IRAN has sent a direct warning to the US and accused Washington of being the “root of our problems” and a “Zionist regime” as it showcased its weapons during a military parade in Tehran.

The Jerusalem Post, quoting a report in the Saudi Arabian newspaper Elaph, reports Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil reportedly met with senior Israeli officials in Moscow and “discussed borders.” The source told the newspaper the two-hour meeting occurred under the auspices of Russia, the report said. Reports say the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including the Syrian issue, the Assad regime and the issue of Iranian weapons factories in Lebanon, eported. The Israeli official reportedly stressed to Bassil Israel does not see Lebanon as an enemy, but emphasized the Israelis will not hesitate to strike Hezbollah and Iranian interests in his country, the...

(This April 17 story has been refiled to add dropped word in paragraph four.)

Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, boosted by a decline in U.S. inventories, ongoing supply cuts from OPEC and its allies, and U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

Oil prices eased on Thursday, although a decline in U.S. inventories, ongoing supply cuts from OPEC and its allies, and U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and Iran all limited losses.

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran's armed forces did not pose a threat to its neighbors as he addressed a display on Thursday of Iran's latest military equipment, including domestically produced fighter jets and Russian-made missile systems.

Dubai: The UN Security Council expressed “grave concern” Wednesday that agreements reached four months ago by the warring parties in Yemen have not been carried out and called for their implementation “without delay.” The council reiterated its endorsement of the December 13 ceasefire agreement between Yemen’s government and Iran-backed Al Houthi militants that called for the “phased but rapid mutual withdrawals” of fighters from the key port of Hodeida, two smaller ports in the province, and Hodeida city. In their statement, council members “noted with concern continued violence...

Iran has showcased domestically made fighter jets by flying the aircraft over Tehran during a military parade marking National Army Day.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that Iranian armed forces were not a threat against any regional country, as Tehran held an Army Day military parade to unveil its latest military equipment.