Iran satellite launch fails, in blow to space programme Iran said it "successfully" launched a satellite on Sunday but failed to put it into orbit, in a blow to its space programme that the US alleges is a cover for missile development.

EU top diplomat holds talks in Iran to de-escalate tensions Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell on Monday held talks in the Iranian capital during a mission aimed at lowering tensions over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme.

EU states launch process disputing Iran's nuclear compliance Three EU countries on Tuesday launched a process charging Iran with failing to observe the terms of the 2015 deal curtailing its nuclear programme, a move that sparked anger and threats from Tehran at a time of growing tensions.

NATO tells Iran to avoid 'further provocations'

Tehran should avoid "further violence and provocations", NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned on Monday, as tensions mount in the Middle East after US forces killed a top Iranian general.

China, Russia press UN to ease N.Korea sanctions China  has urged the UN Security Council to unanimously back its joint proposal with Russia to ease sanctions on North Korea, warning that dialogue to resolve nuclear tensions must not regress.

Iran exceeds authorised heavy water reserves: IAEA The UN's nuclear watchdog said on Monday that Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors has surpassed the limit set under its agreement with world powers.

US targets Iran construction sector with new sanctions The United States on Thursday extended its sanctions on Iran by taking aim at its construction sector, which Washington linked to the country's Revolutionary Guards.

S.Korean leader proposes peace zone buffering North South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday proposed that the United Nations create an "international peace zone" to replace the peninsula's divide, saying the idea would both reassure the North and inspire the world.

G7 wrestles with Iran, Amazon fires and trade, but own unity shaky

G7 leaders close their summit on Monday with discussion of world problems including the fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest, but overshadowed by President Donald Trump's trade wars and questions over the group's unity.

Australia to join US in Gulf maritime security mission Australia will join the US-led mission to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Wednesday.