This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the evening from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 6th, 2019

Some 52 per cent of US voters plan to vote against President Donald Trump in next year’s national election, but he retains broad core Republican support, a new poll showed on Thursday.

“The latest Rasmussen Reports'&nbsp;national telephone and online survey finds that 42 per cent of Likely US Voters say they are more likely to vote for Trump in the 2020 presidential election,” the polling organization said in a press release. “But 52 per cent are more likely to vote against him.”

Some 6 per cent of US voters remain undecided, Rasmussen added.

“Among all voters who say they are likely to vote against the incumbent, 58 per cent say their vote is more likely to be a vote against Trump than for some other candidate. Thirty-seven per cent expect their vote to be more about the other candidate,” the release said.

Some 75 per cent of Republicans remain likely to vote for Trump again, Rasmussen said. However, 21 per cent of Republicans are are more likely to vote against him next year, the polling company added. Trump loses Democrats by an 82 per cent to 13 per cent margin, it said.

&nbsp;

Some 52 per cent of US voters plan to vote against President Donald Trump in next year’s national election, but he retains broad core Republican support, a new poll showed on Thursday.

Some 52 per cent of US voters plan to vote against President Donald Trump in next year’s national election, but he retains broad core Republican support, a new poll showed on Thursday. “The latest Rasmussen Reports' national telephone and online survey finds that 42 per cent of Likely US Voters say they are more likely to vote for Trump in the 2020 presidential election,” the polling organization said in a press release. “But 52 per cent are more likely to vote against him.” Some 6 per cent of US voters remain undecided, Rasmussen added. “Among all voters who say they are likely to vote against the incumbent, 58 per cent say their vote is more likely to be a vote against Trump than for some other candidate. Thirty-seven per cent expect their vote to be more about the other candidate,” the release said. Some 75 per cent of Republicans remain likely to vote for Trump again, Rasmussen said. However, 21 per cent of Republicans are are more likely to vote against him next year, the polling company added. Trump loses Democrats by an 82 per cent to 13 per cent margin, it said.

More than half US voters prepared to reject Trump in 2020 national election: Report

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday ordered all limits on nuclear research and development to be lifted, the country's third step in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-on-a-meeting-with-irans-rouhani-anything-is-possible-247640">scaling down its commitments to a 2015 deal</a> with world powers.

His announcement came shortly after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-set-to-make-new-cut-in-nuclear-commitments-247582">US hit the Islamic Republic with further sanctions</a>, the latest in a series of punitive measures including an embargo on Iranian oil exports.

Iran and three European countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been engaged in talks to reduce tensions and save the nuclear deal that has been unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May last year.

But late Wednesday, Rouhani made good on a declared intention to take another step away from the multilateral deal signed with the permanent five United Nations Security Council powers and Germany (P5+1).&nbsp;

"I, as of now, announce the third step," he said on state television.&nbsp;

"The atomic energy organisation (of Iran) is ordered to immediately start whatever is needed in the field of research and development, and abandon all the commitments that were in place regarding research and development," he said.

He referred to "expansions in the field of research and development, centrifuges, different types of new centrifuges, and whatever we need for enrichment".

Iran in July abandoned two other nuclear commitments: to keep its stockpile of enriched uranium below 300-kilogrammes, and a 3.67-percent cap on the purity of its uranium stocks.

Rouhani had earlier on Wednesday told a cabinet meeting: "I don't think that... we will reach a deal".

But the Iranian president had also said Tehran and the European powers had been getting closer to an agreement on a way to resolve burning issues.

"If we had 20 issues of disagreement with the Europeans in the past, today there are three issues," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting Trump last month in France, encouraged him to offer economic incentives for Tehran and dangled the possibility of a summit between the US and Iranian presidents.&nbsp;

Trump made clear Wednesday that he was still interested in meeting Rouhani when the Iranian leader visits New York for the annual UN General Assembly.

"Sure, anything is possible," Trump told reporters.

US firm on sanctions

But Rouhani has already ruled out a summit without sanctions relief, and on Wednesday the Trump administration issued its third set of sanctions on Iran in less than a week.

In the latest salvo, the Treasury Department put on its blacklist a shipping network of 16 entities, 10 people and 11 vessels that it said was selling oil on behalf of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force.

The network sold more than $500 million worth of oil this spring, mostly to Syria, benefitting both President Bashar al-Assad and militant Lebanese allies Hezbollah, the Treasury Department said.

A US official said that the move showed Washington's position on relaxing sanctions -- and warned that more would come.

"We can't make it any more clear that we are committed to this campaign of maximum pressure and we are not looking to grant any exceptions or waivers," Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, told reporters.

Iran has said it will resume full compliance with the nuclear deal if it reaches a deal with France on a $15-billion credit line, which Tehran would repay once it resumes oil exports.

The US is currently trying to block such shipments with unilateral sanctions.

Hook stopped short of criticising the credit line itself, saying there was no "concrete" proposal.

'Part' of tanker crew freed

Speaking days after a trip to France, deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out renegotiation of the 2015 accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Returning to full implementation of the JCPOA is subject to receiving $15 billion over a period of four months, otherwise the process of Iran reducing its commitments will continue," said Araghchi, quoted by the state news agency IRNA.

Hawks in the Trump administration adamantly oppose any easing of pressure, saying their goal is not only to contain Iran's nuclear programme but to curb the clerical state's influence across the Middle East.

Iran had long threatened to carry out a third set of nuclear countermeasures by Friday unless other parties to the deal offset the effect of US sanctions in return for its continued compliance.

Tensions rose significantly in July since Iran took the first two steps away from the nuclear deal and seized a British-flagged tanker -- the Stena Impero -- in the Strait of Hormuz for "failing to respect international maritime rules".

But some members of the crew of this Swedish-owned tanker have been released, Stockholm said late Wednesday.

"A part of the crew of the Stena Impero... has been released," Sweden's foreign ministry said in a message to AFP, without giving details of how many of the crew had been freed.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday ordered all limits on nuclear research and development to be lifted, the country's third step in scaling down its commitments to a 2015 deal with world powers.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday ordered all limits on nuclear research and development to be lifted, the country's third step in scaling down its commitments to a 2015 deal with world powers. His announcement came shortly after the US hit the Islamic Republic with further sanctions, the latest in a series of punitive measures including an embargo on Iranian oil exports. Iran and three European countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been engaged in talks to reduce tensions and save the nuclear deal that has been unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May last year. But late Wednesday, Rouhani made good on a declared intention to take another step away from the multilateral deal signed with the permanent five United Nations Security Council powers and Germany (P5+1). "I, as of now, announce the third step," he said on state television. "The atomic energy organisation (of Iran) is ordered to immediately start whatever is needed in the field of research and development, and abandon all the commitments that were in place regarding research and development," he said. He referred to "expansions in the field of research and development, centrifuges, different types of new centrifuges, and whatever we need for enrichment". Iran in July abandoned two other nuclear commitments: to keep its stockpile of enriched uranium below 300-kilogrammes, and a 3.67-percent cap on the purity of its uranium stocks. Rouhani had earlier on Wednesday told a cabinet meeting: "I don't think that... we will reach a deal". But the Iranian president had also said Tehran and the European powers had been getting closer to an agreement on a way to resolve burning issues. "If we had 20 issues of disagreement with the Europeans in the past, today there are three issues," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting Trump last month in France, encouraged him to offer economic incentives for Tehran and dangled the possibility of a summit between the US and Iranian presidents. Trump made clear Wednesday that he was still interested in meeting Rouhani when the Iranian leader visits New York for the annual UN General Assembly. "Sure, anything is possible," Trump told reporters. US firm on sanctions But Rouhani has already ruled out a summit without sanctions relief, and on Wednesday the Trump administration issued its third set of sanctions on Iran in less than a week. In the latest salvo, the Treasury Department put on its blacklist a shipping network of 16 entities, 10 people and 11 vessels that it said was selling oil on behalf of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force. The network sold more than $500 million worth of oil this spring, mostly to Syria, benefitting both President Bashar al-Assad and militant Lebanese allies Hezbollah, the Treasury Department said. A US official said that the move showed Washington's position on relaxing sanctions -- and warned that more would come. "We can't make it any more clear that we are committed to this campaign of maximum pressure and we are not looking to grant any exceptions or waivers," Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, told reporters. Iran has said it will resume full compliance with the nuclear deal if it reaches a deal with France on a $15-billion credit line, which Tehran would repay once it resumes oil exports. The US is currently trying to block such shipments with unilateral sanctions. Hook stopped short of criticising the credit line itself, saying there was no "concrete" proposal. 'Part' of tanker crew freed Speaking days after a trip to France, deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out renegotiation of the 2015 accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Returning to full implementation of the JCPOA is subject to receiving $15 billion over a period of four months, otherwise the process of Iran reducing its commitments will continue," said Araghchi, quoted by the state news agency IRNA. Hawks in the Trump administration adamantly oppose any easing of pressure, saying their goal is not only to contain Iran's nuclear programme but to curb the clerical state's influence across the Middle East. Iran had long threatened to carry out a third set of nuclear countermeasures by Friday unless other parties to the deal offset the effect of US sanctions in return for its continued compliance. Tensions rose significantly in July since Iran took the first two steps away from the nuclear deal and seized a British-flagged tanker -- the Stena Impero -- in the Strait of Hormuz for "failing to respect international maritime rules". But some members of the crew of this Swedish-owned tanker have been released, Stockholm said late Wednesday. "A part of the crew of the Stena Impero... has been released," Sweden's foreign ministry said in a message to AFP, without giving details of how many of the crew had been freed.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani orders lifting of all nuclear research and development limits

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 5th, 2019

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it. "This is not the time to hold talks with Iran. This is the time to increase the pressure on Iran," Netanyahu told reporters en route to London, where he was hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was later scheduled to confer with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Netanyahu's comments marked rare public discord between the right-wing Israeli leader and Trump on the Iranian nuclear issue. Netanyahu had previously counselled France against its own outreach to Iran. The Israeli leader, who is fighting for his political life in an election on September 17, regularly touts his influence with Western leaders, especially fellow rightwingers such as Trump and Johnson, as vital for Israeli security. His opponents say his closeness to rightwing figures abroad hurts Israel by making support for it a partisan issue in friendly countries. On Wednesday, Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York, saying: "Anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem." Tehran has rejected any negotiations with Washington unless Trump drops sanctions he imposed after quitting the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, an agreement Netanyahu had savaged as inadequate. Iran has said that, starting on Friday, it would begin developing centrifuges to speed up the enrichment of uranium, which can produce fuel for power plants or for atomic bombs. The Iranians deny seeking nuclear weapons. The centrifuge move would be Iran's latest reduction of its commitments to restrict nuclear projects under the 2015 deal. Netanyahu called this "another violation, another provocation by Iran, this time in the realm of its quest for nuclear weaponry". Meeting Johnson at 10 Downing Street, Netanyahu praised the politically embattled British leader for his "staunch stance against anti-Semitism and ... support for Israel's security". "We have the challenge of Iran's aggression and terrorism, and I'd like to talk to you about how we can work together to counter these things for the benefit of peace," Netanyahu told Johnson, according to an official Israeli transcript. Like other European partners to the Iran nuclear deal, Britain was worried by the U.S. withdrawal. Johnson, while openly sympathetic to Israel, wants to preserve a vision of Palestinian statehood that has eroded under Netanyahu's tenure. Netanyahu - who has doubled as defence minister for the past 10 months, a period of stepped-up Israeli operations against Iranian targets in the region - brought his air force chief and top military mission planner for the London meeting with Esper. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Ynet TV that Netanyahu and Esper would discuss "everything that happens in the space between Syria, Lebanon, Iraq," an allusion to the often clandestine Israeli military campaign.

Netanyahu opposes Iran talks after Trump moots meeting Rouhani

U.S. President Donald Trump gave a news briefing at the White House about Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 4, 2019.

Trump Displays an Altered Hurricane Dorian Map

British Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-gives-up-trying-to-stop-brexit-delay-bill-in-parliament-247721"> Boris Johnson</a> was on Thursday kicking off what is in effect an election campaign, casting an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit as defeatists surrendering to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-gives-up-trying-to-stop-brexit-delay-bill-in-parliament-247721">European Union</a>.

As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour.

After wresting control of the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, an alliance of opposition parties and rebels expelled from Johnson's Conservative party voted to force him to seek a three-month delay to Brexit rather than leaving without a deal on October 31, the date now set in law.

Behind the sound and the fury of the Brexit crisis, an election now beckons for a polarised country.

The main choices on offer are Johnson's radical insistence on leaving the EU on October 31, come what may, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's hard-left socialist vision, coupled with a promise of a fresh referendum with an option to stay in the EU.

"Boris will argue that it is now time for the people to decide after parliament has failed them, so we can resolve this once and for all," a spokesman for the prime minister said.

"Jeremy Corbyn continues not only to block Brexit but is now also stopping the people from having their say by refusing a general election."

The opposition Labour Party cast Johnson's language - including calling Corbyn a "chicken" - as pathetic, said he was trying to act like US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, and compared him to a 3-year-old toddler having a tantrum.

An election adds a new twist to a Brexit crisis that has for three years overshadowed European Union affairs, eroded Britain's reputation as a stable pillar of the West and seen sterling twitch in tune to the probability of a 'no-deal' exit.

Asked if Brexit would happen on October 31, Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings told Reuters: "Trust the people."

Against the dollar, the pound fell 0.3 per cent to $1.2211, after jumping 1.4 per cent on Wednesday in the sense that the prospect of a 'no-deal' exit had receded. UBS Global Wealth Management said sterling could rally to $1.30 if Brexit was delayed until January 2020 and an election was held after October.&nbsp;

'Trust the people'

Johnson, the face of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign, has pushed for an election on October 15, two weeks before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, though opposition parties are debating which date they would accept.

"We are saying, yeah, bring on a general election, of course," said John McDonnell, the Labour Party's second most powerful man.

"We will ensure that happens after we have got the legislation to protect against a 'no-deal' Brexit. But we will consult and do it on at the date on which we will think will have the maximum advantage against a 'no-deal'," he said.

While sterling rose on parliament's bid to block a no-deal exit, an election before Brexit would allow him, if he won, to repeal the blocking bill, which was passed by 329-300 and then 327-299 in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The law will pass the upper house, the Lords, by Friday evening.

Johnson's finance minister, Sajid Javid, opened up the possibility of a change to the October 15 date but said the government could strike a renegotiated Brexit deal with Brussels and get it through parliament before October 31.

But the EU, and Germany and France in particular, have repeatedly called on Britain to make specific proposals on how it wants to change the agreement struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, in November.

Diplomats said an election campaign would halt any Brexit talks with the EU and expressed frustration with the turmoil of British politics at such an important juncture in European history.

"The UK side continues to produce chaos and it is very hard to predict anything," said one EU diplomat.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Thursday kicking off what is in effect an election campaign, casting an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit as defeatists surrendering to the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Thursday kicking off what is in effect an election campaign, casting an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit as defeatists surrendering to the European Union. As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour. After wresting control of the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, an alliance of opposition parties and rebels expelled from Johnson's Conservative party voted to force him to seek a three-month delay to Brexit rather than leaving without a deal on October 31, the date now set in law. Behind the sound and the fury of the Brexit crisis, an election now beckons for a polarised country. The main choices on offer are Johnson's radical insistence on leaving the EU on October 31, come what may, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's hard-left socialist vision, coupled with a promise of a fresh referendum with an option to stay in the EU. "Boris will argue that it is now time for the people to decide after parliament has failed them, so we can resolve this once and for all," a spokesman for the prime minister said. "Jeremy Corbyn continues not only to block Brexit but is now also stopping the people from having their say by refusing a general election." The opposition Labour Party cast Johnson's language - including calling Corbyn a "chicken" - as pathetic, said he was trying to act like US President Donald Trump, and compared him to a 3-year-old toddler having a tantrum. An election adds a new twist to a Brexit crisis that has for three years overshadowed European Union affairs, eroded Britain's reputation as a stable pillar of the West and seen sterling twitch in tune to the probability of a 'no-deal' exit. Asked if Brexit would happen on October 31, Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings told Reuters: "Trust the people." Against the dollar, the pound fell 0.3 per cent to $1.2211, after jumping 1.4 per cent on Wednesday in the sense that the prospect of a 'no-deal' exit had receded. UBS Global Wealth Management said sterling could rally to $1.30 if Brexit was delayed until January 2020 and an election was held after October. 'Trust the people' Johnson, the face of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign, has pushed for an election on October 15, two weeks before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, though opposition parties are debating which date they would accept. "We are saying, yeah, bring on a general election, of course," said John McDonnell, the Labour Party's second most powerful man. "We will ensure that happens after we have got the legislation to protect against a 'no-deal' Brexit. But we will consult and do it on at the date on which we will think will have the maximum advantage against a 'no-deal'," he said. While sterling rose on parliament's bid to block a no-deal exit, an election before Brexit would allow him, if he won, to repeal the blocking bill, which was passed by 329-300 and then 327-299 in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The law will pass the upper house, the Lords, by Friday evening. Johnson's finance minister, Sajid Javid, opened up the possibility of a change to the October 15 date but said the government could strike a renegotiated Brexit deal with Brussels and get it through parliament before October 31. But the EU, and Germany and France in particular, have repeatedly called on Britain to make specific proposals on how it wants to change the agreement struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, in November. Diplomats said an election campaign would halt any Brexit talks with the EU and expressed frustration with the turmoil of British politics at such an important juncture in European history. "The UK side continues to produce chaos and it is very hard to predict anything," said one EU diplomat.

British PM Boris Johnson kicks off election campaign as parliament blocks no-deal Brexit

Donald Trump's blunders that went viral. Watch video to know more

Donald Trump's blunders that went viral

Trouble is raining down on US President Donald Trump, who appears to have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharpie-gate-trump-shows-apparently-altered-hurricane-map-247689">given Americans incorrect information on Hurricane Dorian's trajectory</a>.

During an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, Trump displayed a map from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showing the devastating storm's initial predicted path.

As he held up the poster board to give the journalists present a better view, it became clear the map had been edited: Dorian's cone had been extended with what appeared to be black marker to include the state of Alabama.

It is against the law to falsify a National Weather Service forecast and pass it off as official, according to the non-profit Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. It was unclear who altered the chart.

When asked a few hours later about the surprising addition, Trump responded, "I don't know. I don't know," while continuing to maintain that the initial storm predictions included the possibility that Dorian would make landfall in the southern state.

Trump had incorrectly tweeted Sunday that Alabama was among the states -- as well as Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas -- that could be affected by the hurricane.

Not long after, the National Weather Service's (NWS) office in Birmingham, Alabama appeared to respond to the contrary, though it did not explicitly mention Trump's tweet.

"Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian," it tweeted.

"We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane #Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east."

After White House ABC correspondent Jonathon Karl fact-checked Trump, the president lashed out, tweeting "Such a phony hurricane report by lightweight reporter", before doubling-down on his original claim that Alabama could have been impacted by Dorian.

He tweeted: "under certain original scenarios, it was, in fact, correct that Alabama could have received some 'hurt.'"

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has regular bulletins on the storm's progress but has not issued any Alabama warnings.

And on Wednesday night, the president tweeted a map from August 28 and wrote: "As you can see, almost all models predicted it to go through Florida also hitting Georgia and Alabama. I accept the Fake News apologies!"

The map was issued by the South Florida Water Management District and, as many online users pointed out, contains this caveat: "If anything on this graphic causes confusion, ignore the entire product."

Trouble is raining down on US President Donald Trump, who appears to have given Americans incorrect information on Hurricane Dorian's trajectory. During an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, Trump displayed a map from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showing the devastating storm's initial predicted path.

Trouble is raining down on US President Donald Trump, who appears to have given Americans incorrect information on Hurricane Dorian's trajectory. During an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, Trump displayed a map from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showing the devastating storm's initial predicted path. As he held up the poster board to give the journalists present a better view, it became clear the map had been edited: Dorian's cone had been extended with what appeared to be black marker to include the state of Alabama. It is against the law to falsify a National Weather Service forecast and pass it off as official, according to the non-profit Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. It was unclear who altered the chart. When asked a few hours later about the surprising addition, Trump responded, "I don't know. I don't know," while continuing to maintain that the initial storm predictions included the possibility that Dorian would make landfall in the southern state. Trump had incorrectly tweeted Sunday that Alabama was among the states -- as well as Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas -- that could be affected by the hurricane. Not long after, the National Weather Service's (NWS) office in Birmingham, Alabama appeared to respond to the contrary, though it did not explicitly mention Trump's tweet. "Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian," it tweeted. "We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane #Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east." After White House ABC correspondent Jonathon Karl fact-checked Trump, the president lashed out, tweeting "Such a phony hurricane report by lightweight reporter", before doubling-down on his original claim that Alabama could have been impacted by Dorian. He tweeted: "under certain original scenarios, it was, in fact, correct that Alabama could have received some 'hurt.'" The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has regular bulletins on the storm's progress but has not issued any Alabama warnings. And on Wednesday night, the president tweeted a map from August 28 and wrote: "As you can see, almost all models predicted it to go through Florida also hitting Georgia and Alabama. I accept the Fake News apologies!" The map was issued by the South Florida Water Management District and, as many online users pointed out, contains this caveat: "If anything on this graphic causes confusion, ignore the entire product."

Donald Trump continues to defend incorrect map of Hurricane Dorian path

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran.

Asked at the White House whether he might meet with the Iranian leader at the United Nations, Trump responded: "Sure, anything is possible."

Rouhani had announced earlier Wednesday that Tehran was poised to take another step back from its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew from in May.

A short time after Rouhani's statement, US officials announced new sanctions on Iran, this time targeting a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to smuggle oil.

Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, also ruled out a French-proposed credit line that Tehran said could bring it back into full compliance with the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran. Asked at the White House whether he might meet with the Iranian leader at the United Nations, Trump responded: "Sure, anything is possible." Rouhani had announced earlier Wednesday that Tehran was poised to take another step back from its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew from in May. A short time after Rouhani's statement, US officials announced new sanctions on Iran, this time targeting a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to smuggle oil. Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, also ruled out a French-proposed credit line that Tehran said could bring it back into full compliance with the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear program.

Trump on a meeting with Iran's Rouhani: 'Anything is possible'

The US Defense Department said Tuesday it was freeing up $3.6 billion in funds budgeted for other projects to build a wall on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-closure-of-us-mexico-border-next-week-to-stem-asylum-surge-206626">Mexican border </a>as ordered by President Donald Trump.

Six weeks after being confirmed by Congress, Defense Secretary Mike Esper has signed off on the diversion of funds from 127 "deferred military projects" both inside and outside the country, said Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffmann.

Explainer: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-how-does-the-situation-on-the-us-mexico-border-compare-with-the-past-225130">How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past?</a>

In February Trump, frustrated that Congress would not provide funding for the 18-foot (5.5-meter) barrier, declared a "national emergency" at the border in order to obtain $6.6 billion from other budgeted accounts for wall construction aimed at stemming the flow of undocumented migrants from Mexico and Central America.

That included an initial $2.5 billion from Pentagon spending that was to have been used for programs to combat the drug trade and other operations.

Multiple lawsuits against the wall led a federal judge to place an injunction blocking the funding until the cases could be reviewed.

But in a major political victory for the president, in July the Supreme Court overturned that ruling, allowing work to go ahead.

Since then, Pentagon funds have gone toward Department of Homeland Security projects to replace existing portions of wall along the 2,000 mile (3,200 kilometer) frontier, while no new wall has been erected.

In addition, the Defense Department has deployed thousands of uniformed troops to the Mexican border to help monitor security and provide backup logistics for hundreds of thousands of detained migrants.

'Slap in the face'

Building the wall was one of Trump's central campaign pledges in the 2016 president election battle, along with a promise that Mexico, and not US taxpayers, would foot the estimated $25 billion bill.

With a new election coming up next year, Trump has recently appeared sensitive to charges that no new mileage of wall has been built yet.

"When we rip down and totally replace a badly broken and dilapidated Barrier on the Southern Border, something which cannot do the job, the Fake News Media gives us zero credit for building a new Wall. We have replaced many miles of old Barrier with powerful new Walls!" Trump tweeted in July.&nbsp;

"The Wall is going up very fast despite total Obstruction by Democrats in Congress, and elsewhere!" he wrote last week.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that Trump's was pursuing the wall "to boost his own ego" and called it "a slap in the face to the members of the Armed Forces."

While Pentagon chief Esper's go-ahead signaled a likely surge in new wall building work immediately, the project could face more legal challenges.

Jack Reed, the senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for Congress to oppose "misusing defense dollars in this manner."

"Clearly, this administration is trying to circumvent Congressional authority and this ill-advised attempt should be legally challenged and struck down by the courts," Reed said in a statement.

The American Civil Liberties Union meanwhile said it would sue on the grounds of abuse of power by Trump.

"The fact that the government sat on these so-called 'emergency funds' for seven months further confirms that this is nothing but an unlawful power grab," said ACLU staff attorney Dror Ladin.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday it was freeing up $3.6 billion in funds budgeted for other projects to build a wall on the Mexican border as ordered by President Donald Trump.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday it was freeing up $3.6 billion in funds budgeted for other projects to build a wall on the Mexican border as ordered by President Donald Trump. Six weeks after being confirmed by Congress, Defense Secretary Mike Esper has signed off on the diversion of funds from 127 "deferred military projects" both inside and outside the country, said Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffmann. Explainer: How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past? In February Trump, frustrated that Congress would not provide funding for the 18-foot (5.5-meter) barrier, declared a "national emergency" at the border in order to obtain $6.6 billion from other budgeted accounts for wall construction aimed at stemming the flow of undocumented migrants from Mexico and Central America. That included an initial $2.5 billion from Pentagon spending that was to have been used for programs to combat the drug trade and other operations. Multiple lawsuits against the wall led a federal judge to place an injunction blocking the funding until the cases could be reviewed. But in a major political victory for the president, in July the Supreme Court overturned that ruling, allowing work to go ahead. Since then, Pentagon funds have gone toward Department of Homeland Security projects to replace existing portions of wall along the 2,000 mile (3,200 kilometer) frontier, while no new wall has been erected. In addition, the Defense Department has deployed thousands of uniformed troops to the Mexican border to help monitor security and provide backup logistics for hundreds of thousands of detained migrants. 'Slap in the face' Building the wall was one of Trump's central campaign pledges in the 2016 president election battle, along with a promise that Mexico, and not US taxpayers, would foot the estimated $25 billion bill. With a new election coming up next year, Trump has recently appeared sensitive to charges that no new mileage of wall has been built yet. "When we rip down and totally replace a badly broken and dilapidated Barrier on the Southern Border, something which cannot do the job, the Fake News Media gives us zero credit for building a new Wall. We have replaced many miles of old Barrier with powerful new Walls!" Trump tweeted in July. "The Wall is going up very fast despite total Obstruction by Democrats in Congress, and elsewhere!" he wrote last week. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that Trump's was pursuing the wall "to boost his own ego" and called it "a slap in the face to the members of the Armed Forces." While Pentagon chief Esper's go-ahead signaled a likely surge in new wall building work immediately, the project could face more legal challenges. Jack Reed, the senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for Congress to oppose "misusing defense dollars in this manner." "Clearly, this administration is trying to circumvent Congressional authority and this ill-advised attempt should be legally challenged and struck down by the courts," Reed said in a statement. The American Civil Liberties Union meanwhile said it would sue on the grounds of abuse of power by Trump. "The fact that the government sat on these so-called 'emergency funds' for seven months further confirms that this is nothing but an unlawful power grab," said ACLU staff attorney Dror Ladin.

Pentagon frees $3.6 billion for wall construction on Mexican border

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 4th, 2019

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Chinese manufacturing would “crumble” if the country did not agree to the United States’ trade terms.

WION Wallet: Trump's fresh jibe at Chinese government

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-official-says-us-showing-some-flexibility-on-oil-sales-246833">Hassan Rouhani </a>said on Tuesday.

"No decision has ever been taken to hold talks with the US and there has been a lot of offers for talks but our answer will always be negative," Rouhani told an open session of parliament broadcast live on state radio.

"If America lifts all the sanctions then like before it can join multilateral talks between Tehran and parties to the 2015 deal," he added.

US President Donald Trump, although applying "maximum pressure" on Iran, has offered to meet its leaders and hold bilateral talks with no pre-conditions to end the confrontation between their countries.

Watch: Iranian Regime unveils new Drone

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Last month, Rouhani said Iran would not talk to its longtime foe until the United States lifted all of the sanctions it reimposed after it exited the 2015 nuclear deal last year.

European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States and save the deal by shielding Iran's economy from the sanctions.

But the European powers have warned that their support for the deal is dependent on Iran's full commitment to it.

Iran has called on the Europeans to accelerate their efforts and Rouhani stressed on Tuesday that Iran would take a third step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday unless the Europeans kept their promises to salvage the deal.

"If Europeans can purchase our oil or pre-purchase it and we can have access to our money, that will ease the situation and we can fully implement the deal... otherwise we will take our third step," he said.

The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries, reached under former US President Barack Obama, curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016.

Iran has started to scale back its nuclear commitments since May and it will take further steps on September 5, aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the European parties of the pact to protect its economic interests despite the US sanctions.

Iranian authorities have said the next step would be "stronger" and might include enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons.

Iran has increased its stockpile of heavy water and has increased the level of its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits allowed under the agreement

Enriching uranium up to 20% purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday.

Iran will never hold bilateral talks with the United States but if it lifts all the sanctions it reimposed on Iran it can join multilateral talks between Iran and other parties to a 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday. "No decision has ever been taken to hold talks with the US and there has been a lot of offers for talks but our answer will always be negative," Rouhani told an open session of parliament broadcast live on state radio. "If America lifts all the sanctions then like before it can join multilateral talks between Tehran and parties to the 2015 deal," he added. US President Donald Trump, although applying "maximum pressure" on Iran, has offered to meet its leaders and hold bilateral talks with no pre-conditions to end the confrontation between their countries. Watch: Iranian Regime unveils new Drone × Last month, Rouhani said Iran would not talk to its longtime foe until the United States lifted all of the sanctions it reimposed after it exited the 2015 nuclear deal last year. European parties to the deal have struggled to calm the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States and save the deal by shielding Iran's economy from the sanctions. But the European powers have warned that their support for the deal is dependent on Iran's full commitment to it. Iran has called on the Europeans to accelerate their efforts and Rouhani stressed on Tuesday that Iran would take a third step in scaling back its nuclear commitments by Thursday unless the Europeans kept their promises to salvage the deal. "If Europeans can purchase our oil or pre-purchase it and we can have access to our money, that will ease the situation and we can fully implement the deal... otherwise we will take our third step," he said. The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries, reached under former US President Barack Obama, curbed Iran's nuclear work in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016. Iran has started to scale back its nuclear commitments since May and it will take further steps on September 5, aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the European parties of the pact to protect its economic interests despite the US sanctions. Iranian authorities have said the next step would be "stronger" and might include enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Iran has increased its stockpile of heavy water and has increased the level of its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits allowed under the agreement Enriching uranium up to 20% purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani rules out bilateral talks with US

The United States would withdraw almost 5,000 troops from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-six-security-personnel-killed-in-explosion-in-kunduz-city-247159">Afghanistan</a> and close five bases within 135 days under a draft peace accord agreed with the Taliban, the chief US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Monday.

The deal, reached after months of negotiations with representatives from the insurgent movement, must still be approved by US President Donald Trump before it can be signed, Khalilzad said in an interview with Tolo News television.

"In principle, we have got there," he said. "The document is closed."

In exchange for the phased withdrawal, the Taliban would commit not to allow Afghanistan to be used by militant groups such as al Qaeda or Islamic State as a base for attacks on the United States and its allies.

Watch: 'US Troops Would Remain in Afghanistan' says Donald Trump

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The distance that must still be covered before peace is achieved was underlined, however, by a large explosion that rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, even as Khalilzad's interview was being aired, shaking buildings several kilometres away.

Khalilzad, a veteran Afghan-American diplomat, said the aim of the deal was to end the war and that it would lead to a reduction in violence, but there was no formal ceasefire agreement. It would be up to negotiations among Afghans themselves to agree a settlement, he said.

He declined to say how long the rest of the roughly 14,000 US troops would remain in Afghanistan after the first stage of the withdrawal, although Taliban officials previously insisted that all foreign forces must leave.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has been briefed on a draft of the accord and will look at details of the deal before giving an opinion, his spokesman said on Monday.

Khalilzad said "intra-Afghan" talks, which might be held in Norway, would aim to reach a broader political settlement and end the fighting between the Taliban and the Western-backed government in Kabul.

Details of any future negotiations remain unclear, with the Taliban so far refusing to deal directly with the government, which it considers an illegitimate "puppet" regime.

Direct negotiation

Ghani met Khalilzad and will "study and assess" details of the draft, spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told reporters earlier on Monday. "But for us, a meaningful peace or a path to a meaningful peace is the end of violence and direct negotiation with the Taliban," he said.

Many Afghan government officials have resented the exclusion of the government from the US-Taliban talks, an issue that was underlined when Ghani was not allowed to keep a text of the draft agreement after it was shown to him.

Several details of the agreement remain to be clarified, including the status to be accorded to the Taliban, which the draft recognises under their preferred title as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Some Afghan officials object to that as they see it according the insurgents an equivalent status to the country's internationally recognised government.

At the same time, presidential elections, scheduled for Sept. 28 in which Ghani is seeking re-election to a second five-year term, were not covered in the agreement, Khalilzad said. The Taliban have consistently rejected the elections.

Khalilzad, who has completed nine rounds of talks with Taliban representatives, is scheduled to hold meetings with a number of Afghan leaders in Kabul this week to build a consensus before the deal is signed.

The peace talks have taken place against a backdrop of relentless violence, even before Monday's blast in Kabul, with the Taliban mounting two large-scale attacks on the major northern cities of Kunduz and Pul-e Khumri at the weekend.

Afghan security forces pushed back Taliban fighters from both cities, but a suicide bomber detonated his explosives on Monday in Kunduz, killing at least six policemen and wounding 15, officials and the Taliban said.

Trump has made little secret of his desire to bring the 14,000 US troops home from Afghanistan, where American troops have been deployed since a US-led campaign overthrew the Taliban in 2001.

But there are concerns among Afghan officials and US national security aides about a US withdrawal, with fears Afghanistan could be plunged into a new civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and allow international militants, including Islamic State, to find a refuge.

The United States would withdraw almost 5,000 troops from Afghanistan and close five bases within 135 days under a draft peace accord agreed with the Taliban, the chief US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Monday.

The United States would withdraw almost 5,000 troops from Afghanistan and close five bases within 135 days under a draft peace accord agreed with the Taliban, the chief US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Monday. The deal, reached after months of negotiations with representatives from the insurgent movement, must still be approved by US President Donald Trump before it can be signed, Khalilzad said in an interview with Tolo News television. "In principle, we have got there," he said. "The document is closed." In exchange for the phased withdrawal, the Taliban would commit not to allow Afghanistan to be used by militant groups such as al Qaeda or Islamic State as a base for attacks on the United States and its allies. Watch: 'US Troops Would Remain in Afghanistan' says Donald Trump × The distance that must still be covered before peace is achieved was underlined, however, by a large explosion that rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, even as Khalilzad's interview was being aired, shaking buildings several kilometres away. Khalilzad, a veteran Afghan-American diplomat, said the aim of the deal was to end the war and that it would lead to a reduction in violence, but there was no formal ceasefire agreement. It would be up to negotiations among Afghans themselves to agree a settlement, he said. He declined to say how long the rest of the roughly 14,000 US troops would remain in Afghanistan after the first stage of the withdrawal, although Taliban officials previously insisted that all foreign forces must leave. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has been briefed on a draft of the accord and will look at details of the deal before giving an opinion, his spokesman said on Monday. Khalilzad said "intra-Afghan" talks, which might be held in Norway, would aim to reach a broader political settlement and end the fighting between the Taliban and the Western-backed government in Kabul. Details of any future negotiations remain unclear, with the Taliban so far refusing to deal directly with the government, which it considers an illegitimate "puppet" regime. Direct negotiation Ghani met Khalilzad and will "study and assess" details of the draft, spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told reporters earlier on Monday. "But for us, a meaningful peace or a path to a meaningful peace is the end of violence and direct negotiation with the Taliban," he said. Many Afghan government officials have resented the exclusion of the government from the US-Taliban talks, an issue that was underlined when Ghani was not allowed to keep a text of the draft agreement after it was shown to him. Several details of the agreement remain to be clarified, including the status to be accorded to the Taliban, which the draft recognises under their preferred title as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Some Afghan officials object to that as they see it according the insurgents an equivalent status to the country's internationally recognised government. At the same time, presidential elections, scheduled for Sept. 28 in which Ghani is seeking re-election to a second five-year term, were not covered in the agreement, Khalilzad said. The Taliban have consistently rejected the elections. Khalilzad, who has completed nine rounds of talks with Taliban representatives, is scheduled to hold meetings with a number of Afghan leaders in Kabul this week to build a consensus before the deal is signed. The peace talks have taken place against a backdrop of relentless violence, even before Monday's blast in Kabul, with the Taliban mounting two large-scale attacks on the major northern cities of Kunduz and Pul-e Khumri at the weekend. Afghan security forces pushed back Taliban fighters from both cities, but a suicide bomber detonated his explosives on Monday in Kunduz, killing at least six policemen and wounding 15, officials and the Taliban said. Trump has made little secret of his desire to bring the 14,000 US troops home from Afghanistan, where American troops have been deployed since a US-led campaign overthrew the Taliban in 2001. But there are concerns among Afghan officials and US national security aides about a US withdrawal, with fears Afghanistan could be plunged into a new civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and allow international militants, including Islamic State, to find a refuge.

US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Afghanistan, close bases: Zalmay Khalilzad

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 3rd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 3rd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 2nd, 2019

Iran said on Monday it would further reduce its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal if European parties failed to shield Tehran's economy from sanctions reimposed by the United States after Washington quit the accord last year.

Iran said on Monday it would further reduce its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal if European parties failed to shield Tehran's economy from sanctions reimposed by the United States after Washington quit the accord last year. "It is meaningless to continue unilateral commitments to the deal if we don't enjoy its benefits as promised by the deal's European parties," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. Iran has said it will breach the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one by one, ratcheting up pressure on the countries who still hope to save it. Tehran has threatened to take further steps by September 6, such as enriching uranium to 20% or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Tehran is prepared to take a "stronger step" in reducing its commitments under the deal with world powers if European countries don't take action to save the pact, its foreign ministry's spokesman said on Monday. "The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran's rights and commitments to the JCPOA," state news agency IRNA quoted the foreign ministry's spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying on Monday. However, Iran had earlier stressed that these steps are "reversible" if the European signatories of the pact fulfilled their obligations. President Donald Trump last year exited the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspected sought to make a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Washington has also reimposed sanctions on exports of Iranian oil. Iran denies ever having sought a nuclear weapon. Also, Iran's government spokesman said on Monday that Iran and France's views on the deal have moved closer, mainly after phone cal/ls between President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. "Fortunately the points of views have become closer on many issues and now technical discussions are being held on ways to carry out the Europeans' commitments (in the nuclear deal)," the spokesman, Ali Rabiei, said in remarks carried by state television. He did not go into details. Two Iranian officials and one diplomat told Reuters on Aug. 25 that Iran wants to export a minimum of 700,000 barrels per day of its oil and ideally up to 1.5 million bpd if the West wants to negotiate with Tehran to save the nuclear deal. "Iran's oil should be purchased and its money accessible," Rabiei said on Monday. Iran's oil exports have plummeted because of the U.S. sanctions, which also make it difficult for the country to receive payments through banks.

Iran warns EU over nuclear commitments as deadline for further steps looms

As the United States grappled with yet another mass shooting event on Sunday, President Donald Trump said that background checks on gun purchasers would not have prevented recent gun violence in the country.

As the United States grappled with yet another mass shooting event on Sunday, President Donald Trump said that background checks on gun purchasers would not have prevented recent gun violence in the country. A gunman near Odessa, Texas, killed seven and wounded 21 more after fleeing a traffic stop on Saturday. His motives remain unclear. Trump made the remarks to reporters at the White House after returning to Washington from Camp David. The president said he would be working with Democrats and Republicans on gun legislation when Congress returns this month. "I think Congress has got a lot of thinking to do frankly. They've been doing a lot of work," Trump said. "I think you're going to see some interesting things coming along." Earlier this year, the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that calls for background checks on every gun purchase, including sales at gun shows, which are currently exempted. But the measure has failed to receive a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate. Trump said at the White House that "for the most part, as strong as you make your background checks, they would not have stopped any of it." Last month, a gunman killed 22 people and wounded another 24 in El Paso, Texas, while another assailant killed nine and injured 27 in Dayton, Ohio. The shooter in Saturday's incident opened fire during a traffic stop near the town of Midland, Texas, and then sped off, spraying bullets at pedestrians and motorists. At one point, he ditched his car and hijacked a postal truck. The gunman, who remains unidentified, was killed by police in a movie theater parking lot in Odessa. Trump called him "a very sick person." After the El Paso and Dayton shootings, Trump initially indicated a willingness to support more stringent background checks on gun buyers, but has since seemed to more closely align himself with the gun lobby, which opposes any increased restrictions. Julian Castro, the former U.S. housing secretary and Democratic presidential candidate, said on Sunday that Trump "had gone back on his word" regarding background check legislation. Castro, who made the remarks on NBC's "Meet the Press," is a former mayor of San Antonio, Texas. Trump has suggested that he would support efforts to encourage states to adopt "red flag" laws, which give family members and police the power to obtain a court order from a judge to confiscate firearms from someone deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Trump says gun background checks would not have prevented recent gun violence

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 1st, 2019

As negotiators work to nail down an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US&nbsp;troops from Afghanistan, misgivings have grown among some Trump administration officials and lawmakers that it will erode the United States' ability to thwart attacks from there, US officials said.

Their concerns collide with US President Donald Trump's impatience to secure a deal to draw down 14,000 troops and end America's longest war, allowing him to claim a foreign policy victory as he campaigns for re-election in 2020.

On Thursday, Trump appeared to reflect some of his aides' caution, telling Fox News Radio that US troops would initially be reduced&nbsp;and "then we make a determination from there as to what happens."

Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, has led nine rounds of talks with Taliban leaders on ending a conflict triggered by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States that were hatched by al Qaeda from what was then Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

In return for the US drawdown, the Taliban would renounce ties with al Qaeda and guarantee Afghanistan would not be used to plot operations against the United States or its allies. They also would open talks on a political settlement with the Afghan government, opposition parties and civil society.

US officials say a US withdrawal would be "conditions-based" and would stop if the Taliban reneged on the agreement.

However, some US&nbsp;officials, commanders and lawmakers neither trust the Taliban and its elite operations arm, the Haqqani network, to break with al Qaeda nor believe they can keep their ally from plotting attacks, US&nbsp;officials and regional experts said.

"We cannot just wish these wars away unfortunately," said Republican Representative Michael Waltz, a former Green Beret officer who commanded U.S. special forces in Afghanistan. "They will follow us home."

"Even if you believe Taliban assurances (of) denying safe haven to al Qaeda, I don't see how they even have the capability to do so," said Waltz, a House of Representatives Armed Services Committee member.

A State Department spokeswoman said the United States was not taking the Taliban on trust.

"We're well aware of the history of the Taliban, including the Haqqani network and its complicated history with al Qaeda, which is exactly why any deal, if one is reached, will be so stringently monitored and verified," she said. "The agreement we’re working on is not based on trust."

Secrecy

Among the factors unsettling US&nbsp;officials is the secrecy with which details of negotiations has been held, the fact that they have not been hashed out among the affected US&nbsp;agencies and uncertainty as to whether Trump himself has read the proposed agreement.

Weighing on Waltz, other lawmakers and some US&nbsp;officials is the 2011 US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from Iraq. In 2014, the Islamic State militant group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria, forcing US&nbsp;troops to redeploy.

Those critical about the Afghanistan talks included Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, according to knowledgeable sources.

Bolton was initially not invited to an August&nbsp;16 meeting at Trump's New Jersey golf club where the president was briefed on Khalilzad's negotiations, sources told Reuters.

Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney then invited Bolton because his exclusion was seen as a highly unusual slight and because Trump likes hearing a wide array of voices, said one source.

The secrecy of the negotiations has led congressional committees to halt State Department plans to halve the number of staff at the US&nbsp;Embassy in Kabul, said a congressional aide.

US&nbsp;officials and lawmakers also worry that as the US&nbsp;troop level drops, US-backed Afghan security forces will be harder pressed to contain Islamic State's local affiliate, Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K). The affiliate is gaining control of more territory as its ranks swell with irreconcilable Taliban fighters, U.S. officials and experts said.

The Pentagon warned in a June report that even if an accord is reached, al Qaeda, Islamic State and Taliban "hard-liners" would remain "a substantial threat."

"A lot of people are very nervous about this," said a former Pentagon official who requested anonymity. "US intelligence suggests a robust terrorist presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan and lots of risk in a substantial reduction in the US presence."

The former official said al Qaeda had embedded its personnel inside Taliban units, intermarried with Taliban families and "it would be stunning to see the Taliban suddenly throw an important ally under the bus."

US officials say the accord would provide for monitoring and verifying Taliban compliance. That, most likely, would be done by the CIA and Trump on Thursday said the United States would retain a "high intelligence" presence in Afghanistan as troops withdraw.

However, the CIA mainly relies on US troops for protection and as their number dwindles, US intelligence agencies would have to consolidate into fewer bases, limiting their ability to track threats and forcing increased reliance on proxy militias whose heavy-handedness has made them unpopular, experts said.

"That’s risky and challenging but not impossible," said a former senior intelligence official, who requested anonymity. "The question is how much are you going to miss if you are heavy in Kabul and not so much out in provinces controlled by the Taliban, ISIS and al Qaeda?"

As negotiators work to nail down an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, misgivings have grown among some Trump administration officials and lawmakers that it will erode the United States' ability to thwart attacks from there, US officials said.

As negotiators work to nail down an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, misgivings have grown among some Trump administration officials and lawmakers that it will erode the United States' ability to thwart attacks from there, US officials said. Their concerns collide with US President Donald Trump's impatience to secure a deal to draw down 14,000 troops and end America's longest war, allowing him to claim a foreign policy victory as he campaigns for re-election in 2020. On Thursday, Trump appeared to reflect some of his aides' caution, telling Fox News Radio that US troops would initially be reduced and "then we make a determination from there as to what happens." Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, has led nine rounds of talks with Taliban leaders on ending a conflict triggered by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States that were hatched by al Qaeda from what was then Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. In return for the US drawdown, the Taliban would renounce ties with al Qaeda and guarantee Afghanistan would not be used to plot operations against the United States or its allies. They also would open talks on a political settlement with the Afghan government, opposition parties and civil society. US officials say a US withdrawal would be "conditions-based" and would stop if the Taliban reneged on the agreement. However, some US officials, commanders and lawmakers neither trust the Taliban and its elite operations arm, the Haqqani network, to break with al Qaeda nor believe they can keep their ally from plotting attacks, US officials and regional experts said. "We cannot just wish these wars away unfortunately," said Republican Representative Michael Waltz, a former Green Beret officer who commanded U.S. special forces in Afghanistan. "They will follow us home." "Even if you believe Taliban assurances (of) denying safe haven to al Qaeda, I don't see how they even have the capability to do so," said Waltz, a House of Representatives Armed Services Committee member. A State Department spokeswoman said the United States was not taking the Taliban on trust. "We're well aware of the history of the Taliban, including the Haqqani network and its complicated history with al Qaeda, which is exactly why any deal, if one is reached, will be so stringently monitored and verified," she said. "The agreement we’re working on is not based on trust." Secrecy Among the factors unsettling US officials is the secrecy with which details of negotiations has been held, the fact that they have not been hashed out among the affected US agencies and uncertainty as to whether Trump himself has read the proposed agreement. Weighing on Waltz, other lawmakers and some US officials is the 2011 US troop withdrawal from Iraq. In 2014, the Islamic State militant group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria, forcing US troops to redeploy. Those critical about the Afghanistan talks included Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, according to knowledgeable sources. Bolton was initially not invited to an August 16 meeting at Trump's New Jersey golf club where the president was briefed on Khalilzad's negotiations, sources told Reuters. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney then invited Bolton because his exclusion was seen as a highly unusual slight and because Trump likes hearing a wide array of voices, said one source. The secrecy of the negotiations has led congressional committees to halt State Department plans to halve the number of staff at the US Embassy in Kabul, said a congressional aide. US officials and lawmakers also worry that as the US troop level drops, US-backed Afghan security forces will be harder pressed to contain Islamic State's local affiliate, Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K). The affiliate is gaining control of more territory as its ranks swell with irreconcilable Taliban fighters, U.S. officials and experts said. The Pentagon warned in a June report that even if an accord is reached, al Qaeda, Islamic State and Taliban "hard-liners" would remain "a substantial threat." "A lot of people are very nervous about this," said a former Pentagon official who requested anonymity. "US intelligence suggests a robust terrorist presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan and lots of risk in a substantial reduction in the US presence." The former official said al Qaeda had embedded its personnel inside Taliban units, intermarried with Taliban families and "it would be stunning to see the Taliban suddenly throw an important ally under the bus." US officials say the accord would provide for monitoring and verifying Taliban compliance. That, most likely, would be done by the CIA and Trump on Thursday said the United States would retain a "high intelligence" presence in Afghanistan as troops withdraw. However, the CIA mainly relies on US troops for protection and as their number dwindles, US intelligence agencies would have to consolidate into fewer bases, limiting their ability to track threats and forcing increased reliance on proxy militias whose heavy-handedness has made them unpopular, experts said. "That’s risky and challenging but not impossible," said a former senior intelligence official, who requested anonymity. "The question is how much are you going to miss if you are heavy in Kabul and not so much out in provinces controlled by the Taliban, ISIS and al Qaeda?"

In Donald Trump's team, misgivings emerge over any deal with Taliban in Afghanistan: US officials

The United States has sanctioned the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1 . Watch video to know more.

United States imposes sanctions Iranian Tanker

In a tweet Friday, President Trump revealed a detailed aerial image of an Iranian launchpad, an unusual disclosure that may have confirmed the United States is violating Iran’s airspace to spy on its missile program.

Trump shares image of Iranian launch site on Twitter

US President Donald Trump said his longtime executive assistant Madeleine Westerhout had a "bad night" when she allegedly shared details about the first family at a dinner with reporters.

Trump's assistant resigns, said things that were "a little bit hurtful" - Trump

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 31st, 2019

US President Donald Trump blames federal policies again. Trump says the US economy does not have a 'tariff problem' and blames badly run companies.

US President Donald Trump blames federal policies again

North Korea Saturday lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/focused-on-getting-two-canadians-released-from-china-pompeo-to-trudeau-244884">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> over his comments on Pyongyang's "rogue behaviour" and warned its expectations for nuclear talks with Washington are "gradually disappearing".

Pyongyang's angry words come as working-level talks with Washington remain gridlocked, despite an agreement in June between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-pompeo-remark-would-make-talks-with-us-more-difficult-246778">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> and President Donald Trump to kickstart the process.

Instead, no progress has been made in recent weeks, as the reclusive state launched a series of weapons tests in protest at joint military exercises between the US and South Korea.

"Our expectations of dialogue with the US are gradually disappearing and we are being pushed to re-examine all the measures we have taken so far," said Choe Son Hui, the North's vice foreign minister, in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.&nbsp;

Choe took aim at remarks made earlier this week by Pompeo who described North Korea's actions as "rogue behaviour" that could not be ignored.&nbsp;

Such language was improper, irritating and insulting, Choe said, warning that the US should not to put "our patience to the test if it doesn't want to have bitter regrets afterwards".

The North's blistering criticism of the top US diplomat comes a week after it called him a "diehard toxin" and said it was "sceptical" about whether it can negotiate with him.

Kim and Trump adopted a vague-worded statement on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first encounter in Singapore in June last year but little progress has since been made on discarding the North’s weapons programmes.

North Korea Saturday lashed out at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his comments on Pyongyang's "rogue behaviour" and warned its expectations for nuclear talks with Washington are "gradually disappearing".

North Korea Saturday lashed out at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his comments on Pyongyang's "rogue behaviour" and warned its expectations for nuclear talks with Washington are "gradually disappearing". Pyongyang's angry words come as working-level talks with Washington remain gridlocked, despite an agreement in June between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump to kickstart the process. Instead, no progress has been made in recent weeks, as the reclusive state launched a series of weapons tests in protest at joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. "Our expectations of dialogue with the US are gradually disappearing and we are being pushed to re-examine all the measures we have taken so far," said Choe Son Hui, the North's vice foreign minister, in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. Choe took aim at remarks made earlier this week by Pompeo who described North Korea's actions as "rogue behaviour" that could not be ignored. Such language was improper, irritating and insulting, Choe said, warning that the US should not to put "our patience to the test if it doesn't want to have bitter regrets afterwards". The North's blistering criticism of the top US diplomat comes a week after it called him a "diehard toxin" and said it was "sceptical" about whether it can negotiate with him. Kim and Trump adopted a vague-worded statement on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first encounter in Singapore in June last year but little progress has since been made on discarding the North’s weapons programmes.

North Korea hits out at Mike Pompeo, warns hopes for US talks 'disappearing'

U.S. footwear companies urged U.S. President Donald Trump to cancel proposed higher tariffs on Chinese imports

WION Wallet: U.S. Shoe makers urge Trump to drop new Tariffs

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-iran-boosting-bid-to-set-up-hezbollah-precision-missile-plants-in-lebanon-246489">Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah</a> and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions.

Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.&nbsp;

The US Treasury Department accused the bank of funnelling money to the families of suicide bombers.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is determined to cut off support in Lebanon for heavily armed Hezbollah, which Washington classifies as a terrorist group.

Jammal Trust, a 50-year-old commercial bank with branches throughout Lebanon, said it "unequivocally denies all the allegations" that prompted what it described as "surprising" sanctions.

The bank's statement said it has an "unwavering commitment to ... international regulations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing" and that it would work with Lebanon's central bank to protect depositors.

Lebanon's central bank Governor Riad Salameh Salameh on Friday told the Arab Economic News website that it would closely follow Jammal Trust's case and that it will guarantee "all legal deposits".

Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah funding, with sanctions among a slew of fresh measures against Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions. Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions. Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The US Treasury Department accused the bank of funnelling money to the families of suicide bombers. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is determined to cut off support in Lebanon for heavily armed Hezbollah, which Washington classifies as a terrorist group. Jammal Trust, a 50-year-old commercial bank with branches throughout Lebanon, said it "unequivocally denies all the allegations" that prompted what it described as "surprising" sanctions. The bank's statement said it has an "unwavering commitment to ... international regulations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing" and that it would work with Lebanon's central bank to protect depositors. Lebanon's central bank Governor Riad Salameh Salameh on Friday told the Arab Economic News website that it would closely follow Jammal Trust's case and that it will guarantee "all legal deposits". Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah funding, with sanctions among a slew of fresh measures against Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

Sanctions-hit Lebanese bank denies Hezbollah ties

World stocks rose to a one-week high on cautious hopes for a rapprochement on trade between Beijing and Washington on Friday, though a perky dollar capped gains with China's yuan softening again, on track for its weakest month in 2-1/2 decades.

World stocks rose to a one-week high on cautious hopes for a rapprochement on trade between Beijing and Washington on Friday, though a perky dollar capped gains with China's yuan softening again, on track for its weakest month in 2-1/2 decades. For most of August global stocks have reeled and fixed income shone as deepening concerns over global trade and clear signs of a slowdown, possibly even a recession, in the global economy loomed large over financial markets. But the mood lifted after US President Donald Trump said some trade discussions were taking place with China on Thursday, with more talks scheduled. China's commerce ministry also said a September round of meetings was being discussed by the two sides, but added it was important for Washington to cancel a tariff increase. The MSCI All-Country World Index climbed 0.3 per cent but is on track for a near 3 per cent decline in August - only the second month the benchmark has spent in the red this year. It is the weakest of August for the index since 2015. European stocks on Friday extended the previous session's gains, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3 per cent to trade at a fresh one-month high. "The trade war seesaw has certainly moved back in favour of riskier assets for now, with Trump and China supposedly holding a call yesterday," said Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid. Gains were helped by a surge in German real estate firms which saw the country's DAX index add 0.7 per cent. The picture was more mixed in Asia, where Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets dipped in and out of the red. Arrests or detentions of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong added to investor jitters, with the Chinese-ruled territory facing its first recession in a decade. Japan's Nikkei added 1.2 per cent, while South Korea's KOSPI jumped 1.8 per cent. US futures pointed to a firmer start to the day's trade, with E-Minis for the S&P500 up 0.3 per cent after more than 1 per cent gain on Wall Street overnight. Fixed income markets took a breather on Friday, at the end of a stellar month that has seen prices rally and borrowing costs push deeper and deeper into negative territory. US Treasury yields nudged higher overnight, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury climbing to 1.5349 per cent from a three-year low of 1.443 per cent touched earlier this week. It was still below two-year yields at 1.5419 per cent. Such an inversion was last seen in 2007 and correctly foretold the great recession that followed a year later. Eurozone government bond yields were steady near record lows as data showed the bloc's inflation remained low at 1.0 per cent in August, well below the European Central Bank's target and bolstering expectations for European Central Bank stimulus in September. Germany is considering lowering its corporate tax rate, while the US government is thinking about issuing 50- and 100-year bonds in a bid to steepen the yield curve. Recent economic data has also pointed to a global growth slowdown with business investment, manufacturing activity, and exports all going south across major economies. Investors were focused on a string of economic releases due over the weekend including China's official manufacturing survey, which would provide a good gauge of the real impact from the Sino-US trade war. Glum yuan In currency markets, the dollar nudged to a one month high of 98.609 against a basket of six major currencies. Yet the trade optimism failed to inspire China's yuan, which resumed its decline with spot yuan at 7.1462 against the dollar. The currency is on track for its weakest month since Beijing's currency reform in 1994 after it broke through the key 7 to the dollar level earlier in August. "The yuan move back to 7 and beyond has been a distinct possibility for months. It is clearly down due to the tariffs," said Neil Mellor, senior FX strategist at BNY Mellon in London. "It does help them to some extent to absorb the tariff costs - it is one of the few options they have. The fiscal option is limited after years of excess, and the monetary stimulus has already been unprecedented this year." The Australian dollar, often seen as a proxy bet on the Chinese economy, slipped towards a 10-year trough. Elsewhere, the euro plunged to a one-month low against the dollar, as investors looked for aggressive easing by the European Central Bank and ignored doubts by some policymakers about the need for more stimulus. The Japanese yen stood at 106.40 to the dollar, while the euro was 0.2 per cent down at $1.10395. Sterling was steady at $1.2182 against the dollar ahead of a crucial few days for parliament next week which could even result in a no-confidence motion and a new election. In commodities, spot gold came off recent highs to trade at $1,526 an ounce. Silver was at $18.37 an ounce after hitting its highest level in more than two years. US crude slipped 57 cents to $56.14 a barrel while Brent fell 30 cents to $60.78 a barrel.

Global stocks scale one-week high on trade hopes, yuan softens

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