Home-grown Dena destroyer-class vessel and Shahin minesweeper arrive in ceremony; President Rouhani says procurement a 'major task'

But foreign ministry spokesperson doubts new leadership will bring about a change of policies

In troubled country, choices for leadership do not inspire much confidence that things will get better

Diplomats say complicating factors include order of proposed measures, dealing with advances in Iran’s nuclear processing capability and presidential election in Iran

State Department spokesman insists the move is unrelated to the negotiations, but can't say what 'change in behavior' by Tehran led to the removals

Envoy to International Atomic Energy Agency says that claim is 'counterproductive' and 'deeply disappointing' to Tehran, warns attitude could become an 'obstacle' in negotiations

Vessels departed in May from Iran’s southern port, says deputy army chief, describing their mission as navy's longest, most challenging voyage yet

But former Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati stresses that a US return to nuclear deal is key, and that so far, Washington has shown 'anything serious' yet

Saeid Mollaei, who fled Iran in 2019 after refusing to throw matches to avoid Israelis, trounces Din Yaacov Gemer at World Judo Championships

Outgoing president criticizes hardliners over women's rights, internet censorship in response to their attacks over 'hope' campaign surroundeding now-tattered 2015 nuke deal