investment.

&quot;Rouhani has no interest in pushing the Revolutionary Guards totally out of the economy. It&#39;s about creating enough space so Iran can get the foreign investment and technology it needs,&quot; said Smith.

Investment has belatedly started to arrive in the wake of the 2015 nuclear deal that eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran&#39;s nuclear programme, notably through last month&#39;s billion-dollar gas deal with France&#39;s Total and China&#39;s CNPC.

Billions more are needed to jump-start the stagnant economy and tackle a jobless rate of 12.7 percent.

But with Washington imposing yet more sanctions this week, Iran&#39;s re-engagement with the world remains largely stalled.

&quot;The problem is Iran feels the need to react to these moves by the US, which just give the US fuel,&quot; said Smith.

Mogherini held a meeting ahead of the inauguration with Zarif, who criticised European governments for their support of US calls for UN action in response to an Iranian satellite launch on July 27.

&quot;This is the wrong path,&quot; Zarif said.

Rouhani warned that while Iran would not be the first to violate the nuclear deal, it would not 'stay silent' if the US failed to respect its commitments

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani warned the US against tearing up the nuclear deal as he was inaugurated for a second term Saturday, but he also faces challenges closer to home amid accusations he is rolling over to conservatives. Rouhani met with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini before the ceremony and called for greater efforts to safeguard the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers in the face of new US sanctions. "Iran will not be the first to violate the nuclear deal...but nor will it stay silent when the United States fails to respect its commitments," he told the packed parliament hall. "Iran has proved that it will respond to respect with respect, and to sanctions and threats with an appropriate response and with resistance," he added. Some of Iran's older friends, including Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, also attended the ceremony which came two days after Rouhani was officially sworn in by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The emir of Qatar, which has fallen out with its Gulf allies in part over ties to Iran, was notably absent, despite attending Rouhani's last inauguration in 2013. Reformist criticism But among Iranians, the real attention was on who would be named to Rouhani's new cabinet. He has already been barraged with criticism over indications that women would again be entirely absent and that his reformist allies would barely be represented. Rouhani's last government had three women among a large cohort of vice presidents, but they lacked ministerial roles that would require approval by parliament. "It was the reformists that allowed him to win the elections in 2013 and 2017... he must listen to those who supported him," Rassoul Montajabnia of the reformist National Confidence party told the Arman newspaper. Rouhani won a convincing victory over hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi in the May presidential election, vowing to continue rebuilding ties with the West and easing social restrictions at home. That helped win over the reformists - whose candidates dropped out of the last two elections to ensure his victory. "Rouhani created a lot of expectation and now there is a sense that he is retreating from his promises," said Ali Shakourirad, head of the reformist People's Unity Party. The absence of women was down to pressure from religious conservatives behind the scenes, Shakourirad said. "Rouhani didn't want to make his task any more complicated than it already is," he told AFP. The final line-up is due to be announced in coming days, and must then be approved by parliament. Backroom bargaining Despite the furore, the reshuffle is not expected to touch big names such as Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Oil Minister Bijan Namadar Zanganeh. "The main ministers are very likely to stay in place," said Henry Smith, Iran analyst with consultancy Control Risks. "Rouhani will have a fairly smooth time getting parliament to approve his appointees. He's been doing back and forth consultations with the necessary power centres - the parliament speaker, supreme leader, the Revolutionary Guards -- and I don't think you'll see a significant change in economic or indeed social policy," he added. Despite his efforts to build backroom consensus, hardliners have given Rouhani a rough ride since his election, perhaps worried at the growing strength of the reformists. The arrest of his brother on corruption charges was interpreted by some as a shot across the bow by the hardline judiciary. Rouhani also triggered a war of words with the Revolutionary Guards after criticising their outsized role in the economy, although analysts say this is part of a cautious realignment of Iran's policies to balance its security priorities with the need to attract investment. "Rouhani has no interest in pushing the Revolutionary Guards totally out of the economy. It's about creating enough space so Iran can get the foreign investment and technology it needs," said Smith. Investment has belatedly started to arrive in the wake of the 2015 nuclear deal that eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme, notably through last month's billion-dollar gas deal with France's Total and China's CNPC. Billions more are needed to jump-start the stagnant economy and tackle a jobless rate of 12.7 percent. But with Washington imposing yet more sanctions this week, Iran's re-engagement with the world remains largely stalled. "The problem is Iran feels the need to react to these moves by the US, which just give the US fuel," said Smith. Mogherini held a meeting ahead of the inauguration with Zarif, who criticised European governments for their support of US calls for UN action in response to an Iranian satellite launch on July 27. "This is the wrong path," Zarif said.

Rouhani sworn in as Iran President, warns US over violating nuclear deal

After his re-election triumph, President Hassan Rouhani must now grapple with a fiercely hostile United States and hardliners at home as he struggles to build a more moderate and connected Iran.

Iran&#39;s entrenched conservative establishment -- particularly in the judiciary and elite Revolutionary Guards -- remain deeply suspicious of Rouhani&#39;s talk of civil liberties and building ties with the West.

&quot;The non-elected institutions will try to prevent Rouhani from applying his reform agenda,&quot; said Clement Therme, Iran analyst for the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

&quot;So he will focus on the economic side. If the daily lives of the population improve, he will be in a stronger position to push for structural reforms on civil rights.&quot;

Fixing the economy will not be easy. Despite a nuclear deal with world powers, Washington still maintains a raft of sanctions that are scaring off global banks and foreign investors.

US President Donald Trump has gone further, threatening to tear up the nuclear deal and visiting Iran&#39;s bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia this weekend, where he signed a $110 billion arms deal described as targeting &quot;malign Iranian influence&quot; in the region.

Nonetheless, European and Asian governments are determined to keep the nuclear deal alive and take full advantage of the lucrative investment opportunities in Iran.

They are cheered by Rouhani&#39;s victory over hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, who had threatened a tougher, more insular approach to foreign relations.

&quot;A lot of investors I hadn&#39;t heard from for three months were suddenly phoning me this morning. Some are already booking their tickets,&quot; said Farid Dehdilani, international adviser for the Iranian Privatisation Organisation after results were announced on Saturday.

&quot;Dr Rouhani will more aggressively pursue his economic agenda -- investing in factories, production and absorbing foreign capital. I think he&#39;ll make his cabinet younger and more agile,&quot; he said.

&#39;A smarter politician&#39;&nbsp;

Challenging the security forces, which control large swathes of the economy and need Iran&#39;s resources as a source of patronage, will be tough.

And Rouhani notably failed to win the release of jailed opposition leaders or prevent the arrest of several dual nationals by intelligence services outside his control.

Many fear his second term could mirror that of reformist president Mohammad Khatami in the early 2000s, when every attempt at reform was frustrated by the hardline establishment.

But Rouhani, a long-time regime insider, may be better placed than his predecessors, said politics professor Foad Izadi, of Tehran University.

&quot;Rouhani has shown himself to be a smarter politician than Khatami was,&quot; said Izadi.

&quot;He&#39;s been part of the system long enough to know how to navigate it. Khatami was more ideological which reduced his ability to get things done.&quot;

Crucially, Rouhani&#39;s technocratic approach has allowed him to co-opt key conservatives such as parliament speaker Ali Larijani.

&quot;The alliance with Larijani has been very helpful to Rouhani in getting his ministers and policies approved. That will continue to be crucial in his second term,&quot; said Izadi.

Next supreme leader?&nbsp;

The big long-term question is whether Rouhani can influence the rise of the next supreme leader after the death of the ageing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Raisi, touted as a possible successor, is now out of the running, said Izadi.

&quot;Maybe he will come back in four years, but with this type of showing we can rest assured that Raisi will not be the next supreme leader. The leader must show popular support.&quot;

But with hardliners firmly in control of the Assembly of Experts that will choose the next leader, Rouhani and his allies have little influence over the succession.

Nonetheless, this weekend&#39;s election has given a clear indication that Iran&#39;s youthful population supports his vision for the country&#39;s future.

&quot;Iranian people no longer believe in economic populism and radical change,&quot; said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group.

&quot;They have the maturity to understand that the solution to their country&#39;s predicaments are in competent management of the economy and moderation in international relations.&quot;

(AFP)

The Iranian non-elected establishment is keenly distrubed by Hassan Rouhani's talk of expanding civil liberties and building bridges with the West

After his re-election triumph, President Hassan Rouhani must now grapple with a fiercely hostile United States and hardliners at home as he struggles to build a more moderate and connected Iran. Iran's entrenched conservative establishment -- particularly in the judiciary and elite Revolutionary Guards -- remain deeply suspicious of Rouhani's talk of civil liberties and building ties with the West. "The non-elected institutions will try to prevent Rouhani from applying his reform agenda," said Clement Therme, Iran analyst for the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "So he will focus on the economic side. If the daily lives of the population improve, he will be in a stronger position to push for structural reforms on civil rights." Fixing the economy will not be easy. Despite a nuclear deal with world powers, Washington still maintains a raft of sanctions that are scaring off global banks and foreign investors. US President Donald Trump has gone further, threatening to tear up the nuclear deal and visiting Iran's bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia this weekend, where he signed a $110 billion arms deal described as targeting "malign Iranian influence" in the region. Nonetheless, European and Asian governments are determined to keep the nuclear deal alive and take full advantage of the lucrative investment opportunities in Iran. They are cheered by Rouhani's victory over hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, who had threatened a tougher, more insular approach to foreign relations. "A lot of investors I hadn't heard from for three months were suddenly phoning me this morning. Some are already booking their tickets," said Farid Dehdilani, international adviser for the Iranian Privatisation Organisation after results were announced on Saturday. "Dr Rouhani will more aggressively pursue his economic agenda -- investing in factories, production and absorbing foreign capital. I think he'll make his cabinet younger and more agile," he said. 'A smarter politician' Challenging the security forces, which control large swathes of the economy and need Iran's resources as a source of patronage, will be tough. And Rouhani notably failed to win the release of jailed opposition leaders or prevent the arrest of several dual nationals by intelligence services outside his control. Many fear his second term could mirror that of reformist president Mohammad Khatami in the early 2000s, when every attempt at reform was frustrated by the hardline establishment. But Rouhani, a long-time regime insider, may be better placed than his predecessors, said politics professor Foad Izadi, of Tehran University. "Rouhani has shown himself to be a smarter politician than Khatami was," said Izadi. "He's been part of the system long enough to know how to navigate it. Khatami was more ideological which reduced his ability to get things done." Crucially, Rouhani's technocratic approach has allowed him to co-opt key conservatives such as parliament speaker Ali Larijani. "The alliance with Larijani has been very helpful to Rouhani in getting his ministers and policies approved. That will continue to be crucial in his second term," said Izadi. Next supreme leader? The big long-term question is whether Rouhani can influence the rise of the next supreme leader after the death of the ageing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Raisi, touted as a possible successor, is now out of the running, said Izadi. "Maybe he will come back in four years, but with this type of showing we can rest assured that Raisi will not be the next supreme leader. The leader must show popular support." But with hardliners firmly in control of the Assembly of Experts that will choose the next leader, Rouhani and his allies have little influence over the succession. Nonetheless, this weekend's election has given a clear indication that Iran's youthful population supports his vision for the country's future. "Iranian people no longer believe in economic populism and radical change," said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. "They have the maturity to understand that the solution to their country's predicaments are in competent management of the economy and moderation in international relations." (AFP)

President Rouhani's next challenge? Battling hawks in Iran and US

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won a resounding re-election victory on Saturday as voters backed his efforts to rebuild foreign ties and kickstart the struggling economy.

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli confirmed the result on state television, saying Rouhani had won 23.5 million votes -- 57 percent -- compared to 15.8 million -- 38.3 percent -- for hardline challenger Ebrahim Raisi.

It followed a huge 73 percent turnout on Friday which forced authorities to extend polling by several hours.&nbsp;

&quot;I congratulate the great victory of the Iranian nation in creating a huge and memorable epic in the continuation of the path of &#39;wisdom and hope&#39;,&quot; tweeted Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, referring to the government&#39;s slogan.

Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric who spearheaded a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, framed the election as a choice between greater civil liberties and &quot;extremism&quot;.&nbsp;

Hardline cleric Raisi, 56, had positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West.

But his revolutionary rhetoric and efforts to win over working class voters with promises of increased handouts gained limited traction.&nbsp;

&quot;Rouhani&#39;s vote, particularly in rural areas, shows that Iranian people no longer believe in economic populism and radical change,&quot; said Ali Vaez, Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group, a think tank.&nbsp;

&quot;They have the maturity to understand that the solution to their country&#39;s predicaments are in competent management of the economy and moderation in international relations,&quot; Vaez told AFP.

Rouhani&#39;s central first-term achievement was a deal with six powers led by the United States that eased crippling economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran&#39;s nuclear programme.

He gained a reprieve this week when Washington agreed to continue waiving nuclear-related sanctions, keeping the deal on track for now.

But the election comes at a tense moment in relations with the United States, with President Donald Trump still threatening to abandon the accord and visiting Iran&#39;s bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia this weekend.

&#39;Voting to keep that&#39;&nbsp;

Although Rouhani has been deeply entrenched in Iran&#39;s security establishment since the early days of the revolution, he has emerged as the standard-bearer for reformists after their movement was decimated in the wake of mass protests in 2009.&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;ve entered this election to tell those practising violence and extremism that your era is over,&quot; he said during the campaign.

At recent rallies, his supporters chanted the names of reformist leaders under house arrest since 2011 for their part in the protests.

International affairs researcher Foad Izadi, of Tehran University, said Rouhani may now have the leverage to push for more freedoms, despite opposition from the conservative-dominated judiciary and security services.&nbsp;

&quot;A number of years have passed (since the 2009 protests) and the country is demonstrating a high level of stability -- this gives the system confidence, which means more room for change,&quot; Izadi said.

But the economy remains the number one challenge.&nbsp;

Although Rouhani brought inflation down from around 40 percent when he took office in 2013, prices are still rising at nine percent a year.

Oil sales have rebounded since the nuclear deal took effect in January last year, but growth in the rest of the economy has been limited, leaving unemployment at 12.5 percent overall, and at almost 30 percent among young people.

&quot;We are still not pleased with the situation, but in the four years of Rouhani there has been a relative improvement and I&#39;m voting to keep that,&quot; said Alireza Nikpour, a 40-year-old photographer in Tehran, as he queued to cast his ballot on Friday.

Last month, the Guardian Council&nbsp;excluded all but six candidates for the election but still left a stark choice between moderate-reformists and hardliners.&nbsp;

Two dropped out to back Raisi and Rouhani, respectively, while the remaining candidates -- reformist Mostafa Hashemitaba and conservative Mostafa Mirsalim -- won only a marginal percentage of the votes.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Hassan Rouhani has won the re-election with a resounding 57 per cent of the vote

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won a resounding re-election victory on Saturday as voters backed his efforts to rebuild foreign ties and kickstart the struggling economy. Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli confirmed the result on state television, saying Rouhani had won 23.5 million votes -- 57 percent -- compared to 15.8 million -- 38.3 percent -- for hardline challenger Ebrahim Raisi. It followed a huge 73 percent turnout on Friday which forced authorities to extend polling by several hours. "I congratulate the great victory of the Iranian nation in creating a huge and memorable epic in the continuation of the path of 'wisdom and hope'," tweeted Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, referring to the government's slogan. Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric who spearheaded a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, framed the election as a choice between greater civil liberties and "extremism". Hardline cleric Raisi, 56, had positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West. But his revolutionary rhetoric and efforts to win over working class voters with promises of increased handouts gained limited traction. "Rouhani's vote, particularly in rural areas, shows that Iranian people no longer believe in economic populism and radical change," said Ali Vaez, Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group, a think tank. "They have the maturity to understand that the solution to their country's predicaments are in competent management of the economy and moderation in international relations," Vaez told AFP. Rouhani's central first-term achievement was a deal with six powers led by the United States that eased crippling economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. He gained a reprieve this week when Washington agreed to continue waiving nuclear-related sanctions, keeping the deal on track for now. But the election comes at a tense moment in relations with the United States, with President Donald Trump still threatening to abandon the accord and visiting Iran's bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia this weekend. 'Voting to keep that' Although Rouhani has been deeply entrenched in Iran's security establishment since the early days of the revolution, he has emerged as the standard-bearer for reformists after their movement was decimated in the wake of mass protests in 2009. "We've entered this election to tell those practising violence and extremism that your era is over," he said during the campaign. At recent rallies, his supporters chanted the names of reformist leaders under house arrest since 2011 for their part in the protests. International affairs researcher Foad Izadi, of Tehran University, said Rouhani may now have the leverage to push for more freedoms, despite opposition from the conservative-dominated judiciary and security services. "A number of years have passed (since the 2009 protests) and the country is demonstrating a high level of stability -- this gives the system confidence, which means more room for change," Izadi said. But the economy remains the number one challenge. Although Rouhani brought inflation down from around 40 percent when he took office in 2013, prices are still rising at nine percent a year. Oil sales have rebounded since the nuclear deal took effect in January last year, but growth in the rest of the economy has been limited, leaving unemployment at 12.5 percent overall, and at almost 30 percent among young people. "We are still not pleased with the situation, but in the four years of Rouhani there has been a relative improvement and I'm voting to keep that," said Alireza Nikpour, a 40-year-old photographer in Tehran, as he queued to cast his ballot on Friday. Last month, the Guardian Council excluded all but six candidates for the election but still left a stark choice between moderate-reformists and hardliners. Two dropped out to back Raisi and Rouhani, respectively, while the remaining candidates -- reformist Mostafa Hashemitaba and conservative Mostafa Mirsalim -- won only a marginal percentage of the votes. (AFP)

Moderate Rouhani wins Iran's presidential election

President Hassan Rouhani was leading in Iran&#39;s election with more than half of votes counted on Saturday, the head of the election committee announced.&nbsp;

Out of 25.9 million votes counted, Rouhani had 14.6 million and his hardline challenger Ebrahim Raisi 10.1 million, said Ali Asghar Ahmadi on state television.

A huge turnout on Friday -- estimated at more than 40 million out of 56 million registered voters -- led to the vote being extended by several hours to deal with long queues.&nbsp;

Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric who spearheaded a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, has framed the vote as a choice between greater civil liberties and &quot;extremism&quot;.&nbsp;

But he has faced stiff competition from hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi, 56, who positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Out of 25.9 million votes counted, Rouhani had 14.6 million and his hardline challenger Ebrahim Raisi 10.1 million

President Hassan Rouhani was leading in Iran's election with more than half of votes counted on Saturday, the head of the election committee announced. Out of 25.9 million votes counted, Rouhani had 14.6 million and his hardline challenger Ebrahim Raisi 10.1 million, said Ali Asghar Ahmadi on state television. A huge turnout on Friday -- estimated at more than 40 million out of 56 million registered voters -- led to the vote being extended by several hours to deal with long queues. Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric who spearheaded a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, has framed the vote as a choice between greater civil liberties and "extremism". But he has faced stiff competition from hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi, 56, who positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West. (AFP)

Iran President Rouhani leading in election: Election official

Iran has chosen the &quot;path of engagement with the world&quot; and rejected extremism, President Hassan Rouhani said following his resounding re-election victory on Saturday.

Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric who spearheaded a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, said voters had shunned those who wanted to turn the country back to the past.

&quot;The Iranian people want to live in peace and friendship with the rest of the world, but will not accept any threat or humiliation,&quot; he said on state television.

With 57 per cent of the vote, Rouhani scored a convincing victory over hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi on 38.3 per cent.

But he faces a stark challenge from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to tear up the nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions.

Rouhani made an apparent dig at regional rival Saudi Arabia, which is currently hosting Trump, saying: &quot;Our people have declared to neighbouring countries and the whole region that the path to ensuring security is the reinforcement of democracy and not relying on foreign powers.&quot;

There were jubilant scenes in the capital Tehran, with hundreds of young people singing and dancing in the central Vali Asr Square, in spite of police efforts to move them along.

Iranians flocked to the polls on Friday, with the turnout reaching 73 percent and forcing election officials to extend voting by several hours.

Raisi, 56, had cast himself as a defender of the poor and called for a tougher line with the West, but his revolutionary rhetoric and promise of increased handouts gained limited traction.

The result &quot;shows that Iranian people no longer believe in economic populism and radical change,&quot; said Ali Vaez, Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank.&nbsp;

&quot;They have the maturity to understand that the solution to their country&#39;s predicaments are in competent management of the economy and moderation in international relations,&quot; Vaez told AFP.

Putin, Assad congratulate&nbsp;

Russia, which fights alongside Iran in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was among the first to congratulate Rouhani.

President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram confirming &quot;his readiness to continue active joint work... in line with maintaining stability and security in the Middle East and the world as a whole&quot;, the Kremlin said.

Assad also congratulated Rouhani for earning &quot;the trust the Iranian people gave him to continue bolstering Iran&#39;s position&quot;.

But European and Asian officials have also welcomed Rouhani&#39;s re-election as they pursue lucrative investments in the wake of the nuclear deal, that lifted global sanctions in exchange for curbs to Iran&#39;s atomic programme.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini tweeted her vow to work for greater &quot;engagement, regional peace... (and the) expectations of people in Iran&quot;.

&quot;A lot of investors I hadn&#39;t heard from for three months were suddenly phoning me this morning. Some are already in the process of booking their tickets,&quot; said Farid Dehdilani, international adviser for the Iranian Privatisation Organisation.

&#39;Era of extremism over&#39;&nbsp;

Rouhani put civil liberties at the heart of his campaign, and pointedly thanked reformist former president Mohammed Khatami, who has been banned from appearing in the media since supporting mass protests in 2009, in his acceptance speech.

He pushed boundaries over the past fortnight with his veiled criticism of the conservative-dominated judiciary and security services, telling supporters: &quot;We&#39;ve entered this election to tell those practising violence and extremism that your era is over.&quot;

But the economy remains Rouhani&#39;s top priority.

&quot;Dr Rouhani will more aggressively pursue his economic agenda -- investing in factories, production and absorbing foreign capital,&quot; said Dehdilani.&nbsp;

&quot;I think he&#39;ll make the cabinet younger and more agile.&quot;

Although Rouhani brought inflation down from around 40 percent when he took office in 2013, prices are still rising at nine percent a year.

Oil sales have rebounded since the nuclear deal took effect in January last year, but growth in the rest of the economy has been limited, leaving unemployment at 12.5 percent overall, and at almost 30 percent among young people.

&quot;Not everyone who voted for Rouhani thought his record was excellent, but the majority decided his competitor would be even worse,&quot; said Tehran University political researcher Foad Izadi.

(AFP)

An election framed as moderates versus extremism, Hassan Rouhani's win underlines the country's desire to eschew isolation

Iran has chosen the "path of engagement with the world" and rejected extremism, President Hassan Rouhani said following his resounding re-election victory on Saturday. Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric who spearheaded a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, said voters had shunned those who wanted to turn the country back to the past. "The Iranian people want to live in peace and friendship with the rest of the world, but will not accept any threat or humiliation," he said on state television. With 57 per cent of the vote, Rouhani scored a convincing victory over hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi on 38.3 per cent. But he faces a stark challenge from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to tear up the nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions. Rouhani made an apparent dig at regional rival Saudi Arabia, which is currently hosting Trump, saying: "Our people have declared to neighbouring countries and the whole region that the path to ensuring security is the reinforcement of democracy and not relying on foreign powers." There were jubilant scenes in the capital Tehran, with hundreds of young people singing and dancing in the central Vali Asr Square, in spite of police efforts to move them along. Iranians flocked to the polls on Friday, with the turnout reaching 73 percent and forcing election officials to extend voting by several hours. Raisi, 56, had cast himself as a defender of the poor and called for a tougher line with the West, but his revolutionary rhetoric and promise of increased handouts gained limited traction. The result "shows that Iranian people no longer believe in economic populism and radical change," said Ali Vaez, Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank. "They have the maturity to understand that the solution to their country's predicaments are in competent management of the economy and moderation in international relations," Vaez told AFP. Putin, Assad congratulate Russia, which fights alongside Iran in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was among the first to congratulate Rouhani. President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram confirming "his readiness to continue active joint work... in line with maintaining stability and security in the Middle East and the world as a whole", the Kremlin said. Assad also congratulated Rouhani for earning "the trust the Iranian people gave him to continue bolstering Iran's position". But European and Asian officials have also welcomed Rouhani's re-election as they pursue lucrative investments in the wake of the nuclear deal, that lifted global sanctions in exchange for curbs to Iran's atomic programme. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini tweeted her vow to work for greater "engagement, regional peace... (and the) expectations of people in Iran". "A lot of investors I hadn't heard from for three months were suddenly phoning me this morning. Some are already in the process of booking their tickets," said Farid Dehdilani, international adviser for the Iranian Privatisation Organisation. 'Era of extremism over' Rouhani put civil liberties at the heart of his campaign, and pointedly thanked reformist former president Mohammed Khatami, who has been banned from appearing in the media since supporting mass protests in 2009, in his acceptance speech. He pushed boundaries over the past fortnight with his veiled criticism of the conservative-dominated judiciary and security services, telling supporters: "We've entered this election to tell those practising violence and extremism that your era is over." But the economy remains Rouhani's top priority. "Dr Rouhani will more aggressively pursue his economic agenda -- investing in factories, production and absorbing foreign capital," said Dehdilani. "I think he'll make the cabinet younger and more agile." Although Rouhani brought inflation down from around 40 percent when he took office in 2013, prices are still rising at nine percent a year. Oil sales have rebounded since the nuclear deal took effect in January last year, but growth in the rest of the economy has been limited, leaving unemployment at 12.5 percent overall, and at almost 30 percent among young people. "Not everyone who voted for Rouhani thought his record was excellent, but the majority decided his competitor would be even worse," said Tehran University political researcher Foad Izadi. (AFP)

Rouhani sweeps to second terms as Iran chooses 'engagement' with world

Iran, the Middle East&#39;s second largest power by economy and population, is the Shiite Muslim rival of regional Sunni giant Saudi Arabia.

Second biggest economy

Iran&nbsp;has the region&#39;s second largest economy after Saudi Arabia. With 79.11 million inhabitants (2015, World Bank), it is also the second most populous country in the Middle East, after Egypt.

A founding member of OPEC, it has the world&#39;s fourth-biggest oil reserves and the second-largest gas reserves, after Russia.

In 2014, income per capita was $6,550.

Some economic sanctions imposed on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;over its nuclear programme have been lifted since mid-January 2016, allowing Tehran to resume oil exports and pick up trade with the European Union.

However, the fall in the price of crude has weighed on the economy.

Unemployment officially stands at 12.5 per cent, including 27 per cent of young people -- which analysts say is an understatement -- and foreign investment is only trickling in.

Shia&nbsp;Muslim power

Iran&nbsp;has an area of 1,648,195 square kilometres (659,278 square miles).

The descendant of the Persian Empire, it was long a monarchy ruled by a shah and dominated by the Pahlavi dynasty from 1925 to 1979.

In January 1979, shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi was driven out by a popular revolt. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a revolutionary cleric who had lived in exile for a decade and a half, made a triumphant return on February 1.

The shah&#39;s government fell 10 days later when public radio announced &quot;the end of 2,500 years of despotism&quot;.

An Islamic republic was proclaimed on April 1.

Between 1980 and 1988&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;fought a war with Iraq in which more than a million people were killed.

Rivalry with Saudis

For centuries, Shiite-majority&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has competed with Turks and Arabs for regional supremacy. Currently, its main rival is Sunni heavyweight Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The two countries have taken opposing sides in wars in Syria and Yemen.

In Syria, Tehran backs the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, a member of the minority Alawite community, against Sunni rebels supported by Riyadh.

In Yemen, Saudi Arabia fights in support of pro-government forces against&nbsp;Iran-backed rebels and their allies.

Conservatives, reformers, moderates

After Khomeini died in 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, president since October 1981, became supreme leader.

Moderate conservative Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was elected president and orchestrated economic reforms.

After eight years of rule by reformist president Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took office in 2005. His re-election&nbsp;in June 2009 sparked a massive political crisis and a crackdown on nationwide protests that decimated the reformist movement.

Historic nuclear accord

After taking office on August 3, 2013, President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate cleric, relaunched formal negotiations with major powers on&nbsp;Iran&#39;s nuclear programme.

An historic accord was signed on July 14, 2015 and implemented on January 16, 2016, bringing a 13-year-long dispute to a close.&nbsp;

Terms of the accord stipulate that Tehran will not try to build a nuclear bomb, an ambition it has always denied. In exchange, many international sanctions were lifted although remaining US sanctions continue to stifle trade.

State institutions

The highest political authority is the supreme leader, who has the final say on all national issues.

The president, elected for four years by universal suffrage, nominates the government.

The Assembly of Experts is a body of elected clerics that oversees the functions of the supreme leader. Constitutionally, it has powers to select and even dismiss the leader.

Parliament&#39;s powers are limited when compared to other institutions, and it is vetted by the Guardian Council.

The Expediency Council is&nbsp;Iran&#39;s top political arbitration body, tasked with resolving disputes between parliament and the Guardian Council and of advising the supreme leader.

The Revolutionary Guards are the elite arm of the country&#39;s military, and deeply embedded in Iranian political and economic life.

A primer on this year&#39;s election

Over 1,600 Iranians, of which 100 were women,&nbsp;threw their hats in the ring to be the next president. The Guardian Council whittled down the list to six candidates, none of whom were women.

The shortlisted names were incumbent President Hussain Rouhani, incumbent vice president Eshaq Jahangiri, Ebrahim Raisi, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mostafa Mir-Salim and Mostafa Hashemitaba.

Ghalibaf and Jahangiri have dropped out in the last two days, leaving four candidates for the country&#39;s presidential post.

But it is widely suggested that this year&#39;s election will be a two-horse race between the current president and the hardline cleric Raisi.

Who is Rouhani?

With his snow-white beard, he comes across as jovial and scholarly, if not overly charismatic, when speaking in public.

He has presented himself as the candidate of change and social freedoms, attacking his opponents as &quot;extremists&quot; whose &quot;era is over&quot;.

His first term did see a groundbreaking 2015 deal with world powers that ended many sanctions and a 13-year standoff over&nbsp;Iran&#39;s nuclear programme.

But critics say he over-sold the economic benefits of the deal, and despite taming inflation, his popularity has been dented by continuing stagnation and high unemployment.

And while social restrictions have eased to some degree during his tenure, many journalists and political activists still face arbitrary arrest, and his efforts to release jailed opposition leaders have failed.

A Bill of Rights he announced in late 2016 was roundly dismissed by critics since it failed to impose any changes on the conservative-dominated judiciary and intelligence services.

Still, many young urbanites consider him the best hope for change.

Who is Raisi?

Born into a religious family in the holy city of Mashhad on August 23, 1960, Raisi wears the black turban of a &quot;seyed&quot; whose genealogy is said to lead back to Islam&#39;s Prophet Mohammed.

In public, he has an austere charisma, and is surrounded by an entourage with ties to the Islamic regime&#39;s most hardline elements.

He has focused his campaign on the poor, brandishing his credentials as the head of the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, which is also a powerful and hugely wealthy charitable foundation.

&quot;I represent the workers, the farmers, the impoverished women,&quot; he says, vowing to triple cash hand-outs.

It is a message that has fallen on fertile ground at a time when unemployment is at least 12.5 percent and almost everyone is feeling the stagnation of the economy.&nbsp;

He does not oppose the nuclear deal signed with world powers in 2015, which lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to&nbsp;Iran&#39;s atomic programme.&nbsp;

But he says the current government&#39;s negotiating efforts were &quot;weak&quot; and called for a much tougher line &quot;in the face of the enemy&quot;.&nbsp;

There is little chance Raisi will ease social restrictions or release opposition leaders held under house arrest since the 2009 protest movement, known to conservatives as &quot;the sedition&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Those who sympathise with the heads of sedition must know that the great nation of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;will never forgive this great injustice,&quot; he said in 2014.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

The election is being primarily fought between moderate President Hassan Rouhani and hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi

Iran, the Middle East's second largest power by economy and population, is the Shiite Muslim rival of regional Sunni giant Saudi Arabia. Second biggest economy Iran has the region's second largest economy after Saudi Arabia. With 79.11 million inhabitants (2015, World Bank), it is also the second most populous country in the Middle East, after Egypt. A founding member of OPEC, it has the world's fourth-biggest oil reserves and the second-largest gas reserves, after Russia. In 2014, income per capita was $6,550. Some economic sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme have been lifted since mid-January 2016, allowing Tehran to resume oil exports and pick up trade with the European Union. However, the fall in the price of crude has weighed on the economy. Unemployment officially stands at 12.5 per cent, including 27 per cent of young people -- which analysts say is an understatement -- and foreign investment is only trickling in. Shia Muslim power Iran has an area of 1,648,195 square kilometres (659,278 square miles). The descendant of the Persian Empire, it was long a monarchy ruled by a shah and dominated by the Pahlavi dynasty from 1925 to 1979. In January 1979, shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi was driven out by a popular revolt. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a revolutionary cleric who had lived in exile for a decade and a half, made a triumphant return on February 1. The shah's government fell 10 days later when public radio announced "the end of 2,500 years of despotism". An Islamic republic was proclaimed on April 1. Between 1980 and 1988 Iran fought a war with Iraq in which more than a million people were killed. Rivalry with Saudis For centuries, Shiite-majority Iran has competed with Turks and Arabs for regional supremacy. Currently, its main rival is Sunni heavyweight Saudi Arabia. The two countries have taken opposing sides in wars in Syria and Yemen. In Syria, Tehran backs the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, a member of the minority Alawite community, against Sunni rebels supported by Riyadh. In Yemen, Saudi Arabia fights in support of pro-government forces against Iran-backed rebels and their allies. Conservatives, reformers, moderates After Khomeini died in 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, president since October 1981, became supreme leader. Moderate conservative Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was elected president and orchestrated economic reforms. After eight years of rule by reformist president Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took office in 2005. His re-election in June 2009 sparked a massive political crisis and a crackdown on nationwide protests that decimated the reformist movement. Historic nuclear accord After taking office on August 3, 2013, President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate cleric, relaunched formal negotiations with major powers on Iran's nuclear programme. An historic accord was signed on July 14, 2015 and implemented on January 16, 2016, bringing a 13-year-long dispute to a close. Terms of the accord stipulate that Tehran will not try to build a nuclear bomb, an ambition it has always denied. In exchange, many international sanctions were lifted although remaining US sanctions continue to stifle trade. State institutions The highest political authority is the supreme leader, who has the final say on all national issues. The president, elected for four years by universal suffrage, nominates the government. The Assembly of Experts is a body of elected clerics that oversees the functions of the supreme leader. Constitutionally, it has powers to select and even dismiss the leader. Parliament's powers are limited when compared to other institutions, and it is vetted by the Guardian Council. The Expediency Council is Iran's top political arbitration body, tasked with resolving disputes between parliament and the Guardian Council and of advising the supreme leader. The Revolutionary Guards are the elite arm of the country's military, and deeply embedded in Iranian political and economic life. A primer on this year's election Over 1,600 Iranians, of which 100 were women, threw their hats in the ring to be the next president. The Guardian Council whittled down the list to six candidates, none of whom were women. The shortlisted names were incumbent President Hussain Rouhani, incumbent vice president Eshaq Jahangiri, Ebrahim Raisi, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mostafa Mir-Salim and Mostafa Hashemitaba. Ghalibaf and Jahangiri have dropped out in the last two days, leaving four candidates for the country's presidential post. But it is widely suggested that this year's election will be a two-horse race between the current president and the hardline cleric Raisi. Who is Rouhani? With his snow-white beard, he comes across as jovial and scholarly, if not overly charismatic, when speaking in public. He has presented himself as the candidate of change and social freedoms, attacking his opponents as "extremists" whose "era is over". His first term did see a groundbreaking 2015 deal with world powers that ended many sanctions and a 13-year standoff over Iran's nuclear programme. But critics say he over-sold the economic benefits of the deal, and despite taming inflation, his popularity has been dented by continuing stagnation and high unemployment. And while social restrictions have eased to some degree during his tenure, many journalists and political activists still face arbitrary arrest, and his efforts to release jailed opposition leaders have failed. A Bill of Rights he announced in late 2016 was roundly dismissed by critics since it failed to impose any changes on the conservative-dominated judiciary and intelligence services. Still, many young urbanites consider him the best hope for change. Who is Raisi? Born into a religious family in the holy city of Mashhad on August 23, 1960, Raisi wears the black turban of a "seyed" whose genealogy is said to lead back to Islam's Prophet Mohammed. In public, he has an austere charisma, and is surrounded by an entourage with ties to the Islamic regime's most hardline elements. He has focused his campaign on the poor, brandishing his credentials as the head of the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, which is also a powerful and hugely wealthy charitable foundation. "I represent the workers, the farmers, the impoverished women," he says, vowing to triple cash hand-outs. It is a message that has fallen on fertile ground at a time when unemployment is at least 12.5 percent and almost everyone is feeling the stagnation of the economy. He does not oppose the nuclear deal signed with world powers in 2015, which lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Iran's atomic programme. But he says the current government's negotiating efforts were "weak" and called for a much tougher line "in the face of the enemy". There is little chance Raisi will ease social restrictions or release opposition leaders held under house arrest since the 2009 protest movement, known to conservatives as "the sedition". "Those who sympathise with the heads of sedition must know that the great nation of Iran will never forgive this great injustice," he said in 2014. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Iranian presidential election: Why is it important?

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