Ali Akbar Salehi, director of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, announced on Saturday that the European Union had made proposals and also taken initial steps to use euro in transactions with Iran.

Iran’s military chief said on Wednesday that the Armed Forces are prepared more than any other time to defend the country against foreign threats, asserting that Iran doesn’t need anyone’s “smile” or go-ahead with its plans to boost defense power.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday the U.S. has put forward totally unacceptable demands to Iran, criticizing the U.S. government for its policy of “ultimatums” and “threats” towards Iran.