G7 Warns Iran Over Continuing Nuclear Program Escalation 

A national Iranian flag waves in the wind over a building of the Iranian embassy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 24, 2022. (Reuters) 
A national Iranian flag waves in the wind over a building of the Iranian embassy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 24, 2022. (Reuters) 
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G7 Warns Iran Over Continuing Nuclear Program Escalation 

A national Iranian flag waves in the wind over a building of the Iranian embassy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 24, 2022. (Reuters) 
A national Iranian flag waves in the wind over a building of the Iranian embassy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 24, 2022. (Reuters) 

The Group of Seven leaders warned Iran on Friday against advancing its nuclear enrichment program and said they would be ready to enforce new measures if Tehran were to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, according to a draft communique. 

"We urge Tehran to cease and reverse nuclear escalations, and stop the continuing uranium enrichment activities that have no credible civilian justifications," the statement seen by Reuters said. 

Iran has rapidly installed extra uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordow site and begun setting up others, a UN nuclear watchdog report said on Thursday. 

Iran is now enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the 90% of weapons grade, and has enough material enriched to that level, if enriched further, for three nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick. 

"Iran must engage in serious dialogue and provide convincing assurances that its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, in full cooperation and compliance with the IAEA’s monitoring and verification mechanism, including the Board of Governors’ resolution of 5 June," the G7 said. 

Iran says its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. 

The leaders also warned Iran about concluding a deal to send ballistic missiles to Russia that would help it in its war against Ukraine, saying they were prepared to respond with significant measures if it were to happen. 

"We call on Iran to stop assisting Russia’s war in Ukraine and not to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology, as this would represent a substantive material escalation and a direct threat to European security," they said. 



Iranians React to New Trump Travel Ban as Tensions are High Between Nations

Iranians walk next to an anti-US mural depicting Iran and the US negotiation table next to the former US embassy  in a street in Tehran, Iran, 26 April 2025. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
Iranians walk next to an anti-US mural depicting Iran and the US negotiation table next to the former US embassy in a street in Tehran, Iran, 26 April 2025. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
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Iranians React to New Trump Travel Ban as Tensions are High Between Nations

Iranians walk next to an anti-US mural depicting Iran and the US negotiation table next to the former US embassy  in a street in Tehran, Iran, 26 April 2025. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
Iranians walk next to an anti-US mural depicting Iran and the US negotiation table next to the former US embassy in a street in Tehran, Iran, 26 April 2025. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Iranians again face a US travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump, with the decision drawing anger, frustration and some shrugs given the decades of tensions between the countries.

Trump imposed a similar ban during his first term before withdrawing America unilaterally from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, under which Iran drastically limited its program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

But when he returned to the White House and began seeking a new deal with Iran, it saw the country’s rial currency improve and stocks rise, but worries have grown as its government appears poised to reject an initial American proposal.

The travel ban has further darkened that mood and led Iranians to fear Trump will lump the nations' 80 million people alongside of its theocratic government even after he's repeatedly praised them while seeking a deal.
“Now I understand that Trump is against all Iranians, and his attitude is not limited to the government,” said Asghar Nejati, a 31-year-old man working in a Tehran pharmacy.

Even in the years after the 1979 Iranian Revolution and subsequent US Embassy hostage crisis, Iranian students traveled to the US to attend universities. Between 2018 to 2024, an average of around 10,000 Iranian students went to the US annually.

Estimates suggest some 1 million Iranian-origin people live in the US today.

Mehrnoush Alipour, a 37-year-old graphic designer, said the nations could have better relations if they could speak to each other in softer tones.

“This is another foolish decision. Trump cannot reach his goals by imposing pressures on ordinary Iranians," she said. "The two nations can have better relations through openings, not restrictions.”

Bank teller Mahdieh Naderi said Trump was lashing out over his frustration efforts to reach ceasefires in the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war.

“Trump just expressed his anger about his failed plans,” Naderi said. “He is complaining about the Chinese and others who are living in the US, too
Some said interest in the US was already waning before the latest ban.

“Over the past years, two of my grandchildren went to Canada to continue their education there," said Mohammad Ali Niaraki, 75. "Iranians are not limited in immigration and they are not as interested to go to the US as they were decades ago. Iranians prefer Canada, as well as neighboring countries with flourishing economies.”

But others pointed out that high-ranking government officials have children living or working in the US, despite the tensions.

“It’s fine, but if he also kicks out the children of officials who live there it would be very nice,” said a man who just gave his name as Mehdi. “We can’t afford traveling to the US, almost 80% of us can’t. But if he kicks out those who are already there it would be much better.”

Tehran resident Mehri Soltani offered rare support for Trump’s decision.

“Those who have family members in the US, it’s their right to go, but a bunch of bad people and terrorists and murderers want to go there as well,” he said. “So his policy is correct. He’s doing the right thing.”