Germany said Friday it still wanted "to save" the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's plea for Europeans to quit the hard-won pact.

"Our goal is still to save the agreement because we remain convinced that it's the right instrument to prevent Iran from possible nuclear armament," foreign ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said in Berlin.

His comments echoed those by Britain and France, who have also stressed their continued commitment to the deal.

Trump on Wednesday pulled back from the brink of war with Iran, but said "the time had come" for fellow signatories to "break away from the remnants" of the nuclear accord.

"We want to use all the possibilities offered by the (deal) to move towards a diplomatic solution," Breul told reporters.

He urged Tehran "to return its commitments" under the 2015 agreement struck with the US, Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China.

The deal has been unravelling ever since Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in 2018.

After the US reimposed sanctions on Iran, Tehran started breaching some aspects of the accord and on Sunday announced it no longer felt compelled to stick to any limits for making the enriched uranium needed for nuclear power.

The European signatories must decide in the coming days whether to take action against Tehran for reneging on its commitments which could lead to renewed UN sanctions.

France on Thursday said it remained "committed to the framework of the Vienna Iran nuclear accord".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal remained "the best arrangement currently available".

Germany said Friday it still wanted "to save" the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's plea for Europeans to quit the hard-won pact.

Germany said Friday it still wanted "to save" the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's plea for Europeans to quit the hard-won pact. "Our goal is still to save the agreement because we remain convinced that it's the right instrument to prevent Iran from possible nuclear armament," foreign ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said in Berlin. His comments echoed those by Britain and France, who have also stressed their continued commitment to the deal. Trump on Wednesday pulled back from the brink of war with Iran, but said "the time had come" for fellow signatories to "break away from the remnants" of the nuclear accord. "We want to use all the possibilities offered by the (deal) to move towards a diplomatic solution," Breul told reporters. He urged Tehran "to return its commitments" under the 2015 agreement struck with the US, Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China. The deal has been unravelling ever since Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in 2018. After the US reimposed sanctions on Iran, Tehran started breaching some aspects of the accord and on Sunday announced it no longer felt compelled to stick to any limits for making the enriched uranium needed for nuclear power. The European signatories must decide in the coming days whether to take action against Tehran for reneging on its commitments which could lead to renewed UN sanctions. France on Thursday said it remained "committed to the framework of the Vienna Iran nuclear accord". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal remained "the best arrangement currently available".

Germany rejects Trump call to ditch Iran nuclear pact

Thousands of Iraqis on Friday marched across the country in an attempt to revive the months-long anti-government protests that have gripped the country.

During the protest, demonstrators also expressed their anger towards the US and Iran over the recent strikes.

The anti-regime demonstrations had been overshadowed recently by spiralling tensions between Tehran and Washington, which led each country to carry out strikes against the other's assets in Iraq over the last week.&nbsp;

"Screw Iran! Screw America!" protesters chanted&nbsp;in the capital's Tahrir Square,&nbsp;the epicentre of the anti-regime movement.

The US on Wednesday killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport.

Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq&nbsp;</a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude producer, but one in five people live in poverty and unemployment is rife among youth, according to the World Bank.

Transparency International ranks Iraq the 12th most corrupt country in the world.

Outraged by government graft and inequality, Iraqis launched an anti-regime protest movement in October that saw unprecedented numbers hit the streets.

But the rallies were met with violence, with nearly 460 people killed and more than 25,000 wounded since they began.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Iraqis on Friday marched across the country in an attempt to revive the months-long anti-government protests that have gripped the country. During the protest, demonstrators also expressed their anger towards the US and Iran over the recent strikes.

Thousands of Iraqis on Friday marched across the country in an attempt to revive the months-long anti-government protests that have gripped the country. During the protest, demonstrators also expressed their anger towards the US and Iran over the recent strikes. The anti-regime demonstrations had been overshadowed recently by spiralling tensions between Tehran and Washington, which led each country to carry out strikes against the other's assets in Iraq over the last week. "Screw Iran! Screw America!" protesters chanted in the capital's Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the anti-regime movement. The US on Wednesday killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport. Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude producer, but one in five people live in poverty and unemployment is rife among youth, according to the World Bank. Transparency International ranks Iraq the 12th most corrupt country in the world. Outraged by government graft and inequality, Iraqis launched an anti-regime protest movement in October that saw unprecedented numbers hit the streets. But the rallies were met with violence, with nearly 460 people killed and more than 25,000 wounded since they began. (With inputs from agencies)

'Screw Iran! Screw America!': Thousands of Iraqis rally against government, Tehran and US

The conflict between the U.S. & Iran has been the major global headline over the last week. Now the mystery around the U.I.A. plane crash in Tehran deepens. Did Iran mistakenly fire at the jet as the western intelligence agencies suspect? WION's Palki Sharma explains. #Gravitas #US #Iran #PlaneCrash #Boeing

Gravitas: Iran plane crash, Did Iran mistakenly fire at the Ukrainian jet?

176 people of 7 nationalities have been killed in the mysterious Iran plane crash. Did E.U. nations & IAEA fail Iran? Is the world normalising the recklessness of the U.S., especially with regard to Soleimani's killing. On #WionEdit Palki Sharma explains. #Iran #PlaneCrash #WION

Wion Edit: Iran plane crash, Politics over innocent lives?

This is not the first time a passenger jet has been shot down by a missile. History is full of similar examples of unsuspecting passengers becoming fodder for geopolitical conflicts. A compact compilation in this report. #Gravitas #US #Iran #PlaneCrash #Boeing

Gravitas: How airline passengers become targets of geopolitical conflicts

Videos, images, claims, counterclaims & conspiracy theories over Iran plane crash have heightened tensions in West Asia. As always, the clincher will be the incontrovertible evidence. This report pieces together all the available evidence on the Iran plane crash. #Gravitas #Boeing #US #Iran #PlaneCrash

Gravitas: Iran plane crash, What does the evidence say

The full text of a partial US-China trade deal will be released only after it is signed next week, the White House said on Friday.

After nearly two years of escalating conflict, US President Donald Trump and top Chinese trade envoy Liu He are due to sign a "phase one" agreement on January 15.

"The whole document will be released Wednesday," Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters.

The signing will be preceded by a formal dinner and followed by a lunch, he added, calling the agreement a major achievement.

"This is history."

Since the trade war started in the first half of 2018, talks between Washington and Beijing broke down acrimoniously more than once, creating doubts the economic powers would have the appetite to reach a "phase two" agreement.

Trump said this week that negotiations on the next phase would begin promptly but that signing that agreement might have to wait until after the 2020 presidential elections.

Details of the deal are scant, but some critics have claimed it amounts to a strategic retreat for the United States, which cancelled some tariffs and reduced others in return for Chinese pledges to increase purchases of US exports by $200 billion over two years, including farm goods in particular.

Many tariffs will remain in place, but Kudlow on Friday said the accord amounted to a success.

"We got so much of what we wanted in this deal," he said.

US officials also say the agreement will touch on other areas of Chinese trade practices that were the subject of the Americans' major grievances, such as intellectual property, financial services, foreign exchange and dispute resolution.

The full text of a partial US-China trade deal will be released only after it is signed next week, the White House said on Friday. After nearly two years of escalating conflict, US President Donald Trump and top Chinese trade envoy Liu He are due to sign a "phase one" agreement on January 15.

The full text of a partial US-China trade deal will be released only after it is signed next week, the White House said on Friday. After nearly two years of escalating conflict, US President Donald Trump and top Chinese trade envoy Liu He are due to sign a "phase one" agreement on January 15. "The whole document will be released Wednesday," Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters. The signing will be preceded by a formal dinner and followed by a lunch, he added, calling the agreement a major achievement. "This is history." Since the trade war started in the first half of 2018, talks between Washington and Beijing broke down acrimoniously more than once, creating doubts the economic powers would have the appetite to reach a "phase two" agreement. Trump said this week that negotiations on the next phase would begin promptly but that signing that agreement might have to wait until after the 2020 presidential elections. Details of the deal are scant, but some critics have claimed it amounts to a strategic retreat for the United States, which cancelled some tariffs and reduced others in return for Chinese pledges to increase purchases of US exports by $200 billion over two years, including farm goods in particular. Many tariffs will remain in place, but Kudlow on Friday said the accord amounted to a success. "We got so much of what we wanted in this deal," he said. US officials also say the agreement will touch on other areas of Chinese trade practices that were the subject of the Americans' major grievances, such as intellectual property, financial services, foreign exchange and dispute resolution.

Details of US-China deal to be published after signing: White House

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-iran-sanctions-are-already-in-effect-says-us-president-donald-trump-273262">retaliation to the attack on its military bases</a> housing US troops in Iraq.&nbsp;

The targets of the sanctions include, Iran's manufacturing, mining and textile sectors, as well as several senior Iranian officials who Washington said, were involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-was-start-of-a-series-of-attacks-across-the-region-iranian-commander-273235">Wednesday's strikes</a>.

"As a result of these actions, we will cut off billions of dollars of support to the Iranian regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at a White House briefing while standing beside the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Mnuchin also said that the measures hitting Iran's economy "will continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons." &nbsp;

Among the targeted senior Iranian officials, are Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Iranian armed forces deputy chief of staff and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the regime.

The US said that these officials are working towards the disability of the region.

The US Treasury also slapped sanction on 17 Iranian metals producers and mining companies which it said generated billions of dollars in revenue.

The sanctions also included a network of three entities that are based in China and Seychelles as well as a vessel "involved in the purchase, sale, and transfer of Iranian metals products," the Treasury said in a statement.

Tensions between Washington&nbsp;and Tehran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport.

Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq&nbsp;</a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Although the two sides seem to have stepped back from the brink of armed conflict, Trump vowed on Wednesday to impose the additional sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq.

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq. The targets of the sanctions include, Iran's manufacturing, mining and textile sectors, as well as several senior Iranian officials who Washington said, were involved in the Wednesday's strikes. "As a result of these actions, we will cut off billions of dollars of support to the Iranian regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at a White House briefing while standing beside the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mnuchin also said that the measures hitting Iran's economy "will continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons." Among the targeted senior Iranian officials, are Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Iranian armed forces deputy chief of staff and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the regime. The US said that these officials are working towards the disability of the region. The US Treasury also slapped sanction on 17 Iranian metals producers and mining companies which it said generated billions of dollars in revenue. The sanctions also included a network of three entities that are based in China and Seychelles as well as a vessel "involved in the purchase, sale, and transfer of Iranian metals products," the Treasury said in a statement. Tensions between Washington and Tehran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport. Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Although the two sides seem to have stepped back from the brink of armed conflict, Trump vowed on Wednesday to impose the additional sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

In retaliation to missile attacks, US imposes more sanctions on Iran

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko on Friday said that US officials have handed Kiev "important data" on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-believe-iran-accidentally-shot-down-ukraine-airliner-reports-273265">plane crash in Iran</a> and "it will be processed"&nbsp;by its experts.

"President Volodymyr Zelensky and I met with US representatives," Prystaiko said in a post on Twitter. "We have received important data which will be processed by our experts."

On Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-aircraft-was-not-hit-by-a-missile-irans-civil-aviation-chief-273368">Ukraine International Airlines</a> (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off. The crash killed all 176 people who were on board including many Iranians and Canadians.

The crash came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week.

As investigators are following several leads including technical malfunction, an act of terror many experts suggest that missile strike by Iran may have led to the crash. Iran meanwhile as said that it is certain that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.

"For the moment we are working on seven different versions of the event that took place in Iran," news agency AFP quoted Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's national security and defence council (RNBO), as saying.

Earlier, Britain and Canada also claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump also said that he has his suspicion on Iran over the plane tragedy.

"I have my suspicions," Trump. "It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake."

"Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko on Friday said that US officials have handed Kiev "important data" on its plane crash in Iran and "it will be processed" by its experts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko on Friday said that US officials have handed Kiev "important data" on its plane crash in Iran and "it will be processed" by its experts. "President Volodymyr Zelensky and I met with US representatives," Prystaiko said in a post on Twitter. "We have received important data which will be processed by our experts." On Wednesday, the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off. The crash killed all 176 people who were on board including many Iranians and Canadians. The crash came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week. As investigators are following several leads including technical malfunction, an act of terror many experts suggest that missile strike by Iran may have led to the crash. Iran meanwhile as said that it is certain that the aircraft was not hit by a missile. "For the moment we are working on seven different versions of the event that took place in Iran," news agency AFP quoted Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's national security and defence council (RNBO), as saying. Earlier, Britain and Canada also claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump also said that he has his suspicion on Iran over the plane tragedy. "I have my suspicions," Trump. "It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake." "Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened."

US has given 'important data' on Iran plane crash: Ukraine Foreign Minister

By Sarah Burns

To many observers, President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a senior Iranian general is yet another example of his unique impetuousness and determination to go it alone in his foreign policy. Congress has begun to take steps to reel in Trump’s independence.

There are important similarities between Trump’s action and the decision by President Barack Obama to attack Libya in 2011.

Both acted unilaterally without much apparent concern for Congress’ role in military actions, a topic I discuss in my recent book, “The Politics of War Powers.”

But there are some pretty significant differences, too.

Congressional power

The Constitution reserves for Congress the power to declare war. However, after World War II, several presidents – including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon – initiated military operations without congressional approval. They claimed that they could take military action short of actual war through their constitutional capacity as commander-in-chief of the military. Often they also said they needed to support UN or NATO allies who were using force.

By 1973, Congress wanted to reclaim its authority. Over President Nixon’s veto, bipartisan supermajorities passed the War Powers Resolution, requiring presidents to get congressional permission in advance of military action that goes beyond defending against an actual attack.

There are two loopholes, though: If the president does take unilateral action, he must inform Congress within 48 hours. And the president can initiate and carry out military operations for up to 90 days even without congressional approval.

Obama attacks Libya and Congress wags a finger 
 
In 2011, the Arab Spring movement saw citizens across North Africa and the Middle East call on authoritarian regimes to become more democratic.

Many leaders in the region responded with violent crackdowns on protests, some of which appeared to violate the protesters’ human rights. Due to the especially violent repression in Libya, the United Nations Security Council authorized countries to take “all necessary measures” to protect the protesters there.

Without informing or consulting Congress, as the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution require, Obama launched airstrikes against Libyan armed forces on March 19, 2011, alongside NATO allies. Two days later, the president formally informed Congress of his action.

Only a few hawkish Republicans supported the president’s unilateral action. Most Republicans criticized the move. Sens. Richard Lugar and Rand Paul decried Obama’s actions as unconstitutional, claiming he had encroached on legislators’ war powers. Michigan Congressman Justin Amash said, “When there is no imminent threat to our country, he cannot launch strikes without authorisation from the American people, through our elected representatives in Congress.”

Some Democrats also criticised Obama’s action. Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich and other liberal Democrats went so far as to file a lawsuit against him, objecting to the use of military force without congressional approval.

Obama’s Cabinet members and the Pentagon coordinated with each other and NATO allies to organise the operation, but the operation took time. As the airstrikes passed the 90-day mark, Obama didn’t follow the War Powers Resolution’s requirement to pull troops out.

Instead, he sent a State Department lawyer, Harold Koh, to Congress to explain that their US&nbsp;military actions didn’t actually amount to the sort of “hostilities” defined by the law.

Koh’s testimony took a certain amount of criticism, but beyond wagging their fingers, senators did nothing to impede or authorize Obama’s actions. The House chastised Obama for failing to notify Congress, but a motion to pull all US&nbsp;forces out of Libyan action failed – with most Democrats choosing not to limit Obama’s unilateral action, even though it encroached on their legislative powers.

Trump’s drone strike 
 
President Trump’s decision to order a lethal drone strike against Iranian Major&nbsp;General&nbsp;Qasem Soleimani on January&nbsp;3 has some similarities. They include both sudden, unilateral action by a president and sharp criticism from his political opponents.

But there are important differences that show how much farther Trump is willing to push the boundaries of his own individual power.

First, with Obama’s action, there was a humanitarian crisis and broad multilateral support. But with Trump’s killing of Soleimani, there was no U.N. resolution calling for Soleimani’s death nor a humanitarian crisis.

Congress had already been worried about Trump taking unilateral military action: In April 2019, Congress tried to invoke the War Powers Resolution to pull U.S. support out of Yemen.

And in December 2019, Congress tried to pass a defense spending bill that limited Trump’s ability to engage militarily with Iran. Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, along with others, objected to that proposal, however, saying he favoured “flexibility” for the president. That objection won out over Congress asserting its war powers.

When Trump exercised that “flexibility” and ordered Soleimani killed, there was – as with Obama – a great deal of congressional criticism. But this time, it was split along partisan lines.

Republican Sen. Jim Risch from Idaho praised Trump’s “decisive action” and the “successful outcome.” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted a threat to the Iranian government saying, “if you want more, you will get more.”

Conversely, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi worried that Trump’s action “risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence.” Democrats demanded Trump consult with Congress and called on their fellow legislators to reassert their authority under the War Powers Resolution.

The Democratic-controlled House has approved a resolution that would limit Trump’s ability to fight against Iran. It is unlikely to make it through the Republican-controlled Senate.

A new view of presidential power

Trump’s unilateral action stands out from his predecessors’ in part because of his apparent disregard for congressional power.

A week after the killing of Soleimani, Trump’s administration began to formally tell Congress about the strike on Soleimani.

In the meantime, the US President unilaterally decided to send troops to Kuwait. He also claimed that sending a tweet about military force could serve as a formal notification of Congress.

Trump has claimed various authorities for the drone strike, including a 2002 law authorising the president – then George W Bush – to use military force in Iraq.

Trump has also said he acted against Soleimani to stop “imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel,” a justification that isn’t allowed under the War Powers Resolution, which only authorizes a response to an actual attack after it happens.

Public opinion may be a factor

With Congress bitterly divided along partisan lines, it’s clear the majority of senators – Republicans – will have veto power over any congressional effort to check Trump’s actions. If lawmakers do nothing, Congress will have effectively ceded its war powers to the president. If the dispute goes deeper, the Supreme Court would likely avoid getting involved, because it’s a dispute between the other two branches about their respective claims to constitutional powers.

The only remaining check would be a popular opinion, which can rise and fall as national security crises unfold. But Trump’s popularity is unusually stable, leaving him free to act with the confidence that his base won’t abandon him.

The executive branch will continue to determine the course of action with Iran. On January 8, Trump himself told the nation, “As long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” Without congressional restraint, what that means – and how he carries out that promise – rests entirely in Trump’s hands.

(Sarah Burns is Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-like-obama-tests-the-limits-of-presidential-war-powers-129528">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Sarah Burns To many observers, President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a senior Iranian general is yet another example of his unique impetuousness and determination to go it alone in his foreign policy.

By Sarah Burns To many observers, President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a senior Iranian general is yet another example of his unique impetuousness and determination to go it alone in his foreign policy. Congress has begun to take steps to reel in Trump’s independence. There are important similarities between Trump’s action and the decision by President Barack Obama to attack Libya in 2011. Both acted unilaterally without much apparent concern for Congress’ role in military actions, a topic I discuss in my recent book, “The Politics of War Powers.” But there are some pretty significant differences, too. Congressional power The Constitution reserves for Congress the power to declare war. However, after World War II, several presidents – including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon – initiated military operations without congressional approval. They claimed that they could take military action short of actual war through their constitutional capacity as commander-in-chief of the military. Often they also said they needed to support UN or NATO allies who were using force. By 1973, Congress wanted to reclaim its authority. Over President Nixon’s veto, bipartisan supermajorities passed the War Powers Resolution, requiring presidents to get congressional permission in advance of military action that goes beyond defending against an actual attack. There are two loopholes, though: If the president does take unilateral action, he must inform Congress within 48 hours. And the president can initiate and carry out military operations for up to 90 days even without congressional approval. Obama attacks Libya and Congress wags a finger In 2011, the Arab Spring movement saw citizens across North Africa and the Middle East call on authoritarian regimes to become more democratic. Many leaders in the region responded with violent crackdowns on protests, some of which appeared to violate the protesters’ human rights. Due to the especially violent repression in Libya, the United Nations Security Council authorized countries to take “all necessary measures” to protect the protesters there. Without informing or consulting Congress, as the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution require, Obama launched airstrikes against Libyan armed forces on March 19, 2011, alongside NATO allies. Two days later, the president formally informed Congress of his action. Only a few hawkish Republicans supported the president’s unilateral action. Most Republicans criticized the move. Sens. Richard Lugar and Rand Paul decried Obama’s actions as unconstitutional, claiming he had encroached on legislators’ war powers. Michigan Congressman Justin Amash said, “When there is no imminent threat to our country, he cannot launch strikes without authorisation from the American people, through our elected representatives in Congress.” Some Democrats also criticised Obama’s action. Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich and other liberal Democrats went so far as to file a lawsuit against him, objecting to the use of military force without congressional approval. Obama’s Cabinet members and the Pentagon coordinated with each other and NATO allies to organise the operation, but the operation took time. As the airstrikes passed the 90-day mark, Obama didn’t follow the War Powers Resolution’s requirement to pull troops out. Instead, he sent a State Department lawyer, Harold Koh, to Congress to explain that their US military actions didn’t actually amount to the sort of “hostilities” defined by the law. Koh’s testimony took a certain amount of criticism, but beyond wagging their fingers, senators did nothing to impede or authorize Obama’s actions. The House chastised Obama for failing to notify Congress, but a motion to pull all US forces out of Libyan action failed – with most Democrats choosing not to limit Obama’s unilateral action, even though it encroached on their legislative powers. Trump’s drone strike President Trump’s decision to order a lethal drone strike against Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani on January 3 has some similarities. They include both sudden, unilateral action by a president and sharp criticism from his political opponents. But there are important differences that show how much farther Trump is willing to push the boundaries of his own individual power. First, with Obama’s action, there was a humanitarian crisis and broad multilateral support. But with Trump’s killing of Soleimani, there was no U.N. resolution calling for Soleimani’s death nor a humanitarian crisis. Congress had already been worried about Trump taking unilateral military action: In April 2019, Congress tried to invoke the War Powers Resolution to pull U.S. support out of Yemen. And in December 2019, Congress tried to pass a defense spending bill that limited Trump’s ability to engage militarily with Iran. Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, along with others, objected to that proposal, however, saying he favoured “flexibility” for the president. That objection won out over Congress asserting its war powers. When Trump exercised that “flexibility” and ordered Soleimani killed, there was – as with Obama – a great deal of congressional criticism. But this time, it was split along partisan lines. Republican Sen. Jim Risch from Idaho praised Trump’s “decisive action” and the “successful outcome.” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted a threat to the Iranian government saying, “if you want more, you will get more.” Conversely, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi worried that Trump’s action “risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence.” Democrats demanded Trump consult with Congress and called on their fellow legislators to reassert their authority under the War Powers Resolution. The Democratic-controlled House has approved a resolution that would limit Trump’s ability to fight against Iran. It is unlikely to make it through the Republican-controlled Senate. A new view of presidential power Trump’s unilateral action stands out from his predecessors’ in part because of his apparent disregard for congressional power. A week after the killing of Soleimani, Trump’s administration began to formally tell Congress about the strike on Soleimani. In the meantime, the US President unilaterally decided to send troops to Kuwait. He also claimed that sending a tweet about military force could serve as a formal notification of Congress. Trump has claimed various authorities for the drone strike, including a 2002 law authorising the president – then George W Bush – to use military force in Iraq. Trump has also said he acted against Soleimani to stop “imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel,” a justification that isn’t allowed under the War Powers Resolution, which only authorizes a response to an actual attack after it happens. Public opinion may be a factor With Congress bitterly divided along partisan lines, it’s clear the majority of senators – Republicans – will have veto power over any congressional effort to check Trump’s actions. If lawmakers do nothing, Congress will have effectively ceded its war powers to the president. If the dispute goes deeper, the Supreme Court would likely avoid getting involved, because it’s a dispute between the other two branches about their respective claims to constitutional powers. The only remaining check would be a popular opinion, which can rise and fall as national security crises unfold. But Trump’s popularity is unusually stable, leaving him free to act with the confidence that his base won’t abandon him. The executive branch will continue to determine the course of action with Iran. On January 8, Trump himself told the nation, “As long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” Without congressional restraint, what that means – and how he carries out that promise – rests entirely in Trump’s hands. (Sarah Burns is Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US President Donald Trump, like Barack Obama, tests the limits of presidential war powers

Iran calls its missile strikes on U.S. military assets in Iraq 'a fierce revenge'. Two Iraqi bases were targetted. While the U.S. President Trump says 'All is Well', Iran's revolutionary guards hint at more strikes. Details in this report. #US #Iran #Gravitas #IranMissile #USMilitary

Gravitas: How Iran's missile strikes against US military assets in Iraq unfolded?

Almost a week after the US drone strike killed Iran's most powerful general, Soleimani, the war clouds seem to have receded for now in West Asia. Last night, US President Trump hinted at de-escalation of tensions with Iran. Is the crisis in West Asia truly over? @Palkisu explains. #Gravitas #India #US #Iran

Gravitas: Iran, US pull back from brink of war

As far as the US-Iran conflict is concerned, India has managed a very difficult balancing act. India's ties with the U.S. and Iran are independent of each other. Will this crisis force India to take some tough decisions? This report explores. #Gravitas #US #Iran #India

Gravitas: US vs Iran, India's balancing act

U.S. President Donald Trump said he supported expanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to include Middle Eastern nations, as the United States seeks to limit its troop footprint globally.

Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East

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The House of Representatives on Thursday voted to approve a resolution aimed at restraining the President's ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval, amid simmering tensions between the US and the country.

House votes to restrain Trump's Iran war powers

US officials believe that Iran accidentally shot down a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-plane-crash-investigators-consider-several-leads-including-missile-strike-technical-malfunction-act-of-terror-273238"> Ukrainian airliner, killing all of the 176 people on board</a>, US media reported Thursday.

Newsweek, CBS and CNN quoted unnamed officials saying they are increasingly confident that Iranian air defence systems accidentally downed the aircraft, based on satellite, radar and electronic data.

"I have my suspicions," Trump.&nbsp;"It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake."

"Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened."

The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board including many Iranians and Canadians.

The crash came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday also said&nbsp;he has his "suspicions over Iran".

Following the crash, investigators are pursuing several leads including a surface-to-air missile strike, an act of terror and engine failure, news agency AFP reported quoting Ukraine officials.

"For the moment we are working on seven different versions of the event that took place in Iran," Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's national security and defence council (RNBO), told AFP.

The council is tasked with coordinating the probe into the disaster, the first fatal crash involving Ukraine's biggest carrier UIA.

The airline said the Boeing 737 had been built in 2016 and checked only two days before the accident.&nbsp;

It said the pilots were well trained and that the plane's captain had more than 11,000 hours of flying experience, mostly on the Boeing 737.

Iranian authorities on Thursday said the plane turned around after taking off after suffering a "problem", disappearing from radars at an altitude of 2,400 metres (8,000 feet), but that the crew sent no message about an emergency.

(With inputs from AFP)

US officials believe that Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all of the 176 people on board, US media reported Thursday. Newsweek, CBS and CNN quoted unnamed officials saying they are increasingly confident that Iranian air defence systems accidentally downed the aircraft, based on satellite, radar and electronic data.

US officials believe that Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all of the 176 people on board, US media reported Thursday. Newsweek, CBS and CNN quoted unnamed officials saying they are increasingly confident that Iranian air defence systems accidentally downed the aircraft, based on satellite, radar and electronic data. "I have my suspicions," Trump. "It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake." "Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened." The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board including many Iranians and Canadians. The crash came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday also said he has his "suspicions over Iran". Following the crash, investigators are pursuing several leads including a surface-to-air missile strike, an act of terror and engine failure, news agency AFP reported quoting Ukraine officials. "For the moment we are working on seven different versions of the event that took place in Iran," Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's national security and defence council (RNBO), told AFP. The council is tasked with coordinating the probe into the disaster, the first fatal crash involving Ukraine's biggest carrier UIA. The airline said the Boeing 737 had been built in 2016 and checked only two days before the accident. It said the pilots were well trained and that the plane's captain had more than 11,000 hours of flying experience, mostly on the Boeing 737. Iranian authorities on Thursday said the plane turned around after taking off after suffering a "problem", disappearing from radars at an altitude of 2,400 metres (8,000 feet), but that the crew sent no message about an emergency. (With inputs from AFP)

US officials believe Iran accidentally shot down Ukraine airliner: Reports

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a televised address from the White House.

"It's already been done. We've increased them. They were very severe, but now it's increased substantially," Trump said, without offering any specifics.

Trump on Wednesday announced new sanctions after Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbase in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Trump has also said that these missile attacks had not harmed any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff.

He termed these sanctions as 'punishing economic sanctions' against the Iran government.

Meanwhile, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-plane-crash-investigators-consider-several-leads-including-missile-strike-technical-malfunction-act-of-terror-273238">Ukraine airline crash in Tehran</a>, Trump said he has his "suspicions over Iran".

"I have my suspicions," Trump.&nbsp;"It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake."

"Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crashed-boeing-underwent-maintenance-checks-2-days-before-accident-ukraine-airline-273006">Ukraine International Airlines&nbsp;</a>(UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board.

The crash, which killed mainly Iranians and Canadians, came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week.

Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani was killed after US strike&nbsp;Baghdad International Airport, marking a dramatic escalation in the shadow war of Iran and US.

Following the strike, Trump addressed the nation from the White House and&nbsp;said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting&nbsp;to de-escalate the&nbsp;standoff.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a televised address from the White House. "It's already been done. We've increased them.

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a televised address from the White House. "It's already been done. We've increased them. They were very severe, but now it's increased substantially," Trump said, without offering any specifics. Trump on Wednesday announced new sanctions after Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbase in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Trump has also said that these missile attacks had not harmed any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff. He termed these sanctions as 'punishing economic sanctions' against the Iran government. Meanwhile, on Ukraine airline crash in Tehran, Trump said he has his "suspicions over Iran". "I have my suspicions," Trump. "It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake." "Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question," Trump said, adding that "something very terrible happened." The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The crash, which killed mainly Iranians and Canadians, came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week. Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani was killed after US strike Baghdad International Airport, marking a dramatic escalation in the shadow war of Iran and US. Following the strike, Trump addressed the nation from the White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting to de-escalate the standoff. (With inputs from agencies)

New Iran sanctions are already in effect, says US President Donald Trump

Two-thirds of&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Ricans&nbsp;remained&nbsp;without&nbsp;power&nbsp;and nearly a quarter lacked drinking water on Wednesday&nbsp;after&nbsp;earthquakes&nbsp;battered the Caribbean island, including the&nbsp;most&nbsp;powerful to strike the US&nbsp;territory in 102 years.

The&nbsp;quakes, including one of magnitude 6.4 on Tuesday, killed at least one person and destroyed or damaged some 300 homes, provoking a state of emergency on the island of 3 million people and the activation of the National Guard.

<img alt="Earthquake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efeb7d92-dc36-4348-84ac-a688436cac78" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2852%29.jpg" />

The south of the island was hardest hit, with dozens of homes collapsing in towns like Yauco, Guanica, and Guayanilla.

Thousands prepared to spend another night&nbsp;sleeping&nbsp;outdoors, fearful their houses might fall down if there was another major quake.

"Many&nbsp;apartments collapsed, everything was lost in some houses," said Yauco resident Luiz Cruz Aponte, standing in a community parking lot filled with cots, mattresses, and shelters for people who had lost or fled their homes.

About 500,000 of the island's 1.5 million customers had electricity on Wednesday, up from 100,000 on Tuesday night, and the island was generating 955 megawatts of electricity, the&nbsp;power&nbsp;authority AEE said, well short of demand of around 2,300 megawatts.

The&nbsp;power&nbsp;outages evoked memories of the&nbsp;aftermath of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-maria-killed-2975-in-puerto-rico-study-162171">Hurricane Maria</a> in 2017 when&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Ricans&nbsp;endured lengthy blackouts following a disaster that killed nearly 3,000 people.

About 24 per cent of the population had no running water and more than 2,200 people left homeless had taken refuge in government shelters, said Carlos Acevedo, commissioner of disaster agency NMEAD.

In Guanica, supermarket owner Santo Manuel Ruiz Pietri began cleaning up collapsed shelves and surveying structural damage to his building.

"It was nearly complete devastation at our Guanica location, inside and outside," said Ruiz Pietri, estimating the damage to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Public health emergency

The earthquakes&nbsp;followed a series of natural and man-made disasters to afflict the US&nbsp;territory in recent years. The island is also going through bankruptcy and its former governor resigned amid a political scandal and massive street protests last year.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-trump-to-air-dueling-super-bowl-ads-272836">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday declared an emergency in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/puerto-rico-justice-secretary-says-she-doesnt-want-to-be-governor-239149">Puerto&nbsp;Rico</a> and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief with&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Rican officials.

The US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency on the island to ensure local hospitals had funding to meet medical needs.

Power&nbsp;and water returned to some areas of the capital, San Juan, but resident Luis Borri had neither at his home. He said he got a message from the AEE that electricity services for all customers would not resume until the weekend.

<img alt="Earthquake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c668fa1-f28a-4cd1-9ee3-600b99a4592d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2853%29.jpg" />

More than 500 earthquakes&nbsp;occurred in the south of the island between December&nbsp;28 and Tuesday, including 32 greater than magnitude 4, putting the US&nbsp;territory's biggest&nbsp;power&nbsp;plant out of service and damaging energy infrastructure.

The 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday morning was the&nbsp;most&nbsp;powerful to hit&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Rico since 1918, when a 7.3 magnitude quake and tsunami killed 116 people, according to the&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Rican seismology institute, Red Sismica.

Puerto&nbsp;Rico is accustomed to hurricanes, but&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;quakes&nbsp;are rare.

Two-thirds of Puerto Ricans remained without power and nearly a quarter lacked drinking water on Wednesday after earthquakes battered the Caribbean island, including the most powerful to strike the US territory in 102 years.

Two-thirds of Puerto Ricans remained without power and nearly a quarter lacked drinking water on Wednesday after earthquakes battered the Caribbean island, including the most powerful to strike the US territory in 102 years. The quakes, including one of magnitude 6.4 on Tuesday, killed at least one person and destroyed or damaged some 300 homes, provoking a state of emergency on the island of 3 million people and the activation of the National Guard. The south of the island was hardest hit, with dozens of homes collapsing in towns like Yauco, Guanica, and Guayanilla. Thousands prepared to spend another night sleeping outdoors, fearful their houses might fall down if there was another major quake. "Many apartments collapsed, everything was lost in some houses," said Yauco resident Luiz Cruz Aponte, standing in a community parking lot filled with cots, mattresses, and shelters for people who had lost or fled their homes. About 500,000 of the island's 1.5 million customers had electricity on Wednesday, up from 100,000 on Tuesday night, and the island was generating 955 megawatts of electricity, the power authority AEE said, well short of demand of around 2,300 megawatts. The power outages evoked memories of the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017 when Puerto Ricans endured lengthy blackouts following a disaster that killed nearly 3,000 people. About 24 per cent of the population had no running water and more than 2,200 people left homeless had taken refuge in government shelters, said Carlos Acevedo, commissioner of disaster agency NMEAD. In Guanica, supermarket owner Santo Manuel Ruiz Pietri began cleaning up collapsed shelves and surveying structural damage to his building. "It was nearly complete devastation at our Guanica location, inside and outside," said Ruiz Pietri, estimating the damage to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Public health emergency The earthquakes followed a series of natural and man-made disasters to afflict the US territory in recent years. The island is also going through bankruptcy and its former governor resigned amid a political scandal and massive street protests last year. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared an emergency in Puerto Rico and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief with Puerto Rican officials. The US Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency on the island to ensure local hospitals had funding to meet medical needs. Power and water returned to some areas of the capital, San Juan, but resident Luis Borri had neither at his home. He said he got a message from the AEE that electricity services for all customers would not resume until the weekend. More than 500 earthquakes occurred in the south of the island between December 28 and Tuesday, including 32 greater than magnitude 4, putting the US territory's biggest power plant out of service and damaging energy infrastructure. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday morning was the most powerful to hit Puerto Rico since 1918, when a 7.3 magnitude quake and tsunami killed 116 people, according to the Puerto Rican seismology institute, Red Sismica. Puerto Rico is accustomed to hurricanes, but powerful quakes are rare.

Most Puerto Ricans still without power, many sleeping outdoors after quakes

Asian&nbsp;stocks rebounded on Thursday and&nbsp;oil&nbsp;edged&nbsp;up&nbsp;as the United States and Iran backed away from the brink of further conflict in the Middle East and investors unwound safety plays.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-made-us-president-donald-trump-threaten-iran-271452">Donald Trump</a> responded overnight to an Iranian attack on US&nbsp;forces with sanctions, not violence. Iran offered no immediate signal it would retaliate further over a January&nbsp;3 US&nbsp;strike that killed one of its senior military commanders.

MSCI's broadest index of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asia-Pacific&nbsp;shares</a>&nbsp;outside Japan rose 1 per cent, as did Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Shanghai blue chips, reversing Wednesday's&nbsp;losses.

Japan's Nikkei rose 1.8 per cent, lifting stocks to their highest for the year so far, while Australian stocks climbed 1 per cent&nbsp;to just below December's record high.

"I think today is a bit of a relief rally," said Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP Capital in Sydney.

"Yesterday, investors were fearing the worst, that this was the escalation now underway. The news overnight has been more along the lines that Iran pulled its punches and Trump is toning things down," he said, "which is seen by investors as substantially reducing the risk of war."

Investors quit the safe-haven Japanese yen, sending it sliding from a three-month high to a two-week low of 109.25 yen per dollar.

Oil&nbsp;now sits just about where it was before the killing of the Iranian commander, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Qasem Soleimani</a>, in Baghdad, a strike that raised fears of an escalating regional conflict.

Brent futures prices crept&nbsp;up&nbsp;from month lows hit overnight to $65.84 per barrel, about where they began the year.

Gold gave back sharp gains made on Wednesday but remains dearer than before Soleimani's death, in an indication that investors' fears have not completely evaporated.

It drifted higher to $1,560.00 per ounce.

Iran fired missiles at military bases housing US&nbsp;troops in Iraq on Wednesday in response to Soleimani's killing. But Trump said no Americans were hurt and made no direct threats of a military response in an address to the nation on Wednesday.

"Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," he said. He announced economic sanctions on Iran without giving details.

Iranian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-invites-iranian-foreign-minister-zarif-to-brussels-amid-rising-middle-east-tension-272290">Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> had earlier said the strikes "concluded" Tehran's response to the killing of Soleimani.

On Wall Street stocks rose, led by the Nasdaq which added 0.67 per cent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&amp;P 500 &nbsp;each rose roughly half a percentage point.

US&nbsp;Treasuries, which had soared in the flight to safety a day ago also settled back, with yields on the benchmark 10-year US&nbsp;Treasury note at 1.8598 per cent, after dropping as low as 1.705 per cent.

Risk appetite was also evident in currency markets, with China's trade-exposed yuan standing at a five-month high of 6.9283 per dollar and the Aussie creeping higher.

"All is well so said,&nbsp;Trump! That is the mood today," said Bank of Singapore Currency Strategist Moh Siong Sim, a reference to Wednesday's&nbsp;upbeat tweet from the president.

"I think that neither side wants to have a further escalation in tension, and both parties seem to be standing down."

Asian stocks rebounded on Thursday and oil edged up as the United States and Iran backed away from the brink of further conflict in the Middle East and investors unwound safety plays.

Asian stocks rebounded on Thursday and oil edged up as the United States and Iran backed away from the brink of further conflict in the Middle East and investors unwound safety plays. US President Donald Trump responded overnight to an Iranian attack on US forces with sanctions, not violence. Iran offered no immediate signal it would retaliate further over a January 3 US strike that killed one of its senior military commanders. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, as did Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Shanghai blue chips, reversing Wednesday's losses. Japan's Nikkei rose 1.8 per cent, lifting stocks to their highest for the year so far, while Australian stocks climbed 1 per cent to just below December's record high. "I think today is a bit of a relief rally," said Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP Capital in Sydney. "Yesterday, investors were fearing the worst, that this was the escalation now underway. The news overnight has been more along the lines that Iran pulled its punches and Trump is toning things down," he said, "which is seen by investors as substantially reducing the risk of war." Investors quit the safe-haven Japanese yen, sending it sliding from a three-month high to a two-week low of 109.25 yen per dollar. Oil now sits just about where it was before the killing of the Iranian commander, Qasem Soleimani, in Baghdad, a strike that raised fears of an escalating regional conflict. Brent futures prices crept up from month lows hit overnight to $65.84 per barrel, about where they began the year. Gold gave back sharp gains made on Wednesday but remains dearer than before Soleimani's death, in an indication that investors' fears have not completely evaporated. It drifted higher to $1,560.00 per ounce. Iran fired missiles at military bases housing US troops in Iraq on Wednesday in response to Soleimani's killing. But Trump said no Americans were hurt and made no direct threats of a military response in an address to the nation on Wednesday. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," he said. He announced economic sanctions on Iran without giving details. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had earlier said the strikes "concluded" Tehran's response to the killing of Soleimani. On Wall Street stocks rose, led by the Nasdaq which added 0.67 per cent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 each rose roughly half a percentage point. US Treasuries, which had soared in the flight to safety a day ago also settled back, with yields on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note at 1.8598 per cent, after dropping as low as 1.705 per cent. Risk appetite was also evident in currency markets, with China's trade-exposed yuan standing at a five-month high of 6.9283 per dollar and the Aussie creeping higher. "All is well so said, Trump! That is the mood today," said Bank of Singapore Currency Strategist Moh Siong Sim, a reference to Wednesday's upbeat tweet from the president. "I think that neither side wants to have a further escalation in tension, and both parties seem to be standing down."

Asian shares erase losses as Mideast tensions ease, oil ticks up

US President Donald Trump's speech on January 8 following the attack on US forces was not what the world expected. Many thought that his speech was incoherent. The speech included a call for de-escalation, potshop at Obama and a re-election speech. #DonaldTrump #US #TrumpSpeech #Iran #SoleimaniKilling

WION Dispatch: Trump's Iran speech another rant against Soleimani, many call it incoherent

Iranians play chess, Americans play backgammon when it comes to warfare, military strategy and conflict management.

That is becoming increasingly obvious in the US-Iranian tit-for-tat on an Iraqi gameboard.

Hobbled by harsh US economic sanctions and a weak military hand, Iran has perfected the art of asymmetric warfare and carefully calibrated operations, as well as, acts of political violence, an approach that the United States has yet to come to grips with.

Iran’s firing of missiles at two US bases in Iraq in its initial military response to the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani deftly served multiple purposes while leaving the door open to de-escalation.

The Iranian missiles targetting the bases, part of what Iran dubbed Operation Harsh Revenge, were launched as millions crowded the streets of the city of Kerman for the funeral of Soleimani, the third day of a mass outpouring of mourning, public anger and calls for revenge.

Using guided precision missiles, Iran was careful to demonstrate its capability while not causing the further US and Iraqi casualties that almost certainly would have provoked a harsh US response.

Driving the point home, Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the missile attacks as a "slap in the face" of the United States.

Khamenei went on to say that Iran’s real revenge would be the expulsion of US forces from the Middle East.&nbsp;

"Military actions in this form are not sufficient for that issue. What is important is that America's corrupt presence must come to an end in this region," he said.

In a televised address, Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several members of the military top brass. appeared to respond positively to the Iranian overture, cloaking it as Iran “standing down.”

Amid the bluster justifying the killing of Soleimani, promises to impose additional sanctions against Iran, vows that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and extolling American military and economic might, President Trump insisted that “the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”

He noted that the US and Iran had a common interest in fighting the Islamic State, one reason why Soleimani was a popular figure in Iran and went on to say that “We should work together on this and other shared priorities.”

Determined not to get embroiled in another Middle East war, Trump’s acknowledgement of the Iranian gesture hardly comes as a surprise.

Trump has in the past nine months exercised in military terms the kind of strategic patience that Iran adopted in the first 18 months after the United States withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and imposed its economic sanctions.

Iran in May/June of last year switched its posture to one of calibrated escalation after Europe, Russia and China proved unwilling and/or incapable of salvaging the nuclear accord in a way that Iran would be at least partially compensated for the severe impact of the sanctions.

Trump refrained from responding militarily to numerous attacks, including last year’s Iranian downing of a US drone, attacks on tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and two key Saudi oil facilities.

Those attacks were the ones that caught the most international attention, but were, according to US officials, only the tip of the iceberg.

The officials said there had been some 90 attacks on US targets in Iraq since May 2019 carried out by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, including Kataeb Hezbollah, whose leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed alongside Soleimani.

The attacks were intended not only to force the US to escalate tensions by provoking a military response in the hope that it would lead to a return to the negotiating table but also an environment conducive to a withdrawal of US forces from Iraq at the behest of the Iraqi government and/or public pressure.

“The nearly eight months in which the United States did not respond forcefully to a series of military provocations and attacks almost certainly contributed to the increasingly assertive and audacious actions by Iran and its proxies,” said Michael Eisenstadt, an expert on the military and strategy at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP).

Trump’s apparent, so far disproven, belief that bluster and intimidation will force his adversaries coupled with television images of the besieged US embassy in Baghdad is likely what persuaded him to respond disproportionately to the killing of a US contractor by assassinating Soleimani.

Iran hopes that the scare of an escalating tit-for-tat that gets out of control will energise efforts to bring the United States and the Islamic Republic back to the negotiating table.

To do so, the third party with leverage on both sides of the divide like Oman would have to bridge a gap on the terms of reviving negotiations aimed at reinstituting the nuclear accord that has been widened by Soleimani’s killing.

Revival of the agreement would have to involve revised terms that include Iran’s controversial ballistic missiles programme and support for proxies across the Middle East, the core of its defence strategy.

Dialling down tension at best buys the United States and Iran time. It does not solve anything.

Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, insisted this week that the Trump administration’s goal was to “contain and confront” Iran.

Iran retains a vested interest in strategic escalation. It may hope that the current crisis is the monkey wrench that breaks the logjam but will seek to again push things to the brink if it is disappointed.

Said The Washington Post in an editorial prior to Trump’s latest remarks: “The way to avoid these outcomes is to work with allies and other intermediaries to offer Iran a diplomatic solution before the slide toward war becomes irreversible. In short, what’s needed is Pompeo’s ‘de-escalation,’ not Trump’s reckless threats.”

Trump has proven that he can go either way. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Iranians play chess, Americans play backgammon when it comes to warfare, military strategy and conflict management. That is becoming increasingly obvious in the US-Iranian tit-for-tat on an Iraqi gameboard.

Iranians play chess, Americans play backgammon when it comes to warfare, military strategy and conflict management. That is becoming increasingly obvious in the US-Iranian tit-for-tat on an Iraqi gameboard. Hobbled by harsh US economic sanctions and a weak military hand, Iran has perfected the art of asymmetric warfare and carefully calibrated operations, as well as, acts of political violence, an approach that the United States has yet to come to grips with. Iran’s firing of missiles at two US bases in Iraq in its initial military response to the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani deftly served multiple purposes while leaving the door open to de-escalation. The Iranian missiles targetting the bases, part of what Iran dubbed Operation Harsh Revenge, were launched as millions crowded the streets of the city of Kerman for the funeral of Soleimani, the third day of a mass outpouring of mourning, public anger and calls for revenge. Using guided precision missiles, Iran was careful to demonstrate its capability while not causing the further US and Iraqi casualties that almost certainly would have provoked a harsh US response. Driving the point home, Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the missile attacks as a "slap in the face" of the United States. Khamenei went on to say that Iran’s real revenge would be the expulsion of US forces from the Middle East. "Military actions in this form are not sufficient for that issue. What is important is that America's corrupt presence must come to an end in this region," he said. In a televised address, Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several members of the military top brass. appeared to respond positively to the Iranian overture, cloaking it as Iran “standing down.” Amid the bluster justifying the killing of Soleimani, promises to impose additional sanctions against Iran, vows that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and extolling American military and economic might, President Trump insisted that “the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.” He noted that the US and Iran had a common interest in fighting the Islamic State, one reason why Soleimani was a popular figure in Iran and went on to say that “We should work together on this and other shared priorities.” Determined not to get embroiled in another Middle East war, Trump’s acknowledgement of the Iranian gesture hardly comes as a surprise. Trump has in the past nine months exercised in military terms the kind of strategic patience that Iran adopted in the first 18 months after the United States withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and imposed its economic sanctions. Iran in May/June of last year switched its posture to one of calibrated escalation after Europe, Russia and China proved unwilling and/or incapable of salvaging the nuclear accord in a way that Iran would be at least partially compensated for the severe impact of the sanctions. Trump refrained from responding militarily to numerous attacks, including last year’s Iranian downing of a US drone, attacks on tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and two key Saudi oil facilities. Those attacks were the ones that caught the most international attention, but were, according to US officials, only the tip of the iceberg. The officials said there had been some 90 attacks on US targets in Iraq since May 2019 carried out by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, including Kataeb Hezbollah, whose leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed alongside Soleimani. The attacks were intended not only to force the US to escalate tensions by provoking a military response in the hope that it would lead to a return to the negotiating table but also an environment conducive to a withdrawal of US forces from Iraq at the behest of the Iraqi government and/or public pressure. “The nearly eight months in which the United States did not respond forcefully to a series of military provocations and attacks almost certainly contributed to the increasingly assertive and audacious actions by Iran and its proxies,” said Michael Eisenstadt, an expert on the military and strategy at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP). Trump’s apparent, so far disproven, belief that bluster and intimidation will force his adversaries coupled with television images of the besieged US embassy in Baghdad is likely what persuaded him to respond disproportionately to the killing of a US contractor by assassinating Soleimani. Iran hopes that the scare of an escalating tit-for-tat that gets out of control will energise efforts to bring the United States and the Islamic Republic back to the negotiating table. To do so, the third party with leverage on both sides of the divide like Oman would have to bridge a gap on the terms of reviving negotiations aimed at reinstituting the nuclear accord that has been widened by Soleimani’s killing. Revival of the agreement would have to involve revised terms that include Iran’s controversial ballistic missiles programme and support for proxies across the Middle East, the core of its defence strategy. Dialling down tension at best buys the United States and Iran time. It does not solve anything. Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, insisted this week that the Trump administration’s goal was to “contain and confront” Iran. Iran retains a vested interest in strategic escalation. It may hope that the current crisis is the monkey wrench that breaks the logjam but will seek to again push things to the brink if it is disappointed. Said The Washington Post in an editorial prior to Trump’s latest remarks: “The way to avoid these outcomes is to work with allies and other intermediaries to offer Iran a diplomatic solution before the slide toward war becomes irreversible. In short, what’s needed is Pompeo’s ‘de-escalation,’ not Trump’s reckless threats.” Trump has proven that he can go either way. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why did Iran and US step back from all-out war

Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday announced that Vice Premier Liu He will travel to Washington on January 13 to sign the phase 1 deal with the US.

Liu will visit Washington on January 13-15, said Gao Feng, a spokesman at the commerce ministry.

In December, US President Donald Trump announced that partial new US-China trade agreement will be signed on January 15 at the White House.&nbsp;

"I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15," Trump had said in a tweet.

"The ceremony will take place at the White House. High-level representatives of China will be present," he had also said.

He had also said that he would travel to Beijing to begin talks on the next phase of the trade agreement.&nbsp;

The United States launched a trade war against Beijing a year and a half ago over allegations of unfair trade practices, such as theft of US intellectual property and subsidies that unfairly benefit Chinese state-owned companies.

The Phase 1 deal reached last month is expected to cut tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of US farm, energy and manufactured goods while addressing some disputes over intellectual property.

But no version of the text has been made public, and Chinese officials have yet to publicly commit to key points such as increasing imports of US goods and services by $200 billion over two years.

China will not increase its annual low-tariff import quotas for corn, wheat and rice to accommodate stepped-up purchases of farm goods from the United States, senior agriculture official Han Jun said on Tuesday, according to the local media group.

The move could make it harder for Beijing to meet import commitments in a Phase 1 trade deal due to be signed next week. &nbsp;Trump said last month the agreement would likely double China's $24 billion in pre-trade war purchases to $40-$50 billion annually.

When asked if China would have to reduce grain imports from other countries in order to meet its US commitments, Gao said that China will continue to improve the administration of tariff quotas for wheat, corn and soybeans in accordance with WTO commitments, and will make full use of quotas according to market conditions.

This is not inconsistent with expanding agricultural imports from the United States, said Gao.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday announced that Vice Premier Liu He will travel to Washington on January 13 to sign the phase 1 deal with the US. Liu will visit Washington on January 13-15, said Gao Feng, a spokesman at the commerce ministry.

Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday announced that Vice Premier Liu He will travel to Washington on January 13 to sign the phase 1 deal with the US. Liu will visit Washington on January 13-15, said Gao Feng, a spokesman at the commerce ministry. In December, US President Donald Trump announced that partial new US-China trade agreement will be signed on January 15 at the White House. "I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15," Trump had said in a tweet. "The ceremony will take place at the White House. High-level representatives of China will be present," he had also said. He had also said that he would travel to Beijing to begin talks on the next phase of the trade agreement. The United States launched a trade war against Beijing a year and a half ago over allegations of unfair trade practices, such as theft of US intellectual property and subsidies that unfairly benefit Chinese state-owned companies. The Phase 1 deal reached last month is expected to cut tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of US farm, energy and manufactured goods while addressing some disputes over intellectual property. But no version of the text has been made public, and Chinese officials have yet to publicly commit to key points such as increasing imports of US goods and services by $200 billion over two years. China will not increase its annual low-tariff import quotas for corn, wheat and rice to accommodate stepped-up purchases of farm goods from the United States, senior agriculture official Han Jun said on Tuesday, according to the local media group. The move could make it harder for Beijing to meet import commitments in a Phase 1 trade deal due to be signed next week. Trump said last month the agreement would likely double China's $24 billion in pre-trade war purchases to $40-$50 billion annually. When asked if China would have to reduce grain imports from other countries in order to meet its US commitments, Gao said that China will continue to improve the administration of tariff quotas for wheat, corn and soybeans in accordance with WTO commitments, and will make full use of quotas according to market conditions. This is not inconsistent with expanding agricultural imports from the United States, said Gao. (With inputs from Reuters)

China's Vice Premier Liu to sign US trade deal next week in Washington

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said on Thursday&nbsp;after United States President Donald Trump said that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-no-us-troops-hurt-in-iran-strikes-announces-new-sanctions-on-iran-273049"> no US troops were hurt</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-a-slap-in-the-face-for-us-says-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-273043">Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq</a>.

Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force, said that the strike was aimed to&nbsp;damage Washington's "military machine" and it was the start of a series of attacks across the region.

The tension between US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran' top military commander, General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-general-soleimanis-killing-was-self-defense-us-ambassador-kelly-craft-to-un-273117">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a strike in Baghdad International Airport.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, in retaliation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Iran&nbsp;fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq </a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Following the attack, Trump addressed the nation from White House and&nbsp;said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting&nbsp;to de-escalate the&nbsp;standoff.

Watch | Three things missing from Trump's speech on Iran

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-facts-about-al-asad-us-air-base-in-iraq-attacked-by-iran-272873">In Pics:&nbsp;Key facts about Al-Asad US airbase in Iraq attacked by Iran</a>

The local media also quoted Hajizadeh saying that&nbsp;the "appropriate revenge" for the Soleimani's killing&nbsp;was to expel US forces from the Middle East.

He also said Iran had hundreds of missiles at the ready and when Tehran launched missiles on Wednesday it had used "cyberattacks to disable (US) plane and drone navigation systems."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-rockets-crash-into-iraqs-green-zone-no-casualties-reported-273079">Read more: Two rockets crash into Iraq's Green Zone; no casualties reported</a>

Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities of Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said on Thursday after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq.

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said on Thursday after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq. Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force, said that the strike was aimed to damage Washington's "military machine" and it was the start of a series of attacks across the region. The tension between US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran' top military commander, General Qasem Soleimani in a strike in Baghdad International Airport. On Wednesday, in retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Following the attack, Trump addressed the nation from White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting to de-escalate the standoff. Watch | Three things missing from Trump's speech on Iran × In Pics: Key facts about Al-Asad US airbase in Iraq attacked by Iran The local media also quoted Hajizadeh saying that the "appropriate revenge" for the Soleimani's killing was to expel US forces from the Middle East. He also said Iran had hundreds of missiles at the ready and when Tehran launched missiles on Wednesday it had used "cyberattacks to disable (US) plane and drone navigation systems." Read more: Two rockets crash into Iraq's Green Zone; no casualties reported Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities of Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Missile strike was start of a series of attacks across the region: Iranian commander

Bulls regained control on the D-Street amid softening crude oil prices on Thursday following optimism in global markets after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>'s comments on the Iran conflict eased worries and improved risk appetite.

The cooling off of oil prices lifted market sentiment as India imports more than 85 per cent of its requirement. The international benchmark Brent crude futures fell by 4.1 per cent amid volatility in the previous session and traded around 65 dollars a barrel.

The rally was also be attributed to expectations as the government is readying a set of bold initiatives to be announced in the Union Budget for 2020-21 which could bring a quick turnaround in the economy.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex closed 634 points or 1.55 per cent higher at 41,451 while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-inch-lower-zee-top-gainer-in-nifty-50-263548">Nifty 50</a> moved up by 188 points at 12,214.

Except for Nifty IT, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the green with Nifty realty ticking up by 2.73 per cent, auto by 2.68 per cent, PSU bank by 2.41 per cent and metal by 1.43 per cent.

Among stocks, JSW Steel was the top gainer at Rs 278 per share, up by 5.9 per cent. Private lenders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lower-provisions-help-icici-bank-swing-to-first-quarter-profit-238840">ICICI Bank</a>, IndusInd Bank and Yes Bank advanced by 3.7 per cent, 3.3 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively while state-owned State Bank of India ticked up by 3.2 per cent.

Auto majors Tata Motors, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and Maruti gained by 5.4 per cent, 3.2 per cent and 2.9 per cent. Shares of Reliance Industries rose by 2.25 per cent at Rs 1,547.95 after Morgan Stanley said it expects strong growth in its retail and telecom businesses.

However, IT majors Tata Consultancy Services and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/market-rebounds-on-easing-crude-firming-rupee-hcl-tech-cracks-6-points-182083">HCL Technologies</a> showed marginal losses along with Coal India, GAIL and Britannia.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks rebounded as the United States and Iran backed away from the brink of further conflict in the Middle East.

Trump responded overnight to an Iranian attack on US forces with sanctions, not violence. Iran offered no immediate signal it will retaliate further over a January 3 US strike that killed one of its senior military commanders.

Japan's Nikkei rose by 2.31 per cent, lifting stocks to their highest for the year so far. Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed up by 1.68 per cent while South Korea's Kospi inched up by 1.63 per cent.

The Shanghai Composite index too moved up by 0.91 per cent after the government announced that China's Vice Premier Liu He, head of the country's negotiation team in US-China trade talks, will sign phase one of the deal in Washington next week.

Bulls regained control on the D-Street amid softening crude oil prices on Thursday following optimism in global markets after US President Donald Trump's comments on the Iran conflict eased worries and improved risk appetite.

Bulls regained control on the D-Street amid softening crude oil prices on Thursday following optimism in global markets after US President Donald Trump's comments on the Iran conflict eased worries and improved risk appetite. The cooling off of oil prices lifted market sentiment as India imports more than 85 per cent of its requirement. The international benchmark Brent crude futures fell by 4.1 per cent amid volatility in the previous session and traded around 65 dollars a barrel. The rally was also be attributed to expectations as the government is readying a set of bold initiatives to be announced in the Union Budget for 2020-21 which could bring a quick turnaround in the economy. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 634 points or 1.55 per cent higher at 41,451 while the Nifty 50 moved up by 188 points at 12,214. Except for Nifty IT, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the green with Nifty realty ticking up by 2.73 per cent, auto by 2.68 per cent, PSU bank by 2.41 per cent and metal by 1.43 per cent. Among stocks, JSW Steel was the top gainer at Rs 278 per share, up by 5.9 per cent. Private lenders ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Yes Bank advanced by 3.7 per cent, 3.3 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively while state-owned State Bank of India ticked up by 3.2 per cent. Auto majors Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti gained by 5.4 per cent, 3.2 per cent and 2.9 per cent. Shares of Reliance Industries rose by 2.25 per cent at Rs 1,547.95 after Morgan Stanley said it expects strong growth in its retail and telecom businesses. However, IT majors Tata Consultancy Services and HCL Technologies showed marginal losses along with Coal India, GAIL and Britannia. Meanwhile, Asian stocks rebounded as the United States and Iran backed away from the brink of further conflict in the Middle East. Trump responded overnight to an Iranian attack on US forces with sanctions, not violence. Iran offered no immediate signal it will retaliate further over a January 3 US strike that killed one of its senior military commanders. Japan's Nikkei rose by 2.31 per cent, lifting stocks to their highest for the year so far. Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed up by 1.68 per cent while South Korea's Kospi inched up by 1.63 per cent. The Shanghai Composite index too moved up by 0.91 per cent after the government announced that China's Vice Premier Liu He, head of the country's negotiation team in US-China trade talks, will sign phase one of the deal in Washington next week.

Sensex jumps 634 points as US-Iran tensions ease, auto and realty stocks gain

US stocks ended higher on January 8 with the Nasdaq notching a new record close after President Donald Trump suggested the US and Iran were refraining from further military action. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 161 points, or 0.56%, to 28,745, the S&P 500 added 16 points, or 0.49%, to 3,253, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 61 points, or 0.67%, to 9,129. #US #USStocks #USStockMarket

US stocks gain after Trump's speech

The biggest question across the world right now is Iran retaliating against the US. The missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting US personnel is Iran's revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani.

Experts say that this was aimed at satisfying the domestic audience in Tehran.&nbsp;

With missile attacks, Iran's Supreme Leader has used a dangerous language, "Slap on the face of the US, but such military actions are not enough".

Iran's strikes were highly symbolic. It happened around the same time as Soleimani's killing on Friday - 1.30 am.

Like Donald Trump, many Iranian officials tweeted pictures of the national flag. And Iranian media is hailing the strikes, but there is no clarity on the casualties.

Upon closer look, it is clear that Iran targetted bases that were on high alert. Foreign Minister of Iran says that the strikes were in 'self-defence' and 'within the boundaries of international law'.

Meanwhile, after the attacks, President Trump tweeted "All is well", "So Far So Good". He also highlighted America's military might.

The 'All is Well' comment does not mean that the US will not attack Iran if provoked further. Right now, there is a chance for both the parties to de-escalate the conflict.&nbsp;

But the question is, will the US take that chance? Will Iran refrain from further attacks?

These are the important questions, but it is unwise to look for clear answers at this juncture. There are many reasons for this lack of clarity.

First, Iran did not show any regard for Iraq's sovereignty. This could be a sign of things to come.

Iran runs many proxy wars in the region outside the range of the US counter strikes - the Houthis in Yemen,&nbsp;Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

Iran could initiate conflicts in these regions simultaneously. Second, Iran can continue with its typical dangerous tactics, like rocket strikes on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and cyber warfare.

Three, if US President Donald Trump is unpredictable, then Iran's Supreme Commander Khamenei wants more revenge.

While most countries have urged both the countries to calm down, the chances of a full-blown conflict remain at large. Israel has given its complete backing to the US.

But now, it is a game of who-blinks-first. Iran wants to end the presence of America in the region, but Trump won't take any attack from Iran lying down.

Both the sides have an option now to de-escalate, but the rhetoric from Tehran is worrisome - for regional peace, global peace and global economy.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;

The biggest question across the world right now is Iran retaliating against the US. The missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting US personnel is Iran's revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani.

The biggest question across the world right now is Iran retaliating against the US. The missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting US personnel is Iran's revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani. Experts say that this was aimed at satisfying the domestic audience in Tehran. With missile attacks, Iran's Supreme Leader has used a dangerous language, "Slap on the face of the US, but such military actions are not enough". Iran's strikes were highly symbolic. It happened around the same time as Soleimani's killing on Friday - 1.30 am. Like Donald Trump, many Iranian officials tweeted pictures of the national flag. And Iranian media is hailing the strikes, but there is no clarity on the casualties. Upon closer look, it is clear that Iran targetted bases that were on high alert. Foreign Minister of Iran says that the strikes were in 'self-defence' and 'within the boundaries of international law'. Meanwhile, after the attacks, President Trump tweeted "All is well", "So Far So Good". He also highlighted America's military might. The 'All is Well' comment does not mean that the US will not attack Iran if provoked further. Right now, there is a chance for both the parties to de-escalate the conflict. But the question is, will the US take that chance? Will Iran refrain from further attacks? These are the important questions, but it is unwise to look for clear answers at this juncture. There are many reasons for this lack of clarity. First, Iran did not show any regard for Iraq's sovereignty. This could be a sign of things to come. Iran runs many proxy wars in the region outside the range of the US counter strikes - the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Iran could initiate conflicts in these regions simultaneously. Second, Iran can continue with its typical dangerous tactics, like rocket strikes on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and cyber warfare. Three, if US President Donald Trump is unpredictable, then Iran's Supreme Commander Khamenei wants more revenge. While most countries have urged both the countries to calm down, the chances of a full-blown conflict remain at large. Israel has given its complete backing to the US. But now, it is a game of who-blinks-first. Iran wants to end the presence of America in the region, but Trump won't take any attack from Iran lying down. Both the sides have an option now to de-escalate, but the rhetoric from Tehran is worrisome - for regional peace, global peace and global economy. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: US-Iran conflict - what's next?

&nbsp;A&nbsp;US&nbsp;congressional&nbsp;report released on Wednesday called for&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;China&nbsp;over&nbsp;human rights abuses, and for&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations.

The annual human rights report from the&nbsp;Congressional-Executive Commission on&nbsp;China&nbsp;said human rights and rule of law conditions worsened in&nbsp;China&nbsp;from August 2018 to August 2019, the period studied.

The report detailed&nbsp;China's crackdown on religious minorities, labor activists and the press, and focused extensively on the treatment of the minority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-repression-of-uighur-muslims-china-to-edit-quran-and-bible-to-reflect-socialist-values-270572">Muslim Uighur </a>population in Xinjiang, "where the Commission believes Chinese authorities may be committing crimes&nbsp;against&nbsp;humanity."

"In addition, the Administration should develop talking points for&nbsp;US&nbsp;Government officials including those engaged in trade negotiations that consistently link freedoms of press, speech, and association to the US&nbsp;and Chinese interests," the report said.

It was only the latest salvo from Washington&nbsp;over&nbsp;China's human rights record, particularly the treatment of Uighur Muslims in the northwestern Xinjiang region, where at least a million people have been detained in what is seen by many in the West as a grave abuse of human rights and religious freedom.&nbsp;China&nbsp;rejects the charges.

The Commission is led by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern and Republican Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-stops-abruptly-to-drink-water-while-giving-a-speech-and-internet-cant-stop-having-a-laugh-24351">Marco Rubio</a>.

Negotiators were working on a new version of a bill that would require President Donald Trump's administration to toughen its response to&nbsp;China's crackdown on its Muslim minorities, the two lawmakers said at a press conference unveiling the report.

China&nbsp;had reacted angrily when the Democratic-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> passed the bill late last year. It stalled in the Senate, which passed its own, less stringent bill earlier in the year, amid trade talks between Washington and&nbsp;China.

Rubio said he expected a version of the bill that could pass the Senate unanimously avoiding procedural snafus that could block legislation in that chamber - and pass the House and be signed into law by Trump.

McGovern said he expected a compromise bill would move forward in 2020, "hopefully soon," in both the Senate and House, and he expected Trump would sign it.

"We will get to 'yes.' That is my belief," McGovern said.

Some lawmakers at the news briefing called&nbsp;China's treatment of the Uighurs&nbsp;a "crime&nbsp;against&nbsp;humanity."

In Xinjiang, the Chinese government has used facial-recognition cameras and mobile telephone-monitoring systems to create an "open-air prison," the report said.

"US&nbsp;foreign policy must prioritize the promotion of universal human rights and the rule of law in&nbsp;China, not only to respect and protect the basic dignity of the people of&nbsp;China but to better promote security and prosperity for all of humanity," it said.

To address the abuses, the&nbsp;study&nbsp;recommended tightening access to&nbsp;US&nbsp;capital markets for Chinese companies that provide support or technical capabilities for repression.

It recommended rights&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;businesses and officials involved in the mass internment and surveillance of Uighurs.

And it backed controlling the sale of facial-recognition systems, machine learning, and biometric technology by placing agencies on the Department of Commerce's "Entity List," preventing purchases from&nbsp;US&nbsp;suppliers.

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;also described a "further erosion" of Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms and said months of pro-democracy protests reveal "deep discontent" at a grassroots level.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office in Hong Kong said the&nbsp;study&nbsp;"distorts the truth," in a statement posted on its website Thursday. Hong Kong residents' rights and freedoms are fully protected, it said, and the "black hand" of the United States is responsible for inciting protests.

A US congressional report released on Wednesday called for sanctions against China over human rights abuses, and for US officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations.

A US congressional report released on Wednesday called for sanctions against China over human rights abuses, and for US officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations. The annual human rights report from the Congressional-Executive Commission on China said human rights and rule of law conditions worsened in China from August 2018 to August 2019, the period studied. The report detailed China's crackdown on religious minorities, labor activists and the press, and focused extensively on the treatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population in Xinjiang, "where the Commission believes Chinese authorities may be committing crimes against humanity." "In addition, the Administration should develop talking points for US Government officials including those engaged in trade negotiations that consistently link freedoms of press, speech, and association to the US and Chinese interests," the report said. It was only the latest salvo from Washington over China's human rights record, particularly the treatment of Uighur Muslims in the northwestern Xinjiang region, where at least a million people have been detained in what is seen by many in the West as a grave abuse of human rights and religious freedom. China rejects the charges. The Commission is led by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern and Republican Senator Marco Rubio. Negotiators were working on a new version of a bill that would require President Donald Trump's administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on its Muslim minorities, the two lawmakers said at a press conference unveiling the report. China had reacted angrily when the Democratic-led House of Representatives passed the bill late last year. It stalled in the Senate, which passed its own, less stringent bill earlier in the year, amid trade talks between Washington and China. Rubio said he expected a version of the bill that could pass the Senate unanimously avoiding procedural snafus that could block legislation in that chamber - and pass the House and be signed into law by Trump. McGovern said he expected a compromise bill would move forward in 2020, "hopefully soon," in both the Senate and House, and he expected Trump would sign it. "We will get to 'yes.' That is my belief," McGovern said. Some lawmakers at the news briefing called China's treatment of the Uighurs a "crime against humanity." In Xinjiang, the Chinese government has used facial-recognition cameras and mobile telephone-monitoring systems to create an "open-air prison," the report said. "US foreign policy must prioritize the promotion of universal human rights and the rule of law in China, not only to respect and protect the basic dignity of the people of China but to better promote security and prosperity for all of humanity," it said. To address the abuses, the study recommended tightening access to US capital markets for Chinese companies that provide support or technical capabilities for repression. It recommended rights sanctions against businesses and officials involved in the mass internment and surveillance of Uighurs. And it backed controlling the sale of facial-recognition systems, machine learning, and biometric technology by placing agencies on the Department of Commerce's "Entity List," preventing purchases from US suppliers. The study also described a "further erosion" of Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms and said months of pro-democracy protests reveal "deep discontent" at a grassroots level. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office in Hong Kong said the study "distorts the truth," in a statement posted on its website Thursday. Hong Kong residents' rights and freedoms are fully protected, it said, and the "black hand" of the United States is responsible for inciting protests.

US congressional study urges sanctions on China over 'crimes against humanity'

Five days after Iran's second most powerful man General Soleimain was killing in a US drone attack, Iran has retaliated. Iran launched missiles at the US military bases in Iraq. This has heightened tensions in the region. WION's MollyGambhir explains. #Gravitas #USMilitaryBases #US #Iran

Gravitas: Iran missiles target US bases In Iraq

Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg and White House incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-is-well-so-far-so-good-says-trump-after-irans-missile-strikes-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272818">Donald Trump</a> will both be looking to score with millions of voters this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-dates-shifted-in-2021-and-2022-for-olympics-super-bowl-226430">Super Bowl</a>.

The political rivals have each secured 60-second ad spots for next month's American football showpiece, commonly the most-watched US television broadcast every year.

About 100 million viewers are expected to tune in on Sunday, February 2 to see the NFL's 2019 champion crowned in Miami.

Providing they don't turn off during the breaks, they will also see Bloomberg tout his credentials to be the Democratic nominee to take on Trump in November.

"When the Trump campaign decided to run an ad during the big game, the Bloomberg campaign responded by buying a spot. Mike is taking the fight to Trump," Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier said in an email.

The announcement came shortly after the Politico website reported that Trump's re-election campaign had bought 60 seconds of ad time for the football final.

Frazier did not specify the cost of Bloomberg's 60-second primetime slot but experts say a single 30-second ad goes for about $5.6 million, or around $10 million for double that.

The rival ads will come on the eve of the first Democratic primary in Iowa on February 3 and just a few weeks before "Super Tuesday," which will see more than a dozen states vote.

Ex-New York mayor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-registers-committee-in-anticipation-of-white-house-run-263771">Bloomberg</a>, one of the world's richest men, has already bought more than $100 million of advertising space since he announced his candidacy in November.

Bloomberg has not entered the early primaries and is banking on a big performance on "Super Tuesday" &nbsp;scheduled for March 3.

The 77-year-old centrist currently sits fifth in national polls for the Democratic nomination. He trails frontrunner Joe Biden, left-wingers Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and fellow moderate Pete Buttigieg.

Last week, Trump's campaign and the Republican Party announced they had raised $463 million in 2019, nearly double what Barack Obama's campaign had before his re-election in 2012.

Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg and White House incumbent Donald Trump will both be looking to score with millions of voters this Super Bowl. The political rivals have each secured 60-second ad spots for next month's American football showpiece, commonly the most-watched US television broadcast every year.

Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg and White House incumbent Donald Trump will both be looking to score with millions of voters this Super Bowl. The political rivals have each secured 60-second ad spots for next month's American football showpiece, commonly the most-watched US television broadcast every year. About 100 million viewers are expected to tune in on Sunday, February 2 to see the NFL's 2019 champion crowned in Miami. Providing they don't turn off during the breaks, they will also see Bloomberg tout his credentials to be the Democratic nominee to take on Trump in November. "When the Trump campaign decided to run an ad during the big game, the Bloomberg campaign responded by buying a spot. Mike is taking the fight to Trump," Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier said in an email. The announcement came shortly after the Politico website reported that Trump's re-election campaign had bought 60 seconds of ad time for the football final. Frazier did not specify the cost of Bloomberg's 60-second primetime slot but experts say a single 30-second ad goes for about $5.6 million, or around $10 million for double that. The rival ads will come on the eve of the first Democratic primary in Iowa on February 3 and just a few weeks before "Super Tuesday," which will see more than a dozen states vote. Ex-New York mayor Bloomberg, one of the world's richest men, has already bought more than $100 million of advertising space since he announced his candidacy in November. Bloomberg has not entered the early primaries and is banking on a big performance on "Super Tuesday" scheduled for March 3. The 77-year-old centrist currently sits fifth in national polls for the Democratic nomination. He trails frontrunner Joe Biden, left-wingers Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and fellow moderate Pete Buttigieg. Last week, Trump's campaign and the Republican Party announced they had raised $463 million in 2019, nearly double what Barack Obama's campaign had before his re-election in 2012.

Bloomberg, Trump to air dueling Super Bowl ads

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun.

"We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said.

No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment&nbsp;one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate.

Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules.

"They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week."

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating.

McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bill-clinton-to-george-w-bush-us-presidents-who-toured-dmz-between-north-and-south-korea-510">Bill Clinton</a> faced his impeachment trial.

Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses.

"All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said.

"We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify.

They include Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-human-defect-221893">John Bolton</a>, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed.

Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine.

Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses.

"Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?"

Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may.

"Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called. Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun. "We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said. No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules. "They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week." The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating. McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president Bill Clinton faced his impeachment trial. Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses. "All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said. "We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify. They include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed. Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine. Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses. "Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?" Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

US Senate leader ready to pass impeachment trial rules without Democrats

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