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Showing posts with label Donald Trump. Show all posts

Trump administration declassifies unconfirmed intelligence on China bounties on US forces in Afghanistan: report

Trump administration declassifies unconfirmed intelligence on China bounties on US forces in Afghanistan: report


The Trump administration is declassifying unconfirmed intelligence that indicates China paid nonstate actors in Afghanistan to attack U.S. soldiers, Axios reported Wednesday.

Two senior administration officials told Axios that the intelligence was included with President Trump’s briefing on Dec. 17. Administration officials from multiple agencies are attempting to corroborate the information. If the information is indeed true, it could drastically change China’s relationship with the U.S. and heighten tensions between the two superpowers.

The officials who spoke to Axios did not say where the information came from or what period of time it covered.

Axios noted that China has mostly remained out of Afghanistan while speaking to Taliban officials about peace deals. However, Chinese-made weapons and funding have intermittently made their way to Afghanistan, the news outlet reported.

Andrew Small, an expert on China-Afghanistan affairs, told Axios that such actions were not in line with China’s typical policies, noting that peace in Afghanistan is one area where the U.S. and China typically agree.

"They know the drawdown is taking place. We’re not in the context where anything else needs to happen to US troops in Afghanistan. There is no reason to create additional pressure on US forces,” said Small.

This report comes months after uncorroborated intelligence came out that Russia had offered bounties on U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Trump was condemned by lawmakers for his apparent reluctance to acknowledge or confront Russia on the reports.

According to Axios, it is unclear whether President-elect Joe Biden or any members of Congress have similarly been briefed on this information, though Biden has access to the President's Daily Brief.

If the intelligence ultimately cannot be corroborated, the decision to declassify it would fall into question, Axios noted.


The Hill


The Trump administration is declassifying unconfirmed intelligence that indicates China paid nonstate actors in Afghanistan to attack U.S. soldiers, Axios reported Wednesday.

Two senior administration officials told Axios that the intelligence was included with President Trump’s briefing on Dec. 17. Administration officials from multiple agencies are attempting to corroborate the information. If the information is indeed true, it could drastically change China’s relationship with the U.S. and heighten tensions between the two superpowers.

The officials who spoke to Axios did not say where the information came from or what period of time it covered.

Axios noted that China has mostly remained out of Afghanistan while speaking to Taliban officials about peace deals. However, Chinese-made weapons and funding have intermittently made their way to Afghanistan, the news outlet reported.

Andrew Small, an expert on China-Afghanistan affairs, told Axios that such actions were not in line with China’s typical policies, noting that peace in Afghanistan is one area where the U.S. and China typically agree.

"They know the drawdown is taking place. We’re not in the context where anything else needs to happen to US troops in Afghanistan. There is no reason to create additional pressure on US forces,” said Small.

This report comes months after uncorroborated intelligence came out that Russia had offered bounties on U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Trump was condemned by lawmakers for his apparent reluctance to acknowledge or confront Russia on the reports.

According to Axios, it is unclear whether President-elect Joe Biden or any members of Congress have similarly been briefed on this information, though Biden has access to the President's Daily Brief.

If the intelligence ultimately cannot be corroborated, the decision to declassify it would fall into question, Axios noted.


The Hill

US to impose UN sanctions 'snap back' on Iran: Trump

US to impose UN sanctions 'snap back' on Iran: Trump

 


Washington: (AFP) President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran, escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal.

Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the United Nations Security Council that the US is triggering the so-called "snapback" procedure, which Britain, France and Germany say it doesn't have the right to do.

"It's a snapback, not uncommon," Trump told reporters, despite the contested measure having never been used before.

The move comes after the United States suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council last week when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran.

"Snapback" aims to restore all international sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord with Tehran that sought to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

But it also threatens to torpedo the historic Iran nuclear deal that the US, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany signed with Tehran in 2015.

Trump withdrew the US from the agreement, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian regime.

Potential 'crisis'

Despite pulling out of the deal, America claims that, as a "participant" of the original agreement, it has the power to unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.

A 2015 UN Security Council resolution ratifying the agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama says participating states can unilaterally reinstall sanctions if Iran has failed to significantly comply with the accord.

The "snapback" procedure is supposed to lead to the re-establishment of sanctions after 30 days, without the possibility of Russia or China wielding their vetoes.

European countries on the Security Council contest the US' legal argument and fear that the return of sanctions will sink the nuclear deal, which they are battling to save.

"This will be (a) fully valid enforceable UN Security Council resolution. We have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other UN Security Council resolution that is in place," Pompeo said.

Last week, only the Dominican Republic joined the United States in backing its call to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran that expires on October 18.

The embargo expires under the terms of JCPOA. Although European countries had expressed concern about the 13-year embargo expiring, their main focus is on preserving the nuclear accord.

The vote highlighted how isolated the US is over Iran at the UN.

Experts say the snapback threatens to plunge the Security Council into crisis.

"Most of the council will reject the US argument that it retains the right to trigger snapback despite leaving the JCPOA. They will write off this process as a sham," UN expert Richard Gowan told AFP.

"The real winners in this process will be China and Russia, who will argue that they are defending the UN from US unilateralism, while the Europeans distance themselves from Washington," added Gowan, who works at the International Crisis Group think-tank.

Pompeo is scheduled to meet UN chief Antonio Guterres at the latter's residence in New York around 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday when they will discuss Iran.

 


Washington: (AFP) President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran, escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal.

Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the United Nations Security Council that the US is triggering the so-called "snapback" procedure, which Britain, France and Germany say it doesn't have the right to do.

"It's a snapback, not uncommon," Trump told reporters, despite the contested measure having never been used before.

The move comes after the United States suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council last week when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran.

"Snapback" aims to restore all international sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord with Tehran that sought to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

But it also threatens to torpedo the historic Iran nuclear deal that the US, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany signed with Tehran in 2015.

Trump withdrew the US from the agreement, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian regime.

Potential 'crisis'

Despite pulling out of the deal, America claims that, as a "participant" of the original agreement, it has the power to unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.

A 2015 UN Security Council resolution ratifying the agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama says participating states can unilaterally reinstall sanctions if Iran has failed to significantly comply with the accord.

The "snapback" procedure is supposed to lead to the re-establishment of sanctions after 30 days, without the possibility of Russia or China wielding their vetoes.

European countries on the Security Council contest the US' legal argument and fear that the return of sanctions will sink the nuclear deal, which they are battling to save.

"This will be (a) fully valid enforceable UN Security Council resolution. We have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other UN Security Council resolution that is in place," Pompeo said.

Last week, only the Dominican Republic joined the United States in backing its call to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran that expires on October 18.

The embargo expires under the terms of JCPOA. Although European countries had expressed concern about the 13-year embargo expiring, their main focus is on preserving the nuclear accord.

The vote highlighted how isolated the US is over Iran at the UN.

Experts say the snapback threatens to plunge the Security Council into crisis.

"Most of the council will reject the US argument that it retains the right to trigger snapback despite leaving the JCPOA. They will write off this process as a sham," UN expert Richard Gowan told AFP.

"The real winners in this process will be China and Russia, who will argue that they are defending the UN from US unilateralism, while the Europeans distance themselves from Washington," added Gowan, who works at the International Crisis Group think-tank.

Pompeo is scheduled to meet UN chief Antonio Guterres at the latter's residence in New York around 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday when they will discuss Iran.

Tehran Planning to sue Washington over sanctions impact on coronavirus spread

Tehran Planning to sue Washington over sanctions impact on coronavirus spread

The Islamic Republic of Iran is planning to sue the United States of America over the impact that their economic sanctions have had on the Persian's ability to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.

 Iran’s Vice-President for Legal Affairs Laya Joneydi told the Fars News Agency on Saturday that Tehran has filed a complaint against the United States regarding the impacts of sanctions on the fight against coronavirus.

Iran has recorded more than "eleven thousand deaths" from more than 240,000 confirmed cases. U.s itself has recorded more than 132,000 deaths from close to 3 million confirmed cases.

Joneydi affirmed that Iran will take the U.S. to the International Court of Justice.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States offered to help Iran fight the illenss, especially after it spread quickly through the Islamic Republic. However, not long after offering to help, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions against Iran, prompting Tehran to issue a statement of condemnation.

In relevant remarks in April, Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiyee scolded Washington for blocking medical supplies and medicines from reaching the Islamic Republic, despite the U.S.’ reassurances that the sanctions would not impact humanitarian aid.

“The U.S. administration should say which banking system it has opened for the purchase of medicine (by Iran),” Rabiyee told reporters in a press conference in Tehran on April 20.

Since the advent of Trump’s presidency, the U.S. has imposed more harsh sanctions against the Islamic Republic, which has prompted Tehran to respond with hostility towards Washington in the international arena.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is planning to sue the United States of America over the impact that their economic sanctions have had on the Persian's ability to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.

 Iran’s Vice-President for Legal Affairs Laya Joneydi told the Fars News Agency on Saturday that Tehran has filed a complaint against the United States regarding the impacts of sanctions on the fight against coronavirus.

Iran has recorded more than "eleven thousand deaths" from more than 240,000 confirmed cases. U.s itself has recorded more than 132,000 deaths from close to 3 million confirmed cases.

Joneydi affirmed that Iran will take the U.S. to the International Court of Justice.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States offered to help Iran fight the illenss, especially after it spread quickly through the Islamic Republic. However, not long after offering to help, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions against Iran, prompting Tehran to issue a statement of condemnation.

In relevant remarks in April, Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiyee scolded Washington for blocking medical supplies and medicines from reaching the Islamic Republic, despite the U.S.’ reassurances that the sanctions would not impact humanitarian aid.

“The U.S. administration should say which banking system it has opened for the purchase of medicine (by Iran),” Rabiyee told reporters in a press conference in Tehran on April 20.

Since the advent of Trump’s presidency, the U.S. has imposed more harsh sanctions against the Islamic Republic, which has prompted Tehran to respond with hostility towards Washington in the international arena.

We are watching all of your activities, you will be defeated, Iranian Defense Chief warns US

We are watching all of your activities, you will be defeated, Iranian Defense Chief warns US

Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the Persian's armed forces are monitoring all U.S. activities against Islamic Republic at various political, economic and social levels.

In a statement made during his visit to the home of former Defense Minister Major General Musa Namjo, Hatimi pointed out that “American anti-Iranian activities at various political, economic and social levels aim to break the resistance of the people and destabilises the security of the country, but the U.S. will be defeated by the Iranian people this time. 

It happened in previous times,” he said. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will monitor and respond to any despicable and malicious move of the United States strongly.

His remarks was concurrent with the commemoration ceremony of 40th anniversary of the Sacred Defense (Iraqi imposed war against Iran in 1980-1988).

 “Americans will certainly be defeated by the great nation of Islamic Iran like previous years and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, under the wise leadership of the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, will respond to any malicious movement of the enemy authoritatively and strongly.”

According to Mehr Agency: “The Iranian armed forces are working according to the directives of the Leader of the Revolution, Imam Khamenei, in strengthening its capabilities and defending the people and the country and consciously monitoring all the activities of the desperate enemies and resolutely responding to them,” he said.

Shortly after the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979 , Tehran and Washington cut diplomatic ties after the U.S. embassy in Tehran was seized and 55 people were kept hostage for 444 days.

Hostility between Tehran and Washington has grown since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed more severe sanctions on Iran that paralysed its economy. 

Tehran responded by gradually reducing its obligations under the agreement signed in 2015.

The hostility reached unprecedented levels in early January when the Iranian military commander, Major-General Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike as ordered by US President.

Iran responded on January 9 by firing several missiles at two bases in Iraq that host American and NATO coalition forces.

Other signatories countries to the Iranian nuclear deal have severally affirmed their  pleaded and supports for the deal. 
Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the Persian's armed forces are monitoring all U.S. activities against Islamic Republic at various political, economic and social levels.

In a statement made during his visit to the home of former Defense Minister Major General Musa Namjo, Hatimi pointed out that “American anti-Iranian activities at various political, economic and social levels aim to break the resistance of the people and destabilises the security of the country, but the U.S. will be defeated by the Iranian people this time. 

It happened in previous times,” he said. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will monitor and respond to any despicable and malicious move of the United States strongly.

His remarks was concurrent with the commemoration ceremony of 40th anniversary of the Sacred Defense (Iraqi imposed war against Iran in 1980-1988).

 “Americans will certainly be defeated by the great nation of Islamic Iran like previous years and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, under the wise leadership of the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, will respond to any malicious movement of the enemy authoritatively and strongly.”

According to Mehr Agency: “The Iranian armed forces are working according to the directives of the Leader of the Revolution, Imam Khamenei, in strengthening its capabilities and defending the people and the country and consciously monitoring all the activities of the desperate enemies and resolutely responding to them,” he said.

Shortly after the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979 , Tehran and Washington cut diplomatic ties after the U.S. embassy in Tehran was seized and 55 people were kept hostage for 444 days.

Hostility between Tehran and Washington has grown since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed more severe sanctions on Iran that paralysed its economy. 

Tehran responded by gradually reducing its obligations under the agreement signed in 2015.

The hostility reached unprecedented levels in early January when the Iranian military commander, Major-General Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike as ordered by US President.

Iran responded on January 9 by firing several missiles at two bases in Iraq that host American and NATO coalition forces.

Other signatories countries to the Iranian nuclear deal have severally affirmed their  pleaded and supports for the deal. 

President Trump signs extension of COVID-relief fund for businesses

President Trump signs extension of COVID-relief fund for businesses

US President Donald Trump has signed into law a temporary extension of a subsidy programme for small businesses battered by the coronavirus.

The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the programme to August 8, which was created in March and has since been modified twice.

About $130bn of $660bn approved for the programme remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.

The Democratic-controlled House voted on Wednesday to approve the extension of the program after the Republican-controlled Senate did the same.

Trump had been expected to sign the measure.

US President Donald Trump has signed into law a temporary extension of a subsidy programme for small businesses battered by the coronavirus.

The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the programme to August 8, which was created in March and has since been modified twice.

About $130bn of $660bn approved for the programme remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.

The Democratic-controlled House voted on Wednesday to approve the extension of the program after the Republican-controlled Senate did the same.

Trump had been expected to sign the measure.

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