Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">seized a foreign oil tanker</a> in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports.

Brent crude futures were up 48 cents at $64.14 a barrel by 1148 GMT after hitting a session high of $64.46.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 33 cents at $57.11 after the U.S. benchmark hit a session high of $57.32.

Iran said the vessel, which it did not identify, was smuggling fuel and had been carrying 1 million litres, or around 6,200 barrels.

"The oil price reaction on Thursday shows once again that the conflict in the Middle East is far from solved and tensions could flare up at any time again. As oil keeps flowing, prices are likely to rise only temporarily," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).

Iran said the vessel impounded was the same one it towed on Sunday after the ship had sent a distress call. US officials said on Wednesday they were unsure whether an oil tanker towed into Iranian waters had been seized or rescued.

Britain urged Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region.

Oil had fallen on Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in US stockpiles of products such as gasoline that pointed to weak demand during the US driving season.

WATCH: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered

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Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in crude stockpiles last week, but traders focused instead on large builds in refined product inventories.

US crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, the EIA said, more than analysts' forecasts for a decrease of 2.7 million barrels.

But gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 925,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles grew by 5.7 million barrels, much more than expectations for a 613,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed.

The gasoline inventory build in the United States was "especially remarkable in the week after the Independence Day weekend given that this is normally one of the periods of highest demand", analysts at Commerzbank wrote.

The summer driving season normally entails increased consumption of gasoline.

US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China has also pressured oil prices, with nerves on edge over when talks between the two countries will resume resolving a trade war that has slowed global economic growth.

Barclays on Thursday lowered its oil price forecasts for the second half of this year and 2020, saying it expected slower demand growth due to a weaker-than-expected global economic backdrop.

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports.

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports. Brent crude futures were up 48 cents at $64.14 a barrel by 1148 GMT after hitting a session high of $64.46. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 33 cents at $57.11 after the U.S. benchmark hit a session high of $57.32. Iran said the vessel, which it did not identify, was smuggling fuel and had been carrying 1 million litres, or around 6,200 barrels. "The oil price reaction on Thursday shows once again that the conflict in the Middle East is far from solved and tensions could flare up at any time again. As oil keeps flowing, prices are likely to rise only temporarily," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). Iran said the vessel impounded was the same one it towed on Sunday after the ship had sent a distress call. US officials said on Wednesday they were unsure whether an oil tanker towed into Iranian waters had been seized or rescued. Britain urged Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region. Oil had fallen on Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in US stockpiles of products such as gasoline that pointed to weak demand during the US driving season. WATCH: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered × Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in crude stockpiles last week, but traders focused instead on large builds in refined product inventories. US crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, the EIA said, more than analysts' forecasts for a decrease of 2.7 million barrels. But gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 925,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles grew by 5.7 million barrels, much more than expectations for a 613,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed. The gasoline inventory build in the United States was "especially remarkable in the week after the Independence Day weekend given that this is normally one of the periods of highest demand", analysts at Commerzbank wrote. The summer driving season normally entails increased consumption of gasoline. US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China has also pressured oil prices, with nerves on edge over when talks between the two countries will resume resolving a trade war that has slowed global economic growth. Barclays on Thursday lowered its oil price forecasts for the second half of this year and 2020, saying it expected slower demand growth due to a weaker-than-expected global economic backdrop.

Oil prices rise after Iran says it seized foreign tanker in Gulf

Hijab Debate Intensifies In Iran. Amidst the worsening of conflict between U.S. & Iran, Tehran has a new problem to deal with. Right now, the country is polarised on the debate over whether women should wear a hijab. So why Iranian women are pushing back against the dress code? And why now? Take a look at this report

Gravitas: Iran's dilemma: Should women wear a Hijab or not?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-crushing-retaliation-after-hezbollah-chiefs-remarks-235756">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Monday slammed EU efforts to save the Iran nuclear deal, saying some would not realize the dangers until <a href="Iranian missiles ">Iranian missiles </a>"land on European soil".

"It seems there are those in Europe who will not wake up until Iranian nuclear missiles land on European soil. By then it will be too late," Netanyahu said in a video posted on his Twitter account.

His comments came as European foreign ministers held crisis talks Monday on the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, after breaches by Tehran, including enrichment above the 3.67 percent ceiling set by the deal.

But EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the steps taken by Tehran were reversible and that the other parties to the deal did not regard Iranian breaches up to now as "significant non-compliance".

The deal promised economic benefits and sanctions relief to Iran, but US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reimposed tough punitive measures against the Islamic republic.

Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes it was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified sensitive uranium enrichment work.

Last week, Netanyahu warned that Israeli fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran", his country's arch-foe.

Netanyahu fiercely opposed the nuclear accord and had urged his ally Trump to withdraw from it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday slammed EU efforts to save the Iran nuclear deal, saying some would not realize the dangers until Iranian missiles "land on European soil".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday slammed EU efforts to save the Iran nuclear deal, saying some would not realize the dangers until Iranian missiles "land on European soil". "It seems there are those in Europe who will not wake up until Iranian nuclear missiles land on European soil. By then it will be too late," Netanyahu said in a video posted on his Twitter account. His comments came as European foreign ministers held crisis talks Monday on the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, after breaches by Tehran, including enrichment above the 3.67 percent ceiling set by the deal. But EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the steps taken by Tehran were reversible and that the other parties to the deal did not regard Iranian breaches up to now as "significant non-compliance". The deal promised economic benefits and sanctions relief to Iran, but US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reimposed tough punitive measures against the Islamic republic. Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes it was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified sensitive uranium enrichment work. Last week, Netanyahu warned that Israeli fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran", his country's arch-foe. Netanyahu fiercely opposed the nuclear accord and had urged his ally Trump to withdraw from it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasts European Union for trying to save Iran nuclear deal

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

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

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

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

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula.

"We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula. "We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

UK says it does not want to increase tension with Iran

How serious are Iran's breaches of the 2015 deal and what does higher enrichment mean?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-offers-full-support-to-us-ambassador-trump-lashes-out-at-theresa-may-after-leak-of-damning-cables-234128">US President Donald Trump</a> discussed the standoff over Iran's nuclear program with his French counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-president-emmanuel-macrons-advisor-heads-to-iran-to-calm-nuclear-tensions-234122">Emmanuel Macron</a> on Monday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-held-up-my-end-of-the-bargain-dont-want-to-go-to-the-white-house-rapinoe-after-winning-womens-world-cup-234154">White House</a> said.

The two leaders 'discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-strongly-urges-iran-to-stop-nuclear-enrichment-234076">Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon</a> and to end Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the Middle East,'&nbsp;the White House said in a statement.

Iran on Monday breached a uranium enrichment cap set by a 2015 nuclear deal that the Trump administration abandoned last year.

Washington has imposed punishing sanctions on Tehran, and tensions between the two sides have risen further amid Iran's downing of an American drone and attacks on tanker ships the US has blamed on the Islamic republic.

Iran -- which also passed a 300-kilogram limit on enriched uranium reserves this month -- says it is not violating the deal, citing terms of the agreement allowing one side to temporarily abandon some commitments if it deems the other side is not respecting its part of the accord.

US President Donald Trump discussed the standoff over Iran's nuclear program with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday, the White House said. The two leaders 'discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon and to end Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the Middle East,' the White House said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump discussed the standoff over Iran's nuclear program with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday, the White House said. The two leaders 'discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon and to end Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the Middle East,' the White House said in a statement. Iran on Monday breached a uranium enrichment cap set by a 2015 nuclear deal that the Trump administration abandoned last year. Washington has imposed punishing sanctions on Tehran, and tensions between the two sides have risen further amid Iran's downing of an American drone and attacks on tanker ships the US has blamed on the Islamic republic. Iran -- which also passed a 300-kilogram limit on enriched uranium reserves this month -- says it is not violating the deal, citing terms of the agreement allowing one side to temporarily abandon some commitments if it deems the other side is not respecting its part of the accord.

US President Donald Trump has discussed Iran nuclear standoff with Macron: White House

Iran has pressed Britain to release the captured Iranian oil tanker and called its seizure "maritime piracy", Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday. British Royal Marines impounded the tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday on suspicion it was carrying oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Iran denies the vessel was headed to Syria, where the government of President Bashar al-Assad is an ally of Tehran.

Iran urges UK to free captured oil tanker, calling it 'maritime piracy'

Iran's intelligence minister said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">Tehran</a> and Washington could hold talks only if the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-playing-with-fire-on-nuclear-deal-trump-232172"> United States</a> ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

"Holding talks with America can be reviewed by Iran only If US President Donald Trump lifts the sanctions and our supreme leaders give permission to hold such talks," said Mahmoud Alavi on late Wednesday.

"Americans were scared of Iran's military power, that is the reason behind their decision to abort the decision to attack Iran."

Trump had said last month that he aborted a military strike to retaliate for Iran’s downing of an unmanned US drone on June 20 because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-to-increase-uranuim-enrichment-as-us-iran-tension-escalates-232867/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against making threats that can "come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before," after Tehran announced it would breach a 2015 nuclear deal.

President Hassan Rouhani announced that after July 7 Iran would enrich uranium beyond a fissile purity of 3.67%, which is the maximum allowed by the deal and a level which is deemed suitable for electricity generation.

It is the second time this week that Tehran has announced a measure that undermines the nuclear accord, which has been in trouble since Trump pulled the United States out of it last year.

"Our level of enrichment will no longer be 3.67. We will put this commitment aside by whatever amount we feel like, by whatever amount is our necessity, our need. We will take this above 3.67," said Rouhani, according to IRIB news agency.

Enrichment to 90 per cent yields nuclear bomb-grade material.

Iran's intelligence minister said Tehran and Washington could hold talks only if the United States ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

Iran's intelligence minister said Tehran and Washington could hold talks only if the United States ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday. "Holding talks with America can be reviewed by Iran only If US President Donald Trump lifts the sanctions and our supreme leaders give permission to hold such talks," said Mahmoud Alavi on late Wednesday. "Americans were scared of Iran's military power, that is the reason behind their decision to abort the decision to attack Iran." Trump had said last month that he aborted a military strike to retaliate for Iran’s downing of an unmanned US drone on June 20 because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against making threats that can "come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before," after Tehran announced it would breach a 2015 nuclear deal. President Hassan Rouhani announced that after July 7 Iran would enrich uranium beyond a fissile purity of 3.67%, which is the maximum allowed by the deal and a level which is deemed suitable for electricity generation. It is the second time this week that Tehran has announced a measure that undermines the nuclear accord, which has been in trouble since Trump pulled the United States out of it last year. "Our level of enrichment will no longer be 3.67. We will put this commitment aside by whatever amount we feel like, by whatever amount is our necessity, our need. We will take this above 3.67," said Rouhani, according to IRIB news agency. Enrichment to 90 per cent yields nuclear bomb-grade material.

Talks with US can be reviewed only if Trump lifts sanctions: Iran minister

Iranian prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for several suspects arrested last year for spying for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-underestimating-russias-hybrid-warfare-pentagon-white-paper-232075">United States</a> in military and nuclear bodies, state media reported on Tuesday, as tensions rise with Washington over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran said in August it had arrested "tens of spies" in state bodies, many of whom were dual nationals.

In June, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205">Iran</a> said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said an unspecified number of suspects, arrested less than a year ago, faced possible death sentences in military tribunals, state television reported.

"Two of the defendants, who were not military, have received long prison terms," Esmaili added, without giving details.

Iran announced on Monday it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under a 2015 nuclear deal, a move denounced by President Donald Trump as "playing with fire" amid concerns about deepening US-Iranian confrontation.

The initiative marked Tehran's first major shift from the provisions of the pact since the United States pulled out of it more than a year ago.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the move was not a violation of the accord, arguing that Iran was exercising its right to respond to the US walkout.

Iranian prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for several suspects arrested last year for spying for the United States in military and nuclear bodies, state media reported on Tuesday, as tensions rise with Washington over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iranian prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for several suspects arrested last year for spying for the United States in military and nuclear bodies, state media reported on Tuesday, as tensions rise with Washington over Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran said in August it had arrested "tens of spies" in state bodies, many of whom were dual nationals. In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said an unspecified number of suspects, arrested less than a year ago, faced possible death sentences in military tribunals, state television reported. "Two of the defendants, who were not military, have received long prison terms," Esmaili added, without giving details. Iran announced on Monday it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under a 2015 nuclear deal, a move denounced by President Donald Trump as "playing with fire" amid concerns about deepening US-Iranian confrontation. The initiative marked Tehran's first major shift from the provisions of the pact since the United States pulled out of it more than a year ago. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the move was not a violation of the accord, arguing that Iran was exercising its right to respond to the US walkout.

Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">Iran</a> is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">deal with major powers</a> but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said.

Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord.

"They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months.

Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say. On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said. Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord. "They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity. The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months. Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran still short of nuclear deal's enriched uranium cap: Diplomats

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-indisputable-evidence-us-drone-violated-its-airspace-229116">Iran</a> warned the United States against violating its borders, with parliament speaker Ali Larijani threatening a stronger reaction, the Tasnim news agency said on Thursday, a week after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-military-intelligence-to-show-us-drone-was-iranian-airspace-russia-230296">Tehran shot down a US drone</a>, spiking tension between them.

"The downing of their drone was a good experience for them to avoid any aggression against our borders," the semi-official agency quoted Larijani as saying late on Wednesday.

"Iran's reaction will be stronger if they repeat their mistake of violating our borders."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-us-drone-p-8-plane-with-35-on-board-also-entered-airspace-we-could-have-shot-it-down-but-didnt-iran-revolutionary-guard-229268">Iran</a> said the unmanned US aircraft was in its air space, which Washington denied&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hard-to-believe-iranian-shooting-down-of-us-drone-was-intentional-229050">Trump</a> ordered retaliatory air strikes but called them off at the last minute, later saying too many people would have died.

The rhetoric between the sides has heated up, with Trump threatening Iran's "obliteration". On Wednesday, Trump said any war between Iran and the United States would be swift, but reiterated his desire to avoid a military confrontation even while blasting Tehran’s leaders.

Some 116 Iranian human rights defenders and groups around the globe have warned of "devastating" consequences of a military conflict between the arch-foes, said the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).

"We also fear that military action against Iran will be disastrous for millions of ordinary people and could lead to the type of violent sectarian civil conflict seen in neighbouring countries," said a statement signed by activists, lawyers and journalists.

Tehran and Washington have been at odds since last year when Trump exited Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran limiting its nuclear work, including its enrichment of uranium.

In reaction to Washington's increasingly crippling sanctions, Tehran has quadrupled its production of uranium and said on Wednesday it will exceed limits, set by the nuclear deal, on its enrichment of uranium as of Thursday unless EU took steps to save the deal.

In an unprecedented step that has increased tensions, Trump on Monday targeted Iran’s top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials with new US sanctions. Iran has rejected the latest sanctions as an "idiotic" move.

Iran warned the United States against violating its borders, with parliament speaker Ali Larijani threatening a stronger reaction, the Tasnim news agency said on Thursday, a week after Tehran shot down a US drone, spiking tension between them.

Iran warned the United States against violating its borders, with parliament speaker Ali Larijani threatening a stronger reaction, the Tasnim news agency said on Thursday, a week after Tehran shot down a US drone, spiking tension between them. "The downing of their drone was a good experience for them to avoid any aggression against our borders," the semi-official agency quoted Larijani as saying late on Wednesday. "Iran's reaction will be stronger if they repeat their mistake of violating our borders." Iran said the unmanned US aircraft was in its air space, which Washington denied Trump ordered retaliatory air strikes but called them off at the last minute, later saying too many people would have died. The rhetoric between the sides has heated up, with Trump threatening Iran's "obliteration". On Wednesday, Trump said any war between Iran and the United States would be swift, but reiterated his desire to avoid a military confrontation even while blasting Tehran’s leaders. Some 116 Iranian human rights defenders and groups around the globe have warned of "devastating" consequences of a military conflict between the arch-foes, said the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). "We also fear that military action against Iran will be disastrous for millions of ordinary people and could lead to the type of violent sectarian civil conflict seen in neighbouring countries," said a statement signed by activists, lawyers and journalists. Tehran and Washington have been at odds since last year when Trump exited Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran limiting its nuclear work, including its enrichment of uranium. In reaction to Washington's increasingly crippling sanctions, Tehran has quadrupled its production of uranium and said on Wednesday it will exceed limits, set by the nuclear deal, on its enrichment of uranium as of Thursday unless EU took steps to save the deal. In an unprecedented step that has increased tensions, Trump on Monday targeted Iran’s top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials with new US sanctions. Iran has rejected the latest sanctions as an "idiotic" move.

Iran warns United States of stronger reaction if its borders violated again: Tasnim

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-stocks-fail-to-catch-wall-streets-fed-rally-as-trade-angst-persists-229074">Asian equities</a> were mixed Tuesday as investors sat on their hands days before this week's crucial meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-documents-show-red-flags-of-donald-trump-officials-230036">Donald Trump</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-xi-jinping-agree-to-grow-ties-whatever-external-situation-report-229384">Xi Jinping</a>, while gold hit a fresh six-year high on a weaker dollar and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulf-crisis-navy-launches-operation-operation-sankalp-to-reassure-indian-vessels-amid-us-iran-row-229020">US-Iran crisis</a>.

While the stand-off between Washington and Tehran is fuelling concerns of a conflict between the old foes, the main focus for investors is the tete-a-tete between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in Osaka.

World markets have rallied since the US president last week flagged positive phone talks with Xi and said they would discuss their trade spat on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

On Tuesday Chinese state media said top-level negotiators for both sides had held discussions ahead of the meeting, and "exchanged opinions on economic and trade issues". The call took place "at the request of the US side" and they agreed to maintain contact, the Xinhua news agency said.

"The G20 will not get going until midweek, but the anticipation of a meeting between the leaders of China and the US is keeping markets guessing," said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza.

"The prolonged trade war between the two largest economies has downgraded global growth as more barriers to trade means higher prices. Optimism remains high, but more details need to emerge before the market can fully price in how far apart the two sides really are from a deal."

In early trade Hong Kong and Shanghai each dropped 0.7 per cent after a recent healthy run-up, while Tokyo finished the morning 0.2 per cent lower. Taipei was also down.

However, Sydney and Singapore were both 0.1 per cent higher while Seoul and Wellington added 0.2 per cent apiece. Manila and Jakarta were also up.

Bitcoin holds gains

It is "a pretty good guess that we won’t see a whole lot of movement in front of the big upcoming meetings (G20 and OPEC)," Matt Maley, equity strategist at Miller Tabak &amp; Co, said. "The results of those meetings should be quite important to the stock market’s next move."

Gold prices continue to rise -- sitting at highs not seen since September 2013 -- as investors seek out the safe haven to hedge against a possible US-Iran conflagration, while the softening dollar is also providing support.

The White House ramped up sanctions on Tehran, imposing strict measures against supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military top brass following the downing of a US drone.

The move raised tensions between the two, though NAB's Tapas Strickland said the measures "appear to be more gloss than substance given US sanctions are already very harsh".

Oil prices were unable to sustain the surge started last week by the drone incident, with both main contracts dipping Tuesday.

Iran and the US have said they do not want a war, with the US content with trying to cripple Iran economically.

Oil traders are also keenly awaiting a meeting of OPEC and other major producers this weekend, hoping for clarity on their output reduction programme, which has supported prices.

The greenback was down against most other currencies, weighed by expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as soon as July, while bitcoin held above $11,000 after breaking the marker for the first time in 16 months.

Asian equities were mixed Tuesday as investors sat on their hands days before this week's crucial meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, while gold hit a fresh six-year high on a weaker dollar and the US-Iran crisis.

Asian equities were mixed Tuesday as investors sat on their hands days before this week's crucial meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, while gold hit a fresh six-year high on a weaker dollar and the US-Iran crisis. While the stand-off between Washington and Tehran is fuelling concerns of a conflict between the old foes, the main focus for investors is the tete-a-tete between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in Osaka. World markets have rallied since the US president last week flagged positive phone talks with Xi and said they would discuss their trade spat on the sidelines of the G20 summit. On Tuesday Chinese state media said top-level negotiators for both sides had held discussions ahead of the meeting, and "exchanged opinions on economic and trade issues". The call took place "at the request of the US side" and they agreed to maintain contact, the Xinhua news agency said. "The G20 will not get going until midweek, but the anticipation of a meeting between the leaders of China and the US is keeping markets guessing," said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza. "The prolonged trade war between the two largest economies has downgraded global growth as more barriers to trade means higher prices. Optimism remains high, but more details need to emerge before the market can fully price in how far apart the two sides really are from a deal." In early trade Hong Kong and Shanghai each dropped 0.7 per cent after a recent healthy run-up, while Tokyo finished the morning 0.2 per cent lower. Taipei was also down. However, Sydney and Singapore were both 0.1 per cent higher while Seoul and Wellington added 0.2 per cent apiece. Manila and Jakarta were also up. Bitcoin holds gains It is "a pretty good guess that we won’t see a whole lot of movement in front of the big upcoming meetings (G20 and OPEC)," Matt Maley, equity strategist at Miller Tabak & Co, said. "The results of those meetings should be quite important to the stock market’s next move." Gold prices continue to rise -- sitting at highs not seen since September 2013 -- as investors seek out the safe haven to hedge against a possible US-Iran conflagration, while the softening dollar is also providing support. The White House ramped up sanctions on Tehran, imposing strict measures against supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military top brass following the downing of a US drone. The move raised tensions between the two, though NAB's Tapas Strickland said the measures "appear to be more gloss than substance given US sanctions are already very harsh". Oil prices were unable to sustain the surge started last week by the drone incident, with both main contracts dipping Tuesday. Iran and the US have said they do not want a war, with the US content with trying to cripple Iran economically. Oil traders are also keenly awaiting a meeting of OPEC and other major producers this weekend, hoping for clarity on their output reduction programme, which has supported prices. The greenback was down against most other currencies, weighed by expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as soon as July, while bitcoin held above $11,000 after breaking the marker for the first time in 16 months.

Stocks mixed ahead of G20, Iran and weak dollar lift gold

Iran says the US decision to impose sanctions on its supreme leader and other top officials is “idiotic” and has permanently closed the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington.

Iran calls new US sanctions 'outrageous and idiotic'

&nbsp;Acting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-nominates-mark-esper-as-secretary-of-defence-white-house-229378">US Defense Secretary Mark Esper</a> will be ready to update European allies on tensions with Iran as he heads to NATO headquarters this week during his inaugural trip as Pentagon chief, a senior US official said.

Esper, whose first full day in the Pentagon was on Monday, led the Army until the surprise resignation of Patrick Shanahan as acting defence secretary last week. Esper is now the third person in six months to work at the defence secretary's desk.

His first week coincides with a previously scheduled NATO defence ministerial meeting, where the focus will be on other pre-planned discussions - including an approaching end to the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bats-for-extension-of-arms-reduction-treaty-with-us-204412">United States and Russia</a>.

But Kathryn Wheelbarger, an acting assistant defence secretary, said Pentagon officials would raise Iran during one of the NATO sessions on Wednesday or Thursday.

"We are prepared to provide an update to the (NATO) alliance," Wheelbarger said, briefing reporters ahead of the trip.

"It's very important to the (Defense) Department and the US government as a whole that we make sure our allies are as cognizant, and that we are as transparent on this issue, as possible."

The US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">President Donald Trump</a> nearly waged military strikes on Iran last week after it shot down a US drone and on Monday announced new sanctions targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.

Trump, who withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran despite objections from European allies, wants to force Tehran to open talks on its nuclear and missile programs and its activities in the Middle East.

Iran has so far refused and instead warned it is ready to enrich uranium to a higher level if Europe cannot shield Tehran from US sanctions. Iran denies US accusations that it has also repeatedly carried out attacks on oil tankers in recent weeks.

France, Britain and Germany have sent an official diplomatic warning to Iran about the serious consequences Tehran faces if it scales back its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, two European diplomats said on Monday.

Nato Speed-Dating

For many NATO allies, this week's NATO defence ministerial will be a chance to get a sense of Esper and the direction he'll take the Pentagon.

It will be a similar opportunity for Esper, who sent guidance to US forces on Monday saying the Pentagon's priorities, including goals like strengthening US alliances - remained unchanged.

"A NATO ministerial is a good way to get to know key partners, kind of like diplomatic speed-dating," said Derek Chollet, a former senior Pentagon official during the Obama administration.

Chollet said allies would be closely watching for hints about the kind of role Esper will play, including whether he might be like Jim Mattis, Trump's first defence secretary who was a strong advocate for NATO and was seen as a moderating influence on the US president.

Mattis, who resigned in December over policy differences with Trump, brought Esper into the job.

One European diplomat joked: "Jim Mattis is not someone we can clone, as much as we’d like to, but Esper is talked about positively."

"Everyone will want to make a good impression and to get some time because he is the new face of the Pentagon," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp;

Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper will be ready to update European allies on tensions with Iran as he heads to NATO headquarters this week during his inaugural trip as Pentagon chief, a senior US official said.

Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper will be ready to update European allies on tensions with Iran as he heads to NATO headquarters this week during his inaugural trip as Pentagon chief, a senior US official said. Esper, whose first full day in the Pentagon was on Monday, led the Army until the surprise resignation of Patrick Shanahan as acting defence secretary last week. Esper is now the third person in six months to work at the defence secretary's desk. His first week coincides with a previously scheduled NATO defence ministerial meeting, where the focus will be on other pre-planned discussions - including an approaching end to the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the United States and Russia. But Kathryn Wheelbarger, an acting assistant defence secretary, said Pentagon officials would raise Iran during one of the NATO sessions on Wednesday or Thursday. "We are prepared to provide an update to the (NATO) alliance," Wheelbarger said, briefing reporters ahead of the trip. "It's very important to the (Defense) Department and the US government as a whole that we make sure our allies are as cognizant, and that we are as transparent on this issue, as possible." The US President Donald Trump nearly waged military strikes on Iran last week after it shot down a US drone and on Monday announced new sanctions targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials. Trump, who withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran despite objections from European allies, wants to force Tehran to open talks on its nuclear and missile programs and its activities in the Middle East. Iran has so far refused and instead warned it is ready to enrich uranium to a higher level if Europe cannot shield Tehran from US sanctions. Iran denies US accusations that it has also repeatedly carried out attacks on oil tankers in recent weeks. France, Britain and Germany have sent an official diplomatic warning to Iran about the serious consequences Tehran faces if it scales back its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, two European diplomats said on Monday. Nato Speed-Dating For many NATO allies, this week's NATO defence ministerial will be a chance to get a sense of Esper and the direction he'll take the Pentagon. It will be a similar opportunity for Esper, who sent guidance to US forces on Monday saying the Pentagon's priorities, including goals like strengthening US alliances - remained unchanged. "A NATO ministerial is a good way to get to know key partners, kind of like diplomatic speed-dating," said Derek Chollet, a former senior Pentagon official during the Obama administration. Chollet said allies would be closely watching for hints about the kind of role Esper will play, including whether he might be like Jim Mattis, Trump's first defence secretary who was a strong advocate for NATO and was seen as a moderating influence on the US president. Mattis, who resigned in December over policy differences with Trump, brought Esper into the job. One European diplomat joked: "Jim Mattis is not someone we can clone, as much as we’d like to, but Esper is talked about positively." "Everyone will want to make a good impression and to get some time because he is the new face of the Pentagon," the diplomat said.

Iran in focus as new Pentagon chief heads to  North Atlantic Treaty Organization

All Indian operators, in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers, news agency ANI reported. All flights will be re-routed suitably.

Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani said, "No substantial effect on Air India flights. Details being worked out for rerouting incoming flights," ANI reported.

This comes shortly after Etihad Airways announced the suspension of operations through Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, news agency Reuters reported, adding that the airline will use alternative flight paths on a number of routes to and from its home base of Abu Dhabi until further notice.

United States Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overseas area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.

Some other international airlines are taking related precautions too.

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All Indian operators in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian Airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers. They will re-route flights suitably. <a href="https://t.co/XwxeTRbfgC">pic.twitter.com/XwxeTRbfgC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1142384667682754560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-qantas-lufthansa-suspend-flights-over-strait-of-hormuz-229327">Some of the world's leading carriers</a> including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman".&nbsp;

Tehran on Saturday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-its-airspace-is-fully-safe-and-secure-report-229574">its airspace was safe</a>, state media reported quoting Iran's Civil Aviation Organization.

"Iran-controlled airspace over the Persian Gulf and other flight routes are completely safe," its spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, was quoted as saying.

This comes at the time when tensions seem to escalate between Tehran and Washington.

Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-one-bullet-towards-iran-will-set-fire-to-americas-interests-iran-229490">Iran warned of tough retaliation</a> in case United States resorts to any form of aggression against the Islamic republic.

"Firing one bullet towards Iran will set fire to the interests of America and its allies", armed forces general staff spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi told the Tasnim news agency.

"Today, the situation in the region is to Iran’s advantage.

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States was "cocked &amp; loaded" to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute as it would not have been a "proportionate" response to Tehran's shooting down of an unmanned US drone.

Watch: Is a US-Iran conflict imminent?

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The downing of the drone - which Tehran insists violated its airspace, a claim Washington denies - has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on oil tankers the US has blamed on Iran.

Trump later stated that he aborted retaliatory strike to spare Iranian lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

All Indian operators, in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers, news agency ANI reported.

All Indian operators, in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers, news agency ANI reported. All flights will be re-routed suitably. Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani said, "No substantial effect on Air India flights. Details being worked out for rerouting incoming flights," ANI reported. This comes shortly after Etihad Airways announced the suspension of operations through Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, news agency Reuters reported, adding that the airline will use alternative flight paths on a number of routes to and from its home base of Abu Dhabi until further notice. United States Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overseas area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Some other international airlines are taking related precautions too. All Indian operators in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian Airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers. They will re-route flights suitably. pic.twitter.com/XwxeTRbfgC — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2019 × Some of the world's leading carriers including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone, news agency AFP reported. The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman". Tehran on Saturday said that its airspace was safe, state media reported quoting Iran's Civil Aviation Organization. "Iran-controlled airspace over the Persian Gulf and other flight routes are completely safe," its spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, was quoted as saying. This comes at the time when tensions seem to escalate between Tehran and Washington. Earlier in the day, Iran warned of tough retaliation in case United States resorts to any form of aggression against the Islamic republic. "Firing one bullet towards Iran will set fire to the interests of America and its allies", armed forces general staff spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi told the Tasnim news agency. "Today, the situation in the region is to Iran’s advantage. President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States was "cocked & loaded" to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute as it would not have been a "proportionate" response to Tehran's shooting down of an unmanned US drone. Watch: Is a US-Iran conflict imminent? × The downing of the drone - which Tehran insists violated its airspace, a claim Washington denies - has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on oil tankers the US has blamed on Iran. Trump later stated that he aborted retaliatory strike to spare Iranian lives. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid US-Tehran tensions, Indian airlines decide to avoid part of Iranian airspace

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205">Oil jumped more</a> than 3% to above $63 a barrel on Thursday after Iran shot down a US military drone, raising fears of a military confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Also supporting oil were expectations that the US Federal Reserve could cut interest rates at its next meeting, stimulating growth in the world's largest oil-consuming country, and a drop in US crude inventories.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up $1.38 at $63.20 a barrel at 0854 GMT, having risen 3.3% to $63.88 earlier in the session.

The US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.45 to $55.21.

"It's a combination of factors," Petromatrix analyst Olivier Jakob said of the price rise. "You have more supportive stocks data, the Fed indicating they will cut rates and the shooting down of the drone."

The drone was downed in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, a US official said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the drone was flying over southern Iran.

Tension has been rising in the Middle East, home to over 20% of the world's oil output, after attacks on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for oil supplies. Washington blamed Tehran for the tanker attacks. Iran denied any role.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-fall-on-surging-us-crude-stockpiles-economic-concerns-220779">Concern </a>about slowing economic growth and a US-China trade dispute has pulled oil lower in recent weeks. Brent reached a 2019 high of $75 in April.

Also propelling oil higher on Thursday was a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories and the prospect of prolonged supply restraint by producer group OPEC and its allies.

After swelling to near two-year highs, US crude stocks fell by 3.1 million barrels last week, compared with analyst expectations for a draw of 1.1 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia agreed this week to meet on July 1-2, ending a month of wrangling about the timing of the meeting.

The coalition known as OPEC+ will discuss whether to extend throughout 2019 a deal on cutting 1.2 million barrels per day of production. The deal expires at the end of this month.

Momentum for an agreement appeared to be building as the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said extending the deal was "logical and reasonable".

Oil jumped more than 3% to above $63 a barrel on Thursday after Iran shot down a US military drone, raising fears of a military confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Oil jumped more than 3% to above $63 a barrel on Thursday after Iran shot down a US military drone, raising fears of a military confrontation between Tehran and Washington. Also supporting oil were expectations that the US Federal Reserve could cut interest rates at its next meeting, stimulating growth in the world's largest oil-consuming country, and a drop in US crude inventories. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up $1.38 at $63.20 a barrel at 0854 GMT, having risen 3.3% to $63.88 earlier in the session. The US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.45 to $55.21. "It's a combination of factors," Petromatrix analyst Olivier Jakob said of the price rise. "You have more supportive stocks data, the Fed indicating they will cut rates and the shooting down of the drone." The drone was downed in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, a US official said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the drone was flying over southern Iran. Tension has been rising in the Middle East, home to over 20% of the world's oil output, after attacks on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for oil supplies. Washington blamed Tehran for the tanker attacks. Iran denied any role. Concern about slowing economic growth and a US-China trade dispute has pulled oil lower in recent weeks. Brent reached a 2019 high of $75 in April. Also propelling oil higher on Thursday was a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories and the prospect of prolonged supply restraint by producer group OPEC and its allies. After swelling to near two-year highs, US crude stocks fell by 3.1 million barrels last week, compared with analyst expectations for a draw of 1.1 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia agreed this week to meet on July 1-2, ending a month of wrangling about the timing of the meeting. The coalition known as OPEC+ will discuss whether to extend throughout 2019 a deal on cutting 1.2 million barrels per day of production. The deal expires at the end of this month. Momentum for an agreement appeared to be building as the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said extending the deal was "logical and reasonable".

Oil prices surge as Iran shoots down US drone in Gulf

Iran will break the uranium stockpile limit set by Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in the next 10 days, the spokesman for the country's atomic agency said Monday. He also warned that Iran could enrich uranium up to 20% - just a step away from weapons-grade levels.

Iran says it will break key nuclear deal uranium limit in 10 days

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe Is In Iran To Broken Peace Between Washington & Tehran. Can Japan's PM Shinzo Abe Pull Off A Truce Between The US & Iran? Abe Is In Tehran For This Very Specific Purpose. Here's A Report

Gravitas: Can Abe Pull Off US-Iran Truce?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-ask-japans-abe-to-mediate-over-us-oil-sanctions-officials-226578">Iran's President Hassan Rouhani</a> said Wednesday he expects a "very positive change" in the Middle East and the world if the US stops its economic pressure against the Islamic republic through sanctions.

"If there are some tensions, (their) roots stem from America's economic war against Iran. Whenever it stops we will witness a very positive change in the region and the world," Rouhani said at a joint news conference in Tehran with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

This comes after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks with Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-ask-japans-abe-to-mediate-over-us-oil-sanctions-officials-226578">Hassan Rouhani</a> in Tehran on Wednesday during a rare diplomatic mission aimed at defusing tensions between the Islamic republic and Tokyo's ally Washington.

Abe, the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-ask-japans-abe-to-mediate-over-us-oil-sanctions-officials-226578">Japanese prime minister</a> to visit Iran in 41 years, was received by Rouhani at the Sadabad presidential palace where they began a closed-door meeting, an AFP reporter said.

He is expected to meet Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday morning.

Addressing a cabinet meeting ahead of the visit, Rouhani said Iran's leaders and people were united in their view that "the main culprit is America. Not a single individual doubts it."

"The (US) pressure has reached its full strength," he told the cabinet.

Tehran is locked in a bitter standoff with Washington after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-kim-one-year-on-a-beautiful-letter-stalled-diplomacy-226425">US President Donald Trump</a> withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal in May last year.

Washington has since reimposed crippling unilateral sanctions -- which have forced Japan to halt its once-substantial purchases of Iranian oil -- and launched a military buildup in the Gulf.

"Amid concerns over growing tension in the Middle East and with the attention of the international community on the issue, Japan wishes to do its best towards peace and stability in the region," Abe told reporters before leaving for Tehran.

"Based on traditional friendly ties between Japan and Iran, I would like to have candid exchanges of opinions with President Rouhani and supreme leader Khamenei towards easing tensions," &nbsp;he said.

Abe's Foreign Minister Taro Kono was also in Iran where he met his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Watch: Trump won't rule out war with Iran

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Lower the temperature

Japanese government officials said Abe would not present Tehran with a list of demands or deliver a message from Washington, but instead wanted to play the role of a neutral intermediary.

Abe discussed "the situation in Iran" in a telephone call with Trump on Tuesday, a Japanese government spokesman said.

A government official said Abe will not be in Tehran to "mediate between Iran and the US" and that "easing tensions" was the prime purpose.

"He might touch upon the subject (of mediation) but that does not necessarily mean he is delivering a message" from Washington, he added.

Japan is hoping to lower the temperature, officials say.

Abe won Trump's blessing for the mediation mission when the US president visited Tokyo last month.

"We believe it is extremely important that, at the leadership level, we call on Iran as a major regional power to ease tension, to adhere to the nuclear agreement and to play a constructive role for the region's stability," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.

Substantial obstacles

Iranian newspapers were divided along conservative-reformist lines in their assessment of Abe's visit.

The reformist Sazandegi daily ran a front-page cartoon of Abe in full samurai armour, a rolled piece of paper in one hand and a shield on the other.

In an accompanying article headlined "A samurai in Tehran," the paper said everyone was waiting to see "Tehran's reaction to Japan's initiative to raise its international standing by mediating as both Washington's ally and Iran's friend."

The ultraconservative Javan daily warned that "Iran and Japan minus America" could be a winning formula for Abe, but "Japan as America's intermediary in Iran" would fail given the deep mistrust of the US.

Other Iranian commentators said Abe could pass messages between the two sides.

"Mr. Abe's visit comes right after meeting Mr. Trump in Japan, so the Americans are interested in using this channel," Ebrahim Rahimpour, a former deputy foreign minister, told Iran's Shargh daily.

But while Tokyo has longstanding trade ties with Tehran and a strategic alliance with Washington, experts say Abe has little leverage with either side and mediation will be an uphill struggle.

The trip by the Japanese premier "faces substantial obstacles and is unlikely to bear fruit," said Tobias Harris, an analyst at Teneo consultancy group.

"While Japan has good relationships with countries on both sides, these relationships do not necessarily translate into influence."

&nbsp;

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday he expects a "very positive change" in the Middle East and the world if the US stops its economic pressure against the Islamic republic through sanctions.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday he expects a "very positive change" in the Middle East and the world if the US stops its economic pressure against the Islamic republic through sanctions. "If there are some tensions, (their) roots stem from America's economic war against Iran. Whenever it stops we will witness a very positive change in the region and the world," Rouhani said at a joint news conference in Tehran with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This comes after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Wednesday during a rare diplomatic mission aimed at defusing tensions between the Islamic republic and Tokyo's ally Washington. Abe, the first Japanese prime minister to visit Iran in 41 years, was received by Rouhani at the Sadabad presidential palace where they began a closed-door meeting, an AFP reporter said. He is expected to meet Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday morning. Addressing a cabinet meeting ahead of the visit, Rouhani said Iran's leaders and people were united in their view that "the main culprit is America. Not a single individual doubts it." "The (US) pressure has reached its full strength," he told the cabinet. Tehran is locked in a bitter standoff with Washington after US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal in May last year. Washington has since reimposed crippling unilateral sanctions -- which have forced Japan to halt its once-substantial purchases of Iranian oil -- and launched a military buildup in the Gulf. "Amid concerns over growing tension in the Middle East and with the attention of the international community on the issue, Japan wishes to do its best towards peace and stability in the region," Abe told reporters before leaving for Tehran. "Based on traditional friendly ties between Japan and Iran, I would like to have candid exchanges of opinions with President Rouhani and supreme leader Khamenei towards easing tensions," he said. Abe's Foreign Minister Taro Kono was also in Iran where he met his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. Watch: Trump won't rule out war with Iran × Lower the temperature Japanese government officials said Abe would not present Tehran with a list of demands or deliver a message from Washington, but instead wanted to play the role of a neutral intermediary. Abe discussed "the situation in Iran" in a telephone call with Trump on Tuesday, a Japanese government spokesman said. A government official said Abe will not be in Tehran to "mediate between Iran and the US" and that "easing tensions" was the prime purpose. "He might touch upon the subject (of mediation) but that does not necessarily mean he is delivering a message" from Washington, he added. Japan is hoping to lower the temperature, officials say. Abe won Trump's blessing for the mediation mission when the US president visited Tokyo last month. "We believe it is extremely important that, at the leadership level, we call on Iran as a major regional power to ease tension, to adhere to the nuclear agreement and to play a constructive role for the region's stability," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Substantial obstacles Iranian newspapers were divided along conservative-reformist lines in their assessment of Abe's visit. The reformist Sazandegi daily ran a front-page cartoon of Abe in full samurai armour, a rolled piece of paper in one hand and a shield on the other. In an accompanying article headlined "A samurai in Tehran," the paper said everyone was waiting to see "Tehran's reaction to Japan's initiative to raise its international standing by mediating as both Washington's ally and Iran's friend." The ultraconservative Javan daily warned that "Iran and Japan minus America" could be a winning formula for Abe, but "Japan as America's intermediary in Iran" would fail given the deep mistrust of the US. Other Iranian commentators said Abe could pass messages between the two sides. "Mr. Abe's visit comes right after meeting Mr. Trump in Japan, so the Americans are interested in using this channel," Ebrahim Rahimpour, a former deputy foreign minister, told Iran's Shargh daily. But while Tokyo has longstanding trade ties with Tehran and a strategic alliance with Washington, experts say Abe has little leverage with either side and mediation will be an uphill struggle. The trip by the Japanese premier "faces substantial obstacles and is unlikely to bear fruit," said Tobias Harris, an analyst at Teneo consultancy group. "While Japan has good relationships with countries on both sides, these relationships do not necessarily translate into influence."

Iran president expects 'positive change' if US ends 'economic war'

Iranians in the capital Tehran set fire to effigies of President Donald Trump, while in the Iraqi capital, Iran-backed militiamen marched over a large Israeli flag as part of rallies Friday marking Quds, or Jerusalem Day. The annual protests come as the Trump administration tries to market its long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Protesters in Iran, Iraq burn Israel, US flags on ‘Quds Day’

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic.

Saudi Arabia has "continued to sow division between Islamic countries and in the region, which is the wish of the Zionist regime," foreign ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said.

"We see the attempts by Saudi Arabia to rally neighbouring and Arab countries against Iran as the continuation of futile attempts by America and the Zionist regime," he added.

Mousavi expressed disappointment that Riyadh intended to level the same "baseless allegations" against Tehran at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca early on Saturday, "exploiting" its role as host.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Friday ratcheted up the rhetoric against arch-rival Iran, calling on Arab states to confront it's "criminal" actions after attacks on oil installations sparked fears of a regional conflagration.

The king's remarks came at the start of two back-to-back emergency summits in Mecca in the early hours, which drew near-unanimous support for the Sunni kingdom from Gulf and Arab states -- with the notable exception of Iraq.

The summits came after hawkish<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-security-adviser-john-bolton-to-visit-uae-this-week-222108/amp"> US National Security Advisor John Bolton</a> said on Wednesday that Iran was "almost certainly" behind May 12 attacks on four ships, two of them Saudi oil tankers, of the United Arab Emirates.

Tehran dismissed the accusation as "laughable" and accused Bolton of pursuing "evil desires for chaos in the region."

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic.

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic. Saudi Arabia has "continued to sow division between Islamic countries and in the region, which is the wish of the Zionist regime," foreign ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said. "We see the attempts by Saudi Arabia to rally neighbouring and Arab countries against Iran as the continuation of futile attempts by America and the Zionist regime," he added. Mousavi expressed disappointment that Riyadh intended to level the same "baseless allegations" against Tehran at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca early on Saturday, "exploiting" its role as host. Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Friday ratcheted up the rhetoric against arch-rival Iran, calling on Arab states to confront it's "criminal" actions after attacks on oil installations sparked fears of a regional conflagration. The king's remarks came at the start of two back-to-back emergency summits in Mecca in the early hours, which drew near-unanimous support for the Sunni kingdom from Gulf and Arab states -- with the notable exception of Iraq. The summits came after hawkish US National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Wednesday that Iran was "almost certainly" behind May 12 attacks on four ships, two of them Saudi oil tankers, of the United Arab Emirates. Tehran dismissed the accusation as "laughable" and accused Bolton of pursuing "evil desires for chaos in the region."

Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of 'sowing division'

The US has said that it is closely working with India to minimise any impact of New Delhi reducing oil imports from Iran as Washington has refused to give waivers to any country from its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-debate-behind-trumps-move-to-tighten-iran-oil-sanctions-215055">sanctions on the West Asian country</a>.

US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, while replying to a question in a briefing said, "So we work – we coordinated closely, of course, with them to minimize any negative impact".

She explained that Washington's "goal... is for everyone" to "cease importing Iranian oil entirely" and "we appreciate everyone who has worked with us steadfastly to get to zero".

A couple of weeks ago, Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif had visited New Delhi and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj regarding many issues including the import of oil.

On purchase of oil from Iran, Sushma Swaraj told Zarif that a decision on the same will be taken after the elections result keeping in mind "our commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests".

Even though there hasn't been any statement from the Ministry of External Affairs or the petroleum ministry if India has cut oil imports from Iran, Indian envoy to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla was quoted as saying that New Delhi has reduced oil import from the West Asian country.

"India had already sharply decreased its imports from Iran and bought one million tonnes (tons) of crude in April, the last month before Washington stepped up its pressure campaign against Tehran and ended all exemptions to sanctions. That's it. After that we haven't imported any," Mr Shringla was quoted by news agency PTI.

The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 stood at $12.89 billion of which New Delhi imported $10.5 billion worth of goods - mainly crude oil.

The US has said that it is closely working with India to minimise any impact of New Delhi reducing oil imports from Iran as Washington has refused to give waivers to any country from its sanctions on the West Asian country.

The US has said that it is closely working with India to minimise any impact of New Delhi reducing oil imports from Iran as Washington has refused to give waivers to any country from its sanctions on the West Asian country. US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, while replying to a question in a briefing said, "So we work – we coordinated closely, of course, with them to minimize any negative impact". She explained that Washington's "goal... is for everyone" to "cease importing Iranian oil entirely" and "we appreciate everyone who has worked with us steadfastly to get to zero". A couple of weeks ago, Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif had visited New Delhi and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj regarding many issues including the import of oil. On purchase of oil from Iran, Sushma Swaraj told Zarif that a decision on the same will be taken after the elections result keeping in mind "our commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests". Even though there hasn't been any statement from the Ministry of External Affairs or the petroleum ministry if India has cut oil imports from Iran, Indian envoy to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla was quoted as saying that New Delhi has reduced oil import from the West Asian country. "India had already sharply decreased its imports from Iran and bought one million tonnes (tons) of crude in April, the last month before Washington stepped up its pressure campaign against Tehran and ended all exemptions to sanctions. That's it. After that we haven't imported any," Mr Shringla was quoted by news agency PTI. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 stood at $12.89 billion of which New Delhi imported $10.5 billion worth of goods - mainly crude oil.

Working to minimise any negative impact: US on India cutting oil imports from Iran

Iran-US Tensions Looks Set To Worsen As Tehran Increases Uranium-Enrichment Capacity.

Gravitas: Iran Quadruples Uranium-Enrichment Capacity

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran in a tweet on Sunday, raising concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen. Discusses this topic with Syed Mohd Marandi, Political Analyst from Tehran & also with Mr. Stephen Golub, International Affairs Expert from California.

US-Iran Tensions; Discusses with some experts

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran in a tweet on Sunday, raising concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen.

Trump threatens Iran in tweet as tension between two countries escalate

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength" following last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court.

Riyadh has accused Tehran of ordering Tuesday's drone strikes on two oil pumping stations in the kingdom, claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group. Two days earlier, four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has denied involvement in either operation, which come as Washington and the Islamic Republic spar over sanctions and the US&nbsp;military presence in the region, raising concerns about a potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-a-war-coming-between-the-us-and-iran-219109/amp">US-Iran conflict</a>.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region nor does it seek that," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference.

"It will do what it can to prevent this war and at the same time it reaffirms that in the event the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with all force and determination, and it will defend itself and its interests."

Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Sunday invited Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of the attacks.

"The current critical circumstances entail a unified Arab and Gulf stance toward the besetting challenges and risks," the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia's Sunni Muslim ally the UAE has not blamed anyone for the tanker sabotage operation, pending an investigation. No-one has claimed responsibility, but two US&nbsp;government sources said last week that US&nbsp;officials believed Iran had encouraged the Houthi group or Iraq-based Shi'ite militias to carry it out.

The drone strike on oil pumping stations, which Riyadh said did not disrupt output or exports, was claimed by the Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led military coalition in a war in Yemen since 2015.

The head of the Houthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, derided Riyadh's call to convene Arab summits, saying in a Twitter post that they "only know how to support war and destruction".

A Norwegian insurers' report seen by Reuters said Iran's Revolutionary Guards were "highly likely" to have facilitated the attack on vessels near the UAE's Fujairah emirate, the main bunkering hub lying just outside the Strait of Hormuz.

SAUDI PRINCE CALLS POMPEO

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has dismissed the possibility of war erupting, saying Tehran did not want conflict and no country had the "illusion it can confront Iran". This stance was echoed by the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards on Sunday.

"We are not pursuing war but we are also not afraid of war," Major General Hossein Salami was cited as saying by the semi-official news agency Tasnim.

Washington has tightened economic sanctions against Iran, trying to cut Tehran's oil exports to zero, and beefed up the US&nbsp;military presence in the Gulf in response to what it said were Iranian threats to United States troops and interests.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments, including efforts to strengthen security and stability, in a phone call with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Saudi Media Ministry tweeted on Sunday.

"We want peace and stability in the region but we will not sit on our hands in light of the continuing Iranian attack," Jubeir said. "The ball is in Iran's court and it is up to Iran to determine what its fate will be."

He said the crew of an Iranian oil tanker that had been towed to Saudi Arabia early this month after a request for help due to engine trouble were still in the kingdom receiving the "necessary care". The crews are 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars. In a sign of the heightened tension, Exxon Mobil evacuated foreign staff from an oilfield in neighbouring Iraq.

Bahrain on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran and asked those already there to return.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an advisory to US&nbsp;commercial airliners flying over the waters of the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to exercise caution.

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength" following last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court.

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength" following last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court. Riyadh has accused Tehran of ordering Tuesday's drone strikes on two oil pumping stations in the kingdom, claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group. Two days earlier, four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has denied involvement in either operation, which come as Washington and the Islamic Republic spar over sanctions and the US military presence in the region, raising concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region nor does it seek that," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference. "It will do what it can to prevent this war and at the same time it reaffirms that in the event the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with all force and determination, and it will defend itself and its interests." Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Sunday invited Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of the attacks. "The current critical circumstances entail a unified Arab and Gulf stance toward the besetting challenges and risks," the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement. Saudi Arabia's Sunni Muslim ally the UAE has not blamed anyone for the tanker sabotage operation, pending an investigation. No-one has claimed responsibility, but two US government sources said last week that US officials believed Iran had encouraged the Houthi group or Iraq-based Shi'ite militias to carry it out. The drone strike on oil pumping stations, which Riyadh said did not disrupt output or exports, was claimed by the Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led military coalition in a war in Yemen since 2015. The head of the Houthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, derided Riyadh's call to convene Arab summits, saying in a Twitter post that they "only know how to support war and destruction". A Norwegian insurers' report seen by Reuters said Iran's Revolutionary Guards were "highly likely" to have facilitated the attack on vessels near the UAE's Fujairah emirate, the main bunkering hub lying just outside the Strait of Hormuz. SAUDI PRINCE CALLS POMPEO Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has dismissed the possibility of war erupting, saying Tehran did not want conflict and no country had the "illusion it can confront Iran". This stance was echoed by the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards on Sunday. "We are not pursuing war but we are also not afraid of war," Major General Hossein Salami was cited as saying by the semi-official news agency Tasnim. Washington has tightened economic sanctions against Iran, trying to cut Tehran's oil exports to zero, and beefed up the US military presence in the Gulf in response to what it said were Iranian threats to United States troops and interests. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments, including efforts to strengthen security and stability, in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Saudi Media Ministry tweeted on Sunday. "We want peace and stability in the region but we will not sit on our hands in light of the continuing Iranian attack," Jubeir said. "The ball is in Iran's court and it is up to Iran to determine what its fate will be." He said the crew of an Iranian oil tanker that had been towed to Saudi Arabia early this month after a request for help due to engine trouble were still in the kingdom receiving the "necessary care". The crews are 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis. Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars. In a sign of the heightened tension, Exxon Mobil evacuated foreign staff from an oilfield in neighbouring Iraq. Bahrain on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran and asked those already there to return. The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an advisory to US commercial airliners flying over the waters of the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to exercise caution.

Saudi Arabia says it seeks to avert war, ball in Iran's court

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday.&nbsp;

"The timely decision of the Islamic republic regarding its commitments in the (nuclear deal) showed that Iran is not in a position of weakness," said Ali Mottahari, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Tehran announced Wednesday that it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rolls-back-nuclear-commitments-under-pact-abandoned-by-washington-216990">stop respecting some of the curbs on its nuclear activities</a> imposed under the landmark 2015 deal with world powers.

The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days.

The sweeping sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the Iranian economy.&nbsp;

Mottahari's comments came a day after President Hassan Rouhani called for unity among Iranian political factions during a time of heightened tensions with the United States.

Rouhani said Iran was facing "an all-out war unprecedented in the history of the Islamic republic".

Iran's situation could be worse than during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, he said according to the government's official website.

"In the war we didn't have any banking, sales of oil and import-export problems and the only sanctions against us were arms embargoes," he said, during what was billed as an informal meeting with members of different political groups and parties.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Iran in recent days over alleged threats from Tehran.

Washington said on Saturday it was deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Patriot missile battery to bolster an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers already sent to the Gulf.

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday.

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday. "The timely decision of the Islamic republic regarding its commitments in the (nuclear deal) showed that Iran is not in a position of weakness," said Ali Mottahari, according to the official IRNA news agency. Tehran announced Wednesday that it would stop respecting some of the curbs on its nuclear activities imposed under the landmark 2015 deal with world powers. The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days. The sweeping sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the Iranian economy. Mottahari's comments came a day after President Hassan Rouhani called for unity among Iranian political factions during a time of heightened tensions with the United States. Rouhani said Iran was facing "an all-out war unprecedented in the history of the Islamic republic". Iran's situation could be worse than during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, he said according to the government's official website. "In the war we didn't have any banking, sales of oil and import-export problems and the only sanctions against us were arms embargoes," he said, during what was billed as an informal meeting with members of different political groups and parties. The administration of US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Iran in recent days over alleged threats from Tehran. Washington said on Saturday it was deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Patriot missile battery to bolster an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers already sent to the Gulf.

Move on nuclear curbs shows 'Iran not in position of weakness', says lawmaker

The commander overseeing US&nbsp;naval forces in the Middle East told Reuters on Thursday that American intelligence showing a threat from Iran will not prevent him from sending an aircraft carrier through the vital Strait of Hormuz if needed.

Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, commander of the US Navy`s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, did not say whether he would send the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sending-carrier-bombers-to-mideast-is-psychological-warfare-iran-216721&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT1NfKpJDiAhWiguYKHcAICBcQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oYGH2uJxD7CRbHIDL8cYk"> USS Abraham Lincoln </a>carrier strike group into the strategic waterway off Iran, through which passes a fifth of oil consumed globally.

The group, whose deployment to the Middle East was fast-tracked by President Donald Trump`s administration as a warning to Iran, transited through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea on Thursday and was now under Malloy`s command.

"If I need to bring it inside the strait, I will do so," Malloy said in an interview by phone. "I`m not restricted in any way, I`m not challenged in any way, to operate her anywhere in the Middle East."

Iran has dismissed the US&nbsp;contention of a threat as "fake intelligence." Tensions have risen between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-more-sanctions-for-iran-tells-europe-to-stop-doing-business-with-tehran-217159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid_sjVpJDiAhUY6XMBHUb0CcoQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0MloTk2u-8x9_xOayC7Uhg">Tehran and Washington</a> since the Trump administration withdrew a year ago from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran and began ratcheting up sanctions to throttle the Islamic Republic`s economy. [nL2N22L1OB]

The Pentagon said it expedited Lincoln`s deployment and sent bombers to the Middle East after US&nbsp;intelligence signalled possible preparations by Tehran to stage attacks against US&nbsp;forces or interests. Malloy said the intelligence was linked "with the actual activity that we observed."

"And that was certainly enough for me ... to say that we saw this as a threat," he said.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say one of the pieces of intelligence indicated Iran had moved missiles on boats. One of the officials said the particular missile observed was perhaps capable of launching from a small ship.&nbsp;

The officials also noted growing concerns about the threat from Iran-backed Shi`ite militia in Iraq, which have long avoided any confrontation with US troops under the shared goal of defeating Islamic State, a Sunni militant organization.

Malloy, whose naval forces would support efforts to defend US&nbsp;troops throughout the region, did not enter into details on the US&nbsp;intelligence. But he confirmed that some of the US concern centred on Iranian missiles.

"It might be a new fielding of technology by Iran," Malloy said, adding the weaponry "falls under the category of destabilising and offensive in nature."

`NOT IN A WAR-PLAN FOOTING`

The nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers required Tehran to curb its uranium enrichment capacity to head off any pathway to developing a nuclear bomb, in return for the removal of most international sanctions. Iran has always said it pursued a nuclear program for peaceful purposes only.

In the past month, the US&nbsp;designated Iran`s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and increased sanctions pressure, with an explicit goal of slashing Iran`s oil exports to zero.&nbsp;

Beyond the deployment of the Lincoln, the United States also dispatched B-52 bombers to the Middle East in response and is also weighing the redeployment of Patriot missiles after pulling several out of the region last year, officials said.

Some of Trump`s critics fear the White House is intentionally provoking Iran. Although the military sought the deployments, the announcement itself came in a statement from White House national security adviser John Bolton - a hawk on Iran policy.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, said he worried "that the Trump administration is leading us toward an unnecessary war."

Malloy, in his first interview since the IRGC designation, confirmed that US&nbsp;forces were operating at a heightened state of readiness. Still, Malloy stressed that the US&nbsp;military was not seeking or preparing for war with Iran.&nbsp;

"I am not in a war-plan footing and have not been tasked to do so," Malloy said. "However we are absolutely ready to respond to any aggression against the United States, partners in the region, or our interests."

Trump also reaffirmed that message on Thursday, saying he did not want conflict.&nbsp;

"We have one of the most powerful ships in the world that are loaded up and we don`t want to do anything," Trump told reporters.

The commander overseeing US naval forces in the Middle East told Reuters on Thursday that American intelligence showing a threat from Iran will not prevent him from sending an aircraft carrier through the vital Strait of Hormuz if needed.

The commander overseeing US naval forces in the Middle East told Reuters on Thursday that American intelligence showing a threat from Iran will not prevent him from sending an aircraft carrier through the vital Strait of Hormuz if needed. Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, commander of the US Navy`s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, did not say whether he would send the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group into the strategic waterway off Iran, through which passes a fifth of oil consumed globally. The group, whose deployment to the Middle East was fast-tracked by President Donald Trump`s administration as a warning to Iran, transited through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea on Thursday and was now under Malloy`s command. "If I need to bring it inside the strait, I will do so," Malloy said in an interview by phone. "I`m not restricted in any way, I`m not challenged in any way, to operate her anywhere in the Middle East." Iran has dismissed the US contention of a threat as "fake intelligence." Tensions have risen between Tehran and Washington since the Trump administration withdrew a year ago from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran and began ratcheting up sanctions to throttle the Islamic Republic`s economy. [nL2N22L1OB] The Pentagon said it expedited Lincoln`s deployment and sent bombers to the Middle East after US intelligence signalled possible preparations by Tehran to stage attacks against US forces or interests. Malloy said the intelligence was linked "with the actual activity that we observed." "And that was certainly enough for me ... to say that we saw this as a threat," he said. The US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say one of the pieces of intelligence indicated Iran had moved missiles on boats. One of the officials said the particular missile observed was perhaps capable of launching from a small ship. The officials also noted growing concerns about the threat from Iran-backed Shi`ite militia in Iraq, which have long avoided any confrontation with US troops under the shared goal of defeating Islamic State, a Sunni militant organization. Malloy, whose naval forces would support efforts to defend US troops throughout the region, did not enter into details on the US intelligence. But he confirmed that some of the US concern centred on Iranian missiles. "It might be a new fielding of technology by Iran," Malloy said, adding the weaponry "falls under the category of destabilising and offensive in nature." `NOT IN A WAR-PLAN FOOTING` The nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers required Tehran to curb its uranium enrichment capacity to head off any pathway to developing a nuclear bomb, in return for the removal of most international sanctions. Iran has always said it pursued a nuclear program for peaceful purposes only. In the past month, the US designated Iran`s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and increased sanctions pressure, with an explicit goal of slashing Iran`s oil exports to zero. Beyond the deployment of the Lincoln, the United States also dispatched B-52 bombers to the Middle East in response and is also weighing the redeployment of Patriot missiles after pulling several out of the region last year, officials said. Some of Trump`s critics fear the White House is intentionally provoking Iran. Although the military sought the deployments, the announcement itself came in a statement from White House national security adviser John Bolton - a hawk on Iran policy. Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, said he worried "that the Trump administration is leading us toward an unnecessary war." Malloy, in his first interview since the IRGC designation, confirmed that US forces were operating at a heightened state of readiness. Still, Malloy stressed that the US military was not seeking or preparing for war with Iran. "I am not in a war-plan footing and have not been tasked to do so," Malloy said. "However we are absolutely ready to respond to any aggression against the United States, partners in the region, or our interests." Trump also reaffirmed that message on Thursday, saying he did not want conflict. "We have one of the most powerful ships in the world that are loaded up and we don`t want to do anything," Trump told reporters.

US commander says he could send carrier into Strait of Hormuz despite Iran tensions

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">sanctions on Iran</a> `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program.

On the first anniversary of Washington`s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal between Tehran and world powers, US officials said they would keep squeezing Iran to force it to return to the negotiating table for a more comprehensive deal that would seek to curtail Iranian ambitions in the Middle East.

Tensions were already high between Washington and Tehran when the Trump administration said last weekend that it was deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East, in response to what it said were `troubling indications and warnings` from Iran.

Leading Democratic lawmakers such as Representative Adam Schiff warned that the Republican administration`s moves could put the United States on the path to a war and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested a briefing on Iran for members.

Hours before the US&nbsp;threat of more sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced Tehran was reducing curbs to its nuclear program with steps that for now stopped short of violating the 2015 accord. But it threatened more action if countries did not shield it from sanctions.

Tehran halting compliance with some elements of the nuclear deal was "nothing less than nuclear blackmail of Europe," Tim Morrison, special assistant to the US&nbsp;president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction, told a conference.

"Now is the time for the community of nations to strongly condemn Iran’s nuclear misconduct and increase pressure on the regime to comply with U.S. demands," Morrison said, adding that Washington was not `done` with sanctions on Iran.

"Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon," he said.

Morrison said the United States would move quickly against any attempt by European countries to undermine Washington`s sanctions pressure on Iran. He advised them against using the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate non-dollar trade to circumvent US sanctions.

"If you are a bank, an investor, an insurer or other business in Europe you should know that getting involved in the … Special Purpose Vehicle is a very poor business decision," Morrison said.

DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION&nbsp;

President Donald Trump a year ago pulled out of the accord signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States to put limits on Iran`s disputed nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions.

The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries.

Spearheaded by national security adviser John Bolton, the Trump administration since then has taken several unprecedented steps to squeeze Iran such as demanding the world halt all Iranian oil imports and designating Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, which Iran has cast as an American provocation.

"We have made our focus diplomatic isolation and economic pressure and that policy is working," Brian Hook, Special Envoy for Iran, said in a briefing. 
Hook said that more nations now, compared with a year ago, were in agreement with the United States on Iran.

Washington`s European allies opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and have failed so far to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US&nbsp;sanctions. France and Germany both said they wanted to keep the accord alive, and warned Iran not to violate it.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program. On the first anniversary of Washington`s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal between Tehran and world powers, US officials said they would keep squeezing Iran to force it to return to the negotiating table for a more comprehensive deal that would seek to curtail Iranian ambitions in the Middle East. Tensions were already high between Washington and Tehran when the Trump administration said last weekend that it was deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East, in response to what it said were `troubling indications and warnings` from Iran. Leading Democratic lawmakers such as Representative Adam Schiff warned that the Republican administration`s moves could put the United States on the path to a war and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested a briefing on Iran for members. Hours before the US threat of more sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced Tehran was reducing curbs to its nuclear program with steps that for now stopped short of violating the 2015 accord. But it threatened more action if countries did not shield it from sanctions. Tehran halting compliance with some elements of the nuclear deal was "nothing less than nuclear blackmail of Europe," Tim Morrison, special assistant to the US president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction, told a conference. "Now is the time for the community of nations to strongly condemn Iran’s nuclear misconduct and increase pressure on the regime to comply with U.S. demands," Morrison said, adding that Washington was not `done` with sanctions on Iran. "Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon," he said. Morrison said the United States would move quickly against any attempt by European countries to undermine Washington`s sanctions pressure on Iran. He advised them against using the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate non-dollar trade to circumvent US sanctions. "If you are a bank, an investor, an insurer or other business in Europe you should know that getting involved in the … Special Purpose Vehicle is a very poor business decision," Morrison said. DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION President Donald Trump a year ago pulled out of the accord signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States to put limits on Iran`s disputed nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions. The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries. Spearheaded by national security adviser John Bolton, the Trump administration since then has taken several unprecedented steps to squeeze Iran such as demanding the world halt all Iranian oil imports and designating Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, which Iran has cast as an American provocation. "We have made our focus diplomatic isolation and economic pressure and that policy is working," Brian Hook, Special Envoy for Iran, said in a briefing. Hook said that more nations now, compared with a year ago, were in agreement with the United States on Iran. Washington`s European allies opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and have failed so far to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US sanctions. France and Germany both said they wanted to keep the accord alive, and warned Iran not to violate it.

US vows more sanctions for Iran, tells Europe to stop doing business with Tehran

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday to sanction Iran's steel, aluminium, copper and iron sectors, which provide crucial foreign currency earnings for its crippled economy. Trump also threatened further action unless Tehran "fundamentally" changed its behaviour.

Iran-US tensions escalate as Trump imposes new sanctions

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