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

US-Iran to hold indirect nuclear talks in Vienna today

The Iran Nuclear deal was a signature foreign policy achievement of Barack Obama's administration. After more than two years of gruelling negotiations, the agreement was reached upon in 2015 in Vienna between Iran and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council i.e. China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany together with the European Union. As a result, Iran's nuclear ambitions were tightly restricted in return for the lifting of sanctions that crippled Iran's economy prior to the deal.

Chaos ensued when Donald Trump announced his exit from The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA in May 2018 promising to negotiate a new deal, one that could completely curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions. Sanctions on Iran were brought back, more than 1500 in total. A trans-Atlantic clash awaited western powers France, Germany and Britain as they faced the prospect of American sanctions for doing business with Iran. &nbsp;The former U.S. president's maximum pressure strategy with Iran failed as miserably as it did with North Korea.

And just like Donald Trump's campaign promise in 2016, the Iran Nuclear Deal featured again on Biden's 2020 election campaign too, only this time Biden promised to revive it. Cut to April 2021, Iran and the West will be back at the negotiating table in Vienna. While Tehran has ruled out face-to-face bilateral discussions, the White House is also not expecting any direct talks for now but there is a strong possibility of indirect talks between the parties. Officials from both sides will be travelling to Vienna next week. This is how one European diplomat put it, "Iran and the U.S. will be in the same town -- but not the same room."

The decision to resume the talks in Vienna -- follows Friday's virtual meeting attended by Iran, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain. The upcoming talks will focus on creating a list detailing the sanctions that America can lift and the nuclear obligations that Iran should meet. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is understandably upbeat about the outcome and is now voicing support for the removal of sanctions and a gradual return to nuclear obligations. The Iranian foreign minister's reaction is a sharp contrast to his remarks in January when he accused Europe of not doing enough to protect the nuclear deal. Perhaps, that accusation can now be ruled out with the EU confirming the talks in the Austrian capital, hinting at playing a more active role.

The Vienna announcement comes just days after Iran and China agreed on a sweeping 25-year trade and security cooperation pact that could lead to increased oil flows from Tehran to Beijing along with cooperation in Banking, Finance and Insurance. It's important to note that China is Iran's biggest trading partner. And if the US must counter China's clout in trade, it must begin by the partial lifting of sanctions and by turning a blind eye to foreign western investments in Iran in fields of&nbsp;manufacturing, steel and aluminium companies, even banks. There's no doubt that Biden is walking a tight rope in a deeply divided US&nbsp;Congress when it comes to the issue of Iran. Also, much of the trajectory of the negotiations rests upon Iran's elections scheduled to be held in June, one that could see anti-US hardliners prosper.&nbsp;

The two countries will now need to work upon a framework wherein Iran can be complied into taking verifiable steps. Iran's hardball tactics have been marked by an increase in uranium enrichment and its limited access of nuclear facilities to IAEA, the UN atomic watchdog. So, for Biden the revival of the Nuclear deal is imperative and must be accompanied by a sense of urgency.

For India too, America's return to the JCPOA could arrive as a welcome relief. There was a time when India's trade with Iran was worth billions of dollars. So much so, Iran would sell oil to India in exchange for rupees which the country used to import Indian agricultural commodities. But soon after the US sanctions waiver expired, India stopped buying Tehran's oil in May 2019. According to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry's data provided to news agency Reuters, India's overall exports to Tehran fell by 42% in 2020 amounting to $2.2 billion compared to 2019. This is the lowest figure in over a decade. The fall is expected to continue well into 2021. From strategic partnerships like the Chahbahar Port in southern Iran to Indian oil and gas exploration in Iran's Farzad B gas field, from agricultural supplies like rice to Indian export of automobile components and chemicals to Iran, India's trade potential with Iran can have massive long-term benefits. But clearly, the US sanctions have hit the India-Iran trade hard.

A credibility deficit created by Donald Trump will have to be addressed on priority by the Biden administration. Perhaps it is because of this trust deficit that Iran has rejected a phased lifting of sanctions. With Iran elections on the horizon, time is of the essence. There can be no progress without America's willingness to compromise.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The Iran Nuclear deal was a signature foreign policy achievement of Barack Obama's administration. After more than two years of gruelling negotiations, the agreement was reached upon in 2015 in Vienna between Iran and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council i.

The Iran Nuclear deal was a signature foreign policy achievement of Barack Obama's administration. After more than two years of gruelling negotiations, the agreement was reached upon in 2015 in Vienna between Iran and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council i.e. China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany together with the European Union. As a result, Iran's nuclear ambitions were tightly restricted in return for the lifting of sanctions that crippled Iran's economy prior to the deal. Chaos ensued when Donald Trump announced his exit from The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA in May 2018 promising to negotiate a new deal, one that could completely curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions. Sanctions on Iran were brought back, more than 1500 in total. A trans-Atlantic clash awaited western powers France, Germany and Britain as they faced the prospect of American sanctions for doing business with Iran. The former U.S. president's maximum pressure strategy with Iran failed as miserably as it did with North Korea. And just like Donald Trump's campaign promise in 2016, the Iran Nuclear Deal featured again on Biden's 2020 election campaign too, only this time Biden promised to revive it. Cut to April 2021, Iran and the West will be back at the negotiating table in Vienna. While Tehran has ruled out face-to-face bilateral discussions, the White House is also not expecting any direct talks for now but there is a strong possibility of indirect talks between the parties. Officials from both sides will be travelling to Vienna next week. This is how one European diplomat put it, "Iran and the U.S. will be in the same town -- but not the same room." The decision to resume the talks in Vienna -- follows Friday's virtual meeting attended by Iran, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain. The upcoming talks will focus on creating a list detailing the sanctions that America can lift and the nuclear obligations that Iran should meet. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is understandably upbeat about the outcome and is now voicing support for the removal of sanctions and a gradual return to nuclear obligations. The Iranian foreign minister's reaction is a sharp contrast to his remarks in January when he accused Europe of not doing enough to protect the nuclear deal. Perhaps, that accusation can now be ruled out with the EU confirming the talks in the Austrian capital, hinting at playing a more active role. The Vienna announcement comes just days after Iran and China agreed on a sweeping 25-year trade and security cooperation pact that could lead to increased oil flows from Tehran to Beijing along with cooperation in Banking, Finance and Insurance. It's important to note that China is Iran's biggest trading partner. And if the US must counter China's clout in trade, it must begin by the partial lifting of sanctions and by turning a blind eye to foreign western investments in Iran in fields of manufacturing, steel and aluminium companies, even banks. There's no doubt that Biden is walking a tight rope in a deeply divided US Congress when it comes to the issue of Iran. Also, much of the trajectory of the negotiations rests upon Iran's elections scheduled to be held in June, one that could see anti-US hardliners prosper. The two countries will now need to work upon a framework wherein Iran can be complied into taking verifiable steps. Iran's hardball tactics have been marked by an increase in uranium enrichment and its limited access of nuclear facilities to IAEA, the UN atomic watchdog. So, for Biden the revival of the Nuclear deal is imperative and must be accompanied by a sense of urgency. For India too, America's return to the JCPOA could arrive as a welcome relief. There was a time when India's trade with Iran was worth billions of dollars. So much so, Iran would sell oil to India in exchange for rupees which the country used to import Indian agricultural commodities. But soon after the US sanctions waiver expired, India stopped buying Tehran's oil in May 2019. According to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry's data provided to news agency Reuters, India's overall exports to Tehran fell by 42% in 2020 amounting to $2.2 billion compared to 2019. This is the lowest figure in over a decade. The fall is expected to continue well into 2021. From strategic partnerships like the Chahbahar Port in southern Iran to Indian oil and gas exploration in Iran's Farzad B gas field, from agricultural supplies like rice to Indian export of automobile components and chemicals to Iran, India's trade potential with Iran can have massive long-term benefits. But clearly, the US sanctions have hit the India-Iran trade hard. A credibility deficit created by Donald Trump will have to be addressed on priority by the Biden administration. Perhaps it is because of this trust deficit that Iran has rejected a phased lifting of sanctions. With Iran elections on the horizon, time is of the essence. There can be no progress without America's willingness to compromise. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Vienna talks: Rekindling hope 

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US. Talks on the future of Iran nuclear deal will begin in Vienna next week.

"The United States will not attend any meeting in which Iran is present, including the meeting of the joint commission (of the nuclear accord), and that is certain," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by the website.

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," tweeted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At virtual JCPOA JC meeting, Iran &amp; EU/E3+2 agreed to resume in-person talks in Vienna next Tues. 
 
Aim: Rapidly finalize sanction-lifting &amp; nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures. 
 
No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1377950244508475392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US and other world powers in 2015. Then US President Barack Obama had spent considerable political capital to bring other world powers including Russia to agree to the deal.

However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Though Biden administration has indicated that it will re-enter the deal, rounds of talks and some heavy diplomacy is likely to take place before that happens.

Also Read | US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran 
 
&nbsp;

Tehran says Washington has to lift international sanctions that were reimposed by Trump before it will make any moves to get back in line, and is refusing to hold direct negotiations with the US.&nbsp;

World powers and Iran have agreed to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold "separate contacts" with the US, the EU said.

Participants would meet in the Austrian capital "to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups", a statement said.&nbsp;

"The coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States," the European Union said, referring to the deal by its initials.

(With AFP inputs)

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US.

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US. Talks on the future of Iran nuclear deal will begin in Vienna next week. "The United States will not attend any meeting in which Iran is present, including the meeting of the joint commission (of the nuclear accord), and that is certain," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by the website. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," tweeted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At virtual JCPOA JC meeting, Iran & EU/E3+2 agreed to resume in-person talks in Vienna next Tues. Aim: Rapidly finalize sanction-lifting & nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures. No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 2, 2021 × Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US and other world powers in 2015. Then US President Barack Obama had spent considerable political capital to bring other world powers including Russia to agree to the deal. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Though Biden administration has indicated that it will re-enter the deal, rounds of talks and some heavy diplomacy is likely to take place before that happens. Also Read | US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran Tehran says Washington has to lift international sanctions that were reimposed by Trump before it will make any moves to get back in line, and is refusing to hold direct negotiations with the US. World powers and Iran have agreed to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold "separate contacts" with the US, the EU said. Participants would meet in the Austrian capital "to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups", a statement said. "The coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States," the European Union said, referring to the deal by its initials. (With AFP inputs)

Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna

Young patients at Vienna's St.Anna children's hospital were in for a nice surprise when Super Man, Batman and the likes suddenly appeared in front of their windows.

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the fight against political Islam – the ideological basis behind it – we are going to create a criminal offense called ‘political Islam’, says Sebastian Kurz

Austria to make it a criminal offense to spread political Islam after Vienna terror attack

Austria's Interior Minister Karl Nehammer has admitted that a warning from Slovakia last summer about a gunman.

Austria admits failing to act on warning on gunman

Large quantities of mobile phone footage have confirmed that the jihadist who killed four people in a rampage in Vienna on Monday was the only gunman, but Austria fumbled intelligence on him, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Wednesday.

Vienna gunman rampaged alone, intelligence was fumbled, minister says

In a big revelation, Austria's interior minister said on Wednesday that Austria's domestic intelligence service had received warning that the Islamic State sympathiser wanted to procure ammunition. The man later went on to carry out a deadly shooting in Vienna. Austria's interior minister said that the Austrian domestic intelligence had received the warning from neighbouring Slovakia.

"In the last few hours information has come to light that some time prior to the terror attack, Slovakian intelligence informed (Austria's domestic intelligence service) the BVT about the attacker. The information was that he wanted to get ammunition," Karl Nehammer told a press conference.

Four people were killed when Kujtim Fejzulai, described as a 20-year-old IS sympathiser who had spent time in prison, opened fire with a Kalashnikov in a busy area of the Austrian capital the day before the country went into a new coronavirus lockdown.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/austria-thanks-india-for-standing-in-difficult-times-says-will-defend-our-open-societies-340064">Austria thanks India for standing in difficult times; says will defend our open societies</a>

Police shot the gunman dead on Monday and later swooped on 18 different addresses and made 14 arrests as they looked for possible accomplices and sought to determine if he had acted alone.&nbsp;

The Vienna terror attack has been claimed by Islamic State (IS). It said on Tuesday that "soldier of the caliphate" was responsible for the carnage, according to its propaganda agency. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called for a European response to "political Islam".

(With AFP inputs)

In a big revelation, Austria's interior minister said on Wednesday that Austria's domestic intelligence service had received warning that the Islamic State sympathiser wanted to procure ammunition.

In a big revelation, Austria's interior minister said on Wednesday that Austria's domestic intelligence service had received warning that the Islamic State sympathiser wanted to procure ammunition. The man later went on to carry out a deadly shooting in Vienna. Austria's interior minister said that the Austrian domestic intelligence had received the warning from neighbouring Slovakia. "In the last few hours information has come to light that some time prior to the terror attack, Slovakian intelligence informed (Austria's domestic intelligence service) the BVT about the attacker. The information was that he wanted to get ammunition," Karl Nehammer told a press conference. Four people were killed when Kujtim Fejzulai, described as a 20-year-old IS sympathiser who had spent time in prison, opened fire with a Kalashnikov in a busy area of the Austrian capital the day before the country went into a new coronavirus lockdown. Also Read | Austria thanks India for standing in difficult times; says will defend our open societies Police shot the gunman dead on Monday and later swooped on 18 different addresses and made 14 arrests as they looked for possible accomplices and sought to determine if he had acted alone. The Vienna terror attack has been claimed by Islamic State (IS). It said on Tuesday that "soldier of the caliphate" was responsible for the carnage, according to its propaganda agency. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called for a European response to "political Islam". (With AFP inputs)

Vienna terror attack: Austria was warned about the attacker, says minister

Europe has been struck by terror for the third time in a week. 6 locations were targeted in Vienna. 5 People have died. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas: Terror strikes Vienna, army called in

The terror attacks in France and Austria signal a resurgence of terrorism in Europe. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why the continent needs to put forward a united response to tackle the threat.

Gravitas: European leaders wake up to the threat posed by radical Islam

Attacks across central Vienna, in which gunmen killed three people and injured several others, were carried out by at least one "Islamist terrorist," Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Tuesday.

In an early morning televised news conference, Nehammer repeated calls for the public to stay at home, saying one attacker, who was wearing an explosives belt that turned out to be fake, was an Islamic State sympathiser.

That assailant was shot dead by police. Nehammer said officials believe there was more than one attacker, adding that 1,000 security personnel had been deployed for the manhunt while neighbouring countries had offered assistance.

Also watch|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-witness-footage-show-terrorist-suspect-open-fire-in-vienna-340048"> CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna</a>

"We experienced an attack yesterday evening by at least one Islamist terrorist, a situation that we have not had to live through in Austria for decades," Nehammer said.

"Austria for more than 75 years has been a strong democracy, a mature democracy, a country whose identity is marked by values and basic rights, with freedom of expression, rule of law, but also tolerance in human coexistence," he said. "Yesterday`s attack is an attack on just these values."

Gunmen attacked six locations in central Vienna on Monday evening, starting outside the main synagogue. Witnesses described the men firing into crowds in bars with automatic rifles, as many people took advantage of the last evening before a nationwide curfew was introduced because of COVID-19.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that three civilians were killed in the attacks - two men and one woman - with 15 others wounded, including a police officer.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-shooting-at-least-3-dead-15-injured-after-terrorists-open-fire-339973" hreflang="en">Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire</a>

Police sealed off much of the historic centre of the city overnight, urging the public to shelter in place. Many sought refuge in bars and hotels, while public transport throughout the old town was shut down and police scoured the city.

Nehammer said the home of the known assailant had been searched and video material seized. Vienna`s police chief declined to provide further details on the attacker`s identity, citing potential endangerment of the investigation.

Oskar Deutsch, the head of Vienna`s Jewish community, which has offices adjoining the synagogue on a narrow cobbled street dotted with bars, said on Twitter that it was not clear whether the temple or offices were targeted but that they were closed at the time.

Videos circulated on social media of a gunman running down a cobblestone street shooting and shouting. One showed a man gunning down a person outside what appeared to be a bar on the street housing the synagogue.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-shooting-world-leaders-condemn-repulsive-terror-attack-339976" hreflang="en">Vienna shooting: World leaders condemn 'repulsive terror attack'</a>

Austria`s capital had been spared the kind of deadly militant attacks that have struck Paris, London, Berlin and Brussels, among others, in recent years. 
Condolences poured in from around the world, with top officials from the European Union, France, Norway, Greece and the United States expressing their shock at the attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet that "our prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe."

"These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The U.S. stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists."

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden condemned what he called a "horrific terrorist attack," adding, "We must all stand united against hate and violence."

Attacks across central Vienna, in which gunmen killed three people and injured several others, were carried out by at least one "Islamist terrorist," Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Tuesday.

Attacks across central Vienna, in which gunmen killed three people and injured several others, were carried out by at least one "Islamist terrorist," Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Tuesday. In an early morning televised news conference, Nehammer repeated calls for the public to stay at home, saying one attacker, who was wearing an explosives belt that turned out to be fake, was an Islamic State sympathiser. That assailant was shot dead by police. Nehammer said officials believe there was more than one attacker, adding that 1,000 security personnel had been deployed for the manhunt while neighbouring countries had offered assistance. Also watch| CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna "We experienced an attack yesterday evening by at least one Islamist terrorist, a situation that we have not had to live through in Austria for decades," Nehammer said. "Austria for more than 75 years has been a strong democracy, a mature democracy, a country whose identity is marked by values and basic rights, with freedom of expression, rule of law, but also tolerance in human coexistence," he said. "Yesterday`s attack is an attack on just these values." Gunmen attacked six locations in central Vienna on Monday evening, starting outside the main synagogue. Witnesses described the men firing into crowds in bars with automatic rifles, as many people took advantage of the last evening before a nationwide curfew was introduced because of COVID-19. Police confirmed on Tuesday that three civilians were killed in the attacks - two men and one woman - with 15 others wounded, including a police officer. Also read| Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire Police sealed off much of the historic centre of the city overnight, urging the public to shelter in place. Many sought refuge in bars and hotels, while public transport throughout the old town was shut down and police scoured the city. Nehammer said the home of the known assailant had been searched and video material seized. Vienna`s police chief declined to provide further details on the attacker`s identity, citing potential endangerment of the investigation. Oskar Deutsch, the head of Vienna`s Jewish community, which has offices adjoining the synagogue on a narrow cobbled street dotted with bars, said on Twitter that it was not clear whether the temple or offices were targeted but that they were closed at the time. Videos circulated on social media of a gunman running down a cobblestone street shooting and shouting. One showed a man gunning down a person outside what appeared to be a bar on the street housing the synagogue. Also read| Vienna shooting: World leaders condemn 'repulsive terror attack' Austria`s capital had been spared the kind of deadly militant attacks that have struck Paris, London, Berlin and Brussels, among others, in recent years. Condolences poured in from around the world, with top officials from the European Union, France, Norway, Greece and the United States expressing their shock at the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet that "our prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe." "These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The U.S. stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists." Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden condemned what he called a "horrific terrorist attack," adding, "We must all stand united against hate and violence."

Austrian minister says at least one 'Islamist terrorist' behind Vienna attack

Austrian police have arrested 15 people linked to the main suspect in a gun attack that took place in Vienna overnight, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on Tuesday (November 3).

Fineprint: Police arrest 15 after four killed in Vienna attack

Police said that several shots were fired shortly after 8 p.m. (1900 GMT) on a lively street in the city center and that there were six shooting locations.

Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz says Vienna shooting was a 'repulsive terror attack'

Vienna Terror attack: Multiple gunmen opened fire across various locations

At least five people were killed and over a dozen injured in what Austria describes as a "repulsive terror attack" in central Vienna on Monday. Police are pursuing a huge manhunt after terrorists attacked six locations. One of the suspected gunmen was killed and the search for at least one more assailant is underway.&nbsp;

Take a look at eye eyewitnesses accounts of the ghastly act.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamist-terror-is-our-common-enemy-germanys-angela-merkel-offers-condolence-to-vienna-340079">'Islamist terror is our common enemy': Germany's Angela Merkel offers condolence to Vienna</a>

<h2>'Sounded like firecrackers'</h2>

"It sounded like firecrackers, then we realised it was shots," said one eyewitness as quoted by ORF. He added that one shooter had "shot wildly with an automatic weapon" before police stepped in and opened fire.&nbsp;

<h2>'Making an American film'</h2>

Jimmy Eroglu, a waiter, said, in the beginning, he felt as if there is a shooting of an American film or they had "drunk too much" as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

But he later heard shots. "The police came in and said, 'you all have to stay inside because there's a probably a dead man there,'" the 42-year-old waiter said.&nbsp;

<h2>Laser aimed at the chest</h2>

Robert Schneider, who resides in central Vienna, went out only to found two lasers aimed at his chest.&nbsp;

"Hands up, take off your jacket," officers shouted at Schneider, the 39-year-old told said.&nbsp;

"We had seen nothing, heard nothing. We are in shock." 
&nbsp;

At least five people were killed and over a dozen injured in what Austria describes as a "repulsive terror attack" in central Vienna on Monday. Police are pursuing a huge manhunt after terrorists attacked six locations.

At least five people were killed and over a dozen injured in what Austria describes as a "repulsive terror attack" in central Vienna on Monday. Police are pursuing a huge manhunt after terrorists attacked six locations. One of the suspected gunmen was killed and the search for at least one more assailant is underway. Take a look at eye eyewitnesses accounts of the ghastly act. Also read | 'Islamist terror is our common enemy': Germany's Angela Merkel offers condolence to Vienna 'Sounded like firecrackers' "It sounded like firecrackers, then we realised it was shots," said one eyewitness as quoted by ORF. He added that one shooter had "shot wildly with an automatic weapon" before police stepped in and opened fire. 'Making an American film' Jimmy Eroglu, a waiter, said, in the beginning, he felt as if there is a shooting of an American film or they had "drunk too much" as reported by news agency AFP. But he later heard shots. "The police came in and said, 'you all have to stay inside because there's a probably a dead man there,'" the 42-year-old waiter said. Laser aimed at the chest Robert Schneider, who resides in central Vienna, went out only to found two lasers aimed at his chest. "Hands up, take off your jacket," officers shouted at Schneider, the 39-year-old told said. "We had seen nothing, heard nothing. We are in shock."

'Sounded like firecrackers', 'making of American film': Eyewitnesses describe Vienna terror attack

A few hours after a group of terrorists open fired in the streets of Vienna at six different locations, the&nbsp;German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and the ailing country.

While condemning the attack, Merkel offered support to the fellow European country and said "Islamist terror is our common enemy" to show solidarity with the Vienna.

"The fight against these assassins and those who instigate them is our common struggle," Merkel's spokesperson tweeted, adding: "solidarity" with Austria.

Also watch|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-witness-footage-show-terrorist-suspect-open-fire-in-vienna-340048">&nbsp;CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna</a>

Minutes after Merkel issued the statement, Germany started tightening its security along the borders of Austria. The local authorities are now stopping every vehicle and passerby through the border that the country shares with Austria.

The security has been beefed up after the Vienna police announced that at least one shooter is still at large. the two countries have come together and launched a massive manhunt. Tightened controls at the border is now a "tactical priority" for the federal police force, a spokesman for German federal police said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-shooting-at-least-3-dead-15-injured-after-terrorists-open-fire-339973" hreflang="en">Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire</a>

This statement came after a group of gunmen started shooting at the people in the streets of Vienna around 8pm on six different locations.&nbsp;"I am glad that our police were able to neutralize one of the attackers,'' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. "We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.''

Meanwhile, the French president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaida-threatens-emmanuel-macron-as-france-kills-50-jihadists-in-mali-340052">Emmanuel Macron</a> has received a threat from Al-Qaeda. "Killing anyone who insults the prophet is the right of each and every Muslim," the terror group, the terror group that is known by its French acronym AQMI, said in a statement.

A few hours after a group of terrorists open fired in the streets of Vienna at six different locations, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and the ailing country.

A few hours after a group of terrorists open fired in the streets of Vienna at six different locations, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and the ailing country. While condemning the attack, Merkel offered support to the fellow European country and said "Islamist terror is our common enemy" to show solidarity with the Vienna. "The fight against these assassins and those who instigate them is our common struggle," Merkel's spokesperson tweeted, adding: "solidarity" with Austria. Also watch| CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna Minutes after Merkel issued the statement, Germany started tightening its security along the borders of Austria. The local authorities are now stopping every vehicle and passerby through the border that the country shares with Austria. The security has been beefed up after the Vienna police announced that at least one shooter is still at large. the two countries have come together and launched a massive manhunt. Tightened controls at the border is now a "tactical priority" for the federal police force, a spokesman for German federal police said. Also read| Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire This statement came after a group of gunmen started shooting at the people in the streets of Vienna around 8pm on six different locations. "I am glad that our police were able to neutralize one of the attackers,'' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. "We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.'' Meanwhile, the French president Emmanuel Macron has received a threat from Al-Qaeda. "Killing anyone who insults the prophet is the right of each and every Muslim," the terror group, the terror group that is known by its French acronym AQMI, said in a statement.

'Islamist terror is our common enemy': Germany's Angela Merkel offers condolence to Vienna

At least five people have been reported dead after a group of gunmen opened fire at the crowd enjoying a night out in Vienna before a nationwide lockdown. The incident happened shortly after 8pm.

"I am glad that our police were able to neutralize one of the attackers,'' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. "We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.''

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-shooting-world-leaders-condemn-repulsive-terror-attack-339976" hreflang="en">Vienna shooting: World leaders condemn 'repulsive terror attack'</a>

As per the early reports, shootings happened at six different locations where the gunmen used assailant rifles injuring many people who were out in the city enjoying the lat night out before the country goes into a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The police started investigating the matter as a terror attack and the Interior Minister Nehammer, too, announced the local public radio that "It appears to have been a terror attack."
<img alt="Vienna shooting" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e3b4f15-7261-4206-93f8-03cb568aba75" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Vienna%20shooting%20%281%29.jpg" />
As of now, 15 people, including a police officer,&nbsp;have been hospitalised, with seven suffering serious injuries, reported the Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig.&nbsp;

The incident began near the Seitenstettengasse synagogue, which is the main temple in Vienna, and was closed at the time of the attack,&nbsp;Jewish community leader Oskar Deutsch reported through a tweet.

As per the local reports and videos on social media, several people ran to find a shelter and a safe place as the locals heard several noises 'that sounded like firecrackers.' People also raised their hands up as the police frantically searched identities of people on the street to identify the shooters. For now, one shooter has been reportedly arrested and the police have reported that at least one shooter is on the run. It is not yet clear how many shooters were involved in this massacre.

The French President Emmanuel Macron showed solidarity with the European country. "We the French people share the shock and grief of the Austrian people, struck this evening by an attack in the heart of their capital, Vienna. After France, a friend of ours is attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they are dealing with," he said.

At least five people have been reported dead after a group of gunmen opened fire at the crowd enjoying a night out in Vienna before a nationwide lockdown. The incident happened shortly after 8pm.

At least five people have been reported dead after a group of gunmen opened fire at the crowd enjoying a night out in Vienna before a nationwide lockdown. The incident happened shortly after 8pm. "I am glad that our police were able to neutralize one of the attackers,'' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. "We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.'' Also read| Vienna shooting: World leaders condemn 'repulsive terror attack' As per the early reports, shootings happened at six different locations where the gunmen used assailant rifles injuring many people who were out in the city enjoying the lat night out before the country goes into a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The police started investigating the matter as a terror attack and the Interior Minister Nehammer, too, announced the local public radio that "It appears to have been a terror attack." As of now, 15 people, including a police officer, have been hospitalised, with seven suffering serious injuries, reported the Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig. The incident began near the Seitenstettengasse synagogue, which is the main temple in Vienna, and was closed at the time of the attack, Jewish community leader Oskar Deutsch reported through a tweet. As per the local reports and videos on social media, several people ran to find a shelter and a safe place as the locals heard several noises 'that sounded like firecrackers.' People also raised their hands up as the police frantically searched identities of people on the street to identify the shooters. For now, one shooter has been reportedly arrested and the police have reported that at least one shooter is on the run. It is not yet clear how many shooters were involved in this massacre. The French President Emmanuel Macron showed solidarity with the European country. "We the French people share the shock and grief of the Austrian people, struck this evening by an attack in the heart of their capital, Vienna. After France, a friend of ours is attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they are dealing with," he said.

Vienna shooting: At least 5 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire

Police said that several shots were fired shortly after 8 p.m. on a lively street in the city center and that there were six shooting locations

WION Exclusive: Vienna Islamist terror attack | What we know so far | Explainer

At least three people were killed, including a gunman, and 14 others injured in shootings in the Austrian capital of Vienna, just hours before a national lockdown was to come into force against the Covid-19 pandemic, authorities said on Tuesday.

3 killed in Vienna terror attack in six different locations

The Austrian police was attending to a distress call of a 31-year-old lady in Vienna when they realised that instead of the woman, it was three young girls who were the victims.

When the local police reached an apartment in Vienna, they found dead bodies of an eight-month-old baby and a three-year-old girl. Another nine-year-old girl was also found in the apartment and was struggling to breathe. the nin-year-old was rushed to the hospital immediately, but the medical team was unable to save her.

Upon investigating it was found that the police had received a distress call by a 31-year-old — the three kids' mother — saying she wanted to kill herself.

The police revealed that the mother had some light injuries herself, and her three daughters had suffocated to death.

Upon investigating, the mother has now confessed to having killed the three daughters, but the motive behind this is not clear.

The Austrian police was attending to a distress call of a 31-year-old lady in Vienna when they realised that instead of the woman, it was three young girls who were the victims.

The Austrian police was attending to a distress call of a 31-year-old lady in Vienna when they realised that instead of the woman, it was three young girls who were the victims. When the local police reached an apartment in Vienna, they found dead bodies of an eight-month-old baby and a three-year-old girl. Another nine-year-old girl was also found in the apartment and was struggling to breathe. the nin-year-old was rushed to the hospital immediately, but the medical team was unable to save her. Upon investigating it was found that the police had received a distress call by a 31-year-old — the three kids' mother — saying she wanted to kill herself. The police revealed that the mother had some light injuries herself, and her three daughters had suffocated to death. Upon investigating, the mother has now confessed to having killed the three daughters, but the motive behind this is not clear.

Austrian mother confesses to suffocating 3 daughters to death

Four cheetah cubs born at the Vienna Zoo in August were said to be doing well on Tuesday. The cubs, on the red list of endangered species, are part of a European conservation breeding program.

Vienna Zoo shows off four cheetah cubs born in June

Vienna Zoo's latest attraction has made its public debut - a new pygmy marmoset, one of the world's smallest primate species.

New baby of world's smallest primate born in Vienna

An Austrian minister has become the honorary godmother of a baby elephant born at Vienna Zoo. A small ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the newly-reopened zoo.

Austrian minister becomes godmother to baby elephant

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