Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-imposes-fines-for-not-wearing-face-masks-as-covid-19-cases-surge-334295">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran imposes fines for not wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization was under quarantine since October 3, state media reported.

Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, vice-president of the atomic agency had said earlier that &nbsp;"under medical observation" after contracting the virus.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency had reported that both men were in "good" health condition.

The virus has been on the rise in the country with Iran planning to make wearing masks mandatory in public in big cities after imposing it in capital Tehran.

The total coronavirus cases in the country has now crossed over 500,000 with 3,822 new cases reported on Sunday. Iran's health ministry said on Sunday that 251 people had died due to the virus in the last 24 hours.

There have been 27,658 deaths due to coronavirus in the country.

On Wednesday, the country had reported 239 deaths from the virus which was the highest recorded one-day fatality. It has also passed 4,000 cases on the same day.

Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari had said earlier that, "We are seeing an increase in confirmed cases, and daily hospitalisations in most of our provinces," while warning that, "the rate of compliance with health protocols and wearing masks is declining."

Iran has been battling the virus including the US sanctions with health officials worried over the lack of essential material to fight the virus.

Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. Also Read: Iran imposes fines for not wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases surge The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization was under quarantine since October 3, state media reported.

Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. Also Read: Iran imposes fines for not wearing face masks as COVID-19 cases surge The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization was under quarantine since October 3, state media reported. Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, vice-president of the atomic agency had said earlier that "under medical observation" after contracting the virus. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency had reported that both men were in "good" health condition. The virus has been on the rise in the country with Iran planning to make wearing masks mandatory in public in big cities after imposing it in capital Tehran. The total coronavirus cases in the country has now crossed over 500,000 with 3,822 new cases reported on Sunday. Iran's health ministry said on Sunday that 251 people had died due to the virus in the last 24 hours. There have been 27,658 deaths due to coronavirus in the country. On Wednesday, the country had reported 239 deaths from the virus which was the highest recorded one-day fatality. It has also passed 4,000 cases on the same day. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari had said earlier that, "We are seeing an increase in confirmed cases, and daily hospitalisations in most of our provinces," while warning that, "the rate of compliance with health protocols and wearing masks is declining." Iran has been battling the virus including the US sanctions with health officials worried over the lack of essential material to fight the virus.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization chief Ali Akbar Salehi tests positive for coronavirus

US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-receives-an-unusual-endorsement-from-taliban-for-reelection-bid-334424">Trump</a> who was cleared to start campaigning by his doctor, said today that he is "immune" from coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-new-england-journal-of-medicine-joins-never-trumpers-334446">Also Read:&nbsp;In a first, New England Journal of Medicine joins never-Trumpers</a>

"It looks like I'm immune for, I don't know, maybe a long time and maybe a short time, it could be a lifetime, nobody really knows, but I'm immune," Trump told a US TV network on Sunday ahead of his rallies beginning Monday.

Watch:

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Trump's physician Sean Conley had said earlier that "he is no longer considered a transmission risk to others" less than a week after the US president returned to the White House after being admitted to Walter Reed hospital.

Trump is set to hold rallies in Florida, Pennsylvania and Iowa starting Monday with the US elections just days away.

According to Conley, the president's tests showed there was "no longer evidence of actively replicating virus" while stating that Trump's viral load was "decreasing".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/donald-trumps-alternate-constitutional-reality-334422">Trump</a> in his first public appearance since returning to the White House told his supporters from the balcony that he was "feeling great" and that the US will "beat the China virus".

"Science, medicine will eradicate the China virus once and for all, it's going to disappear. It's disappearing," Trump asserted. "I have defeated the China virus, &nbsp;This disease is going to disappear," the US president had said on Saturday from the White House.

US President Donald Trump who was cleared to start campaigning by his doctor, said today that he is "immune" from coronavirus. Also Read: In a first, New England Journal of Medicine joins never-Trumpers "It looks like I'm immune for, I don't know, maybe a long time and maybe a short time, it could be a lifetime, nobody really knows, but I'm immune," Trump told a US TV network on Sunday ahead of his rallies beginning Monday.

US President Donald Trump who was cleared to start campaigning by his doctor, said today that he is "immune" from coronavirus. Also Read: In a first, New England Journal of Medicine joins never-Trumpers "It looks like I'm immune for, I don't know, maybe a long time and maybe a short time, it could be a lifetime, nobody really knows, but I'm immune," Trump told a US TV network on Sunday ahead of his rallies beginning Monday. Watch: Trump's physician Sean Conley had said earlier that "he is no longer considered a transmission risk to others" less than a week after the US president returned to the White House after being admitted to Walter Reed hospital. Trump is set to hold rallies in Florida, Pennsylvania and Iowa starting Monday with the US elections just days away. According to Conley, the president's tests showed there was "no longer evidence of actively replicating virus" while stating that Trump's viral load was "decreasing". Trump in his first public appearance since returning to the White House told his supporters from the balcony that he was "feeling great" and that the US will "beat the China virus". "Science, medicine will eradicate the China virus once and for all, it's going to disappear. It's disappearing," Trump asserted. "I have defeated the China virus, This disease is going to disappear," the US president had said on Saturday from the White House.

It looks like I'm immune from coronavirus, says Trump

Amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">India-China standoff</a> at the LAC, the seventh India-China corps commander-level talks are due to take place on October 12 at Chushul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iafs-chinook-helicopter-carries-out-night-sortie-from-leh-airbase-watch-video-334404">Watch video:&nbsp;IAF's Chinook helicopter carries out night sortie from Leh airbase</a>

Indian and Chinese commanders have been involved in commander-level talks since May and after the Galwan Valley clash on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the PLA had lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures.

Indian and Chinese troops were involved in another clash on August 29-30 as the Indian side pushed back the Chinese incursion.

India's foreign ministry had said earlier that it "never accepted the so-called unilaterally defined 1959 Line of Actual Contro(LAC). The position has been consistent and well known including to the Chinese."

The MEA called &nbsp;on the Chinese side to "sincerely and faithfully" abide by all "agreements and understandings in their entirety and refrain from advancing an untenable unilateral interpretation of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-india-china-resolve-border-issues-offers-help-again-330069"> LAC</a>."

MEA had asserted that the "two sides had engaged in an exercise to clarify and confirm the LAC up to 2003 but this process could not proceed further as the Chinese side did not show a willingness to pursue it.

The Indian Army military is set to keep troops deployed along the high-altitude border through the winter as Chinese troops have reportedly refused to budge from their forward positions in eastern Ladakh.

Temperatures in Ladakh can fall well below freezing with troops deployed at altitudes of over 15,000 feet. India has moved large quantities of supplies to stock its troops with Indian Air Force's large transport aircraft landed at a forward base in Ladakh.

Amid the India-China standoff at the LAC, the seventh India-China corps commander-level talks are due to take place on October 12 at Chushul. Watch video: IAF's Chinook helicopter carries out night sortie from Leh airbase Indian and Chinese commanders have been involved in commander-level talks since May and after the Galwan Valley clash on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the PLA had lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures.

Amid the India-China standoff at the LAC, the seventh India-China corps commander-level talks are due to take place on October 12 at Chushul. Watch video: IAF's Chinook helicopter carries out night sortie from Leh airbase Indian and Chinese commanders have been involved in commander-level talks since May and after the Galwan Valley clash on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the PLA had lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures. Indian and Chinese troops were involved in another clash on August 29-30 as the Indian side pushed back the Chinese incursion. India's foreign ministry had said earlier that it "never accepted the so-called unilaterally defined 1959 Line of Actual Contro(LAC). The position has been consistent and well known including to the Chinese." The MEA called on the Chinese side to "sincerely and faithfully" abide by all "agreements and understandings in their entirety and refrain from advancing an untenable unilateral interpretation of the LAC." MEA had asserted that the "two sides had engaged in an exercise to clarify and confirm the LAC up to 2003 but this process could not proceed further as the Chinese side did not show a willingness to pursue it. The Indian Army military is set to keep troops deployed along the high-altitude border through the winter as Chinese troops have reportedly refused to budge from their forward positions in eastern Ladakh. Temperatures in Ladakh can fall well below freezing with troops deployed at altitudes of over 15,000 feet. India has moved large quantities of supplies to stock its troops with Indian Air Force's large transport aircraft landed at a forward base in Ladakh.

India-China corps commander talks to take place at Chushul on October 12

Amid a "fragile peace" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ceasefire-armenia-says-azerbaijan-launching-attacks-towards-karakhanbeyli-334256">Nagorno-Karabakh</a> region, Pope Francis speaking after the Angelus prayer in Rome on Sunday said, "the truce proves to be too fragile".

Watch:

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"I pray and invite you to pray for the victims and for all those whose life is in danger," the Pope said, adding that the fighting should be resolved "not through the use of force and arms, but through dialogue and negotiation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-accuse-each-other-of-violating-fragile-truce-334365">Also Read:&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating 'fragile' truce</a>

There were reports on Sunday of shelling on civilian areas by both sides even as the situation was reportedly calmer.The Pope's prayers come as &nbsp;Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. The two sides had met in Moscow as Russian negotiators led by foreign minister Lavrov was able to bind a shaky ceasefire even as fighting continued on the ground.

Azerbaijan's foreign ministry had said that there was overnight shelling in Ganja on Saturday leading to the death of at least seven people with several wounded, although the Armenian defence ministry said it was "an absolute lie".

Azerbaijan also accused Armenia of launching an unsuccessful rocket attack on a hydro-electric power station in Mingachevir. The fighting between the two nations has been the worst since the 1991-94 war in which at least 30,000 people were killed.

Nagorno-Karabakh is an ethnic Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan with a large Armenian population which had broken away from Azerbaijan. Both countries had gained independence after the breakup of the former Soviet Union in 1991.

Amid a "fragile peace" in Nagorno-Karabakh region, Pope Francis speaking after the Angelus prayer in Rome on Sunday said, "the truce proves to be too fragile". Watch: "I pray and invite you to pray for the victims and for all those whose life is in danger," the Pope said, adding that the fighting should be resolved "not through the use of force and arms, but through dialogue and negotiation.

Amid a "fragile peace" in Nagorno-Karabakh region, Pope Francis speaking after the Angelus prayer in Rome on Sunday said, "the truce proves to be too fragile". Watch: "I pray and invite you to pray for the victims and for all those whose life is in danger," the Pope said, adding that the fighting should be resolved "not through the use of force and arms, but through dialogue and negotiation." Also Read: Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating 'fragile' truce There were reports on Sunday of shelling on civilian areas by both sides even as the situation was reportedly calmer.The Pope's prayers come as Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. The two sides had met in Moscow as Russian negotiators led by foreign minister Lavrov was able to bind a shaky ceasefire even as fighting continued on the ground. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry had said that there was overnight shelling in Ganja on Saturday leading to the death of at least seven people with several wounded, although the Armenian defence ministry said it was "an absolute lie". Azerbaijan also accused Armenia of launching an unsuccessful rocket attack on a hydro-electric power station in Mingachevir. The fighting between the two nations has been the worst since the 1991-94 war in which at least 30,000 people were killed. Nagorno-Karabakh is an ethnic Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan with a large Armenian population which had broken away from Azerbaijan. Both countries had gained independence after the breakup of the former Soviet Union in 1991.

'Truce too fragile': Pope Francis calls for dialogue as Karabakh ceasefire under severe strain

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-continues-protesting-against-netanyahus-coronavirus-restrictions-332340">Also Read:&nbsp;Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions</a>

The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions.

Large scale protests were witnessed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with scattered demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Isreal reportedly has one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates per capita as the country struggles to fight the second wave of infections.&nbsp;

Israel currently has 280,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 1,900 fatalities.

The protesters clashed with police in some areas with placards “Bibi, you are destroying my future” and "Go away" as police said the demonstrators were not observing social distancing norms and were putting others at risk as protests&nbsp;swelled in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv.

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Police claimed the march was "illegal" as protesters took the main streets in thousands despite COVID-19 restrictions in place. Reports said the protesters broke through a barricade in Tel Aviv hurting several cops.

Reports claimed&nbsp;some tried to protest in front of Netanyahu’s private residence but were resisted by police action.

Anti-Netanyahu protests have been going on since July to denounce the Israeli prime minister's handling of the virus and the economy.

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions.

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions. Large scale protests were witnessed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with scattered demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Isreal reportedly has one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates per capita as the country struggles to fight the second wave of infections. Israel currently has 280,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 1,900 fatalities. The protesters clashed with police in some areas with placards “Bibi, you are destroying my future” and "Go away" as police said the demonstrators were not observing social distancing norms and were putting others at risk as protests swelled in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv. Police claimed the march was "illegal" as protesters took the main streets in thousands despite COVID-19 restrictions in place. Reports said the protesters broke through a barricade in Tel Aviv hurting several cops. Reports claimed some tried to protest in front of Netanyahu’s private residence but were resisted by police action. Anti-Netanyahu protests have been going on since July to denounce the Israeli prime minister's handling of the virus and the economy.

Anti-Netanyahu protests erupt in Israel amid coronavirus restrictions

Amid reports of Qatar submitting&nbsp;a request to the Trump administration to buy the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sale-of-f-35s-to-uae-threatens-israel-peace-agreement-322003">F-35 fighter</a> jets, Israeli intelligence minister Eli Cohen said his country will oppose the US sale of the fighter jets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uae-eye-december-goal-to-agree-on-f-35-deal-sources-329434">Also Read |&nbsp;US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal: Sources</a>

The &nbsp;F-35 fighter jets give the Israeli Air Force an edge over its opposition in the Middle East. The latest development comes amid reports of US government agreeing to consider giving the super fighters to the United Arab Emirates.

US President Donald Trump had said earlier that he had "personally no problem" in selling the fighter jets to UAE after it established diplomatic relations with Israel.

Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and White House advisor had earlier visited UAE's airbase where the US stations the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-sell-105-f-35-stealth-fighters-to-japan-312123">F-35</a> stealth fighter jets.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had earlier said the US would ensure Israel military superiority in the Middle East, amid reports of US sale of F-35 fighters to the United Arab Emirates.

"A cornerstone of our defence relationship is preserving Israel's qualitative military edge in the region," Esper said, adding," The United States is committed to that, and the Department of Defense is committed to that imperative. We will continue to support the longstanding US policy to maintain Israel's security."

Israel has also opposed the sale of F-35 fighters to Jordan and Egypt which recognise Israel.

The United States is committed to maintaining &nbsp;"qualitative military edge" (QME) of Israel in the Middle East under US legislation.

Amid reports of Qatar submitting a request to the Trump administration to buy the F-35 fighter jets, Israeli intelligence minister Eli Cohen said his country will oppose the US sale of the fighter jets.

Amid reports of Qatar submitting a request to the Trump administration to buy the F-35 fighter jets, Israeli intelligence minister Eli Cohen said his country will oppose the US sale of the fighter jets. Also Read | US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal: Sources The F-35 fighter jets give the Israeli Air Force an edge over its opposition in the Middle East. The latest development comes amid reports of US government agreeing to consider giving the super fighters to the United Arab Emirates. US President Donald Trump had said earlier that he had "personally no problem" in selling the fighter jets to UAE after it established diplomatic relations with Israel. Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and White House advisor had earlier visited UAE's airbase where the US stations the F-35 stealth fighter jets. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had earlier said the US would ensure Israel military superiority in the Middle East, amid reports of US sale of F-35 fighters to the United Arab Emirates. "A cornerstone of our defence relationship is preserving Israel's qualitative military edge in the region," Esper said, adding," The United States is committed to that, and the Department of Defense is committed to that imperative. We will continue to support the longstanding US policy to maintain Israel's security." Israel has also opposed the sale of F-35 fighters to Jordan and Egypt which recognise Israel. The United States is committed to maintaining "qualitative military edge" (QME) of Israel in the Middle East under US legislation.

Israel to oppose US F-35 fighter jet sale to Qatar

German government's decision to impose late-night curfew kicked in from Saturday as restaurants and bars closed early amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-regions-sound-alarm-as-us-covid-19-cases-hit-two-month-high-334397">coronavirus</a> cases in the country.&nbsp;

Watch:

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According to the new restrictions, restaurants and bars will have to close at 11pm until 6 am until the end of the month with petrol pumps disallowed from selling alcohol at night.

The German authorities have also put together very strict social distancing norms with just ten people allowed to gather in indoor private parties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-berlin-frankfurt-impose-curfew-as-uk-braces-for-tier-three-lockdown-334315">Also Read:&nbsp;Berlin, Frankfurt impose curfew as UK braces for tier-three lockdown</a>

Several German cities including Hamburg and Berlin have now become "high-risk zones" as the country grapples with the new wave of epidemic with the onset of winter in Europe.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and mayors of several large cities had earlier agreed to impose stricter anti-COVID-19 measures amid a surge in cases. The German Chancellor and the mayors will be meeting again in two weeks to review the situation.

Merkel had earlier said she didn't want Germany to go through a repeat of the spring coronavirus situation when Europe was put under lockdown with every major economy shutdown.

Health minister Jens Spahn had warned that the country faces a "test of character" to combat the virus. "We are at an autumn milestone," Spahn said, adding,"We must not lose control ... this is a test of character for our society".

"It's mainly younger people who get infected because they think they are not vulnerable," Spahn asserted.

Germany has one of the best records in containing the virus so far compared to other nations namely France and Spain who have felt the brunt of the virus. The total coronavirus cases in Germany has reached 310,144 with the death toll climbing to over 9,570.

German government's decision to impose late-night curfew kicked in from Saturday as restaurants and bars closed early amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

German government's decision to impose late-night curfew kicked in from Saturday as restaurants and bars closed early amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. Watch: According to the new restrictions, restaurants and bars will have to close at 11pm until 6 am until the end of the month with petrol pumps disallowed from selling alcohol at night. The German authorities have also put together very strict social distancing norms with just ten people allowed to gather in indoor private parties. Also Read: Berlin, Frankfurt impose curfew as UK braces for tier-three lockdown Several German cities including Hamburg and Berlin have now become "high-risk zones" as the country grapples with the new wave of epidemic with the onset of winter in Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel and mayors of several large cities had earlier agreed to impose stricter anti-COVID-19 measures amid a surge in cases. The German Chancellor and the mayors will be meeting again in two weeks to review the situation. Merkel had earlier said she didn't want Germany to go through a repeat of the spring coronavirus situation when Europe was put under lockdown with every major economy shutdown. Health minister Jens Spahn had warned that the country faces a "test of character" to combat the virus. "We are at an autumn milestone," Spahn said, adding,"We must not lose control ... this is a test of character for our society". "It's mainly younger people who get infected because they think they are not vulnerable," Spahn asserted. Germany has one of the best records in containing the virus so far compared to other nations namely France and Spain who have felt the brunt of the virus. The total coronavirus cases in Germany has reached 310,144 with the death toll climbing to over 9,570.

German bars, restaurants placed under evening restrictions amid surge in virus cases

WASHINGTON — Even as he scrambles to shore up support from his base, President Donald Trump on Thursday again suggested that veterans and their families had spread the coronavirus at the White House, floating the idea that a meeting with the loved ones of fallen military members might have been the source of his own infection.

In an interview on Fox Business, Trump described an event at the White House on Sept. 27 with a group of Gold Star families — those whose relatives have died in military conflicts — and said he had “figured there would be a chance” he would become infected there, because the family members “come within an inch of my face sometimes.”

“They want to hug me and they want to kiss me,” he added. “And they do. And frankly, I’m not telling them to back up. I’m not doing it. But I did say it’s obviously dangerous.”

Last week, Trump suggested that Marines and other service members, as well as police officers, might have infected one of his top advisers, Hope Hicks. In fact, by the time the president made those comments, in an interview with Fox News on Thursday night, he had already tested positive using a rapid test and was awaiting the results of a more precise test.

The remarks came weeks after a report in The Atlantic that Trump had disparaged U.S. troops who died in wars as “losers” and “suckers.”

Trump has counted on veterans as well as active-duty service members as a key slice of his political base; in 2016, about 60% voted for him, according to exit polls, and swing-state counties with especially high numbers of veterans helped him win. But that support appears to have slipped.

Groups associated with veterans and disillusioned Republican voters have raised millions of dollars to attack Trump since the Atlantic report early last month, which cited anonymous people who said the president had rejected a visit to a World War I military cemetery in northern France in part because it was “filled with losers.”

Alyssa Farah, a White House spokeswoman, said Trump had not been implicating the families.

“His point was merely that in the time frame that he was potentially exposed,” she said, “there were a number of different venues he’d been at and individuals that he had interacted with that it could have come from.”

WASHINGTON — Even as he scrambles to shore up support from his base, President Donald Trump on Thursday again suggested that veterans and their families had spread the coronavirus at the White House, floating the idea that a meeting with the loved ones of fallen military members might have been the source of his own infection.

WASHINGTON — Even as he scrambles to shore up support from his base, President Donald Trump on Thursday again suggested that veterans and their families had spread the coronavirus at the White House, floating the idea that a meeting with the loved ones of fallen military members might have been the source of his own infection. In an interview on Fox Business, Trump described an event at the White House on Sept. 27 with a group of Gold Star families — those whose relatives have died in military conflicts — and said he had “figured there would be a chance” he would become infected there, because the family members “come within an inch of my face sometimes.” “They want to hug me and they want to kiss me,” he added. “And they do. And frankly, I’m not telling them to back up. I’m not doing it. But I did say it’s obviously dangerous.” Last week, Trump suggested that Marines and other service members, as well as police officers, might have infected one of his top advisers, Hope Hicks. In fact, by the time the president made those comments, in an interview with Fox News on Thursday night, he had already tested positive using a rapid test and was awaiting the results of a more precise test. The remarks came weeks after a report in The Atlantic that Trump had disparaged U.S. troops who died in wars as “losers” and “suckers.” Trump has counted on veterans as well as active-duty service members as a key slice of his political base; in 2016, about 60% voted for him, according to exit polls, and swing-state counties with especially high numbers of veterans helped him win. But that support appears to have slipped. Groups associated with veterans and disillusioned Republican voters have raised millions of dollars to attack Trump since the Atlantic report early last month, which cited anonymous people who said the president had rejected a visit to a World War I military cemetery in northern France in part because it was “filled with losers.” Alyssa Farah, a White House spokeswoman, said Trump had not been implicating the families. “His point was merely that in the time frame that he was potentially exposed,” she said, “there were a number of different venues he’d been at and individuals that he had interacted with that it could have come from.”

Trump suggests Gold Star families may be to blame for his infection

After announcing a rally in Florida, Trump's campaign team said US President Donald Trump will hold two more rallies in and Pennsylvania and Iowa.

Watch:

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The Trump team's announcement comes as the United States counts down to the November 3 election date amid the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic. President Trump who had contracted the virus had returned to the White House on Monday after being sent Walter Reed hospital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-covid-treatments-were-tested-in-cells-derived-from-fetal-tissue-334339">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump’s COVID treatments were tested in cells derived from fetal tissue</a>

Trump is set to deliver an address at the White House on Saturday to his supporters even as doubts linger over his health.

However, Trump told a US TV network that, "Right now I'm medication-free, I'm not taking any medications as of, you know, probably eight hours ago."

The pandemic has become a major election issue as Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted: "Over 213,000 Americans have died from this virus -- and the hard truth is it didn't have to happen this way."

As the election day nears with Trump still trailing Biden in the opinion poll, US Republican Senator Ted Cruz warned that party could face a "bloodbath of Watergate proportions".

"If on election day people are angry and they've given up hope and they're depressed... I think it could be a terrible election," Cruz said, adding,""I think we could lose the White House and both houses of Congress, that it could be a bloodbath of Watergate proportions."

"I am worried.... It's highly volatile," the Republican Senator added.

After announcing a rally in Florida, Trump's campaign team said US President Donald Trump will hold two more rallies in and Pennsylvania and Iowa. Watch: The Trump team's announcement comes as the United States counts down to the November 3 election date amid the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

After announcing a rally in Florida, Trump's campaign team said US President Donald Trump will hold two more rallies in and Pennsylvania and Iowa. Watch: The Trump team's announcement comes as the United States counts down to the November 3 election date amid the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic. President Trump who had contracted the virus had returned to the White House on Monday after being sent Walter Reed hospital. Also Read: Trump’s COVID treatments were tested in cells derived from fetal tissue Trump is set to deliver an address at the White House on Saturday to his supporters even as doubts linger over his health. However, Trump told a US TV network that, "Right now I'm medication-free, I'm not taking any medications as of, you know, probably eight hours ago." The pandemic has become a major election issue as Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted: "Over 213,000 Americans have died from this virus -- and the hard truth is it didn't have to happen this way." As the election day nears with Trump still trailing Biden in the opinion poll, US Republican Senator Ted Cruz warned that party could face a "bloodbath of Watergate proportions". "If on election day people are angry and they've given up hope and they're depressed... I think it could be a terrible election," Cruz said, adding,""I think we could lose the White House and both houses of Congress, that it could be a bloodbath of Watergate proportions." "I am worried.... It's highly volatile," the Republican Senator added.

After Florida, Trump to take part in two more rallies next week

Two terrorists of Islamic State El Shafee Elsheikh, 32, and Alexanda Kotey, 36 pleaded not guilty in a US court to charges of conspiring to murder four American hostages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-islamic-state-terrorists-known-as-beatles-to-appear-in-us-court-333288">Also Read:&nbsp;Two Islamic State terrorists known as 'Beatles' to appear in US court</a>

Elsheikh and Kotey dubbed the "Beatles" due to their British accent were brought in from Iraq to face charges in US for the murder of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.

Judge TS Ellis said, "time is required in order to achieve the ends of justice in this case", even though he asked for a trial to be held "as soon as possible".

Kotey and Elsheikh were stripped of their UK citizenship as the US assured the British government that they won't be given the death penalty. The former British nationals have been in US custody since October last year after being captured in January 2018 by Syrian Kurdish forces.

The two men have been charged with hostage-taking, conspiracy to commit murder among other crimes as they face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The duo allegedly abducted American, European and Japanese hostages in Syria from 2012 to 2015 and allegedly tortured and killed their victims, including by beheading.

According to US authorities, both men travelled to Syria in 2012 after being radicalized in Britain.

As they were brought in to the US, the families of Kayla Mueller, Peter Kassig, Steven Sotloff and James Foley welcomed their transfer to face justice in the country.

"James, Peter, Kayla and Steven were kidnapped, tortured, beaten, starved, and murdered by members of the Islamic State in Syria," the families said in a joint statement. "Now our families can pursue accountability for these crimes against our children in a US court," the statement added.

Two terrorists of Islamic State El Shafee Elsheikh, 32, and Alexanda Kotey, 36 pleaded not guilty in a US court to charges of conspiring to murder four American hostages.

Two terrorists of Islamic State El Shafee Elsheikh, 32, and Alexanda Kotey, 36 pleaded not guilty in a US court to charges of conspiring to murder four American hostages. Also Read: Two Islamic State terrorists known as 'Beatles' to appear in US court Elsheikh and Kotey dubbed the "Beatles" due to their British accent were brought in from Iraq to face charges in US for the murder of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. Judge TS Ellis said, "time is required in order to achieve the ends of justice in this case", even though he asked for a trial to be held "as soon as possible". Kotey and Elsheikh were stripped of their UK citizenship as the US assured the British government that they won't be given the death penalty. The former British nationals have been in US custody since October last year after being captured in January 2018 by Syrian Kurdish forces. The two men have been charged with hostage-taking, conspiracy to commit murder among other crimes as they face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The duo allegedly abducted American, European and Japanese hostages in Syria from 2012 to 2015 and allegedly tortured and killed their victims, including by beheading. According to US authorities, both men travelled to Syria in 2012 after being radicalized in Britain. As they were brought in to the US, the families of Kayla Mueller, Peter Kassig, Steven Sotloff and James Foley welcomed their transfer to face justice in the country. "James, Peter, Kayla and Steven were kidnapped, tortured, beaten, starved, and murdered by members of the Islamic State in Syria," the families said in a joint statement. "Now our families can pursue accountability for these crimes against our children in a US court," the statement added.

Islamic State 'Beatles' terrorists plead not guilty in US court

North Korea leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-launches-campaign-to-attain-goals-332795">Kim Jong-un</a> unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-holds-anniversary-parade-kim-jong-un-addresses-the-nation-334301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.". The North Korean leader said that "not a single person" had contracted the virus in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/not-a-single-person-with-virus-north-korea-conducts-pre-dawn-military-parade-334287">In Pics:&nbsp;'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade</a>

According to experts, the ICBM is one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. North Korea also displayed the Hwasong-15 long-range missile.&nbsp;

"If we don't have our own strength, the only thing we have to do is to wipe the streaming tears and blood though our fists are clenched," he added.

"I wish good health to all the people around the world who are fighting the ills of the evil virus," Kim said in his speech.

The North Korean leader dressed in grey suit waived as he addressed the parade with his generals and several thousand spectators watching the parade.

Kim spoke for nearly half an hour as he displayed a wide range of emotions shedding tears while thanking his troops and smiling confidently when tanks and fighter jets flew past.

In a diplomatic gesture, the North Korean leader said he hoped that North and South Korea would join hands again once the coronavirus crisis is over.

North Korea's chief ally China headed by President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday. Watch: During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday. Watch: During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.". The North Korean leader said that "not a single person" had contracted the virus in the country. In Pics: 'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade According to experts, the ICBM is one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. North Korea also displayed the Hwasong-15 long-range missile. "If we don't have our own strength, the only thing we have to do is to wipe the streaming tears and blood though our fists are clenched," he added. "I wish good health to all the people around the world who are fighting the ills of the evil virus," Kim said in his speech. The North Korean leader dressed in grey suit waived as he addressed the parade with his generals and several thousand spectators watching the parade. Kim spoke for nearly half an hour as he displayed a wide range of emotions shedding tears while thanking his troops and smiling confidently when tanks and fighter jets flew past. In a diplomatic gesture, the North Korean leader said he hoped that North and South Korea would join hands again once the coronavirus crisis is over. North Korea's chief ally China headed by President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea.

North Korea unveils giant ICBM during pre-dawn military parade

When the Trump administration suspended federal funding in 2019 for most new scientific research projects involving fetal tissue derived from abortions, officials argued that whatever the scientific benefits, there was a pressing moral imperative to find alternative research methods.

“Promoting the dignity of human life from conception to natural death is one of the very top priorities of President Trump’s administration,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement released at the time.

Yet the treatment for COVID-19 received by Donald Trump — a combination of monoclonal antibodies he described as a “cure” in a celebratory video posted on Twitter — was developed using human cells derived from a fetus aborted decades ago.

Remdesivir, an antiviral drug that the president received late last week, was also developed with those cell lines. At least two companies racing to create a vaccine against the coronavirus, Moderna and AstraZeneca, are also relying on the cells. Johnson &amp; Johnson is testing its vaccine in another so-called cell line originally produced from fetal tissue.

As participants in the White House’s Operation Warp Speed, all three vaccine-makers have received federal funding.

A Trump administration official argued Thursday that the president’s embracing of the treatments was not a contradiction. The administration’s policy on fetal tissue research “specifically excluded” cell lines made before June 2019, said the official, who did not wish to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the matter.

Scientific products made using cell lines that existed before then “would not implicate the administration’s policy on the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions,” the official said.

Some scientists saw a double standard in the president’s endorsement. “Hypocrisy has never bothered the man, as near as I can tell,” Lawrence Goldstein, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, who has used fetal tissue in his research, said of Trump.

Dr. Deepak Srivastava, a pediatric cardiologist who led the International Society for Stem Cell Research until July, said, “If they oppose this research, they should be willing to not take a drug that was developed using that.”

For decades, fetal tissue from abortions has been crucial to scientific research into treatments for conditions from birth defects to Ebola to cancer. And fetal tissue has been particularly important for studying the immune system, a key to designing treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases like COVID-19.

The cells used by most of the companies now trying to find a COVID-19 treatment, called the 293T line, were derived from the kidney tissue of a fetus aborted in the 1970s. A similar cell line, Per.C6, was obtained in 1985 from the retinal cells of an aborted 18-week-old fetus.

The treatment that Trump called a cure for COVID-19 is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies manufactured by Regeneron. Those antibodies are synthesized outside the body and then infused into patients to help fight off the infection.

Regeneron tested the antibodies against virus-like particles created using 293T human cells. The viral particles serve as a proxy for the live coronavirus; testing otherwise would require a lab with extremely high biosafety levels. (Eli Lilly, which also is manufacturing monoclonal antibodies, is using the same method.)

“293Ts were used in testing the antibodies’ ability to neutralize the virus,” said Alexandra Bowie, a spokesperson for Regeneron. “They weren’t used in any other way, and fetal tissue was not used in the research.”

Trump’s resounding endorsement of Regeneron may run afoul of some religious groups and conservative leaders who have questioned the cells’ use to find treatments or vaccines for use against the coronavirus.

“One concern regarding the ethical assessment of viral vaccine candidates is the potential use of abortion-derived cell lines in the development, production or testing,” David Prentice, vice president of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in September.

His analysis identified 13 vaccine candidates for the coronavirus that rely on fetal cell lines.

Such research is “not morally responsible,” said Dr. James Sherley, a research scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute and director of the adult stem cell company Asymmetrex. “There are alternatives — there are lots of ways that don’t require the death of anyone.”

But other conservative leaders have sanctioned use of the cells, noting that they were developed decades ago, long before concerns about their fetal origins became a political issue.

In a letter sent to Trump in June, more than 100 members of Congress praised the president for his “efforts to protect the sanctity of all human life” but described 293T and Per.C6 as a “few old cell lines.”

On Thursday, some scientists dismissed that reasoning. “It’s not ethically sound to say, ‘Just because they’re made a long time ago, it’s OK if it’s going to save my life,’” Srivastava said.

Scientists argue that the administration’s position has prevented lifesaving research. Dr. Warner Greene, a researcher at the Gladstone Institutes, a nonprofit research organization in San Francisco, said, “The president’s decision regarding fetal tissue research has thwarted many, many promising lines of investigation.”

At the time of the ban, Greene was investigating a cure for HIV with a collaborator at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. The federal ban abruptly cut off their funding.

“Our experiments were stopped and halted in their tracks,” Greene said, adding that the work had not yet resumed.

As the administration sharply restricted fetal tissue research, it set up an ethics board to review scientific proposals at the National Institutes of Health. Grant renewals and new projects using fetal tissue are now considered by the Fetal Tissue Ethics Advisory Board, which met for the first time in July.

In August, the board rejected 13 of the 14 proposals it reviewed; the approved proposal relied on tissue that had already been acquired.

Some critics have suggested that scientists use tissue from spontaneous abortions rather than from elective ones. But spontaneous abortions often result from genetic and developmental abnormalities, rendering them unreliable for use in scientific research.

As an alternative to cells derived from fetal tissue, scientists may use mice engineered to carry human genes that may replicate parts of the immune system.

“There have been other modifications that some argue are almost as good, and they are helpful, but they are not the same as the truly humanized mouse from human fetal tissue,” Srivastava said.

In July, the stem cell society sent the new ethics board a letter, signed by 90 scientific, medical and patient organizations, that urged the board to allow fetal tissue to be used to develop treatments for COVID-19 and other diseases.

“Fetal tissue has unique and valuable properties that often cannot be replaced by other cell types,” the statement said.

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform found last month that the Trump administration’s ban on the use of federal funds for fetal tissue research was “based in ideological objections, not evaluation of the scientific merit of such projects.”

When the Trump administration suspended federal funding in 2019 for most new scientific research projects involving fetal tissue derived from abortions, officials argued that whatever the scientific benefits, there was a pressing moral imperative to find alternative research methods.

When the Trump administration suspended federal funding in 2019 for most new scientific research projects involving fetal tissue derived from abortions, officials argued that whatever the scientific benefits, there was a pressing moral imperative to find alternative research methods. “Promoting the dignity of human life from conception to natural death is one of the very top priorities of President Trump’s administration,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement released at the time. Yet the treatment for COVID-19 received by Donald Trump — a combination of monoclonal antibodies he described as a “cure” in a celebratory video posted on Twitter — was developed using human cells derived from a fetus aborted decades ago. Remdesivir, an antiviral drug that the president received late last week, was also developed with those cell lines. At least two companies racing to create a vaccine against the coronavirus, Moderna and AstraZeneca, are also relying on the cells. Johnson & Johnson is testing its vaccine in another so-called cell line originally produced from fetal tissue. As participants in the White House’s Operation Warp Speed, all three vaccine-makers have received federal funding. A Trump administration official argued Thursday that the president’s embracing of the treatments was not a contradiction. The administration’s policy on fetal tissue research “specifically excluded” cell lines made before June 2019, said the official, who did not wish to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the matter. Scientific products made using cell lines that existed before then “would not implicate the administration’s policy on the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions,” the official said. Some scientists saw a double standard in the president’s endorsement. “Hypocrisy has never bothered the man, as near as I can tell,” Lawrence Goldstein, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, who has used fetal tissue in his research, said of Trump. Dr. Deepak Srivastava, a pediatric cardiologist who led the International Society for Stem Cell Research until July, said, “If they oppose this research, they should be willing to not take a drug that was developed using that.” For decades, fetal tissue from abortions has been crucial to scientific research into treatments for conditions from birth defects to Ebola to cancer. And fetal tissue has been particularly important for studying the immune system, a key to designing treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases like COVID-19. The cells used by most of the companies now trying to find a COVID-19 treatment, called the 293T line, were derived from the kidney tissue of a fetus aborted in the 1970s. A similar cell line, Per.C6, was obtained in 1985 from the retinal cells of an aborted 18-week-old fetus. The treatment that Trump called a cure for COVID-19 is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies manufactured by Regeneron. Those antibodies are synthesized outside the body and then infused into patients to help fight off the infection. Regeneron tested the antibodies against virus-like particles created using 293T human cells. The viral particles serve as a proxy for the live coronavirus; testing otherwise would require a lab with extremely high biosafety levels. (Eli Lilly, which also is manufacturing monoclonal antibodies, is using the same method.) “293Ts were used in testing the antibodies’ ability to neutralize the virus,” said Alexandra Bowie, a spokesperson for Regeneron. “They weren’t used in any other way, and fetal tissue was not used in the research.” Trump’s resounding endorsement of Regeneron may run afoul of some religious groups and conservative leaders who have questioned the cells’ use to find treatments or vaccines for use against the coronavirus. “One concern regarding the ethical assessment of viral vaccine candidates is the potential use of abortion-derived cell lines in the development, production or testing,” David Prentice, vice president of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in September. His analysis identified 13 vaccine candidates for the coronavirus that rely on fetal cell lines. Such research is “not morally responsible,” said Dr. James Sherley, a research scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute and director of the adult stem cell company Asymmetrex. “There are alternatives — there are lots of ways that don’t require the death of anyone.” But other conservative leaders have sanctioned use of the cells, noting that they were developed decades ago, long before concerns about their fetal origins became a political issue. In a letter sent to Trump in June, more than 100 members of Congress praised the president for his “efforts to protect the sanctity of all human life” but described 293T and Per.C6 as a “few old cell lines.” On Thursday, some scientists dismissed that reasoning. “It’s not ethically sound to say, ‘Just because they’re made a long time ago, it’s OK if it’s going to save my life,’” Srivastava said. Scientists argue that the administration’s position has prevented lifesaving research. Dr. Warner Greene, a researcher at the Gladstone Institutes, a nonprofit research organization in San Francisco, said, “The president’s decision regarding fetal tissue research has thwarted many, many promising lines of investigation.” At the time of the ban, Greene was investigating a cure for HIV with a collaborator at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. The federal ban abruptly cut off their funding. “Our experiments were stopped and halted in their tracks,” Greene said, adding that the work had not yet resumed. As the administration sharply restricted fetal tissue research, it set up an ethics board to review scientific proposals at the National Institutes of Health. Grant renewals and new projects using fetal tissue are now considered by the Fetal Tissue Ethics Advisory Board, which met for the first time in July. In August, the board rejected 13 of the 14 proposals it reviewed; the approved proposal relied on tissue that had already been acquired. Some critics have suggested that scientists use tissue from spontaneous abortions rather than from elective ones. But spontaneous abortions often result from genetic and developmental abnormalities, rendering them unreliable for use in scientific research. As an alternative to cells derived from fetal tissue, scientists may use mice engineered to carry human genes that may replicate parts of the immune system. “There have been other modifications that some argue are almost as good, and they are helpful, but they are not the same as the truly humanized mouse from human fetal tissue,” Srivastava said. In July, the stem cell society sent the new ethics board a letter, signed by 90 scientific, medical and patient organizations, that urged the board to allow fetal tissue to be used to develop treatments for COVID-19 and other diseases. “Fetal tissue has unique and valuable properties that often cannot be replaced by other cell types,” the statement said. The House Committee on Oversight and Reform found last month that the Trump administration’s ban on the use of federal funds for fetal tissue research was “based in ideological objections, not evaluation of the scientific merit of such projects.”

Trump’s COVID treatments were tested in cells derived from fetal tissue

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