Iran Archives - Page 3 of 9

Iran to expand trade with Pakistan after ceasefire

August 13, 2026June 18, 2026 by World Desk

TEHRAN: Following the reported ceasefire agreement with the United States, Iran has decided to significantly expand trade with Pakistan, marking a new phase in bilateral economic relations.

According to reports, Iran’s second major trade delegation in two months visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), where agreements were signed for investment in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Pakistan.

FPCCI leader Muhammad Ali Haider said the agreements were signed during a meeting at the chamber, adding that the Iranian delegation included mining investors, rice importers, and other business representatives.

He said both sides have set an ambitious target of increasing Pakistan-Iran trade to $10 billion following the stabilization of the regional situation.

Focus on Energy, Trade Expansion and Connectivity

In a separate development, discussions were held in Islamabad between the Iranian ambassador and Pakistan’s Board of Investment minister.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assured cooperation with relevant ministries to resolve outstanding issues.

According to an official statement, Iran has also offered Pakistan access to Central Asian markets through its territory, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade to the agreed $10 billion target.

Both sides also agreed on measures to enhance border trade, including proposals to increase the daily number of cross-border trucks to 2,000.

The statement added that the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir was appreciated during the meetings, highlighting improved political and economic coordination between the two countries.

Iran hold New Zealand 2-2 in dramatic World Cup opener

August 13, 2026June 16, 2026 by World Desk

DOHA: Iran marked a resilient start to their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a closely contested opening match, played under unusual geopolitical and logistical pressures ahead of the tournament, according to reports.

The tournament reportedly began under unprecedented circumstances, with Iran facing concerns over participation following regional tensions and military developments earlier in the year.

Iran’s preparations were also affected by visa-related issues, forcing the team to shift their training base from the United States to Mexico. Officials said 11 members of the support staff were denied entry into the United States, complicating pre-tournament arrangements.

Despite the challenges, Iran delivered a strong performance in their opening fixture, earning a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in front of a vocal fan presence.

New Zealand took an early lead in the seventh minute through a combined effort involving Chris Wood and Elijah Just. Iran responded in the 32nd minute with a goal from Reza Rezaeian to level the score.

In the second half, just restored New Zealand’s advantage, but Mohammad Mohebi’s headed equaliser brought Iran back into the contest.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal, but the match ended in a draw after a competitive and evenly balanced second half.

US, Iran sign memorandum of understanding, says Vice President Vance

August 13, 2026June 15, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward easing tensions between the longtime adversaries.

According to Vance, he and President Donald Trump signed the document on behalf of the United States, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed on behalf of Iran.

The announcement came after reports by The Wall Street Journal that Washington had agreed to a deal with Tehran and that President Trump would soon make a formal statement.

Trump later declared that the agreement with Iran had been completed, adding that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports had been lifted and calling on global shipping operators to resume commercial activities and oil transportation.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump also warned that the United States would take military action again if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the U.S. naval blockade would end overnight and that the text of the memorandum would be released after the signing. He said Iran would begin implementing the agreement on Friday.

Gharibabadi stressed that the memorandum does not mean Iran trusts its adversaries, adding that negotiations on a final agreement are expected to continue over the next 60 days. He warned that Tehran would respond if the terms of the agreement were not honored.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the agreement does not mean that Iran will forgive or forget what it describes as crimes committed during the conflict.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development and announced that Pakistan would host a ceremony related to the Iran-U.S. agreement in Geneva on Friday.

Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif described the development as a historic milestone for peace, saying the world had moved beyond the darkness of war toward a new era of diplomacy.

Iran says US deal to include frozen assets return and war damages compensation

August 13, 2026June 15, 2026 by World Desk

Ismail Baghaei: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said that a proposed agreement with the United States will include the return of frozen Iranian assets as well as compensation for damages from military actions involving the United States and Israel.

In a press briefing, Baghaei said a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States is expected to be signed on Friday in Geneva. He added that Iranian delegations will visit several regional and neighbouring countries ahead of the signing.

He said Iran’s public and armed forces showed “unprecedented resilience” during a 110-day conflict, and vowed that the country would not forget the sacrifices of its leaders, military commanders and civilians.

Baghaei also accused Israel of continuing attacks in Lebanon and Palestine, saying international institutions had failed to stop what he described as Israeli aggression or condemn actions against Iran.

He stressed that Iran prefers dialogue and diplomacy but said reaching an agreement does not mean abandoning claims related to wartime losses or alleged violations.

According to him, the deal framework includes provisions related to Lebanon, with emphasis on respecting its sovereignty and security, while implementation will be closely monitored amid continued tensions.

Baghaei further said steps are being discussed with Oman to ensure safe maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran does not support imposing any toll on ships passing through the waterway.

He said final details of the memorandum are expected to be settled within a day before an official announcement is made.

Trump rebukes Iran over alleged leak of agreement terms

August 13, 2026June 12, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports circulating on Iranian state media regarding the contents of a newly announced agreement with Iran, calling them “fake news” and inaccurate.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that details being circulated by Iranian media have “nothing to do” with the written agreement reportedly reached between the two sides.

He said Iran had leaked false information about the deal, adding that such claims were misleading and did not reflect the actual terms agreed upon.

Trump also rejected Iranian assertions that a comprehensive agreement was close, calling those statements “weak and unfortunate” and insisting that no such finalization had been reached on those terms.

The US president further criticized Tehran’s negotiating approach, saying Iran had not engaged in good faith discussions and warning that the country should “get its act together quickly.”

Iranian state media had earlier reported that the proposed agreement could include provisions such as the unfreezing of $24 billion in Iranian assets, continued uranium enrichment, and Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Trump rejected these claims, saying they do not represent the official understanding between the two sides.

Iran hints at possible Geneva meeting with US delegation

August 13, 2026June 12, 2026 by World Desk

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Ministry sources have said that a meeting between US and Iranian delegations in Geneva is possible as diplomatic efforts continue to move forward.

According to Iranian officials, discussions between the two sides could take place in Geneva to advance negotiations on a broader understanding, provided the process is not disrupted by external interference.

A legal team at Iran’s Foreign Ministry told reporters that progress could be made if efforts by Israel to “derail the process” are avoided, adding that mistrust remains extremely high due to past experiences.

US President Donald Trump earlier suggested that a deal with Iran could be signed by the end of the week at a European venue, although he did not specify the country.

The Iranian side declined to share details of any potential agreement, saying only that outcomes remain uncertain given the fragile nature of negotiations.

Some Western media outlets have referred to the emerging framework as the “Islamabad Agreement,” though there has been no official confirmation of such naming.

Arab media reports also claimed that a Pakistani delegation of legal experts may be present at the signing ceremony, but Pakistan’s Foreign Office has not confirmed or denied the reports at the time of filing.

Diplomatic observers say the situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining cautious optimism amid deep-seated mistrust.

Trump signals progress toward strong deal with Iran

August 13, 2026June 9, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States is close to reaching a “strong and effective” agreement with Iran, adding that diplomatic pressure, including restrictions on Iranian ports, has placed greater strain on Tehran than military action.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said Washington and Tehran were approaching a “very good, strong and powerful deal,” suggesting that negotiations were in their final stages.

He claimed the United States could continue military strikes on Iran for another two to three weeks if it chose to do so, but said such action would result in significant casualties, which he wants to avoid.

Trump said diplomatic engagement would be more effective than military operations and expressed hope that both sides could reach an agreement “stronger than war.”

The president also said that economic pressure and earlier U.S. measures had significantly weakened Iran’s economy, potentially pushing Tehran toward accepting a deal.

He added that wider bombing could have led to a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with serious consequences for global energy supplies and the international economy.

Trump further expressed optimism about broader peace efforts in the Middle East, saying the parties involved were in the “final stages” of discussions.

When asked about the timeline, he suggested a potential breakthrough could emerge within the next two to three days.

His remarks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with ongoing diplomatic efforts and ceasefire discussions between Iran and Israel drawing global attention.

Trump urges Iran and Israel to halt attacks as China calls for restraint

August 13, 2026June 8, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday called on Iran and Israel to immediately stop attacking each other, amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote: “Iran and Israel should stop the attacks immediately,” urging both sides to de-escalate rising tensions.

Meanwhile, China expressed deep concern over the latest situation in the region. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said renewed hostilities would serve no party’s interests and called for both Iran and Israel to maintain a ceasefire.

The developments come as both countries have exchanged multiple strikes since the previous day, raising fears of further escalation.

According to earlier reports, Trump had also spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning against further escalation. However, shortly after the call, Israel reportedly launched missile strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have sharply intensified, with both sides continuing military actions despite growing international calls for restraint.

PM Nawaf Salam warns Iran over ‘use of Lebanon as bargaining chip

August 13, 2026June 5, 2026 by World Desk

BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has warned Iran to stop using Lebanon as a “bargaining chip” in its negotiations and urged the international community to prevent Israel from targeting civilians and destroying southern Lebanon, according to international media reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Beirut while appealing to the United Nations for urgent humanitarian assistance, Nawaf Salam said Lebanon should not be treated as leverage in regional negotiations.

“If I have one message for Iran, it is this: have mercy on our southern regions and stop using this area and its people as a bargaining chip to improve your negotiation terms,” he said.

He stressed that Lebanon is not part of anyone’s political or military “game” and that the south of the country should not be treated as a “safe front” for conflict.

The Lebanese prime minister’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, although a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement was signed in Washington earlier this week between Lebanon and Israel.

Salam also called for urgent international humanitarian support, noting the scale of displacement and destruction in southern Lebanon. He said the government’s relief plan includes financial assistance for around one million displaced people and approximately 50,000 residents in southern areas.

He reaffirmed that ensuring the safe return of displaced citizens remains the government’s top priority and said Lebanon has chosen a difficult path by prioritizing negotiations to secure Israeli withdrawal and restore stability in affected regions.

Iran, Russia sign $25b MoU to expand nuclear energy cooperation

August 13, 2026June 5, 2026 by World Desk

TEHRAN / MOSCOW: Iran and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth $25 billion to expand cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, marking a major step forward in their strategic partnership, officials said.

According to international media reports, the agreement aims to strengthen Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure and promote joint collaboration on multiple atomic energy projects. Analysts say the deal is expected to deepen both energy cooperation and broader political and economic ties between Tehran and Moscow.

During an online conference held in Moscow, officials and experts from both countries discussed various aspects of the agreement. Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, highlighted key ongoing projects including the expansion of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Hormuz nuclear project.

He said the first unit of the Bushehr plant is already operational, while construction work on the second and third units is ongoing. Once completed, the projects are expected to significantly increase Iran’s electricity generation capacity.

Jalali described the $25 billion Hormuz project as Iran’s largest nuclear energy initiative, developed in cooperation between the Russian state nuclear company Rosatom and Iran’s private sector.

He also referred to plans for small-scale nuclear power plants and expressed hope for the early start of practical implementation. According to him, cooperation in advanced nuclear technology will benefit both countries.

The Iranian envoy further noted growing collaboration in energy transit, including Russian gas supplies via Iran, as well as expanding trade links with Eurasian countries. He said cooperation in energy, transport, and technology is rapidly strengthening bilateral relations.

At the conclusion of the conference, Jalali praised Russia’s political support in international forums and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation in energy, technology, economic development, and regional affairs.