Latest news with #IranianPresidencyOffice
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Iran Makes Nuclear Threat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran is threatening to raise uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels and exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Western powers move forward with reimposing United Nations sanctions, according to Iranian state media. The warning follows mounting pressure from the United States and its European allies. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom agreed in a phone call Monday to set an August deadline for a nuclear agreement, Axios reported. If no deal is reached by then, the three European powers plan to trigger the UN "snapback" mechanism, which would automatically reinstate global sanctions on Iran's arms trade, banking sector, and nuclear program. Newsweek has reached out to State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters The possible reactivation of UN snapback sanctions threatens to dismantle the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and push Iran toward enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels of 90 percent. This crisis has deep roots in the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, which led Iran to reduce compliance and expand its nuclear program. Recent Israeli and U.S. strikes directly on Iran's nuclear facilities have further escalated tensions. Combined diplomatic and military pressures have heightened tensions and if Iran does exit the NPT, it could end international oversight of its nuclear activities, weakening global nonproliferation efforts. In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian, second right, listens to head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami as he visits an exhibition of Iran's nuclear achievements, in... In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian, second right, listens to head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami as he visits an exhibition of Iran's nuclear achievements, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. More Iranian Presidency Office/AP Photo What to Know According to the Tasnim news agency, Iran has warned that triggering the snapback mechanism could prompt it to raise uranium enrichment from 60 percent to 90 percent—considered weapons-grade—and potentially redirect its enriched uranium stockpile for military uses not explicitly banned under international agreements. Not Backing Down Echoing that position, a member of Iran's Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said Tehran would respond firmly to renewed sanctions. "Iran has given and will continue to give proportional responses to Western missteps," Alaeddin Boroujerdi said. He urged Europe to act "wisely," stressing Iran will not retreat under pressure and will defend its legal rights. While open to negotiations, Boroujerdi said talks must respect Iran's sovereignty and its right to enrich uranium. He added that Iran's scientific expertise cannot be destroyed by force: "Bombing cannot erase this knowledge — it will only come back stronger." No Rush to Talk On Tuesday, President Trump said that Iran was eager to reopen talks with Washington but that he was in "no rush" to respond, citing the recent U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. His comments came as Rubio and European foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK held a joint call to coordinate strategy on Iran. The call focused on contingency planning ahead of the end of August deadline for a nuclear deal and explored how best to manage the snapback timeline before Russia assumes the rotating UN Security Council presidency in October. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Joint Base Andrews, Md., as Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt,... President Donald Trump speaks to the media after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Joint Base Andrews, Md., as Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, center right, look on. More Evan Vucci/AP Photo What People Are Saying US President Donald Trump: "They [Iran] would like to talk. I'm in no rush to talk because we obliterated their site." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: "Without a firm, tangible, and verifiable commitment from Iran, we will [trigger snapback] by the end of August at the latest." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned: "This move would mark the end of Europe's role in Iran's peaceful nuclear file." What Happens Next If no progress is made by the August deadline, France, Germany, and the U.K. are expected to initiate snapback sanctions with U.S. backing. Iran could then escalate its nuclear activity and withdraw from the NPT—moves likely to inflame tensions already heightened by recent Israeli and U.S. military action and which could lead to further conflict.
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran's President Alleges Assassination Attempt in Tucker Carlson Interview
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a new interview with American political commentator Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made several notable claims, including an allegation that Israel, with support from the United States, attempted to assassinate him. This assertion adds another dimension to the ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington. The interview also covered Iran's nuclear program, diplomatic efforts, and the broader U.S.-Iran relationship. Newsweek has reached out the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters Pezeshkian's statement about the failed assassination attempt drew particular attention, reflecting the continuing conflict and mistrust between Iran and U.S. ally Israel. The Middle East remains one of the world's most volatile regions, with Iran and Israel engaged in a prolonged proxy conflict that includes cyber warfare, covert operations, and targeted strikes. The United States plays a significant role in this dynamic, maintaining a hardline stance against Tehran. Allegations of an assassination attempt on a sitting Iranian president, if confirmed, would mark another escalation in the conflict. This photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a rally on Feb. 10, 2025, in Tehran, Iran. This photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a rally on Feb. 10, 2025, in Tehran, Iran. Iranian Presidency Office/AP Photo What To Know During the interview, Pezeshkian explicitly accused Israel of attempting to kill him during a strategic meeting of Iranian officials. He stated, "Yes, they did try and acted accordingly but they failed." According to Pezeshkian, the plan involved bombing the location where the meeting was held. He said Israeli efforts were supported by U.S. intelligence agencies but did not provide detailed information about the timing or exact location of the plot. Pezeshkian credited Iranian intelligence operatives with uncovering and thwarting the assassination attempt, though he declined to offer further specifics. Pezeshkian's Response to the Threat Pezeshkian expressed a defiant stance. He said that he was not afraid to die for his country, stating, "I am not afraid of sacrificing myself in defence of my country." He also framed his survival as a matter of divine will, adding, "It is in the hands of God almighty when a person will die or not die." Pezeshkian questioned the impact of violence on peace in the region, asking, "Will more bloodshed and killing bring peace to the region?" This reflects Iran's longstanding narrative positioning itself as a nation prepared to endure hardships while calling for regional stability. Split screen of Tucker Carlson (left) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (right). Split screen of Tucker Carlson (left) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (right). AP Photo/Gavriil Grigorov, Pamela Smith Further Topics Beyond the assassination claim, the interview explored several other critical issues facing Iran and its relations with the world. Pezeshkian spoke about the status of Iran's nuclear program, saying the country had a right to peaceful nuclear energy while criticizing ongoing U.S. sanctions and diplomatic pressures. He also addressed the prospects for renewed diplomacy between Iran and the U.S., expressing skepticism about the likelihood of meaningful progress given the strained political climate. Context of the Interview The interview was released by Tucker Carlson, who is known for his critical views on U.S. foreign policy and his willingness to engage with controversial figures. Carlson noted that the interview was conducted shortly after the U.S. and Iran narrowly avoided direct military confrontation. He defended airing the interview as a matter of public interest, saying, "Our view is that American citizens have the right to all the information they can gather about matters that affect them." The release adds to ongoing debates in the U.S. about how to approach relations with Iran. What People Are Saying Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: "I am not afraid of sacrificing myself in defence of my country." Tucker Carlson: "Our view is that American citizens have the right to all the information they can gather about matters that affect them." What Happens Next Washington has not publicly responded to the assassination allegations. The claims have the potential to heighten tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., possibly prompting retaliatory actions or new rounds of diplomatic friction. Analysts will be closely monitoring the situation for signs of escalation or attempts at de-escalation as regional actors weigh their next moves.
South Wales Argus
23-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Iran launches missile attacks on US bases in Qatar and Iraq
People in Doha, Qatar's capital, stopped and looked up as missiles flew and interceptors fired and struck at least one missile in the night sky. Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. A caption on screen called it 'a mighty and successful response' to 'America's aggression' as martial music played. Iran also targeted the Ain al-Assad base housing US troops in western Iraq, an Iraqi security official told The Associated Press. The attacks came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian (Iranian Presidency Office via AP) Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: 'We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.' In the past, Iran has threatened American forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US military's Central Command. Qatar, across the Persian Gulf from Iran, maintains diplomatic relations with Iran and shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Tehran. Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country's struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests. As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (Alamy/PA) The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme. On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked 'regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran', but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran's government, their archenemy since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over 'the coming days' as its focuses has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country. The latest strikes unfolded only hours after President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth-bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites. 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???' he asked on his Truth Social website.
Glasgow Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Iran launches missile attacks on US bases in Qatar and Iraq
People in Doha, Qatar's capital, stopped and looked up as missiles flew and interceptors fired and struck at least one missile in the night sky. Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. A caption on screen called it 'a mighty and successful response' to 'America's aggression' as martial music played. Iran also targeted the Ain al-Assad base housing US troops in western Iraq, an Iraqi security official told The Associated Press. The attacks came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian (Iranian Presidency Office via AP) Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: 'We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.' In the past, Iran has threatened American forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US military's Central Command. Qatar, across the Persian Gulf from Iran, maintains diplomatic relations with Iran and shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Tehran. Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country's struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests. As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (Alamy/PA) The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme. On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked 'regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran', but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran's government, their archenemy since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over 'the coming days' as its focuses has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country. The latest strikes unfolded only hours after President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth-bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites. 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???' he asked on his Truth Social website.
Western Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Iran launches missile attacks on US bases in Qatar and Iraq
People in Doha, Qatar's capital, stopped and looked up as missiles flew and interceptors fired and struck at least one missile in the night sky. Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. A caption on screen called it 'a mighty and successful response' to 'America's aggression' as martial music played. Iran also targeted the Ain al-Assad base housing US troops in western Iraq, an Iraqi security official told The Associated Press. The attacks came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian (Iranian Presidency Office via AP) Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: 'We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.' In the past, Iran has threatened American forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US military's Central Command. Qatar, across the Persian Gulf from Iran, maintains diplomatic relations with Iran and shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Tehran. Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country's struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests. As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (Alamy/PA) The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme. On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked 'regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran', but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran's government, their archenemy since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over 'the coming days' as its focuses has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country. The latest strikes unfolded only hours after President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth-bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites. 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???' he asked on his Truth Social website.
