Japanese PM tells Iranian president that Tokyo 'will patiently continue its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East,' says plans to send warships to region

US ambassador to UN seen speaking to Iranian counterpart following Security Council gathering on nuclear deal where US warned against 'malign Iranian behavior'

Pompeo denounces Tehran's violent crackdown on recent protests, says 'appeasement of the regime simply will not work'

At Islamic conference in Malaysia, Rouhani suggests creation of special banking and financial mechanism among Muslim nations

New penalties target Iran's state shipping line and a China-based company involved in delivering missile parts to Tehran

In Italy, foreign minister laments lack of European support for sanctions on Tehran, says Israel won't talk with Syria's Assad while he hosts Iranian forces in Syria

Rouhani tells parliament the 'resistance budget' will beat American embargoes; says $5 billion loan from Russia being finalized

The three officials are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a Shiite militia movement close to Iran

Meeting comes as European parties to pact weigh triggering mechanism that could lead to reimposition of sanctions over Iranian violations

Amid rising tensions and bellicose statements from Iranian generals, the country's president says talks can begin 'when US lifts unfair sanctions'