Trump imposes more sanctions on Iran, says ' highest sanction on a country ever'. Watch video to know more.

Trump imposes more sanctions on Iran, says 'highest sanction on a country ever'

The US Treasury on Friday placed sanctions on three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-south-koreas-moon-expected-to-meet-at-un-amid-hopes-for-new-north-korea-talks-249328">North Korea government</a>-sponsored hacking operations which it said were behind the theft of possibly hundreds of millions of dollars and destructive cyber-attacks on infrastructure.

The Treasury said the three groups -- dubbed Lazarus Group, Bluenoroff and Andariel -- were behind major thefts from financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as the 2018 WannaCry hack that crippled Britain's National Health Service.

All three are tied to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, Pyongyang's main intelligence bureau, and are behind numerous malicious computer viruses as well as attempts to steal billions of dollars online to fund the North Korean government, the Treasury said.

"Treasury is taking action against North Korean hacking groups that have been perpetrating cyberattacks to support illicit weapon and missile programs," said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

"We will continue to enforce existing US and UN sanctions against North Korea and work with the international community to improve the cybersecurity of financial networks," she said in a statement.

Created in 2007, the Lazarus group has been known for years. It was behind the malicious hack of Sony Pictures in 2014, as well as the WannaCry ransomware that spread to at least 150 countries in 2017.

The most heaviest hit was Britain's public health system, with hospitals virtually shut down and thousands of patients turned away, costing the government ultimately more than $112 million.

Bluenoroff was formed specifically to obtain revenue for the North Korean government, the Treasury said.

By hijacking the global banking transfer system SWIFT, by 2018 it had made attempts online to steal more that $1.1 billion from financial institutions.

Its biggest success, together with Lazarus, was the $80 million heist from Bangladesh's central bank.

Andariel specialises in targeting businesses, government agencies and individuals. It has been known to steal bank card information and hack into ATMs, and to steal bank customer information to sell on the black market.

The Treasury said Andariel created unique malware to hack online gambling and poker sites.

The Treasury also cited online accounts to say the three groups "likely" stole $571 million in cryptocurrency from five Asian exchanges in 2017 and 2018.

The sanctions aim to lock anyone involved with the groups out of the global financial system and empower the US government to freeze any assets held under US jurisdiction.

In September 2018 the FBI charged North Korean Park Jin Hyok, allegedly a member of the Lazarus group, with conspiracy for multiple cyberattacks including the Sony Pictures attacks and the theft from the Central Bank of Bangladesh. 
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The US Treasury on Friday placed sanctions on three North Korea government-sponsored hacking operations which it said were behind the theft of possibly hundreds of millions of dollars and destructive cyber-attacks on infrastructure.

The US Treasury on Friday placed sanctions on three North Korea government-sponsored hacking operations which it said were behind the theft of possibly hundreds of millions of dollars and destructive cyber-attacks on infrastructure. The Treasury said the three groups -- dubbed Lazarus Group, Bluenoroff and Andariel -- were behind major thefts from financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as the 2018 WannaCry hack that crippled Britain's National Health Service. All three are tied to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, Pyongyang's main intelligence bureau, and are behind numerous malicious computer viruses as well as attempts to steal billions of dollars online to fund the North Korean government, the Treasury said. "Treasury is taking action against North Korean hacking groups that have been perpetrating cyberattacks to support illicit weapon and missile programs," said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "We will continue to enforce existing US and UN sanctions against North Korea and work with the international community to improve the cybersecurity of financial networks," she said in a statement. Created in 2007, the Lazarus group has been known for years. It was behind the malicious hack of Sony Pictures in 2014, as well as the WannaCry ransomware that spread to at least 150 countries in 2017. The most heaviest hit was Britain's public health system, with hospitals virtually shut down and thousands of patients turned away, costing the government ultimately more than $112 million. Bluenoroff was formed specifically to obtain revenue for the North Korean government, the Treasury said. By hijacking the global banking transfer system SWIFT, by 2018 it had made attempts online to steal more that $1.1 billion from financial institutions. Its biggest success, together with Lazarus, was the $80 million heist from Bangladesh's central bank. Andariel specialises in targeting businesses, government agencies and individuals. It has been known to steal bank card information and hack into ATMs, and to steal bank customer information to sell on the black market. The Treasury said Andariel created unique malware to hack online gambling and poker sites. The Treasury also cited online accounts to say the three groups "likely" stole $571 million in cryptocurrency from five Asian exchanges in 2017 and 2018. The sanctions aim to lock anyone involved with the groups out of the global financial system and empower the US government to freeze any assets held under US jurisdiction. In September 2018 the FBI charged North Korean Park Jin Hyok, allegedly a member of the Lazarus group, with conspiracy for multiple cyberattacks including the Sony Pictures attacks and the theft from the Central Bank of Bangladesh.

US puts sanctions on North Korea hacking groups behind major thefts

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Maduro said Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza would attend the meeting and present the UN secretary-general with a petition signed by 12 million Venezuelans criticizing the sanctions, part of the Trump administration's effort to pressure Maduro to leave the office.

"Here is the immense majority of the Venezuelan people saying no more blockade, no more sanctions," Maduro said in a speech to the youth wing of the ruling socialist party.

"This year I will stay with you all working in Venezuela, safely and calmly."

Maduro, who Washington accuses of corruption and human rights violations, travelled at the last minute to New York last year after saying he may not because of an alleged assassination plot.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation. Maduro said Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza would attend the meeting and present the UN secretary-general with a petition signed by 12 million Venezuelans criticizing the sanctions, part of the Trump administration's effort to pressure Maduro to leave the office. "Here is the immense majority of the Venezuelan people saying no more blockade, no more sanctions," Maduro said in a speech to the youth wing of the ruling socialist party. "This year I will stay with you all working in Venezuela, safely and calmly." Maduro, who Washington accuses of corruption and human rights violations, travelled at the last minute to New York last year after saying he may not because of an alleged assassination plot.

Venezuela's Maduro says he will skip UN, but envoys will slam US sanctions

Iran said on Friday it had taken a step to further downgrade its commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal with the world's most powerful nations, according to Iranian media, in retaliation to US&nbsp;sanctions reimposed on Tehran.

Iran said on Wednesday it would begin developing centrifuges to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-hassan-rouhani-orders-lifting-of-all-nuclear-research-and-development-limits-247658">speed up the enrichment of uranium</a>, which can produce fuel for power plants or for atomic bombs. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons.

"Foreign Minister (Mohammad Javad) Zarif, in a letter to EU (European Union) policy chief (Federica Mogherini) announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-chief-says-he-currently-has-no-plan-to-seize-iranian-tanker-adrian-darya-1-247889">Iran</a> has lifted all limitations on its (nuclear) Research and Development (R&amp;D) activities," Iran's Students News Agency ISNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying.

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Under the deal, Iran is allowed limited research and development on advanced centrifuges, which accelerate the production of fissile material that can be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iran also agreed to limitations on specific research and development activities for eight years.

President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal last year, arguing it did not go far enough, and reimposed sanctions that has slashed Iran's crude oil sales by more than 80 per cent.

Iran has responded by scaling back its nuclear commitments since May and has threatened to continue removing restraints on its nuclear programme unless European parties to the pact did more to shield Iran's economy from the US&nbsp;penalties.

Britain and France, both parties to the pact, have called on Iran to refrain from any concrete action that does not comply with the agreement.

State TV said Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation would unveil on Saturday details of Tehran's new step, which President Hassan Rouhani will accelerate Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran has said that it still aims to save the agreement and on Wednesday gave Europe a new 60-day deadline to salvage the pact, reached under former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama, which curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most sanctions in 2016.

Iran's new measures will be "peaceful, under surveillance of the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog and reversible" if European powers keep their promises, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.

Iran said on Friday it had taken a step to further downgrade its commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal with the world's most powerful nations, according to Iranian media, in retaliation to US sanctions reimposed on Tehran.

Iran said on Friday it had taken a step to further downgrade its commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal with the world's most powerful nations, according to Iranian media, in retaliation to US sanctions reimposed on Tehran. Iran said on Wednesday it would begin developing centrifuges to speed up the enrichment of uranium, which can produce fuel for power plants or for atomic bombs. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons. "Foreign Minister (Mohammad Javad) Zarif, in a letter to EU (European Union) policy chief (Federica Mogherini) announced that Iran has lifted all limitations on its (nuclear) Research and Development (R&D) activities," Iran's Students News Agency ISNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying. Under the deal, Iran is allowed limited research and development on advanced centrifuges, which accelerate the production of fissile material that can be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iran also agreed to limitations on specific research and development activities for eight years. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal last year, arguing it did not go far enough, and reimposed sanctions that has slashed Iran's crude oil sales by more than 80 per cent. Iran has responded by scaling back its nuclear commitments since May and has threatened to continue removing restraints on its nuclear programme unless European parties to the pact did more to shield Iran's economy from the US penalties. Britain and France, both parties to the pact, have called on Iran to refrain from any concrete action that does not comply with the agreement. State TV said Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation would unveil on Saturday details of Tehran's new step, which President Hassan Rouhani will accelerate Iran's nuclear programme. Iran has said that it still aims to save the agreement and on Wednesday gave Europe a new 60-day deadline to salvage the pact, reached under former US President Barack Obama, which curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most sanctions in 2016. Iran's new measures will be "peaceful, under surveillance of the UN nuclear watchdog and reversible" if European powers keep their promises, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.

In retaliation to US sanctions, Iran takes further step to scale back nuclear commitments

Iran's foreign minister said on Tuesday Tehran would further cut its commitments under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lots-to-work-out-iran-nuclear-deal-still-very-fragile-french-foreign-minister-247457">2015 nuclear deal</a> unless European states acted to salvage the pact by Thursday, but that this did not mean the "end of talks", Iranian news agencies reported.

Mohammad Javad Zarif said President Hassan Rouhani would soon announce details of the cuts, according to the semi-official news ISNA. "Implementation of this step does not mean the end of talks," he added.

France has proposed offering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-able-to-resume-production-of-20-enriched-uranium-in-2-days-iran-atomic-agency-247375">Iran</a> about $15 billion in credit lines until year-end if Tehran comes fully back into compliance with the deal, a move that hinges on Washington not blocking it, Western and Iranian sources said.

US sanctions Iran space program

Meanwhile, the United States imposed sanctions on Iran's civilian space agency and two research organizations on Tuesday, saying they were being used to advance Tehran's ballistic missile programme.

The US&nbsp;Treasury sanctions targeted the Iran Space Agency, Iran Space Research Center and the Astronautics Research Institute, according to a statement on its website.

"The United States will not allow Iran to use its space launch programme as cover to advance its ballistic missile programs," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

He said Iran's Aug. 29 attempt to test a space launch vehicle underscored "the urgency of the threat."

An Iranian rocket exploded on its launch pad at Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran before its scheduled launch last Thursday. The explosion followed Iran's failed attempt to launch a satellite in January.

The sanctions, part of a years-long US&nbsp;pressure campaign to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons, are the first imposed on Iran's space agencies, according to the State Department. The United States fears long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads.

The Iran Space Agency develops satellites and launch vehicle technology, and works with the Iran Space Research Center on day-to-day tasks as well as research and development, according to the State Department. The two have also worked with a sanctioned liquid propellant ballistic missile organisation, Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, the State Department said.

The Astronautics Research Institute has managed the space vehicle launch project, according to the department.

Tehran denies its space activity is a cover for developing weapon launches.

On Friday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump posted on Twitter a photo of what appeared to be the site of the failed Iranian satellite launch.

"These designations should serve as a warning to the international scientific community that collaborating with Iran’s space programme could contribute to Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon delivery system," Pompeo said.

Trump withdrew from a 2015 multi-national nuclear deal with Iran, saying it did not go far enough.

Iran's foreign minister said on Tuesday Tehran would further cut its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal unless European states acted to salvage the pact by Thursday, but that this did not mean the "end of talks", Iranian news agencies reported.

Iran's foreign minister said on Tuesday Tehran would further cut its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal unless European states acted to salvage the pact by Thursday, but that this did not mean the "end of talks", Iranian news agencies reported. Mohammad Javad Zarif said President Hassan Rouhani would soon announce details of the cuts, according to the semi-official news ISNA. "Implementation of this step does not mean the end of talks," he added. France has proposed offering Iran about $15 billion in credit lines until year-end if Tehran comes fully back into compliance with the deal, a move that hinges on Washington not blocking it, Western and Iranian sources said. US sanctions Iran space program Meanwhile, the United States imposed sanctions on Iran's civilian space agency and two research organizations on Tuesday, saying they were being used to advance Tehran's ballistic missile programme. The US Treasury sanctions targeted the Iran Space Agency, Iran Space Research Center and the Astronautics Research Institute, according to a statement on its website. "The United States will not allow Iran to use its space launch programme as cover to advance its ballistic missile programs," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. He said Iran's Aug. 29 attempt to test a space launch vehicle underscored "the urgency of the threat." An Iranian rocket exploded on its launch pad at Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran before its scheduled launch last Thursday. The explosion followed Iran's failed attempt to launch a satellite in January. The sanctions, part of a years-long US pressure campaign to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons, are the first imposed on Iran's space agencies, according to the State Department. The United States fears long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. The Iran Space Agency develops satellites and launch vehicle technology, and works with the Iran Space Research Center on day-to-day tasks as well as research and development, according to the State Department. The two have also worked with a sanctioned liquid propellant ballistic missile organisation, Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, the State Department said. The Astronautics Research Institute has managed the space vehicle launch project, according to the department. Tehran denies its space activity is a cover for developing weapon launches. On Friday, US President Donald Trump posted on Twitter a photo of what appeared to be the site of the failed Iranian satellite launch. "These designations should serve as a warning to the international scientific community that collaborating with Iran’s space programme could contribute to Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon delivery system," Pompeo said. Trump withdrew from a 2015 multi-national nuclear deal with Iran, saying it did not go far enough.

Iran warns of further retreat from nuclear deal if no European action by Thursday

The United States has imposed sanctions on two people and three firms and identified a blocked ship that it says helped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-changes-constitution-to-solidify-kim-jong-uns-rule-246503">North Korea</a> evade sanctions, the Treasury Department said in a statement on Friday.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-javad-zarif-heading-to-asia-in-push-against-us-sanctions-245310">US sanctions</a> target a shipping network that the Treasury Department says engaged in ship-to-ship oil transfers with North Korea to help Pyongyang circumvent sanctions imposed by the United Nations.

The Treasury Department says the two people used the ship, which had previously conducted at least two ship-to-ship transfers with North Korea-flagged vessels, to transport 1.7 million liters of petroleum products to a North Korean-flagged ship.

The two people have interests in the three companies targeted by the sanctions, according to the Treasury Department.

North Korea is under UN sanctions in a bid to choke Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Although US President Donald Trump has publicly stated he has a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the United States seized a North Korean ship earlier this year that Washington said was involved in illegal coal shipments in violation of UN sanctions. 
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The United States has imposed sanctions on two people and three firms and identified a blocked ship that it says helped North Korea evade sanctions, the Treasury Department said in a statement on Friday.

The United States has imposed sanctions on two people and three firms and identified a blocked ship that it says helped North Korea evade sanctions, the Treasury Department said in a statement on Friday. The US sanctions target a shipping network that the Treasury Department says engaged in ship-to-ship oil transfers with North Korea to help Pyongyang circumvent sanctions imposed by the United Nations. The Treasury Department says the two people used the ship, which had previously conducted at least two ship-to-ship transfers with North Korea-flagged vessels, to transport 1.7 million liters of petroleum products to a North Korean-flagged ship. The two people have interests in the three companies targeted by the sanctions, according to the Treasury Department. North Korea is under UN sanctions in a bid to choke Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Although US President Donald Trump has publicly stated he has a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the United States seized a North Korean ship earlier this year that Washington said was involved in illegal coal shipments in violation of UN sanctions.

US imposes sanctions on people, firms it says helped North Korea evade sanctions

Iranian tanker Adrian Darya, at the centre of a dispute between Washington and Tehran, has changed course away from the Turkish coast, Refinitiv ship tracking data showed on Thursday.

The tanker, formerly called Grace 1, was released from detention off Gibraltar in mid-August after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

A Turkish official told Reuters earlier on Thursday that the Iranian tanker had not entered Turkish waters. The tracking data showed the ship was currently between the coasts of Turkey and Cyprus, heading west.

On Monday, IRIB news agency quoted an Iranian government spokesman as saying that Iran had sold the oil from the Adrian Darya and the vessel's owner will decide on its next destination.

The spokesman did not identify who had bought the oil. After Gibraltar freed the vessel on August 18, the United States said it would take every action it could to prevent it delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions.

After its release by Gibraltar the vessel, laden with 2 million barrels of oil, had initially headed to southern Greece, then switched its destination to southern Turkey's Mersin port, before removing any reference to a destination.

Iranian tanker Adrian Darya, at the centre of a dispute between Washington and Tehran, has changed course away from the Turkish coast, Refinitiv ship tracking data showed on Thursday.

Iranian tanker Adrian Darya, at the centre of a dispute between Washington and Tehran, has changed course away from the Turkish coast, Refinitiv ship tracking data showed on Thursday. The tanker, formerly called Grace 1, was released from detention off Gibraltar in mid-August after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. A Turkish official told Reuters earlier on Thursday that the Iranian tanker had not entered Turkish waters. The tracking data showed the ship was currently between the coasts of Turkey and Cyprus, heading west. On Monday, IRIB news agency quoted an Iranian government spokesman as saying that Iran had sold the oil from the Adrian Darya and the vessel's owner will decide on its next destination. The spokesman did not identify who had bought the oil. After Gibraltar freed the vessel on August 18, the United States said it would take every action it could to prevent it delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions. After its release by Gibraltar the vessel, laden with 2 million barrels of oil, had initially headed to southern Greece, then switched its destination to southern Turkey's Mersin port, before removing any reference to a destination.

Iranian tanker changes course away from Turkish coast: Report

Iran's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-childish-of-us-to-sanction-iran-foreign-minister-zarif-239925">Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> will head to East Asia on Sunday, his office said, as part of a diplomatic push to win relief from biting US sanctions.

Zarif would visit China, Japan and Malaysia fresh on the heels of a tour of Western European nations, spokesman Abbas Mousavi said late Friday on the ministry's Telegram channel.

"Bilateral relations and most importantly regional and international issues are some of the topics our foreign minister will discuss with the aforementioned countries' officials during the trip," said Mousavi.

The United States slapped sanctions on Zarif late last month in a bid to target any assets he has in America and squeeze his ability to function as a globe-trotting diplomat.

But Zarif hailed his visit to France on Friday following trips to Finland, Sweden and Norway.

In a post on Twitter, he said "despite US efforts to destroy diplomacy" he met French President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and had interviews with media in Paris, including AFP.

Iran and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-documents-show-us-seeks-seizure-of-iranian-tanker-violating-sanctions-243610">arch-foe the United States</a> have been at loggerheads since last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a 2015 deal under which the Islamic republic agreed to rein in its nuclear activities in return for an easing of sanctions.

Twelve months on from the US pullout, Iran began reducing its commitments by surpassing a uranium enrichment cap and exceeding a limit on its reserves.

The situation has threatened to spiral out of control, with ships attacked in the Gulf, drones downed and oil tankers seized.

During his visit to France, Zarif told AFP in an interview that he was pleased with the efforts of Macron to defuse the crisis.

"President Macron made some suggestions last week to President (Hassan) Rouhani and we believe they are moving in the right direction, although we are not definitely there yet," Zarif said.

Macron has been seeking to roll back some of the US measures imposed as part of Trump's campaign of "maximum pressure" on Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is peaceful.

French diplomats have raised the idea of US waivers on sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports to India and China, or a new credit line for Tehran that could help the struggling economy. 
&nbsp;

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will head to East Asia on Sunday, his office said, as part of a diplomatic push to win relief from biting US sanctions.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will head to East Asia on Sunday, his office said, as part of a diplomatic push to win relief from biting US sanctions. Zarif would visit China, Japan and Malaysia fresh on the heels of a tour of Western European nations, spokesman Abbas Mousavi said late Friday on the ministry's Telegram channel. "Bilateral relations and most importantly regional and international issues are some of the topics our foreign minister will discuss with the aforementioned countries' officials during the trip," said Mousavi. The United States slapped sanctions on Zarif late last month in a bid to target any assets he has in America and squeeze his ability to function as a globe-trotting diplomat. But Zarif hailed his visit to France on Friday following trips to Finland, Sweden and Norway. In a post on Twitter, he said "despite US efforts to destroy diplomacy" he met French President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and had interviews with media in Paris, including AFP. Iran and its arch-foe the United States have been at loggerheads since last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a 2015 deal under which the Islamic republic agreed to rein in its nuclear activities in return for an easing of sanctions. Twelve months on from the US pullout, Iran began reducing its commitments by surpassing a uranium enrichment cap and exceeding a limit on its reserves. The situation has threatened to spiral out of control, with ships attacked in the Gulf, drones downed and oil tankers seized. During his visit to France, Zarif told AFP in an interview that he was pleased with the efforts of Macron to defuse the crisis. "President Macron made some suggestions last week to President (Hassan) Rouhani and we believe they are moving in the right direction, although we are not definitely there yet," Zarif said. Macron has been seeking to roll back some of the US measures imposed as part of Trump's campaign of "maximum pressure" on Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is peaceful. French diplomats have raised the idea of US waivers on sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports to India and China, or a new credit line for Tehran that could help the struggling economy.

Iran's Javad Zarif heading to Asia in push against US sanctions

Newly released US&nbsp;court documents show the United States issued a warrant for the seizure of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-giving-gibraltar-assurances-for-release-of-tanker-243388">Iranian tanker that British Royal Marines had seized</a> last month in Gibraltar, citing evidence that it was transporting oil to Syria in violation of US sanctions.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-tanker-freed-by-gibraltar-poised-to-set-sail-243333">oil tanker Grace 1</a>, the more than 2 million barrels of oil it carries and $995,000 are subject to forfeiture based on a complaint by the US government, US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie Liu said in a news release on Friday.

The tanker was seized by British Royal Marines at the western mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4 on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran.

In a court document obtained by Reuters, it said there was evidence that showed that the tanker was scheduled to arrive in Syria in early July.

"Charts and electronic equipment recovered from onboard the Grace 1, WhatsApp messages recovered from crewmembers' mobile devices, and crewmembers' statements revealed that the Grace 1 was destined for Port Banias, Syria in violation of US sanctions," the document said.

Watch: Gibraltar court releases Iranian oil tanker Grace 1

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Iran has repeatedly denied that tanker's destination was Syria.

"As we said earlier ... Syria was not its destination and we have upheld the same ... and reiterated that it was nobody's business even if it was Syria," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency on Friday.

Gibraltar authorities said on Thursday the US Department of Justice had applied to seize the tanker.

Washington had attempted to detain the Grace 1 on the grounds that it had links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it has designated a terrorist organization.

"The scheme involves multiple parties affiliated with the IRGC and furthered by the deceptive voyages of the Grace 1," Liu said. "A network of front companies allegedly laundered millions of dollars in support of such shipments."

"A seizure warrant and a forfeiture complaint are merely allegations. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government," the news release said.

Gibraltar, which said it first received a US&nbsp;Department of Justice request to seize the Grace 1 tanker on Thursday, lifted the tanker's detention order later in the same day.,

But the vessel's fate was further complicated by a last-ditch US&nbsp;legal appeal to hold it.

The tanker shifted its position on Friday, but its anchor was still down off Gibraltar and it was unclear if it was ready to set sail soon.

The warrant for the seizure of the tanker, which carries 2.1 million barrels of oil, was issued by the US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Columbia and addressed to "the United States Marshal's Service and/or any other duly authorized law enforcement officer."

Newly released US court documents show the United States issued a warrant for the seizure of an Iranian tanker that British Royal Marines had seized last month in Gibraltar, citing evidence that it was transporting oil to Syria in violation of US sanctions.

Newly released US court documents show the United States issued a warrant for the seizure of an Iranian tanker that British Royal Marines had seized last month in Gibraltar, citing evidence that it was transporting oil to Syria in violation of US sanctions. The oil tanker Grace 1, the more than 2 million barrels of oil it carries and $995,000 are subject to forfeiture based on a complaint by the US government, US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie Liu said in a news release on Friday. The tanker was seized by British Royal Marines at the western mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4 on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran. In a court document obtained by Reuters, it said there was evidence that showed that the tanker was scheduled to arrive in Syria in early July. "Charts and electronic equipment recovered from onboard the Grace 1, WhatsApp messages recovered from crewmembers' mobile devices, and crewmembers' statements revealed that the Grace 1 was destined for Port Banias, Syria in violation of US sanctions," the document said. Watch: Gibraltar court releases Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 × Iran has repeatedly denied that tanker's destination was Syria. "As we said earlier ... Syria was not its destination and we have upheld the same ... and reiterated that it was nobody's business even if it was Syria," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency on Friday. Gibraltar authorities said on Thursday the US Department of Justice had applied to seize the tanker. Washington had attempted to detain the Grace 1 on the grounds that it had links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it has designated a terrorist organization. "The scheme involves multiple parties affiliated with the IRGC and furthered by the deceptive voyages of the Grace 1," Liu said. "A network of front companies allegedly laundered millions of dollars in support of such shipments." "A seizure warrant and a forfeiture complaint are merely allegations. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government," the news release said. Gibraltar, which said it first received a US Department of Justice request to seize the Grace 1 tanker on Thursday, lifted the tanker's detention order later in the same day., But the vessel's fate was further complicated by a last-ditch US legal appeal to hold it. The tanker shifted its position on Friday, but its anchor was still down off Gibraltar and it was unclear if it was ready to set sail soon. The warrant for the seizure of the tanker, which carries 2.1 million barrels of oil, was issued by the US District Court for the District of Columbia and addressed to "the United States Marshal's Service and/or any other duly authorized law enforcement officer."

Court documents show US seeks seizure of Iranian tanker violating sanctions

Venezuela’s government will skip a round of Norway-brokered talks on Thursday and Friday to protest a new set of U.S. sanctions meant to force President Nicolas Maduro from power, the Venezuelan information ministry said on Wednesday.

Venezuela: People protests against imposed sanctions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-target-other-countries-for-supporting-venezuelas-maduro-241275">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> blamed Washington on Wednesday in cancelling scheduled talks with the political opposition, as his embattle regime struggles under the weight of US sanctions.

The oil-rich leftist regime has been hurt especially hard since US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with its authorities.

Maduro "has decided to not send the Venezuelan delegation" for talks Thursday and Friday mediated by Norway in Barbados with representatives of opposition leader Juan Guaido, a government statement read.

Maduro attributed the cancellation to "the grave and brutal aggression" being "continuously... carried out by the Trump administration against Venezuela, which includes the illegal blocking of our economic, commercial and financial activities," the statement read.

Trump's measures were just the latest in a string of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-imposes-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governments-assets-240952">sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime</a> in a bid to force the socialist leader from power.

The crisis-wracked country has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido, speaker of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president. He is now recognized as Venezuela's leader by more than 50 countries.

In the talks, Guaido has called for new elections, while Maduro, who retains support from Venezuela's military, is calling for a "democratic cohabitation" and refuses to leave the office.

'Yankee go home!'

In Caracas, thousands of government supporters dressed in red and waving Venezuelan flags marched against the US sanctions.

Washington has threatened to "use every appropriate tool" to oust Maduro and warned Venezuelan allies Russia and China on Tuesday against doing business with the regime.

China responded to the sanctions by telling the US to stop "bullying" other countries.

Made up mostly of civilian militia and public sector employees, the crowd chanted: "Yankee go home!" and "Hands off Venezuela!"

"We're struggling against this war that's making life impossible," Elena Flores, a 62-year-old government worker, told AFP.

Trump "is nervous, he's anxious, he's power-hungry, he wants to get his hands on Venezuela," she added.

Speaking at a small meeting in the east of Caracas, Guaido insisted the US sanctions would affect only top regime officials and not the general population.

"They're against the regime, against Maduro, the product of arrogance," he said as he called for the release of opposition legislator Juan Requesens, who was arrested a year ago and is accused of being behind an alleged drone attack against Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition considers Maduro a usurper over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed Washington on Wednesday in cancelling scheduled talks with the political opposition, as his embattle regime struggles under the weight of US sanctions.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed Washington on Wednesday in cancelling scheduled talks with the political opposition, as his embattle regime struggles under the weight of US sanctions. The oil-rich leftist regime has been hurt especially hard since US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with its authorities. Maduro "has decided to not send the Venezuelan delegation" for talks Thursday and Friday mediated by Norway in Barbados with representatives of opposition leader Juan Guaido, a government statement read. Maduro attributed the cancellation to "the grave and brutal aggression" being "continuously... carried out by the Trump administration against Venezuela, which includes the illegal blocking of our economic, commercial and financial activities," the statement read. Trump's measures were just the latest in a string of sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime in a bid to force the socialist leader from power. The crisis-wracked country has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido, speaker of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president. He is now recognized as Venezuela's leader by more than 50 countries. In the talks, Guaido has called for new elections, while Maduro, who retains support from Venezuela's military, is calling for a "democratic cohabitation" and refuses to leave the office. 'Yankee go home!' In Caracas, thousands of government supporters dressed in red and waving Venezuelan flags marched against the US sanctions. Washington has threatened to "use every appropriate tool" to oust Maduro and warned Venezuelan allies Russia and China on Tuesday against doing business with the regime. China responded to the sanctions by telling the US to stop "bullying" other countries. Made up mostly of civilian militia and public sector employees, the crowd chanted: "Yankee go home!" and "Hands off Venezuela!" "We're struggling against this war that's making life impossible," Elena Flores, a 62-year-old government worker, told AFP. Trump "is nervous, he's anxious, he's power-hungry, he wants to get his hands on Venezuela," she added. Speaking at a small meeting in the east of Caracas, Guaido insisted the US sanctions would affect only top regime officials and not the general population. "They're against the regime, against Maduro, the product of arrogance," he said as he called for the release of opposition legislator Juan Requesens, who was arrested a year ago and is accused of being behind an alleged drone attack against Maduro. Venezuela's opposition considers Maduro a usurper over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.

Venezuela's Maduro halts talks with opposition after US sanctions

The government in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">sanctions-hit Iran</a> on Wednesday approved a plan to remove zeros from the rial and rename the currency -&nbsp;something its people have long been doing to simplify transactions.

"The cabinet today agreed on a bill to eliminate four zeros from the currency and that 'toman' will be our national currency," government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters in Tehran.

The value of the Iranian rial has hit low after record low since last year.

The currency was trading at about 37,000 to the dollar three years ago, but it slumped to around 180,000 last year.

That was after US President Donald Trump announced the United States was unilaterally withdrawing from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-normal-for-iran-to-test-missiles-iranian-defence-minister-amir-hatami-239724">2015 Iran nuclear deal</a> and reimposing biting sanctions.

At the time, long queues were seen outside exchange offices, before the Iranian government took drastic measures by arresting unlicensed dealers and freezing the accounts of speculators.

Currently, the rial is trading at around 120,000 to the US dollar on the street, while the official rate is 42,000.

This means anyone without a bank card has had to virtually abandon coins and carry around thick wads of banknotes in their purses or wallets just to make everyday purchases.

In a bid to simplify transactions, Iranians have long referred to their currency as the toman and chopped off a zero -&nbsp;a unique system that is a source of confusion for foreign visitors.

The Iranian government has now acknowledged this with its latest move, which needs to be forwarded to parliament for final approval.

"This will make the national currency more effective," said the spokesman Rabiei.

"It will be more in line with common practice in society... the rial is not used that much.

"Coins will once again come into circulation," he added.

The International Monetary Fund has to forecast Iran's economy to shrink by 6.0 per cent this year due to sanctions and rising instability in the Middle East.

The government in sanctions-hit Iran on Wednesday approved a plan to remove zeros from the rial and rename the currency - something its people have long been doing to simplify transactions.

The government in sanctions-hit Iran on Wednesday approved a plan to remove zeros from the rial and rename the currency - something its people have long been doing to simplify transactions. "The cabinet today agreed on a bill to eliminate four zeros from the currency and that 'toman' will be our national currency," government spokesman Ali Rabiei told reporters in Tehran. The value of the Iranian rial has hit low after record low since last year. The currency was trading at about 37,000 to the dollar three years ago, but it slumped to around 180,000 last year. That was after US President Donald Trump announced the United States was unilaterally withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimposing biting sanctions. At the time, long queues were seen outside exchange offices, before the Iranian government took drastic measures by arresting unlicensed dealers and freezing the accounts of speculators. Currently, the rial is trading at around 120,000 to the US dollar on the street, while the official rate is 42,000. This means anyone without a bank card has had to virtually abandon coins and carry around thick wads of banknotes in their purses or wallets just to make everyday purchases. In a bid to simplify transactions, Iranians have long referred to their currency as the toman and chopped off a zero - a unique system that is a source of confusion for foreign visitors. The Iranian government has now acknowledged this with its latest move, which needs to be forwarded to parliament for final approval. "This will make the national currency more effective," said the spokesman Rabiei. "It will be more in line with common practice in society... the rial is not used that much. "Coins will once again come into circulation," he added. The International Monetary Fund has to forecast Iran's economy to shrink by 6.0 per cent this year due to sanctions and rising instability in the Middle East.

Sanctions-hit Iran to cut zeros and rename plunging currency

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735">Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children</a> 
 
The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-up-killing-of-indian-civilian-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-239696">India takes up killing of Indian civilian in ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a> 
 
Rahme Begum, resident of Dassi Baktoor, died after shelling by Pakistani army in Gurez sector of North Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">Iran to cut nuke deal commitments if Europe doesn't protect from US sanctions</a> 
 
Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-curb-plastic-pollution-pepsi-and-coca-cola-sever-ties-with-plastics-industry-association-239706">Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association</a>&nbsp; 
 
According to American media reports, both the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-likely-to-meet-mike-pompeo-in-bangkok-239751">Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok</a> 
 
Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties. India takes up killing of Indian civilian in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rahme Begum, resident of Dassi Baktoor, died after shelling by Pakistani army in Gurez sector of North Kashmir. Iran to cut nuke deal commitments if Europe doesn't protect from US sanctions Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions. Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association According to American media reports, both the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable. Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-may-have-downed-two-iranian-drones-last-week-general-238041">tensions between the two countries</a> over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.

Pompeo explained in an interview with Bloomberg he would willingly appear on Iranian television to explain US reasoning behind the sanctions.

"I would welcome the chance to speak directly to the Iranian people... about what it is their leadership has done and how it has harmed Iran," he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions.

The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters.

Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high.

Iran's top diplomat renewed accusations during a visit to the United Nations last week that the US was using the sanctions to wage "economic terrorism."

Iranians are "subjected to the most brutal form of 'economic terrorism' -- deliberately targeting innocent civilians to achieve illegitimate political objectives," said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Pompeo brushed the accusations aside Thursday, saying Zarif was no more in charge of the Iranian government than "the man in the moon."

"At the end of the day, this is driven by the ayatollah," said Pompeo.

Watch:&nbsp;US should provide evidence, says Iran Ministry

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-ministry-us-should-provide-evidence-238295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the US goal is to "create as much stability in the Middle East as we could."

"So we broke out of the deal, we stopped giving them money, we put pressure on the Iranian regime, and we're forcing them to make tough decisions about how they're going to behave," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We want change in behaviour from the Iranian leadership so that the Iranian people can ultimately get what it is they deserve."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. Pompeo explained in an interview with Bloomberg he would willingly appear on Iranian television to explain US reasoning behind the sanctions. "I would welcome the chance to speak directly to the Iranian people... about what it is their leadership has done and how it has harmed Iran," he said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions. The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters. Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high. Iran's top diplomat renewed accusations during a visit to the United Nations last week that the US was using the sanctions to wage "economic terrorism." Iranians are "subjected to the most brutal form of 'economic terrorism' -- deliberately targeting innocent civilians to achieve illegitimate political objectives," said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Pompeo brushed the accusations aside Thursday, saying Zarif was no more in charge of the Iranian government than "the man in the moon." "At the end of the day, this is driven by the ayatollah," said Pompeo. Watch: US should provide evidence, says Iran Ministry He said the US goal is to "create as much stability in the Middle East as we could." "So we broke out of the deal, we stopped giving them money, we put pressure on the Iranian regime, and we're forcing them to make tough decisions about how they're going to behave," Pompeo said. "We want change in behaviour from the Iranian leadership so that the Iranian people can ultimately get what it is they deserve."

Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo

The United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-pleased-to-see-un-designating-jem-chief-masood-azhar-a-global-terrorist-mike-pompeo-230658">US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> said in a speech on Monday.

"We've said that we will sanction any sanctionable behaviour, and we mean it," Pompeo said in a speech in Florida in which he announced the move.

It comes amid increased tensions between Iran and the West as well as between the United States and China, which have been engaged in a major trade war.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up its sanctions against Iran after breaking from a nuclear pact brokered between Tehran and other Western nations under the previous administration of President Barack Obama.

In a later statement, Pompeo said Zhuhai Zhenrong "knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase or acquisition of crude oil from Iran" after the expiration of a US sanctions waiver covering China on May 2.

He said the sanctions blocked all property and interests in property of Zhuhai Zhenrong in the United States and barred its chief executive, Youmin Li, from entry into the country.

"Any entity considering evading our sanctions should take notice of this action today," Pompeo said. "It underscores our commitment to enforcement and to holding the Iranian regime accountable."

China's embassy in Washington rejected the US stance.

"China firmly opposes the US imposition of unilateral sanctions and so-called 'long-arm jurisdiction' on China and other countries invoking its domestic law," a spokesperson said by email.

"We urge the US to immediately correct its wrongdoing and earnestly respect other parties' legal rights and interests."Zhuhai Zhenrong, which specializes mainly in buying Iranian oil and is based in Beijing, was previously sanctioned in 2012 by the Obama administration over its dealings with Iran.

The company became a subsidiary of Macau-based, state-controlled conglomerate Nam Kwong Group in a merger mandated by Beijing in late 2015.

In a brief statement on its website on Tuesday, Nam Kwong said Zhuhai Zhenrong had been "officially spun off" since Sept. 30, 2018. Nam Kwong had "no equity ties, or any business or legal relations" with the oil trader, it said.

A Nam Kwong spokesman declined to comment further.

Analysts at ClearView Energy Partners said Zhuhai Zhenrong is largely disconnected from the Chinese financial system, which would limit the "contagion" of the sanctions to other entities and banking systems. But they said Washington's move was another shot across the bow to demonstrate the Trump administration's stance on Iran.

"We see the shot as being aimed just at China, but also at other potential buyers," such as Turkey and possibly Russia, which could serve as a middleman for brokering oil from Iran to other countries, ClearView said.

The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of the 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and six world powers.

Last month, the US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said Washington would sanction any country that continued to import Iranian oil and warned that it would look at reports of Iranian crude going to China.

According to data from government and trade sources, Asia's crude oil imports from Iran fell in May to the lowest in at least five years after China and India wound down purchases amid US sanctions, while Japan and South Korea halted imports.

The United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a speech on Monday.

The United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a speech on Monday. "We've said that we will sanction any sanctionable behaviour, and we mean it," Pompeo said in a speech in Florida in which he announced the move. It comes amid increased tensions between Iran and the West as well as between the United States and China, which have been engaged in a major trade war. US President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up its sanctions against Iran after breaking from a nuclear pact brokered between Tehran and other Western nations under the previous administration of President Barack Obama. In a later statement, Pompeo said Zhuhai Zhenrong "knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase or acquisition of crude oil from Iran" after the expiration of a US sanctions waiver covering China on May 2. He said the sanctions blocked all property and interests in property of Zhuhai Zhenrong in the United States and barred its chief executive, Youmin Li, from entry into the country. "Any entity considering evading our sanctions should take notice of this action today," Pompeo said. "It underscores our commitment to enforcement and to holding the Iranian regime accountable." China's embassy in Washington rejected the US stance. "China firmly opposes the US imposition of unilateral sanctions and so-called 'long-arm jurisdiction' on China and other countries invoking its domestic law," a spokesperson said by email. "We urge the US to immediately correct its wrongdoing and earnestly respect other parties' legal rights and interests."Zhuhai Zhenrong, which specializes mainly in buying Iranian oil and is based in Beijing, was previously sanctioned in 2012 by the Obama administration over its dealings with Iran. The company became a subsidiary of Macau-based, state-controlled conglomerate Nam Kwong Group in a merger mandated by Beijing in late 2015. In a brief statement on its website on Tuesday, Nam Kwong said Zhuhai Zhenrong had been "officially spun off" since Sept. 30, 2018. Nam Kwong had "no equity ties, or any business or legal relations" with the oil trader, it said. A Nam Kwong spokesman declined to comment further. Analysts at ClearView Energy Partners said Zhuhai Zhenrong is largely disconnected from the Chinese financial system, which would limit the "contagion" of the sanctions to other entities and banking systems. But they said Washington's move was another shot across the bow to demonstrate the Trump administration's stance on Iran. "We see the shot as being aimed just at China, but also at other potential buyers," such as Turkey and possibly Russia, which could serve as a middleman for brokering oil from Iran to other countries, ClearView said. The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of the 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and six world powers. Last month, the US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said Washington would sanction any country that continued to import Iranian oil and warned that it would look at reports of Iranian crude going to China. According to data from government and trade sources, Asia's crude oil imports from Iran fell in May to the lowest in at least five years after China and India wound down purchases amid US sanctions, while Japan and South Korea halted imports.

US sanctions Chinese oil buyer over alleged Iran violations

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an international network of companies and their agents it said were involved in the procurement of materials for Iran's nuclear programme.

They are the first punitive steps by Washington since Tehran announced earlier this month it would increase its levels of enriched uranium that can be used for bomb fuel.

Tehran announced on July 1 that it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, marking its first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States withdrew more than a year ago.

"Treasury is taking action to shut down an Iranian nuclear procurement network that leverages Chinese- and Belgium-based front companies to acquire critical nuclear materials and benefit the regime's malign ambitions," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"Iran cannot claim benign intent on the world stage while it purchases and stockpiled products for centrifuges," he added.

The US&nbsp;Treasury said the companies acted as a procurement network for Iran's Centrifuge Technology Company, or TESA, which plays a pivotal in Iran's uranium enrichment nuclear programme through the production of centrifuges used in facilities belonging to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

The blacklist includes Mohammad Fakhrzadeh, a commercial director for TESA. The US&nbsp;Treasury accused him of coordinating the purchase of "various Chinese aluminium goods that are associated with Iranian centrifuge components."

Bakhtar Raad Sepahan, an Iranian firm with a Belgium unit, TAWU BVBA, is accused of facilitating deals for the purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of Chinese-origin aluminium products and their shipment from China to Iran on behalf of TESA.

Also blacklisted is TAWU BVBA's managing director, Sohayl Talebi, who the US&nbsp;Treasury said had an extensive background in metallurgical engineering.

It said China-based Henan Jiayuan Aluminium Industry was contracted to sell aluminium goods worth more than $500,000, including NSG-controlled items, to TAWU BVBA for use by TESA.

The U.S. Treasury also sanctioned Iran-heaquartered Sabz Co, accusing it of sales to TESA of alloy parts worth tens of thousands of dollars. It clinched deals with Chinese companies to purchase metal materials for end-use by TESA, the Treasury added.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an international network of companies and their agents it said were involved in the procurement of materials for Iran's nuclear programme.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an international network of companies and their agents it said were involved in the procurement of materials for Iran's nuclear programme. They are the first punitive steps by Washington since Tehran announced earlier this month it would increase its levels of enriched uranium that can be used for bomb fuel. Tehran announced on July 1 that it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, marking its first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States withdrew more than a year ago. "Treasury is taking action to shut down an Iranian nuclear procurement network that leverages Chinese- and Belgium-based front companies to acquire critical nuclear materials and benefit the regime's malign ambitions," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "Iran cannot claim benign intent on the world stage while it purchases and stockpiled products for centrifuges," he added. The US Treasury said the companies acted as a procurement network for Iran's Centrifuge Technology Company, or TESA, which plays a pivotal in Iran's uranium enrichment nuclear programme through the production of centrifuges used in facilities belonging to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The blacklist includes Mohammad Fakhrzadeh, a commercial director for TESA. The US Treasury accused him of coordinating the purchase of "various Chinese aluminium goods that are associated with Iranian centrifuge components." Bakhtar Raad Sepahan, an Iranian firm with a Belgium unit, TAWU BVBA, is accused of facilitating deals for the purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of Chinese-origin aluminium products and their shipment from China to Iran on behalf of TESA. Also blacklisted is TAWU BVBA's managing director, Sohayl Talebi, who the US Treasury said had an extensive background in metallurgical engineering. It said China-based Henan Jiayuan Aluminium Industry was contracted to sell aluminium goods worth more than $500,000, including NSG-controlled items, to TAWU BVBA for use by TESA. The U.S. Treasury also sanctioned Iran-heaquartered Sabz Co, accusing it of sales to TESA of alloy parts worth tens of thousands of dollars. It clinched deals with Chinese companies to purchase metal materials for end-use by TESA, the Treasury added.

US sanctions network selling materials for Iran nuclear programme

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders and their families from entering the United States in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

Lee said a travel ban was not enough and called for the commanders'&nbsp;assets to be frozen.&nbsp;

"They were never going to travel to the US ... let's be realistic," she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

A US State Department spokeswoman defended the actions taken against members of Myanmar's military and called on others to do the same.

"We remain focussed on actions that will change the behaviour of the Burmese military, hold those responsible for atrocities and other abuses to account, provide justice to victims, and support democracy and prosperity in Burma," the spokeswoman said.

Lee said the sanctions - applied, in addition to Min Aung Hlaing, to his deputy Soe Win and brigadier generals Than Oo and Aung Aung - should be extended to two more military leaders identified in UN investigators report in 2018.&nbsp;

The report, compiled by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, had called for the six generals to be tried for genocide.

A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to UN figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent."&nbsp; 
Myanmar denies the charge.&nbsp;

The US State Department so far has stopped short of calling the abuses genocide. Such a declaration could require Washington to impose stronger sanctions on Myanmar, where the United States has competed for influence with China.

At a separate news briefing in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, the International Criminal Court (ICC) deputy prosecutor James Stewart said Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda earlier this month sought permission from the ICC judges to open an investigation into alleged crimes committed against the Rohingya.

"The outcome of this request is still pending and is before the court`s judges," said Stewart, adding that he was visiting Bangladesh as part of a delegation from the Hague-based ICC to explain the judicial process to the government and other parties.

Bensouda said last month she would ask ICC judges for permission to investigate crimes that had "at least one element" in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a member of the ICC, but Myanmar is not.

The UN's Lee, speaking in Kuala Lumpur, said reports from Myanmar in recent weeks suggested that human rights violations and abuses committed by the army and insurgents against civilian populations may be getting worse.&nbsp;

Last month, Lee said the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Rakhine and Chin states. 
On Thursday, Lee said the blackout had left many villages unprepared for severe monsoon floods in the area and has hampered disaster relief and humanitarian responses to the floods. 
&nbsp;

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday. The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders and their families from entering the United States in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Lee said a travel ban was not enough and called for the commanders' assets to be frozen. "They were never going to travel to the US ... let's be realistic," she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur. A US State Department spokeswoman defended the actions taken against members of Myanmar's military and called on others to do the same. "We remain focussed on actions that will change the behaviour of the Burmese military, hold those responsible for atrocities and other abuses to account, provide justice to victims, and support democracy and prosperity in Burma," the spokeswoman said. Lee said the sanctions - applied, in addition to Min Aung Hlaing, to his deputy Soe Win and brigadier generals Than Oo and Aung Aung - should be extended to two more military leaders identified in UN investigators report in 2018. The report, compiled by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, had called for the six generals to be tried for genocide. A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to UN figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." Myanmar denies the charge. The US State Department so far has stopped short of calling the abuses genocide. Such a declaration could require Washington to impose stronger sanctions on Myanmar, where the United States has competed for influence with China. At a separate news briefing in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, the International Criminal Court (ICC) deputy prosecutor James Stewart said Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda earlier this month sought permission from the ICC judges to open an investigation into alleged crimes committed against the Rohingya. "The outcome of this request is still pending and is before the court`s judges," said Stewart, adding that he was visiting Bangladesh as part of a delegation from the Hague-based ICC to explain the judicial process to the government and other parties. Bensouda said last month she would ask ICC judges for permission to investigate crimes that had "at least one element" in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a member of the ICC, but Myanmar is not. The UN's Lee, speaking in Kuala Lumpur, said reports from Myanmar in recent weeks suggested that human rights violations and abuses committed by the army and insurgents against civilian populations may be getting worse. Last month, Lee said the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Rakhine and Chin states. On Thursday, Lee said the blackout had left many villages unprepared for severe monsoon floods in the area and has hampered disaster relief and humanitarian responses to the floods.

Travel ban on Myanmar military leaders not enough; UN investigator calls for assets freeze

The hijab debate has further polarized Iranians at a time when the country is buckling under unprecedented US sanctions imposed since the Trump administration pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year. It's unclear to what extent the government can enforce hijab compliance amid an economic malaise, including a currency collapse and rising housing prices. Watch this video to know more.

In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public

Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration says it is open to negotiations with Iran on a more far-reaching agreement on nuclear and security issues. But Iran has made any talks conditional on first being able to export as much oil as it did before the United States withdrew from the nuclear pact with world powers in May 2018.

Rouhani: Iran ready to talk to US if sanctions lifted

Russia began delivery of an advanced missile defence system to Turkey on Friday, a move expected to trigger US sanctions against a NATO ally and drive a wedge into the heart of the Western military alliance. The first parts of the S-400 air defence system were flown to a military air base near the capital Ankara, the Turkish Defence Ministry said, sealing Turkey's deal with Russia which Washington had struggled for months to prevent.

Parts of S-400 missile system unloaded at Turkish air base

All Iran's nuclear activities are monitored by the UN&nbsp;atomic watchdog policing its nuclear deal with major powers, its ambassador to the watchdog said on Wednesday, after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said it was secretly enriching uranium.

"We have nothing to hide," Kazim Gharib Abadi told reporters after an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) 35-nation Board of Governors called by the United States.

In the past two weeks Iran has breached two limits central to the deal, which aimed to extended the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, if it chose to, to a year from around 2-3 months.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran on Wednesday of secretly enriching uranium for a long time and said US&nbsp;sanctions would be increased "substantially" soon, as the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog held an emergency meeting on Tehran's breach of a nuclear deal.

Washington used the session of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors to accuse Iran of extortion after it inched past the deal's limit on enrichment levels, while still offering to hold talks with Tehran.

Iran says it is reacting to harsh U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Tehran since Trump pulled out of world powers' 2015 nuclear accord with the Islamic Republic last year, and says all its steps were reversible if Washington returned to the deal.

"Iran has long been secretly 'enriching,' in total violation of the terrible 150 Billion Dollar deal made by John Kerry and the Obama Administration," Trump said on Twitter.

"Remember, that deal was to expire in a short number of years. Sanctions will soon be increased, substantially!"

All Iran's nuclear activities are monitored by the UN atomic watchdog policing its nuclear deal with major powers, its ambassador to the watchdog said on Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump said it was secretly enriching uranium.

All Iran's nuclear activities are monitored by the UN atomic watchdog policing its nuclear deal with major powers, its ambassador to the watchdog said on Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump said it was secretly enriching uranium. "We have nothing to hide," Kazim Gharib Abadi told reporters after an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) 35-nation Board of Governors called by the United States. In the past two weeks Iran has breached two limits central to the deal, which aimed to extended the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, if it chose to, to a year from around 2-3 months. US President Donald Trump accused Iran on Wednesday of secretly enriching uranium for a long time and said US sanctions would be increased "substantially" soon, as the UN nuclear watchdog held an emergency meeting on Tehran's breach of a nuclear deal. Washington used the session of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors to accuse Iran of extortion after it inched past the deal's limit on enrichment levels, while still offering to hold talks with Tehran. Iran says it is reacting to harsh U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Tehran since Trump pulled out of world powers' 2015 nuclear accord with the Islamic Republic last year, and says all its steps were reversible if Washington returned to the deal. "Iran has long been secretly 'enriching,' in total violation of the terrible 150 Billion Dollar deal made by John Kerry and the Obama Administration," Trump said on Twitter. "Remember, that deal was to expire in a short number of years. Sanctions will soon be increased, substantially!"

'We have nothing to hide', Iran envoy replies to Trump allegation

US President Donald Trump accused Iran on Wednesday of secretly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">enriching uranium </a>for a long time and warned that US sanctions will be increased soon, as the UN nuclear watchdog held an emergency meeting on Tehran's breach of a nuclear deal.

"Iran has long been secretly 'enriching,' in total violation of the terrible 150 Billion Dollar deal made by John Kerry and the Obama Administration. Remember, that deal was to expire in a short number of years. Sanctions will soon be increased, substantially!" Trump said on Twitter.

The United States used an emergency meeting of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency's board on Wednesday to pressure Iran over breaches of the 2015 international nuclear deal, accusing it of extortion and pledging to continue sanctions while still offering to hold talks.

In the past two weeks Iran has breached two limits central to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-putting-additional-sanctions-on-iran-says-trump-military-action-still-on-table-229601">2015 nuclear deal</a>, which aimed to extended the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon. President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran’s measures were within the framework of the deal, which Trump pulled the United States out of last year.

Washington, meanwhile, is set on isolating Iran to force it to negotiate over the nuclear pact, its missile program and its actions in the region.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran on Wednesday of secretly enriching uranium for a long time and warned that US sanctions will be increased soon, as the UN nuclear watchdog held an emergency meeting on Tehran's breach of a nuclear deal.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran on Wednesday of secretly enriching uranium for a long time and warned that US sanctions will be increased soon, as the UN nuclear watchdog held an emergency meeting on Tehran's breach of a nuclear deal. "Iran has long been secretly 'enriching,' in total violation of the terrible 150 Billion Dollar deal made by John Kerry and the Obama Administration. Remember, that deal was to expire in a short number of years. Sanctions will soon be increased, substantially!" Trump said on Twitter. The United States used an emergency meeting of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency's board on Wednesday to pressure Iran over breaches of the 2015 international nuclear deal, accusing it of extortion and pledging to continue sanctions while still offering to hold talks. In the past two weeks Iran has breached two limits central to the 2015 nuclear deal, which aimed to extended the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon. President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran’s measures were within the framework of the deal, which Trump pulled the United States out of last year. Washington, meanwhile, is set on isolating Iran to force it to negotiate over the nuclear pact, its missile program and its actions in the region.

Sanctions on Iran 'will soon be increased, substantially', says US President Trump

After Britain, Germany has reacted with alarm Sunday to Iran's announcement that it would enrich uranium beyond levels allowed in its 2015 nuclear deal, just over a year after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact.

"We strongly urge Iran to stop and reverse all activities inconsistent with its commitments," a German foreign office spokesman was quoted as saying, naming production of larger quantities of low-enriched uranium as well as enrichment to higher levels than allowed.

"We are in contact with the other JCPoA participants regarding the next steps," Berlin added, referring to the 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers including Russia, Germany, Britain and France.

Iran made the threat earlier Sunday to breach the pact by starting uranium enrichment above the agreed limit unless a solution with the global signatories can be found in the next two months.

The move comes after the United States quit the deal last year and began to reimpose sanctions against the Islamic Republic, urging European allies to follow suit.

China, France, Germany and Russia are the other parties in the deal.

(With AFP inputs)

After Britain, Germany has reacted with alarm Sunday to Iran's announcement that it would enrich uranium beyond levels allowed in its 2015 nuclear deal, just over a year after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact.

After Britain, Germany has reacted with alarm Sunday to Iran's announcement that it would enrich uranium beyond levels allowed in its 2015 nuclear deal, just over a year after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact. "We strongly urge Iran to stop and reverse all activities inconsistent with its commitments," a German foreign office spokesman was quoted as saying, naming production of larger quantities of low-enriched uranium as well as enrichment to higher levels than allowed. "We are in contact with the other JCPoA participants regarding the next steps," Berlin added, referring to the 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers including Russia, Germany, Britain and France. Iran made the threat earlier Sunday to breach the pact by starting uranium enrichment above the agreed limit unless a solution with the global signatories can be found in the next two months. The move comes after the United States quit the deal last year and began to reimpose sanctions against the Islamic Republic, urging European allies to follow suit. China, France, Germany and Russia are the other parties in the deal. (With AFP inputs)

After Britain, Germany 'strongly urges' Iran to halt uranium enrichment

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called an announcement Iran that it would breach the uranium enrichment cap set by an endangered nuclear deal a "very dangerous step", reported news agency AFP.

"This measure is a very dangerous step, and I call on my friends, leaders of France, Britain, Germany: You signed the deal and said the moment they'd take this measure, harsh sanctions would be imposed,"&nbsp;Netanyahu was quoted as saying at the start of a cabinet meeting.

Iran said Sunday it was set to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal within hours as it seeks to press signatories into keeping their side of the bargain.

The Islamic republic also threatened to abandon more commitments unless a solution is found with parties to Obama era agreement.

Netanyahu repeatedly expressed opposition to the deal and urged US President Trump to withdraw from it, which he eventually did.

Despite having opposed the deal, Netanyahu is now calling on European nations to enforce its parameters as he and the United States seek to further pressure Iran.

(With AFP inputs)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called an announcement Iran that it would breach the uranium enrichment cap set by an endangered nuclear deal a "very dangerous step", reported news agency AFP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called an announcement Iran that it would breach the uranium enrichment cap set by an endangered nuclear deal a "very dangerous step", reported news agency AFP. "This measure is a very dangerous step, and I call on my friends, leaders of France, Britain, Germany: You signed the deal and said the moment they'd take this measure, harsh sanctions would be imposed," Netanyahu was quoted as saying at the start of a cabinet meeting. Iran said Sunday it was set to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal within hours as it seeks to press signatories into keeping their side of the bargain. The Islamic republic also threatened to abandon more commitments unless a solution is found with parties to Obama era agreement. Netanyahu repeatedly expressed opposition to the deal and urged US President Trump to withdraw from it, which he eventually did. Despite having opposed the deal, Netanyahu is now calling on European nations to enforce its parameters as he and the United States seek to further pressure Iran. (With AFP inputs)

Netanyahu calls Iran plan to breach uranium cap 'dangerous step'

Iran said on Sunday it is fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount, in further defiance of US efforts to squeeze the country with sanctions and force it to renegotiate a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

In a news conference broadcast live, senior Iranian officials said Tehran would keep reducing its commitments every 60 days unless signatories of the pact moved to protect it from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-begin-enriching-uranium-beyond-367-in-a-few-hours-official-233732">US sanctions</a>.

"In a few hours the technical process will come to an end and the enrichment beyond 3.67% will begin," said Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation. &nbsp;

"And tomorrow early in the morning, when the IAEA (UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog) takes the sample we would have gone beyond 3.67%."

Under the pact, Iran can enrich uranium to 3.67% fissile material, well below the 20% it was reaching before the deal and the roughly 90% suitable for a nuclear weapon.

Kamalvandi said Iran would enrich uranium for use in fuelling its Bushehr power plant, to the level of 5%, confirming what Reuters reported on Saturday.

"We are fully prepared to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-announce-more-cuts-to-nuclear-deal-commitments-on-sunday-report-233659">enrich uranium</a> at any level and with any amount," he said.

Iran shows no sign of caving in to pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a confrontation that has taken on a military dimension, with Washington blaming Tehran for attacks on oil tankers, and Iran shooting down a US drone, prompting aborted US air strikes.

Long-tense relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse in May 2018 when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal reached before he took office, and reimposed sanctions.

Trump argues that the deal is too weak because some of its terms are not permanent, and because it does not cover non-nuclear issues such as Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional aspirations.

Tehran pressures European powers&nbsp;

Iran's announcement challenging Washington is a test of European diplomacy. The Europeans, who opposed last year’s decision by Trump to abandon the agreement, had pleaded with Iran to keep within its parameters.

Tehran has expressed frustration over what it says is the failure of European parties to the agreement to salvage the pact by protecting Iran's economic interests from US&nbsp;sanctions.

"European countries have failed to uphold their commitments and they are also responsible," Abbas Araqchi, Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, told the news conference in Tehran.

"The doors of diplomacy are open but what matters are new initiatives which are required."

In a sign of heightening Western concern, French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had agreed to seek conditions for a resumption of dialogue on the Iranian nuclear question by July 15.

Under the 2015 deal between Iran and six powers, most international sanctions against Tehran were lifted in return for limitations on its nuclear work.

Those restrictions were aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly two to three months.

Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, such as power generation, and not to make bombs.

Iran's main demand - in talks with the European parties to the deal and as a precondition to any talks with the United States - is to be allowed to sell its oil at the levels before Washington pulled out of the agreement and restored sanctions.

Iranian crude exports were around 300,000 barrels per day or less in late June, industry sources said, a fraction of the more than 2.5 million bpd Iran shipped in April 2018, the month before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal.

Israel's energy minister described as moderate on Sunday the announced increase of Iranian uranium enrichment but accused Tehran of breaking internationally agreed limitations on its nuclear projects and moving towards a potential bomb.

"It means ... that it is brushing off the red lines that were agreed (and) that it has begun its march, a march that is not simple, towards nuclear weaponry," Yuval Steinitz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Israel's Ynet TV.

Iran said on Sunday it is fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount, in further defiance of US efforts to squeeze the country with sanctions and force it to renegotiate a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Iran said on Sunday it is fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount, in further defiance of US efforts to squeeze the country with sanctions and force it to renegotiate a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In a news conference broadcast live, senior Iranian officials said Tehran would keep reducing its commitments every 60 days unless signatories of the pact moved to protect it from US sanctions. "In a few hours the technical process will come to an end and the enrichment beyond 3.67% will begin," said Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation. "And tomorrow early in the morning, when the IAEA (UN nuclear watchdog) takes the sample we would have gone beyond 3.67%." Under the pact, Iran can enrich uranium to 3.67% fissile material, well below the 20% it was reaching before the deal and the roughly 90% suitable for a nuclear weapon. Kamalvandi said Iran would enrich uranium for use in fuelling its Bushehr power plant, to the level of 5%, confirming what Reuters reported on Saturday. "We are fully prepared to enrich uranium at any level and with any amount," he said. Iran shows no sign of caving in to pressure from US President Donald Trump in a confrontation that has taken on a military dimension, with Washington blaming Tehran for attacks on oil tankers, and Iran shooting down a US drone, prompting aborted US air strikes. Long-tense relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse in May 2018 when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal reached before he took office, and reimposed sanctions. Trump argues that the deal is too weak because some of its terms are not permanent, and because it does not cover non-nuclear issues such as Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional aspirations. Tehran pressures European powers Iran's announcement challenging Washington is a test of European diplomacy. The Europeans, who opposed last year’s decision by Trump to abandon the agreement, had pleaded with Iran to keep within its parameters. Tehran has expressed frustration over what it says is the failure of European parties to the agreement to salvage the pact by protecting Iran's economic interests from US sanctions. "European countries have failed to uphold their commitments and they are also responsible," Abbas Araqchi, Iran's senior nuclear negotiator, told the news conference in Tehran. "The doors of diplomacy are open but what matters are new initiatives which are required." In a sign of heightening Western concern, French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had agreed to seek conditions for a resumption of dialogue on the Iranian nuclear question by July 15. Under the 2015 deal between Iran and six powers, most international sanctions against Tehran were lifted in return for limitations on its nuclear work. Those restrictions were aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly two to three months. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, such as power generation, and not to make bombs. Iran's main demand - in talks with the European parties to the deal and as a precondition to any talks with the United States - is to be allowed to sell its oil at the levels before Washington pulled out of the agreement and restored sanctions. Iranian crude exports were around 300,000 barrels per day or less in late June, industry sources said, a fraction of the more than 2.5 million bpd Iran shipped in April 2018, the month before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal. Israel's energy minister described as moderate on Sunday the announced increase of Iranian uranium enrichment but accused Tehran of breaking internationally agreed limitations on its nuclear projects and moving towards a potential bomb. "It means ... that it is brushing off the red lines that were agreed (and) that it has begun its march, a march that is not simple, towards nuclear weaponry," Yuval Steinitz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Israel's Ynet TV.

Iran says it will enrich uranium 'at any level', challenging US

Iran's senior nuclear negotiator will announce more cuts in its commitments to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdogs-board-to-meet-on-iran-at-request-of-us-233425">2015 nuclear deal</a> on Sunday, a semi-official news agency reported, amid Iranian accusations that Tehran's European partners have failed to shield it from US sanctions.

Other officials will join the top negotiator, Abbas Araqchi, in making the announcement at a news conference at 10:30 a.m. (0600 GMT), the Fars news agency reported.

Tension has spiked between Tehran and Washington since last year, when Trump quit a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran curbing its sensitive nuclear work.

Watch: US&nbsp;calls for IAEA emergency meet

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Under the deal, Iran can enrich uranium to 3.67 per cent fissile material, well below the 20 per cent it was reaching before the deal and the roughly 90 per cent suitable for a nuclear weapon.

In reaction to US&nbsp;sanctions, which have notably targeted its main foreign revenue stream in the shape of <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/iran-threatens-british-shipping-in-retaliation-for-tanker-seizure-233404">crude oil exports</a>, Iran said in May that it would scale back its commitments to the deal after a 60-day deadline.

Separately, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Iranian officials were unanimous in raising the level of uranium enrichment beyond the 3.67% set in the nuclear accord, in remarks posted on Khamenei's official website.

"For example, we need uranium enriched to 5% for use in the Bushehr (power plant) and this is a completely peaceful purpose," Velayati said, hinting that this might be the first step Iran might take in raising the enrichment level.

Iran's senior nuclear negotiator will announce more cuts in its commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal on Sunday, a semi-official news agency reported, amid Iranian accusations that Tehran's European partners have failed to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran's senior nuclear negotiator will announce more cuts in its commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal on Sunday, a semi-official news agency reported, amid Iranian accusations that Tehran's European partners have failed to shield it from US sanctions. Other officials will join the top negotiator, Abbas Araqchi, in making the announcement at a news conference at 10:30 a.m. (0600 GMT), the Fars news agency reported. Tension has spiked between Tehran and Washington since last year, when Trump quit a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran curbing its sensitive nuclear work. Watch: US calls for IAEA emergency meet × Under the deal, Iran can enrich uranium to 3.67 per cent fissile material, well below the 20 per cent it was reaching before the deal and the roughly 90 per cent suitable for a nuclear weapon. In reaction to US sanctions, which have notably targeted its main foreign revenue stream in the shape of crude oil exports, Iran said in May that it would scale back its commitments to the deal after a 60-day deadline. Separately, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Iranian officials were unanimous in raising the level of uranium enrichment beyond the 3.67% set in the nuclear accord, in remarks posted on Khamenei's official website. "For example, we need uranium enriched to 5% for use in the Bushehr (power plant) and this is a completely peaceful purpose," Velayati said, hinting that this might be the first step Iran might take in raising the enrichment level.

Iran to announce more cuts to nuclear deal commitments on Sunday: Report

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a day after he said there would be no US sanctions over the deal.

Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, have been at odds over Ankara's decision to purchase the S-400s, with Washington warning of US sanctions if the delivery took place. Turkey has dismissed the warnings, saying it would not back down.

The United States says the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-no-setback-in-missile-deal-with-russia-as-trump-voices-sympathy-231492">S-400s will compromise its Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets</a>, of which Turkey is a producer and buyer. Washington has also formally started the process of expelling Turkey from the F-35 programme, halting the training of Turkish pilots in the United States.

But on Saturday, Erdogan said US President Donald Trump had told him there would be no sanctions over the Russian deal, after Trump said Turkey had been treated unfairly over the move.

The White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance."

Speaking to reporters after the G20 summit in Japan, where he held bilateral talks with Trump, Erdogan said he believed the dispute over the S-400s would be overcome "without a problem" and added that his US counterpart supported Turkey in the dispute.

"In our phone calls, when we come together bilaterally, Mr Trump has not said so far: 'We will impose these sanctions.' On the S-400s, he said to me: 'You are right.' We carried this issue to a very advanced level," Erdogan said, according to NTV.

"At this advanced level, Trump said: 'This is injustice'. This is very important. I believe that we will overcome this process without any problems," Erdogan added.

He said the two leaders had agreed to delegate officials to follow the issue. He also said Turkish and US&nbsp;foreign and defence ministers would "open the doors" to resolving the matter.

In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with Raytheon Co Patriot missiles.

Erdogan was quoted by NTV as saying: "One S-400 is worth three Patriots. If the conditions are even equal to the S-400 (deal), we would buy Patriots, but if they are not, then we have to think of our interests,"

Erdogan also said that he hoped the issue of Turkish lender Halkbank, which faces US&nbsp;Treasury sanctions over an Iran sanctions-busting case that has further strained ties between the allies, would be resolved soon, NTV said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a day after he said there would be no US sanctions over the deal.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a day after he said there would be no US sanctions over the deal. Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, have been at odds over Ankara's decision to purchase the S-400s, with Washington warning of US sanctions if the delivery took place. Turkey has dismissed the warnings, saying it would not back down. The United States says the S-400s will compromise its Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets, of which Turkey is a producer and buyer. Washington has also formally started the process of expelling Turkey from the F-35 programme, halting the training of Turkish pilots in the United States. But on Saturday, Erdogan said US President Donald Trump had told him there would be no sanctions over the Russian deal, after Trump said Turkey had been treated unfairly over the move. The White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance." Speaking to reporters after the G20 summit in Japan, where he held bilateral talks with Trump, Erdogan said he believed the dispute over the S-400s would be overcome "without a problem" and added that his US counterpart supported Turkey in the dispute. "In our phone calls, when we come together bilaterally, Mr Trump has not said so far: 'We will impose these sanctions.' On the S-400s, he said to me: 'You are right.' We carried this issue to a very advanced level," Erdogan said, according to NTV. "At this advanced level, Trump said: 'This is injustice'. This is very important. I believe that we will overcome this process without any problems," Erdogan added. He said the two leaders had agreed to delegate officials to follow the issue. He also said Turkish and US foreign and defence ministers would "open the doors" to resolving the matter. In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with Raytheon Co Patriot missiles. Erdogan was quoted by NTV as saying: "One S-400 is worth three Patriots. If the conditions are even equal to the S-400 (deal), we would buy Patriots, but if they are not, then we have to think of our interests," Erdogan also said that he hoped the issue of Turkish lender Halkbank, which faces US Treasury sanctions over an Iran sanctions-busting case that has further strained ties between the allies, would be resolved soon, NTV said.

First delivery of Russian S-400 missile defence system within 10 days: Erdogan

India Is In A Particularly Precarious Situation Due To The Worsening Of U.S.-Iran Ties India urges the U.S. to ensure that global energy supplies remain predictable. Now the crisis between the U.S and Iran can have a huge impact on Indian economy, afterall India imports nearly 85% of its oil needs. So what can India do? Palki takes a lot at the options available at the disposal of Indian government

Gravitas: The Iran impasse - What can India do?

WION EXCLUSIVE: In conversation with | Pramit Pal Chaudhuri | Senior journalist. Watch video to know more.

WION EXCLUSIVE: In conversation with | Pramit Pal Chaudhuri | Senior journalist

The recent US extension of sanctions against North Korea was an act of hostility and an outright challenge to a historic summit between the two countries in Singapore last year, a spokesman for Pyongyang's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The White House last week extended six executive orders containing sanctions imposed over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes by one year.

The unidentified North Korean foreign ministry spokesman denounced US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's remarks on Sunday that more than 80 per cent of the North Korean economy has been affected by sanctions.

The spokesman also accused Washington of "viciously slandering" Pyongyang in its latest reports on human trafficking and religious freedom around the world.

"This is ... a manifestation of the most extreme hostile acts by the United States," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the North's official KCNA news agency.

"All these speak clearly to the fact that the wild dream of the United States to bring us to our knees by means of sanctions and pressure has not changed at all but grows even more undisguised," he added.

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held their first, groundbreaking summit in Singapore in June last year, agreeing to foster new relations and work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

But a second summit in Vietnam in February collapsed as both sides failed to bridge differences between US calls for denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Since then, North Korea has complained of US sanctions and demanded Pompeo be replaced by someone "more mature", while lauding the rapport Kim built with Trump.

Pompeo, speaking to reporters on Sunday, raised hopes for a revival of nuclear talks after a recent exchange of letters between Trump and Kim.

The North Korean spokesman warned it would be difficult to achieve denuclearisation as long as US politics are dominated by policymakers who have an "inveterate antagonism" towards North Korea.

"We would not thirst for a lifting of sanctions," the spokesman said.

"Our state is not a country that will surrender to the US sanctions, nor are we a country which the US could attack whenever it desires to do so," he added.

The recent US extension of sanctions against North Korea was an act of hostility and an outright challenge to a historic summit between the two countries in Singapore last year, a spokesman for Pyongyang's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The recent US extension of sanctions against North Korea was an act of hostility and an outright challenge to a historic summit between the two countries in Singapore last year, a spokesman for Pyongyang's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The White House last week extended six executive orders containing sanctions imposed over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes by one year. The unidentified North Korean foreign ministry spokesman denounced US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's remarks on Sunday that more than 80 per cent of the North Korean economy has been affected by sanctions. The spokesman also accused Washington of "viciously slandering" Pyongyang in its latest reports on human trafficking and religious freedom around the world. "This is ... a manifestation of the most extreme hostile acts by the United States," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the North's official KCNA news agency. "All these speak clearly to the fact that the wild dream of the United States to bring us to our knees by means of sanctions and pressure has not changed at all but grows even more undisguised," he added. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held their first, groundbreaking summit in Singapore in June last year, agreeing to foster new relations and work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. But a second summit in Vietnam in February collapsed as both sides failed to bridge differences between US calls for denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Since then, North Korea has complained of US sanctions and demanded Pompeo be replaced by someone "more mature", while lauding the rapport Kim built with Trump. Pompeo, speaking to reporters on Sunday, raised hopes for a revival of nuclear talks after a recent exchange of letters between Trump and Kim. The North Korean spokesman warned it would be difficult to achieve denuclearisation as long as US politics are dominated by policymakers who have an "inveterate antagonism" towards North Korea. "We would not thirst for a lifting of sanctions," the spokesman said. "Our state is not a country that will surrender to the US sanctions, nor are we a country which the US could attack whenever it desires to do so," he added.

North Korea says US extension of sanctions 'a hostile act': Report

In the face of new sanctions levied against Iran, Russia has insisted that it will continue to support the country

Russia backs Iran on US sanctions

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