Nuclear swap deal still on the table: Salehi

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Director Ali-Akbar Salehi says the door to talks on a nuclear swap deal with the West is still open.

German public sector unions continue strikes

Thousands of public sector workers continue with work stoppages across Germany, demanding a pay raise ahead of the wage talks scheduled for Wednesday.

French soldier killed in Afghanistan

A French soldier has been killed and another has been critically injured in a battle with suspected Taliban militants in eastern Afghanistan.

Sudan, Chad agree to end proxy war

The presidents of Sudan and Chad have agreed on a series of unprecedented steps to end years of hostilities between their countries.

US offers to help Iran procure medical radioisotopes

US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley has announced that the international community is willing to help Iran procure medical radioisotopes from foreign countries.

Obama threatens Iran with 'significant sanctions'

US President Barack Obama said the United States is developing a “significant regime of sanctions” against Iran, shortly after Tehran announced its decision to start enriching uranium to a level of 20 percent.

Brazil opposes calls to impose more sanctions on Iran

Brazil has warned against imposing a new round of UN sanctions on Iran, saying that the dispute over Iran's nuclear program should be resolved through peaceful means.

Greece braces for a day of strikes, starting at airports

Starting at midnight local time on Tuesday, all Greek airports were set to come to a halt in response to a call for a walkout by civil aviation workers.

Investigation under way into 10 Texas church blazes

Officials in Tyler, Texas have launched an arson investigation to determine how at least ten churches and houses of worship caught fire.

San Francisco mayor cuts hours for city workers

Nearly 10,000 San Francisco city workers will be laid off and most rehired for jobs with shorter hours under a controversial plan being examined by Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Two Mousavi aides released from prison

Two senior aides to Iran's defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi have been released from prison.

New poll raises prospect of hung parliament in UK

A new poll has raised the possibility of a hung parliament emerging from Britian's upcoming general elections, as the ruling Labor Party struggles to close the gap with the opposition Conservative's 10% lead.

Somali pirates free Panamanian ship, crew

Heavy rain kills 13 people in NW Pakistan

At least 13 people have been killed and several others wounded in different parts of northwest Pakistan due to heavy rains and snow.

Russia blames US for impeding arms-control pact

Obesity causes puberty delay in boys

A new study finds that unlike overweight girls, overweight boys may start puberty later than their normal-weight peers.

Iran to launch home-built anti-missile system

In response to the US military buildup in the Persian Gulf, Iran will soon launch a domestically-built air defense system to counter the ballistic missile threat in the future.

Sri Lankan president dissolves parliament

Sri Lanka's newly re-elected President Mahinda Rajapaksa has dissolved the parliament, effective Wednesday, calling for new legislative elections.

Nigeria names caretaker head of state

The Nigerian Parliament has voted to suspend the ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua from office and hand power to his deputy, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.

Most disqualified Iraqi candidates failed to appeal

Almost all banned candidates for the next Iraqi election have lost their chance to appeal after failing to submit their cases properly to the election commission.

Iran's third visual arts expo under way

Tehran is set to hold the third edition of Iran's visual arts expo presenting works by over 220 veteran and aspiring artists.

Thirdhand smoke can cause cancer: Study

While secondhand smoke had long been known to have cancer-causing properties, a new study reports thirdhand smoke has the same effects.

Iranian director makes documentary on Cuba

Veteran Iranian director Shahrokh Bahrololoumi is making a documentary about Cuba's recent history starting from 1959.

College students rally at EU embassies in Tehran

University students in the Iranian capital of Tehran have rallied in front of two European embassies, calling on the Parliament to limit ties with the "interfering" governments.

Saudi forces raid Yemen's northern villages

Saudi air strikes continue to target northern Yemen as the Sana'a government says it would reconsider ceasefire with the fighters should they comply with its demands.

More snow likely to cripple major US cities

A major snow storm is sweeping through the US Mid-Atlantic region where plows still haven't touched some roads, resulting in closed schools, stranded people, and government closings.

Statin prevents heart disease in healthy individuals

FDA approves rosuvastatin (Crestor) for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, making it the first statin recommended to be used in healthy individuals.

Glaucoma drugs increase survival rate?

Taking various glaucoma medication lowers the risk of death in sufferers from different causes, a new study finds.

Ankara exhibits modern Iranian paintings

The Ankara State Museum of Painting and Sculpture has mounted an exhibition of paintings by contemporary Iranian painters.

Parental age influences risk of autism

Both paternal and maternal age may influence the baby's risk of developing autism in the long run, a new study finds.

NATO supply container blown up in NW Pakistan

A container carrying supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan has been destroyed in a powerful explosion that ripped through a convoy of trucks in northwest Pakistan.

Dozens killed in Afghanistan avalanches

Avalanche has killed dozens of people in Hindu Kush mountainous regions of Afghanistan while hundreds of people are still trapped in freezing cold temperatures.

US invokes 'urgency' on imposing Iran sanctions

The US again threatens Iran with fresh sanctions within "a matter of weeks" as Tehran has begun enriching uranium to 20 percent for its research reactor.

Pakistani militants confirm Hakimullah dead

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has admitted that their top leader Hakimullah Mehsud died a week ago from injuries ha had suffered earlier.

Germany's exports in 2009 tumbled 18.4%.

Germany's economy has received another blow as new data show the country's merchandise exports fell 18.4% in 2009, the sharpest decline in decades.

Defiant Tymoshenko to fight vote result

Defeated Ukrainian presidential candidate Yulia Tymoshenko says she 'will never recognize' the victory of her rival Viktor Yanukovich and will challenge the results.

Mottaki: Israel will fail to achieve goals in Gaza

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has expressed confidence that Israel will be unable to achieve its goals in the Gaza Strip.

China calls for talks over Iran nuclear issue

China has called all parties involved in talks on Iran's nuclear issue to work toward a deal which would provide Iran with 20% enriched uranium needed for Tehran medical reactor.

Sana'a downplays al-Qaeda threats

Sana'a has dismissed threats from a so-called al-Qaeda cell in the Arabian Peninsula who have called for attacks on US interests worldwide.

Iran still open to talks on nuclear fuel swap

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast says Tehran is still open to talks over a nuclear fuel swap with the West.

In UK, Dizaei jailed after decade of racial fight

Metropolitan Police Commander Ali Dizaei has been sentenced to four years in prison, after a decade of bitter racial struggles with Britain's Scotland Yard.

Avalanche kills 17 soldiers in Indian Kashmir

At least 17 Indian soldiers have been killed and several others trapped when an avalanche slammed into a military camp in the Baramulla district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Iran produces 97% of its domestic medicine

The Iranian Health Minister has said that the country produces 97 percent of its own medicine and imports only 3 percent of its pharmaceuticals.

UK urges Iran to keep relations with Britain

Britain has urged Tehran not to downgrade its relations with London, saying the calls to lower the level of ties between the two countries are "regrettable."

Fears of a 'hung parliament' mount in Britain

The prospect of a hung parliament has increased in Britain as a new poll predicts a tight race in the upcoming general elections.

Pakistani ex-minister escapes assassination attempt

A senior Pakistani politician and former aide to ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.

Hamas: Cairo wall cannot shake Gazans' will

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has scoffed at the blockade of the Gaza Strip, saying walls cannot force Palestinians to submit to external control.

US stocks drop amid fears of European debts

US stocks have closed broadly lower, with the Dow Jones closing below 10,000 for the first time since November 4 last year.

Endeavour launched on two-week mission

The US space shuttle, Endeavour, has lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a two-week mission to the international space station.

Iran starts 20% uranium enrichment

Iran on Tuesday began enriching uranium to a level of 20 percent at its Natanz enrichment facility under the surveillance of inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog.

UK: Iraq inquiry to question US officials

In Britain, the head of the Iraq war inquiry is to seek meetings with members of the administration of former US President George W. Bush, over the 2003 war.

Riyadh urges firm stance on Israeli war threats

Saudi Arabia has called on the international community to take a 'rigorous position' against Israel's saber-rattling against Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinians.

Canadian military chief charged with murder

A Canadian military base commander has been charged with the murder of two women and sexually assaulting two other women, according to police.

Moderate quake jolts southern Mexico

Southern Mexico has been shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale, according to the US Geological Survey.

2 British soldiers killed in Afghanistan blast

The British Ministry of Defense has announced that it has lost two soldiers as a result of a roadside bombing near Sangin in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.

'Iran can definitely enrich uranium to 20%'

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Director Ali Akbar Salehi says Tehran is definitely capable of enriching uranium to 20 percent.

10 migrants drown in Gulf of Aden

At least 10 migrants have drowned and 126 have been rescued by Somali fishermen from the Gulf of Aden after smugglers threw them overboard.

Saudi warplanes kill two children in Yemen

The Saudi Air Force has reportedly killed two children in their relentless attacks on northern Yemen, despite having accepted a ceasefire offer by the Shia Houthi fighters.

Americans give Obama 'F' for handling economy

US President Barack Obama's approval rating has dropped to the lowest level since his inauguration for the way he has steered the country's trouble-ridden economy through the financial crisis.

95 detained for 'link' to Karachi bombings

Pakistani security forces have reportedly arrested the suspects behind the recent twin bombings in Karachi that left more than 30 people dead and scores injured.

Iran, Pakistan agree to increase parliamentary ties

Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Fahmida Mirza has returned to Islamabad after a six-day visit to Iran.

Doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death

US prosecutors have charged Michael Jackson's personal physician with involuntary manslaughter in the pop star's death.

British death toll in Afghanistan exceeds Falklands war

With the death of the 256th British soldier in Afghanistan, the toll from the conflict has surpassed the number killed in the 1982 Falklands war, defense officials say.

Aafia Siddiqi supporters hold anti-US rally in Islamabad

An anti-US rally was held in Islamabad on Monday protesting the US Federal Court verdict convicting Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui.

'Enemy cannot hinder Iran's progress'

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Iran's enemies will not be able to block the country's scientific progress.

Sri Lanka detains defeated presidential candidate

Sri Lanka's defeated presidential candidate, former General Sarath Fonseka, has been arrested and taken into custody charged with conspiracy against the president.

'Middle East will determine fate of the world'

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the Middle East is the region that "will determine the fate of the world."

Militants blow-up gas pipeline in Balochistan

Suspected militants have blown up a key gas pipeline in the southwestern Balochistan province disrupting supplies to major Pakistani cities.

Narcotics police seize 4 tons of drugs in Tehran

In a fresh crackdown on drug smugglers, Iranian police have seized around 3,750 kilograms of narcotics while busting two notorious drug rings.

Straw denies ignoring legal advice against Iraq war

Reappeared before Britain's inquiry into the Iraq war, former foreign secretary, Jack Straw, has rejected claims that he ignored advice that the UK did not have enough legal backing to invade Iraq in 2003.

UK minister says Iran not part of 'axis of evil'

Britain's official inquiry into the Iraq war for the second time linked the conflict with Iran at a session on Monday dedicated to further investigate the invasion's legality.

Americans killed in Pakistan 'working with CIA'

The Americans killed in last week's bomb attack in Pakistan were US agents that had been working closely with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), an official says.

Palestinians considering indirect talks with Israel

Palestinians say they would consider a US offer to hold indirect peace talks with Israel if the talks are focused on the issue of the borders.

Iran asks UN atomic body to oversee fuel production

Iran on Monday informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in an official letter that from Tuesday, it will begin enriching higher-grade nuclear fuel.

British scientists discover ageing gene variants

British researchers have discovered the gene variants, which can predict the pace of ageing in the human body.

NATO calls on Taliban to surrender

NATO forces in Afghanistan have called on the Taliban to surrender ahead of what is expected to be the biggest anti-militant offensive since 2001.

Palestinians to seek justice at ICC

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said Monday that the Palestinians will provide the court with more legal arguments over Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Leader says Iran stands tall in face of threats

Ahead of the anniversary ceremonies of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, its Leader said Monday threats against Iran emanate from the enemy's inability to comprehend the divine roots of the Islamic Republic.

'GOP using jet bomb threat as political football'

Reacting to the Republican criticism of the way US President Barack Obama addressed the Christmas Eve jet bomb threat, the White House terrorism czar accuses the the GOP of trying to gain political momentum from the incident.

Azerbaijan planning to de-Russify last names

Azerbaijan's parliament has prepared a draft law to change the endings of Azerbaijani last names and remove the Russian sounds.

France okays warship sale to Russia

France's Defense Ministry has announced that Moscow is seeking to buy three more Mistral class warships from Paris, after reports of an agreement on the sale of one ship.

HRT ups asthma risk in postmenopausal women

Apart from commonly reported complications for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a new study links the treatment with a high risk of asthma in postmenopausal women.

Iranian graphic designers to compete in France

A group of Iranian graphic designers is planning to participate in the City and the River Visual Creations Competition in France.

Exercise cuts gallstone risk: Study

In line with previous researches, a new study confirms that intense exercise lowers the risk of developing painful gallstones.

Yemeni forces suffer heavy losses in Sa'ada

At least ten Yemeni troopers have been killed and 18 others have been wounded in a fresh round of clashes with Houthi fighters in the north, said a military official.

Tymoshenko under pressure to admit defeat

Latest results from Ukraine's run-off election shows Viktor Yanukovich's lead over rival Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko exceeds the percentage of votes yet to be counted.

Blackwater mercenaries not welcome in Pakistan

Pakistani political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam condemns the presence of American mercenaries in Pakistan, after US Defense Secretary Robert Gates confirmed last month that private security firms were operating in the country.

Iranian 'Ronak' praised by Canadian filmfest

Canada's 2010 edition of Picture This…Film Festival has praised Ronak directed by Iranian filmmaker Houshang Mirzaei.

Once-a-day pill reverses bone loss: Study

A once-a-day pill has shown promising results in rebuilding the bone structure in rodents suffering from severe osteoporosis, a new study finds.

Sweetened beverages linked to pancreas cancer

A new study finds drinking two or more sweetened drinks per week increases one's risk of developing pancreatic tumors — the rare but deadliest type of cancer.

Parliament backs Iran Pres. decision over 20% enrichment

Iranian lawmakers have supported a decision by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to domestically enrich uranium to higher levels, saying it was an appropriate response to the growing Western pressure.

Chinchilla leads rivals in Costa Rican vote

Preliminary results in Costa Rica's presidential poll hints at a decisive lead secured by Laura Chinchilla Miranda, a female candidate from the leftist ruling National Liberation Party.

Avalanche kills 11 soldiers in Kashmir

An avalanche has struck Indian-Administered Kashmir, killing at least eleven soldiers and leaving fifteen others wounded.

Iraq defers Parliament session on election row

Iraq's Parliament has called off an emergency session over a contentious decision on the participation in elections of hundreds of candidates with suspected ties to former dictator Saddam Hussein's Baath party.

High-ranking Hamas, Russian officials meet

Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Monday to discuss prospects of reunifying Palestinian factions.

Israel arrests Australian woman in West Bank

An Australian woman, who was arrested in the West Bank, is being held in an Israeli jail, says her attorney.

Iraqi MPs to debate election ban on Saddam loyalists

Iraqi lawmakers are to debate the decision to allow hundreds of former Saddam loyalists to run in next month's general elections.

US soldier water-boards 4-year-old daughter

An American soldier whose unit has served in Iraq and Afghanistan wars admits to using brutal CIA torture techniques on his young daughter because she could not recite the alphabet.

Iran opens production lines for modern drones

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi has inaugurated two production lines for the manufacture of advanced unmanned aircraft to improve its defense capabilities.

Egypt arrests 3 top Brotherhood leaders

Egyptian authorities have detained thirteen members of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood, including three senior leaders.