Judges at the highest U.N. court for disputes between states on Wednesday ruled that they can hear a case filed by Iran against the United States seeking to have sanctions against Tehran lifted.

A majority of a panel of 16 judges found that the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, has jurisdiction in the dispute.

Iran brought the case in 2018 after President Donald Trump`s administration imposed sanctions, following Trump`s decision to abandon a 2015 pact under which Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme. New U.S. President Joe Biden has said he wants to return to that pact, although Tehran and Washington still disagree on steps to be taken for that to happen.

The United States had tried to argue that Iran could not base claims at the World Court on a 1955 bilateral friendship pact. However judges found the treaty, signed decades before Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution and the sharp deterioration in ties with Washington, could be used as a basis for the court`s jurisdiction.

"The court unanimously rejects the preliminary objections to its jurisdiction raised by the Unites States of America according to which the subject matter of the dispute does not relate to the interpretation or application of the Treaty of Amity," presiding judge Abdulqawi Yusuf said.

Other U.S. objections to the case were also dismissed, meaning Iran`s claim will now move on to a hearing on the merits. A final decision would be likely to take several more years.

The ICJ’s rulings are binding, but it has no power to enforce them, and the United States and Iran are both among a handful of countries to have ignored its decisions.

Judges at the highest U.N. court for disputes between states on Wednesday ruled that they can hear a case filed by Iran against the United States seeking to have sanctions against Tehran lifted.

Judges at the highest U.N. court for disputes between states on Wednesday ruled that they can hear a case filed by Iran against the United States seeking to have sanctions against Tehran lifted. A majority of a panel of 16 judges found that the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, has jurisdiction in the dispute. Iran brought the case in 2018 after President Donald Trump`s administration imposed sanctions, following Trump`s decision to abandon a 2015 pact under which Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme. New U.S. President Joe Biden has said he wants to return to that pact, although Tehran and Washington still disagree on steps to be taken for that to happen. The United States had tried to argue that Iran could not base claims at the World Court on a 1955 bilateral friendship pact. However judges found the treaty, signed decades before Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution and the sharp deterioration in ties with Washington, could be used as a basis for the court`s jurisdiction. "The court unanimously rejects the preliminary objections to its jurisdiction raised by the Unites States of America according to which the subject matter of the dispute does not relate to the interpretation or application of the Treaty of Amity," presiding judge Abdulqawi Yusuf said. Other U.S. objections to the case were also dismissed, meaning Iran`s claim will now move on to a hearing on the merits. A final decision would be likely to take several more years. The ICJ’s rulings are binding, but it has no power to enforce them, and the United States and Iran are both among a handful of countries to have ignored its decisions.

World Court to hear sanctions dispute filed by Iran against United States

The new US government, under President Joe Biden, has named Rob Malley as its special envoy to Iran.

Malley is known as the architect of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran -- one of the chief negotiators on the 2015 nuclear deal reached by Iran and world powers, under which Tehran was promised economic relief for major curbs in its contested nuclear programme.

The deal was reached under Barack Obama, when President Joe Biden was his number two.

Malley has been serving as head of the International Crisis Group, an independent non-governmental organisation focussed on conflict resolution.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is "building a dedicated team" to address Washington's relations with Iran, to be led by Malley, a State Department official said Friday.

Malley "brings to the position a track record of success&nbsp;negotiating constraints on&nbsp;Iran's nuclear program," the State Department official said.

"The Secretary is confident he and his team will be able to do that once again."

In 2018, Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 accord, which was also signed by Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia.

The Trump administration deemed the deal not tough enough, and felt it should have also covered what it saw as Iran's "destabilising" activities in the Middle East. It slapped tough sanctions on Tehran.

This week, Blinken confirmed the new US administration's intention to rejoin the accord -- once Tehran meets its commitments.

Iran responded to the tough Trump-era sanctions by reducing its compliance with the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It wants Washington to make the first move.

The new US government, under President Joe Biden, has named Rob Malley as its special envoy to Iran. Malley is known as the architect of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran -- one of the chief negotiators on the 2015 nuclear deal reached by Iran and world powers, under which Tehran was promised economic relief for major curbs in its contested nuclear programme.

The new US government, under President Joe Biden, has named Rob Malley as its special envoy to Iran. Malley is known as the architect of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran -- one of the chief negotiators on the 2015 nuclear deal reached by Iran and world powers, under which Tehran was promised economic relief for major curbs in its contested nuclear programme. The deal was reached under Barack Obama, when President Joe Biden was his number two. Malley has been serving as head of the International Crisis Group, an independent non-governmental organisation focussed on conflict resolution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is "building a dedicated team" to address Washington's relations with Iran, to be led by Malley, a State Department official said Friday. Malley "brings to the position a track record of success negotiating constraints on Iran's nuclear program," the State Department official said. "The Secretary is confident he and his team will be able to do that once again." In 2018, Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 accord, which was also signed by Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. The Trump administration deemed the deal not tough enough, and felt it should have also covered what it saw as Iran's "destabilising" activities in the Middle East. It slapped tough sanctions on Tehran. This week, Blinken confirmed the new US administration's intention to rejoin the accord -- once Tehran meets its commitments. Iran responded to the tough Trump-era sanctions by reducing its compliance with the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It wants Washington to make the first move.

US names 2015 nuke deal negotiator Rob Malley as new envoy to Iran

Iran may cooperate with the United States on oil and security in the Gulf, but not on Israel, the Iranian foreign minister said in remarks published on Saturday.

Ties between Tehran and Washington worsened under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who in 2018 withdrew from Iran`s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled its economy.

Iran called for action and “not just words” shortly after Joe Biden was sworn in as president on Wednesday. Biden has said Washington will rejoin the nuclear deal if Iran resumes strict compliance.

“In my personal opinion, we should define our relationship with the United States: To tell the U.S. that ‘we will not cooperate with you on the issue of Israel and we will disagree with you,`” Mohammad Javad Zarif said in an interview with the reformist Etmad newspaper.

Iran, he said, “will not allow you to interfere in its internal affairs, but we have no problem working with you on the question of oil. We have no problem with ensuring the security of the Persian Gulf, though we believe that foreign presence in the Persian Gulf causes insecurity and you should not be there.”

Iran may cooperate with the United States on oil and security in the Gulf, but not on Israel, the Iranian foreign minister said in remarks published on Saturday.

Iran may cooperate with the United States on oil and security in the Gulf, but not on Israel, the Iranian foreign minister said in remarks published on Saturday. Ties between Tehran and Washington worsened under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who in 2018 withdrew from Iran`s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled its economy. Iran called for action and “not just words” shortly after Joe Biden was sworn in as president on Wednesday. Biden has said Washington will rejoin the nuclear deal if Iran resumes strict compliance. “In my personal opinion, we should define our relationship with the United States: To tell the U.S. that ‘we will not cooperate with you on the issue of Israel and we will disagree with you,`” Mohammad Javad Zarif said in an interview with the reformist Etmad newspaper. Iran, he said, “will not allow you to interfere in its internal affairs, but we have no problem working with you on the question of oil. We have no problem with ensuring the security of the Persian Gulf, though we believe that foreign presence in the Persian Gulf causes insecurity and you should not be there.”

Iran's Zarif open to oil, Gulf security contacts with US, not on Israel

Twitter&nbsp;on Friday suspended what it said was a fake account&nbsp;linked to Iran's Supreme Leader, hours after it carried the image of a golfer resembling former US president Donald Trump apparently being targetted by a drone alongside a vow to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general in a US drone attack.

The post, on a Persian-language account linked to Khamenei's website, had carried the text of remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in December, in which he said "Revenge is certain". That speech renewed a vow of vengeance ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of top military commander General Qassem Soleimani in the attack in Iraq.

Twitter Inc, however, clarified it had not suspended the account of Iran's Supreme Leader.

A Twitter spokeswoman said the @khamenei_site account was suspended for violating the company's platform manipulation and spam policy, specifically the creation of fake accounts.

Asked if the @khamenei_site account was fake, she said it was.

“Revenge is inevitable. Soleimani’s killer and the man who gave the orders must face vengeance,” the post on the @khamenei_site Twitter account said late Thursday, warning there was no escape from payback for the US strike outside Baghdad airport which killed Iran’s foreign military operations chief General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant.

"Revenge can take place at any moment."

<img alt="Khamenei tweet.jpg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73d6ec2e-c3b0-4aa2-903d-b0a71d83d2eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Khamenei%20tweet.jpg" />

However, Khamenei’s office runs several accounts and the others were still working.

The golfer image tweet was retweeted by Khamenei's main Persian-language account @Khamenei-fa, although it appeared to have been deleted later. The text and graphic of the tweet was also carried by Khamenei's official website (farsi.khamenei.ir) and widely quoted by Iranian media.

Khamenei's @Khamenei_fa account and his main Twitter account in English, which did not carry the golfer image tweet, were still operational.

<img alt="Account suspended" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4aa95871-ed37-43b3-9cf2-499244840917" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Account%20suspended.jpg" />

Trump left office on Wednesday and flew straight to his Mar-a-Lago golf club in Florida, without attending the inauguration of his successor President Joe Biden.

Iranian officials have pledged repeatedly that Soleimani will be avenged.

Earlier this month, on the first anniversary of his killing, judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi warned that not even Trump was "immune from justice" and that Soleimani's killers would "not be safe anywhere in the world".

Twitter had also suspended Trump’s account after the storming of the US Capitol citing the “risk of further incitement of violence.” 
&nbsp;

Twitter on Friday suspended what it said was a fake account linked to Iran's Supreme Leader, hours after it carried the image of a golfer resembling former US president Donald Trump apparently being targetted by a drone alongside a vow to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general in a US drone attack.

Twitter on Friday suspended what it said was a fake account linked to Iran's Supreme Leader, hours after it carried the image of a golfer resembling former US president Donald Trump apparently being targetted by a drone alongside a vow to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general in a US drone attack. The post, on a Persian-language account linked to Khamenei's website, had carried the text of remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in December, in which he said "Revenge is certain". That speech renewed a vow of vengeance ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of top military commander General Qassem Soleimani in the attack in Iraq. Twitter Inc, however, clarified it had not suspended the account of Iran's Supreme Leader. A Twitter spokeswoman said the @khamenei_site account was suspended for violating the company's platform manipulation and spam policy, specifically the creation of fake accounts. Asked if the @khamenei_site account was fake, she said it was. “Revenge is inevitable. Soleimani’s killer and the man who gave the orders must face vengeance,” the post on the @khamenei_site Twitter account said late Thursday, warning there was no escape from payback for the US strike outside Baghdad airport which killed Iran’s foreign military operations chief General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant. "Revenge can take place at any moment." However, Khamenei’s office runs several accounts and the others were still working. The golfer image tweet was retweeted by Khamenei's main Persian-language account @Khamenei-fa, although it appeared to have been deleted later. The text and graphic of the tweet was also carried by Khamenei's official website (farsi.khamenei.ir) and widely quoted by Iranian media. Khamenei's @Khamenei_fa account and his main Twitter account in English, which did not carry the golfer image tweet, were still operational. Trump left office on Wednesday and flew straight to his Mar-a-Lago golf club in Florida, without attending the inauguration of his successor President Joe Biden. Iranian officials have pledged repeatedly that Soleimani will be avenged. Earlier this month, on the first anniversary of his killing, judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi warned that not even Trump was "immune from justice" and that Soleimani's killers would "not be safe anywhere in the world". Twitter had also suspended Trump’s account after the storming of the US Capitol citing the “risk of further incitement of violence.”

Twitter suspends account linked to Khamenei's website, clarifies it's fake and not his

The United States has imposed sanctions on companies in Iran, China and the United Arab Emirates for doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines over conventional arms proliferation.

Sanctions have been levied on three Iranian entities also.

These sanctions are the latest in a series of measures aimed at stepping up pressure on Tehran in the waning days of President Donald Trump’s administration, which formally ends on Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had sanctioned seven companies, including Chinese-based Jiangyin Mascot Special Steel Co and UAE-based Accenture Building Materials, and two people for shipping steel to or from Iran.

He said Iran’s Marine Industries Organisation, Aerospace Industries Organisation and the Iran Aviation Industries Organisation had also been blacklisted over conventional arms proliferation.

In a statement later on Friday, Pompeo said he was also increasing the scope of metals-related sanctions against Iran administered by the State Department.

Those who knowingly transfer 15 materials which the State Department says are used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs, including certain types of aluminum and steel, would be subject to sanctions, he said.

During his four years in office, Trump has tried to force Tehran back into talks over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its activities in the Middle East. Saying the agreement did not go far enough, Trump in 2018 quit an Iran nuclear deal, which Tehran struck with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, who will succeed Trump on Wednesday, has said he will return to the 2015 nuclear pact if Iran resumes strict compliance with it.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The United States has imposed sanctions on companies in Iran, China and the United Arab Emirates for doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines over conventional arms proliferation.

The United States has imposed sanctions on companies in Iran, China and the United Arab Emirates for doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines over conventional arms proliferation. Sanctions have been levied on three Iranian entities also. These sanctions are the latest in a series of measures aimed at stepping up pressure on Tehran in the waning days of President Donald Trump’s administration, which formally ends on Wednesday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had sanctioned seven companies, including Chinese-based Jiangyin Mascot Special Steel Co and UAE-based Accenture Building Materials, and two people for shipping steel to or from Iran. He said Iran’s Marine Industries Organisation, Aerospace Industries Organisation and the Iran Aviation Industries Organisation had also been blacklisted over conventional arms proliferation. In a statement later on Friday, Pompeo said he was also increasing the scope of metals-related sanctions against Iran administered by the State Department. Those who knowingly transfer 15 materials which the State Department says are used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs, including certain types of aluminum and steel, would be subject to sanctions, he said. During his four years in office, Trump has tried to force Tehran back into talks over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its activities in the Middle East. Saying the agreement did not go far enough, Trump in 2018 quit an Iran nuclear deal, which Tehran struck with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, who will succeed Trump on Wednesday, has said he will return to the 2015 nuclear pact if Iran resumes strict compliance with it. (with inputs from Reuters)

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran in final days of Trump presidency

Iran has said it will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted by a February 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament.

Parliament passed a law in November that obliges the government to halt inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal if sanctions are not eased.

Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body approved the law on December 2 and the government has said it will implement it.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had an obligation to allow the inspectors access.

"Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear programme to extort the international community and threaten regional security," Pompeo said.

Iran said on Monday it had resumed 20 per cent uranium enrichment at an underground nuclear facility, breaching the nuclear pact with major powers and possibly complicating efforts by US President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal.

Iran began violating the accord in 2019 in response to President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from it in 2018 and the reimposition of US sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. Tehran often says it can quickly reverse its breaches if Washington's sanctions are removed.

Iran has said it will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted by a February 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament.

Iran has said it will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted by a February 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament. Parliament passed a law in November that obliges the government to halt inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal if sanctions are not eased. Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body approved the law on December 2 and the government has said it will implement it. In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had an obligation to allow the inspectors access. "Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear programme to extort the international community and threaten regional security," Pompeo said. Iran said on Monday it had resumed 20 per cent uranium enrichment at an underground nuclear facility, breaching the nuclear pact with major powers and possibly complicating efforts by US President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. Iran began violating the accord in 2019 in response to President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from it in 2018 and the reimposition of US sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. Tehran often says it can quickly reverse its breaches if Washington's sanctions are removed.

Iran says will expel UN nuclear inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted

Iran is in no hurry to see the US return to a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers after Joe Biden takes office this month, its supreme leader said Friday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said it was not a question of "whether the United States returns or not", it was a matter of it lifting its unilateral sanctions.

"We are in no rush and we are not insisting on their return. Our demand, which is both logical and rational, is the lifting of sanctions" that outgoing US President Donald Trump reimposed after quitting the deal in 2018.

"We are talking about a right which has been stolen from the Iranian nation," Khamenei said in a televised speech.

"If the sanctions are lifted, the return of the Americans makes sense."

Since 2019, Iran has gradually suspended implementation of most of its key obligations under the nuclear deal, which set strict limits on its activities in return for the lifting of sanctions.

Other parties to the agreement, notably Britain, France and Germany, have pressed Iran to return to its commitments in a bid to rescue the deal, but Iran has repeatedly demanded that the United States first lift its crippling sanctions.

"When the other party meets practically none of its obligations, it is not logical for the Islamic republic to honour all of its commitments," Khamenei said.

"If they return to their commitments, we will return to ours."

Iran is in no hurry to see the US return to a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers after Joe Biden takes office this month, its supreme leader said Friday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said it was not a question of "whether the United States returns or not", it was a matter of it lifting its unilateral sanctions.

Iran is in no hurry to see the US return to a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers after Joe Biden takes office this month, its supreme leader said Friday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said it was not a question of "whether the United States returns or not", it was a matter of it lifting its unilateral sanctions. "We are in no rush and we are not insisting on their return. Our demand, which is both logical and rational, is the lifting of sanctions" that outgoing US President Donald Trump reimposed after quitting the deal in 2018. "We are talking about a right which has been stolen from the Iranian nation," Khamenei said in a televised speech. "If the sanctions are lifted, the return of the Americans makes sense." Since 2019, Iran has gradually suspended implementation of most of its key obligations under the nuclear deal, which set strict limits on its activities in return for the lifting of sanctions. Other parties to the agreement, notably Britain, France and Germany, have pressed Iran to return to its commitments in a bid to rescue the deal, but Iran has repeatedly demanded that the United States first lift its crippling sanctions. "When the other party meets practically none of its obligations, it is not logical for the Islamic republic to honour all of its commitments," Khamenei said. "If they return to their commitments, we will return to ours."

Iran in no rush to see US return to nuclear deal: Khamenei

The United States on Tuesday blacklisted a Chinese company that makes elements for steel production, 12 Iranian steel and metals makers and three foreign-based sales agents of an Iranian metals and mining holding company, seeking to deprive Iran of revenues as U.S. President Donald Trump`s term winds down.

The U.S. Treasury Department, in a statement, named the China-based company as Kaifeng Pingmei New Carbon Materials Technology Co Ltd. (KFCC), saying it specialized in the manufacture of carbon materials and provided thousands of metric tonnes of materials to Iranian steel companies between December 2019 and June 2020.

No one at KFCC, which makes graphite electrodes, was available for comment on Wednesday. Filings show the company is owned by Henan Yicheng New Energy, which said it was unaware of the situation.

Shares in Yicheng, which is ultimately controlled by China`s Henan province, fell as much as 6.7% to a two-week low on Wednesday. When Yicheng was buying KFCC in 2019, it said exports - to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe - accounted for about half of KFCC`s core business.

Among the 12 Iranian companies blacklisted are the Pasargad Steel Complex and the Gilan Steel Complex Co, both of which were designated under Executive Order 13871 for operating in the Iranian steel sector.

The others are: Iran-based Middle East Mines and Mineral Industries Development Holding Co (MIDHCO), Khazar Steel Co, Vian Steel Complex, South Rouhina Steel Complex, Yazd Industrial Constructional Steel Rolling Mill, West Alborz Steel Complex, Esfarayen Industrial Complex, Bonab Steel Industry Complex, Sirjan Iranian Steel and Zarand Iranian Steel Co.

The Treasury said it was also designating MIDHCO’s Germany-based subsidiary GMI Projects Hamburg GmbH, its China-based World Mining Industry Co Ltd and U.K.-based GMI Projects Ltd for being owned or controlled by MIDHCO.

"The Trump Administration remains committed to denying revenue flowing to the Iranian regime as it continues to sponsor terrorist groups, support oppressive regimes, and seek weapons of mass destruction," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.

Trump`s term ends on Jan. 20, when Democrat President-elect Joe Biden is to be sworn in to succeed him.

The United States on Tuesday blacklisted a Chinese company that makes elements for steel production, 12 Iranian steel and metals makers and three foreign-based sales agents of an Iranian metals and mining holding company, seeking to deprive Iran of revenues as U.

The United States on Tuesday blacklisted a Chinese company that makes elements for steel production, 12 Iranian steel and metals makers and three foreign-based sales agents of an Iranian metals and mining holding company, seeking to deprive Iran of revenues as U.S. President Donald Trump`s term winds down. The U.S. Treasury Department, in a statement, named the China-based company as Kaifeng Pingmei New Carbon Materials Technology Co Ltd. (KFCC), saying it specialized in the manufacture of carbon materials and provided thousands of metric tonnes of materials to Iranian steel companies between December 2019 and June 2020. No one at KFCC, which makes graphite electrodes, was available for comment on Wednesday. Filings show the company is owned by Henan Yicheng New Energy, which said it was unaware of the situation. Shares in Yicheng, which is ultimately controlled by China`s Henan province, fell as much as 6.7% to a two-week low on Wednesday. When Yicheng was buying KFCC in 2019, it said exports - to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe - accounted for about half of KFCC`s core business. Among the 12 Iranian companies blacklisted are the Pasargad Steel Complex and the Gilan Steel Complex Co, both of which were designated under Executive Order 13871 for operating in the Iranian steel sector. The others are: Iran-based Middle East Mines and Mineral Industries Development Holding Co (MIDHCO), Khazar Steel Co, Vian Steel Complex, South Rouhina Steel Complex, Yazd Industrial Constructional Steel Rolling Mill, West Alborz Steel Complex, Esfarayen Industrial Complex, Bonab Steel Industry Complex, Sirjan Iranian Steel and Zarand Iranian Steel Co. The Treasury said it was also designating MIDHCO’s Germany-based subsidiary GMI Projects Hamburg GmbH, its China-based World Mining Industry Co Ltd and U.K.-based GMI Projects Ltd for being owned or controlled by MIDHCO. "The Trump Administration remains committed to denying revenue flowing to the Iranian regime as it continues to sponsor terrorist groups, support oppressive regimes, and seek weapons of mass destruction," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. Trump`s term ends on Jan. 20, when Democrat President-elect Joe Biden is to be sworn in to succeed him.

US hits Iran with fresh sanctions as Trump term nears end

Iran hanged two men on Sunday for "terrorist acts" and another for murder and armed robbery, the judiciary's official Mizan Online news agency said.

The three were executed early Sunday morning in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province.

Two were named as Hassan Dehvari and Elias Qalandarzehi, arrested in April 2014 after being found with "a large amount of explosives" and weapons.

The pair were convicted of the abduction, bombing, murder of security forces and civilians, and of working with the jihadist Jaish al-Adl ("Army of Justice") group, Mizan said.

Dehvari and Qalandarzehi were also arrested in possession of documents from Jaish al-Adl on "how to make bombs" as well as "takfiri fatwas", terms used by Iran's Shiite authorities to refer to decrees issued by Sunni jihadists.

Jaish al-Adl has carried out several high-profile bombings and abductions in Iran in recent years.

In February last year, 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards were killed in a suicide attack claimed by the group.

Jaish al-Adl was formed in 2012 as a successor to Sunni extremist group Jundallah ("Soldiers of God"), which waged a deadly insurgency for a decade before it was severely weakened by the capture and execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi in 2010.

The third man executed was named as Omid Mahmoudzehi. He was convicted of armed robbery and the murder of civilians, Mizan said. 
&nbsp;

Iran hanged two men on Sunday for "terrorist acts" and another for murder and armed robbery, the judiciary's official Mizan Online news agency said. The three were executed early Sunday morning in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province.

Iran hanged two men on Sunday for "terrorist acts" and another for murder and armed robbery, the judiciary's official Mizan Online news agency said. The three were executed early Sunday morning in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province. Two were named as Hassan Dehvari and Elias Qalandarzehi, arrested in April 2014 after being found with "a large amount of explosives" and weapons. The pair were convicted of the abduction, bombing, murder of security forces and civilians, and of working with the jihadist Jaish al-Adl ("Army of Justice") group, Mizan said. Dehvari and Qalandarzehi were also arrested in possession of documents from Jaish al-Adl on "how to make bombs" as well as "takfiri fatwas", terms used by Iran's Shiite authorities to refer to decrees issued by Sunni jihadists. Jaish al-Adl has carried out several high-profile bombings and abductions in Iran in recent years. In February last year, 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards were killed in a suicide attack claimed by the group. Jaish al-Adl was formed in 2012 as a successor to Sunni extremist group Jundallah ("Soldiers of God"), which waged a deadly insurgency for a decade before it was severely weakened by the capture and execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi in 2010. The third man executed was named as Omid Mahmoudzehi. He was convicted of armed robbery and the murder of civilians, Mizan said.

Three executed in Iran for 'terrorist' acts and murder

Iran has said the United States approved its fund transfer to buy coronavirus vaccines from overseas as its daily death toll fell to a three-month low.

Central Bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati Thursday said an Iranian bank had received backing from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control to transfer the money to a Swiss bank to pay for the vaccines.

"They have put sanctions on all our banks. They accepted this one case under the pressure of world public opinion," Hemmati told state TV.

Iran would pay around $244 million for initial imports of 16.8 million doses of vaccines from COVAX, a multi-agency group dedicated to assuring fair access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.

Iranian officials have said repeatedly that US sanctions are preventing them from making payments to COVAX, to which some 190 economies have signed up.

Iran's Shifa Pharmed began registering volunteers this week for human trials of the country's first domestic COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Iranian media reported, as a factional dispute appeared to be brewing over the use of imports.

Officials have cautioned that the danger of a resurgence in infections looms large.

US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers in 2018 and imposed new sanctions on the country.

President-elect Joe Biden's coming to power has raised the possibility that Washington could rejoin the agreement.

Iran has said the United States approved its fund transfer to buy coronavirus vaccines from overseas as its daily death toll fell to a three-month low. Central Bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati Thursday said an Iranian bank had received backing from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control to transfer the money to a Swiss bank to pay for the vaccines.

Iran has said the United States approved its fund transfer to buy coronavirus vaccines from overseas as its daily death toll fell to a three-month low. Central Bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati Thursday said an Iranian bank had received backing from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control to transfer the money to a Swiss bank to pay for the vaccines. "They have put sanctions on all our banks. They accepted this one case under the pressure of world public opinion," Hemmati told state TV. Iran would pay around $244 million for initial imports of 16.8 million doses of vaccines from COVAX, a multi-agency group dedicated to assuring fair access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries. Iranian officials have said repeatedly that US sanctions are preventing them from making payments to COVAX, to which some 190 economies have signed up. Iran's Shifa Pharmed began registering volunteers this week for human trials of the country's first domestic COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Iranian media reported, as a factional dispute appeared to be brewing over the use of imports. Officials have cautioned that the danger of a resurgence in infections looms large. US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers in 2018 and imposed new sanctions on the country. President-elect Joe Biden's coming to power has raised the possibility that Washington could rejoin the agreement.

Iran says has won US approval to transfer funds to buy Covid vaccines

US President Donald Trump has said he would hold "Iran responsible" in the event of a fatal attack on Americans in Iraq. The outgoing president made this statement ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of a top Iranian general in a US air strike approaches.

"Our embassy in Baghdad got hit Sunday by several rockets," Trump said Wednesday on Twitter, referring to an attack that caused damage but no deaths.

"Guess where they came from: IRAN," he added.&nbsp;

"Now we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq," he added, before offering "some friendly health advice to Iran: if one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over," he said.

In response, the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javid Zarif tweeted on Thursday: "Putting your own citizens at risk abroad won't divert attention from catastrophic failures at home."

He also attached an image of years-old Trump tweets that claimed ex-president Barack Obama would have started a war with Iran to win re-election, as well as a&nbsp;screengrab of a graph that purported to show the severity of the coronavirus pandemic in the US.

The US military command that covers the region has also said that the rocket attack "was almost&nbsp;certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed rogue militia group."

It said in a statement that while it "caused&nbsp;no US injuries or casualties, the attack did damage&nbsp;buildings in the US embassy compound, and was clearly NOT&nbsp;intended to avoid casualties."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The United States will hold Iran accountable for the deaths of&nbsp;any Americans that result from the work of these Iranian-backed rogue&nbsp;militia groups," it added.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had already pointed the finger at Tehran.

Washington has recently reduced its diplomatic staff in the Iraqi capital amid speculations that it could close the mission altogether.

Trump ordered the drone attack on January 3, 2020 to kill the powerful Iranian general while he was in Baghdad. The air strike came after Iranian-backed militias had fired rockets at US targets in Iraq, in a scenario echoed by the latest strikes against the US embassy.

US President Donald Trump has said he would hold "Iran responsible" in the event of a fatal attack on Americans in Iraq. The outgoing president made this statement ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of a top Iranian general in a US air strike approaches.

US President Donald Trump has said he would hold "Iran responsible" in the event of a fatal attack on Americans in Iraq. The outgoing president made this statement ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of a top Iranian general in a US air strike approaches. "Our embassy in Baghdad got hit Sunday by several rockets," Trump said Wednesday on Twitter, referring to an attack that caused damage but no deaths. "Guess where they came from: IRAN," he added. "Now we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq," he added, before offering "some friendly health advice to Iran: if one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over," he said. In response, the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javid Zarif tweeted on Thursday: "Putting your own citizens at risk abroad won't divert attention from catastrophic failures at home." He also attached an image of years-old Trump tweets that claimed ex-president Barack Obama would have started a war with Iran to win re-election, as well as a screengrab of a graph that purported to show the severity of the coronavirus pandemic in the US. The US military command that covers the region has also said that the rocket attack "was almost certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed rogue militia group." It said in a statement that while it "caused no US injuries or casualties, the attack did damage buildings in the US embassy compound, and was clearly NOT intended to avoid casualties." "The United States will hold Iran accountable for the deaths of any Americans that result from the work of these Iranian-backed rogue militia groups," it added. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had already pointed the finger at Tehran. Washington has recently reduced its diplomatic staff in the Iraqi capital amid speculations that it could close the mission altogether. Trump ordered the drone attack on January 3, 2020 to kill the powerful Iranian general while he was in Baghdad. The air strike came after Iranian-backed militias had fired rockets at US targets in Iraq, in a scenario echoed by the latest strikes against the US embassy.

Trump warns Iran over rocket strike on embassy in Iraq

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called US President a madman and compared him with the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

"In recent Iranian history we have had to deal with two madmen twice ... (Donald) Trump and Saddam," Rouhani said on Wednesday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-says-he-is-happy-that-lawless-terrorist-trump-is-leaving-office-350162">Also read | Iran's Rouhani says he is happy that 'lawless terrorist' Trump is leaving office</a> 
 
One involved Iran in a military war (1980-88), the other in an economic one, the president said on state television.

"Saddam was executed for his crimes ... Trump's fate is not going to look much better either," Rouhani said.

In the end, however, Iran was victorious in both wars, Rouhani said.

Earlier this month, President Hassan Rouhani had said that Iran was "very happy" over the looming departure from office of US counterpart Donald Trump, who led a campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic.

President-elect Joe Biden, who defeated Trump at the ballot box in November, has signalled a willingness to return to diplomacy with Iran after four tense years under the outgoing president.

"Some say you are overexcited by the advent of Mr Biden. No, we are not, but we are very happy to see Trump leave," he said in televised comments at a cabinet meeting.

"Thank God, these are his final days," Rouhani added, calling Trump a "tyrant", "the most unruly, lawless president" and a "terrorist and murderer."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called US President a madman and compared him with the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. "In recent Iranian history we have had to deal with two madmen twice .

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called US President a madman and compared him with the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. "In recent Iranian history we have had to deal with two madmen twice ... (Donald) Trump and Saddam," Rouhani said on Wednesday. Also read | Iran's Rouhani says he is happy that 'lawless terrorist' Trump is leaving office One involved Iran in a military war (1980-88), the other in an economic one, the president said on state television. "Saddam was executed for his crimes ... Trump's fate is not going to look much better either," Rouhani said. In the end, however, Iran was victorious in both wars, Rouhani said. Earlier this month, President Hassan Rouhani had said that Iran was "very happy" over the looming departure from office of US counterpart Donald Trump, who led a campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic. President-elect Joe Biden, who defeated Trump at the ballot box in November, has signalled a willingness to return to diplomacy with Iran after four tense years under the outgoing president. "Some say you are overexcited by the advent of Mr Biden. No, we are not, but we are very happy to see Trump leave," he said in televised comments at a cabinet meeting. "Thank God, these are his final days," Rouhani added, calling Trump a "tyrant", "the most unruly, lawless president" and a "terrorist and murderer." (With inputs from agencies)

Saddam was executed for his crimes, Trump may meet same fate: Hassan Rouhani

US security agencies have said they had highly credible information indicating that Iranian cyber actors were responsible for creating a website earlier this month featuring death threats aimed at American election officials.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Homeland Security Department's Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a statement that the Enemies of the People website demonstrated "an ongoing Iranian intent to create divisions and mistrust in the United States and undermine public confidence in the US electoral process."

The said website had surfaced after the US election but now appears dormant.

The agencies said they had previously warned that "Iranian cyber actors" likely were keen to influence and interfere with the 2020 US election.

The alleged Iranian-created website had accused US officials involved in election security of "treason."

The site, along with several associated social media accounts, included photographs of Republican and Democratic officials, with rifle crosshairs superimposed on them. It also included officials' purported home addresses.

Those targetted by the website included FBI director Christopher Wray and Christopher Krebs, the former CISA director who was fired by President Donald Trump after publically vouching for 2020 election results showing Joe Biden defeated Trump.

The site also targetted several employees of Dominion Voting Systems, a voting-machine vendor that has been the subject of unsubstantiated conspiracy theories of vote manipulation.

Cybersecurity researchers said one of the pages was hosted in Russia, and some records include accounts registered through Yandex, a Russian email platform.

(with inputs)

US security agencies have said they had highly credible information indicating that Iranian cyber actors were responsible for creating a website earlier this month featuring death threats aimed at American election officials.

US security agencies have said they had highly credible information indicating that Iranian cyber actors were responsible for creating a website earlier this month featuring death threats aimed at American election officials. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Homeland Security Department's Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a statement that the Enemies of the People website demonstrated "an ongoing Iranian intent to create divisions and mistrust in the United States and undermine public confidence in the US electoral process." The said website had surfaced after the US election but now appears dormant. The agencies said they had previously warned that "Iranian cyber actors" likely were keen to influence and interfere with the 2020 US election. The alleged Iranian-created website had accused US officials involved in election security of "treason." The site, along with several associated social media accounts, included photographs of Republican and Democratic officials, with rifle crosshairs superimposed on them. It also included officials' purported home addresses. Those targetted by the website included FBI director Christopher Wray and Christopher Krebs, the former CISA director who was fired by President Donald Trump after publically vouching for 2020 election results showing Joe Biden defeated Trump. The site also targetted several employees of Dominion Voting Systems, a voting-machine vendor that has been the subject of unsubstantiated conspiracy theories of vote manipulation. Cybersecurity researchers said one of the pages was hosted in Russia, and some records include accounts registered through Yandex, a Russian email platform. (with inputs)

US suspects Iran created website threatening American election officials

Iran has begun construction at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the US over its atomic programme.

According to The Associated Press, Iran has so far not publically acknowledged any new construction at Fordo, whose discovery by the West in 2009 came in an earlier round of brinkmanship before world powers struck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

Construction on the Fordo site began in late September. Satellite images obtained from Maxar Technologies by the AP show the construction taking place at a northwest corner of the site, near the holy Shiite city of Qom some 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Tehran.

The construction site sits northwest of Fordo's underground facility, built deep inside a mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes. The site is near other support and research-and-development buildings at Fordo.

Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the US from Iran's nuclear deal, in which Tehran had agreed to limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Trump cited Iran's ballistic missile programme, its regional policies and other issues in withdrawing from the accord, though the deal focused entirely on Tehran's atomic ambitions.

When the US ramped up sanctions, Iran gradually and publically abandoned the deal's limits as a series of escalating incidents pushed the two countries to the brink of war at the beginning of the year.&nbsp;

Since the deal's collapse, Iran has resumed enrichment at Fordo.

Tensions still remain high.

The facility is shielded by the mountains, and is ringed by anti-aircraft guns and other fortifications.

Iran is already building at its Natanz nuclear facility after a mysterious explosion in July there that Tehran described as a sabotage attack. The purpose of the building at Fordo, however, remains unclear.

Iran has begun construction at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the US over its atomic programme. According to The Associated Press, Iran has so far not publically acknowledged any new construction at Fordo, whose discovery by the West in 2009 came in an earlier round of brinkmanship before world powers struck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

Iran has begun construction at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the US over its atomic programme. According to The Associated Press, Iran has so far not publically acknowledged any new construction at Fordo, whose discovery by the West in 2009 came in an earlier round of brinkmanship before world powers struck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Construction on the Fordo site began in late September. Satellite images obtained from Maxar Technologies by the AP show the construction taking place at a northwest corner of the site, near the holy Shiite city of Qom some 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Tehran. The construction site sits northwest of Fordo's underground facility, built deep inside a mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes. The site is near other support and research-and-development buildings at Fordo. Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the US from Iran's nuclear deal, in which Tehran had agreed to limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Trump cited Iran's ballistic missile programme, its regional policies and other issues in withdrawing from the accord, though the deal focused entirely on Tehran's atomic ambitions. When the US ramped up sanctions, Iran gradually and publically abandoned the deal's limits as a series of escalating incidents pushed the two countries to the brink of war at the beginning of the year. Since the deal's collapse, Iran has resumed enrichment at Fordo. Tensions still remain high. The facility is shielded by the mountains, and is ringed by anti-aircraft guns and other fortifications. Iran is already building at its Natanz nuclear facility after a mysterious explosion in July there that Tehran described as a sabotage attack. The purpose of the building at Fordo, however, remains unclear.

Iran begins construction at underground nuclear facility amid US tensions

Iran has planned to roughly double its oil production in the next year -- as the country anticipates a loosening of US sanctions after Joe Biden assumes power.

Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told lawmakers on Saturday the government aims to pump 4.5 million barrels a day of oil and gas condensate, during the next Iranian calendar year.

Zanganeh also said Iran will increase oil exports to 2.3 million barrels daily, IRNA reported.

Iran’s oil production had earlier almost halved to 1.9 million barrels a day since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic in 2018 and tightened sanctions. And exports, as high as 2.6 million barrels a day three years ago, have dropped to just 133,000.

Biden, who is scheduled to be sworn in as president on January 20, has signalled he wants to bring Iran back into the accord that was brokered when he was vice president under Barack Obama.

Iran has planned to roughly double its oil production in the next year -- as the country anticipates a loosening of US sanctions after Joe Biden assumes power. Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told lawmakers on Saturday the government aims to pump 4.

Iran has planned to roughly double its oil production in the next year -- as the country anticipates a loosening of US sanctions after Joe Biden assumes power. Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told lawmakers on Saturday the government aims to pump 4.5 million barrels a day of oil and gas condensate, during the next Iranian calendar year. Zanganeh also said Iran will increase oil exports to 2.3 million barrels daily, IRNA reported. Iran’s oil production had earlier almost halved to 1.9 million barrels a day since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic in 2018 and tightened sanctions. And exports, as high as 2.6 million barrels a day three years ago, have dropped to just 133,000. Biden, who is scheduled to be sworn in as president on January 20, has signalled he wants to bring Iran back into the accord that was brokered when he was vice president under Barack Obama.

Iran wants to hike oil production next year

President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran was "very happy" over the looming departure from office of US counterpart Donald Trump, who led a campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic.

President-elect Joe Biden, who defeated Trump at the ballot box in November, has signalled a willingness to return to diplomacy with Iran after four tense years under the outgoing president.

"Some say you are overexcited by the advent of Mr. Biden. No, we are not, but we are very happy to see Trump leave," he said in televised comments at a cabinet meeting.

"Thank God, these are his final days," Rouhani added, calling Trump a "tyrant", "the most unruly, lawless president" and a "terrorist and murderer."

The electoral college confirmed Biden as the next US president on Monday even as the incumbent continues to refuse to accept defeat.

The formal handover of power will take place on January 20 when Biden is sworn in.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington soared during Trump's presidency as his administration sought to bring Israel and the Gulf Arab states closer together with a hard line against Iran.

In 2018, Trump pulled Washington out of a landmark nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed punishing unilateral sanctions.

This January, Trump ordered an air strike near Baghdad airport which killed senior Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and drew retaliatory Iranian strikes targeting US troops in Iraq.&nbsp;

Trump "creates obstacles for us purchasing (Covid-19) vaccines, (that is) how much this person is bereft of all ethical and human principles," Rouhani said.

Iran is the Middle Eastern country hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic with 52,670 deaths from more than 1.1 million cases, according to official figures.

Vaccines and other humanitarian goods are supposed to be exempt from US sanctions but in practice few if any banks are willing to risk processing Iranian transactions for fear of incurring heavy penalties in the US courts.&nbsp;

Since Biden's victory, Rouhani's government has repeatedly signalled its openness to the incoming US administration, although Iran's supreme leader has cautioned against hopes of an opening with the West.

Rouhani said the outcome of the US election showed the American people's desire for a "law-abiding" president and called on the Biden administration to live up to the expectation.

"If it wants to be on the correct path, it's there, and if it wants the wrong one, it's also there," he said.

President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran was "very happy" over the looming departure from office of US counterpart Donald Trump, who led a campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic.

President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran was "very happy" over the looming departure from office of US counterpart Donald Trump, who led a campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic. President-elect Joe Biden, who defeated Trump at the ballot box in November, has signalled a willingness to return to diplomacy with Iran after four tense years under the outgoing president. "Some say you are overexcited by the advent of Mr. Biden. No, we are not, but we are very happy to see Trump leave," he said in televised comments at a cabinet meeting. "Thank God, these are his final days," Rouhani added, calling Trump a "tyrant", "the most unruly, lawless president" and a "terrorist and murderer." The electoral college confirmed Biden as the next US president on Monday even as the incumbent continues to refuse to accept defeat. The formal handover of power will take place on January 20 when Biden is sworn in. Tensions between Tehran and Washington soared during Trump's presidency as his administration sought to bring Israel and the Gulf Arab states closer together with a hard line against Iran. In 2018, Trump pulled Washington out of a landmark nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed punishing unilateral sanctions. This January, Trump ordered an air strike near Baghdad airport which killed senior Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and drew retaliatory Iranian strikes targeting US troops in Iraq. Trump "creates obstacles for us purchasing (Covid-19) vaccines, (that is) how much this person is bereft of all ethical and human principles," Rouhani said. Iran is the Middle Eastern country hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic with 52,670 deaths from more than 1.1 million cases, according to official figures. Vaccines and other humanitarian goods are supposed to be exempt from US sanctions but in practice few if any banks are willing to risk processing Iranian transactions for fear of incurring heavy penalties in the US courts. Since Biden's victory, Rouhani's government has repeatedly signalled its openness to the incoming US administration, although Iran's supreme leader has cautioned against hopes of an opening with the West. Rouhani said the outcome of the US election showed the American people's desire for a "law-abiding" president and called on the Biden administration to live up to the expectation. "If it wants to be on the correct path, it's there, and if it wants the wrong one, it's also there," he said.

Iran's Rouhani says he is happy that 'lawless terrorist' Trump is leaving office

Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body has approved a law that empowers the government to halt UN inspections of its nuclear sites and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal.

Under the new law, Tehran would give two months to the deal's European parties to ease sanctions on Iran's oil and financial sectors, imposed after Washington quit the pact between Tehran and six powers in 2018.

Iran's hardline-dominated parliament on Tuesday approved the bill with a strong majority that will harden Iran's nuclear stance in retaliation for the killing last week of Iran's top nuclear scientist, which Tehran has blamed on Israel.

The Guardian Council approved the law on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Under the new law, the government should resume uranium enrichment to 20% and install advanced centrifuges at its Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities.

The deal caps the fissile purity to which Iran can refine uranium at 3.67%, far below the 20% achieved before the deal and below the weapons-grade level of 90%. Iran breached the 3.67% cap in July 2019 and the enrichment level has remained steady at up to 4.5% since then.

Britain, France and Germany, all parties to the 2015 deal, have urged Iran to fully respect it.

The Guardian Council is charged with ensuring draft laws do not contradict Shi'ite Islamic laws or Iran’s constitution. However, the stance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last word on all matters of state, is not known.

In reaction to US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" policy on Tehran, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the deal. The law pushed by hardline lawmakers would make it harder for US President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office on January 20, to rejoin the agreement.

Biden has said he would return to the pact and would lift sanctions if Tehran returned to "strict compliance with the nuclear deal".

Rouhani, the Iranian architect of the 2015 deal, criticised parliament's move as "harmful to diplomatic efforts" aimed at easing US sanctions.

Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body has approved a law that empowers the government to halt UN inspections of its nuclear sites and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body has approved a law that empowers the government to halt UN inspections of its nuclear sites and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal. Under the new law, Tehran would give two months to the deal's European parties to ease sanctions on Iran's oil and financial sectors, imposed after Washington quit the pact between Tehran and six powers in 2018. Iran's hardline-dominated parliament on Tuesday approved the bill with a strong majority that will harden Iran's nuclear stance in retaliation for the killing last week of Iran's top nuclear scientist, which Tehran has blamed on Israel. The Guardian Council approved the law on Wednesday. Under the new law, the government should resume uranium enrichment to 20% and install advanced centrifuges at its Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities. The deal caps the fissile purity to which Iran can refine uranium at 3.67%, far below the 20% achieved before the deal and below the weapons-grade level of 90%. Iran breached the 3.67% cap in July 2019 and the enrichment level has remained steady at up to 4.5% since then. Britain, France and Germany, all parties to the 2015 deal, have urged Iran to fully respect it. The Guardian Council is charged with ensuring draft laws do not contradict Shi'ite Islamic laws or Iran’s constitution. However, the stance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last word on all matters of state, is not known. In reaction to US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" policy on Tehran, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the deal. The law pushed by hardline lawmakers would make it harder for US President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office on January 20, to rejoin the agreement. Biden has said he would return to the pact and would lift sanctions if Tehran returned to "strict compliance with the nuclear deal". Rouhani, the Iranian architect of the 2015 deal, criticised parliament's move as "harmful to diplomatic efforts" aimed at easing US sanctions.

Iran passes new law on hardening nuclear stance, halting UN inspections

The US has announced economic sanctions on Chinese and Russian companies that it said had supported the development of Iran's missile programme.

The four firms, accused of "transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran's missile programme," will be subject to restrictions on US government aid and on their exports for two years, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday.

The sanctions, imposed Wednesday, were against two Chinese-based companies, Chengdu Best New Materials and Zibo Elim Trade, as well as Russia-based Nilco Group and Joint Stock Company Elecon.

"We will continue to work to impede Iran's missile development efforts and use our sanctions authorities to spotlight the foreign suppliers, such as these entities in the PRC (China) and Russia, that provide missile-related materials and technology to Iran," Pompeo added.

President Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal established three years prior under then-president Barack Obama. Trump has since reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic in what he calls a campaign of "maximum pressure."

The Trump administration has also since shown its determination to sanction any foreign country or company that does not comply with its Iran policies. 
&nbsp;

The US has announced economic sanctions on Chinese and Russian companies that it said had supported the development of Iran's missile programme. The four firms, accused of "transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran's missile programme," will be subject to restrictions on US government aid and on their exports for two years, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday.

The US has announced economic sanctions on Chinese and Russian companies that it said had supported the development of Iran's missile programme. The four firms, accused of "transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran's missile programme," will be subject to restrictions on US government aid and on their exports for two years, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday. The sanctions, imposed Wednesday, were against two Chinese-based companies, Chengdu Best New Materials and Zibo Elim Trade, as well as Russia-based Nilco Group and Joint Stock Company Elecon. "We will continue to work to impede Iran's missile development efforts and use our sanctions authorities to spotlight the foreign suppliers, such as these entities in the PRC (China) and Russia, that provide missile-related materials and technology to Iran," Pompeo added. President Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal established three years prior under then-president Barack Obama. Trump has since reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic in what he calls a campaign of "maximum pressure." The Trump administration has also since shown its determination to sanction any foreign country or company that does not comply with its Iran policies.

US sanctions Chinese, Russian firms that supported Iran missile programme

A British-Australian academic serving a 10-year sentence in Iran for espionage has been freed. She had been imprisoned for more than two years.

Iran first announced on state television that it had freed Kylie Moore-Gilbert in exchange for three Iranians held abroad.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was “thrilled and relieved” after Iran's announcement, but added it would take time for the British-Australian scholar to process her “horrible” ordeal.

Morrison told Australia’s Network Nine he had confirmed Wednesday night that Moore-Gilbert was coming home, and spoke with her on Thursday.

In a statement, Moore-Gilbert thanked Australia’s government and diplomats for securing her release, as well as supporters who campaigned for her freedom.

Despite her ordeal, Moore-Gilbert said she had “nothing but respect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warm-hearted, generous and brave people.”

"I came to Iran as a friend and with friendly intentions, and depart Iran with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened," Moore-Gilbert said in a statement released via the Australian government.

Dr Moore-Gilbert had been travelling on an Australian passport when she was detained at Tehran airport in 2018 as she tried to leave following a conference. In July, she was transferred from Tehran's Evin Prison to the Qarchak women's prison east of the capital, which is notorious for human rights violations.

Moore-Gilbert's detention had strained relations between Iran and the West at a time of already escalating tensions.

Iran state TV aired footage showing her clad in a gray hijab sitting inside a greeting room at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran. She was later seen getting on an Australian-flagged white aircraft, shown to her seat by a man in a suit.

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According to Iranian state media, she was exchanged for an Iranian businessman and two Iranian citizens "who had been detained abroad". They have not yet been named.

A British-Australian academic serving a 10-year sentence in Iran for espionage has been freed. She had been imprisoned for more than two years. Iran first announced on state television that it had freed Kylie Moore-Gilbert in exchange for three Iranians held abroad.

A British-Australian academic serving a 10-year sentence in Iran for espionage has been freed. She had been imprisoned for more than two years. Iran first announced on state television that it had freed Kylie Moore-Gilbert in exchange for three Iranians held abroad. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was “thrilled and relieved” after Iran's announcement, but added it would take time for the British-Australian scholar to process her “horrible” ordeal. Morrison told Australia’s Network Nine he had confirmed Wednesday night that Moore-Gilbert was coming home, and spoke with her on Thursday. In a statement, Moore-Gilbert thanked Australia’s government and diplomats for securing her release, as well as supporters who campaigned for her freedom. Despite her ordeal, Moore-Gilbert said she had “nothing but respect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warm-hearted, generous and brave people.” "I came to Iran as a friend and with friendly intentions, and depart Iran with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened," Moore-Gilbert said in a statement released via the Australian government. Dr Moore-Gilbert had been travelling on an Australian passport when she was detained at Tehran airport in 2018 as she tried to leave following a conference. In July, she was transferred from Tehran's Evin Prison to the Qarchak women's prison east of the capital, which is notorious for human rights violations. Moore-Gilbert's detention had strained relations between Iran and the West at a time of already escalating tensions. Iran state TV aired footage showing her clad in a gray hijab sitting inside a greeting room at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran. She was later seen getting on an Australian-flagged white aircraft, shown to her seat by a man in a suit. نخستین تصویر تبادل جاسوس صهیونیستی با سه تاجر ایرانی pic.twitter.com/Y0lEIFLY5J — باشگاه خبرنگاران جوان | YJC (@yjc___agency) November 25, 2020 × According to Iranian state media, she was exchanged for an Iranian businessman and two Iranian citizens "who had been detained abroad". They have not yet been named.

British-Australian academic freed by Iran in prisoner swap

The Trump administration is planning to tighten sanctions on Iran during its final months in power.

US Special Envoy for Iran Elliott Abrams on Wednesday, at a virtual Beirut Institute event, said the Trump administration plans further pressure on Tehran, with sanctions related to arms, weapons of mass destruction and human rights.

Abrams also urged President-elect Joe Biden to use the leverage to press for a deal that reduces the regional and nuclear threats posed by the Islamic republic. He also praised Biden's National Security Advisor and nominee for Secretary of State as "terrific people", cautioning against repeating what he saw as former President Barack Obama's mistakes in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal.&nbsp;

Incumbent president Donald Trump notably left that deal unilaterally two years ago.

Biden, set to take office on January 20, has on his part said he would return the United States to the Obama-era deal if Iran resumes compliance.

"We will have next week, and the week after, and the week after - all through December and January, there will be sanctions that deal with arms, that deal with weapons of mass destruction, that deal with human rights. ... So this will continue on for another couple of months, right until the end," Abrams said, at the event.

Abrams said he expects a negotiation to take place with Iran next year and that he believes a deal will be struck under the Biden administration.

"We think the Biden administration has a great opportunity because there is so much leverage on Iran through the sanctions," Abrams said, adding he sees an opportunity to work with France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as allies in the region, to strike a deal that addresses both missile and regional threats from Iran.

"If we discard the leverage we have, it would really be tragic and foolish. But if we use it there is a chance I think for constructive agreement that addresses all of these problems," he added.

He said it would be wrong to assume the new administration could reverse Iran policy like switching a light, and said negotiations would take many months.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen since Trump abandoned Obama's 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and restored harsh economic sanctions to pressure Tehran to negotiate deeper curbs on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and support for regional proxy forces.

Abrams on Wednesday announced Iran-related sanctions on four entities in China and Russia, accusing them of activities promoting Iran`s missile program.

Also, US ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said the United States could impose further sanctions on Lebanese figures over corruption and aiding the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after Washington in recent months blacklisted three former Lebanese government ministers, including the president`s son-in-law.

(with inputs)

The Trump administration is planning to tighten sanctions on Iran during its final months in power. US Special Envoy for Iran Elliott Abrams on Wednesday, at a virtual Beirut Institute event, said the Trump administration plans further pressure on Tehran, with sanctions related to arms, weapons of mass destruction and human rights.

The Trump administration is planning to tighten sanctions on Iran during its final months in power. US Special Envoy for Iran Elliott Abrams on Wednesday, at a virtual Beirut Institute event, said the Trump administration plans further pressure on Tehran, with sanctions related to arms, weapons of mass destruction and human rights. Abrams also urged President-elect Joe Biden to use the leverage to press for a deal that reduces the regional and nuclear threats posed by the Islamic republic. He also praised Biden's National Security Advisor and nominee for Secretary of State as "terrific people", cautioning against repeating what he saw as former President Barack Obama's mistakes in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal. Incumbent president Donald Trump notably left that deal unilaterally two years ago. Biden, set to take office on January 20, has on his part said he would return the United States to the Obama-era deal if Iran resumes compliance. "We will have next week, and the week after, and the week after - all through December and January, there will be sanctions that deal with arms, that deal with weapons of mass destruction, that deal with human rights. ... So this will continue on for another couple of months, right until the end," Abrams said, at the event. Abrams said he expects a negotiation to take place with Iran next year and that he believes a deal will be struck under the Biden administration. "We think the Biden administration has a great opportunity because there is so much leverage on Iran through the sanctions," Abrams said, adding he sees an opportunity to work with France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as allies in the region, to strike a deal that addresses both missile and regional threats from Iran. "If we discard the leverage we have, it would really be tragic and foolish. But if we use it there is a chance I think for constructive agreement that addresses all of these problems," he added. He said it would be wrong to assume the new administration could reverse Iran policy like switching a light, and said negotiations would take many months. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen since Trump abandoned Obama's 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and restored harsh economic sanctions to pressure Tehran to negotiate deeper curbs on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and support for regional proxy forces. Abrams on Wednesday announced Iran-related sanctions on four entities in China and Russia, accusing them of activities promoting Iran`s missile program. Also, US ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said the United States could impose further sanctions on Lebanese figures over corruption and aiding the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after Washington in recent months blacklisted three former Lebanese government ministers, including the president`s son-in-law. (with inputs)

More sanctions coming, US envoy tells Iran

Incumbent US president Donald Trump asked for options on attacking Iran's main nuclear site last week but ultimately decided against taking the dramatic step, a source has said.

Trump made the request during a meeting on Thursday with his top national security aides, including Vice President Mike Pence, his new Acting Defence Secretary Christopher Miller, and General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Reuters reported the official as saying.

The report further said advisors persuaded Trump to not go ahead with a strike because of the risk of a broader conflict.

His request for options came a day after a UN atomic watchdog report showed that Iran had finished moving a first cascade of advanced centrifuges from an above-ground plant at its main uranium enrichment site to an underground one, in a fresh breach of its nuclear deal with big powers.

Trump has spent his tenure engaging in an aggressive policy against Iran, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, and imposing economic sanctions against a wide variety of Iranian targets.

Trump, who has challenged the results of the November 3 presidential election in courts, is to hand over power to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden on January 20.

In January, Trump ordered a US drone strike that killed Iranian military General Qassem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport. A full-blown strike on Iran's main nuclear site at Natanz could flare into a regional conflict and pose a serious foreign policy challenge for Biden.

Iran's 2.4 tonne stock of low-enriched uranium is now far above the deal's 202.8 kg limit. It produced 337.5 kg in the quarter, less than the more than 500 kg recorded in the previous two quarters by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Incumbent US president Donald Trump asked for options on attacking Iran's main nuclear site last week but ultimately decided against taking the dramatic step, a source has said.

Incumbent US president Donald Trump asked for options on attacking Iran's main nuclear site last week but ultimately decided against taking the dramatic step, a source has said. Trump made the request during a meeting on Thursday with his top national security aides, including Vice President Mike Pence, his new Acting Defence Secretary Christopher Miller, and General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Reuters reported the official as saying. The report further said advisors persuaded Trump to not go ahead with a strike because of the risk of a broader conflict. His request for options came a day after a UN atomic watchdog report showed that Iran had finished moving a first cascade of advanced centrifuges from an above-ground plant at its main uranium enrichment site to an underground one, in a fresh breach of its nuclear deal with big powers. Trump has spent his tenure engaging in an aggressive policy against Iran, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, and imposing economic sanctions against a wide variety of Iranian targets. Trump, who has challenged the results of the November 3 presidential election in courts, is to hand over power to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden on January 20. In January, Trump ordered a US drone strike that killed Iranian military General Qassem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport. A full-blown strike on Iran's main nuclear site at Natanz could flare into a regional conflict and pose a serious foreign policy challenge for Biden. Iran's 2.4 tonne stock of low-enriched uranium is now far above the deal's 202.8 kg limit. It produced 337.5 kg in the quarter, less than the more than 500 kg recorded in the previous two quarters by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Trump asked for options for attacking Iran last week but held off, report says

The United States is planning to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Tehran a year ago.

The sanctions announcement was reportedly timed to the one-year anniversary of what may have been the bloodiest repression of protesters in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Sources said the sanctions have been in the works for months and are the latest in a long series of US penalties imposed on Iran by President Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, about 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on November 15, 2019. The toll included at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women as well as members of the Iranian security forces and police.

Iran's Interior Ministry has said around 225 people were killed during the protests, which erupted after state media announced that gas prices would rise by as much as 200% and the revenue would be used to help needy families.

Trump two years ago abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and has since restored harsh US economic sanctions designed to force Tehran into a wider negotiation on curbing its nuclear programme, development of ballistic missiles and support for regional proxy forces.&nbsp;

Several sources played down a media report that the Trump administration planned a flood of sanctions before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. Biden, who was Obama's vice president, defeated Trump in last week's US election.

Biden has previously said he will return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under which Tehran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other sanctions, if the Iranian government resumes compliance.

Two weeks ago, the US Treasury slapped counterterrorism sanctions on key players in Iran’s oil sector for supporting the Quds Force, the elite paramilitary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

(with inputs)

The United States is planning to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Tehran a year ago.

The United States is planning to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Tehran a year ago. The sanctions announcement was reportedly timed to the one-year anniversary of what may have been the bloodiest repression of protesters in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Sources said the sanctions have been in the works for months and are the latest in a long series of US penalties imposed on Iran by President Donald Trump. According to Reuters, about 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on November 15, 2019. The toll included at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women as well as members of the Iranian security forces and police. Iran's Interior Ministry has said around 225 people were killed during the protests, which erupted after state media announced that gas prices would rise by as much as 200% and the revenue would be used to help needy families. Trump two years ago abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and has since restored harsh US economic sanctions designed to force Tehran into a wider negotiation on curbing its nuclear programme, development of ballistic missiles and support for regional proxy forces. Several sources played down a media report that the Trump administration planned a flood of sanctions before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. Biden, who was Obama's vice president, defeated Trump in last week's US election. Biden has previously said he will return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under which Tehran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other sanctions, if the Iranian government resumes compliance. Two weeks ago, the US Treasury slapped counterterrorism sanctions on key players in Iran’s oil sector for supporting the Quds Force, the elite paramilitary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (with inputs)

US to impose sanctions on Iranians for violence against protesters

A governing panel at the United Nations' aviation agency urged Iran on Friday to accelerate an investigation into the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in January.&nbsp;

An Iranian official said a final report on the crash would be circulated soon.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation said members of its 36-nation council issued the call, nearly 10 months after a Ukraine International Airlines flight was shot down by an Iranian ground-to-air missile, killing 176 people.

Iran's representative to ICAO, however, said he had made a full report to the council on the progress of the investigation.

A draft of the final report has been completed and is being translated, Farhad Parvaresh told Reuters.

It will be sent to participating nations in "a couple of weeks," he said, adding that Iran was adhering to international rules on air investigations known as Annex 13.

Those rules include a recommendation that the final report appears within 12 months, which in this case runs until early January, though many high-profile probes take longer.

Although the deadline has not yet been reached, some states including Canada are concerned about what they view as a lack of transparency, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it accidentally shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, mistaking it for a missile at a time when tensions were high between Iran and the United States.

Canada and families of the victims are pressing Iran for additional answers following an initial report on the contents of black boxes, which were sent to France for analysis in July. 
Many of the 176 victims killed in the crash were Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 
Ukraine, where the Boeing 737 was operated, and the United States, where it was designed and built, are automatically part of any formal accident investigation under ICAO rules. 
The rules say any participating nations should be given 60 days to make comments before the final report can be published.

A governing panel at the United Nations' aviation agency urged Iran on Friday to accelerate an investigation into the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in January.

A governing panel at the United Nations' aviation agency urged Iran on Friday to accelerate an investigation into the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in January. An Iranian official said a final report on the crash would be circulated soon. The International Civil Aviation Organisation said members of its 36-nation council issued the call, nearly 10 months after a Ukraine International Airlines flight was shot down by an Iranian ground-to-air missile, killing 176 people. Iran's representative to ICAO, however, said he had made a full report to the council on the progress of the investigation. A draft of the final report has been completed and is being translated, Farhad Parvaresh told Reuters. It will be sent to participating nations in "a couple of weeks," he said, adding that Iran was adhering to international rules on air investigations known as Annex 13. Those rules include a recommendation that the final report appears within 12 months, which in this case runs until early January, though many high-profile probes take longer. Although the deadline has not yet been reached, some states including Canada are concerned about what they view as a lack of transparency, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it accidentally shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, mistaking it for a missile at a time when tensions were high between Iran and the United States. Canada and families of the victims are pressing Iran for additional answers following an initial report on the contents of black boxes, which were sent to France for analysis in July. Many of the 176 victims killed in the crash were Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Ukraine, where the Boeing 737 was operated, and the United States, where it was designed and built, are automatically part of any formal accident investigation under ICAO rules. The rules say any participating nations should be given 60 days to make comments before the final report can be published.

UN aviation agency asks Iran to expedite investigation of downed jet

The United States revealed on Thursday it had seized Iranian missiles shipped to Yemen and sold 1.1 million barrels of previously seized Iranian oil that was bound for Venezuela, in the Trump administration’s latest move to increase pressure on Tehran less than a week before Nov. 3 election.

The unsealing of the forfeiture complaints, by the Justice Department, came at the same time that the Treasury Department and State Department jointly slapped sanctions on a combined 11 different entities and individuals for their involvement in the purchase and sale of Iranian petrochemicals.

The latest actions against Iran come after U.S. intelligence officials earlier this month alleged that Iranian hackers sought to threaten some U.S. voters by sending them spoofed emails that were made to appear as though they were from the pro-Trump Proud Boys group.

Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said on Thursday that the unsealing of the Justice Department’s complaints was “divorced from politics.”

“These actions started last summer. And these are fluid, organic situations,” he said.

The Justice Department’s forfeiture civil cases involve alleged schemes by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to secretly ship weapons to Yemen and fuel to Venezuela.

Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John Demers said on Thursday that the U.S. government had sold and delivered 1.1 million barrels of Iranian fuel that had been destined for Venezuela, which it had seized earlier this year.

According to the complaint, the fuel originated with firms tied to the IRGC, and shippers took steps to mask ownership. The two vessels carrying the fuel, the Liberia-flagged Euroforce and Singapore-flagged Maersk Progress, had struggled to discharge and shifted course multiple times over the past several weeks.

The United States revealed on Thursday it had seized Iranian missiles shipped to Yemen and sold 1.1 million barrels of previously seized Iranian oil that was bound for Venezuela, in the Trump administration’s latest move to increase pressure on Tehran less than a week before Nov.

The United States revealed on Thursday it had seized Iranian missiles shipped to Yemen and sold 1.1 million barrels of previously seized Iranian oil that was bound for Venezuela, in the Trump administration’s latest move to increase pressure on Tehran less than a week before Nov. 3 election. The unsealing of the forfeiture complaints, by the Justice Department, came at the same time that the Treasury Department and State Department jointly slapped sanctions on a combined 11 different entities and individuals for their involvement in the purchase and sale of Iranian petrochemicals. The latest actions against Iran come after U.S. intelligence officials earlier this month alleged that Iranian hackers sought to threaten some U.S. voters by sending them spoofed emails that were made to appear as though they were from the pro-Trump Proud Boys group. Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said on Thursday that the unsealing of the Justice Department’s complaints was “divorced from politics.” “These actions started last summer. And these are fluid, organic situations,” he said. The Justice Department’s forfeiture civil cases involve alleged schemes by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to secretly ship weapons to Yemen and fuel to Venezuela. Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John Demers said on Thursday that the U.S. government had sold and delivered 1.1 million barrels of Iranian fuel that had been destined for Venezuela, which it had seized earlier this year. According to the complaint, the fuel originated with firms tied to the IRGC, and shippers took steps to mask ownership. The two vessels carrying the fuel, the Liberia-flagged Euroforce and Singapore-flagged Maersk Progress, had struggled to discharge and shifted course multiple times over the past several weeks.

US seizes Iranian missiles, slaps Iran-related sanctions on 11 entities

The United States has sanctioned five Iranian groups that it says attempted to interfere in the upcoming presidential election between President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: US punishes Iran for 'election interference'

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that arms sales to Iran would breach UN resolutions and result in sanctions, after Tehran said the longstanding UN embargo on arms trade with the Islamic republic had expired.

"The United States is prepared to use its domestic authorities to sanction any individual or entity that materially contributes to the supply, sale, or transfer of conventional arms to or from Iran," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Every nation that seeks peace and stability in the Middle East and supports the fight against terrorism should refrain from any arms transactions with Iran."

The embargo on the sale of conventional arms to Iran was due to start expiring progressively from October 18 under the terms of the UN resolution that confirmed the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

Washington had notably withdrawn from the deal, and has tried to maintain an indefinite freeze on arms sales.

Tehran, which could now purchase weapons from Russia, China and elsewhere, hailed the development as a diplomatic victory over its arch enemy the United States,&nbsp;

"As of today, all restrictions on the transfer of arms, related activities and financial services to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran... are all automatically terminated," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"As of today, the Islamic Republic may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions, and solely based on its defensive needs," the ministry added in the statement on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the nuclear deal in 2018 and has unilaterally begun reimposing sanctions on Iran.

But Washington suffered a setback in August when it failed to win support from the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely extend the arms embargo.

Despite pulling out of the nuclear deal, the Trump administration insists it is still a "participant" and can therefore go ahead with reimposing sanctions.&nbsp;

Washington has said it has decided to unilaterally reinstate virtually all of the UN sanctions on Iran lifted under the accord.&nbsp;

But the US legal argument has been rejected by almost the entire Security Council, with European allies of the United States saying the priority is to salvage a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran urged the US to "abandon its destructive approach vis-a-vis Resolution 2231", adding that American attempts to "violate" the resolution had been "categorically rejected several times in the past three months by the Security Council".

Moscow said in September that it was ready to boost military cooperation with Tehran, while Beijing has also spoken of its willingness to sell arms to Iran after October 18.

Washington maintained it will seek to prevent Iran from purchasing Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems.

(with inputs)

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that arms sales to Iran would breach UN resolutions and result in sanctions, after Tehran said the longstanding UN embargo on arms trade with the Islamic republic had expired.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that arms sales to Iran would breach UN resolutions and result in sanctions, after Tehran said the longstanding UN embargo on arms trade with the Islamic republic had expired. "The United States is prepared to use its domestic authorities to sanction any individual or entity that materially contributes to the supply, sale, or transfer of conventional arms to or from Iran," Pompeo said in a statement. "Every nation that seeks peace and stability in the Middle East and supports the fight against terrorism should refrain from any arms transactions with Iran." The embargo on the sale of conventional arms to Iran was due to start expiring progressively from October 18 under the terms of the UN resolution that confirmed the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. Washington had notably withdrawn from the deal, and has tried to maintain an indefinite freeze on arms sales. Tehran, which could now purchase weapons from Russia, China and elsewhere, hailed the development as a diplomatic victory over its arch enemy the United States, "As of today, all restrictions on the transfer of arms, related activities and financial services to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran... are all automatically terminated," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "As of today, the Islamic Republic may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions, and solely based on its defensive needs," the ministry added in the statement on Twitter. US President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the nuclear deal in 2018 and has unilaterally begun reimposing sanctions on Iran. But Washington suffered a setback in August when it failed to win support from the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely extend the arms embargo. Despite pulling out of the nuclear deal, the Trump administration insists it is still a "participant" and can therefore go ahead with reimposing sanctions. Washington has said it has decided to unilaterally reinstate virtually all of the UN sanctions on Iran lifted under the accord. But the US legal argument has been rejected by almost the entire Security Council, with European allies of the United States saying the priority is to salvage a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear programme. Iran urged the US to "abandon its destructive approach vis-a-vis Resolution 2231", adding that American attempts to "violate" the resolution had been "categorically rejected several times in the past three months by the Security Council". Moscow said in September that it was ready to boost military cooperation with Tehran, while Beijing has also spoken of its willingness to sell arms to Iran after October 18. Washington maintained it will seek to prevent Iran from purchasing Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems. (with inputs)

US Secy of State Pompeo warns of sanctions for any arms sales to Iran

Iraqi militias backed by Iran have agreed to temporarily halt attacks targetting the American presence in Iraq. The deal has been reached on the condition that US-led coalition troops withdraw from the country in line with a parliamentary resolution.

Roadside bombs and in particular rocket attacks targetting the US Embassy in Baghdad have strained ties between Washington and Baghdad. On Sunday also, a roadside bomb targetted a convoy that was transporting equipment for the US-led coalition, prompting questions over whether such a truce could hold across all militia factions.

Mohammed Mohie, a spokesman for the powerful Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah.

"If it does not withdraw, the resistance factions will resume their military activities with all the capabilities available to them," he said.

Iraqi lawmakers voted in January on a non-binding resolution to oust US-led coalition troops from the country, following a Washington-directed drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad's international airport.

The Trump administration had earlier warned Iraq's leadership it would close the US Embassy in Baghdad if the militia groups were not contained.

The US has blamed Iran-backed militia groups, in particular Kataib Hezbollah, for perpetrating attacks on the American presence in Iraq.

It was during a meeting with Abu Fadak -- Abdulaziz al-Muhammadawi, known as Abu Fadak, the deputy head of the Popular Mobilization Forces and a commander of the Kataib Hezbollah -- last week that an agreement was reached for a ceasefire for at least two months, in return for a scheduled US withdrawal to be determined at a later date.

The militias' truce announcement coincided with an apparent shift in US rhetoric, after Iraqi officials have said any US Embassy closure would isolate Iraq from the world.

Iraqi militias backed by Iran have agreed to temporarily halt attacks targetting the American presence in Iraq. The deal has been reached on the condition that US-led coalition troops withdraw from the country in line with a parliamentary resolution.

Iraqi militias backed by Iran have agreed to temporarily halt attacks targetting the American presence in Iraq. The deal has been reached on the condition that US-led coalition troops withdraw from the country in line with a parliamentary resolution. Roadside bombs and in particular rocket attacks targetting the US Embassy in Baghdad have strained ties between Washington and Baghdad. On Sunday also, a roadside bomb targetted a convoy that was transporting equipment for the US-led coalition, prompting questions over whether such a truce could hold across all militia factions. Mohammed Mohie, a spokesman for the powerful Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah. "If it does not withdraw, the resistance factions will resume their military activities with all the capabilities available to them," he said. Iraqi lawmakers voted in January on a non-binding resolution to oust US-led coalition troops from the country, following a Washington-directed drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad's international airport. The Trump administration had earlier warned Iraq's leadership it would close the US Embassy in Baghdad if the militia groups were not contained. The US has blamed Iran-backed militia groups, in particular Kataib Hezbollah, for perpetrating attacks on the American presence in Iraq. It was during a meeting with Abu Fadak -- Abdulaziz al-Muhammadawi, known as Abu Fadak, the deputy head of the Popular Mobilization Forces and a commander of the Kataib Hezbollah -- last week that an agreement was reached for a ceasefire for at least two months, in return for a scheduled US withdrawal to be determined at a later date. The militias' truce announcement coincided with an apparent shift in US rhetoric, after Iraqi officials have said any US Embassy closure would isolate Iraq from the world.

Iran-backed militias offer truce for US pullout from Iraq

The United States on Thursday slapped fresh sanctions on Iran's financial sector, targeting 18 banks in an effort to further choke off Iranian revenues as Washington ramps up pressure on Tehran weeks ahead of the U.S. election.

United States sanctions 18 major Iranian banks

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Saturday of “savagery” for inflicting $150 billion of damage on Iran due to sanctions, and said Iranians should direct their anger at the White House.

“With their illegal and inhuman sanctions, and terrorist actions, the Americans have inflicted 150 billion dollars of damage on the people of Iran,” Rouhani said in televised remarks, his voice shaking with anger.

“We haven’t seen such an extent of savagery ... The address for Iranian people’s curses and hatred is the White House.”

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord.

Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium.

Washington imposed new sanctions on Monday on Iran’s defence ministry and others involved in its nuclear and weapons programme.

On Thursday, Washington blacklisted several Iranian officials and entities over alleged gross violations of human rights, including imposing sanctions on a judge it said was involved in the case of an Iranian wrestler sentenced to death.

Rouhani gave no details on the breakdown of the economic damage he said had been incurred due to the sanctions.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Saturday of “savagery” for inflicting $150 billion of damage on Iran due to sanctions, and said Iranians should direct their anger at the White House.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Saturday of “savagery” for inflicting $150 billion of damage on Iran due to sanctions, and said Iranians should direct their anger at the White House. “With their illegal and inhuman sanctions, and terrorist actions, the Americans have inflicted 150 billion dollars of damage on the people of Iran,” Rouhani said in televised remarks, his voice shaking with anger. “We haven’t seen such an extent of savagery ... The address for Iranian people’s curses and hatred is the White House.” Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord. Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium. Washington imposed new sanctions on Monday on Iran’s defence ministry and others involved in its nuclear and weapons programme. On Thursday, Washington blacklisted several Iranian officials and entities over alleged gross violations of human rights, including imposing sanctions on a judge it said was involved in the case of an Iranian wrestler sentenced to death. Rouhani gave no details on the breakdown of the economic damage he said had been incurred due to the sanctions.

Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions

The sanctions were suspended in 2015 following a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in July that year.

US reimposes sanctions on Iran

The Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal.

The rest of the world has, hence, set the stage for a showdown at the world body ahead of its annual General Assembly.

The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time.

Snapback means that international sanctions eased or lifted by the nuclear deal are reimposed and must be enforced by UN member states.

That is 30 days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified the council that Iran was in significant non-performance with its obligations under the accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

"The United States took this decisive action because, in addition to Iran's failure to perform its JCPOA commitments, the Security Council failed to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, which had been in place for 13 years," Pompeo said in a statement.

"We initiated the snapback process to restore virtually all previously terminated U.N. Sanctions, including the arms embargo. The world will be safer as a result."

The White House plans to issue an executive order on Monday spelling out how the US plans to enforce the restored sanctions.

The US move, however, faces opposition from the other members of the Security Council. They say the US lost legal standing to invoke snapback when President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed American sanctions on Iran.

The US, on the other hand, argues it retains the right to do it as an original participant in the deal and a member of the council.

Those bans were either removed or set to expire under the terms of the deal in which Iran was granted billions of dollars in sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

China and Russia have been particularly adamant in rejecting the move. Even Britain, France and Germany said the sanctions relief provided by the nuclear deal will remain in place.

Also, Trump plans to address Iran in a speech to the General Assembly's annual high-level meeting on Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal. The rest of the world has, hence, set the stage for a showdown at the world body ahead of its annual General Assembly.

The Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal. The rest of the world has, hence, set the stage for a showdown at the world body ahead of its annual General Assembly. The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time. Snapback means that international sanctions eased or lifted by the nuclear deal are reimposed and must be enforced by UN member states. That is 30 days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified the council that Iran was in significant non-performance with its obligations under the accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. "The United States took this decisive action because, in addition to Iran's failure to perform its JCPOA commitments, the Security Council failed to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, which had been in place for 13 years," Pompeo said in a statement. "We initiated the snapback process to restore virtually all previously terminated U.N. Sanctions, including the arms embargo. The world will be safer as a result." The White House plans to issue an executive order on Monday spelling out how the US plans to enforce the restored sanctions. The US move, however, faces opposition from the other members of the Security Council. They say the US lost legal standing to invoke snapback when President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed American sanctions on Iran. The US, on the other hand, argues it retains the right to do it as an original participant in the deal and a member of the council. Those bans were either removed or set to expire under the terms of the deal in which Iran was granted billions of dollars in sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. China and Russia have been particularly adamant in rejecting the move. Even Britain, France and Germany said the sanctions relief provided by the nuclear deal will remain in place. Also, Trump plans to address Iran in a speech to the General Assembly's annual high-level meeting on Tuesday.

US says all UN sanctions on Iran restored. Other nations reject move

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