In this photo released by, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shake hands during their meeting in Tehran, Iran,

Tehran is nervous both regionally and internationally. Its dilemma deepens as its options narrow and its friends disappear, whether deliberately or out of self-interest. It has few friends, as nations are driven by interests,

Iran has accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium as tensions between Tehran and Washington rise after the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, a report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday showed.

"We are primarily interested in understanding the essence of President Trump's new line," a former Russian envoy told Newsweek.

Iran's top diplomat has said that Tehran will resist pressure from the US over nuclear talks. US President Donald Trump has reimposed a tough policy on Iran upon his return to the White House.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran is taking steps to accelerate its near weapons-grade uranium in a broader effort to expand its capability for nuclear warfare, according to the watchdog’s latest report.

Iran has accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium as tensions between Tehran and Washington rise after the election of US President Donald Trump, a report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday showed.

Iran will not engage in direct talks with the United States on his country’s nuclear programme amid US President Donald Trump’s policy of “maximum pressure” against it, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said.