Following the pre-emptive air strikes, Iran remains defiant in its pursuit of nuclear power, underscoring not just its resilience but also doubling down with its rhetoric, claiming it as its ‘sovereign right’ to nuclear enrichment and missile power.&nbsp;"One should not speak to such a predatory regime except in the language of power," Iran declared, “The world now better understands Iran’s insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power.”While this seems like the usual rhetoric from Iran but the timing, tone, and consequences of this declaration point to a significant escalation in the region.<h2>Iran ditching the diplomatic playbook</h2>For years, Iran has walked a thin line between its nuclear ambitions and, at the same time, insisting it was committed to peaceful energy use, by remaining a party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)But this latest statement is devoid of any diplomatic pretence. Instead, it embraces an unambiguous and confrontational assertion, one that leaves the talks in Oman in the dark. Iran will pursue its nuclear plans as a national right but not as a diplomatic concession; furthermore, its refusal to comment on the diplomatic talks with the United States hints at the end of the era of nuclear negotiation, as it is approaching weapon-grade uranium enrichment.&nbsp;This comes as a response to Israel's covert and overt operations in Iran, which targeted 100 nuclear and military sites, and killed several top leaders in its armed forces. The air strike, which had used US intelligence, had outraged Iran. Though the United States maintain the strike was unilateral from Israel, it has claimed awareness about the planning of the same. US President Donald Trump has changed his tone from professing caution and restraint to Israel to pride and praise of its military excellence, which leaves little room for the resumption of the talks.&nbsp;This should raise concern across the world, as Iran is not just any simple nation; it is a theocratic state which believes it has a divine right to rule. It poses as the leader of the Islamic world, but this rhetoric is not just for deterrence but of ideological conviction and narrative dominance. Tehran's bold posture will embolden its proxies like Hezbollah, Houthi, Iraqi Militia and Hamas and will destabilise the region.More than anything, this implies a strategic failure or at least a setback for the United States' foreign policies, which failed to contain Iran diplomatically. Israel is acting independently, and possibly with U.S. approval, even if it's unofficial. For critics, US policy is more reactive than strategic. The US perceived Iran as weak, and it might remain silent or retaliate slowly; instead, it took the situation to silently exit the JCPOA.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran has declared its unwavering right to nuclear and missile capabilities, rejecting diplomacy and signaling a hardline shift. This bold stance raises fears of regional escalation and global fallout.

Following the pre-emptive air strikes, Iran remains defiant in its pursuit of nuclear power, underscoring not just its resilience but also doubling down with its rhetoric, claiming it as its ‘sovereign right’ to nuclear enrichment and missile power. "One should not speak to such a predatory regime except in the language of power," Iran declared, “The world now better understands Iran’s insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power.” While this seems like the usual rhetoric from Iran but the timing, tone, and consequences of this declaration point to a significant escalation in the region. Iran ditching the diplomatic playbook For years, Iran has walked a thin line between its nuclear ambitions and, at the same time, insisting it was committed to peaceful energy use, by remaining a party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) But this latest statement is devoid of any diplomatic pretence. Instead, it embraces an unambiguous and confrontational assertion, one that leaves the talks in Oman in the dark. Iran will pursue its nuclear plans as a national right but not as a diplomatic concession; furthermore, its refusal to comment on the diplomatic talks with the United States hints at the end of the era of nuclear negotiation, as it is approaching weapon-grade uranium enrichment. This comes as a response to Israel's covert and overt operations in Iran, which targeted 100 nuclear and military sites, and killed several top leaders in its armed forces. The air strike, which had used US intelligence, had outraged Iran. Though the United States maintain the strike was unilateral from Israel, it has claimed awareness about the planning of the same. US President Donald Trump has changed his tone from professing caution and restraint to Israel to pride and praise of its military excellence, which leaves little room for the resumption of the talks. This should raise concern across the world, as Iran is not just any simple nation; it is a theocratic state which believes it has a divine right to rule. It poses as the leader of the Islamic world, but this rhetoric is not just for deterrence but of ideological conviction and narrative dominance. Tehran's bold posture will embolden its proxies like Hezbollah, Houthi, Iraqi Militia and Hamas and will destabilise the region. More than anything, this implies a strategic failure or at least a setback for the United States' foreign policies, which failed to contain Iran diplomatically. Israel is acting independently, and possibly with U.S. approval, even if it's unofficial. For critics, US policy is more reactive than strategic. The US perceived Iran as weak, and it might remain silent or retaliate slowly; instead, it took the situation to silently exit the JCPOA.

Iran has declared its unwavering right to nuclear and missile capabilities, rejecting diplomacy and signalling a hardline shift. This bold stance raises fears of regional escalation and global fallout.

Iran remains defiant for nuclear power, ditching diplomatic playbook

After Israel launched deadly preemptive airstrikes on Iranian soil, Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador to deliver a stern warning to the United States, accusing it of backing the attack.“It is unthinkable that the Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran were carried out without cooperation, coordination, and at least a green light from the US, and in this regard, the US must be held accountable for its illegal behaviour,” an Iranian official told Swiss envoy Nadine Lozano, as reported by state media outlet IRNA.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-iran-trump-hints-israeli-strikes-came-because-iran-didn-t-make-a-deal-offers-tehran-second-chance-1749818143256">‘Gave Iran a 60 days, today is day 61’: Trump hints Israeli strikes came because Iran didn't 'make a deal', offers Tehran&nbsp;second&nbsp;chance</a>Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation.<h2>Why Switzerland represents the US in Iran?</h2>But why was Switzerland the one receiving Iran’s message instead of a US diplomat?The answer lies in decades of broken ties. The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, following the Iranian revolution and the US embassy hostage crisis. In the absence of direct contact, Switzerland has acted as the official channel for US interests in Iran.Switzerland’s role as a “protecting power” allows it to act as a diplomatic bridge between countries that no longer have formal ties. This includes passing diplomatic messages, managing consular services, and occasionally mediating sensitive issues like prisoner exchanges.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-iran-inside-operation-rising-lion-israel-smuggled-drones-weapons-into-iran-before-launching-strikes-1749825819100">‘Years of planning, 200 aircraft, 300 munitions’: Israel smuggled drones, weapons into Iran before launching strikes | Inside Operation Rising Lion</a>The Swiss embassy in Tehran handles services such as passport applications, civil status changes, and assistance for US citizens inside Iran.According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, protecting power mandates allow “states to maintain low-level relations and provide consular protection to nationals of the other state concerned.” Switzerland can take on this role either by request or through mutual agreement.<h2>Switzerland’s history of neutrality and diplomacy</h2>Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality has made it a trusted mediator in many global conflicts. During World War II, it represented the interests of 35 countries, including several of the warring powers. It also represented US interests in Cuba until 2015, and currently represents Iran in Egypt and Canada.Switzerland has long facilitated dialogue between Iran and the US, especially during tense moments. It helped mediate several prisoner swaps in recent years and has played a behind-the-scenes role in easing diplomatic friction.Iran’s interests in the United States, meanwhile, are represented by Pakistan.<h2>Israeli strike heightens tensions in the region</h2>The diplomatic back-and-forth came after Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities in a preemptive strike. Explosions rocked Tehran and several high-ranking Iranian commanders were killed, including armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami, and top adviser Ali Shamkhani.Iran has labelled the Israeli attack a “declaration of war” and has turned to the UN Security Council for action.

Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation.

After Israel launched deadly preemptive airstrikes on Iranian soil, Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador to deliver a stern warning to the United States, accusing it of backing the attack. “It is unthinkable that the Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran were carried out without cooperation, coordination, and at least a green light from the US, and in this regard, the US must be held accountable for its illegal behaviour,” an Iranian official told Swiss envoy Nadine Lozano, as reported by state media outlet IRNA. Also read: ‘Gave Iran a 60 days, today is day 61’: Trump hints Israeli strikes came because Iran didn't 'make a deal', offers Tehran second chance Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation. Why Switzerland represents the US in Iran? But why was Switzerland the one receiving Iran’s message instead of a US diplomat? The answer lies in decades of broken ties. The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, following the Iranian revolution and the US embassy hostage crisis. In the absence of direct contact, Switzerland has acted as the official channel for US interests in Iran. Switzerland’s role as a “protecting power” allows it to act as a diplomatic bridge between countries that no longer have formal ties. This includes passing diplomatic messages, managing consular services, and occasionally mediating sensitive issues like prisoner exchanges. Also read: ‘Years of planning, 200 aircraft, 300 munitions’: Israel smuggled drones, weapons into Iran before launching strikes | Inside Operation Rising Lion The Swiss embassy in Tehran handles services such as passport applications, civil status changes, and assistance for US citizens inside Iran. According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, protecting power mandates allow “states to maintain low-level relations and provide consular protection to nationals of the other state concerned.” Switzerland can take on this role either by request or through mutual agreement. Switzerland’s history of neutrality and diplomacy Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality has made it a trusted mediator in many global conflicts. During World War II, it represented the interests of 35 countries, including several of the warring powers. It also represented US interests in Cuba until 2015, and currently represents Iran in Egypt and Canada. Switzerland has long facilitated dialogue between Iran and the US, especially during tense moments. It helped mediate several prisoner swaps in recent years and has played a behind-the-scenes role in easing diplomatic friction. Iran’s interests in the United States, meanwhile, are represented by Pakistan. Israeli strike heightens tensions in the region The diplomatic back-and-forth came after Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities in a preemptive strike. Explosions rocked Tehran and several high-ranking Iranian commanders were killed, including armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami, and top adviser Ali Shamkhani. Iran has labelled the Israeli attack a “declaration of war” and has turned to the UN Security Council for action.

Iran also warned the US not to interfere with Tehran’s right to defend itself, cautioning against any support for Israel during a potential retaliation.

Iran summons Swiss envoy, not US, after Israel’s strike: Why Switzerland represents Washington in Tehran? | Explained

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a> has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing &ldquo;the likes of which they have never seen before&rdquo;.
Speaking to NBC News in a phone interview, the US President said, &ldquo;If they don&rsquo;t make a deal, there will be bombing.&rdquo; He also mentioned the possibility of imposing &ldquo;secondary tariffs&rdquo; on the country.
Trump confirmed that officials from both sides were currently &ldquo;talking&rdquo;, although no significant progress has been made since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-pissed-off-over-anti-zelensky-comments-secondary-oil-tariffs-on-russia-8907533" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Putin knows I&rsquo;m angry&rsquo;: Trump &lsquo;pissed off&rsquo; over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia</a>
<h2>Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump&rsquo;s warnings</h2>
His comments came shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to a letter sent by Trump to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, stating that Tehran would not engage in direct talks with Washington.
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t avoid talks; it&rsquo;s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,&rdquo; Pezeshkian said during a televised address. &ldquo;They must prove that they can build trust.&rdquo;
While rejecting direct dialogue, Pezeshkian said that Iran&rsquo;s reply, sent via Oman, left the door open for indirect negotiations with the US.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-direct-talks-with-us-over-nuclear-program-despite-trumps-warnings-8907366">'No trust, no talks': Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump&rsquo;s warnings</a>
Trump had issued a similar warning on Friday, saying, &ldquo;My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran.&rdquo;
Tensions between the two nations have risen in recent weeks, following the first US airstrikes on Yemen under Trump&rsquo;s leadership. The United States claimed the strikes killed several senior Houthi officials, while the Houthi-controlled health ministry reported 53 deaths and around 100 injuries.
Trump has also threatened to &ldquo;annihilate&rdquo; the Houthis and warned Iran against supporting the group amid ongoing US military action. Clashes between Houthi forces and the US have continued since the initial strikes.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bad-bad-things-will-happen-trump-warns-iran-on-nuclear-deal-8902025">'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The US President said, “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing.” He also mentioned the possibility of imposing “secondary tariffs” on the country.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing “the likes of which they have never seen before”. Speaking to NBC News in a phone interview, the US President said, “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing.” He also mentioned the possibility of imposing “secondary tariffs” on the country. Trump confirmed that officials from both sides were currently “talking”, although no significant progress has been made since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018. Also read: ‘Putin knows I’m angry’: Trump ‘pissed off’ over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump’s warnings His comments came shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to a letter sent by Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stating that Tehran would not engage in direct talks with Washington. “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Pezeshkian said during a televised address. “They must prove that they can build trust.” While rejecting direct dialogue, Pezeshkian said that Iran’s reply, sent via Oman, left the door open for indirect negotiations with the US. Also read: 'No trust, no talks': Iran rejects direct talks with US over nuclear program despite Trump’s warnings Trump had issued a similar warning on Friday, saying, “My big preference... is we work it out with Iran. But if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are gonna happen to Iran.” Tensions between the two nations have risen in recent weeks, following the first US airstrikes on Yemen under Trump’s leadership. The United States claimed the strikes killed several senior Houthi officials, while the Houthi-controlled health ministry reported 53 deaths and around 100 injuries. Trump has also threatened to “annihilate” the Houthis and warned Iran against supporting the group amid ongoing US military action. Clashes between Houthi forces and the US have continued since the initial strikes. Also read: 'Bad, bad things will happen': Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal (With inputs from agencies)

'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal

US strikes killed "multiple" Houthi leaders in Yemen, the White House said Sunday (March 16).
The attack was described as a strong response to the group's continued assaults on Red Sea shipping, with Washington also warning Iran to cease its support for the rebels.
Speaking to ABC News, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated, &ldquo;These were not kind of pinprick, back and forth -- what ultimately proved to be feckless attacks.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-decisive-response-after-trump-orders-strikes-on-houthis-russia-urges-us-to-not-use-force-in-yemen-8858857">Iran warns of &lsquo;decisive&rsquo; response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen</a>
He added that the strikes were a significant escalation, saying, &ldquo;This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible.&rdquo;
"It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained, and helped the Houthis target not only US warships, but global commerce, and has helped the Houthis shut down two of the world's most strategic sea lanes," Waltz added.
In a separate interview with Fox News, Waltz reiterated the message to Tehran, declaring, &ldquo;We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough.&rdquo;
<h2>Trump&rsquo;s warning to Iran</h2>
President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the military action, calling it a "decisive step" against the Houthis. A Houthi health official later reported that the airstrikes had resulted in 31 deaths.
Trump also delivered a stern warning to Iran, stating, &ldquo;To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won&rsquo;t be nice about it!&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alien-enemies-act-the-18th-century-wartime-law-trump-used-for-deportation-but-failed-explained-8858793">Alien Enemies Act: The 18th-century wartime law Trump used for deportation but failed, explained</a>
<h2>Iran&rsquo;s response</h2>
Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, dismissed Trump&rsquo;s threats, saying, &ldquo;Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses.&rdquo;
Salami also defended the Houthis, referring to them as &ldquo;the representative of the Yemenis&rdquo; and asserting that they make their own &ldquo;strategic and operational decisions&rdquo; independently.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-indian-columbia-student-ranjani-srinivasan-doged-immigration-officials-before-self-deporting-8859224">'Feared for my life&rsquo;: How Columbia student Ranjani Srinivasan doged immigration officials before 'self-deporting'</a>
Meanwhile, Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticised the US, saying, &ldquo;The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.&rdquo; He further condemned the airstrikes, urging Washington to stop &ldquo;the killing of Yemeni people&rdquo; and reminded that &ldquo;the time when Washington could dictate Tehran&rsquo;s foreign policy ended in 1979&rdquo;, referencing Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolution.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the military action, calling it a decisive step against the Houthis. A Houthi health official later reported that the airstrikes had resulted in 31 deaths.

US strikes killed "multiple" Houthi leaders in Yemen, the White House said Sunday (March 16). The attack was described as a strong response to the group's continued assaults on Red Sea shipping, with Washington also warning Iran to cease its support for the rebels. Speaking to ABC News, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated, “These were not kind of pinprick, back and forth -- what ultimately proved to be feckless attacks.” Also read: Iran warns of ‘decisive’ response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen He added that the strikes were a significant escalation, saying, “This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible.” "It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained, and helped the Houthis target not only US warships, but global commerce, and has helped the Houthis shut down two of the world's most strategic sea lanes," Waltz added. In a separate interview with Fox News, Waltz reiterated the message to Tehran, declaring, “We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough.” Trump’s warning to Iran President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the military action, calling it a "decisive step" against the Houthis. A Houthi health official later reported that the airstrikes had resulted in 31 deaths. Trump also delivered a stern warning to Iran, stating, “To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” Also read: Alien Enemies Act: The 18th-century wartime law Trump used for deportation but failed, explained Iran’s response Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, dismissed Trump’s threats, saying, “Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses.” Salami also defended the Houthis, referring to them as “the representative of the Yemenis” and asserting that they make their own “strategic and operational decisions” independently. Also read: 'Feared for my life’: How Columbia student Ranjani Srinivasan doged immigration officials before 'self-deporting' Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticised the US, saying, “The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.” He further condemned the airstrikes, urging Washington to stop “the killing of Yemeni people” and reminded that “the time when Washington could dictate Tehran’s foreign policy ended in 1979”, referencing Iran’s Islamic Revolution. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Enough is enough’: White House puts Iran ‘on notice’ after US strike kills multiple Houthi leaders

Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards have vowed a &ldquo;decisive&rdquo; reaction to any attack, following US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s air strikes against Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi rebels. Trump also warned Tehran to &ldquo;end immediately&rdquo; its backing of the group.
<h2>US strikes and Trump&rsquo;s warning</h2>
Trump on Saturday announced that the US had launched &ldquo;decisive and powerful military action&rdquo; to counter the Houthis&rsquo; threat to Red Sea shipping. A Houthi health official reported that the strikes resulted in 31 deaths.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-revive-his-travel-ban-43-nations-on-the-chopping-block-including-russia-and-iran-8856103" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump to revive his travel ban: 43 nations on the chopping block, including Russia and Iran</a>
Trump also issued a direct warning to Tehran, stating, &ldquo;To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won&rsquo;t be nice about it!&rdquo;
<h2>Iran&rsquo;s response</h2>
Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, dismissed Trump&rsquo;s warnings in a televised speech on Sunday. He said, &ldquo;Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-decisive-military-action-against-houthi-rebels-in-yemen-8857353" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump's 'decisive' military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen kills 31</a>
Salami also defended the Houthis, calling them &ldquo;the representative of the Yemenis&rdquo; and insisting they make their &ldquo;strategic and operational decisions&rdquo; independently.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned the US air strikes, calling them a &ldquo;gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter.&rdquo; 
Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, also criticised Washington&rsquo;s actions, saying, &ldquo;The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-end-to-illegal-sanctions-on-iran-as-it-holds-constructive-nuclear-talks-in-beijing-8853550" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">China urges end to 'illegal sanctions' on Iran as it holds 'constructive' nuclear talks in Beijing</a>
He further urged the US to stop &ldquo;the killing of Yemeni people&rdquo;, adding that &ldquo;the time when Washington could dictate Tehran&rsquo;s foreign policy ended in 1979&rdquo;, referring to the Islamic Revolution that ousted the Western-backed Shah.
The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for over a decade, are part of the &ldquo;axis of resistance&rdquo;, a network of pro-Iran groups opposed to both Israel and the United States. Throughout the Gaza war, they have launched attacks on Israel and targeted Red Sea shipping, claiming to act in solidarity with the Palestinians. Trump&rsquo;s latest military action marks the first US strikes on the Houthis since his return to office in January.
<h2>Trump-Iran tensions</h2>
The latest developments add to long-standing tensions between Trump and Tehran. In January 2020, during Trump&rsquo;s first term, the US killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran&rsquo;s elite Quds Force, in a drone strike in Baghdad.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-warns-us-president-donald-trump-against-making-unwise-threats-says-tehran-will-inflict-a-blow-8848103">&lsquo;Iran will retaliate&rsquo;: Khamenei warns Trump against making &lsquo;unwise&rsquo; threats, says &lsquo;will inflict a blow&rsquo;</a>
Iran retaliated days later by launching missiles at bases in Iraq hosting US and coalition forces. While no American personnel were killed, dozens suffered traumatic brain injuries, according to Washington.
<h2>Russia urges restraint</h2>
Meanwhile, Russia has called for de-escalation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Saturday, urging all parties to engage in political dialogue. Moscow reported that Lavrov &ldquo;stressed the need for an immediate cessation of the use of force&rdquo; to avoid further bloodshed.
Russia has previously condemned US and UK strikes on Yemen and has maintained diplomatic ties with the Houthis.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump on Saturday announced that the US had launched “decisive and powerful military action” to counter the Houthis’ threat to Red Sea shipping. Middle East

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed a “decisive” reaction to any attack, following US President Donald Trump’s air strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Trump also warned Tehran to “end immediately” its backing of the group. US strikes and Trump’s warning Trump on Saturday announced that the US had launched “decisive and powerful military action” to counter the Houthis’ threat to Red Sea shipping. A Houthi health official reported that the strikes resulted in 31 deaths. Also read: Trump to revive his travel ban: 43 nations on the chopping block, including Russia and Iran Trump also issued a direct warning to Tehran, stating, “To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” Iran’s response Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, dismissed Trump’s warnings in a televised speech on Sunday. He said, “Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses.” Also read: Donald Trump's 'decisive' military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen kills 31 Salami also defended the Houthis, calling them “the representative of the Yemenis” and insisting they make their “strategic and operational decisions” independently. Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned the US air strikes, calling them a “gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter.” Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, also criticised Washington’s actions, saying, “The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.” Also read: China urges end to 'illegal sanctions' on Iran as it holds 'constructive' nuclear talks in Beijing He further urged the US to stop “the killing of Yemeni people”, adding that “the time when Washington could dictate Tehran’s foreign policy ended in 1979”, referring to the Islamic Revolution that ousted the Western-backed Shah. The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for over a decade, are part of the “axis of resistance”, a network of pro-Iran groups opposed to both Israel and the United States. Throughout the Gaza war, they have launched attacks on Israel and targeted Red Sea shipping, claiming to act in solidarity with the Palestinians. Trump’s latest military action marks the first US strikes on the Houthis since his return to office in January. Trump-Iran tensions The latest developments add to long-standing tensions between Trump and Tehran. In January 2020, during Trump’s first term, the US killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, in a drone strike in Baghdad. Also read: ‘Iran will retaliate’: Khamenei warns Trump against making ‘unwise’ threats, says ‘will inflict a blow’ Iran retaliated days later by launching missiles at bases in Iraq hosting US and coalition forces. While no American personnel were killed, dozens suffered traumatic brain injuries, according to Washington. Russia urges restraint Meanwhile, Russia has called for de-escalation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Saturday, urging all parties to engage in political dialogue. Moscow reported that Lavrov “stressed the need for an immediate cessation of the use of force” to avoid further bloodshed. Russia has previously condemned US and UK strikes on Yemen and has maintained diplomatic ties with the Houthis. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran warns of ‘decisive’ response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen

US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday (March 7) that action against Iran could be imminent, saying that "something is going to happen very soon."
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "There will be some interesting days ahead, that's all I can tell you." He did not provide specific details.
"We&rsquo;re down to final strokes with Iran. That&rsquo;s going to be an interesting time, and we&rsquo;ll see what happens," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-ukraine-is-yesterdays-afghan-did-irans-khamenei-predict-us-treatment-of-zelensky-3-years-back-8769497">'Today&rsquo;s Ukraine is yesterday&rsquo;s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;back?</a>
Repeating his stance on Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We&rsquo;re down to final moments. We&rsquo;re at final moments. We can&rsquo;t let them have a nuclear weapon."
"It&rsquo;s an interesting time in the history of the world, but we have a situation with Iran that something&rsquo;s going to happen very soon &ndash; very, very soon," Trump said.
Despite hinting at possible military action, he also spoke of a diplomatic solution. "Hopefully, we can have a peace deal. I&rsquo;m not speaking out of strength or weakness; I&rsquo;m just saying I&rsquo;d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem," he said, without clarifying what "the other" referred to.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-difficult-to-deal-with-ukraine-trump-complains-about-zelensky-says-easier-to-deal-with-russia-8832284">'More difficult to deal with Ukraine': Trump complains about Zelensky, says easier to deal with Russia</a>
<h2>Trump's letter to Iran</h2>
Trump also revealed on Friday that he had sent a letter to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme. However, Tehran has insisted it will not engage in talks unless the US lifts its "maximum pressure" sanctions.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-era-dei-ban-triggers-pentagon-to-delete-historic-wwii-photo-of-gay-plane-heres-why-8832262">Trump-era DEI ban triggers Pentagon to delete historic WWII photo of 'gay' plane: Here&rsquo;s why</a>
"I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon."
<h2>Iran denies receiving letter</h2>
Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the United Nations also told AFP, "We have not received such a letter so far."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impossible-to-trade-with-india-but-us-president-donald-trump-criticises-indias-high-tariffs-again-8832319">&lsquo;Impossible to trade with India, but...&rsquo;: Trump criticises India&rsquo;s high tariffs again</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Repeating his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We’re down to final moments. We’re at final moments. We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon."

US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday (March 7) that action against Iran could be imminent, saying that "something is going to happen very soon." Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "There will be some interesting days ahead, that's all I can tell you." He did not provide specific details. "We’re down to final strokes with Iran. That’s going to be an interesting time, and we’ll see what happens," he said. Also read: 'Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky 3 years back? Repeating his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We’re down to final moments. We’re at final moments. We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon." "It’s an interesting time in the history of the world, but we have a situation with Iran that something’s going to happen very soon – very, very soon," Trump said. Despite hinting at possible military action, he also spoke of a diplomatic solution. "Hopefully, we can have a peace deal. I’m not speaking out of strength or weakness; I’m just saying I’d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem," he said, without clarifying what "the other" referred to. Also read: 'More difficult to deal with Ukraine': Trump complains about Zelensky, says easier to deal with Russia Trump's letter to Iran Trump also revealed on Friday that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme. However, Tehran has insisted it will not engage in talks unless the US lifts its "maximum pressure" sanctions. Also read: Trump-era DEI ban triggers Pentagon to delete historic WWII photo of 'gay' plane: Here’s why "I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon." Iran denies receiving letter Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the United Nations also told AFP, "We have not received such a letter so far." Also read: ‘Impossible to trade with India, but...’: Trump criticises India’s high tariffs again (With inputs from agencies)

'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail'

US President Joe Biden said that he didn't expect any Israeli strikes on Iran to happen on Thursday (October 3), as tensions in the region remain high following Tehran's large-scale missile attack on Israel.

When asked during a press briefing at the White House if he would permit Israel to retaliate, Biden responded, "First of all, we don't 'allow' Israel, we advise Israel. And there is nothing going to happen today."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallah-netanyahu-agreed-to-ceasefire-before-hezbollah-chiefs-death-lebanese-ministers-shocking-claim-764134">Hezbollah, Israel agreed to truce before Nasrallah's death? Minister claims...</a>

Biden further mentioned that discussions were ongoing regarding potential Israeli retaliation, specifically targeting Iran's oil infrastructure in response to the missile attack. The&nbsp;remarks caused oil prices to surge on Thursday.

"We're discussing that. I think that would be a little... anyway," Biden said, when questioned about whether he would endorse Israel hitting Iranian oil facilities.&nbsp;Oil prices jumped five pern cent over concerns about the Middle East after Biden's comments, AFP reported.

Iran&nbsp;has said that it will increase its involvement if Israel retaliates. On Thursday, Israel's military said that it targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence centre in Beirut. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli forces engaged in ground combat with militants near the Lebanon border&nbsp;border and carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-on-irans-hit-list-viral-poster-featuring-israeli-terrorists-fuels-speculations-764265">Bibi on Iran’s hit list? Poster featuring 'Israeli terrorists' fuels rumours</a>

On Wednesday, President Biden stated that he does not support Israel launching an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

This comes after Iran fired approximately 200 rockets at Israel in a missile assault on Tuesday, which led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a warning, saying that Tehran would face consequences.&nbsp;Iran claimed the attack was in response to the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said that he didn't expect any Israeli strikes on Iran to happen on Thursday (October 3), as tensions in the region remain high following Tehran's large-scale missile attack on Israel.

US President Joe Biden said that he didn't expect any Israeli strikes on Iran to happen on Thursday (October 3), as tensions in the region remain high following Tehran's large-scale missile attack on Israel. When asked during a press briefing at the White House if he would permit Israel to retaliate, Biden responded, "First of all, we don't 'allow' Israel, we advise Israel. And there is nothing going to happen today." Also read: Hezbollah, Israel agreed to truce before Nasrallah's death? Minister claims... Biden further mentioned that discussions were ongoing regarding potential Israeli retaliation, specifically targeting Iran's oil infrastructure in response to the missile attack. The remarks caused oil prices to surge on Thursday. "We're discussing that. I think that would be a little... anyway," Biden said, when questioned about whether he would endorse Israel hitting Iranian oil facilities. Oil prices jumped five pern cent over concerns about the Middle East after Biden's comments, AFP reported. Iran has said that it will increase its involvement if Israel retaliates. On Thursday, Israel's military said that it targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence centre in Beirut. Meanwhile, Israeli forces engaged in ground combat with militants near the Lebanon border border and carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. Also read: Bibi on Iran’s hit list? Poster featuring 'Israeli terrorists' fuels rumours On Wednesday, President Biden stated that he does not support Israel launching an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. This comes after Iran fired approximately 200 rockets at Israel in a missile assault on Tuesday, which led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a warning, saying that Tehran would face consequences. Iran claimed the attack was in response to the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden: No strikes on Iran ‘today,’ but targeting its oil facilities remains an option

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29)&nbsp;announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

In a statement, the Pentagon&nbsp;highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said.

"...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American&nbsp;citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy.

<h2>'Determined to prevent Iran,&nbsp;proxies from exploiting the situation': US</h2>

"The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added.

<h2>'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US</h2>

Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN,&nbsp;White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said.

The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said.

"We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-cripple-key-yemeni-port-after-houthi-attack-aimed-at-central-israel-763009">Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at&nbsp;Israel</a>

<h2>US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike&nbsp;which killed Nasrallah</h2>

This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington&nbsp;had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike.&nbsp;

Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place.

“We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary&nbsp;told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region. In a statement, the Pentagon highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said. "...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy. 'Determined to prevent Iran, proxies from exploiting the situation': US "The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added. 'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said. The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said. "We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added. Also read: Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at Israel US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike which killed Nasrallah This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike. Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place. “We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time. (With inputs from agencies)

US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon

The US military recently conducted a cyberattack against an alleged 'Iranian spy ship' which had been operating near the Chinese military base in Djibouti. The ship, named the MV Behshad, had allegedly been collecting information on cargo vessels in the Red Sea and communicating the same to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.&nbsp;

Three US officials were quoted as saying by media reports that the cyberattack was in response to the drone attack by Iran-backed militias that killed three US service members in Jordan and wounded dozens of others.

<h2>The purpose of the attack</h2>

The US officials said the attack was carried out to sabotage the ship’s ability to transfer intel to the Houthi rebels, who were utilising the information to attack vessels in the Red Sea more effectively.&nbsp;The ship was reportedly operating near the port of Djibouti close to the Chinese military base.

Analysts believe that Iran may have chosen to move the ship near the Chinese base to discourage the US from carrying out a physical attack or boarding the vessel.

<h2>Iran’s stance</h2>

Iran denies that the ship was being used for military purposes. In a statement to NBC news, Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Behshad is in the Red Sea “to combat the piracy activities” and is not providing intelligence to Houthi forces.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

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Earlier on February 4, the Iranian government had warned the US against staging an attack on MV Behshad.

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Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden to show their support for Hamas militants in their ongoing war against Israel.

Houthis maintain the attacks won’t stop until the war in Gaza stops.&nbsp;

<h2>US&nbsp;maintains&nbsp;silence</h2>

The US officially has not disclosed much information about the cyberattack, in line with the USA’s policy to not talk about covert operations publicly.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said he was not aware of the targeting of the Behshad by the US but added, “We are very well aware of the ship.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The US military recently conducted a cyberattack against an alleged 'Iranian spy ship' which had been operating near the Chinese military base in Djibouti. The ship, named the MV Behshad, had allegedly been collecting information on cargo vessels in the Red Sea and communicating the same to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The US military recently conducted a cyberattack against an alleged 'Iranian spy ship' which had been operating near the Chinese military base in Djibouti. The ship, named the MV Behshad, had allegedly been collecting information on cargo vessels in the Red Sea and communicating the same to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Three US officials were quoted as saying by media reports that the cyberattack was in response to the drone attack by Iran-backed militias that killed three US service members in Jordan and wounded dozens of others. The purpose of the attack The US officials said the attack was carried out to sabotage the ship’s ability to transfer intel to the Houthi rebels, who were utilising the information to attack vessels in the Red Sea more effectively. The ship was reportedly operating near the port of Djibouti close to the Chinese military base. Analysts believe that Iran may have chosen to move the ship near the Chinese base to discourage the US from carrying out a physical attack or boarding the vessel. Iran’s stance Iran denies that the ship was being used for military purposes. In a statement to NBC news, Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Behshad is in the Red Sea “to combat the piracy activities” and is not providing intelligence to Houthi forces. Watch: Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad × Earlier on February 4, the Iranian government had warned the US against staging an attack on MV Behshad. Also read: Iran’s revolutionary guard assisting Houthis in Yemen, claims US official Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden to show their support for Hamas militants in their ongoing war against Israel. Houthis maintain the attacks won’t stop until the war in Gaza stops. US maintains silence The US officially has not disclosed much information about the cyberattack, in line with the USA’s policy to not talk about covert operations publicly. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said he was not aware of the targeting of the Behshad by the US but added, “We are very well aware of the ship.” (With inputs from agencies)

US conducts cyberattack against Iranian ‘spy ship' to deter Houthi attacks in Red Sea

The tensions in West Asia continue to run high after three US troops were killed in Jordan, marking the first American fatalities since the region went into turmoil following the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas and the consequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza.&nbsp;

But now, in a bid to tone down the tensions, the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced the suspension of all its military operations&nbsp;on Tuesday (Jan 30).

Also watch |&nbsp;Widening West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed in drone attack on US bases in Jordan

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"As we announce the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces - in order to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government - we will continue to defend our people in Gaza in other ways," Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi said in a statement.

The Pentagon claimed that the attack on the US base near the Jordan-Syria border bore the "footprints" of Kataib Hezbollah despite the absence of a final assessment.&nbsp;

The US has vowed to attack the entities responsible for the attack on its base.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-vows-action-after-jordan-attack-releases-names-of-3-us-soldiers--684938">Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement</a>

Founded in 2007, Kataib Hezbollah seeks to establish an Iran-aligned government in Iraq, expel US and coalition forces from the country, and advance Iranian interests throughout West Asia.&nbsp; The US State Department designated the group as a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2009.

Kataib Hezbollah’s overall leader, Ahmad al-Hamidawi, was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2020.

The group has&nbsp;claimed dozens of attacks on the US forces in Iraq and Syria since the beginning of the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>But Iran says it will strike the US if attacked</h2>

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly told the US via intermediaries that if it strikes Iranian soil directly, Tehran will itself hit back at American assets in West Asia, The Guardian reported. Iran is currently on high alert in the wake of Washington's avowal of a purported retaliation&nbsp;following the Jan 28 attack on the US airbase in Jordan.&nbsp;

Tehran has repeated that the strike was the work of independent "resistance groups".&nbsp;

<h2>What is the bottom line?</h2>

The threat of a direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States persists amid Washington's avowal to retaliate in the wake of the Jan 28 attack on its airbase in Jordan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The tensions in West Asia continue to run high after three US troops were killed in Jordan, marking the first American fatalities since the region went into turmoil following the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas and the consequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

The tensions in West Asia continue to run high after three US troops were killed in Jordan, marking the first American fatalities since the region went into turmoil following the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas and the consequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza. But now, in a bid to tone down the tensions, the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced the suspension of all its military operations on Tuesday (Jan 30). Also watch | Widening West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed in drone attack on US bases in Jordan × "As we announce the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces - in order to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government - we will continue to defend our people in Gaza in other ways," Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi said in a statement. The Pentagon claimed that the attack on the US base near the Jordan-Syria border bore the "footprints" of Kataib Hezbollah despite the absence of a final assessment. The US has vowed to attack the entities responsible for the attack on its base. Also read | Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement Founded in 2007, Kataib Hezbollah seeks to establish an Iran-aligned government in Iraq, expel US and coalition forces from the country, and advance Iranian interests throughout West Asia. The US State Department designated the group as a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2009. Kataib Hezbollah’s overall leader, Ahmad al-Hamidawi, was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2020. The group has claimed dozens of attacks on the US forces in Iraq and Syria since the beginning of the war in Gaza. But Iran says it will strike the US if attacked Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly told the US via intermediaries that if it strikes Iranian soil directly, Tehran will itself hit back at American assets in West Asia, The Guardian reported. Iran is currently on high alert in the wake of Washington's avowal of a purported retaliation following the Jan 28 attack on the US airbase in Jordan. Tehran has repeated that the strike was the work of independent "resistance groups". What is the bottom line? The threat of a direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States persists amid Washington's avowal to retaliate in the wake of the Jan 28 attack on its airbase in Jordan. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran remains on high alert even as Kataib Hezbollah suspends military operations

Four Americans who were jailed in Iran were transferred to house arrest following hectic parleys between both countries that involved a deal to unlock&nbsp;Tehran’s trove of billions of dollars that are frozen in South Korea and&nbsp;the US due to the sanctions.

On Thursday, four prisoners—Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, and a fourth American who has not been identified publicly – were transferred out of Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, the White House confirmed, according to CNN.

The fifth American, who also has not been identified, was already under house arrest, CNN reported quoting an unnamed official familiar with the negotiations.

All of the detained Americans are of Iranian descent, but Iran does not recognise dual nationality.

<h2>Around $6bn to $7bn locked&nbsp;</h2>

Iran also acknowledged the transfer of prisoners, the AP news agency reported, adding that the deal involved $6 billion to $7 billion that was frozen as a result of sanctions.

The UN mission said the money would be transferred to Qatar before being sent to Iran if the agreement goes through.

It is currently unknown how much time it will take to complete the whole process, but the Times of Israel newspaper quoting officials reported that the transfer of money and the eventual release of the five detainees is expected in the next month or so due to the complicated nature of the financial transactions.

<h2>Thousands of US&nbsp;sailors, Marines reach Red Sea after Iran tensions</h2>

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US-based lawyer Jared Genser, who represents one of the prisoners, said the five may be kept at a hotel with heavy guards.

“While I hope this will be the first step to their ultimate release, this is at best the beginning of the end and nothing more. But there are simply no guarantees about what happens from here,” Genser told AP.

<h2>US seeks release of all 5 detainees&nbsp;</h2>

The Permanent Mission of Iran to the United Nations in a statement said that “as part of a humanitarian cooperation agreement mediated by a third-party government, Iran and the US have agreed to reciprocally release and pardon five prisoners.”

“The transfer of these prisoners to out of prison marks a significant initial step in the implementation of this agreement,” they said.

There have been no formal diplomatic ties between US and Iran since 1980 and all official communications are conducted through indirect channels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-after-shelling-in-russian-border-region-northeast-ukraine-town-urges-evacuations-624300">Shelling near Russian region kills 2; northeast Ukraine town urges evacuations</a>

According to reports, these negotiations were brokered primarily by Oman and Qatar, with the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Switzerland also providing assistance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-joe-biden-hits-back-at-reporter-calls-question-related-to-hunter-lousy-624331">Watch: Joe Biden hits back at reporter, calls question related to son Hunter 'lousy'</a>

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the Americans “must be allowed to depart Iran and reunite with their loved ones as soon as possible.”

Siamak Namazi was detained in 2015 and later sentenced to 10 years in prison on alleged spying charges. Sharghi, a venture capitalist, was sentenced to 10 years; and Morad Tahbaz, a British-American conservationist of Iranian descent, was arrested in 2018 and also received a 10-year sentence.

Iran, meanwhile, has said it seeks the release of Iranian prisoners held in the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four Americans who were jailed in Iran were transferred to house arrest following hectic parleys between both countries that involved a deal to unlock Tehran’s trove of billions of dollars that are frozen in South Korea and the US due to the sanctions.

Four Americans who were jailed in Iran were transferred to house arrest following hectic parleys between both countries that involved a deal to unlock Tehran’s trove of billions of dollars that are frozen in South Korea and the US due to the sanctions. On Thursday, four prisoners—Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, and a fourth American who has not been identified publicly – were transferred out of Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, the White House confirmed, according to CNN. The fifth American, who also has not been identified, was already under house arrest, CNN reported quoting an unnamed official familiar with the negotiations. All of the detained Americans are of Iranian descent, but Iran does not recognise dual nationality. Around $6bn to $7bn locked Iran also acknowledged the transfer of prisoners, the AP news agency reported, adding that the deal involved $6 billion to $7 billion that was frozen as a result of sanctions. The UN mission said the money would be transferred to Qatar before being sent to Iran if the agreement goes through. It is currently unknown how much time it will take to complete the whole process, but the Times of Israel newspaper quoting officials reported that the transfer of money and the eventual release of the five detainees is expected in the next month or so due to the complicated nature of the financial transactions. Thousands of US sailors, Marines reach Red Sea after Iran tensions US-based lawyer Jared Genser, who represents one of the prisoners, said the five may be kept at a hotel with heavy guards. “While I hope this will be the first step to their ultimate release, this is at best the beginning of the end and nothing more. But there are simply no guarantees about what happens from here,” Genser told AP. US seeks release of all 5 detainees The Permanent Mission of Iran to the United Nations in a statement said that “as part of a humanitarian cooperation agreement mediated by a third-party government, Iran and the US have agreed to reciprocally release and pardon five prisoners.” “The transfer of these prisoners to out of prison marks a significant initial step in the implementation of this agreement,” they said. There have been no formal diplomatic ties between US and Iran since 1980 and all official communications are conducted through indirect channels. Also read | Shelling near Russian region kills 2; northeast Ukraine town urges evacuations According to reports, these negotiations were brokered primarily by Oman and Qatar, with the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Switzerland also providing assistance. Also read | Watch: Joe Biden hits back at reporter, calls question related to son Hunter 'lousy' State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the Americans “must be allowed to depart Iran and reunite with their loved ones as soon as possible.” Siamak Namazi was detained in 2015 and later sentenced to 10 years in prison on alleged spying charges. Sharghi, a venture capitalist, was sentenced to 10 years; and Morad Tahbaz, a British-American conservationist of Iranian descent, was arrested in 2018 and also received a 10-year sentence. Iran, meanwhile, has said it seeks the release of Iranian prisoners held in the US. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iran moves 4 US prisoners to house arrest in exchange for access to locked billions of dollars funds

The United States on Tuesday said that it will raise pressure on China to stop buying crude oil from Iran. The statement comes in addition to the ongoing spree of sanctions that Washington has imposed on Tehran to control its nuclear activities.

"China is the main destination of illicit exports by Iran", Robert Malley, Biden administration's special envoy for Iran, told Bloomberg Television. Malley added that Washington will engage with Beijing in an "intensified" manner to ensure it does not continue oil imports from Iran.

Malley further admitted that the United States cannot enforce its anti-Iran sanctions perfectly.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-export-of-iran-oil-521006">US imposes fresh sanctions on export of Iran oil</a>

"Can we enforce our sanctions perfectly? No. But we’ll do everything in our power to make sure they’re enforced," he said.&nbsp;

He further emphasised that the US is not alright with Iran increasing its oil exports.

"No, we’re not fine with it," Malley said of Iran’s increasing oil exports.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-simmer-between-the-us-and-iran-503285">Tensions simmer between the US and Iran</a>

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Iran ramped up its uranium enrichment program in the wake of choking sanctions from Washington in 2018. The United States under former president Donald Trump's administration had pulled out of an agreement aimed at containing Tehran's atomic program. It then tightened sanctions on export of Iranian petroleum products.

Meanwhile, Iran's export of its crude oil and refined products has increased in recent months. A report in Bloomberg said that much of the Iranian oil will be heading to China in disguise of coming from Malaysia. China is the world's biggest crude oil importer.

According to shipping analytics firm Vortexa Limited, Iran's oil exports went up to about 1.4 million barrels a day last month, the highest in over the last three years.

Robert Malley further admitted that Washington's talks with Iran on reviving the nuclear agreement from 2015 have largely broken down.

He said that the current focus of the US is to ensure that Tehran doesn't use force against protestors demonstrating for women's rights and to prevent its support for Russia in the wake of war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Our focus has shifted to Iran killing its own citizens and what we can do to counter that, and to Iran assisting in Russia’s killing of Ukrainian citizens and what we can do to deter and stop that," he said. "The nuclear deal has not been on our agenda."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The United States on Tuesday said that it will raise pressure on China to stop buying crude oil from Iran. The statement comes in addition to the ongoing spree of sanctions that Washington has imposed on Tehran to control its nuclear activities.

The United States on Tuesday said that it will raise pressure on China to stop buying crude oil from Iran. The statement comes in addition to the ongoing spree of sanctions that Washington has imposed on Tehran to control its nuclear activities. "China is the main destination of illicit exports by Iran", Robert Malley, Biden administration's special envoy for Iran, told Bloomberg Television. Malley added that Washington will engage with Beijing in an "intensified" manner to ensure it does not continue oil imports from Iran. Malley further admitted that the United States cannot enforce its anti-Iran sanctions perfectly. ALSO READ | US imposes fresh sanctions on export of Iran oil "Can we enforce our sanctions perfectly? No. But we’ll do everything in our power to make sure they’re enforced," he said. He further emphasised that the US is not alright with Iran increasing its oil exports. "No, we’re not fine with it," Malley said of Iran’s increasing oil exports. ALSO WATCH | Tensions simmer between the US and Iran × Iran ramped up its uranium enrichment program in the wake of choking sanctions from Washington in 2018. The United States under former president Donald Trump's administration had pulled out of an agreement aimed at containing Tehran's atomic program. It then tightened sanctions on export of Iranian petroleum products. Meanwhile, Iran's export of its crude oil and refined products has increased in recent months. A report in Bloomberg said that much of the Iranian oil will be heading to China in disguise of coming from Malaysia. China is the world's biggest crude oil importer. According to shipping analytics firm Vortexa Limited, Iran's oil exports went up to about 1.4 million barrels a day last month, the highest in over the last three years. Robert Malley further admitted that Washington's talks with Iran on reviving the nuclear agreement from 2015 have largely broken down. He said that the current focus of the US is to ensure that Tehran doesn't use force against protestors demonstrating for women's rights and to prevent its support for Russia in the wake of war in Ukraine. "Our focus has shifted to Iran killing its own citizens and what we can do to counter that, and to Iran assisting in Russia’s killing of Ukrainian citizens and what we can do to deter and stop that," he said. "The nuclear deal has not been on our agenda." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US admits it cannot impose anti-Iran sanctions 'perfectly'

Space X will seek an exception from US sanctions for providing&nbsp;satellite internet services to Iran,&nbsp;its owner Elon Musk said on Monday, responding to a tweet from a science reporter.&nbsp;

Erfan Kasarei, a science journalist, tweeted that expanding services to Iran might be a "real game changer" for the future of the country, prompting Musk's response.&nbsp;

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Starlink will ask for an exemption to Iranian sanctions in this regard
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1571988764947320832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Iran has been subject to strict US sanctions since former US President Donald Trump terminated the Iran-US nuclear deal over Iran's nuclear activities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-demands-us-guarantee-to-resume-nuclear-deal-517700">Also read |&nbsp;Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi demands US guarantee to resume nuclear deal</a>

Tehran has repeatedly requested talks with Washington, and even the current US President Joe Biden wants to resume the deal, but this time Iran wants strong guarantees that no future American president will cancel it,&nbsp; AFP reported.

Launched in 2020, Starlink aims to provide effortless and strong connectivity to its customers on every continent, even in Antarctica, through its constellations of satellites in low earth orbit, Elon Musk claimed in his initial statements.&nbsp;

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Starlink is now active on all continents, including Antarctica <a href="https://t.co/Q1VvqV5G0i">https://t.co/Q1VvqV5G0i</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1571702286854004736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Space X gained attention after providing antennas and modems to the Ukrainian military to help it enhance its communications during its ongoing conflict with Russia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-tesla-ai-will-be-smarter-than-humans-by-2033-study-517735">Also read |&nbsp;By 2033, Elon Musk's Tesla and its&nbsp;AI will be smarter than humans: Study</a>

Till now, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have been launched into Earth's low orbit. The company intends to launch 42,000 satellites to boost connectivity for its customers. The company is taking all possible actions to make it possible by launching at least one satellite every week with its own Falcon 9 rockets.&nbsp;

In response to a recent&nbsp;significant cyberattack against Albania carried out by Iranian intelligence in July, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Space X will seek an exception from US sanctions for providing satellite internet services to Iran, its owner Elon Musk said on Monday, responding to a tweet from a science reporter.

Space X will seek an exception from US sanctions for providing satellite internet services to Iran, its owner Elon Musk said on Monday, responding to a tweet from a science reporter. Erfan Kasarei, a science journalist, tweeted that expanding services to Iran might be a "real game changer" for the future of the country, prompting Musk's response. Starlink will ask for an exemption to Iranian sanctions in this regard — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 19, 2022 × Iran has been subject to strict US sanctions since former US President Donald Trump terminated the Iran-US nuclear deal over Iran's nuclear activities. Also read | Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi demands US guarantee to resume nuclear deal Tehran has repeatedly requested talks with Washington, and even the current US President Joe Biden wants to resume the deal, but this time Iran wants strong guarantees that no future American president will cancel it, AFP reported. Launched in 2020, Starlink aims to provide effortless and strong connectivity to its customers on every continent, even in Antarctica, through its constellations of satellites in low earth orbit, Elon Musk claimed in his initial statements. Starlink is now active on all continents, including Antarctica https://t.co/Q1VvqV5G0i — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 19, 2022 × Space X gained attention after providing antennas and modems to the Ukrainian military to help it enhance its communications during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Also read | By 2033, Elon Musk's Tesla and its AI will be smarter than humans: Study Till now, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have been launched into Earth's low orbit. The company intends to launch 42,000 satellites to boost connectivity for its customers. The company is taking all possible actions to make it possible by launching at least one satellite every week with its own Falcon 9 rockets. In response to a recent significant cyberattack against Albania carried out by Iranian intelligence in July, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Space X will seek exemption from US sanctions to provide internet services in Iran, says Musk

The latest round of talks on the revival of the Iran nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ended in Vienna on August 8, with all parties returning back to their respective capitals for ‘political consultations’. The talks were convened as a part of one last-ditch effort by Josep Borrell, EU’s high representative along with the lead Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani in yet another bid to revive the deal. Earlier too, eight rounds of talks in Vienna since April 2021 did not yield any positive results. It may be recalled that the Iran Nuclear Deal was revoked unilaterally by the US under President Trump in May 2018, calling it the “most horrible deal ever”. Talks to revive the deal and restore the JCPOA began in right earnest only in April 2021, soon after Joe Biden took over as the US president. At the end of the eighth round of talks in January 2022, the talks were paused for participants ‘go back to capitals for consultations’. In addition to the Vienna talks, there was also a round of indirect talks hosted at Doha on 28-29 June, which too failed to deliver despite initial positive messaging from both sides.

Politically, neither Iran nor the US look to budge from their stand on critical issues. There are basically two key sticking points to the nuclear deal; first is a sovereign assurance sought from the US by Iran that America will not unilaterally revoke the deal in future, and secondly, all economic sanctions imposed under “false excuses” must be lifted. It is also seeking that IRGC should be delisted from the list of foreign terrorist organizations. On all these issues, the US is not ready to concede yet. Any hopes of an early resolution were dashed by the IAEA's June 6 resolution formally criticising Iran for a lack of cooperation and failure to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites in Iran. On the same day, the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), a group of countries led by the US and Gulf nations, sanctioned three individuals associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) on terror financing. In an almost immediate response, Iran started removing surveillance cameras from nuclear sites in the country, rendering the IAEA blind to nuclear activities in the Iranian plants.

Why is JCPOA important?

JCPOA, signed on July 14, 2015, and effective from January 2016, was a landmark deal, negotiated over five years between Iran and P5 plus1. It was an ‘instrument of faith’ between the two parties with strict checks and balances which was aimed to ensure that a strict vigil was kept on Iran’s nuclear program, lest Iran develops a nuclear weapon and at the same time, tough and crippling economic sanctions against Iran were to be revoked giving Iran the much needed economic relief. It was a win-win situation for both parties. Scaling down of the nuclear program by Iran coupled with strict monitoring by IAEA ensured that the delicate security and geopolitical balance in the region was not altered. Similarly, Iran was able to again commence its crude oil and natural gas trade and also invite global investments to prop its economy. With the US scaling down its active involvement in military conflicts in the West Asian region and Afghanistan under President Obama, it was necessary to ensure that the potential nuclear threat from Iran was contained and thus JCPOA was clearly a very critical and important deal towards that goal.

What happened to JCPOA?

Iran was sincere towards the implementation of the JCPOA and did everything that was required of it. Under the deal, Iran could not operate more than 5,000 first-generation IR-1 centrifuges to enrich uranium, that too, only up-to to 3.67 per cent. All uranium enriched to 20 per cent was to be scrapped or shipped out, the core of its Heavy Water Plant at Arak was to be demobilised and most importantly, Iran agreed to ‘anywhere, anytime’ inspections of its nuclear facilities by the IAEA and UN inspectors. Iran stuck to the deal and on 16th January 2016, designated as the Implementation Day, the IAEA verified that Iran had met its all nuclear related commitments, triggering the lifting of sanctions on Iran.

Despite former US president Trump unilaterally pulling out of the deal in May 2018, Iran continued compliance till March 6, 2019, the last time that IAEA reported that Iran was implementing all its nuclear-related commitments. The US designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on April 8, 2019, was a trigger which was followed immediately by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announcing on April 9 that Iran will install a cascade of 20 IR-6 centrifuges at Natanz. There has been no stopping thereafter in Iran scaling up its nuclear program.

How is Iran making the nuclear deal irrelevant?

As far as Iran is concerned, three things are vitally important to it; firstly is the removal of economic sanctions which are hurting it badly, secondly is its right towards a peaceful nuclear program meant for ‘medical research and other peaceful uses’, and thirdly is safeguarding its own role and standing in the region as a major regional power.

Of all these, the economy is perhaps the most important and Iran has been steadily working on working around the sanctions over the years. Its 25-year strategic partnership with China offers a large assured market of oil as well as non-oil trade. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, too, has provided an opportunity for Iran. Both Russia and China have joined forces and have challenged the western-oriented Dollar trade system based on SWIFT clearance system and have proposed their own trade system. India too announced a sovereign international trade clearing system based on Rupee payment in July 2022. With Iran enjoying close ties with each of these nations, such alternate systems open up great trade opportunities for Iran. This, when seen in the context of the ongoing US-China standoff, India exercising its sovereign choices to buy oil from Russia (and possibly from Iran) and Turkey recently announcing that it will pay Russia in Rubles for natural gas, provide a perfect opportunity for Iran to leverage it and join alternate payment systems and mutual arrangements with these countries to bypass sanctions. Also, with Syria under President Assad stabilizing politically and Iraq heavily under Iran's influence, oil exports through these countries provide additional revenue to Iran. It is perhaps due to this and more loopholes being exploited by Iran that the US Treasury, on 02nd August announced sanctions against UAE and HK-based companies accused of facilitating the sale and transfer of Iranian petrochemical products. On the same day, a media report quoted United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), a watchdog group that tracks Iran's network of illegal oil tankers, stating that Iran’s export revenues between March 2021 and March 2022 from oil, gas, and related products totalled $39 billion, compared to $22 billion for the previous year, a rise of 77 per cent and an extra $17 billion, with exports primarily to China and Syria. Iran is therefore slowly and steadily working around economic sanctions imposed by the US.

The second issue is the nuclear enrichment program. Iran commenced nuclear enrichment beyond the stipulated limits of JCPOA in April 2019. Later, on 02nd December 2021, Iran's Guardian Council approved the legislation mandating the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to increase enrichment levels to 20 per cent and to suspend implementation of the Additional Protocol in 60 days if sanctions are not addressed. On 13th April this year, soon after a cyber-attack on the Natanz nuclear plant, Iran announced its intention to enrich uranium to 60 per cent. A resolution adopted by the IAEA on 06th June formally criticizing Iran for a lack of cooperation with it prompted Iran to switch off surveillance cameras resulting in the IAEA having no information on the progress of nuclear enrichment in Iranian plants. Most recently, on 02nd August, Iran announced its plans for further enrichment and stockpiling after the US announced sanctions on companies of UAE and Hong Kong for petrochemical trade with Iran. IR6 centrifuges are enriching uranium at a fast pace and with 27 surveillance cameras switched off, IAEA and the world is virtually blind to Iran’s nuclear activities. With each passing day, Iran is close to stockpiling enough ‘Highly Enriched Uranium’ to produce a nuclear weapon, if it so wants.

Last is the issue of geopolitical alignments in the region. Here too, Iran has been carefully forging new ties. The GCC-Qatar standoff in June 2017 brought Qatar closer to Iran. Turkey too is realigning ties with Iran with President Raisi calling the Turkish president’s visit to Tehran in July this year an "important turning point" in improving the relations between the two neighbouring countries. With Saudi Arabia, there have been five rounds of talks, mediated by Iraq, and there were recent reports of both foreign ministers likely to meet soon. The Yemen ceasefire is holding off since Ramadan, an important factor in ties with Saudi Arabia. With UAE, too, there has been a marked progress. UAE recently announced the return of its ambassador to Tehran, and in December 2021, UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Tehran, signalling an approach to the normalisation of ties. Although it is too premature to say that Iran would be accepted as a trustworthy partner in the largely Sunni Arab world, but new emerging dynamics maybe be beneficial to Iran in the long run.

Conclusion

For P5 plus 1, the Iran nuclear deal is very important. It gives them and the world an effective control who can watch over suspected Iran’s nuclear weapons program. For Iran, on the other hand, the nuclear deal has now become more of a bargaining chip for issues which transcend the limited context of the nuclear program. Each passing day is making it more and more difficult for the deal to be revived. The world will perhaps one day rue the manner in which former US president Trump blew up the deal and virtually let Iran off the hook. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, at the conclusion of the Vienna talks on August 8 said, “What can be negotiated has been negotiated, and it’s now in a final text.” The deal is clearly now more than mere technicalities and requires political decision making at the highest level&nbsp;at both ends. Meanwhile, Iran is merrily chugging along, making sure that deal or no deal&nbsp;it is doing enough to safeguard its interests.

The latest round of talks on the revival of the Iran nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ended in Vienna on August 8, with all parties returning back to their respective capitals for ‘political consultations’.

The latest round of talks on the revival of the Iran nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ended in Vienna on August 8, with all parties returning back to their respective capitals for ‘political consultations’. The talks were convened as a part of one last-ditch effort by Josep Borrell, EU’s high representative along with the lead Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani in yet another bid to revive the deal. Earlier too, eight rounds of talks in Vienna since April 2021 did not yield any positive results. It may be recalled that the Iran Nuclear Deal was revoked unilaterally by the US under President Trump in May 2018, calling it the “most horrible deal ever”. Talks to revive the deal and restore the JCPOA began in right earnest only in April 2021, soon after Joe Biden took over as the US president. At the end of the eighth round of talks in January 2022, the talks were paused for participants ‘go back to capitals for consultations’. In addition to the Vienna talks, there was also a round of indirect talks hosted at Doha on 28-29 June, which too failed to deliver despite initial positive messaging from both sides. Politically, neither Iran nor the US look to budge from their stand on critical issues. There are basically two key sticking points to the nuclear deal; first is a sovereign assurance sought from the US by Iran that America will not unilaterally revoke the deal in future, and secondly, all economic sanctions imposed under “false excuses” must be lifted. It is also seeking that IRGC should be delisted from the list of foreign terrorist organizations. On all these issues, the US is not ready to concede yet. Any hopes of an early resolution were dashed by the IAEA's June 6 resolution formally criticising Iran for a lack of cooperation and failure to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites in Iran. On the same day, the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), a group of countries led by the US and Gulf nations, sanctioned three individuals associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) on terror financing. In an almost immediate response, Iran started removing surveillance cameras from nuclear sites in the country, rendering the IAEA blind to nuclear activities in the Iranian plants. Why is JCPOA important? JCPOA, signed on July 14, 2015, and effective from January 2016, was a landmark deal, negotiated over five years between Iran and P5 plus1. It was an ‘instrument of faith’ between the two parties with strict checks and balances which was aimed to ensure that a strict vigil was kept on Iran’s nuclear program, lest Iran develops a nuclear weapon and at the same time, tough and crippling economic sanctions against Iran were to be revoked giving Iran the much needed economic relief. It was a win-win situation for both parties. Scaling down of the nuclear program by Iran coupled with strict monitoring by IAEA ensured that the delicate security and geopolitical balance in the region was not altered. Similarly, Iran was able to again commence its crude oil and natural gas trade and also invite global investments to prop its economy. With the US scaling down its active involvement in military conflicts in the West Asian region and Afghanistan under President Obama, it was necessary to ensure that the potential nuclear threat from Iran was contained and thus JCPOA was clearly a very critical and important deal towards that goal. What happened to JCPOA? Iran was sincere towards the implementation of the JCPOA and did everything that was required of it. Under the deal, Iran could not operate more than 5,000 first-generation IR-1 centrifuges to enrich uranium, that too, only up-to to 3.67 per cent. All uranium enriched to 20 per cent was to be scrapped or shipped out, the core of its Heavy Water Plant at Arak was to be demobilised and most importantly, Iran agreed to ‘anywhere, anytime’ inspections of its nuclear facilities by the IAEA and UN inspectors. Iran stuck to the deal and on 16th January 2016, designated as the Implementation Day, the IAEA verified that Iran had met its all nuclear related commitments, triggering the lifting of sanctions on Iran. Despite former US president Trump unilaterally pulling out of the deal in May 2018, Iran continued compliance till March 6, 2019, the last time that IAEA reported that Iran was implementing all its nuclear-related commitments. The US designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on April 8, 2019, was a trigger which was followed immediately by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announcing on April 9 that Iran will install a cascade of 20 IR-6 centrifuges at Natanz. There has been no stopping thereafter in Iran scaling up its nuclear program. How is Iran making the nuclear deal irrelevant? As far as Iran is concerned, three things are vitally important to it; firstly is the removal of economic sanctions which are hurting it badly, secondly is its right towards a peaceful nuclear program meant for ‘medical research and other peaceful uses’, and thirdly is safeguarding its own role and standing in the region as a major regional power. Of all these, the economy is perhaps the most important and Iran has been steadily working on working around the sanctions over the years. Its 25-year strategic partnership with China offers a large assured market of oil as well as non-oil trade. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, too, has provided an opportunity for Iran. Both Russia and China have joined forces and have challenged the western-oriented Dollar trade system based on SWIFT clearance system and have proposed their own trade system. India too announced a sovereign international trade clearing system based on Rupee payment in July 2022. With Iran enjoying close ties with each of these nations, such alternate systems open up great trade opportunities for Iran. This, when seen in the context of the ongoing US-China standoff, India exercising its sovereign choices to buy oil from Russia (and possibly from Iran) and Turkey recently announcing that it will pay Russia in Rubles for natural gas, provide a perfect opportunity for Iran to leverage it and join alternate payment systems and mutual arrangements with these countries to bypass sanctions. Also, with Syria under President Assad stabilizing politically and Iraq heavily under Iran's influence, oil exports through these countries provide additional revenue to Iran. It is perhaps due to this and more loopholes being exploited by Iran that the US Treasury, on 02nd August announced sanctions against UAE and HK-based companies accused of facilitating the sale and transfer of Iranian petrochemical products. On the same day, a media report quoted United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), a watchdog group that tracks Iran's network of illegal oil tankers, stating that Iran’s export revenues between March 2021 and March 2022 from oil, gas, and related products totalled $39 billion, compared to $22 billion for the previous year, a rise of 77 per cent and an extra $17 billion, with exports primarily to China and Syria. Iran is therefore slowly and steadily working around economic sanctions imposed by the US. The second issue is the nuclear enrichment program. Iran commenced nuclear enrichment beyond the stipulated limits of JCPOA in April 2019. Later, on 02nd December 2021, Iran's Guardian Council approved the legislation mandating the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to increase enrichment levels to 20 per cent and to suspend implementation of the Additional Protocol in 60 days if sanctions are not addressed. On 13th April this year, soon after a cyber-attack on the Natanz nuclear plant, Iran announced its intention to enrich uranium to 60 per cent. A resolution adopted by the IAEA on 06th June formally criticizing Iran for a lack of cooperation with it prompted Iran to switch off surveillance cameras resulting in the IAEA having no information on the progress of nuclear enrichment in Iranian plants. Most recently, on 02nd August, Iran announced its plans for further enrichment and stockpiling after the US announced sanctions on companies of UAE and Hong Kong for petrochemical trade with Iran. IR6 centrifuges are enriching uranium at a fast pace and with 27 surveillance cameras switched off, IAEA and the world is virtually blind to Iran’s nuclear activities. With each passing day, Iran is close to stockpiling enough ‘Highly Enriched Uranium’ to produce a nuclear weapon, if it so wants. Last is the issue of geopolitical alignments in the region. Here too, Iran has been carefully forging new ties. The GCC-Qatar standoff in June 2017 brought Qatar closer to Iran. Turkey too is realigning ties with Iran with President Raisi calling the Turkish president’s visit to Tehran in July this year an "important turning point" in improving the relations between the two neighbouring countries. With Saudi Arabia, there have been five rounds of talks, mediated by Iraq, and there were recent reports of both foreign ministers likely to meet soon. The Yemen ceasefire is holding off since Ramadan, an important factor in ties with Saudi Arabia. With UAE, too, there has been a marked progress. UAE recently announced the return of its ambassador to Tehran, and in December 2021, UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Tehran, signalling an approach to the normalisation of ties. Although it is too premature to say that Iran would be accepted as a trustworthy partner in the largely Sunni Arab world, but new emerging dynamics maybe be beneficial to Iran in the long run. Conclusion For P5 plus 1, the Iran nuclear deal is very important. It gives them and the world an effective control who can watch over suspected Iran’s nuclear weapons program. For Iran, on the other hand, the nuclear deal has now become more of a bargaining chip for issues which transcend the limited context of the nuclear program. Each passing day is making it more and more difficult for the deal to be revived. The world will perhaps one day rue the manner in which former US president Trump blew up the deal and virtually let Iran off the hook. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, at the conclusion of the Vienna talks on August 8 said, “What can be negotiated has been negotiated, and it’s now in a final text.” The deal is clearly now more than mere technicalities and requires political decision making at the highest level at both ends. Meanwhile, Iran is merrily chugging along, making sure that deal or no deal it is doing enough to safeguard its interests.

With JCPOA revival uncertain, Iran is slowly and surely making the nuclear deal irrelevant

Amid tensions with Iran, the United States Navy has announced to deploy a fleet of unmanned drones to the Gulf region to patrol vast swaths of the region’s waters and improve deterrence against attacks.

The region is essential for global trade, especially oil supplies that flow out of the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said that 100 unmanned drones, both sailing and submersible, would be launched with allied nations.

He expects the latest deployment to dramatically multiply the surveillance capacities of the US Navy, enabling it to keep a close eye on waters critical to the flow of global oil and shipping.

“By using unmanned systems, we can just simply see more. They’re high-reliability and remove the human factor,” Vice Admiral Cooper told Associated Press on the sidelines of the Unmanned System Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi.

Cooper hopes that the drone force, using artificial intelligence, would be operational by the summer of 2023 to put more “eyes and ears on the water.”

The 5th Fleet includes the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of all oil passes. It also stretches as far as the Red Sea reaches near the Suez Canal, the waterway in Egypt linking the Middle East to the Mediterranean, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen.

“It’s been well-established that Iran is the No 1 in the primary regional threat we are addressing,” Cooper said.

There have been high-seas confrontations between US and Iranian forces with attacks on oil tankers in Gulf waters in 2019. Iran denied accusations of carrying out the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid tensions with Iran, the United States Navy has announced to deploy a fleet of unmanned drones to the Gulf region to patrol vast swaths of the region’s waters and improve deterrence against attacks.

Amid tensions with Iran, the United States Navy has announced to deploy a fleet of unmanned drones to the Gulf region to patrol vast swaths of the region’s waters and improve deterrence against attacks. The region is essential for global trade, especially oil supplies that flow out of the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said that 100 unmanned drones, both sailing and submersible, would be launched with allied nations. He expects the latest deployment to dramatically multiply the surveillance capacities of the US Navy, enabling it to keep a close eye on waters critical to the flow of global oil and shipping. “By using unmanned systems, we can just simply see more. They’re high-reliability and remove the human factor,” Vice Admiral Cooper told Associated Press on the sidelines of the Unmanned System Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi. Cooper hopes that the drone force, using artificial intelligence, would be operational by the summer of 2023 to put more “eyes and ears on the water.” The 5th Fleet includes the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of all oil passes. It also stretches as far as the Red Sea reaches near the Suez Canal, the waterway in Egypt linking the Middle East to the Mediterranean, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen. “It’s been well-established that Iran is the No 1 in the primary regional threat we are addressing,” Cooper said. There have been high-seas confrontations between US and Iranian forces with attacks on oil tankers in Gulf waters in 2019. Iran denied accusations of carrying out the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid tensions with Iran, US Navy plans to deploy Middle East drone force

The US envoy for Iran warned Friday that Tehran was approaching the point of no return for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal after it boosted its stocks of enriched uranium before talks resume this month.

US envoy to Iran says time shrinking for nuclear deal

Talks between the United States and Iran to revive a nuclear deal will be continued beyond Friday, the planned deadline.

US, Iran to continue talks to revive nuclear deal

There could be an understanding within weeks on how Washington and Tehran might resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal but that depends on Iran making the political decision to do so, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said on Thursday. 
 
"Is it possible that we`ll see a mutual return to compliance in the next few weeks, or an understanding of mutual compliance? It's possible yes. Is it likely? Only time will tell, because as I said this is ultimately a matter of a political decision that needs to be made in Iran," the official told reporters in a telephone briefing.

There could be an understanding within weeks on how Washington and Tehran might resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal but that depends on Iran making the political decision to do so, a senior US State Department official said on Thursday.

There could be an understanding within weeks on how Washington and Tehran might resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal but that depends on Iran making the political decision to do so, a senior US State Department official said on Thursday. "Is it possible that we`ll see a mutual return to compliance in the next few weeks, or an understanding of mutual compliance? It's possible yes. Is it likely? Only time will tell, because as I said this is ultimately a matter of a political decision that needs to be made in Iran," the official told reporters in a telephone briefing.

Nuclear deal possible in weeks if Iran takes political decision: US

A senior White House official on Sunday denied reports from Tehran that an agreement had been reached with Iran for the release of four Americans detained there.

"I can tell you, unfortunately, that report is untrue," White House chief of staff Ron Klain said on CBS's "Face the Nation."

"There is no agreement to release these four Americans. We're working very hard to get them released. So far there is no agreement to bring these four Americans home."

Klain's comments followed reports on Iranian state television, quoting "an informed source," that the US side had agreed to release $7 billion in frozen Iranian funds and free four Iranians accused of bypassing sanctions in exchange for the release of four Americans accused of spying.

State TV also reported that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian dual national who has been held in the country since 2016, was being freed after "payment of military debt."

But British officials played down the report, with the foreign office saying discussions were "ongoing."

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband Richard Ratcliffe told AFP that they "haven't been given any private indication that an agreement is close."

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was initially detained while on holiday in Iran in 2016 when she was working as a project manager for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the news agency and data firm's philanthropic wing.

Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei made no mention of any agreement in a speech Sunday.

Klain, the US chief of staff, was asked on CBS whether Iranian officials might have leaked the reports to increase political pressure on the Biden administration.

"No," he replied. "Again, we're working hard to bring these Americans home. When we get that done, we'll be delighted to announce that news."

The duelling reports came to a day after-parties to the Iran nuclear agreement adjourned the third round of negotiations in Vienna aimed at bringing the US back into the accord, and as Russian delegates expressed "cautious and growing optimism" for a solution.

The agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been on life support since then US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018.

The remaining partners to the 2015 accord have been engaged in negotiations since early April to try to revive it.

A senior White House official on Sunday denied reports from Tehran that an agreement had been reached with Iran for the release of four Americans detained there.

A senior White House official on Sunday denied reports from Tehran that an agreement had been reached with Iran for the release of four Americans detained there. "I can tell you, unfortunately, that report is untrue," White House chief of staff Ron Klain said on CBS's "Face the Nation." "There is no agreement to release these four Americans. We're working very hard to get them released. So far there is no agreement to bring these four Americans home." Klain's comments followed reports on Iranian state television, quoting "an informed source," that the US side had agreed to release $7 billion in frozen Iranian funds and free four Iranians accused of bypassing sanctions in exchange for the release of four Americans accused of spying. State TV also reported that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian dual national who has been held in the country since 2016, was being freed after "payment of military debt." But British officials played down the report, with the foreign office saying discussions were "ongoing." Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband Richard Ratcliffe told AFP that they "haven't been given any private indication that an agreement is close." Zaghari-Ratcliffe was initially detained while on holiday in Iran in 2016 when she was working as a project manager for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the news agency and data firm's philanthropic wing. Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei made no mention of any agreement in a speech Sunday. Klain, the US chief of staff, was asked on CBS whether Iranian officials might have leaked the reports to increase political pressure on the Biden administration. "No," he replied. "Again, we're working hard to bring these Americans home. When we get that done, we'll be delighted to announce that news." The duelling reports came to a day after-parties to the Iran nuclear agreement adjourned the third round of negotiations in Vienna aimed at bringing the US back into the accord, and as Russian delegates expressed "cautious and growing optimism" for a solution. The agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been on life support since then US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. The remaining partners to the 2015 accord have been engaged in negotiations since early April to try to revive it.

US denies reports Iran poised to free four Americans

The United States and Iran are expected to hold indirect talks in Vienna from Tuesday as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and other global powers.

US & Iran direct meet over Nuclear deal highly unlikely

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced.&nbsp;

Representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran -- the countries still party to the agreement after the US left -- will attend.

"Participants will discuss the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA, and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the statement said, referring to the deal by its initials.

The meeting brings together the body that oversees the implementation of the JCPOA, which has been under threat since former US president Donald Trump pulled out in 2018 and Iran began to resume nuclear activities it had scaled back.&nbsp;

The online meeting will be chaired by senior EU diplomat Enrique Mora on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Trump denounced the 2015 accord, which saw Iran granted relief from international sanctions in exchange for accepting limits on its nuclear programme, which Western powers feared would lead to it acquiring an atomic weapon.

But new US President Joe Biden has promised to rejoin the agreement on the condition that Tehran first returns to respecting the commitments it dropped in retaliation for Trump's decision.

Earlier this month, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran may return to full compliance if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments.

The agreement was signed by Iran in Vienna in 2015 with the major powers United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, under an EU chair.

It was designed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear arsenal by imposing strict limits on its nuclear programme and force it to remain exclusively civilian and peaceful.&nbsp;

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced.

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced. Representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran -- the countries still party to the agreement after the US left -- will attend. "Participants will discuss the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA, and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the statement said, referring to the deal by its initials. The meeting brings together the body that oversees the implementation of the JCPOA, which has been under threat since former US president Donald Trump pulled out in 2018 and Iran began to resume nuclear activities it had scaled back. The online meeting will be chaired by senior EU diplomat Enrique Mora on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Trump denounced the 2015 accord, which saw Iran granted relief from international sanctions in exchange for accepting limits on its nuclear programme, which Western powers feared would lead to it acquiring an atomic weapon. But new US President Joe Biden has promised to rejoin the agreement on the condition that Tehran first returns to respecting the commitments it dropped in retaliation for Trump's decision. Earlier this month, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran may return to full compliance if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments. The agreement was signed by Iran in Vienna in 2015 with the major powers United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, under an EU chair. It was designed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear arsenal by imposing strict limits on its nuclear programme and force it to remain exclusively civilian and peaceful.

World powers, Iran to hold virtual nuclear talks Friday

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran.&nbsp;

"These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them."

Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pulled off.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-meeting-us-at-nuclear-deal-talks-in-vienna-375001">Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary".&nbsp;

The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said.&nbsp;

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal.

However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead.

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them." Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president Donald Trump pulled off. Also read | Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary". The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter. US President Joe Biden has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal. However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.

US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran

The military said it escorted two US bombers. The flight of the pair of B-52 bombers is the latest mission in the region aimed at warning Iran amid tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Israeli jets escort US B-52 bombers amid Iran tensions

They say that a United States president comes of age in West Asia, and Joe Biden is already facing his first test in the region from Iran to Saudi Arabia.

The challenges are plenty for the 46th&nbsp;president -- an US intelligence report blames Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while the United States is seeking to recalibrate its ties with the Kingdom.

The big question for Biden, however, is -- can he let this explosive report slide?

President Biden had two choices in front of him -- act decisively or&nbsp;incur the wrath of the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is the centre of power in West Asia, an alliance that is crucial for the United States in the region, but there is no precedent for such action against the de facto ruler of a US ally.

So, Biden took the diplomatic route -- sanction others and not mention the Crown Prince at all.

"I spoke yesterday with the King, not the Prince. I made it clear to him that the rules are changing, and we're going to be announcing significant changes today. On Monday, we are going to hold them accountable for human rights abuses. And we're going to make sure in fact, and if they want to deal with us, they have to deal with it in a way where human rights abuses are dealt. We're trying to do that across the world, but particularly here," he said.

While US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions -- ones that will affect 76 Saudis involved in harassing activists and journalists, he did not announce measures that touch the Prince.

Blinken said, "But we also want to make sure, and this is what the president has said from the onset, that the relationship better reflects our interests and our values. So what we've done by the actions that we've taken is really not to rupture the relationship but to recalibrate it to be more in line with our interests and our values."

Many believe that sanctioning Mohammed bin Salman was never really an option. The maverick Crown Prince wields most of the power in the kingdom, and targetting him would gravely affect US interests in the region -- especially with countering Iran in West Asia.

At least 36 days after taking charge, Biden has already bombed West Asia -- an airstrike targeting Iran-backed militias in Syria while the US maintains this was in retaliation of the February 15 airtsrike.

Pentagon has no answers about the casualties sustained.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, in exchange with journalists, said, "We're confident in the target that we went after. We know what we hit. And we're confident that that target was being used by the same shi'ite militia that conducted the strikes."

Biden's attack on Iran was an attempt to strike back -- to say that United States was not gonna sit back.

Till now, US has responded with decisive calm while dealing with Iran. It wants to rejoin the nuclear deal but also wants Iran to comply with commitments.

While it will be a risky gambit for Washington, the US maintains that its patience is not unlimited.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said, "Our patience is not unlimited, but we do believe, and the president has been clear on this ever since he was running for high office. He felt that the most effective way to ensure iran could never acquire a nuclear weapon was through diplomacy. that is what we are engaged in now."

As for Israel, the country hasn't been shy about its admiration for Biden's predecessor. The US-brokered Abraham Accords was seen as a major shift in West Asian policy, bolstering Israel's position in the region.

While Biden is unlikely to reverse any of Trump’s major Israel policy moves, he has voiced support for restoring support for Palestine.

This means a shift to traditional US foreign policy while dealing with the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

While it is still unclear what Biden plans on doing in the region, it looks like the 46th president has hit a bump in West Asia.

How he deals with it could be what defines his presidency in the region.

They say that a United States president comes of age in West Asia, and Joe Biden is already facing his first test in the region from Iran to Saudi Arabia. The challenges are plenty for the 46th president -- an US intelligence report blames Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while the United States is seeking to recalibrate its ties with the Kingdom.

They say that a United States president comes of age in West Asia, and Joe Biden is already facing his first test in the region from Iran to Saudi Arabia. The challenges are plenty for the 46th president -- an US intelligence report blames Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while the United States is seeking to recalibrate its ties with the Kingdom. The big question for Biden, however, is -- can he let this explosive report slide? President Biden had two choices in front of him -- act decisively or incur the wrath of the kingdom. Saudi Arabia is the centre of power in West Asia, an alliance that is crucial for the United States in the region, but there is no precedent for such action against the de facto ruler of a US ally. So, Biden took the diplomatic route -- sanction others and not mention the Crown Prince at all. "I spoke yesterday with the King, not the Prince. I made it clear to him that the rules are changing, and we're going to be announcing significant changes today. On Monday, we are going to hold them accountable for human rights abuses. And we're going to make sure in fact, and if they want to deal with us, they have to deal with it in a way where human rights abuses are dealt. We're trying to do that across the world, but particularly here," he said. While US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions -- ones that will affect 76 Saudis involved in harassing activists and journalists, he did not announce measures that touch the Prince. Blinken said, "But we also want to make sure, and this is what the president has said from the onset, that the relationship better reflects our interests and our values. So what we've done by the actions that we've taken is really not to rupture the relationship but to recalibrate it to be more in line with our interests and our values." Many believe that sanctioning Mohammed bin Salman was never really an option. The maverick Crown Prince wields most of the power in the kingdom, and targetting him would gravely affect US interests in the region -- especially with countering Iran in West Asia. At least 36 days after taking charge, Biden has already bombed West Asia -- an airstrike targeting Iran-backed militias in Syria while the US maintains this was in retaliation of the February 15 airtsrike. Pentagon has no answers about the casualties sustained. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, in exchange with journalists, said, "We're confident in the target that we went after. We know what we hit. And we're confident that that target was being used by the same shi'ite militia that conducted the strikes." Biden's attack on Iran was an attempt to strike back -- to say that United States was not gonna sit back. Till now, US has responded with decisive calm while dealing with Iran. It wants to rejoin the nuclear deal but also wants Iran to comply with commitments. While it will be a risky gambit for Washington, the US maintains that its patience is not unlimited. State Department spokesman Ned Price said, "Our patience is not unlimited, but we do believe, and the president has been clear on this ever since he was running for high office. He felt that the most effective way to ensure iran could never acquire a nuclear weapon was through diplomacy. that is what we are engaged in now." As for Israel, the country hasn't been shy about its admiration for Biden's predecessor. The US-brokered Abraham Accords was seen as a major shift in West Asian policy, bolstering Israel's position in the region. While Biden is unlikely to reverse any of Trump’s major Israel policy moves, he has voiced support for restoring support for Palestine. This means a shift to traditional US foreign policy while dealing with the Israel-Palestinian conflict. While it is still unclear what Biden plans on doing in the region, it looks like the 46th president has hit a bump in West Asia. How he deals with it could be what defines his presidency in the region.

US President Joe Biden's challenges in West Asia

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