Weeks after his country was battered by waves of Israeli strikes and the US bombed three of its prized nuclear facilities, Iran’s foreign minister came to a gathering of regional diplomats in China this week with a simple ask.

Israel’s leadership views its 12-day war with Iran last month as a success – several Iranian military leaders were killed, Iran’s defensive military capabilities were weakened, and the United States was convinced to take part in a raid on the Iranian nuclear site at Fordow.

"Strengthening air defense capabilities is clearly an urgent priority for Iran at the moment," expert Hongda Fan told Newsweek.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi denies plots to assassinate President Donald Trump and claims Iran has no policy to wipe Israel 'off the map,' despite contradictory statements.

Iran has replaced air defences damaged during last month's conflict with Israel, Iran's Defah Press news agency reported on Sunday quoting Mahmoud Mousavi, the regular army's deputy for operations.

Israel's knocking out of Iranian air defenses also cleared the path for U.S. aircraft to launch their own strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran then attacked the U.S.'s Al Udeid military base in Qatar before a ceasefire was reached.

The theocratic government is repurposing folklore and patriotic anthems as it seeks to channel national outrage into increasing its support at home.

The UK government has been urged to prioritise securing the release of a British couple detained in Iran. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 52 and from East Sussex, have been charged with espionage, which they deny,

Germany, France and the United Kingdom will hold talks with Iran in Istanbul Friday, just days after the three European nations warned they would reimpose stiff sanctions on Tehran.

Iran's missile campaign against Israel and U.S. bases cost Tehran up to $6.6 billion while depleting half its arsenal. Experts call for investment in cheaper interception technologies.