EU sanctions Iran over thwarted attacks on European soil
The EU on Tuesday approved sanctions against an Iranian ministry and two Iranian nationals for their involvement in thwarted assassination attempts in France and Denmark.
World News
US pullout from Syria to be done in ‘prudent’ way, Trump says
US President Donald Trump on Monday sought to end fears of an abrupt US pullout from Syria, saying the fight against the Islamic State group was not over and that withdrawal would be done in a ‘prudent’ manner.
Erdogan says only Turkey has power to ‘shoulder the heavy burden’ of Syria
In an op-ed published by The New York Times on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from Syria and said that Turkey ‘is the only country with the power and commitment’ to protect the interests of Washington, the international community and the Syrian people.
Pompeo Launches Middle East Tour to Galvanize Region Against Iran
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to depart on a tour of the Middle East next week in a bid to galvanize regional leaders to confront Iran and remind allies that the United States is not disappearing from region amid the Trump administration’s decision to pull American troops out of Syria and possibly Afghanistan, according to senior State Department officials.
Russia to Deploy Precision Strike Missiles in Western Atlantic
Russia is deploying long-range, precision cruise missiles to the western Atlantic that American defense officials say will allow Moscow to target Washington and other East Coast cities with conventional or nuclear attacks.
U.S. warns Iran on space launches, Tehran rejects concerns
The United States issued a pre-emptive warning to Iran on Thursday against pursuing three planned space rocket launches that it said would violate a U.N. Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology.
US, China officials headed to Japan for trade talks Monday
China and the U.S. will commence trade talks in Beijing early next week as both countries work to put an end to yearlong trade tensions that have left global markets unstable, according to a report published late Thursday.
Trump gives no timetable for Syria, wants to protect Kurds
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States would get out of Syria slowly ‘over a period of time’ and would protect the U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in the country as Washington draws down troops.
Egypt confronts water ‘poverty’ in shadow of Ethiopia’s dam
Anxiety over water is growing in Egypt as Ethiopian leaders press forward with plans to build a massive dam that officials here fear will block the flow of the Blue Nile.
Trump concedes: No ‘rush’ out of Syria, we’ve ‘almost’ eradicated ISIS
President Trump claimed Monday that he never said the U.S. would ‘rush out’ of Syria despite reporting that indicated he had ordered a rapid withdrawal.
Kim Jong Un says he’s willing to meet Trump at any time, in New Year’s message
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Tuesday that he is prepared to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at any time, but warned that he would pursue an alternative course if Washington kept up sanctions on Pyongyang.
N. Korean leader calls for more talks with South in new year
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday calling for more peace talks between the leaders in the new year following their active engagement in 2018, South Korea’s presidential office said.
Trump Hails ‘Big Progress’ Towards China Trade Deal
President Donald Trump reported ‘big progress’ in trade talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, providing an optimistic start to what could be a make-or-break year for ties between the world’s two largest economies.
US troop withdrawal from Syria could take several months
A week after President Trump’s surprising announcement that he was withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria, the U.S. military is drafting a withdrawal plan that could have U.S. troops leaving over several months, according to U.S. officials, who stressed that no final decisions have been made about the planned pace of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria.
Russia Begins Testing Nuclear Weapon That Can Travel Underwater and ‘Nothing’ Can Stop It, Report Says
Moscow has reportedly begun testing an underwater nuclear weapon that has been touted as invincible by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin to deploy new hypersonic missile system as arms race escalates
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday his army would deploy a new hypersonic nuclear-capable missile system next year, upping the ante in a high-tech arms race with the U.S.
Russia: Syrian government must take over eastern Syria
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says Moscow expects the Syrian government to take over the areas where the U.S. troops are currently deployed following their withdrawal.
Turkey vows no slowdown in fight against IS after U.S. pullout from Syria
Turkey vowed on Monday that the fight against Islamic State would not be slowed by the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, where Ankara-backed rebels reinforced their positions around the potential flashpoint town of Manbij.
Turkey deploys troops near Kurdish stronghold in Syria
Turkey deployed hundreds of troops near a Kurdish stronghold in Syria Sunday, in the wake of the United States announcing plans to withdraw from the country.
Russia again successfully tests ship-based hypersonic missile — which will likely be ready for combat by 2022
Russia has conducted another successful test of its ship-based hypersonic missile, a weapon the United States is currently unable to defend against, according to two people with direct knowledge of a U.S. intelligence report.