Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-does-not-seek-confrontation-says-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-after-tanker-seizure-237827"> President Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind.

Rouhani seemed to be referring to possible negotiations with the United States. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump withdrew from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-chinese-oil-buyer-over-alleged-iran-violations-237836">landmark 2015 nuclear deal</a> with Iran last year but has said he is willing to hold talks with the Islamic Republic.

"As long as I have the responsibility for the executive duties of the country, we are completely ready for just, legal and honest negotiations to solve the problems," Rouhani said, according to his official website.

"But at the same time we are not ready to sit at the table of surrender under the name of negotiations."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-vows-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-238068/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the US military said that a Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a drone.

"This was a defensive action by the USS Boxer in response to aggressive interactions by two Iranian UAS platforms in international waters," Lieutenant Colonel Earl Brown, a US Central Command spokesman, said. UAS is an acronym for unmanned aerial system.

Tensions in the Gulf region are high, with fears that the United States and Iran could stumble into war.

The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks since mid-May on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery. Tehran rejects the allegations.

Iran in June shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile. Iran says the drone was in its airspace, but Washington says it was in international skies.

President Donald Trump said at the time the United States had come close to launching a military strike on Iran in retaliation for the downing of the US drone.

The increased use of drones by Iran and its allies for surveillance and attacks across the Middle East is raising alarms in Washington. 
&nbsp;

Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind.

Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind. Rouhani seemed to be referring to possible negotiations with the United States. US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year but has said he is willing to hold talks with the Islamic Republic. "As long as I have the responsibility for the executive duties of the country, we are completely ready for just, legal and honest negotiations to solve the problems," Rouhani said, according to his official website. "But at the same time we are not ready to sit at the table of surrender under the name of negotiations." Meanwhile, the US military said that a Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a drone. "This was a defensive action by the USS Boxer in response to aggressive interactions by two Iranian UAS platforms in international waters," Lieutenant Colonel Earl Brown, a US Central Command spokesman, said. UAS is an acronym for unmanned aerial system. Tensions in the Gulf region are high, with fears that the United States and Iran could stumble into war. The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks since mid-May on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery. Tehran rejects the allegations. Iran in June shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile. Iran says the drone was in its airspace, but Washington says it was in international skies. President Donald Trump said at the time the United States had come close to launching a military strike on Iran in retaliation for the downing of the US drone. The increased use of drones by Iran and its allies for surveillance and attacks across the Middle East is raising alarms in Washington.

Ready for negotiations but will not surrender: Rouhani on standoff with US

US ride-hailing company <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-ubers-latest-ai-bid-could-lead-to-some-serious-consequences---144040">Uber</a> is launching a freight platform in Germany, taking on local technology startups in a race to grab a share of Europe's $500 billion trucking market.

Germany will be Uber Freight's second market to go live on the continent after the Netherlands, an executive told Reuters, with further expansion in prospect once operations are running smoothly in Europe's largest economy.

In the United States, Uber Freight already connects 48 states and generates more than $125 million in quarterly revenues.

Under maverick founder Travis Kalanick, Uber's earlier bid to establish its ride-hailing services in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stick-to-nuclear-commitments-warn-germany-uk-over-enriched-uranium-row-228119">Germany</a> met intractable opposition from taxi companies, politicians and the courts.

This time, led by Kalanick's successor Dara Khosrowshawi, Uber has consulted German officials and industry to win support for its freight business, said Daniel Buczkowski, Uber Freight's head of European expansion.

"After the change in leadership, we engaged in doing the right thing," Buczkowski, who is German, told Reuters.

Uber will compete with local players, including Berlin-based startup sender, which has raised $70 million from private equity house Lakestar and other investors at a $300 million valuation, and which already has a wider presence in Europe.

Other technology players in the freight forwarding sector include Flexport, a full-service platform based in San Francisco that raised $1 billion earlier this year from investors led by Japan's Softbank Group.

UK-based Zencargo and FreightHub, which like the sender is headquartered in Berlin, have also taken in investments of late.

Buczkowski sees Uber Freight's edge in its worldwide reach and proven technology. "As a global company we have the bandwidth to constantly innovate and create new products and features that support the entire marketplace," he said.

The freight platforms aim to digitalise an industry still dominated by firms running 10 or fewer trucks and to improve efficiency trucks are empty for 21 per cent of the distance they travel.

Other gains can come from real-time tracking of consignments, and the automation of payments in an industry where trucking firms often waste weeks chasing up invoices.

"The key to getting a lot of value out of this industry is understanding how to use those empty kilometres," said Nicolaus Schefenacker, a co-founder of the sender, which was set up in 2016.

He told Reuters that, as its network expanded, it was easier to model and forecast traffic flows to ensure consignments found the right truck at the right price. Although the freight tech sector is crowded, the market is segmented and the sender sees a clear opportunity in the so-called full-truckload market.

"The market is so huge that I think a lot of players are able to coexist. That's also the way we think about Uber Freight," Schefenacker told Reuters.

Unlike Uber's ride-hailing app or its food-delivery service, Uber Freight will operate as a middle-man in a market with an established pricing structure.

It will make money from the margin between the price paid by the shipper and the amount it pays on to the trucker, insulating it from the type of complaints made by many ride-hailing drivers who say they struggle to earn a decent income.

Uber, with a stock market capitalisation of $74 billion, aims to adapt its model used in the United States, where many truck drivers are sole operators, to Europe, where family-run firms predominate.

The apps still face challenges, ranging from environmental issues confronting an industry that runs on diesel to ensuring drivers are not overworked with long hours on the road.

The industry also needs new recruits, with the World Bank estimating two-thirds of German drivers will retire over the next decade, threatening a shortage in capacity for an industry that handles more than 70 per cent of freight.

US ride-hailing company Uber is launching a freight platform in Germany, taking on local technology startups in a race to grab a share of Europe's $500 billion trucking market.

US ride-hailing company Uber is launching a freight platform in Germany, taking on local technology startups in a race to grab a share of Europe's $500 billion trucking market. Germany will be Uber Freight's second market to go live on the continent after the Netherlands, an executive told Reuters, with further expansion in prospect once operations are running smoothly in Europe's largest economy. In the United States, Uber Freight already connects 48 states and generates more than $125 million in quarterly revenues. Under maverick founder Travis Kalanick, Uber's earlier bid to establish its ride-hailing services in Germany met intractable opposition from taxi companies, politicians and the courts. This time, led by Kalanick's successor Dara Khosrowshawi, Uber has consulted German officials and industry to win support for its freight business, said Daniel Buczkowski, Uber Freight's head of European expansion. "After the change in leadership, we engaged in doing the right thing," Buczkowski, who is German, told Reuters. Uber will compete with local players, including Berlin-based startup sender, which has raised $70 million from private equity house Lakestar and other investors at a $300 million valuation, and which already has a wider presence in Europe. Other technology players in the freight forwarding sector include Flexport, a full-service platform based in San Francisco that raised $1 billion earlier this year from investors led by Japan's Softbank Group. UK-based Zencargo and FreightHub, which like the sender is headquartered in Berlin, have also taken in investments of late. Buczkowski sees Uber Freight's edge in its worldwide reach and proven technology. "As a global company we have the bandwidth to constantly innovate and create new products and features that support the entire marketplace," he said. The freight platforms aim to digitalise an industry still dominated by firms running 10 or fewer trucks and to improve efficiency trucks are empty for 21 per cent of the distance they travel. Other gains can come from real-time tracking of consignments, and the automation of payments in an industry where trucking firms often waste weeks chasing up invoices. "The key to getting a lot of value out of this industry is understanding how to use those empty kilometres," said Nicolaus Schefenacker, a co-founder of the sender, which was set up in 2016. He told Reuters that, as its network expanded, it was easier to model and forecast traffic flows to ensure consignments found the right truck at the right price. Although the freight tech sector is crowded, the market is segmented and the sender sees a clear opportunity in the so-called full-truckload market. "The market is so huge that I think a lot of players are able to coexist. That's also the way we think about Uber Freight," Schefenacker told Reuters. Unlike Uber's ride-hailing app or its food-delivery service, Uber Freight will operate as a middle-man in a market with an established pricing structure. It will make money from the margin between the price paid by the shipper and the amount it pays on to the trucker, insulating it from the type of complaints made by many ride-hailing drivers who say they struggle to earn a decent income. Uber, with a stock market capitalisation of $74 billion, aims to adapt its model used in the United States, where many truck drivers are sole operators, to Europe, where family-run firms predominate. The apps still face challenges, ranging from environmental issues confronting an industry that runs on diesel to ensuring drivers are not overworked with long hours on the road. The industry also needs new recruits, with the World Bank estimating two-thirds of German drivers will retire over the next decade, threatening a shortage in capacity for an industry that handles more than 70 per cent of freight.

Uber freight launches in Germany, takes on local competition

A US warship may have brought down two Iranian drones in a stand-off in the Gulf last week that Iran has disputed, the commander of regional forces said Tuesday.

"We are confident we brought down one drone, we may have brought down a second," General Kenneth McKenzie, the CENTCOM commander, told CBS news in an interview aboard the USS Boxer, the vessel at the center of the incident.

"As always it was a complex tactical picture, we believe two drones. We believe two drones were successfully — there may have been more that we are not aware of — those are the two that we engaged successfully," McKenzie said.&nbsp;

CBS said the drones were reportedly brought down by an electronic signal or pulse that disabled their flight controls. One drone disappeared from US military radars while the second was seen hitting the water.

Iran, which last month shot down a US Predator drone that it said had ventured into its airspace, has denied that it lost any of its own unmanned aerial vehicles, after President Donald Trump announced that the USS Boxer had downed one.&nbsp;

Amid soaring tensions in the region, Trump said he had called off strikes against Iran at the last minute in response to the destruction of the US drone.

A series of attacks on oil tankers in the strategically vital waterway, as well as Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in retaliation for Britain impounding one of its own vessels in Gibraltar, have turned the Gulf into a powder keg. 
&nbsp;

A US warship may have brought down two Iranian drones in a stand-off in the Gulf last week that Iran has disputed, the commander of regional forces said Tuesday.

A US warship may have brought down two Iranian drones in a stand-off in the Gulf last week that Iran has disputed, the commander of regional forces said Tuesday. "We are confident we brought down one drone, we may have brought down a second," General Kenneth McKenzie, the CENTCOM commander, told CBS news in an interview aboard the USS Boxer, the vessel at the center of the incident. "As always it was a complex tactical picture, we believe two drones. We believe two drones were successfully — there may have been more that we are not aware of — those are the two that we engaged successfully," McKenzie said. CBS said the drones were reportedly brought down by an electronic signal or pulse that disabled their flight controls. One drone disappeared from US military radars while the second was seen hitting the water. Iran, which last month shot down a US Predator drone that it said had ventured into its airspace, has denied that it lost any of its own unmanned aerial vehicles, after President Donald Trump announced that the USS Boxer had downed one. Amid soaring tensions in the region, Trump said he had called off strikes against Iran at the last minute in response to the destruction of the US drone. A series of attacks on oil tankers in the strategically vital waterway, as well as Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in retaliation for Britain impounding one of its own vessels in Gibraltar, have turned the Gulf into a powder keg.

Confident we downed one Iranian drone, may have brought down a second: US general

Four Chinese nationals have been indicted for financial dealings with North Korean companies sanctioned for involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction(WMD), the US Justice Department said Tuesday.

Ma Xiaohong, the head of Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. Ltd, and three top executives of the Chinese company were indicted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey, the department said in a statement.

"Through the use of more than 20 front companies, the defendants are alleged to have sought to obscure illicit financial dealings on behalf of sanctioned North Korean entities that were involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," assistant attorney general John Demers said.

"Ma, her company, and her employees tried to defraud the United States by evading sanctions restrictions and doing business with proliferators of weapons of mass destruction," said US Attorney Craig Carpenito.

According to the indictment, DHID worked with North Korea-based Korea Kwangson Banking Corp. (KKBC), which has ties to two other sanctioned North Korean entities -&nbsp;Tanchon Commercial Bank (Tanchon) and Korea Hyoksin Trading Corporation (Hyoksin).

Tanchon and Hyoksin are subject to US sanctions because of their links with the Korea Mining Development Trading Co. (KOMID), which the United States considers North Korea's premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons.

Four Chinese nationals have been indicted for financial dealings with North Korean companies sanctioned for involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction(WMD), the US Justice Department said Tuesday.

Four Chinese nationals have been indicted for financial dealings with North Korean companies sanctioned for involvement in the production of weapons of mass destruction(WMD), the US Justice Department said Tuesday. Ma Xiaohong, the head of Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. Ltd, and three top executives of the Chinese company were indicted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey, the department said in a statement. "Through the use of more than 20 front companies, the defendants are alleged to have sought to obscure illicit financial dealings on behalf of sanctioned North Korean entities that were involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," assistant attorney general John Demers said. "Ma, her company, and her employees tried to defraud the United States by evading sanctions restrictions and doing business with proliferators of weapons of mass destruction," said US Attorney Craig Carpenito. According to the indictment, DHID worked with North Korea-based Korea Kwangson Banking Corp. (KKBC), which has ties to two other sanctioned North Korean entities - Tanchon Commercial Bank (Tanchon) and Korea Hyoksin Trading Corporation (Hyoksin). Tanchon and Hyoksin are subject to US sanctions because of their links with the Korea Mining Development Trading Co. (KOMID), which the United States considers North Korea's premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons.

US indicts Chinese nationals for dealings with North Korean companies in producing weapons of mass destruction

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed former soldier Mark Esper as secretary of defence, filling America's longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum as Washington faces mounting tensions with Iran and struggles to end its long war in Afghanistan.

President Donald Trump's second Defense Department chief will take over nearly seven months after the shock departure of Jim Mattis, the deeply respected career US Marine who broke with Trump over policy towards the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Two others were made acting defence secretary this year to fill the void -&nbsp;including Patrick Shanahan, who served a six-month temporary stint but resigned for family reasons in June and withdrew from consideration for the full-time top post.

Esper sailed through the confirmation process in lightning speed. He earned broad bipartisan support and was confirmed by a vote of 90 to 8.

He is expected to take his oath of office later Tuesday, according to the Pentagon.

Esper's confirmation brings ballast to a Pentagon destabilised by the leadership revolving door since late December, and as the world's primary military power is engaged in two wars - in Syria and Afghanistan - and being tested by Tehran.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, hailed Esper, who served a two-year stint as secretary of the US Army beginning in 2017, as "a thoroughly well prepared nominee" who has the respect of the national security community and can hit the ground running.

"The world is full of serious threats to America, to our allies and to our interests, not least among them obviously is Iran's insistence on continuing to ratchet up tensions in the Middle East," McConnell said in a Senate floor speech Monday.

"Having a Senate-confirmed secretary of defense, especially one of this quality, could not come a moment too soon."

Esper has significant Middle East experience. He fought in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, and was part of the US Army's famed 101st Airborne Division known as the "Screaming Eagles."

He is also close to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with whom he studied at the prestigious West Point Military Academy. Both men graduated in 1986.

On the political front, he served as an advisor for several lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Republican senator Chuck Hagel, who later became secretary of defense under Democratic president Barack Obama.

But his links with the defense industry raised eyebrows during his confirmation process.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 presidential candidate, highlighted Esper's potential conflicts of interest regarding his affiliation with defense contractor Raytheon, for whom he was a lobbyist when Trump tapped him for the army secretary post.

"At the age of 18, I went to West Point, and I swore an oath to defend this Constitution, and I embraced a motto called duty and honor and country," he told Warren during his confirmation hearing.

"And I've lived my life in accordance with those values ever since then," he said, adding: "I went to war for this country."

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed former soldier Mark Esper as secretary of defence, filling America's longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum as Washington faces mounting tensions with Iran and struggles to end its long war in Afghanistan.

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed former soldier Mark Esper as secretary of defence, filling America's longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum as Washington faces mounting tensions with Iran and struggles to end its long war in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump's second Defense Department chief will take over nearly seven months after the shock departure of Jim Mattis, the deeply respected career US Marine who broke with Trump over policy towards the Middle East and Afghanistan. Two others were made acting defence secretary this year to fill the void - including Patrick Shanahan, who served a six-month temporary stint but resigned for family reasons in June and withdrew from consideration for the full-time top post. Esper sailed through the confirmation process in lightning speed. He earned broad bipartisan support and was confirmed by a vote of 90 to 8. He is expected to take his oath of office later Tuesday, according to the Pentagon. Esper's confirmation brings ballast to a Pentagon destabilised by the leadership revolving door since late December, and as the world's primary military power is engaged in two wars - in Syria and Afghanistan - and being tested by Tehran. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, hailed Esper, who served a two-year stint as secretary of the US Army beginning in 2017, as "a thoroughly well prepared nominee" who has the respect of the national security community and can hit the ground running. "The world is full of serious threats to America, to our allies and to our interests, not least among them obviously is Iran's insistence on continuing to ratchet up tensions in the Middle East," McConnell said in a Senate floor speech Monday. "Having a Senate-confirmed secretary of defense, especially one of this quality, could not come a moment too soon." Esper has significant Middle East experience. He fought in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, and was part of the US Army's famed 101st Airborne Division known as the "Screaming Eagles." He is also close to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with whom he studied at the prestigious West Point Military Academy. Both men graduated in 1986. On the political front, he served as an advisor for several lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Republican senator Chuck Hagel, who later became secretary of defense under Democratic president Barack Obama. But his links with the defense industry raised eyebrows during his confirmation process. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 presidential candidate, highlighted Esper's potential conflicts of interest regarding his affiliation with defense contractor Raytheon, for whom he was a lobbyist when Trump tapped him for the army secretary post. "At the age of 18, I went to West Point, and I swore an oath to defend this Constitution, and I embraced a motto called duty and honor and country," he told Warren during his confirmation hearing. "And I've lived my life in accordance with those values ever since then," he said, adding: "I went to war for this country."

US Senate confirms Mark Esper as secretary of defence

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has nearly 1,000 investigations open into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senators-concerned-about-chinese-access-to-intellectual-property-32783">attempted intellectual property theft</a>, nearly all of them involving Chinese, FBI director Christopher Wray said Tuesday.

"There is no country that poses a more severe counterintelligence threat to this country right now than China... and I don't say it lightly," Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"We have as we speak probably about a thousand-plus investigations all across the country involving attempted theft of US intellectual property, whether it's economic espionage or counter proliferation, almost all leading back to China," he said.

"It is a threat that is deep and diverse and wide and vexing.... Make no mistake that this is a high priority for all of us," Wray added.

Arrests of people involved in Chinese operations to steal US corporate secrets, whether for corporate reasons or to obtain defense secrets, have risen sharply in recent years.

Washington says the problem has been exacerbated by Beijing's "Thousand Talents" program which offers financial awards to Chinese professionals overseas who bring advanced technology back to China.

The concern has given rise to a tightening of visas for Chinese researchers seeking to travel to the United States.

In June the US Department of Energy moved to block its scientists from participating in the "Thousand Talents" program in order to protect US competitive strengths and national security.

Wray said the Chinese government is using "not just government officials, but private sector entities, non-traditional collectors, etc, to steal their way up the economic ladder at our expense."

"China is fighting a generational fight here," he said.

"I want to be clear. This is not about the Chinese people as a whole and it is certainly not about Chinese-Americans in this country," he added.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has nearly 1,000 investigations open into attempted intellectual property theft, nearly all of them involving Chinese, FBI director Christopher Wray said Tuesday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has nearly 1,000 investigations open into attempted intellectual property theft, nearly all of them involving Chinese, FBI director Christopher Wray said Tuesday. "There is no country that poses a more severe counterintelligence threat to this country right now than China... and I don't say it lightly," Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee. "We have as we speak probably about a thousand-plus investigations all across the country involving attempted theft of US intellectual property, whether it's economic espionage or counter proliferation, almost all leading back to China," he said. "It is a threat that is deep and diverse and wide and vexing.... Make no mistake that this is a high priority for all of us," Wray added. Arrests of people involved in Chinese operations to steal US corporate secrets, whether for corporate reasons or to obtain defense secrets, have risen sharply in recent years. Washington says the problem has been exacerbated by Beijing's "Thousand Talents" program which offers financial awards to Chinese professionals overseas who bring advanced technology back to China. The concern has given rise to a tightening of visas for Chinese researchers seeking to travel to the United States. In June the US Department of Energy moved to block its scientists from participating in the "Thousand Talents" program in order to protect US competitive strengths and national security. Wray said the Chinese government is using "not just government officials, but private sector entities, non-traditional collectors, etc, to steal their way up the economic ladder at our expense." "China is fighting a generational fight here," he said. "I want to be clear. This is not about the Chinese people as a whole and it is certainly not about Chinese-Americans in this country," he added.

Over 1,000 US intellectual property theft lead back to China: FBI director Christopher Wray to Senate Judiciary Committee

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaking at the US Institute of Peace said he will be<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-seeks-clarification-of-donald-trumps-remarks-on-wiping-out-afghanistan-237909"> meeting with the Taliban </a>and "will try his best" for the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government.

"I will meet the Taliban and I will try my best to get them to talk to the Afghan government," Khan said during an appearance at the US Institute of Peace, news wire Reuters reported.

PM Imran Khan added that the&nbsp;Taliban delegation had wanted to meet him a few months back but he did not because of opposition from the Afghan government.

The Pakistan prime minister had met President Trump earlier at the White House where the two leaders discussed ways to end the conflict in Afghanistan.

"I think Pakistan is going to help us out to extricate ourselves," Trump had said while meeting PM Imran Khan at the White House. "We hope that in the coming days we will be able to urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement, a political solution," Imran Khan told reporters later.

Meanwhile, the US State Department said US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan and to Qatar, where he will resume talks with the Taliban, from July 22 to August 1.

President Trump had created a virtual firestorm when he declared that he could win the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">Afghan war in "a week or ten days"</a> during his meeting at the White House.

"We have been there (Afghanistan) for 19 years, and we've acted as policemen, not soldiers and again if we wanted to be soldiers it would be over in 10 days -&nbsp;one week to 10 days if we wanted to. But I have not chosen that," Trump said.

The US president, however, added that he hoped in the coming days the US will be able to "urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement -&nbsp;a political solution."

Later on Tuesday, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo called on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Pakistan House in Washington DC. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign secretary Sohail Mehmood and ambassador of Pakistan to USA Asad Majeed Khan were present during the meeting.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaking at the US Institute of Peace said he will be meeting with the Taliban and "will try his best" for the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaking at the US Institute of Peace said he will be meeting with the Taliban and "will try his best" for the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government. "I will meet the Taliban and I will try my best to get them to talk to the Afghan government," Khan said during an appearance at the US Institute of Peace, news wire Reuters reported. PM Imran Khan added that the Taliban delegation had wanted to meet him a few months back but he did not because of opposition from the Afghan government. The Pakistan prime minister had met President Trump earlier at the White House where the two leaders discussed ways to end the conflict in Afghanistan. "I think Pakistan is going to help us out to extricate ourselves," Trump had said while meeting PM Imran Khan at the White House. "We hope that in the coming days we will be able to urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement, a political solution," Imran Khan told reporters later. Meanwhile, the US State Department said US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan and to Qatar, where he will resume talks with the Taliban, from July 22 to August 1. President Trump had created a virtual firestorm when he declared that he could win the Afghan war in "a week or ten days" during his meeting at the White House. "We have been there (Afghanistan) for 19 years, and we've acted as policemen, not soldiers and again if we wanted to be soldiers it would be over in 10 days - one week to 10 days if we wanted to. But I have not chosen that," Trump said. The US president, however, added that he hoped in the coming days the US will be able to "urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement - a political solution." Later on Tuesday, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo called on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Pakistan House in Washington DC. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign secretary Sohail Mehmood and ambassador of Pakistan to USA Asad Majeed Khan were present during the meeting.

Will meet the Taliban and get them to talk to Afghan government, says Imran Khan at US Institute of Peace

The ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday.

The Congress-JD(S) government garnered 99 votes and the Opposition BJP secured 105 votes. &nbsp;

Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has sought an appointment with the Karnataka Governor, Vajubhai Vala.&nbsp;Kumaraswamy walked out of the Assembly as soon as the result of the trust vote was announced.

"Congress-JD(S) failed the trust vote. This defeat is because of the betrayal of our party legislatures, we have come under the influence of various things. The people of Karnataka will not tolerate this type of betrayal to the party," Congress leader HK Patil said after the trust vote.

Bengaluru police had earlier imposed Section 144 across the city till Wednesday after Congress and BJP workers clashed in an apartment on Race Course Road.

The Karnataka government was reduced to a minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and two Independents withdrew support to the Kumaraswamy government.

The long winding political drama which lasted for several days reached the Supreme Court, however, no solution could be found as the trust vote failed to take place, finally, on Tuesday evening the Karnataka House decided to conduct the floor test in which MLAs who were present voted although the strength was down to 204 MLAs present.

Earlier, 14 Congressmen had resigned from the party including three JD(S) MLAs who rebelled and resigned&nbsp;as the political crisis enveloped the state. 
&nbsp;

The ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday. The Congress-JD(S) government garnered 99 votes and the Opposition BJP secured 105 votes.

The ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday. The Congress-JD(S) government garnered 99 votes and the Opposition BJP secured 105 votes. Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has sought an appointment with the Karnataka Governor, Vajubhai Vala. Kumaraswamy walked out of the Assembly as soon as the result of the trust vote was announced. "Congress-JD(S) failed the trust vote. This defeat is because of the betrayal of our party legislatures, we have come under the influence of various things. The people of Karnataka will not tolerate this type of betrayal to the party," Congress leader HK Patil said after the trust vote. Bengaluru police had earlier imposed Section 144 across the city till Wednesday after Congress and BJP workers clashed in an apartment on Race Course Road. The Karnataka government was reduced to a minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and two Independents withdrew support to the Kumaraswamy government. The long winding political drama which lasted for several days reached the Supreme Court, however, no solution could be found as the trust vote failed to take place, finally, on Tuesday evening the Karnataka House decided to conduct the floor test in which MLAs who were present voted although the strength was down to 204 MLAs present. Earlier, 14 Congressmen had resigned from the party including three JD(S) MLAs who rebelled and resigned as the political crisis enveloped the state.

Chief minister Kumaraswamy's Congress-JD(S) government loses floor test in Karnataka Assembly

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heralded the selection of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson</a> as the new leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">United Kingdom's next prime minister</a>, in a possible sign of warmer relations between the two allies.

"Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!" Trump said in a post on Twitter shortly after Johnson's election.

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Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153628242529722369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump has had tense relations with outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May despite being hosted for a state visit. Ties were further strained this month following leaked messages by the British ambassador to Washington that referred to Trump; the official later quit.

The US president has repeatedly praised Johnson, the flamboyant former London mayor and pro-Brexit champion who has been compared to the Republican US president, a former reality television host and real estate developer known for his unconventional, combative approach to politics.

On the other hand, the European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday the bloc was ready to work with incoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-stance-on-iran-trump-huawei-and-the-economy-237951">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> for an orderly Brexit.

"We look forward to working constructively with PM Johnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement and achieve an orderly Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter.

"We are ready also to rework the agreed declaration on a new partnership," he said, referring to the political declaration that accompanies the withdrawal agreement.

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We look forward to working constructively w/ PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and achieve an orderly <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brexit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brexit</a>. We are ready also to rework the agreed Declaration on a new partnership in line with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUCO</a> guidelines.
— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelBarnier/status/1153623849357008902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PM Theresa May also extended her regards, the tweet read&nbsp;"Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the backbenches."

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Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on being elected leader of <a href="https://twitter.com/Conservatives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Conservatives</a> - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) <a href="https://twitter.com/theresa_may/status/1153622066157015041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heralded the selection of Boris Johnson as the new leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the United Kingdom's next prime minister, in a possible sign of warmer relations between the two allies.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heralded the selection of Boris Johnson as the new leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the United Kingdom's next prime minister, in a possible sign of warmer relations between the two allies. "Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!" Trump said in a post on Twitter shortly after Johnson's election. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2019 × Trump has had tense relations with outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May despite being hosted for a state visit. Ties were further strained this month following leaked messages by the British ambassador to Washington that referred to Trump; the official later quit. The US president has repeatedly praised Johnson, the flamboyant former London mayor and pro-Brexit champion who has been compared to the Republican US president, a former reality television host and real estate developer known for his unconventional, combative approach to politics. On the other hand, the European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday the bloc was ready to work with incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for an orderly Brexit. "We look forward to working constructively with PM Johnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement and achieve an orderly Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter. "We are ready also to rework the agreed declaration on a new partnership," he said, referring to the political declaration that accompanies the withdrawal agreement. We look forward to working constructively w/ PM @BorisJohnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and achieve an orderly #Brexit. We are ready also to rework the agreed Declaration on a new partnership in line with #EUCO guidelines. — Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) July 23, 2019 × PM Theresa May also extended her regards, the tweet read "Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the backbenches." Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 23, 2019 ×

Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming new UK PM, he will be great: Trump

Former Chinese premier Li Peng -&nbsp;known as the "Butcher of Beijing" for his role in the Tiananmen Square crackdown -- has died aged 90, state broadcaster Xinhua said Tuesday.

The former chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee died of an unspecified illness in Beijing on Monday, Xinhua said.

The ex-premier had previously battled bladder cancer.

Li gained notoriety worldwide as one of the key architects of the brutal breakup of mass pro-democracy demonstrations in the capital on June 4, 1989, and stayed at the top of the Communist regime for more than a decade, while remaining a hated symbol of the repression until his death.

After vast crowds of students, workers and others had been encamped for weeks in Tiananmen Square to demand change, Li proclaimed martial law on May 20, 1989.

Two weeks later, on the night of June 3-4, the military put a bloody end to the protests, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians -- by some estimates more than 1,000.

Though the decision to send in the troops was a collective one, Li was widely held responsible for the bloody crackdown.

Li afterwards frequently defending the decision to fire on the demonstrators as a "necessary" step.

"Without these measures China would have faced a situation worse than in the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe," he said on a tour of Austria in 1994 as his international pariah status started to wear off.

Former Chinese premier Li Peng - known as the "Butcher of Beijing" for his role in the Tiananmen Square crackdown -- has died aged 90, state broadcaster Xinhua said Tuesday.

Former Chinese premier Li Peng - known as the "Butcher of Beijing" for his role in the Tiananmen Square crackdown -- has died aged 90, state broadcaster Xinhua said Tuesday. The former chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee died of an unspecified illness in Beijing on Monday, Xinhua said. The ex-premier had previously battled bladder cancer. Li gained notoriety worldwide as one of the key architects of the brutal breakup of mass pro-democracy demonstrations in the capital on June 4, 1989, and stayed at the top of the Communist regime for more than a decade, while remaining a hated symbol of the repression until his death. After vast crowds of students, workers and others had been encamped for weeks in Tiananmen Square to demand change, Li proclaimed martial law on May 20, 1989. Two weeks later, on the night of June 3-4, the military put a bloody end to the protests, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians -- by some estimates more than 1,000. Though the decision to send in the troops was a collective one, Li was widely held responsible for the bloody crackdown. Li afterwards frequently defending the decision to fire on the demonstrators as a "necessary" step. "Without these measures China would have faced a situation worse than in the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe," he said on a tour of Austria in 1994 as his international pariah status started to wear off.

Ex-Chinese premier Li Peng mastermind behind Tiananmen Square crackdown dies at 90

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's revenue grew roughly 30% in the first half after select teams secured critical supplies to keep production going despite US&nbsp;technology export restrictions, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The United States has put Huawei on an export blacklist citing national security issues, barring US&nbsp;suppliers from selling to the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker and No.2 maker of smartphones, without special approval.

Huawei's revenue growth of 30% in the first half is a slowdown from 39% in the first three months of 2019 but is up sharply from 2018. It has so far managed to boost revenue by aggressively securing contracts for fifth-generation networking equipment,&nbsp;Bloomberg said.

The company is said to have rewarded a number of employees for helping it accelerate revenue despite US&nbsp;ban, Bloomberg added.

Huawei declined to comment on the Bloomberg report.

Huawei last month cut revenue expectations for the year, with its founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei saying the company had taken a harder-than-expected hit from the US ban.

The firm has denied its products pose a security threat.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's revenue grew roughly 30% in the first half after select teams secured critical supplies to keep production going despite US technology export restrictions, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's revenue grew roughly 30% in the first half after select teams secured critical supplies to keep production going despite US technology export restrictions, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The United States has put Huawei on an export blacklist citing national security issues, barring US suppliers from selling to the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker and No.2 maker of smartphones, without special approval. Huawei's revenue growth of 30% in the first half is a slowdown from 39% in the first three months of 2019 but is up sharply from 2018. It has so far managed to boost revenue by aggressively securing contracts for fifth-generation networking equipment, Bloomberg said. The company is said to have rewarded a number of employees for helping it accelerate revenue despite US ban, Bloomberg added. Huawei declined to comment on the Bloomberg report. Huawei last month cut revenue expectations for the year, with its founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei saying the company had taken a harder-than-expected hit from the US ban. The firm has denied its products pose a security threat.

Huawei first-half revenue up about 30% despite US ban

Conservative Party today announced<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944"> Boris Johnson as their new leader</a>&nbsp;after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Johnson will takeover as Britain's prime minister on July 24. Johnson had said during his campaign that Britain will pull out of the European Union&nbsp;on October 31, even if a deal is not struck with EU&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;160,000 Conservative Party workers had voted for the PM candidate.

Prime Minister Theresa May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;before he enters Downing Street.

Addressing the Conservative Party leaders, Johnson said he was "privileged to be elected leader". "Campaign is over, work will begin now," he told Conservative leaders.

"We need to work together on Brexit," the new Conservative Party leader said. "Fantastic, well-organised campaign.&nbsp;I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy Hunt.&nbsp;A great leader.&nbsp;You've been friendly and good natured, you have great ideas," he said.

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Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on being elected leader of <a href="https://twitter.com/Conservatives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Conservatives</a> - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) <a href="https://twitter.com/theresa_may/status/1153622066157015041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I want to thank Theresa May for serving this party and this country," he said," adding, "It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet to see the passion that she brought it."

"Thank you, Theresa, thank you," Johnson added.

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. Johnson will takeover as Britain's prime minister on July 24. Johnson had said during his campaign that Britain will pull out of the European Union on October 31, even if a deal is not struck with EU leaders. 160,000 Conservative Party workers had voted for the PM candidate. Prime Minister Theresa May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint Johnson before he enters Downing Street. Addressing the Conservative Party leaders, Johnson said he was "privileged to be elected leader". "Campaign is over, work will begin now," he told Conservative leaders. "We need to work together on Brexit," the new Conservative Party leader said. "Fantastic, well-organised campaign. I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy Hunt. A great leader. You've been friendly and good natured, you have great ideas," he said. Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 23, 2019 × "I want to thank Theresa May for serving this party and this country," he said," adding, "It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet to see the passion that she brought it." "Thank you, Theresa, thank you," Johnson added.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM

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