Iran nuclear deal

Iran's ambassador to the UN is insisting that the Europeans do more to compensate Tehran for economic losses inflicted by US sanctions - otherwise Iranians will continue to exceed limits on their nuclear fuel production.However, Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Iran would stay in the nuclear accord for now.He also said there would be consequences if the UK didn't release an Iranian oil tanker it seized recently off the coast of Gibraltar. Tensions have risen sharply since the US pulled out of the deal which restricted Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran took no immediate action after the US re-imposed punishing sanctions last year, but has now begun to nudge the levels of its enriched uranium beyond the deal's limits, in small and calculated steps. Mr Ravanchi said that Iran was not violating the accord, which he was involved in negotiating. He cited what he said were provisions that allowed a rollback on some commitments if other parties were in … [Read more...] about Iran nuclear deal: UN ambassador says Europe ‘must compensate’ Iran

A crisis has erupted between Iran and Western countries - in particular the UK and US - after a series of incidents in and around the Gulf, a strategically important waterway in the Middle East. Both sides are blaming the other and there are fears it could lead to war.What is the crisis about?Behind the latest tensions is the fact that Iran and the US have increasingly accused each other of aggressive behaviour. The US says recent activity by Iranian and Iranian-backed forces is destabilising the region and threatening US interests, while Iran says the US is trying to use military force and economic pressure to bring down its government. The crisis really began to escalate in May when four oil tankers were were hit by blasts in the Gulf of Oman. Iran denied US accusations its forces had planted mines on the vessels. What we know about Gulf of Oman tanker attacks Gulf crisis: Are we heading for a new tanker war? US-Iran relations: A brief history Since then, two more tankers have been … [Read more...] about Iran and the crisis in the Gulf explained

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said he supports a fuel price rise that has sparked protests across the country.The Ayatollah blamed "hooligans" and counter-revolutionaries for violence that has been witnessed in several cities.At least one person is confirmed dead in clashes with police but reports suggest the number could be higher.Officials have warned of a tougher response if "illegal" actions continue.Protests erupted on Friday after the government unexpectedly announced it was rationing petrol and removing subsidies - sending prices up by 50%.The measures are the latest sign of pressure on the Iranian economy after the re-imposition of US sanctions. The government says the changes will free up money to help the poor.What's the official reaction?In a statement on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged that some people were "no doubt worried" by the decision to increase fuel prices."But sabotage and arson is done by hooligans not our people," he said, quoted by … [Read more...] about Iran petrol price hike: Supreme Leader condemns ‘hooligan’ protesters

Iran has summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to complain about what it says was the illegal seizure of an Iranian oil tanker. British Royal Marines helped the authorities in Gibraltar seize the ship because of evidence it was heading to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.Spain's acting foreign minister said the seizure of the ship - Grace 1 - was at the US's request.An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman called the actions a "form of piracy".The UK Foreign Office dismissed that as "nonsense". Gibraltar port and law enforcement agencies detained the super tanker and its cargo on Thursday morning with the help of the marines.The BBC has been told a team of about 30 marines, from 42 Commando, were flown from the UK to Gibraltar to help, at the request of the Gibraltar government.The first marines to board the Panama-flagged ship descended by rope from a helicopter, as others approached in speed boats. No shots were fired.A defence source described it as a "relatively benign operation" … [Read more...] about Iran summons UK ambassador in tanker seizure row

Babies' nappies have become the latest casualty of Iran's faltering economy, with huge price rises and shortages across the country. Fears over their availability have whipped up a storm of angry messages on social media blaming the authorities.The issue made national headlines days ago, when Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his cabinet went to meet the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.In the course of their conversation, Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned the shortage of nappies, blaming it on "the enemy" who "wants people to make angry with the government".He had, maybe unintentionally, touched a nerve and, soon after, nappies started trending on Iranian social media, with everyone pitching into the debate.Hardliners blamed government mismanagement, the government blamed US sanctions and businesses profiteering and those in favour of regime change blamed the Islamic Republic.Life-changing impactSince March, the Iranian currency has lost almost two-thirds of its value against the … [Read more...] about What babies’ nappies tell us about Iran’s economic woes