President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Moscow was sorry to see Iran's nuclear deal falling apart<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-assurances-from-pompeo-on-iran-russia-218954"> but stressed Russia was not "a fire brigade"</a> to "rescue everything."

Tensions have sharply escalated between arch-rivals Washington and Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-iran-tensions-trump-administration-orders-non-emergency-embassy-staff-to-leave-iraq-218924">Iran nuclear deal which removed sanctions</a> in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme.

Putin spoke to reporters after hosting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Tuesday for the highest-level bilateral talks in nearly a year.

"We regret that the deal is falling apart," Putin said following talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen on Wednesday.

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"After the signing of the agreement Iran was and still is the world's most verifiable and transparent country in this sense."

"Iran is fulfilling all of its obligations," said Putin, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He urged Iran not to quit the 2015 agreement but added there was only so much Moscow could do.

"Russia is not a fire brigade," Putin said.

"We cannot rescue everything that does not fully depend on us. We've played our part."

Putin also said that after Washington's withdrawal Europe could do "nothing" to salvage the deal.

Earlier Wednesday Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed concern that tensions over Iran escalated despite assurances from Pompeo that Washington was not seeking war.

"So far we notice the continued escalation of tensions around this subject," Peskov said.

"We are saddened to see the decisions taken by the Iranian side," Peskov added, while arguing that Washington has been provoking Iran.&nbsp;

In Sochi, Pompeo said his country did not want war with Iran, despite a spike in tensions that has seen the Pentagon dispatch nuclear-capable bombers to the region.

Peskov sought to play down those statements.

"There were no assurances from Pompeo," Putin's spokesman said.

"And one can hardly talk about some sort of assurances."&nbsp;

Washington last year pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by Europe, Russia and China, which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief.&nbsp;

Since then it has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran.

On Sunday, mysterious attacks by unknown assailants against four ships in the region, including two from Saudi Arabia, pushed talk of war up another notch.

Washington has accused Iran of planning "imminent" attacks in the region and on Wednesday, the US ordered all non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and consulate in Arbil.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Moscow was sorry to see Iran's nuclear deal falling apart but stressed Russia was not "a fire brigade" to "rescue everything.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Moscow was sorry to see Iran's nuclear deal falling apart but stressed Russia was not "a fire brigade" to "rescue everything." Tensions have sharply escalated between arch-rivals Washington and Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from the Iran nuclear deal which removed sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Putin spoke to reporters after hosting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Tuesday for the highest-level bilateral talks in nearly a year. "We regret that the deal is falling apart," Putin said following talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen on Wednesday. "After the signing of the agreement Iran was and still is the world's most verifiable and transparent country in this sense." "Iran is fulfilling all of its obligations," said Putin, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency. He urged Iran not to quit the 2015 agreement but added there was only so much Moscow could do. "Russia is not a fire brigade," Putin said. "We cannot rescue everything that does not fully depend on us. We've played our part." Putin also said that after Washington's withdrawal Europe could do "nothing" to salvage the deal. Earlier Wednesday Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed concern that tensions over Iran escalated despite assurances from Pompeo that Washington was not seeking war. "So far we notice the continued escalation of tensions around this subject," Peskov said. "We are saddened to see the decisions taken by the Iranian side," Peskov added, while arguing that Washington has been provoking Iran. In Sochi, Pompeo said his country did not want war with Iran, despite a spike in tensions that has seen the Pentagon dispatch nuclear-capable bombers to the region. Peskov sought to play down those statements. "There were no assurances from Pompeo," Putin's spokesman said. "And one can hardly talk about some sort of assurances." Washington last year pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by Europe, Russia and China, which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief. Since then it has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran. On Sunday, mysterious attacks by unknown assailants against four ships in the region, including two from Saudi Arabia, pushed talk of war up another notch. Washington has accused Iran of planning "imminent" attacks in the region and on Wednesday, the US ordered all non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and consulate in Arbil.

Russia is not a fire brigade to rescue Iran deal: Putin

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-iran-nuclear-pact-must-be-upheld-216980"> imposed new sanctions on Iran</a>, targeting revenue from its exports of industrial metals, the latest salvo in tensions between Washington and Tehran over a 2015 international accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

Iran had announced hours earlier that it was relaxing some restrictions on its nuclear program, steps that stopped short of violating the deal with world powers for now, but threatening more action if countries do not shield it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-resume-uranium-enrichment-if-world-powers-do-not-keep-nuclear-agreement-promise-rouhani-216939">from US sanctions</a>.

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An executive order issued by Trump covers Iran's iron, steel, aluminium, and copper sectors, the government's largest non-petroleum-related sources of export revenue and 10 percent of its export economy, a White House statement said.

&nbsp;

"Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct," Trump said.

The administration says the nuclear deal, negotiated by Trump's 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 the Middle East.

Tensions between the two countries were already high 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.

On Wednesday, a senior administration official said the United States was "not escalating militarily against Iran" and accused Iran of being "provocative." It was in Iran's best interests to continue complying with the pact, the official said.

The executive order effectively bans entities from the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of those minerals and their products from Iran or face sanctions.

It also says any individuals and entities would be subject to US sanctions if they knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the sale, supply, or transfer to Iran of significant goods or services used in connection with those industrial metal sectors.

The US Treasury said it was allowing a 90-day winding down period for transactions related to Iran's metals sectors and warned against entering into any new business after May 8, saying that would not be considered a wind-down activity.

A year ago, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States. The accord relaxed international sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear program that were designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has said it pursued a peaceful nuclear program only.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced changes on Wednesday that experts said seemed tailored to ensure Tehran avoids triggering the deal's mechanism to punish it for violations, at least for now. The main new measure that takes effect now would have limited practical impact: a halt to Iran's sales of enriched uranium and heavy water to other countries.

The deal allows such sales so Iran can keep reducing its stockpiles below maximum thresholds, but Washington already effectively barred the sales with a sanctions move last week. For now, Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is still well below the deal's cap and heavy water is less sensitive.

"The Iranian people and the world should know that today is not the end of the JCPOA," Rouhani said in a televised address, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. "These are actions in line with the JCPOA."

Rouhani also threatened that in 60 days Iran would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless the five other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from U.S. 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 U.S. 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 US demands," Morrison 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.

From this month, Washington has effectively ordered countries worldwide to stop buying Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. The Trump administration has revoked waivers that had allowed some countries to continue buying Iranian oil and it aims to reduce Iranian crude exports to zero.

Washington has also blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group. Iran responded with threats to close the Gulf's Strait of Hormuz - the conduit for about a third of the world's seaborne oil exports - if its ships were blocked there.

"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 pull out and have tried, so far in vain, to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new U.S. sanctions, which include an all-out effort to block Iran's oil exports to throttle its economy.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revenue from its exports of industrial metals, the latest salvo in tensions between Washington and Tehran over a 2015 international accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revenue from its exports of industrial metals, the latest salvo in tensions between Washington and Tehran over a 2015 international accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Iran had announced hours earlier that it was relaxing some restrictions on its nuclear program, steps that stopped short of violating the deal with world powers for now, but threatening more action if countries do not shield it from US sanctions. An executive order issued by Trump covers Iran's iron, steel, aluminium, and copper sectors, the government's largest non-petroleum-related sources of export revenue and 10 percent of its export economy, a White House statement said. "Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct," Trump said. The administration says the nuclear deal, negotiated by Trump's 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 the Middle East. Tensions between the two countries were already high 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. On Wednesday, a senior administration official said the United States was "not escalating militarily against Iran" and accused Iran of being "provocative." It was in Iran's best interests to continue complying with the pact, the official said. The executive order effectively bans entities from the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of those minerals and their products from Iran or face sanctions. It also says any individuals and entities would be subject to US sanctions if they knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the sale, supply, or transfer to Iran of significant goods or services used in connection with those industrial metal sectors. The US Treasury said it was allowing a 90-day winding down period for transactions related to Iran's metals sectors and warned against entering into any new business after May 8, saying that would not be considered a wind-down activity. A year ago, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States. The accord relaxed international sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear program that were designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has said it pursued a peaceful nuclear program only. Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced changes on Wednesday that experts said seemed tailored to ensure Tehran avoids triggering the deal's mechanism to punish it for violations, at least for now. The main new measure that takes effect now would have limited practical impact: a halt to Iran's sales of enriched uranium and heavy water to other countries. The deal allows such sales so Iran can keep reducing its stockpiles below maximum thresholds, but Washington already effectively barred the sales with a sanctions move last week. For now, Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is still well below the deal's cap and heavy water is less sensitive. "The Iranian people and the world should know that today is not the end of the JCPOA," Rouhani said in a televised address, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. "These are actions in line with the JCPOA." Rouhani also threatened that in 60 days Iran would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless the five other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from U.S. 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 U.S. 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 US demands," Morrison 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. From this month, Washington has effectively ordered countries worldwide to stop buying Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. The Trump administration has revoked waivers that had allowed some countries to continue buying Iranian oil and it aims to reduce Iranian crude exports to zero. Washington has also blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group. Iran responded with threats to close the Gulf's Strait of Hormuz - the conduit for about a third of the world's seaborne oil exports - if its ships were blocked there. "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 pull out and have tried, so far in vain, to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new U.S. sanctions, which include an all-out effort to block Iran's oil exports to throttle its economy.

Trump targets Iran's iron, steel, aluminium & copper sectors in new sanctions

Iran will resume <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-reduce-nuclear-commitments-state-media-216851">high-level enrichment</a> of uranium if world powers do not keep their promises under a 2015 nuclear agreement, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US withdrawal from the deal a year ago.

In a speech broadcast on national television, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-suggests-sanctions-could-be-reimposed-if-iran-reneges-on-deal-216860">Rouhani said the remaining</a> signatories - the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China and Russia - had 60 days to implement their promises to protect Iran's oil and banking sectors from US sanctions.

Rouhani has written to the leaders of those countries, saying it will start rolling back some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal on Wednesday, and will no longer sell enriched uranium and heavy water to other nations.

"If the five countries came to the negotiating table and we reached an agreement, and if they could protect our interests in oil and banking sectors, we will go back to square one (and will resume our commitments)," Rouhani said.

Iran told ambassadors from the signatory countries that it would roll back some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, state broadcaster IRIB reported on Wednesday.

Rouhani warned of a firm response if Iran's nuclear case is referred again to the United Nations Security Council, but said Tehran was ready for negotiations over its nuclear programme.

He also said his country will no longer sell enriched uranium and heavy water to other nations.

Meanwhile, the US military said that B-52 bombers will be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there.

White House national security adviser John Bolton had said on Sunday that the United States was deploying a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Middle East.

Captain Bill Urban, a spokesman for US&nbsp;Central Command, said that the bomber task force would consist of B-52 bombers.

However, Iran's top security body dismissed the US&nbsp;plan to send forces to the region as "psychological warfare."

The US military confirmed that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had already been scheduled to go to the Middle East, but that its movement was "expedited" due to heightened tension with Iran.

Iran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not keep their promises under a 2015 nuclear agreement, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US withdrawal from the deal a year ago.

Iran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not keep their promises under a 2015 nuclear agreement, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US withdrawal from the deal a year ago. In a speech broadcast on national television, Rouhani said the remaining signatories - the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China and Russia - had 60 days to implement their promises to protect Iran's oil and banking sectors from US sanctions. Rouhani has written to the leaders of those countries, saying it will start rolling back some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal on Wednesday, and will no longer sell enriched uranium and heavy water to other nations. "If the five countries came to the negotiating table and we reached an agreement, and if they could protect our interests in oil and banking sectors, we will go back to square one (and will resume our commitments)," Rouhani said. Iran told ambassadors from the signatory countries that it would roll back some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, state broadcaster IRIB reported on Wednesday. Rouhani warned of a firm response if Iran's nuclear case is referred again to the United Nations Security Council, but said Tehran was ready for negotiations over its nuclear programme. He also said his country will no longer sell enriched uranium and heavy water to other nations. Meanwhile, the US military said that B-52 bombers will be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there. White House national security adviser John Bolton had said on Sunday that the United States was deploying a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Middle East. Captain Bill Urban, a spokesman for US Central Command, said that the bomber task force would consist of B-52 bombers. However, Iran's top security body dismissed the US plan to send forces to the region as "psychological warfare." The US military confirmed that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had already been scheduled to go to the Middle East, but that its movement was "expedited" due to heightened tension with Iran.

Iran will resume uranium enrichment if world powers do not keep nuclear agreement promise: Rouhani

Iran will continue to export oil despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-could-shut-hormuz-strait-if-tensions-grow-214139">US pressure aimed at reducing</a> the nation's crude oil shipments to zero, Iran President Hassan Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on Iranian state TV on Tuesday.

"America's decision that Iran's oil exports must reach zero is a wrong and mistaken decision, and we won't let this decision be executed and operational" Rouhani said.

"In future months, the Americans themselves will see that we will continue our oil exports," he said.

If the United States is able to stop one method for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205">Iran to export oil,</a> then it will find other ways, Rouhani said.

Oil prices hit their highest since November last week after Washington said all waivers for sanctions-hit Iranian oil would end this week, pressuring importers to stop buying from Tehran and further tightening global supply.&nbsp;

The United States demanded last Monday that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases by May 1st or face sanctions, ending six months of waivers that had allowed Iran's eight biggest customers, most of them in Asia, to continue importing limited volumes.

Ordinary Iranians are the ones who feel the pressure from US sanctions, Rouhani said.

Iran will continue to export oil despite US pressure aimed at reducing the nation's crude oil shipments to zero, Iran President Hassan Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on Iranian state TV on Tuesday.

Iran will continue to export oil despite US pressure aimed at reducing the nation's crude oil shipments to zero, Iran President Hassan Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on Iranian state TV on Tuesday. "America's decision that Iran's oil exports must reach zero is a wrong and mistaken decision, and we won't let this decision be executed and operational" Rouhani said. "In future months, the Americans themselves will see that we will continue our oil exports," he said. If the United States is able to stop one method for Iran to export oil, then it will find other ways, Rouhani said. Oil prices hit their highest since November last week after Washington said all waivers for sanctions-hit Iranian oil would end this week, pressuring importers to stop buying from Tehran and further tightening global supply. The United States demanded last Monday that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases by May 1st or face sanctions, ending six months of waivers that had allowed Iran's eight biggest customers, most of them in Asia, to continue importing limited volumes. Ordinary Iranians are the ones who feel the pressure from US sanctions, Rouhani said.

If US stops one method for Iran oil export, we will find another way: President Rouhani

The United States will designate<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-iran-nuclear-researchers-warns-of-future-work-205171"> Iran's Revolutionary Guards </a>as a terrorist organization, an unprecedented move that would ramp up pressure on the elite force, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The newspaper, quoting unnamed officials, said President Donald Trump's administration would announce the long-mulled decision as soon as Monday and that concerned defense officials were bracing for the impact.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp was formed after the 1979 Islamic revolution with a mission to defend the clerical regime, in contrast to more traditional military units that protect borders.

The Revolutionary Guards have amassed strong power within Iran, including with significant economic interests.

The Guards' prized unit is the Quds Force, named for the Arabic word for Jerusalem, which supports forces allied with Iran around the region including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

The Trump administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran after withdrawing last year from an international agreement under which Tehran drastically scaled back its nuclear program.

A foreign terrorist designation would make any activities of the group toxic for the United States, with any transactions involving US institutions or individuals subject to punishment.

The Wall Street Journal said that the Pentagon and the CIA had reservations about the move, saying it would increase risks for US troops without doing much more to damage the Iranian economy.

The United States will designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, an unprecedented move that would ramp up pressure on the elite force, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The United States will designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, an unprecedented move that would ramp up pressure on the elite force, The Wall Street Journal reported. The newspaper, quoting unnamed officials, said President Donald Trump's administration would announce the long-mulled decision as soon as Monday and that concerned defense officials were bracing for the impact. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp was formed after the 1979 Islamic revolution with a mission to defend the clerical regime, in contrast to more traditional military units that protect borders. The Revolutionary Guards have amassed strong power within Iran, including with significant economic interests. The Guards' prized unit is the Quds Force, named for the Arabic word for Jerusalem, which supports forces allied with Iran around the region including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Hezbollah. The Trump administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran after withdrawing last year from an international agreement under which Tehran drastically scaled back its nuclear program. A foreign terrorist designation would make any activities of the group toxic for the United States, with any transactions involving US institutions or individuals subject to punishment. The Wall Street Journal said that the Pentagon and the CIA had reservations about the move, saying it would increase risks for US troops without doing much more to damage the Iranian economy.

Trump to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorist organization: Report

China's foreign ministry spokesman<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-intelligence-extremely-naive-on-iran-they-are-wrong-trump-193947"> Geng Shuang said the country </a>highly appreciates the efforts made by European countries to uphold the Iran nuclear deal and supports the establishment of the new trade mechanism for Iran.

Foreign ministers of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418"> France, Germany and UK on Thursday</a> had issued a joint statement announcing the establishment of a trade mechanism for Iran - the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).

Geng said that the new mechanism shows the EU's efforts to uphold the Iran nuclear deal.

"It fully demonstrated the EU's determination to uphold multilateralism. China firmly supports the continued cooperation between the EU and Iran to put the mechanism into operation as soon as possible and open it to third parties so as to promote normal economic and trade cooperation between the international community and Iran. We also firmly support the political and diplomatic efforts led by the EU to safeguard the Iran nuclear deal," said Geng.

According to the spokesman, China always maintains that the deal is an important outcome of multilateralism and an international agreement approved by the United Nations Security Council.

He said the deal should be fully and effectively implemented, which is conducive to the peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and is also in the common interests of the international community.

"We hope that relevant parties can proceed from the overall and long-term interests, stick to the direction of political and diplomatic settlement and jointly uphold this deal," said Geng.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - plus Germany struck the nuclear deal in July 2015, under which Iran should roll back its nuclear program in exchange for the lift of the sanctions imposed on it.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the country highly appreciates the efforts made by European countries to uphold the Iran nuclear deal and supports the establishment of the new trade mechanism for Iran.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the country highly appreciates the efforts made by European countries to uphold the Iran nuclear deal and supports the establishment of the new trade mechanism for Iran. Foreign ministers of France, Germany and UK on Thursday had issued a joint statement announcing the establishment of a trade mechanism for Iran - the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX). Geng said that the new mechanism shows the EU's efforts to uphold the Iran nuclear deal. "It fully demonstrated the EU's determination to uphold multilateralism. China firmly supports the continued cooperation between the EU and Iran to put the mechanism into operation as soon as possible and open it to third parties so as to promote normal economic and trade cooperation between the international community and Iran. We also firmly support the political and diplomatic efforts led by the EU to safeguard the Iran nuclear deal," said Geng. According to the spokesman, China always maintains that the deal is an important outcome of multilateralism and an international agreement approved by the United Nations Security Council. He said the deal should be fully and effectively implemented, which is conducive to the peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and is also in the common interests of the international community. "We hope that relevant parties can proceed from the overall and long-term interests, stick to the direction of political and diplomatic settlement and jointly uphold this deal," said Geng. Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - plus Germany struck the nuclear deal in July 2015, under which Iran should roll back its nuclear program in exchange for the lift of the sanctions imposed on it.

Firmly support EU efforts to safeguard Iran nuclear deal: China

Iran confirmed on Wednesday it<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/first-class-idiots-running-washington-policy-irans-ex-leader-ayatollah-khamenei-189249"> had arrested an American</a>, confirming US media reports about a case that risks further worsening relations with Washington.

The New York Times reported on Monday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-despite-us-sanctions-it-has-found-new-potential-oil-buyers-188406">Michael White, a 46-year-old US Navy veteran</a>, was arrested while visiting Iran and had been held since July on unspecified charges.

Iran had not confirmed the arrest before the state news agency IRNA carried a statement by foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Wednesday, which did not specify when it had happened or what crime he was accused of.

Qassemi said Iran had informed the US government about White's arrest within days of when he was taken into custody and denied that White had been poorly treated.

"These sorts of reports are lies and improper and are seriously rejected," IRNA quoted Qassemi as saying.

White's case is going through the legal process and officials will make a statement at the appropriate time, he added.

The case is likely to further worsen relations with the United States. President Donald Trump withdrew from an international agreement Iran's nuclear programme and re-imposed sanctions last year that hit the Iranian economy hard.

Several Americans have been detained in Iran in recent years and Trump warned in 2017 that Tehran would face "new and serious consequences" unless all unjustly held US citizens were freed.

White's mother, Joanne, told the New York Times her son had visited Iran "five or six times" to meet his Iranian girlfriend.

She reported her son's disappearance after he failed to return in July but learned from the State Department only three weeks ago that he was being held in Iran.

London-based news website IranWire, which first reported White's arrest, quoted a former detainee, Ivar Farhadi, as saying he had been held at the same prison, Vakilabad, in Mashhad, northeastern Iran.

Farhadi told IranWire White's life was in danger because he was being kept in a prison with dangerous criminals.

Joanne White told the New York Times her son, a California resident, suffers acute asthma and had had chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a neck tumour. 
&nbsp;

Iran confirmed on Wednesday it had arrested an American, confirming US media reports about a case that risks further worsening relations with Washington. The New York Times reported on Monday that Michael White, a 46-year-old US Navy veteran, was arrested while visiting Iran and had been held since July on unspecified charges.

Iran confirmed on Wednesday it had arrested an American, confirming US media reports about a case that risks further worsening relations with Washington. The New York Times reported on Monday that Michael White, a 46-year-old US Navy veteran, was arrested while visiting Iran and had been held since July on unspecified charges. Iran had not confirmed the arrest before the state news agency IRNA carried a statement by foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Wednesday, which did not specify when it had happened or what crime he was accused of. Qassemi said Iran had informed the US government about White's arrest within days of when he was taken into custody and denied that White had been poorly treated. "These sorts of reports are lies and improper and are seriously rejected," IRNA quoted Qassemi as saying. White's case is going through the legal process and officials will make a statement at the appropriate time, he added. The case is likely to further worsen relations with the United States. President Donald Trump withdrew from an international agreement Iran's nuclear programme and re-imposed sanctions last year that hit the Iranian economy hard. Several Americans have been detained in Iran in recent years and Trump warned in 2017 that Tehran would face "new and serious consequences" unless all unjustly held US citizens were freed. White's mother, Joanne, told the New York Times her son had visited Iran "five or six times" to meet his Iranian girlfriend. She reported her son's disappearance after he failed to return in July but learned from the State Department only three weeks ago that he was being held in Iran. London-based news website IranWire, which first reported White's arrest, quoted a former detainee, Ivar Farhadi, as saying he had been held at the same prison, Vakilabad, in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Farhadi told IranWire White's life was in danger because he was being kept in a prison with dangerous criminals. Joanne White told the New York Times her son, a California resident, suffers acute asthma and had had chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a neck tumour.

Iran arrests US navy veteran

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-oppose-unilateral-sanctions-and-long-arm-jurisdiction-against-iran-china-175654">China, India, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea</a>, Taiwan and Turkey would be allowed temporary waiver from Iran oil sanctions which came into effect from today.

Pompeo said the eight countries exempted have "already demonstrated reduction of Iranian crude over the past six months and, indeed, two of those eight have already completely ended imports of Iranian crude and will not resume as long as the sanctions remain in place."

"We continue negotiations to get all of the nations to zero," he added.

Pompeo informed that 50 Iranian banks and 400 subsidiaries would face sanctions as the US re-imposed economic sanctions on Iran's oil, banking and transportation sectors on Monday.&nbsp;

Pompeo added that more than 20 countries had already cut oil imports from Iran, reducing purchases by more than 1 million barrels per day.

"Treasury's imposition of unprecedented financial pressure on Iran should make clear to the Iranian regime that they will face mounting financial isolation and economic stagnation until they fundamentally change their destabilizing behaviour," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

The US sanctions will also target 200 persons and vessels in its shipping sector including Tehran's national airline, Iran Air, and more than 65 aircrafts.

Pompeo said the US would put "relentless" pressure on Iran as the sanctions covered most of Iran's key industries.

"Our objective is to starve the Iranian regime of the funds it uses to fund violent activity throughout the Middle East and around the world. Our ultimate goal is to encourage them to abandon their revolutionary course," Pompeo said.

In August, the US had imposed sanctions on Iran's metals and auto sectors.&nbsp;

"We hope a new agreement with Iran is possible, but until Iran makes changes in the 12 ways I listed in May, we will be relentless in exerting pressure on the regime," the US secretary of state added.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today that China, India, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey would be allowed temporary waiver from Iran oil sanctions which came into effect from today.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today that China, India, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey would be allowed temporary waiver from Iran oil sanctions which came into effect from today. Pompeo said the eight countries exempted have "already demonstrated reduction of Iranian crude over the past six months and, indeed, two of those eight have already completely ended imports of Iranian crude and will not resume as long as the sanctions remain in place." "We continue negotiations to get all of the nations to zero," he added. Pompeo informed that 50 Iranian banks and 400 subsidiaries would face sanctions as the US re-imposed economic sanctions on Iran's oil, banking and transportation sectors on Monday. Pompeo added that more than 20 countries had already cut oil imports from Iran, reducing purchases by more than 1 million barrels per day. "Treasury's imposition of unprecedented financial pressure on Iran should make clear to the Iranian regime that they will face mounting financial isolation and economic stagnation until they fundamentally change their destabilizing behaviour," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. The US sanctions will also target 200 persons and vessels in its shipping sector including Tehran's national airline, Iran Air, and more than 65 aircrafts. Pompeo said the US would put "relentless" pressure on Iran as the sanctions covered most of Iran's key industries. "Our objective is to starve the Iranian regime of the funds it uses to fund violent activity throughout the Middle East and around the world. Our ultimate goal is to encourage them to abandon their revolutionary course," Pompeo said. In August, the US had imposed sanctions on Iran's metals and auto sectors. "We hope a new agreement with Iran is possible, but until Iran makes changes in the 12 ways I listed in May, we will be relentless in exerting pressure on the regime," the US secretary of state added.

China, India, Turkey among eight countries allowed temporary waiver in Iran oil sanctions: Pompeo

As US oil sanctions on Iran kicked-in, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-proudly-bypass-us-sanctions-rouhani-175592">China opposed the Trump administration's </a>decision calling it a "unilateral" action.

"China opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

The US sanctions are targeted at Iran's oil sales and banking sector in order to force Iran to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, which President Trump believes the Rohani government has been carrying out covertly.

The US has also accused Iran of funding conflicts in Yemen, Syria and other parts in the Middle East.

"We believe that China's normal cooperation (with Iran) within international law is legal and legitimate, and this shall be respected," China's spokesman said while denouncing the sanctions.

The US had imposed sanctions against Iran on trade, metals and auto sectors in August after pulling out of the nuclear deal which also included its EU partners - &nbsp;France, Germany and Britain.

From today, the US sanctions will include Iran's lucrative oil sector which the Trump administration barring countries from trading with the country, however, it has exempted eight countries including Japan, South Korea and India allowing them leeway to trade with Iranian oil.

"Under the current circumstances, we hope all parties can bear in mind the larger picture and fulfil their duties and choose to stand on the right side of history," Hua said, adding that China will continue to "uphold the objective and responsible attitude to uphold the agreement".

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had said his country has no fear of "new American threats," while adding that "Iran is not looking for weapons of mass destruction and never will be".

President Rohani said today that he would " proudly bypass sanctions" by the United States.&nbsp;

"We are in a situation of economic war, confronting a bullying power. I don't think that in the history of America, someone has entered the White House who is so against law and international conventions."&nbsp;

As US oil sanctions on Iran kicked-in, China opposed the Trump administration's decision calling it a "unilateral" action. "China opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

As US oil sanctions on Iran kicked-in, China opposed the Trump administration's decision calling it a "unilateral" action. "China opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. The US sanctions are targeted at Iran's oil sales and banking sector in order to force Iran to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, which President Trump believes the Rohani government has been carrying out covertly. The US has also accused Iran of funding conflicts in Yemen, Syria and other parts in the Middle East. "We believe that China's normal cooperation (with Iran) within international law is legal and legitimate, and this shall be respected," China's spokesman said while denouncing the sanctions. The US had imposed sanctions against Iran on trade, metals and auto sectors in August after pulling out of the nuclear deal which also included its EU partners - France, Germany and Britain. From today, the US sanctions will include Iran's lucrative oil sector which the Trump administration barring countries from trading with the country, however, it has exempted eight countries including Japan, South Korea and India allowing them leeway to trade with Iranian oil. "Under the current circumstances, we hope all parties can bear in mind the larger picture and fulfil their duties and choose to stand on the right side of history," Hua said, adding that China will continue to "uphold the objective and responsible attitude to uphold the agreement". Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had said his country has no fear of "new American threats," while adding that "Iran is not looking for weapons of mass destruction and never will be". President Rohani said today that he would " proudly bypass sanctions" by the United States. "We are in a situation of economic war, confronting a bullying power. I don't think that in the history of America, someone has entered the White House who is so against law and international conventions."

We oppose unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Iran: China

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/icj-ruling-iran-meritless-says-us-169231">has said the US will terminate </a>the 1955 'Treaty of Amity' with Iran after the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordered the Trump administration not to sanction humanitarian goods to Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/icj-ruling-iran-meritless-says-us-169231">Also</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/icj-ruling-iran-meritless-says-us-169231"> Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran, says ICJ to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/icj-ruling-iran-meritless-says-us-169231">US</a>

The US had signed the 1955 treaty before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution after relations between two countries deteriorated rapidly. Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic ties since 1980 after the hostage crisis triggered in the American embassy in Tehran in 1979.

President Trump had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal last month citing misuse of funds by the Iran regime which the US president alleged the Rouhani government was using to fuel terrorism and reinforce its nuclear arsenal.

The US had imposed sanctions against Iran after exiting the nuclear deal with a second set of sanctions aimed at Iran's oil industry set to come into effect next month.

"I'm announcing that the US is terminating the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran. This is a decision, frankly, that is 39 years overdue," secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

Pompeo asserted that the UN ruling was a 'defeat for Iran'. US ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra had termed the ICJ order as a "meritless case" while asserting that the UN court did not have jurisdiction over the case.

Hoekstra added that ICJ had "declined to grant the sweeping measures requested by Iran" and it was "a narrow decision on a very limited range of sectors." However, Iran claimed victory claiming that it was a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right".

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif termed the United States as an "outlaw regime" as Pompeo announced that the Trump administration was withdrawing from the 1955 accord with Tehran following the ICJ verdict.

"Today US withdrew from an actual US-Iran treaty after the ICJ (International Court of Justice) ordered it to stop violating that treaty in sanctioning Iranian people. Outlaw regime," Zarif wrote on Twitter.

The world court called for US sanctions exception on "medicines and medical devices, food stuff and agricultural commodities as well as goods and services required for the safety of civil aviation such as spare parts, equipment and associated services necessary for civil aircraft."

The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement. Iran's lawyers had told the UN court that Washington of "strangling" its economy.

After the ICJ verdict, Iran foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the ruling was "another failure for sanctions-addicted US government and victory for rule of law".

The court said sanctions on goods "required for humanitarian needs... may have a serious detrimental impact on the health and lives of individuals on the territory of Iran." US sanctions also had the "potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran", it added.

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo has said the US will terminate the 1955 'Treaty of Amity' with Iran after the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordered the Trump administration not to sanction humanitarian goods to Iran.

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo has said the US will terminate the 1955 'Treaty of Amity' with Iran after the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordered the Trump administration not to sanction humanitarian goods to Iran. Also Read: Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran, says ICJ to US The US had signed the 1955 treaty before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution after relations between two countries deteriorated rapidly. Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic ties since 1980 after the hostage crisis triggered in the American embassy in Tehran in 1979. President Trump had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal last month citing misuse of funds by the Iran regime which the US president alleged the Rouhani government was using to fuel terrorism and reinforce its nuclear arsenal. The US had imposed sanctions against Iran after exiting the nuclear deal with a second set of sanctions aimed at Iran's oil industry set to come into effect next month. "I'm announcing that the US is terminating the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran. This is a decision, frankly, that is 39 years overdue," secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Pompeo asserted that the UN ruling was a 'defeat for Iran'. US ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra had termed the ICJ order as a "meritless case" while asserting that the UN court did not have jurisdiction over the case. Hoekstra added that ICJ had "declined to grant the sweeping measures requested by Iran" and it was "a narrow decision on a very limited range of sectors." However, Iran claimed victory claiming that it was a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right". Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif termed the United States as an "outlaw regime" as Pompeo announced that the Trump administration was withdrawing from the 1955 accord with Tehran following the ICJ verdict. "Today US withdrew from an actual US-Iran treaty after the ICJ (International Court of Justice) ordered it to stop violating that treaty in sanctioning Iranian people. Outlaw regime," Zarif wrote on Twitter. The world court called for US sanctions exception on "medicines and medical devices, food stuff and agricultural commodities as well as goods and services required for the safety of civil aviation such as spare parts, equipment and associated services necessary for civil aircraft." The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement. Iran's lawyers had told the UN court that Washington of "strangling" its economy. After the ICJ verdict, Iran foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the ruling was "another failure for sanctions-addicted US government and victory for rule of law". The court said sanctions on goods "required for humanitarian needs... may have a serious detrimental impact on the health and lives of individuals on the territory of Iran." US sanctions also had the "potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran", it added.

After ICJ verdict, US to terminate 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran

The United States today dismissed the order passed by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordering the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">Also</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167"> Read:&nbsp;Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran, says&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">US</a>

"This is a meritless case over which the court has no jurisdiction," US ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra&nbsp;said after the ruling at UN's top court.

Hoekstra added that ICJ had "declined to grant the sweeping measures requested by Iran" and it was "a narrow decision on a very limited range of sectors."

"The court considers that the United States, in accordance with its obligations under the 1955 treaty must remove by means of its choosing any impediment arising from the measures announced on 8 May 2018 to the free exportation to the territory of Iran of goods required for humanitarian needs," the ICJ said.

The world court called for US sanctions exception on "medicines and medical devices, food&nbsp;stuff and agricultural commodities as well as goods and services required for the safety of civil aviation such as spare parts, equipment and associated services necessary for civil aircraft."

"In its opinion, the measures adopted by the United States have the potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran and the lives of its users to the extent that they prevent Iranian airlines from acquiring spare parts and other necessary equipment as well as from accessing associated services necessary for civil aircraft," it added.

"Unanimously both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve," the UN court ordered.&nbsp;

Iran called the ruling a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right".

The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," Iran's forign ministry said in a statement.

The UN's top court gave its judgement after Iran had filed a case against the US for imposing sanctions against it. Iran said the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity. The US had argued that Iran was misusing the international court.

The 1955 treaty was signed before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution after which US relations with Iran deterioted.

The United States today dismissed the order passed by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordering the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

The United States today dismissed the order passed by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) ordering the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran. Also Read: Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran, says ICJ to US "This is a meritless case over which the court has no jurisdiction," US ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra said after the ruling at UN's top court. Hoekstra added that ICJ had "declined to grant the sweeping measures requested by Iran" and it was "a narrow decision on a very limited range of sectors." "The court considers that the United States, in accordance with its obligations under the 1955 treaty must remove by means of its choosing any impediment arising from the measures announced on 8 May 2018 to the free exportation to the territory of Iran of goods required for humanitarian needs," the ICJ said. The world court called for US sanctions exception on "medicines and medical devices, food stuff and agricultural commodities as well as goods and services required for the safety of civil aviation such as spare parts, equipment and associated services necessary for civil aircraft." "In its opinion, the measures adopted by the United States have the potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran and the lives of its users to the extent that they prevent Iranian airlines from acquiring spare parts and other necessary equipment as well as from accessing associated services necessary for civil aircraft," it added. "Unanimously both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve," the UN court ordered. Iran called the ruling a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right". The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," Iran's forign ministry said in a statement. The UN's top court gave its judgement after Iran had filed a case against the US for imposing sanctions against it. Iran said the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity. The US had argued that Iran was misusing the international court. The 1955 treaty was signed before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution after which US relations with Iran deterioted.

ICJ ruling on Iran meritless, says US

The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-accuses-iran-over-bomb-plot-near-paris-tehran-denies-allegations-169041">Also Read: France accuses Iran over bomb plot near Paris, Tehran denies allegations</a>

President Trump had imposed&nbsp;sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month.

"The court finds unanimously that... the United States of America... shall remove by means of its choosing any impediments arising from the measures announced on 8 May to the free exportation to Iran of medicines and medical devices, food and agricultural commodities" as well as aeroplane parts, chief judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said.&nbsp;

Hailing the verdict of the ICJ, Iran's foreign ministry said it was a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right".

The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," the ministry said in a statement.

The UN's top court gave its judgement after Iran had filed a case against the US for imposing sanctions against it. Iran said the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity. The US had argued that Iran was misusing&nbsp;the international court.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said the sanctions were a form of "psychological warfare" aimed at "regime change".

President Trump after pulling out of the nuclear deal had imposed sanctions on Iran alleging that the Rohani regime was using funds from lifting of sanctions in 2015 to support terrorist activities and to build its nuclear arsenal.

Britain, France and Germany who were co-signatories to the nuclear deal with Iran disagreed with the Trump administration and decided to keep it alive without US support.

The ICJ ruling, however, does not mean it would be enforced as the UN court does not have the power to implement its orders.

The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran. Also Read: France accuses Iran over bomb plot near Paris, Tehran denies allegations President Trump had imposed sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month.

The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran. Also Read: France accuses Iran over bomb plot near Paris, Tehran denies allegations President Trump had imposed sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month. "The court finds unanimously that... the United States of America... shall remove by means of its choosing any impediments arising from the measures announced on 8 May to the free exportation to Iran of medicines and medical devices, food and agricultural commodities" as well as aeroplane parts, chief judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said. Hailing the verdict of the ICJ, Iran's foreign ministry said it was a "clear sign" that "Iran is in the right". The ruling by the International Court of Justice "once again shows that the US government... is day by day becoming more isolated," the ministry said in a statement. The UN's top court gave its judgement after Iran had filed a case against the US for imposing sanctions against it. Iran said the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity. The US had argued that Iran was misusing the international court. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said the sanctions were a form of "psychological warfare" aimed at "regime change". President Trump after pulling out of the nuclear deal had imposed sanctions on Iran alleging that the Rohani regime was using funds from lifting of sanctions in 2015 to support terrorist activities and to build its nuclear arsenal. Britain, France and Germany who were co-signatories to the nuclear deal with Iran disagreed with the Trump administration and decided to keep it alive without US support. The ICJ ruling, however, does not mean it would be enforced as the UN court does not have the power to implement its orders.

Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran: International Court of Justice to US

The White House wants<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/severe-consequences-to-be-faced-if-iran-resumes-nuclear-programme-trump-135826"> intrusive inspections of Iran's nuclear</a> sites to continue despite President Donald Trump's withdrawal from a landmark accord on Tehran's atomic program, US officials have told AFP.

Days after the US president walked away from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-iran-now-make-the-bomb-depends-on-europe-135805">three-year-old deal that mandated rigorous </a>scrutiny of Iranian facilities, senior administration officials said monitoring should continue regardless.

Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal between Tehran and major world powers forces Iran to open any site to inspectors within 24 days at most and introduced 24-hour remote surveillance at some sites.

Supporters of the Obama-era accord argue it provided "the world's most robust" monitoring regime, allowing access to the Islamic republic's most sensitive nuclear sites.&nbsp;

Speaking at a rally in Indiana on Thursday, Trump said tough inspections were still needed.

"We must be able to go to a site and check that site. We have to be able to go into their military bases to see whether or not they're cheating," he said.

The White House is demanding the existing inspection regime, however imperfect, continue under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog.

"We expect Iran will continue to implement the Additional Protocol and cooperate with the IAEA whether or not the JCPOA remains in place," one senior administration official said.

A second official confirmed to AFP on Thursday that Washington still wanted the inspections.

Other signatories to the Iran deal -- including Tehran, China and European powers -- have vowed to press ahead with the agreement's implementation.

But officials are privately skeptical about how long it can survive, particularly if the United States imposes sanctions on European companies doing business in Iran.

And non-proliferation experts have warned that a vital window into Iran's nuclear activities could be lost.

"If the agreement collapses, Iran is under no obligation to implement any of these provisions, either the Additional Protocol or the deal-specific measures," said Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association.

"The nuclear deal with Iran put the country's program under a microscope," she told AFP, saying the measures serve as "an early warning system that will set off alarm bells if Iran tries to cheat on its commitments or conduct illicit activities."

Since the nuclear accord was reached in 2015, the IAEA has carried out hundreds of inspections inside Iran.

That includes monitoring at Fordo, an underground fuel enrichment plant inside a base used by Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The JCPOA adds an extra layer of scrutiny not found in existing accords, including monitoring of mines and restrictions on multi-point detonation systems and nuclear computer simulations.

The IAEA has so far confirmed that Iran is adhering to its "nuclear-related commitments," although the US administration questions that conclusion.

"You cannot say that Iran is in compliance unless you are 100 percent certain that the IAEA and our intelligence are infallible," said US national security advisor John Bolton.

That approach has left some questioning why the administration wants monitoring to continue at all.

"If they don't trust the inspections, I don't know why they would be strongly encouraging Iran to comply," said Corey Hinderstein, a fuel cycle expert who previously worked on implementation of the deal at the Department of Energy.

"The fact is the inspections are and have been effective," she said.

American citizens are working on the IAEA inspection team, but are based in Vienna, not on the ground in Iran.

Hinderstein said there is every indication that the US is preparing to pull out of other non-inspection mechanisms in the agreement, including converting the Arak heavy water reactor and the "procurement channel" that regulates the import of dual use materials to Iran.

Trump has described the agreement as "the worst deal in history" and vowed to renegotiate it.

He has also warned that Iran will be punished if it returns to military-scale uranium enrichment.

"If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before," Trump said.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C6fGuQ5DrN4" width="560"></iframe>

Since the nuclear accord was reached in 2015, the IAEA has carried out hundreds of inspections inside Iran.

The White House wants intrusive inspections of Iran's nuclear sites to continue despite President Donald Trump's withdrawal from a landmark accord on Tehran's atomic program, US officials have told AFP. Days after the US president walked away from a three-year-old deal that mandated rigorous scrutiny of Iranian facilities, senior administration officials said monitoring should continue regardless. Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal between Tehran and major world powers forces Iran to open any site to inspectors within 24 days at most and introduced 24-hour remote surveillance at some sites. Supporters of the Obama-era accord argue it provided "the world's most robust" monitoring regime, allowing access to the Islamic republic's most sensitive nuclear sites. Speaking at a rally in Indiana on Thursday, Trump said tough inspections were still needed. "We must be able to go to a site and check that site. We have to be able to go into their military bases to see whether or not they're cheating," he said. The White House is demanding the existing inspection regime, however imperfect, continue under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog. "We expect Iran will continue to implement the Additional Protocol and cooperate with the IAEA whether or not the JCPOA remains in place," one senior administration official said. A second official confirmed to AFP on Thursday that Washington still wanted the inspections. Other signatories to the Iran deal -- including Tehran, China and European powers -- have vowed to press ahead with the agreement's implementation. But officials are privately skeptical about how long it can survive, particularly if the United States imposes sanctions on European companies doing business in Iran. And non-proliferation experts have warned that a vital window into Iran's nuclear activities could be lost. "If the agreement collapses, Iran is under no obligation to implement any of these provisions, either the Additional Protocol or the deal-specific measures," said Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association. "The nuclear deal with Iran put the country's program under a microscope," she told AFP, saying the measures serve as "an early warning system that will set off alarm bells if Iran tries to cheat on its commitments or conduct illicit activities." Since the nuclear accord was reached in 2015, the IAEA has carried out hundreds of inspections inside Iran. That includes monitoring at Fordo, an underground fuel enrichment plant inside a base used by Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The JCPOA adds an extra layer of scrutiny not found in existing accords, including monitoring of mines and restrictions on multi-point detonation systems and nuclear computer simulations. The IAEA has so far confirmed that Iran is adhering to its "nuclear-related commitments," although the US administration questions that conclusion. "You cannot say that Iran is in compliance unless you are 100 percent certain that the IAEA and our intelligence are infallible," said US national security advisor John Bolton. That approach has left some questioning why the administration wants monitoring to continue at all. "If they don't trust the inspections, I don't know why they would be strongly encouraging Iran to comply," said Corey Hinderstein, a fuel cycle expert who previously worked on implementation of the deal at the Department of Energy. "The fact is the inspections are and have been effective," she said. American citizens are working on the IAEA inspection team, but are based in Vienna, not on the ground in Iran. Hinderstein said there is every indication that the US is preparing to pull out of other non-inspection mechanisms in the agreement, including converting the Arak heavy water reactor and the "procurement channel" that regulates the import of dual use materials to Iran. Trump has described the agreement as "the worst deal in history" and vowed to renegotiate it. He has also warned that Iran will be punished if it returns to military-scale uranium enrichment. "If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before," Trump said.

Iran nuclear site inspection must continue: US official

Saudi Arabia, the world's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/oil-prices-push-higher-after-us-walks-away-from-iran-nuclear-deal-135594">largest oil exporter, has said it </a>will take all necessary measures to prevent supply shortages following the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

"The kingdom will work with major oil producers within and outside OPEC, and with major consumers as well to limit the impact of any shortages in supplies," the Saudi energy ministry said in a statement late Tuesday.

The kingdom's assurance came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced the United States was withdrawing from the landmark nuclear deal between world powers and Iran.

Trump also reinstated US sanctions which could curtail Iran's ability to export oil, its mainstay for public revenues.

Before international sanctions were lifted following the nuclear deal in late 2015, Iran's crude exports stood at just one million barrels per day, mostly to Asia and European countries.

That figure has since soared to 2.5 million bpd.

Saudi Arabia currently pumps around 10 million bpd, but has the&nbspcapacity of around 12 million bpd&nbsp- a surplus of two million bpd.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to support the stability of the global oil markets to serve the interests of both producers and consumers and also the sustainability of global economic growth," the ministry statement said.

Major oil producers from OPEC and non-OPEC members including Russia, the world's top producer, are linked to a deal until the end of the year to cut output by 1.8 million bpd to support prices.

Oil prices made key gains after Trump's announcement with Brent crude rising 2.4 percent to over $76.5 a barrel and US crude trading above $70 early Wednesday. 
&nbsp

The kingdom's assurance came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced the United States was withdrawing from the landmark nuclear deal

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has said it will take all necessary measures to prevent supply shortages following the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. "The kingdom will work with major oil producers within and outside OPEC, and with major consumers as well to limit the impact of any shortages in supplies," the Saudi energy ministry said in a statement late Tuesday. The kingdom's assurance came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced the United States was withdrawing from the landmark nuclear deal between world powers and Iran. Trump also reinstated US sanctions which could curtail Iran's ability to export oil, its mainstay for public revenues. Before international sanctions were lifted following the nuclear deal in late 2015, Iran's crude exports stood at just one million barrels per day, mostly to Asia and European countries. That figure has since soared to 2.5 million bpd. Saudi Arabia currently pumps around 10 million bpd, but has the&nbspcapacity of around 12 million bpd - a surplus of two million bpd. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to support the stability of the global oil markets to serve the interests of both producers and consumers and also the sustainability of global economic growth," the ministry statement said. Major oil producers from OPEC and non-OPEC members including Russia, the world's top producer, are linked to a deal until the end of the year to cut output by 1.8 million bpd to support prices. Oil prices made key gains after Trump's announcement with Brent crude rising 2.4 percent to over $76.5 a barrel and US crude trading above $70 early Wednesday.

Will ensure no oil shortage: Saudi Arabia

Amid speculation US president<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-rouhani-decide-to-work-on-iran-nuclear-deal-despite-threats-by-trump--133752"> will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal</a>, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea.

"I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks.

"You know in seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump said expressing dissatisfaction with the nuclear deal, adding,"That is just not an acceptable situation. They're not sitting back idly. They're setting off missiles, which they say are for television purposes."

Last week while meeting French president Macron at the White House the two leaders had spoken about the impending May 12th deadline in which the stakeholders - US, UK, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union will have to decide&nbspon the future course of action.&nbsp

Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions.

Trump has been against the deal since the beginning of this presidency, which was brokered by the Obama administration with the Islamic state in 2015.&nbsp

Macron had said he would be interested in negotiating a "new deal" with Iran in the presence of Trump.

Trump has kept everyone guessing on the outcome retreating yesterday "we'll see what happens."&nbspTrump has often termed the deal "terrible" and said it needs to be "fixed"

However, speaking to reporters the US president said: "That doesn't mean we won't negotiate a real agreement."

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JHBpT2k0Jyw" width="560"></iframe>

Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a major policy shift, US&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-to-decertify-iran-nuclear-deal-tillerson-22430">President Donald Trump refused to certify the 2015 </a>Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal, and warned the United States may yet walk away from &quot;one of the worst&quot; agreements in history.

In an address at the White House, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/germany-seeks-to-maintain-unity-if-us-decertifies-iran-nuclear-deal-22405">Trump said that his goal is to ensure</a> Iran&nbsp;never obtains a nuclear weapon.

&quot;I am announcing that we cannot and will not make this certification,&quot; Trump said.

Trump also announced tough new sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while stopping short of declaring the army group a terrorist organization.

&quot;We will not continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence and terror and the very real threat of Iran&#39;s nuclear breakout,&quot; he said.

Trump&nbsp;warned that if &quot;we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated.&quot;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quick to rebuke Trump and&nbsp;declared the United States was &quot;more than ever against the Iranian people.&quot;

Iran also said&nbsp;it would retaliate against any action targeting towards its armed forces.

&quot;Iran will strongly respond to any action against its military forces, including the Revolutionary Guards Corps,&quot; Reuters quoted foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi statement on state TV.

Qasemi also warned about the possibility of pulling out of the deal.

&quot;Iran always acts based on its interests and will continue to do so. If necessary, we can also withdraw from the deal,&quot; Qasemi said.

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In an address at the White House, Trump said that his goal is to ensure Iran's never obtains a nuclear weapon.

In a major policy shift, US President Donald Trump refused to certify the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and warned the United States may yet walk away from "one of the worst" agreements in history. In an address at the White House, Trump said that his goal is to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. "I am announcing that we cannot and will not make this certification," Trump said. Trump also announced tough new sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while stopping short of declaring the army group a terrorist organization. "We will not continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence and terror and the very real threat of Iran's nuclear breakout," he said. Trump warned that if "we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quick to rebuke Trump and declared the United States was "more than ever against the Iranian people." Iran also said it would retaliate against any action targeting towards its armed forces. "Iran will strongly respond to any action against its military forces, including the Revolutionary Guards Corps," Reuters quoted foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi statement on state TV. Qasemi also warned about the possibility of pulling out of the deal. "Iran always acts based on its interests and will continue to do so. If necessary, we can also withdraw from the deal," Qasemi said.

I will not certify Iran nuclear deal: Trump

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