Tehran reacts to latest sanctions by Washington, after secretary of state announces new measures against two judges, declares plans to enact travel bans for Iranian officials

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

US defense chief tells Iraq's outgoing PM that rocket attacks blamed on Iran-backed militias 'not good for anybody'

Hawks win concession from White House after Republican lawmakers threaten to scuttle nomination of State Department official

As new rocket attack targets base near Baghdad housing US troops, military source says Tehran-backed force becoming bigger threat than Islamic State

Information minister says disgruntled contractor tried to extort cash by stealing credit card details; Israeli cyber expert suggests state-sponsored attack more likely

Aide to FM Zarif says figure 'not final,' stresses no direct talks were held between Tehran, Washington for exchange over the weekend

Tehran dismisses idea that weekend exchange resulted from negotiations between the countries; says talks can only start within framework of nuclear deal after US lifts sanctions

Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang traded for Iranian stem cell researcher Massoud Soleimani, in rare cooperation between two state foes

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