Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday thanked his Mexican counterpart for increased immigration enforcement by the country, which he said is leading to fewer migrants entering the United States.

The meeting confirmed a considerably calmer tone in US-Mexican relations than in early June when President Donald Trump had threatened stiff new trade tariffs against the United States' southern neighbour unless it acted forcefully to slow the migrant flow.&nbsp;

Pompeo met Sunday in Mexico City with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on a regional trip that began in Argentina and Ecuador and later took him to El Salvador.

"Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Ebrard for Mexico's increased immigration enforcement efforts," the State Department said.

Speaking in El Salvador, Pompeo said that Mexico has "made real progress" on migration.

"The numbers are good... There are fewer apprehensions taking place today along our southern border, but we've got a long way to go yet -- there's still much more work to do," he told a news conference in San Salvador.

The meeting between Ebrard and Pompeo, while focused primarily on migration, also included talks on recovering the wealth of notorious drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman -- sentenced to life imprisonment in the US -- as well as the status of the not-yet-ratified North American trade agreement, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said.&nbsp;

The Mexican statement said Pompeo had recognised "significant advances" by Mexico on slowing migration since a high-stakes June 7 meeting in Washington held amid a growing migration crisis.

Drug fortune

That accord -- reached under the shadow of Trump's trade threats -- stipulated that failure by Mexico to rein in cross-border migration within 45 days could result in the need to negotiate a tougher arrangement.

But the Mexican statement said that "in light of these advances," Ebrard "does not consider it necessary to initiate" such negotiations.

At the meeting Sunday, Ebrard said Mexico's strategy to "ensure orderly, safe and regular migrant flows will continue for the next 45 days," the statement said.&nbsp;

The Mexican government in June deployed thousands of soldiers and police officers, both near the southern border with Guatemala and the US border in the north, to slow the migrant flow, which has come principally from impoverished and crime-ridden Central American countries.

Official Mexican figures say the number of migrants coming into Mexico from those countries fell from 144,000 in May to 100,000 in June.

Pompeo and Ebrard also discussed the fortune amassed by drug kingpin Guzman.&nbsp;

The US judge who sentenced him to life in prison last week ordered Guzman to forfeit $12.6 billion, but Mexico wants the money to stay in that country.

The two diplomats discussed creating a binational group to study the matter.&nbsp;

Pompeo then travelled to El Salvador and met with President Nayib Bukele.

"We support his plans to stimulate economic growth and reduce illegal migration and believe his vision to build a strong, self-reliant #ElSalvador will lead to a bright future," Pompeo tweeted.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday thanked his Mexican counterpart for increased immigration enforcement by the country, which he said is leading to fewer migrants entering the United States.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday thanked his Mexican counterpart for increased immigration enforcement by the country, which he said is leading to fewer migrants entering the United States. The meeting confirmed a considerably calmer tone in US-Mexican relations than in early June when President Donald Trump had threatened stiff new trade tariffs against the United States' southern neighbour unless it acted forcefully to slow the migrant flow. Pompeo met Sunday in Mexico City with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on a regional trip that began in Argentina and Ecuador and later took him to El Salvador. "Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Ebrard for Mexico's increased immigration enforcement efforts," the State Department said. Speaking in El Salvador, Pompeo said that Mexico has "made real progress" on migration. "The numbers are good... There are fewer apprehensions taking place today along our southern border, but we've got a long way to go yet -- there's still much more work to do," he told a news conference in San Salvador. The meeting between Ebrard and Pompeo, while focused primarily on migration, also included talks on recovering the wealth of notorious drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman -- sentenced to life imprisonment in the US -- as well as the status of the not-yet-ratified North American trade agreement, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said. The Mexican statement said Pompeo had recognised "significant advances" by Mexico on slowing migration since a high-stakes June 7 meeting in Washington held amid a growing migration crisis. Drug fortune That accord -- reached under the shadow of Trump's trade threats -- stipulated that failure by Mexico to rein in cross-border migration within 45 days could result in the need to negotiate a tougher arrangement. But the Mexican statement said that "in light of these advances," Ebrard "does not consider it necessary to initiate" such negotiations. At the meeting Sunday, Ebrard said Mexico's strategy to "ensure orderly, safe and regular migrant flows will continue for the next 45 days," the statement said. The Mexican government in June deployed thousands of soldiers and police officers, both near the southern border with Guatemala and the US border in the north, to slow the migrant flow, which has come principally from impoverished and crime-ridden Central American countries. Official Mexican figures say the number of migrants coming into Mexico from those countries fell from 144,000 in May to 100,000 in June. Pompeo and Ebrard also discussed the fortune amassed by drug kingpin Guzman. The US judge who sentenced him to life in prison last week ordered Guzman to forfeit $12.6 billion, but Mexico wants the money to stay in that country. The two diplomats discussed creating a binational group to study the matter. Pompeo then travelled to El Salvador and met with President Nayib Bukele. "We support his plans to stimulate economic growth and reduce illegal migration and believe his vision to build a strong, self-reliant #ElSalvador will lead to a bright future," Pompeo tweeted.

Pompeo and Mexican counterpart welcome reduced flow of migrants

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 - July 22nd, 2019

A dark cloud of impeachment has threatened President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-democratic-congresswoman-should-apologize-to-america-237518&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi2z5WmuMjjAhXN63MBHTx7BTE4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hPftQsY_ekxSVDPZWQJZy">Donald Trump</a> for many months, with Democrats in the US House of Representatives, where any such effort to remove him from office would begin, divided about whether to proceed.

In American politics, few procedures are as arduous or as divisive as the Constitution's carefully balanced law for ousting a chief executive found to be unfit to serve.

No president has ever been removed as a direct result of it. One, President Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be&nbsp;removed. Two, presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached by the House, but not convicted by the Senate.

Since he took office in January 2017, Trump has been under investigation. A turning point came in mid-April with the release of a redacted version of a long-awaited report from former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

On Wednesday, Mueller will testify before two House committees about his report, with Democrats planning to focus the proceedings on Trump's conduct. The strategy, described by Democratic congressional aides, is intended to build support among Americans for Democrats' investigative agenda, possibly leading to impeachment proceedings.

The 448-page Mueller report explored an effort by Moscow to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election to help Trump win. It described contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians but found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign and the Kremlin engaged in a criminal conspiracy.

The Mueller report also described numerous attempts by Trump and his advisers to impede Mueller's investigation but offered no conclusion on whether obstruction of justice was committed.

Trump has attacked Mueller, called his probe a "witch hunt" and scorned talk of impeachment as "dirty, filthy, disgusting."

Some lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House favour starting the impeachment process, but their leaders have resisted these demands. Last week, an impeachment resolution came to a vote on the House floor and was killed.

The Senate is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, meaning that any impeachment proceedings that might begin in the House would likely die in the Republican-controlled Senate, unless public sentiment was to shift dramatically in favour of removing the president.

About 45 per cent of Americans said Trump should be impeached in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May, up from 40 per cent in April.

WATCH:&nbsp;Somalis on Trump telling congresswomen 'go back'

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Here is how the impeachment process works.

Why impeachment? 
The founders of the United States created the office of the presidency and feared that its powers could be abused. So they included impeachment as a central part of the Constitution.

They gave the House "the sole power of impeachment;" the Senate, "the sole power to try all impeachments" and the chief justice of the Supreme Court the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate.

The president, under the Constitution, can be removed from office for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." What exactly that means is unclear. Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings.

How does it work? 
Impeachment begins in the House, which debates and votes on whether to bring charges against the president via approval of an impeachment resolution, or "articles of impeachment," by a simple majority of the House's 435 members.

If the House approves such a resolution, a trial is then held in the Senate. House members act as the prosecutors; the senators as jurors; the chief justice presides. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president. This has never happened.

Can the Supreme Court overturn? 
No. Trump has said on Twitter that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But the founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary.

Party breakdown in Congress? 
The House has 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans, one independent and two vacant seats. As a result, the Democrats could impeach Trump with no Republican support.

In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat.

The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with the Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would require 67 votes. So, for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him.

Who becomes President if Trump is removed? 
In the unlikely event the Senate convicted Trump, Vice President Mike Pence would become president for the remainder of Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021.

A dark cloud of impeachment has threatened President Donald Trump for many months, with Democrats in the US House of Representatives, where any such effort to remove him from office would begin, divided about whether to proceed.

A dark cloud of impeachment has threatened President Donald Trump for many months, with Democrats in the US House of Representatives, where any such effort to remove him from office would begin, divided about whether to proceed. In American politics, few procedures are as arduous or as divisive as the Constitution's carefully balanced law for ousting a chief executive found to be unfit to serve. No president has ever been removed as a direct result of it. One, President Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be removed. Two, presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached by the House, but not convicted by the Senate. Since he took office in January 2017, Trump has been under investigation. A turning point came in mid-April with the release of a redacted version of a long-awaited report from former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller. On Wednesday, Mueller will testify before two House committees about his report, with Democrats planning to focus the proceedings on Trump's conduct. The strategy, described by Democratic congressional aides, is intended to build support among Americans for Democrats' investigative agenda, possibly leading to impeachment proceedings. The 448-page Mueller report explored an effort by Moscow to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election to help Trump win. It described contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians but found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign and the Kremlin engaged in a criminal conspiracy. The Mueller report also described numerous attempts by Trump and his advisers to impede Mueller's investigation but offered no conclusion on whether obstruction of justice was committed. Trump has attacked Mueller, called his probe a "witch hunt" and scorned talk of impeachment as "dirty, filthy, disgusting." Some lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House favour starting the impeachment process, but their leaders have resisted these demands. Last week, an impeachment resolution came to a vote on the House floor and was killed. The Senate is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, meaning that any impeachment proceedings that might begin in the House would likely die in the Republican-controlled Senate, unless public sentiment was to shift dramatically in favour of removing the president. About 45 per cent of Americans said Trump should be impeached in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May, up from 40 per cent in April. WATCH: Somalis on Trump telling congresswomen 'go back' × Here is how the impeachment process works. Why impeachment? The founders of the United States created the office of the presidency and feared that its powers could be abused. So they included impeachment as a central part of the Constitution. They gave the House "the sole power of impeachment;" the Senate, "the sole power to try all impeachments" and the chief justice of the Supreme Court the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate. The president, under the Constitution, can be removed from office for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." What exactly that means is unclear. Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings. How does it work? Impeachment begins in the House, which debates and votes on whether to bring charges against the president via approval of an impeachment resolution, or "articles of impeachment," by a simple majority of the House's 435 members. If the House approves such a resolution, a trial is then held in the Senate. House members act as the prosecutors; the senators as jurors; the chief justice presides. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president. This has never happened. Can the Supreme Court overturn? No. Trump has said on Twitter that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But the founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary. Party breakdown in Congress? The House has 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans, one independent and two vacant seats. As a result, the Democrats could impeach Trump with no Republican support. In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat. The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with the Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would require 67 votes. So, for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him. Who becomes President if Trump is removed? In the unlikely event the Senate convicted Trump, Vice President Mike Pence would become president for the remainder of Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021.

What it would take for US Congress to impeach Trump?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Pakistan</a> needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs while reducing debt, the acting director of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christine-lagarde-resigns-as-international-monetary-fund-chief-starting-race-for-her-successor-236536">International Monetary Fund</a> said on Sunday after a meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khans-cost-cutting-us-visit-to-take-qatar-airways-flight-to-us-236985">Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

The two officials discussed recent economic developments and implementation of Pakistan's IMF-supported economic reforms, which are aimed at stabilizing the economy, strengthening institutions and paving the way for sustainable and balanced growth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-reaches-agreement-with-argentina-to-release-54-bn-loan-tranche-233428">David Lipton</a> said in a statement.

Khan's government faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan`s latest bailout from the IMF are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power.

Lipton said the IMF and other international partners were working closely with the Pakistani government to support the implementation of the reforms.

"I highlighted the need to mobilize domestic tax revenue now and on into the future to provide reliably for needed social and development spending while placing debt on a firm downward trend," Lipton said in a statement after the meeting.

Khan, who arrived in Washington on Sunday, is due to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.&nbsp;

Trump is likely to press Khan for help in ending the war in Afghanistan and fighting militants.

Last year, Trump cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of offering "nothing but lies and deceit" while giving haven to terrorists, a charge angrily rejected by Islamabad.

In recent years, import-led consumption has propped up growth in Pakistan and helped hide the problems of an economy riddled with inefficiency and without a strong export base.

But Khan's government, like many of its predecessors, has been forced to turn to the IMF to prevent a balance-of-payments crisis.

Economic growth, which reached 5.5 per cent in the fiscal year to June 2018, is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent this financial year, according to IMF estimates, barely enough to keep pace with the growth in a population that now numbers 208 million.

Pakistan needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs while reducing debt, the acting director of the International Monetary Fund said on Sunday after a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs while reducing debt, the acting director of the International Monetary Fund said on Sunday after a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The two officials discussed recent economic developments and implementation of Pakistan's IMF-supported economic reforms, which are aimed at stabilizing the economy, strengthening institutions and paving the way for sustainable and balanced growth, David Lipton said in a statement. Khan's government faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan`s latest bailout from the IMF are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power. Lipton said the IMF and other international partners were working closely with the Pakistani government to support the implementation of the reforms. "I highlighted the need to mobilize domestic tax revenue now and on into the future to provide reliably for needed social and development spending while placing debt on a firm downward trend," Lipton said in a statement after the meeting. Khan, who arrived in Washington on Sunday, is due to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Trump is likely to press Khan for help in ending the war in Afghanistan and fighting militants. Last year, Trump cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of offering "nothing but lies and deceit" while giving haven to terrorists, a charge angrily rejected by Islamabad. In recent years, import-led consumption has propped up growth in Pakistan and helped hide the problems of an economy riddled with inefficiency and without a strong export base. But Khan's government, like many of its predecessors, has been forced to turn to the IMF to prevent a balance-of-payments crisis. Economic growth, which reached 5.5 per cent in the fiscal year to June 2018, is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent this financial year, according to IMF estimates, barely enough to keep pace with the growth in a population that now numbers 208 million.

International Monetary Fund says Pakistan needs to mobilise tax revenue, cut debt

US national security adviser John Bolton departed on Saturday for a trip to Japan and South Korea as the two countries are in the middle of a trade dispute.

A White House National Security Council spokesman said on Twitter that Bolton planned to "continue conversations with critical allies and friends."

President Donald Trump on Friday offered his help to ease tensions in the political and economic dispute between the United States' two biggest allies in Asia, which threatens global supplies of memory chips and smartphones.&nbsp;

Lingering tensions, particularly over the issue of compensation for South Koreans forced to work for Japanese occupiers during World War Two, worsened this month when Japan restricted exports of high-tech materials to South Korea.

Japan has denied that the dispute over compensation is behind the export curbs, even though one of its ministers cited broken trust with Seoul over the labour dispute in announcing the restrictions.

The export curbs could hurt global technology companies.

Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that South Korean President Moon Jae-in had asked him if he could get involved.

A spokeswoman for Moon confirmed Moon had asked Trump for help at their summit in Seoul on June 30.

Bolton will visit South Korea from July 23 to July 24, South Korea's presidential office spokeswoman Ko Min-jung said on Sunday. He will meet South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong on Wednesday to discuss a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen the alliance between Seoul and Washington.

During his trip, Bolton is also likely to seek support for a US initiative to heighten surveillance of vital Middle East shipping lanes, which has been greeted warily by allies reluctant to raise tensions with Iran, which Washington blames for attacks on tankers.&nbsp;

Japanese media has said the issue could be on the agenda when Bolton visits Japan, where any military commitment abroad would risk inflaming a divide in public opinion in a country whose armed forces have not fought overseas since World War Two.&nbsp;

A South Korean official said last week Washington had yet to make any official request to Seoul on the issue.

The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine General Joseph Dunford, said this month Washington hoped to enlist allies in a military coalition to safeguard strategic waters off Iran and Yemen, where Washington blames Iran and Iran-aligned fighters for attacks.&nbsp;

But with allies reluctant to commit new weaponry or fighting forces, a senior Pentagon official told on Thursday the aim was not to set up a military coalition but to shine a "flashlight" in the region to deter attacks on commercial shipping.&nbsp;

Kathryn Wheelbarger, who briefed NATO allies in the past week on the US proposal, said it was less operational and more geared toward increasing surveillance capabilities.

Japan is the world's fourth-biggest oil buyer and 86% of its oil supplies last year passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.

Japan's position is complicated by the fact that it has maintained friendly ties with Iran which it would be reluctant to damage. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made an unsuccessful bid to ease tensions in the region when he met Iranian leaders in Tehran last month.

US national security adviser John Bolton departed on Saturday for a trip to Japan and South Korea as the two countries are in the middle of a trade dispute. A White House National Security Council spokesman said on Twitter that Bolton planned to "continue conversations with critical allies and friends.

US national security adviser John Bolton departed on Saturday for a trip to Japan and South Korea as the two countries are in the middle of a trade dispute. A White House National Security Council spokesman said on Twitter that Bolton planned to "continue conversations with critical allies and friends." President Donald Trump on Friday offered his help to ease tensions in the political and economic dispute between the United States' two biggest allies in Asia, which threatens global supplies of memory chips and smartphones. Lingering tensions, particularly over the issue of compensation for South Koreans forced to work for Japanese occupiers during World War Two, worsened this month when Japan restricted exports of high-tech materials to South Korea. Japan has denied that the dispute over compensation is behind the export curbs, even though one of its ministers cited broken trust with Seoul over the labour dispute in announcing the restrictions. The export curbs could hurt global technology companies. Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that South Korean President Moon Jae-in had asked him if he could get involved. A spokeswoman for Moon confirmed Moon had asked Trump for help at their summit in Seoul on June 30. Bolton will visit South Korea from July 23 to July 24, South Korea's presidential office spokeswoman Ko Min-jung said on Sunday. He will meet South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong on Wednesday to discuss a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen the alliance between Seoul and Washington. During his trip, Bolton is also likely to seek support for a US initiative to heighten surveillance of vital Middle East shipping lanes, which has been greeted warily by allies reluctant to raise tensions with Iran, which Washington blames for attacks on tankers. Japanese media has said the issue could be on the agenda when Bolton visits Japan, where any military commitment abroad would risk inflaming a divide in public opinion in a country whose armed forces have not fought overseas since World War Two. A South Korean official said last week Washington had yet to make any official request to Seoul on the issue. The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine General Joseph Dunford, said this month Washington hoped to enlist allies in a military coalition to safeguard strategic waters off Iran and Yemen, where Washington blames Iran and Iran-aligned fighters for attacks. But with allies reluctant to commit new weaponry or fighting forces, a senior Pentagon official told on Thursday the aim was not to set up a military coalition but to shine a "flashlight" in the region to deter attacks on commercial shipping. Kathryn Wheelbarger, who briefed NATO allies in the past week on the US proposal, said it was less operational and more geared toward increasing surveillance capabilities. Japan is the world's fourth-biggest oil buyer and 86% of its oil supplies last year passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond. Japan's position is complicated by the fact that it has maintained friendly ties with Iran which it would be reluctant to damage. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made an unsuccessful bid to ease tensions in the region when he met Iranian leaders in Tehran last month.

US adviser Bolton travels to Japan, South Korea amid trade dispute

Imran Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Following a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump will host the visiting prime minister for a working lunch at the White House. Imran Khan’s maiden visit to the US as Pakistan’s Prime Minister will be “weak in substance” and there is nothing he can promise that hasn’t been promised before, a former top diplomat has said.

Imran Khan's biggest diplomatic visit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>'s visit to the United States lands in a major controversy after netizens question the welcome accorded to him during his maiden visit.&nbsp;

A row has erupted over Khan's US visit, netizens question that Khan was not given a due welcome upon his arrival in Washington. Khan was welcomed by his Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi,&nbsp;Pakistan's envoy to the US and senior state department officials.&nbsp;

The US State Department maintains that Khan was received by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher as he is on a working visit and not a state visit.

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Prime Minister Khan was received at the airport by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher, as is standard for an Official Working Visit to the White House: <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://t.co/bNmGnDx5uT">https://t.co/bNmGnDx5uT</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1152976715204792321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Khan also boarded a commercial flight instead of a private jet - a move that is telling of Pakistan's current economic conditions.

Netizens were quick to comment on the welcome that was given to the Pak PM.

Watch: Will Afghanistan's allegation affect Imran Khan's US visit?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-allegation-will-affect-imran-khans-us-visit-237511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Khan's three-day visit has already been marred by controversies. Ten members of the US Congress have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-apprised-of-persecution-of-mohajirs-in-pakistan-ahead-of-meeting-with-imran-khan-237508">written to President Donald Trump</a> raising serious concerns over the conversion of religious minorities in the South Asian nation.

Meanwhile, right ahead of Khan's meeting with the US President, the Afghan government accused Pakistan of being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blames-pakistan-for-kandahar-attack-ahead-of-imran-trump-meet-237084">responsible for the recent Kandahar attack</a>.&nbsp;

The Kandahar terror attack, alleges Afghanistan, was planned in Chaman in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Twelve people were killed in the attack which was claimed by the Taliban.

India has long accused Pakistan of using terror as a state policy to foment trouble - a&nbsp;sentiment which has been echoed by Kabul in recent years.

Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. He will be accompanied by General Bajwa and lieutenant General Hameed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the United States lands in a major controversy after netizens question the welcome accorded to him during his maiden visit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the United States lands in a major controversy after netizens question the welcome accorded to him during his maiden visit. A row has erupted over Khan's US visit, netizens question that Khan was not given a due welcome upon his arrival in Washington. Khan was welcomed by his Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan's envoy to the US and senior state department officials. The US State Department maintains that Khan was received by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher as he is on a working visit and not a state visit. Prime Minister Khan was received at the airport by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher, as is standard for an Official Working Visit to the White House: @StateDept to @WIONews https://t.co/bNmGnDx5uT — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 21, 2019 × Khan also boarded a commercial flight instead of a private jet - a move that is telling of Pakistan's current economic conditions. Netizens were quick to comment on the welcome that was given to the Pak PM. Watch: Will Afghanistan's allegation affect Imran Khan's US visit? Khan's three-day visit has already been marred by controversies. Ten members of the US Congress have written to President Donald Trump raising serious concerns over the conversion of religious minorities in the South Asian nation. Meanwhile, right ahead of Khan's meeting with the US President, the Afghan government accused Pakistan of being responsible for the recent Kandahar attack. The Kandahar terror attack, alleges Afghanistan, was planned in Chaman in Pakistan. Twelve people were killed in the attack which was claimed by the Taliban. India has long accused Pakistan of using terror as a state policy to foment trouble - a sentiment which has been echoed by Kabul in recent years. Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. He will be accompanied by General Bajwa and lieutenant General Hameed.

Ahead of much-awaited Trump-Khan meeting, row erupts on Washington's welcome accorded to Pakistan PM 

Afghanistan intelligence has recently released audio tapes, which reveal Pakistan's link to the Kandahar attack. Will this affect Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US?

Afghans allegation will affect Imran Khan's US visit?

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Washington DC on a three-day official trip to the US. According to the reports, Khan did not receive the state protocol which the US gives to the heads of the government who arrive on an official trip.

No top official to welcome Imran Khan in US

The top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-clash-between-trump-us-house-democrats-shifts-into-courts-228730">Democrat</a> on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-testimony-on-russia-meddling-investigation-postponed-reports-235395">Robert Mueller</a> to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

"The report presents very substantial evidence that the president is guilty of high crime and misdemeanours, and we have to let Mueller present those facts to the American people and then see where we go from there," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said on "Fox News Sunday."

"The administration must be held accountable, and no president can be above the law."

Nadler`s comments are significant because evidence of such crimes would be required if Democrats pursue impeachment proceedings against the president.

In two nationally televised back-to-back hearings on Wednesday before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees, Democrats are expected to try and get Mueller to focus his testimony on specific examples of Trump`s misconduct.

By having Mueller lay bare the unflattering details of how Trump tried to stymie the investigation into his campaign, Democrats hope they can build support for their ongoing investigations into the president and potentially, impeachment proceedings.

Some Democrats in Congress support impeaching Trump, but they have not managed to win traction from House Democratic leadership including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has preferred a more cautious approach that entails conducting congressional fact-finding investigations into Trump`s conduct.

Last week, the House voted 332-95 to table an impeachment resolution.&nbsp;

Mueller completed his nearly two-year-long probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election in March, and the Justice Department released a redacted copy of his report in April.

The report laid out numerous contacts between Russian officials and Trump`s campaign but found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy. 
It also gave examples of 10 incidents in which Trump sought to hinder the investigation, but it did not draw any conclusions on whether Trump obstructed justice.&nbsp;

Attorney General William Barr later concluded he did not see enough evidence to bring obstruction charges.

Whether Democrats will get Mueller to discuss Trump`s conduct in detail remains to be seen.

Mueller has made it clear he has no desire to appear before Congress, saying the report is his testimony, and he is also notorious for being tight-lipped and for giving one-word answers in hearings.

Nadler said Democrats plan to ask very specific questions about Trump`s obstructive conduct and ask Mueller to read passages from the report aloud.

"We hope it won`t end up being a dud," he said of the hearing.

Meanwhile, Nadler said Sunday he plans to go to court "within a couple of days" after the Mueller hearings to enforce a subpoena, after the White House ordered former White House Counsel Don McGahn not to testify about incidents he witnessed which many say show Trump tried to obstruct justice.

The top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

The top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday. "The report presents very substantial evidence that the president is guilty of high crime and misdemeanours, and we have to let Mueller present those facts to the American people and then see where we go from there," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said on "Fox News Sunday." "The administration must be held accountable, and no president can be above the law." Nadler`s comments are significant because evidence of such crimes would be required if Democrats pursue impeachment proceedings against the president. In two nationally televised back-to-back hearings on Wednesday before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees, Democrats are expected to try and get Mueller to focus his testimony on specific examples of Trump`s misconduct. By having Mueller lay bare the unflattering details of how Trump tried to stymie the investigation into his campaign, Democrats hope they can build support for their ongoing investigations into the president and potentially, impeachment proceedings. Some Democrats in Congress support impeaching Trump, but they have not managed to win traction from House Democratic leadership including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has preferred a more cautious approach that entails conducting congressional fact-finding investigations into Trump`s conduct. Last week, the House voted 332-95 to table an impeachment resolution. Mueller completed his nearly two-year-long probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election in March, and the Justice Department released a redacted copy of his report in April. The report laid out numerous contacts between Russian officials and Trump`s campaign but found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy. It also gave examples of 10 incidents in which Trump sought to hinder the investigation, but it did not draw any conclusions on whether Trump obstructed justice. Attorney General William Barr later concluded he did not see enough evidence to bring obstruction charges. Whether Democrats will get Mueller to discuss Trump`s conduct in detail remains to be seen. Mueller has made it clear he has no desire to appear before Congress, saying the report is his testimony, and he is also notorious for being tight-lipped and for giving one-word answers in hearings. Nadler said Democrats plan to ask very specific questions about Trump`s obstructive conduct and ask Mueller to read passages from the report aloud. "We hope it won`t end up being a dud," he said of the hearing. Meanwhile, Nadler said Sunday he plans to go to court "within a couple of days" after the Mueller hearings to enforce a subpoena, after the White House ordered former White House Counsel Don McGahn not to testify about incidents he witnessed which many say show Trump tried to obstruct justice.

Mueller report shows evidence Trump committed crimes: House Judiciary chairman

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Turkey's Foreign Minister on Saturday and expressed disappointment over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-hails-s-400-deal-as-turkey-marks-2016-coup-bid-anniversary-236260">country's acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system</a>, the US State Department said in a statement.

Turkey's defence ministry on Friday had said&nbsp;that it has received the first batch of the S-400 Russian missile defence systems which has been a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States.

Washington had opposed Turkey's purchase of the Russian missile defence system and threatened to impose sanctions. Since then, President Donald Trump has been unclear over whether his administration was planning such action.

The US fears that if Ankara integrates the S-400 into its defences, data about the US-built F-35 fighter jet could leak back to the Russians, and Washington has threatened to deny Turkey access to the stealth aircraft.

Members of the US Congress have repeatedly voiced opposition to the move and threatened sanctions.

Several Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Thursday as well pressed Trump to impose sanctions on Turkey over the purchase.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Turkey's Foreign Minister on Saturday and expressed disappointment over the country's acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, the US State Department said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Turkey's Foreign Minister on Saturday and expressed disappointment over the country's acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, the US State Department said in a statement. Turkey's defence ministry on Friday had said that it has received the first batch of the S-400 Russian missile defence systems which has been a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States. Washington had opposed Turkey's purchase of the Russian missile defence system and threatened to impose sanctions. Since then, President Donald Trump has been unclear over whether his administration was planning such action. The US fears that if Ankara integrates the S-400 into its defences, data about the US-built F-35 fighter jet could leak back to the Russians, and Washington has threatened to deny Turkey access to the stealth aircraft. Members of the US Congress have repeatedly voiced opposition to the move and threatened sanctions. Several Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Thursday as well pressed Trump to impose sanctions on Turkey over the purchase. (With inputs from agencies)

Mike Pompeo expresses disappointment over Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 missiles

Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-visit-to-us-a-move-from-isolation-to-invitation-says-pak-foreign-minister-shah-mehmood-qureshi-237341">Imran Khan</a> on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump.

According to Dawn, Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Abdul Razzak Dawood are accompanying the prime minister.

This is the first time the two top generals are accompanying a prime minister in the White House.

"And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in the US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS @realDonaldTrump's invitation. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI who is already in the US receives PM Khan!," Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf officially tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> ‘s invitation. Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMQureshiPTI</a> who is already in US receives PM Khan. On way to Pakistan House now! 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMIKVisitingUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMIKVisitingUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/JTnPBNlaCc">pic.twitter.com/JTnPBNlaCc</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1152667139528167426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While Khan will hold talks with Trump on July 22 during his visit to Pentagon.

Khan is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.

Khan will stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US.

In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight.

Khan also made a stopover at in Doha, he was hosted by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting.

"Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to the US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal,&nbsp;Peace &amp; Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted."

PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added.

"During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated.

"The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday.

The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year.

Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil.

Following the February 14, Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism.

Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year.

In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody.

India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well.

"The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. (ANI)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump. According to Dawn, Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Abdul Razzak Dawood are accompanying the prime minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump. According to Dawn, Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Abdul Razzak Dawood are accompanying the prime minister. This is the first time the two top generals are accompanying a prime minister in the White House. "And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in the US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS @realDonaldTrump's invitation. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI who is already in the US receives PM Khan!," Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf officially tweeted. And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS @realDonaldTrump ‘s invitation. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI who is already in US receives PM Khan. On way to Pakistan House now! #PMIKVisitingUS pic.twitter.com/JTnPBNlaCc — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 20, 2019 × While Khan will hold talks with Trump on July 22 during his visit to Pentagon. Khan is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday. Khan will stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US. In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight. Khan also made a stopover at in Doha, he was hosted by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting. "Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to the US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal, Peace & Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted." PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added. "During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated. "The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday. The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil. Following the February 14, Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism. Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year. In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody. India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well. "The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. (ANI)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives in Washington for 3-day US visit

People in Somalia have been criticising US President Donald Trump for saying Somali-born US congresswoman Ilhan Omar - and three other congresswomen from minority communities - should "go back" to their native countries.

Somalis on Trump telling congresswomen 'go back'

Afghanistan intelligence has released audio tapes, which reveal Pakistan's link to the Kandahar attack.

Afghan released audio tapes reveals Pak link to Kandahar attack

Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighbouring countries in light of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-plans-to-divert-40-million-in-aid-to-venezuelas-opposition-236654">Trump administration</a> tariffs.

Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, data show.

At the same time, the shift has exposed the murkiness of trade export rules, putting a premium on lawyers expert in the minutiae of US customs rules.

"We have a lot of questions from our members," said Sage Chandler, vice president of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association. "Companies are trying to find ways to avoid having to pay 25 per cent."&nbsp;

Some companies may be pushing the envelope a little too much, violating US rules against "transhipments," the routing of China-made goods through other countries to evade tariffs, legal experts say.

The speeding shift from China&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">President Donald Trump</a> since last year has slapped 25 per cent duties on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports and threatened additional levies on all other Chinese items coming to the United States though the two sides agreed last month to hold their fire for now.

Trump's trade measures have led some multinationals to fortify their North American operations and others to transfer some manufacturing capacity from China to any number of countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philipines, Bangladesh, India and Ethiopia.

Exports of computers and electronics from Vietnam to the United States have risen 71.6 per cent in the first five months of 2019 compared with the year-ago period, according to government data.&nbsp;

The pattern has also held for other machines and equipment, with exports from Vietnam rising 54.4 per cent over that period.

Even before Trump targeted China on trade, US companies had been reducing their dependence on China because of increasing production costs and elevated transport expenses compared with other Asian countries.

But the trade war has sped up those moves.

Ralph Lauren has "accelerated the diversification of our supply chain to mitigate the long-term impact of any potential tariff outcomes," said a spokesperson for the clothing company, adding that tariffs have so far not hit the company's goods.

Xcel Brands, which owns Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and other fashion houses, will cease manufacturing in China in 2020, a big shift from two years ago when the country was the source of 100 per cent of its merchandise.&nbsp;

The company has moved clothes-making operations to Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh, and is exploring adding capacity in Central America, Mexico and Canada.

This retooling, which was in the works before the tariffs, could boost profit margins, said Xcel chief executive Robert D'Loren. The trade war with China "accelerated our sourcing diversification efforts," he said.&nbsp;

A decade ago, more than 90 per cent of US footwear was made in China. But today, the figure is 69 per cent, said Matt Priest, president of Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.

Problem solved

Yet shifting production outside of China to other Asian centres is not necessarily a panacea.&nbsp;

Many of these countries lack the roads, airports and other vital infrastructure of the world's second-biggest economy. And there is no guarantee that the emerging manufacturing venues will be safe from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-tariffs-must-be-lifted-to-reach-a-deal-to-end-trade-war-232996">US tariffs</a> down the road.

Companies can also run afoul of US law if goods are made in China and then sent to an intermediate destination to dodge US tariffs.

"I have noticed an upswing in the number of tariff evasion cases that have been made public and also in the number of inquiries my firm has received," said Jeff Newman, a Boston attorney.

A June Wall Street Journal report showed that billions of dollars of Chinese-made goods were being rerouted in this manner through Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

US customers officials did not respond to request for comment.

Retail giants such as Walmart and Target say significantly reducing their reliance on Chinese-made goods is unrealistic because of the demand for low prices.

That means retailers are more likely to stop producing goods with very low-profit margins than to incur additional costs by moving production out of China, according to Priest of the footwear distributors association.&nbsp;

He points to flip flops, which earn returns of only around six or seven per cent.

"It won't be worth moving to Vietnam for six or seven per cent-margin shoes," Priest said.&nbsp;

"That shoe is not worth it."

Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighbouring countries in light of Trump administration tariffs. Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, data show.

Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighbouring countries in light of Trump administration tariffs. Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, data show. At the same time, the shift has exposed the murkiness of trade export rules, putting a premium on lawyers expert in the minutiae of US customs rules. "We have a lot of questions from our members," said Sage Chandler, vice president of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association. "Companies are trying to find ways to avoid having to pay 25 per cent." Some companies may be pushing the envelope a little too much, violating US rules against "transhipments," the routing of China-made goods through other countries to evade tariffs, legal experts say. The speeding shift from China President Donald Trump since last year has slapped 25 per cent duties on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports and threatened additional levies on all other Chinese items coming to the United States though the two sides agreed last month to hold their fire for now. Trump's trade measures have led some multinationals to fortify their North American operations and others to transfer some manufacturing capacity from China to any number of countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philipines, Bangladesh, India and Ethiopia. Exports of computers and electronics from Vietnam to the United States have risen 71.6 per cent in the first five months of 2019 compared with the year-ago period, according to government data. The pattern has also held for other machines and equipment, with exports from Vietnam rising 54.4 per cent over that period. Even before Trump targeted China on trade, US companies had been reducing their dependence on China because of increasing production costs and elevated transport expenses compared with other Asian countries. But the trade war has sped up those moves. Ralph Lauren has "accelerated the diversification of our supply chain to mitigate the long-term impact of any potential tariff outcomes," said a spokesperson for the clothing company, adding that tariffs have so far not hit the company's goods. Xcel Brands, which owns Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and other fashion houses, will cease manufacturing in China in 2020, a big shift from two years ago when the country was the source of 100 per cent of its merchandise. The company has moved clothes-making operations to Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh, and is exploring adding capacity in Central America, Mexico and Canada. This retooling, which was in the works before the tariffs, could boost profit margins, said Xcel chief executive Robert D'Loren. The trade war with China "accelerated our sourcing diversification efforts," he said. A decade ago, more than 90 per cent of US footwear was made in China. But today, the figure is 69 per cent, said Matt Priest, president of Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Problem solved Yet shifting production outside of China to other Asian centres is not necessarily a panacea. Many of these countries lack the roads, airports and other vital infrastructure of the world's second-biggest economy. And there is no guarantee that the emerging manufacturing venues will be safe from US tariffs down the road. Companies can also run afoul of US law if goods are made in China and then sent to an intermediate destination to dodge US tariffs. "I have noticed an upswing in the number of tariff evasion cases that have been made public and also in the number of inquiries my firm has received," said Jeff Newman, a Boston attorney. A June Wall Street Journal report showed that billions of dollars of Chinese-made goods were being rerouted in this manner through Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. US customers officials did not respond to request for comment. Retail giants such as Walmart and Target say significantly reducing their reliance on Chinese-made goods is unrealistic because of the demand for low prices. That means retailers are more likely to stop producing goods with very low-profit margins than to incur additional costs by moving production out of China, according to Priest of the footwear distributors association. He points to flip flops, which earn returns of only around six or seven per cent. "It won't be worth moving to Vietnam for six or seven per cent-margin shoes," Priest said. "That shoe is not worth it."

US importers find ways to adapt to, skirt Donald Trump's tariffs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defiant-as-lawmakers-blast-his-racist-attacks-on-four-congresswomen-236257">US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a> said on Saturday that President Donald Trump relished a chant by the crowd at a campaign rally this week that called for a Democratic congresswoman to be sent back where she came from.

Trump renewed his criticism of four minority women lawmakers on Friday, saying that they had said horrible things about the United States, and defended himself from criticism over his comment that they should leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-three-month-low-235066">United States</a> if unhappy.

A day after saying his audience in North Carolina went too far when they chanted "Send her back!" about Somalia-born Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, on Friday he defended the crowd members as "incredible patriots."

Appearing before her constituents in New York City for the first time since the latest flare-up between Trump and the four Democratic congresswomen, Ocasio-Cortez rejected the president's statement that he had tried to quiet the crowd, saying he had egged them on instead.

"Rollback the tape ... He relished it. He took it in and he's doing this intentionally," the freshman US lawmaker told about 200 constituents gathered for a town hall meeting on immigration at a school in the Corona section of Queens.

Video of the crowd in North Carolina shouting "Send her back!" shows Trump pausing his speech and looking around the arena for about ten seconds.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The president's attacks on the four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-democratic-congresswomen-to-go-back-to-fix-countries-they-came-from-235979">congresswomen</a> - known on Capitol Hill as "the squad" - have been condemned by Democrats as racist, while many Republicans have shrugged them off.

Last weekend Trump ignited a firestorm by tweeting the four should "go back" to where they came from if they do not like the United States.

All four are American citizens. Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan were born in the United States while Omar came as a refugee from Somalia and is a naturalized citizen.

All four are known as sharp critics of Trump's policies as well as the Democratic leadership in the US House of Representatives.

Ocasio-Cortez said the president's comments had been hurtful, but "men like him" have been telling women like her to go back to their own country for a long time.

"We're gonna stay right here," she said to applause "That's where we're gonna go," she said. "We're not going anywhere."

US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Saturday that President Donald Trump relished a chant by the crowd at a campaign rally this week that called for a Democratic congresswoman to be sent back where she came from.

US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Saturday that President Donald Trump relished a chant by the crowd at a campaign rally this week that called for a Democratic congresswoman to be sent back where she came from. Trump renewed his criticism of four minority women lawmakers on Friday, saying that they had said horrible things about the United States, and defended himself from criticism over his comment that they should leave the United States if unhappy. A day after saying his audience in North Carolina went too far when they chanted "Send her back!" about Somalia-born Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, on Friday he defended the crowd members as "incredible patriots." Appearing before her constituents in New York City for the first time since the latest flare-up between Trump and the four Democratic congresswomen, Ocasio-Cortez rejected the president's statement that he had tried to quiet the crowd, saying he had egged them on instead. "Rollback the tape ... He relished it. He took it in and he's doing this intentionally," the freshman US lawmaker told about 200 constituents gathered for a town hall meeting on immigration at a school in the Corona section of Queens. Video of the crowd in North Carolina shouting "Send her back!" shows Trump pausing his speech and looking around the arena for about ten seconds. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The president's attacks on the four congresswomen - known on Capitol Hill as "the squad" - have been condemned by Democrats as racist, while many Republicans have shrugged them off. Last weekend Trump ignited a firestorm by tweeting the four should "go back" to where they came from if they do not like the United States. All four are American citizens. Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan were born in the United States while Omar came as a refugee from Somalia and is a naturalized citizen. All four are known as sharp critics of Trump's policies as well as the Democratic leadership in the US House of Representatives. Ocasio-Cortez said the president's comments had been hurtful, but "men like him" have been telling women like her to go back to their own country for a long time. "We're gonna stay right here," she said to applause "That's where we're gonna go," she said. "We're not going anywhere."

Donald Trump relished rally chant, Ocasio-Cortez tells constituents in Queens

U.S. President Donald Trump said he planned to speak with the UK on Friday (July 19), after Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it had captured a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. "So, we're going to be speaking with the U.K. and this only goes to show what I'm saying about Iran. Trouble. Nothing but trouble," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House Britain said it was urgently seeking information about the Stena Impero tanker, which had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait at the mouth of the Gulf.

Trump to speak with UK following report Iran seized British tanker

Indian nationals are among 23 people who were onboard the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-guards-say-confiscated-british-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-237205">UK flagged oil tanker which was seized by Iran</a> on Saturday, said cargo vessel owner Stena Bulk.

The company also said that the vessel is no longer under the control of the crew and remain uncontactable, reported CNN.

"There have been no reported injuries and the safety and welfare of our crew remain our primary focus," Stena Bulk said in a statement.

The 23 people on board are of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality.

Iran on Saturday seized one British tanker and stopped another in the Strait of Hormuz for "violating international regulations."

Iran announced that it has seized a British tanker Steno Impero. Hours later, US official said that Iran has also seized a second tanker, the Liberian-flagged MV Masdar, reported CNN.

However, Masdar was allowed to carry its course after Iranian officials followed up with the ship on its environmental regulations and it's no longer in the Iranian waters.

"All crew are safe and well," Mesdar's manager, Norbulk Shipping UK, said in a statement confirming that the ship had been released.

"Communication has been re-established with the vessel and Master confirmed that the armed guards have left and the vessel is free to continue the voyage," it said.

The UK condemned the seizure and said, "These seizures are unacceptable. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region."

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump said that it proves that Iran is nothing but trouble.

"This only goes to show what I'm saying about Iran. Trouble. Nothing but trouble," he said.

"It goes to show you I was right about Iran.

"He also noted the "US has very few tankers going in because we're using a lot of our own energy," but said the American presence in the region was still robust.

This is a second time in two months that Iran has attempted to seize a British oil tanker.

Last time, armed Iranian boats unsuccessfully tried to seize a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.

Early this month, British Royal Marines on Thursday morning (local time) had seized a supertanker on the suspicion that it was smuggling Iranian crude oil to Syria.

This comes amid strained relations and escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

The tensions began when the US pulled from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) last year, blaming Tehran for supporting state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts.

Following which, Washington increased its drumbeat of aggression and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran.

The pact was signed by five countries -- the US, the UK, Russia, China and Germany, and the European Union -- with an aim to limiting Iran's civilian energy programme, thereby preventing it from developing nuclear weapons at some point in the future, in exchange for relief from sanctions that were crippling the country's economy.

A year after the US pulled out of the deal, Iran announced its partial withdrawal from the agreement.

While Tehran is yet to withdraw fully from the accord, it recently announced its decision to increase nuclear enrichment in response to the new US sanctions.

Recently, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran recently announced that the country has officially surpassed the 3.67 per cent uranium enrichment limit set under the 2015 pact and could consider increasing the stockpile to 20 per cent in the future.&nbsp;

Indian nationals are among 23 people who were onboard the UK flagged oil tanker which was seized by Iran on Saturday, said cargo vessel owner Stena Bulk. The company also said that the vessel is no longer under the control of the crew and remain uncontactable, reported CNN.

Indian nationals are among 23 people who were onboard the UK flagged oil tanker which was seized by Iran on Saturday, said cargo vessel owner Stena Bulk. The company also said that the vessel is no longer under the control of the crew and remain uncontactable, reported CNN. "There have been no reported injuries and the safety and welfare of our crew remain our primary focus," Stena Bulk said in a statement. The 23 people on board are of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality. Iran on Saturday seized one British tanker and stopped another in the Strait of Hormuz for "violating international regulations." Iran announced that it has seized a British tanker Steno Impero. Hours later, US official said that Iran has also seized a second tanker, the Liberian-flagged MV Masdar, reported CNN. However, Masdar was allowed to carry its course after Iranian officials followed up with the ship on its environmental regulations and it's no longer in the Iranian waters. "All crew are safe and well," Mesdar's manager, Norbulk Shipping UK, said in a statement confirming that the ship had been released. "Communication has been re-established with the vessel and Master confirmed that the armed guards have left and the vessel is free to continue the voyage," it said. The UK condemned the seizure and said, "These seizures are unacceptable. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region." Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump said that it proves that Iran is nothing but trouble. "This only goes to show what I'm saying about Iran. Trouble. Nothing but trouble," he said. "It goes to show you I was right about Iran. "He also noted the "US has very few tankers going in because we're using a lot of our own energy," but said the American presence in the region was still robust. This is a second time in two months that Iran has attempted to seize a British oil tanker. Last time, armed Iranian boats unsuccessfully tried to seize a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Early this month, British Royal Marines on Thursday morning (local time) had seized a supertanker on the suspicion that it was smuggling Iranian crude oil to Syria. This comes amid strained relations and escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. The tensions began when the US pulled from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) last year, blaming Tehran for supporting state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts. Following which, Washington increased its drumbeat of aggression and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran. The pact was signed by five countries -- the US, the UK, Russia, China and Germany, and the European Union -- with an aim to limiting Iran's civilian energy programme, thereby preventing it from developing nuclear weapons at some point in the future, in exchange for relief from sanctions that were crippling the country's economy. A year after the US pulled out of the deal, Iran announced its partial withdrawal from the agreement. While Tehran is yet to withdraw fully from the accord, it recently announced its decision to increase nuclear enrichment in response to the new US sanctions. Recently, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran recently announced that the country has officially surpassed the 3.67 per cent uranium enrichment limit set under the 2015 pact and could consider increasing the stockpile to 20 per cent in the future.

Indians among 23 crew members on British tanker seized by Iran

Saudi Arabia's King Salman approved hosting US forces in the country to boost regional security and stability, news agency Reuters reported quoting the state news agency (SPA) on Friday.

The US Defence Department confirmed the move in a statement, saying it would deploy troops and resources to Saudi Arabia to "provide an additional deterrent" in the face of "emergent, credible threats."

The development comes amid escalating tensions between US and Iran in the Gulf that have impacted global oil markets.&nbsp;

On Friday, Iran said it had seized a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, but denied Trump's claim that US Navy has shot down an Iranian drone.&nbsp;

The decision on hosting US forces aims "to increase joint cooperation in defence of regional security and stability and to preserve its peace" SPA said, quoting a Ministry of Defence official, without giving further details.

Te deployment would include about 500 US military personnel in Saudi Arabia, and is part of a boost in the number of US troops in the Middle East that the Pentagon announced last month.

In June, the Pentagon said it would deploy 1,000 troops to the Middle East but did not say where they were going.

Relations between Washington and Tehran worsened last year when President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Iran.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi Arabia's King Salman approved hosting US forces in the country to boost regional security and stability, news agency Reuters reported quoting the state news agency (SPA) on Friday.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman approved hosting US forces in the country to boost regional security and stability, news agency Reuters reported quoting the state news agency (SPA) on Friday. The US Defence Department confirmed the move in a statement, saying it would deploy troops and resources to Saudi Arabia to "provide an additional deterrent" in the face of "emergent, credible threats." The development comes amid escalating tensions between US and Iran in the Gulf that have impacted global oil markets. On Friday, Iran said it had seized a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, but denied Trump's claim that US Navy has shot down an Iranian drone. The decision on hosting US forces aims "to increase joint cooperation in defence of regional security and stability and to preserve its peace" SPA said, quoting a Ministry of Defence official, without giving further details. Te deployment would include about 500 US military personnel in Saudi Arabia, and is part of a boost in the number of US troops in the Middle East that the Pentagon announced last month. In June, the Pentagon said it would deploy 1,000 troops to the Middle East but did not say where they were going. Relations between Washington and Tehran worsened last year when President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Iran. (With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi king approves hosting US troops to enhance regional security: Report

The former first lady Michelle Obama hits out at US President Donald Trump over his comments on four Congresswomen. Michelle Obama tweets, "What truly makes our country great is its diversity. I’ve seen that beauty in so many ways over the years. Whether we are born here or seek refuge here, there’s a place for us all. We must remember it’s not my America or your America. It’s our America."

Former first lady Michelle Obama hits out at US President

US President Donald Trump on Friday offered to intervene to ease tensions between South Korea and Japan, which threatens global supplies of memory hips and smartphones.

The political and economic dispute between the two countries, particularly over the issue of compensation for South Koreans forced to work for Japanese occupiers during World War Two, took an ugly&nbsp;turn this month when Japan restricted exports of high-tech materials to South Korea.

Trump said South Korean President Moon Jae-in had asked him if he could get involved.

The United States has been hesitant to publicly wade into the feud between its two biggest allies in Asia.

"He tells me that they have a lot of friction going on now with respect to trade, primarily with respect to trade. And Japan has some things that South Korea wants, and he asked me to get involved," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"So maybe if they would both want me to, I'll be. It's like a full-time job getting involved with Japan and South Korea. But I like both leaders."

South Korea's presidential Blue House spokeswoman, Ko Min-jung, said in a statement on Saturday that Moon had asked Trump for help at their Seoul summit on June 30.

(With Reuters inputs)

US President Donald Trump on Friday offered to intervene to ease tensions between South Korea and Japan, which threatens global supplies of memory hips and smartphones.

US President Donald Trump on Friday offered to intervene to ease tensions between South Korea and Japan, which threatens global supplies of memory hips and smartphones. The political and economic dispute between the two countries, particularly over the issue of compensation for South Koreans forced to work for Japanese occupiers during World War Two, took an ugly turn this month when Japan restricted exports of high-tech materials to South Korea. Trump said South Korean President Moon Jae-in had asked him if he could get involved. The United States has been hesitant to publicly wade into the feud between its two biggest allies in Asia. "He tells me that they have a lot of friction going on now with respect to trade, primarily with respect to trade. And Japan has some things that South Korea wants, and he asked me to get involved," Trump told reporters at the White House. "So maybe if they would both want me to, I'll be. It's like a full-time job getting involved with Japan and South Korea. But I like both leaders." South Korea's presidential Blue House spokeswoman, Ko Min-jung, said in a statement on Saturday that Moon had asked Trump for help at their Seoul summit on June 30. (With Reuters inputs)

Trump offers to help ease tension in Japan-South Korea dispute

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh -&nbsp;including enforced disappearances -&nbsp;during his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country.

The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance -&nbsp;improvements that have not occurred.

"Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Sindh Province, which has continued to suffer from numerous economic and social injustices, often at the hands of the Pakistani government," the lawmakers state.

They go on to highlight the failures and "injustices" in Sindh, including the recent outbreak of HIV in the province, enforced disappearances and the forced conversions of young girls to Islam.

Highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistani government, the ten leaders said, "Hundreds of people in Sindh have disappeared this way, including writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights. Some of these individuals have ended up dead, and their families have never received the justice they deserve."

They also shed light on the human rights abuse of minorities, with young Hindu and Christian girls being kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam. They are often married off to men decades older to them, the lawmakers said."

Other injustices in Sindh Province are deliberately carried out by the Pakistani state and its supporters," they stated.

"According to an independent Pakistani watchdog group, there were around one-thousand cases of forced conversions in Sindh Province in 2018 alone. The actual number is certainly higher. Shockingly, there are no laws in Sindh banning forced conversions," they added.

Other social injustices the Pakistani province faces is widespread medical negligence, with the recent outbreak of HIV serving as the prime example.

The reason behind the outbreak is being pegged on syringes and needles being reused, as well as unsafe blood transfusions by the lawmakers.

"In one town, at least 681 people tested positive for HIV in one month earlier this year.

Of these, 537 were children, including a tragic case of a 16-month-old little girl," the lawmakers claimed.

"This isn't the first time that reckless negligence has caused HIV outbreaks in Sindh Province -&nbsp;in one outbreak in 2016, 1,521 people were found to be HIV positive in another part of Sindh," they added.

The lawmakers slam Pakistan, stating that the outbreak is "simply unacceptable," especially when the United States has given Pakistan $283 million in health assistance since 2001."As you seek to change Pakistani behaviour on issues like terrorism, it is essential that you also push the Pakistani government to improve the lives of its citizens," the lawmakers lastly told Trump in the letter.

The 10 lawmakers include Brad Sherman, Adam B. Schiff, Eleanor H Norton, David E Price, David Schweikert, Dan Crenshaw, Juan Vargas, Carolyn B Maloney, Jan Schakosky and Ann Wagner. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country. The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred. "Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Sindh Province, which has continued to suffer from numerous economic and social injustices, often at the hands of the Pakistani government," the lawmakers state. They go on to highlight the failures and "injustices" in Sindh, including the recent outbreak of HIV in the province, enforced disappearances and the forced conversions of young girls to Islam. Highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistani government, the ten leaders said, "Hundreds of people in Sindh have disappeared this way, including writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights. Some of these individuals have ended up dead, and their families have never received the justice they deserve." They also shed light on the human rights abuse of minorities, with young Hindu and Christian girls being kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam. They are often married off to men decades older to them, the lawmakers said." Other injustices in Sindh Province are deliberately carried out by the Pakistani state and its supporters," they stated. "According to an independent Pakistani watchdog group, there were around one-thousand cases of forced conversions in Sindh Province in 2018 alone. The actual number is certainly higher. Shockingly, there are no laws in Sindh banning forced conversions," they added. Other social injustices the Pakistani province faces is widespread medical negligence, with the recent outbreak of HIV serving as the prime example. The reason behind the outbreak is being pegged on syringes and needles being reused, as well as unsafe blood transfusions by the lawmakers. "In one town, at least 681 people tested positive for HIV in one month earlier this year. Of these, 537 were children, including a tragic case of a 16-month-old little girl," the lawmakers claimed. "This isn't the first time that reckless negligence has caused HIV outbreaks in Sindh Province - in one outbreak in 2016, 1,521 people were found to be HIV positive in another part of Sindh," they added. The lawmakers slam Pakistan, stating that the outbreak is "simply unacceptable," especially when the United States has given Pakistan $283 million in health assistance since 2001."As you seek to change Pakistani behaviour on issues like terrorism, it is essential that you also push the Pakistani government to improve the lives of its citizens," the lawmakers lastly told Trump in the letter. The 10 lawmakers include Brad Sherman, Adam B. Schiff, Eleanor H Norton, David E Price, David Schweikert, Dan Crenshaw, Juan Vargas, Carolyn B Maloney, Jan Schakosky and Ann Wagner.

US lawmakers urge Trump to raise Pak's human rights abuse issue during meeting with Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to the United States for his first meeting with President Donald Trump.

He is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.

In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight, according to Dawn.

Reports had also suggested that Khan had requested to stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, further bringing the costs down.

In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting.

"Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal: Peace and Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted.

"PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added.

"During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated.

"The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday.

The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil.

Following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism.

Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year.

In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody.

India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well.

"The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to the United States for his first meeting with President Donald Trump. He is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to the United States for his first meeting with President Donald Trump. He is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday. In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight, according to Dawn. Reports had also suggested that Khan had requested to stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, further bringing the costs down. In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting. "Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal: Peace and Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted. "PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added. "During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated. "The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday. The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil. Following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism. Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year. In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody. India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well. "The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan embarks on 3-day US visit; to hold talks with Donald Trump

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had confiscated a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules" as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway.

Britain, however, said Iran had seized two ships in the Gulf, incidents Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned as "unacceptable".

The British owner of one of the tankers, the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, said the ship had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel but was now free to leave.

The latest incident came as US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-doubt-about-it-we-shot-it-down-says-trump-on-iranian-drone-237194">President Donald Trump</a> insisted on Friday that the military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the &nbsp;Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran.

The Stena Impero tanker "was confiscated by the Revolutionary Guards at the request of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organisation when passing through the Strait of Hormuz, for failing to respect international maritime rules," the Guards' official website Sepahnews said.

The UK-flagged tanker "was led to the shore and handed over to the organisation to go through the legal procedure and required investigations," it said.

Tanker tracking service Marine Traffic showed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero last signalled its location near the Island of Larak in the highly sensitive waterway at 9:00 PM local time (1630 GMT).

The Stena Impero's Swedish owner said the ship was transiting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">Strait of Hormuz</a> and in "international waters" when it was "attacked by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter".

"We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now tracking as heading north towards Iran," a statement said.

Hunt said he was "extremely concerned by the seizure of two naval vessels by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz" -- through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported.

"These seizures are unacceptable," said Hunt.

Britain confirmed that one of the boats seized was British-registered.&nbsp;

Watch: Iran releases footage as 'proof' disproving the US downed drone claim

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The other was the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, but its owner, British company Norbulk Shipping, said that communication had been re-established and it was now free to continue its voyage.&nbsp;

"All crew are safe and well," it said &nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

The company said the Mesdar was boarded by armed personnel at around 1630 GMT, but the armed personnel had left by 2000 GMT.&nbsp;

Iran's Fars News Agency reported that senior military officials rejected the reports that the Liberian-flagged tanker has been seized, stressing that the Stena Impero was the only foreign ship under Iranian custody.&nbsp;

The incident came hours after Gibraltar's Supreme Court said it would extend by 30 days the detention of an Iranian tanker seized two weeks ago on allegations that it was heading to Syria in violation of sanctions.

British authorities' detention of the Grace 1 supertanker sparked outrage in Tehran, with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused London of "piracy" and vowing retaliation.

US says downed drone

Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with Trump calling off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June, after Tehran downed an American drone, and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks -- charges the Islamic Republic denies.

Hours before the latest tanker incident, Iran and the US were caught in a new war of words.

Trump said on Thursday that Washington brought down an Iranian drone that was threatening the American vessel, the USS Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday he reiterated his claim.

Iran categorically denied the allegation and deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted that American forces may have shot down a US drone by mistake.

"No doubt about it, no -- we shot it down," Trump said on Friday, and he warned Iran against doing anything "foolish," saying it would pay a heavy price if it did so.

Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton said there was "no question that this was an Iranian drone".

The Revolutionary Guards released a video on Friday which they said belies the US claims.

The seven-minute-long footage, apparently shot from high altitude, shows a convoy of ships which the Guards said they were tracking as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessels in the footage could not be immediately identified, although one looks similar to the USS Boxer.&nbsp;

Earlier a US official said Washington has "very clear evidence" that it downed the drone but gave no further details.

"If you fly too close to our ships, you're going to get shot down," the official said.

Nuclear standoff

"The US will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend our security and interests against Iran's malign behaviour," National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said in a statement, denouncing "escalatory violence by the Iranian regime."

The latest escalation comes more than a year after Washington unliterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and began ratcheting up sanctions against Tehran.

Trump spoke Friday with French leader Emmanuel Macron on the ongoing situation surrounding Iran, the White House said.

The two leaders "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon," the White House said in a brief readout of the call.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Iran purposely overshot the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the remaining parties to make good on their promises to help prop up its economy.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it is attacked.&nbsp;

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had confiscated a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules" as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had confiscated a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules" as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway. Britain, however, said Iran had seized two ships in the Gulf, incidents Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned as "unacceptable". The British owner of one of the tankers, the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, said the ship had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel but was now free to leave. The latest incident came as US President Donald Trump insisted on Friday that the military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran. The Stena Impero tanker "was confiscated by the Revolutionary Guards at the request of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organisation when passing through the Strait of Hormuz, for failing to respect international maritime rules," the Guards' official website Sepahnews said. The UK-flagged tanker "was led to the shore and handed over to the organisation to go through the legal procedure and required investigations," it said. Tanker tracking service Marine Traffic showed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero last signalled its location near the Island of Larak in the highly sensitive waterway at 9:00 PM local time (1630 GMT). The Stena Impero's Swedish owner said the ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz and in "international waters" when it was "attacked by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter". "We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now tracking as heading north towards Iran," a statement said. Hunt said he was "extremely concerned by the seizure of two naval vessels by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz" -- through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported. "These seizures are unacceptable," said Hunt. Britain confirmed that one of the boats seized was British-registered. Watch: Iran releases footage as 'proof' disproving the US downed drone claim × The other was the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, but its owner, British company Norbulk Shipping, said that communication had been re-established and it was now free to continue its voyage. "All crew are safe and well," it said in a statement. The company said the Mesdar was boarded by armed personnel at around 1630 GMT, but the armed personnel had left by 2000 GMT. Iran's Fars News Agency reported that senior military officials rejected the reports that the Liberian-flagged tanker has been seized, stressing that the Stena Impero was the only foreign ship under Iranian custody. The incident came hours after Gibraltar's Supreme Court said it would extend by 30 days the detention of an Iranian tanker seized two weeks ago on allegations that it was heading to Syria in violation of sanctions. British authorities' detention of the Grace 1 supertanker sparked outrage in Tehran, with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused London of "piracy" and vowing retaliation. US says downed drone Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with Trump calling off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June, after Tehran downed an American drone, and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks -- charges the Islamic Republic denies. Hours before the latest tanker incident, Iran and the US were caught in a new war of words. Trump said on Thursday that Washington brought down an Iranian drone that was threatening the American vessel, the USS Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday he reiterated his claim. Iran categorically denied the allegation and deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted that American forces may have shot down a US drone by mistake. "No doubt about it, no -- we shot it down," Trump said on Friday, and he warned Iran against doing anything "foolish," saying it would pay a heavy price if it did so. Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton said there was "no question that this was an Iranian drone". The Revolutionary Guards released a video on Friday which they said belies the US claims. The seven-minute-long footage, apparently shot from high altitude, shows a convoy of ships which the Guards said they were tracking as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels in the footage could not be immediately identified, although one looks similar to the USS Boxer. Earlier a US official said Washington has "very clear evidence" that it downed the drone but gave no further details. "If you fly too close to our ships, you're going to get shot down," the official said. Nuclear standoff "The US will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend our security and interests against Iran's malign behaviour," National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said in a statement, denouncing "escalatory violence by the Iranian regime." The latest escalation comes more than a year after Washington unliterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and began ratcheting up sanctions against Tehran. Trump spoke Friday with French leader Emmanuel Macron on the ongoing situation surrounding Iran, the White House said. The two leaders "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon," the White House said in a brief readout of the call. Earlier this month, Iran purposely overshot the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the remaining parties to make good on their promises to help prop up its economy. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it is attacked.

Britain says Iran seized two oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz, Iran says captured one

A Congressional report released earlier this week said that the security aid given by the US to Pakistan would remain suspended pending "decisive and irreversible" action against terrorist groups.

The report came ahead of Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khans-cost-cutting-us-visit-to-take-qatar-airways-flight-to-us-236985">Imran Khan's visit to the US</a> which is set to take place on July 21-24.

"The United States continues to press for 'decisive and irreversible action' against 'externally-focused militant groups and UN-designated terrorist organisations operating from its territory.' Pending such action, security assistance will remain suspended," the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) stated in the report.

The CRS, known as US Congress's think tank is a public policy research wing, which prepares reports on issues of interest for lawmakers to make informed decisions. It directly works with Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential and nonpartisan basis.

Its reports are prepared by eminent experts of the field and are not considered as an official view of the Congress.

Ties between the US and Pakistan strained after President Donald Trump while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August 2016, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In November last year, Pentagon announced that it has suspended security assistance to Pakistan after Trump directed to do so.

"$1.66 billion of security assistance to Pakistan is suspended," Col Rob Manning, spokesman of the Department of Defence had said.

On November 19, Trump had said that Pakistan does not do "a damn thing" for the US while alleging that its government had helped al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Abbottabad.

In September 2017, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Congressional report released earlier this week said that the security aid given by the US to Pakistan would remain suspended pending "decisive and irreversible" action against terrorist groups.

A Congressional report released earlier this week said that the security aid given by the US to Pakistan would remain suspended pending "decisive and irreversible" action against terrorist groups. The report came ahead of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US which is set to take place on July 21-24. "The United States continues to press for 'decisive and irreversible action' against 'externally-focused militant groups and UN-designated terrorist organisations operating from its territory.' Pending such action, security assistance will remain suspended," the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) stated in the report. The CRS, known as US Congress's think tank is a public policy research wing, which prepares reports on issues of interest for lawmakers to make informed decisions. It directly works with Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential and nonpartisan basis. Its reports are prepared by eminent experts of the field and are not considered as an official view of the Congress. Ties between the US and Pakistan strained after President Donald Trump while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August 2016, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In November last year, Pentagon announced that it has suspended security assistance to Pakistan after Trump directed to do so. "$1.66 billion of security assistance to Pakistan is suspended," Col Rob Manning, spokesman of the Department of Defence had said. On November 19, Trump had said that Pakistan does not do "a damn thing" for the US while alleging that its government had helped al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Abbottabad. In September 2017, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil. (With inputs from agencies)

Security assistance to Pakistan to remain suspended: Congressional report ahead of Imran Khan's visit

Pakistan on Friday said it has agreed with the country's clergy to introduce reforms in madrassa religious schools to bring them in line with conventional schools, curbing hate speech and extremist narratives.

The announcement came just before Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Washington for a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, whose administration continues to press Pakistan over terrorist financing and curbing militancy.

The government will register more than 30,000 madrassas, which will teach subjects like English, mathematics and science, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said.

He said the government will conduct their exams and is aiming for a first batch next June, although that is not a firm goal.

Pakistan's madrassas have long been accused of promoting extremist narratives and have been dubbed "nurseries of extremism".

"There will be no preaching of hate speech against any religion or sect," the minister said.

"We will look at their curriculum to see there is no hatred against any sect or faith," he added.

Pakistan pledged to crack down on religious seminaries suspected of fostering extremism following a school massacre by the Taliban in December 2014 that left more than 130 children dead, but the move faces stiff resistance from conservatives.

Madrassa reforms attempted by the past governments have failed due to pressure from the clergy. &nbsp;

Pakistan is a deeply religious Muslim-majority society and, despite misgivings about madrassas, clergy are generally well respected.

In another move ahead of Khan's US trip, Pakistan on Wednesday detained Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of an attack on the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008 that killed more than 160 people.

Pakistan on Friday said it has agreed with the country's clergy to introduce reforms in madrassa religious schools to bring them in line with conventional schools, curbing hate speech and extremist narratives.

Pakistan on Friday said it has agreed with the country's clergy to introduce reforms in madrassa religious schools to bring them in line with conventional schools, curbing hate speech and extremist narratives. The announcement came just before Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Washington for a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, whose administration continues to press Pakistan over terrorist financing and curbing militancy. The government will register more than 30,000 madrassas, which will teach subjects like English, mathematics and science, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said. He said the government will conduct their exams and is aiming for a first batch next June, although that is not a firm goal. Pakistan's madrassas have long been accused of promoting extremist narratives and have been dubbed "nurseries of extremism". "There will be no preaching of hate speech against any religion or sect," the minister said. "We will look at their curriculum to see there is no hatred against any sect or faith," he added. Pakistan pledged to crack down on religious seminaries suspected of fostering extremism following a school massacre by the Taliban in December 2014 that left more than 130 children dead, but the move faces stiff resistance from conservatives. Madrassa reforms attempted by the past governments have failed due to pressure from the clergy. Pakistan is a deeply religious Muslim-majority society and, despite misgivings about madrassas, clergy are generally well respected. In another move ahead of Khan's US trip, Pakistan on Wednesday detained Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of an attack on the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008 that killed more than 160 people.

Pakistan announces religious school reform ahead of PM Imran Khan's US visit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-doubt-about-it-we-shot-it-down-says-trump-on-iranian-drone-237194">US President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

"I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday."

"He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well."

Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job"&nbsp;of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster."&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunt-in-final-days-of-battle-with-johnson-to-become-uk-236478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation. "I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday." "He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well." Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster." "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over. "What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted. Watch: Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM: Donald Trump

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an international network of companies and their agents it said were involved in the procurement of materials for Iran's nuclear programme.

They are the first punitive steps by Washington since Tehran announced earlier this month it would increase its levels of enriched uranium that can be used for bomb fuel.

Tehran announced on July 1 that it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, marking its first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States withdrew more than a year ago.

"Treasury is taking action to shut down an Iranian nuclear procurement network that leverages Chinese- and Belgium-based front companies to acquire critical nuclear materials and benefit the regime's malign ambitions," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"Iran cannot claim benign intent on the world stage while it purchases and stockpiled products for centrifuges," he added.

The US&nbsp;Treasury said the companies acted as a procurement network for Iran's Centrifuge Technology Company, or TESA, which plays a pivotal in Iran's uranium enrichment nuclear programme through the production of centrifuges used in facilities belonging to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

The blacklist includes Mohammad Fakhrzadeh, a commercial director for TESA. The US&nbsp;Treasury accused him of coordinating the purchase of "various Chinese aluminium goods that are associated with Iranian centrifuge components."

Bakhtar Raad Sepahan, an Iranian firm with a Belgium unit, TAWU BVBA, is accused of facilitating deals for the purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of Chinese-origin aluminium products and their shipment from China to Iran on behalf of TESA.

Also blacklisted is TAWU BVBA's managing director, Sohayl Talebi, who the US&nbsp;Treasury said had an extensive background in metallurgical engineering.

It said China-based Henan Jiayuan Aluminium Industry was contracted to sell aluminium goods worth more than $500,000, including NSG-controlled items, to TAWU BVBA for use by TESA.

The U.S. Treasury also sanctioned Iran-heaquartered Sabz Co, accusing it of sales to TESA of alloy parts worth tens of thousands of dollars. It clinched deals with Chinese companies to purchase metal materials for end-use by TESA, the Treasury added.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an international network of companies and their agents it said were involved in the procurement of materials for Iran's nuclear programme.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an international network of companies and their agents it said were involved in the procurement of materials for Iran's nuclear programme. They are the first punitive steps by Washington since Tehran announced earlier this month it would increase its levels of enriched uranium that can be used for bomb fuel. Tehran announced on July 1 that it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, marking its first major step beyond the terms of the pact since the United States withdrew more than a year ago. "Treasury is taking action to shut down an Iranian nuclear procurement network that leverages Chinese- and Belgium-based front companies to acquire critical nuclear materials and benefit the regime's malign ambitions," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "Iran cannot claim benign intent on the world stage while it purchases and stockpiled products for centrifuges," he added. The US Treasury said the companies acted as a procurement network for Iran's Centrifuge Technology Company, or TESA, which plays a pivotal in Iran's uranium enrichment nuclear programme through the production of centrifuges used in facilities belonging to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The blacklist includes Mohammad Fakhrzadeh, a commercial director for TESA. The US Treasury accused him of coordinating the purchase of "various Chinese aluminium goods that are associated with Iranian centrifuge components." Bakhtar Raad Sepahan, an Iranian firm with a Belgium unit, TAWU BVBA, is accused of facilitating deals for the purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of Chinese-origin aluminium products and their shipment from China to Iran on behalf of TESA. Also blacklisted is TAWU BVBA's managing director, Sohayl Talebi, who the US Treasury said had an extensive background in metallurgical engineering. It said China-based Henan Jiayuan Aluminium Industry was contracted to sell aluminium goods worth more than $500,000, including NSG-controlled items, to TAWU BVBA for use by TESA. The U.S. Treasury also sanctioned Iran-heaquartered Sabz Co, accusing it of sales to TESA of alloy parts worth tens of thousands of dollars. It clinched deals with Chinese companies to purchase metal materials for end-use by TESA, the Treasury added.

US sanctions network selling materials for Iran nuclear programme

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-they-fly-too-close-to-our-ships-theyll-continue-to-be-shot-down-us-on-shooting-down-iranian-drone-237183">President Donald Trump</a> on Friday insisted the US had taken down an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran.

"No doubt about it, no - we shot it down," Trump said in the Oval Office.

His National Security Advisor John Bolton added: "There is no question that this was an Iranian drone."

Iran on Friday categorically denied US President Donald Trump's claims that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-release-images-to-disprove-us-claim-that-drone-shot-down-irans-revolutionary-guards-237108">Washington brought down an Iranian drone</a>, saying all its craft are accounted for and jesting that American forces may have destroyed their own machine by mistake.

The latest incident in the strategic Strait of Hormuz comes amid soaring tensions between the two foes, with Washington already reeling from Iran shooting down one of its drones last month.

Trump said a US naval vessel downed an Iranian drone Thursday that threatened the ship as it was entering the Strait - a claim vehemently denied by Tehran.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-tension-rises-us-downs-iranian-drone-while-iran-denies-claim-237186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran's armed forces dismissed Trump's assertion as "baseless and delusional" but admitted one of their drones was flying near the US ship.

"All of (Iran's) drones... have safely returned to their bases," said armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi.

"There have been no reports of a confrontation with the American USS Boxer" naval vessel, he said, quoted by Tasnim news agency.

On Friday a US official said Washington has "very clear evidence" that it downed the drone but gave no further details.

"It was their drone that came too close to our ship. If you fly too close to our ships, you're going to get shot down," the official said.

The Revolutionary Guards said they would publish photos taken by one of their drones of the USS Boxer.

Images were transmitted to base "before and even after the time Americans claim" the drone was destroyed, they said in a statement on their Sepahnews website.

The Pentagon said the ship "was in international waters" when a drone approached at around 10:00 am (0530 GMT).

Trump said the USS Boxer "took defensive action" against an Iranian aircraft as it was "threatening the safety" of the vessel and its crew.

But Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi quipped that the United States may have actually downed one of its own aircraft.

"I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own (drones) by mistake!" Araghchi tweeted.

Iran detains tanker

In June, Iran shot down an American surveillance drone it said was flying in its airspace, a claim denied by Washington.

Trump called off retaliatory strikes at the last minute following the incident.

Iran has refuted US accusations that it was behind a series of recent tanker attacks off the United Arab Emirates coast and the Gulf of Oman.

The tanker troubles further intensified on July 4, when Gibraltar detained an Iranian vessel with the help of British Royal Marines.

Gibraltar's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Grace 1 supertanker can be detained for 30 more days.

US officials believed the vessel was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of separate sets of European Union and US sanctions.

Iran branded the seizure "piracy", and a week later London said Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate.

The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported.

The top commander of Iran's Guards said they were not seeking to "initiate a war" but would respond to hostilities.

"If enemies make a mistake in calculation, our defensive strategy and all our capacities will change to offensive," said General Hossein Salami, quoted by Sepahnews.

His comments came after the Guards said Thursday they had seized a "foreign tanker" believed to be the Panamanian-flagged vessel Riah and its crew.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards accuse the ship of smuggling Iranian fuel.

'Psychological pressure'

US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters.

But the Guards' deputy chief said the United States will soon realise "it is not in its interest at all to stay in the region".

US forces are under mounting "psychological pressure" in the Gulf, Brigadier-General Ali Fadavi was quoted by Tasnim as saying.

The drone incident comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal.

Earlier this month, Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the remaining parties to make good on their promises to support Iran economically.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Tehran's oil exports are blocked through sanctions.

President Donald Trump on Friday insisted the US had taken down an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran.

President Donald Trump on Friday insisted the US had taken down an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran. "No doubt about it, no - we shot it down," Trump said in the Oval Office. His National Security Advisor John Bolton added: "There is no question that this was an Iranian drone." Iran on Friday categorically denied US President Donald Trump's claims that Washington brought down an Iranian drone, saying all its craft are accounted for and jesting that American forces may have destroyed their own machine by mistake. The latest incident in the strategic Strait of Hormuz comes amid soaring tensions between the two foes, with Washington already reeling from Iran shooting down one of its drones last month. Trump said a US naval vessel downed an Iranian drone Thursday that threatened the ship as it was entering the Strait - a claim vehemently denied by Tehran. Iran's armed forces dismissed Trump's assertion as "baseless and delusional" but admitted one of their drones was flying near the US ship. "All of (Iran's) drones... have safely returned to their bases," said armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi. "There have been no reports of a confrontation with the American USS Boxer" naval vessel, he said, quoted by Tasnim news agency. On Friday a US official said Washington has "very clear evidence" that it downed the drone but gave no further details. "It was their drone that came too close to our ship. If you fly too close to our ships, you're going to get shot down," the official said. The Revolutionary Guards said they would publish photos taken by one of their drones of the USS Boxer. Images were transmitted to base "before and even after the time Americans claim" the drone was destroyed, they said in a statement on their Sepahnews website. The Pentagon said the ship "was in international waters" when a drone approached at around 10:00 am (0530 GMT). Trump said the USS Boxer "took defensive action" against an Iranian aircraft as it was "threatening the safety" of the vessel and its crew. But Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi quipped that the United States may have actually downed one of its own aircraft. "I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own (drones) by mistake!" Araghchi tweeted. Iran detains tanker In June, Iran shot down an American surveillance drone it said was flying in its airspace, a claim denied by Washington. Trump called off retaliatory strikes at the last minute following the incident. Iran has refuted US accusations that it was behind a series of recent tanker attacks off the United Arab Emirates coast and the Gulf of Oman. The tanker troubles further intensified on July 4, when Gibraltar detained an Iranian vessel with the help of British Royal Marines. Gibraltar's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Grace 1 supertanker can be detained for 30 more days. US officials believed the vessel was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of separate sets of European Union and US sanctions. Iran branded the seizure "piracy", and a week later London said Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate. The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported. The top commander of Iran's Guards said they were not seeking to "initiate a war" but would respond to hostilities. "If enemies make a mistake in calculation, our defensive strategy and all our capacities will change to offensive," said General Hossein Salami, quoted by Sepahnews. His comments came after the Guards said Thursday they had seized a "foreign tanker" believed to be the Panamanian-flagged vessel Riah and its crew. Iran's Revolutionary Guards accuse the ship of smuggling Iranian fuel. 'Psychological pressure' US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters. But the Guards' deputy chief said the United States will soon realise "it is not in its interest at all to stay in the region". US forces are under mounting "psychological pressure" in the Gulf, Brigadier-General Ali Fadavi was quoted by Tasnim as saying. The drone incident comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal. Earlier this month, Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the remaining parties to make good on their promises to support Iran economically. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Tehran's oil exports are blocked through sanctions.

'No doubt about it, we shot it down,' says Trump on Iranian drone

FBI documents unsealed on Thursday suggest that Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was actively involved in engineering a hush-money payment shortly before the 2016 election to a porn actress who said she had a sexual encounter with him, as his personal lawyer Michael Cohen, campaign team and others scrambled to head off a scandal.

The documents, released on the orders of US&nbsp;District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan, were used by law enforcement officials to obtain a 2018 search warrant that led to FBI raids on Cohen's home and office.

The documents provided the most extensive account to date of what appears to be then-candidate&nbsp;Trump's personal involvement in the scheme to pay $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels to avert a controversy for a campaign already reeling from the release of 2005 audio from the TV programme "Access Hollywood" in which&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;bragged about grabbing women by the genitals.

The documents detailed repeated communications between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Cohen and Hope Hicks,&nbsp;Trump's presidential campaign press secretary who later became a senior White House official.

The White House and a lawyer for Hicks did not respond to a request for comment on the documents.

Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty in August 2018 to violating campaign finance law by directing the payment to Daniels as well as another payment of $150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal shortly before the election.

Both women have said they had sexual encounters with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;more than a decade ago and that the money was meant to buy their silence.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has denied the encounters and in 2018 told reporters he knew nothing about a payment to Daniels.

The newly unredacted material includes a 19-page section of the FBI's search warrant application with the heading: "The Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme." It shows Cohen having multiple interactions with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trump's campaign staff as Cohen was negotiating the payoff with Daniels' lawyer and executives of American Media Inc, publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid newspaper.

A lawyer for AMI did not respond to a request for comment on the documents.

The National Enquirer's publisher had offered to help&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;by buying rights to unflattering stories and never publishing them.

Before the payoff negotiations began, Cohen spoke on the phone with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;approximately once a month and rarely had phone contact with&nbsp;Trump's presidential campaign staff, the search warrant application said. The FBI documents do not provide the content of the calls.

Beginning on Oct. 8, there was a sharp uptick in calls with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and his campaign staff. That evening - a month before the election and in the immediate aftermath of the "Access Hollywood" tape that caused a political firestorm and prompted a rare apology from&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;- Hicks, Cohen and&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;held a three-way phone call lasting more than four minutes, the FBI document said.

Over the course of the evening, Cohen had several calls with Hicks, AMI President David Pecker, a friend of&nbsp;Trump, and Dylan Howard, AMI's chief content officer, before calling&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;back for eight minutes. The FBI documents do not provide the content of the calls.

Later that evening, Howard then sent Cohen a text message: "Keith will do it," the message said, in an apparent reference to Keith Davidson, a lawyer for Daniels who would end up receiving the $130,000 payment for Daniels from Cohen later that month. "Let's reconvene tomorrow."

The next day, Howard connected Cohen and Davidson in a text message to begin the payoff negotiations, the document stated.

Hicks testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee earlier this year that she was never present for any discussion during the campaign between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Cohen about Daniels.

The chairman of the House judiciary panel, Jerrold Nadler, in a letter to Hicks released publicly on Thursday, demanded that she return to Capitol Hill before Aug. 15 to explain the inconsistencies in her testimony.

'Inescapable conclusion'

Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that the documents demonstrate&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was "intimately involved in devising and executing a corrupt scheme" to keep the Daniels matter secret.

"The inescapable conclusion from all of the public materials available now," Schiff added, "is that there was ample evidence to charge Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;with the same criminal election law violations for which Michael Cohen pled guilty and is now serving time in prison."

The documents show that Hicks spoke with Cohen several times about the importance of keeping the Daniels and McDougal stories from "gaining national traction."

Not long after the Wall Street Journal published an article online four days before the Nov. 8 election, the documents showed Cohen sent a text message to Hicks saying the article was getting "little to no traction," prompting her to respond: "Same. Keep praying!! It's working!"

On the same day as that text, Howard texted Cohen about the Wall Street Journal story, saying, "I think it'll be ok pal. I think it'll fade into the distance," the documents showed. Cohen responded, "He's pissed," an apparent reference to&nbsp;Trump, according to the documents.

Cohen, who was once&nbsp;Trump's self-described "fixer," began serving a three-year prison sentence in May for his campaign finance violations and other crimes, including making false statements to a bank and tax evasion.

In a statement released from prison on Thursday, Cohen reiterated his previous comments about&nbsp;Trump's central role in the hush money scheme, referring to the president's company in saying, "I and members of The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization were directed by Mr.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to handle the Stormy Daniels matter; including making the hush money payment."

Cohen pleaded guilty last November to separate charges brought by the office of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who was investigating contacts between&nbsp;Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia. Cohen admitted he lied to Congress about the extent of contacts between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Russians during the campaign.

The judge on Wednesday said there was no reason to keep the documents secret after prosecutors told him that their investigation into the payments had ended.

FBI documents unsealed on Thursday suggest that Donald Trump was actively involved in engineering a hush-money payment shortly before the 2016 election to a porn actress who said she had a sexual encounter with him, as his personal lawyer Michael Cohen, campaign team and others scrambled to head off a scandal.

FBI documents unsealed on Thursday suggest that Donald Trump was actively involved in engineering a hush-money payment shortly before the 2016 election to a porn actress who said she had a sexual encounter with him, as his personal lawyer Michael Cohen, campaign team and others scrambled to head off a scandal. The documents, released on the orders of US District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan, were used by law enforcement officials to obtain a 2018 search warrant that led to FBI raids on Cohen's home and office. The documents provided the most extensive account to date of what appears to be then-candidate Trump's personal involvement in the scheme to pay $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels to avert a controversy for a campaign already reeling from the release of 2005 audio from the TV programme "Access Hollywood" in which Trump bragged about grabbing women by the genitals. The documents detailed repeated communications between Trump and Cohen and Hope Hicks, Trump's presidential campaign press secretary who later became a senior White House official. The White House and a lawyer for Hicks did not respond to a request for comment on the documents. Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty in August 2018 to violating campaign finance law by directing the payment to Daniels as well as another payment of $150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal shortly before the election. Both women have said they had sexual encounters with Trump more than a decade ago and that the money was meant to buy their silence. Trump has denied the encounters and in 2018 told reporters he knew nothing about a payment to Daniels. The newly unredacted material includes a 19-page section of the FBI's search warrant application with the heading: "The Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme." It shows Cohen having multiple interactions with Trump and Trump's campaign staff as Cohen was negotiating the payoff with Daniels' lawyer and executives of American Media Inc, publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid newspaper. A lawyer for AMI did not respond to a request for comment on the documents. The National Enquirer's publisher had offered to help Trump by buying rights to unflattering stories and never publishing them. Before the payoff negotiations began, Cohen spoke on the phone with Trump approximately once a month and rarely had phone contact with Trump's presidential campaign staff, the search warrant application said. The FBI documents do not provide the content of the calls. Beginning on Oct. 8, there was a sharp uptick in calls with Trump and his campaign staff. That evening - a month before the election and in the immediate aftermath of the "Access Hollywood" tape that caused a political firestorm and prompted a rare apology from Trump - Hicks, Cohen and Trump held a three-way phone call lasting more than four minutes, the FBI document said. Over the course of the evening, Cohen had several calls with Hicks, AMI President David Pecker, a friend of Trump, and Dylan Howard, AMI's chief content officer, before calling Trump back for eight minutes. The FBI documents do not provide the content of the calls. Later that evening, Howard then sent Cohen a text message: "Keith will do it," the message said, in an apparent reference to Keith Davidson, a lawyer for Daniels who would end up receiving the $130,000 payment for Daniels from Cohen later that month. "Let's reconvene tomorrow." The next day, Howard connected Cohen and Davidson in a text message to begin the payoff negotiations, the document stated. Hicks testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee earlier this year that she was never present for any discussion during the campaign between Trump and Cohen about Daniels. The chairman of the House judiciary panel, Jerrold Nadler, in a letter to Hicks released publicly on Thursday, demanded that she return to Capitol Hill before Aug. 15 to explain the inconsistencies in her testimony. 'Inescapable conclusion' Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that the documents demonstrate Trump was "intimately involved in devising and executing a corrupt scheme" to keep the Daniels matter secret. "The inescapable conclusion from all of the public materials available now," Schiff added, "is that there was ample evidence to charge Donald Trump with the same criminal election law violations for which Michael Cohen pled guilty and is now serving time in prison." The documents show that Hicks spoke with Cohen several times about the importance of keeping the Daniels and McDougal stories from "gaining national traction." Not long after the Wall Street Journal published an article online four days before the Nov. 8 election, the documents showed Cohen sent a text message to Hicks saying the article was getting "little to no traction," prompting her to respond: "Same. Keep praying!! It's working!" On the same day as that text, Howard texted Cohen about the Wall Street Journal story, saying, "I think it'll be ok pal. I think it'll fade into the distance," the documents showed. Cohen responded, "He's pissed," an apparent reference to Trump, according to the documents. Cohen, who was once Trump's self-described "fixer," began serving a three-year prison sentence in May for his campaign finance violations and other crimes, including making false statements to a bank and tax evasion. In a statement released from prison on Thursday, Cohen reiterated his previous comments about Trump's central role in the hush money scheme, referring to the president's company in saying, "I and members of The Trump Organization were directed by Mr. Trump to handle the Stormy Daniels matter; including making the hush money payment." Cohen pleaded guilty last November to separate charges brought by the office of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who was investigating contacts between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia. Cohen admitted he lied to Congress about the extent of contacts between Trump and Russians during the campaign. The judge on Wednesday said there was no reason to keep the documents secret after prosecutors told him that their investigation into the payments had ended.

FBI documents point to Trump role in hush money for porn star Daniels

Trump Continues To Provoke People Ahead Of Imran Khan's U.S. Visit Imran Khan will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. To appease the U.S., Pakistan even arrested terrorist Hafiz Saeed, again. But having a cordial meeting with a 'know-it-all' POTUS will be difficult. He demonstrated his lack of knowledge on a host of things today too. Trump even asked Yazidi activist Nadia Murad why she won the Nobel Prize! Palki sums up.

Gravitas: Ahead of Imran khan's US visit, trump remains in 'characteristic' form

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