Iran’s foreign minister has mocked Donald Trump’s claim that he is winning the war in the Middle East during a visit to the Kremlin.
Speaking to Russian media, Abbas Araghchi denied the US president’s statements, asking: ‘So then why did he ask for negotiations? Clearly, Iran is standing up to the largest superpower in the world, and they have not achieved a single one of their objectives.
‘That is why he is asking for negotiations, and we are now considering this option.’
Araghchi added that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has offered the Kremlin’s support in ending the war.
Abbas Araghchi decried the US’ approach to negotiations, saying: ‘The US approaches caused the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, to fail to reach its goals because of the excessive demands.’
It comes as the price of Brent crude oil – the international benchmark – hit $110 per barrel, rising 2.4% following a 2.8% gain yesterday.
The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, rose 2.1% to about $98 per barrel, following a 2.1% increase yesterday.
Breaking:Oil rises to $110 per barrel
The price of Brent crude oil – the international benchmark – hit $110 per barrel today, rising 2.4% following a 2.8% gain yesterday.
Meanwhile, the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, rose 2.1% to about $98 per barrel, following a 2.1% increase yesterday.
Iran FM mocks Trump at Kremlin meeting
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has openly mocked Donald Trump’s claims that he is winning the war in the Middle East.
He asked: ‘So then why did he ask for negotiations? Clearly, Iran is standing up to the largest superpower in the world, and they have not achieved a single one of their objectives.
‘That is why he is asking for negotiations, and we are now considering this option.’
Five sentenced to life in prison in Bahrain for plotting ‘terrorist’ acts with Iran
Five people have today been sentenced to life in Bahrain for plotting ‘terrorist and hostile acts’ with Iran, which has bombarded the tiny Gulf state during the Middle East war.
‘The Public Prosecution affirms that the crime of communicating with hostile foreign entities against the Kingdom of Bahrain is considered one of the most serious crimes affecting national security,’ Bahrain’s public prosecution said in a statement on X.
Qatar: Hormuz must not be used as a ‘pressure card’
Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, said the Strait of Hormuz should not be used as a pressure card.
The spokesperson added that Qatar is continuing to support Pakistan’s role as mediator between the US and Iran: ‘We do not need to expand the circle of negotiations; we support Pakistani mediation.’
Breaking:Iran eases internet curbs for businesses
Iran has today announced it will temporarily allow businesses to access the internet with fewer restrictions.
Most Iranians have been unable to access the worldwide web for the last 60 days according to the internet observatory NetBlocks, with only a few citizens having access to expensive and advanced VPNs that circumvent the restrictions.
‘The Supreme National Security Council approved the “Internet Pro” scheme to preserve businesses during times of crisis,’ said government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani.
‘Once the situation is announced to be normal by relevant authorities, the situation of the internet will also change,’ she added, stressing that the government was receptive to people’s demands and believed in access to the internet as a civil right.
Authorities initially imposed an internet blackout from January 8 in response to nationwide anti-government protests, with connections gradually coming back to normal in February until a new blackout was initiated following the start of US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.
In normal times, access to the global internet remains heavily restricted via censorship of many websites, while authorities are increasingly relying on an intranet to provide connected services without relying on the worldwide web, notably for schools which are currently following an online curriculum.
Zelensky: Israel’s purchase of Ukrainian grain ‘stolen’ by Russia not ‘legitimate’
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenksy said today that Israel’s purchase of grain from his nation’s territory ‘stolen’ by Russia ‘cannot be legitimate business.’
He added that Kyiv was working on sanctions against people who attempt to profit from it.
PICTURED: US military ship enforces Hormuz blockade
Finland says US defence deliveries are delayed due to Iran war
Some US defence material deliveries to Europe are being delayed because of the war in the Middle East, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said on Tuesday.
Sweden warns of possible jet fuel shortage
Sweden is issuing an early warning of a potential shortage of jet fuel stemming from the war in the Middle East, Energy Minister Ebba Busch said on Tuesday.
‘This is based on the Energy Agency’s assessment,’ Busch told a press conference.
Sweden could in a worst case scenario face rationing of aviation fuel, but the situation going forward depends to a great degree on how the market adapts, said Energy Agency General Director Caroline Asserup.
Iran cops arrest people accused of espionage using Starlink devices
Iranian police have arrested several people accused of sending sensitive information and images to intelligence agencies using Starlink devices.
The Tehran Metropolitan Police Command Information Centre claimed that suspects rented a flat that was ‘used as a base for espionage activities.’
The accused are alleged to have used ‘advanced communication equipment, including Starlink satellite internet’ to send ‘information and news to intelligence services and hostile networks abroad.’
Police in Sarvestan arrested a person for allegedly ‘collaborating with hostile networks by sending messages, images and videos from important and sensitive locations.’
Iranian internet blackout reaches two-month mark
Netblocks, an internet monitoring service, said Iran’s internet has been blocked for two months now.
Key Updates
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Oil rises to $110 per barrel
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Iran FM mocks Trump at Kremlin meeting
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Rubio: Iran’s ceasefire proposal better than expected
