Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• Iran's space activities for peaceful purposes: Official IRNA 31 Jul 2017 -- Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Head of Iran's Space Agency Mohsen Bahrami said that all Iranian space activities including launching and using satellites are conducted for peaceful purposes.
• Kamalvandi: Iran releases images of construction of two new nuclear power plants IRNA 31 Jul 2017 -- AEOI Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Monday that Iran is to release images of construction of the two new nuclear power plants indicating that the country is at least nine months ahead of the schedule.
• US recent acts in Persian Gulf indicates fear: IRGC Navy Comdr IRNA 31 Jul 2017 -- Commander of naval force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Rear-Admiral Ali Fadavi said US warships and choppers recent acts in Persian Gulf is out of their fear.
• US measures in Persian Gulf sign of fear: IRGC commander Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says recent moves by US warships and helicopters in the Persian Gulf are a sign of their fear.
• Corruption Verdicts Seen As Warning To Former Iranian President RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- Mahmud Ahmadinejad was no stranger to controversy during his two terms as Iran's president. Now he faces possible sentencing for his alleged mishandling of billions of dollars during his time in office.
• Iran to ask no one's permission for missiles: Deputy FM IRNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Iran won't ask for anyone's permission on defensive and national security-related issues and will do whatever is right for the country's security, said Iranian Deputy FM.
• US trying to pass the buck of JCPOA violation to Iran: Deputy FM IRNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday that US administration tries to put the nuclear deal aside, but tries to lay the responsibility of the deal's annihilation on Iran.
• Iran stronger after nuclear deal: Deputy FM IRNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Iranian deputy foreign minister said that the newly-passed sanctions in the US Congress is a hostile move toward Iran.
• US, Europe cannot tolerate Iran's advances: Commander Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Iran's chief Armed Forces spokesman says the United States and its European allies oppose the country's successful test of a satellite carrier, because they cannot tolerate the Islamic Republic's great advances.
• No one can harm Iranian Armed Forces: Rouhani Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the three branches of the government support the country's Armed Forces and no one can harm them.
• US main loser after imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia: Leader's aide Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- A senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the United States will certainly be the main loser after imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic and Russia.
• Iran to honor JCPOA as long as interests safeguarded: Official Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- A senior official says Iran will live up to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement as long as its interests are safeguarded as the US is imposing back-to-back sanctions on the country.
• US, Iranian Ships Have Close Encounter in Persian Gulf VOA 29 Jul 2017 -- The Pentagon on Saturday strongly countered Iran's claim that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier had fired warning shots at one of its ships in an "unprofessional" manner.
• US repeats provocative acts in Persian Gulf: IRGC IRNA 29 Jul 2017 -- US has repeated its provocative and unprofessional acts in the Persian Gulf, the public relations office of IRGC 4th naval zone announced on Saturday.
• US defends its provocation against Iran in Persian Gulf Press TV 29 Jul 2017 -- The United States is defending its provoking move against Iranian ships in the Persian Gulf as "professional."
• Iran's IRGC reports 2nd US naval provocation in Persian in less than a week Press TV 29 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has reported a second provocation by US warships in the Persian Gulf waters less than a week after a similar incident in the same region.
• Iran Condemns Sanctions, Says It Will Pursue Missile Program 'With Full Power' RFE/RL 29 Jul 2017 -- Iran has condemned new sanctions passed by the U.S. Congress over its missile program and vowed to continue it.
• Iran's Revolutionary Guards Accuse US Warships of New 'Provocation' in the Gulf Sputnik 29 Jul 2017 -- Iran's elite force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that a new "provocative" incident took place in the Persian Gulf as US Navy ships approached Iranian patrol vessels.
• Global reactions to Iran space rocket test IRNA 29 Jul 2017 -- Iran's launching of its newly-developed satellite carrier, nicknamed Simorgh, into the space has caused different reactions across the globe.
• Allies follow suit day after US kicked up a fuss about Iran space launch Press TV 29 Jul 2017 -- Three European allies of the US have engaged in rhetoric against Iran after the country successfully tested a satellite-launch rocket, urging Tehran to halt all its missile activities.
• U.S. Allies Join In Denouncing Iranian Satellite Rocket Launch RFE/RL 28 Jul 2017 -- European allies on July 28 joined the United States in condemning Iran's launch of a satellite-carrying rocket and warned that it runs counter to a UN resolution carrying out the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Islamic State Threatens Iran in New Video VOA 27 Jul 2017 -- The Islamic State group has issued a short new video in which it threatens the Islamic Republic of Iran and vows to destabilize the country with terrorist attacks.
• Unlike US Iran complied with nuclear deal: FM IRNA 28 Jul 2017 -- Iran, unlike the United States, has complied in good faith with the letter and spirit of the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA), the Iranian Foreign Minister says.
• US Treasury slaps sanctions on Iranian companies after rocket test Press TV 28 Jul 2017 -- The US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on Iran over what it called Tehran's "continued provocative actions," including Thursday's successful test of a satellite-launch rocket.
• Iran complying with JCPOA letter, spirit in good faith: Zarif Press TV 28 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic has completely kept to the commitments it made under the landmark nuclear agreement signed between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015.
• Iran to Never Allow US Inspection of Military Sites Sputnik 28 Jul 2017 -- Iran will never let the United States inspect its military headquarters or missile sites, local media reported on Friday citing Qasem Jasemi, a member of the Parliament (Majlis) National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.
• Iran successfully launches Simorgh satellite carrier Press TV 27 Jul 2017 -- Iran has successfully launched its domestically-manufactured Simorgh carrier, whose mission is to put Iranian satellites into the orbit.
• Iran Reportedly Test-Launches Rocket Capable Of Taking Satellite Into Orbit RFE/RL 27 Jul 2017 -- Iranian state media report that Iran has successfully test-launched a rocket capable of carrying a satellite into a low Earth orbit.
• Iranian parliament body to meet on US threats against nuclear deal: MP Press TV 27 Jul 2017 -- A key Iranian parliamentary committee is to convene an extraordinary session later this week to discuss the measures to be taken in the face of possible US threats against the 2015 nuclear deal, a senior legislator says.
• Firm Says Tehran-Linked Hackers Used Fake Female Profile To Lure Men RFE/RL 27 Jul 2017 -- A cybersecurity firm says hackers working for the Iranian government have impersonated a young female photographer on social media to lure men working in key industries of Tehran's regional rivals.
• Trump Blames Iran, Hizballah For 'Humanitarian Catastrophe' In Syria RFE/RL 26 Jul 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump attacked Iran and the Hizballah militia that it backs in Syria and Lebanon, blaming them for creating a "humanitarian catastrophe" and threatening peace throughout the region.
• Jazayeri: Iranian army to give crushing response to US ploys IRNA 26 Jul 2017 -- Iran's chief of staff of the armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said on Wednesday that the Iranian armed forces are to give a crushing response to US ploys in order to reprimand them for any wrongdoings.
• Iran: US should fulfill JCPOA commitments IRNA 26 Jul 2017 -- Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Wednesday that Washington should fulfill its obligations under the nuclear deal signed between Iran and the major world powers.
• Iran to retaliate U.S. new sanctions, breach of nuclear deal People's Daily 26 Jul 2017 -- Iran's President Rouhani said Wednesday Iran would respond in kind to any breach of the nuclear deal by the U.S. after its House of Representatives passed a new sanctions bill, state broadcaster IRIB reported.
• Iran warns fresh U.S. sanctions harm nuclear deal implementation People's Daily 26 Jul 2017 -- A senior Iranian official said Wednesday the fresh sanctions by the U.S. against Iran will have adverse impacts on the "successful" implementation of the nuclear deal, official IRNA news agency reported.
• Iran's missile program no breach of UN resolution: Foreign Ministry Press TV 26 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi says the country's missile program is no breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and the P5+1 group.
• Iran to face 'big problems' if it does not adhere to nuclear deal: Trump Press TV 26 Jul 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with "big, big problems" if Tehran fails to comply with the 2015 nuclear agreement.
• Trump Warns Iran Faces 'Big Problems' If Doesn't Keep Honoring Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 26 Jul 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump issued another warning to Iran late on July 25, saying Tehran must honor its nuclear deal with world powers or face "big, big problems."
• Rohani Says Iran Will Respond If U.S. Enacts New Sanctions Bill RFE/RL 26 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani says his country will respond if the United States enacts a new sanctions bill.
• Iran to Take Countermeasures in Response to New US Sanctions Against Tehran Sputnik 26 Jul 2017 -- Iran will respond to new sanctions imposed by the US.
• House OKs New Sanctions Against Iran as Tehran Flexes Military Muscle VOA 25 Jul 2017 -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Tuesday in favor of imposing new sanctions on Iran, a move that most likely will further exacerbate tensions between Washington and Tehran.
• Centcom: U.S. Ship Fires Warning Shots as Iranian Vessel Makes 'Unsafe' Approach AFPS 25 Jul 2017 -- A U.S. coastal patrol ship participating in a coalition exercise in the Persian Gulf fired warning shots today after warning an Iranian naval vessel that was conducting what U.S. Central Command officials called "an unsafe and unprofessional interaction" in international waters.
• US Warship Fires Warning Shots at Iranian Military Vessel VOA 25 Jul 2017 -- A U.S. Navy ship patrolling in the Persian Gulf fired warning shots at an Iranian Revolutionary Guard ship that came dangerously close to the vessel.
• IRGC foils US warship's provocative move in PG IRNA 25 Jul 2017 -- Third Naval Region of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps' public relations office said it has foiled the US warship's provocative move against an Iranian Navy patrol boat in the Persian Gulf.
• Iran will respond to US sanctions in kind: Larijani Press TV 25 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says the lawmakers are closely monitoring all moves by the United States, particularly the bid to slap new sanctions against the Islamic Republic and Russia, and will make swift decisions accordingly.
• IRGC says neutralized provocative US Navy move in Persian Gulf Press TV 25 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has frustrated a provocative move by a US Navy ship in the Persian Gulf after it allegedly fired warning shots at an Iranian vessel.
• Iran: US sanctions on IRGC strategic mistake IRNA 24 Jul 2017 -- Any US Sanctions against the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) would be a strategic mistake, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi warned on Monday.
• Nuclear deal going forward with steady pace: Spokesman IRNA 24 Jul 2017 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said Iran nuclear deal also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is going forward vigorously.
• US on its own in seeking to undermine Iran nuclear deal: Qassemi Press TV 24 Jul 2017 -- Iran says the United States is in a minority of one in its destructive ambitions against the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group, which includes the US itself.
• US citizen arrested in Iran, accused of certain crimes: Foreign Ministry IRNA 24 Jul 2017 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Monday that the Chinese-American citizen arrested in Iran had been prosecuted for certain accusations against him.
• Larijani: Iraq should defend own territorial integrity IRNA 23 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said that the Iraqi government should defend its territorial integrity by preserving political unity to have a more powerful, safe and democratic country in the future.
• Iran cautions Iraq on secessionist approaches IRNA 23 Jul 2017 -- Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani cautioned Iraq on the secessionist approaches in the country, adding that it can be manipulated by the greedy Iraqi enemies and prepare the ground for making unrest and instability there.
• Iran not to accept any offer for resumption of talks on JCPOA IRNA 23 Jul 2017 -- Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi underlined that Iran will never yield to any re-negotiation on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• Iran, Iraq ink MoU to boost defense cooperation IRNA 23 Jul 2017 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and his Iraqi counterpart Major General Erfan al-Hiyali here on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense and military cooperation.
• Iran will not agree to renegotiate JCPOA: Senior MP Press TV 23 Jul 2017 -- A senior Iranian lawmaker says the Islamic Republic will by no means agree to holding fresh talks on a landmark nuclear deal it signed with the P5+1 group of countries in 2015.
• Iran, Iraq sign MoU to boost defense, military cooperation Press TV 23 Jul 2017 -- Iran and Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost defense and military cooperation in a variety of fields.
• US violation of nuclear deal won't go unanswered: Iran official Press TV 23 Jul 2017 -- A senior official says Iran will respond to any failure on the part of the US to meet its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement, to which Washington is a signatory.
• Iran launches line for mass-production of missile Press TV 22 Jul 2017 -- Iran has inaugurated the mass production line of the domestically-developed, long-range Sayyad (Hunter) 3 missile.
• Iran inaugurates production line for long-range "Sayyad-3" missile ISNA 22 Jul 2017 -- Iran inaugurated on Saturday a production line for a new version of an air defense missile dubbed 'Sayyad-3', an upgrade to previous versions of the missile.
• Iran Rejects Trump Warning About U.S. Prisoners RFE/RL 22 Jul 2017 -- Iran has rejected demands by the United States that Tehran release Americans detained in Iranian prisons.
• Iran Announces Launch of New Missile Production Line Sputnik 22 Jul 2017 -- With Washington and Tehran increasingly at odds, Iran has announced the launch of a new missile production line.
• Iran reserves right to respond to US violation of JCPOA: Araqchi Press TV 21 Jul 2017 -- A senior Iranian nuclear negotiator says the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond to any US violation of the landmark nuclear agreement signed between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries.
• IRGC foils terror attack on Iran's NW border Press TV 21 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has thwarted a terror attack on the country's northwestern border, killing four terrorists and injuring three others in the operation.
• Iran has own options against US violations of nuclear deal: Araqchi Press TV 21 Jul 2017 -- Iran says it could resort to its own options if the mechanisms featured in its 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, including the US, fail to force other parties to live up to their end of the bargain.
• Rights Groups Urge Rohani To Drop Justice Minister In Second Term RFE/RL 21 Jul 2017 -- Eleven human rights and media freedom groups have called on Iranian President Hassan Rohani not to reappoint Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, whom rights advocates have accused of involvement in the killings of dissidents in 1988.
• US DoS Report Aims to Distract From 'US Role in Supporting' Terrorism - Tehran Sputnik 20 Jul 2017 -- The US State Department's report on counterterrorism activities in 2016 is not trustworthy and represents a futile attempt to distract public attention from the US role in supporting terrorism, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said Thursday.
• Continuation of US disloyalty violates spirit of JCPOA: Iran official IRNA 20 Jul 2017 -- US recent sanctions against Iran and its lack of commitment to the Islamic Republic are violation of the spirit and letter of the July 2015 landmark nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), senior Iranian official said on Thursday.
• New US sanctions on Iran 'ridiculous': Russian official Press TV 20 Jul 2017 -- A senior Russian official has denounced fresh US sanctions against Iran on "unfounded" grounds, saying they will only undermine the implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Tehran.
• Fighting terrorists not limited to Iran's borders: : IRGC commander Press TV 20 Jul 2017 -- A senior military commander says Iran's fight against terrorists is not limited to evicting them from the country's borders and goes far beyond borders.
• JCPOA it's not a bilateral deal to be renegotiated: Zarif ISNA 19 Jul 2017 -- Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the new sanctions announced by the Trump administration are poisoning already strained relations between the two countries.
• IRGC Comdr: Iran missile power growing rapidly IRNA 19 Jul 2017 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad-Ali Jafari says Iran's air, ground and sea missile power is growing rapidly.
• Iran vows "proper response" to new U.S. sanctions over missile program People's Daily 19 Jul 2017 -- Iran on Wednesday vowed to "duly respond" to new U.S. sanctions while pledging to remain committed to the international deal on its nuclear program.
• Iran slams new U.S. sanctions over missile program as "hostile" People's Daily 19 Jul 2017 -- Iran has slammed the new U.S. sanctions over the country's missile program as "hostile."
• Blacklisting Iran's IRGC to cost US dear: Top commander Press TV 19 Jul 2017 -- A top Iranian commander has warned against the repercussions of Washington's possible designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, saying the move would cost the US dear.
• Iranian president vows due response to US sanctions Press TV 19 Jul 2017 -- President Hassan Rouhani has vowed that Iran will reciprocate the sanctions that are imposed by the United States against the Islamic Republic "under any pretext."
• New US sanctions violate JCPOA spirit: Zarif Press TV 19 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that the new sanctions against Tehran by the US are damaging already frayed Tehran-Washington ties.
• U.S. State Department: Iran Remains 'Foremost State Sponsor Of Terrorism' RFE/RL 19 Jul 2017 -- Iran continued to be the "foremost state sponsor of terrorism" in 2016, with groups supported by the country maintaining their ability to threaten the United States and its allies, a new report by the U.S. State Department says.
• Rohani Says Tehran Will Respond 'Appropriately' To New U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 19 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani says that Tehran would "respond appropriately" to new U.S. sanctions while reiterating that his country remained committed to its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
• Iran Accuses U.S. Of Trying To 'Poison Atmosphere' With 'Illegal' Sanctions RFE/RL 19 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused U.S. President Donald Trump's administration of trying to "poison the atmosphere" by imposing new sanctions on Tehran despite its adherence to the 2015 nuclear accord.
• Rouhani: Iran to 'Stand Up' to US for New Sanctions VOA 19 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday his country will stand firm against the United States and respond to any new sanctions the U.S. imposes on the Islamic republic.
• U.S. Announces New Iran-related Sanctions US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2017 -- The United States remains deeply concerned about Iran's malign activities across the Middle East which undermine regional stability, security, and prosperity.
• Pressures on Iran's missile power aimed at weakening Islamic Republic IRNA 18 Jul 2017 -- Pressures and sanctions against Iran's missile power is aimed at weakening the Islamic establishment, Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said.
• Majlis Speaker: Iran to resist US actions IRNA 18 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Majlis (parliament) has approved the urgency of a bill on counteracting "US adventurous and terrorist actions" in the region.
• Zarif: If US violates JCPOA, Iran has right to withdraw IRNA 18 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that if the US violates the landmark nuclear agreement then "Iran has another options including withdrawing from the deal."
• U.S. says Iran complying with 2015 nuclear deal People's Daily 18 Jul 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Monday declared for the second time that Iran was complying with a 2015 nuclear deal.
• Iran vows retaliation against new US sanctions Press TV 18 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has denounced the US move to impose new economic sanctions against Tehran over its ballistic missile program as "cheap and useless," saying Tehran will respond with its own sanctions against the Americans.
• US adding new sanctions against Iran over missile program Press TV 18 Jul 2017 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump says it is imposing new economic sanctions against Iran over the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile program.
• Iran self-sufficient in producing missiles, drones, smart bombs: IRGC commander Press TV 18 Jul 2017 -- A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Division says Iran is self-sufficient in producing various types of surface-to-surface missiles, drones and smart bombs.
• US recertifies Iran's compliance with nuclear deal Press TV 18 Jul 2017 -- The United States has for a second time certified Iran's compliance with a 2015 nuclear agreement between the Islamic Republic and six other countries, including the US itself.
• US must alter its policy of issuing sanctions against other nations: Zarif Press TV 18 Jul 2017 -- Washington has to reassess its approach of issuing sanctions against other countries as they are a liability for the US, says Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
• U.S. Imposes New Iran Sanctions A Day After Certifying Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 18 Jul 2017 -- The United States is imposing new sanctions against 18 individuals and entities over their support for Iran's ballistic missile program and other military-related activities.
• Rohani's Brother Reportedly Released On Bail RFE/RL 18 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani's younger brother, Hossein Fereidoun, has been released on bail days after his arrest over unspecified allegations of financial impropriety, Iranian news agencies reported.
• Zarif: Trump Administration Sending 'Contradictory Signals' To Iran RFE/RL 18 Jul 2017 -- Iran is getting "contradictory signals" from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration about the fate of its landmark nuclear deal with world powers, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on July 17.
• US imposes new sanctions on Iran over its missile and military activities SPA 18 Jul 2017 -- The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran over its missile and military-related activities in the Middle East, hours after it has maintained the international nuclear agreement with Tehran.
• US Sanctions Iran Over Ballistic Missile Program Just After Certifying Nuke Deal Sputnik 18 Jul 2017 -- The United States on Tuesday announced new sanctions targeting Iran's military and Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over the country's ballistic missile program, along with Chinese and Turkish intermediaries, just hours after the State Department recertified Tehran's compliance to the nuclear agreement.
• Why Iran is Unlikely to Buy More Russian Missile Systems After S-300 Purchase Sputnik 18 Jul 2017 -- Iran is unlikely to purchase Russia's anti-missile systems in future in addition to the already acquired S-300 systems as Tehran has technology to upgrade its own Bavar 373 systems, Jagath Zedvar, marketing and export development director of Aviation Industries Organization of Iran (IAIO), told Sputnik Tuesday.
• US Sanctions Iranians Even After Recertifying Nuclear Deal VOA 18 Jul 2017 -- The U.S. slapped sanctions Tuesday on 18 Iranian individuals and groups it accused of supporting Tehran's ballistic missile program and weapons deals, a day after it again certified that Iran is complying with the 2015 international accord on its nuclear development program.
• Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Hacking of Vermont Software Company US Dept. of Justice 17 Jul 2017-- An indictment was unsealed today charging Mohammed Reza Rezakhah, 39 and Mohammed Saeed Ajily, 35, both Iranian nationals, with a criminal conspiracy relating to computer fraud and abuse, unauthorized access to, and theft of information from, computers, wire fraud, exporting a defense article without a license, and violating sanctions against Iran.
• Zarif: Iran may withdraw from nuclear deal in case of major violations by US Press TV 17 Jul 2017 -- Iran has warned that any major JCPOA violation on behalf of the US may result in Tehran's withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
• Kurdish independence plan will weaken Iraq: Iranian official Press TV 17 Jul 2017 -- A senior Iranian official has warned that a plan by Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region to hold an independe
• Missile capability non-negotiable: Iran Army IRNA 17 Jul 2017 -- Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces warned on Monday against designating Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps a terrorist organization, saying the country's missile power is nonnegotiable.
• Sanctions can not affect Iran defensive system: MP IRNA 17 Jul 2017 -- Foreign sanctions cannot affect Iran's defensive system, Chairman of Iran's Majlis (parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Hossein naqavi Hosseini said on Monday.
• Zarif to CNN: US is violating JCPOA IRNA 17 Jul 2017 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday that Iran has implemented the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) faithfully, fully and completely but 'the US failed to implement its part of the bargain.'
• Iran warns US of 'big risk' if it blacklists IRGC Press TV 17 Jul 2017 -- Iran's top military official has warned the US of the repercussions which Washington's possible branding of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization would have.
• Iran increases range, accuracy of sea-launched cruise missiles IRNA 16 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said that the Defense Ministry has elevated the range, accuracy and durability of its sea-launched cruise missiles.
• Iran Aims To Boost Prestige Of Beleaguered Afghan Proxy Force In Syria RFE/RL 16 Jul 2017 -- Iran has sent thousands of Afghan Shi'a to the battlefields of Syria, catapulting them to the front lines of President Bashar al-Assad and his allies' brutal six-year war against armed rebels, some of them foreign-backed, and Islamist extremists.
• Iran's Judiciary Detains President's Brother In Corruption Case RFE/RL 16 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani's younger brother, Hossein Fereidoun, has been arrested on unspecified financial crimes charges and an American citizen has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for "infiltrating" the country.
• Iran Says U.S. Dual National Jailed For 10 Years On Spying Charges RFE/RL 16 Jul 2017 -- Iran has identified the U.S. national sentenced to 10 years for spying as Xiyue Wang, a 37-year-old researcher at Princeton University.
• Iran Sends Chinese-American Scholar to Prison for 10 Years for 'Espionage' VOA 16 Jul 2017 -- An Iranian court has sentenced a Chinese-American scholar to 10 years in prison on "infiltration" charges, Iran's judicial spokesman said Sunday. The announcement triggered an immediate protest from the U.S. State Department.
• IRGC deployed on east to guarantee sustainable security IRNA 16 Jul 2017 -- The ground forces of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) are deployed on eastern borders of the country to guarantee stability and sustainable security there, according to an Iranian official.
• Iran says use of WMDs against its ideology IRNA 16 Jul 2017 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday that use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) including nuclear weapons are against Islamic Republic of Iran's ideology.
• Iran, Russia hold joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea ISNA 16 Jul 2017 -- Naval forces from Russia and Iran on Saturday took part in naval exercises in the Caspian Sea.
• Iranian FM: US Fails to Implement Provisions of Iran Nuclear Deal Sputnik 16 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that the United States has failed to implement its part of the Iranian nuclear deal.
• Analysts: Tehran Sees Liberation of Mosul as Victory for Iraq and Iran VOA 15 Jul 2017 -- A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader has described Iraq's liberation of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) as a victory for Tehran.
• UN chief underlines 'sustained commitment' to JCPOA Press TV 15 Jul 2017 -- United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has stressed the importance of "sustained commitment" of all parties to the obligations under the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries.
• Iran, Russia hold joint naval drills in Caspian Sea Press TV 15 Jul 2017 -- The Iranian and Russian navies have staged joint exercises in the Caspian Sea to strengthen naval cooperation between the two countries.
• Two years on, UN chief stresses 'sustained commitment essential' for Iran nuclear deal UN News 15 Jul 2017 -- Marking the second anniversary of the historic agreement aimed at ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has commended the Gulf country for implementing its nuclear-related commitments.
• Syrian defense minister hails Iran, Russia support in fighting terrorism Press TV 14 Jul 2017 -- The Syrian defense minister has lauded the support provided by Iran, Russia and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement in battling terrorism inside Syria.
• FM Zarif urges US to reconsider its approach towards JCPOA IRNA 14 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggested the US to reconsider its policy towards the landmark nuclear deal as it is an international agreement and indicated that the policy of force and pressure is inefficient.
• US not fully compliant with spirit of nuclear deal: Zarif Press TV 14 Jul 2017 -- The Iranian foreign minister has lashed out at the US for its failure to completely observe its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal by occasionally preventing the Islamic Republic from enjoying the full benefits of the agreement.
• Iran to respond US allegations in practice: Military Spox IRNA 13 Jul 2017 -- Spokesperson of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said on Thursday that Tehran will give a crushing response in practice to baseless allegations uttered by US officials against Iran.
• Armed Forces equipment domestically produced: Minister IRNA 12 Jul 2017 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said all equipment used by Armed Forces have been produced domestically.
• GOP Senators Urge Tillerson Not to Certify Iran's Compliance With Nuclear Deal Sputnik 12 Jul 2017 -- A group of US Republican senators in a letter on Wednesday called on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to reject certifying that Iran is fulfilling its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding its nuclear program.
• Retired US Generals Challenge Trump's Attitude Toward Iran Nuclear Deal Sputnik 12 Jul 2017 -- The 2015 nuclear deal between the United States, Iran and other world powers has benefited US national security, a group of 38 retired US generals and admirals wrote in an open letter to President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
• Top Iran, Russia diplomats discuss JCPOA implementation Press TV 11 Jul 2017 -- Senior Iranian and Russian officials have held talks about the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries ahead of a scheduled meeting of the Joint Commission monitoring the implementation of the deal.
• Iran Fulfilling Provisions of Nuclear Deal - Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 11 Jul 2017 -- Iran fulfills its obligations in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on its nuclear program and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regularly confirms this, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
• Moscow 'Categorically' Disagrees With Washington on Iran's Missile Program Sputnik 11 Jul 2017 -- Russia categorically disagrees with US claims that Iran's missile program is carried out in violation of a UNSC resolution on the issue as the United States and some other Western countries attempt to misrepresent the situation, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• Combating threats needs modern equipment: Deputy commander Press TV 09 Jul 2017 -- Fighting threats requires modern equipment, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said.
• Iran fully backs Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty IRNA 08 Jul 2017 -- Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, referring to Iran as being one of the victims of weapons of mass destruction, stressed Tehran's full support of Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty on Saturday morning.
• Iran's IAEA envoy hails UN treaty banning nuclear weapons Press TV 08 Jul 2017 -- The Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says the Islamic Republic, as a major victim of weapons of mass destruction, fully supports the United Nations' recent adoption of a global treaty banning nuclear weapons.
• Larijani: Safeguarding navy forces vital for boosting Iran's authority in Caspian sea IRNA 06 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said safeguarding Iranian navy would play a key role for boosting Islamic Republic's authority in the Caspian sea.
• Parliament speaker: US to pay heavy price for anti-Iran decision IRNA 06 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani blasted a recent anti-Iran decision by the US Senate, and said that Washington will pay a heavy price for its decision.
• Iran sanctions not without costs for US: Larijani Press TV 06 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has denounced US Senate's adoption of new sanctions on Iran, saying the new restrictions against Tehran will not be without costs for Washington.
• IRGC seeking peace through power: Commander IRNA 05 Jul 2017 -- Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) is seeking peace, but peace is established when the enemies are scared of waging war against Iran and its consequences, IRGC commander said.
• Leader lauds IRGC's performance in missile launching IRNA 05 Jul 2017 -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei lauded the "highly excellent" performance of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Leilatulqadr missile operations in the fasting month of Ramadan.
• Ayatollah Khamenei calls on IRGC to build up Iran's missile defense power Press TV 05 Jul 2017 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has underlined the need for the country to boost its missile defense capability.
• IRGC to target terrorists anywhere: Senior commander Press TV 05 Jul 2017 -- A senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commander says the Islamic Republic will target terrorists in any place.
• IRGC says defense power serving peace, security Press TV 05 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it is after promoting peace in the region, stressing that the Islamic Republic's defense power serves as a "security-building factor" for the nation and guarantees its safety.
• Iran, Total sign a $5 billion energy deal ISNA 04 Jul 2017 -- Iran signed a deal Monday with France's Total SA and China's state-run China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to develop the South Pars offshore field, one of the world's largest natural-gas fields.
• Canadian court upholds $1.7 billion ruling against Iran Press TV 04 Jul 2017 -- A Canadian court has accused Iran of supporting terrorism, upholding a previous ruling that requires the Islamic Republic to pay around $1.7 billion in damages to "American victims of terrorism."
• China, Iran, Russia Among Leaders of Anti-German Espionage, Berlin Claims Sputnik 04 Jul 2017 -- Beijing, Moscow and Tehran have become the "major players" in the espionage activities directed against Berlin, Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) said in an annual report on Tuesday.
• Zangeneh: July 3 deal with Total is JCPOA, election outcome IRNA 03 Jul 2017 -- Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says signing of a gas deal with French Total is outcome of the JCPOA and the May 19 Presidential Elections.
• Total to return with 4.8-billion-dollar investment to Iran IRNA 03 Jul 2017 -- Countdown to the signing of the $4.8 billion oil contract between Iran and the international consortium led by Total has started.
• FM Spokesman: JCPOA Joint Commission remains on schedule IRNA 03 Jul 2017 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday that the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOAC) will be held according to the schedule in July.
• South Pars deal facilitates transfer of technology: Rouhani Press TV 03 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says a multi-billion-dollar gas deal signed between Iran and French energy giant, Total, will facilitate the "transfer of technological, scientific and managerial experience" between Iran and France.
• Total seals Iran's biggest gas deal in years Press TV 03 Jul 2017 -- French energy giant Total signed a multi-billion-dollar gas deal with Iran, the first by a foreign firm in more than a decade.
• Iran Navy holds military drills in Caspian Sea Press TV 03 Jul 2017 -- The Iranian Navy has launched military drills in the Caspian Sea as a means of sending across the Armed Forces' message of "peace and friendship."
• France's Total Signs $4.8 Billion Natural Gas Project With Iran RFE/RL 03 Jul 2017 -- The French energy firm Total says it has signed a multibillion-dollar agreement with Iran on the development of an Iranian offshore natural-gas field - the first major Western energy investment since international sanctions were lifted against Tehran under its nuclear accord with world powers.
• Iran Army launches military drill in Caspian Sea IRNA 02 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Army started military exercise dubbed 'Security and Power' in the Caspian Sea, the commander of Iran's First Naval Zone Ahmadreza Baqeri said.
• Majlis supporting Iran missile program: Senior MP IRNA 02 Jul 2017 -- Supporting Iran's missile program is one of the main aspects of the urgent plan expected to be reviewed in Iran's Parliament (Majlis ) to counter the US Senate hostile measures against the Islamic Republic , a senior lawmaker said on Sunday.
• Iran to give harshest response to enemy threats: defense minister ISNA 02 Jul 2017 -- Iranian defense minister brigadier general Hossein Dehqan has hailed the country's defensive and missile achievements, saying the Islamic Republic will give the "harshest response" to enemy threats.
• Iran Allocates $300 Million to Strengthen Its Missile Potential Sputnik 02 Jul 2017 -- The Iranian authorities have allocated about $300 million to develop the country's missile program to counter "threats from enemies," Mehr agency reported, citing the chairman of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, Alaeddin Boroujerdi.
• Iran congratulates heavy defeat of Daesh in Mosul IRNA 01 Jul 2017 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi congratulated heavy defeat sustained by Daesh in Mosul and called for collective campaign to dry up the terrorist group's intellectual roots and its sources of funding.
• Missile power only way for deterrence: senior MP IRNA 01 Jul 2017 -- Promotion of country's missile power is the only way for deterring the Islamic Republic against foreign threats, senior lawmaker said on Saturday.
• Iran to give crushing response to enemy threats: Defense minister IRNA 01 Jul 2017 -- Islamic Republic will give crushing response to the enemy's threats, Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said on Saturday.