TEHRAN (Iran News) Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Norway’s deputy foreign minister, has condemned the ongoing crisis in Gaza, labeling the actions taking place there as a clear violation of international law.

He emphasized that the events of October 7, 2023, cannot justify the criminal actions of the Israeli regime in the besieged area.

In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, Kravik criticized the Israeli regime for waging a war against Palestinians in Gaza that lacks any legal basis under international law. According to the official, in response to the situation, Norway has imposed sanctions on Israeli officials, specifically Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of “National Security,” and Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance.

Kravik called for sustained diplomatic coalitions against the destructive policies of the Israeli regime, rebuking comments from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who suggested that Europe must choose between supporting Israel or Hamas.

Additionally, Norway is reviewing a ban on its companies participating in activities that support settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the largest of its kind globally, recently announced its decision to divest from six companies linked to Israel following an ethical review of its investments.” crimes in Gaza”

The fund, valued at $2 trillion, indicated that the names of the divested companies and the reasons for their exclusion will be disclosed upon completion of the divestment process.

In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, Kravik criticized the Israeli regime for waging a war against Palestinians in Gaza that lacks any legal basis under international law. According to the official, in response to the situation, Norway has imposed sanctions on Israeli officials, specifically Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of “National Security,” and Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance.

Kravik called for sustained diplomatic coalitions against the destructive policies of the Israeli regime, rebuking comments from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who suggested that Europe must choose between supporting Israel or Hamas.

Additionally, Norway is reviewing a ban on its companies participating in activities that support settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the largest of its kind globally, recently announced its decision to divest from six companies linked to Israel following an ethical review of its investments.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Esmail Baghaei began his press conference today (Monday) by commemorating the martyrs of the diplomats who were martyred during the attack on the Iranian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Baghaei also strongly condemned the recent attack by the Zionist regime on journalists in Gaza, calling this attack an example of a war crime.

The international community continues to complicity in the Zionist regime in committing crimes with inaction

At the beginning of the meeting, he read parts of the will of Anas Al-Sharif, the martyred journalist of the Al Jazeera Qatar network who was martyred by the Zionist regime.

Baghaei continued: “Dozens of Palestinians were martyred in the past 24 hours, and we regret that the international community sees and hears these tragedies, but continues to inaction and allow the Zionist regime to commit these crimes.”

We cannot say that negotiations with Europe have stopped

In response to a question about whether Iran’s negotiations with three European countries have stopped, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “We cannot say that negotiations have stopped.”

He added: “At the Istanbul meeting, which was held about two weeks ago, the parties agreed that the talks would continue, but no decision has been made on the time and place, and this does not mean that the talks have stopped.”

A number of new ambassadors and chargés d’affaires of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been elected

In response to a question, Baghaei also announced the names of Iran’s new ambassadors and chargés d’affaires in some countries and said: “Within this framework, Issa Kameli has been elected as Iran’s ambassador to Poland, Mohammad Hassan Sheikh El-Islami as Iran’s ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Mohammad Bagher Abolfath as Iran’s ambassador to Namibia, Mohammad Sadegh Fazli as Iran’s ambassador to Serbia, Amir Hossein Hosseini as Iran’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Heydarian as Iran’s consul general in Astrakhan, Saeed Hariri as Iran’s ambassador to Guangzhou, Amir Hossein Gharibnejad as Iran’s ambassador to Croatia, and Ziaei as Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Chile.”

I do not approve of Norway hosting Iran-US talks

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also responded to the question that it has been claimed that Norway will host the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States and whether you confirm such news, saying: “No, we do not confirm such news.”

We are complaining to the IAEA

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also said in response to a question about IAEA’s delegation’s visit to Iran: The talks are scheduled to begin this morning and they will also meet with the Foreign Ministry.

He continued: We cannot predict right now what the outcome of these talks will be. And it is too early to talk about this.

Baghaei continued: The discussions in this area are technical and complex, and we are now facing a situation that is unique. In the history of the Agency’s activity, we have never witnessed an attack on a peaceful nuclear facility of a country that is under 24-hour surveillance by the Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency does not condemn this issue as it should, and we are complaining about this to the Agency.

He added: There is no new method or procedure for these matters, and this trip and the consultations that will be held during it will be focused on how Iran and the Agency will interact in the future in light of the events that have occurred during this period and taking into account the resolution of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

We hope that with Larijani’s presence, we will be able to actively advance issues on all diplomatic issues as before

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also responded to a question regarding whether, given Mr. Larijani’s negotiation history, it is possible for the nuclear negotiations file to be transferred from the Foreign Ministry to the Supreme National Security Council, saying: The nuclear file and the negotiations related to it have always been carried out in coordination and under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council, and the Foreign Ministry, as the custodian of the negotiations, has advanced this file in accordance with the announced policies, and now the work continues in the same way.

Baghaei said: “We hope that with the presence of Dr. Larijani in the Supreme National Security Council, we will be able to actively advance issues in all issues related to the country’s diplomacy, as before.”

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia to Visit Tehran Tomorrow

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also announced that the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia will visit Tehran tomorrow, and that the President of our country and the Prime Minister of Armenia will also speak to each other by phone today.

Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement could be a turning point in establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus

Baghaei said about the recent developments in the South Caucasus and the agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the United States with Trump’s presence and the concerns about this: “We were and are in close contact with neighboring countries in the South Caucasus region. We have good relations with both the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, and we highly value friendly relations based on good neighborliness and mutual benefits.”

He added: “Our expectation is and our practice has been to be in contact with these countries regarding developments that may directly or indirectly affect Iran’s interests. We have been in talks with Armenia for a long time.”

Baghaei emphasized: “Regarding the essence of the issue of concluding a peace agreement, this is not a new issue. If you remember, in previous talks, we encouraged both sides to accelerate the signing of the peace agreement.”

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said: We believe that this peace agreement can be a turning point in establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

Baghaei explained: High-level consultations will be held between Iranian and Armenian officials today and tomorrow, in order to be more closely informed about the situation and possibly share our considerations and concerns with them.

We have no trust in America

The Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized in response to a question in his conversation with reporters: We have no trust in America.

He continued: We did not trust America when we were negotiating. What happened in the midst of the negotiations, namely the Zionist regime’s attack on Iran and the US’s participation in this attack, does not leave room even for zero trust.

Baghaei also said: What guarantees Iran’s independence is our own capabilities, including military capabilities that we are pursuing seriously, and in the field of diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses all its power to advance the country’s interests in a timely manner.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a member of the Defense Council

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also responded to the question whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a member of the Defense Council.

We do not need a mediator to communicate with the IAEA

Baghaei also responded to the question whether Egypt is a mediator between Iran and the Agency, given the consultations that the Egyptian Foreign Minister had with Araqchi and the Secretary General of the International Atomic Energy Agency at the same time. He said: No, there is no such thing. We are in contact with the Agency. The Agency delegation is in Iran today, and we do not need a mediator in this regard.

No decision has been made yet regarding negotiations with the US

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also said in response to a question about holding a new round of Iran-US talks: No decision has been made yet regarding negotiations.

He also explained: Talks between Iran and the US on various issues continue through intermediaries if necessary, including through the US interests ombudsman in Iran and countries that have exchanged messages in the past year, but as I mentioned, no decision has been made yet regarding negotiations.

Iran’s principled position has been to defend Lebanon’s national independence and territorial integrity

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also said in response to another question regarding Iran’s view of the Lebanese cabinet’s resolution on disarming Hezbollah and the reaction of Lebanese officials to the recent statements by Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Velayati in this regard: Preserving Lebanon’s independence, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty is our proven position. Our friendship with the Lebanese people is a proven issue. We always emphasize the necessity of preserving the independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Lebanon’s right to defend itself against the evils of the Zionist regime.

He continued: “We understand the difficulties of being adjacent to an occupying entity that knows no bounds in committing aggression and crimes. We have always stood by Lebanon in defending itself.”

Baghaei added: “What has been stated has been Iran’s principled position in defending the national independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon. We expressed our understanding and view of the developments in Lebanon. The experience of living in this region shows us that nothing can prevent the aggression and aggression of the Zionist regime except equipping countries with the necessary capabilities and weapons to defend themselves, and we consider this issue to be Lebanon’s inherent right.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman noted: “It is not possible to exercise this inherent right without resorting to military force and weapons. Of course, as we emphasized, decision-making on this issue is up to Lebanon itself, and the Lebanese people and various Lebanese groups, through established processes, can definitely recognize Lebanon’s interests and benefits in the best way and act accordingly.”

Iran’s border with Armenia is one of the safest borders

Baghaei also clarified in response to another question regarding the developments in the South Caucasus: “The South Caucasus region has a very high value for Iran in terms of geopolitical, political, economic and neighborly relations. Therefore, it is natural that we are involved in processes that may shape or affect developments there in any way.”

He emphasized: We were in close contact with both the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia; the visit of the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia to Tehran tomorrow is in this direction, and as mentioned, today the Prime Minister of Armenia is scheduled to have a conversation with the President to explain these developments. The Foreign Minister of Armenia recently emphasized that Armenia will refrain from any action that is in any way incompatible or worrying for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Baghaei emphasized: We have a small border with Armenia, but it is one of the safest borders. We have friendly, historical and long-standing relations with Armenia. We are closely presenting our positions.

This senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran continued: We have always welcomed the removal of blockages and the expansion of communication routes with regional countries as a means of economic development, and we have also announced that developments should not be contrary to international law, should not violate international borders, should not violate the national sovereignty of countries. This is our consistent position and the two neighboring countries are well aware of it.

Baghaei said: We do not consider the intervention of extra-regional powers to be beneficial for the security and stability of this region in any way or form. We have expressed our opposition to this issue explicitly and will make this issue very clear in future contacts we will have with Armenian officials.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also responded to another question regarding Iran’s view of the Lebanese cabinet’s resolution on Hezbollah’s disarmament and the reaction of Lebanese officials to the recent statements by Mr. Araqchi and Mr. Velayati in this regard, saying: “Preserving Lebanon’s independence, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty is our proven position. Our friendship with the Lebanese people is a proven issue. We always emphasize the necessity of preserving Lebanon’s independence and territorial integrity and Lebanon’s right to defend itself against the evils of the Zionist regime.”

He continued: “We understand the difficulties of being adjacent to an occupying entity that knows no bounds in committing aggression and crimes.” We have always stood by Lebanon to defend ourselves.

Baghaei added: What has been stated is Iran’s principled position in defending Lebanon’s national independence and territorial integrity. We have expressed our understanding and perspective on the developments. The experience of living in this region shows us that nothing can prevent the Zionist regime’s aggression and aggression except equipping countries with the necessary capabilities and weapons to defend themselves, and we consider this issue to be Lebanon’s inherent right.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman noted: “It is not possible to exercise this inherent right without resorting to military capabilities and weapons. Of course, as we emphasized, the decision-making on this issue is up to Lebanon itself, and the Lebanese people and various Lebanese groups, through established processes, can definitely recognize Lebanon’s interests and benefits in the best way and act accordingly.”

Regarding the nuclear-related negotiations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will act based on the decision-making of the competent authorities of the system and a clear and legal hierarchy

In response to a question about the statements of former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi of the Islamic Republic of Iran in an interview about the parallel committee behind the scenes of the negotiations, he said: “Different views are expressed on different issues. Regarding the nuclear-related negotiations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will act based on the decision-making of the competent authorities of the system and a clear and legal hierarchy that it has, and will announce its views to the decision-making authorities in an appropriate manner in this regard.

Europe must review its approach

This senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said in this meeting, as in his recent several press conferences, in response to a question regarding the Europeans’ efforts to use the trigger mechanism as a tool to exert pressure on Iran: Using the so-called trigger mechanism to exert pressure on Iran is a sign of the three European countries’ desire not to play a constructive and serious role in this issue. We emphasize that Europe, three European countries, for clear reasons, both because they are failing to fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA and because of their approach after the military aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran and their refusal to take a logical and legal stance against this blatant violation of the law, have effectively deprived themselves of the benefits of membership in the JCPOA.

He added: If Europe wishes to play a constructive, effective, and credible role in the negotiation processes related to the nuclear issue, it must review its approach.

Baghaei emphasized: Using this issue as a threat to pressure Iran will certainly not be the answer, except to marginalize Europe more than before.

It was clear from the beginning that the Zionist regime sought to occupy Gaza

In response to another question about the statements of US President Donald Trump, who claimed that we do not intend to occupy Gaza and that we want to save it from Hamas, as well as the Zionist regime’s cabinet resolution on the complete military occupation of Gaza by this regime, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stated: “It was clear from the beginning that the Zionist regime sought to occupy Gaza and the West Bank and eliminate Palestine as an identity and nation and as a country.”

In this regard, Baghaei noted: “The excuses that are put forward from time to time to justify the massacre are ridiculous and no one believes them. You read the reactions of the countries. Most countries condemned it and opposed it because they know that it is in line with the forced displacement of the Palestinian people and another step towards completing the genocide plan in Gaza and occupied Palestine.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman stated: “In our view, this plan is nothing more than a continuation of aggression and genocide in Gaza, and we hope that the international community will take credible and serious action to prevent such evil from happening, and beyond that, practical action will be taken as soon as possible to stop the crime and prosecute and punish the criminals.”

The Palermo Convention is considered one of the important international treaties in the field of combating and international cooperation against transnational organized crime

In response to a question about the news published in recent days that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had invited the head of our country’s Financial Intelligence Center for negotiations, Beqaei said: “In this regard, I should point out that more details can be sought from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, because the “Financial Intelligence Unit” that is in charge of this issue is located in that ministry and bears the main responsibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also doing part of the work.”

The senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran continued: “The most important recent development, which is not necessarily related to FATF, but rather a sovereign decision made by the decision-making authorities based on the recognition of the country’s interests, is the membership of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the “Convention against Transnational Organized Crime,” known as the Palermo Convention. After this membership was approved by the competent authorities, Iran’s instrument of accession to this convention was deposited by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. This action was taken on August 6, and thus, Iran officially became a member of this convention.

Baghaei also said: “The Palermo Convention, which has been in force since 2003, is one of the important international treaties in the field of combating and international cooperation against transnational organized crime. Iran was also one of the first signatories to this treaty.” Membership in this document has been one of the issues raised in the interactions between Iran and FATF, and we hope that this development can help advance the work of our colleagues in the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance in areas related to their agenda.

From the beginning, we have seriously put the legal pursuit of the military aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States on the agenda

In response to a question about the latest status of the documentation and pursuit of the aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States on the agenda, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: We have seriously put the legal pursuit of the military aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States on the agenda from the beginning.

He continued: A major part of this work is documentation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began many measures in this regard from the very beginning of this aggression; our international department has conducted the necessary correspondence and documentation with the United Nations and other relevant institutions; the English and Persian texts of these measures have been prepared and can be used by the media.

Baghaei added: “Part of this issue is related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the other part is related to the Judiciary and the Presidential Legal Office, which we are working closely with to see how we can advance the issue of filing a lawsuit with the competent international authorities; it is necessary to take criminal action and file an indictment against the perpetrators and participants in the military aggression of the Zionist regime in domestic courts, issue the necessary rulings, and based on them, we can follow up on the issue at the international level.”

Our relationship with the People’s Republic of China is a strong one

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also said in response to a question from a Phoenix China reporter about the US sanctions against Iran and its impact on economic relations with China: “These sanctions are not just against one or two countries. The US has undermined all international rules and regulations in the field of free trade; whether through imposing trade tariffs against countries or, worse, through imposing sanctions against legitimate and legal relations between different countries.”

He continued: “There is no doubt that the US action is an illegal action and contrary to the provisions of international law, because it violates the decision of Iran and China as two independent countries and members of the United Nations. This is in no way justifiable. Our relationship with the People’s Republic of China is a strong one, and both countries will definitely make a decision in this regard based on their own interests and benefits and will continue their good relations.” The Foreign Ministry spokesman also responded to another question from the Chinese journalist regarding Iran’s opinion on the upcoming meeting between the US and Russian presidents. He said: “We have no input into other people’s meetings. What is important is to focus on pursuing our own interests and those of our region. We are interacting and consulting with Russian officials on issues that are on the agenda of our bilateral relations and multilateral consultations, including the nuclear issue.”

The situation requires increased consultations with the region

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also responded to a question from an Arab media outlet about the visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, to Iraq and Lebanon and the purpose of this visit in this sensitive situation, saying: Incidentally, because the situation is sensitive, it requires that the consultations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the countries of the region be increased, with the clear aim of preserving peace, stability and security in the West Asian region. The aim in both Iraq and Lebanon is to hold talks with the relevant officials of the two countries with the aim of exchanging views on the latest developments in the region and helping to preserve and strengthen peace and stability in the region.

Rubio’s claim is ridiculous

This senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated regarding the recent claim by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities was intended to prevent the conflict between Israel and Iran from turning into a regional and all-out war: It is very clear that this is a ridiculous claim. They are making such a ridiculous excuse to justify a blatant violation of the law, aggression and assault on the territorial integrity of a country and violation of Iran’s national sovereignty, and this is in no way justifiable.

Baghaei added: “The reality of the matter, which should not be distorted in any way, is that in the midst of the negotiations, in a situation where we were supposed to hold the sixth round of negotiations two days later, the US somehow sent the Zionist regime as its proxy to war with Iran and then, worst of all, it itself participated in this blatant military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He emphasized: “These excuses and claims in no way reduce the heavy burden of responsibility of the US for committing this unlawful and criminal act.”

Our contacts with Egypt continue continuously

In response to a question about the time of full restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Egypt, given the continuous consultations between the foreign ministers of the two countries, this senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated: Regarding relations with Egypt, you are certainly following the news of the foreign minister’s contacts with his Egyptian counterpart. During this year, we have had continuous and close contacts with Egypt, both on bilateral issues and on regional issues. After the military aggression of the Zionist regime against Iran, you witnessed that Egypt played an important role in creating a kind of regional consensus against this aggression. Therefore, our contacts with Egypt continue continuously.

Baghaei noted: In the field of bilateral relations, as Mr. Araqchi announced in his television interview, we have reached the necessary understandings; but ultimately, the final decision on this issue will be the responsibility of both sides. We have announced that we are not in a hurry in this regard.

Addressing the questioning reporter, he clarified: Of course, we currently have relations with Egypt and our interests protection office in Cairo and the Egyptian interests protection office in Tehran are active. But if you mean restoring normal diplomatic relations and sending an ambassador, this is an issue that both sides should decide on at the appropriate time.

At the end of today’s meeting, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran hosted a number of students, as in previous weeks.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to a Friday report, the head of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, has said that the match against the Israeli team goes beyond the ‘purely sporting aspect’, highlighting concerns over ‘disproportionate attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza’ and Norway’s long-standing ties to the Palestinian Football Association. “Norway ”

The Norwegian Football Federation has taken a decisive stand by refusing to face Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Citing the ongoing war in Gaza and what it calls “Israeli genocide” since October 7, 2023, the federation condemned Israel’s actions against Palestinian civilians.

This unprecedented move comes as a powerful statement in sports, reflecting growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The federation has called on international football bodies, including FIFA and UEFA, to impose consequences on Israel.

The decision underscores Norway’s alignment with its government’s firm stance against civilian casualties and calls for accountability in international conflicts. As the crisis deepens, Norway’s action sets a new precedent for blending sports and human rights advocacy on a global stage.

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Nasir Abdul Mohsen Abdullah Taki of Iraq, Sigvald Tomin Hauge of Norway and Jesper Vahr of Denmark handed over copies of their credentials to the Iranian foreign minister.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia Tarek Bettaieb also met with Zarif to bid farewell at the end of his mission in Iran.

IRNA and iranpress.com contributed to this story.

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During the conversation with Secretary-General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Norway Tore Hattrem on Wednesday afternoon, Araqchi referred to the global outbreak of the coronavirus and the need for all countries to work together to deal with it.

Beside discussing ties, the official in Norway also pointed to Washington’s unilateral sanctions against Iran in these difficult conditions and called on the international community to address this illegal and inhumane act by the United States.

The two sides further talked about bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments. The next round of political consultations between the two countries in Oslo, the regional developments, including the Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE), peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the latest situation in Iraq, and the need to continue humanitarian aid for Yemen were among other issues discussed in the telephone call.

The Norwegian official also expressed his sympathy for the Iranian government and people’s battle with the coronavirus and highlighted his country’s policy of multilateralism in the global arena and its assistance to international organizations to ensure the health of people.

Hattrem called for continued consultations with Iran on security and stability in the Persian Gulf and West Asia.

The Norwegian diplomat also invited the Iranian diplomat to visit Oslo after the coronavirus crisis which was welcomed by Araqchi.

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STRASBOURG (Dispatches) – Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden will join the INSTEX mechanism for trade with Iran, the six countries declared in a joint statement on Friday (29 November) ahead of further talks between parties to the Iran nuclear deal in Vienna next week.

According To Iran News, Sanction-hit Iran was recently shaken by demonstrations that erupted across the country last week, hours after the price of petrol was raised by as much as 200%, and unrest spread to scores of urban centres, with officials confirming five deaths.

In reaction to EU statements calling for “maximum restraint” handling the protests, Tehran said Europe should refrain from intervening in Iran’s affairs and instead focus on delivering promises under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran’s economy has been battered since May last year when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The plan was signed in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, US, Germany, and the EU, and hit Iran with sanctions.

The accord required Iran to scale back its nuclear program and considerably downgrade its uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief.

European efforts to ensure that Iran can keep trading in spite of the sanctions have had little impact.

“In light of the continuous European support for the agreement and the ongoing efforts to implement the economic part of it and to facilitate legitimate trade between Europe and Iran, we are now in the process of becoming shareholders of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) subject to completion of national procedures,” the joint statement said.

INSTEX was born as the brainchild of France, Germany and the UK in January 2019. It was created as a special purpose vehicle to help EU companies do business with Iran and facilitate non-USD transactions to avoid breaking US sanctions against the country.

Following a meeting of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA in June, EU’s foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, said that the purpose of INSTEX is to facilitate “legitimate trade” with Iran for any EU member and that it has been conceived to be open to non-EU countries.

The six EU member states joining the mechanism reiterated that they “attach the utmost importance to the preservation and full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) on Iran’s nuclear program by all parties involved”.

They also urged Iran to return without delay to full compliance with the terms and provisions of the nuclear agreement.

After the U.S. withdrawal, Tehran began gradually abandoning its JCPOA obligations. In May this year, Iran warned it would gradually abandon its nuclear commitments every 60 days.

Iran announced publicly last week it would resume low-grade uranium enrichment at its underground Fordow nuclear plant, a site ringed by anti-aircraft guns, and this was confirmed by findings of the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

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An armed man was arrested after he stole an ambulance and drove into a family in Oslo, Norway, injuring two babies.

According To Iran News,

Three people were hurt, including twin babies in a pram, when the man drove off and struck a family, Norweigan police and hospital officials told Reuters.

The infants were taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment.

Police said they shot and wounded the man before arresting him at the scene, adding he was not critically injured.

“Two babies were injured after the hijacked ambulance hit a family. They are twins, seven months old, they are being Treated,” an Oslo University hospital spokesman said.

The hospital spokesman added that two of the hospital’s ambulances were involved.

He said: “One was hijacked by an armed person with a shotgun. Some minutes later one of our other ambulances managed to stop the hijacked vehicle by crashing into it, Sky News reported.

“Then the police came after the crash and got him.”

Broadcaster NRK earlier reported that a baby in a pram was among the injured and was taken to hospital.

It also showed images of an ambulance driving in the Torshov neighborhood of Oslo as several gunshots were fired.

Police also said they were looking for a woman who may have been involved in the incident.

More pictures from the scene show police cars surrounding the stolen ambulance after it appeared to have crashed into a house.

The Aftenposten newspaper also published a photo of a man wearing green trousers lying next to a vehicle surrounded by police officers.

Another photo showed a handcuffed man, flanked by police, walking towards an ambulance stretcher.

One witness, Omar Khatujev, told the newspaper that he saw “the ambulance driving at high speed toward me… and right behind a police car. I heard several shots.”

Police did not state whether the incident was being treated as a deliberate attack, and did not say if anyone had died.

“An armed man stole an ambulance, drove away and hit some people. We got him now,” the police spokesman said.

Oslo police also tweeted: “We are in control of the ambulance that was stolen. Shots were fired to stop him. He is not in critical condition.”

The incident took place in the northern part of Oslo, the Norwegian capital.

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The Iranian top diplomat also held a separate meeting with Isaksen on Thursday, discussing a host of issues, including ways to boost bilateral relations between the two countries in diverse economic fields.

Zarif is slated to hold talks with his Norwegian counterpart, Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide, later today.

Zarif started his tour of Scandinavia on Sunday night, which has taken him to Finland, Sweden, and Norway.

During his visit to Finland, Zarif met with President Sauli Niinisto and his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto.

The two sides discussed the 2015 nuclear deal known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), maritime security in the Persian Gulf, and also issues related to human rights.

He also met with Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Trade Ville Skinnari during his stay in the country.

Zarif left Finland on Monday for Sweden on the second leg of a three-nation tour of Scandinavia.

The top Iranian diplomat had visited Kuwait before heading to Scandinavia.

From Norway, Zarif plans to make an official visit to France and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Friday.

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On May 16, representatives of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and of Venezuelan incumbent president Nicolas Maduro held talks in Oslo in an attempt to resolve the political crisis in the country. Maduro hailed the talks as positive. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry informed on Saturday that another meeting between the Venezuelan government and opposition representatives would be held next week in Oslo.

Situation in Venezuela

Juan Guaido, Venezuelan opposition leader and speaker of the National Assembly, whose appointment to that position had been canceled by the country’s Supreme Court, declared himself interim president at a rally in the country’s capital, Caracas, on January 23. On the same day, the United States recognized him as an interim president, and the countries of the Lima Group (excluding Mexico) and the Organization of American States followed suit. Venezuela’s incumbent President Nicolas Maduro blasted the move as an attempted coup and announced cutting diplomatic ties with the United States.

Most European Union member states recognized Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president. Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Iran, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Syria and Turkey voiced support for Maduro.

On April 30, a group of military representatives expressed support for Guaido, which started a wave of massive anti-government protests in the country. Five people died and hundreds were injured in clashes with law enforcement. Non-governmental organizations reported that nearly 340 protesters were detained.

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