Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• Official: 184 more Iranians die from COVID-19 over past 24 hours IRNA 23 Sep 2020 -- Some 184 people in Iran have died as a result of the coronavirus disease over the past 24 hours, Iranian Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Wednesday.
• Iran To Fund The Fortification Of Syrian Air Defense Radio Farda 23 Sep 2020 -- A senior spokesman for the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says Iran plans to fortify Syria's air defense.
• Iran's navy air-based power: IRGC commander IRNA 23 Sep 2020 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Major General Hossein Salami said on Wednesday that the IRGC is steadily increasing its power and that it is an air-based marine power, with a combination of drones, helicopters, and water-landing planes.
• 188 new drones, helicopters join IRGC Navy ISNA 23 Sep 2020 -- In a ceremony on Wednesday morning in Bandar Abbas, 188 new drones and helicopters joined the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy.
• Iranian-made combat drones, copters join IRGC naval fleet Press TV 23 Sep 2020 -- The naval fleet of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has received 188 combat drones and helicopters developed by Iranian aviation experts.
• Iran: Scores of Domestically-Made Combat Drones Enter Service With IRGC Naval Fleet Sputnik 23 Sep 2020 -- In July 2019, the Iran Army Ground Forces received its first batch of domestically-produced Mohajer-6 drones, which are expected to increase the ground forces' surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as provide the ability to conduct precision bomb strikes.
• IRGC's second-in-command warns US against any adventurism Press TV 23 Sep 2020 -- The second-in-command of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the US has failed and will once again face failure in its attempt to form an anti-Iran alliance, warning Washington against any act of folly against Tehran.
• Iran FM's report on UNSC's opposition to the trigger mechanism ISNA 23 Sep 2020 -- At Wednesday's cabinet meeting chaired by Dr Hassan Rouhani, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Health and Medical Education presented reports.
• Iran sees 65pc increase in gas refining capacity in 7 years IRNA 23 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Gas refining capacity has reached 1.1 billion cubic meters a day compared to 670 million cubic meters a day seven years ago, it was announced on Wednesday.
• New platform installed in Persian Gulf oilfield Press TV 23 Sep 2020 -- Iranian technicians and engineers have successfully installed another offshore drilling rig in the Persian Gulf waters as the country keeps expanding crude production despite lower sales.
• Iranian Parliamentarians To Receive Luxury Cars And Interest Free Loans Radio Farda 22 Sep 2020 -- A member of the Iranian Majlis Parliament, Hossein Ali Haji Deligani, has confirmed that Iranian legislators receive "Dena Plus" luxury sedans.
• COVID-19 kills 178 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Tuesday that some 178 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Iran has no military presence in region, only supplies defense know-how: Armed Forces spokesman Press TV 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran has only provided Yemen with the know-how in the defense sector, says the spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces, dismissing claims about the Islamic Republic’s military presence and ‘intervention’ in the region.
• Pres. Rouhani: Today is time to say “no” to bullying and arrogance IRNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani outlined the US hostile policies towards Iran including very harsh sanctions and, addressing the world, said "Today is the time to say “no” to bullying and arrogance. The era of dominance and hegemony is long over. Our nations and children deserve a better and safer world based on the rule of law. "
• President Rouhani addresses 75th UNGA speech IRNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani addressed the 75th General Assembly of the United Nations here on Tuesday which convened via video conference.
• Defiant Rohani Tells UN That U.S. Can Impose 'Neither Negotiations Nor War' RFE/RL 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran's president, Hassan Rohani, told the UN General Assembly on September 22 that Tehran rejected U.S. efforts to make his country "a bargaining chip in U.S. elections and domestic policy."
• Iran’s reaction to US to be legitimate based on right of self-defence: Khatibzadeh ISNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh said, “According to the right of ‘legitimate self-defence’ which is a recognized right in international law and order, Iran’s response to any US’ insurgency against our country will be decisive and undoubted”.
• Next US administration will have no choice but to surrender to Iranian nation: Rouhani Press TV 22 Sep 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani reasserts Iran’s determination to hold onto its independence and domestic freedom under whatever circumstances, expressing confidence that the next administration in Washington will inevitably surrender to the Iranian nation’s resilience.
• Iran capable of thwarting any threat at any place: Defense minister Press TV 22 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the Islamic Republic’s 1980-88 Sacred Defense against an invasion by a Western-backed Iraq has resulted in "valuable" achievements.
• Russia says ‘not afraid of US sanctions’ over arms trade with Iran Press TV 22 Sep 2020 -- Russia has played down the US threat of sanctions over any arms trade with Iran following the expiry of a UN arms embargo that Washington failed to keep in place, saying such bans cannot stop the growth of Moscow-Tehran defense cooperation.
• Khamenei Hails Ceasefire With Iraq 40 Years Ago Radio Farda 22 Sep 2020 -- On Monday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei praised the eight-year Iran-Iraq war as "one of the most rational events in Iran's history" and described accepting the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 598, which ended the war, as "the (one of) most rational decisions made."
• Venezuela: Aggressive US sanctions won’t hinder free trade with Iran Press TV 22 Sep 2020 -- Caracas has denounced the latest US sanctions against Venezuela and Iran as an act of “aggression,” saying such “arrogant” actions cannot prevent the South American country from exercising its right to forge economic relations with Iran or any other state.
• US announces Iran sanctions as its unilateral attempt at UN widely ignored Global Times 22 Sep 2020 -- The United States on Monday announced fresh sanctions and measures against entities and individuals related to Iranian nuclear and conventional weapons programs, a move to support its self-claimed UN snapback sanctions widely ignored by the international community.
• Iran ready to exchange prisoners with US: Zarif ISNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif announced that Iran is ready to exchange prisoners with the US.
• Iran Says It's Willing To Exchange 'All' Prisoners With U.S. RFE/RL 21 Sep 2020 -- Iran is prepared for a full exchange of prisoners with the United States, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a virtual address to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
• COVID-19 kills 177 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Monday that some 177 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Iran attends Caucasus 2020 drills IRNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Caucasus 2020 military drills started work in the presence of 13,000 military forces from Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, Belarus, and Myanmar in the rim of the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea on Monday.
• “Caucasus 2020” military drills kick off with Iran in attendance ISNA 21 Sep 2020 -- “Caucasus 2020” military drills kicked off on Monday with the Islamic Republic of Iran in attendance.
• Iran’s Navy chief: Iranian forces will give crushing response to potential US naval threats Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- The commander of Iran’s Navy has warned the United States against any possible threat to Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf, saying the Islamic Republic will give a crushing response to such an aggressive move.
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Kelly Craft, and National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien At a Press Availability on Iran Snapback Sanctions US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2020
• Sweeping U.S. Measures to Support Return of UN Sanctions Relating to Iran’s Nuclear, Missile, and Conventional Arms Programs US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2020 -- Fact Sheet
• The United States Imposes Sweeping New Sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2020 -- The Trump Administration has made clear that the United States will do whatever it takes to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and anti-Semitism, from spreading death and mayhem throughout the Middle East and the world. Rather than wait for the day that Iran threatens the world with a nuclear weapon, the United States is again fulfilling the best traditions of American global leadership and taking responsible action.
• Treasury Sanctions Key Actors in Iran’s Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs US Treasury 21 Sep 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three Deputy Directors of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and a number of its subsidiaries. Companies supplying equipment for Iran’s ballistic missile production overseen by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) and senior officials working on Iran’s missile programs have also been designated.
• US Imposes Sweeping New Sanctions on Iran VOA 21 Sep 2020 -- The United States is imposing sweeping new sanctions on Iran to curb Tehran's nuclear, missile, and conventional arms threats after Washington asserted the United Nations arms embargo on Iran was reimposed indefinitely late Saturday.
• Statement by the President Regarding New Restrictions on Iran’s Nuclear, Ballistic Missile, and Conventional Weapons Pursuits The White House 21 Sep 2020
• Message to the Congress on Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to the Conventional Arms Activities of Iran The White House 21 Sep 2020
• U.S. Imposes New Sanctions On Iran Defense, Atomic Industries RFE/RL 21 Sep 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran's atomic activities or its missile and conventional weapons programs, as Washington unilaterally seeks to enforce a UN arms embargo against the Middle East country.
• Esper Says New Sanctions on Iran Will Disrupt Malign Activities DoD News 21 Sep 2020 -- President Donald J. Trump today signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on Iran as well as triggering a "snap back," or resumption, of U.N. sanctions on Tehran.
• US unilateral announcement on return of UN sanctions on Iran illegitimate, void: Chinese envoy Global Times 21 Sep 2020 -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Sunday wrote a letter to the president of the Security Council and UN secretary-general, expressing opposition to the US unilateral announcement on the return of UN sanctions on Iran on Saturday.
• France supports IAEA’s commitment to save JCPOA IRNA 21 Sep 2020 -- The head of French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) voiced support for the efforts and commitments of the International Atomic energy Agency (IAEA) to safeguard the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• Zarif: Iran will never re-negotiate a topic already discussed IRNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the US is the party that violated the Iranian nuclear deal and stressed that Iran will never re-negotiate what it has already discussed.
• US will never see return of ‘non-existent’ anti-Iran resolutions: Envoy Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations says the US is not going to see the return of UN Security Council resolutions which were terminated as a result of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
• US goes it alone after UN rejects demand to restore Iran sanctions Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- The United States has imposed new unilateral sanctions against Iran after it failed to garner support for its anti-Iran move at the United Nations.
• Pompeo outraged by EU leaders refusal to side with US over Iran sanctions Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has laid into European leaders for failing to do anything to bring back the United Nations’ sanctions against Iran lifted under Tehran’s nuclear deal with the world powers.
• Russia, China envoys lay into US over Iran snapback claim Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- Senior Russian and Chinese diplomats have lashed out at the United States over Washington’s unrealistic claim that its abortive campaign to bring back the United Nations’ sanctions against Iran has actually resulted in restoring the bans.
• IAEA DG welcomes agreement with Iran IRNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Director General of the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi on Monday once again welcomed the agreement between the Agency and Iran, hoping the agreement will reinforce cooperation and enhance mutual trust.
• IAEA director general welcomes agreement with Iran ISNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Director General of the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi on Monday once again welcomed the agreement between the Agency and Iran, hoping the agreement will reinforce cooperation and enhance mutual trust.
• Iran must reach 8.5 mbpd of oil output: Advisor to Leader Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- The top economic advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says oil output in the country should meet a target of 8.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in several years’ time despite efforts to reduce direct sale of crude to minimize the impacts of foreign sanctions.
• Rial At Record Lows Against The Dollar As U.S Announces Sanctions Radio Farda 21 Sep 2020 -- Immediately after the United States announced the return of international sanctions on Iran on Sunday, the dollar exchange rate set a new record high with a 2.5 percent increase to the rate of 273,000 rials per dollar.
• Iran Planning On Teaching Chinese In Schools Radio Farda 21 Sep 2020 -- For the first time, Iranian authorities are seriously discussing the possibility of adding Chinese to the foreign languages taught in the nation's schools.
• Rouhani Warns Against A Disease More Dangerous Than COVID-19 Radio Farda 20 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has referred to a virus in Iran's neighborhood that is "more dangerous" than COVID-19.
• IRGC Commander Reiterates Revenge For Killing Soleimani Radio Farda 20 Sep 2020 -- The Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, once again threatened to go after all who had a role in killing the IRGC's Qods Force commander, General Qasem Soleimani, insisting that the end of the United States is an "undeniable reality."
• COVID-19 kills 183 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Sunday that some 183 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• IRGC commander: Iran's Islamic revolution destroyed enemies' power equilibrium IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Commander of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami commented on the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran which enticed animosity of the hegemonic powers and said as the late Founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini proved, the US has been capable of doing nothing so far.
• France: Revocation of UN sanctions on Iran, effective IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations Nicolas de Rivière in a message reiterated E3 commitment to implementation of Iran nuclear deal, saying that revocation of UN sanctions on Iran is effective.
• Russia: US seems to be persistent in undermining intl law IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy in a message described US claims to trigger snapback are illegitimate, saying US seems to be persistent in undermining the International Law.
• President Rouhani: Iran to give resolute response in case of US bullying IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on Sunday that the US' maximum pressure in political and legal sections have turned into that country's maximum isolation.
• US needs to stop roguery to return to international community: Iran IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in his weekly press conference that Tehran’s message to Washington is that the US needs to stop roguery, if it wants to return to the international community.
• Statement on US’ futile effort to reinstate anti-Iran sanctions ISNA 20 Sep 2020 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a statement in reaction to Washington’s futile efforts to reinstate the UN sanctions on Tehran.
• US the 1st victim of Trump’s short-sighted policies: Iran ISNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh stressed, “Tehran’s message to Washington is clear: Rejoin the international community, comply with your commitments and stop being defiant and recalcitrant. In that case, the international community will accept you”.
• Iran FM: Trump should change tack before Pompeo brings further ridicule on US Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s foreign minister has slammed his US counterpart for sticking to the assertion that UN sanctions are back in place against Tehran despite rejections by other Security Council members, urging President Donald Trump to rein in his secretary of state.
• Iran will never succumb to US bullying, illegitimate demands: President Rouhani Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- Iran's president says the Islamic Republic will never give in to US bullying after the United States claimed it has restored all UN sanctions against Tehran through the so-called snapback mechanism of a landmark nuclear deal clinched in 2015, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• Iran says no need for European arms, will buy weapons from Russia, China Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s foreign minister says the country will meet its strategic needs by purchasing weapons from Russia and China, and has no need for European weapons once the UN embargo is lifted in October.
• Zarif says US’ claim that Iran sanctions will be restored is unfounded ISNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed, the US knows its claim that Iran sanctions will be back in effect is unfounded.
• UN chief says will take no action on US 'snapback' push against Iran Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- The United Nations secretary-general says “uncertainty” prevents him from taking any action on a US declaration that all UN sanctions have been reinstated against Iran.
• Iran calls US attempt to ‘snapback’ sanctions ‘null and void’, urges UN to block it Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- Iran says the US’ claim about the return of the UN Security Council’s sanctions against Tehran as per the so-called “snapback” mechanism is “null and void”, calling on the UN and its Security Council to block any attempt to reinstate the bans.
• U.S. Declares Return Of UN Sanctions On Iran Despite Opposition From Allies RFE/RL 20 Sep 2020 -- The United States has unilaterally reimposed all UN sanctions against Iran, despite opposition from Washington’s closest European allies and uncertainty over the impact of the move.
• US Facing Defeat in Its Sanction Move Against Iran, President Rouhani Says Sputnik 20 Sep 2020 -- On Saturday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that all UN sanctions against Iran were "back in effect" under the “snapback” mechanism of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
• E3 Foreign Ministers' Statement: 20 September 2020 UK FCDO 20 Sep 2020 -- Statement by the United Kingdom, France and Germany on the JCPoA.
• E3: US claim on snapback sanctions on Iran lacks legal effect Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- The three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the E3, say a claim by the United States that it has restored Iran sanctions through the so-called snapback mechanism has no legal effect.
• US snapback push against Iran 'theatrical performance': Russia Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- Russia has censured a unilateral declaration by the United States on the restoration of UN sanctions against Iran as a “theatrical performance” that aims to mislead the international community.
• Iran on US histrionics: Sanctions are not back except in Pompeo’s imaginary world Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry says the international community will not buy into Washington’s frenetic attempt to reinstate all United Nations sanctions against the Islamic Republic, adding that US officials live in “an imaginary world.”
• EU's Borrell confirms US cannot unilaterally trigger restoration of UN sanctions on Iran ISNA 20 Sep 2020 -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell in a statement on Sunday rejected the United States' right to unilaterally restore international sanctions on Iran on a basis of an agreement it withdrew from.
• EU Chief: Sanctions lifting commitments under JCPOA continue to apply IRNA 20 Sep 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security Affairs in a statement rejected US claim with regard to restoration of UN sanctions against Iran, saying sanctions lifting commitments under JCPOA continue to apply.
• Facing Enraged Iranian Pilgrims, Iraq Closes its Borders Radio Farda 20 Sep 2020 -- The Iraqi Border Authority have announced that the country's borders are closed, a response to videos posted on social media showing some Iranian pilgrims storming toward Iran's western borders to reach the Iraqi city of Karbala.
• COVID-19 kills 166 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Saturday that some 166 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Iran prepares 14 million flu vaccine doses to cope with COVID-19 complications Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian health ministry is preparing 14 million flu vaccine doses as part of its efforts to head off complications that might impact the healthcare system in the country in the autumn and winter if people simultaneously contract the flu and the COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
• Entire Iran Under Coronavirus Red Alert Radio Farda 19 Sep 2020 -- As daily deaths from coronavirus cases soar at an alarming rate, the entirety of Iran is under "red alert," Iranian state-run TV cited Deputy Minister of Health Iraj Harirchi as saying on Friday.
• The Return of UN Sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2020 -- The Trump Administration has always understood that the greatest threat to peace in the Middle East comes from Islamic Republic of Iran, whose violent efforts to spread revolution have killed thousands and upended the lives of millions of innocent people.
• US ‘Snaps Back’ UN Sanctions on Iran VOA 19 Sep 2020 -- The United States is returning virtually all the U.N. sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo, according to a Saturday night statement by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
• "There's A Difference Between What You Want And What You Can Afford," Says Arms Expert On Expiring UN Embargo Radio Farda 19 Sep 2020 -- As part of the conditions negotiated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, the United Nations arms embargo on Iran is set to expire on October 18, 2020. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on September 19 that the United States will introduce the so-called "snapback" of these sanctions, adding,” “If UN member states fail to fulfill their obligations to implement these sanctions, the United States is prepared to use our domestic authorities to impose consequences for those failures and ensure that Iran does not reap the benefits of UN-prohibited activity.”
• US can do nothing more: Gov’t spokesman IRNA 19 Sep 2020 -- The US government has done whatever effective capacities at its hand to sanction Iran and can gain nothing else from any further action with the United Nations Security Council, Iranian Government spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Saturday.
• Britain, France, Germany say U.N. sanctions relief for Iran to continue beyond Sept. 20 ISNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Britain, France and Germany told the U.N. Security Council on Friday that U.N. sanctions relief for Iran - agreed under a 2015 nuclear deal - would continue beyond Sept. 20, when the United States asserts that all the measures should be reimposed.
• In outright rejection of US unilateralism, E3 tells UNSC Iran sanctions relief to continue beyond Sep. 20 Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- Britain, France and Germany have told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that the sanctions relief provided by the world body for Iran – agreed under a 2015 nuclear deal – will continue beyond September 20 in outright rejection of assertions by the United States that the bans will snap back then.
• US Sanctions Unlikely to Hinder Arms Sales to Iran Once UN Embargo Expires – Zarif Sputnik 19 Sep 2020 -- Earlier this week, members of the Trump administration warned that fresh sanctions may be imposed to deter countries from selling arms to Iran following the expiration of the embargo.
• Zarif: Restrictions on Iran's arms trade to terminate by end of October IRNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday reiterated that the limits on arms trade with Iran will be lifted by the end of October, saying that Iran is not under arms embargo; rather it faces restrictions for buying arms.
• Iran's IRGC Chief Threatens To Go After Americans Who Killed Top General RFE/RL 19 Sep 2020 -- The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has threatened retaliation against everyone who had a role in the January killing of a top IRGC general by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.
• IRGC vows to revenge US assassination of General Soleimani IRNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Commander of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami said on Saturday that Iran’s revenge for the US assassination of General Soleimani is certain and serious.
• IRGC chief commander strongly warns Trump ISNA 19 Sep 2020 -- IRGC chief commander says Iran is serious in its promise to avenge the US assassination of top Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, and will hit anyone involved.
• IRGC to enemies: We will crush your teeth if Iran's interests threatened Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has warned the enemies that if they threaten Iran’s national interests, their teeth will be smashed and their bodies will be sent out of the Strait of Hormuz in Iranian coffins.
• IRGC chief: Iran's revenge 'definite', but to target those behind assassination Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran will definitely avenge the US assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, but it will only target those who are either directly or indirectly involved in the murder.
• Comdr: Iran air force self-sufficient, ready to help friends IRNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Commander of Iran’s Army Aviation Service (Havanirooz) Brigadier-General Yousef Ghorbani said today the Iranian air forces are not only self-sufficient in producing parts, but are ready to help friends as well.
• AEOI chief: No other inspection request by IAEA from Iran IRNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said on Saturday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has made no other request after it inspected the two designated sites.
• IAEA will make no further demand after inspection of two Iranian sites: Nuclear chief Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- Iran’s nuclear chief says the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced that it would not make further demands to inspect more sites inside Iran after visiting the two locations for verification purposes based on an agreement reached between the two sides late last month.
• South Africa: No evidence of alleged Iranian plot to kill US envoy Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- South Africa's State Security Agency says it has found no evidence to support US media claims that Iran was planning to assassinate American Ambassador to Pretoria Lana Marks.
• Iran Proxies Appear Emboldened by US Drawdown Decision VOA 19 Sep 2020 -- Last week’s U.S. announcement that it would withdraw more than 2,000 of its troops from Iraq this month appears to have emboldened Iran-backed Shiite militias, with some groups vowing to keep up their fight against the remaining American troops in the country.
• More Iranian Cities on Coronavirus Red Alert Radio Farda 18 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that the number of Iranian cities on red alert for coronavirus has sharply increased.
• COVID-19 kills 144 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 18 Sep 2020 -- Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Friday that some 144 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Zarif reiterates US' non-participation in JCPOA IRNA 18 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message reiterated the fact that the United States is not a participant to Iran nuclear deal and advised US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to read the UNSC Resolution 2231.
• E3 hails Iran's intention to further strengthen cooperation with IAEA Press TV 18 Sep 2020 -- Britain, France and Germany, the three European signatories to a multilateral 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have hailed Tehran's encouraging statements on its intention to further strengthen its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• US sanctions on Iran didn't work, won't either: Russia's Lavrov Press TV 18 Sep 2020 -- Russia has censured the United States for leveling "futile" accusations against Iran in a bid to demonize the Islamic Republic, saying the sanctions that Washington has imposed on Tehran in the past to strangle it "did not work before and will not work now."
• Iran warns of 'dangerous' US move as Trump mulls arms trade ban Press TV 18 Sep 2020 -- Iran has warned against Washington's "dangerous" defiance of international law as the US has signaled that it seeks to illegally extend an expiring arms embargo on Iran.
• South Africa says 'surprised' by 'bizarre' report of Iran plot to kill US envoy Press TV 18 Sep 2020 -- South African Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor says her country is "as surprised as its Iranian friends" after learning about the American news website Politico's report of a "plot" by Tehran to assassinate the US envoy to the African nation.
• South Africa Says Insufficient Evidence Of Iranian Plot To Assassinate U.S. Ambassador RFE/RL 18 Sep 2020 -- South Africa's State Security Agency said September 18 that it had found no evidence to support a media report that Iran was planning to assassinate the U.S. ambassador to Pretoria.
• Department of Justice and Partner Departments and Agencies Conduct Coordinated Actions to Disrupt and Deter Iranian Malicious Cyber Activities Targeting the United States and the Broader International Community US Dept. of Justice 17 Sep 2020 -- Starting on Sept. 14, 2020 and continuing through today, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Treasury have engaged in a coordinated effort to disrupt and deter malicious cyber activities by actors associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran's (Iran) Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as other Iran-based individuals.
• Rouhani Celebrates 'Washington's Defeat' Ahead Of UNSC Session Radio Farda 17 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani anticipated "America's defeat" at the upcoming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting next weekend, preemptively speaking about Iran's "victory over the U.S."
• COVID-19 kills 176 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 17 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Thursday that some 176 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Coronavirus Pushes Iran's Tourism to the Point of No Return Radio Farda 17 Sep 2020 -- With the rial, Iranian's national currency, recently setting a new low record against the U.S. dollar, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Abdol-Nasser Hemmati, says that, along with "heavily injecting" foreign currencies into the local forex market (NIMA), the bank has permitted the petrochemical, steel, and mineral conglomerates to sell their forex income from exports to the authorized exchange bureaus.
• U.S. threatens sanctions over arms trade with Iran People's Daily 17 Sep 2020 -- The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose new sanctions to prevent foreign arms trade with Iran after the expiration of the UN arms embargo against Tehran.
• FM Zarif: US not JCPOA participant anymore, can't return Iran sanctions on 9/20 Press TV 17 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says despite recent remarks by the US secretary of state, Washington cannot re-impose the UN sanctions on Tehran on September 20 -- which is one month after the US demanded activation of a sanctions snapback mechanism inside the Iran nuclear deal -- because the US is not a party to the agreement anymore.
• After failure at UN, US says will work to hinder arms trades with Iran with its own action Press TV 17 Sep 2020 -- Following a humiliating failure at the UN Security Council to secure an extension of the arms embargo against Iran, the United States has threatened to use its "secondary" sanctions to block any arms trades with Tehran after the expiry of the UN ban next month.
• State-Sponsored Iranian Hackers Indicted for Computer Intrusions at U.S. Satellite Companies US Dept. of Justice 17 Sep 2020 -- An indictment was unsealed today charging three computer hackers, all of whom were residents and nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), with engaging in a coordinated campaign of identity theft and hacking on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in order to steal critical information related to U.S. aerospace and satellite technology and resources.
• US imposes sanctions on several Iranian entities and individuals Press TV 17 Sep 2020 -- The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on a number of Iranian entities and individuals over alleged attempts to launch a malware campaign.
• U.S. Places Sanctions On Hacking Group With Alleged Ties To Iranian Intelligence RFE/RL 17 Sep 2020 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions against an Iranian hacking group, a front company, and more than 45 individuals accused of carrying out a years-long campaign targeting Iranian dissidents, journalists, and international travel companies on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).
• The United States Sanctions Cyber Actors Backed by Iranian Intelligence Ministry US Dept. of State 17 Sep 2020 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the world's leading threats to cybersecurity and human rights online.
• Treasury Sanctions Cyber Actors Backed by Iranian Intelligence Ministry US Treasury 17 Sep 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Iranian cyber threat group Advanced Persistent Threat 39 (APT39), 45 associated individuals, and one front company.
• US Charges 3 Iranians in Connection With State-Sponsored Identity Theft VOA 17 Sep 2020 -- The U.S. Department of Justice has announced criminal charges against three Iranian men for their alleged participation in state-sponsored identity theft and hacking by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• US Sanctions Cyber Actors Linked to Iranian Intelligence Ministry VOA 17 Sep 2020 -- The U.S. has sanctioned entities and individuals associated with Iran's intelligence and security ministry for allegedly engaging in a malware campaign targeting Iranian dissidents, other individuals and companies, the U.S Treasury Department said Thursday.
• Iran completes developing SPGF IRNA 17 Sep 2020 -- Iran has completed 13 phases of South Pars Gas Field (SPGF) in the past seven years to bring the country's production of natural gas to 700 million cubic meters from this field.
• 'No Regrets': Ex-Iranian President Ahmadinejad On His Presidency, State Violence, His Tweets -- And Trump/Biden RFE/RL 17 Sep 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, differ on most foreign policy issues, including on how to deal with Iran.
• Pompeo Expects 'Every Nation' to Comply With 'Snapback' Sanctions on Iran VOA 17 Sep 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that he expected every nation to comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution regarding a "snapback" of sanctions on Iran.
• US only after destroying Iran econ., ruining lives, UN court told Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's legal advisor in the country's ongoing complaint to the United Nations' top court over US sanctions warns the tribunal about Washington's exclusively destructive ambitions towards Tehran.
• COVID-19: Iran Says It's Moving Toward 'Third Wave' Of Virus RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- A top Iranian health official has warned of a "resurgence" of coronavirus cases as the country continues to battle the Middle East's deadliest outbreak.
• COVID-19 kills 179 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Wednesday that some 179 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Second Iranian phrama company develops rival drug to Israeli medication Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- A second Iranian pharmaceutical company has unveiled a special drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), saying it would rival a patented Israeli medication whose imports into Iran has been banned merely because of political reasons.
• Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Cyber Theft Campaign Targeting Computer Systems in United States, Europe, and the Middle East US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020 -- Two Iranian nationals have been charged in connection with a coordinated cyber intrusion campaign - sometimes at the behest of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) - targeting computers in New Jersey, elsewhere in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, the Department of Justice announced today.
• Briefing With Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela Elliott Abrams On Developments in Iran and Venezuela US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020
• US Vows to Restore International Sanctions on Iran VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- The United States vowed to assert a "snapback" of all prior international sanctions on Iran, effective 8 p.m. Eastern Time on September 19, with more announcements to be made this weekend and next week as to exactly how Washington is planning to enforce the "returned U.N. sanctions."
• US cannot introduce replacement to JCPOA, Iran's deputy FM says IRNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohsen Baharvand said the country will move forward with its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as before.
• Rouhani: US failed in snapback invocation IRNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the US administration failed to invoke snapback clause of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) thanks to consensus of the UN Security Council member states terming the US bid as null and void.
• Iran won't hesitate to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity against any US' adventurism: Ravanchi ISNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi warned that Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right to self-defense to protect its people, defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and secure its national interests against any US' adventurism.
• Rouhani congratulates Iranians on assured victory against US over sanctions snapback Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the United States has suffered a "humiliating defeat" in its push to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism, saying this weekend - the date when Washington claims the UN sanctions will be reinstated against Tehran - will mark a victory for the Iranian nation.
• Iran complains to UN over Trump's military threat, stresses right to self-defense Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has complained to the world body over US President Donald Trump's threat to use force against the country, warning that the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to exercise its right to self-defense in the face of any American military adventurism.
• Iran's Oil Minister Seeks Help From IRGC Controlled Firm To Export Oil Radio Farda 16 Sep 2020 -- Highlighting his "great efforts to circumvent the sanctions," Islamic Republic Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh disclosed that he had sought assistance from Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters (KAH) to export Iranian oil.
• COVID-19 kills 140 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 15 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Tuesday that some 140 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Official: 2020 Arbaeen rituals canceled to contain COVID19 outbreak IRNA 15 Sep 2020 -- Head of cultural and educational section of Arbaeen said on Tuesday that thanks to the outbreak of coronavirus, 2020 Arbaeen rituals was cancelled in Iran and Iraq.
• Iran's economy shrank by 0.6% in quarter to March due to COVID-19: CBI Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) says COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus pandemic, was to blame for a 0.6-percent contraction in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) without oil in the fiscal year quarter ending June 20.
• Joe Biden: I will return US to Iran nuclear deal Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden says if elected he will return the United States to the Iran nuclear deal as a starting point for follow-on negotiations.
• Iran warns US against making another 'strategic mistake' after Trump's military threat Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian government warns the United States against making another "strategic mistake" after President Donald Trump threatened Tehran with a huge attack.
• Iran Warns U.S. Of 'Decisive' Response After Trump Threat RFE/RL 15 Sep 2020 -- Tehran has warned Washington against making a "strategic mistake" after U.S. President Donald Trump said that any attack by Iran would be met with a far greater response, in reaction to a news report said that Iran planned to assassinate a U.S. diplomat to avenge the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in January.
• Trump Warns Any Strike by Iran Against US Will be Met With Attack '1,000 Times Greater in Magnitude' Sputnik 15 Sep 2020 -- Trump's statement came as he received reports on Tehran allegedly planning an assassination against the United States in retaliation for Gen. Soleimani, killed in a US targeted attack in January.
• Grossi terms Iran as important partner for IAEA IRNA 15 Sep 2020 -- Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi described Iran as an important partner for IAEA.
• Iran key partner to UN nuclear watchdog: Grossi Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has hailed Iran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, describing Tehran as a "key partner" to the atomic agency.
• AEOI chief: Iran masters science of enriching stable isotopes IRNA 15 Sep 2020 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi announced that said that Iran has joined the club of the few countries which has the ability to produce stable isotopes.
• Iran to sign $2.2 billion deal to develop Farzad gas field: Zangeneh Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says Iran will sign a deal worth $2.2 billion to develop the offshore Farzad B gas field.
• First Iranian condensate cargo reaches Venezuela in blow to US Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- The first Iranian condensate cargo for Venezuela has been unloaded at the South American country's port of Puerto Jose, a report says.
• COVID-19 kills 156 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 14 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Monday that some 156 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• WHO provides SARS-CoV-2 antibody ELISA tests available in Iran IRNA 14 Sep 2020 -- The World Health Organization (WHO), through a donation by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany, has provided the Islamic Republic of Iran with more than 67,500 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. The tests, which measure the number of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in blood samples, will be used for research and surveillance purposes in the country.
• US Renews Call for Gulf Countries to Resolve Rift VOA 14 Sep 2020 -- The United States is renewing its call for Gulf countries to resolve a three-year-long rift, citing the need to solidify a united front against Iran.
• Iran completes most advanced domestically-made satellite IRNA 14 Sep 2020 -- Iranian ICT Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said on Monday that the final tests of the country's most advanced domestically-made satellite have been carried out.
• Iran to increase capability of homegrown missiles: Defense Minister ISNA 14 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister, Brigadier General Amir Hatami announced that the country seeks to increase its missile capability.
• 1,044 centrifuges enriching at Fordow: AEOI chief ISNA 14 Sep 2020 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali-Akbar Slahehi referred to Iran's commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and implementation of policies of reduction of JCPOA commitments, saying based on the fourth step of reduction JCPOA commitments a sum of 1,044 centrifuges are engaging in enrichment process in Fordow nuclear site.
• IAEA inspectors to visit second Iran site later this month: Grossi Press TV 14 Sep 2020 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi says the agency's inspectors will visit the second of two sites in Iran later in September for verification purposes based on an agreement reached between the two sides late last month.
• Iran masters technology to enrich stable isotopes: AEOI chief Press TV 14 Sep 2020 -- Iran has mastered the technology to enrich stable isotopes of elements other than uranium and Iranian experts have developed the necessary software to do this, says the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
• Iran's Oil Revenue Dropped to Less than $20 Billion, Rouhani Says Radio Farda 14 Sep 2020 -- Referring to the pressure placed on Iran by United States sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani claimed that Iran's oil revenues dropped "from $120 billion in 2011" to "just over $ 20 billion" in 2019.
• Foreign Ministry refutes anti-Iran allegation raised in US media report ISNA 14 Sep 2020 -- Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Saeed Khatibzadeh has dismissed the anti-Tehran accusation raised in a custom-ordered report by a US media outlet.
• IRGC Threatens Bahrain with Tough Revenge Radio Farda 14 Sep 2020 -- In a statement on Saturday, September 12, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps condemned the establishment of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel and warned the Persian Gulf kingdom to await "appropriate responses."
• Iran's ICJ Case Has Nothing to Do With 1955 Treaty, Seeks Sanctions Relief, US Attorney Says Sputnik 14 Sep 2020 -- Iran's case against the United States in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an attempt to reinstate sanctions relief under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and has nothing to do with the Amity Treaty's interpretation, a US representative told the court on Monday.
• Iranian Tanker Carrying Gas Condensate Arrives in Venezuela - Video Sputnik 14 Sep 2020 -- An Iranian supertanker, identified as Honey, has docked at the northeastern Venezuelan port of Jose Terminal with a cargo of 2 million barrels of natural gas liquid (NGL), the Tanker Trackers company said on Monday.
• Rial at its Lowest Against Dollar, Again Radio Farda 13 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian rial fell to a record low against the U.S. dollar on Saturday as the Islamic Republic's economy struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. sanctions.
• Judge Responsible For Filtering Internet Sentenced For Corruption Radio Farda 13 Sep 2020 -- A former investigator judge with the Tehran Prosecutor's Office, Bijan Qassemzadeh Sangroudi, is sentenced to "permanent dismissal from government service, ten years in prison, confiscation of properties achieved through bribery, and payment of a fine" for receiving bribery from local news outlets in Iran, as reported on Saturday, September 12.
• COVID-19 kills 128 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 13 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Sunday that some 128 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• CENTCOM commander admits growing attacks on US troops in Iraq, warns Iran Press TV 13 Sep 2020 -- Commander of US military forces in the Middle East has again raised concerns about surging attacks against American installations in Iraq, linking it to Iran's vow to drive out US forces from the region but rejecting it as the reason for a major US troop reduction in the region.
• Analysts See Israel-Bahrain Peace Deal as Protection Against Iran VOA 13 Sep 2020 -- Israelis are delighted the government has reached another peace deal with an Arab country, this time Bahrain, following last month's agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Analysts say the Gulf states see the deals as a way to discourage potential attacks from Iran. But Palestinians are furious at the deal, calling Bahrain's move "another knife in the back."
• AEOI chief: Iran fully implements fourth step of JCPOA commitments' reduction IRNA 13 Sep 2020 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi announced on Sunday that the fourth step of reducing Iran's commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has been completely accomplished.
• IRGC destroys headquarters of counter-revolutionary groups in Iraqi Kurdistan IRNA 13 Sep 2020 -- Deputy commander of operations of Hamzeh Seyyed al-Shuhada (AS) Headquarters said that in response to the counter-revolutionary evil acts, the fighters of this camp have targeted the headquarters of the opposition groups in the Iraqi Kurdistan region in artillery, missile and UAV operations in recent days.
• Over 1,000 centrifuges doing enrichment work at Fordow facility: Iran nuclear chief Press TV 13 Sep 2020 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi says 1,044 centrifuges are currently operating at Fordow uranium enrichment site as an evidence to the fact that the country has taken in full the fourth step it had promised to reduce its commitments under a landmark nuclear deal with the world powers.
• Enemy failed in all political, legal plots against Iran: Rouhani Press TV 13 Sep 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the enemy has failed to achieve its objectives against the Islamic Republic in all political and legal fields, citing the abortive US push to reimpose UN sanctions as an example.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 116 more in Iran IRNA 12 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Saturday that some 116 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 23,029.
• Foreign nationals in Iran receive free COVID-19 medical services IRNA 12 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman said that according to instruction of Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki, foreign nationals in Iran receive free medical services to cure coronavirus.
• Official: Iran's anti-COVID19 vaccine to reach human trials phase soon IRNA 12 Sep 2020 -- Member of Tehran anti-coronavirus committee said on Saturday that the procedure to produce anti-COVID-19 vaccine has passed the stage of weak and animal trials, so that Tehran University scholars will initiate human trials for vaccines soon.
• Lockdown no solution to coronavirus: Rouhani Press TV 12 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has defended his administration's policy to keep the economy open amid the spread of the coronavirus, saying lockdowns would not be an ultimate remedy to contain the disease.
• IRGC blasts Bahrain over establishing diplomatic ties with Zionist regime IRNA 12 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in a statement on Saturday strongly condemned establishment of ties between Bahrain and the Zionist regime.
• Iran Condemns Bahrain Deal With Israel Radio Farda 12 Sep 2020 -- Iran has condemned Bahrain's decision to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.
• Intruding US aircraft shooed away by Iran's Army drone from near naval drills zone IRNA 12 Sep 2020 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Army in a statement on Friday announced that it intercepted three US aircraft that had intruded into the country's Air Defense Zone in violation of rules that regulate large-scale naval exercises.
• Iran Judiciary sentences own high-ranking official to 31 years in jail Press TV 12 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary has sentenced a high-ranking official in its executive branch to a total of 31 years in prison over involvement in a major financial corruption case.
• Iran Claims It Drove Away U.S. Aircraft From Area Near Military Maneuvers RFE/RL 12 Sep 2020 -- Iran's military says it drove away U.S. aircraft that flew close to an area where a three-day military exercise was being conducted near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran military drone chases away intruding US spy plane, combat drones during naval drills Press TV 11 Sep 2020 -- Iran's military says it has intercepted three US aircraft that had intruded into the country's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in violation of rules that regulate large-scale naval exercises.
• US senator had warned Trump Soleimani assassination could trigger 'almost total war' Press TV 11 Sep 2020 -- US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham had reportedly warned President Donald Trump of the escalation of Washington-Tehran tensions into an "almost total war" before Trump ordered the assassination of top Iranian anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad earlier in the year.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 115 more in Iran IRNA 11 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat-Lari said on Friday that 115 more Iranians have so far died due to coronavirus (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours, bringing the total deaths to 22,913.
• Microsoft Says Russian, Iranian, Chinese Hackers Target Biden, Trump Campaigns RFE/RL 11 Sep 2020 -- U.S. tech giant Microsoft says hackers linked to Russia, Iran, and China have targeted people and organizations tied to both U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
• Tehran Refutes Microsoft's Claims That Iranian Hackers Targeted US Election Candidates Sputnik 11 Sep 2020 -- Microsoft's claim that Iranian hackers launched cyberattacks targeting candidates in the upcoming United States presidential election are untrue, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a statement to the CNN broadcaster.
• Iran rejects claim of meddling in US elections, blasts US' own intl. election meddling Press TV 11 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has rejected allegations by US technology company Microsoft that Tehran seeks to meddle in Washington's 2020 presidential elections, blasting US' own history of interfering in other countries' affairs.
• Tehran slams as 'baseless' UN report of Iran's arms shipments to Yemen Press TV 11 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has slammed as "baseless" a report published by the United Nation's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) alleging Tehran has been sending arms to war-torn Yemen.
• Iran holds second day of naval exercises with drone, cruise missile strikes Press TV 11 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Army forces have held the second day of large-scale naval exercises with drone and cruise missile strikes in the country's southern waters.
• Iran Deploys Submarine, Cruise Missile In Exercises Radio Farda 11 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian navy on Friday deployed homegrown military equipment including a submarine and a cruise missile on the second day of exercises near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran holds run-off parliamentary vote amid strict COVID-19 measures Press TV 11 Sep 2020 -- Iranian voters have voted across the country in run-off parliamentary elections in which 10 seats are up for grabs in the 290-seat Majlis.
• 22 Human Rights Organizations Call for UN Investigation into Suppressing Iranian Protesters Radio Farda 11 Sep 2020 -- In a joint letter to the leaders across the globe, 22 international human rights organizations are advocating for the establishment of a select committee at the next gathering of the UN's Council of Human Rights to investigate "the grave violation of human rights in Iran" during and after the November 2019 protests.
• Khamenei's Favorite Preacher Accused of Land-Grabbing Radio Farda 10 Sep 2020 -- An outspoken whistle-blowing journalist, Yashar Soltani, has challenged a preacher close to the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to explain a suspicious purchase of land he made in 2012.
• Fully Iran-made submarine makes debut in Zolfaqar-99 Maneuver IRNA 10 Sep 2020 -- Iran's fully domestic semi-heavy submarine 'Fateh' (conquerer) took part in Zolfaqar-99 Maneuver staged by the Iranian Army.
• Zarif to EU: Stand up to US if you want to implement JCPOA, build confidence Press TV 10 Sep 2020 -- Iran's foreign minister says if the European Union wants the country to resume its voluntary transparency-focused and confidence-building measures (CBMs) concerning its peaceful nuclear energy program, the bloc should resist the US' economic terrorism targeting the Islamic Republic.
• Sharp Decline In Iran's Trade With India, Japan And South Korea Radio Farda 10 Sep 2020 -- New data released by Iran's major trading partners show a significant drop in Iranian imports, as well as the nations' exports to Iran.
• FAO elaborates on programme to overcome impacts of COVID-19 IRNA 10 Sep 2020 -- The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has elaborated on a comprehensive Response and Recovery Programme to overcome the impacts of COVID-19 through up-scaled and robust international collaboration.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 129 more in Iran IRNA 10 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat-Lari said on Thursday that 129 more Iranians have lost their lives to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 22,798.
• Iran Starts Military Drills Near Strategic Strait Of Hormuz RFE/RL 10 Sep 2020 -- Iranian armed forced have begun an annual, three-day naval exercise near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state TV reported.
• 'Confronting Any Possible Invasions': Iran Launches Massive War Games Near Strait of Hormuz Sputnik 10 Sep 2020 -- According to the military, the manoeuvres involve the navy, air force and ground forces, including a domestically-made submarine, fighter jets and air defences.
• Iran Army warns US aircraft against flying near maneuver area IRNA 10 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Army's Air Defense Forces warned extra-regional aircraft to keep their distance from maneuver area in the south of the country, spokesman for Zolfaqar-99 drills announced on Thursday.
• Iran holding large-scale naval drills in strategic southern waters; foreign aircraft warned to stay away Press TV 10 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Army forces have begun large-scale naval exercises in the country's southern waters from east of the Hormuz Strait to the northern Indian Ocean, with American and all other extra-regional military aircraft clearing the skies over the drill area following a warning from Iran's Air Defense Force.
• Iran Army stages main phase of Zolfaqar-99 drills IRNA 10 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Army is conducting main phase of Zolfaqar-99 maneuvers in the Sea of Oman, southern Iran, as of Thursday.
• With Nuclear Deal On The Line, Iran Has Plenty At Stake In The U.S. Election RFE/RL 10 Sep 2020 -- With the incumbent president and his main challenger deeply at odds over a 2015 nuclear deal and other aspects of policy toward Tehran, the outcome of the U.S. election on November 3 could play a powerful role in shaping Iran's development for years to come.
• Iran Defense Ministry urges UK to settle debt over undelivered tanks Press TV 10 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian Defense Ministry urges the United Kingdom to take "practical and expeditious" steps to settle a staggering 40-year-plus debt to Tehran over tanks that London had been supposed to deliver to the country.
• Iran's oil storage capacity improved with terminal launched in Persian Gulf Press TV 10 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has ordered the opening of new oil export terminal with relatively large storage and bunkering facilities near the mouth of the Persian Gulf.
• IRGC strikes terror bases on NW borders; high-profile terrorists killed Press TV 10 Sep 2020 -- The Ground Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has carried out a series of large-scale multi-pronged military operations against positions of terror groups along the country's northwestern borders.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 127 more in Iran over past 24 hours IRNA 09 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat-Lari said on Wednesday that 127 more Iranians have lost their lives to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 22,669.
• Attending School Not Obligatory, Says Iranian Education Minister Radio Farda 09 Sep 2020 -- Following a barrage of harsh criticism, Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, the Iran's Minister of Education, said on Monday, September 7, that "Students are not obliged to attend schools."
• US definitely won't reach its goals against Iranian nation by imposing unjust sanctions: President Rouhani ISNA 09 Sep 2020 -- Stating that our country is different from other countries culturally and religiously, and that we should not compare our country with other countries with regard to problems caused by the sanctions and the outbreak of coronavirus, Iran's President said, "Regarding education, our first priority is face-to-face education, but there is no compulsion here".
• Dollar Soars to Near Record Level in Iran Radio Farda 09 Sep 2020 -- The dollar was sold at an almost-record level of more than 250,000 rials in Tehran's exchange market on Tuesday.
• Iran Begins Construction on Advanced Centrifuge Production Hall Near Natanz Nuke Site Sputnik 09 Sep 2020 -- Iran is constructing a production hall for advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges as a response to the recent fire meant to "sabotage" the country's development of the machines, according to Tuesday comments issued by the country's nuclear chief.
• Iran constructing more advanced building near Natanz nuclear site after sabotage: AEOI Press TV 08 Sep 2020 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says a modern building will be constructed near the Natanz nuclear facility in central Iran in the wake of an act of sabotage at the site in July.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 132 more in Iran IRNA 08 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat-Lari said on Tuesday that 132 more Iranians have lost their lives to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 22,542.
• Iran urges WHO to make efforts to end 'unilateral, illegitimate' US sanctions amid COVID-19 pandemic Press TV 08 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Minister Saeed Namaki has written to the World Health Organization (WHO) chief, asking for global efforts towards ending America's "unilateral and illegitimate" sanctions against Iranians amid a deadly coronavirus pandemic.
• Iran's Military To Get Involved In Messenger Apps Radio Farda 08 Sep 2020 -- The Islamic Republic Minister of Communications and Information Technology (ITC), Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi, says the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces will begin developing infrastructure related to cyberspace.
• Iran Building New Site 'In The Heart Of The Mountain' Near Natanz Radio Farda 08 Sep 2020 -- Iran says it has begun to build an underground hall near the country's main uranium-enrichment center in Natanz in the wake of a July explosion that badly damaged a building housing centrifuges.
• Iran's giant field reaches 650,000 bpd production plateau Press TV 08 Sep 2020 -- Iran is currently producing 650,000 barrels per day of condensate from its giant South Pars gas field, which is mainly used in the Persian Gulf Star Refinery, a senior energy official says.
• Iran Sentences Iraqi, Iranian IS Teens To Prison Over Planned Attack Radio Farda 08 Sep 2020 -- A court in Tehran has sentenced two Iraqis and one Iranian to prison over their participation as minors in a purported suicide mission planned by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, according to the government-run Iran daily.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 117 more in Iran IRNA 07 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Monday that some 117 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 22,410.
• Iran dismisses claims about transfer of Russian arms to Armenia Press TV 07 Sep 2020 -- Iran's embassy in the Republic of Azerbaijan has rejected reports by certain media outlets about the transfer of Russia's military equipment to Armenia via the Islamic Republic.
• Iran's policies towards US remain same: FM Spox IRNA 07 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said the Swiss Foreign Minister's visit to Iran has nothing to do with Iran-US ties and stressed that Tehran's policies towards America has not changed and remains the same.
• Iran's Rouhani Says 'Path Is Clear' for US to Rejoin Nuclear Deal Sputnik 07 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Monday that the United States was welcome to return to the 2015 nuclear pact it abandoned more than two years ago.
• IAEA's reports show Iran's foreign policy success IRNA 07 Sep 2020 -- Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi published his latest report on Iran and delivered it to the 35 members of the Board of Directors of the IAEA on Friday.
• Iran Atomic Agency Spokesman Boasts Of Enriched Uranium Stockpile Radio Farda 07 Sep 2020 -- The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says that Iran has stored more than three tons of enriched uranium, and that the nation is currently producing 250 to 300 kilograms of uranium per month.
• CBI Sets Iran Oil Income at $29 Billion Radio Farda 07 Sep 2020 -- A report published Saturday by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) says that Iran exported $29 billion of crude oil, gas condensate, natural gas, and other oil products in the previous Iranian calendar year, dating from March 20, 2019 to March 20, 2020.
• Security Official Threatens More Internet Censorship As Iran Moves Towards Intranet Radio Farda 07 Sep 2020 -- Abolhassan Firoozabadi, the secretary of Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace (ISCC), says that if Internet platforms are not compatible with the laws and standards of the Islamic Republic, they will be censored.
• Elements behind act of sabotage in Natanz identified: AEOI spokesman ISNA 06 Sep 2020 -- Security organizations have detected the cause of the July 2 incident in Natanz nuclear site and identified the elements behind the act of sabotage, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi announced.
• Iran identifies perpetrators of sabotage at Natanz nuclear facility: AEOI spokesman Press TV 06 Sep 2020 -- The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country's security forces have identified the perpetrators of an act of sabotage at Natanz nuclear facility in central Iran in July.
• Natanz Blast: Iran Identifies 'Forces Responsible for Sabotage' at Country's Largest Nuclear Site Sputnik 06 Sep 2020 -- Iranian officials previously said that a fire and explosion on 2 July at the country's largest uranium enrichment facility was the result of sabotage and vowed to respond if it finds evidence that foreign forces were involved in it.
• Iran welcomes IAEA report as "positive, constructive" People's Daily 06 Sep 2020 -- Iran welcomes the report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Iran's nuclear program, saying it's positive and constructive."
• IAEA Allowed Inspecting A Suspected Nuclear Site In Iran After A Long Stand-off Radio Farda 06 Sep 2020 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that its officials have finally inspected one of the two sites that Iran granted the agency access to last week.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 139 more in Iran IRNA 06 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Sunday that some 139 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 22,293.
• Even Friendly Countries Didn't Help Iran Amidst The Pandemic Radio Farda 06 Sep 2020 -- Referring to the United States sanctions imposed on Iran, President Hassan Rouhani lamented on Saturday that even friendly countries did not come to Iran's aid amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
• Iran Medical Council Warns Against Reopening of Schools Radio Farda 06 Sep 2020 -- Mohammad Reza Zafarqandi, the government-appointed head of Iran's Medical Council (IMC), has blasted the country's Ministry of Education for deciding to reopen all schools amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
• COVID-19 kills 110 more Iranians over past 24 hours IRNA 05 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Saturday that some 110 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours.
• Rouhani stresses importance of education for students despite pandemic IRNA 05 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed the importance of starting the eduction year for kids despite the pandemic situation and said that it is wrong to look at health and education as two extremes that cannot exist at the same time.
• Iran rings in new school year two weeks earlier amid special COVID-19 measures Press TV 05 Sep 2020 -- Iran rings in the new school year two weeks earlier than usual amid special COVID-19 measures, with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani promising a "school year contrasting with all previous school years in the last century".
• Iran eyes military exports as arms embargo expires: Defense Minister Press TV 05 Sep 2020 -- Iran's defense minister has said that the country eyes arms sales as UN sanctions on the Islamic Republic expire in October.
• Defense Minister Says Iran To Export Weapons When Embargo Lifted Radio Farda 05 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami has said that lifting the arms embargo on Iran, which is due to happen in October, will allow Iran to "export more defense products".
• Iran to Export 'More Military Hardware' After Arms Embargo Expiration, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 05 Sep 2020 -- In mid-August, the UN Security Council rejected a draft resolution submitted by Washington to indefinitely extend the arms embargo against Tehran, something that was originally envisioned by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal ahead of its expiration in October.
• Iran Parliament's Economic Committee Chair Says Tehran Stock Exchange Is "Manipulated" Radio Farda 05 Sep 2020 -- Mohammad-Reza Pour-Ebrahimi, the Chairman of the Parliament's Economic Committee, has repeated the allegations that Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) is "manipulated," furthering claims that the government of President Hassan Rouhani has manipulated the market and created a bubble the in TSE to augment its own budget deficit.
• Union Assemblies Decreased in Tehran, Deputy Police Chief Claims Radio Farda 05 Sep 2020 -- Hamid Hodavand, the Deputy Commander of Tehran's Law Enforcement, said that in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (beginning March 20, 2020), the number of union-related assemblies in Tehran dropped by 27 percent, compared with the same period in 2019.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 118 more in Iran IRNA 04 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Friday that some 118 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 22,044.
• Iran says to equip its destroyers with vertical-launch cruise missiles Global Times 04 Sep 2020 -- An Iranian defense official says Iran Navy's destroyers will be equipped with vertical-launch cruise missiles, saying U.S. sanctions can't hinder Iran's defense development.
• IAEA report creates constructive prospects for ties with Iran: Envoy IRNA 04 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Ambassador to the Vienna-based international organizations Kazem Gharibabadi hailed IAEA's report on Safeguards Agreement (NPT) with Iran, saying that the report creates positive and constructive prospects for relations with Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog.
• New IAEA report envisages constructive prospects for cooperation with Iran: Official Press TV 04 Sep 2020 -- Iran's permanent representative to the Vienna-based international organizations says the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) envisages 'positive and constructive' prospects for bilateral cooperation.
• UN Nuclear Watchdog Says Iran's Enriched Uranium Stockpile 10 Times Over Limit RFE/RL 04 Sep 2020 -- Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase and now stands at more than 10 times the limit set down in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the UN nuclear watchdog said in a report on September 4.
• IAEA: Iran Continues to Increase Enriched Uranium Stockpile in Breach of Nuclear Deal Sputnik 04 Sep 2020 -- Iran announced its intentions to go beyond the restrictions imposed by the nuclear deal in terms of enriching and stockpiling uranium in 2019. Tehran argued that since the Iranian economy was again suffering under sanctions, albeit only American ones, it should no longer abide by its obligations under the nuclear accord.
• Iran Dismisses Russia's Mediation Offer, Direct Talks With US Radio Farda 04 Sep 2020 -- Speaking on Friday, the Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi dismissed any plans for direct talks with the United States after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed to mediate between Iran and the United States.
• We Cannot Sell Even A Drop of Oil, Iran Deputy President Laments Radio Farda 04 Sep 2020 -- In unprecedented remarks, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, the Vice President of Iran and Head of the Budget and Planning Organization, lamented that "Tehran cannot sell even a drop of oil."
• UN Special Rapporteur On Iran Human Rights Says Shocked By Violence Against Protesters Radio Farda 04 Sep 2020 -- In his third report to the General Assembly of the United Nations, Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman has said that he is alarmed and shocked by the violence used against protesters in Iran during the November 209 civil unrest.
• Iran To Work With China To Create National Internet System RFE/RL 04 Sep 2020 -- An Iranian lawmaker says Tehran and Beijing will work together to create a national Internet for Iran as part of a 25-year partnership agreement they are discussing.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 129 more in Iran IRNA 03 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Thursday that 129 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 21,926.
• Coronavirus Ravaging Prisons in Iran, Human Rrights Group Says Radio Farda 03 Sep 2020 -- The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran (ABC), an international human rights organization, has accused Iran of hiding facts about the dire conditions in prisons across Iran amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
• Araghchi: JCPOA members have consensus to counter US illegal meaures IRNA 03 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said there is a consensus among the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the JCPOA, to confront the illegal moves by the US to return UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
• Rouhani hails Iran's "historic" success against U.S. attempts to restore UN sanctions People's Daily 03 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani celebrated on Wednesday the Iranian diplomacy's "historic" success against the U.S. efforts at the UN Security Council to restore UN sanctions on Iran.
• It is common belief that US cannot cannot trigger sanctions snapback against Iran: China Press TV 03 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese ambassador to Tehran has stressed the US ineligibility to trigger the so-called snapback provision in the 2015 nuclear deal aimed at re-imposing UN sanctions against Iran, describing the fact as a "common belief."
• Pompeo Talks With Swiss Counterpart Ahead Of Official Visit To Tehran, Thanks For Serving As Protecting Power Radio Farda 03 Sep 2020 -- In a statement on Wednesday the U.S. State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has in a phone thanked Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis as the U.S. protecting power in Iran and assistance in repatriating imprisoned U.S. citizens from Iran.
• Imposing Sanctions on Entities for Engaging in Transactions Related to Iran's Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry US Dept. of State 03 Sep 2020 -- Today, the Department of State imposed sanctions on five entities under section 3(a)(ii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran.
• Treasury Sanctions Companies for Enabling the Shipment and Sale of Iranian Petrochemicals US Treasury 03 Sep 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six entities for their support to Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (Triliance), an entity designated by Treasury in January 2020, and related activities.
• U.S. Sanctions 11 Companies It Says Have Enabled Sales, Shipments Of Iranian Oil RFE/RL 03 Sep 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on 11 foreign companies for their alleged help in the export of Iranian oil and petrochemical products in violation of U.S. sanctions.
• US Sanctions Companies for Allegedly Supporting Iranian Petrochemical Company VOA 03 Sep 2020 -- The United States has sanctioned several companies for allegedly allowing the shipment and sale of Iranian petrochemicals.
• House-Arrested Iran Reformist Leader's Family Deny He Encourages Election Participation Radio Farda 03 Sep 2020 -- The family of Mehdi Karroubi, one of the leaders of Iran's Green Movement who has been under house arrest without being officially charged since February 2011, say that he has been granted opportunities to meet people outside his home, but denied that he has encouraged people to vote in next year's presidential election.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 125 more in Iran IRNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Wednesday that some 125 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 21,797.
• 294 Foreign Nationals Died Of Covid-19 In Iran According To Deputy Interior Minister Radio Farda 02 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Hossein Zolfaqari says COVID-19 has infected 2,852 foreign nationals in Iran, and that 294 of them have died of the virus.
• Iranian Army air defense commander unveils two new achievements IRNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Army air defense commander on Wednesday unveiled two new achievements in a ceremony marking the progress Iranian defense industries made in science and technology.
• Iran unveils Kashef-99 radar ISNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Iran has unveiled a new domestically developed radar system on Wednesday with Commander of Army Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard in attendance.
• New Iranian Radar Can Detect Over 300 Targets at Once, Including Micro Air Vehicles, Commander Says Sputnik 02 Sep 2020 -- Earlier this week, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed his gratitude to the nation's air defence troops, saying the Islamic Republic "owes its security" to their continued "preparedness and wakefulness" in the face of regional and global threats.
• China: JCPOA commission sends message of upholding JCPOA, UNSC authority IRNA 02 Sep 2020 -- China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said the Tuesday meeting of Iran nuclear deal joint commission meeting sends out the message of upholding the deal and the authority of the UN Security Council.
• Rouhani: US will get nowhere in its attempt with UN Security Council IRNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the US will get nowhere in its attempt with the UN Security Council to restore UN sanctions on Iran.
• US efforts to use JCPOA privileges despite their withdrawal from the deal laughable: President Rouhani ISNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Iran President instructed the head of the Plan and Budget Organisation and the ministers of "Education" and "Communications and Information Technology" to take steps to ensure that public schools and students use the SHAD Network free of charge, given the reopening of schools on September 5th.
• Joint statement of Joint Commission of JCPOA ISNA 02 Sep 2020 -- The participant states of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reaffirmed on Tuesday evening that the United States unilaterally pulled out of the JCPOA on May 8, 2018 and therefore cannot invoke the UN sanctions snapback under UNSC resolution 2231.
• U.S. plan to restore Iran sanctions will fail: Russian FM People's Daily 02 Sep 2020 -- U.S. attempts to re-impose sanctions on Iran are doomed to fail, while Moscow stands ready to mediate between Washington and Tehran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
• Iran diplomat: JCPOA won't survive unless Iran enjoys sanctions removal benefits Press TV 02 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the only practical way to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is for Tehran to reap the full benefits of the agreement arising from sanctions-lifting.
• Parties To Iran Nuclear Deal Meet In Vienna Amid U.S. Pressure Radio Farda 02 Sep 2020 -- Abdou Abbarry, the United Nations Ambassador for Niger who will be chairing the Security Council this month, said on Tuesday that Niger will follow last month's precedent and ignore the United States' attempt to restore all U.N. sanctions on Iran.
• Iran Nuclear Deal Parties 'United in Resolve' to Preserve Agreement VOA 02 Sep 2020 -- A European Union official leading talks among Iran and a group of five world powers Tuesday said the participants are committed to keeping alive the 2015 nuclear deal that restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
• Owners of cargoes carrying Iranian fuel challenge US loot in court Press TV 02 Sep 2020 -- The owners of four cargoes carrying Iranian fuel that was looted in high seas by the United States last month have mounted a legal challenge to reclaim them, a report says.
• World Must Reject And Condemn Khamenei's Ideology Of Hatred, Pompeo Says Radio Farda 02 Sep 2020 -- After Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused the United Arab Emirates of "betraying" Muslims, Arab nations and Palestine by establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday that the world should "reject and condemn" Khamenei's "ideology of hatred."
• Amnesty International: Iran Protesters Were Flogged, Sexually Abused And Given Electric Shocks Post-Protests Radio Farda 02 Sep 2020 -- A new report released by the human rights watchdog Amnesty International on Wednesday says that following the Iranian protests in November 2019, some detainees were extensively tortured and subjected to grossly unfair trials, with officials using torture-tainted "confessions" to sentence prisoners to death.
• Watchdog Describes Iran's 'Shocking' Rights Violations After November Protests RFE/RL 02 Sep 2020 -- Amnesty International has accused Iran of committing "a catalogue of shocking human rights violations" against those detained in connection with the November 2019 antiestablishment protests, including children as young as 10.
• Iran Looks To China For Development Of Intranet Radio Farda 02 Sep 2020 -- The head of the Council and Internal Affairs Commission of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Saleh Jokar, says that launching an Iranian national intranet is included in the new partnership being planned between Iran and China.
• Official: COVID-19 kills 101 more in Iran IRNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on Tuesday that some 101 more Iranians have died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over the past 24 hours bringing the total deaths to 21,672.
• Iran Political Prisoners Warn Authorities About COVID Breakout In Prison Radio Farda 01 Sep 2020 -- In an open letter, sixty political prisoners warned on Sunday about a COVID-19 breakout in several wards of Fashafuyeh Prison of Tehran.
• Seven Iran-Backed Paramilitary Members Killed In Monday Israeli Strikes On Syria Radio Farda 01 Sep 2020 -- The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday that seven Iran-backed paramilitary fighters were killed in the Monday Israeli strikes on Syria, which also killed one civilian and three Syrian regime members.
• Leader: UAE betraying Islam, Arabs, region IRNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has betrayed the Islamic world, Arab states, the regional countries, and Palestine, with letting the Zionist regime into the region.
• UAE betrays Islamic world: Ayatollah Khamenei ISNA 01 Sep 2020 -- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met with the directors and heads of the Department of Education on Tuesday September 1, 2020, via a videoconference in the 34th Conference on Education.
• Ayatollah Khamenei: UAE betrayed Muslim world, but it won't last long Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the United Arab Emirates has betrayed the entire Muslim world by normalizing ties with the Israeli regime, but that the betrayal will not last long.
• Iran's Khamenei Says U.A.E. 'Betrayed' Islamic World With Israel Normalization Deal RFE/RL 01 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called the United Arab Emirates' (U.A.E.) historic deal with Israel to normalize relations a "betrayal" that "won't last for long."
• Araghchi: JCPOA members not recognizing US as part of deal anymore IRNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi stressed that the member-states of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) do not recognize the US as a party to the internationlly-recognized deal.
• Iran urges JCPOA participants to stand up to US unilateralism IRNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi said on Tuesday that the participants of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action should stand up to the US unilateralism.
• Iran's envoy: US not entitled to use trigger mechanism IRNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent representative to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi said that the legal reasonings by the majority of UN Security Council member-states and the sum-up by its president is rigid and clear on the basis of which the US is notg authorized to use snapback mechanism of the past sanctions.
• US attempts to re-impose sanctions on Iran doomed to failure: Russia's Lavrov Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has once again taken a jab at the United States' attempts to re-instate sanctions on Iran in violation of a multilateral 2015 nuclear deal, saying such unlawful bids are doomed to failure.
• JCPOA Joint Commission meeting convenes as US pushes to kill Iran deal Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- The remaining signatories to a 2015 Iran nuclear deal have kicked off a meeting in Vienna to discuss ways to keep the accord alive amid the United States' efforts to restore international sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
• Iran's UN envoy: US has no right to trigger snapback mechanism Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the UN says the United States is not eligible to use the Iran nuclear deal's snapback mechanism to restore sanctions against the country since Washington has formally withdrawn from the multilateral accord.
• Parties To Iran Nuclear Deal Meet In Vienna Amid U.S. Pressure Radio Farda 01 Sep 2020 -- The remaining parties in the faltering nuclear deal between Iran and world powers met in Vienna on Tuesday to discuss ways to rescue the agreement amid pressure from the United States to restore U.N. sanctions on Iran with Iran's arms embargo scheduled to be lifted this month.
• Iran to launch first phase of Jask oil terminal by March: Contractor Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- Iran would launch a first phase of its key oil terminal in Jask region on the Sea of Oman by March 2021, says a project contractor, as the country presses ahead with plans to allow crude exports outside the Strain of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
• Newspaper Close To Khamenei Office Criticizes Officials Who Do Not Retire After 80 Radio Farda 01 Sep 2020 -- A hardliner Iranian newspaper linked to the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is criticizing Iranian politicians of advanced age who insist on holding official positions past the age of 80.
• Online Calls To Protest More Than Doubled In One Year, Iran Security Official Says Radio Farda 01 Sep 2020 -- Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hossein Zolfaqari, the Security Deputy of Iran's Interior Ministry, said that "social tensions" in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year have increased by 227 percent compared to the same period last year.
• Still No Schengen Visa For Iranians Radio Farda 01 Sep 2020 -- The Secretary of the Association of Iranian Airlines, Maqsoud Ass'adi Samani, said that despite direct flights continuing to depart between Iran, France, the Netherlands, and Austria, Iranians cannot still visit Europe as tourists.