Iran

US to unfreeze $7 billion in Iranian assets, free four prisoners

Biden administration denies reports it agreed to free 4 Iranian suspects, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets in exchange.

Report: Huge explosion in Iranian city

Gigantic explosion reportedly heard at a chemical reactor in the Iranian city of Qom.

Iran: Sanctions on oil, banks and individuals will be lifted

Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator says Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and most individuals and institutions to be lifted.

Israel, Iran and the ‘Prince Charles question’

Prince Charles: While nations must maintain defences against hostile states, they must avoid... stimulating aggression by them. Op-ed.

New translation backs up claim Kerry gave Zarif info on Israel

Newly analyzed translation of leaked audiotape has Zarif saying, “Kerry told me that Israel had launched 200 airstrikes against (Iran).”

Iran suspended by judo federation over ban on Israelis

International Judo Federation imposes four-year ban on Iran for refusing to let its athletes face opponents from Israel.

Berlin Al-Quds Day rally cancelled for second year in a row

Rally, which has been described as an anti-Israel "hatefest," will not take place in person, but may move online.

Iran's government to investigate leaked recordings of Zarif

President Hassan Rouhani orders probe to identify who leaked "stolen" three-hour recording of Foreign Minister.

Iran registers record single-day death toll from COVID-19

Iran records 496 new deaths in 24 hours, surpassing the previous most deadly day in mid-November.

Kerry denies giving Iranian FM info on Israeli actions in Syria

Former Secretary of State says allegations that he informed Zarif of Israeli operations in Syria are "unequivocally false".

Iranian FM: Kerry told me about Israeli operations in Syria

In leaked audio, Mohammad Javad Zarif claims former Secretary of State informed him of more than 200 Israeli operations in Syria.

UK woman sentenced to 6th year in Iranian jail for 'propaganda'

British-Iranian national accused of 'spreading propaganda' by Iranian court handed a 6th year in prison.

Is war with Gaza around the corner?

The PA and Hamas may have been emboldened by US overtures to Iran & Iran's diplomatic gains in the region but will war ensue?

Iranian Chief of Staff: We'll teach Israel 'a good lesson'

Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces threatens to retaliate against Israel after Iranian oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Syria.

Saudi-Iranian rapprochement on the horizon?

With Biden admin. signaling end to Iran sanctions and return to nuclear agreement, regional powers sag under the pressure exerted by Iran.

Iran reduces number of centrifuges enriching uranium

IAEA says Iran has reduced the number of centrifuges enriching uranium to up to 60% purity at Natanz to one cluster from two.

Ambassador Erdan:

We're not bound by deal that doesn't address existential threat

Israel’s Ambassador to the US and UN addresses Security Council, accuses UN of not acting to stop Iran's threats to Israel.

'Surreal': UN appoints Iran to women's rights commission

UN Watch and other women's groups had harsh reactions to Iran being elected to org's top gender equality group in secret ballot.

Official: US presented Iran with roadmap on sanctions relief

Senior State Department official says the US provided Iran with outline of sanctions it is prepared to remove.

Why Tehran is losing sleep over Iran-Azerbaijan border

Israel's Mossad is increasingly active on the Iran-Azerbaijan border - a fact which is causing growing concern in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia: Iran should avoid escalation

Saudi Arabia calls on Iran to engage in negotiations over 2015 nuclear agreement and avoid escalation.

US and EU: More work needed to revive Iran deal

Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the "negotiations have achieved 60-70 percent progress."

Athletes call on IOC to sanction Iran over Israel boycott

Athletes and human rights activists call on International Olympic Committee to sanction Iran for ordering athletes to avoid Israelis.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan: Iran is an existential threat to Israel

It is "outrageous" that years of Iranian threats have been met with silence by the UN, says Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan

Iranian Military Chief:

'Laugh now, Zionists - soon you'll be wiped out'

Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards says Israel will soon 'disappear at the hands of the Palestinians'.

Deputy chief of Iran's Quds Force dies of apparent heart attack

Mohammed Hejazi, deputy commander of the Quds Force, dies of apparent heart attack.

ANALYSIS: Israel, Iran shadow war turns into open conflict

The Jewish state will not wait with arms folded until the flawed nuclear accord between Iran and six world powers will be revived.

Report: Saudi Arabia, Iran hold talks to repair relations

Regional rivals hold meetings in Baghdad about resuming relations which have been cut off since 2016.

Iranian official confirms progress in nuclear talks

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister says "new understanding" appears to be taking shape in talks regarding US return to 2015 deal.

The American-Iranian dialogue: No surprises

The Biden administration’s steps are proceeding as if they were drawn up by the mullahs, who are facing the scenario of their dreams. Op-ed.

IAEA confirms Iran enriching uranium to 60%

UN watchdog agency confirms Iran is enriching uranium to 60% at Natanz plant.

Report: US asked Israel to cut down 'chatter' on Iran

US officials reportedly demanded that Israel cut down the "chatter" concerning alleged attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Iran’s nuclear chief: We've begun 60% uranium enrichment

Iran’s nuclear chief says country is producing about 9 grams of 60% enriched uranium an hour at its underground plant in Natanz.

Iranian parliament confirms uranium enrichment

The chairman of the Iranian parliament has confirmed that Iran is now enriching uranium to 60%.

Explosive-laden drone targets U.S. troops in Iraq

Kurdish officials in Iraq announced a drone attack on an airport base housing US troops. No injuries reported.

IAEA: Iran almost ready to start enriching uranium to 60% purity

UN atomic watchdog says Iran is almost ready to start enriching uranium to 60% purity at Natanz.

Blinken: Iran's uranium enrichment is 'provocative'

Secretary of State blasts Iran’s announcement that it intends to begin enriching uranium at 60% purity.

Khamenei: US proposals not worth considering

Iranian Supreme Leader rejects 'arrogant' American proposals in nuclear negotiations, reiterates demand that sanctions be lifted first.

Iranian MP: Explosion destroyed majority of Natanz facilities

Iranian MP Zakani confirms: Natanz explosion destroyed most of the site's enrichment facilities. Nuclear expert: Iran threats are empty.

Report: Israel won't retaliate for attack on ship in the Gulf

Israeli security official says Israel is seeking to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf.

Is recent maritime unrest rocking the regional boat?

The seas are becoming another sphere in which Israel must spare no effort to halt Iran’s efforts to increase its regional foothold.

The Cold War is re-emerging in the Middle East

The Russians and ttheir Chinese “frenemies,” see the US retreat from the region as an opportunity to flex their muscles. Op-ed.

White House: US had nothing to do with Natanz explosion

White House Press Secretary: US wasn't involved in any manner with explosion at Natanz uranium enrichment plant.

EU sanctions Iran over human rights abuses

New human rights sanctions by the European Union the first since 2013.

Iran: Damaged nuclear site will take days, not months to repair

Top Iranian nuclear official says Natanz uranium enrichment facility will be expanded during repair work, downplays damage from explosion.

Inside Iran's efforts to lure Israelis abroad with 'honey traps'

Israeli authorities reveal Iran's techniques for trying to lure Israelis into ambushes abroad using fictitious female profiles as lures.

Iranian ship struck by mine has not moved since explosion

MV Saviz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forward base stationed off the coast of Yemen, has not moved, according to satellite images.

Officials: It will take Iran 9 months to fix damage at Natanz

Intelligence officials: Fire at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility was caused by large explosion that completely destroyed its power system.

Report:

New fire breaks out in Iranian nuclear facility

Senior Iranian official says additional fire has broken out at Natanz uranium enrichment plant, which was earlier hit by sabotage.

Iran: We will respond to 'terrorist attack' on nuclear facility

Chief of Iranian nuclear program calls sabotage of uranium enrichment facility 'act of terrorism', hints at Iranian response.

Intel Officials: Mossad behind attack on Iranian nuke facility

Western intelligence officials claim Israeli Mossad is responsible for damage to Iranian uranium enrichment facility in Natanz.

From Iran to Israel's elite 8200 intel unit

'A tremendous opportunity to look at Iran from both sides.' B. immigrates to Israel from Iran, joining the elite Unit 8200 intel team.

Iranian official: Sabotage may be behind nuclear plant accident

Member of Iranian parliament says 'accident' at electrical grid for Natanz nuclear facility 'very suspicious.'

Iran goes into new lockdown amid fourth COVID-19 wave

Most shops closed and offices restricted to one-third capacity in cities declared as “red-zones.”

Iran is testing nuclear-capable missiles, Israel warns

Iran has been testing nuclear ballistic missiles for months, violating UN Resolution 2231, Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan reveals.

US plays down expectations for talks with Iran

State Department spokesman: Talks with Iran were positive but we should not allow expectations to outpace where we are.

Iran: We will respond to attack on our ship in the Red Sea

Iranian Armed Forces spokesman: Iran will respond to attack on the Saviz ship once it uncovers the source.

Documents show massive network of Iranian spies infiltrated EU

Spy network in 22 European cities planned terrorist attacks using explosives, acid and toxic chemicals, newly obtained documents reveal.

ANALYSIS:

Biden's politics spell trouble for Israel

Major changes that worry Israel's leaders can be observed in the US administration's policy towards the Middle East.

Iran may attack Israel - from its own territory

Tehran may seek revenge for naval attacks - and they may use drones to do it.