URANIUM ENRICHMENT
Biden's withdrawal injects uncertainty into wars, trade disputes and other foreign policy challenges
Biden's withdrawal impacts Israel, Ukraine, China, and Iran. Kamala Harris scrutinized for her Israel stance. European leaders react; Zelenskyy respects Biden. Kremlin downplays the race. NATO, U.S.-Mexico ties, and the Middle East face uncertainty. Adding to complications are Yoav Gallant, Hezbollah, Gaza conflict, economic sanctions, and Global Times editor's views.
Oil tanker held by Iran for over a year heads toward international waters, tracking data shows
The Advantage Sweet, an oil tanker seized by Iran in April 2023 amid tensions with the U.S., is now heading toward international waters, according to tracking data. The vessel, carrying $50 million worth of oil for Chevron, was held by Iran without acknowledgment of its release. This move coincides with an Iranian court ordering the U.S. to pay $6.7 billion over sanctions-related medical supply issues. The tanker's seizure was linked to ongoing legal and geopolitical conflicts between Iran and the U.S., involving economic sanctions and military tensions.
Iran vote winner could ease, but won't end nuclear tensions: analysts
Masoud Pezeshkian's victory in Iran's presidential elections has brought hope for easing tensions over Tehran's nuclear program, defeating ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili with support from former president Hassan Rouhani. Despite not being the primary authority on foreign policy or nuclear issues, Pezeshkian aims for constructive relations with the West, contrasting Jalili's hardline stance. However, challenges remain as Iran's nuclear program has advanced significantly, impacting potential negotiations.
Reformist Pezeshkian wins Iran's presidential runoff election, besting hard-liner Jalili
Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran's Shiite theocracy in his campaign and long has held Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final arbiter of all matters of state in the country.
Moderate Pezeshkian expected to win Iran's presidential race, Iranian source says
Masoud Pezeshkian is anticipated to win the Iranian presidential run-off, leading by three million votes over hardline rival Saeed Jalili. The moderate candidate promises to open Iran to the world and expand freedoms. Pezeshkian's lead follows historically low turnout in the first round. His potential victory may ease tensions with the West and promote social liberalization, though skepticism remains about his ability to challenge Iran's power elite. This election coincides with heightened Middle East tensions and pressures over Iran's nuclear program.
Iran holds runoff presidential vote pitting hard-line former negotiator against reformist lawmaker
Voters face a choice between the hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime parliament member who has allied himself with moderates and reformists within Iran's Shiite theocracy.
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As Iran faces a rare runoff presidential election, disenchanted voters are staying away
Iran will hold a runoff presidential election Friday, only its second since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, after only 39.9% of its voting public cast a ballot the previous week. Of over 24.5 million votes, more than 1 million ballots were later rejected - typically a sign of people feeling obligated to head to the polls but wanting to reject all the candidates.
Iran seesawing vote results put race between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-liner Saeed Jalili
Early results from Iran's presidential election show a close contest between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-liner Saeed Jalili, with Pezeshkian leading with 5.3 million votes to Jalili's 4.8 million. Another candidate, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, garnered 1.6 million votes. Turnout figures were not yet disclosed. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, a runoff between the top two contenders will be held. This election follows the recent death of President Ebrahim Raisi, complicating Iran's political landscape amid regional tensions and internal challenges.
No matter who wins Iran's presidential election, much may hinge on the 'Great Satan' US
In the waning moments of Iran's final televised presidential debate, one of the top candidates to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi invoked the name of the one person who perhaps has done more than anyone to change the trajectory of the Islamic Republic's relationship with the wider world in recent years.
First candidate drops out of Iran presidential election, due to take place Friday amid voter apathy
United Arab Emirates - A candidate in Iran's presidential election withdrew from the race late Wednesday, becoming the first to back out in order for hard-liners to coalesce around a unity candidate in the vote to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi.
France, Germany, UK condemn Iran's latest nuclear measures
France, Germany, and Britain criticised Iran's recent nuclear actions. The United Nations atomic watchdog reporting an expansion of Iran's nuclear capacities, undermining the 2015 nuclear deal. The three countries expressed concern over Iran's increased enriched uranium stockpile and capacity, surpassing deal limits. The nations denounced Iran's lack of cooperation with the IAEA and reiterated their commitment to a diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
G7 warns Iran over continuing nuclear programme escalation
The G7 leaders warned Iran to halt nuclear enrichment activities and avoid transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and compliance with IAEA regulations.
Iran helicopter crash shows Tehran's reliance on an aging fleet as well as its challenges at home
While the cause of the May 19 crash remains unknown, the sudden death of the hard-line protege of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei exposed the contradictions and challenges facing the country's Shiite theocracy. The Iranian military investigators probing the crash have previously faced international criticism over their report on troops shooting down a Ukrainian airliner in 2020.
Iran opens registration for the June presidential election after Raisi died in a helicopter crash
Iran opened registration for candidates in the upcoming presidential election, which will replace the late Ebrahim Raisi. The election comes amidst heightened tensions with the US and protests in Iran. Candidates must be between 40 to 75 years old with a master's degree. The Guardian Council, overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will approve candidates. The election follows low turnouts in previous elections, reflecting discontent with the ruling cleric. Potential candidates include Mohammad Mokhber, Saeed Jalili, and former presidents Ahmadinejad and Khatami.
Iran further increases its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels
Iran has increased its uranium stockpile to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. Iran now has 142.1 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 20.6 kilograms since the last report in February. The IAEA reported that Tehran has not reconsidered its September 2023 decision to bar experienced nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program.
Iran President Raisi's death: 'It wasn't us,' says Israel, following tragic helicopter crash
An Israeli official denies involvement in the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as reported by Reuters. Raisi, a staunch supporter of Iran's supreme leader, died alongside officials in the crash. His presidency marked continued confrontation with the US and Israel, following Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
Aggression or Caution: The choice facing Iran's next leaders
A decade ago, it was possible to imagine a very different future for the United States and Iran. Raisi's predecessor, Hassan Rouhani, and his urbane, Western-educated foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, seemed determined to dial back the decades of hostility, and sanctions, that had crippled Iran's economy. They talked about personal freedom and women's rights, and courted European leaders even while Iran's Revolutionary Guard kept funding terrorism.
Helicopter crash that killed Iran's president and others could reverberate across the Middle East
The helicopter crash of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei underscores Iran's vast influence in the Middle East, impacting regional conflicts, alliances, and nuclear concerns.
Speculation arises over potential Israeli involvement in Iranian President Raisi's helicopter crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, known for his hard-line stance and ties to the supreme leader, died at 63 in a helicopter crash along with Iran's foreign minister and other officials. Raisi's tenure included significant actions like large-scale executions in 1988, uranium enrichment for potential nuclear weapons, and a major drone and missile strike against Israel. The crash, attributed to bad weather, has sparked speculation of foul play, with some suggesting possible Israeli involvement. However, experts and Israel deny this theory, as such an act would constitute a direct act of war.
How close is Iran to having nuclear weapons?
Iran's nuclear program advancements prompt international concern. The 2015 deal collapse led to uranium enrichment violations, raising doubts about Iran's nuclear intentions and capabilities. Uncertainties persist regarding weaponisation timelines and monitoring challenges.
Nuclear energy players need to take 90% uranium price spike bill or shut plants
The price of uranium has increased by 90% in 12 months, surpassing its cost in 16 years. Shutting down a nuclear power plant is costly and time-consuming, with daily costs reaching $1 million. However, the demand for uranium is rising due to the need for low-carbon power sources. Countries like France and the UK are reconsidering nuclear energy and expanding capacity. The global uranium supply is facing a deficit, with a shortage of enriched uranium as well. Hedge funds, ETFs, governments, and utilities are all vying for uranium, leading to price increases in the market.
Iran undoes slowdown in enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade: IAEA
Iran has increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous slowdown that had begun in mid-2023, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The uranium is being enriched to up to 60%, close to the weapons-grade level. The slowdown was initially believed to be a result of secret talks between the United States and Iran, leading to the release of U.S. citizens held in Iran.
Saudi Arabia says it plans tougher IAEA checks on its nuclear activities
"The kingdom has recently taken the decision to rescind its Small Quantities Protocol and to move to the implementation of a full-scope Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the IAEA's annual General Conference, speaking through an interpreter.
Iran slows enrichment of near-weapons-grade uranium: UN nuclear watchdog report
The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran has 121.6 kilograms (268 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, a far-slower growth than in previous counts. An IAEA report in May put the stockpile of 60% uranium at just over 114 kilograms (250 pounds). It had 87.5 kilograms (192 pounds) in February.
West clashes with Russia and Iran at UN over Tehran's uranium enrichment and drones for Russia
The United States and its Western allies have attacked Iran and Russia at the UN Security Council over Tehran's advancing uranium enrichment and its reported supply of combat drones to Moscow, which are being used to attack Ukraine. Ukraine claimed that over 1,000 drone launches had taken place and analysis confirmed their Iranian origin.
UN nuclear watchdog: 2.5 tons of uranium missing in Libya
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned member states that 10 drums containing approximately 2.5 tons of natural uranium in the form of uranium ore concentrate were not present as previously declared at a location in the state of Libya. The missing uranium raises safety and proliferation concerns, as each ton of natural uranium - if obtained by a group with the technological means and resources - can be refined to 5.6 kilograms (12 pounds) of weapons-grade material over time.
UN report: Uranium particles enriched to 83.7 per cent found in Iran
The IAEA report, which only speaks about "particles", suggests that Iran isn't building a stockpile of uranium enriched above 60 per cent - the level it has been enriching at from some time.
Iran denies enriching uranium above 60%, says Iranian news agency
"So far, we have not made any attempt to enrich above 60%. The presence of particles above 60% enrichment does not mean production with an enrichment above 60%," the spokesperson for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, Behrouz Kamalvandi, said on Monday, according to the official IRNA News agency.
Iran says it enriches uranium to 60% purity at Fordo site
Nonproliferation experts have warned in recent months that Iran now has enough 60 per cent-enriched uranium to reprocess into fuel for at least one nuclear bomb.
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