January 2020 - Iran Special Weapons News

Iran health minister urges government to ban entry of travelers from China Press TV 31 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Minister of Health Saeed Namaki has demanded that the government prevent the entry of passengers from China amid the threat of coronavirus epidemic.
Iran suspends flights to and from China amid coronavirus spread concerns Press TV 31 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Minister of Health Saeed Namaki says Iran has temporarily halted all flights to and from China as the novel coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, spreads across the country and the rest of the world.
Cruel sanctions by US on Salehi, AEOI will fail to interrupt Iran's nuclear program Press TV 31 Jan 2020 -- The United States' "cruel" sanctions on the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its head, Ali Akbar Salehi, will fail to interrupt the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program, says the nuclear body.
Designation of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Its Head Ali Akbar Salehi and Renewing Nuclear Restrictions US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2020 -- "In response to the Iranian regime's series of provocative nuclear escalations, the Department of State designated the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its head, Ali Akbar Salehi, pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferators and their supporters. The United States is committed to taking any action necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon."
Sanctioning AEOI chief worthless, shows US desperation: Spokesman Press TV 30 Jan 2020 -- The spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the latest round of US sanctions against Iran, which targets the country's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi, only reflects desperation of the United States.
Foreign Ministry working 24/7 to get Iranians out of virus-hit Chinese city: Spokesman Press TV 30 Jan 2020 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says the country's diplomatic apparatus is making round-the-clock efforts to get Iranians out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, which is the epicenter of an ongoing epidemic of coronavirus.
Spokesman: Iran starts help to Iranian compatriots in China polluted area IRNA 30 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman said round-the-clock efforts to manage different dimensions of coronavirus polluted areas in Chinese city of Wuhan for our compatriots there have started.
Iran can obtain nuclear weapons far quicker than widely recognized Al Arabiya 30 Jan 2020 -- After infiltrating a Tehran warehouse two years ago, agents from Mossad, Israel's spy agency, seized a massive collection of old plans, blueprints, electronic files and documents related to Iran's nuclear weapons program. Material from this hidden archive demonstrated how the Islamic Republic had achieved far more in the area of nuclear weapons development, particularly the process of weaponization, than previously thought.
Iran dispatches Navy flotilla 66 to high seas IRNA 30 Jan 2020 -- The 66th intelligence, training flotilla of the Navy departed Bandar Abbas for the high seas.
United States Announces Successful Initial Transactions Through Humanitarian Channel for Iran US Treasury 30 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the completion of initial financial transactions benefitting Iranian medical patients through a humanitarian channel in Switzerland. Iranian cancer and transplant patients are receiving treatments through this channel, which is subject to strict due diligence measures to avoid misuse by the Iranian regime.
U.S. Announces New Swiss Humanitarian Channel To Iran RFE/RL 30 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. government announced on January 30 that it had successfully completed transactions for the benefit of Iranian medical patients using a payment mechanism through Switzerland that bypasses the Iranian government.
US Imposes Sanctions On President of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation – Treasury Sputnik 30 Jan 2020 -- This comes amid an escalation in US-Iran tensions following the killing of top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad in early January and subsequent Iranian attacks on US military bases in Iraq.
US economic terrorism targets AEOI, its chief IRNA 30 Jan 2020 -- The United States Department of the Treasury blacklisted the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and its chief Ali Akbar Salehi.
Imposing sanctions on AEOI chief Salehi out of US desperation IRNA 30 Jan 2020 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Thursday that imposing sanctions on the AEOI Chief Ali Akbar Salehi is a political game and out of the US desperation.
US imposes sanctions on Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, its chief Press TV 30 Jan 2020 -- The US Treasury Department says Washington has imposed sanctions on the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its top official, Ali Akbar Salehi.
Iranian Media Confirm Quds Force Involvement In Foreign Conflicts RFE/RL 30 Jan 2020 -- Iran's hard-line establishment is trying to ensure through a state propaganda campaign that the foreign operations branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its assassinated commander are not forgotten.
On-the-Record Briefing with Special Representative for Iran And Senior Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook US Dept. of State 30 Jan 2020
Supreme Leader: Deal of Century will never materialize IRNA 29 Jan 2020 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said in a message thaat the US evil policy against Palestine and the so-called 'Deal of Century' will never materialize.
Spox: Iran ready to cooperate with regional states on fighting 'Deal of Century' IRNA 29 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a message that Iran is ready for cooperation with regional countries for standing against the big conspiracy "Deal of Century" which posed a threat to the Islamic Ummah.
President Rouhani terms Deal of Century as most despicable plan IRNA 29 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a Twitter message described Trump's so-called 'Deal of Century' as the most despicable plan.
Zarif terms Deal of Century as 'highway to hell' IRNA 29 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a Twitter message derided the so-called US' "Vision for Peace", saying it is more like a highway to hell.
Iran expresses outrage at Deal of Century sheer travesty IRNA 29 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday expressed outrage at 'Deal of Century', saying that it is a conspiracy to stir up hatred and violence in the West Asian region.
Iran's Rouhani calls Trump's plan 'most despicable plan of century' Press TV 29 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has condemned US President Donald Trump's so-called 'peace plan' for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as 'the most despicable plan of the century.'
Minister: Simorgh launcher installed to launch Zafar satellite IRNA 29 Jan 2020 -- Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi said on Wednesday that Simorgh launcher has been drawn to the spaceport to launch Zafar satellite into space, adding that Simorgh will take Zafar 530 km up to space.
Iran cannot access $5 billion of its energy money in Iraq: Official Press TV 29 Jan 2020 -- Iran's money from exports of gas and electricity has piled up to $5 billion in a bank account in Iraq, but Tehran cannot transfer it because of the US sanctions, an official says.
Iran breaks monopoly of know-how to launch satellites IRNA 28 Jan 2020 -- Iran broke the monopoly of nine states over know-how to launch satellites, spokesman for Ministry of Defense Aerospace Organization Ahmad Hosseini said on Tuesday.
Iran Preparing For U.S.-Criticized Satellite Launch RFE/RL 28 Jan 2020 -- Satellite images suggest Iran is preparing to launch a satellite into space after three failed rocket launches last year, reports say, as part of a program viewed by the United States as a cover for ballistic missile development.
Spox: Iran Foreign Ministry issues preventive instructions on coronavirus IRNA 28 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry issued required instructions on preventing coronavirus to Iranian diplomatic missions in China, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said.
Drone makes emergency landing in SW Iran IRNA 28 Jan 2020 -- The public relations department of the IRGC aerospace in a statement announced that a Shahed-129 drone has made emergency landing due to technical problems in Mollasani, Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran.
Motion for Iran to withdraw from NPT submitted to Parliament Press TV 28 Jan 2020 -- A group of Iranian lawmakers have submitted a motion to the Parliament calling for the Islamic Republic's withdrawal from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) after the three European signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal failed to meet their contractual commitments following the US's exit.
Iran begins producing rare earth for first time Press TV 28 Jan 2020 -- Iran has launched a pilot project for extraction of rare earth, with a senior official saying the country had obtained technology for deep-level mining.
FM Zarif: Trump still dreaming about bilateral meeting IRNA 27 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a Twitter message referred to Trump's dream of bilateral talks, saying Group 5+1 table is the best venue for talks.
JCPOA's assassination by enemies due to Iran's aim for economic growth: President Rouhani ISNA 27 Jan 2020 -- Iran's president called Feb 21, when the 11th round of Majlis elections are going to be held, as an important day and called on all the organizers of the election to concentrate their efforts on holding competitive elections and not to allow lines of voters be short.
President Rouhani: We should not allow Trump to succeed Press TV 27 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani has urged the Iranian people to take a firm and united stand against the United States and its allies trying to undermine the country's integrity.
Zarif decries Trump's 'cultural terrorism' against Iran Press TV 27 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says US President Donald Trump's threat earlier this month to attack culturally-important centers in Iran amounts to an act of "international cultural terrorism."
Iran's Zarif rebuffs Trump's call for direct talks as 'wishful thinking' Press TV 27 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif has slammed US President Donald Trump's call for direct talks with Iran as "wishful thinking," insisting that the only venue for talks with Tehran would be "at the P5+1 table."
IRGC chief: No US military commander safe if Iranian commanders threatened Press TV 27 Jan 2020 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says none of American military commanders would be safe in any part of the world, if the US administration continues to threaten the Iranian commanders.
Iran Imposes Discriminatory Forms For New National ID Cards RFE/RL 27 Jan 2020 -- Iran has made it impossible for followers of the Baha'i faith to obtain a new national identification card unless they renounce their religion.
Iranian President Rouhani: We Should Not Let Trump Succeed in Damaging National Unity Sputnik 27 Jan 2020 -- Washington introduced new sanctions against the Islamic Republic last week, imposing new sanctions on petroleum companies and two people, claiming they were helping Iran to bypass US restrictions.
Iran to recover extra 3.5 billion barrels of oil through EOR techniques Press TV 26 Jan 2020 -- Iran is set to increase the amount of recoverable oil from a major oilfield in southwestern Khuzestan province by 3.5 billion barrels, according to the country's oil minister.
Iran makes six satellites to put into orbit IRNA 26 Jan 2020 -- Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) said on Sunday that Iran has got six satellites ready to put into orbit.
With Reformers Sidelined, Iranian Elections Looking Like Hard-Liners Vs. Conservatives RFE/RL 26 Jan 2020 -- With Iranian parliamentary elections just a month away, there are increasing signs that the vote will be a case of the conservatives battling hard-liners, in what analysts describe as an attempt by the clerical establishment to consolidate power.
Iran says suspected coronavirus case tested negative Press TV 25 Jan 2020 -- Iranian health authorities have dismissed reports that a new coronavirus outbreak that began in China and infected thousands of people, including some in other parts of the world, has spread to the country.
Iran can enrich uranium at any level: AEOI official Press TV 25 Jan 2020 -- A senior official at Iran's nuclear organization (AEOI) says the country is capable of enriching uranium up to whatever level of purity, and would do so if required to.
Zarif Says Iran Jailed Person Who Downed Ukrainian Passenger Plane Over Tehran Sputnik 25 Jan 2020 -- The Iranian man who shot down the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 passenger plane near Tehran's airport is in prison, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Germany's Der Spiegel magazine.
34 U.S. troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran's attack People's Daily 25 Jan 2020 -- Thirty-four U.S. troops had been diagnosed with concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of the Iranian missile attack on U.S. military base in Iraq earlier this month, the Pentagon said on Friday.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Hoffman DoD 24 Jan 2020 -- Jonathan Rath Hoffman, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
DOD Official Says 34 Service Members Injured by Iranian Blast DoD News 24 Jan 2020 -- The number of U.S. service members injured with traumatic brain injuries totals 34 after a Jan. 8 attack when Iran shot missiles into Al Asad Airbase in Iraq, the Defense Department's chief spokesperson said today.
34 US troops suffered concussion, brain injury in Iranian strike: Pentagon Press TV 24 Jan 2020 -- The Pentagon has said that dozens of US troops were wounded in an Iranian retaliatory missile attack earlier this month despite Washington's initial claim denying casualties.
U.S. Says 34 Troops Suffered Brain Injuries In Iran Missile Strike RFE/RL 24 Jan 2020 -- The United States says 34 of its soldiers have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries following this month's Iranian missile attack on a military base in Iraq.
Pentagon Says 34 Personnel Diagnosed With Concussions After Iran Strikes on Bases in Iraq Sputnik 24 Jan 2020 -- Thirty-four US service members have been diagnosed with concussions and traumatic brain injuries after Iran conducted ballistic missile strikes on two bases in Iraq with half of them still undergoing medical treatment, Department of Defence spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a press briefing on 24 January.
34 US Troops Treated for Brain Injuries Following Iran Missile Attack VOA 24 Jan 2020 -- The Pentagon said Friday that 34 U.S. troops had been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or concussions as a result of Iran's missile attack on bases in Iraq earlier this month.
EU : JCPOA parties agree to extend dispute mechanism timeline IRNA 24 Jan 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell in a statement on Friday reiterated JCPOA parties determination to preserve the deal, saying they all agreed to extend the timeline to trigger the Dispute Resolution Mechanism.
EU extends 'timeline' for 2015 Iran nuclear deal's dispute mechanism Press TV 24 Jan 2020 -- The European Union will give its members more time to discuss, under a dispute mechanism triggered by France, Germany and Britain, possible ways to preserve a nuclear deal signed in 2015 between Iran and six countries.
U.S. Slaps Sanctions On Four Energy Firms For Aiding Iran's Quds Force RFE/RL 24 Jan 2020 -- The United States has imposed economic sanctions on four energy firms that it accuses of helping to move oil exports for the Quds Force of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Iran Accuses US of 'Officially' Promoting 'State Terrorism' Over Threats to New Quds Head Sputnik 24 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has taken aim at the rhetoric of US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, as the latter unambiguously stated that Commander Soleimani's successor General Ghaani could meet the same fate.
Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS James Jeffrey US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2020 -- Special Briefing
Iran to respond to any threat with high sophisticated defensive weapons: Minister IRNA 23 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier Amir Hatami said on Thursday that Iran will react to any threat at all levels using highly advanced defense capabilities.
Iran stands ready to counter any threat with quality defensive arms: Hatami Press TV 23 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the Islamic Republic is determined to respond to any possible threat with its quality defensive weapons.
US threatens to assassinate new chief of elite Quds Force of IRGC Press TV 23 Jan 2020 -- The US special representative for Iran has threatened the Islamic Republic with yet another act of state terrorism, saying Washington will assassinate the successor of senior anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani as well if he follows in the path of the martyred general.
The United States Imposes Further Sanctions on Iran's Petrochemical Industry US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2020 -- Today, the United States is taking new steps as part of our maximum economic pressure campaign to deny the Iranian regime all sources of revenue to fund its destabilizing activities.
Treasury Targets International Network Supporting Iran's Petrochemical and Petroleum Industries US Treasury 23 Jan 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against four international petrochemical and petroleum companies that have collectively transferred the equivalent of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of exports from the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), an entity instrumental in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical industries, which helps to finance Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and its terrorist proxies.
Black boxes under precise examination: Minister IRNA 22 Jan 2020 -- Minister of Road and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami said on Wednesday that the black boxes of the crashed Ukrainian passenger plan are under precise examination according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.
AEOI Chief deplores E3 statement about Dispute Resolution Mechanism IRNA 22 Jan 2020 -- Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi said that statement released by Germany, France and the UK invoking Dispute Resolution Mechanism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was a indication of Europeans' inability and Impotence against US demands.
Iran rules out handing over recorders of downed plane to other countries Press TV 22 Jan 2020 -- Iran's minister of transportation has resisted calls for handing over to other countries the recorders of a plane that crashed near the capital Tehran earlier this month, saying the so-called black boxes should remain with an Iranian team that is investigating the incident.
Iran's Rouhani: Europe responsible for any JCPOA violation consequences Press TV 22 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal will be responsible for the consequences of any violation of the agreement.
Zarif: EU3 submission on JCPOA only whetted Trump's appetite Press TV 22 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says America's renewed threat of slapping trade tariffs on Europe's auto industry proves that the European states' submission to US President Donald Trump's domineering tactics on the Iran nuclear deal only worked to "whet his appetite."
Jailed U.K.-Australian Academic Says Iran Offered Her To Become A Spy RFE/RL 22 Jan 2020 -- A British-Australian woman jailed in Tehran on espionage charges said she rejected an offer from Iran to become a spy, according to letters she smuggled out of prison.
Spox comments on FM Zarif's statements on NPT exit IRNA 22 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi elaborated on Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's remarks on Iran's possible withdrawal from the non-proliferation treaty (NPT), saying that what he said in parliament was part of President Hassan Rouhani's letter to leaders of Group 4+1 in May 2019.
US' illegal sanctions, conspiracy against independent states crime against humanity: President Rouhani ISNA 21 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President described Iran-Venezuela relations and cooperation as positive and friendly, stressing the need for the two countries' efforts to develop and strengthen Tehran-Caracas relations.
Iran civil aviation body issues 2nd report on Ukraine jetliner tragedy Press TV 21 Jan 2020 -- Iran's civil aviation agency has released its second preliminary investigative report on the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran earlier this month.
Iran Confirms Two Missiles Fired In Downing Of Ukrainian Plane RFE/RL 21 Jan 2020 -- Iran's civil aviation authority has confirmed that two missiles were launched at a Ukrainian passenger jet just after it took off from Tehran's international airport bound for Kyiv on January 8.
Iranian Aviation Authorities Say Military Shot 2 Missiles at Ukrainian Plane VOA 21 Jan 2020 -- Iran's civil aviation authority said Tuesday the country's military fired two missiles at a Ukrainian commercial jet that went down shortly after taking off from Tehran earlier this month, killing all 176 people on board.
Iran informed Iraq of missile attacks in advance: MFA spox IRNA 20 Jan 2020 -- Spokesman of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that Tehran had Informed Iraqi government in advance about Iran's retaliatory missile attacks on two US bases in Iraq.
Ukraine says Iran fulfilled commitments on plane incident IRNA 20 Jan 2020 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Iran has fulfilled its commitments regarding plane incident.
China welcoming any action to preserve JCPOA IRNA 20 Jan 2020 -- Spokesman for China's diplomatic apparatus in response to Russia's request for convening a meeting by the signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to examine the prospect of the Iranian nuclear deal stated that Beijing is actively welcoming any initiative taken to reduce tensions in the region and preserve the JCPOA.
Zarif: Iran to leave NPT in case of EU referral to Security Council IRNA 20 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that Iran will leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Europeans insist on their unjustifiable behavior or refer the nuclear issue to the UN Security Council.
Iran warns of leaving NPT if nuclear case goes to UN Press TV 20 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that if Britain, France, and Germany continue their unjustifiable conduct and move to send Iran's nuclear case to the United Nations Security Council, Tehran would have the option of leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran Says It Still Respects 2015 Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 20 Jan 2020 -- Iran still observes a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers despite rolling back its commitments to the pact, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi told a news conference in Tehran on January 20.
Ukraine Presses Iran Over Downed Plane's Black Boxes RFE/RL 20 Jan 2020 -- Ukraine is urging Iran to return the black-box flight recorders of a Ukrainian passenger plane shot down by the Iranian forces earlier this month.
Iran Considers Dual Nationals On Downed Ukrainian Airliner To Be Iranians RFE/RL 20 Jan 2020 -- Iran regards dual citizens aboard a Ukrainian plane that was shot down this month as Iranian nationals, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi said on January 20.
Moscow Warns Iran Against Reckless Steps as Tehran Threatens to Quit Non-Proliferation Treaty Sputnik 20 Jan 2020 -- Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said that Tehran continues to adhere to the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that the European powers' claims about Iran violating the deal were unfounded.
Ex-Army Interpreter Accused Of Spying For Iran Goes On Trial In Germany RFE/RL 20 Jan 2020 -- A trial for a German-Afghan national suspected of spying for Iranian intelligence is set to commence on January 20 in the city of Koblenz in Germany.
Zafar 1, 2 delivered to Iran's Ministry of Information ISNA 19 Jan 2020 -- Zafar 1 and 2 satellites were delivered to Iran's Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in a ceremony with the participation of Iranian Space Agency (ISA) chief Morteza Barari.
E3 cannot logically activate JCPOA dispute settlement mechanism: Iran Deputy FM Press TV 19 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas says the three European signatories to Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), cannot logically activate the deal's dispute settlement mechanism, because Iran has already done that.
Iran says will soon launch Zafar satellites into orbit Press TV 19 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi says two Zafar (Victory) satellites have successfully passed tests and will soon be launched into space.
Majlis to decide about Iran's cooperation with IAEA IRNA 19 Jan 2020 -- Members of Parliament) announced in a statement that it will decide about Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Larijani calls on EU to observe justice dealing with JCPOA IRNA 19 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday deplored the negative stance taken by the three European countries, calling on them to observe justice in dealing with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
U.S. imposes sanctions on Iran's IRGC general People's Daily 19 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. State Department said Saturday that it had imposed sanctions on a brigadier general of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
As Victims' Bodies Arrive In Kyiv, Tehran Clouds Plans For Flight PS752's Black Boxes RFE/RL 19 Jan 2020 -- The coffins of 11 Ukrainians killed when Iran's military mistakenly shot down a passenger airliner after takeoff from Tehran international airport arrived in Kyiv on January 19 as new questions emerged over Iranian officials' cooperation in ongoing investigations into the tragedy.
U.K., France Cite Need For 'Long-Term Framework' After Tehran Warns It Could 'Reconsider' IAEA Cooperation RFE/RL 19 Jan 2020 -- The influential speaker of Iran's parliament has warned European powers against "for any reason" taking an "unfair" approach to the dispute mechanism in the 4-year-old nuclear deal that has been in the balance since a U.S. pullout in 2018.
Zarif calls for rejecting politicization of plane incident IRNA 18 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message referred to his bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart François-Philippe Champagne in Muscat and called for rejecting politicization of the Ukrainian plane incident.
Trump warns Iranian supreme leader to be 'very careful with his words' Global Times 18 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump fired back Friday evening at Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who earlier had mocked him as a "clown" - then in a subsequent tweet Trump said Iran's leaders "should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!"
Iran: Region facing dangerous situation due to US combination of arrogance, ignorance Press TV 18 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the region is facing a "dangerous" situation due to the US combination of arrogance and ignorance.
Trump once again shifts justification for assassinating General Soleimani Press TV 18 Jan 2020 -- President Donald Trump has again shifted his justification for assassinating General Qassem Soleimani, claiming the prominent anti-terror commander was "saying bad things about our country."
Iran Confirms Sending Downed Ukrainian Airliner's Black Boxes To Kyiv RFE/RL 18 Jan 2020 -- Iran has confirmed it will send the black-box flight recorders recovered from a Ukrainian passenger jet that was shot down over Tehran on January 8 to Kyiv.
Canada To Help Victims' Families With Funds, Still Expects Compensation From Iran RFE/RL 18 Jan 2020 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will provide quick funds to the families of 57 citizens and 29 permanent residents of the country who died when a Ukrainian jetliner was shot down in Iran last week.
Designation of IRGC Commander Shahvarpour for Gross Human Rights Violations During Protests US Dept. of State 18 Jan 2020 -- Yesterday, the Department of State designated Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Hassan Shahvarpour, Khuzestan Province's Vali Asr Commander, for his involvement in gross violations of human rights against protestors during the November protests in Mahshahr, Iran.
Trump Warns Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei to Be 'Careful With His Words' Sputnik 18 Jan 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while leading Friday prayers in Tehran for the first time since 2012, noted that the assassination of top IRGC General Qasem Soleimani revealed the "terrorist nature" of the US, and also observed that Trump is a "clown".
11 US Troops Treated for Concussion Symptoms After Iranian Attack VOA 17 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. military says 11 service members have been treated for "concussion symptoms" following Iran's recent attack on two Iraqi bases where U.S. troops were stationed.
US military says 11 US troops wounded in Iranian missile attack despite earlier denials Press TV 17 Jan 2020 -- The United States military has said that 11 of its troops were wounded in an Iranian retaliatory missile attack last week despite Washington's initial claim denying casualties.
U.S. Military Now Says 11 U.S. Troops Injured In January 8 Iran Attack RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. military says 11 U.S. service members were treated for concussion symptoms following the January 8 Iran missile attack on a base in Iraq, despite earlier remarks by President Donald Trump that "no Americans were harmed" in the incident.
Iran's top leader says US assassination of Soleimani "cowardice" act Global Times 17 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday said that the US assassination of Iran's Quds commander, Qassem Soleimani, was a "cowardice act" which hurt its superpower prestige.
Supreme Leader: Iran strongly responded to evil European plots regarding JCPOA IRNA 17 Jan 2020 -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei blasted the plots by three European countries namely the evil UK government as well as France and Germany in regards with Iran's nuclear as attempts to overshadow the recent events.
Ayatollah Khamenei: US disgraced after assassination of Gen. Soleimani Press TV 17 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the assassination of a top Iranian commander disgraced the US as it had to own up to the "terrorist" action and see its image dealt a blow by Iran's retaliation.
Iran's Khamenei Defends Military Amid Anger Over Downed Plane RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for national unity and defended the country's armed forces in the wake of angry protests over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by Iran's air defenses last week.
American Puppets: Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei Slams E3 Position on Nuclear Deal, Says They're Serving US Interest Sputnik 17 Jan 2020 -- On 8 January, Iran targeted two American facilities in Iraq, the Ayn al-Asad Air Base and in Erbil in retaliation for the killing of IRGC Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike several days earlier.
Ukraine Air plane crash should not be used for political gains: Spox IRNA 17 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Friday that the tragic incident of Ukraine Air plane crash should not be used as a tool in service of political gains and gestures.
Iran decries certain countries' political abuse of Ukraine plane crash Press TV 17 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has decried the "abuse" of Iran's accidental downing of Ukraine plane by some countries who pursue certain "political plots" against Iran.
Ukraine Asks Six Nations To Assign Specialists To Investigate Deadly Iran Crash RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- Ukraine has asked Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Iran to assign experts to assist in the investigation of the January 8 crash of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS0752 near Tehran that killed all 176 people aboard.
Ukrainian Plane Tragedy Challenges Tehran's Narrative Of 1988 U.S. Shoot-Down Of Iranian Airliner RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- Iran's unintentional downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet that killed 176 people, including many Iranians, has invoked memories of a similar tragedy: the 1988 U.S. shoot-down of an Iranian plane over the Strait of Hormuz that killed all 290 people on board, including 66 children.
Russia offers concerns over E3 JCPOA choices IRNA 17 Jan 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his concerns over the recent measures taken by three Europeans states on Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and triggering nuclear dispute mechanism.
Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2020 -- Special Briefing by Brian H. Hook, Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State
Iran ready to give firm response to any act of adventurism: Defense minister Press TV 17 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the country's Armed Forces are ready to give a strong response to any act of adventurism.
Sofia Cautious On Reports Tying Soleimani To 2012 Bulgaria Bombing RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- International media organizations have reported on ties between assassinated Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and a 2012 terrorist bombing in Bulgaria that killed five Israeli tourists and their Bulgarian bus driver.
Trump Ridicules Khamenei, Urges Tehran To 'Make Iran Great Again' RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to warn Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to be "very careful with his words" after the Iranian called the U.S. leader a "clown" during a Tehran sermon.
U.S. Slaps Sanctions On Iranian General Over Protest Crackdown RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on a senior military Iranian official over a crackdown on anti-government protesters, the State Department announced on January 17.
Victims' Governments Demand 'Full Cooperation,' 'Justice' From Iran RFE/RL 17 Jan 2020 -- The foreign ministers of five countries that lost citizens in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner in Iran last week have demanded that Tehran hold a "thorough, independent, and transparent" investigation into the tragedy.
White House abruptly cancels Iran briefings amid contradictions Press TV 16 Jan 2020 -- The Trump administration has abruptly called off four classified congressional briefings for lawmakers, who were seeking explanation about contradictory statements of the White House over assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Canadian Investigators Visit Iran Crash Site, Demand 'Full Cooperation' RFE/RL 16 Jan 2020 -- Canada says its investigators have visited the site of plane crash near Tehran that included 57 Canadian fatalities among the 176 people killed in the tragedy.
Victims' Governments To Press Tehran For Answers After Plane Downing RFE/RL 16 Jan 2020 -- The foreign ministers of five countries that lost citizens in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner last week gathered in London on January 16 to discuss their response to the tragedy.
5 Countries Demand Open Probe of Iran's Downing of Ukrainian Airliner VOA 16 Jan 2020 -- Five countries that lost citizens in the downing of a Ukrainian airliner are calling on Iran to conduct an open investigation and to provide compensation to the victims' families.
EU's high representative stress need to maintain JCPOA IRNA 16 Jan 2020 -- The European Union in a statement on Thursday pointed to the meeting between EU's high representative Josep Borrell in New Delhi and said that during the meeting Borrell has reiterated on the need to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Pres. Rouhani: Iranians more powerful than before in dealing with US sanctions IRNA 16 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani censured Thursday the American officials who follow wrong planning against Iran, stressing that the Iranian nation has become stronger and more powerful in dealing with the US sanctions and plots.
Zarif calls for Europe's change of behavior towards Iran, JCPOA IRNA 16 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad-Javad Zarif said in a meeting with European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell that the three European members of Iran Deal should change their behavior towards Iran and the JCPOA.
Zarif undermines E3 deal with Trump on JCPOA IRNA 16 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message undermined E3 act to sell out JCPOA to avoid Trump' new tariff.
US submitted to resolve, power of Iran: Defense Min. Press TV 16 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says following Tehran's firm missile response to the assassination of its top general by terrorist US forces in Iraq, the US had no choice but to finally give in to the resolve and power of the Islamic Republic.
Military chief: Iran not interested in escalation of tensions Press TV 16 Jan 2020 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the Islamic Republic is not interested in escalation of tensions in the region, but is ready to give a crushing response to any act of aggression.
Germany confirms report of US threat of higher tariff on EU auto sector over JCPOA Press TV 16 Jan 2020 -- Germany has confirmed a report that the United States has threatened Germany, France and Britain – the E3 states – with imposing a 25-percent of punishing tariff on European car exports if they fail to accuse Iran of breaking the 2015 nuclear deal.
Tehran now enriching more uranium than before 2015 deal: Iran's Rouhani Press TV 16 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iran is now enriching more uranium than it did before inking a nuclear deal with world powers in 2015, as the remaining signatories of the landmark accord fail to fulfill their commitments.
Iran Says Uranium Enrichment At Higher Level Than Before 2015 pact RFE/RL 16 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rohani says Iran is now enriching more uranium than the country did before it agreed to a nuclear deal with world powers in 2015, as Tehran gradually scales back its commitments under the agreement.
Iran's Clerics, Elected Politicians Maneuver Ahead of Parliamentary Polls VOA 16 Jan 2020 -- The shooting down last week of a Ukrainian passenger over Tehran is at the center of rising tensions between Iran's clerics and the country's elected politicians.
Tehran Rallies Blocked, But Students Take Protests to 2nd Key Iran City VOA 16 Jan 2020 -- Students in Iran have protested against their Islamist rulers for a fifth day, with dozens staging a sit-in at a central university as police surrounded other universities in Tehran to block more rallies at those sites.
Is European Unity on Iran Nuclear Deal Starting to Crack? VOA 16 Jan 2020 -- There are signs that cracks are beginning to appear in European unity over its backing of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, or JCPOA, as allies come under growing pressure from the United States to abandon the agreement in the wake of Tehran's downing of a passenger jet January 8.
Two Individuals Sentenced in Connection with Work on Behalf of Iran US Dept. of Justice 15 Jan 2020 -- Ahmadreza Mohammadi-Doostdar, 39, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, and Majid Ghorbani, 60, an Iranian citizen and resident of California, have been sentenced to prison terms of 38 months and 30 months, respectively, for their criminal convictions relating to their conduct conducting surveillance of and collecting identifying information about American citizens and U.S. nationals who are members of the group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK).
Zarif regrets over E3's breach of own obligation IRNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message expressed regret over Europeans' violations of their own regulations in Iran nuclear deal otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
UN calls for JCPOA preservation IRNA 15 Jan 2020 -- The United Nations urged the signers of JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) to spare no effort to maintain this agreement.
EU Chief highlights preserving JCPOA IRNA 15 Jan 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell stressed the importance of saving Iran's nuclear deal as a tool for promoting security, reasoning that its collapse will escalate tensions.
Zarif blast Europe's claim of complying with JCPOA IRNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in separate messages slammed Europeans for their claim of saving Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by bringing some fact.
Iran criticizes E3's triggering nuclear dispute mechanism IRNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that European trio's recent move to trigger nuclear dispute mechanism set out in paragraph 36 of the accord, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is a wrong decision at a wrong time.
Zarif: Iran believes in diplomacy not renegotiating UNSC resolution IRNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday stressed the fact that Iran believes in diplomacy but not in renegotiation of the previously agreed UNSC resolutions.
Rouhani to European parties: If you take wrong step, it will be to your detriment ISNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Stating that the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and the loss of a number of citizens in Kerman and the plane crash has saddened the Iranian nation, the President said, "These incidents were very bitter for all of us, but we need to learn from them and use them as opportunities for our country's benefit and national interests".
Iran interested in diplomacy but not in negotiation with US: Zarif ISNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed on Wednesday that Iran is interested in diplomacy, but not in negotiating with the United States, adding the existing nuclear deal was among the "best deals" he could envisage.
Iran's reaction to E3's move to trigger JCPOA dispute mechanism ISNA 15 Jan 2020 -- Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi has reacted to a statement by France, Britain and Germany about their decision to trigger the dispute mechanism in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Zarif rejects UK PM's proposal for new 'Trump deal' to replace JCPOA Press TV 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has dismissed a proposal for a new "Trump deal" to replace the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, saying the accord is not previous US president Barack Obama's deal to expire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif Warns US to Avoid Committing 'One Mistake After Another' in Mideast Sputnik 15 Jan 2020 -- Hostilities between Iran and the US reached a flashpoint in early January when senior Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike at Baghdad airport on President Donald Trump's orders. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on bases hosting American forces in Iraq.
Iran's Rohani Slams Disqualification Of Candidates Ahead Of Parliament Elections RFE/RL 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has criticized the disqualification of hundreds of people from running in the upcoming parliamentary elections, saying Iranians "need diversity."
Iran's Rohani Calls For National Unity After Officials 'Lied' About Plane Downing RFE/RL 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has called for national unity amid continued protests in Iran over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by the country's air defenses a week ago.
Iran's New Quds Force Leader Has A Long History With Afghanistan RFE/RL 15 Jan 2020 -- It was in the late 1980s when Ismail Qaani - then a local commander in Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) - first became active in Afghanistan.
Will the Latest Iran Protests Spark a Popular Uprising? VOA 15 Jan 2020 -- Days of protests against Iranian leaders over the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner appear to indicate public anger has been redirected away from America's targeted killing of a top Iranian general. But foreign policy analysts say it is too early to tell if this is the beginning of a broader popular movement.
Iranian President Rouhani Appeals for 'National Unity' After Protests VOA 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for "national unity" Wednesday after an eruption of protests over Iran's downing of a Ukrainian International Airlines plane.
Albania Orders Expulsion Of Two Iranian Diplomats RFE/RL 15 Jan 2020 -- Albania has ordered the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats for activities "not in line with their status."
Albania Expels Iranian Diplomats Amid Worsening Relations VOA 15 Jan 2020 -- Albania said Wednesday it has ordered the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats and declared them "persona non grata."
Zarif slams EU's dispute mechanism as 'a strategic mistake' Press TV 15 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has denounced as a "strategic mistake" the European Union's decision to trigger a dispute mechanism under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
US-Iran Tensions Play Out on Iraqi Territory VOA 14 Jan 2020 -- The United States has rejected a request by the Iraqi government to pull out troops and has threatened possible sanctions in response to the request. U.S. troops are there to train local forces and fight Islamic State militants, says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Iranian President Pledges Punishment For Downing of Ukrainian Plane VOA 14 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged Tuesday to punish those responsible for the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, calling the incident "unforgivable."
New Video Shows Two Iranian Missiles Hit Ukrainian Plane RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- New security camera footage posted online shows two Iranian missiles struck a Ukrainian passenger airliner after takeoff from Tehran on January 8.
'The Magical Powers Of The Con': For Many, Moscow's Defense Of Iran Is Redolent Of Its Denial Over MH17 RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- In the early hours of January 11, as the world awaited information about the tragic crash near Tehran of Ukrainian Airlines Flight PS752, Russia's state-funded news agency RT published an article titled The Demonization Of Iran: How The West Blames Tehran For The Downing Of The Ukrainian Boeing 737.
Iranian Judiciary Spokesman Says Several Arrested for Their Role in Ukraine Plane Crash - Reports Sputnik 14 Jan 2020 -- The Boeing 737-800 plane belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed soon after takeoff from a Tehran airport last week, on 8 January - the same day that Iran struck US bases in Iraq with missiles. The Iranian military admitted to unintentionally shooting down the aircraft, having confused it with a hostile cruise missile.
UN aviation experts to join Ukraine Airlines Iran crash investigation UN News 14 Jan 2020 -- Experts from the UN aviation watchdog, ICAO, will support the investigation into the crash of a Ukrainian Passenger plane in Iran on January 8, following an invitation from the Iranian authorities, which was accepted on Tuesday.
Ukraine Knew Iran Had Downed Airliner But Didn't Go Public, Official Says RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- Ukraine knew on a preliminary basis that Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on January 8, the same day as the incident, but decided not to go public with the information because it wanted to get access to the crash site.
Iran arrests "some" over Ukrainian plane crash: spokesman Global Times 14 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary spokesman said here Tuesday that the Islamic republic has arrested some people related to the crash of a recent Ukrainian passenger plane over Tehran's sky, official IRNA news agency reported.
Judiciary to pursue crash of Ukrainian plane vigorously IRNA 14 Jan 2020 -- The Attorney General of Iran, while regretting the loss of compatriots in the crash of a Ukrainian plane, assured the public that the judiciary would pursue the case vigorously.
Rouhani: Special court should investigate Ukrainian plane crash in Tehran IRNA 14 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that the Judiciary Branch should form a special court to look into the case of the Ukrainian airliner that was downed mistakenly.
Iran's sky safer for all flights than ever before: Iran's Army Cmdr. IRNA 14 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Musavi said on Tuesday that today's Iranian sky is safer for all flights than ever before.
Vaezi: Gov't to stand by families of victims of air disaster IRNA 14 Jan 2020 -- Chief of Staff of the presidential office Mahmoud Vaezi said on Tuesday that the government stands by the bereaved families of the air disaster in which the young elites fell victims to US Cyber attacks on Iranian radar system.
Iran's Judiciary: Arrests made over downing of Ukraine jetliner Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary says a number of arrests have been made in connection with the recent downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane nearTehran, which killed all 176 on board.
Iran's President Rouhani calls for special court to hear plane tragedy cases Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says all those responsible for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran should be brought to justice, urging that a special tribunal be appointed to hear cases and try all those involved.
Iran's President Wants Special Court To Probe Ukrainian Plane Downing RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani, in the face of intense protests, has called for a special court to be set up to investigate the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by the country's air defenses that killed all 176 people on board.
Europe Puts Iran on Notice, Urging Tehran to Comply with Nuclear Deal VOA 14 Jan 2020 -- European powers have triggered a formal legal dispute in reaction to Iran's decision last week to shrug off all restrictions placed on it under a landmark international agreement that intended to stop Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran: Europeans must consider consequences of triggering nuclear dispute mechanism IRNA 14 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi referred to the three European countries' measures to activate nuclear dispute mechanism and said that what the UK, France, and Germany have done is a passive move and out of weakness.
Iran, IAEA discuss JCPOA ISNA 14 Jan 2020 -- Ambassador and permanent representative of Iran to the International Organizations in Vienna, Kazem Gharib-Abadi met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.
EU3 triggers dispute mechanism with Iran in blow to nuclear deal Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known as the EU3, have formally triggered a dispute settlement mechanism featured in a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, a step that could lead to the restoration of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Bringing nuclear deal into dispute rooted in weakness: Iran's Foreign Ministry Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- Iran slams the launch by France, Britain and Germany of a dispute mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran as a "passive" move rooted in their "weakness," warning that the Islamic Republic will give a firm response to any "unconstructive" move.
Germany, Britain, France Trigger Dispute Mechanism Over Iranian Breaches Of Nuke Deal RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- Germany, Britain, and France say they have triggered a dispute mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and global powers, citing Tehran's reduced compliance with the accord, in a move dismissed by the Islamic republic as a "strategic mistake."
Regional states mustn't hesitate to end US' military presence in region: President Rouhani ISNA 14 Jan 2020 -- Referring to the need for the two countries' authorities to try to facilitate and accelerate the implementation of agreements and contracts, Iran's President said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to further deepen Tehran-Damascus relations in all fields of mutual interest".
Confronting US' presence in region should become steady effort: Iran's Defence Minister ISNA 14 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Minister of Defence Brigadier General Amir Hatami said, confronting US' presence in the region should become a steady and continuous effort.
US court rejects bid to seize $1.7 billion of Iranian assets Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- A US court's ruling to seize Iranian assets worth about $1.7 billion outside the United States has been thrown out for now.
US offers confusing explanations for Soleimani assassination Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- In an apparent about-face, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the assassination of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was part of a "bigger strategy of deterrence," a shift from President Donald Trump's previous claim that the deadly drone strike was carried out to prevent an "imminent" attack.
Flagging Support: Iranians Defy Officials By Refusing To Walk Upon U.S., Israeli Banners RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- Chanting "Death to America" and trampling upon and burning U.S. flags have been part of state-sponsored, anti-American acts in Iran for the past 40 years.
Zarif urges E3 to stop 20 months of bowing to US diktat Press TV 14 Jan 2020 -- Iran's foreign minister has urged the three European powers - France, Germany, and the UK - to stop bowing to the US' diktat and rather "must the courage" to fulfill their obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.
Canada's Trudeau Blames Recent Escalations For Plane Crash, U.S. Announces Deterrence Strategy RFE/RL 14 Jan 2020 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Canadians killed on board Flight PS752 in Iran would be alive if tensions in the region were not at a heightened level.
Canada to Seek Iranian Military Procedures in Shoot Down of Flight 752 - Investigator Sputnik 14 Jan 2020 -- Canada will seek Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' military procedures after it shot down Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight 752 following a missile strike on Iraqi bases housing US forces, Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) Senior Investigator Natacha Van Themsche said during a press conference on Monday.
Trump authorized Soleimani's assassination 7 months ago: Report Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump had authorized the American military to assassinate Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani seven months ago if Tehran's actions led to the death of Americans in the region, according to US media reports.
Esper contradicts Trump on intel that led to Gen. Soleimani's assassination Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has made remarks that clearly contradict earlier comments by President Donald Trump who alleged Iranian top commander Qassem Soleimani had been plotting attacks against four US embassies before he was assassinated in an American airstrike.
Report: Damage from Iran strikes 'much greater' than US admits Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- A report by a correspondent for Danish TV 2 who has interviewed Danish soldiers positioned at Iraq's Ain al-Assad airbase, which was the target of a retaliatory attack from Iran against US forces, shows that the damage done to the base has been "much greater" than the US officials acknowledge.
Trump Authorised Killing of Soleimani in June - Reports Sputnik 13 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump approved the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani seven months ago, NBC News reported on Monday, citing five current and former senior administration officials.
US Attorney General Calls Imminence of Iranian Threat 'a Red Herring' VOA 13 Jan 2020 -- U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Monday offered a vigorous defense of President Donald Trump's decision to order a drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, saying Trump had the legal authority to act and that the question of whether Soleimani posed an imminent threat was a "red herring." ((something intended to be misleading or distracting))"
Defense Minister: US' mistake very costly for its presence in region IRNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Monday that Trump made a miscalculation by assuming that removing a person will stop 'Resistance Axis', adding that US has increased cost of its presence in the region.
Larijani: US criminal assassination empowers 'Resistance' IRNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Monday that the US criminal assassination resulted in empowering 'Resistance Front'.
Iran Veep terms US exit from region as real revenge IRNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Monday that US exit from the region would be the real revenge on their criminal acts especially assassination of the IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.
Iran to offer full cooperation in paying for Ukrainian plane damages: official IRNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Head of Central Insurance company Gholam-Reza Soleimani said on Monday that because the Ukrainian plane crashed in Iran, the government will have good cooperation in paying the damages.
Iran providing Round-the-clock services to families of Ukraine plane crash victims IRNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Sunday that special working group for handling consular affairs of victims of Ukraine plane crash is ready to offer services round the clock to their families.
To end insecurity, US' withdrawal should be priority: Shamkhni ISNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani in a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister, Imad Khamis said, by attacking US' Ain al-Asad base, Iran proved it wouldn't give up on protecting its national security and interests under any circumstances.
Iran says real revenge against US is its withdrawal from region ISNA 13 Jan 2020 -- Iranian first Vice-President Es'haq Jahangiri praised Iraqi parliament's decision on the withdrawal of US forces in a meeting with a high ranking Syrian delegation and hoped the approach expands to the other Islamic states, stressing that the real revenge against US actions is their withdrawal from the region.
Expulsion from region, best revenge for US acts of crime: Iran VP Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- Iran's First Vice President Is'haq Jahangiri says the best revenge for the United States' criminal act in assassinating top Iranian general, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, is the expulsion of all American forces from the West Asia region.
Iran administration denies spreading misinformtion on plane crash Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- The Iranian administration has denied spreading misinformation following the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran last week.
Europe accuses Iran of 'violent action', urges return to obligations Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have called in a joint statement on Iran to return to full compliance with their 2015 nuclear deal and reverse its countermeasures against the West's failures vis-a-vis Tehran.
Iran says downed Ukrainian plane could cost $100-150 mln in compensation Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- Iran's main insurance agency says compensations that should be paid over a recent plane crash near the capital Tehran which was caused by human error in the country's defense system could amount to $150 million.
Trump: 'Doesn't really matter' if there was imminent threat from Soleimani Press TV 13 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has doubled down on the insanity of the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), saying Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani should have been killed 20 years ago.
Iranians Continue Protests Over Ukrainian Plane Downing RFE/RL 13 Jan 2020 -- Anti-government protests have broken out in Iran for a third consecutive day amid outrage over the way officials have handled the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane last week.
Anger Grows In Iran Over Lack Of Accountability In Ukrainian Plane Tragedy RFE/RL 13 Jan 2020 -- Only days after large crowds of Iranians demonstrated national unity while mourning the assassination of the country's top military leader in a U.S. drone strike, anti-government protests have erupted on the streets of Tehran and several other cities.
Student Protesters Pose New Threat To Iranian Authorities RFE/RL 13 Jan 2020 -- Student-led demonstrations in Iran may pose an even larger threat to the authorities than the nationwide demonstrations in November over gasoline price hikes that provoked an unprecedented state crackdown that killed hundreds of people -- the deadliest response to protests in the 40-year history of the clerical regime, which arose after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, analysts say.
The Restoration of Deterrence: The Iranian Example US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2020 -- Speech by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Iran: Foreign Secretary's Commons statement, 13 January 2020 UK FCO 13 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab answered an urgent question in the House of Commons about the government's response to the security situation in Iran.
Iran's Rouhani Blames US For Current Situation in Middle East - Presidential Press Office Sputnik 13 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, during a telephone conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, said that the United States was to blame for the current developments in the Middle East, the presidential press office said in a statement.
Trump Says He 'Could not Care Less' If Iran Agrees to Negotiate Sputnik 13 Jan 2020 -- The relationship between the two states has deteriorated even further after the killing of Iranian top military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iran's retaliatory strikes on US military facilities in Iraq.
IRGC Commander Salami Apologizes for Downed Ukrainian Plane in Iran - Reports Sputnik 13 Jan 2020 -- The commander of the Iranian Armed Forces' Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, has apologized for shooting down Ukraine's Boeing 737, Iran's ISNA news agency reported.
France, Germany, UK Committed to JCPOA, Call on Iran to Return to Compliance Sputnik 13 Jan 2020 -- French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a joint statement on Sunday that they remained committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and urged Tehran to cancel all measures that go against the Iran nuclear deal.
Tensions High As Iranians Continue Protests Over Downing Of Ukrainian Jet RFE/RL 12 Jan 2020 -- As angry demonstrations broke out in Iran for a second day over the way Tehran has handled the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by its air defenses, reports suggest the authorities have refrained from using excessive force to confront demonstrators.
Esper: Information Indicated 'Broad Scale' Attack Within 'Matter of Days' DoD News 12 Jan 2020 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper reiterated his belief on Sunday morning talk shows that elimination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani would prevent an attack that could lead to more dangerous, open conflict with Iran.
E3 statement on the JCPoA: 12 January 2020 UK FCO 12 Jan 2020 -- Statement from the heads of state and government of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, 12 January 2020.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian US Dept. of State 12 Jan 2020
New report reveals details of US assassination of Iran's Gen. Soleimani, exposes Israel's role Press TV 12 Jan 2020 -- NBC News has revealed details of Washington's assassination of prominent Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, saying the terrorist operation used Israeli intelligence and was run from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Qatar.
US tried 2nd strike in Yemen to kill another Iran commander after Soleimani assassination Press TV 12 Jan 2020 -- American military forces reportedly carried out a failed terror attack against another Iranian commander in Yemen the same day they assassinated Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and other Iranian and Iraqi military officers in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.
Support Hedged for Trump Claim Iranian Commander Wanted to Blow Up 4 US Embassies VOA 12 Jan 2020 -- Key U.S. officials hedged Sunday in detailing President Donald Trump's claim that Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani intended to blow up four U.S. embassies before Trump ordered a drone strike to kill him.
Plane tragedy weighs on Iran Global Times 12 Jan 2020 -- Tehran urged to hold those responsible to account The unintentional downing of a Ukraine aircraft by Iran has put the Middle Eastern country under tremendous pressure not only domestically but also globally.
Iranian parliament sympathizes with victim's families, supports IRGC IRNA 12 Jan 2020 -- The Iranian parliament (Majlis) issued a statement on Sunday to sympathize with families of those killed in the accidental downing of the Ukrainian airliner and also to support the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
Zarif: Foreign Ministry ready to help families of plane crash victims IRNA 12 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message expressed Foreign Ministry readiness to help families of the victims of the Ukrainian plane crash.
Reparation for Ukrainian plane depends on Tehran-Kiev settlement IRNA 12 Jan 2020 -- Reparation for Ukrainian plane depends on a settlement between Iran and Ukraine due to the process of the air disaster, Iran Civil Aviation Organization official said on Sunday.
IRGC chief commander General Salami expresses extreme sorrow over plane crash Press TV 12 Jan 2020 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has expressed his profound sorrow over recent downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane over Tehran, saying he had never felt more shame in his life.
No intention to cover up cause of Ukrainian plane crash: Shamkhani Press TV 12 Jan 2020 -- The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) says no effort was made to cover up the reasons behind the crash of a Ukrainian plane in southwest Tehran, emphasizing that covering up such incident was impossible in view of its nature and characteristics.
New Iranian Protests Erupt Amid Continuing Outrage Over Downing Of Ukrainian Jet RFE/RL 12 Jan 2020 -- Iranian students have protested outside several universities for a second day amid mounting outrage over officials' admission that an Iranian antiaircraft battery was responsible for downing a Ukrainian passenger jet.
Iran Braces for More Protests After Military Admitted Shooting Down Plane VOA 12 Jan 2020 -- Iran deployed riot police in Tehran, the capital, on Sunday as authorities braced for another day of protests after the military admitted to mistakenly shooting down a civilian Ukrainian plane, killing all 176 on board.
European Powers Urge Iran To Stick To 2015 Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 12 Jan 2020 -- Germany, France, and Great Britain have urged Tehran to stick by the terms of the 2015 deal that restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iranians React With Anger After Tehran Admits Downing Ukrainian Plane By Mistake RFE/RL 11 Jan 2020 -- Iran's admission that it was responsible for the January 8 downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, which killed all 176 people on board including many Iranians and Iranian-Canadian citizens, has led to anger and accusations of recklessness and incompetency against the country's leaders.
PM statement on Iran plane crash UK FCO 11 Jan 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement on the Iran plane crash.
Reaction Swift, Stern to Iran's Downing of Ukrainian Jetliner VOA 11 Jan 2020 -- In the face of mounting evidence, Iran acknowledged Saturday that it had shot down a Ukrainian jetliner by accident this week after it took off in Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard.
Iran FM says Oman ruler's death 'loss for region', hopes for expansion of Tehran-Muscat ties Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the death of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was a "loss for the region" and expressed hope that relations between Tehran and Muscat will further increase under his successor.
U.S. slaps fresh sanctions against Iran after missile attacks People's Daily 11 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. government said Friday that it has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, days after Iran's missile attacks targeting U.S. forces in Iraq.
Trump claims 4 U.S. embassies were targeted by Iran People's Daily 11 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said that the "imminent threat" from Iran might involve planned attacks on four U.S. embassies, U.S. media reported on Friday.
US lawmakers reject Trump's new claim that Soleimani targeted 4 US embassies in region Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Several US lawmakers and officials have dismissed President Donald Trump's new claim the US assassinated Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani because he was planning an attack on four American embassies in the region, including the one in Iraq.
US Tried, Failed to Kill Iranian Officer in Yemen on Day of Soleimani Killing - Reports Sputnik 11 Jan 2020 -- US forces launched a secret operation in Yemen targeting a second leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force on the day that Qasem Soleimani was killed in Iraq, but the mission failed, the Washington Post reported on Friday.
Ukrainian plane tragedy unacceptable, Iran urged to punish culprits Global Times 11 Jan 2020 -- No reason is acceptable for the Ukrainian plane tragedy, which caused the loss of 176 lives; Iran must take responsibility and punish those accountable for downing the Ukrainian jetliner, experts said, after Iran admitted to accidentally shooting down the jetliner because of a terrible "human error" on Saturday.
Rouhani: Iran welcomes int'l cooperation to determine causes of Ukrainian plane crash IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that Iran welcomes international collaboration for clearly determining causes of the air disaster and will prepare all consular facilities to this end.
Speaker stresses to prosecute those behind crash of Ukrainian plane IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in a message expressed sympathy for the victims of Ukraine's passenger plane crash and said that investigating the magnitude of this error is an important task that should be prioritized by the relevant agencies as well as identifying those behind the fault or failure of the unfortunate event.
IRGC cmdr sheds light on Ukrainian plane crash IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- The commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Force, Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh on Saturday took full responsibility for the Ukrainian plane crash blaming human error and "US adventurism" for the crash that left 176 people dead.
Leader orders investigation into "possible negligence" in air disaster IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday ordered an investigation into the likely negligence or faulty performance in the air disaster case.
Judiciary chief orders to initiate legal proceedings over Ukrainian plane crash IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday ordered Judiciary Organization of the Armed Forces to initiate legal proceedings against those accountable for the tragic air disaster of downing the Ukrainian plane crash.
Zarif profoundly regrets human error behind air disaster IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message expressed his profound regret and apologized for the human error which caused crash for the Ukrainian passenger plane.
Rouhani : Persons who caused Ukraine plane crash will be sued IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed regret over the human error which caused the tragic crash of Ukraine Airlines plane and said those who committed such an unpardonable mistake will be sued and investigated.
General Staff of Iran Armed Forces releases statement on Ukrainian plane crash IRNA 11 Jan 2020 -- The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces offered explanations for the crash of the Ukrainian aircraft which happened near Tehran on Wednesday.
Iran says it "unintentionally" shot down Ukrainian jetliner People's Daily 11 Jan 2020 -- Iran's state TV on Saturday quoted the Iranian military as saying that it "unintentionally" shot down the Ukrainian jetliner on Wednesday, in which all the 176 passengers and crew members on board were killed.
Iran welcomes global cooperation on plane crash investigation: President Rouhani Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic welcomes any cooperation in the framework of international regulations to shed more light on a Ukrainian passenger plane crash near Tehran, adding that the country will provide all necessary consular facilities in this regard.
Ukraine's president wants Iran to 'punish' those responsible for plane crash Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Ukraine's president demands Iran "punish the guilty" in the recent crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane, while praising Tehran's cooperation with an "objective" investigation into the tragedy.
We accept full responsibility for Ukrainian plane crash: IRGC Aerospace chief Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Head of the Aerospace Division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has accepted full responsibility for the downing of a Ukraine aircraft which crashed near the capital Tehran earlier this week.
Iran Leader ordered swift release of Ukraine plane downing details: Report Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on authorities to make all details about the accidental downing of a Ukrainian jet public after he heard about it, Fars news agency says.
Iran's justice orders military court to conduct immediate probe into plane crash Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Iran's judiciary has ordered an immediate probe into the unintentional downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane which crashed near the capital Tehran earlier this week.
Iran: Ukrainian plane brought down 'due to human error' Press TV 11 Jan 2020 -- Iran says a Ukrainian plane which crashed outside Tehran this week had flown close to a sensitive military site and been brought down due to human error "at a time of crisis caused by US adventurism."
Ukraine Wants Compensation After Iran Admits Downing Passenger Jet RFE/RL 11 Jan 2020 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says his country expects a full probe, a full admission of guilt, and compensation from Iran after Tehran admitted, after days of denial, it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 aboard.
West Ramps Up Pressure On Iran Over Crash Probe RFE/RL 11 Jan 2020 -- The West turned up the heat on Iran over the crash of a Ukrainian airliner outside of Tehran, with the United States saying it is "likely" that an Iranian missile shot down the craft and vowing to "take appropriate action in response."
Trump Hails 'Brave' Iranian Protesters, Warns Tehran 'World Is Watching' RFE/RL 11 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for "brave" Iranian protesters and warned the government that the "world is watching" as demonstrators took to the streets of Tehran to express anger after Iran admitted it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner.
Protesters In Tehran Call For Justice Over Iran's Downing Of Ukrainian Plane RFE/RL 11 Jan 2020 -- Protesters outside a university in Tehran have called for justice after Iran admitted it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane on January 8.
Iran Was Prepared for Full-Fledged War with US When Missile Downed Ukrainian Jet - IRGC Commander Sputnik 11 Jan 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Iranian authorities admitted the Ukrainian jet that crashed in Tehran this week was downed with a missile by the Iranian armed forces.
Heightened Push for Full Probe, Justice Follow Iran's Admission on Jet Shootdown VOA 11 Jan 2020 -- The aerospace commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on state television Saturday that he took "full responsibility" for the mistaken shootdown of a Ukrainian jetliner this week and that he wished he "were dead" when he learned about the fate of the aircraft.
Iranian Protests Reported After IRGC Admits Responsibility for Downed Plane VOA 11 Jan 2020 -- Hundreds of people protested in several cities around Iran on Saturday after the military admitted to mistakenly shooting down a civilian Ukrainian plane, killing all 176 on board.
Trump administration imposes new sanctions on Iran Press TV 10 Jan 2020 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions on Iran targeting the country's metals sector and several senior government officials following Tehran's retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
EU claims respects JCPOA, not to use dispute mechanism Press TV 10 Jan 2020 -- The European Union claims the bloc continues to respect a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world countries, and will not trigger a dispute settlement mechanism that could restore UN Security Council sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
U.S. Announces New Iran Sanctions On Senior Officials, Metals Industry RFE/RL 10 Jan 2020 -- The United States has announced new sanctions on eight senior Iranian officials and that country's steel and other metals industry, along with a presidential executive order that promises further moves to curb the Iranian leadership's access to revenues.
France Warns Iran Could Have Nuclear Weapon Within One To Two Years RFE/RL 10 Jan 2020 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has warned that Iran could have nuclear weapons in one or two years if Tehran continues to violate a landmark nuclear accord with world powers.
Intensified Sanctions on Iran US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2020 -- Today, the United States is taking a series of actions in response to Iran's attacks against U.S. forces and interests, and to deprive the Iranian regime of revenue to conduct its violent foreign policy. We will continue to hold individuals and entities accountable for supporting the Iranian regime's many fronts of terror.
Treasury Targets Iran's Billion Dollar Metals Industry and Senior Regime Officials US Treasury 10 Jan 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against eight senior Iranian regime officials who have advanced the regime's destabilizing objectives, as well as the largest steel, aluminum, copper, and iron manufacturers in Iran, who collectively generate billions of dollars annually.
Did Iran Blink? VOA 10 Jan 2020 -- Will U.S. President Donald Trump's gamble in the Mideast pay off or prove to be a costly blunder? Western officials and analysts say Iran's measured response to date to the slaying of its top general, Qassem Soleimani, shows Tehran has no appetite for a head-to-head confrontation with Washington.
US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran VOA 10 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. placed more sanctions on Iran Friday in response to its missile attack on U.S. military troops in Iraq last week, and it threatened further action to weaken Iran's economy if Tehran continues to carry out what it considers terrorist actions.
Questions Persist Over Legality of US Killing of Iranian General VOA 10 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. killing last week of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani has sparked a fierce debate about the legality of the strike – and a subsequent Iranian counterstrike on two military bases in Iraq – under international law.
EU Reaffirms Support for Iran Deal, Warns Against Regional Conflict VOA 10 Jan 2020 -- European Union foreign ministers Friday called for an urgent de-escalation of spiraling violence in the Middle East and Libya, saying the region cannot afford another war – and they reiterating their commitment to the Iran nuclear deal.
Message to the Congress on Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran The White House 10 Jan 2020
Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Executive Order to Impose Sanctions with Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran The White House 10 Jan 2020
Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin on Iran Sanctions The White House 10 Jan 2020
Iran stresses no missile hit Ukrainian passenger plane IRNA 10 Jan 2020 -- The head of Civil Aviation Organization of Islamic Republic of Iran (CAO.IRI) underlined that no missile had hit the Ukrainian passenger plane and any comment on the missile strike is out of context and not scientifically-backed and the reason behind the crash is determined after reopening of the black box.
FM Zarif: US behaving like ISIS in threatening to destroy Iran's cultural heritage IRNA 10 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the US seeks to emulate the war crimes of DAESH, menacing the cultural heritage of the millennia-old civilization of Iran.
FM Spox: Iran investigatng cause of plane crash on ICAO standards IRNA 10 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Iran has started to probe into the cause of the Ukrainian plane crash according to the international standards and International Civil Aviation Organization's regulations.
Iran go'vt issues statement on Ukrainian airline plane crash IRNA 10 Jan 2020 -- Iranian government in a statement on Thursday night blasted the US approach towards the plane crash near Tehran and said the psychological operations and the lies by the American government which is supported by their agents further aggravate the plight of the victims' families.
Iran says is certain no missile hit Ukrainian plane before crash Press TV 10 Jan 2020 -- Iran's top aviation official says the results of a probe into the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane in Tehran will show what has happened, but Iran is certain no missile hit the aircraft.
Bulldozers And Scavengers: Concerns Over Iran Crash Site RFE/RL 10 Jan 2020 -- As Iran and Western states offer diverging explanations for what caused Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 to fall out of the sky just a few minutes after takeoff on January 8, there are growing concerns that crucial evidence may have been compromised.
Ukrainians Looking Closely At Missile, Terrorism Scenarios In Iran Air Crash RFE/RL 10 Jan 2020 -- Ukrainian officials said on January 10 that they were focusing in particular on a missile strike or act of terrorism as two possible causes of the crash of a Ukrainian passenger airliner after takeoff from Tehran's international airport, adding that they wanted to establish an international coalition to conduct an investigation into the January 8 tragedy.
Iran To Download Data From Crashed Plane Amid Suggestions Missile To Blame RFE/RL 10 Jan 2020 -- Iran says it will download data from the black boxes recovered from the Ukrainian airliner that crashed near Tehran earlier this week, killing all 176 people on board, amid Western suggestions that a missile brought down the aircraft.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2020
Iran Invites NTSB, Boeing to Participate in Ukrainian Plane Crash Investigation VOA 10 Jan 2020 -- Iran has invited the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. accident investigation agency, to participate in the probe of the Ukrainian Boeing commercial jetliner that crashed near Tehran earlier this week.
Iran Denies Shooting Down Passenger Jet VOA 10 Jan 2020 -- Iran is denying allegations that one of its missiles shot down a Ukrainian jetliner outside Tehran and is urging the U.S. and Canada to provide any information about the crash that killed all 176 people on board.
FM Spox: Iran investigatng cause of plane crash on ICAO standards IRNA 10 Jan 2020 -- Mousavi made the remarks in reaction to suspicious propaganda ballyhoo being promoted by Western sources.
Iran go'vt issues statement on Ukrainian airline plane crash IRNA 10 Jan 2020 -- The statement reads that a committee in charge of investigating the incident has been formed on the basis of regulations of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which will examine the incident transparent ally, precisely, quickly with the participation of all experts from relevant countries.
Iranian minister says Ukraine plane crash caused by technical failure People's Daily 10 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Minister of Road and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami rejected the speculations that the crash of a Ukrainian airplane in Tehran has anything to do with the launch of Iran's missiles at a U.S. base in Iraq, Press TV reported on Thursday.
US House Votes to Curb Trump's Unilateral Warmaking Power Against Iran Sputnik 10 Jan 2020 -- The US House of Representatives has approved a resolution that will limit US President Donald Trump's ability to make unilateral warmaking decisions under the 1973 War Powers Act, following his assassination of a top Iranian general in Baghdad last week.
US House Passes Resolution Limiting Military Action Against Iran VOA 09 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution Thursday that would require President Donald Trump to get congressional approve before using the military to engage in hostilities with Iran. The vote was 224-194.
US defense secretary says Iran launched 16 missiles from 3 locations Global Times 09 Jan 2020 -- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said on Wednesday that Iran launched 16 short-range ballistic missiles from three locations within Iran in Tuesday's attack.
US House Speaker Pelosi says Trump's order to assassinate Soleimani has not made America safer Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she does not believe the administration of President Donald Trump had made America safer by assassinating Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, calling the US attack "provocative" and "disproportionate."
US Killed Soleimani Because Iran Planned to Blow Up US Embassy - Trump Sputnik 09 Jan 2020 -- The day before, US President Donald Trump averted fears of World War 3 following Iran's missile attack on US targets in Iraq, pledging to introduce another round of anti-Iranian sanctions instead.
Trump: Soleimani Was Planning to Blow Up US Embassy in Baghdad VOA 09 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general that he ordered killed with a drone strike, had been planning to blow up the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Iran May Have Accidentally Shot Down Passenger Jet VOA 09 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is publicly voicing suspicion that Iran may have accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner.
Iranian Investigators: Ukrainian Plane on Fire Before Crash VOA 09 Jan 2020 -- Iranian investigators said Thursday the crew of a Ukrainian passenger jet that crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran's airport had tried to turn back, and that the pilot made no radio communications about any problems.
Canadian PM Says Evidence Indicates Iran Shot Down Ukrainian Airliner RFE/RL 09 Jan 2020 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says evidence suggests that an Iranian missile downed the Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed near Tehran.
Outpouring Of Grief As Iranians, Canadians Mourn Plane Crash Victims RFE/RL 09 Jan 2020 -- A newlywed couple returning from their wedding, a family of three, including a 1-year-old toddler, a doctoral student, and a mother and her 8-year-old daughter are among the victims of a Ukrainian plane crash in Iran that killed all 176 people on board.
Ukrainians Mourn As Zelenskiy Calls For 'Patience' With Plane Crash Investigation RFE/RL 09 Jan 2020 -- Ukraine observed a day of national mourning on January 9 as aviation authorities frantically searched for answers after the crash of a Ukrainian airliner southwest of Tehran that killed all 176 on board.
Hard-Hit Canada Seeks Key Role In Iran Crash Probe RFE/RL 09 Jan 2020 -- Canada says it intends to play a key role in investigating the crash of an Ukrainian airliner that killed dozens of its citizens despite not having direct diplomatic relations with Tehran.
Canadian PM Trudeau Says Has Intelligence From Multiple Sources That Iran Shot Down Ukraine Jet Sputnik 09 Jan 2020 -- The premier added that his government will not rest until it gets "closure, transparency, accountability, and justice" on the accident.
Iran releases report on crashed Ukrainian passenger plane Global Times 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran on Thursday released a preliminary report about the Ukrainian Boeing 737 passenger plane which crashed in capital Tehran's Parand suburb on Wednesday with all people on board killed.
Iran refuses to give black boxes to Boeing for plane crash investigation Global Times 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's civil aviation authority has said it will not hand over two black boxes recovered from an ill-fated Ukrainian airliner with 176 people aboard to the plane's manufacturer Boeing or the United States, but will cooperate with Ukraine.
Iran, Ukraine urge immediate, precise probe into cause of Ukrainian plane crash IRNA 09 Jan 2020 -- Late on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a telephone conversation with President Hassan Rouhani appreciated relief forces and technical investigators for their efforts, calling for joint collaboration between the two countries' technical teams to look into causes of the crash.
Iran urges all parties involved to contribute to Ukrainian plane crash probe Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran has urged all parties involved, including American multinational aviation corporation Boeing, to contribute to a probe into a Ukrainian plane crash near the capital Tehran that killed all 176 people aboard.
Iran's civil aviation chief dismisses reports of Ukrainian plane being hit by missiles Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's civil aviation chief has rejected as "illogical rumors" reports that the Ukrainian plane that crashed south of the capital Tehran was hit by missiles.
Boeing represented in Iran investigation into Ukrainian plane crash: Official Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran says American aircraft manufacturer Boeing will be represented in an investigation into the crash of a passenger plane made by the company and operated by an Ukrainian airline which took place on January 8 near Tehran.
Iran dismisses speculations Ukrainian flight taken down by missile Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's minister of road and urban development has dismissed as "untrue" rumors that suggest the Wednesday crash of a Ukrainian airliner was because of a missile attack, as the incident coincided with the launch of Iran's missiles against a US base in Iraq.
How Will the US and Iran Deescalate? VOA 09 Jan 2020 -- With both Iran and the United States appearing to deescalate tensions, the focus again turns to diplomacy. Last week, a U.S. drone strike killed Iran's most influential military leader, Qassem Soleimani, and Tehran retaliated by firing a volley of missiles at two bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops, without causing casualties. VOA spoke with State Department Spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus on what the next steps might be.
New IRGC Quds Force chief: Iran dealt US a first slap by striking American bases in Iraq Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- The newly-appointed head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Quds Force says Iran dealt the US "a first slap" by striking two American bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
Persian Might: How Strong Is Iran's Military? RFE/RL 09 Jan 2020 -- With the possibility of a major conflict brewing with the United States since the killing of Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani, the capabilities of the Iranian military are being sharply scrutinized.
UK rejects Trump's request to pull out of JCPOA IRNA 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's cutting down its nuclear commitments has concerned the UK but the JCPOA is still a significant agreement to the joint security, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.
China: Unilateral US withdrawal from JCPOA root cause of crisis Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- China says the United States' unilateral withdrawal from Iran's landmark 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is the root cause of growing tensions.
Iran tells EU to take independent position far from 'detrimental' US stances Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has urged the European Union to adopt independent stances on issues related to cooperation with Iran, especially with regard to the nuclear deal that Tehran signed with six world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), back in 2015.
EU Council chief urges Iran to comply with nuclear deal Press TV 09 Jan 2020 -- The European Council president says he has spoken to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and urged Tehran to comply with the landmark nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers in 2015.
UK Foreign Secretary: 'We Want to See Iran Return to Full Compliance With Nuclear Deal' Sputnik 09 Jan 2020 -- On 5 January, Tehran announced it would no longer comply with the limitations on the nation's nuclear programme specified under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) following tensions with Washington in light of a US drone strike that killed top military commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qasem Soleimani.
Experts: Iran's Attacks on US Assets Could Encourage N. Korea's Nuclear Ambitions VOA 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's attacks on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops as Tehran announced it will no longer comply with restrictions on uranium enrichment may encourage North Korea to perfect its nuclear and missile technologies, experts said.
Official (and Unofficial) News of Soleimani Killing Spreads in North Korea's Capital Radio Free Asia 09 Jan 2020 -- As news spreads in North Korea's capital about the U.S. drone strike last weekend that killed Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani, citizens are surprised that North Korea's media has been so quick to acknowledge the incident.
Esper Says US Military Remains 'Poised And Ready' After Iran's Airstrikes on Military Bases Sputnik 09 Jan 2020 -- US military facilities in Erbil and the Ayn al-Asad Air Base became targets on early Wednesday in what was dubbed as Operation Martyr Soleimani, an act of "revenge" conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' Quds Force for the killing of Iran's top military figure Qassem Soleimani.
Erdogan, Putin issue joint statement on Libya, Iran and Syria People's Daily 09 Jan 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday issued a joint statement on the civil war of Libya, crisis in Iran and developments in Syria after their consecutive meetings in Istanbul.
Iran shows calm in attacks Global Times 09 Jan 2020 -- Iran's missile strikes, which targeted US military bases in Iraq to retaliate against the US assassination of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, could have led to further instability, but war was never the purpose of the two sides, and Tehran's goal was to force US troops to leave Iraq, Chinese experts said.
Joint Chiefs Chairman: Defensive Measures Prevented Casualties in Iranian Attack DoD News 08 Jan 2020 -- Although Iranian missiles damaged equipment and infrastructure at U.S. and ally-occupied military installations in Iraq yesterday, training and defensive readiness paid off in no lives being lost, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
Trump: No Casualties in Iranian Missile Attack, U.S. Won't Allow Nuclear Iran DoD News 08 Jan 2020 -- There were no American or Iraqi casualties as a result of the Iranian missile attacks on Al Asad Air Base and the city of Irbil in Iraq, President Donald J. Trump said today.
After The Missile Attack, Is Iran Done With Its Retaliation? RFE/RL 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's direct retaliation for the January 3 U.S. assassination of Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani raises the stakes in the escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington but puts the ball back in the Unites States' court, analysts say.
Iran Army: Attack on US airbase a legitimate response IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Army said on Wednesday that the crushing response to the US terrorist act was the absolute right and legitimate expectation of the Islamic Ummah.
Defense Minister: Iran to take further steps in proportion to US behavior IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami commented on the IRGC missile attack on the US base in Iraq, saying Iran's further acts will suit US behaviors.
Iran hits US air base at hour Trump assassinated Gen. Soleimani IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- The spokesman for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that Iran hit the US Ain Assad Air Base in Iraq at 1:20 a.m. which is exactly the same time American forces assassinated its great commander Lieutenant-General Qasem Soleimani.
Iran Armed Forces to give a more crushing response to any US wickedness IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said on Wednesday that Iran's response to any new wickedness from the US will be stronger and more crushing.
Iran Gov't spox hails IRGC attack on US base IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Government spokesman Ali Rabiei in a message welcomed the recent attack conducted by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on the US Ain-Assad base in Al-Anbar, Iraq.
Zarif terms Iran's attack to US base as "proportionate measure" IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described Iran's missile attack to the US base in Iraq as a "proportionate measure" which came "in self-defense".
Zarif: "Iran targets the base from which Soleimani was assassinated" ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif told Iranian and foreign reporters that Iran targeted the air base from which US attacked Major General Qassem Soleimani and Iran sent its message to US, once the attack against Ain al-asad base took place.
President Rouhani praises IRGC's decisive response to US ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President described the Americans' martyring of the brave general of Islam Martyr Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and his companions in Iraq against all international regulations and norms and an international terrorism and crime, saying, "The Americans failed to achieve their goals by this criminal act".
Iranian officials praise retaliatory attack against US' Ain al-asad base ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Several Iranian officials praised the retaliatory missile attack by Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against US' Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq.
Any other aggression by US to receive crushing response: Iran's government spokesman ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's government spokesman, Ali Rabiei stressed on Wednesday that the country has never wanted war but any other aggression by the US will receive a crushing response.
Iran FM: "We will defend ourselves against any aggression" ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed on Wednesday that Iran doesn't seek escalation or war but will defend itself against any aggression.
IRGC hits US' Ain Al-Assad base in Iraq ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) responded to US' terrorist and criminal act in assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.
Iran's FM says Tehran gives "proportionate" response to U.S. killing of Soleimani People's Daily 08 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that Iran has given a "proportionate" response to the U.S. recent assassination of a top Iranian military leader.
Iran launches missiles at U.S. airbases in Iraq in retaliation for killing of commander People's Daily 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday targeted U.S. bases in Iraq including al-Asad and Harir Camp to the north of Erbil with a second wave of surface-to-surface missiles, semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Zarif: Iran informed Iraqi govt. of missile attack on US bases Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister says Iran informed the Iraqi government of its retaliatory attack on US bases, reaffirming Tehran's respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Arab country.
Iran's next responses will be proportionate to what US will do: Defense min. Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Hours after Iran's missile attack on American bases in Iraq, Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says Tehran's next responses to the US assassination of a top Iranian general will be proportionate to what Washington will do.
Zarif: Iran missile strikes legitimate self-defense against US terrorism Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran's missile attack on American bases in Iraq was an act of "legitimate self-defense" against "legitimate targets" in response to the terrorist act perpetrated by the US military and the targeted killing of prominent commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
Rouhani: Ultimate revenge is to end US presence in region Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani says ending the United States' presence in the region will be the "ultimate revenge" to be exacted on Washington by the regional nations.
Iran vows 'more crushing response' to any new US 'mischief' Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's armed forces chief of staff has warned that "any new mischief" by the United States will be met with "a more crushing and decisive response."
IRGC: No missiles intercepted in attack on US bases, casualties reported Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says none of its missiles were intercepted during Wednesday's heavy strike that targeted two US bases inside Iraq to avenge the United States' assassination of its senior commander, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
Remarks by President Trump on Iran The White House 08 Jan 2020
Trump's Options Limited in Slapping Iran With New 'Punishing' Sanctions VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States would immediately impose "punishing" additional sanctions on Iran, a day after Iran fired missiles on two Iraqi bases with American personnel in retaliation for the U.S. killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Trump: Iran 'Appears to Be Standing Down' VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- "Iran appears to be standing down," U.S. President Donald Trump said in address to the nation the morning after more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeted two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops.
Trump Says Iran Appears To Be 'Standing Down' After Missile Strikes RFE/RL 08 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran "appears to be standing down" after the country carried out a ballistic-missile attack on air bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq, while his defense chief gave a fuller description of the scale of the attack.
Trump downplays Iran's missiles attack against U.S. forces in Iraq People's Daily 08 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to downplay Iran's missile attack against U.S. forces in Iraq, while highlighting U.S. military strength at the same time.
Trump says US will impose new sanctions against Iran after Tehran's retaliation Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump says his administration will impose new sanctions against Iran and will ask the NATO military alliance to get more involved in the Middle East following Iran's retaliation for the US assassination of a top Iranian general.
Iran's missile attack on US bases presents Trump with his biggest crisis: CNN Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's missile attack on US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani was in defiance of Trump's threats to Iran not to retaliate and presents him with the biggest crisis of his presidency to date, according to an editorial by CNN.
Trump stumbling in public response to Soleimani's assassination Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump's public response to the American assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani has been chaotic and embarrassing, raising questions over the administration's preparation to deal with the crisis, according to US media reports.
Iranian Army Demands US to Pull Out Its Troops From Middle East - Reports Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- The reports come on the heels of Wednesday's Iranian missile attacks on two airbases in Iraq housing US troops in response to the killing of Iranian Quds General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad by the US.
Iran's IRGC Threatens 'Great Satan' US With Crushing Response and Warns Against Any More Provocation Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- Iranian state TV said missile attacks on two airbases in Iraq housing US troops on Wednesday morning was a retaliation for the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad by the US.
Ayatollah Khamenei: Iran's retaliation against US only 'a slap' Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- "The talk of revenge and such debates are a different issue. For now, a slap was delivered on their face last night," Ayatollah Khamenei said in remarks broadcast live on national television Wednesday.
Supreme Leader: Gen Soleimani was brave, prudent IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the slain General Soleimani was a brave in the battlefield and prudent man in the area of politics.
Seditious American presence in the region must end: Iran's Supreme Leader ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran's early Wednesday missile attack on US bases in Iraq following the American assassination of a top general was just "a slap".
Iran official reacts to Pompeo's claim IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- An advisor to President Hassan Rouhani in a tweet responded to the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's claims.
Iran stresses its right to self-defense against any threat IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi in a letter to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres underlined Iran right to self-defense against any threat.
Iran writes to UN: We're not after war but reserve right to self-defense against US threats Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's United Nations mission draws the world body's attention to the US's repeated threats of using force against the Islamic Republic in the aftermath of Washington's assassination of senior Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
A Look At Three Decades Of Iran's Secretive Quds Force RFE/RL 08 Jan 2020 -- Within hours of the U.S. air strike that killed Qasem Soleimani on January 3, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of a successor to head the Revolutionary Guards' secretive Quds Force.
Attack on Iraqi military bases: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCO 08 Jan 2020 -- The Foreign Secretary calls for urgent de-escalation following an attack on Iraqi military bases.
Probe Underway in Ukrainian Plane Crash Outside Tehran That Killed 176 VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- Authorities in Iran are investigating why a Ukrainian passenger jet crashed minutes after takeoff from Tehran's airport early Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board.
Ukrainian Plane Crashes In Iran, Killing All 176 People Aboard RFE/RL 08 Jan 2020 -- A Ukrainian commercial airliner crashed on January 8 soon after taking off from Iran's capital, Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, mostly Iranian nationals, but also Western and Ukrainian citizens.
147 Iranians, 32 foreigners lose lives in Boeing 737 crash IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- All 179 passengers died when a Ukrainian plane Boeing 737 crashed in southern Tehran Wednesday morning after its engine caught fire.
Ukrainian airplane crashes near Tehran due to engine failure, 176 dead ISNA 08 Jan 2020 -- A Ukrainian passenger plane carrying 176 passengers and crew has crashed a few minutes after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport due to engine failure.
All on board crashed Ukranian passenger plane confirmed dead People's Daily 08 Jan 2020 -- All the passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 737 Ukranian passenger plane that crashed near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) on Wednesday morning are confirmed dead, official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.
Ukrainian passenger jet crashes in Iran, all 179 on board dead Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- A Ukrainian passenger plane with 179 people on board has crashed shortly after take-off from the international airport south of the Iranian capital, Tehran, killing all those aboard.
Putin, Erdogan urge restraint, de-escalation of Iran-US tensions Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have called for restraint and de-escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States following the assassination of a senior Iranian military commander in Iraq by US army terrorists.
Syria expresses full solidarity with Iran's right to respond to US aggression Press TV 08 Jan 2020 -- Syria has expressed its "absolute solidarity" with Iran in the Islamic Republic's right to respond to US aggression in light of assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the second-in-command of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Erdogan on US-Iran Tension: Turkey Doesn't Want Region to Turn Into Area of Military Ops Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- The Turkish president's comments follow Wednesday's airstrikes on American military bases in Iraq by Iran. The bases house US military personnel.
Iran-US attack in Iraq: Guterres pledges 'active engagement' in further de-escalation efforts UN News 08 Jan 2020 -- In the wake of an Iranian ballistic missile attack on air bases which house US forces in Iraq, the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday that he would "continue his active engagement" to de-escalate tensions and avert full-scale war.
Amid Sharpening US-Iran Conflict, Europeans Try Diplomacy VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- European Union foreign ministers meet later this week on the escalating crisis between Iran and the United States, but EU executives already have set the tone, calling Wednesday for dialogue and salvaging the Iran nuclear deal.
Governments Worldwide Urge US, Iran to Ease Tensions VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- Governments and organizations are urging the United States and Iran to take steps to de-escalate tensions after a series of attacks on each other's interests in Iraq.
In Sunni World, Many Applaud Soleimani Killing VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- Security sources in the Sunni states mostly applaud the assassination of Quds Force leader Major General Qassem Soleimani of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, and his deputy in Baghdad, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah.
Putin, Erdogan Urge Restraint in Iran Crisis, Cease-Fire in Libya VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint call for restraint by Washington and Tehran. The declaration made Wednesday in Istanbul is the latest sign of deepening regional cooperation by the leaders, symbolized by the inauguration of a Russian-Turkish gas pipeline.
Iran Tensions May Prompt S. Korea to Rethink US-led Patrols VOA 08 Jan 2020 -- The escalating U.S.-Iran conflict is complicating South Korea's possible participation in a U.S.-led maritime coalition to protect international shipping in and near the Strait of Hormuz.
FM Zarif attaches value for territorial integrity, independence of Iraq IRNA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif emphasized that the Iraqi government had been informed of an Iranian missile strike, noting Iran attaches high value for Iraq's territorial integrity and independence and believes that security must be based on the mutual respect and territorial integrity of all countries in the region.
Iraq condemns Iranian missile attack on the two Iraqi military bases SPA 08 Jan 2020 -- Iraq condemned latest Iranian missile attack on the two Iraqi military bases hosting American and international coalition forces.
Iran FM Zarif Says Tehran Took Proportionate Measures in Self-Defense Under UN Charter Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) attacked at least two US military facilities on late Tuesday, as part of its "hard revenge" for killing Iran's top military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani on 3 January.

Second Wave of Missile Attacks Fired Against US Targets in Iraq - Iranian Media Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- A second series of rockets have been launched toward US targets in Iraq, shortly after dozens of missiles struck US military facilities in the area earlier Wednesday morning local time, according to Iranian media reports.

Iran Attacks Iraqi Sites With U.S. Troops Hours After Funeral Of Slain Commander RFE/RL 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran on January 8 launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeting multiple locations in Iraq, including at least two military bases housing U.S. troops and coalition forces, the Pentagon said.

'Hard Revenge': Iran's IRGC Bombards Al-Asad, Other US Bases in Iraq Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- Ayn al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which houses a large US air base, has been struck with several rockets following a strike carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as "revenge" for the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani, reported Press TV.

Death Toll From Kerman Stampede at Soleimani's Funeral Reaches 56 – Reports Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- The number of people killed in a stampede at the funeral of Iran's commander Qasem Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman has reached 56, Iranian Press TV reports.

IRGC Official Says Iran in 'High State of Alert' After Soleimani Killing Sputnik 08 Jan 2020 -- Iran is in a "high state of alert" in the wake of the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the US and is ready to strike US and European bases in the Middle East if need be, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Maj. Gen. Mortada Qurbani said on Tuesday.

DOD Statement on Iranian Ballistic Missile Attacks in Iraq DoD 07 Jan 2020 -- At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.

Iran Fires Missiles at 2 Iraqi Air Bases Housing US Forces, Pentagon Says VOA 07 Jan 2020 -- Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles into at least two Iraqi air bases that house U.S. troops, the Pentagon says.

IRGC targets US airbases in Iraq in response to assassination of General Soleimani Press TV 07 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted the US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq after launching a wave of attacks to retaliate the US assassination of top Iranian anti-terror commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Trump, Other Officials Say US Prepared to Respond Should Iran Attack VOA 07 Jan 2020 -- President Donald Trump and top officials of his administration are saying they hope to avoid war with Iran, but the United States is fully poised to respond to any military provocations by Tehran.

Trump: US Ready for Iran Retaliation, Wants to Obey Law When it Comes to Striking Cultural Sites Sputnik 07 Jan 2020 -- The tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated after Iran's top military commander was killed in a targeted US drone attack at the Baghdadi International airport on 3 January. In response to Iranian threats of retaliation, Trump suggested striking 52 Iranian cultural sites if attacks against US assets were to take place.

US Doesn't Want to Start a War With Iran But is 'Prepared to Finish One' - Pentagon Chief Esper Sputnik 07 Jan 2020 -- American and Iranian officials have exchanged a series of back and forth threats in recent days in the aftermath of the US assassination of a senior Iranian military commander in Baghdad late last week.

Pompeo Defends Soleimani Killing, Accuses Iran Of Hurting Afghan Peace Effort RFE/RL 07 Jan 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has rejected suggestions that Iran's top military commander was on a "diplomatic" mission when he was killed by a U.S. air strike near Baghdad last week.

US Officials: Iran's Soleimani Posed Distinct Security Threat VOA 07 Jan 2020 -- U.S. officials said Tuesday that Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general the U.S. killed in a drone strike, posed a distinct threat to Americans in the Middle East, but again publicly offered no specific evidence of any attack he was about to carry out.

Iran fifth step of reducing commitments not mean exit from JCPOA IRNA 07 Jan 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran's fifth step of remedial reduced commitments to the July 2015 nuclear deal does not mean that the deal has ended or Iran wants to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Iran's fifth step in suspending nuclear commitments will not mean end to JCPOA: Araqchi Press TV 07 Jan 2020 -- A senior Iranian official says the country's decision to take the fifth and final step in reducing its commitments under a landmark nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers in 2015 does not mean an end to the accord or Tehran's withdrawal from it.

Iran FM vows proportionate response to US terror act after assassination of General Soleimani Press TV 07 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic will respond proportionately to the United States' assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

Iranian Parliament Votes to Designate US Armed Forces and Pentagon as 'Terrorist Entities' Sputnik 07 Jan 2020 -- Iran last year designated the Central Command as a terrorist organisation and the American government as a sponsor of terror, mirroring the US blacklisting of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Pompeo Denies Soleimani Came to Iraq on Diplomatic Mission Sputnik 07 Jan 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denied that the top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani could be on a diplomatic mission in Iraq where he was killed in an airstrike.

Esper: Iran Has 'Big Off Ramp' to Avoid Further Conflict DoD News 07 Jan 2020 -- The United States does not want a war with Iran, and it's not leaving Iraq, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

US Issues Warning About 'Iranian Threat' in Persian Gulf Sputnik 07 Jan 2020 -- Concerns emerged over the safety of Mideast waterways last year after a series of attacks on commercial vessels, coupled with a rise in tensions between the United States and its Arab allies, on one side, and Iran on the other.

US to receive definitive resolute response to its brazen act in place, at time it hurts most: Zarif ISNA 07 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday delivered speech at the opening ceremony of "Tehran Dialogue Forum".

UN Sec-Gen Guterres calls for "stopping escalation" IRNA 07 Jan 2020 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement urged stopping escalation, exercising maximum restraint as well as re-starting dialogue.

China calls on all sides to handle Iran issue with fairness People's Daily 07 Jan 2020 -- Tensions escalated in the Gulf region over the weekend as Iran distanced itself from the 2015 nuclear deal amid growing threats and pressure from the United States.

U.S. Blames Russia, China For Blocking UN Statement On Baghdad Embassy Attack RFE/RL 07 Jan 2020 -- The Russian and Chinese envoys at the UN say they oppose the New Year's Eve attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad but insist that a statement by the international body's Security Council condemning it should address the subsequent U.S. killing of Iran's top military commander.

Macron Urges Rouhani to Avoid Any Steps That Could Deteriorate Situation in MidEast - Office Sputnik 07 Jan 2020 -- The two leaders have discussed the current situation in the Middle East as well as Iran's latest decision not to abide by its commitments under the nuclear deal.

Key Takeaways From Qasem Soleimani's Colossal Funeral Procession RFE/RL 07 Jan 2020 -- Hundreds of thousands of Iranians thronged onto the streets of Tehran, Qom, Ahvaz, Mashhad, and Kerman this week to take part in the state funeral of Iran's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, killed in a U.S. drone strike on January 3.

Stampede Kills Dozens Of Mourners At Iranian Commander's Burial RFE/RL 07 Jan 2020 -- Fifty-six people have been killed and more than 200 injured in a stampede as Iranians attended the funeral procession of a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. air strike, state media report.

Stampede at Soleimani Funeral Kills Dozens VOA 07 Jan 2020 -- A stampede at the funeral Tuesday for top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani killed at least 40 people and injured more than 200 others, Iranian state media reported.

Experts: North Korea Can Use Iran to Justify Nuclear Deterrent Strategy Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2020 -- North Korea experts say that Pyongyang will likely try to use the tension between the U.S. and Iran to justify a strengthening of its nuclear deterrence, in the wake of the U.S. drone-strike-assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani.

Press Gaggle With Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley DoD 06 Jan 2020 -- Secretary Of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley

Esper: U.S. Continues to Deploy, Reposition Troops in Middle East DoD News 06 Jan 2020 -- The United States continues to deploy and reposition troops throughout the region of Iraq and Iran to bolster U.S. security and force protection and to be prepared for any contingency, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

Pelosy: US House will vote to limit Trump's war powers on Iran Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that the legislative body will seek to limit President Donald Trump's "military actions regarding Iran" in the wake of increased tensions between the two countries.

Joint statement from President Macron, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Johnson on the situation in Iraq UK FCO 06 Jan 2020 -- Statement from the heads of state and government of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

NATO Members Agree Iran Must Never Acquire Nuclear Weapon - Alliance Chief Stoltenberg Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- Last week, Iran stated that it would continue to reduce its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, and proceed to enrich uranium based on the technical requirements of its nuclear industry.

Iran Will Never Have a Nuclear Weapon - Trump Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- On Sunday, Iran announced that it would be rolling back its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal amid escalating tensions with Washington over the killing of a senior Iranian military commander.

Russia stresses adherence to JCPOA IRNA 06 Jan 2020 -- Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement on Monday stressed the need to abide by the 2015 nuclear deal officially known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

EU chief: Full implantation of JCPOA is of prime importance IRNA 06 Jan 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell on Monday called for full implementation of Iran's nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

IAEA to report any development on Iran final step IRNA 06 Jan 2020 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a statement announced that it will report any development regarding Iran's final step.

Russia endorses Iran's nuclear program remains under full control of IAEA IRNA 06 Jan 2020 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), noted that Iran's nuclear program remains under full control of the IAEA because of its importance.

Iran leaves all operational limitations within JCPOA ISNA 06 Jan 2020 -- Iran's government announced the fifth and final step of reducing its commitments within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

E3 states urge Iran to reverse nuclear countermeasures Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- Britain, France, and Germany say they want Iran to reverse the countermeasures it has adopted in response to the United States withdrawing from the country's 2015 nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group of states.

Iranian Nuclear Deal On Life Support After Tehran Decides To Ignore Restrictions RFE/RL 06 Jan 2020 -- Iran's announcement that it will not abide by the limits put on its nuclear program under a historic 2015 deal with six world powers has put the landmark accord on the verge of collapse.

Trump Threat to Destroy Iranian Cultural Sites Condemned Internationally VOA 06 Jan 2020 -- Threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to destroy Iranian cultural sites are generating widespread international condemnation and accusations it would be a war crime.

Rouhani dismisses Trump's threat, mentions US crimes against Iranian civilians Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has downplayed his American counterpart's recent threat to target Iranian sites if Tehran took retaliatory action after the assassination of its top general, Qassem Soleimani, in Iraq.

Trump threats against Iran 'nothing but a bluff': Army commander Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- A senior Iranian Army commander says the United States has been threatening the Islamic Republic for the past 40 years, stressing that recent threats made by US President Donald Trump against Iran are "nothing but a bluff."

Trump doubles down on rhetoric to strike Iran cultural sites Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat to strike Iranian cultural heritage sites, asserting to a group of reporters that the United States has the right to bomb such targets.

Trump's Threat To Target Iranian Cultural Sites Sparks Alarm RFE/RL 06 Jan 2020 -- President Donald Trump's suggestion that the United States could target Iranian cultural sites has sparked alarm in Iran and beyond, with Human Rights Watch (HRW) saying such action would be a war crime.

President Rouhani to Trump: Never Threaten the Iranian Nation Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that if Tehran attacks US assets in retaliation for the killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Washington will strike 52 sites in Iran "very fast and very hard."

Trump Threatens to Strike Iranian Cultural Sites VOA 06 Jan 2020 -- Huge crowds gathered Monday in Tehran to mourn top general Qassem Soleimani, as his replacement vowed to take revenge for the U.S. airstrike that killed him, and U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iranian cultural sites if Iran does retaliate.

Trump Reiterates Threat to Strike Iran's Cultural Sites Amid Backlash Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump doubled down on his threats to strike Iran's cultural sites if Tehran attacks the United States, as critics of the plan note that such strikes could amount to war crimes.

UN cultural agency chief meets with Iran ambassador amid current tensions UN News 06 Jan 2020 -- The current tensions across the Middle East and Gulf region and their potential implications for cultural heritage sites were the focus of a meeting on Monday between the head of the UN's cultural agency, UNESCO, and a senior diplomat from Iran.

Supreme Leader leads prayer for body of Martyr General Soleimani IRNA 06 Jan 2020 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Monday led mass prayers for the beloved Martyr Lieutenant-General Qasem Soleimani.

E3 stresses on importance of de-escalating tensions in Iraq, Iran ISNA 06 Jan 2020 -- The 'E3' group of countries comprised of France, Britain and Germany called on Iran to refrain from any alleged "violent action" and urged Iran to go back to arrangements laid out in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Israel Braces for Possible Retaliation After Soleimani Killing VOA 06 Jan 2020 -- Israel is on high alert fearing possible retaliation for the U.S. killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. President Donald Trump has stepped up his rhetoric and Iranian leaders are threatening both the U.S. and Israel.

Uproar growing for Trump over Soleimani assassination: CNN Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is in danger of losing control of the crisis unleashed by the assassination of Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, according to US media reports.

Iran's parliament to discuss urgent motion in response to US terrorism Press TV 06 Jan 2020 -- The Iranian parliament is considering a triple-urgency motion in response to terrorist assassination of the late commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and his companions, including the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

New Chief of Iran's Quds Force Vows to Remove US From Middle East to Avenge Soleimani Hit Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi lawmakers have already taken legislative steps to oust American troops from the country; and it's not clear what sort of action the new Quds commander was referring to.

Massive Tehran Crowd Mourns Soleimani at His Funeral VOA 06 Jan 2020 -- Hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran Monday to mourn top general Qassem Soleimani at his funeral, even as Iranian officials vowed to exact revenge against the U.S. for the drone attack that killed him.

UN Chief Urges Leaders To 'Stop Escalation' Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions RFE/RL 06 Jan 2020 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has joined a number of political leaders across the world in calling for restraint amid rapidly rising tensions between Washington and Tehran after the United States killed Iran's top military commander.

French Foreign Minister Urges Iran to 'Renounce Retaliation' Against US Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- The French Foreign Minister said Monday Iran should not take revenge against the United States for killing its top military commander in order to avoid further escalation.

Iran takes final step to end commitments to nuke deal Global Times 06 Jan 2020 -- Iran on Sunday announced the fifth and final step to end its commitments to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, official IRNA news agency reported.

Zarif: Iran to continue full cooperation with IAEA IRNA 06 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to Iran's final remedial step under the JCPOA, saying Iran will continue its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran takes final step to end commitments to nuke deal People's Daily 06 Jan 2020 -- Iran on Sunday announced the fifth and final step to end its commitments to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, official IRNA news agency reported.

Trump Again Eyes Iranian Cultural Sites, Says Iraq Faces Sanctions Over Possible U.S. Troop Withdrawal RFE/RL 06 Jan 2020 -- After a 17-day sojourn at his Florida estate, U.S. President Donald Trump returned to Washington on January 5 facing the fallout from the strike he ordered to kill a powerful Iranian general.

Trump Doubles Down on Iran Warning, Says US to Strike Back 'Perhaps in a Disproportionate Manner' Sputnik 06 Jan 2020 -- US President Trump repeatedly tweeted threats at Iran, warning that if Tehran struck US targets or military personnel in response to the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, the US would strike back.

Pakistan Stress Neutrality, Big Rally Protests Killing of Soleimani VOA 05 Jan 2020 -- Thousands of people rallied Sunday in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi and clashed with police while trying to force their way toward the tightly guarded American consulate to denounce the killing of Iranian commander Qasim Soleimani.

Democrats In Congress Not Satisfied With White House Notification Of Soleimani Attack RFE/RL 05 Jan 2020 -- The White House has sent its formal notification to Congress of the January 3 drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump that killed senior Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, who was traveling in Iraq at the time.

Trump Ordered Drone Hit on Soleimani Despite Intel That General Had No Plans to Target US – Report Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- The death of the senior Iranian commander, who was killed in a US drone strike shortly after midnight on Friday morning, prompted Iranian officials to vow retaliation against US interests in the region.

Top Pentagon Brass Stunned By Trump Decision to Assassinate IRGC Commander Soleimani - Report Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- The assassination of the commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Qasem Soleimani, has prompted fears in the Middle East and across the globe that US President Donald Trump's reportedly spontaneous decision could ultimately spawn a full-scale military conflict which could affect the entire world.

Pompeo Staunchly Defends Drone Attack on Iranian General VOA 05 Jan 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday staunchly defended the drone attack that killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, but refused to publicly offer any evidence supporting the American claim that he posed an imminent threat to U.S. forces and officials in the Mideast.

Iran: US continued military presence in Iraq shows occupation IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani hailed the law enacted by the Iraqi parliament on exit of the US forces from that country, saying that the US continued presence in Iraq amounts to occupying the country.

Iran takes final step by abandoning JCPOA restrictions IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Iranian cabinet in a statement on Sunday announced the country's decision to take the final step to reduce commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran announces decision to take fifth step to scale back JCPOA commitments Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- The Iranian government has issued a statement announcing its decision to take the fifth and final step in reducing its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal it signed with world powers, which is officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran Rolls Back Nuke Deal Commitments, Vows to Enrich Uranium Based On Its Tech Needs – Report Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- This comes amid an ongoing escalation of tensions between Iran and the US following the death of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

Iran Rolls Back Nuclear Commitments After U.S. Kills Top General RFE/RL 05 Jan 2020 -- Iran says it will no longer abide by any of the restrictions set down in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, amid mounting tensions with the United States.

Iran to decide on 5th step of reducing JCPOA commitments tonight: Mousavi ISNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi announced on Sunday that an important meeting over the 5th step of reducing Iran's commitment under the 2015 nuclear deal will be held tonight and the final decision on the issue will be taken.

Spox: Iran to decide on fifth step to reduce JCPOA commitments tonight IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi announced on Sunday that President Hassan Rouhani's cabinet will hold an important meeting tonight to decide on the fifth phase of cutting down its nuclear commitments that will determine the country's approach regarding the JCPOA.

US soldiers, officers will go home in coffins after Soleimani assassination: Nasrallah Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- The secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has severely condemned the assassination of Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force, and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units' deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, saying that US soldiers and officers would return home in coffins in retaliation.

Nasrallah: Martyrdom of Lt. Gen Soleimani marks new phase in Middle East IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Lebanese Hezbollah Secretary-General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Sunday that the day of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani marks a new phase in the Middle East history.

US did very stupid act by assassinating General Soleimani, Hezbollah deputy chief Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- Deputy secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has censured the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), stating that the United States committed a pure folly by the targeted killing.

Trump Threatens Iranian Cultural Sites VOA 05 Jan 2020 -- U.S President Donald Trump is threatening to hit Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliates for last week's assassination of its top general Qassem Soleimani.

Iran summons Swiss envoy to protest Trump's threat to target cultural sites IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday summoned the Swiss envoy looking after the US interest section to convey protest to the US President Donald Trump over his threat to target Iranian cultural sites prohibited by the International Humanitarian Law governing the armed conflicts.

Trump threat to hit 52 cultural sites an attempt to justify terror attack: Army Cmdr IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Commander of the Iranian Army Major-General Abdurrahim Mousavi said on Sunday that it is very unlikely that the US is brave enough to attack Iran, and that the threat to attack 52 cultural sites in Iran is to justify their terrorist attacks.

A Region on Edge: Mideast Officials Scramble to Anticipate Iranian Retaliation VOA 05 Jan 2020 -- No one knows where Iran may strike to avenge the killing Friday of its top general in a U.S. drone strike, but few believe Tehran won't retaliate, and it has plenty of possible targets to pick proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen to carry out reprisals, warn analysts.

US, Iran Trade Threats Following Iran General's Killing VOA 05 Jan 2020 -- The leaders of the U.S. and Iran lobbed threats at each other following the death of a top Iranian general who was killed Friday in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq's capital.

Trump warns of 'disproportionate' strike amid fears of Iran retaliation Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump says the US would strike back at Iran "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," defying pressure from Congress over his war powers amid spiraling tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran's Foreign Minister Compares Trump to Ancient 'Barbarians' Over Threat to Target Cultural Sites Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- Earlier, following threats by Iranian officials to exact revenge on the US for the assassination of a top Iranian military commander, the US president warned that the US has "targeted 52 Iranian sites," including the country's cultural landmarks, for destruction in the event of an Iranian attack on Americans or American assets.

US Official Claims Iran Missile Forces Across Country Are On Heightened State of Alert - Report Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- On Friday, a US drone attack killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) elite Quds Force in Baghdad, prompting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to state that Tehran will take revenge for what it views to be a terrorist action by Washington.

Larijani: Trump commits crime equal with 1953 coup IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Parliament speaker Ali Larijani said US President Donald Trump has committed a crime equal with the 1953 coup engineered by the United States against Iranian legitimate government of Mohammad Mossadeq.

Trump commits crime amount to 1953 Iranian coup d'état: Larijani ISNA 05 Jan 2020 -- By ordering the assassination of IRGC commander General Qassem Soleimani, US President Donald Trump committed a crime amounted to the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani stressed.

US lying about Iran's attack plans to justify assassination: Larijani Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says US officials' claims that General Qassem Soleimani was developing plans to imminently attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and elsewhere are lies.

Zarif: We are standing tall IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Moahammad Javad Zarif on Sunday reacted to US claims on targeting cultural sites, and said "We are standing tall."

Senior advisor says Iran to take revenge for Gen. Soleimani's blood IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Ali Akbar Velayati, the Senior Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on Sunday extended his condolences by participating at the house of Lieutenant- General Martyr Qasem Soleimani where he said "Without any doubt, the blood of Gen. Soleimani will be retaliated and the Americans will be hit from the point where they cannot imagine."

Soleimani was to deliver Tehran's reply to Saudi de-escalation letter when killed: Iraqi PM Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's Caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has said that Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani was set to deliver Tehran's reply to an earlier Saudi message regarding de-escalation talks mediated by Baghdad when he was assassinated.

Iraq lodges complaint to UN chief, UNSC over US assassination of Lt. Gen. Soleimani, Muhandis Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- Iraq says it has lodged a formal complaint to the UN chief and the UN Security Council (UNSC) over the US assassination of Iran's top military commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Washington always disrespects its political, legal, moral commitments: Rouhani Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says Washington's aggressiveness has always been there through violating the rights of nations by keeping away from commitment to any of its political, legal and moral obligations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Araqchi: Trump's hostile remarks clearly amount to war crime Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi says "hostile" remarks made by Donald Trump, the president of the United States, clearly amount to war crime according to international law.

Soleimani assassination marks end of US presence in region: IRGC Commander IRNA 05 Jan 2020 -- Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Hossein Salami on Saturday described Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani as architect of US strategic defeats over the past decades, saying that his assassination marks the end of the US presence in the region.

Iran will hit US 'military sites' in response to assassination of Lt. Gen. Soleimani Press TV 05 Jan 2020 -- A top Iranian military commander says the Islamic Republic's response to US assassination of Iran's top military commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, will only be 'against military sites'.

IRGC Commander Vows Tehran's Response to Soleimani Assassination Will End US Presence in Region Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- The Middle East, considered one of the most unstable regions in the world, was further plunged into an escalation of tensions following the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, early on Friday in a targeted airstrike ordered by US President Donald Trump.

Supreme Leader Khamenei's Adviser Says Iran Will Target US 'Military Sites' - Report Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- The world waits in anticipation after Iran pledged to respond with a "vengeance" to the killing of top ranking General Qasem Soleimani in a US airstrike on Friday. The killing came after the US claimed that the Iranian commander was going to put US lives at risk in a series of planned attacks.

Short-Term Support? Soleimani's Killing Gives Iran A Chance To Rally People, Show Some Unity RFE/RL 05 Jan 2020 -- The killing of Qasem Soleimani, Iran's most powerful and iconic military commander who headed the elite Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), is a major blow to the Islamic republic on many levels.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister al-Thani US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Margaret Brennan of CBS Face the Nation US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Chuck Todd of NBC Meet the Press US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Maria Bartiromo of Fox Sunday Morning Futures US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Jake Tapper of CNN State of the Union US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With George Stephanopoulos of ABC This Week US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday US Dept. of State 05 Jan 2020

Thousands Mourn Iranian General In Iraq RFE/RL 04 Jan 2020 -- Thousands of people gathered in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq on January 4 to mourn Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia leader killed one day earlier in a U.S. air strike in the Iraqi capital that has escalated already heightened tensions in the region and Iran warned has "started a military war."

Thousands March in Baghdad to Mourn Death of Iran's Top Military General VOA 04 Jan 2020 -- Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Baghdad Saturday to mourn the deaths of Iran's military chief and Iraqi military leaders, who were killed in a U.S. airstrike that has significantly increased tensions in the volatile Middle East region.

Trump Warns of US Attack Against 52 Iranian Targets If Tehran Strikes US Citizens, Assets Sputnik 05 Jan 2020 -- Top Iranian military commander, Qasem Soleimani, was assassinated on Friday in Baghdad in a US airstrike authorized by President Donald Trump. Iran vowed revenge over the killing, while the Trump administration earlier claimed the targeted airstrike was intended to deescalate regional tensions.

Trump says Soleimani killing 'to stop war' as Iran tensions soar Global Times 04 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump on Friday insisted he was not seeking war with Iran, as Washington deployed additional troops to the Middle East in the wake of the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.

U.S. prepares for Iran's retaliation following Soleimani killing People's Daily 04 Jan 2020 -- The United States is preparing itself for any possible retaliation from Iran after a U.S. strike killed a top Iranian commander, a move that was concerned about by countries around the world and even questioned by some U.S. lawmakers.

Zarif: Americans committed miscalculation in martyring Gen Soleimani IRNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that the US has committed a miscalculation by martyring IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Soleimani.

Americans to face consequences not just today, but in coming years: President Rouhani ISNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iran's President praised the self-sacrifices and devotion of Martyr Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and said, "Martyr Soleimani will be everlasting in the history of Iran and freedom-seekers around world".

Iran condemns Germany's backing for US brutal, illegal actions ISNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has condemned supportive positions attributed to the German government regarding the US assassination of senior Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani.

Gen. Soleimani's assassination to have consequences: Zarif ISNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif in a phone call with UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed that martyrdom of IRGC commander Major General Qassem Soleimani will have consequences which are under no one's control and US terrorist regime is accountable for all consequences.

US shall bear full responsibility for all consequences of its provocative moves: Iran's envoy to UN ISNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations stressed that the assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani and his companions, by any measure, is an obvious example of State terrorism and, as a criminal act, and thus entails the international responsibility of the United States.

Zarif's statement on Gen. Soleimani's assassination ISNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif has released a statement on the US assassination of IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani.

We'll force US Navy out of Persian Gulf soon: Iran's chief admiral Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- US forces and allies will soon be forced out of the Persian Gulf waters, where they have been seeking to establish a foothold for years, says Iran's navy commander.

US will pay heavy price for assassinating General Soleimani: Rouhani Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the United States is accountable for any consequences of its act of terror against Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), stressing that Washington will pay a heavy price for its recent terrorist move.

IRGC: Strategic revenge to end US presence in region Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps says the strategic revenge that will follow the United States' assassination of senior IRGC commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani will surely end Washington's regional presence.

Iran will be patient in planning crushing anti-US response: IRGC commander Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- A senior commander in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said Tehran will be "patient" in setting the right "time and place" for its response against Washington's assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani.

US assassinated Soleimani while he was guest of Iraqi govt.: Iran's judiciary Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili says the US assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani is a flagrant violation of international law as he was targeted while being in Baghdad as a "formal" and "high-profile" guest of the Iraqi government.

Iranian media react to Quds Force chief assassination Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- One day after the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the dailies across the country reacted to the tragic loss of one of the most admired figures in Iran, a man regarded as a "hero" and a symbol of national and religious pride.

Soleimani assassination tantamount to war on Iran: UN ambassador Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations says the United States' recent assassination of the Islamic Republic's senior commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani is tantamount to waging a war on the Iranian nation.

Iranian Commander Warns 35 US Positions in Mideast, Tel Aviv are Within Tehran's Reach – Report Sputnik 04 Jan 2020 -- The report comes in the aftermath of the murder of Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander who was killed in Baghdad on Friday in an airstrike authorised by US President Donald Trump.

US Has 'Started Military War' Against Iran by Assassinating Soleimani - Iranian Envoy to UN Sputnik 04 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi told the CNN broadcaster in an interview that the United States "started a military war" against the Islamic Republic by killing Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force.

As Iran Looks to Hit US Interests, it May Turn to Africa VOA 04 Jan 2020 -- Africa could emerge as a venue for confrontation between the U.S. and Iran as Tehran threatens to retaliate after the U.S. airstrike that killed the Iranian Quds Force commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Soleimani's Killing an Earthquake With 'Reverberations Around the Globe' VOA 04 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian commander at Baghdad's airport in Iraq has created an earthquake that will have "reverberations around the globe," according to Jason Brodsky, policy director of the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran.

Wang Yi and Iranian FM discuss deadly US strike over the phone Global Times 04 Jan 2020 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed the US airstrike in Iraq in a phone call on Saturday.

China: US' risky behaviors escalate tensions in region IRNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that the US' risky behaviors have both violated international norms and escalated tensions in the region.

Russia sympathizes with Iran on martyrdom of Gen Soleimani IRNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his condolences on the assassination of the IRGC commander Lieutenant-General Qasem Soleimani by the US.

Afghanistan calls for solving Iran-US tensions IRNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reacted to the assassination of the IRGC's Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.

Pakistan army chief calls for maximum restraint following General Soleimani's assassination IRNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) stressed the need for maximum restraint and constructive engagement following the assassination of IRGC Quds force commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani by the US, a military statement said.

World leaders urge Iran to calm down after assassination of general Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Leaders of the international community are scrambling to de-escalate a situation created following the assassination of a senior Iranian military commander in Iraq by the American forces.

Qatar urges de-escalation in regional tensions after Soleimani's assassination Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urges a peaceful solution to ease tensions and restore peace to the region following the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in a US airstrike in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

Axis of resistance to respond decisively to Gen. Soleimani's assassination: Top Hezbollah official Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- A high-ranking official with the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has strongly condemned the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in US airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, emphasizing that the response of the axis of resistance to his targeted killing will be decisive.

Analysis: A Beneficiary Of The U.S.-Iran Crisis Could Well Be Russia RFE/RL 04 Jan 2020 -- Senior Russian officials have publicly condemned the U.S. killing of Iran's most powerful military commander, joining foreign leaders in warning that it will lead to an escalation of tensions in the already unstable Middle East region.

Thousands Mourn Iranian General In Iraq RFE/RL 04 Jan 2020 -- Thousands of people gathered in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq on January 4 to mourn Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia leader killed one day earlier in a U.S. air strike in the Iraqi capital that has escalated already heightened tensions in the region and Iran warned has "started a military war."

Thousands March in Baghdad to Mourn Death of Iran's Top Military General VOA 04 Jan 2020 -- Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Baghdad Saturday to mourn the deaths of Iran's military chief and Iraqi military leaders, who were killed in a U.S. airstrike that has significantly increased tensions in the volatile Middle East region.

Ayatollah Sistani says US violated Iraqi sovereignty by targeting Soleimani IRNA 04 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's Grand Cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani said in a statement that US violated Iraqi national sovereignty by targeting Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq, calling on all parties to exercise self-restraint.

Assassination of Iranian commander raises fears of turning Iraq into battleground People's Daily 04 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. strike that killed a senior Iranian commander raised fears among Iraqis that their homeland could become the main battlefield in the looming conflict between Iran and the United States.

Iraq's National Security Council denounces US assassination of Lt. Gen. Soleimani Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's National Security Council has condemned a US airstrike that led to the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

White House Adviser: Soleimani Planned December 27 Attack That Killed American Contractor Sputnik 04 Jan 2020 -- US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien told reporters Friday that Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike the previous day, had planned the December 27 attack on a US base in Kirkuk, Iraq, that killed a US contractor.

Remarks by President Trump on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani The White House 03 Jan 2020

Experts: Killing of Iranian Commander Sends Message to North Korea VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- U.S. efforts to deal with Iran in the coming days could divert its attention from Pyongyang, meanwhile the killing of Iran's top military general by the U.S. could prompt North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to reassess how willing the U.S. is to use force, experts said.

FM spox: Iran's response to US message conveyed to Swiss envoy IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Friday said the Swiss ambassador to Tehran had been summoned as in charge of interests of the United States in Iran, and this evening Iran's response to the US message was sent to the Swiss diplomat.

Iran: US regime not to easily survive miscalculation's consequences IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council in a statement announced that necessary decisions have been taken over IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani's assassination, adding that criminals will face firm revenge in the proper time and place.

Araghchi: US miscalculations will lead to disaster IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a message referred to efforts made by IRGC'S Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani in fighting ISIS and the US miscalculations will lead to disaster.

US commits strategic mistake by assassinating Lieutenant Soleimani: Parliament speaker IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Parliament Speaker َAli Larijani said that the US committed a strategic mistake by committing the assassination of Commander Lieutenant Soleimani and will pay for it.

Intelligence Ministry: Gen Soleimani assassination not to go unanswered IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Intelligence Ministry in a statement released on the sad occasion of the assassination of the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani said criminal US' act will not go unanswered.

Head of EC reacts to Soleimani's assassination IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- The head of the Expediency Council(EC) responded to the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.

Rouhani: Iranian nation to take revenge for US heinous crime IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a message said Iranians will take revenge of the US heinous act to assassinate the IRGC Quds force commander Major General Qasem Soleimani.

Zarif: US act "typical example of state terrorism" IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said US' act is undoubtedly a clear example of state terrorism and violation of Iraq's sovereignty.

Speaker expresses condolence over Gen. Soleimani's martyrdom IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Parliament Speaker َAli Larijani expressed condolences over the martyrdom of the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.

Iran Foreign Ministry holds extraordinary meeting over assassination of IRGC Comdr IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman in a message said that in the wake of the assassination of the IRGC commander Major General Qasem Soleimani, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held an extraordinary meeting with his top diplomats on Friday.

Zarif: US assassination of General Soleimani "dangerous, foolish" IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message described the US act of assassinating the IRGC commander Major General Qasem Soleimani as "dangerous and foolish".

Supreme Leader: Severe revenge awaiting criminals IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei commented on the martyrdom of the great commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Major General Qasem Soleimani and said harsh and severe revenge is awaiting the criminals.

Iran's top leader vows "tough revenge" for Soleimani's killing by U.S. People's Daily 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on Friday that those who assassinated Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), should wait for Iran's severe response, state TV reported.

By assassinating Soleimani, US paved way for own elimination from region: Zarif Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says by staging "the cowardly act of state terrorism" that led to senior Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani's martyrdom, the United States practically paved the way for its own "elimination" from the region.

Iran summons Swiss envoy for second time in single day Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran summoned the Swiss charge d'affaires, whose country represents US interests in Iran, for a second time on Friday to hand him Tehran's answer to Washington's message.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council vows due vengeance after Soleimani assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) says a harsh vengeance "in due time and right place" awaits criminals behind the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in a US airstrike in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

Iran Leader vows 'harsh revenge' following assassination of Gen. Soleimani Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says those who assassinated IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani must await a harsh revenge.

Gen. Soleimani's assassination to strengthen resistance movement: Iran FM Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has strongly condemned US assassination of IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani, saying it will strengthen the resistance movement across the world.

Khamenei, Other Iran Officials Vow 'Severe Retaliation' For Soleimani Killing RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened "severe retaliation" against the "criminals" who killed Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of Iran's Quds Force who died in a U.S. air strike in western Baghdad on January 3.

'I'm Not Mourning!' Mixed Reaction Among Iranians To Soleimani's Death RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian social media users have expressed mixed reactions to the killing of Iran's most powerful military commander, General Qasem Soleimani, in a U.S. air strike in Baghdad on January 3.

What We Know About Successor to Murdered Iranian Quds Force Leader, Esmail Ghaani Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Ghaani's predecessor, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force General Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a US airstrike early on 3 January as he was reportedly travelling by car from Baghdad International Airport. The US justified the attack by claiming that they were defending their own diplomatic personnel in Iraq.

Biography of new IRGC commander IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Following assassination of top IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as his successor.

Iran's Leader names new Quds commander following Gen. Soleimani's assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has appointed Esmail Qaani as the new head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force following US assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani.

Supreme Leader appoints Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as new head of Quds Forces IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as the successor of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani as the Commander of the IRGC Quds Forces., to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces.

Army Ground Commander condoles Cmdr Soleimani's assassination IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Chief of Ground Forces of Army praised the Lieutenant- General Qasem Soleimani as a commander who spent four decades fighting the enemies of Islam and the Koran.

The red line of martyr Soleimani continues: Senior military official IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Deputy commander of Iran's Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari condoling the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani as the great commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces, said: "The red line of resistance will continue stronger than before."

Army Commander vows US terrorist attack not to go unanswered IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- The Chief commander of the Islamic Republic's Army, in a message on the occasion of the martyrdom of Lieutenant- General Qasem Soleimani, stated that the US cruel terrorist attack which exposed the true terrorist nature of the US government will not go unanswered.

Defense minister vows revenge for assassination of Major Soleimani assassination IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami in a message expressed condolences over the Martyrdom of the commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Major General Qasem Soleimani and vowed revenge from those behind this horrendous crime.

Iran's Armed Forces vow 'punishing response' to Soleimani's assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's General Staff of Armed Forces has issued a statement vowing that elements behind the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani will face a punishing response.

Iran's Supreme Leader Appoints Soleimani's Deputy as Quds Force Chief Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was killed near Baghdad Airport earlier in the day in an airstrike authorised by the United States.

Iran Deploys F-14 Jets to Border After Vowing to Avenge General Soleimani's Murder - Reports Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has pledged "harsh revenge" against those responsible for killing the Quds commander, while President Rouhani similarly vowed to avenge Soleimani's death.

Qasem Soleimani: What We Know About Iranian Elite Force's General That US Took Aim at Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps' Major General Qasem Soleimani was killed in rocket fire in Baghdad days after an attempted raid on the US Embassy by Iran-linked Iraqi Shia protesters.

Senior IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani martyred in Iraq IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Senior commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Major General Qasem Soleimani was martyred in a terrorist operation in Baghdad Friday morning, official media resources said.

Commander of Iran's Quds Force, Iraq's PMU deputy head assassinated in US strike Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), have been assassinated in US airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Top Iranian General Killed In U.S. Air Strike In Iraq RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States has killed the powerful commander of Iran's elite Quds Force in an Iraqi air strike in a dramatic escalation of hostilities that prompted a threat from Tehran of "severe retaliation" and an accusation by the Iraqi prime minister of an "outrageous breach."

Who was General Qassem Soleimani? Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, whose assassination by the US was confirmed earlier on Friday, had played a major role in defending Iran against its enemies and assisting regional countries fight foreign occupation and terrorism.

Iraqi paramilitary leader, top Iranian commander killed in attack near Baghdad airport People's Daily 03 Jan 2020 -- An attack near Baghdad International Airport on Friday has killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhamdis, the deputy top leader of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces.

Iran's Shadowy Military Commander May Prove Tough Foe in Death VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- General Qassem Soleimani, the larger-than-life head of Iran's elite Quds Force, had escaped death many times, but he couldn't flee the U.S. drone-launched missile that struck his convoy shortly after he arrived in Baghdad from Lebanon.

What is Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard? VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a foreign terrorist organization, an unprecedented move that marked the first time the United States had formally named another country's military terrorists. Experts said then that the decision would likely raise to a higher level the strained relationship between the two countries.

Pentagon confirms U.S. killed senior Iranian commander People's Daily 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Thursday night that U.S. forces had carried out a strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.

Gen. Soleimani should have been killed 'many years ago': Trump Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has doubled down on the insanity of the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), saying Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani should have been killed "many years ago."

U.S. Democratic, Republican Responses Differ To Soleimani Strike RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- A senior U.S. Democrat says lawmakers were not informed in advance of the U.S. attack that killed a top Iranian military commander who was traveling in Iraq.

'We Caught Him in the Act': Trump Says US Did Not Kill Soleimani to Start War With Iran Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Speaking from Mar-a-lago on Friday, US President Donald Trump addressed for the first time the US airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force.

Soleimani Was Plotting 'Big Action' Threatening Hundreds of Americans - Pompeo Defends US Airstrike Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States carried out an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq in the early hours of Friday in order to "protect US personnel abroad". As a result of the strike, several people were killed including Iranian top military leader Qasem Soleimani.

Trump Says Killing of Iran's Quds Force Commander Overdue VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is defending the U.S. airstrike that killed one of Iran's most powerful generals, brushing aside threats from Tehran that it will exact a harsh revenge.

Trump Hails Death of Iranian General, Says 'Reign of Terror is Over' VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday celebrated the death of the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, saying the airstrike that killed the shadowy Qassem Soleimani was long overdue.

US Kills Commander of Iran's Elite Quds Force VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States struck a significant and potentially risky blow against Iran, killing the leader of the nation's elite Quds Force in an airstrike in Iraq.

Mogherini warns against escalation of tensions in ME IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Former EU foreign policy chief reacted to the US recent terrorist operation in Iraq which resulted in assassinating IRGC's Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani and warned against escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

China urges Iran, US to practice self-restraint IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on Friday reacted to assassination of the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani and urged Iran and US to practice self-restraint.

Iraqi President: US to face security consequences IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Friday that assassination of the IRGC's Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani will have security consequences for the US in Iraq and the region while inviting all parties to exercise self-restraint.

U.S. Killing Of Iranian Commander Sparks Global Concern RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. assassination of a top Iranian military commander in Iraq has sparked statements of concern from around the world as countries brace for fallout from one of the most serious Iran-U.S. escalations in decades.

Iraq's National Security Council denounces US assassination of Lt. Gen. Soleimani Press TV 04 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's National Security Council has condemned a US airstrike that led to the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Iraq's top Shia cleric condemns US assassination of 'heroes of anti-Daesh fight' Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has strongly condemned the US assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and his comrades, calling them the "heroes of fight against Daesh" terrorist group.

Iraqi PM warns of devastating war, Sadr orders forces to be ready Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has condemned US assassination of IRGC Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani, warning of devastating consequences for Iraq as senior Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr put all his forces on alert.

US embassy in Baghdad urges Americans to leave Iraq after assassination of Soleimani Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- The US Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad has urged all American citizens to immediately leave the country following the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, which was carried out by US forces on the orders of President Donald Trump.

World condemns "US miscalculation in Middle East" IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Chronological developments on assassination of IRGC's top commander in a US airstrike on his convoy in Baghdad airport early Friday morning was followed by global condemnations.

Resistance forces across world carry task of avenging Soleimani: Nasrallah Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Secretary General of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that resistance forces across the world bear responsibility of punishing those behind the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani.

Nasrallah: US not to achieve its goals by assassinating Gen Soleimani IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Secretary General of Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the US criminals will not be able to achieve their goals through terrorist operations the latest of which is the assassination of the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.

Putin: US assassination of Soleimani 'aggravates' situation in region Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told French President Emmanuel Macron that the United States' assassination of Iranian Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani risks "seriously aggravating" regional tensions.

Syria's Assad expresses condolences over Soleimani's assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has condoled Iran over the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, saying that the late commander's support for Syria will always be remembered by the Syrian nation.

Analysis: U.S. Killing Of Iran's Top General Risks 'Dangerous' Consequences RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's most powerful military commander has been killed in a U.S. air strike, a major escalation of a conflict that analysts say threatens to unleash further violence in the volatile region.

UN chief calls for de-escalation across Gulf region after killing of top Iranian General in US airstrike UN News 03 Jan 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the latest escalation in tension across the Gulf region, following the killing of a top Iranian General in Iraq, in an airstrike carried out by the United States.

Sharply Divided Reaction Resounds After Deadly US Airstrike VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- A torrent of sharp objections and resounding praise continued Friday in reaction to the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, and heralded a new and heightened phase of conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Afghan Leaders Lament Soleimani's Death, Worry About Regional Escalation VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- The Afghan government said Friday that it was worried about an escalation of violence in the region after the U.S. airstrike in Iraq overnight that killed Iran Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani.

Calls For Restraint, Retaliation After US Kills Iran's Top General VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. killing of Iran's top general has elicited calls for restraint and retaliation from global powers and warnings that the world has suddenly become a more dangerous place.

Russia Condemns US Killing of Iranian Commander VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- Russia condemned U.S. airstrikes that killed a powerful Iranian commander in neighboring Iraq on Friday local time as a "reckless step" that risked "regional peace and stability" in the Middle East.

China urges calm, restraint to avoid tension escalation in Gulf area Global Times 03 Jan 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday urged relevant parties, especially the United States, to remain calm and restrained to avoid further escalating the current tensions in the Gulf area.

Iraq's top Shia cleric condemns US assassination of 'heroes of anti-Daesh fight' Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has strongly condemned the US assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and his comrades, calling them the "heroes of fight against Daesh" terrorist group.

Iraqi PM warns of devastating war, Sadr orders forces to be ready Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has condemned US assassination of IRGC Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani, warning of devastating consequences for Iraq as senior Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr put all his forces on alert.

US embassy in Baghdad urges Americans to leave Iraq after assassination of Soleimani Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- The US Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad has urged all American citizens to immediately leave the country following the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, which was carried out by US forces on the orders of President Donald Trump.

Senior State Department Officials On the Situation in Iraq US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020 -- Special Briefing

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Iraqi President Barham Salih US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Barzani US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with the Speaker of Iraq's Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbousi US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Pompeo's Call With Chinese Politburo Member Yang Jiechi US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Pakistani Chief of Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Secretary Pompeo's Call With U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Commander of Iran's Quds Force, PMU deputy head martyred in US strike Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), have been killed in US airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Iran's Powerful Quds Force Chief Reportedly Killed In U.S. Air Strike In Iraq RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Multiple news sources, including Iraqi state TV, are reporting that Qasem Soleimani, the ultra-powerful commander of Iran's Quds Force, has been killed in an apparent U.S. air strike in Baghdad.

Iranian Quds Commander Qasem Soleimani, PMF Deputy Leader Killed in Baghdad Airport Attack - Report Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's Shia Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said on Friday that several members of the militia, as well as several " guests", were killed by rocket fire near the Baghdad International Airport.

US Behind Baghdad Airport Attack That Killed Iranian Quds Commander, PMF Deputy Leader - Report Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Iraq's Shia Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said on Friday that five members of the militia as well as "two guests" had been killed by rocket fire near the Baghdad International Airport, media reported.

Statement by the Department of Defense DOD 02 Jan 2020 -- At the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper as Prepared DoD 02 Jan 2020 -- "Last Friday, the Iranian-backed militia Kata'ib Hizbollah or KH launched yet another attack against American forces in Iraq, resulting in the death of one American civilian, and injuries to four American service members, as well as two of our partners in the Iraqi Security Forces. This continues a string of attacks against bases with U.S. forces and Iraqi Security Forces. KH has a strong linkage to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force and has received lethal aid, support, and direction from Iran."

US rehashes anti-Iran claims, threatens 'preemption' Press TV 02 Jan 2020 -- Repeating a warmed-over allegation, the US defense secretary claims Iran and, what he describes as, the Islamic Republic's allies may be planning to attack America's "interests" in the region, threatening "preemptive" action.

Esper: US Prepared to Take 'Preemptive' Action on Iran VOA 02 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. is prepared to take "preemptive" military action to prevent future attacks on U.S. forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday.

Press Gaggle by Secretary Esper and Chairman Milley DoD 02 Jan 2020 -- Secretary Of Defense Mark T. Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley

Esper: Kataeb Hezbollah Will 'Likely Regret' Further Provocative Behavior DoD News 02 Jan 2020 -- U.S. forces in Iraq were attacked Dec. 27 near Kirkuk by Kataeb Hezbollah, a group with links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force. The attack, which involved 31 rockets fired, killed one American civilian contractor and injured four American service members as well as two partners in the Iraqi security forces, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

Secretary Pompeo's Call with the Speaker of Iraq's Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbousi US Dept. of State 02 Jan 2020

US resorts to blame game against Iran wherever it faces defeat: Chief IRGC cmdr. Press TV 02 Jan 2020 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has blasted the US for playing a blame game over the developments in Iraq, saying Washington points the finger at Tehran wherever it faces defeat.

Iran Says 'Not Afraid Of War' After Trump 'Threat' RFE/RL 02 Jan 2020 -- Iranian military leaders have warned Washington against threatening military action after U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran would be held responsible for anti-U.S. protests in Iraq.

Leader: US taking revenge from Iraqi Shia volunteers for fighting ISIS IRNA 01 Jan 2020 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday strongly condemned US air raids on Hashd al-Shaabi Iraqi Shia volunteers, saying that they are taking revenge from the Iraqi Shia group for fighting ISIS.

US accusations against Iran aimed at distracting attentions from Iraqis' anger toward Washington: Ravanchi ISNA 01 Jan 2020 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Majid Takht Ravanchi said that US bogus accusations against Iran are aimed at distracting public opinion from their 17 years of military occupation in Iraq and killing over 300,000 innocent civilians.

Iran warns US against showing any thoughtless, wrong reaction ISNA 01 Jan 2020 -- Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has hit back at the US for its barefaced accusations against Iran following the recent protests in Iraq over a ferocious American military attack on the Iraqi forces.

Trump blames Iran for demonstrators storming U.S. Embassy in Baghdad People's Daily 01 Jan 2020 -- The Iraqi paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces called Wednesday on protesters who stormed the U.S. embassy in Baghdad to withdraw, a Hashd Shaabi statement said.

Trump Threatens Iran, Does Not See War After Baghdad Embassy Attack VOA 01 Jan 2020 -- Security forces at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq's capital used tear gas Wednesday to disperse protesters led by pro-Iran militiamen as they gathered for a second day at the diplomatic site.

Rouhani: US sanctions deprived Iran of earning dlrs 200b IRNA 01 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the US Administration should stand accountable for the dlrs-200-billion damages it inflicted on Iran by its unlawful sanctions.

Iran not after wars: Ayatollah Khamenei ISNA 01 Jan 2020 -- On the occasion of the auspicious birth of Lady Zeinab al-Kubra (p.b.u.h.), thousands of nurses from across the country met with the Leader of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday.

Iran's Supreme Leader: 'If Anyone Threatens Us, We Will Unhesitatingly Confront and Strike Them' Sputnik 01 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi protesters on 31 December stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad and torched its outer fence in protest against recent US airstrikes targeting Kata'ib Hezbollah Shiite militants in Iraq and Syria.

Iran Had A Rough Year -- And 2020 Is Likely To Be Equally Difficult RFE/RL 01 Jan 2020 -- Iran had a rough year in 2019 and the New Year is quite likely to bring just as many difficulties to the door of the Islamic republic.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

January 2020 - Iran Special Weapons News