A team of the International Atomic Energy Agency experts will pay a visit to Tehran on Monday to attend talks with the Islamic Republic officials over Iran’s nuclear issue.

The deterrent capability of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ground force is a major contributor to regional stability and tranquility in the Persian Gulf, an IRGC commander said.

Results of a recent opinion poll suggested that a majority of Iranians believe Ahmadinejad’s ideas are close or very close to their views.

Iran’s nuclear policies have not changed, rapporteur of the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Kazem Jalali said, denying recent reports by western media alleging that Tehran has intentionally slowed down the pace of its enrichment activities.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini dismissed recent threats to Tehran by the EU and the US, stressing that sanctions would not make Iranian nation give up its nuclear rights.

Belgium’s West Alpine Company is due to build an annual number of 10,000 residential units in Iran, managing director of the company’s agency in Iran said on Sunday.

Lebanon will battle it out with Iran for an Olympic berth after they defeated two-time former champions South Korea 76-74 in the Asian men’s basketball championship semi-finals.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega signed a series of accords with Iran on Saturday despite criticism from the United States.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, heading a high-ranking delegation, is scheduled to leave Tehran for Algeria on Monday.

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is scheduled to leave Tehran for the Turkmen capital city of Ashgabat on a two-day visit starting on August 14.