17 mins. ago
Iran has taken a preparatory technical step towards curbing its production of highly enriched uranium, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said on Tuesday, several days after his talks in Iran.
According to Grossi's non-public report, which has been seen by dpa, Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium with a purity level of almost 60% - which is nearly suitable for nuclear weapons - by around 18 kilograms to approximately 182 kilograms in recent months.
However, Iran took steps over the weekend to ensure that the amount does not increase any further, the report said.
Grossi proposed this step in view of the current tensions in the region, a high-ranking diplomat said in Vienna.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a component of Iran's nuclear programme was damaged in Israel's retaliatory strike against Iran in October.
According to Grossi's non-public report, which has been seen by dpa, Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium with a purity level of almost 60% - which is nearly suitable for nuclear weapons - by around 18 kilograms to approximately 182 kilograms in recent months.
However, Iran took steps over the weekend to ensure that the amount does not increase any further, the report said.
Grossi proposed this step in view of the current tensions in the region, a high-ranking diplomat said in Vienna.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a component of Iran's nuclear programme was damaged in Israel's retaliatory strike against Iran in October.
18 mins. ago
A Syrian national was charged after allegedly funneling more than $9 million in U.S.-funded humanitarian aid to terrorist organizations — including al Qaeda.
According to a news release from the U.S. attorney's office, District of Columbia, 53-year-old Mahmoud Al Hafyan was charged in a 12-count indictment for allegedly diverting more than $9 million in U.S.-funded humanitarian aid intended for Syrian civilians to armed combatant groups.
The groups included the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF), which is a designated foreign terrorist organization affiliated with al Qaeda in Iraq, the release said.
"This defendant not only defrauded the U.S. government, but he also gave the humanitarian aid he stole to a foreign terrorist organization," U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said. "While this foreign terrorist organization fought with the cruel al-Assad regime, the people who were supposed to receive the aid suffered."
According to a news release from the U.S. attorney's office, District of Columbia, 53-year-old Mahmoud Al Hafyan was charged in a 12-count indictment for allegedly diverting more than $9 million in U.S.-funded humanitarian aid intended for Syrian civilians to armed combatant groups.
The groups included the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF), which is a designated foreign terrorist organization affiliated with al Qaeda in Iraq, the release said.
"This defendant not only defrauded the U.S. government, but he also gave the humanitarian aid he stole to a foreign terrorist organization," U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said. "While this foreign terrorist organization fought with the cruel al-Assad regime, the people who were supposed to receive the aid suffered."
19 mins. ago
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would not be deterred from supporting Ukraine by "irresponsible" Russian rhetoric, after Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike.
"There's irresponsible rhetoric coming from Russia, and that is not going to deter our support for Ukraine," he told reporters at the G20 summit in Brazil.
Putin's new nuclear doctrine lowers the threshold under which Russia might use atomic weapons to include responding to attacks that threaten its territorial integrity.
The move comes as Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory on Tuesday, taking advantage of newly granted permission from the outgoing Biden administration on the war's 1,000th day.
Addressing that milestone in the conflict, Starmer said that Putin was the "author of his own exile" as he did not attend the G20 leaders' summit for the third year in a row.
"I say again (to Putin): end the war, get out of Ukraine," Starmer said.
"There's irresponsible rhetoric coming from Russia, and that is not going to deter our support for Ukraine," he told reporters at the G20 summit in Brazil.
Putin's new nuclear doctrine lowers the threshold under which Russia might use atomic weapons to include responding to attacks that threaten its territorial integrity.
The move comes as Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory on Tuesday, taking advantage of newly granted permission from the outgoing Biden administration on the war's 1,000th day.
Addressing that milestone in the conflict, Starmer said that Putin was the "author of his own exile" as he did not attend the G20 leaders' summit for the third year in a row.
"I say again (to Putin): end the war, get out of Ukraine," Starmer said.
20 mins. ago
Russia will retaliate against NATO countries that facilitate long-range missile strikes against Russian territory by Ukraine, foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin said.
Naryshkin said changes announced by President Vladimir Putin to Russia's nuclear doctrine meant it was in effect impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield.
"Our enemies are forced to admit that the determination of the Russian president to firmly defend the country's fundamental interests by all available means narrows the room for manoeuvre for Washington and Brussels,"
"Attempts by individual NATO allies to participate in providing for possible long-range strikes with Western weapons deep into Russian territory will not go unpunished."
Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory
On the same day, Putin approved a policy document that lowers the threshold for Russia to use nuclear weapons in response to attacks by an enemy using conventional weapons.
Naryshkin said changes announced by President Vladimir Putin to Russia's nuclear doctrine meant it was in effect impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield.
"Our enemies are forced to admit that the determination of the Russian president to firmly defend the country's fundamental interests by all available means narrows the room for manoeuvre for Washington and Brussels,"
"Attempts by individual NATO allies to participate in providing for possible long-range strikes with Western weapons deep into Russian territory will not go unpunished."
Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory
On the same day, Putin approved a policy document that lowers the threshold for Russia to use nuclear weapons in response to attacks by an enemy using conventional weapons.
40 mins. ago
A survivor of the atomic bomb attack on the Japanese city of Nagasaki during the Second World War has warned Vladimir Putin that he has no idea of the destruction and pain such weapons cause as the Russian president threatens the West with the prospect of nuclear war.
Terumi Tanaka, one of a diminishing number of survivors of the US attacks on Japan in August 1945, said the use of nuclear weapons would spell “the end of the human race” and that leaders like Mr Putin “don’t realise the extent of the damage that can be done”.
Mr Tanaka’s warning, made during a sit-down campaign group Nihon Hidankyo’s small but bustling Tokyo office, came at a time of escalating nuclear sabre-rattling from the Russian leadership.
Mr Tanaka, 92, said civilisation as we know it faces an “imminent danger” and a nuclear war appears to be “not far away”.
“I’m very scared about it,” he added.
Terumi Tanaka, one of a diminishing number of survivors of the US attacks on Japan in August 1945, said the use of nuclear weapons would spell “the end of the human race” and that leaders like Mr Putin “don’t realise the extent of the damage that can be done”.
Mr Tanaka’s warning, made during a sit-down campaign group Nihon Hidankyo’s small but bustling Tokyo office, came at a time of escalating nuclear sabre-rattling from the Russian leadership.
Mr Tanaka, 92, said civilisation as we know it faces an “imminent danger” and a nuclear war appears to be “not far away”.
“I’m very scared about it,” he added.
42 mins. ago
Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged "more voices" to end the Ukraine war and a ceasefire in Gaza, as he conducted a state visit to Brazil's capital, Chinese state media said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed those points as he met with Xi in a red-carpet welcome in Brasilia, and stressed a joint roadmap for peace in Ukraine that they are proposing.
"In a world plagued by armed conflicts and political strife, China and Brazil put peace, diplomacy and dialogue first," Lula said.
Xi said he wanted to see "more voices committed to peace to pave the way for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis"
He also called for "a ceasefire and an end to the war at an early date" in Gaza, the agency said.
On Ukraine, the China-Brazil roadmap for mediating peace has been endorsed by Russia -- which is China's ally -- but rejected by Kyiv and its Western backers.
The Chinese president's appeal for a halt to fighting in Gaza -- where Israel is pressing an offensive ag
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed those points as he met with Xi in a red-carpet welcome in Brasilia, and stressed a joint roadmap for peace in Ukraine that they are proposing.
"In a world plagued by armed conflicts and political strife, China and Brazil put peace, diplomacy and dialogue first," Lula said.
Xi said he wanted to see "more voices committed to peace to pave the way for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis"
He also called for "a ceasefire and an end to the war at an early date" in Gaza, the agency said.
On Ukraine, the China-Brazil roadmap for mediating peace has been endorsed by Russia -- which is China's ally -- but rejected by Kyiv and its Western backers.
The Chinese president's appeal for a halt to fighting in Gaza -- where Israel is pressing an offensive ag
43 mins. ago
North Korea could send as many as 100,000 troops to fight alongside Russia.
They'll be paid about $2,000 a month each, per South Korean intelligence.
But experts say Kim Jong Un would likely pocket much of the money, using it to maintain loyalty.
Russia is pouring cash into the deployment of up to 100,000 North Korean soldiers to help its war efforts — but the soldiers themselves are unlikely to receive any of it, analysts on North Korea say.
Instead, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his associates could pocket much of the money.
Ukrainian officials have said that up to 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to help push back its forces in Kursk, and those numbers could rise.
Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea, told Voice of America over the weekend that the number could reach 15,000, with troops rotated out every two to three months.
They'll be paid about $2,000 a month each, per South Korean intelligence.
But experts say Kim Jong Un would likely pocket much of the money, using it to maintain loyalty.
Russia is pouring cash into the deployment of up to 100,000 North Korean soldiers to help its war efforts — but the soldiers themselves are unlikely to receive any of it, analysts on North Korea say.
Instead, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his associates could pocket much of the money.
Ukrainian officials have said that up to 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to help push back its forces in Kursk, and those numbers could rise.
Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea, told Voice of America over the weekend that the number could reach 15,000, with troops rotated out every two to three months.
45 mins. ago
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged fellow Ukrainians not to spread panic after a day of heightened tensions in the war-torn country.
Zelensky made the appeal against the backdrop of the closure of several embassies in Kiev due to worries about the imminent threat of a major Russian air attack.
"The information overload that took place today, the panicked messages that were sent, all of this only helps Russia," he said in his evening video message on Wednesday.
Russia is a "crazy neighbor," but this applies on the 1,001st day of the war just as much as on any other day of the war before, he said.
Many people in Ukraine are growing concerned that Russia could escalate the war after Ukraine reportedly used long-range Western missiles to strike inside Russian territory.
Zelensky made the appeal against the backdrop of the closure of several embassies in Kiev due to worries about the imminent threat of a major Russian air attack.
"The information overload that took place today, the panicked messages that were sent, all of this only helps Russia," he said in his evening video message on Wednesday.
Russia is a "crazy neighbor," but this applies on the 1,001st day of the war just as much as on any other day of the war before, he said.
Many people in Ukraine are growing concerned that Russia could escalate the war after Ukraine reportedly used long-range Western missiles to strike inside Russian territory.
46 mins. ago
Following reports of damage to Iran's nuclear programme caused by an Israeli attack, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog called on Wednesday for international law to be respected.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament on Monday that a component of the Iranian nuclear programme had been damaged in a strike launched by the Israeli military in October.
The attack was in response to an Iranian attack on Israel a few weeks earlier.
"There is a body of law that indicates that nuclear facilities should not be attacked. It is my hope that this will be the case and that reason will prevail," International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said at a press conference on the sidelines of an IAEA meeting in Vienna.
Grossi said that nuclear activities may have taken place there in the past, but said it was unlikely they do now. "We do not have any information to confirm presence of nuclear material."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament on Monday that a component of the Iranian nuclear programme had been damaged in a strike launched by the Israeli military in October.
The attack was in response to an Iranian attack on Israel a few weeks earlier.
"There is a body of law that indicates that nuclear facilities should not be attacked. It is my hope that this will be the case and that reason will prevail," International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said at a press conference on the sidelines of an IAEA meeting in Vienna.
Grossi said that nuclear activities may have taken place there in the past, but said it was unlikely they do now. "We do not have any information to confirm presence of nuclear material."
51 mins. ago
Hamas' acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said in remarks broadcast on Wednesday that there would be no hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless the war in the Palestinian enclave ended.
"Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap," Hayya said reiterating the group's position on how to bring the war to an end.
"If the aggression is not ended, why would the resistance and in particular Hamas, return the prisoners (hostages)?" he said. "How would a sane or an insane person lose a strong card he owns while the war is continuing?"
Hayya, who led the group's negotiating team in talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, blamed the lack of progress on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"There are contacts under way with some countries and mediators to revive this file (negotiation). We are ready to continue with those efforts but it is more important to see a real will on the side of the occupation to end the aggression," said Hayya.
"Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap," Hayya said reiterating the group's position on how to bring the war to an end.
"If the aggression is not ended, why would the resistance and in particular Hamas, return the prisoners (hostages)?" he said. "How would a sane or an insane person lose a strong card he owns while the war is continuing?"
Hayya, who led the group's negotiating team in talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, blamed the lack of progress on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"There are contacts under way with some countries and mediators to revive this file (negotiation). We are ready to continue with those efforts but it is more important to see a real will on the side of the occupation to end the aggression," said Hayya.
53 mins. ago
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan opposes a U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles to attack inside Russia, saying it would further enflame the conflict.
Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory on Tuesday, taking advantage of newly granted permission on the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a policy document that lowers the threshold for Moscow to use nuclear weapons in response to attacks by an enemy using conventional weapons.
"Biden's step would be interpreted as a move to enflame the war and to ensure that it never ends but spreads," Erdogan
"This step will not only escalate the conflict, but will also lead to a greater response by Russia," he said, urging both Moscow and Kyiv to exercise restraint.
NATO member Turkey says it supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, it has condemned the Russian invasion, and has provided Kyiv with military support.
Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory on Tuesday, taking advantage of newly granted permission on the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a policy document that lowers the threshold for Moscow to use nuclear weapons in response to attacks by an enemy using conventional weapons.
"Biden's step would be interpreted as a move to enflame the war and to ensure that it never ends but spreads," Erdogan
"This step will not only escalate the conflict, but will also lead to a greater response by Russia," he said, urging both Moscow and Kyiv to exercise restraint.
NATO member Turkey says it supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, it has condemned the Russian invasion, and has provided Kyiv with military support.
55 mins. ago
Donald Trump repeatedly told America he had “nothing to do” with Project 2025. But now, he’s welcoming its architect into his Cabinet with open arms.
Russ Vought, who was deeply involved in the creation of Project 2025 and wrote an entire chapter in the right-wing playbook, is being strongly considered for an upcoming Cabinet position, according to several sources who spoke with ABC News. Vought has already begun the vetting process and has been seen at Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump’s team.
Vought—a former lobbyist, self-described Christian nationalist, and director of the Office of Management and Budget in Trump’s first term—authored a chapter in the 922-page MAGA extremist master plan titled “Executive Office of the President” for Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise” section. The chapter serves as “a comprehensive policy guide for the next conservative U.S. president.”
Russ Vought, who was deeply involved in the creation of Project 2025 and wrote an entire chapter in the right-wing playbook, is being strongly considered for an upcoming Cabinet position, according to several sources who spoke with ABC News. Vought has already begun the vetting process and has been seen at Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump’s team.
Vought—a former lobbyist, self-described Christian nationalist, and director of the Office of Management and Budget in Trump’s first term—authored a chapter in the 922-page MAGA extremist master plan titled “Executive Office of the President” for Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise” section. The chapter serves as “a comprehensive policy guide for the next conservative U.S. president.”
57 mins. ago
The Senate on Wednesday rejected attempts by Sen. Bernie Sanders Wednesday to block sales of offensive weapons to Israel for its war in Gaza over mounting civilian deaths there.
The Vermont lawmaker and a small group of Democrats sought to put legislation up for a Senate vote that would block the sale of some tank and mortar rounds and smart-bomb kits to Israel. The first attempt to block the sales was rejected overwhelmingly, and two more efforts also went down to defeat.
Sanders, in making the case for stopping the sales, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government “has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged an all-out war against the Palestinian people.”
Joint resolutions of disapproval, the measures would have had to pass both houses of Congress and withstand any presidential veto to become binding. Congress has never succeeded in blocking any arms sales with the joint resolutions. But the vote served as a test of broader frustration among Democra
The Vermont lawmaker and a small group of Democrats sought to put legislation up for a Senate vote that would block the sale of some tank and mortar rounds and smart-bomb kits to Israel. The first attempt to block the sales was rejected overwhelmingly, and two more efforts also went down to defeat.
Sanders, in making the case for stopping the sales, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government “has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged an all-out war against the Palestinian people.”
Joint resolutions of disapproval, the measures would have had to pass both houses of Congress and withstand any presidential veto to become binding. Congress has never succeeded in blocking any arms sales with the joint resolutions. But the vote served as a test of broader frustration among Democra
59 mins. ago
Russia is threatening to strike Kyiv with a “massive” new missile in revenge for the use of Western weapons against its territory.
Vladimir Putin’s armed forces are preparing to fire RS-26 intercontinental ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital.
Western nations including the United States shut their embassies on Thursday in anticipation of a large-scale air strike. The joint closure, also involving Italy, Spain and Greece, marked the gravest expression of concern from foreign embassies since the early days of the war.
On Wednesday, British Storm Shadow missiles hit a command post in the Kursk region in their first use against the Russian mainland. US-made ATACMS hit an ammunition dump in neighbouring Bryansk the day before.
The RS-26 has not been used in combat before, according to Western missile experts. It is said to fly at five times the speed of sound, making it harder for Kyiv’s US-supplied Patriot missile systems to shoot down.
Vladimir Putin’s armed forces are preparing to fire RS-26 intercontinental ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital.
Western nations including the United States shut their embassies on Thursday in anticipation of a large-scale air strike. The joint closure, also involving Italy, Spain and Greece, marked the gravest expression of concern from foreign embassies since the early days of the war.
On Wednesday, British Storm Shadow missiles hit a command post in the Kursk region in their first use against the Russian mainland. US-made ATACMS hit an ammunition dump in neighbouring Bryansk the day before.
The RS-26 has not been used in combat before, according to Western missile experts. It is said to fly at five times the speed of sound, making it harder for Kyiv’s US-supplied Patriot missile systems to shoot down.
1 hr. ago
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged the Crimea peninsula, seized by Russia in 2014, would have to be restored to Ukrainian sovereignty through diplomacy.
Zelenskiy, interviewed by Fox News on a train in Ukraine and broadcast on Wednesday, said his country could not afford to lose the number of lives that would be required to retake Crimea through military means.
He again rejected any notion of ceding any territory already occupied by Moscow's forces, saying Ukraine "cannot legally acknowledge any occupied territory of Ukraine as Russian."
"I was already mentioning that we are ready to bring Crimea back diplomatically," Zelenskiy
"We cannot spend dozens of thousands of our people so that they perish for the sake of Crimea coming back ... and still it's not a fact that we can bring it back with the arms in our hands. We understand that Crimea can be brought back diplomatically."
Zelenskiy, interviewed by Fox News on a train in Ukraine and broadcast on Wednesday, said his country could not afford to lose the number of lives that would be required to retake Crimea through military means.
He again rejected any notion of ceding any territory already occupied by Moscow's forces, saying Ukraine "cannot legally acknowledge any occupied territory of Ukraine as Russian."
"I was already mentioning that we are ready to bring Crimea back diplomatically," Zelenskiy
"We cannot spend dozens of thousands of our people so that they perish for the sake of Crimea coming back ... and still it's not a fact that we can bring it back with the arms in our hands. We understand that Crimea can be brought back diplomatically."
12 hours ago
China has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran "across various fields" during talks to advance a Beijing-brokered detente between the two long-time foes.
At a meeting in the Saudi capital, senior diplomats from the three nations also collectively called for "an immediate end" to Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, according to a joint statement released by China's foreign ministry.
They also condemned Israeli "attacks and violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Iran.
It came a day after Israel confirmed that its air attack on Iran last month hit part of Tehran's nuclear programme while degrading its defence and missile production capabilities, and amid ongoing concerns about a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
"The three parties believe that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and the world, as well as to maritime security,"
At a meeting in the Saudi capital, senior diplomats from the three nations also collectively called for "an immediate end" to Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, according to a joint statement released by China's foreign ministry.
They also condemned Israeli "attacks and violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Iran.
It came a day after Israel confirmed that its air attack on Iran last month hit part of Tehran's nuclear programme while degrading its defence and missile production capabilities, and amid ongoing concerns about a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
"The three parties believe that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and the world, as well as to maritime security,"
12 hours ago
The Israeli prime minister was quick to congratulate the Republican leader, and the two have chatted by phone repeatedly since the election.
Trump's message? He reportedly told Netanyahu he wants Israel to wrap up its conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon before the Jan. 20 inauguration. That has led to speculation that Netanyahu will announce cease-fire agreements as Trump takes office, a kind of congratulatory reward.
That means Netanyahu has roughly 70 days to inflict as much damage as possible against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which are backed by Iran.
Several Israeli officials are also eyeing the Trump victory as an opportunity to annex territory in the occupied West Bank, home to 3 million Palestinians. Such an action would be considered illegal under international law.
"This will be the year" for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said
Trump's message? He reportedly told Netanyahu he wants Israel to wrap up its conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon before the Jan. 20 inauguration. That has led to speculation that Netanyahu will announce cease-fire agreements as Trump takes office, a kind of congratulatory reward.
That means Netanyahu has roughly 70 days to inflict as much damage as possible against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which are backed by Iran.
Several Israeli officials are also eyeing the Trump victory as an opportunity to annex territory in the occupied West Bank, home to 3 million Palestinians. Such an action would be considered illegal under international law.
"This will be the year" for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said
12 hours ago
Hezbollah's leader delivered a defiant speech on Wednesday saying Israel cannot impose its conditions for a truce, as US envoy Amos Hochstein headed from Lebanon to Israel to try to end the war.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a near-simultaneous statement, said any ceasefire deal must ensure Israel has the "freedom to act" against Hezbollah.
Hochstein announced in Lebanon that he would head to Israel on Wednesday to try to seal a ceasefire agreement in the war in Lebanon, which escalated in late September.
Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon, vowing to secure the north and allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.
"Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us," Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem.
Qassem added that his armed group seeks a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty".
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a near-simultaneous statement, said any ceasefire deal must ensure Israel has the "freedom to act" against Hezbollah.
Hochstein announced in Lebanon that he would head to Israel on Wednesday to try to seal a ceasefire agreement in the war in Lebanon, which escalated in late September.
Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon, vowing to secure the north and allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.
"Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us," Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem.
Qassem added that his armed group seeks a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty".
12 hours ago
The Biden administration is aggressively pushing senators to bless continued U.S. weapons shipments for Israel ahead of a first-of-its-kind vote in Congress on the policy, HuffPost has learned ― and administration officials are suggesting lawmakers who vote against the arms are empowering American and Israeli foes from Iran to the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, which the U.S. treats as terror organizations.
HuffPost obtained a copy of talking points the administration is circulating on Capitol Hill ahead of a Wednesday vote on several tranches of military equipment that President Joe Biden wants to send Israel. The White House sent the document to multiple Democratic Senate offices on Tuesday, two Senate aides who requested anonymity to speak frankly told HuffPost.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is also privately pressing senators to endorse the ongoing flow of military equipment to Israel, according to one of the aides.
HuffPost obtained a copy of talking points the administration is circulating on Capitol Hill ahead of a Wednesday vote on several tranches of military equipment that President Joe Biden wants to send Israel. The White House sent the document to multiple Democratic Senate offices on Tuesday, two Senate aides who requested anonymity to speak frankly told HuffPost.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is also privately pressing senators to endorse the ongoing flow of military equipment to Israel, according to one of the aides.
12 hours ago
Hundreds of people in Belarus who have shown solidarity with Ukraine have been arrested in a sweeping crackdown under authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, a key ally of Russia in the war, human rights activists said Wednesday.
At least 1,671 Belarusians were detained for their anti-war stance or for expressing solidarity with Ukraine, and at least 200 of them have been given prison sentences ranging from one to 25 years on charges of “extremism and “conspiracy against the state,” according to a report.
In addition to the arrests, convictions and prison sentences, the report alleged that people were tortured, held in inhumane conditions and given fines, with some subjected to forced psychiatric treatment.
At least 12 Ukrainians in Belarus have been convicted on charges of “extremism” and purported links to Ukrainian security agencies, and given prison terms, said Ihor Kyzym, a Ukrainian diplomat who previously served as that country’s ambassador to Belarus.
At least 1,671 Belarusians were detained for their anti-war stance or for expressing solidarity with Ukraine, and at least 200 of them have been given prison sentences ranging from one to 25 years on charges of “extremism and “conspiracy against the state,” according to a report.
In addition to the arrests, convictions and prison sentences, the report alleged that people were tortured, held in inhumane conditions and given fines, with some subjected to forced psychiatric treatment.
At least 12 Ukrainians in Belarus have been convicted on charges of “extremism” and purported links to Ukrainian security agencies, and given prison terms, said Ihor Kyzym, a Ukrainian diplomat who previously served as that country’s ambassador to Belarus.
15 hours ago
US special envoy Amos Hochstein said Tuesday in Beirut that an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war was "now within our grasp" as he met officials to discuss a truce plan largely endorsed by Lebanon.
Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon, vowing to secure its northern border to allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.
After meeting with Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation on behalf of the group, Hochstein told reporters he saw "a real opportunity" to end the fighting.
"I'm here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it's ultimately the decision of the parties... It is now within our grasp."
Berri told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat after the meeting that "the situation is good, in principle", adding his team and US representatives still had "some technical details" to settle.
Hochstein also met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and army chief Joseph Aoun.
Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon, vowing to secure its northern border to allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.
After meeting with Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation on behalf of the group, Hochstein told reporters he saw "a real opportunity" to end the fighting.
"I'm here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it's ultimately the decision of the parties... It is now within our grasp."
Berri told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat after the meeting that "the situation is good, in principle", adding his team and US representatives still had "some technical details" to settle.
Hochstein also met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and army chief Joseph Aoun.
16 hours ago
US admiral says sending Israel and Ukraine weapons like Patriot missiles is eating into what's needed for countering China.
Adm. Sam Paparo is concerned that the US is giving out vital defenses it needs to deal with China.
"It's now eating into stocks,"
Paparo urged the Pentagon to start replenishing those stocks and expand beyond its original inventory.
The US Navy's top commander in the Indo-Pacific raised concerns on Tuesday that the Pentagon's advanced weapons shipments to Ukraine and Israel could sap the strength it needs to deal with China.
"Up to this year, where most of the employment of weapons were really artillery pieces and short-range weapons, I had said: 'Not at all,'" said Paparo, who's been commander of US Indo-Pacific Command since May.
"But now, with some of the Patriots that have been employed, some of the air-to-air missiles that have been employed, it's now eating into stocks," he added. "And to say otherwise would be dishonest."
Adm. Sam Paparo is concerned that the US is giving out vital defenses it needs to deal with China.
"It's now eating into stocks,"
Paparo urged the Pentagon to start replenishing those stocks and expand beyond its original inventory.
The US Navy's top commander in the Indo-Pacific raised concerns on Tuesday that the Pentagon's advanced weapons shipments to Ukraine and Israel could sap the strength it needs to deal with China.
"Up to this year, where most of the employment of weapons were really artillery pieces and short-range weapons, I had said: 'Not at all,'" said Paparo, who's been commander of US Indo-Pacific Command since May.
"But now, with some of the Patriots that have been employed, some of the air-to-air missiles that have been employed, it's now eating into stocks," he added. "And to say otherwise would be dishonest."
16 hours ago
Throughout his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump heaped scorn on the federal Department of Education, describing it as being infiltrated by “ radicals, zealots and Marxists.”
He has picked Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the department. But like many conservative politicians before him, Trump has called for dismantling the department altogether — a cumbersome task that likely would require action from Congress.
Trump has every right to clean up the unhealthy teaching in America school system teach mostly transgender and LGBTQ+...Before we learn more of Christianity. Trump state against teaching of unhealthy things and if possible any teacher found teaching unhealthy and Un-Godly beliefs. Make America "God's Own Country Again"
He has picked Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the department. But like many conservative politicians before him, Trump has called for dismantling the department altogether — a cumbersome task that likely would require action from Congress.
Trump has every right to clean up the unhealthy teaching in America school system teach mostly transgender and LGBTQ+...Before we learn more of Christianity. Trump state against teaching of unhealthy things and if possible any teacher found teaching unhealthy and Un-Godly beliefs. Make America "God's Own Country Again"
23 hours ago
Nuclear War: Will Ukraine End-Up Like Japan Or Korea? Will Trump Up...
With Russia threatening to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, China adding more nuclear weapons to its stockpile, and North Korea modernizing its nukes with alleged Russian help, one of the critical decisions that Donald Trump will have to take after assuming office next January is how to deal with...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67184
23 hours ago
China’s Anti-Ship Missiles ‘Sink’ British $7.8B...
The debate on the efficacy and potency of aircraft carriers and submarines has been raging for a while. While both flattops and submerged platforms have pros and cons, the recent wargaming showed that Britain lost its multi-billion-pound aircraft carriers ‘in most wargames.’ The...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67181
23 hours ago
Russia Slams ATACMS Attack On Bryansk Region; FM Lavrov Says It...
Ukraine launched a significant strike on a Russian weapons depot in the town of Karachev, located in the Bryansk region, over 110 kilometers from its border. This attack, first reported by RBC Ukraine, marks the first known use of the US-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System)...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67178
23 hours ago
Russia’s 2nd Stealth Fighter In Advanced Stages Of...
Russian state aircraft manufacturer has said that the country’s fifth-generation stealth aircraft—the Su-75 Checkmate—is now in advanced stages of development and expressed confidence in the aircraft’s export potential. Sergey Korotkov, Deputy General Director of the...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67151
23 hours ago
Air Defense “Killer” Missile: U.S. Air Force Gets...
Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced the delivery of the first Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) test missile to the US Air Force, marking a critical step in the missile’s development. The delivery, revealed on November 18, paves the way for upcoming flight tests of the advanced...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67143
23 hours ago
Historic Realignment! 1st Direct Cargo Ship From Pakistan Docks In...
A major strategic realignment is underway in South Asia. In a historical first since Bangladesh’s founding in 1971, a direct cargo ship from Pakistan docked at Bangladesh’s Chittagong port, signaling an unprecedented thaw in relations between the two countries, which had been part of...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67141
23 hours ago
ATACMS Attack To ‘Invite’ Nuclear Retaliation: Russia...
A Russian lawmaker has issued a dire warning of nuclear retaliation, declaring that “nothing would be left” of the United States, following reports that Washington has authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles for strikes deep inside Russian territory. Andrei Gurulev,...
https://afriprime.net/posts/67137
