Mike Pompeo's visit to India comes ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Japan. Watch full video to know more.

Pompeo meets S Jaishankar: India-US joint statement likely at 2 PM

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

Iran calls new US sanctions 'outrageous and idiotic'

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations said on Monday the latest US sanctions against Iran showed that Washington does not respect international law and called for dialogue on regional security. The US decision to impose more sanctions is another indication that the United States "has no respect for international law and order," Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi told reporters at the United Nations.

US doesn't respect international law -Iran's UN envoy

Speaking during a live televised address, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Donald Trump’s White House is “afflicted by mental retardation,” Watch full video to know more.

Donald Trump’s White House Is ‘Afflicted by Mental Retardation’, says Iranian President

The US will impose "major" additional sanctions on Iran in a bid to prevent the country obtaining nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump says.

Trump announces 'major' sanctions amid tensions on Iran

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abe-set-for-mediation-mission-to-iran-224969">Tehran and Washington</a> to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Abe, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-to-meet-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-to-mediate-with-us-report-223544">first Japanese leader to visit Iran</a> since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, landed in Tehran as a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States stokes fear of another military conflict in the crisis-ridden Middle East.

"Japan can help in easing the ongoing tension between Iran and America... As a goodwill gesture, America should either lift the unjust oil sanctions or extend the waivers or suspend them," a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Iranian state TV broadcast live footage of Abe's arrival, saying he will later hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani and on Thursday will meet the Islamic Republic's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On a four-day visit to Japan last month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-beef-aside-trump-and-abe-bond-over-burgers-sumo-and-golf-221840">US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran</a>, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran.

As a US ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States.

"Mr. Abe can be a great mediator to facilitate that (easing of oil sanctions)... Japan has always respected Iran, and Mr. Abe can play a very constructive role to calm the ongoing tension that can harm the (Middle East) region," said another Iranian official, who asked not to be named.

Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Trump cranks up pressure on Iran

Washington, calling the nuclear deal flawed and seeking to push Iran into new negotiations, intensified sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and firms to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system.

It has also dispatched extra armed forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats.

Iran threatened in May that in 60 days it would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions.

European parties of the deal have promised to help Iran find other ways to trade, although with no success so far. All major European companies that had announced plans to invest in Iran have since called them off for fear of US punishment.

"Japan wants to do as much as possible towards peace and stability in the Middle East," Abe said in Tokyo ahead of his departure, according to Iranian TV.

Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will focus on defending its interests, according to state TV.

"During the talks with foreign leaders, Iran's interests and preserving these rights will be our priority," it quoted Rouhani as saying.

To achieve his aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to zero, the Trump administration has revoked waivers since May that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude and has effectively ordered countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit. Abe, the first Japanese leader to visit Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, landed in Tehran as a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States stokes fear of another military conflict in the crisis-ridden Middle East. "Japan can help in easing the ongoing tension between Iran and America... As a goodwill gesture, America should either lift the unjust oil sanctions or extend the waivers or suspend them," a senior Iranian official told Reuters. Iranian state TV broadcast live footage of Abe's arrival, saying he will later hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani and on Thursday will meet the Islamic Republic's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On a four-day visit to Japan last month, US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran. As a US ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States. "Mr. Abe can be a great mediator to facilitate that (easing of oil sanctions)... Japan has always respected Iran, and Mr. Abe can play a very constructive role to calm the ongoing tension that can harm the (Middle East) region," said another Iranian official, who asked not to be named. Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Trump cranks up pressure on Iran Washington, calling the nuclear deal flawed and seeking to push Iran into new negotiations, intensified sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and firms to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system. It has also dispatched extra armed forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats. Iran threatened in May that in 60 days it would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions. European parties of the deal have promised to help Iran find other ways to trade, although with no success so far. All major European companies that had announced plans to invest in Iran have since called them off for fear of US punishment. "Japan wants to do as much as possible towards peace and stability in the Middle East," Abe said in Tokyo ahead of his departure, according to Iranian TV. Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will focus on defending its interests, according to state TV. "During the talks with foreign leaders, Iran's interests and preserving these rights will be our priority," it quoted Rouhani as saying. To achieve his aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to zero, the Trump administration has revoked waivers since May that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude and has effectively ordered countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

Iran to ask Japan's Abe to mediate over US oil sanctions: Officials

U.S. Sanctions Plunged Iran Into Economic Crises U.S. sanctions have hurt Iran's economy hard. Inflation rate is at an all-time high. Iran's oil exports have halved. The economy shrunk by 4%. European Union's efforts to bypass these sanctions have failed spectacularly. Did Iran have any choice other than to retaliate? Has Iran been pushed to the wall by the U.S.? Here's a report

Gravitas: Has Iran been pushed to the wall by the US?

Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei Breaks His Silence On U.S. Ban We did not expect U.S. sanctions to be this serious. We had prepared like an old airplane but did not protect necessary components and so, our revenue will fall by $100 Billion this year, says Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei. Palki interprets the comments

Gravitas: Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei on US sanctions, revenue loss

Iran's foreign minister warned Monday of the consequences of waging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uns-nuclear-watchdog-iaea-worried-about-increasing-tensions-over-iran-nuclear-issue-225958">"economic war" against the Islamic republic</a> through US sanctions, saying those conducting and supporting it could not expect to "remain safe".

"One cannot expect an economic war to continue against the Iranian people and that those waging this war and those supporting it remain safe," Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a joint news conference in Tehran with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-minister-lands-in-iran-in-bid-to-save-nuclear-pact-225867">German counterpart Heiko Maas</a>.

"The only way to decrease tensions in the region is to stop the economic war," he added, noting Germany and the European Union could have an "important role" to play in defusing the situation.

Iran signed a landmark nuclear accord with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States in 2015, leading to sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

But the US administration of President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran and, according to Tehran, waged an "economic war" against it after walking away from the deal.

Germany's visiting foreign minister said his country would do its utmost to ensure tensions do not escalate.

"There is war in Syria and in Yemen, fortunately not here," Maas said. "We want to do everything we can to keep it that way" for Iran.

"Nevertheless, the tensions here in the region are worrying, and we fear that single events can trigger developments that end in violence, and we want to prevent this under all circumstances."

Maas met Zarif in Tehran, and both said they discussed the future of the nuclear pact and regional issues, although their news conference appeared tense and they appeared to agree on little.

"We had a serious, frank and rather long discussion," Zarif said.

Ahead of their meeting, Maas acknowledged the economic benefits Tehran hoped for from the deal were now "more difficult to obtain" but urged Iran to fully respect the deal.

It was in Iran's "political and strategic interest to maintain this agreement and the dialogue with Europe", he said.

'No miracles'

The nuclear deal, Maas said, is "extraordinarily important" for Europe's security and they "have made the greatest effort to meet (their) commitments."

"We will not work miracles. But we are doing all we can to prevent a failure."

But Iran begged to differ.

"What the Europeans must do, and have done has so far, has not satisfied" our interests, foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

The US sanctions reimposed last year targeted crucial parts of Iran's economy, especially the oil and banking sectors.

"The summary of Maas' remarks: we are nothing without America and are not capable of doing anything, do not expect much from us," Abdollah Ganji, the managing director of ultra-conservative Javan daily, wrote mockingly on Telegram after the ministers' meeting.

The oil embargo has hurt Iran's main supply of foreign revenues, while the banking sanctions have scared away foreign investors and made money transfers through official channels nearly impossible for businesses.

Europe tried to respond to the US withdrawal by setting up a special trade mechanism called INSTEX that would allow legitimate trade with Iran to continue without falling foul of US sanctions, but it has yet to become operational.

Iran has given Europe, China and Russia until July "to make their commitments operational".

Otherwise, Tehran said it would stop complying with the nuclear deal's uranium enrichment restrictions and resume building a heavy-water reactor at Arak that was shut down as part of the deal.

Rising tensions

The Gulf has been tense for about a month over increased strain between Iran and the United States on one hand and the Islamic Republic and US allies like Saudi Arabia on the other.

The tensions worsened after the US military announced it was dispatching reinforcements to the Middle East in response to alleged "Iranian threats" as well as the sabotage of four ships at the entrance to the Gulf on May 12.

Washington and Riyadh have accused Tehran of being behind those attacks, a charge it has dismissed as "laughable".

An international investigation found a "state actor" was likely to have been responsible for the attacks.

The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, said Monday it was "worried about increasing tensions" over Iran's nuclear programme.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano also said Iran's "production rate (of uranium) is increasing", although he was unable to give an exact figure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the IAEA's assessment in a statement later, saying his country "will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons that threaten our existence and endanger the entire world".

Iran's foreign minister warned Monday of the consequences of waging "economic war" against the Islamic republic through US sanctions, saying those conducting and supporting it could not expect to "remain safe".

Iran's foreign minister warned Monday of the consequences of waging "economic war" against the Islamic republic through US sanctions, saying those conducting and supporting it could not expect to "remain safe". "One cannot expect an economic war to continue against the Iranian people and that those waging this war and those supporting it remain safe," Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a joint news conference in Tehran with his German counterpart Heiko Maas. "The only way to decrease tensions in the region is to stop the economic war," he added, noting Germany and the European Union could have an "important role" to play in defusing the situation. Iran signed a landmark nuclear accord with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States in 2015, leading to sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the US administration of President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran and, according to Tehran, waged an "economic war" against it after walking away from the deal. Germany's visiting foreign minister said his country would do its utmost to ensure tensions do not escalate. "There is war in Syria and in Yemen, fortunately not here," Maas said. "We want to do everything we can to keep it that way" for Iran. "Nevertheless, the tensions here in the region are worrying, and we fear that single events can trigger developments that end in violence, and we want to prevent this under all circumstances." Maas met Zarif in Tehran, and both said they discussed the future of the nuclear pact and regional issues, although their news conference appeared tense and they appeared to agree on little. "We had a serious, frank and rather long discussion," Zarif said. Ahead of their meeting, Maas acknowledged the economic benefits Tehran hoped for from the deal were now "more difficult to obtain" but urged Iran to fully respect the deal. It was in Iran's "political and strategic interest to maintain this agreement and the dialogue with Europe", he said. 'No miracles' The nuclear deal, Maas said, is "extraordinarily important" for Europe's security and they "have made the greatest effort to meet (their) commitments." "We will not work miracles. But we are doing all we can to prevent a failure." But Iran begged to differ. "What the Europeans must do, and have done has so far, has not satisfied" our interests, foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The US sanctions reimposed last year targeted crucial parts of Iran's economy, especially the oil and banking sectors. "The summary of Maas' remarks: we are nothing without America and are not capable of doing anything, do not expect much from us," Abdollah Ganji, the managing director of ultra-conservative Javan daily, wrote mockingly on Telegram after the ministers' meeting. The oil embargo has hurt Iran's main supply of foreign revenues, while the banking sanctions have scared away foreign investors and made money transfers through official channels nearly impossible for businesses. Europe tried to respond to the US withdrawal by setting up a special trade mechanism called INSTEX that would allow legitimate trade with Iran to continue without falling foul of US sanctions, but it has yet to become operational. Iran has given Europe, China and Russia until July "to make their commitments operational". Otherwise, Tehran said it would stop complying with the nuclear deal's uranium enrichment restrictions and resume building a heavy-water reactor at Arak that was shut down as part of the deal. Rising tensions The Gulf has been tense for about a month over increased strain between Iran and the United States on one hand and the Islamic Republic and US allies like Saudi Arabia on the other. The tensions worsened after the US military announced it was dispatching reinforcements to the Middle East in response to alleged "Iranian threats" as well as the sabotage of four ships at the entrance to the Gulf on May 12. Washington and Riyadh have accused Tehran of being behind those attacks, a charge it has dismissed as "laughable". An international investigation found a "state actor" was likely to have been responsible for the attacks. The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, said Monday it was "worried about increasing tensions" over Iran's nuclear programme. IAEA chief Yukiya Amano also said Iran's "production rate (of uranium) is increasing", although he was unable to give an exact figure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the IAEA's assessment in a statement later, saying his country "will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons that threaten our existence and endanger the entire world".

Iran warns over 'economic war' waged through US sanctions

US President Donald Trump touted Saturday his last-minute deal averting tariffs on Mexico, plan economists warned would have been disastrous for both countries, saying the agreement will be a big success if America's southern neighbour cracks down on illegal immigration as promised.

With Trump ready to slap five per cent tariffs on all Mexican goods starting Monday, senior officials announced an agreement Friday night after three days of intense negotiations at the State Department.

Under the deal, Mexico agreed to expand its policy of taking back migrants from violence-riven Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as the United States processes their asylum claims.&nbsp;

Mexico will also use its new National Guard nationwide to crack down on illegal migration, in particular along its southern border with Guatemala, a gateway for poor Central Americans hoping to reach the US.

In turn, Mexico managed to avoid a proposal it had continually rejected -- that it process asylum claims on its own soil before migrants reach the United States.

"Mexico will try very hard, and if they do that, this will be a very successful agreement for both the United States and Mexico!" Trump tweeted early Saturday.

Later, he added: "Everyone very excited about the new deal with Mexico!"

Trump announced the deal on Twitter shortly after returning from a trip to Europe.

For many, it was vintage Trump behaviour: trigger a crisis and let it simmer for a while, then declare it resolved and take credit.

In Mexico, some advocacy groups criticized the deal, saying Mexico would be militarizing its border with Guatemala to detain innocent women and children when the real problem -- grinding poverty and desperation fueling the exodus north -- goes unaddressed.

"I think deploying the National Guard on the border will change nothing. Borders are borders," said Olguita Sanchez, who runs a shelter in southern Chiapas state. "People will keep leaving. This is not going to stop them."

Trump, she insisted, "is pressing Mexico but he should be pressing the governments of Honduras and El Salvador, who do nothing for their people."

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had planned to head Saturday to the border city of Tijuana to show solidarity ahead of the tariffs, said that his trip would now be to celebrate.&nbsp;

Skirting economic blow

Trump, who ran for president pushing a tough line on immigration that included denouncing some undocumented Mexicans as rapists, had vowed to raise tariffs as high as 25 per cent unless Mexico -- which exports $350 billion in goods each year to the United States -- takes further action against migrants.

The tariffs would have clobbered Mexico's economy, which is integrated with the United States and Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement, with experts warning of a recession and the Fitch rating service already downgrading Mexico's credit rating.

Economists also warned the tariffs would hurt US companies that have set up complex supply chains across the borders with Mexico and Canada, leading to higher prices for US consumers for everything from tequila to refrigerators as importers pass along the cost of tariffs.

The tariffs also drew unusually strong opposition from Trump's fellow Republicans, especially lawmakers from farm states who worried about losing their second largest international market.

'Unprecedented steps'&nbsp;

Mexico pledged in a joint statement to take "unprecedented steps to increase enforcement to curb irregular migration," saying the two governments would "work together to immediately implement a durable solution."

Mexico said it would deploy National Guard troops throughout the country, "giving priority to its southern border" with Guatemala. It will also target human smuggling and trafficking groups.

The United States, making official a policy that has triggered opposition in both countries, said it would systematically send back asylum seekers who cross the border, with Mexico offering them jobs, health care and education.

Thousands of asylum seekers have already been sent back, prompting criticism from human rights campaigners that the migrants will lack due process and face a new danger in Mexican border cities such as Ciudad Juarez.

Trump, who has declared a crisis at the border and earlier deployed troops, says that asylum seekers can too easily slip into the population while on US soil.

In the past, most undocumented immigrants were men seeking work, but a majority of recent arrivals are families or unaccompanied children fleeing violence.

The number of migrants detained or blocked at the border surged to 144,000 in May, triple the level a year earlier.

'Arsonist' and fireman

Democrats denounced Trump for taking the United States and Mexico to the brink.

"What we see is yet another example of him trying to be both the arsonist who created this problem... and the firefighter who wants credit for addressing it," said Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, who represented the Texas border city of El Paso in Congress.

US President Donald Trump touted Saturday his last-minute deal averting tariffs on Mexico, plan economists warned would have been disastrous for both countries, saying the agreement will be a big success if America's southern neighbour cracks down on illegal immigration as promised.

US President Donald Trump touted Saturday his last-minute deal averting tariffs on Mexico, plan economists warned would have been disastrous for both countries, saying the agreement will be a big success if America's southern neighbour cracks down on illegal immigration as promised. With Trump ready to slap five per cent tariffs on all Mexican goods starting Monday, senior officials announced an agreement Friday night after three days of intense negotiations at the State Department. Under the deal, Mexico agreed to expand its policy of taking back migrants from violence-riven Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as the United States processes their asylum claims. Mexico will also use its new National Guard nationwide to crack down on illegal migration, in particular along its southern border with Guatemala, a gateway for poor Central Americans hoping to reach the US. In turn, Mexico managed to avoid a proposal it had continually rejected -- that it process asylum claims on its own soil before migrants reach the United States. "Mexico will try very hard, and if they do that, this will be a very successful agreement for both the United States and Mexico!" Trump tweeted early Saturday. Later, he added: "Everyone very excited about the new deal with Mexico!" Trump announced the deal on Twitter shortly after returning from a trip to Europe. For many, it was vintage Trump behaviour: trigger a crisis and let it simmer for a while, then declare it resolved and take credit. In Mexico, some advocacy groups criticized the deal, saying Mexico would be militarizing its border with Guatemala to detain innocent women and children when the real problem -- grinding poverty and desperation fueling the exodus north -- goes unaddressed. "I think deploying the National Guard on the border will change nothing. Borders are borders," said Olguita Sanchez, who runs a shelter in southern Chiapas state. "People will keep leaving. This is not going to stop them." Trump, she insisted, "is pressing Mexico but he should be pressing the governments of Honduras and El Salvador, who do nothing for their people." Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had planned to head Saturday to the border city of Tijuana to show solidarity ahead of the tariffs, said that his trip would now be to celebrate. Skirting economic blow Trump, who ran for president pushing a tough line on immigration that included denouncing some undocumented Mexicans as rapists, had vowed to raise tariffs as high as 25 per cent unless Mexico -- which exports $350 billion in goods each year to the United States -- takes further action against migrants. The tariffs would have clobbered Mexico's economy, which is integrated with the United States and Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement, with experts warning of a recession and the Fitch rating service already downgrading Mexico's credit rating. Economists also warned the tariffs would hurt US companies that have set up complex supply chains across the borders with Mexico and Canada, leading to higher prices for US consumers for everything from tequila to refrigerators as importers pass along the cost of tariffs. The tariffs also drew unusually strong opposition from Trump's fellow Republicans, especially lawmakers from farm states who worried about losing their second largest international market. 'Unprecedented steps' Mexico pledged in a joint statement to take "unprecedented steps to increase enforcement to curb irregular migration," saying the two governments would "work together to immediately implement a durable solution." Mexico said it would deploy National Guard troops throughout the country, "giving priority to its southern border" with Guatemala. It will also target human smuggling and trafficking groups. The United States, making official a policy that has triggered opposition in both countries, said it would systematically send back asylum seekers who cross the border, with Mexico offering them jobs, health care and education. Thousands of asylum seekers have already been sent back, prompting criticism from human rights campaigners that the migrants will lack due process and face a new danger in Mexican border cities such as Ciudad Juarez. Trump, who has declared a crisis at the border and earlier deployed troops, says that asylum seekers can too easily slip into the population while on US soil. In the past, most undocumented immigrants were men seeking work, but a majority of recent arrivals are families or unaccompanied children fleeing violence. The number of migrants detained or blocked at the border surged to 144,000 in May, triple the level a year earlier. 'Arsonist' and fireman Democrats denounced Trump for taking the United States and Mexico to the brink. "What we see is yet another example of him trying to be both the arsonist who created this problem... and the firefighter who wants credit for addressing it," said Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, who represented the Texas border city of El Paso in Congress.

Trump says immigration deal will work if Mexico plays its part

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

The United States sanctioned Iran’s largest petrochemical holding group on Friday for indirectly supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step it said aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but that analysts called largely symbolic.

US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would be willing to talk to the Islamic Republic.

“It was only necessary to wait one week until the claim of the president of America about talks with Iran were proven to be hollow,” Mousavi said in a statement. “The American policy of maximum pressure is a defeated policy.”

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what U.S. officials call Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests in the region.

The United States aims to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

US President Donald Trump antagonized Iran, and dismayed key US allies, last year when he exited a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for an easing of most international sanctions.

Trump denounced the deal, signed before he took office, as flawed and reimposed tough financial sanctions on Iran that were subsequently extended to its lifeblood oil exports.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi on Friday dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday. The United States sanctioned Iran’s largest petrochemical holding group on Friday for indirectly supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step it said aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but that analysts called largely symbolic. US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would be willing to talk to the Islamic Republic. “It was only necessary to wait one week until the claim of the president of America about talks with Iran were proven to be hollow,” Mousavi said in a statement. “The American policy of maximum pressure is a defeated policy.” Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what U.S. officials call Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests in the region. The United States aims to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. US President Donald Trump antagonized Iran, and dismayed key US allies, last year when he exited a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for an easing of most international sanctions. Trump denounced the deal, signed before he took office, as flawed and reimposed tough financial sanctions on Iran that were subsequently extended to its lifeblood oil exports. Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi on Friday dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry

The United States on Friday hit Iran's petrochemical group PGPIC with economic sanctions due to its ties with the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-french-call-for-wider-talks-beyond-nuclear-deal-report-225256">Revolutionary Guards</a> (IRGC), the Treasury Department announced.

The move aims to choke off financing to the country's largest and most profitable petrochemical group and extends to its 39 subsidiaries and "foreign-based sales agents," the Treasury Department said in a statement.

"This action is a warning that we will continue to target holding groups and companies in the petrochemical sector and elsewhere that provide financial lifelines to the IRGC," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.

Treasury warned that international companies continuing to partner with PGPIC or subsidiaries and sales agents "will themselves be exposed to US sanctions."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abe-set-for-mediation-mission-to-iran-224969">US efforts over the past year to choke off Iran's economy</a>, following President Donald Trump's decision to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, has angered allies as foreign companies get caught up in the dispute.

Treasury said it is penalizing PGPIC due to its links to the economic arm of the IRGC, known as Khatam al-Anbiya.

The sanctions prohibit the firm and its subsidiaries from accessing the US market or financial system, including through other foreign companies, and blocks all funds or property that is in the United States or held by a US firm.

"By targeting this network we intend to deny funding to key elements of Iran's petrochemical sector that provide support to the IRGC," Mnuchin said.

The PGPIC group holds 40 per cent of Iran's total petrochemical production capacity and is responsible for 50 per cent of the country's petrochemical exports, Treasury said.

The United States on Friday hit Iran's petrochemical group PGPIC with economic sanctions due to its ties with the country's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the Treasury Department announced.

The United States on Friday hit Iran's petrochemical group PGPIC with economic sanctions due to its ties with the country's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the Treasury Department announced. The move aims to choke off financing to the country's largest and most profitable petrochemical group and extends to its 39 subsidiaries and "foreign-based sales agents," the Treasury Department said in a statement. "This action is a warning that we will continue to target holding groups and companies in the petrochemical sector and elsewhere that provide financial lifelines to the IRGC," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. Treasury warned that international companies continuing to partner with PGPIC or subsidiaries and sales agents "will themselves be exposed to US sanctions." The US efforts over the past year to choke off Iran's economy, following President Donald Trump's decision to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, has angered allies as foreign companies get caught up in the dispute. Treasury said it is penalizing PGPIC due to its links to the economic arm of the IRGC, known as Khatam al-Anbiya. The sanctions prohibit the firm and its subsidiaries from accessing the US market or financial system, including through other foreign companies, and blocks all funds or property that is in the United States or held by a US firm. "By targeting this network we intend to deny funding to key elements of Iran's petrochemical sector that provide support to the IRGC," Mnuchin said. The PGPIC group holds 40 per cent of Iran's total petrochemical production capacity and is responsible for 50 per cent of the country's petrochemical exports, Treasury said.

US hits Iran petrochemical group PGPIC with sanctions

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US&nbsp;sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data.

The energy firm's exports of crude and refined products fell 17% in May from the previous month to 874,500 barrels per day (bpd), mainly due to difficulty in selling off barrels of upgraded crude that used to be bought by US&nbsp;refiners.

Venezuela has drained oil inventories since late January, when Washington imposed sanctions on PDVSA, to offset declining crude output, according to analysts. That allowed the firm to maintain exports around 1 million bpd for the following three months despite the measures.

But some customers ended purchases of Venezuelan oil in late April to comply with sanctions, leaving PDVSA with an accumulation of upgraded oil and further reducing its portfolio of regular buyers, according to the reports and data.

PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment.

In May, PDVSA shipped a total of 33 cargoes of crude and fuel, mainly to Asian destinations. Exports to India fell over a third to 187,000 bpd while shipments to China remained around 450,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft, which takes PDVSA's barrels as repayment of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, was the largest recipient of the OPEC member's oil.

Europe took 8% of the total, almost the same as in April, as Spain's Repsol resumed a swap allowing it to take crude from PDVSA as a late dividend payment while sending fuel in exchange to Venezuela, according to the data.

Venezuela oil exports to Cuba grew in May to 91,000 bpd from 49,000 bpd the previous month, even though the government of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has hardened sanctions to PDVSA's flow to the island at request of the Congress head, Juan Guaido.

The opposition leader invoked the constitution to assume the role of interim president in January after an election many called a sham that has kept Socialist President Nicolas Maduro in power.

Guaido was recognized by most Western countries as the legitimate president but has struggled to enforce his government's mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the country. In March, the opposition-led Congress prohibited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, but PDVSA, still controlled by Maduro, has continued transporting oil to the island in owned and rented vessels that often switch off their transponders to avoid detection.

Venezuela's dwindling oil exports are the main reason why US&nbsp;refiners have recently struggled to find heavy crude, inflating prices of grades such as Mexico's Maya even above the US&nbsp;crude futures benchmark.

Less fuel as imports plunge over 30 per cent&nbsp;

Venezuela's imports of fuel and diluents fell to 137,500 bpd in May, well below the more than 200,000 bpd received in March and April, which brought lines of drivers to filling stations across the country waiting to refuel their vehicles.

The US&nbsp;government in March told some oil firms and traders to stop shipments of gasoline to Venezuela. In May, it also asked them to halt exports of jet fuel to the OPEC-member nation.

So far this year, Venezuela has imported about 190,000 bpd of refined products, including heavy naphtha for diluting extra-heavy oil, as well as gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the documents and data. Most fuel cargoes have been provided by Rosneft, India's Reliance Industries, Repsol and China National Petroleum Corp's unit PetroChina.

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data. The energy firm's exports of crude and refined products fell 17% in May from the previous month to 874,500 barrels per day (bpd), mainly due to difficulty in selling off barrels of upgraded crude that used to be bought by US refiners. Venezuela has drained oil inventories since late January, when Washington imposed sanctions on PDVSA, to offset declining crude output, according to analysts. That allowed the firm to maintain exports around 1 million bpd for the following three months despite the measures. But some customers ended purchases of Venezuelan oil in late April to comply with sanctions, leaving PDVSA with an accumulation of upgraded oil and further reducing its portfolio of regular buyers, according to the reports and data. PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment. In May, PDVSA shipped a total of 33 cargoes of crude and fuel, mainly to Asian destinations. Exports to India fell over a third to 187,000 bpd while shipments to China remained around 450,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft, which takes PDVSA's barrels as repayment of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, was the largest recipient of the OPEC member's oil. Europe took 8% of the total, almost the same as in April, as Spain's Repsol resumed a swap allowing it to take crude from PDVSA as a late dividend payment while sending fuel in exchange to Venezuela, according to the data. Venezuela oil exports to Cuba grew in May to 91,000 bpd from 49,000 bpd the previous month, even though the government of US President Donald Trump has hardened sanctions to PDVSA's flow to the island at request of the Congress head, Juan Guaido. The opposition leader invoked the constitution to assume the role of interim president in January after an election many called a sham that has kept Socialist President Nicolas Maduro in power. Guaido was recognized by most Western countries as the legitimate president but has struggled to enforce his government's mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the country. In March, the opposition-led Congress prohibited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, but PDVSA, still controlled by Maduro, has continued transporting oil to the island in owned and rented vessels that often switch off their transponders to avoid detection. Venezuela's dwindling oil exports are the main reason why US refiners have recently struggled to find heavy crude, inflating prices of grades such as Mexico's Maya even above the US crude futures benchmark. Less fuel as imports plunge over 30 per cent Venezuela's imports of fuel and diluents fell to 137,500 bpd in May, well below the more than 200,000 bpd received in March and April, which brought lines of drivers to filling stations across the country waiting to refuel their vehicles. The US government in March told some oil firms and traders to stop shipments of gasoline to Venezuela. In May, it also asked them to halt exports of jet fuel to the OPEC-member nation. So far this year, Venezuela has imported about 190,000 bpd of refined products, including heavy naphtha for diluting extra-heavy oil, as well as gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the documents and data. Most fuel cargoes have been provided by Rosneft, India's Reliance Industries, Repsol and China National Petroleum Corp's unit PetroChina.

Venezuela's oil exports drop 17% in May as sanctions kick in: Report

China warned its companies operating in the United States on Tuesday they could face harassment from US law enforcement agencies, as it also rebuffed US criticism of a trade white paper as "singing the same old tune".

Relations between the world's two largest economies have nosedived in recent months due to a bitter trade war, US sanctions against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

Tensions rose sharply in May after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turns-to-brexit-and-huawei-as-protesters-mock-with-a-blimp-224195">US President Donald Trump'</a>s administration accused China of having "reneged" on its previous promises to make structural changes to its economic practices.

Washington later slapped additional tariffs of up to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate.

After having warned Chinese students and academics on Monday about risks involved in studying in the United States, the government on Tuesday widened its warning to include Chinese companies and tourists.

"In recent days, there have been incidents of gun violence, robberies and thefts in the United States," China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

"The department reminds Chinese tourists to fully evaluate the risks of going to the United States, to understand the maintenance of public order of their destination, the laws and regulations, and to conscientiously raise their awareness of safety measures to ensure their safety."

Chinese companies and citizens in the United States should also be aware of harassment from law enforcement agencies, China's Foreign Ministry added.

Trump's administration said on Monday that China was pursuing a "blame game" in recent public statements and a weekend white paper that misrepresented the trade negotiations.

US-China Trade War: Advantage For India?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-trade-war-advantage-for-india-223999/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a joint statement, the US Trade Representative's (USTR) office and the US Treasury reiterated their view that China's negotiators had "back-pedalled" on important elements of a deal that had been largely agreed, including on an enforcement provision.

"Our insistence on detailed and enforceable commitments from the Chinese in no way constitutes a threat to Chinese sovereignty," USTR and the Treasury said. "Rather, the issues discussed are common to trade agreements and are necessary to address the systemic issues that have contributed to persistent and unsustainable trade deficits."

Rising acrimony

China on Sunday issued a government policy paper on the US-China trade dispute in which it asserted that the United States bore responsibility for setbacks in the talks, citing three instances in which Washington had backtracked on commitments made during the negotiations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that the United States was "singing the same old tune", and urged Washington to read China's white papers and stop telling itself it is infallible.

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, a prominent member of Beijing's negotiating team, said in presenting the paper to the media that it would be impossible for the United States to use "extreme pressure" to force concessions from China.

Acrimonious rhetoric between Beijing and Washington has steadily increased since talks broke down in early May over US accusations that Beijing had backtracked on commitments to codify in law changes to its intellectual property and technology transfer practices to address US demands.

"The United States is disappointed that the Chinese have chosen in the 'White Paper' issued (on Sunday) and recent public statements to pursue a blame game misrepresenting the nature and history of trade negotiations between the two countries," USTR and Treasury said in the statement.

The agencies, which have taken the lead in negotiations for the US side, said that the impetus for the negotiations was China's "long history of unfair trade practices" and US negotiating positions have been consistent throughout the talks.

There have been no talks scheduled since the last round ended in May, and it remains unclear whether Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet when they both attend the G20 leaders summit this month in Japan.

China warned its companies operating in the United States on Tuesday they could face harassment from US law enforcement agencies, as it also rebuffed US criticism of a trade white paper as "singing the same old tune".

China warned its companies operating in the United States on Tuesday they could face harassment from US law enforcement agencies, as it also rebuffed US criticism of a trade white paper as "singing the same old tune". Relations between the world's two largest economies have nosedived in recent months due to a bitter trade war, US sanctions against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan. Tensions rose sharply in May after US President Donald Trump's administration accused China of having "reneged" on its previous promises to make structural changes to its economic practices. Washington later slapped additional tariffs of up to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate. After having warned Chinese students and academics on Monday about risks involved in studying in the United States, the government on Tuesday widened its warning to include Chinese companies and tourists. "In recent days, there have been incidents of gun violence, robberies and thefts in the United States," China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said. "The department reminds Chinese tourists to fully evaluate the risks of going to the United States, to understand the maintenance of public order of their destination, the laws and regulations, and to conscientiously raise their awareness of safety measures to ensure their safety." Chinese companies and citizens in the United States should also be aware of harassment from law enforcement agencies, China's Foreign Ministry added. Trump's administration said on Monday that China was pursuing a "blame game" in recent public statements and a weekend white paper that misrepresented the trade negotiations. US-China Trade War: Advantage For India? In a joint statement, the US Trade Representative's (USTR) office and the US Treasury reiterated their view that China's negotiators had "back-pedalled" on important elements of a deal that had been largely agreed, including on an enforcement provision. "Our insistence on detailed and enforceable commitments from the Chinese in no way constitutes a threat to Chinese sovereignty," USTR and the Treasury said. "Rather, the issues discussed are common to trade agreements and are necessary to address the systemic issues that have contributed to persistent and unsustainable trade deficits." Rising acrimony China on Sunday issued a government policy paper on the US-China trade dispute in which it asserted that the United States bore responsibility for setbacks in the talks, citing three instances in which Washington had backtracked on commitments made during the negotiations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that the United States was "singing the same old tune", and urged Washington to read China's white papers and stop telling itself it is infallible. Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, a prominent member of Beijing's negotiating team, said in presenting the paper to the media that it would be impossible for the United States to use "extreme pressure" to force concessions from China. Acrimonious rhetoric between Beijing and Washington has steadily increased since talks broke down in early May over US accusations that Beijing had backtracked on commitments to codify in law changes to its intellectual property and technology transfer practices to address US demands. "The United States is disappointed that the Chinese have chosen in the 'White Paper' issued (on Sunday) and recent public statements to pursue a blame game misrepresenting the nature and history of trade negotiations between the two countries," USTR and Treasury said in the statement. The agencies, which have taken the lead in negotiations for the US side, said that the impetus for the negotiations was China's "long history of unfair trade practices" and US negotiating positions have been consistent throughout the talks. There have been no talks scheduled since the last round ended in May, and it remains unclear whether Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet when they both attend the G20 leaders summit this month in Japan.

China warns its companies on US travel, rebuffs trade criticism

The threat of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to withdraw partially from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), comes as a reaction to the US’s attempts in recent weeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.&nbsp;

Riled by the US sanctions, Iran wants to see who are standing by it and demands that remaining signatories to the deal — the UK, China, France, Germany and Russia — ease restrictions on its banking and oil sectors in the next 60 days, failing which, Tehran has threatened, it will remove caps on uranium enrichment levels and resume work on the Arak nuclear facility.

From 2006 onwards, the UNSC has treated the Iranian nuclear enrichment issue as one falling within the remit of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, dealing with action with regard to threats to and breaches of “international peace and security”.&nbsp;

The European Union’s economic sanctions against Iran (and Syria) have been far-reaching in immiserating the lives of ordinary people. What is worse, the bulk of the EU’s sanctions have been adopted without the authority and support of the UNSC – an organ in whose hands the coercive activities are centralised and monopolised, according to Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.&nbsp;

By the decision adopted on July 26, 2010, the EU Council, though, attempting to follow the position taken by the UNSC, has introduced sanctions against Iran that go beyond those adopted within the UN system and began encompassing trade between EU states and Iran.

The US enacted major sanctions against Iran since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, freezing the Iranian government’s assets. Sanctions played a major part in the US policy of dual containment (Iran and Iraq) in the 1980s, while Israel’s role in formulating and implementing the sanctions policy of the US dominated the discourse in the 1990s.&nbsp; 
 
From the role the Carter and Reagan Administrations played in the Iran–Iraq war, the numerous sanctions imposed on Iran by the Clinton Administration and the aggressive and confrontational policy toward Iran adopted by the George W Bush Administration after the events of September 11, 2001, is a continuum that runs well into the Trump administration with exception to the interregnum of the Obama administration. And since 1984, Iran’s nuclear programme has almost never been off the US and Israeli radar.

It is a no-brainer, therefore, that the US-Iran relationship is one of unceasing hostility, bad faith and distrust, with occasional dash of rapprochement for the last four decades, firmed up by, in particular, President Bush in his “axis of evil” speech on January 29, 2002, in which Iran was accused, along with Iraq and North Korea, of aggressively pursuing weapons of mass destruction and exporting terror.&nbsp;

Fourteen years down the line, the narrative remains unchanged with President Donald Trump naming Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. The Guard is not only the official protector of the Islamic revolution, but also has enough economic leverage controlling some 20 per cent to 40 per cent of Iran’s economy.

It is thus obvious that trade restrictions against Iran have become more divorced from the original aim of stalling the nuclear enrichment effort and refocused on the overall trade and economic relations between Iran and the EU.&nbsp;

As an instance of how, over the last four decades, American policymakers have increasingly used sanctions to punish countries that transgress US and international norms, or attack US interests, the Helms-Burton bill targeting Cuba and the Iran–Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) should come to mind as they were both strongly influenced by special interest lobbying – the American Israel Political Action Committee in the case of Iran, the families of the Pan Am bombing victims in the case of Libya, and the Cuban-American community with respect to Helms-Burton.&nbsp;

Should Iran go ahead with its threat, there will be consequences, foremost of which is the frittering away of goodwill among countries who are generally convinced of American skullduggery and its policies of threat and intimidation towards Iran.&nbsp;

President Hassan Rouhani, therefore, may well be advised to stave off knee-jerk reactions and adventurism that might amount to nuclear blackmail. It still enjoys the support of a few European countries. A diplomatic misstep can knock Rouhani off the rocker.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-curbs-against-iran-far-removed-from-original-aim-2754657">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The threat of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to withdraw partially from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), comes as a reaction to the US’s attempts in recent weeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.

The threat of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to withdraw partially from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), comes as a reaction to the US’s attempts in recent weeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero. Riled by the US sanctions, Iran wants to see who are standing by it and demands that remaining signatories to the deal — the UK, China, France, Germany and Russia — ease restrictions on its banking and oil sectors in the next 60 days, failing which, Tehran has threatened, it will remove caps on uranium enrichment levels and resume work on the Arak nuclear facility. From 2006 onwards, the UNSC has treated the Iranian nuclear enrichment issue as one falling within the remit of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, dealing with action with regard to threats to and breaches of “international peace and security”. The European Union’s economic sanctions against Iran (and Syria) have been far-reaching in immiserating the lives of ordinary people. What is worse, the bulk of the EU’s sanctions have been adopted without the authority and support of the UNSC – an organ in whose hands the coercive activities are centralised and monopolised, according to Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. By the decision adopted on July 26, 2010, the EU Council, though, attempting to follow the position taken by the UNSC, has introduced sanctions against Iran that go beyond those adopted within the UN system and began encompassing trade between EU states and Iran. The US enacted major sanctions against Iran since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, freezing the Iranian government’s assets. Sanctions played a major part in the US policy of dual containment (Iran and Iraq) in the 1980s, while Israel’s role in formulating and implementing the sanctions policy of the US dominated the discourse in the 1990s. From the role the Carter and Reagan Administrations played in the Iran–Iraq war, the numerous sanctions imposed on Iran by the Clinton Administration and the aggressive and confrontational policy toward Iran adopted by the George W Bush Administration after the events of September 11, 2001, is a continuum that runs well into the Trump administration with exception to the interregnum of the Obama administration. And since 1984, Iran’s nuclear programme has almost never been off the US and Israeli radar. It is a no-brainer, therefore, that the US-Iran relationship is one of unceasing hostility, bad faith and distrust, with occasional dash of rapprochement for the last four decades, firmed up by, in particular, President Bush in his “axis of evil” speech on January 29, 2002, in which Iran was accused, along with Iraq and North Korea, of aggressively pursuing weapons of mass destruction and exporting terror. Fourteen years down the line, the narrative remains unchanged with President Donald Trump naming Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. The Guard is not only the official protector of the Islamic revolution, but also has enough economic leverage controlling some 20 per cent to 40 per cent of Iran’s economy. It is thus obvious that trade restrictions against Iran have become more divorced from the original aim of stalling the nuclear enrichment effort and refocused on the overall trade and economic relations between Iran and the EU. As an instance of how, over the last four decades, American policymakers have increasingly used sanctions to punish countries that transgress US and international norms, or attack US interests, the Helms-Burton bill targeting Cuba and the Iran–Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) should come to mind as they were both strongly influenced by special interest lobbying – the American Israel Political Action Committee in the case of Iran, the families of the Pan Am bombing victims in the case of Libya, and the Cuban-American community with respect to Helms-Burton. Should Iran go ahead with its threat, there will be consequences, foremost of which is the frittering away of goodwill among countries who are generally convinced of American skullduggery and its policies of threat and intimidation towards Iran. President Hassan Rouhani, therefore, may well be advised to stave off knee-jerk reactions and adventurism that might amount to nuclear blackmail. It still enjoys the support of a few European countries. A diplomatic misstep can knock Rouhani off the rocker. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Curbs against Iran far removed from original aim of stalling the nuclear enrichment effort

Chinese telecom giant Huawei is ready to deal with Washington's crackdown and will reduce its reliance on US components, its founder told Japanese media.

'Will not bow to US pressure': Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei

Oil edged higher to $73 a barrel on Friday, supported by a host of supply cuts and concern of further disruption to Middle East shipments as tensions rise, and was heading for a weekly gain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-urges-china-russia-concrete-action-to-save-nuclear-deal-219407">US sanctions on Iran</a> have cut the OPEC member's crude exports further in May, adding to supply curbs resulting from an OPEC-led pact. Meanwhile, rising tension in the Middle East this week has raised a concern about additional supply disruption.

Brent crude was up 43 cents to $73.05 a barrel at 1101 GMT. The global benchmark is up about 3 per cent this week, having ended last week steady and fallen the week before. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 60 cents to $63.47.

"The Middle East is acting as a tinderbox for conflict," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. "So long as this remains the case, the energy complex will continue to be supported by bullish supply-side signals."

The mounting tension overshadowed bearish developments for oil prices this week, such as an unexpected increase in US crude inventories.

A Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen carried out several air strikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa on Thursday after the Iranian-aligned movement claimed responsibility for drone attacks on two Saudi oil pumping stations.

Earlier this week, staff were evacuated from the US embassy in Baghdad, while US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier group, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles to the Middle East.

"When tensions are this high, with the US deploying a sizable military force, even a mistake or a tactical error by Iran could ignite the Middle East powder keg," Stephen Innes, head of trading and market strategy at SPI Asset Management, told Reuters by email.

"There are lots of supply risks with tensions this high."

Besides the drop in Iranian exports, Russian shipments have been disrupted and the North Sea - home to the crude underpinning Brent futures - is seeing tighter supply due to oilfield maintenance and outages.

The market is also awaiting a decision from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers over whether to continue with supply cuts that have boosted prices more than 30% so far this year.

A meeting of an OPEC-led ministerial committee in Saudi Arabia this weekend will assess member states' commitment to their deal reducing oil production and may make a recommendation on whether to extend or adjust the pact.

Oil edged higher to $73 a barrel on Friday, supported by a host of supply cuts and concern of further disruption to Middle East shipments as tensions rise, and was heading for a weekly gain.

Oil edged higher to $73 a barrel on Friday, supported by a host of supply cuts and concern of further disruption to Middle East shipments as tensions rise, and was heading for a weekly gain. US sanctions on Iran have cut the OPEC member's crude exports further in May, adding to supply curbs resulting from an OPEC-led pact. Meanwhile, rising tension in the Middle East this week has raised a concern about additional supply disruption. Brent crude was up 43 cents to $73.05 a barrel at 1101 GMT. The global benchmark is up about 3 per cent this week, having ended last week steady and fallen the week before. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 60 cents to $63.47. "The Middle East is acting as a tinderbox for conflict," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. "So long as this remains the case, the energy complex will continue to be supported by bullish supply-side signals." The mounting tension overshadowed bearish developments for oil prices this week, such as an unexpected increase in US crude inventories. A Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen carried out several air strikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa on Thursday after the Iranian-aligned movement claimed responsibility for drone attacks on two Saudi oil pumping stations. Earlier this week, staff were evacuated from the US embassy in Baghdad, while US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier group, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles to the Middle East. "When tensions are this high, with the US deploying a sizable military force, even a mistake or a tactical error by Iran could ignite the Middle East powder keg," Stephen Innes, head of trading and market strategy at SPI Asset Management, told Reuters by email. "There are lots of supply risks with tensions this high." Besides the drop in Iranian exports, Russian shipments have been disrupted and the North Sea - home to the crude underpinning Brent futures - is seeing tighter supply due to oilfield maintenance and outages. The market is also awaiting a decision from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers over whether to continue with supply cuts that have boosted prices more than 30% so far this year. A meeting of an OPEC-led ministerial committee in Saudi Arabia this weekend will assess member states' commitment to their deal reducing oil production and may make a recommendation on whether to extend or adjust the pact.

Oil lifted to $73 by real and threatened supply cuts

By Scott Lucas

You can’t say the world wasn’t warned. In February, US National Security Adviser John Bolton — a leading proponent of the disastrous 2003 Iraq War — sent a video message to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 40 years after the creation of the Islamic Republic: “I don’t think you’ll have many more anniversaries to enjoy.”

Propelled in large part by Bolton, the Trump Administration withdrew in May 2018 from the 2015 nuclear agreement between the US and the 5+1 powers – the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China. In November, Washington imposed comprehensive sanctions on Tehran, including on the energy and financial sectors.

But Bolton was signalling unsubtly: we can inflict more damage if we wish. So how far will the Trump administration go? And is there an imminent threat of war between the US and Iran?

On May 13, after weeks of escalation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, each took a rhetorical step back. In Moscow, alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Pompeo said the Trump administration “fundamentally” did not seek conflict. Addressing the president and other senior officials in Tehran the same day, Khamenei asserted: “Neither we nor they, who know the war will not be in their interest, are after war.”

Still, there were other combative words and steps on both sides. Khamenei jabbed: “In [its] policy of confrontation with the Islamic Republic, the US will definitely suffer defeat.” For his part, Pompeo said: “We have also made clear to the Iranians that if American interests are attacked, we will most certainly respond in an appropriate fashion.” Hours later, the administration ordered the partial evacuation of US embassy staff from Baghdad in Iran’s neighbour Iraq.

Psychology of the drumbeat

The threat of war is not just on the Twitter timeline of US President Donald Trump. It is also in Pompeo traipsing through Europe, cancelling a meeting with the Germans – seen as too conciliatory towards the Islamic Republic – to twist the arm of the British to take action. And it is in the loudly-signalled move to the Persian Gulf of a naval strike group with the USS Abraham Lincoln and bomber aircraft in early May, and the positioning of more bombers in Qatar.

It is US administration officials telling The New York Times of an updated military plan tabled at a meeting of national security officials to send up to 120,000 troops to the Middle East if Iran attacks US forces or accelerates work on nuclear weapons – a plan ordered by Bolton and other hardliners. Trump subsequently dismissed the report but said that if he did decide to become more aggressive with Iran, the US would: “send a hell of a lot more troops than that.”

But it is likely that all of this is for the illusion of war, rather than its launch. This is still jaw-jawed, but in the service of the US administration’s non-military schemes to topple Iran’s supreme leader.

The game – again far from subtle – is to break Iran’s economy. While the US ratcheted up sanctions during the Obama administration, the aim was to bring the Iranians into negotiations over their nuclear programme. This time, the ever-expanding blacklist has no vision of talks for a renewed agreement. Its aim is to constrict Iranian production, trade, and investment, driving up unemployment and driving down the currency. In support of this, the US could update past covert operations, such as the Stuxnet computer virus, to disrupt nuclear and other operations and – as an Iranian engineer claims – attempt to take down Iran’s power grid.

War by default

But what if the overt sanctions and covert sabotage don’t bring about Khamenei’s departure? The vision of Bolton and his compatriots egged on by certain Iranian diaspora groups, maybe that Iranians will take to the streets in many hundreds of thousands, as they did in the Green Movement after the country’s disputed 2009 presidential election.

That vision is likely to be faulty. For almost a decade, the Iranian regime has decapitated dissent. The leaders of the Green Movement have been under house arrest since February 2011. Hundreds of activists, students, lawyers, labour leaders, and rights advocates are imprisoned or under perpetual threat of detention. Communications are still restricted, with a further threat of punishment.

Many inside Iran are just trying to survive, and the mood is resignation. Assuming they did return to the streets, the motive for many was and is still likely to be reform of the system, not revolution – particularly if the US is pursuing regime change.

So what then? With Khamenei unyielding to any demand from the streets, will Bolton, Pompeo and co. conclude that the hammer has to fall? The gambit may be to make the Iranians make the first forceful move, and then act on the pretext of self-defence.

We could already be at that point. There is no sign yet of Iranian speedboats buzzing the US carrier and its bombers, or Iran closing the oil waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. But, on May 12 four commercial ships, including two Saudi tankers, were damaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in what the country called a “sabotage” attack. Two days later, Saudi Arabia said two drones caused a fire at oil pumping stations. Attacks by Iranian elements or their proxies? “False flags” to blame Tehran? Under either scenario, an escalation to more violent acts is possible.

There are many logical arguments why that escalation will not occur, however. The Islamic Republic’s factions, from Khamenei to the Revolutionary Guards, know that head-on confrontation with the US could be suicidal. American forces in a conflict that is far from straightforward is not a vote winner either for Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. With the possible exceptions of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, almost every international actor – the UN, the European Union, China, Russia, the Organisation of Islamic Countries – will be opposed to war.

As Ilan Goldenberg of the Center for a New American Security summarised: “Nobody wants a war.” Probably. But some officials in Washington may not be averse to a war that happens to come along. The title of Bolton’s last major opinion article in the Wall Street Journal before joining the Trump administration in April 2018 was: “The legal case for striking North Korea first.”

 
(Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-a-war-coming-between-the-us-and-iran-117150">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
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By Scott Lucas You can’t say the world wasn’t warned. In February, US National Security Adviser John Bolton — a leading proponent of the disastrous 2003 Iraq War — sent a video message to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 40 years after the creation of the Islamic Republic: “I don’t think you’ll have many more anniversaries to enjoy.

By Scott Lucas You can’t say the world wasn’t warned. In February, US National Security Adviser John Bolton — a leading proponent of the disastrous 2003 Iraq War — sent a video message to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 40 years after the creation of the Islamic Republic: “I don’t think you’ll have many more anniversaries to enjoy.” Propelled in large part by Bolton, the Trump Administration withdrew in May 2018 from the 2015 nuclear agreement between the US and the 5+1 powers – the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China. In November, Washington imposed comprehensive sanctions on Tehran, including on the energy and financial sectors. But Bolton was signalling unsubtly: we can inflict more damage if we wish. So how far will the Trump administration go? And is there an imminent threat of war between the US and Iran? On May 13, after weeks of escalation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, each took a rhetorical step back. In Moscow, alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Pompeo said the Trump administration “fundamentally” did not seek conflict. Addressing the president and other senior officials in Tehran the same day, Khamenei asserted: “Neither we nor they, who know the war will not be in their interest, are after war.” Still, there were other combative words and steps on both sides. Khamenei jabbed: “In [its] policy of confrontation with the Islamic Republic, the US will definitely suffer defeat.” For his part, Pompeo said: “We have also made clear to the Iranians that if American interests are attacked, we will most certainly respond in an appropriate fashion.” Hours later, the administration ordered the partial evacuation of US embassy staff from Baghdad in Iran’s neighbour Iraq. Psychology of the drumbeat The threat of war is not just on the Twitter timeline of US President Donald Trump. It is also in Pompeo traipsing through Europe, cancelling a meeting with the Germans – seen as too conciliatory towards the Islamic Republic – to twist the arm of the British to take action. And it is in the loudly-signalled move to the Persian Gulf of a naval strike group with the USS Abraham Lincoln and bomber aircraft in early May, and the positioning of more bombers in Qatar. It is US administration officials telling The New York Times of an updated military plan tabled at a meeting of national security officials to send up to 120,000 troops to the Middle East if Iran attacks US forces or accelerates work on nuclear weapons – a plan ordered by Bolton and other hardliners. Trump subsequently dismissed the report but said that if he did decide to become more aggressive with Iran, the US would: “send a hell of a lot more troops than that.” But it is likely that all of this is for the illusion of war, rather than its launch. This is still jaw-jawed, but in the service of the US administration’s non-military schemes to topple Iran’s supreme leader. The game – again far from subtle – is to break Iran’s economy. While the US ratcheted up sanctions during the Obama administration, the aim was to bring the Iranians into negotiations over their nuclear programme. This time, the ever-expanding blacklist has no vision of talks for a renewed agreement. Its aim is to constrict Iranian production, trade, and investment, driving up unemployment and driving down the currency. In support of this, the US could update past covert operations, such as the Stuxnet computer virus, to disrupt nuclear and other operations and – as an Iranian engineer claims – attempt to take down Iran’s power grid. War by default But what if the overt sanctions and covert sabotage don’t bring about Khamenei’s departure? The vision of Bolton and his compatriots egged on by certain Iranian diaspora groups, maybe that Iranians will take to the streets in many hundreds of thousands, as they did in the Green Movement after the country’s disputed 2009 presidential election. That vision is likely to be faulty. For almost a decade, the Iranian regime has decapitated dissent. The leaders of the Green Movement have been under house arrest since February 2011. Hundreds of activists, students, lawyers, labour leaders, and rights advocates are imprisoned or under perpetual threat of detention. Communications are still restricted, with a further threat of punishment. Many inside Iran are just trying to survive, and the mood is resignation. Assuming they did return to the streets, the motive for many was and is still likely to be reform of the system, not revolution – particularly if the US is pursuing regime change. So what then? With Khamenei unyielding to any demand from the streets, will Bolton, Pompeo and co. conclude that the hammer has to fall? The gambit may be to make the Iranians make the first forceful move, and then act on the pretext of self-defence. We could already be at that point. There is no sign yet of Iranian speedboats buzzing the US carrier and its bombers, or Iran closing the oil waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. But, on May 12 four commercial ships, including two Saudi tankers, were damaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in what the country called a “sabotage” attack. Two days later, Saudi Arabia said two drones caused a fire at oil pumping stations. Attacks by Iranian elements or their proxies? “False flags” to blame Tehran? Under either scenario, an escalation to more violent acts is possible. There are many logical arguments why that escalation will not occur, however. The Islamic Republic’s factions, from Khamenei to the Revolutionary Guards, know that head-on confrontation with the US could be suicidal. American forces in a conflict that is far from straightforward is not a vote winner either for Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. With the possible exceptions of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, almost every international actor – the UN, the European Union, China, Russia, the Organisation of Islamic Countries – will be opposed to war. As Ilan Goldenberg of the Center for a New American Security summarised: “Nobody wants a war.” Probably. But some officials in Washington may not be averse to a war that happens to come along. The title of Bolton’s last major opinion article in the Wall Street Journal before joining the Trump administration in April 2018 was: “The legal case for striking North Korea first.” (Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Is a war coming between the US and Iran?

Iran is committed to its obligations under an international nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal from the landmark agreement, its foreign minister said on Thursday, calling the reimposition of sanctions by Washington "unacceptable".

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made the comments in a meeting with his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo as tensions rise in the Middle East, fuelling concerns that the United States and Iran are heading for conflict.

Iran is exercising "maximum restraint in spite of the fact the United States withdrew from (the) JCPOA last May," Zarif said at the start of his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

He was referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in 2015 by the United States, Iran and other countries, under which Tehran curbed its uranium enrichment capacity and won sanctions relief in return.

President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal last year and is ratcheting up sanctions on Iran, aiming to strangle its economy by ending its international sales of crude oil. Japan was a major buyer of Iranian oil for decades before the sanctions.

An attack on four oil tankers in the Gulf on Sunday, for which no one has claimed responsibility and Saudi Arabia's announcement on Tuesday that armed drones hit two of its oil pumping stations have raised tensions.

The United States withdrew staff from its embassy in Iraq on Wednesday out of apparent concern about perceived threats from Iran, with US sources saying they believe Tehran encouraged the attacks on the oil tankers.

Trump is sending an aircraft carrier group, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles to the Middle East to counter what the United States calls a heightened threat from Iran to American soldiers and interests in the region.

"We believe that escalation by the United States is unacceptable and uncalled for," Zarif told Kono in front of reporters before they met privately.

Nevertheless, Iran has relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened actions that may breach the nuclear deal, although the initial moves do not appear to violate the agreement.

"We are seriously concerned over the situation in the Middle East," Kono told Zarif. "I will spare no effort to ease tensions and try to resolve outstanding issues."

Kono said it was essential to maintain the nuclear agreement and urged Iran to keep implementing it, echoing other countries.

Asian shippers and refiners have put ships heading to the Middle East on alert and are expecting a possible rise in marine insurance premiums after recent attacks on Saudi oil tankers and pipeline facilities, industry sources said on Tuesday.

Iran is committed to its obligations under an international nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal from the landmark agreement, its foreign minister said on Thursday, calling the reimposition of sanctions by Washington "unacceptable".

Iran is committed to its obligations under an international nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal from the landmark agreement, its foreign minister said on Thursday, calling the reimposition of sanctions by Washington "unacceptable". Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made the comments in a meeting with his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo as tensions rise in the Middle East, fuelling concerns that the United States and Iran are heading for conflict. Iran is exercising "maximum restraint in spite of the fact the United States withdrew from (the) JCPOA last May," Zarif said at the start of his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. He was referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in 2015 by the United States, Iran and other countries, under which Tehran curbed its uranium enrichment capacity and won sanctions relief in return. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal last year and is ratcheting up sanctions on Iran, aiming to strangle its economy by ending its international sales of crude oil. Japan was a major buyer of Iranian oil for decades before the sanctions. An attack on four oil tankers in the Gulf on Sunday, for which no one has claimed responsibility and Saudi Arabia's announcement on Tuesday that armed drones hit two of its oil pumping stations have raised tensions. The United States withdrew staff from its embassy in Iraq on Wednesday out of apparent concern about perceived threats from Iran, with US sources saying they believe Tehran encouraged the attacks on the oil tankers. Trump is sending an aircraft carrier group, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles to the Middle East to counter what the United States calls a heightened threat from Iran to American soldiers and interests in the region. "We believe that escalation by the United States is unacceptable and uncalled for," Zarif told Kono in front of reporters before they met privately. Nevertheless, Iran has relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened actions that may breach the nuclear deal, although the initial moves do not appear to violate the agreement. "We are seriously concerned over the situation in the Middle East," Kono told Zarif. "I will spare no effort to ease tensions and try to resolve outstanding issues." Kono said it was essential to maintain the nuclear agreement and urged Iran to keep implementing it, echoing other countries. Asian shippers and refiners have put ships heading to the Middle East on alert and are expecting a possible rise in marine insurance premiums after recent attacks on Saudi oil tankers and pipeline facilities, industry sources said on Tuesday.

Iran says exercising restraint despite 'unacceptable' escalation of US sanctions

Iran remains committed to its obligations under a multilateral nuclear deal despite the United States' withdrawal from the landmark agreement last year, its foreign minister said on Thursday (May 16), calling the U.S. escalation of sanctions "unacceptable".

Iran Foreign Minister met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

India Has Stopped Buying Oil From Iran After US Sanctions, But Iran's Foreign Minister Is Persuading India To Buy Its Oil.

Gravitas: Will India Buy Oil From Iran Despite US Sanctions?

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 11th, 2019

Even after Iran has survived decades of US sanctions, its policy is still under scanner. Watch the full video to know more.

Iran policy under the scanner

The United States on Friday says that they don't war any war with Iran but if provoked they are ready for a swift response.

US claims 'don't want any war with Iran', tension intensifies

Tehran has appointed a new CEO to head national airline Iran Air, state news reported, replacing its first female CEO with a US-blacklisted pilot.

Touraj Dehghani Zanganeh, a former air force commander who features on a US Treasury sanctions list, was named for the post at a Sunday cabinet meeting.

He will replace Farzaneh Sharafbafi, the first Iranian woman to boast a PhD in aerospace, who led the airline for two years.

Zanganeh was previously CEO of Meraj Air, which was also sanctioned by the US in 2014.

Individuals on the Specially Designated Nationals List are generally prohibited from having US bank accounts.

US persons can also face civil or criminal penalties for engaging in business dealings with them, according to the US treasury.

Iran Air had been planning to upgrade its ageing fleet after long-standing US sanctions were lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

But when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord early last year and reimposed crippling economic sanctions, the treasury department revoked licenses for Boeing and Airbus to sell passenger jets to Iran.

Tehran has appointed a new CEO to head national airline Iran Air, state news reported, replacing its first female CEO with a US-blacklisted pilot. Touraj Dehghani Zanganeh, a former air force commander who features on a US Treasury sanctions list, was named for the post at a Sunday cabinet meeting.

Tehran has appointed a new CEO to head national airline Iran Air, state news reported, replacing its first female CEO with a US-blacklisted pilot. Touraj Dehghani Zanganeh, a former air force commander who features on a US Treasury sanctions list, was named for the post at a Sunday cabinet meeting. He will replace Farzaneh Sharafbafi, the first Iranian woman to boast a PhD in aerospace, who led the airline for two years. Zanganeh was previously CEO of Meraj Air, which was also sanctioned by the US in 2014. Individuals on the Specially Designated Nationals List are generally prohibited from having US bank accounts. US persons can also face civil or criminal penalties for engaging in business dealings with them, according to the US treasury. Iran Air had been planning to upgrade its ageing fleet after long-standing US sanctions were lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. But when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord early last year and reimposed crippling economic sanctions, the treasury department revoked licenses for Boeing and Airbus to sell passenger jets to Iran.

Iran Air appoints new US-sanctioned CEO

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday.

The United States, which last year withdrew from a 2015 Iran nuclear deal with world powers, has told buyers of Iranian oil to stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions.

Iran says it will continue to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-and-britain-condemn-us-oil-and-nuclear-sanctions-on-iran-215981">export oil in defiance of US sanctions</a>, part of a campaign by Washington aimed at halting Tehran's ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power.

"We have mobilised all of the country's resources and are selling oil in the 'grey market'," state news agency IRNA quoted Zamaninia as saying.

Zamaninia gave no details about the "grey market", but Iran is widely reported to have sold oil at steep discounts and often through private firms during sanctions earlier this decade.

"We certainly won't sell 2.5 million barrels per day as under the (nuclear deal)," Zamaninia said, giving no figures for current sales.

"We will need to make serious decisions about our financial and economic management, and the government is working on that."

"This is not smuggling. This is countering sanctions which we do not see as just or legitimate," Zamaninia said.

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday.

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday. The United States, which last year withdrew from a 2015 Iran nuclear deal with world powers, has told buyers of Iranian oil to stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions. Iran says it will continue to export oil in defiance of US sanctions, part of a campaign by Washington aimed at halting Tehran's ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power. "We have mobilised all of the country's resources and are selling oil in the 'grey market'," state news agency IRNA quoted Zamaninia as saying. Zamaninia gave no details about the "grey market", but Iran is widely reported to have sold oil at steep discounts and often through private firms during sanctions earlier this decade. "We certainly won't sell 2.5 million barrels per day as under the (nuclear deal)," Zamaninia said, giving no figures for current sales. "We will need to make serious decisions about our financial and economic management, and the government is working on that." "This is not smuggling. This is countering sanctions which we do not see as just or legitimate," Zamaninia said.

Iran using all resources to sell oil in 'grey market': Deputy minister

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-file-legal-case-against-us-for-sanctions-hassan-rouhani-204088">US sanctions</a> by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports.

Rouhani's comments, carried live on Iranian TV, came a day after Washington acted to force Iran to stop producing low-enriched uranium and expanding its only nuclear power plant, intensifying a campaign aimed at halting its ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power.

"America is trying to decrease our foreign reserves ... So we have to increase our hard currency income and cut our currency expenditures," Rouhani said.

"Last year, we had we non-oil exports of $43 billion. We should increase production and raise our (non-oil) exports and resist America's plots against the sale of our oil."

Friday's move, which Rouhani made no direct reference to, was the third punitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418">US action</a> taken against Iran in as many weeks.

Last week, it said it would stop waivers for countries buying Iranian oil, in an attempt to push Iran's oil exports to zero. The United States also blacklisted Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Efforts by the Trump administration to impose political and economic isolation on Tehran began with last year's US withdrawal from the nuclear deal it and other world powers negotiated with Iran in 2015.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter US sanctions by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports. Rouhani's comments, carried live on Iranian TV, came a day after Washington acted to force Iran to stop producing low-enriched uranium and expanding its only nuclear power plant, intensifying a campaign aimed at halting its ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter US sanctions by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports. Rouhani's comments, carried live on Iranian TV, came a day after Washington acted to force Iran to stop producing low-enriched uranium and expanding its only nuclear power plant, intensifying a campaign aimed at halting its ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power. "America is trying to decrease our foreign reserves ... So we have to increase our hard currency income and cut our currency expenditures," Rouhani said. "Last year, we had we non-oil exports of $43 billion. We should increase production and raise our (non-oil) exports and resist America's plots against the sale of our oil." Friday's move, which Rouhani made no direct reference to, was the third punitive US action taken against Iran in as many weeks. Last week, it said it would stop waivers for countries buying Iranian oil, in an attempt to push Iran's oil exports to zero. The United States also blacklisted Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. Efforts by the Trump administration to impose political and economic isolation on Tehran began with last year's US withdrawal from the nuclear deal it and other world powers negotiated with Iran in 2015.

Iran must resist US sanctions through oil, non-oil exports: Iran President Rouhani

The United States in January imposed sanctions on Venezuela`s most important global business - producing and selling crude oil - as the Trump administration ratcheted up its bid to force socialist president <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGzNnJqf_hAhWBP48KHQdCBdIQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hep1ar9q0MLcZH_pYf5d8">Nicolas Maduro </a>out of power.&nbsp;

Venezuela`s oil exports - accounting for more than 95 per cent of the country`s export revenue - have dropped by some 40 per cent since January.

At the same time, it has been unable to import all the fuel it needs for blending with its heavy crude, as well as for domestic consumption.&nbsp;

The United States and many Western governments have recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country`s rightful head of state.

However, Maduro remains in power for now.

HOW MUCH OIL IS VENEZUELA CURRENTLY PRODUCING?&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-pares-gains-as-fears-ease-on-venezuelan-exports-214929&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMyszcqf_hAhXFknAKHeidBOkQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0w3SHSB1uQpVt91dGVLYzy">Venezuela`s crude production </a>was between 732,000 and 960,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, according to self-reported figures and secondary sources quoted by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in its April oil market report.

That compared to the output of 3 million bpd at the turn of the century.&nbsp;

HOW MUCH CRUDE AND REFINED PRODUCTS IS IT EXPORTING?&nbsp;

Venezuela exported about 1.06 million bpd of crude and refined products in April, up slightly from 980,000 bpd in March, according to data from Refinitiv Eikon.

Exports sank 40 per cent in February, the first full month after the sanctions were imposed.

WHERE IS THAT OIL GOING?&nbsp;

The United States, India and China were Venezuela`s biggest customers prior to sanctions, with the United States the biggest cash buyer.&nbsp;

India and China have accounted for most of Venezuela`s crude exports since sanctions took effect.

Europe has also absorbed more.

Last month, more Venezuelan crude cargoes headed to China, and fewer cargoes were steaming toward India, Refinitiv Eikon data show.

Cuba remains a notable destination as well.

WHAT ABOUT US IMPORTS?

US&nbsp;imports of Venezuelan crude have collapsed to zero in the wake of sanctions.

However, 186,000 bpd was imported in the week ended April 26 - a signal, traders said, that companies were taking the last shipments allowed in a wind-down period that ended April 28.&nbsp;

In the week ended Jan. 25, just before sanctions were announced, US&nbsp;refineries imported 587,000 bpd.&nbsp;

WHY IS VENEZUELAN CRUDE SO IMPORTANT?&nbsp;

Heavy crude supplies of the kind Venezuela pumps are constrained worldwide.

Large producers, such as Canada and Mexico, are unable to lift exports to replace the lost barrels and smaller producers, including Colombia and Ecuador, simply do not pump enough to ease the global shortfall.&nbsp;

Complex US Gulf Coast refiners use heavy crude as part of a mix to create high-margin distillate products.

WHO WERE THE BIGGEST US CUSTOMERS?&nbsp;

US&nbsp;refiner Citgo Petroleum, a subsidiary of Venezuela`s state-run oil firm PDVSA, imported more than 175,800 bpd of Venezuelan oil in 2018, according to Refinitiv Eikon.&nbsp;

It was followed by Valero Energy Corp, which imported about 166,000 bpd last year, and oil major Chevron Corp, with about 83,000 bpd.&nbsp;

WHERE ARE US REFINERS FINDING REPLACEMENT BARRELS?&nbsp;

Chevron, Valero and Citgo have turned to producers of heavy crude in Colombia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Canada, as well as sour grades produced in the US&nbsp;Gulf Coast by BP PLC and Royal Dutch Shell PLC, traders and brokers said.

Valero has said it has used domestic blends, Canadian crude and a mix of other grades, including crude from Brazil.

The US&nbsp;refiners have also secured cruder from West Africa as a replacement, traders said.&nbsp;

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO REPAIR THE VENEZUELAN OIL INDUSTRY?

Venezuela might open its oil industry to foreign investment and limit the role of PDVSA, which currently controls all joint ventures in the OPEC-member nation, said Ricardo Hausmann, Guaido`s representative before the Inter-American Development Bank.

WHAT ELSE IS VENEZUELA EXPORTING?&nbsp;

Venezuela has stepped up shipments of gold to other countries, sending more than $900 million to Turkey in 2018, according to Turkish government data and trade reports.&nbsp;

Caracas is using some proceeds from those sales to buy Turkish consumer goods, according to opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni.

Turkish pasta and powdered milk are now staples in Maduro`s subsidized food program.

Trade between the two nations grew eightfold last year.&nbsp;

The United States in January imposed sanctions on Venezuela`s most important global business - producing and selling crude oil - as the Trump administration ratcheted up its bid to force socialist president Nicolas Maduro out of power.

The United States in January imposed sanctions on Venezuela`s most important global business - producing and selling crude oil - as the Trump administration ratcheted up its bid to force socialist president Nicolas Maduro out of power. Venezuela`s oil exports - accounting for more than 95 per cent of the country`s export revenue - have dropped by some 40 per cent since January. At the same time, it has been unable to import all the fuel it needs for blending with its heavy crude, as well as for domestic consumption. The United States and many Western governments have recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country`s rightful head of state. However, Maduro remains in power for now. HOW MUCH OIL IS VENEZUELA CURRENTLY PRODUCING? Venezuela`s crude production was between 732,000 and 960,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, according to self-reported figures and secondary sources quoted by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in its April oil market report. That compared to the output of 3 million bpd at the turn of the century. HOW MUCH CRUDE AND REFINED PRODUCTS IS IT EXPORTING? Venezuela exported about 1.06 million bpd of crude and refined products in April, up slightly from 980,000 bpd in March, according to data from Refinitiv Eikon. Exports sank 40 per cent in February, the first full month after the sanctions were imposed. WHERE IS THAT OIL GOING? The United States, India and China were Venezuela`s biggest customers prior to sanctions, with the United States the biggest cash buyer. India and China have accounted for most of Venezuela`s crude exports since sanctions took effect. Europe has also absorbed more. Last month, more Venezuelan crude cargoes headed to China, and fewer cargoes were steaming toward India, Refinitiv Eikon data show. Cuba remains a notable destination as well. WHAT ABOUT US IMPORTS? US imports of Venezuelan crude have collapsed to zero in the wake of sanctions. However, 186,000 bpd was imported in the week ended April 26 - a signal, traders said, that companies were taking the last shipments allowed in a wind-down period that ended April 28. In the week ended Jan. 25, just before sanctions were announced, US refineries imported 587,000 bpd. WHY IS VENEZUELAN CRUDE SO IMPORTANT? Heavy crude supplies of the kind Venezuela pumps are constrained worldwide. Large producers, such as Canada and Mexico, are unable to lift exports to replace the lost barrels and smaller producers, including Colombia and Ecuador, simply do not pump enough to ease the global shortfall. Complex US Gulf Coast refiners use heavy crude as part of a mix to create high-margin distillate products. WHO WERE THE BIGGEST US CUSTOMERS? US refiner Citgo Petroleum, a subsidiary of Venezuela`s state-run oil firm PDVSA, imported more than 175,800 bpd of Venezuelan oil in 2018, according to Refinitiv Eikon. It was followed by Valero Energy Corp, which imported about 166,000 bpd last year, and oil major Chevron Corp, with about 83,000 bpd. WHERE ARE US REFINERS FINDING REPLACEMENT BARRELS? Chevron, Valero and Citgo have turned to producers of heavy crude in Colombia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Canada, as well as sour grades produced in the US Gulf Coast by BP PLC and Royal Dutch Shell PLC, traders and brokers said. Valero has said it has used domestic blends, Canadian crude and a mix of other grades, including crude from Brazil. The US refiners have also secured cruder from West Africa as a replacement, traders said. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO REPAIR THE VENEZUELAN OIL INDUSTRY? Venezuela might open its oil industry to foreign investment and limit the role of PDVSA, which currently controls all joint ventures in the OPEC-member nation, said Ricardo Hausmann, Guaido`s representative before the Inter-American Development Bank. WHAT ELSE IS VENEZUELA EXPORTING? Venezuela has stepped up shipments of gold to other countries, sending more than $900 million to Turkey in 2018, according to Turkish government data and trade reports. Caracas is using some proceeds from those sales to buy Turkish consumer goods, according to opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni. Turkish pasta and powdered milk are now staples in Maduro`s subsidized food program. Trade between the two nations grew eightfold last year.

Explainer: US sanctions and Venezuela's exports and imports

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-us-stops-one-method-for-iran-oil-export-we-will-find-another-way-president-rouhani-214686">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a> signed a bill into law on Tuesday declaring all US&nbsp;forces in the Middle East terrorists and calling the US&nbsp;government a sponsor of terrorism.

The bill was passed by parliament last week in retaliation for President Donald Trump's decision this month to designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-guards-drone-spies-on-us-warships-in-gulf-report-214587">Iran</a>'s elite Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation.

It was not clear what the impact of the new Iranian law might have on US&nbsp;forces or their Middle East operations.

Rouhani instructed the ministry of intelligence, ministry of foreign affairs, the armed forces, and Iran's supreme national security council to implement the law, state media reported.

The law specifically labels as a terrorist organisation the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

"These two forces (Guards and CENTCOM) that are designated as terrorist groups reciprocally might confront (each other) in the Persian Gulf or any other region. The United States will surely be responsible for such a situation,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA on Tuesday.

The United States has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with the Guards, but until Trump's decision not the organisation as a whole.

Comprising an estimated 125,000-strong military with army, navy and air units, the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) also command the Basij, a religious volunteer paramilitary force, and control Iran's ballistic missile programmes. The Guards' overseas Quds forces have fought Iran's proxy wars in the region.

Long-tense relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse in May 2018 when Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, reached before he took office, and reimposed sanctions.

Revolutionary Guards commanders have repeatedly said that US&nbsp;bases in the Middle East and US aircraft carriers in the Gulf are within range of Iranian missiles.

Rouhani said on Tuesday the Islamic Republic will continue to export oil despite US sanctions aimed at reducing the country's crude shipments to zero.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signed a bill into law on Tuesday declaring all US forces in the Middle East terrorists and calling the US government a sponsor of terrorism.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signed a bill into law on Tuesday declaring all US forces in the Middle East terrorists and calling the US government a sponsor of terrorism. The bill was passed by parliament last week in retaliation for President Donald Trump's decision this month to designate Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation. It was not clear what the impact of the new Iranian law might have on US forces or their Middle East operations. Rouhani instructed the ministry of intelligence, ministry of foreign affairs, the armed forces, and Iran's supreme national security council to implement the law, state media reported. The law specifically labels as a terrorist organisation the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. "These two forces (Guards and CENTCOM) that are designated as terrorist groups reciprocally might confront (each other) in the Persian Gulf or any other region. The United States will surely be responsible for such a situation,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA on Tuesday. The United States has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with the Guards, but until Trump's decision not the organisation as a whole. Comprising an estimated 125,000-strong military with army, navy and air units, the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) also command the Basij, a religious volunteer paramilitary force, and control Iran's ballistic missile programmes. The Guards' overseas Quds forces have fought Iran's proxy wars in the region. Long-tense relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse in May 2018 when Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, reached before he took office, and reimposed sanctions. Revolutionary Guards commanders have repeatedly said that US bases in the Middle East and US aircraft carriers in the Gulf are within range of Iranian missiles. Rouhani said on Tuesday the Islamic Republic will continue to export oil despite US sanctions aimed at reducing the country's crude shipments to zero.

Iran designates as terrorists all US troops in Middle East

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed confidence that trade talks between the United States and China will not be affected by the end of Iran oil waivers this week.

Pompeo warned countries and companies that it would be a costly mistake to violate US&nbsp;sanctions by importing Iranian oil after Wednesday when the waivers for eight importers end.

China, India and Turkey are among Iran's largest oil importers that were granted waivers from US&nbsp;sanctions to allow them time to find alternative supplies.

"We have had lots of talks with China about this issue," Pompeo said at a newsmaker event by The Hill news outlet. "I'm confident that the trade talks will continue and run their natural course."

His comments come as US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin heads to Beijing and said he hopes the two economic powerhouses can finalize a trade deal with two more rounds of talks left..

Pompeo said the United States had worked to find alternative oil supplies to ensure the global oil market is well stocked as oil purchases from Iran are cut.

"We are convinced we can make sure the markets are adequately supplied. We are continuing to work on that," he said.

"Companies that choose to violate the sanctions ... we will pursue and we will ensure they are held accountable for the violations they engage in," he said.

Trump administration official said on Friday that neither a wind-down period nor a short-term waiver on China's oil purchases are being considered.

Under US sanctions law, importers of Iranian oil including China, India and Turkey, could be allowed a wind-down period before getting to zero oil purchases, including a short-term waiver. Any wind-down measures would be different than the 180-day exceptions the Trump administration granted in November to China and seven other importers for significantly reducing oil purchases from Iran, measures set to end in May.

The United States reimposed sanctions in November on exports of Iranian oil after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump last spring unilaterally pulled out of a 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed confidence that trade talks between the United States and China will not be affected by the end of Iran oil waivers this week.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed confidence that trade talks between the United States and China will not be affected by the end of Iran oil waivers this week. Pompeo warned countries and companies that it would be a costly mistake to violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil after Wednesday when the waivers for eight importers end. China, India and Turkey are among Iran's largest oil importers that were granted waivers from US sanctions to allow them time to find alternative supplies. "We have had lots of talks with China about this issue," Pompeo said at a newsmaker event by The Hill news outlet. "I'm confident that the trade talks will continue and run their natural course." His comments come as US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin heads to Beijing and said he hopes the two economic powerhouses can finalize a trade deal with two more rounds of talks left.. Pompeo said the United States had worked to find alternative oil supplies to ensure the global oil market is well stocked as oil purchases from Iran are cut. "We are convinced we can make sure the markets are adequately supplied. We are continuing to work on that," he said. "Companies that choose to violate the sanctions ... we will pursue and we will ensure they are held accountable for the violations they engage in," he said. Trump administration official said on Friday that neither a wind-down period nor a short-term waiver on China's oil purchases are being considered. Under US sanctions law, importers of Iranian oil including China, India and Turkey, could be allowed a wind-down period before getting to zero oil purchases, including a short-term waiver. Any wind-down measures would be different than the 180-day exceptions the Trump administration granted in November to China and seven other importers for significantly reducing oil purchases from Iran, measures set to end in May. The United States reimposed sanctions in November on exports of Iranian oil after US President Donald Trump last spring unilaterally pulled out of a 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program.

Mike Pompeo 'confident' China trade talks will not be hurt over Iran oil sanctions

Quitting a treaty designed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons is one of Iran's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-zarif-believes-trump-does-not-want-war-but-could-be-lured-into-conflict-213338">"numerous choices" </a>after the United States tightened sanctions on Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was on Sunday quoted as saying by state media.

Washington has decided not to renew exemptions from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-wont-change-iran-policies-javad-zarif-184363">US sanctions </a>to buyers of Iranian oil, in an effort to cut Iran's vital oil exports to zero.

"The Islamic Republic's choices are numerous, and the country's authorities are considering them,... and leaving NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) is one of them," state broadcaster IRIB's website quoted Zarif as saying.

Iran Guards drone spies on US warships&nbsp;

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards' drone successfully carried out a surveillance flight over an American aircraft carrier in the Gulf, Tasnim news agency claimed in a Sunday report on its website.

A video published by the agency, which could not be immediately verified, shows a light blue coloured drone with the name "Ababil III" written on the wings in Farsi and Latin script.

It is seen taking off from a desert base near the sea, as the soundtrack of an action movie plays in the background, and flies over first an escort ship and then an aircraft carrier with fighter planes parked on the deck.&nbsp;

"The naval force of Sepah (the Guards' Farsi name) is aware of all the movements of American terrorist forces in the region and the Persian Gulf and closely monitors them," Tasnim wrote.

Tasnim did not name the aircraft carrier or say when the video was shot.

In the Koran, Ababil refers to a type of magical birds that protected Islam's holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia against an invader king's elephant army by dropping stones on them.

The Tasnim report comes nearly three weeks after the United States branded the Guards as a "foreign terrorist organisation" and added it to a blacklist.

Iran swiftly retaliated by declaring US troops "terrorists".

The Guards is an ideological military force that works in parallel to the regular army.&nbsp;Its naval arm is charged with the defence and the security of the Gulf, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a global shipping route where American forces routinely pass.

(With inputs from AFP)

Quitting a treaty designed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons is one of Iran's "numerous choices" after the United States tightened sanctions on Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was on Sunday quoted as saying by state media.

Quitting a treaty designed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons is one of Iran's "numerous choices" after the United States tightened sanctions on Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was on Sunday quoted as saying by state media. Washington has decided not to renew exemptions from US sanctions to buyers of Iranian oil, in an effort to cut Iran's vital oil exports to zero. "The Islamic Republic's choices are numerous, and the country's authorities are considering them,... and leaving NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) is one of them," state broadcaster IRIB's website quoted Zarif as saying. Iran Guards drone spies on US warships An Iranian Revolutionary Guards' drone successfully carried out a surveillance flight over an American aircraft carrier in the Gulf, Tasnim news agency claimed in a Sunday report on its website. A video published by the agency, which could not be immediately verified, shows a light blue coloured drone with the name "Ababil III" written on the wings in Farsi and Latin script. It is seen taking off from a desert base near the sea, as the soundtrack of an action movie plays in the background, and flies over first an escort ship and then an aircraft carrier with fighter planes parked on the deck. "The naval force of Sepah (the Guards' Farsi name) is aware of all the movements of American terrorist forces in the region and the Persian Gulf and closely monitors them," Tasnim wrote. Tasnim did not name the aircraft carrier or say when the video was shot. In the Koran, Ababil refers to a type of magical birds that protected Islam's holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia against an invader king's elephant army by dropping stones on them. The Tasnim report comes nearly three weeks after the United States branded the Guards as a "foreign terrorist organisation" and added it to a blacklist. Iran swiftly retaliated by declaring US troops "terrorists". The Guards is an ideological military force that works in parallel to the regular army. Its naval arm is charged with the defence and the security of the Gulf, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a global shipping route where American forces routinely pass. (With inputs from AFP)

Leaving nuclear treaty one of 'numerous choices' after US sanctions move: Iran Foreign Minister Zarif

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