(2020-06-17). Israel Increases Secretive Nuclear Stockpile to 90 Warheads: Report. globalresearch.ca Israel may have increased its nuclear stockpile from 80 warheads in 2019 to 90 in 2020, according to a new report by a leading global arms watchdog. | The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) said in its
(2020-06-17). IRGC Gears Up For 'Routine' Fuel Shipments To Venezuela, Defying Trump. iranian.com Here we go again — Iran is prepping a round two of major sanctions-busting gas delivery to fuel-starved Venezuela, which is of course rich on heavy crude oil but currently lacks the capacity to refine it based on its derelict and badly in need of repair facilities. Amid continued White House threats of military intervention to uphold a sanctions …
(2020-06-17). Let Them Eat Weapons: Trump's Bizarre Arms Race. dissidentvoice.org 
In late May of this year, President Donald Trump's special envoy for arms control bragged before a Washington think tank that the U.S. government was prepared to outspend Russia and China to win a new nuclear arms race. "The president has made clear that we have a tried and true practice here," he remarked. "We know how to win …
(2020-06-17). India and China Dispute: The World's Longest Unmarked Border. globalresearch.ca Incongruous, deadly, bizarre. Two nuclear powers engaging in a fatal skirmish over a piece of territory with no economic resources, using rocks and clubs with protruding nails. A stone-age fight in the nuclear era. | Einstein said he did not know …
(2020-06-17). Iran's virus death toll rises by 120 to hit 9,185. yenisafak.com Iran on Wednesday confirmed 120 more fatalities from the novel coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 9,185.Iran's daily number of COVID-19 fatalities decreased to under 100 in mid-April and recorded as 34 on May 25, but daily figures have shown an upward trend in last four days after authorities took measures to ease restrictions.Health Ministry spokesman Sima Sadat Lari said a further 2,612 people tested positive for COVID-19, raising the overall count to 195,051.A total of 154,812 people have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, he said, adding that 2,789 rema…
(2020-06-16). WATCH Iran's Zarif remove face mask with relief during Moscow talks with Lavrov, after taking it on & off repeatedly (VIDEO). rt.com 
Social distancing's no hurdle for talks between trusted allies, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov appeared to show as he arrived to meet Iran's Javad Zarif without a face mask. Zarif was more careful, but soon opted to remove his, too. | Zarif is one of the first high-ranking foreign visitors to land in Moscow and engage in face-to-face talks with Lavrov in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown. In recent months, the Russian foreign minister has held meetings only via video call. | When the two officials appeared before the journalists, Zarif was sporting a mask, which he merely removed for a brief photoshoot. Lavrov…
(2020-06-16). Trump to Undermine Treaty That Keeps Russia From Selling Missiles to Iran to Sell Drones to Saudi Arabia. anti-empire.com 
Editor's note: Trump wants to keep the missile part which is so crucial for the US to limit proliferation of missiles, but not the drone part where at the moment the US has a technology lead and there's a little money to be made for a sector that is already highly privileged in the American system. Russia has upheld the agreement, for example the range of the BrahMos anti-ship missile that Moscow developed for India was limited to 300 kilometers. |
| The Trump administration plans to reinterpret a Cold War-era arms agreement between 34 nations with the goal of allowing U.S. defense contractors to sell more A…
(2020-06-16). Senate Committee Approves Funding for Live Nuclear Testing. anti-empire.com 
The amendment says at least $10 million "shall be made available to carry out projects related to reducing the time required to execute a nuclear test if necessary." Accordi…
(2020-06-16). Curious Coincidence: The Birth of Donald Trump and the Struggle to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. globalresearch.ca The 45th president of the United States made his first international appearance on June 14, 1946. According to Donald Trump's Five minutes …
(2020-06-16). Act On Dr. King's Call To Tackle Evils Of Racism, Economic Exploitation And War. popularresistance.org Martin Luther King, Jr. King called us to address "Three major evils—the evil of racism, the evil of poverty and the evil of war" to the consternation of the establishment. It is time to tell the truth about the US-Russian relationship and US complicity in driving the nuclear arms race if we are ever to reverse it as well as the race to weaponize space. Perhaps, by addressing the triple evils, we can fulfill King's dream and the mission envisioned for the United Nations, to end the scourge of war! At a minimum, we should be promoting UN Secretary-General António Guterres' call for a global ceasefire while o…
(2020-06-16). Coronavirus may move travel into 'the realm of luxury' in Iran. iranian.com The coronavirus pandemic may turn tours and travels in Iran into luxury items as observing health protocols will rise the cost of travel in the country, Mohammad Ali Vaqefi, the vice president of the Iranian Tour Operators Association, has warned. "With the continuation of the coronavirus outbreak, tourists may prefer individual travel rather than tours. …
(2020-06-16). Lavrov: Russia, Turkey, Iran to hold summit on Syria. yenisafak.com Ankara, Moscow and Tehran agreed to hold a videoconference and then a face-to-face meeting on the Syrian settlement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Tuesday.The presidents of the three countries will discuss Syrian issues in a videoconference and then will hold a summit in Tehran, Lavrov said at a news conference following a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif."Today, we confirmed the agreement of the three presidents of the Astana format countries that the summit will be held in Tehran within terms that will be determined considering the situation developing due to the c…
(2020-06-16). Congress Should Include Provision in 2021 NDAA to Ban Nuclear Test Funding — Advocacy Group. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The US Congress should include a provision in fiscal year 2021 National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) to ban any funding for US nuclear testing, the Arms Control Association said.
(2020-06-16). US CENTCOM terrorists' cmdr. repeats baseless accusations on Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Commander of the United States Central Command [CENTCOM] in West Asia on Tue. repeated baseless and unfounded accusations against Islamic Republic of Iran and called Iran as a great threat.
(2020-06-16). Report of UN Sec. Gen. beyond his power: FM Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the report submitted by the UN Secretary General António Guterres about Iran is beyond his power, adding that UN secretary general has issued a completely false, undue and out-of-authority report.
(2020-06-16). VIDEO: Iranian, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met and held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Tuesday in Moscow. Zarif arrived in the Russian capital on Tuesday morning after a two-day visit to Turkey.
(2020-06-16). Kyrgyzstan parl. Speaker congratulates Ghalibaf election. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA)_Kyrgyzstan parliament speaker wrote in a congratulatory message to Mohamad Bagher Ghalibaf that the Iranian Parliament election meets Iranian people's demand and will influence the country's development positively.
(2020-06-16). VIDEO: Russia, Iran sign declaration on enhancing role of intl. law. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 17 (MNA) — Moscow and Tehran signed a declaration today on enhancing the role of international law.
(2020-06-16). Police seize over 2 ton of illicit drug in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 17 (MNA) — Police Chief of Sistan and Baluchestan province said that anti-narcotics police forces have seized over 2 ton of illicit drugs in Saravan County.
(2020-06-16). 'Do not worsen conditions, if you cannot make improvements'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — In the wake of the E3 call for more cooperation between Iran, IAEA, the Permanent Representative to the international organizations in Vienna Kazem Gharibabadi criticized the E3 for their weak stance and measures towards the JCPOA case and urged them to prevent creating an unnecessary crisis.
(2020-06-16). US National Security Council supports IAEA's allegations against Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — US National Security Council supported the allegations made by the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against Iran and called for taking measures against the country.
(2020-06-16). Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina emphasize need for strengthening parliamentary ties. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 17 (MNA) — Islamic Republic of Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina stressed the need for strengthening and broadening bilateral parliamentary ties.
(2020-06-16). EU failed to pursue independent policy against US: Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday that Europeans have not been able to pursue an independent policy against the US regarding the Iran's arms embargo.
(2020-06-16). Post-corona world, 'a completely different world': Pres. Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that world after the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a completely different world.
(2020-06-16). Barbara Lee Unveils Plan to Cut Up to $350 Billion From Pentagon. truthout.org Demanding that Congress "prioritize our safety and our future, not more war," Rep. Barbara Lee on Monday "Redundant nuclear weapons, off-books…
(2020-06-16). Trump's 'Caesar' Style Siege on Syria, A Sign of Impending Regional Failure. iranian.com Would be emperor Donald Trump has announced the 'Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act', to tighten the genocidal siege on the Syrian people. Without a hint of irony, this new edict imposes even more serious obstacles to the Syrian people getting access to energy, food and medicines, while claiming its purpose is to 'protect' those same …
(2020-06-16). Iran resumes electricity imports from Turkmenistan. iranian.com Iran has resumed imports of electricity from neighboring Turkmenistan amid a surge in domestic consumption that requires moves to spread the load across the national power grid. Head of Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce Majid Mohammad Nejad said on Tuesday that Iran would pay for electricity provided by the Turkmens through bartering goods. "Imports of …
(2020-06-16). Trade between Iran, India to return to normal in 2 weeks. iranian.com Trade between Iran and India, which has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is expected to return to normal within one or two weeks, the vice-chairman of Iran-India Joint Chamber of Commerce told ILNA on Sunday. Parham Rezaei said while the coronavirus has created some problems for trade between the two countries, which are still …
(2020-06-15). Israel owns 90 nuclear warheads: Report. yenisafak.com Israel is believed to possess between 80 and 90 nuclear warheads, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said on Monday. | In a report, SIPRI said Israel continues to pursue a policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear program. | It said that the number of nuclear warheads in Israel rose to 90, up from 80 warheads in 2019. | "The nine nuclear-armed states—the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)—together possessed an estimated 13,400 nuclear weapons at the start of 2020," the S…
(2020-06-15). WATCH Russian jets 'intercept' US strategic bombers over Baltic Sea. rt.com 
US B-52H strategic bombers have again been spotted near Russian borders, forcing its Baltic Sea Fleet's Su-27 fighter jets to take to the skies and monitor their actions, the Russian Defense Ministry has said. | Video released by Moscow showed all stages of the 'intercept' — from the pilot in full gear rushing towards his jet to the Su-27s gaining on the American nuclear-capable bombers and "foreign surveillance planes" above the neutral waters. | NATO aircraft have frequently been spotted close to Russian airspace above Baltic and Black Sea frontiers in recent years. The flights, which Moscow deems provo…
(2020-06-15). America's Supernational Sovereignty: Iran and Syria Again on the Receiving End of Sanctions. ahtribune.com 
The conceit by the United States that it is the acknowledged judge, jury and executioner in policing the international community began in…
(2020-06-15). Iranian Missiles Used to Attack Saudi Arabia? globalresearch.ca Since taking office, the Trump regime upped the stakes in Washington's long war by other means on Iran. | US hostility toward the Islamic Republic has nothing to do with a national security threat that doesn't exist. | It's all about its …
(2020-06-15). America's Supernational Sovereignty. thealtworld.com Iran and Syria again on the receiving end of sanctions | One of the most disturbing aspects of American foreign policy since 9/11 has been the assumption that decisions made by the United States are binding on the rest of the world, best exemplified by President George W. Bush's warning that "there was a new sheriff in town." Apart from time of war, no other nation has ever sought to prevent other nations from trading with each other, nor has any government sought to punish foreigners using sanctions with the cynical arrogance demonstrated by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The United States uniquely seeks to pen…
(2020-06-15). Venezuela Slams Interpol Arrest of CLAP Contractor in Cape Verde. venezuelanalysis.com Colombo-Venezuelan Alex Saab was detained on a Washington-issued arrest warrant en route to Iran, where he reportedly looked to negotiate food and medicine import contracts.
(2020-06-15). Army hails medical staff efforts, service under Covid-19 pandemic. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 16 (MNA) — In a ceremony held on Monday in Tehran's Shariati Hospital, the Iranian Army expressed gratitude for the efforts and services of the medical staff under the outburst of the coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-06-15). Iran's coronavirus deaths near 9,000. yenisafak.com A further 2,449 people tested positive for COVID-19, raising the overall count to 189,876, Health Ministry spokesman Sima Sadat Lari said. | A total of 150,590 people have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, he said, adding that 2,765 remain at hospitals in critical conditions. | Some 1.269 million tests have been done in the country to date, Lari said. | Iran's daily number of COVID-19 cases dropped to around 800 in early May, but since authorities eased restrictions, daily figures have shown an upward trend, especially in the southwestern Khuzestan province. | Despite the rising number of in…
(2020-06-15). Turkey, Russia to continue talks for truce in Libya. yenisafak.com Turkey will continue talks with Russia to reach a lasting cease-fire in Libya, said Turkey's foreign minister on Monday.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have "agreed to continue working together to establish a lasting cease-fire in Libya," Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint press conference alongside his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, who is visiting the Turkish capital Ankara.Libya's government, which enjoys recognition by the UN, has been under attack by warlord Khalifa Haftar's forces since April 2019, with more than 1,000 killed in the violence.After launching a counter…
(2020-06-15). Iranian, Turkish FMs hold meeting on regional developments. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 15 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met and held talks with his Turkish counterparts on the regional developments and bilateral relations.
(2020-06-15). Iran, Iraq eyeing cooperation in oil industry. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 15 (MNA) — Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh held a phone talk with his Iraqi counterpart Ehsan Abdul Jabbar on expanding bilateral cooperation in the oil industry.
(2020-06-15). Three European countries call for more cooperation between Iran, IAEA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 15 (MNA) —Three European countries have called for more cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, following a recent meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.
(2020-06-15). India joins EU maritime coalition in Persian Gulf: Report. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 15 (MNA) — India has joined European Union [EU]'s maritime coalition in the Persian Gulf.
(2020-06-15). Israeli Media Ponders Why There are So Many Wars in the Middle East. iranian.com Since the Second World War, there have been over two dozen major armed conflicts and prolonged insurgencies in the oil-rich region, with Israel alone involved in about a dozen of them. The Middle East is easily the most conflict-prone region in the world, and there's no sign the violence is going to end any time …
(2020-06-15). Moms Against Poverty grants $600K aid to Iranian families affected by COVID-19. iranian.com Global charity organization Moms Against Poverty (MAP) has sent a shipment worth 25 billion rials (nearly $600,000 at the official rate of 42,000 rials) to help financially struggling families affected by the coronavirus in Iran, Karim Hemmati, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), said on Sunday. twitter.com/MAPworldwide/status/1270897018005622784 Moms Against Poverty is a global non-profit organization …
(2020-06-15). 'Any Conversation With Me Is Classified,' Trump Claims as He Warns Bolton Over New Book. commondreams.org "If the book gets out, he's broken the law and I would think that he would have criminal problems—I hope so." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/bolton_trump_iran_1.png …
(2020-06-14). Keeping the World Safe from Iran's Legitimate Nuclear Program? globalresearch.ca The above headlined Pompeo's hostile May 27 remarks on Iran. | Perpetuating the myth about an Iranian nuclear threat ignores what the whole world knows. | Throughout its existence since the 1950s, Iran's legitimate nuclear program had and still has no military …
(2020-06-14). Iran records 107 new deaths from coronavirus. yenisafak.com Iran on Sunday confirmed 107 more fatalities from the novel coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 8,837. | A further 2,472 people tested positive for COVID-19, raising the overall count to 187,427, Health Ministry spokesman Sima Sadat Lari said. | A total of 148,674 people have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, he said. | Some 1.244 million tests have been done in the country to date, Lari said. | Iran's daily number of COVID-19 cases dropped to around 800 in early May, but since authorities eased restrictions, daily figures have shown an upward trend, especi…
(2020-06-14). COVID-19 has no effect on Armed forces' missions: Maj. Gen. Bagheri. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 14 (MNA) — Chief of General Staff of Iranian Armed Force, Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri said that the Armed Forces have resumed their regular activities since mid-April after a short pause.
(2020-06-14). FM Zarif lands in Turkey for bilateral talks. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 14 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Istanbul Airport, Turkey on Sunday for two-day visit.
(2020-06-14). Iranian Red Crescent Society prepares 2000 livelihood foodstuff packages. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 14 (MNA) — Iranian Red Crescent Society prepares some 2000 livelihood foodstuff packages in Azadi Indoor Stadium for distributing among the needy and underprivileged class of society.
(2020-06-14). Austria felicitates Ghalibaf on election as Iran's Parl. speaker. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 14 (MNA) — President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka has sent a message to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf over his election as Parliament Speaker.