In this segment of WION Dispatch, our correspondent Simon Marks explains - what all went behind the scenes of US airstrikes on Iraq? #Iraq #IraqAirStrike #US #IranGeneral #Soleimani

WION Dispatch: What all went behind the scenes of US airstrikes on Iraq?

After the surprise airstrike by the USA that has killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, tensions have substantially spiked between the two nations. So much so that the possibility of war has been brought up by media, creating fear among the masses globally. Specifically, India should take special heed of this because of our economic and oil interests, at a time when we are undergoing rapid growth in multiple sectors. &nbsp;

Approximately 66 per cent of the crude oil imported in the last financial year was from the Middle East. With India, this dependent, a major war in the Middle East region; an area that is in any case, conflict-prone, will substantially increase consumer prices. Geographically speaking, the Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is the planet’s most important oil checkpoint because of the large volumes of oil that flows through the strait. Furthermore, the Persian Gulf holds a significant percentage of the world’s oil reserves and production. This gulf shares coastlines with Iran, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. &nbsp;

US-Iran Tensions &nbsp;

The USA and Iran share a rocky relationship that dates back to the Islamic Revolution, 1979 that overthrew the Shah, an American ally and brought Iran under a regime that was incompatible to the USA. America placed sanctions on Iran in the 1980s and 1990s in order to put a check on Iran’s regional activities. Heavy economic sanctions were again placed on Iran when President Trump pulled out of the JCPOA in 2018. The pact was signed under the Obama administration in 2015. The JCPOA basically aimed to halt Iran’s nuclear agenda. For Trump, the JCPOA was not enough. Trump said that the pact provisions would still let Iran attain nuclear weapons. Additionally, the American President has made multiple statements expressing that Iran’s nuclear issues, missile program and military expansionism (which garners support from non-state actors) undermine US national interests. &nbsp;

India-Iran Relations&nbsp;

Bilateral relations are strong via economic, cultural and historical links. India and Iran look to each other as key actors in maintaining stability in the region. In 2016, PM Modi and Iran President Rouhani strengthened relations even further through strong partisan engagements. In terms of trade, energy is the most important between India and Iran. Moreover, the development and operationalisation of the Chabahar Port also ties the two nations together. India sees Chabahar Port as a key transport and trade corridor with Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;

The Impact on India’s Economy&nbsp;

Continued tensions between America and Iran Is detrimental to India’s economy. Because oil prices would heavily increase, India would have to spend much more on oil. This means that less money would be allocated to integral areas such as affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure and development. Since the death of General Soleimani, oil prices have already surged four per cent in India. This increasing rise in crude oil will also undesirably affect India’s energy supply. It will result in an increase in India’s exports and deplete foreign exchange reserves. There is a more than definite probability that the value of the rupee will go down. And at a time where India’s economy is facing temporary slow growth, this could have severe consequences to national development and infrastructure. &nbsp;

Tensions also affect approximately eight million Indians who live and work in West Asia. India currently receives a whopping $70 billion in remittances from Indian nationals. If eight million are affected by tensions, this means India stands to lose $40 billion in remittances overall. That’s over 57 per cent of received money instantly gone! &nbsp;

The Impact on India’s Foreign Policy &nbsp;

Rising US-Iran tensions massively hinders India’s foreign policy agenda. Development of the Chabahar Port would be halted or, in grave circumstances, ceased altogether. &nbsp;

On one hand, India and Iran carry good relations and cooperate on trade, oil and development. India, Iran and Afghanistan had also recently signed a trilateral agreement to increase trade, collaboration and transit. On the other hand, India carries very strong relations with America as well. We even have a preferred military partnership with the USA. Notably, in 2019, India had to stop importing Iranian oil to comply with US sanctions on Iran to appease Trump’s continued cooperation at a preferred level. &nbsp;

Conclusion&nbsp;

The United States of America and Iran are incredibly strategic for India; a rapidly developing country. Prime Minister Modi has actively worked to meaningfully improve India’s relationship with America over the past few years. India cannot lose such an important ally. Simultaneously, however, our energy security is heavily dependant on Iran. If the USA and Iran cannot work this out and war becomes a stark reality, India faces severe drawbacks to growth, progress and relations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

What is the best plan of action? PM Modi should step up and play an active role in any capacity to ensure that these two countries can somehow work it out without resorting to a full-scale conflict. A hand of help should be offered to both Iran and the USA to help in any way to alleviate tensions. &nbsp;

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

After the surprise airstrike by the USA that has killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, tensions have substantially spiked between the two nations. So much so that the possibility of war has been brought up by media, creating fear among the masses globally.

After the surprise airstrike by the USA that has killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, tensions have substantially spiked between the two nations. So much so that the possibility of war has been brought up by media, creating fear among the masses globally. Specifically, India should take special heed of this because of our economic and oil interests, at a time when we are undergoing rapid growth in multiple sectors. Approximately 66 per cent of the crude oil imported in the last financial year was from the Middle East. With India, this dependent, a major war in the Middle East region; an area that is in any case, conflict-prone, will substantially increase consumer prices. Geographically speaking, the Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is the planet’s most important oil checkpoint because of the large volumes of oil that flows through the strait. Furthermore, the Persian Gulf holds a significant percentage of the world’s oil reserves and production. This gulf shares coastlines with Iran, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. US-Iran Tensions The USA and Iran share a rocky relationship that dates back to the Islamic Revolution, 1979 that overthrew the Shah, an American ally and brought Iran under a regime that was incompatible to the USA. America placed sanctions on Iran in the 1980s and 1990s in order to put a check on Iran’s regional activities. Heavy economic sanctions were again placed on Iran when President Trump pulled out of the JCPOA in 2018. The pact was signed under the Obama administration in 2015. The JCPOA basically aimed to halt Iran’s nuclear agenda. For Trump, the JCPOA was not enough. Trump said that the pact provisions would still let Iran attain nuclear weapons. Additionally, the American President has made multiple statements expressing that Iran’s nuclear issues, missile program and military expansionism (which garners support from non-state actors) undermine US national interests. India-Iran Relations Bilateral relations are strong via economic, cultural and historical links. India and Iran look to each other as key actors in maintaining stability in the region. In 2016, PM Modi and Iran President Rouhani strengthened relations even further through strong partisan engagements. In terms of trade, energy is the most important between India and Iran. Moreover, the development and operationalisation of the Chabahar Port also ties the two nations together. India sees Chabahar Port as a key transport and trade corridor with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The Impact on India’s Economy Continued tensions between America and Iran Is detrimental to India’s economy. Because oil prices would heavily increase, India would have to spend much more on oil. This means that less money would be allocated to integral areas such as affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure and development. Since the death of General Soleimani, oil prices have already surged four per cent in India. This increasing rise in crude oil will also undesirably affect India’s energy supply. It will result in an increase in India’s exports and deplete foreign exchange reserves. There is a more than definite probability that the value of the rupee will go down. And at a time where India’s economy is facing temporary slow growth, this could have severe consequences to national development and infrastructure. Tensions also affect approximately eight million Indians who live and work in West Asia. India currently receives a whopping $70 billion in remittances from Indian nationals. If eight million are affected by tensions, this means India stands to lose $40 billion in remittances overall. That’s over 57 per cent of received money instantly gone! The Impact on India’s Foreign Policy Rising US-Iran tensions massively hinders India’s foreign policy agenda. Development of the Chabahar Port would be halted or, in grave circumstances, ceased altogether. On one hand, India and Iran carry good relations and cooperate on trade, oil and development. India, Iran and Afghanistan had also recently signed a trilateral agreement to increase trade, collaboration and transit. On the other hand, India carries very strong relations with America as well. We even have a preferred military partnership with the USA. Notably, in 2019, India had to stop importing Iranian oil to comply with US sanctions on Iran to appease Trump’s continued cooperation at a preferred level. Conclusion The United States of America and Iran are incredibly strategic for India; a rapidly developing country. Prime Minister Modi has actively worked to meaningfully improve India’s relationship with America over the past few years. India cannot lose such an important ally. Simultaneously, however, our energy security is heavily dependant on Iran. If the USA and Iran cannot work this out and war becomes a stark reality, India faces severe drawbacks to growth, progress and relations. What is the best plan of action? PM Modi should step up and play an active role in any capacity to ensure that these two countries can somehow work it out without resorting to a full-scale conflict. A hand of help should be offered to both Iran and the USA to help in any way to alleviate tensions. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US-Iran tensions and why India should care

While the killing of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani is going to have magnitudes of repercussions on west Asia and the United States foreign policy. One of these developments wider implications could be a message to North Korea. As North Korea is another foreign power since the Trump administration has missed no opportunity to aggravate the United States efforts to get the country to denuclearize. Denuclearization of Iran was the cornerstone of the Obama era administration. #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Killing of Qasem Soleimani can have repercussions on west Asia and US foreign policy

The United States stirred a hornet’s nest that stretches far beyond Iraq when it this weekend attacked an Iranian-backed militia.

The fallout of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-commander-of-quds-force-to-replace-soleimani-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-271905">US strikes</a> was immediate in Iraq with pro-Iranian militiamen besieging the US embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">Baghdad</a> in scenes reminiscent of the run-up in 1979 to the 444-day occupation of the American diplomatic mission in Tehran.

The strikes put a question mark on&nbsp;the future of the US military presence in Iraq, 17 years after US-led forces toppled the regime of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hails-iraqi-dictator-saddam-hussein-for-killing-terrorists-1924">Saddam Hussein</a>.

They came at a moment that mass anti-government demonstrations are demanding a radical overhaul of Iraq’s political system.

If protesters focussed their demand for a withdrawal of all foreign forces primarily on Iranian influence prior to the US strikes, they now focus equally on the presence of US forces.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-orders-killing-of-qassim-suleimani-in-baghdad-271821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Of equal, if not more far-reaching consequence, is the fact that the strikes potentially bolster efforts to counter moves by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-over-200-arrested-over-public-indecency-harassment-271232">Saudi Arabia</a> to position itself as an Islamic hegemon based on its financial muscle and appeal as the custodian of Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.

The backing of the efforts by allies and states with whom the United States maintains, sometimes increasingly complex relationships, including Malaysia, Turkey, and Qatar, complicates issues for the Trump administration.

The efforts involve both joint initiatives that last month culminated in an Islamic summit in Kuala Lumpur outside of the confines of the Riyadh-based, Saudi-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-call-taken-by-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-on-foreign-minister-meet-on-kashmircaa-yet-271129">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC) that groups 57 Muslim majority states.

Ultimately, the summit dashed hopes that an anti-Saudi block would challenge the kingdom by taking on major problems confronting the Muslim world, including China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its troubled, north-western province of Xinjiang; repression of Rohingya in Myanmar that has prompted hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh; and civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

Despite its billing, the summit avoided such sensitive issues. Nonetheless, it signaled strong currents in the Muslim world that seek to counter the influence of America’s closest allies in the Middle East.

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If it’s true Suleimani is dead, this is bigger than bin-Laden. Bigger than Mugniyeh. Bigger than Baghdadi. 
 
For two decades, Suleimani has been the most powerful, savvy &amp; effective terrorist on the planet. He’s enjoyed full backing of powerful terrorist state. 
 
Irreplaceable.
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mdubowitz/status/1212916879611879424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-crown-prince-arrives-in-pakistan-to-boost-bilateral-ties-271674">Kuala Lumpur summit</a>’s problem was that rivalries in the Muslim world transcend political and geopolitical fault lines in an environment of a few cash-rich and a majority of economically and financially troubled states.

Countries like Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates, the kingdom’s closest ally; Turkey; and Iran are, moreover, competing with one another globally using religious soft power by investing in the building of mosques and religious entities in countries as far-flung and seemingly marginal as Cuba and New Zealand and the funding of key Muslim institutions.

The rivalries are also fought geopolitically in Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean gas race and the Horn of Africa where rivals back opposing sides.

The US military strikes, widely viewed as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, potentially handed a whip to Saudi Arabia’s detractors at a moment that the summit spotlighted the divisions in the Muslim world and participation in the gathering was determined in part by the kingdom’s ability to wield its financial muscle to prevent states from attending.

Russia and Iran were quick to condemn the US strikes. So far, others have remained silent.

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US air strike which killed Qasem Soleimani was the correct response to repeated Iranian provocations and apparent US intelligence about more to come. Iranian conduct cannot be ignored and <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is to be commended for responding to awful Iranian actions!
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovChristie/status/1212940478162882561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

That could, however, change with Iraqi public demands for a withdrawal of all foreign forces and pro-Iranian militias ending their siege of the US embassy in Baghdad on condition that parliament adopts a timeline for the withdrawal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Pro-Iranian militias</a> are counting on the fact that they are Iraqis with close ties to the Iraqi security establishment, which they expect will exclude them from the moves to withdraw foreign forces that would primarily target the United States.

For its part, the Trump administration is likely counting on Saudi and UAE financial muscles to prevent the Iraqi crisis sparking a groundswell of anti-US sentiment elsewhere in the Muslim world.

Saudi financial muscle persuaded Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, believed to be one of the instigators of the Kuala Lumpur summit, from attending the gathering.

Saudi Arabia reportedly threatened to withdraw some $ 10billion-plus in investments and financial aid to Pakistan if Khan participated.

Saudi opposition to the gathering coupled with Chinese concerns that it would target the crackdown in Xinjiang influenced Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s decision not to participate.

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UK supports moral and legal basis of U.S. strike on Iranian terror mastermind by emphasizing "the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani." Contradicts top UNHRC official Agnes Callamard's declaration that it was illegal.<a href="https://t.co/3fdJ0aGQrI">https://t.co/3fdJ0aGQrI</a>
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillelNeuer/status/1213041174686117888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indonesian vice-president Amin Ma’ruf, a leading figure in Nahdlatul Ulema, the world’s largest Muslim organization, cited medical reasons for not attending.

A forced US withdrawal from Iraq, even if countries like Saudi Arabia are able to limit the fallout in the Muslim world, would significantly bolster anti-US forces and hand them a victory on par with the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

<img alt="US strikes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aebc5e1d-c621-4642-896a-1bd0c2e8f8b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_9.jpg" />

The anti-Soviet insurgents, despite being backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia, ultimately turned their backs on their benefactors.

A forced US withdrawal from Iraq would likely not spark the jihadist movement that emerged from Afghanistan, but it would put considerable wind in the sails of those seeking to counter US and Saudi influence in the region.

“Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief. A situation that could have easily escalated out of control was handled with tactical restraint, and everyone was able to walk away,” said Charlie Dietz, a spokesman for the US military in Baghdad, after protesters withdrew from the US embassy.

The problem is the relief is temporary at best. Seventeen years of engagement in Iraq and $1 trillion later, the United States risks the kind of humiliation it suffered from the 1979 occupation of its Tehran embassy.

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Iran announces Suleimani's successor as commander of the Quds Force: Esmail Qaani (pronounced Terr-or-eest). <a href="https://t.co/rhR4Tl2jEN">https://t.co/rhR4Tl2jEN</a>
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillelNeuer/status/1213051990437244929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Only this time, it may occur against the backdrop of the United States that has suffered a loss of credibility and whose power is perceived to be waning, irrespective of whether by design or default. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The United States stirred a hornet’s nest that stretches far beyond Iraq when it this weekend attacked an Iranian-backed militia. The fallout of the US strikes was immediate in Iraq with pro-Iranian militiamen besieging the US embassy in Baghdad in scenes reminiscent of the run-up in 1979 to the 444-day occupation of the American diplomatic mission in Tehran.

The United States stirred a hornet’s nest that stretches far beyond Iraq when it this weekend attacked an Iranian-backed militia. The fallout of the US strikes was immediate in Iraq with pro-Iranian militiamen besieging the US embassy in Baghdad in scenes reminiscent of the run-up in 1979 to the 444-day occupation of the American diplomatic mission in Tehran. The strikes put a question mark on the future of the US military presence in Iraq, 17 years after US-led forces toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein. They came at a moment that mass anti-government demonstrations are demanding a radical overhaul of Iraq’s political system. If protesters focussed their demand for a withdrawal of all foreign forces primarily on Iranian influence prior to the US strikes, they now focus equally on the presence of US forces. Watch Video: Of equal, if not more far-reaching consequence, is the fact that the strikes potentially bolster efforts to counter moves by Saudi Arabia to position itself as an Islamic hegemon based on its financial muscle and appeal as the custodian of Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. The backing of the efforts by allies and states with whom the United States maintains, sometimes increasingly complex relationships, including Malaysia, Turkey, and Qatar, complicates issues for the Trump administration. The efforts involve both joint initiatives that last month culminated in an Islamic summit in Kuala Lumpur outside of the confines of the Riyadh-based, Saudi-controlled Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that groups 57 Muslim majority states. Ultimately, the summit dashed hopes that an anti-Saudi block would challenge the kingdom by taking on major problems confronting the Muslim world, including China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its troubled, north-western province of Xinjiang; repression of Rohingya in Myanmar that has prompted hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh; and civil wars in Syria and Yemen. Despite its billing, the summit avoided such sensitive issues. Nonetheless, it signaled strong currents in the Muslim world that seek to counter the influence of America’s closest allies in the Middle East. If it’s true Suleimani is dead, this is bigger than bin-Laden. Bigger than Mugniyeh. Bigger than Baghdadi. For two decades, Suleimani has been the most powerful, savvy & effective terrorist on the planet. He’s enjoyed full backing of powerful terrorist state. Irreplaceable. — Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) January 3, 2020 × Part of the Kuala Lumpur summit’s problem was that rivalries in the Muslim world transcend political and geopolitical fault lines in an environment of a few cash-rich and a majority of economically and financially troubled states. Countries like Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates, the kingdom’s closest ally; Turkey; and Iran are, moreover, competing with one another globally using religious soft power by investing in the building of mosques and religious entities in countries as far-flung and seemingly marginal as Cuba and New Zealand and the funding of key Muslim institutions. The rivalries are also fought geopolitically in Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean gas race and the Horn of Africa where rivals back opposing sides. The US military strikes, widely viewed as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, potentially handed a whip to Saudi Arabia’s detractors at a moment that the summit spotlighted the divisions in the Muslim world and participation in the gathering was determined in part by the kingdom’s ability to wield its financial muscle to prevent states from attending. Russia and Iran were quick to condemn the US strikes. So far, others have remained silent. US air strike which killed Qasem Soleimani was the correct response to repeated Iranian provocations and apparent US intelligence about more to come. Iranian conduct cannot be ignored and @realDonaldTrump is to be commended for responding to awful Iranian actions! — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) January 3, 2020 × That could, however, change with Iraqi public demands for a withdrawal of all foreign forces and pro-Iranian militias ending their siege of the US embassy in Baghdad on condition that parliament adopts a timeline for the withdrawal. Pro-Iranian militias are counting on the fact that they are Iraqis with close ties to the Iraqi security establishment, which they expect will exclude them from the moves to withdraw foreign forces that would primarily target the United States. For its part, the Trump administration is likely counting on Saudi and UAE financial muscles to prevent the Iraqi crisis sparking a groundswell of anti-US sentiment elsewhere in the Muslim world. Saudi financial muscle persuaded Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, believed to be one of the instigators of the Kuala Lumpur summit, from attending the gathering. Saudi Arabia reportedly threatened to withdraw some $ 10billion-plus in investments and financial aid to Pakistan if Khan participated. Saudi opposition to the gathering coupled with Chinese concerns that it would target the crackdown in Xinjiang influenced Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s decision not to participate. UK supports moral and legal basis of U.S. strike on Iranian terror mastermind by emphasizing "the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani." Contradicts top UNHRC official Agnes Callamard's declaration that it was illegal.https://t.co/3fdJ0aGQrI — Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) January 3, 2020 × Indonesian vice-president Amin Ma’ruf, a leading figure in Nahdlatul Ulema, the world’s largest Muslim organization, cited medical reasons for not attending. A forced US withdrawal from Iraq, even if countries like Saudi Arabia are able to limit the fallout in the Muslim world, would significantly bolster anti-US forces and hand them a victory on par with the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s. The anti-Soviet insurgents, despite being backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia, ultimately turned their backs on their benefactors. A forced US withdrawal from Iraq would likely not spark the jihadist movement that emerged from Afghanistan, but it would put considerable wind in the sails of those seeking to counter US and Saudi influence in the region. “Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief. A situation that could have easily escalated out of control was handled with tactical restraint, and everyone was able to walk away,” said Charlie Dietz, a spokesman for the US military in Baghdad, after protesters withdrew from the US embassy. The problem is the relief is temporary at best. Seventeen years of engagement in Iraq and $1 trillion later, the United States risks the kind of humiliation it suffered from the 1979 occupation of its Tehran embassy. Iran announces Suleimani's successor as commander of the Quds Force: Esmail Qaani (pronounced Terr-or-eest). https://t.co/rhR4Tl2jEN — Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) January 3, 2020 × Only this time, it may occur against the backdrop of the United States that has suffered a loss of credibility and whose power is perceived to be waning, irrespective of whether by design or default. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US military strikes in Iraq stir regional hornet’s nest

The commander, Major General Qassim Soleimani, and several officials from Iraqi militias backed by Tehran were killed when an American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the airport. #WION #DonaldTrump #Iran #US

Defence Expert Davis Des Roches exclusively speaks to WION over 'Soleimani killing'

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani</a>, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.

Rouhani also said that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">Soleimani's martyrdom</a> redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values".

"There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East.

Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-general-qassem-soleimani-271786">In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people</a>

His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani.

"This vile and cowardly act is another sign of America's desperation and weakness in the region," the president added.

Watch: Soleimani Killing - Iran security body calls urgent meeting

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In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later.

So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the&nbsp;US flag.

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<a href="https://t.co/VXeKiVzpTf">pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani.&nbsp;

His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said.

Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq.

For over two decades Soleimani&nbsp;had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e459b8c8-29b6-4329-88e7-daa265ee220d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_7.jpg" />

Former Iraqi PM condemned the Soleimani's killing and said that it would light the "fuse of war".

"The assassination of an&nbsp;Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;... and the liquidation of leading&nbsp;Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on&nbsp;Iraqi soil is a massive breach of sovereignty,"&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said.

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Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a statement the US airstrike was "a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in&nbsp;Iraq, the region, and the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday. Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values". "There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East. Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website. In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani. "This vile and cowardly act is another sign of America's desperation and weakness in the region," the president added. Watch: Soleimani Killing - Iran security body calls urgent meeting × In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed. The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later. So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani. His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said. Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq. For over two decades Soleimani had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East. Former Iraqi PM condemned the Soleimani's killing and said that it would light the "fuse of war". "The assassination of an Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on Iraq ... and the liquidation of leading Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on Iraqi soil is a massive breach of sovereignty," Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said. Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a statement the US airstrike was "a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in Iraq, the region, and the world." (With inputs from agencies)

Will take revenge for Soleimani's killing from 'criminal America': Iran President Hassan Rouhani

The commander, Major General Qassim Suleimani, and several officials from Iraqi militias backed by Tehran were killed when an American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the airport. #WION #DonaldTrump #Iran #US

Donald Trump Ordered Killing of Qassim Suleimani in Baghdad

According to the latest news reports, a US airstrike at Baghdad International Airport killed the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit, General Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a Shia paramilitary force made up of former militias with close ties to Iran.

The US Department of Defence says Soleimani and his Quds Force was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. The Pentagon also blamed Soleimani and the PMF for orchestrating assaults on coalition bases in Iraq in recent months, including the December 27 attack that culminated in the deaths of additional American and Iraqi personnel.

Just days ago, PMF supporters and members attempted to storm the US Embassy in Baghdad in protest of American airstrikes against PMF bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the December 27 PMF attack.

Subsequent to the PMF assault on the US Embassy, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper warned that the US “Will take preemptive action” if an imminent attack is detected.

The US airstrike that killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis has been described by an American official as 'target of opportunity.” Indeed. Suleimani and his co-conspirator al-Muhandis were, quite literally, caught at the scene of the crime.

As noted&nbsp;by Vox’s Daniel Byman, because Iran’s conventional forces are weak, Tehran often works through militias, terrorist groups, and other proxies to advance its interests abroad. The IRGC, with the Quds Force in the lead, is the key Iranian liaison with the Lebanese Hezbollah, the strongest paramilitary organisation in Lebanon and one that has attacked Israel and the US at Iran’s behest. The Quds Force also works with Palestinian terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, among other nefarious organisations in other countries.

Soleimani can, therefore, be considered responsible for the deaths and injuring of tens of thousands. No one should shed a tear for his demise and, in fact, many Iraqis and Iranians are reportedly celebrating.

In his first official reaction to the strike that killed Suleimani, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows “harsh revenge awaits the criminals.”

Undoubtedly, attacks on US forces and facilities in Iraq should be expected. Tehran has spent years building up extensive networks among militia groups and politicians in Iraq. One indication of that was Iran’s ability to rapidly mobilise local proxies to violently demonstrate at the US Embassy in Baghdad, creating a grave security risk to personnel there. It eventually led to the airstrike that killed Soleimani and PMF leader al-Muhandis, the apparent organisers of the attack on the embassy.

The effect on Iraqi politicians may be significant, many of whom by necessity or by choice, have close ties to Iran. Pressure may grow to oust US forces from the country, which could undermine efforts against the Islamic State as well as other US objectives in the region.

The killing of Soleimani and the targeting of pro-Iranian figures in Iraq like al-Muhandis will rachet up the already dangerous tension between the US and Iran.

By ordering the airstrike on Soleimani&nbsp;and al-Muhandis, President Donald Trump demonstrated decisive action against America’s enemies, but the eventual outcome, whether the United States emerges stronger, whether war can be avoided and bloodshed limited, will depend on Trump’s ability and those of his administration to remain steadfast, formulate a long-term strategy and work closely with allies. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

According to the latest news reports, a US airstrike at Baghdad International Airport killed the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit, General Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a Shia paramilitary force made up of former militias with close ties to Iran.

According to the latest news reports, a US airstrike at Baghdad International Airport killed the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit, General Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a Shia paramilitary force made up of former militias with close ties to Iran. The US Department of Defence says Soleimani and his Quds Force was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. The Pentagon also blamed Soleimani and the PMF for orchestrating assaults on coalition bases in Iraq in recent months, including the December 27 attack that culminated in the deaths of additional American and Iraqi personnel. Just days ago, PMF supporters and members attempted to storm the US Embassy in Baghdad in protest of American airstrikes against PMF bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the December 27 PMF attack. Subsequent to the PMF assault on the US Embassy, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper warned that the US “Will take preemptive action” if an imminent attack is detected. The US airstrike that killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis has been described by an American official as 'target of opportunity.” Indeed. Suleimani and his co-conspirator al-Muhandis were, quite literally, caught at the scene of the crime. As noted by Vox’s Daniel Byman, because Iran’s conventional forces are weak, Tehran often works through militias, terrorist groups, and other proxies to advance its interests abroad. The IRGC, with the Quds Force in the lead, is the key Iranian liaison with the Lebanese Hezbollah, the strongest paramilitary organisation in Lebanon and one that has attacked Israel and the US at Iran’s behest. The Quds Force also works with Palestinian terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, among other nefarious organisations in other countries. Soleimani can, therefore, be considered responsible for the deaths and injuring of tens of thousands. No one should shed a tear for his demise and, in fact, many Iraqis and Iranians are reportedly celebrating. In his first official reaction to the strike that killed Suleimani, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows “harsh revenge awaits the criminals.” Undoubtedly, attacks on US forces and facilities in Iraq should be expected. Tehran has spent years building up extensive networks among militia groups and politicians in Iraq. One indication of that was Iran’s ability to rapidly mobilise local proxies to violently demonstrate at the US Embassy in Baghdad, creating a grave security risk to personnel there. It eventually led to the airstrike that killed Soleimani and PMF leader al-Muhandis, the apparent organisers of the attack on the embassy. The effect on Iraqi politicians may be significant, many of whom by necessity or by choice, have close ties to Iran. Pressure may grow to oust US forces from the country, which could undermine efforts against the Islamic State as well as other US objectives in the region. The killing of Soleimani and the targeting of pro-Iranian figures in Iraq like al-Muhandis will rachet up the already dangerous tension between the US and Iran. By ordering the airstrike on Soleimani and al-Muhandis, President Donald Trump demonstrated decisive action against America’s enemies, but the eventual outcome, whether the United States emerges stronger, whether war can be avoided and bloodshed limited, will depend on Trump’s ability and those of his administration to remain steadfast, formulate a long-term strategy and work closely with allies. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and its consequences

Soleimani Killing: Iran security body calls urgent meeting

The US defence secretary, Mark Esper, announced that 750 airborne troops would be deployed to the region immediately, with more to follow in the next few days.

US deploys 750 troops to Middle East after Baghdad embassy attack

Iran is not moving towards war but was not afraid of the conflict as well, military commander of Iran said on Thursday.

"We are not leading the country to war, but we are not afraid of any war and we tell America to speak correctly with the Iranian nation. We have the power to break them several times over and are not worried," said Revolutionary Guards Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami.

The latest remarks come after US President Donald Trump blamed Iran for anti-US protests in Iraq. He also said that Tehran would be held responsible.

Iran would be "held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump had said in a tweet.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;an angry mob marched into the Green Zone and to the US embassy, outraged over American airstrikes that killed fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi military force.

They besieged the embassy for just over 24 hours, leaving on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the accusation.

Earlier in the day, Iran's Army chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi also said that&nbsp;his forces were ready to confront the "enemy".

"Our armed forces ... monitor all moves, and if anyone makes the slightest mistake, they will decisively react, and if the situation heats up, we will show our abilities to the enemy," Mousavi was quoted as saying by local media.

Iran is not moving towards war but was not afraid of the conflict as well, military commander of Iran said on Thursday. "We are not leading the country to war, but we are not afraid of any war and we tell America to speak correctly with the Iranian nation.

Iran is not moving towards war but was not afraid of the conflict as well, military commander of Iran said on Thursday. "We are not leading the country to war, but we are not afraid of any war and we tell America to speak correctly with the Iranian nation. We have the power to break them several times over and are not worried," said Revolutionary Guards Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami. The latest remarks come after US President Donald Trump blamed Iran for anti-US protests in Iraq. He also said that Tehran would be held responsible. Iran would be "held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump had said in a tweet. On Tuesday, an angry mob marched into the Green Zone and to the US embassy, outraged over American airstrikes that killed fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi military force. They besieged the embassy for just over 24 hours, leaving on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the accusation. Earlier in the day, Iran's Army chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi also said that his forces were ready to confront the "enemy". "Our armed forces ... monitor all moves, and if anyone makes the slightest mistake, they will decisively react, and if the situation heats up, we will show our abilities to the enemy," Mousavi was quoted as saying by local media.

We tell America to speak correctly with Iran, we have power to break them: Military Commander

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-condemns-us-warns-iran-will-confront-threats-271466"> Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group </a>that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it.

"The provocative behaviour has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters.

"We are prepared to exercise self-defence, and we are prepared to deter further bad behaviour from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran."

Esper said there were "some indications out there" that groups may be planning additional attacks, and that the US would respond accordingly.&nbsp;

"If we get word of attacks or some type of indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect American lives," he said.

The Pentagon ordered hundreds of rapid-response troops to the Gulf region Tuesday after Iraqi protesters stormed the normally highly-protected US embassy compound in Baghdad, breaching its outer wall while chanting "Death to America!"

The protestors, many from Kataeb Hezbolla, were angered by weekend air strikes by US forces that killed 25 of their supporters, said by Washington to be retaliation for rocket attacks on December 27 that killed a US civilian contractor.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Iran had been behind a "sustained campaign" to provoke the United States since at least October.

"We know that the campaign has increased in tempo and intensity," he said.

"We know that the intent of this last attack was in fact to kill American soldiers, sailors and the Marine... 31 rockets aren't designed as a warning shot. That's designed to inflict damage and kill."

Esper said the reinforcements, sent to Kuwait, would allow the Pentagon to be prepared "for any contingency."

"The game has changed and we're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel, and our interests and our partners in the region," he said.

The US already has some 60,000 troops in the region, sharply up from a year ago, in response to Iran's alleged attacks on tankers in the Gulf and a drone-and-missile assault on Saudi oil installations in September, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran.

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it.

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it. "The provocative behaviour has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters. "We are prepared to exercise self-defence, and we are prepared to deter further bad behaviour from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran." Esper said there were "some indications out there" that groups may be planning additional attacks, and that the US would respond accordingly. "If we get word of attacks or some type of indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect American lives," he said. The Pentagon ordered hundreds of rapid-response troops to the Gulf region Tuesday after Iraqi protesters stormed the normally highly-protected US embassy compound in Baghdad, breaching its outer wall while chanting "Death to America!" The protestors, many from Kataeb Hezbolla, were angered by weekend air strikes by US forces that killed 25 of their supporters, said by Washington to be retaliation for rocket attacks on December 27 that killed a US civilian contractor. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Iran had been behind a "sustained campaign" to provoke the United States since at least October. "We know that the campaign has increased in tempo and intensity," he said. "We know that the intent of this last attack was in fact to kill American soldiers, sailors and the Marine... 31 rockets aren't designed as a warning shot. That's designed to inflict damage and kill." Esper said the reinforcements, sent to Kuwait, would allow the Pentagon to be prepared "for any contingency." "The game has changed and we're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel, and our interests and our partners in the region," he said. The US already has some 60,000 troops in the region, sharply up from a year ago, in response to Iran's alleged attacks on tankers in the Gulf and a drone-and-missile assault on Saudi oil installations in September, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran.

US expects more attacks from Iran-backed groups: Mark Esper

Angered by US air strikes that killed two dozen paramilitary fighters on Sunday, hundreds of protesters spilled through checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone Tuesday, demanding the removal of American troops from Iraq and voicing loyalty to a powerful Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani of the Revolutionary Guard Corps. US President Donald Trump warned Tehran it would "pay a very big price" and said it is sending hundreds more troops to the Middle East. #DonaldTrump #USEmbassy, #Bhagdad

WION Dispatch: Protesters storm US embassy in Baghdad, Iran will 'pay big price', says Trump

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 2, 2020

Those forces come from the very unit that was created in the wake of the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi attack to rapidly come to the aid of embattled embassies in the Middle East.

Donald Trump evades his own Benghazi moment

The US President Donald Trump said on December 31, 2019, said he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad. #WION #Trump #Iran

Trump: Does not want, or foresee, war with Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-phase-one-trade-deal-to-be-signed-january-15-trump-271308">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad.

Asked about the possibility of tensions spiraling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening."

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the attack on US embassy in Iraq</a> and said it would be held responsible. Iran rejected the accusation.

Militiamen and their supporters protesting against deadly US&nbsp;air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US&nbsp;Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday in an unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in the country.

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The incident marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran - both influential players in Iraq - while mass protests are challenging Iraq's own political system nearly 17 years after the US&nbsp;invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

It comes after months of security incidents in the region for which both sides have traded blame.

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Baghdad has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but has not been physically attacked by demonstrators in this way before.

The protests were led by Iranian-backed militias and lasted several hours, but the US&nbsp;State Department said later that personnel were secure and the facility had not been breached.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad. Asked about the possibility of tensions spiraling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening." Meanwhile, Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the attack on US embassy in Iraq and said it would be held responsible. Iran rejected the accusation. Militiamen and their supporters protesting against deadly US air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday in an unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in the country. × The incident marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran - both influential players in Iraq - while mass protests are challenging Iraq's own political system nearly 17 years after the US invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. It comes after months of security incidents in the region for which both sides have traded blame. The US Embassy in Baghdad has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but has not been physically attacked by demonstrators in this way before. The protests were led by Iranian-backed militias and lasted several hours, but the US State Department said later that personnel were secure and the facility had not been breached.

I want to have peace: Trump says he doesn't want, nor foresee, war with Iran

North&nbsp;Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programmes and to introduce a "new&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left&nbsp;room&nbsp;for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for&nbsp;talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-has-everything-to-lose-donald-trump-after-north-koreas-significant-test-267034">Kim&nbsp;Jong Un</a> presided over a four-day meeting of top Workers' Party officials this week amid rising tensions with the United States, which has not responded to his repeated calls for concessions to reopen negotiations. Washington has dismissed the deadline as artificial.

Kim&nbsp;said there were no grounds for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;to be bound any longer by a self-declared moratorium on testing nuclear bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), according to a statement on the results of the policy meeting carried by the official KCNA news agency.

Kim&nbsp;accused the United States of making "gangster-like demands" and maintaining a "hostile policy", including by holding continued joint military drills with South&nbsp;Korea, adopting cutting edge weapons and imposing sanctions.

He pledged to continue bolstering his country's nuclear deterrent but said the "scope and depth" of that deterrent will be "properly co-ordinated depending on" the attitude of the United States.

"The world will witness a new&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;weapon to be possessed by the DPRK in the near future,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said, using the initials for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's official name the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-leaders-of-china-north-korea-watch-grand-performance-229137"> Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea</a>.

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"We will reliably put on constant alert the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US&nbsp;and guaranteeing our long-term security."

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it would be "deeply disappointing" if&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;reneges on denuclearisation commitments and&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;would hopefully "choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war."

In his latest comments on Tuesday in the United States, 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> said he had a good relationship with&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and thought the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader would keep his word.

There were no official reports as of noon on Wednesday in South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;that&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;had delivered an annual New Year's address.

Kim&nbsp;had previously said he might have to seek a "new path" if Washington failed to meet his expectations. US&nbsp;military commanders said Pyongyang's actions could include test-firing an ICBM alongside nuclear warhead tests.&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last test-fired an ICBM in 2017.

Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said it was difficult to predict&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's next move. But it might involve firing a solid-fuel ICBM and an atmospheric nuclear test, he said.

Tension had been rising ahead of the year-end as&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

The nuclear&nbsp;talks&nbsp;have made little headway though&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and Trump have met three times since 2018. Working-level&nbsp;talks&nbsp;in Stockholm in October fell apart, with a&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean chief negotiator accusing US&nbsp;officials of sticking to their old stance.

Kim&nbsp;said there will "never be denuclearisation on the&nbsp;Korean peninsula" if Washington adheres to what he calls its hostile policy.

We "will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;weapons for the security of the state until the US&nbsp;rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK and lasting and durable peace-keeping mechanism is built,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said.

He called for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Koreans to brace for an "arduous and prolonged struggle" and foster a self-reliant economy because of a delay in the anticipated lifting of sanctions.

"The present situation warning of long confrontation with the US&nbsp;urgently requires us to make it a fait accompli that we have to live under the sanctions by the hostile forces in the future, too, and to strengthen the internal power from all aspects."

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean Studies in Seoul, said the party assembly results made clear&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;wants US&nbsp;security guarantees before taking substantial action towards denuclearisation.

"And he is suggesting that he will take the bull by the horns to achieve that goal, while promoting self reliance at home and still being open to&nbsp;talks&nbsp;depending on how Trump handles 'hostile policy,'" Yang said.

North Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programmes and to introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left room for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for talks.

North Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programmes and to introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left room for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for talks. Kim Jong Un presided over a four-day meeting of top Workers' Party officials this week amid rising tensions with the United States, which has not responded to his repeated calls for concessions to reopen negotiations. Washington has dismissed the deadline as artificial. Kim said there were no grounds for North Korea to be bound any longer by a self-declared moratorium on testing nuclear bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), according to a statement on the results of the policy meeting carried by the official KCNA news agency. Kim accused the United States of making "gangster-like demands" and maintaining a "hostile policy", including by holding continued joint military drills with South Korea, adopting cutting edge weapons and imposing sanctions. He pledged to continue bolstering his country's nuclear deterrent but said the "scope and depth" of that deterrent will be "properly co-ordinated depending on" the attitude of the United States. "The world will witness a new strategic weapon to be possessed by the DPRK in the near future," Kim said, using the initials for North Korea's official name the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "We will reliably put on constant alert the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US and guaranteeing our long-term security." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it would be "deeply disappointing" if Kim reneges on denuclearisation commitments and Kim would hopefully "choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war." In his latest comments on Tuesday in the United States, President Donald Trump said he had a good relationship with Kim and thought the North Korean leader would keep his word. There were no official reports as of noon on Wednesday in South Korea that Kim had delivered an annual New Year's address. Kim had previously said he might have to seek a "new path" if Washington failed to meet his expectations. US military commanders said Pyongyang's actions could include test-firing an ICBM alongside nuclear warhead tests. North Korea last test-fired an ICBM in 2017. Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said it was difficult to predict North Korea's next move. But it might involve firing a solid-fuel ICBM and an atmospheric nuclear test, he said. Tension had been rising ahead of the year-end as North Korea conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US President Donald Trump. The nuclear talks have made little headway though Kim and Trump have met three times since 2018. Working-level talks in Stockholm in October fell apart, with a North Korean chief negotiator accusing US officials of sticking to their old stance. Kim said there will "never be denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula" if Washington adheres to what he calls its hostile policy. We "will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite strategic weapons for the security of the state until the US rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK and lasting and durable peace-keeping mechanism is built," Kim said. He called for North Koreans to brace for an "arduous and prolonged struggle" and foster a self-reliant economy because of a delay in the anticipated lifting of sanctions. "The present situation warning of long confrontation with the US urgently requires us to make it a fait accompli that we have to live under the sanctions by the hostile forces in the future, too, and to strengthen the internal power from all aspects." Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the party assembly results made clear Kim wants US security guarantees before taking substantial action towards denuclearisation. "And he is suggesting that he will take the bull by the horns to achieve that goal, while promoting self reliance at home and still being open to talks depending on how Trump handles 'hostile policy,'" Yang said.

North Korea threatens to resume nuclear testing, introduce 'new strategic weapon'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a threat to Iran, blaming it for the attack on the US embassy in Iraq.&nbsp;

"Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!," he tweeted.

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....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!
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The threat came following the violent protests by the Iranian-backed force, the Kataib Hezbollah militia, at the US embassy in Baghdad. 
 
This event has heightened the tensions between Iran and the US since Washington cancelled the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018.

Why did protesters attack&nbsp;US embassy in Baghdad

The US on Sunday carried out airstrikes&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria, targetting the Kataib Hezbollah militia, in retaliation of a rocket attack that killed an American civilian contractor at an Iraqi military base.

At least 25 militias were killed in the US airstrikes. The protesters chanted anti-US slogans, hurled stones towards the embassy compound and also burned US flags.

Agitated protesters said they won't leave the embassy until US forces quit Iraq. The US immediately rushed a rapid response team of marines to help guard the compound.

There were no reports of casualties from the attack. The State Department said all US personnel were safe and there were no plans to evacuate the embassy.

Why did the US target the Kataib Hezbollah militia

The US has designated Kataib Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2009, which is a hardline faction of Iranian-trained Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Washington claims that the group has long targetted the US forces in Iraq.&nbsp;

Kataib Hezbollah group receives financial and military support from Iran.&nbsp;

US soldiers and diplomats, deployed in Iraqi military bases, have faced a series of attacks by the pro-Iran groups.

The US described the attacks in Iraq and Syria as 'defensive strikes'. Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned Iran, saying the US will not tolerate any attacks by the Iranian-backed forces targetting Americans.

Baghdad attack brings back memories of Benghazi

Baghdad episode is being compared to the attack on the US consulate in Libya's&nbsp;Benghazi in 2012.

The 2012 attack was carried by the Islamic militant group, Ansar al-Sharia, on two United States government facilities in Benghazi.&nbsp;

US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, communications officer Sean Smith, CIA contractors Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were killed in the attack.

To avoid a repeat of the deadly attack, the Trump administration took a quick decision to send&nbsp;Marines to the&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad. The US is also set to deploy around&nbsp;750 soldiers in the region immediately. This is being seen as a precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities.

How did Iran react

The United States and Iran are at the loggerheads over influence in Iraq, the nuclear deal and imposition of economic sanctions by Washington.

Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has strongly condemned the US airstrikes and warned that his country was ready to confront any threats issued by the United States.

Khamenei said Iran was ready to respond to any threat without any hesitation. We will never... drag the country towards war. But if others want to impose anything on this country, we will stand against them with all our might," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a threat to Iran, blaming it for the attack on the US embassy in Iraq. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a threat to Iran, blaming it for the attack on the US embassy in Iraq. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!," he tweeted. ....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × The threat came following the violent protests by the Iranian-backed force, the Kataib Hezbollah militia, at the US embassy in Baghdad. This event has heightened the tensions between Iran and the US since Washington cancelled the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018. Why did protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad The US on Sunday carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, targetting the Kataib Hezbollah militia, in retaliation of a rocket attack that killed an American civilian contractor at an Iraqi military base. At least 25 militias were killed in the US airstrikes. The protesters chanted anti-US slogans, hurled stones towards the embassy compound and also burned US flags. Agitated protesters said they won't leave the embassy until US forces quit Iraq. The US immediately rushed a rapid response team of marines to help guard the compound. There were no reports of casualties from the attack. The State Department said all US personnel were safe and there were no plans to evacuate the embassy. Why did the US target the Kataib Hezbollah militia The US has designated Kataib Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2009, which is a hardline faction of Iranian-trained Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Washington claims that the group has long targetted the US forces in Iraq. Kataib Hezbollah group receives financial and military support from Iran. US soldiers and diplomats, deployed in Iraqi military bases, have faced a series of attacks by the pro-Iran groups. The US described the attacks in Iraq and Syria as 'defensive strikes'. Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned Iran, saying the US will not tolerate any attacks by the Iranian-backed forces targetting Americans. Baghdad attack brings back memories of Benghazi Baghdad episode is being compared to the attack on the US consulate in Libya's Benghazi in 2012. The 2012 attack was carried by the Islamic militant group, Ansar al-Sharia, on two United States government facilities in Benghazi. US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, communications officer Sean Smith, CIA contractors Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were killed in the attack. To avoid a repeat of the deadly attack, the Trump administration took a quick decision to send Marines to the embassy in Baghdad. The US is also set to deploy around 750 soldiers in the region immediately. This is being seen as a precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities. How did Iran react The United States and Iran are at the loggerheads over influence in Iraq, the nuclear deal and imposition of economic sanctions by Washington. Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has strongly condemned the US airstrikes and warned that his country was ready to confront any threats issued by the United States. Khamenei said Iran was ready to respond to any threat without any hesitation. We will never... drag the country towards war. But if others want to impose anything on this country, we will stand against them with all our might," he said.

Explained: What made US President Donald Trump threaten Iran

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-calls-for-offensive-measures-as-nuclear-deadline-looms-271049"> Kim Jong Un</a> will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon."

"We did sign a contract, talking about denuclearization. That was the number one sentence, 'denuclearization', that was done in Singapore. I think he's a man of his word," a tuxedo-wearing Trump told reporters before heading into New Year festivities at his holiday retreat in Florida.

The president was referring to a 2018 historic summit he held with Kim in Singapore. The two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations".

But the failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give up in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit in February in Hanoi.

The North had set a year-end deadline for Washington to offer fresh concessions on sanctions, but they failed to materialize.

On Wednesday, North Korea's state media reported that Kim had declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and threatened a demonstration of a "new strategic weapon" soon.

In Florida Trump repeated his previous comments that he and Kim "like" each other and have a very good relationship.

"He is representing his country. We will do what we have to do," Trump said

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon." "We did sign a contract, talking about denuclearization. That was the number one sentence, 'denuclearization', that was done in Singapore. I think he's a man of his word," a tuxedo-wearing Trump told reporters before heading into New Year festivities at his holiday retreat in Florida. The president was referring to a 2018 historic summit he held with Kim in Singapore. The two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations". But the failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give up in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit in February in Hanoi. The North had set a year-end deadline for Washington to offer fresh concessions on sanctions, but they failed to materialize. On Wednesday, North Korea's state media reported that Kim had declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and threatened a demonstration of a "new strategic weapon" soon. In Florida Trump repeated his previous comments that he and Kim "like" each other and have a very good relationship. "He is representing his country. We will do what we have to do," Trump said

Kim 'a man of his word' on denuclearisation: Donald Trump

Protesters&nbsp;angry about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;hurled stones and torched a&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">US&nbsp;Embassy</a>&nbsp;in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to the Middle East.

The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for&nbsp;US&nbsp;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>, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran.

The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them.

Embassy&nbsp;guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel&nbsp;protesters, who stormed and&nbsp;burned the&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the entrance but did not breach the main compound.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protesters-storm-us-embassy-compound-in-baghdad-271300/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said that in addition to Marines sent to protect&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;were prepared to deploy over the next several days.

"This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against&nbsp;US&nbsp;personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement.

US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750&nbsp;troops&nbsp;would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;could be sent to the&nbsp;region&nbsp;in the coming days if needed.

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="299bcfa9-b50b-472b-b1cb-dcf591fb50d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2838%29_2.jpg" />

More than 5,000&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;are stationed in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;supporting local forces.

The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged&nbsp;US&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;to their worst level in years.

The United States and its allies invaded&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive.

Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> of&nbsp;Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in&nbsp;Iraq," the White House said.

Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence.

"Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet.

Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility.

"America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the&nbsp;Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25&nbsp;Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af442d77-60db-4b16-ab9a-673479b4affa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29_6.jpg" />

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations.

The protests followed&nbsp;US&nbsp;airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside&nbsp;Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a&nbsp;US&nbsp;civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an&nbsp;Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iraq. They will be held fully responsible."

Democrats&nbsp;upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy.

"The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said&nbsp;US&nbsp;Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The&nbsp;protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!"

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66f91c45-4f5c-40f4-9543-f97112bb0baf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2840%29_0.jpg" />

Iraqi special forces prevented&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;entering, later reinforced by&nbsp;US-trained&nbsp;Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces.

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the&nbsp;US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Mike Pompeo</a> told CBS News that&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials never contemplated evacuating the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;and had kept the heat on&nbsp;Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe.

"We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into&nbsp;Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd.

A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues&nbsp;carried them away.

Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-pm-kataib-hezbollah-condemns-us-airstrikes-271203">Kataib Hezbollah</a> and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the&nbsp;embassy.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East. The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for US President Donald Trump, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran. The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them. Embassy guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel protesters, who stormed and burned the security post at the entrance but did not breach the main compound. The Pentagon said that in addition to Marines sent to protect embassy personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that additional troops were prepared to deploy over the next several days. "This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750 troops would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000 troops could be sent to the region in the coming days if needed. More than 5,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq supporting local forces. The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in Iraq marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged US relations with Iraq to their worst level in years. The United States and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive. Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi of Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in Iraq," the White House said. Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet. Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing US sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility. "America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25 Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The embassy incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the US ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations. The protests followed US airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible." Democrats upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy. "The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said US Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the embassy gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces prevented protesters entering, later reinforced by US-trained Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces. The embassy has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CBS News that US officials never contemplated evacuating the embassy and had kept the heat on Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe. "We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd. A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues carried them away. Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy.

Protesters burn security post at US Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;reaffirm&nbsp;US&nbsp;support&nbsp;for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level&nbsp;US&nbsp;visit&nbsp;since President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment over his handling of relations with&nbsp;Ukraine.

Trump's conduct of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;policy has raised questions about his commitment to the country's security as it battles Russia-backed rebels and seeks to recover Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014.

A senior State Department official said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;will stress in talks with Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> and other top officials that as "Ukraine&nbsp;faces its challenges, the United States is with them."

Pompeo&nbsp;also will&nbsp;reaffirm&nbsp;US&nbsp;backing of Zelenskiy's anti-corruption reforms, said the official, who could not be further identified under the rules of a briefing on&nbsp;Pompeo's January&nbsp;3-7 trip to&nbsp;Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on December&nbsp;18 impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from his bid to push Zelenskiy to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender to run against Trump in the 2020 election, and a debunked theory on election interference.

The senior State Department official dodged questions about whether&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;would raise with Ukrainian leaders the investigations sought by Trump.

"I can't tell you every topic that's going to come up in those bilateral meetings," said the official.

The House inquiry concluded that Trump sought the investigations in return for granting Zelenskiy an Oval Office&nbsp;visit. It also found that Trump held back $391 million in congressionally approved aid that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;needed to defend against Russia-backed separatists.

Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have promoted&nbsp;unsubstantiated allegations that Biden, while vice president, blocked an investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm whose board members included his son, Hunter.

They also have trumpeted a discredited theory that it was&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;that interfered in the 2016&nbsp;US&nbsp;presidential election.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;intelligence community and a bipartisan Senate investigation concluded that Russia interfered to swing the vote to Trump over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegation.

The State Department official also evaded questions about whether&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;sought the early departure from Kiev of the acting&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador, William Taylor, whose testimony was a key factor in the House Democrats' impeachment case.

Taylor is leaving Kiev before&nbsp;Pompeo's arrival even though his term does not expire until mid-January.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reaffirm US support for Ukraine this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level US visit since President Donald Trump's impeachment over his handling of relations with Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reaffirm US support for Ukraine this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level US visit since President Donald Trump's impeachment over his handling of relations with Ukraine. Trump's conduct of Ukraine policy has raised questions about his commitment to the country's security as it battles Russia-backed rebels and seeks to recover Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014. A senior State Department official said Pompeo will stress in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other top officials that as "Ukraine faces its challenges, the United States is with them." Pompeo also will reaffirm US backing of Zelenskiy's anti-corruption reforms, said the official, who could not be further identified under the rules of a briefing on Pompeo's January 3-7 trip to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on December 18 impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from his bid to push Zelenskiy to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender to run against Trump in the 2020 election, and a debunked theory on election interference. The senior State Department official dodged questions about whether Pompeo would raise with Ukrainian leaders the investigations sought by Trump. "I can't tell you every topic that's going to come up in those bilateral meetings," said the official. The House inquiry concluded that Trump sought the investigations in return for granting Zelenskiy an Oval Office visit. It also found that Trump held back $391 million in congressionally approved aid that Ukraine needed to defend against Russia-backed separatists. Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have promoted unsubstantiated allegations that Biden, while vice president, blocked an investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm whose board members included his son, Hunter. They also have trumpeted a discredited theory that it was Ukraine that interfered in the 2016 US presidential election. The US intelligence community and a bipartisan Senate investigation concluded that Russia interfered to swing the vote to Trump over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegation. The State Department official also evaded questions about whether Pompeo sought the early departure from Kiev of the acting US ambassador, William Taylor, whose testimony was a key factor in the House Democrats' impeachment case. Taylor is leaving Kiev before Pompeo's arrival even though his term does not expire until mid-January.

Pompeo set to reaffirm support to Ukraine: US State Department

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Tuesday for "orchestrating" an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-iraq-protesters-storming-us-baghdad-embassy-271237">attack on the US embassy</a> in Baghdad and said he would hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">Tehran</a> responsible, as officials said more Marines were expected to be sent to the mission.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified," Trump said on Twitter.

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Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1211981022084128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"To those many millions of people in Iraq who want freedom and who don't want to be dominated and controlled by Iran, this is your time!," Trump wrote in another Twitter post.

US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that a small number of additional Marines were expected to go to the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad.

One official said they were expected to number in the dozens and would be there temporarily. Another official said two Apache helicopters carried out a "show of force" over the embassy.

The US&nbsp;State Department and White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the American ambassador and other staff had been evacuated from the embassy compound in the Iraqi capital.

Iraqi officials said the ambassador and other staff were evacuated from the embassy for their safety on Tuesday, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters thronged the gates in fury at US airstrikes in Iraq.

On Monday, State Department officials said Washington had exhibited restraint and patience in the face of escalating provocations from Iran or Iranian-backed groups, but that it was time to re-establish deterrence against Iranian aggression.

"We had very much hoped that Iran would not miscalculate and confuse our restraint for weakness. But after so many attacks it was important for the president to direct our armed forces to respond in a way that the Iranian regime will understand," Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, told reporters.

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Tuesday for "orchestrating" an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad and said he would hold Tehran responsible, as officials said more Marines were expected to be sent to the mission.

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Tuesday for "orchestrating" an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad and said he would hold Tehran responsible, as officials said more Marines were expected to be sent to the mission. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified," Trump said on Twitter. Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × "To those many millions of people in Iraq who want freedom and who don't want to be dominated and controlled by Iran, this is your time!," Trump wrote in another Twitter post. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that a small number of additional Marines were expected to go to the US embassy in Baghdad. One official said they were expected to number in the dozens and would be there temporarily. Another official said two Apache helicopters carried out a "show of force" over the embassy. The US State Department and White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the American ambassador and other staff had been evacuated from the embassy compound in the Iraqi capital. Iraqi officials said the ambassador and other staff were evacuated from the embassy for their safety on Tuesday, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters thronged the gates in fury at US airstrikes in Iraq. On Monday, State Department officials said Washington had exhibited restraint and patience in the face of escalating provocations from Iran or Iranian-backed groups, but that it was time to re-establish deterrence against Iranian aggression. "We had very much hoped that Iran would not miscalculate and confuse our restraint for weakness. But after so many attacks it was important for the president to direct our armed forces to respond in a way that the Iranian regime will understand," Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, told reporters.

President Donald Trump blames Iran for US embassy attack in Baghdad, promises US will ‘always’ respond strongly

North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un</a>&nbsp;called for "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures" to ensure the country's&nbsp;security&nbsp;before a year-end&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;he has set for denuclearization&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

Kim&nbsp;convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and missile programs.

At a Sunday session,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures&nbsp;for fully ensuring the sovereignty and&nbsp;security&nbsp;of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating.

The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013&nbsp;under&nbsp;Kim, according to Seoul's&nbsp;Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs.

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale.

"By&nbsp;'positive&nbsp;and offensive&nbsp;measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the&nbsp;United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the&nbsp;University of North Korean studies in Seoul.

KCNA said the meeting was still&nbsp;underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing.

The&nbsp;United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> said on Monday.

"We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons," Pompeo told Fox News.

North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an&nbsp;unspecified "new path" if the&nbsp;United States fails to meet its expectations.

US&nbsp;military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;warhead tests.

Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;missile, White House national&nbsp;security&nbsp;adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power.

The&nbsp;United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>, O'Brien said.

A video released by the US&nbsp;Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles.

The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December&nbsp;2 on the website of the US&nbsp;Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9edaaf7d-8f50-4620-9c68-372e2ce5f241" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs.

KCNA said&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy."

Kim&nbsp;"presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said.

In New York, US&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea.

Russia and China proposed a draft UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization&nbsp;talks.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea.

"China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue,&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing.

The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations.

Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday. Kim convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his deadline for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. At a Sunday session, Kim suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating. The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013 under Kim, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs. The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale. "By 'positive and offensive measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean studies in Seoul. KCNA said the meeting was still underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since Kim took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing. The United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday. "We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their nuclear weapons," Pompeo told Fox News. North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an unspecified "new path" if the United States fails to meet its expectations. US military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with nuclear warhead tests. Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or nuclear missile, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power. The United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped Kim would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US President Donald Trump, O'Brien said. A video released by the US Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles. The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December 2 on the website of the US Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs. KCNA said Kim discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy." Kim "presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said. In New York, US Security Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea. Russia and China proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization talks. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the talks process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea. "China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue, Security Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing. The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations. Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

Kim Jong Un urges 'positive and offensive' security measures ahead of nuclear talks deadline

A partial new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-slip-as-weak-china-exports-highlights-trade-war-impact-267079">US-China trade</a> agreement will be signed in the middle of next month, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that he will also then travel to China for continued talks.

"I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15," Trump tweeted moments before Wall Street was due to open.

"The ceremony will take place at the White House. High-level representatives of China will be present."

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I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15. The ceremony will take place at the White House. High level representatives of China will be present. At a later date I will be going to Beijing where talks will begin on Phase Two!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212014713808273410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump said he would then travel to Beijing to continue negotiations "at a later date."

Word of the deal, and the de-escalation of the trade conflict, has driven a Wall Street rally this month but US stocks were lower at the open early Tuesday.

The two sides earlier this month announced a "Phase One" deal in their nearly two-year trade confrontation, with Washington cancelling and reducing some tariffs in exchange for Chinese pledges to increase purchases of US exports and adopt trade reforms.

The text of the agreement has not yet been made public pending legal and translation reviews, US officials say, and details remain scant.

Watch:&nbsp;U.S-China Trade War: Certain US Goods exempted by China

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US and Chinese officials said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/what-trade-war-chinese-companies-wow-with-third-quarter-report-card-263154">the agreement</a> includes protections for intellectual property, food and farm goods, financial services and foreign exchange, and a provision for dispute resolution.

A partial new US-China trade agreement will be signed in the middle of next month, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that he will also then travel to China for continued talks.

A partial new US-China trade agreement will be signed in the middle of next month, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that he will also then travel to China for continued talks. "I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15," Trump tweeted moments before Wall Street was due to open. "The ceremony will take place at the White House. High-level representatives of China will be present." I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15. The ceremony will take place at the White House. High level representatives of China will be present. At a later date I will be going to Beijing where talks will begin on Phase Two! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × Trump said he would then travel to Beijing to continue negotiations "at a later date." Word of the deal, and the de-escalation of the trade conflict, has driven a Wall Street rally this month but US stocks were lower at the open early Tuesday. The two sides earlier this month announced a "Phase One" deal in their nearly two-year trade confrontation, with Washington cancelling and reducing some tariffs in exchange for Chinese pledges to increase purchases of US exports and adopt trade reforms. The text of the agreement has not yet been made public pending legal and translation reviews, US officials say, and details remain scant. Watch: U.S-China Trade War: Certain US Goods exempted by China US and Chinese officials said the agreement includes protections for intellectual property, food and farm goods, financial services and foreign exchange, and a provision for dispute resolution.

US-China 'phase one' trade deal to be signed January 15: Trump

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "great &amp; important coordination" between the US and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-new-prisoner-swaps-with-ukraine-russia-271297">Russia</a> had helped thwart an attack in Saint Petersburg.

"President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the US&nbsp;for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg," Trump tweeted.

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President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the U.S. for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg. They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved. Great &amp; important coordination!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212012065440894976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved," he said. "Great &amp; important coordination!"

Russia on Monday remanded into custody two men suspected of planning the New Year's Eve attack. According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discussed-russia-attack-arms-control-relations-white-house-271119">Russia's</a> FSB security service, the two men had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901">&nbsp;Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

Watch |&nbsp;Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks

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The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia."

No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "great & important coordination" between the US and Russia had helped thwart an attack in Saint Petersburg. "President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the US for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg," Trump tweeted.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "great & important coordination" between the US and Russia had helped thwart an attack in Saint Petersburg. "President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the US for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg," Trump tweeted. President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the U.S. for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg. They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved. Great & important coordination! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × "They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved," he said. "Great & important coordination!" Russia on Monday remanded into custody two men suspected of planning the New Year's Eve attack. According to Russia's FSB security service, the two men had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday. Watch | Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks × The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia." No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.

'Great' coordination with Russia helped thwart attack: Donald Trump

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-iraq-protesters-storming-us-baghdad-embassy-271237">US embassy in Baghdad</a> after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound.

"We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters.

It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone.

Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable.

"Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.

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Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1211981022084128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The demonstrators were protesting against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-guards-in-baghdad-fire-stun-grenades-at-protesters-271265">US airstrikes</a> that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline Hashed faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) on Sunday.

Those strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed one American contractor at an Iraqi base, the latest in a string of attacks on areas where US troops are deployed.

They have not been claimed, but US security assessments have largely blamed them on Kataeb Hezbollah.

In his tweet, Trump said the US had "strongly responded" to the attack that killed the US contractor and "always will" in similar situations.

Relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated since the US in 2018 pulled out of the landmark Iran nuclear deal.

Trump has since imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

Iraq had long feared being caught in the middle of escalating tensions between the two countries, which are its main allies.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the US embassy in Baghdad after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the US embassy in Baghdad after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound. "We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted. Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters. It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone. Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted. Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × The demonstrators were protesting against US airstrikes that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline Hashed faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) on Sunday. Those strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed one American contractor at an Iraqi base, the latest in a string of attacks on areas where US troops are deployed. They have not been claimed, but US security assessments have largely blamed them on Kataeb Hezbollah. In his tweet, Trump said the US had "strongly responded" to the attack that killed the US contractor and "always will" in similar situations. Relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated since the US in 2018 pulled out of the landmark Iran nuclear deal. Trump has since imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence. Iraq had long feared being caught in the middle of escalating tensions between the two countries, which are its main allies.

Expect Iraq to 'use its forces' to protect US embassy in Baghdad: Trump

North Korea has expressed increasing frustration with the American side since Trump walked out of their last formal summit in February.

WION Dispatch: Kim Jong threatens Washington, calls for military countermeasures

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901"> Vladimir Putin</a> discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia."

No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.

Gidley said both presidents committed to continuing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries.

"The presidents also discussed the state of relations between the United States and Russia and future efforts to support effective arms control," he said, an apparent reference to Trump's stated desire for a new nuclear arms control deal.

Watch |&nbsp;Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks

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Trump, on a two-week working vacation at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has longed for strong US relations with Russia and complained that a US probe into whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia had stymied him.

He has faced sweeping opposition to warmer ties with Russia from Republican and Democratic lawmakers troubled by Putin's annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains.

Some new tensions have arisen between the two countries.

Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province.

Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it.

In another potential strain, Russia joined with China on a draft proposal to the U.N. Security Council to seek a lifting of some U.N.-backed sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The Trump-Putin call came as the State Department announced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus from Jan. 3-7.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday. The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia." No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington. Gidley said both presidents committed to continuing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries. "The presidents also discussed the state of relations between the United States and Russia and future efforts to support effective arms control," he said, an apparent reference to Trump's stated desire for a new nuclear arms control deal. Watch | Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks × Trump, on a two-week working vacation at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has longed for strong US relations with Russia and complained that a US probe into whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia had stymied him. He has faced sweeping opposition to warmer ties with Russia from Republican and Democratic lawmakers troubled by Putin's annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains. Some new tensions have arisen between the two countries. Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province. Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it. In another potential strain, Russia joined with China on a draft proposal to the U.N. Security Council to seek a lifting of some U.N.-backed sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Trump-Putin call came as the State Department announced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus from Jan. 3-7.

Trump, Putin discussed Russia attack, arms control, relations: White House

The United States military said it killed four "terrorists" in airstrikes against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalias-al-shabaab-beheads-four-men-accused-of-spying-12093">Al-Shabaab</a> militant group in Somalia on Sunday, a day after the country's deadliest attack in two years.

US Africa Command (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-2-islamic-state-leader-abdulhakim-killed-in-somalia-air-strike-us-military-210906">AFRICOM</a>) conducted three airstrikes in two locations in the conflict-hit east African nation on Sunday targeting Al-Shabaab militants, it said in a statement.

"These precision airstrikes targeted Al-Shabaab militants responsible for terrorist acts against innocent Somali citizens and coordinating with Al-Qaeda," AFRICOM said.&nbsp;

"The US and the federal government of Somalia will continue to increase pressure on the terrorist organization in order to deny them the ability to plot terrorist attacks."

Sunday's strikes killed two militants and destroyed two vehicles in Qunyo Barrow while a separate strike killed another two in Caliyoow Barrow, according to AFRICOM, which regularly carries out airstrikes in Somalia.

They followed a massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-death-toll-jumps-to-71-in-car-bomb-attack-in-mogadishu-270750">car bomb</a> explosion in a busy area of Mogadishu on Saturday that left at least 79 people dead and scores injured.

At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been traveling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital.

Scores of wounded were carried on stretchers from the site, where the force of the explosion left the charred and twisted remains of vehicles.&nbsp;

Two Turkish nationals were also killed, Turkey's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-hesitate-to-take-action-if-we-see-ypg-terrorists-turkey-foreign-minister-mevlut-cavusoglu-258725">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said.

The attack has not been claimed, but Mogadishu is regularly hit by car bombings and attacks waged by the Al-Shabaab Islamist militants, who have fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government.

The militant group emerged from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-90-people-killed-in-mogadishu-checkpoint-blast-report-270759">Islamic Courts Union</a>, which once controlled central and southern Somalia, and is variously estimated to number between 5,000 and 9,000 men.

In 2010, the Shabaab declared its allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

The following year, its fighters fled positions they once held in the capital Mogadishu, and have since lost many strongholds.

But they retain control of large rural swathes of the country and continue to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities, managing to inflict bloody death tolls in attacks at home and abroad.

"Since Al-Shabaab's first external attack in 2010, the group has ruthlessly killed hundreds," said US Army Major General William Gayler, AFRICOM's director of operations.&nbsp;

"They have attacked and killed African partners, allies, and fellow Americans."

Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures.

<img align="right" alt="" data-doc-id="http://vspar-iris-p-arc.afp.com/xarch/xarch2/documents/http:%2F%2Fdoc.afp.com%2F1NC2FM/8" data-ref="urn:newsml:afp.com:20191230:3f4a33fe-dcb9-4a6b-8d5f-a6ab6773d6f1" height="137" src="http://anycast-iris-p-sco-http.afp.com/components/cc463dd12a9ca5766c79f800a093d73fb53954d2" width="245" />All of them involved car bombs.

The deadliest attack in the country's history was a truck bombing in October 2017 in Mogadishu which left 512 people dead and around 295 injured.&nbsp;

US strikes in Somalia surged after 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> declared the south of the country an "area of active hostilities."

The rate of airstrikes has risen sharply this year, and in an April statement, AFRICOM said it had killed more than 800 people in 110 strikes in Somalia since April 2017.

AFRICOM, which has been accused by Amnesty International of killing several civilians in its airstrikes, said no civilians appeared to have been killed or wounded in its Sunday strike.

The United States military said it killed four "terrorists" in airstrikes against the Al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia on Sunday, a day after the country's deadliest attack in two years.

The United States military said it killed four "terrorists" in airstrikes against the Al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia on Sunday, a day after the country's deadliest attack in two years. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted three airstrikes in two locations in the conflict-hit east African nation on Sunday targeting Al-Shabaab militants, it said in a statement. "These precision airstrikes targeted Al-Shabaab militants responsible for terrorist acts against innocent Somali citizens and coordinating with Al-Qaeda," AFRICOM said. "The US and the federal government of Somalia will continue to increase pressure on the terrorist organization in order to deny them the ability to plot terrorist attacks." Sunday's strikes killed two militants and destroyed two vehicles in Qunyo Barrow while a separate strike killed another two in Caliyoow Barrow, according to AFRICOM, which regularly carries out airstrikes in Somalia. They followed a massive car bomb explosion in a busy area of Mogadishu on Saturday that left at least 79 people dead and scores injured. At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been traveling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital. Scores of wounded were carried on stretchers from the site, where the force of the explosion left the charred and twisted remains of vehicles. Two Turkish nationals were also killed, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. The attack has not been claimed, but Mogadishu is regularly hit by car bombings and attacks waged by the Al-Shabaab Islamist militants, who have fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government. The militant group emerged from the Islamic Courts Union, which once controlled central and southern Somalia, and is variously estimated to number between 5,000 and 9,000 men. In 2010, the Shabaab declared its allegiance to Al-Qaeda. The following year, its fighters fled positions they once held in the capital Mogadishu, and have since lost many strongholds. But they retain control of large rural swathes of the country and continue to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities, managing to inflict bloody death tolls in attacks at home and abroad. "Since Al-Shabaab's first external attack in 2010, the group has ruthlessly killed hundreds," said US Army Major General William Gayler, AFRICOM's director of operations. "They have attacked and killed African partners, allies, and fellow Americans." Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs. The deadliest attack in the country's history was a truck bombing in October 2017 in Mogadishu which left 512 people dead and around 295 injured. US strikes in Somalia surged after President Donald Trump declared the south of the country an "area of active hostilities." The rate of airstrikes has risen sharply this year, and in an April statement, AFRICOM said it had killed more than 800 people in 110 strikes in Somalia since April 2017. AFRICOM, which has been accused by Amnesty International of killing several civilians in its airstrikes, said no civilians appeared to have been killed or wounded in its Sunday strike.

US strikes in Somalia kill four militants

Russia's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-against-trump-absolutely-on-made-up-grounds-putin-269164">Vladimir Putin </a>thanked US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday for intelligence that helped in thwarting attacks planned in St' Petersburg, the Kremlin said. &nbsp;

The Russian president thanked Trump "for the transfer, through special services, of information allowing the prevention of terrorist acts in Russia," said a statement released by the president's office. Kremlin said that Putin expressed his gratitude through a phone call to the US president.&nbsp;

Kremlin's statement also added that Putin and Trump would continue the bilateral cooperation to tackle terrorism.

With the help of information shared by the US, the Federal Security Service (FSB) detained two Russians on December 27 on suspicion of plotting attacks during new New Year festivities in St. Petersburg, Russian news agencies said.&nbsp;

The reports said that the two detained were preparing a "terrorist act".

Moscow and Washington are at odds on most of the issues including Syria, allegations of Russia meddling 2016 US election, but Trump and Putin managed to maintain their personal ties.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin thanked US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday for intelligence that helped in thwarting attacks planned in St' Petersburg, the Kremlin said.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin thanked US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday for intelligence that helped in thwarting attacks planned in St' Petersburg, the Kremlin said. The Russian president thanked Trump "for the transfer, through special services, of information allowing the prevention of terrorist acts in Russia," said a statement released by the president's office. Kremlin said that Putin expressed his gratitude through a phone call to the US president. Kremlin's statement also added that Putin and Trump would continue the bilateral cooperation to tackle terrorism. With the help of information shared by the US, the Federal Security Service (FSB) detained two Russians on December 27 on suspicion of plotting attacks during new New Year festivities in St. Petersburg, Russian news agencies said. The reports said that the two detained were preparing a "terrorist act". Moscow and Washington are at odds on most of the issues including Syria, allegations of Russia meddling 2016 US election, but Trump and Putin managed to maintain their personal ties. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for intelligence that foiled attack

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