IRGC's Quds Force chief gives rare interview, seen as aiming to position himself at head of Iranian hierarchy alongside Khamenei

IRGC's Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani also says the Guards have 'paved the way' to defeat the Islamic Republic's regional enemies

Hossein Fereydoun, ex-top aide to the Iranian leader, was previously convicted of receiving bribes and had been a key figure in negotiations of the 2015 nuclear deal

French President Emmanuel Macron said to have nearly brokered call between the two leaders, but Iranian president refused at last minute due to lack of trust in US administration

Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei mocks Washington's lack of response to drone downing: 'They cannot defend themselves, so how would they defend Saudi Arabia?'

President Hassan Rouhani tells reporters Iran's nuclear activities will continue to be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency

Iranian president also says Germany, the UK and France pushed for a meeting at the UN, but Tehran declined due to current 'toxic atmosphere'

As Tehran's Revolutionary Guards Corps faces blame for Saudi Arabia attack, Tehran must choose between revolutionary ideology and adhering to international norms

Rouhani says new agreement possible, but American 'maximum pressure' campaign pushing away prospect of negotiations

Iranian president rules out negotiations with Trump unless sanctions lifted, warns Middle East is on the 'edge of collapse, as a single blunder can fuel a big fire'