Issawi Frej, the regional cooperation minister, says he hopes to see ties grow; Saudi Arabia has previously said there will be no normalization without Israeli-Palestinian peace

In first phone call with a Western leader, Islamic Republic's new president also says his country is serious about ‘maintaining deterrence’ in Gulf waters

If a deal cannot be reached, Biden administration reportedly weighing a number of possible interim steps; new president Raisi speaks with Macron, in 1st call with a Western leader

Hardline president to reveal conservative cabinet in coming days, as nuclear talks expected to pick up in September

Newly elected president of Islamic Republic also under sanctions, names chairman of the state-owned Setad conglomerate to be his VP

Josep Borrell condemns 'unlawful attack' on Israel-linked Mercer Street vessel; Tehran continues to deny allegations

Daily cases also surge to an all-time record of 39,600; hospitals facing a 'crisis' with 6,462 new serious infections

In meetings with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, PFLP leaders during first full day in office, new Iranian president praise their 'victory' over Israel in May Gaza conflict

Unnamed senior figure says new Iranian official, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, may be new FM in Raisi's cabinet, oversee negotiations

Iranian Revolutionary Guards chief meets with deputy secretary-general of Lebanese terror group in Tehran, says barrage signals unchanged response policy