Iran stepped up its crackdown on Monday after recent protests, making more arrests while holding the door open to Washington for further nuclear negotiations. Alongside its defiant pronouncements, Iran has signalled it could come to some kind of deal to dial back its nuclear programme to avoid further conflict with Washington.

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has taken the unusual step of tapping military leaders for high-level diplomacy, sending the top U.S. commander in the Middle East to talks over Iran’s nuclear program and positioning the Army secretary as a key negotiator on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

PM set to give Trump latest intel; Tehran's atomic chief floats downblending near-weapons-grade nuclear material in exchange for sanctions relief; Khamenei calls for national 'resolve' The post Iran steps up arrests,

Khamenei has joined the annual session every year since taking leadership in 1989 -- even through the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a report.

Iran has drawn a clear red line. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran will never give up uranium enrichment, even if war is imposed. Speaking after indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Oman,