Easing of sanctions by the West could provide a nice personal boost to the wealth of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Damascus has denied claims that the regime has systematically tortured and executed about 11,000 detainees since the start of Syria's civil war.

U.N. chief's decision to invite Iran - only to withdraw the invitation a day later - proved a diplomatic fiasco.

European Union governments have voted to suspend some sanctions against Iran following the implementation of a nuclear deal which has seen Iran curb its uraniam enrichment.

Iran has begun curbing uranium enrichment under a nuclear deal which will also trigger an easing of international sanctions. The move is part of an agreement reached with six world powers last November.

Move prompts warnings from Syria's main opposition group and the United States.

Visit on Jan. 29 to uranium mine will be first since 2005.