Trump announces new asylum rules but most migrants not eligible for asylum. To know more watch the video

Donald Trump announces new asylum rules

The remaining parties to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-visa-to-irans-javad-zarif-for-united-nation-meeting-this-week-sources-236046&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi1ocnt-rjjAhVT-WEKHf-gCNAQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0XnDcqJYQmlBGDMAurg3Hn">Iran nuclear deal</a> do not see Tehran's breaches as significant and do not intend for now to trigger the pact's dispute mechanism, preferring more diplomacy to ease the crisis, the EU foreign policy chief said on Monday.

She spoke at the end of a European Union foreign ministers meeting after Britain said there was only a "small window" of time to salvage the deal, while Iran warned it would ramp up uranium enrichment if the EU failed to do more to that end.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-hits-out-at-us-in-iaea-meet-234819&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjepLeD_LjjAhXXBIgKHbVUAt04MhAWMAR6BAgDEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PH9R6SLIOtEtvmC-3HUS5">US-Iranian tensions</a> have escalated since US President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its economy.

The EU ministers drew no conclusions on what action should next be taken to head off a feared US-Iranian conflict. But by suggesting that Iran's non-compliance was not significant, it could anger the United States, which last week warned it would intensify sanctions on Iran over its breaches, and it did prompt an immediate outcry from Israel, Iran's regional arch-enemy.

"For the time being, none of the parties to the agreement has signalled their intention to invoke this article," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a news conference in Brussels, referring to a mechanism to punish non-compliance.

"(It) means that none of them for the moment, for the time being with the current data we have had in particular from the (UN nuclear watchdog) IAEA, (consider Iran's) non-compliance...to be significant non-compliance."

Nuclear breches

IAEA inspectors last week confirmed Iran is now enriching uranium to 4.5% fissile purity, above the 3.67% limit set by its deal, the second breach in as many weeks after Tehran exceeded limits on its stock of low enriched uranium.

The level at which Iran is now refining uranium is still well below the 20% purity of enrichment Iran reached before the deal, and the 90% needed to yield bomb-grade nuclear fuel. Low-enriched uranium provides fuel for civilian power plants.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said earlier in the day that Iran remained "a good year away from developing a nuclear bomb". He told reporters in Brussels: "There is still some closing, but a small window to keep the deal alive."

Under the terms of the deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union.

This activates a dispute mechanism that could eventually end with a restoration of global, UN sanctions against Iran. Mogherini said a joint commission meeting was possible, although when and at what level had yet to be decided.

She indicated that for now the EU would focus on diplomatic efforts to save the nuclear deal, which signatories in 2015 touted as essential to ward off the risk of a wider Middle East war jeopardising global energy supplies.

"The deal is not in good health, but it's still alive. We hope and we invite Iran to reverse these steps and go back to full compliance with the agreement," Mogherini, adding that they were all reversible.

'Appeasement'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the EU's response on Monday, saying it recalled failed diplomacy with Nazi Germany in the run-up to World War Two.

"(It) reminds me of the European appeasement of the 1930s," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

"Then, too, there were those who stuck their head in the sand and did not see the approaching danger," said Netanyahu, who has often cast Iran's nuclear projects as a mortal menace to Israel and the wider world. Iran denies seeking a nuclear bomb.

The Brussels gathering had been called to flesh out ways of convincing Iran and the United States to reduce tensions and start a dialogue amid fears the 2015 deal is close to collapse.

Fears of direct US.-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran's downing of a US surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute.

In reaction to the reimposition of tough US sanctions, which have notably targeted Iran's vital oil revenue stream, Tehran has cut some of its nuclear commitments under the deal.

That led the European parties to the pact, France, Britain and Germany, to warn Tehran not to shred the deal's terms.

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom suggested the Europeans would leave the door open for diplomacy but that Tehran should exercise restraint.

"It improves their chances of having a good discussion with the EU and other partners in the JCPOA (Iran deal)," she told reporters. "We encourage them to use all diplomatic means and create new diplomatic channels ...to de-escalate the tense situation. We have to use every opportunity to keep the deal."

The Islamic Republic's nuclear energy agency said Tehran would return to the situation before the nuclear deal unless European countries fulfilled their obligations.

"These actions are not taken out of stubbornness but to give diplomacy a chance," agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said.

"And if the Europeans and America don't want to fulfil their commitments we will create a balance in this deal by reducing commitments and return the situation to four years ago."

Iran says the European countries must do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive in return for UN-monitored limits to its nuclear capacity under the deal.

Trade mechanism

The Europeans are also trying to set up Instex, a barter-based trade conduit with Iran, but an equivalent Iranian mechanism has yet to start. Should the mechanism go ahead it would initially only deal in products such as pharmaceuticals and foods, which are not subject to US sanctions.

Mogherini also said the shareholders of Instex, which now includes 10 EU members, were considering whether to include oil, something that until now has been ruled out given the threat of US blowback.

Iran has said Instex must include oil sales or provide substantial credit facilities for it to be beneficial.

The remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal do not see Tehran's breaches as significant and do not intend for now to trigger the pact's dispute mechanism, preferring more diplomacy to ease the crisis, the EU foreign policy chief said on Monday.

The remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal do not see Tehran's breaches as significant and do not intend for now to trigger the pact's dispute mechanism, preferring more diplomacy to ease the crisis, the EU foreign policy chief said on Monday. She spoke at the end of a European Union foreign ministers meeting after Britain said there was only a "small window" of time to salvage the deal, while Iran warned it would ramp up uranium enrichment if the EU failed to do more to that end. US-Iranian tensions have escalated since US President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its economy. The EU ministers drew no conclusions on what action should next be taken to head off a feared US-Iranian conflict. But by suggesting that Iran's non-compliance was not significant, it could anger the United States, which last week warned it would intensify sanctions on Iran over its breaches, and it did prompt an immediate outcry from Israel, Iran's regional arch-enemy. "For the time being, none of the parties to the agreement has signalled their intention to invoke this article," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a news conference in Brussels, referring to a mechanism to punish non-compliance. "(It) means that none of them for the moment, for the time being with the current data we have had in particular from the (UN nuclear watchdog) IAEA, (consider Iran's) non-compliance...to be significant non-compliance." Nuclear breches IAEA inspectors last week confirmed Iran is now enriching uranium to 4.5% fissile purity, above the 3.67% limit set by its deal, the second breach in as many weeks after Tehran exceeded limits on its stock of low enriched uranium. The level at which Iran is now refining uranium is still well below the 20% purity of enrichment Iran reached before the deal, and the 90% needed to yield bomb-grade nuclear fuel. Low-enriched uranium provides fuel for civilian power plants. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said earlier in the day that Iran remained "a good year away from developing a nuclear bomb". He told reporters in Brussels: "There is still some closing, but a small window to keep the deal alive." Under the terms of the deal, if any party believes another is not upholding their commitments they can refer the issue to a Joint Commission comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers, and the European Union. This activates a dispute mechanism that could eventually end with a restoration of global, UN sanctions against Iran. Mogherini said a joint commission meeting was possible, although when and at what level had yet to be decided. She indicated that for now the EU would focus on diplomatic efforts to save the nuclear deal, which signatories in 2015 touted as essential to ward off the risk of a wider Middle East war jeopardising global energy supplies. "The deal is not in good health, but it's still alive. We hope and we invite Iran to reverse these steps and go back to full compliance with the agreement," Mogherini, adding that they were all reversible. 'Appeasement' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the EU's response on Monday, saying it recalled failed diplomacy with Nazi Germany in the run-up to World War Two. "(It) reminds me of the European appeasement of the 1930s," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "Then, too, there were those who stuck their head in the sand and did not see the approaching danger," said Netanyahu, who has often cast Iran's nuclear projects as a mortal menace to Israel and the wider world. Iran denies seeking a nuclear bomb. The Brussels gathering had been called to flesh out ways of convincing Iran and the United States to reduce tensions and start a dialogue amid fears the 2015 deal is close to collapse. Fears of direct US.-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran's downing of a US surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute. In reaction to the reimposition of tough US sanctions, which have notably targeted Iran's vital oil revenue stream, Tehran has cut some of its nuclear commitments under the deal. That led the European parties to the pact, France, Britain and Germany, to warn Tehran not to shred the deal's terms. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom suggested the Europeans would leave the door open for diplomacy but that Tehran should exercise restraint. "It improves their chances of having a good discussion with the EU and other partners in the JCPOA (Iran deal)," she told reporters. "We encourage them to use all diplomatic means and create new diplomatic channels ...to de-escalate the tense situation. We have to use every opportunity to keep the deal." The Islamic Republic's nuclear energy agency said Tehran would return to the situation before the nuclear deal unless European countries fulfilled their obligations. "These actions are not taken out of stubbornness but to give diplomacy a chance," agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said. "And if the Europeans and America don't want to fulfil their commitments we will create a balance in this deal by reducing commitments and return the situation to four years ago." Iran says the European countries must do more to guarantee it the trade and investment dividends it was due to receive in return for UN-monitored limits to its nuclear capacity under the deal. Trade mechanism The Europeans are also trying to set up Instex, a barter-based trade conduit with Iran, but an equivalent Iranian mechanism has yet to start. Should the mechanism go ahead it would initially only deal in products such as pharmaceuticals and foods, which are not subject to US sanctions. Mogherini also said the shareholders of Instex, which now includes 10 EU members, were considering whether to include oil, something that until now has been ruled out given the threat of US blowback. Iran has said Instex must include oil sales or provide substantial credit facilities for it to be beneficial.

Nuclear deal parties not ready to launch dispute mechanism against Iran, prefer more diplomacy: European Union

Nineteen per cent of US Twitter users follow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-companies-leaving-china-that-is-why-they-want-make-a-deal-trump-236190">President Donald Trump</a> on the social platform, and a majority of those people approve of his job performance, a survey showed Monday.

The Pew Research Center report suggests Trump's @realDonaldTrump account -- with more than 60 million followers worldwide -- has succeeded in developing an audience largely favourable to his comments, which often generate controversy.

The report is based on a survey of 2,388 US adults who use Twitter and gave Pew permission to review their personal public-facing accounts, between December 2018 and July 2019.

Roughly three in 10 Republican adult Twitter users follow Trump, compared with 13 per cent of Democrats, Pew said.

Among users who follow Trump, 54 per cent approved of his job performance as of late 2018, compared with 24 per cent of users who don't follow the president.

Despite the large following, Trump's direct reach on Twitter is still limited, according to Pew: only 22 per cent of all US adults use the service, its surveys found.

And Trump's reach on Twitter remains below that of former president Barack Obama, who connects with 26 per cent of the platform's users, Pew researchers found.

The news comes with Trump drawing fire for a series of tweets interpreted as attacking four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- calling on them to "go back" to their own countries, even though all are US citizens.

Trump's comments were branded "racist" and "xenophobic" by Democratic presidential candidates and senior lawmakers.

Nineteen per cent of US Twitter users follow President Donald Trump on the social platform, and a majority of those people approve of his job performance, a survey showed Monday.

Nineteen per cent of US Twitter users follow President Donald Trump on the social platform, and a majority of those people approve of his job performance, a survey showed Monday. The Pew Research Center report suggests Trump's @realDonaldTrump account -- with more than 60 million followers worldwide -- has succeeded in developing an audience largely favourable to his comments, which often generate controversy. The report is based on a survey of 2,388 US adults who use Twitter and gave Pew permission to review their personal public-facing accounts, between December 2018 and July 2019. Roughly three in 10 Republican adult Twitter users follow Trump, compared with 13 per cent of Democrats, Pew said. Among users who follow Trump, 54 per cent approved of his job performance as of late 2018, compared with 24 per cent of users who don't follow the president. Despite the large following, Trump's direct reach on Twitter is still limited, according to Pew: only 22 per cent of all US adults use the service, its surveys found. And Trump's reach on Twitter remains below that of former president Barack Obama, who connects with 26 per cent of the platform's users, Pew researchers found. The news comes with Trump drawing fire for a series of tweets interpreted as attacking four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- calling on them to "go back" to their own countries, even though all are US citizens. Trump's comments were branded "racist" and "xenophobic" by Democratic presidential candidates and senior lawmakers.

One in five US Twitter users follows Donald Trump: Survey

Donald Trump in the dock for racially charged tweets. Trump takes potshots at unnamed Congresswomen colour. Trump's outbreak was aimed at 'the squad.' Trump said, ''Why don't they go back and help fix their countries.'' Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump accused of racism

Trump's Faux Pas Getting Out Of Hand? The Kidney is part of the Heart, the Moon is part of Mars, Trump is in love with Kim, but he doesn't know Putin, Sundar Pichchai is Google's President and Trump is a good 'speller' and U.S. took over airports during American war of independence. By the way Trump makes typos only because his fingers aren't as good as his brain. Here's Palki trying to come to terms with Trump's universe!

Gravitas: Trump: Kidney is part of heart, moon is part of mars!

Thousands of undocumented immigrants waited in uncertainty on Sunday, fearful of the nationwide raids promised by President Donald Trump, but there were no immediate signs of any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starting-fairly-soon-says-trump-on-immigration-raids-233453">large-scale operations</a>.

Even as news media said the raids were underway, Trump added to the divisive debate on migration, suggesting on Twitter that some Democratic Congresswomen should "go back" to their countries of origin.

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were expected to conduct raids in at least 10 major cities Sunday, with plans to arrest about 2,000 undocumented migrants who entered the United States recently.

The operation appears far more modest than the "millions" Trump had promised would be detained and expelled when he first mentioned the raids last month.

Matthew Albence, ICE's acting director, would not confirm any operational details on Sunday, but defended the need for the raids.

"We are doing targeted enforcement actions against specific individuals who have had their day in immigration court and have been ordered to be removed by an immigration judge," he told "Fox News Sunday."&nbsp;

"We are merely executing those judges' orders."

Activists patrolled the streets of several of major cities to document any arrests and offer assistance to anyone detained.

But while there were scattered reports of possible ICE activity, there were no signs of a large-scale sweep.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said he had heard of three ICE raids Saturday, but none resulted in arrests.

In Florida, ICE agents were seen knocking on doors near Miami International Airport and in a nearby migrant farming community, the Los Angeles Times reported, but no arrests were reported.

The Washington Post and Baltimore Sun reported little evidence of any large-scale ICE operations. The Sun said few immigrants were seen around Baltimore on Sunday. &nbsp;

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said authorities in that city had reportedly rented vans for use in raids.

Meanwhile, those likely to be targeted were living in uncertainty.&nbsp;

Adding to their concerns were reports that ICE agents are prepared to scoop up not just those named in removal orders but others whom agents might come upon incidentally, potentially including migrants who have been in the country for years.

'It's traumatising'

Trump said earlier that it was unfair to those seeking to enter the country legally that others simply walk across the border and enjoy the privileges of American life.

Conservative commentators have pressed for tougher action by Trump, pointing out that the Democratic administration of Barack Obama expelled 409,849 people in 2012, compared to the 256,085 expelled under Trump last year.

Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, defended the raids.

"If we don't have interior enforcement we don't have deterrents" to illegal migration, he said on ABC's "This Week."

Local and state officials have called on the federal government to show restraint, and several accused Trump of using the operation for political gain.&nbsp;

"This uncertainty, this fear, is wreaking havoc," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on CNN. "It's traumatizing people."

On Friday Trump insisted that "most mayors" wanted the raids because "they don't want to have crimes in their cities" -- repeating his frequent but incorrect assertion that migrants are more likely to be criminals than native-born Americans.

De Blasio told CNN on Sunday that the millions of undocumented people in the US are "core to our economy and part of our community" and he accused Trump of using the raids "to foment division."&nbsp;

"What he's doing with our ICE agents is not about securing our borders. It is an electoral effort by President Trump."&nbsp;

Some city officials and pro-migrant groups have sought to educate those who might be targeted about their rights. &nbsp;

If "someone comes to your door," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms said on CNN, "please don't open the door unless they have a warrant."

'Crime infested places'

Trump drew an angry reaction from Democrats on Sunday by saying on Twitter that unnamed progressive Congresswomen should "go back" to the "totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came."

The assistant House speaker, Democrat Ben Ray Lujan, immediately denounced it as "a racist tweet" against American citizens.

The political parties have been wrangling over the conditions facing migrants in badly overcrowded federal detention centres.&nbsp;

Reporters and lawmakers have described detention centres where people sleep on concrete floors and live in filthy conditions.

US officials have acknowledged the overcrowding but insist they are doing their best to provide decent conditions.

The United States has been struggling with the migration crisis on its southern border, as thousands of people stream into the US, mostly from Central American countries struggling with violence and poverty.&nbsp;

More than 100,000 undocumented people arrived last month -- down 28 per cent from May but still a "full-blown emergency," according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Thousands of undocumented immigrants waited in uncertainty on Sunday, fearful of the nationwide raids promised by President Donald Trump, but there were no immediate signs of any large-scale operations.

Thousands of undocumented immigrants waited in uncertainty on Sunday, fearful of the nationwide raids promised by President Donald Trump, but there were no immediate signs of any large-scale operations. Even as news media said the raids were underway, Trump added to the divisive debate on migration, suggesting on Twitter that some Democratic Congresswomen should "go back" to their countries of origin. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were expected to conduct raids in at least 10 major cities Sunday, with plans to arrest about 2,000 undocumented migrants who entered the United States recently. The operation appears far more modest than the "millions" Trump had promised would be detained and expelled when he first mentioned the raids last month. Matthew Albence, ICE's acting director, would not confirm any operational details on Sunday, but defended the need for the raids. "We are doing targeted enforcement actions against specific individuals who have had their day in immigration court and have been ordered to be removed by an immigration judge," he told "Fox News Sunday." "We are merely executing those judges' orders." Activists patrolled the streets of several of major cities to document any arrests and offer assistance to anyone detained. But while there were scattered reports of possible ICE activity, there were no signs of a large-scale sweep. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said he had heard of three ICE raids Saturday, but none resulted in arrests. In Florida, ICE agents were seen knocking on doors near Miami International Airport and in a nearby migrant farming community, the Los Angeles Times reported, but no arrests were reported. The Washington Post and Baltimore Sun reported little evidence of any large-scale ICE operations. The Sun said few immigrants were seen around Baltimore on Sunday. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said authorities in that city had reportedly rented vans for use in raids. Meanwhile, those likely to be targeted were living in uncertainty. Adding to their concerns were reports that ICE agents are prepared to scoop up not just those named in removal orders but others whom agents might come upon incidentally, potentially including migrants who have been in the country for years. 'It's traumatising' Trump said earlier that it was unfair to those seeking to enter the country legally that others simply walk across the border and enjoy the privileges of American life. Conservative commentators have pressed for tougher action by Trump, pointing out that the Democratic administration of Barack Obama expelled 409,849 people in 2012, compared to the 256,085 expelled under Trump last year. Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, defended the raids. "If we don't have interior enforcement we don't have deterrents" to illegal migration, he said on ABC's "This Week." Local and state officials have called on the federal government to show restraint, and several accused Trump of using the operation for political gain. "This uncertainty, this fear, is wreaking havoc," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on CNN. "It's traumatizing people." On Friday Trump insisted that "most mayors" wanted the raids because "they don't want to have crimes in their cities" -- repeating his frequent but incorrect assertion that migrants are more likely to be criminals than native-born Americans. De Blasio told CNN on Sunday that the millions of undocumented people in the US are "core to our economy and part of our community" and he accused Trump of using the raids "to foment division." "What he's doing with our ICE agents is not about securing our borders. It is an electoral effort by President Trump." Some city officials and pro-migrant groups have sought to educate those who might be targeted about their rights. If "someone comes to your door," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms said on CNN, "please don't open the door unless they have a warrant." 'Crime infested places' Trump drew an angry reaction from Democrats on Sunday by saying on Twitter that unnamed progressive Congresswomen should "go back" to the "totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came." The assistant House speaker, Democrat Ben Ray Lujan, immediately denounced it as "a racist tweet" against American citizens. The political parties have been wrangling over the conditions facing migrants in badly overcrowded federal detention centres. Reporters and lawmakers have described detention centres where people sleep on concrete floors and live in filthy conditions. US officials have acknowledged the overcrowding but insist they are doing their best to provide decent conditions. The United States has been struggling with the migration crisis on its southern border, as thousands of people stream into the US, mostly from Central American countries struggling with violence and poverty. More than 100,000 undocumented people arrived last month -- down 28 per cent from May but still a "full-blown emergency," according to the Department of Homeland Security.

As migrants wait in fear, no sign of large-scale US raids

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, who is under pressure at home not to seal a migration deal with the United States, on Sunday called off White House talks with Donald Trump with just a day to spare, his office announced.

The meeting scheduled for Monday in Washington has been pushed back over "speculation" about the signing of a possible deal, the Guatemalan government said in a statement.

Such a deal would make Guatemala a "safe third country" -- and mean that it would be obliged to offer asylum to any migrants entering its territory on the way to the United States.

Many migrants from Honduras and El Salvador cross Guatemala to reach Mexico on their route to the US border.

The Guatemalan government had announced Morales' visit last week, saying it would touch on immigration and security issues, but never offered details about what Trump and Morales would discuss.

Guatemalan officials did acknowledge that talks on a "safe third country" agreement were underway, leading to swirling speculation.

Those opposed to such a deal say they don't want Guatemala to become a dumping ground for migrants heading to the United States, especially given that Guatemalans are often part of the group making the journey.

The country's constitutional court was expected on Sunday to consider three legal challenges over the deal, which has been rejected by the two candidates vying for Guatemala's presidency next month.

Centre-left former first lady Sandra Torres will face off against conservative candidate Alejandro Giammattei on August 11 for the right to succeed Morales in January.

In March, Trump's administration suspended aid to the "Northern Triangle" countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras after the Republican leader said they were doing nothing to stem the flow of migrants to the US.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, who is under pressure at home not to seal a migration deal with the United States, on Sunday called off White House talks with Donald Trump with just a day to spare, his office announced.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, who is under pressure at home not to seal a migration deal with the United States, on Sunday called off White House talks with Donald Trump with just a day to spare, his office announced. The meeting scheduled for Monday in Washington has been pushed back over "speculation" about the signing of a possible deal, the Guatemalan government said in a statement. Such a deal would make Guatemala a "safe third country" -- and mean that it would be obliged to offer asylum to any migrants entering its territory on the way to the United States. Many migrants from Honduras and El Salvador cross Guatemala to reach Mexico on their route to the US border. The Guatemalan government had announced Morales' visit last week, saying it would touch on immigration and security issues, but never offered details about what Trump and Morales would discuss. Guatemalan officials did acknowledge that talks on a "safe third country" agreement were underway, leading to swirling speculation. Those opposed to such a deal say they don't want Guatemala to become a dumping ground for migrants heading to the United States, especially given that Guatemalans are often part of the group making the journey. The country's constitutional court was expected on Sunday to consider three legal challenges over the deal, which has been rejected by the two candidates vying for Guatemala's presidency next month. Centre-left former first lady Sandra Torres will face off against conservative candidate Alejandro Giammattei on August 11 for the right to succeed Morales in January. In March, Trump's administration suspended aid to the "Northern Triangle" countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras after the Republican leader said they were doing nothing to stem the flow of migrants to the US.

Guatemala president Jimmy Morales calls off US meeting with Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Erdogan's comments came two days after NATO member Turkey took delivery of the first consig9nment of advanced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-ignores-us-warnings-as-it-continues-to-take-delivery-of-russias-s-400-235504">Russian S-400 missile defence system</a> parts, despite warnings from Washington that the move would trigger US sanctions.

Broadcaster Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling Turkish journalists that Trump "has the authority to waive or postpone CAATSA", referring to US sanctions designed to prevent countries buying military equipment from Russia.

"Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground," Erdogan said, according to Haberturk.

Trump expressed sympathy for Turkey's position when he met Erdogan at a G20 summit in Japan last month, saying Ankara had bought the S-400s from Moscow because the previous US administration would not sell it Patriot missiles.

"Right now, I don't believe Trump is of the same opinion of those below him and he has said this in front of all world media," Erdogan said.

"By buying the S-400s, we are not getting ready for war. We are trying to guarantee peace and our national security," he added.

In addition to the threatened CAATSA sanctions, US officials have said Turkey could be thrown off the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, meaning it would no longer be part of the production process or be able to buy the jets it has ordered.

The Pentagon says the S-400s would pose a threat to the jets if they were operating in the same region. Erdogan said Turkey had orders for more than 100 F-35s and expected Washington to remain committed to the deal.

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday. Erdogan's comments came two days after NATO member Turkey took delivery of the first consig9nment of advanced Russian S-400 missile defence system parts, despite warnings from Washington that the move would trigger US sanctions. Broadcaster Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling Turkish journalists that Trump "has the authority to waive or postpone CAATSA", referring to US sanctions designed to prevent countries buying military equipment from Russia. "Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground," Erdogan said, according to Haberturk. Trump expressed sympathy for Turkey's position when he met Erdogan at a G20 summit in Japan last month, saying Ankara had bought the S-400s from Moscow because the previous US administration would not sell it Patriot missiles. "Right now, I don't believe Trump is of the same opinion of those below him and he has said this in front of all world media," Erdogan said. "By buying the S-400s, we are not getting ready for war. We are trying to guarantee peace and our national security," he added. In addition to the threatened CAATSA sanctions, US officials have said Turkey could be thrown off the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, meaning it would no longer be part of the production process or be able to buy the jets it has ordered. The Pentagon says the S-400s would pose a threat to the jets if they were operating in the same region. Erdogan said Turkey had orders for more than 100 F-35s and expected Washington to remain committed to the deal.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions on Turkey: Report

More than 2,000 workers at seven <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-warehouse-workers-in-minnesota-set-walkout-on-prime-day-234450">Amazon</a> sites across Germany have gone <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-warehouse-workers-in-minnesota-set-walkout-on-prime-day-234450">on strike over pay for at least two days</a>, labour union Verdi said on Monday.

The walkouts, under the motto 'No more discount on our incomes", started overnight and coincide with Amazon's Prime Day when the US online retail giant offers its 'Prime' customers discount deals. Germany is its second-biggest market after the United States.

Amazon has faced a long-running battle with unions in Germany over better pay and conditions for logistics workers, who have staged frequent strikes since 2013.

"While Amazon fuels bargain hunting on Prime Day with hefty discounts, employees are being deprived of a living wage," Verdi retail specialist Orhan Akman said in a statement.

Verdi said the strikes had hit Amazon's sites in Werne, Rheinberg, Leipzig, Graben, Koblenz, as well as at Amazon's two sites in Bad Hersfeld.

Amazon did not provide exact numbers for how many employees were striking but said participation was limited and had no impact on customer deliveries.

"The company must finally recognise the collective wage agreements for the retail and mail order sectors," Akman said. "Wages and salaries at Amazon must no longer be determined in the style of a lord of the manor."

Verdi also demanded that collective bargaining agreements be made binding across Germany's retail sector.

"A universally binding collective agreement would then apply for Amazon too," said Akman.

An Amazon spokesman said the company was a fair and responsible employer even without having a collective agreement in place, adding: "In our fulfilment centres, our wages are at the upper end of what is paid in comparable jobs."

Amazon runs 12 warehouses - which it calls fulfilment centres - in Germany. Earlier on Sunday, Amazon said it plans to open a new warehouse in Germany this year and create more than 2,800 jobs with permanent contracts.

More than 2,000 workers at seven Amazon sites across Germany have gone on strike over pay for at least two days, labour union Verdi said on Monday. The walkouts, under the motto 'No more discount on our incomes", started overnight and coincide with Amazon's Prime Day when the US online retail giant offers its 'Prime' customers discount deals.

More than 2,000 workers at seven Amazon sites across Germany have gone on strike over pay for at least two days, labour union Verdi said on Monday. The walkouts, under the motto 'No more discount on our incomes", started overnight and coincide with Amazon's Prime Day when the US online retail giant offers its 'Prime' customers discount deals. Germany is its second-biggest market after the United States. Amazon has faced a long-running battle with unions in Germany over better pay and conditions for logistics workers, who have staged frequent strikes since 2013. "While Amazon fuels bargain hunting on Prime Day with hefty discounts, employees are being deprived of a living wage," Verdi retail specialist Orhan Akman said in a statement. Verdi said the strikes had hit Amazon's sites in Werne, Rheinberg, Leipzig, Graben, Koblenz, as well as at Amazon's two sites in Bad Hersfeld. Amazon did not provide exact numbers for how many employees were striking but said participation was limited and had no impact on customer deliveries. "The company must finally recognise the collective wage agreements for the retail and mail order sectors," Akman said. "Wages and salaries at Amazon must no longer be determined in the style of a lord of the manor." Verdi also demanded that collective bargaining agreements be made binding across Germany's retail sector. "A universally binding collective agreement would then apply for Amazon too," said Akman. An Amazon spokesman said the company was a fair and responsible employer even without having a collective agreement in place, adding: "In our fulfilment centres, our wages are at the upper end of what is paid in comparable jobs." Amazon runs 12 warehouses - which it calls fulfilment centres - in Germany. Earlier on Sunday, Amazon said it plans to open a new warehouse in Germany this year and create more than 2,800 jobs with permanent contracts.

Amazon workers in Germany strike over pay, say 'No more discount on our incomes'

The United States President Donald Trump doubled down his comments in which he told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-democratic-congresswomen-to-go-back-to-fix-countries-they-came-from-235979">"progressive"&nbsp;Democratic congresswomen to "go back"</a> where they came from.&nbsp;

He also said that they&nbsp;"hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion," indicating he may have been referring to Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who have&nbsp;recently&nbsp;been embroiled in controversies related to the Jewish state.

"So sad to see the Democrats sticking up for people who speak so badly of our Country and who, in addition, hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion. Whenever confronted, they call their adversaries, including Nancy Pelosi, 'RACIST'," &nbsp;Trump said on Twitter.

"Their disgusting language and the many terrible things they say about the United States must not be allowed to go unchallenged," Trump added in another tweet.

Trump also said that he looks forward to seeing Democrats "at the ballot box" in 2020.&nbsp;

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So sad to see the Democrats sticking up for people who speak so badly of our Country and who, in addition, hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion. Whenever confronted, they call their adversaries, including Nancy Pelosi, “RACIST.” Their disgusting language.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1150556162393300992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Donald Trump on Sunday sparked a firestorm on social media after in a series of tweets he told "progressive" Congresswomen to go back to their own countries and "help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places."

While he did not mention names, Trump appeared to be referring to first-year Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - a group known as "the squad" that has been very critical of Trump.

Trump's tweets received outrage from seniors leaders of Democrats including House of Representative Nancy Pelosi. She called Trump's tweet "Xenophobic".

"When @realDonaldTrump tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to 'Make America Great Again' has always been about making America white again," she said on micro-blogging site.

"Our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power," Pelosi added.&nbsp;

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When <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to “Make America Great Again” has always been about making America white again. 
 
Our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power. <a href="https://t.co/ODqqHneyES">https://t.co/ODqqHneyES</a>
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1150408691713265665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tlaib, who was born in Detroit, is the first American of Palestinian descent elected to Congress, while Omar, who fled war-torn Somalia as a child and came to the United States as a refugee, is the first black Muslim woman in Congress.

Ocasio-Cortez, who was born in New York, is of Puerto Rican ancestry, and Pressley, who was born in Cincinnati, is the first African American elected to Congress from Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, no senior Republican lawmakers have reacted on Trump's comments.

The United States President Donald Trump doubled down his comments in which he told "progressive" Democratic congresswomen to "go back" where they came from. He also said that they "hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion," indicating he may have been referring to Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who have recently been embroiled in controversies related to the Jewish state.

The United States President Donald Trump doubled down his comments in which he told "progressive" Democratic congresswomen to "go back" where they came from. He also said that they "hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion," indicating he may have been referring to Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who have recently been embroiled in controversies related to the Jewish state. "So sad to see the Democrats sticking up for people who speak so badly of our Country and who, in addition, hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion. Whenever confronted, they call their adversaries, including Nancy Pelosi, 'RACIST'," Trump said on Twitter. "Their disgusting language and the many terrible things they say about the United States must not be allowed to go unchallenged," Trump added in another tweet. Trump also said that he looks forward to seeing Democrats "at the ballot box" in 2020. So sad to see the Democrats sticking up for people who speak so badly of our Country and who, in addition, hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion. Whenever confronted, they call their adversaries, including Nancy Pelosi, “RACIST.” Their disgusting language..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2019 × Donald Trump on Sunday sparked a firestorm on social media after in a series of tweets he told "progressive" Congresswomen to go back to their own countries and "help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places." While he did not mention names, Trump appeared to be referring to first-year Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - a group known as "the squad" that has been very critical of Trump. Trump's tweets received outrage from seniors leaders of Democrats including House of Representative Nancy Pelosi. She called Trump's tweet "Xenophobic". "When @realDonaldTrump tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to 'Make America Great Again' has always been about making America white again," she said on micro-blogging site. "Our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power," Pelosi added. When @realDonaldTrump tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to “Make America Great Again” has always been about making America white again. Our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power. https://t.co/ODqqHneyES — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 14, 2019 × Tlaib, who was born in Detroit, is the first American of Palestinian descent elected to Congress, while Omar, who fled war-torn Somalia as a child and came to the United States as a refugee, is the first black Muslim woman in Congress. Ocasio-Cortez, who was born in New York, is of Puerto Rican ancestry, and Pressley, who was born in Cincinnati, is the first African American elected to Congress from Massachusetts. Meanwhile, no senior Republican lawmakers have reacted on Trump's comments.

Sad to see Democrats sticking up for Israel haters, says Donald Trump after tweet backlash

The United States has granted a visa to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-genocidal-taunts-will-not-end-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-hits-back-220126">Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif </a>to attend a UN meeting in New York this week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved the decision.

Had Pompeo not approved giving a visa to Zarif, Iran's top diplomat, and nuclear negotiator, it could have been a signal that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-shares-muted-as-prospect-of-sharp-united-states-rate-cut-fades-234064">United States</a> was trying to further isolate the Islamic Republic and perhaps closing the door to diplomacy.

US-Iranian tensions have worsened since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">US President Donald Trump</a> decided last year to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its FU economy.

They have taken several turns for the worse in the last two and a half months after Trump acted to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports because of US concerns about its nuclear and missile programs and regional activities.

Since that decision, there have been two sets of attacks on tankers in the Gulf that Washington blamed on Tehran despite its denials, and Iran has downed a US drone that prompted plans for a US retaliatory air strike that was abruptly called off.

On June 24, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had said Zarif would be hit with US sanctions that week, an unusual stance because the United States typically does not preview such decisions to keep its targets from moving assets out of US jurisdiction. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters Washington had decided to hold off on blacklisting him for now.

Imposing sanctions on Iran's chief negotiator would have been unusual because it could impede any US effort to use diplomacy to resolve its disagreements with Tehran.

Iran's mission to the United Nations said Zarif had arrived in New York, where he is to attend a ministerial meeting at the United Nations on sustainable development goals, which aim to tackle issues including conflict, hunger, gender equality and climate change by 2030.

The United States has granted a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to attend a UN meeting in New York this week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved the decision.

The United States has granted a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to attend a UN meeting in New York this week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved the decision. Had Pompeo not approved giving a visa to Zarif, Iran's top diplomat, and nuclear negotiator, it could have been a signal that the United States was trying to further isolate the Islamic Republic and perhaps closing the door to diplomacy. US-Iranian tensions have worsened since US President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic program in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its FU economy. They have taken several turns for the worse in the last two and a half months after Trump acted to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports because of US concerns about its nuclear and missile programs and regional activities. Since that decision, there have been two sets of attacks on tankers in the Gulf that Washington blamed on Tehran despite its denials, and Iran has downed a US drone that prompted plans for a US retaliatory air strike that was abruptly called off. On June 24, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had said Zarif would be hit with US sanctions that week, an unusual stance because the United States typically does not preview such decisions to keep its targets from moving assets out of US jurisdiction. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters Washington had decided to hold off on blacklisting him for now. Imposing sanctions on Iran's chief negotiator would have been unusual because it could impede any US effort to use diplomacy to resolve its disagreements with Tehran. Iran's mission to the United Nations said Zarif had arrived in New York, where he is to attend a ministerial meeting at the United Nations on sustainable development goals, which aim to tackle issues including conflict, hunger, gender equality and climate change by 2030.

US grants visa to Iran's Javad Zarif  for United Nation meeting this week: Report

A populist mayor who favours closer ties with Beijing was announced as the presidential candidate for Taiwan's opposition on Monday as it looks to unseat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fights-break-out-as-taiwans-president-tsai-visits-new-york-235282">President Tsai Ing-wen in upcoming elections</a>.

Han Kuo-yu won the primary for the opposition Kuomintang party, comfortably seeing off a challenge from Taiwan's richest man, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/populist-china-friendly-mayor-to-run-for-taiwan-president-226009">billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou</a>.

His victory sets up an unpredictable clash as Taiwan goes to the polls in January in a contest that will be dominated by relations with China.

Han, 62, has had a meteoric rise in the last two years, journeying from relative obscurity to becoming his party's presidential candidate in a phenomenon that has been dubbed the "Han tide".

Some have likened him to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-possible-22-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan-amid-tension-with-china-234130">US President Donald Trump</a> and other populist leaders who hail from outside establishment circles and command a fervent voter base buoyed by lofty promises of resurrecting their fortunes.

Han won 45 percent of votes cast in the KMT's primary which polls members of the public by telephone compared with Gou's 28 percent, a major setback for a man who made his fortune assembling iPhones and other key electronic devices in huge factories on the Chinese mainland.

Han was a relative unknown until he seized the Kaohsiung mayoralty in local elections last year in a contest few thought he would win given the southern city had long been a heartland for Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

He has been able to muster huge, enthusiastic crowds during his presidential bid, where he has vowed to restore warm ties with Beijing and kickstart the economy.

Relations with Beijing have soured since Tsai came to power three years ago because she and her party refuse to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".&nbsp;

Since her election, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island.&nbsp;

Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949 but China still views it as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary.

Tsai has described the 2020 presidential election as a "fight for freedom and democracy", setting herself up as someone who can defend Taiwan from an increasingly assertive Beijing.&nbsp;

Supporters see Han as a plain-talking maverick and political outsider who has shaken up the staid politics of the KMT but detractors are unnerved by his efforts promoting warmer China ties.

A populist mayor who favours closer ties with Beijing was announced as the presidential candidate for Taiwan's opposition on Monday as it looks to unseat President Tsai Ing-wen in upcoming elections.

A populist mayor who favours closer ties with Beijing was announced as the presidential candidate for Taiwan's opposition on Monday as it looks to unseat President Tsai Ing-wen in upcoming elections. Han Kuo-yu won the primary for the opposition Kuomintang party, comfortably seeing off a challenge from Taiwan's richest man, billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou. His victory sets up an unpredictable clash as Taiwan goes to the polls in January in a contest that will be dominated by relations with China. Han, 62, has had a meteoric rise in the last two years, journeying from relative obscurity to becoming his party's presidential candidate in a phenomenon that has been dubbed the "Han tide". Some have likened him to US President Donald Trump and other populist leaders who hail from outside establishment circles and command a fervent voter base buoyed by lofty promises of resurrecting their fortunes. Han won 45 percent of votes cast in the KMT's primary which polls members of the public by telephone compared with Gou's 28 percent, a major setback for a man who made his fortune assembling iPhones and other key electronic devices in huge factories on the Chinese mainland. Han was a relative unknown until he seized the Kaohsiung mayoralty in local elections last year in a contest few thought he would win given the southern city had long been a heartland for Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party. He has been able to muster huge, enthusiastic crowds during his presidential bid, where he has vowed to restore warm ties with Beijing and kickstart the economy. Relations with Beijing have soured since Tsai came to power three years ago because she and her party refuse to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". Since her election, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949 but China still views it as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary. Tsai has described the 2020 presidential election as a "fight for freedom and democracy", setting herself up as someone who can defend Taiwan from an increasingly assertive Beijing. Supporters see Han as a plain-talking maverick and political outsider who has shaken up the staid politics of the KMT but detractors are unnerved by his efforts promoting warmer China ties.

Populist pro-China mayor to face Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan presidential clash

Thousands of undocumented immigrants were waiting in fear and uncertainty ahead of nationwide raids Sunday that President Donald Trump said would lead to a wave of expulsions.

Demonstrators in dozens of cities protested the planned raids, and local and state officials called for restraint, but to no effect.&nbsp;

Before dawn on Sunday, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are expected to hit the streets of at least 10 major American cities with plans to arrest some 2,000 undocumented migrants who entered the United States recently.

The scope of the operation appears far more modest than the "millions" Trump had promised would be detained and expelled when he first mentioned the raids -- and subsequently postponed -- last month.

But that has not eased the anguish felt by those who fear they might be targeted.&nbsp;

Adding to their concerns are media reports that ICE agents are prepared to scoop up not just those targeted by removal orders but also other undocumented migrants that agents may come upon incidentally.

That, potentially, could include some migrants who have been in the country for years, with homes, jobs and children who are US citizens.

'It's traumatising'

"This uncertainty, this fear, is wreaking havoc," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on CNN. "It's traumatising people."

Trump insisted on Friday that "most mayors" want the raids.&nbsp;

"Most mayors do. You know why? They don't want to have crimes in their cities," he said, repeating his frequent -- and incorrect -- &nbsp;assertion that migrants are more likely to be criminals than native-born Americans.

Several mayors have expressed concern about the federal operation.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez pointed out that in 2018, his first year in office, his Florida city experienced its "lowest homicide rate in 51 years -- so I don't understand the rationale for choosing Miami."

"It doesn't make it easier for us, as mayors, to keep our citizens and those who are in our city ... quiet and calm."

'A political act'

Some city officials, as well as pro-migrant and civil rights groups, have sought to educate those who might be targeted on their rights in the event of a raid.

"We're asking people, if you are in fear of deportation, to stay in on Sunday, to travel in groups," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms said on CNN. If "someone comes to your door, please don't open the door unless they have a warrant."

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told MSNBC he sees the raids as "a political act to convince a lot of people in America that immigrants are the problem."&nbsp;

Like many other city officials, he fears the aggressive roundup could intimidate migrants, making them less likely in future to cooperate with local police, thus making it harder to ensure public safety.

Millions 'inline'

"We have millions of people standing in line waiting to become citizens of this country," Trump said Friday.&nbsp;

He said it would be unfair to them if others could simply cross the border in an attempt to gain the privileges of American life.

But the impending raids have raised concerns about how a new influx could affect federal detention centres already badly overcrowded. &nbsp;

The United States has been struggling for more than a year with a migration crisis on its southern border, as thousands of people stream into the US each month, mostly from Central American countries riven by violence and poverty.&nbsp;

The number of undocumented arrivals totalled more than 100,000 last month -- down 28 per cent from May but still at a "critical" level, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

On Friday and Saturday, dozens of protests were organised across the country by groups demanding the closing of overcrowded detention centres and opposing the planned raids.&nbsp;

Requisitioning hotels?

Several American news outlets have reported on centres holding young children, separated from their parents, in crowded and unhygienic conditions.

US officials have acknowledged the overcrowding but insisted they are doing their best to provide decent conditions.

Some reports Saturday suggested that ICE might have to requisition hotel rooms to accommodate those detained in the upcoming raids.

A major hotel chain, Marriott International, was asked by AFP whether it had been contacted by the government.

It said it had not yet been contacted, but added, "Marriott has made the decision to decline any requests to use our hotels as detention facilities."

Thousands of undocumented immigrants were waiting in fear and uncertainty ahead of nationwide raids Sunday that President Donald Trump said would lead to a wave of expulsions.

Thousands of undocumented immigrants were waiting in fear and uncertainty ahead of nationwide raids Sunday that President Donald Trump said would lead to a wave of expulsions. Demonstrators in dozens of cities protested the planned raids, and local and state officials called for restraint, but to no effect. Before dawn on Sunday, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are expected to hit the streets of at least 10 major American cities with plans to arrest some 2,000 undocumented migrants who entered the United States recently. The scope of the operation appears far more modest than the "millions" Trump had promised would be detained and expelled when he first mentioned the raids -- and subsequently postponed -- last month. But that has not eased the anguish felt by those who fear they might be targeted. Adding to their concerns are media reports that ICE agents are prepared to scoop up not just those targeted by removal orders but also other undocumented migrants that agents may come upon incidentally. That, potentially, could include some migrants who have been in the country for years, with homes, jobs and children who are US citizens. 'It's traumatising' "This uncertainty, this fear, is wreaking havoc," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on CNN. "It's traumatising people." Trump insisted on Friday that "most mayors" want the raids. "Most mayors do. You know why? They don't want to have crimes in their cities," he said, repeating his frequent -- and incorrect -- assertion that migrants are more likely to be criminals than native-born Americans. Several mayors have expressed concern about the federal operation. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez pointed out that in 2018, his first year in office, his Florida city experienced its "lowest homicide rate in 51 years -- so I don't understand the rationale for choosing Miami." "It doesn't make it easier for us, as mayors, to keep our citizens and those who are in our city ... quiet and calm." 'A political act' Some city officials, as well as pro-migrant and civil rights groups, have sought to educate those who might be targeted on their rights in the event of a raid. "We're asking people, if you are in fear of deportation, to stay in on Sunday, to travel in groups," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms said on CNN. If "someone comes to your door, please don't open the door unless they have a warrant." New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told MSNBC he sees the raids as "a political act to convince a lot of people in America that immigrants are the problem." Like many other city officials, he fears the aggressive roundup could intimidate migrants, making them less likely in future to cooperate with local police, thus making it harder to ensure public safety. Millions 'inline' "We have millions of people standing in line waiting to become citizens of this country," Trump said Friday. He said it would be unfair to them if others could simply cross the border in an attempt to gain the privileges of American life. But the impending raids have raised concerns about how a new influx could affect federal detention centres already badly overcrowded. The United States has been struggling for more than a year with a migration crisis on its southern border, as thousands of people stream into the US each month, mostly from Central American countries riven by violence and poverty. The number of undocumented arrivals totalled more than 100,000 last month -- down 28 per cent from May but still at a "critical" level, according to the Department of Homeland Security. On Friday and Saturday, dozens of protests were organised across the country by groups demanding the closing of overcrowded detention centres and opposing the planned raids. Requisitioning hotels? Several American news outlets have reported on centres holding young children, separated from their parents, in crowded and unhygienic conditions. US officials have acknowledged the overcrowding but insisted they are doing their best to provide decent conditions. Some reports Saturday suggested that ICE might have to requisition hotel rooms to accommodate those detained in the upcoming raids. A major hotel chain, Marriott International, was asked by AFP whether it had been contacted by the government. It said it had not yet been contacted, but added, "Marriott has made the decision to decline any requests to use our hotels as detention facilities."

As US agents prepare to arrest 'thousands,' migrants live in fear

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force.

The declaration -- made on the eve of France's Bastille Day national celebrations that feature a military parade down Paris's Champs-Elysees -- mirrors an initiative in the US championed by President Donald Trump.

"To assure the development and the reinforcement of our capacities in space, a high command for space will be created in September," Macron told military brass gathered for a traditional pre-Bastille Day reception.

He called the renewed military focus on space a "true national security issue".

Last year Macron had spoken of the need for a strategy for space defence and this was the result, he said.

"The new spatial and military doctrine that has been proposed to me by the (defence) ministry, which I have approved, will allow us to ensure our defence of space...," added.

"We will reinforce our knowledge of the situation in space, we will better protect our satellites, including in an active manner," he said.

Defence Minister Florence Parly would reveal details of the funding at a later date, he added.

International space race

France's declared interest in boosting its military readiness in space follows increased spending and interest in the area by the United States, China and Russia.

Observers see military activities -- including spy satellites, location tracing and jamming, communications and cyberattacks -- increasingly being set up in orbit around Earth.

France has a 2019-2025 military spending plan that allocates 3.6 billion euros ($4 billion) to defence in space.

That includes the renewal of France's CSO observation and Syracuse communication satellites, the launch of three CERES electromagnetic-monitoring satellites, and the modernisation of a spatial radar surveillance system called GRAVES.

The Pentagon has drafted plans for a new Space Force on orders from Trump who has declared space a "war-fighting domain". But that project still requires the approval of the US Congress.

In March, United Nations-backed talks in Geneva to prevent an arms race in outer space ended without agreement.

Party announced research into the new generation of military satellites at the Paris Air Show last month.

French operations could no longer do without a presence in space "to contribute to our autonomy of evaluation, decision and action in a decisive manner," she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force. The declaration -- made on the eve of France's Bastille Day national celebrations that feature a military parade down Paris's Champs-Elysees -- mirrors an initiative in the US championed by President Donald Trump. "To assure the development and the reinforcement of our capacities in space, a high command for space will be created in September," Macron told military brass gathered for a traditional pre-Bastille Day reception. He called the renewed military focus on space a "true national security issue". Last year Macron had spoken of the need for a strategy for space defence and this was the result, he said. "The new spatial and military doctrine that has been proposed to me by the (defence) ministry, which I have approved, will allow us to ensure our defence of space...," added. "We will reinforce our knowledge of the situation in space, we will better protect our satellites, including in an active manner," he said. Defence Minister Florence Parly would reveal details of the funding at a later date, he added. International space race France's declared interest in boosting its military readiness in space follows increased spending and interest in the area by the United States, China and Russia. Observers see military activities -- including spy satellites, location tracing and jamming, communications and cyberattacks -- increasingly being set up in orbit around Earth. France has a 2019-2025 military spending plan that allocates 3.6 billion euros ($4 billion) to defence in space. That includes the renewal of France's CSO observation and Syracuse communication satellites, the launch of three CERES electromagnetic-monitoring satellites, and the modernisation of a spatial radar surveillance system called GRAVES. The Pentagon has drafted plans for a new Space Force on orders from Trump who has declared space a "war-fighting domain". But that project still requires the approval of the US Congress. In March, United Nations-backed talks in Geneva to prevent an arms race in outer space ended without agreement. Party announced research into the new generation of military satellites at the Paris Air Show last month. French operations could no longer do without a presence in space "to contribute to our autonomy of evaluation, decision and action in a decisive manner," she said.

France's Emmanuel Macron announces creation of a new space force command

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that&nbsp;Iran was ready for talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-foreign-minister-heads-to-new-york-for-un-conference-amid-soaring-tension-with-us-report-235591">2015 nuclear deal</a> it exited last year, reported news agency Reuters.

"We have always believed in talks ... if they lift sanctions, end the imposed economic pressure and return to the deal, we are ready to hold talks with America today, right now and anywhere," Rouhani reportedly said in a televised speech on Sunday according to the report.

Tension between the between the longtime foes&nbsp;has heightened between since US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the pact.

Iran on Saturday said it will continue its oil exports under any conditions. 
&nbsp; 
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in a telephone call on Saturday that Iran will continue its oil exports under any conditions, according to a statement on the Iranian foreign ministry website.

Zarif also said Britain should quickly release the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concern-was-destination-not-origin-of-oil-us-says-iran-tanker-will-be-freed-after-guarantees-on-destination-235616">Grace 1 oil tanker</a>, which was seized last week by British Royal Marines off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of violating sanctions against Syria.

Hunt told Zarif that Britain would facilitate the release of the tanker if Tehran gave guarantees it would not go to Syria, Hunt wrote on Twitter.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that Iran was ready for talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it exited last year, reported news agency Reuters.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that Iran was ready for talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it exited last year, reported news agency Reuters. "We have always believed in talks ... if they lift sanctions, end the imposed economic pressure and return to the deal, we are ready to hold talks with America today, right now and anywhere," Rouhani reportedly said in a televised speech on Sunday according to the report. Tension between the between the longtime foes has heightened between since US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the pact. Iran on Saturday said it will continue its oil exports under any conditions. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in a telephone call on Saturday that Iran will continue its oil exports under any conditions, according to a statement on the Iranian foreign ministry website. Zarif also said Britain should quickly release the Grace 1 oil tanker, which was seized last week by British Royal Marines off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of violating sanctions against Syria. Hunt told Zarif that Britain would facilitate the release of the tanker if Tehran gave guarantees it would not go to Syria, Hunt wrote on Twitter. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iranian President Rouhani says ready to talk to US if sanctions lifted: Report

Britain's ambassador to Washington believed US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal because it was associated with his predecessor Barack Obama, according to leaked documents published Saturday.

"The administration is set upon an act of diplomatic vandalism, seemingly for ideological and personality reasons -- it was Obama's deal," ambassador <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-darroch-british-ambassador-to-us-who-called-trump-inept-resigns-234649">Kim Darroch wrote in a diplomatic cable</a> in May 2018.

The cable was included in the second batch of leaked reports published by the Mail on Sunday newspaper, the first of which caused Darroch to resign earlier this week.

Separately, the Sunday Times reported that a government investigation into the leak had identified a civil servant as the person responsible.

Working with officials from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-launch-criminal-probe-into-ambassadors-memo-leaks-on-donald-trump-235404">National Cyber Security Centre</a>, part of spy agency GCHQ, and MI6, the probe has homed in on a suspect who had access to historical Foreign Office files, the paper said.

The first leaked reports authored by Darroch were published last weekend, causing major turmoil between Britain and its closest ally.

The ambassador was reported to have described the White House as "inept", prompting Trump to claim the ambassador was a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-stupid-guy-donald-trump-renews-attack-on-uk-ambassador-theresa-may-234370">pompous fool</a>" whom he would no longer deal with.

Darroch resigned on Wednesday, saying it was now "impossible" to do his job.

Watch:&nbsp;UK ambassador to US resigns in Trump leaks row

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'Day-after' strategy

In May 2018, Britain's then-foreign minister Boris Johnson went to Washington to try to persuade Trump not to abandon the Iran deal.

In a cable sent afterwards, Darroch reportedly indicated there were divisions in Trump's team over the decision, and criticised the White House for a lack of long-term strategy.

"They can't articulate any 'day-after' strategy; and contacts with State Department this morning suggest no sort of plan for reaching out to partners and allies, whether in Europe or the region," he wrote.

He reported back that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during his talks with Johnson, "did some subtle distancing by talking throughout about 'the President's decision'".

The newspaper reported that, according to Darroch, Pompeo also hinted that he had tried but failed to "sell" a revised text to Trump.

In 2015, the United States, China, Britain, France, Russia and Germany signed a deal with Iran to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for a partial lifting of international economic sanctions.

Trump had long been critical of the deal and withdrew the United States on May 8, 2018.

As well as a government investigation into the leaks, police are also looking into a potential breach of the Official Secrets Act.

London's Metropolitan Police sparked widespread condemnation on Saturday after a warning to journalists that publishing leaked documents could be a criminal matter.

Johnson, who is now in the race to succeed May as prime minister, said that prosecuting media outlets would have a "chilling effect on public debate".

Britain's ambassador to Washington believed US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal because it was associated with his predecessor Barack Obama, according to leaked documents published Saturday.

Britain's ambassador to Washington believed US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal because it was associated with his predecessor Barack Obama, according to leaked documents published Saturday. "The administration is set upon an act of diplomatic vandalism, seemingly for ideological and personality reasons -- it was Obama's deal," ambassador Kim Darroch wrote in a diplomatic cable in May 2018. The cable was included in the second batch of leaked reports published by the Mail on Sunday newspaper, the first of which caused Darroch to resign earlier this week. Separately, the Sunday Times reported that a government investigation into the leak had identified a civil servant as the person responsible. Working with officials from the National Cyber Security Centre, part of spy agency GCHQ, and MI6, the probe has homed in on a suspect who had access to historical Foreign Office files, the paper said. The first leaked reports authored by Darroch were published last weekend, causing major turmoil between Britain and its closest ally. The ambassador was reported to have described the White House as "inept", prompting Trump to claim the ambassador was a "pompous fool" whom he would no longer deal with. Darroch resigned on Wednesday, saying it was now "impossible" to do his job. Watch: UK ambassador to US resigns in Trump leaks row × 'Day-after' strategy In May 2018, Britain's then-foreign minister Boris Johnson went to Washington to try to persuade Trump not to abandon the Iran deal. In a cable sent afterwards, Darroch reportedly indicated there were divisions in Trump's team over the decision, and criticised the White House for a lack of long-term strategy. "They can't articulate any 'day-after' strategy; and contacts with State Department this morning suggest no sort of plan for reaching out to partners and allies, whether in Europe or the region," he wrote. He reported back that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during his talks with Johnson, "did some subtle distancing by talking throughout about 'the President's decision'". The newspaper reported that, according to Darroch, Pompeo also hinted that he had tried but failed to "sell" a revised text to Trump. In 2015, the United States, China, Britain, France, Russia and Germany signed a deal with Iran to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for a partial lifting of international economic sanctions. Trump had long been critical of the deal and withdrew the United States on May 8, 2018. As well as a government investigation into the leaks, police are also looking into a potential breach of the Official Secrets Act. London's Metropolitan Police sparked widespread condemnation on Saturday after a warning to journalists that publishing leaked documents could be a criminal matter. Johnson, who is now in the race to succeed May as prime minister, said that prosecuting media outlets would have a "chilling effect on public debate".

Donald Trump ditched Iran deal to spite Obama, new memo leak claims

An armed man who attacked a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-should-know-migrant-tells-us-congress-of-toddlers-death-234902">US immigration detention</a> facility with "incendiary devices" has been shot dead after a confrontation with police in the northwestern city of Tacoma, authorities said.

Officers arrived at the Northwest Detention Center early Saturday after a report the man armed with a rifle had set a car on fire and had attempted to ignite a large propane tank, the city police department said in a statement.

The man, who was carrying flares and a satchel bag in addition to his weapon, died of gunshot wounds after officers arrived on the scene, police added.

The assailant was identified by police as 69-year-old Willem Van Spronsen.&nbsp;

He had previously been convicted of obstructing a police officer after an altercation during a protest outside the facility last year, according to local media reports.

None of the officers involved in the shooting was injured. All four men were placed on administrative leave in line with regular department policy, police said.

Immigration has been the subject of a divisive political battle in the US, which has struggled for more than a year with a migration crisis on its southern border as thousands of people travel to the US each month.

Demonstrators across dozens of US cities protested against nationwide raids planned for Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-meet-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-in-vietnam-on-february-27-28-trump-in-state-of-the-union-address-195467">President Donald Trump</a> has promised would lead to the mass expulsion of undocumented immigrants.

GEO Group, which operates the Tacoma centre on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security, said reports of overcrowding and the detention of unaccompanied minors at other immigration centres had endangered its staff.

"The outrageous and baseless accusations that have been levelled against our facilities have led to misplaced aggression and a dangerous environment for our employees," the company said in a statement.

"We are thankful for the quick and brave action by the Tacoma Police Department, which prevented innocent lives from being endangered."

Police said operations at the facility had returned to normal.

An armed man who attacked a US immigration detention facility with "incendiary devices" has been shot dead after a confrontation with police in the northwestern city of Tacoma, authorities said.

An armed man who attacked a US immigration detention facility with "incendiary devices" has been shot dead after a confrontation with police in the northwestern city of Tacoma, authorities said. Officers arrived at the Northwest Detention Center early Saturday after a report the man armed with a rifle had set a car on fire and had attempted to ignite a large propane tank, the city police department said in a statement. The man, who was carrying flares and a satchel bag in addition to his weapon, died of gunshot wounds after officers arrived on the scene, police added. The assailant was identified by police as 69-year-old Willem Van Spronsen. He had previously been convicted of obstructing a police officer after an altercation during a protest outside the facility last year, according to local media reports. None of the officers involved in the shooting was injured. All four men were placed on administrative leave in line with regular department policy, police said. Immigration has been the subject of a divisive political battle in the US, which has struggled for more than a year with a migration crisis on its southern border as thousands of people travel to the US each month. Demonstrators across dozens of US cities protested against nationwide raids planned for Sunday that President Donald Trump has promised would lead to the mass expulsion of undocumented immigrants. GEO Group, which operates the Tacoma centre on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security, said reports of overcrowding and the detention of unaccompanied minors at other immigration centres had endangered its staff. "The outrageous and baseless accusations that have been levelled against our facilities have led to misplaced aggression and a dangerous environment for our employees," the company said in a statement. "We are thankful for the quick and brave action by the Tacoma Police Department, which prevented innocent lives from being endangered." Police said operations at the facility had returned to normal.

Armed man dead after attacking United States immigration jail

U.S. authorities plan to start arresting immigrants eligible for deportation in 10 cities this weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (July 12), adding that he was not concerned about the advance notice. Trump warned last month about the planned deportations, which were earlier reported by the New York Times. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was not concerned that plans of the arrests have become publicly known, saying the deportations were not a secret.

Trump says immigrant deportations to start this weekend in 10 cities

The US House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to permanently compensate first responders to the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre who have been suffering from cancers and other illnesses as a result of working at the contaminated site.

The House voted 402-12 to pass the "Never Forget the Heroes Act" that had been championed by Jon Stewart, the popular former host of the late-night comedy programme The Daily Show, and highlighted by recent gripping testimony by a dying 9/11 New York police detective.

"On September 11th and its aftermath, our brave first responders were there for us. We must always be there for them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said just before the vote on the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the legislation will be brought to a vote in his chamber soon.

Without prompt action by Congress, victims of the attack would see steeply reduced benefits due to a lack of funding.

Former New York Detective Luis Alvarez died last month shortly after his testimony to the US House Judiciary Committee in which he urged a replenishment of the fund.

At that same hearing, Stewart delivered impassioned testimony in which he chastised some lawmakers for not acting quickly enough to continue helping the police, firefighters and other workers immediately following the Sept. 11 attack.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Donald Trump, the victims' fund would be authorized through 2092 and they could file claims until October 2089.

It would end the string of temporary measures that have required constant lobbying by groups trying to avert an interruption in benefits to help those sickened by toxic materials released into the atmosphere and ground following the impact of commercial jetliners that were hijacked and flown directly into the twin towers.

Government officials told responders at the time that it was safe to work at the site, despite questions by many experts.

The US House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to permanently compensate first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre who have been suffering from cancers and other illnesses as a result of working at the contaminated site.

The US House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to permanently compensate first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre who have been suffering from cancers and other illnesses as a result of working at the contaminated site. The House voted 402-12 to pass the "Never Forget the Heroes Act" that had been championed by Jon Stewart, the popular former host of the late-night comedy programme The Daily Show, and highlighted by recent gripping testimony by a dying 9/11 New York police detective. "On September 11th and its aftermath, our brave first responders were there for us. We must always be there for them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said just before the vote on the bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the legislation will be brought to a vote in his chamber soon. Without prompt action by Congress, victims of the attack would see steeply reduced benefits due to a lack of funding. Former New York Detective Luis Alvarez died last month shortly after his testimony to the US House Judiciary Committee in which he urged a replenishment of the fund. At that same hearing, Stewart delivered impassioned testimony in which he chastised some lawmakers for not acting quickly enough to continue helping the police, firefighters and other workers immediately following the Sept. 11 attack. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Donald Trump, the victims' fund would be authorized through 2092 and they could file claims until October 2089. It would end the string of temporary measures that have required constant lobbying by groups trying to avert an interruption in benefits to help those sickened by toxic materials released into the atmosphere and ground following the impact of commercial jetliners that were hijacked and flown directly into the twin towers. Government officials told responders at the time that it was safe to work at the site, despite questions by many experts.

US House approves funding for 9/11 responders, sends to Senate

Vice President Mike Pence viewed an overcrowded, foul-smelling facility in Texas on Friday where nearly 400 men are detained after being accused of crossing the US border illegally.

Some 384 single men were corralled behind metal fences inside the sweltering facility in McAllen, according to a pool reporter on the scene. The men did not have mats or pillows and some were sleeping on concrete.

The cages were so crowded, according to the reporter, that it would have been impossible for all the men to lie down at the same time.

Some of the men said that they had been there for 40 days or longer, were hungry and wanted to brush their teeth. Some agents guarding the cages wore face masks.

Water was available outside the fences, the pool reporter said, citing agents who said the men had access to the water when journalists were not present.

After visiting the facility, Pence said at a news conference that he was not surprised by what he saw.

"I knew we'd see a system that was overwhelmed," Pence told reporters. "This is tough stuff."

A patrol agent, Michael Banks, said the men were allowed to brush their teeth once a day. "We currently have 88,000 toothbrushes," he said.

Many of the men had not showered for 10 to 20 days because the facility did not previously have showers, according to Banks, who said it now had a trailer shower. Banks said the longest any man had been at the facility was 32 days.

The men were given three hot meals a day from local restaurants but could not have cots for sleeping because there was not enough room for them.

Another 275 women were living in repurposed Army tents, he said.

Pence said the centre at McAllen was a "prime example" of why the United States must secure its borders.

"The facility is overcrowded and our system is overwhelmed. It is time for Democrats in Congress to step, do their jobs, and end this crisis," Pence wrote on Twitter.

President Donald Trump, a Republican, has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his administration, which is trying to deal with a surge of mostly Central American families crossing the US-Mexico border.

Pence also viewed a separate facility for families, divided into rooms to house women with children, men with children, unaccompanied minors and entire family units.

Inside, migrants lay on tinfoil-like blankets and some children watched television. Two of the children said they had walked for two to three months before arriving at the facility.

Vice President Mike Pence viewed an overcrowded, foul-smelling facility in Texas on Friday where nearly 400 men are detained after being accused of crossing the US border illegally.

Vice President Mike Pence viewed an overcrowded, foul-smelling facility in Texas on Friday where nearly 400 men are detained after being accused of crossing the US border illegally. Some 384 single men were corralled behind metal fences inside the sweltering facility in McAllen, according to a pool reporter on the scene. The men did not have mats or pillows and some were sleeping on concrete. The cages were so crowded, according to the reporter, that it would have been impossible for all the men to lie down at the same time. Some of the men said that they had been there for 40 days or longer, were hungry and wanted to brush their teeth. Some agents guarding the cages wore face masks. Water was available outside the fences, the pool reporter said, citing agents who said the men had access to the water when journalists were not present. After visiting the facility, Pence said at a news conference that he was not surprised by what he saw. "I knew we'd see a system that was overwhelmed," Pence told reporters. "This is tough stuff." A patrol agent, Michael Banks, said the men were allowed to brush their teeth once a day. "We currently have 88,000 toothbrushes," he said. Many of the men had not showered for 10 to 20 days because the facility did not previously have showers, according to Banks, who said it now had a trailer shower. Banks said the longest any man had been at the facility was 32 days. The men were given three hot meals a day from local restaurants but could not have cots for sleeping because there was not enough room for them. Another 275 women were living in repurposed Army tents, he said. Pence said the centre at McAllen was a "prime example" of why the United States must secure its borders. "The facility is overcrowded and our system is overwhelmed. It is time for Democrats in Congress to step, do their jobs, and end this crisis," Pence wrote on Twitter. President Donald Trump, a Republican, has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his administration, which is trying to deal with a surge of mostly Central American families crossing the US-Mexico border. Pence also viewed a separate facility for families, divided into rooms to house women with children, men with children, unaccompanied minors and entire family units. Inside, migrants lay on tinfoil-like blankets and some children watched television. Two of the children said they had walked for two to three months before arriving at the facility.

Mike Pence visits overcrowded, bad-smelling facility for detained migrants in Texas

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 13th, 2019

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran.

And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic.

"When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said.

"Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said.

He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting.

On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war.

Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war.

But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet.

Syria presence downgraded

Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria.

"The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said.

"We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said.

The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction.

Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country.

Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time.

Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April.

But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added.

Tel Aviv 'within range'

Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people".

"He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there.

Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year.

The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television. His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic. "When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said. "Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said. He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting. On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war. Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war. But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet. Syria presence downgraded Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria. "The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said. "We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said. The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction. Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country. Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time. Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April. But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added. Tel Aviv 'within range' Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people". "He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there. Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year. The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

Hezbollah warns Iran able to bombard Israel if war started

Tropical <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/life-threatening-tropical-storm-barry-grinds-toward-louisiana-235408&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqt4CY5bHjAhUKO3AKHTmWCuYQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3enmOBvnyahBlPshYI5VEE">Storm Barry</a>, poised to make landfall as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019, churned ever closer to Louisiana's shore early on Saturday as most New Orleans residents huddled at home, or in bars, bracing for the threat of severe flooding.

Authorities urged citizens to secure property, stock up provisions and shelter in place. However, some nervous residents opted to flee the city, and tourism officials reported an abrupt exodus of out-of-town visitors on Friday.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered in outlying coastal areas beyond the protection of levees in neighbouring Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes south of the city.

The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (100 kph), was on track to reach hurricane strength shortly before crossing the Louisiana coastline southwest of New Orleans on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.

Landfall predictions were pushed back from sunrise to late morning or early afternoon, as the storm crawled across the Gulf Coast at about 3 mph, forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said early Saturday.

Rain bands were already hitting the coast before sunrise, and more than 56,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana were without power, according to tracking site PowerOutage.us.

Meteorologists warned that torrential rain - as much as 2 feet (60 cm) in some places - could unleash severe flooding as the storm moves inland from the Gulf of Mexico, where oil and gas operations have already cut production by nearly 60 per cent.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-braces-for-flooding-trump-declares-emergency-ahead-of-storm-barry-235308&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJkMm_5bHjAhXLdXAKHZ-LCuwQFjAFegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wf734-7VGa_HjR097sZt5">US President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for Louisiana</a> on Friday, freeing up federal disaster assistance if needed.

The impending storm could test beefed-up flood defences put in place since the 2005 calamity of Hurricane Katrina, which left much of New Orleans underwater and killed about 1,800 people.

Too much water

The brunt of Barry's force was expected to skirt the western edge of New Orleans, avoiding a direct hit on a low-lying city virtually surrounded on all sides by rising waters.

But Mayor LaToya Cantrell said 48 hours of heavy downpours could overwhelm pumps designed to purge streets and storm drains of excess water.

"There is no system in the world that can handle that amount of rainfall in such a short period," Cantrell said on Twitter.

Authorities were paying especially close attention to the levee system built to contain the lower Mississippi River, which winds through the heart of New Orleans and was already above flood stage from months of heavy upstream rainfall over the Midwest.

A coastal storm surge into the mouth of the Mississippi was expected to push its crest to 19 feet (5.79 m) in New Orleans on Saturday, the highest level since 1950 and dangerously close to the top of the city's levees.

New Orleans was already saturated after thunderstorms drenched it with a foot of rain on Wednesday.

While street flooding seemed probable, the US&nbsp;Army Corps of Engineers insisted that significant breaching of the 20-foot-tall levees in New Orleans was unlikely.

Levee floodgates normally left open to allow passage of traffic were being closed, along with a giant ocean surge barrier erected after Katrina.

The level of Lake Pontchartrain, an estuary on the city's northern flank, rose by 3 feet on Friday, triggering the closure of a floodgate on a drainage canal that breached during Katrina, officials said.

Ahead of the storm, New Orleans residents flocked to supermarkets for bottled water, ice, snacks and beer, thronging grocery stores in such numbers that some ran out of shopping carts.

Across the city, motorists left cars parked on the raised median strips of roadways, hoping the extra elevation would protect them from flood damage. Sandbags were stacked outside of hotels, shops and other businesses along Canal Street.

The sheriff's office said dozens of jail inmates held on minor charges were released to make room for nearly 70 inmates transferred from a temporary lockup to the main detention facility, which was built to withstand a major hurricane.

City residents were asked to remain indoors after 8 p.m. but some, in keeping with New Orleans' party spirit, decided to hunker down in more festive surroundings.

"The rain's not going to shut us down, we're going to shut this place down," said Brett Tidball, 33, who gathered with eight friends at Bourbon Street bar for his bachelor party, asking the pianist for back-to-back songs about bad weather.

Prince's "Purple Rain" echoed down the street.

Tropical Storm Barry, poised to make landfall as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019, churned ever closer to Louisiana's shore early on Saturday as most New Orleans residents huddled at home, or in bars, bracing for the threat of severe flooding.

Tropical Storm Barry, poised to make landfall as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019, churned ever closer to Louisiana's shore early on Saturday as most New Orleans residents huddled at home, or in bars, bracing for the threat of severe flooding. Authorities urged citizens to secure property, stock up provisions and shelter in place. However, some nervous residents opted to flee the city, and tourism officials reported an abrupt exodus of out-of-town visitors on Friday. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in outlying coastal areas beyond the protection of levees in neighbouring Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes south of the city. The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (100 kph), was on track to reach hurricane strength shortly before crossing the Louisiana coastline southwest of New Orleans on Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Landfall predictions were pushed back from sunrise to late morning or early afternoon, as the storm crawled across the Gulf Coast at about 3 mph, forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said early Saturday. Rain bands were already hitting the coast before sunrise, and more than 56,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana were without power, according to tracking site PowerOutage.us. Meteorologists warned that torrential rain - as much as 2 feet (60 cm) in some places - could unleash severe flooding as the storm moves inland from the Gulf of Mexico, where oil and gas operations have already cut production by nearly 60 per cent. US President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for Louisiana on Friday, freeing up federal disaster assistance if needed. The impending storm could test beefed-up flood defences put in place since the 2005 calamity of Hurricane Katrina, which left much of New Orleans underwater and killed about 1,800 people. Too much water The brunt of Barry's force was expected to skirt the western edge of New Orleans, avoiding a direct hit on a low-lying city virtually surrounded on all sides by rising waters. But Mayor LaToya Cantrell said 48 hours of heavy downpours could overwhelm pumps designed to purge streets and storm drains of excess water. "There is no system in the world that can handle that amount of rainfall in such a short period," Cantrell said on Twitter. Authorities were paying especially close attention to the levee system built to contain the lower Mississippi River, which winds through the heart of New Orleans and was already above flood stage from months of heavy upstream rainfall over the Midwest. A coastal storm surge into the mouth of the Mississippi was expected to push its crest to 19 feet (5.79 m) in New Orleans on Saturday, the highest level since 1950 and dangerously close to the top of the city's levees. New Orleans was already saturated after thunderstorms drenched it with a foot of rain on Wednesday. While street flooding seemed probable, the US Army Corps of Engineers insisted that significant breaching of the 20-foot-tall levees in New Orleans was unlikely. Levee floodgates normally left open to allow passage of traffic were being closed, along with a giant ocean surge barrier erected after Katrina. The level of Lake Pontchartrain, an estuary on the city's northern flank, rose by 3 feet on Friday, triggering the closure of a floodgate on a drainage canal that breached during Katrina, officials said. Ahead of the storm, New Orleans residents flocked to supermarkets for bottled water, ice, snacks and beer, thronging grocery stores in such numbers that some ran out of shopping carts. Across the city, motorists left cars parked on the raised median strips of roadways, hoping the extra elevation would protect them from flood damage. Sandbags were stacked outside of hotels, shops and other businesses along Canal Street. The sheriff's office said dozens of jail inmates held on minor charges were released to make room for nearly 70 inmates transferred from a temporary lockup to the main detention facility, which was built to withstand a major hurricane. City residents were asked to remain indoors after 8 p.m. but some, in keeping with New Orleans' party spirit, decided to hunker down in more festive surroundings. "The rain's not going to shut us down, we're going to shut this place down," said Brett Tidball, 33, who gathered with eight friends at Bourbon Street bar for his bachelor party, asking the pianist for back-to-back songs about bad weather. Prince's "Purple Rain" echoed down the street.

New Orleans residents huddle at home, and in bars, ahead of hurricane

Democrats see <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-declines-to-set-united-states-uranium-production-quotas-235511&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV7Ybf4rHjAhURA4gKHYngDqgQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Igh2cu_eaVsR8edMUc62K">US President Donald Trump</a> becoming increasingly vulnerable to criticism about healthcare costs after the administration's decision to scrap a proposal to lower drug prices, and 2020 White House candidates are rushing to seize the spotlight on the issue.

The debate over the future of the American healthcare system has become a focal point of the Democratic presidential nominating contest.&nbsp;

As Trump has failed to make strides to remedy the problem, Democrats are becoming more vocal.

Some Democrats have been making big promises on healthcare, vowing to sweeping overhauls and complete government takeovers.

But even candidates like US Senators <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trumps-strong-stances-greatly-benefit-india-heres-how-234632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJlo3d47HjAhXQc3AKHdwKAOEQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw34fN15vkSGEQUlRF2yS_MK">Bernie Sanders</a> and Elizabeth Warren, who would abolish private health insurance, are wading into the debate about lowering costs for consumers buying drugs in the current market.

Trump talked regularly about drug prices during his 2016 campaign but has failed so far to deliver the changes he promised.

On Thursday his administration scrapped one of its most ambitious proposals for lowering prescription medicine prices, backing down from a policy aimed at health insurers and raising the possibility of new measures focused on drugmakers.

The abandoned proposal would have required health insurers to pass billions of dollars in rebates from drugmakers to Medicare patients.

Drug prices directly affect consumers, making it a more pressing concern for voters than debates over the structure of the healthcare system, said Robert Blendon, a political scientist at Harvard University who researches public opinion on healthcare.

Blendon said Trump, having failed to broker any deals in Congress, made his drug price plan too complicated, and voters are unlikely to see him as having made any strides.&nbsp;

That is an opportunity for Democrats to offer their own effort at messaging.

A study Blendon produced earlier this year found that given a list of problems, nine out of 10 Americans chose the price of prescription drugs as an extremely important issue.

But voters' concerns do not extend to the stability or structure of government, with only 25% saying they are concerned about the stability of Medicare.

"Whoever gains anything politically out of this is going to have to talk about this (so that) it sounds like you understand," Blendon said.&nbsp;

"It really is a pocketbook issue."

On Thursday, US Senators Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled a plan to lower drug prices.&nbsp;

On Friday, Democrat Amy Klobuchar announced a plan to help lower the cost of pharmaceuticals purchased by seniors. Warren also has a Medicare pricing plan.

Sanders is heading to Canada later this month for an event to highlight the difference in the price of insulin.

Blendon said it was becoming obvious to candidates like Sanders that they cannot peg their entire healthcare message to arguing for a universal system.

"Medicare for all is not a top issue for older voters," Blendon said.

Klobuchar's proposal, which includes investing in research for a cure for Alzheimer's disease and improving the stability of Social Security, would allow the government to negotiate Medicare Part D costs, which cover prescriptions for seniors.

Klobuchar, a US senator from Minnesota, would also let people order prescription drugs from countries like Canada, proposal proponents say would lower costs.

Blendon said import changes are the most popular with voters, who fail to see how drugs from Canada or England are any more risky than ones made in the United States.

Democrats see US President Donald Trump becoming increasingly vulnerable to criticism about healthcare costs after the administration's decision to scrap a proposal to lower drug prices, and 2020 White House candidates are rushing to seize the spotlight on the issue.

Democrats see US President Donald Trump becoming increasingly vulnerable to criticism about healthcare costs after the administration's decision to scrap a proposal to lower drug prices, and 2020 White House candidates are rushing to seize the spotlight on the issue. The debate over the future of the American healthcare system has become a focal point of the Democratic presidential nominating contest. As Trump has failed to make strides to remedy the problem, Democrats are becoming more vocal. Some Democrats have been making big promises on healthcare, vowing to sweeping overhauls and complete government takeovers. But even candidates like US Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who would abolish private health insurance, are wading into the debate about lowering costs for consumers buying drugs in the current market. Trump talked regularly about drug prices during his 2016 campaign but has failed so far to deliver the changes he promised. On Thursday his administration scrapped one of its most ambitious proposals for lowering prescription medicine prices, backing down from a policy aimed at health insurers and raising the possibility of new measures focused on drugmakers. The abandoned proposal would have required health insurers to pass billions of dollars in rebates from drugmakers to Medicare patients. Drug prices directly affect consumers, making it a more pressing concern for voters than debates over the structure of the healthcare system, said Robert Blendon, a political scientist at Harvard University who researches public opinion on healthcare. Blendon said Trump, having failed to broker any deals in Congress, made his drug price plan too complicated, and voters are unlikely to see him as having made any strides. That is an opportunity for Democrats to offer their own effort at messaging. A study Blendon produced earlier this year found that given a list of problems, nine out of 10 Americans chose the price of prescription drugs as an extremely important issue. But voters' concerns do not extend to the stability or structure of government, with only 25% saying they are concerned about the stability of Medicare. "Whoever gains anything politically out of this is going to have to talk about this (so that) it sounds like you understand," Blendon said. "It really is a pocketbook issue." On Thursday, US Senators Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled a plan to lower drug prices. On Friday, Democrat Amy Klobuchar announced a plan to help lower the cost of pharmaceuticals purchased by seniors. Warren also has a Medicare pricing plan. Sanders is heading to Canada later this month for an event to highlight the difference in the price of insulin. Blendon said it was becoming obvious to candidates like Sanders that they cannot peg their entire healthcare message to arguing for a universal system. "Medicare for all is not a top issue for older voters," Blendon said. Klobuchar's proposal, which includes investing in research for a cure for Alzheimer's disease and improving the stability of Social Security, would allow the government to negotiate Medicare Part D costs, which cover prescriptions for seniors. Klobuchar, a US senator from Minnesota, would also let people order prescription drugs from countries like Canada, proposal proponents say would lower costs. Blendon said import changes are the most popular with voters, who fail to see how drugs from Canada or England are any more risky than ones made in the United States.

Democrats take aim as Donald Trump abandons drug pricing plan

British police said Friday it had launched a "criminal investigation" into the leak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-she-regrets-resignation-of-ambassador-to-united-states-234694">British diplomatic cables critical of US President Donald Trump</a> that led to the resignation of the UK ambassador to Washington.

London's Metropolitan Police said its terrorism command, which investigates potential breaches of Britain's Official Secrets Act, had initiated the probe into the leaking of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-darroch-british-ambassador-to-us-who-called-trump-inept-resigns-234649">Kim Darroch</a>'s correspondence.

"I am satisfied that there has been damage caused to UK international relations, and there would be clear public interest in bringing the person or people responsible to justice," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement announcing the move.

Last weekend's disclosure of Darroch's private messages back to London -- which included describing the Trump administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional" -- triggered waves of angry tweets from the US president.

After Trump said he would no longer work with Darroch, and he was disinvited from several events, the British ambassador resigned on Wednesday.

On Friday, the American president said that Britain needed to stop their "leaking problems".

The British government had opened its own inquiry into the leaks this week and noted it had involved the police to ascertain whether any documents protected by the Official Secrets Act had been shared.&nbsp;

Basu said that the leaks may be a "criminal matter" as he urged the culprit to "turn yourself in at the earliest opportunity, explain yourself and face the consequences".

"Also, to anyone who knows or suspects those responsible, or who has any information, please come forward," he added.

British police said Friday it had launched a "criminal investigation" into the leak of British diplomatic cables critical of US President Donald Trump that led to the resignation of the UK ambassador to Washington.

British police said Friday it had launched a "criminal investigation" into the leak of British diplomatic cables critical of US President Donald Trump that led to the resignation of the UK ambassador to Washington. London's Metropolitan Police said its terrorism command, which investigates potential breaches of Britain's Official Secrets Act, had initiated the probe into the leaking of Kim Darroch's correspondence. "I am satisfied that there has been damage caused to UK international relations, and there would be clear public interest in bringing the person or people responsible to justice," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement announcing the move. Last weekend's disclosure of Darroch's private messages back to London -- which included describing the Trump administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional" -- triggered waves of angry tweets from the US president. After Trump said he would no longer work with Darroch, and he was disinvited from several events, the British ambassador resigned on Wednesday. On Friday, the American president said that Britain needed to stop their "leaking problems". The British government had opened its own inquiry into the leaks this week and noted it had involved the police to ascertain whether any documents protected by the Official Secrets Act had been shared. Basu said that the leaks may be a "criminal matter" as he urged the culprit to "turn yourself in at the earliest opportunity, explain yourself and face the consequences". "Also, to anyone who knows or suspects those responsible, or who has any information, please come forward," he added.

UK police launch criminal probe into leaked memos on Donald Trump

US regulators have approved a $5 billion penalty to be levied on Facebook to settle a probe into the social network's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-sues-facebook-over-cambridge-analytica-row-185389">privacy and data protection lapses</a>, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

The newspaper said the Federal Trade Commission approved the settlement in a 3-2 vote, with the two Democratic members of the consumer protection agency dissenting.

According to the report, the deal, which would be the largest penalty imposed over privacy violations, still needs approval from the Justice Department before it is finalised.

Facebook did not immediately respond to an AFP query on the agreement.

The settlement would be in line with Facebook's estimate earlier this year when it said it expected to pay $3 billion to $5 billion for legal settlements on "user data practices."

The FTC announced last year it reopened its investigation into a 2011 privacy settlement with Facebook after revelations that personal data on tens of millions of users was hijacked by the political consultancy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambridge-analytica-files-for-voluntary-bankruptcy-in-us-137870">Cambridge Analytica</a>, working on the Donald Trump campaign in 2016.

Facebook has also faced questions about whether it improperly shared user data with business partners in violation of the earlier settlement.

The leading social network with more than two billion users worldwide has also been facing inquiries on privacy from authorities in US states and regulators around the world.

Some Facebook critics have argued the company should face tougher sanctions including monitoring of its data practices, or that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg should be personally liable for penalties.

Charlotte Slaiman of the consumer group Public Knowledge said it was not immediately clear if the settlement would require changes to Facebook's business practices, but suggested that the partisan split on the vote was a bad omen.

"I'm hopeful that additional conditions placed on Facebook's business practices will be forthcoming," Slaiman said in a statement.

"Those conditions should protect not just user privacy, but also the users' opportunity to easily leave Facebook for a competitor if they choose."

US regulators have approved a $5 billion penalty to be levied on Facebook to settle a probe into the social network's privacy and data protection lapses, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

US regulators have approved a $5 billion penalty to be levied on Facebook to settle a probe into the social network's privacy and data protection lapses, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. The newspaper said the Federal Trade Commission approved the settlement in a 3-2 vote, with the two Democratic members of the consumer protection agency dissenting. According to the report, the deal, which would be the largest penalty imposed over privacy violations, still needs approval from the Justice Department before it is finalised. Facebook did not immediately respond to an AFP query on the agreement. The settlement would be in line with Facebook's estimate earlier this year when it said it expected to pay $3 billion to $5 billion for legal settlements on "user data practices." The FTC announced last year it reopened its investigation into a 2011 privacy settlement with Facebook after revelations that personal data on tens of millions of users was hijacked by the political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, working on the Donald Trump campaign in 2016. Facebook has also faced questions about whether it improperly shared user data with business partners in violation of the earlier settlement. The leading social network with more than two billion users worldwide has also been facing inquiries on privacy from authorities in US states and regulators around the world. Some Facebook critics have argued the company should face tougher sanctions including monitoring of its data practices, or that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg should be personally liable for penalties. Charlotte Slaiman of the consumer group Public Knowledge said it was not immediately clear if the settlement would require changes to Facebook's business practices, but suggested that the partisan split on the vote was a bad omen. "I'm hopeful that additional conditions placed on Facebook's business practices will be forthcoming," Slaiman said in a statement. "Those conditions should protect not just user privacy, but also the users' opportunity to easily leave Facebook for a competitor if they choose."

US regulators approve $5 billion fine on Facebook in data breach probe: Report

Trump warns Iran again. Trump said, ''Iran treading on dangerous territory.'' Iran has exceeded Uranium enrichment limit by 4.5%. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump: ''Iran if you're listening, better be careful''

India and US trade officials held talks on Friday in a bid to resolve the pertaining trade differences.

The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi yesterday.&nbsp;The delegation also includes Deputy Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch.

The two sides are holding a comprehensive dialogue in the Commerce and Industry Ministry with the Additional Secretary.

This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-to-seek-rollback-of-indian-tariffs-during-trade-talk-report-235194">first engagement between the two sides</a> on trade issues after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit last month.

Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of India putting high import duties on American products.

The trade tensions between the two nations escalated on June 5 when Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India.

India on Thursday said that it seeks very constructive and positive engagement with the US counterparts.

"Meeting with the US delegation is underway as we speak. There was a meeting followed by lunch, in the afternoon, and also it will resume again. It was decided in Osaka, where Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump met, that officials from both sides will meet to resolve all outstanding issues related to trade very soon," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at the weekly briefing.

During the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to New Delhi last month, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

After talks with Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had told the media that both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade.

India and US trade officials held talks on Friday in a bid to resolve the pertaining trade differences. The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi yesterday.

India and US trade officials held talks on Friday in a bid to resolve the pertaining trade differences. The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi yesterday. The delegation also includes Deputy Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch. The two sides are holding a comprehensive dialogue in the Commerce and Industry Ministry with the Additional Secretary. This is the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit last month. Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of India putting high import duties on American products. The trade tensions between the two nations escalated on June 5 when Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India. India on Thursday said that it seeks very constructive and positive engagement with the US counterparts. "Meeting with the US delegation is underway as we speak. There was a meeting followed by lunch, in the afternoon, and also it will resume again. It was decided in Osaka, where Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump met, that officials from both sides will meet to resolve all outstanding issues related to trade very soon," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at the weekly briefing. During the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to New Delhi last month, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. After talks with Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had told the media that both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade.

Amid escalating trade tensions, US, India begin talks

US authorities plan to start arresting immigrants eligible for deportation in 10 cities this weekend, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, adding that he was not concerned about the advance notice.

Trump warned last month about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-the-press-to-go-and-see-migrant-detention-centres-trump-233876">planned deportations</a>, which were earlier reported by the New York Times.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was not concerned that plans of the arrests have become publicly known, saying the deportations were not a secret.

"If the word gets out, it gets out," he said.

At least 2,000 immigrant families are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-planned-immigration-sweep-delayed-for-two-weeks-229648">eligible for deportation</a> and will be targeted in the raids, the Times reported, citing former and current officials.

"We'll focus on criminals as much as we can," Trump added.

Mayors of a number of cities expected to be targeted have said they will not cooperate with deportations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Immigrant advocates have said advance word of the raids could help some of those targeted evade arrest.

US authorities plan to start arresting immigrants eligible for deportation in 10 cities this weekend, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, adding that he was not concerned about the advance notice.

US authorities plan to start arresting immigrants eligible for deportation in 10 cities this weekend, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, adding that he was not concerned about the advance notice. Trump warned last month about the planned deportations, which were earlier reported by the New York Times. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was not concerned that plans of the arrests have become publicly known, saying the deportations were not a secret. "If the word gets out, it gets out," he said. At least 2,000 immigrant families are eligible for deportation and will be targeted in the raids, the Times reported, citing former and current officials. "We'll focus on criminals as much as we can," Trump added. Mayors of a number of cities expected to be targeted have said they will not cooperate with deportations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Immigrant advocates have said advance word of the raids could help some of those targeted evade arrest.

US officials will soon resume face-to-face trade talks in China, a White House official said Friday, reviving negotiations that had verged on collapse in May.

President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping agreed to "fully engage" on trade when they met in Osaka at the end of June, and since then trade officials have spoken by phone, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro said on CNBC.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will go to Beijing "in the very near future and we're going to have constructive talks to deal with these significant structural issues," Navarro said.

The trade dispute has roiled global financial markets and undermined business confidence as Washington and Beijing have lashed out at each other with punitive tariffs on about $360 billion in goods.

The sides appeared to be close to a deal as recently as April but Trump accused China of reneging on its commitments, scuttling the talks until the leaders met on the sidelines on Group of 20 summit in Osaka, where Navarro said they made a "strong commitment" to restart negotiations.

Trump at that meeting agreed to hold off on his threat to hit China with another round of steep tariffs that would cover nearly all the goods exported to the US market.

In another Twitter outburst Friday, Trump called tariffs "a great negotiating tool" and "a great revenue producer."&nbsp;

And he again accused China of weakening its currency to compensate for the 25 per cent tariff.

Lighthizer and Mnuchin spoke with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and Commerce Minister Zhong Shan by phone on Tuesday, but officials have not provided any details on the status or the topics discussed other than to say they were constructive.

"We are, in my judgment, in a quiet period for the negotiations. My advice for investors is to be patient with this process," Navarro said.

"Don't believe anything you read in either the Chinese or the US press about these negotiations unless it comes from the mouths of either the President or Ambassador Lighthizer."

US officials will soon resume face-to-face trade talks in China, a White House official said Friday, reviving negotiations that had verged on collapse in May. President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping agreed to "fully engage" on trade when they met in Osaka at the end of June, and since then trade officials have spoken by phone, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro said on CNBC.

US officials will soon resume face-to-face trade talks in China, a White House official said Friday, reviving negotiations that had verged on collapse in May. President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping agreed to "fully engage" on trade when they met in Osaka at the end of June, and since then trade officials have spoken by phone, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro said on CNBC. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will go to Beijing "in the very near future and we're going to have constructive talks to deal with these significant structural issues," Navarro said. The trade dispute has roiled global financial markets and undermined business confidence as Washington and Beijing have lashed out at each other with punitive tariffs on about $360 billion in goods. The sides appeared to be close to a deal as recently as April but Trump accused China of reneging on its commitments, scuttling the talks until the leaders met on the sidelines on Group of 20 summit in Osaka, where Navarro said they made a "strong commitment" to restart negotiations. Trump at that meeting agreed to hold off on his threat to hit China with another round of steep tariffs that would cover nearly all the goods exported to the US market. In another Twitter outburst Friday, Trump called tariffs "a great negotiating tool" and "a great revenue producer." And he again accused China of weakening its currency to compensate for the 25 per cent tariff. Lighthizer and Mnuchin spoke with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and Commerce Minister Zhong Shan by phone on Tuesday, but officials have not provided any details on the status or the topics discussed other than to say they were constructive. "We are, in my judgment, in a quiet period for the negotiations. My advice for investors is to be patient with this process," Navarro said. "Don't believe anything you read in either the Chinese or the US press about these negotiations unless it comes from the mouths of either the President or Ambassador Lighthizer."

US trade negotiators will travel to China in 'very near future': Official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-says-he-could-not-charge-trump-as-congress-weighs-impeachment-222609">Special Counsel Robert Mueller</a>'s appearance in Congress next week to testify on the Russia election meddling investigation and allegations of obstruction by President Donald Trump has been postponed, US media reported Friday.

Mueller was scheduled to appear on July 17 before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees.

But media reports say the planned sessions were viewed as too short by members of the committees and that negotiations were underway for longer hearings, possibly on July 24.

Completed in March after a more than two-year investigation into Russian election meddling in the 2016 presidential election, the Mueller report documents numerous instances of attempted collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia, but found no grounds for criminal conspiracy charges.

The report also listed ten occasions when Trump allegedly attempted to obstruct the investigation.

But Mueller refrained from recommending criminal charges against the president, saying he had no power to do so.

That led to Trump declaring that he had been fully cleared by the probe, while Democrats in Congress began calling for more investigations and impeachment, saying the report was evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

On May 29, in his only public comment since completing the report, Mueller said he had not exonerated Trump of obstruction of justice, but said Justice Department policy prevented him from charging the president.

On Friday, Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the committee is considering issuing articles of impeachment against Trump, but that "no final determination has been made."

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's appearance in Congress next week to testify on the Russia election meddling investigation and allegations of obstruction by President Donald Trump has been postponed, US media reported Friday.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's appearance in Congress next week to testify on the Russia election meddling investigation and allegations of obstruction by President Donald Trump has been postponed, US media reported Friday. Mueller was scheduled to appear on July 17 before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. But media reports say the planned sessions were viewed as too short by members of the committees and that negotiations were underway for longer hearings, possibly on July 24. Completed in March after a more than two-year investigation into Russian election meddling in the 2016 presidential election, the Mueller report documents numerous instances of attempted collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia, but found no grounds for criminal conspiracy charges. The report also listed ten occasions when Trump allegedly attempted to obstruct the investigation. But Mueller refrained from recommending criminal charges against the president, saying he had no power to do so. That led to Trump declaring that he had been fully cleared by the probe, while Democrats in Congress began calling for more investigations and impeachment, saying the report was evidence of criminal wrongdoing. On May 29, in his only public comment since completing the report, Mueller said he had not exonerated Trump of obstruction of justice, but said Justice Department policy prevented him from charging the president. On Friday, Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the committee is considering issuing articles of impeachment against Trump, but that "no final determination has been made."

Robert Mueller testimony on Russia meddling investigation postponed: Reports

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