The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a $4.5 billion aid package to address the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-migrant-deaths-reported-in-extreme-heat-at-united-states-border-230336/amp">migrant</a> surge along the US-Mexico border, including new standards for migrants in custody following reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-describe-overcrowded-mexican-detention-centers-as-trump-ratchets-up-pressure-229762">poor conditions facing young children</a> at overcrowded facilities.

The Democratic-led House voted 230-195, mostly along party lines, to pass the measure, but its future is uncertain. The Republican-run Senate is working on its own version of the bill, and Republican President Donald Trump has vowed to veto the House legislation, with White House officials saying it would hamstring the administration's border enforcement efforts.

Trump on May 1 requested the aid for programs that house, feed, transport and oversee record numbers of Central American families seeking asylum in the United States and straining capacity at migrant shelters in border cities.

Attorneys raised alarms last week after finding more than 300 migrant children in an overcrowded Texas border patrol station, where they said some had been held for weeks in squalid conditions without adequate food and water.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-how-does-the-situation-on-the-us-mexico-border-compare-with-the-past-225130">Explainer: How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past?</a>

Amid the ensuing outcry, the acting commissioner of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, John Sanders, said on Tuesday he was resigning.

Democrats emphasised on Tuesday that while they were approving the border aid to address the humanitarian crisis, they were not ratifying the administration's attempts to restrict and discourage immigration, which Trump has made a central focus of his presidency.

"Our legislation is a vote against the cruel attitude toward children of this administration. This bill does not fund the administration's failed mass detention policy. Instead it funds effective humane alternatives to detention that have a proven record of success," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the vote.

Wooing progressives

But Democratic leaders had to work to secure votes for the bill from progressive lawmakers worried the Trump administration might use the funds for other purposes, such as deportation of migrants.

On Tuesday afternoon, Democrats added provisions to better protect the health of migrants in the custody of US Border Patrol agents, including standards for medical care and nutrition. They also added language to set a three-month limit for any unaccompanied child migrant to spend at an intake shelter unless notice is given.

Another amendment said shelters run by contractors must meet standards of care within six months or risk losing their contracts. Representative Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, agreed to back the bill after that provision was included.

The House legislation would also reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that was cut off by the Trump administration.

The same provisions that helped win over progressive Democrats were denounced by House Republicans as "poison pills." Republicans said they preferred the $4.6 billion Senate version of the bill, which has passed a committee on a bipartisan basis, and includes money - left out by the House - to pay overtime for Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees.

The House bill is a sham that "does not help our overstretched law enforcement authorities," said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy.

With administration officials warning they will soon run out of funds at the border, and a one-week congressional recess coming up next week, House Democrats hurried to pass the measure on Tuesday. But the Senate has yet to pass its version, and the two chambers must agree on the same legislation before it is sent to Trump.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a $4.5 billion aid package to address the migrant surge along the US-Mexico border, including new standards for migrants in custody following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a $4.5 billion aid package to address the migrant surge along the US-Mexico border, including new standards for migrants in custody following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities. The Democratic-led House voted 230-195, mostly along party lines, to pass the measure, but its future is uncertain. The Republican-run Senate is working on its own version of the bill, and Republican President Donald Trump has vowed to veto the House legislation, with White House officials saying it would hamstring the administration's border enforcement efforts. Trump on May 1 requested the aid for programs that house, feed, transport and oversee record numbers of Central American families seeking asylum in the United States and straining capacity at migrant shelters in border cities. Attorneys raised alarms last week after finding more than 300 migrant children in an overcrowded Texas border patrol station, where they said some had been held for weeks in squalid conditions without adequate food and water. Explainer: How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past? Amid the ensuing outcry, the acting commissioner of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, John Sanders, said on Tuesday he was resigning. Democrats emphasised on Tuesday that while they were approving the border aid to address the humanitarian crisis, they were not ratifying the administration's attempts to restrict and discourage immigration, which Trump has made a central focus of his presidency. "Our legislation is a vote against the cruel attitude toward children of this administration. This bill does not fund the administration's failed mass detention policy. Instead it funds effective humane alternatives to detention that have a proven record of success," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the vote. Wooing progressives But Democratic leaders had to work to secure votes for the bill from progressive lawmakers worried the Trump administration might use the funds for other purposes, such as deportation of migrants. On Tuesday afternoon, Democrats added provisions to better protect the health of migrants in the custody of US Border Patrol agents, including standards for medical care and nutrition. They also added language to set a three-month limit for any unaccompanied child migrant to spend at an intake shelter unless notice is given. Another amendment said shelters run by contractors must meet standards of care within six months or risk losing their contracts. Representative Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, agreed to back the bill after that provision was included. The House legislation would also reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that was cut off by the Trump administration. The same provisions that helped win over progressive Democrats were denounced by House Republicans as "poison pills." Republicans said they preferred the $4.6 billion Senate version of the bill, which has passed a committee on a bipartisan basis, and includes money - left out by the House - to pay overtime for Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees. The House bill is a sham that "does not help our overstretched law enforcement authorities," said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy. With administration officials warning they will soon run out of funds at the border, and a one-week congressional recess coming up next week, House Democrats hurried to pass the measure on Tuesday. But the Senate has yet to pass its version, and the two chambers must agree on the same legislation before it is sent to Trump.

US House passes border aid bill, Trump vows veto

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday dismissed the idea that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-visit-south-korea-as-pompeo-raises-hope-for-new-north-korea-talks-after-letter-230158"> nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington</a> had stalemated but stressed patience was needed to bridge a 70-year "sea of mistrust".

In written answers to questions submitted by leading media, Moon -- who brokered talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last year -- also urged Pyongyang to resume the dialogue to show its desire to denuclearise.

Moon is set to host the US leader this weekend as he tries to rekindle nuclear talks that have stalled since the collapse of a second summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February.

The pair failed to reach an agreement on sanctions relief and what the North might be willing to give up in return, and Pyongyang has since not responded to calls for dialogue, maintaining only minimal contact.

"There is no reason to regard the current situation as a stalemate in the peace process on the peninsula just because the pace has remained slow," Moon said.

Trump and Kim's willingness to engage in dialogue had "never faded", he added in the interview with editors of major news agencies including AFP, noting a recent exchange of letters between them.

On Sunday, the North's state media reported that Kim received a personal message "of excellent content" from the US president, just days after Trump said the North Korean leader had sent him a "beautiful letter".

Trump has insisted he was in "no rush" for a third meeting with Kim, but Moon said Wednesday that "behind-the-scenes talks" were going on between Pyongyang and Washington for another summit.

Despite the top-tier correspondence, US officials say privately the North has been sitting on their offer for working-level talks and the South Korean unification minister recently admitted that the talks process was at a standstill.

Missile launch

Moon said the implementation of agreements between the US and North Korea requires patience, given their long history of hostility.

"As their hostile relations have persisted for more than 70 years, it will be difficult to cross a sea of mistrust all at once," he added.

The two have blamed each other for the collapse of the Hanoi summit, with the US saying Pyongyang sought the lifting of effectively all major sanctions for partial disarmament, while the North says it wanted some measures eased for closing all the nuclear facilities at its Yongbyon complex.

North Korea has since accused the US of acting in "bad faith" and last month raised tensions by launching short-range missiles for the first time since November 2017.

But Moon insisted that the resumption of missile tests did not trigger a "sudden hike in tensions" nor lead to "a breakdown of the denuclearisation dialogue".

On the question of the North's commitment towards a full dismantlement of its nuclear programme, Moon called on Pyongyang to return to the dialogue table "at the earliest date possible".

"If Pyongyang leaves behind the passive stance it has adopted following the summit in Hanoi... this will help it win the trust of the international community," he added.

At the same time, Moon said, "North Korea must trust the promise of the international community to ensure its security and a bright future."&nbsp;

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday dismissed the idea that nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington had stalemated but stressed patience was needed to bridge a 70-year "sea of mistrust".

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday dismissed the idea that nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington had stalemated but stressed patience was needed to bridge a 70-year "sea of mistrust". In written answers to questions submitted by leading media, Moon -- who brokered talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last year -- also urged Pyongyang to resume the dialogue to show its desire to denuclearise. Moon is set to host the US leader this weekend as he tries to rekindle nuclear talks that have stalled since the collapse of a second summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February. The pair failed to reach an agreement on sanctions relief and what the North might be willing to give up in return, and Pyongyang has since not responded to calls for dialogue, maintaining only minimal contact. "There is no reason to regard the current situation as a stalemate in the peace process on the peninsula just because the pace has remained slow," Moon said. Trump and Kim's willingness to engage in dialogue had "never faded", he added in the interview with editors of major news agencies including AFP, noting a recent exchange of letters between them. On Sunday, the North's state media reported that Kim received a personal message "of excellent content" from the US president, just days after Trump said the North Korean leader had sent him a "beautiful letter". Trump has insisted he was in "no rush" for a third meeting with Kim, but Moon said Wednesday that "behind-the-scenes talks" were going on between Pyongyang and Washington for another summit. Despite the top-tier correspondence, US officials say privately the North has been sitting on their offer for working-level talks and the South Korean unification minister recently admitted that the talks process was at a standstill. Missile launch Moon said the implementation of agreements between the US and North Korea requires patience, given their long history of hostility. "As their hostile relations have persisted for more than 70 years, it will be difficult to cross a sea of mistrust all at once," he added. The two have blamed each other for the collapse of the Hanoi summit, with the US saying Pyongyang sought the lifting of effectively all major sanctions for partial disarmament, while the North says it wanted some measures eased for closing all the nuclear facilities at its Yongbyon complex. North Korea has since accused the US of acting in "bad faith" and last month raised tensions by launching short-range missiles for the first time since November 2017. But Moon insisted that the resumption of missile tests did not trigger a "sudden hike in tensions" nor lead to "a breakdown of the denuclearisation dialogue". On the question of the North's commitment towards a full dismantlement of its nuclear programme, Moon called on Pyongyang to return to the dialogue table "at the earliest date possible". "If Pyongyang leaves behind the passive stance it has adopted following the summit in Hanoi... this will help it win the trust of the international community," he added. At the same time, Moon said, "North Korea must trust the promise of the international community to ensure its security and a bright future."

South Korean President Moon Jae-in denies US-North Korea nuclear talks in 'stalemate'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-clash-between-trump-us-house-democrats-shifts-into-courts-228730">US House Democrats</a> said they plan to pass a $4.5 billion aid package aimed at addressing the migrant surge along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-closure-of-us-mexico-border-next-week-to-stem-asylum-surge-206626">US-Mexico border</a> later on Tuesday, citing an urgency to act following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities.

"This week we have to solve the humanitarian crisis," Hakeem Jeffries, the House of Representatives Democratic Caucus chairman, told reporters, predicting that the funding package would pass the House with a "strong Democratic vote."

Lawmakers were rushing to add language before the vote to mandate better health and nutrition standards at border facilities.&nbsp;

That came after some liberal Democrats expressed alarm that not enough was being done to improve conditions at the border, where the number of migrants apprehended surged in May to the highest level since 2006.

Last week, the Associated Press reported on squalid conditions facing migrant children being detained by US authorities, including a lack of access to food, beds and hygiene products such as soap and toothpaste.

Republican US President Donald Trump, despite having requested the $4.5 billion border aid package, on Monday night threatened to veto the House bill, saying the provisions added by Democrats - who control the chamber - would make the country "less safe."

But Jeffries said he expected Trump to sign the bill into law despite his threat, citing the president's recent reversals on other issues such as tariffs.

"There is no decency to having these children subjected to these horrific conditions," Jeffries said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, seeking to galvanize her caucus, told them the House would need a strong vote to prevail.

"A vote against this bill is a vote for Donald Trump and his inhumane, outside-the-circle of civilized attitude toward the children," she said at a closed-door Tuesday morning meeting, according to a senior Democratic aide.

Democratic leaders said they would add language to protect the health of migrants in the custody of US Border Patrol agents, including standards for medical care and nutrition.&nbsp;

The bill's language would also set a three-month limit for any unaccompanied child migrant to spend at an intake shelter unless notice is given.

It was unclear whether the changes would be enough for some Democrats who fear the Trump administration could use some of the money for other purposes, such as deportations of migrants.

Representative Ilhan Omar said she objected to $155 million in the bill that would go to US marshals, a law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice.

"There's no good outcome here," said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has compared the detention centres for undocumented immigrants at the border to "concentration camps."&nbsp;

She said she is worried over whether the funding will "go to the places that we need it to go."

The House legislation would also reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that was cut off by the Trump administration.

The Republican-majority Senate was proceeding with its own, bipartisan, $4.6 billion versions of the legislation and was expected to vote soon.

US House Democrats said they plan to pass a $4.5 billion aid package aimed at addressing the migrant surge along the US-Mexico border later on Tuesday, citing an urgency to act following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities.

US House Democrats said they plan to pass a $4.5 billion aid package aimed at addressing the migrant surge along the US-Mexico border later on Tuesday, citing an urgency to act following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities. "This week we have to solve the humanitarian crisis," Hakeem Jeffries, the House of Representatives Democratic Caucus chairman, told reporters, predicting that the funding package would pass the House with a "strong Democratic vote." Lawmakers were rushing to add language before the vote to mandate better health and nutrition standards at border facilities. That came after some liberal Democrats expressed alarm that not enough was being done to improve conditions at the border, where the number of migrants apprehended surged in May to the highest level since 2006. Last week, the Associated Press reported on squalid conditions facing migrant children being detained by US authorities, including a lack of access to food, beds and hygiene products such as soap and toothpaste. Republican US President Donald Trump, despite having requested the $4.5 billion border aid package, on Monday night threatened to veto the House bill, saying the provisions added by Democrats - who control the chamber - would make the country "less safe." But Jeffries said he expected Trump to sign the bill into law despite his threat, citing the president's recent reversals on other issues such as tariffs. "There is no decency to having these children subjected to these horrific conditions," Jeffries said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, seeking to galvanize her caucus, told them the House would need a strong vote to prevail. "A vote against this bill is a vote for Donald Trump and his inhumane, outside-the-circle of civilized attitude toward the children," she said at a closed-door Tuesday morning meeting, according to a senior Democratic aide. Democratic leaders said they would add language to protect the health of migrants in the custody of US Border Patrol agents, including standards for medical care and nutrition. The bill's language would also set a three-month limit for any unaccompanied child migrant to spend at an intake shelter unless notice is given. It was unclear whether the changes would be enough for some Democrats who fear the Trump administration could use some of the money for other purposes, such as deportations of migrants. Representative Ilhan Omar said she objected to $155 million in the bill that would go to US marshals, a law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice. "There's no good outcome here," said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has compared the detention centres for undocumented immigrants at the border to "concentration camps." She said she is worried over whether the funding will "go to the places that we need it to go." The House legislation would also reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that was cut off by the Trump administration. The Republican-majority Senate was proceeding with its own, bipartisan, $4.6 billion versions of the legislation and was expected to vote soon.

United States House Democrats rush to pass border aid bill before July 4, Trump vows veto

The impersonators of Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump greeted crowds in a shopping area in Osaka on Wednesday, two days before world leaders are set to meet at the G20 summit. Howard X, an Australian comedian impersonating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was in town with US President Donald Trump impersonator, Dennis Alan, taking selfies with curious onlookers and tasting local delicacies.

Kim and Trump impersonators wow Osaka crowds ahead of G20 summit

A look at United States-China trade war in 10 dates

Trump's Bluster On China Seems To Be Backfiring As The U.S. President Meets His Match In Xi Jinping U.S. hiked tariffs on China a year ago, now ahead of the G-20 summit, the whole world is spooked. Did Trump expect China to not retaliate against the U.S.? Has Trump's China policy failed spectacularly? Palki summarises

Gravitas: Trump's China policy: What's the verdict?

A man who vandalised President Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star last summer was charged Monday with the theft of a nearby statue of Marilyn Monroe.

Austin Clay, 25, faces up to three years in jail if found guilty of property theft and vandalism, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

He was arrested Friday at his home in Glendale in the LA suburbs after police identified him from video surveillance footage.

Having discovered that he was on parole after a conviction for damaging Trump's star on the Walk of Fame, investigators searched his home and found evidence linking him to the statue theft, local media reported.

The statue itself -- showing Monroe in her famous flying skirt pose from 'The Seven Year Itch'&nbsp;(1955) -- has not been found.

It had been perched atop a small gazebo dedicated to some of Hollywood's most famous actresses, which is located at the beginning of the Walk of Fame.

According to authorities, a witness saw a man climbing the structure on the night of June 16 and using a saw to remove the statue.&nbsp;

The statue is owned by the City of Los Angeles. Police fear it may have been damaged during the theft.

"Looking back at the (security) video, it would be reasonable that the statue broke and could be in multiple pieces," LAPD detective Douglas Oldfield told NBC4 television.

Clay made headlines in July 2018 when he vandalized Trump's star on the Hollywood sidewalk with a pickaxe he had hidden in a guitar case.

He was sentenced at the time to one day in prison, three years' probation and 20 days of community service, and ordered to attend psychological counselling.

He is due to be arraigned on Tuesday. Prosecutors are recommending that bail be set at $45,000.

A man who vandalised President Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star last summer was charged Monday with the theft of a nearby statue of Marilyn Monroe. Austin Clay, 25, faces up to three years in jail if found guilty of property theft and vandalism, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

A man who vandalised President Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star last summer was charged Monday with the theft of a nearby statue of Marilyn Monroe. Austin Clay, 25, faces up to three years in jail if found guilty of property theft and vandalism, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a statement. He was arrested Friday at his home in Glendale in the LA suburbs after police identified him from video surveillance footage. Having discovered that he was on parole after a conviction for damaging Trump's star on the Walk of Fame, investigators searched his home and found evidence linking him to the statue theft, local media reported. The statue itself -- showing Monroe in her famous flying skirt pose from 'The Seven Year Itch' (1955) -- has not been found. It had been perched atop a small gazebo dedicated to some of Hollywood's most famous actresses, which is located at the beginning of the Walk of Fame. According to authorities, a witness saw a man climbing the structure on the night of June 16 and using a saw to remove the statue. The statue is owned by the City of Los Angeles. Police fear it may have been damaged during the theft. "Looking back at the (security) video, it would be reasonable that the statue broke and could be in multiple pieces," LAPD detective Douglas Oldfield told NBC4 television. Clay made headlines in July 2018 when he vandalized Trump's star on the Hollywood sidewalk with a pickaxe he had hidden in a guitar case. He was sentenced at the time to one day in prison, three years' probation and 20 days of community service, and ordered to attend psychological counselling. He is due to be arraigned on Tuesday. Prosecutors are recommending that bail be set at $45,000.

Trump 'Hollywood star' vandal charged with Marilyn Monroe statue theft

Stephanie Grisham, the communications director for first lady Melania Trump and a longtime aide to President Donald Trump, will succeed Sarah Sanders as White House press secretary, Mrs Trump announced on Tuesday.

Melania Trump announced the development in a tweet to close out the president's search for a press secretary after Sanders decided to resign and go back home to Arkansas earlier this month.

Grisham, 42, a fixture in the Arizona Republican Party, was one of Trump's first hires for his presidential campaign - as a press aide in 2015. She served as a deputy press secretary in the White House when he took office in January 2017 and eventually moved over to the first lady's operation.

A clue that the president was leaning toward Grisham for the job was when aides said she had now been added to the White House team going with Trump to the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, this week.

Grisham will also hold the more strategic post of communications director, the first lady tweeted.

"I am pleased to announce @StephGrisham45 will be the next @PressSec &amp; Comms Director!" Melania Trump wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am pleased to announce <a href="https://twitter.com/StephGrisham45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StephGrisham45</a> will be the next <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> &amp; Comms Director! She has been with us since 2015 - <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@potus</a> &amp; I can think of no better person to serve the Administration &amp; our country. Excited to have Stephanie working for both sides of the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeBest</a>
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1143560381048283138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"She has been with us since 2015 - @POTUS &amp; I can think of no better person to serve the Administration &amp; our country."

The fact that Mrs Trump announced the appointment, instead of the president himself, showed that the first lady was willing to part with Grisham for the greater good.

Grisham will have the dual role of press secretary and communications director. Sanders had essentially been doing both roles as well, without the communications director title.

Grisham was viewed internally as the candidate with the best rapport with President Trump, a key requirement.

With his tweets and multiple exchanges with reporters, Trump is in many ways his own press secretary and communications director, and Sanders' role grew to being a senior adviser.

Whether Grisham would bring back the daily press briefing was unclear. Trump has all but ended the practice and it has been more than three months since the last one.

The other top candidate had been Sanders' principal deputy press secretary, Hogan Gidley.

Tony Sayegh, a former Treasury Department spokesman, had been considered as well but was in the midst of a move home to New York. Former State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert withdrew herself from consideration.

Gidley tweeted his congratulations to Grisham.

"Amazing announcement! So proud and blessed to have my good friend @StephGrisham45 working with our team. She is a rockstar and perfect to fill Sarah’s shoes!" he said.

Sanders is contemplating a political future in Arkansas, considering a 2022 run for state governor, a position once held by her father, Republican Mike Huckabee.

Stephanie Grisham, the communications director for first lady Melania Trump and a longtime aide to President Donald Trump, will succeed Sarah Sanders as White House press secretary, Mrs Trump announced on Tuesday.

Stephanie Grisham, the communications director for first lady Melania Trump and a longtime aide to President Donald Trump, will succeed Sarah Sanders as White House press secretary, Mrs Trump announced on Tuesday. Melania Trump announced the development in a tweet to close out the president's search for a press secretary after Sanders decided to resign and go back home to Arkansas earlier this month. Grisham, 42, a fixture in the Arizona Republican Party, was one of Trump's first hires for his presidential campaign - as a press aide in 2015. She served as a deputy press secretary in the White House when he took office in January 2017 and eventually moved over to the first lady's operation. A clue that the president was leaning toward Grisham for the job was when aides said she had now been added to the White House team going with Trump to the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, this week. Grisham will also hold the more strategic post of communications director, the first lady tweeted. "I am pleased to announce @StephGrisham45 will be the next @PressSec & Comms Director!" Melania Trump wrote. I am pleased to announce @StephGrisham45 will be the next @PressSec & Comms Director! She has been with us since 2015 - @potus & I can think of no better person to serve the Administration & our country. Excited to have Stephanie working for both sides of the @WhiteHouse. #BeBest — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 25, 2019 × "She has been with us since 2015 - @POTUS & I can think of no better person to serve the Administration & our country." The fact that Mrs Trump announced the appointment, instead of the president himself, showed that the first lady was willing to part with Grisham for the greater good. Grisham will have the dual role of press secretary and communications director. Sanders had essentially been doing both roles as well, without the communications director title. Grisham was viewed internally as the candidate with the best rapport with President Trump, a key requirement. With his tweets and multiple exchanges with reporters, Trump is in many ways his own press secretary and communications director, and Sanders' role grew to being a senior adviser. Whether Grisham would bring back the daily press briefing was unclear. Trump has all but ended the practice and it has been more than three months since the last one. The other top candidate had been Sanders' principal deputy press secretary, Hogan Gidley. Tony Sayegh, a former Treasury Department spokesman, had been considered as well but was in the midst of a move home to New York. Former State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert withdrew herself from consideration. Gidley tweeted his congratulations to Grisham. "Amazing announcement! So proud and blessed to have my good friend @StephGrisham45 working with our team. She is a rockstar and perfect to fill Sarah’s shoes!" he said. Sanders is contemplating a political future in Arkansas, considering a 2022 run for state governor, a position once held by her father, Republican Mike Huckabee.

Stephanie Grisham to be new White House press secretary

According to the US intelligence community, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is not ready to denuclearise. Watch full video to know more.

North Korea not ready to denuclearise, says US intelligence agency chief

The United States' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-ultimately-responsible-says-trump-after-fresh-us-sanctions-on-iran-230106">decision to impose sanctions on Iran's supreme leader</a> and other top officials will permanently close the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday.

"Imposing useless sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the commander of Iran's diplomacy (Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif) is the permanent closure of the path of diplomacy," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a tweet.

"Trump's desperate administration is destroying the established international mechanisms for maintaining world peace and security."

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering new sanctions against Khamenei, and eight Revolutionary Guard commanders,&nbsp;taking an unprecedented step to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran's downing of an unmanned American drone.

"We do not ask for conflict," he said, adding that depending on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-welcomes-any-defusion-of-tensions-in-gulf-region-report-229912">Iran's response the sanctions</a>&nbsp;could end tomorrow - or it "can also be years from now."

Washington said it will also impose sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif this week.

Khamenei is Iran's utmost authority who has the last say on all state matters.

Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington.

Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage.

During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' decision to impose sanctions on Iran's supreme leader and other top officials will permanently close the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday.

The United States' decision to impose sanctions on Iran's supreme leader and other top officials will permanently close the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday. "Imposing useless sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the commander of Iran's diplomacy (Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif) is the permanent closure of the path of diplomacy," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a tweet. "Trump's desperate administration is destroying the established international mechanisms for maintaining world peace and security." US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering new sanctions against Khamenei, and eight Revolutionary Guard commanders, taking an unprecedented step to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran's downing of an unmanned American drone. "We do not ask for conflict," he said, adding that depending on Iran's response the sanctions could end tomorrow - or it "can also be years from now." Washington said it will also impose sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif this week. Khamenei is Iran's utmost authority who has the last say on all state matters. Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington. Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage. During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul. Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions mean 'permanent closure' of path to diplomacy: Iran

U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates Further. Reports Show That U.S. Launched Cyber Attacks On Iran Are the U.S. & Iran on the brink of a war? After Iran shot down a U.S. military drone, reports show that the U.S. launched cyber attacks on Iran. The anger in Iran is palpable too with a lawmaker shouting 'Death to America' in their parliament. So what is likely to happen next? Palki with a detailed summary

Gravitas: US & Iran on the brink of a War?

US President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at the Federal Reserve, accusing the central bank of standing in the way of major economic expansion by refusing to cut interest rates.

The president's Twitter outburst was only his latest episode of rock throwing at policymakers who are meant to be shielded from political pressure but who have contended with his barbs since last year.

However, economists say it is in fact in large part because of Trump's own trade policies that the central bank is now considering cutting rates for the first time in a decade as the risks of recession grow.

"Despite a Federal Reserve that doesn't know what it is doing... we are on course to have one of the best Months of June in US history," Trump tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Despite a Federal Reserve that doesn’t know what it is doing - raised rates far too fast (very low inflation, other parts of world slowing, lowering &amp; easing) &amp; did large scale tightening, $50 Billion/month, we are on course to have one of the best Months of June in US history...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1143140105076563970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Think of what it could have been if the Fed had gotten it right. (...) Now they stick, like a stubborn child, when we need rate cuts &amp; easing, to make up for what other countries are doing against us. Blew it!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Despite a Federal Reserve that doesn’t know what it is doing - raised rates far too fast (very low inflation, other parts of world slowing, lowering &amp; easing) &amp; did large scale tightening, $50 Billion/month, we are on course to have one of the best Months of June in US history...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1143140105076563970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to Trump, if not for the Fed, the US economy would be expanding by an annual rate of four or five per cent while the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a marquee of Wall Street success, would be "thousands of points higher."

With 10 years of growth, the world's largest economy next month will mark its longest period of expansion on record.

At the same time, it has begun to give off mixed signals.

On one hand, surveys of consumer confidence and business activity are running hot, unemployment is still near 50-year lows, and consumer spending has been strong in recent months.

But other more worrisome signs are afoot, as the boost from 2017's tax cuts fades along with that of last year's fiscal stimulus.

Growth in the second quarter is forecast to be about half the pace of the first, manufacturing has continued to weaken and business investment has declined.

'Risk of a pronounced slowdown'

And Trump has threatened to jack up tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese imports, which could send shockwaves through the global economy.

As a result, the Fed last week left benchmark US lending rates untouched for the fourth time this year and the bank is signalling it could cut soon rates exactly as Trump wants.

But, rather than aiming to unleash pent-up US economic might, a cut will be warranted if the economic outlook deteriorates, according to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.

Persistent trade friction and slowing global growth, among other factors, had "strengthened" the case for looser monetary policy, he said.

Oxford Economics on Monday predicted the Fed will in fact cut rates three times by next year, noting that "with fiscal stimulus dissipating and global growth waning amid elevated trade tensions, the risk of a pronounced slowdown into 2020 is non-negligible."

The spectre of higher and higher tariffs has weighed on investment decisions, dented confidence and helped slow global manufacturing.

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a Republican economist and former director of the Congressional Budget Office, told AFP the US economy has seen a sudden and unexplained bout of weakness in the first half or 2019.

"The biggest thing that's happened in there is a whole series of tariff moves by the president," said Holtz-Eakin. "That's the only real policy move we've had."

The United States has not seen back-to-back quarters of GDP growth greater than five per cent since 1999, a time when the Fed had interest rates around five per cent -- or twice what they are now.

And many economists say returning to such levels is simply not in the cards, given the country's ageing population and sluggish productivity growth.

Holtz-Eakin, who publicly argued in favour of congressional Republicans' 2017 tax cuts, doubted the Fed was blocking the breakout of growth that Trump described, describing five per cent growth as "implausible."

"When the prior administration had rates at zero per cent for a decade, why didn't the economy grow at seven per cent?" he said.

"This is convenient logic but I don't think it is grounded by anything in fact."

US President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at the Federal Reserve, accusing the central bank of standing in the way of major economic expansion by refusing to cut interest rates.

US President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at the Federal Reserve, accusing the central bank of standing in the way of major economic expansion by refusing to cut interest rates. The president's Twitter outburst was only his latest episode of rock throwing at policymakers who are meant to be shielded from political pressure but who have contended with his barbs since last year. However, economists say it is in fact in large part because of Trump's own trade policies that the central bank is now considering cutting rates for the first time in a decade as the risks of recession grow. "Despite a Federal Reserve that doesn't know what it is doing... we are on course to have one of the best Months of June in US history," Trump tweeted. Despite a Federal Reserve that doesn’t know what it is doing - raised rates far too fast (very low inflation, other parts of world slowing, lowering & easing) & did large scale tightening, $50 Billion/month, we are on course to have one of the best Months of June in US history... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2019 × "Think of what it could have been if the Fed had gotten it right. (...) Now they stick, like a stubborn child, when we need rate cuts & easing, to make up for what other countries are doing against us. Blew it!" Despite a Federal Reserve that doesn’t know what it is doing - raised rates far too fast (very low inflation, other parts of world slowing, lowering & easing) & did large scale tightening, $50 Billion/month, we are on course to have one of the best Months of June in US history... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2019 × According to Trump, if not for the Fed, the US economy would be expanding by an annual rate of four or five per cent while the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a marquee of Wall Street success, would be "thousands of points higher." With 10 years of growth, the world's largest economy next month will mark its longest period of expansion on record. At the same time, it has begun to give off mixed signals. On one hand, surveys of consumer confidence and business activity are running hot, unemployment is still near 50-year lows, and consumer spending has been strong in recent months. But other more worrisome signs are afoot, as the boost from 2017's tax cuts fades along with that of last year's fiscal stimulus. Growth in the second quarter is forecast to be about half the pace of the first, manufacturing has continued to weaken and business investment has declined. 'Risk of a pronounced slowdown' And Trump has threatened to jack up tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese imports, which could send shockwaves through the global economy. As a result, the Fed last week left benchmark US lending rates untouched for the fourth time this year and the bank is signalling it could cut soon rates exactly as Trump wants. But, rather than aiming to unleash pent-up US economic might, a cut will be warranted if the economic outlook deteriorates, according to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Persistent trade friction and slowing global growth, among other factors, had "strengthened" the case for looser monetary policy, he said. Oxford Economics on Monday predicted the Fed will in fact cut rates three times by next year, noting that "with fiscal stimulus dissipating and global growth waning amid elevated trade tensions, the risk of a pronounced slowdown into 2020 is non-negligible." The spectre of higher and higher tariffs has weighed on investment decisions, dented confidence and helped slow global manufacturing. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a Republican economist and former director of the Congressional Budget Office, told AFP the US economy has seen a sudden and unexplained bout of weakness in the first half or 2019. "The biggest thing that's happened in there is a whole series of tariff moves by the president," said Holtz-Eakin. "That's the only real policy move we've had." The United States has not seen back-to-back quarters of GDP growth greater than five per cent since 1999, a time when the Fed had interest rates around five per cent -- or twice what they are now. And many economists say returning to such levels is simply not in the cards, given the country's ageing population and sluggish productivity growth. Holtz-Eakin, who publicly argued in favour of congressional Republicans' 2017 tax cuts, doubted the Fed was blocking the breakout of growth that Trump described, describing five per cent growth as "implausible." "When the prior administration had rates at zero per cent for a decade, why didn't the economy grow at seven per cent?" he said. "This is convenient logic but I don't think it is grounded by anything in fact."

Trump bashes 'stubborn child' Federal Reserve as economy shows signs of weakness

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 - June 25th, 2019

The UN Security Council on Monday called for dialogue and measures to end tensions in the Gulf, but Iran rejected talks with the United States after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-ultimately-responsible-says-trump-after-fresh-us-sanctions-on-iran-230106">President Donald Trump imposed fresh sanctions</a>.

In a unanimous press statement drafted by Kuwait, the council condemned recent attacks on oil tankers, calling them a threat to the world's energy supply and to international peace and security.

After a two-hour meeting, the council agreed on a statement that did not single out Iran but made clear that all sides should back away from a much-feared military confrontation.

That joint stance from world powers came just hours after Trump slapped new sanctions on Iran, targeting supreme leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-sea-lanes-for-other-countries-for-zero-compensation-we-dont-even-need-to-be-there-trump-230043">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> and eight Iranian commanders.

As the council met behind closed doors at Washington's request, Iran's UN ambassador told reporters that conditions were not ripe for dialogue with the United States.

"You cannot start a dialogue with somebody who is threatening you, who is intimidating you," said Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi, who said the "atmosphere of such a dialogue is not ready yet."

Watch: Trump refuses to pay heed to UN report

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The council said all concerned parties and all countries in the region must "exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and tension."

"Council members urge that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue," said the statement backed by both Russia, a friend of Iran, and the United States.&nbsp;

Britain, France and Germany separately called for "de-escalation and dialogue, with full respect for international rules."

US presents evidence

The Iranian ambassador told reporters that the United States must stop "its economic war against the Iranian people" and renewed an offer to hold regional talks on security, under UN auspices.

"As long as this threat is there, there is no way that Iran and the US can start a dialogue," said the ambassador.&nbsp;

Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington.

Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage.

During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks.

US Acting Ambassador Jonathan Cohen nevertheless said, "the only state actor with the capabilities and the motive to carry out these attacks is Iran."

UN diplomats said the United States pressed to have a mention of a "state actor" responsible for the tanker attacks in the press statement, but that Russia rejected the language.

The Security Council is set on Wednesday to discuss the Iran nuclear deal that the United States has exited and that the Europeans are struggling to salvage.

The UN Security Council on Monday called for dialogue and measures to end tensions in the Gulf, but Iran rejected talks with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed fresh sanctions.

The UN Security Council on Monday called for dialogue and measures to end tensions in the Gulf, but Iran rejected talks with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed fresh sanctions. In a unanimous press statement drafted by Kuwait, the council condemned recent attacks on oil tankers, calling them a threat to the world's energy supply and to international peace and security. After a two-hour meeting, the council agreed on a statement that did not single out Iran but made clear that all sides should back away from a much-feared military confrontation. That joint stance from world powers came just hours after Trump slapped new sanctions on Iran, targeting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and eight Iranian commanders. As the council met behind closed doors at Washington's request, Iran's UN ambassador told reporters that conditions were not ripe for dialogue with the United States. "You cannot start a dialogue with somebody who is threatening you, who is intimidating you," said Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi, who said the "atmosphere of such a dialogue is not ready yet." Watch: Trump refuses to pay heed to UN report The council said all concerned parties and all countries in the region must "exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and tension." "Council members urge that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue," said the statement backed by both Russia, a friend of Iran, and the United States. Britain, France and Germany separately called for "de-escalation and dialogue, with full respect for international rules." US presents evidence The Iranian ambassador told reporters that the United States must stop "its economic war against the Iranian people" and renewed an offer to hold regional talks on security, under UN auspices. "As long as this threat is there, there is no way that Iran and the US can start a dialogue," said the ambassador. Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington. Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage. During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul. Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks. US Acting Ambassador Jonathan Cohen nevertheless said, "the only state actor with the capabilities and the motive to carry out these attacks is Iran." UN diplomats said the United States pressed to have a mention of a "state actor" responsible for the tanker attacks in the press statement, but that Russia rejected the language. The Security Council is set on Wednesday to discuss the Iran nuclear deal that the United States has exited and that the Europeans are struggling to salvage.

UN Security Council urges dialogue, end to US-Iran tensions as Trump announces new sanctions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-again-denies-columnists-rape-allegations-says-shes-not-my-type-230149">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> will visit South Korea this weekend after an exchange of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-sent-me-birthday-wishes-it-was-a-friendly-letter-trump-230119">letters with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boosted</a> hopes for a resumption of talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program.

Trump is set to arrive in South Korea for a two-day visit on Saturday and will meet President Moon Jae-in on Sunday, following a summit of G20 leaders in Japan, Moon's spokeswoman, Ko Min-jung, said on Monday.

The announcement came hours after US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hoped a letter Trump sent to Kim could pave the way for a revival of talks that have been stalled since a failed second summit between Trump and Kim in February.

Trump and Moon would have "in-depth discussions on ways to work together to foster lasting peace," Ko told a news briefing.

Trump told reporters at the White House that Kim had sent him birthday wishes. "It was just a very friendly letter both ways. We have a very good relationship," he said.

Pompeo, who spoke of Trump's letter to Kim before leaving Washington on Sunday for a trip to the Middle East and Asia, said Washington was ready to resume talks with North Korea immediately.

Watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong-un receives excellent letter from Trump

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"I'm hopeful that this will provide a good foundation for us to begin ... these important discussions with the North Koreans," Pompeo told reporters.

Trump is considering a visit to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, a South Korean official said.

A Trump administration official briefing reporters on a conference call said Trump had no plans to meet Kim during his visit to South Korea, and declined to comment when asked whether Trump would travel to the DMZ.

Trump wanted to go to the DMZ on a 2017 trip to South Korea but heavy fog prevented it. Kim and Moon held their historic first summit in the DMZ last year.

Trump and Kim held their first, groundbreaking summit in Singapore in June last year, agreeing to establish new relations and work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

But a second summit in Vietnam in February collapsed when the two sides were unable to bridge differences between US&nbsp;demands for denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

The director of the US&nbsp;Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, told Fox News on Monday that the intelligence community continued to assess that Kim Jong Un was not ready to give up his nuclear weapons.

Stephen Biegun, the US&nbsp;special envoy for North Korea, said on Wednesday that Washington had no preconditions for talks but that progress would require meaningful and verifiable North Korean steps to denuclearise.

The State Department said Biegun, who led working-level talks with North Korea in the run-up to the Hanoi summit, would visit Seoul from Thursday until Sunday for meetings with South Korean officials.

'Excellent'

Tension mounted last month when North Korea test-fired a series of short-range ballistic missiles, although Trump and South Korea both played down the tests.

One June 11, Trump said he had received a very warm, "beautiful" letter from Kim, adding he thought something positive would happen.

North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, said on Sunday that Kim had received a letter from Trump, which he described as being "of excellent content", but did not disclose any details.

KCNA said Kim "would seriously contemplate the interesting content".

Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asian Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said Trump may have proposed a new round of working-level talks but that a major breakthrough was unlikely for now.

"North Korea has to show what the final state of denuclearisation would look like and what road map it has toward that end, but it's not desirable to reopen talks just to manage the situation after recent weapons tests," Shin told Reuters.

Pompeo, who will also be in Seoul for Trump's visit, did not discuss the contents of the president's letter, but said Washington had been working to lay foundations for discussions.

"I think we're in a better place," he said.

Asked if working-level discussions would begin soon, Pompeo said,&nbsp;"I think the remarks you saw out of North Korea this morning suggest that may well be a very good possibility. We're ready to go, we're literally prepared to go at a moment's notice if the North Koreans indicate that they're prepared for those discussions."

Joseph Yun, Biegun's predecessor as special envoy for North Korea, told a panel discussion at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies that he expected there to be a third summit between Trump and Kim and it would probably take place "sooner rather than later."

Victor Cha, a former White House official involved in past negotiations with North Korea, told the same event he expected Trump to go to the DMZ and noted Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea last week.

"Whenever you see high-level letter and then the Chinese and North Koreans meeting, that's kind of like the set-up for a third meeting," he said.

"The question is, is he going to make a big statement at the DMZ ... is he going to do it with President Moon. Are there going to be other surprises? This president likes surprises."

US President Donald Trump will visit South Korea this weekend after an exchange of letters with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boosted hopes for a resumption of talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump will visit South Korea this weekend after an exchange of letters with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boosted hopes for a resumption of talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program. Trump is set to arrive in South Korea for a two-day visit on Saturday and will meet President Moon Jae-in on Sunday, following a summit of G20 leaders in Japan, Moon's spokeswoman, Ko Min-jung, said on Monday. The announcement came hours after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hoped a letter Trump sent to Kim could pave the way for a revival of talks that have been stalled since a failed second summit between Trump and Kim in February. Trump and Moon would have "in-depth discussions on ways to work together to foster lasting peace," Ko told a news briefing. Trump told reporters at the White House that Kim had sent him birthday wishes. "It was just a very friendly letter both ways. We have a very good relationship," he said. Pompeo, who spoke of Trump's letter to Kim before leaving Washington on Sunday for a trip to the Middle East and Asia, said Washington was ready to resume talks with North Korea immediately. Watch: Kim Jong-un receives excellent letter from Trump "I'm hopeful that this will provide a good foundation for us to begin ... these important discussions with the North Koreans," Pompeo told reporters. Trump is considering a visit to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, a South Korean official said. A Trump administration official briefing reporters on a conference call said Trump had no plans to meet Kim during his visit to South Korea, and declined to comment when asked whether Trump would travel to the DMZ. Trump wanted to go to the DMZ on a 2017 trip to South Korea but heavy fog prevented it. Kim and Moon held their historic first summit in the DMZ last year. Trump and Kim held their first, groundbreaking summit in Singapore in June last year, agreeing to establish new relations and work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. But a second summit in Vietnam in February collapsed when the two sides were unable to bridge differences between US demands for denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. The director of the US Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, told Fox News on Monday that the intelligence community continued to assess that Kim Jong Un was not ready to give up his nuclear weapons. Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea, said on Wednesday that Washington had no preconditions for talks but that progress would require meaningful and verifiable North Korean steps to denuclearise. The State Department said Biegun, who led working-level talks with North Korea in the run-up to the Hanoi summit, would visit Seoul from Thursday until Sunday for meetings with South Korean officials. 'Excellent' Tension mounted last month when North Korea test-fired a series of short-range ballistic missiles, although Trump and South Korea both played down the tests. One June 11, Trump said he had received a very warm, "beautiful" letter from Kim, adding he thought something positive would happen. North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, said on Sunday that Kim had received a letter from Trump, which he described as being "of excellent content", but did not disclose any details. KCNA said Kim "would seriously contemplate the interesting content". Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asian Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said Trump may have proposed a new round of working-level talks but that a major breakthrough was unlikely for now. "North Korea has to show what the final state of denuclearisation would look like and what road map it has toward that end, but it's not desirable to reopen talks just to manage the situation after recent weapons tests," Shin told Reuters. Pompeo, who will also be in Seoul for Trump's visit, did not discuss the contents of the president's letter, but said Washington had been working to lay foundations for discussions. "I think we're in a better place," he said. Asked if working-level discussions would begin soon, Pompeo said, "I think the remarks you saw out of North Korea this morning suggest that may well be a very good possibility. We're ready to go, we're literally prepared to go at a moment's notice if the North Koreans indicate that they're prepared for those discussions." Joseph Yun, Biegun's predecessor as special envoy for North Korea, told a panel discussion at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies that he expected there to be a third summit between Trump and Kim and it would probably take place "sooner rather than later." Victor Cha, a former White House official involved in past negotiations with North Korea, told the same event he expected Trump to go to the DMZ and noted Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea last week. "Whenever you see high-level letter and then the Chinese and North Koreans meeting, that's kind of like the set-up for a third meeting," he said. "The question is, is he going to make a big statement at the DMZ ... is he going to do it with President Moon. Are there going to be other surprises? This president likes surprises."

Trump to visit South Korea as Pompeo raises hope for new North Korea talks after letter

Top Chinese and US trade negotiators have held telephone talks ahead of a crunch meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the G20 summit this week, Chinese state media said Tuesday.

Vice Premier Liu He -- Xi's pointman in the trade war -- spoke with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday and they "exchanged opinions on economic and trade issues," according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The call took place "at the request of the US side" and the officials agreed to continue to maintain contact, Xinhua said.

Trump's highly anticipated meeting with Xi will take place on Saturday, the second day of the Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan, according to a US official.

The two leaders agreed to meet after negotiations broke down last month and both sides exchanged steep increases in tariffs on $260 billion in two-way trade.

Trump has since moved to blacklist China's top telecommunications company, Huawei. Beijing has responded by threatening to create its own list of "unreliable" companies and individuals.

'Uphold multilateralism'

Chinese officials said Monday that they will seek a united front against protectionism at the G20.

"Unilateralism and protectionism has damaged global growth... undermined global value chains and dampened market sentiment," Zhang Jun, the Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs, said at a briefing to preview Xi's attendance at the summit.

"China will work with others at the G20 to firmly uphold multilateralism and an open, rule-based global trading order," Zhang said.

Trump has instigated trade battles with an array of countries and regions, from China to Japan, Mexico and the European Union, but Beijing's own economic policies have been criticised.

The US and the EU have accused Beijing of providing a lack of level playing field for foreign firms in China, allowing the theft of intellectual property and forcing international companies to hand their trade secrets to local partners.

Chinese vice minister for commerce Wang Shouwen said Monday that Washington and Beijing should make compromises.

Any talks between China and the US have to be based on "mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and comply with WTO rules", Wang said.

He also urged the US to remove "inappropriate and discriminatory" barriers against Chinese companies, saying such moves jeopardise the interests of both Chinese and US firms -- an oblique reference to the US treatment of Huawei.

American officials have accused their Chinese counterparts of backsliding on commitments made in the talks, but Lighthizer said last week he was hopeful the discussions could resume productively.&nbsp;

"My speculation is that some forces in China decided that they had gone too far, went out beyond their mandate," he said. "I have trust and complete good faith in the people that I'm dealing with... My hope is we can get back on track."

Top Chinese and US trade negotiators have held telephone talks ahead of a crunch meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the G20 summit this week, Chinese state media said Tuesday.

Top Chinese and US trade negotiators have held telephone talks ahead of a crunch meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the G20 summit this week, Chinese state media said Tuesday. Vice Premier Liu He -- Xi's pointman in the trade war -- spoke with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday and they "exchanged opinions on economic and trade issues," according to the official Xinhua news agency. The call took place "at the request of the US side" and the officials agreed to continue to maintain contact, Xinhua said. Trump's highly anticipated meeting with Xi will take place on Saturday, the second day of the Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan, according to a US official. The two leaders agreed to meet after negotiations broke down last month and both sides exchanged steep increases in tariffs on $260 billion in two-way trade. Trump has since moved to blacklist China's top telecommunications company, Huawei. Beijing has responded by threatening to create its own list of "unreliable" companies and individuals. 'Uphold multilateralism' Chinese officials said Monday that they will seek a united front against protectionism at the G20. "Unilateralism and protectionism has damaged global growth... undermined global value chains and dampened market sentiment," Zhang Jun, the Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs, said at a briefing to preview Xi's attendance at the summit. "China will work with others at the G20 to firmly uphold multilateralism and an open, rule-based global trading order," Zhang said. Trump has instigated trade battles with an array of countries and regions, from China to Japan, Mexico and the European Union, but Beijing's own economic policies have been criticised. The US and the EU have accused Beijing of providing a lack of level playing field for foreign firms in China, allowing the theft of intellectual property and forcing international companies to hand their trade secrets to local partners. Chinese vice minister for commerce Wang Shouwen said Monday that Washington and Beijing should make compromises. Any talks between China and the US have to be based on "mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and comply with WTO rules", Wang said. He also urged the US to remove "inappropriate and discriminatory" barriers against Chinese companies, saying such moves jeopardise the interests of both Chinese and US firms -- an oblique reference to the US treatment of Huawei. American officials have accused their Chinese counterparts of backsliding on commitments made in the talks, but Lighthizer said last week he was hopeful the discussions could resume productively. "My speculation is that some forces in China decided that they had gone too far, went out beyond their mandate," he said. "I have trust and complete good faith in the people that I'm dealing with... My hope is we can get back on track."

US-China trade negotiators hold talks ahead of Xi-Trump meeting: Report

US President Donald Trump on Monday once again vigorously denied<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-writer-says-donald-trump-sexually-assaulted-her-in-mid-1990s-229373"> allegations by a magazine advice columnist that he sexually assaulted her</a> in the 1990s in a New York department store dressing room, adding,&nbsp;"She's not my type."

Trump made the comment in an interview with The Hill, a political news outlet, that touched on the allegations from E. Jean Carroll, who says in her new book that the alleged rape occurred in the mid-1990s.

"I'll say it with great respect: Number one, she's not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" Trump said in the interview, which was conducted in the Oval Office.

The president added that Carroll was "totally lying" when she made her claims.

"I know nothing about this woman. I know nothing about her," he said.

Carroll's account, revealed last week in an excerpt of her new book that was published by New York magazine, makes her at least the 16th woman to have accused Trump of sexual misconduct before he became president.

She said that in a chance encounter at the Bergdorf Goodman store in Manhattan, Trump -- then a real estate developer -- asked her for advice on buying lingerie for an unnamed woman.

Then jokingly, they each suggested that the other should try it on.

"The moment the dressing-room door is closed, he lunges at me, pushes me against the wall, hitting my head quite badly, and puts his mouth against my lips," wrote Carroll, who works for Elle magazine.

Pinning her against the wall, Carroll says, Trump proceeded to pull down her tights, unzip his pants and penetrate her -- all while himself fully dressed -- until she finally managed to push him out and run from the dressing room.

On Monday, Carroll told CNN that he "just went at it" after he cornered her.

"It was a fight," she said.

"With all the 15 women or 16 who have come forward, it's the same. He denies it. He turns it around. He attacks. And he threatens."

Carroll never went to the police because, she said, she was afraid of repercussions.

US President Donald Trump on Monday once again vigorously denied allegations by a magazine advice columnist that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s in a New York department store dressing room, adding, "She's not my type.

US President Donald Trump on Monday once again vigorously denied allegations by a magazine advice columnist that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s in a New York department store dressing room, adding, "She's not my type." Trump made the comment in an interview with The Hill, a political news outlet, that touched on the allegations from E. Jean Carroll, who says in her new book that the alleged rape occurred in the mid-1990s. "I'll say it with great respect: Number one, she's not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" Trump said in the interview, which was conducted in the Oval Office. The president added that Carroll was "totally lying" when she made her claims. "I know nothing about this woman. I know nothing about her," he said. Carroll's account, revealed last week in an excerpt of her new book that was published by New York magazine, makes her at least the 16th woman to have accused Trump of sexual misconduct before he became president. She said that in a chance encounter at the Bergdorf Goodman store in Manhattan, Trump -- then a real estate developer -- asked her for advice on buying lingerie for an unnamed woman. Then jokingly, they each suggested that the other should try it on. "The moment the dressing-room door is closed, he lunges at me, pushes me against the wall, hitting my head quite badly, and puts his mouth against my lips," wrote Carroll, who works for Elle magazine. Pinning her against the wall, Carroll says, Trump proceeded to pull down her tights, unzip his pants and penetrate her -- all while himself fully dressed -- until she finally managed to push him out and run from the dressing room. On Monday, Carroll told CNN that he "just went at it" after he cornered her. "It was a fight," she said. "With all the 15 women or 16 who have come forward, it's the same. He denies it. He turns it around. He attacks. And he threatens." Carroll never went to the police because, she said, she was afraid of repercussions.

Donald Trump again denies columnist's rape allegations, says 'she's not my type'

An Illinois man who prosecutors described as obsessed with serial killers was found guilty on Monday of the kidnapping and decapitation murder of a Chinese graduate student two years ago and could now face the death penalty.

A US District Court jury in Peoria deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Brendt Christensen, 29, of all charges in the disappearance and death of Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Zhang was reported missing on June 9, 2017, two months after coming from southeastern China to study photosynthesis and crop production at the university. Her remains have never been found, but prosecutors said her DNA was matched to the blood later found in three spots inside Christensen's bedroom.

The case has been closely watched by Chinese media, Chinese government officials and Chinese students studying in the United States. Relatives publicly appealed to US President Donald Trump for additional resources to help find Zhang two months after she vanished.

Federal prosecutors trying Christensen under US kidnapping laws have said they planned to seek the death penalty if he was found guilty.

Investigators were led to Christensen through surveillance video footage captured in Urbana, 130 miles (210 km) south of Chicago, showing Zhang getting into a black car that later was traced to the defendant.

Prosecutors said Christensen took Zhang to his apartment, where she fought for her life as he bludgeoned her with a baseball bat, raped her and stabbed her in the neck before cutting off her head.

Details of the crime, including the decapitation, were revealed by Christensen himself in conversations with his then-girlfriend secretly recorded for FBI agents investigating the case before his arrest, according to trial testimony.

Father's statement of thanks

Defence lawyers conceded during the trial that their client had killed Zhang, though they disputed particulars in prosecutors' account of events.

During closing arguments on Monday, Assistant US Attorney Eugene Miller told jurors that Christensen had spent up to six months planning the murder and had chosen Zhang because she was small of stature and appeared an easy target.

"He raped her, he murdered her, and then spent the next three weeks trying to cover up the crime," Miller said.

In their own summation on Monday, Christensen's lawyers suggested they hoped to persuade the jury to spare his life during the penalty phase of the trial, which was set to begin July 8.

"This is not the ultimate decision. You have to realize there's more," attorney Elisabeth Pollock told jurors.

Christensen, a onetime master's student at the university, sat expressionless in court as he was pronounced guilty on the charge of kidnapping resulting in death, as well as two counts of lying to federal investigators, capping an eight-day trial.

Earlier in the trial, prosecutors characterized Christensen as having a fascination with serial killers, including Ted Bundy, who murdered dozens of women during the 1970s.

The victim's father, Ronggao Zhang, read a statement outside the courthouse on Monday on behalf of the family thanking the jury for "this step towards justice."

"We have missed Yingying tremendously in the past two years," he said. "As of today, we still could not imagine how we could live the rest of our lives without her."

An Illinois man who prosecutors described as obsessed with serial killers was found guilty on Monday of the kidnapping and decapitation murder of a Chinese graduate student two years ago and could now face the death penalty.

An Illinois man who prosecutors described as obsessed with serial killers was found guilty on Monday of the kidnapping and decapitation murder of a Chinese graduate student two years ago and could now face the death penalty. A US District Court jury in Peoria deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Brendt Christensen, 29, of all charges in the disappearance and death of Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Zhang was reported missing on June 9, 2017, two months after coming from southeastern China to study photosynthesis and crop production at the university. Her remains have never been found, but prosecutors said her DNA was matched to the blood later found in three spots inside Christensen's bedroom. The case has been closely watched by Chinese media, Chinese government officials and Chinese students studying in the United States. Relatives publicly appealed to US President Donald Trump for additional resources to help find Zhang two months after she vanished. Federal prosecutors trying Christensen under US kidnapping laws have said they planned to seek the death penalty if he was found guilty. Investigators were led to Christensen through surveillance video footage captured in Urbana, 130 miles (210 km) south of Chicago, showing Zhang getting into a black car that later was traced to the defendant. Prosecutors said Christensen took Zhang to his apartment, where she fought for her life as he bludgeoned her with a baseball bat, raped her and stabbed her in the neck before cutting off her head. Details of the crime, including the decapitation, were revealed by Christensen himself in conversations with his then-girlfriend secretly recorded for FBI agents investigating the case before his arrest, according to trial testimony. Father's statement of thanks Defence lawyers conceded during the trial that their client had killed Zhang, though they disputed particulars in prosecutors' account of events. During closing arguments on Monday, Assistant US Attorney Eugene Miller told jurors that Christensen had spent up to six months planning the murder and had chosen Zhang because she was small of stature and appeared an easy target. "He raped her, he murdered her, and then spent the next three weeks trying to cover up the crime," Miller said. In their own summation on Monday, Christensen's lawyers suggested they hoped to persuade the jury to spare his life during the penalty phase of the trial, which was set to begin July 8. "This is not the ultimate decision. You have to realize there's more," attorney Elisabeth Pollock told jurors. Christensen, a onetime master's student at the university, sat expressionless in court as he was pronounced guilty on the charge of kidnapping resulting in death, as well as two counts of lying to federal investigators, capping an eight-day trial. Earlier in the trial, prosecutors characterized Christensen as having a fascination with serial killers, including Ted Bundy, who murdered dozens of women during the 1970s. The victim's father, Ronggao Zhang, read a statement outside the courthouse on Monday on behalf of the family thanking the jury for "this step towards justice." "We have missed Yingying tremendously in the past two years," he said. "As of today, we still could not imagine how we could live the rest of our lives without her."

US jury convicts man of Chinese graduate student's kidnap-murder

A Turkish court on Tuesday lifted the house arrest of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-consulate-employee-in-turkey-charged-with-espionage-194446">US consulate</a> staffer charged with terrorism offences, just days before President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggis-killers-will-pay-the-price-says-turkish-president-228875">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> is due to meet US counterpart Donald Trump, an embassy official told AFP.

Mete Canturk is one of three consulate staffers arrested for links to a group accused of an attempted coup in 2016.&nbsp;

Canturk, a Turkish citizen, still faces trial and is barred from leaving the country, with his next hearing set for October 2.&nbsp;

US charge d'affaires Jeffrey Hovenier welcomed the decision to release him from house arrest.

"We continue to see no evidence to support the charges brought against him and we reiterate our call for this process as well as other processes involving our unjustly detained staff to be resolved quickly, transparently and fairly," said Hovenier.

Relations between Ankara and Washington have been strained over several issues, including Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system and US support for a Kurdish militia in Syria.

Erdogan is due to meet Trump this week on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.&nbsp;

A Turkish-American former NASA scientist, Serkan Golge, detained in Turkey for nearly three years on similar terrorism charges, was released in May.&nbsp;

Another Istanbul consulate staffer, Metin Topuz, who also faces espionage charges, is due back in court this week.

A third staffer, Hamza Ulucay, from the Adana consulate, has already been sentenced to 4.5 years for "aiding a terror organisation".

They are suspected of links to US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for orchestrating the failed coup.

A Turkish court on Tuesday lifted the house arrest of a US consulate staffer charged with terrorism offences, just days before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to meet US counterpart Donald Trump, an embassy official told AFP.

A Turkish court on Tuesday lifted the house arrest of a US consulate staffer charged with terrorism offences, just days before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to meet US counterpart Donald Trump, an embassy official told AFP. Mete Canturk is one of three consulate staffers arrested for links to a group accused of an attempted coup in 2016. Canturk, a Turkish citizen, still faces trial and is barred from leaving the country, with his next hearing set for October 2. US charge d'affaires Jeffrey Hovenier welcomed the decision to release him from house arrest. "We continue to see no evidence to support the charges brought against him and we reiterate our call for this process as well as other processes involving our unjustly detained staff to be resolved quickly, transparently and fairly," said Hovenier. Relations between Ankara and Washington have been strained over several issues, including Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system and US support for a Kurdish militia in Syria. Erdogan is due to meet Trump this week on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. A Turkish-American former NASA scientist, Serkan Golge, detained in Turkey for nearly three years on similar terrorism charges, was released in May. Another Istanbul consulate staffer, Metin Topuz, who also faces espionage charges, is due back in court this week. A third staffer, Hamza Ulucay, from the Adana consulate, has already been sentenced to 4.5 years for "aiding a terror organisation". They are suspected of links to US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for orchestrating the failed coup.

Turkey court lifts house arrest on United States consulate staffer

India may discuss with US secretary of state Mike Pompeo a host of issues crucial for its energy security, including oil price volatility due to rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, disadvantages in purchasing American crude and technical issues arising due to sanctions that threaten India’s strategic projects, said officials aware of the developments.

India-US to hold talks on Iran oil

Iran says the US decision to impose sanctions on its supreme leader and other top officials is “idiotic” and has permanently closed the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington.

Iran calls new US sanctions 'outrageous and idiotic'

&nbsp;Acting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-nominates-mark-esper-as-secretary-of-defence-white-house-229378">US Defense Secretary Mark Esper</a> will be ready to update European allies on tensions with Iran as he heads to NATO headquarters this week during his inaugural trip as Pentagon chief, a senior US official said.

Esper, whose first full day in the Pentagon was on Monday, led the Army until the surprise resignation of Patrick Shanahan as acting defence secretary last week. Esper is now the third person in six months to work at the defence secretary's desk.

His first week coincides with a previously scheduled NATO defence ministerial meeting, where the focus will be on other pre-planned discussions - including an approaching end to the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bats-for-extension-of-arms-reduction-treaty-with-us-204412">United States and Russia</a>.

But Kathryn Wheelbarger, an acting assistant defence secretary, said Pentagon officials would raise Iran during one of the NATO sessions on Wednesday or Thursday.

"We are prepared to provide an update to the (NATO) alliance," Wheelbarger said, briefing reporters ahead of the trip.

"It's very important to the (Defense) Department and the US government as a whole that we make sure our allies are as cognizant, and that we are as transparent on this issue, as possible."

The US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">President Donald Trump</a> nearly waged military strikes on Iran last week after it shot down a US drone and on Monday announced new sanctions targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.

Trump, who withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran despite objections from European allies, wants to force Tehran to open talks on its nuclear and missile programs and its activities in the Middle East.

Iran has so far refused and instead warned it is ready to enrich uranium to a higher level if Europe cannot shield Tehran from US sanctions. Iran denies US accusations that it has also repeatedly carried out attacks on oil tankers in recent weeks.

France, Britain and Germany have sent an official diplomatic warning to Iran about the serious consequences Tehran faces if it scales back its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, two European diplomats said on Monday.

Nato Speed-Dating

For many NATO allies, this week's NATO defence ministerial will be a chance to get a sense of Esper and the direction he'll take the Pentagon.

It will be a similar opportunity for Esper, who sent guidance to US forces on Monday saying the Pentagon's priorities, including goals like strengthening US alliances - remained unchanged.

"A NATO ministerial is a good way to get to know key partners, kind of like diplomatic speed-dating," said Derek Chollet, a former senior Pentagon official during the Obama administration.

Chollet said allies would be closely watching for hints about the kind of role Esper will play, including whether he might be like Jim Mattis, Trump's first defence secretary who was a strong advocate for NATO and was seen as a moderating influence on the US president.

Mattis, who resigned in December over policy differences with Trump, brought Esper into the job.

One European diplomat joked: "Jim Mattis is not someone we can clone, as much as we’d like to, but Esper is talked about positively."

"Everyone will want to make a good impression and to get some time because he is the new face of the Pentagon," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp;

Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper will be ready to update European allies on tensions with Iran as he heads to NATO headquarters this week during his inaugural trip as Pentagon chief, a senior US official said.

Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper will be ready to update European allies on tensions with Iran as he heads to NATO headquarters this week during his inaugural trip as Pentagon chief, a senior US official said. Esper, whose first full day in the Pentagon was on Monday, led the Army until the surprise resignation of Patrick Shanahan as acting defence secretary last week. Esper is now the third person in six months to work at the defence secretary's desk. His first week coincides with a previously scheduled NATO defence ministerial meeting, where the focus will be on other pre-planned discussions - including an approaching end to the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the United States and Russia. But Kathryn Wheelbarger, an acting assistant defence secretary, said Pentagon officials would raise Iran during one of the NATO sessions on Wednesday or Thursday. "We are prepared to provide an update to the (NATO) alliance," Wheelbarger said, briefing reporters ahead of the trip. "It's very important to the (Defense) Department and the US government as a whole that we make sure our allies are as cognizant, and that we are as transparent on this issue, as possible." The US President Donald Trump nearly waged military strikes on Iran last week after it shot down a US drone and on Monday announced new sanctions targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials. Trump, who withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran despite objections from European allies, wants to force Tehran to open talks on its nuclear and missile programs and its activities in the Middle East. Iran has so far refused and instead warned it is ready to enrich uranium to a higher level if Europe cannot shield Tehran from US sanctions. Iran denies US accusations that it has also repeatedly carried out attacks on oil tankers in recent weeks. France, Britain and Germany have sent an official diplomatic warning to Iran about the serious consequences Tehran faces if it scales back its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, two European diplomats said on Monday. Nato Speed-Dating For many NATO allies, this week's NATO defence ministerial will be a chance to get a sense of Esper and the direction he'll take the Pentagon. It will be a similar opportunity for Esper, who sent guidance to US forces on Monday saying the Pentagon's priorities, including goals like strengthening US alliances - remained unchanged. "A NATO ministerial is a good way to get to know key partners, kind of like diplomatic speed-dating," said Derek Chollet, a former senior Pentagon official during the Obama administration. Chollet said allies would be closely watching for hints about the kind of role Esper will play, including whether he might be like Jim Mattis, Trump's first defence secretary who was a strong advocate for NATO and was seen as a moderating influence on the US president. Mattis, who resigned in December over policy differences with Trump, brought Esper into the job. One European diplomat joked: "Jim Mattis is not someone we can clone, as much as we’d like to, but Esper is talked about positively." "Everyone will want to make a good impression and to get some time because he is the new face of the Pentagon," the diplomat said.

Iran in focus as new Pentagon chief heads to  North Atlantic Treaty Organization

President Donald Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kellyanne-conways-husband-says-trump-suffers-from-narcissistic-personality-disorder-204200">senior adviser Kellyanne Conway</a> will not testify before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> Oversight Committee this week on her alleged violations of the Hatch Act, the White House told the panel's chairman on Monday.

"In accordance with long-standing precedent, we respectfully decline the invitation to make Ms Conway available for testimony before the Committee," White House legal counsel Pat Cipollone told Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings in a letter.

The 1939 Hatch Act prohibits executive branch employees from engaging in some political activities.

The Oversight Committee has said it would vote on a potential subpoena if Conway does not testify before lawmakers on Wednesday.

The hearing was scheduled after the Office of Special Counsel, a US government watchdog agency, earlier this month recommended Conway be fired for repeatedly violating the Hatch Act by disparaging Democratic presidential candidates while speaking in her official capacity during television interviews and on social media.

Trump has said he would not fire Conway, 52, a former political pollster who became Trump's campaign manager in 2016 and the first woman to oversee a winning US presidential campaign.

If Conway does not testify at the hearing, the Oversight Committee plans to hold a business meeting to consider authorizing a subpoena for the White House adviser for "testimony in connection with her failure to comply with the Hatch Act and ethics laws," Cummings wrote in a letter to committee members dated Friday.

House Democrats have been frustrated by the Trump administration's stonewalling of their efforts to hold senior officials to account. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Attorney General William Barr and other officials have defied subpoena requests from Democratic-led House panels in recent months.

President Donald Trump's senior adviser Kellyanne Conway will not testify before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee this week on her alleged violations of the Hatch Act, the White House told the panel's chairman on Monday.

President Donald Trump's senior adviser Kellyanne Conway will not testify before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee this week on her alleged violations of the Hatch Act, the White House told the panel's chairman on Monday. "In accordance with long-standing precedent, we respectfully decline the invitation to make Ms Conway available for testimony before the Committee," White House legal counsel Pat Cipollone told Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings in a letter. The 1939 Hatch Act prohibits executive branch employees from engaging in some political activities. The Oversight Committee has said it would vote on a potential subpoena if Conway does not testify before lawmakers on Wednesday. The hearing was scheduled after the Office of Special Counsel, a US government watchdog agency, earlier this month recommended Conway be fired for repeatedly violating the Hatch Act by disparaging Democratic presidential candidates while speaking in her official capacity during television interviews and on social media. Trump has said he would not fire Conway, 52, a former political pollster who became Trump's campaign manager in 2016 and the first woman to oversee a winning US presidential campaign. If Conway does not testify at the hearing, the Oversight Committee plans to hold a business meeting to consider authorizing a subpoena for the White House adviser for "testimony in connection with her failure to comply with the Hatch Act and ethics laws," Cummings wrote in a letter to committee members dated Friday. House Democrats have been frustrated by the Trump administration's stonewalling of their efforts to hold senior officials to account. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Attorney General William Barr and other officials have defied subpoena requests from Democratic-led House panels in recent months.

Donald Trump aide Kellyanne Conway will not testify before Congress: White House

The first stage of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-economy-first-approach-to-mideast-peace-built-on-big-money-projects-229587">Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan</a> will be launched on Tuesday at a conference the White House touts as a bid to begin drumming up $50 billion in investment but which Palestinians deride as an "economy first" approach doomed to fail.

The two-day international meeting in Bahrain, led by Trump’s son-in-law, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jared-kushner-visits-middle-east-to-press-us-peace-plan-222381">Jared Kushner</a>, has been billed as the first part of Washington's long-delayed broader political blueprint to revive the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which will be unveiled at a later date.

But neither the Israeli nor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/even-if-netanyahu-goes-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-will-continue-204653">Palestinian governments</a> will attend the curtain-raising event in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

There will be close scrutiny as to whether attendees such as Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf Arab states show any interest in making actual donations to a US plan that has already elicited bitter criticism from Palestinians and many others in the Arab world.

Bahrain, a close American ally and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been making preparations for weeks.

Although the conference is supposed to focus on economics, Gulf Arab states hope their presence will also show their solidarity with the Trump administration over its hardline against Iran, a senior Gulf diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

Under the plan, donor nations and investors would contribute about $50 billion over 10 years, with $28 billion going to the Palestinian territories - the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip - as well as $7.5 billion to Jordan, $9 billion to Egypt and $6 billion for Lebanon.

Among 179 proposed infrastructure and business, projects is a $5 billion transport corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza.

"I laugh when they attack this as the ‘deal of the century,’" Kushner told Reuters, referring to the lofty nickname that Trump’s peace plan has assumed over the past two years.

"This is going to be the ‘opportunity of the century’ if they have the courage to pursue it."

Kushner, a senior Trump adviser who like his father-in-law comes from the world of New York real estate, is presenting his plan in a pair of pamphlets filled with graphs and statistics that resemble an investment prospectus.

But pushing back against critics who accuse Kushner of trying to forge a strictly “economic peace,” he told Reuters last week: “A lot of past attempts have failed. Calm down ... and keep an open mind.”

Peace to Prosperity

Even so, expectations for success are low. The Trump team concedes that the economic plan - billed "Peace to Prosperity" - will be implemented only if a political solution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts is reached.

Any such solution would have to settle long-standing issues such as the status of Jerusalem, mutually agreed borders, satisfying Israel's security concerns and Palestinian demands for statehood, and the fate of Israel's settlements and military presence in territory Palestinians want to build that state.

In an interview with Al Jazeera set to air on Tuesday, Kushner offered a rare glimpse into the possible political contours of the plan, saying a deal would not adhere to the Arab Peace Initiative, a Saudi-led plan that has been the Arab consensus on the necessary elements for a Palestinian deal since 2002.

"I think we all have to recognise that if there ever is a deal, it's not going to be along the lines of the Arab Peace Initiative. It will be somewhere between the Arab Peace Initiative and between the Israeli position," Kushner told Al Jazeera.

The Arab Peace Initiative offers Israel normal ties with the Arab world in exchange for a Palestinian state drawn along borders that predate Israel's capture of territory in a 1967 war and a fair solution for Palestinian refugees. Israel has rejected some of the initiative's main provisions.

Hanging over the entire initiative are persistent questions about whether the Trump team plans to abandon the "two-state solution," a long-standing principle of Middle East peacemaking that involves the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

But the Trump team has consistently refused to commit to it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, has his own domestic problems, facing an election, and possible corruption charges after a long-running police investigation. He denies any wrongdoing.

"We'll hear the American proposition, hear it fairly and with openness," Netanyahu said on Sunday. Although no Israeli government ministers will attend, an Israeli business delegation is expected.

Palestinian leaders have boycotted the workshop, and are refusing to engage with the White House - accusing it of pro-Israel bias after a series of recent Trump decisions. Kushner told Reuters that "some" Palestinian businessmen would be present.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was scathing about its prospects of success.

"Money is important. The economy is important. But politics are more important. The political solution is more important," he said.

Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, has found itself in rare agreement with its arch-rival Abbas. "The Palestinian people only and no one else can represent the Palestinian cause," Hamas official Mushir al-Masri said.

Kushner insists, however, that the economic plan is intended to help draw Palestinians back to the negotiating table by showcasing the benefits a peace deal could bring.

Kushner said that even without the Israeli and Palestinian governments represented, the presence of Israeli business executives and journalists with their Arab counterparts would be significant at a time of rising tensions with Iran.

"People realize that the real threat to that region is Iran and their aggression, and Israel and a lot of the other Arab states have a lot more in common today than they did before," he said.

David Makovsky, a Washington-based Middle East expert, agreed that although the principal focus of the event was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "Iran is higher on the chain of interest right now."

However, Makovsky, whom the White House has invited as an observer, said of the Trump-Kushner plan: "No one believes you can solve this thing economically without addressing the political issues."

The first stage of President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan will be launched on Tuesday at a conference the White House touts as a bid to begin drumming up $50 billion in investment but which Palestinians deride as an "economy first" approach doomed to fail.

The first stage of President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan will be launched on Tuesday at a conference the White House touts as a bid to begin drumming up $50 billion in investment but which Palestinians deride as an "economy first" approach doomed to fail. The two-day international meeting in Bahrain, led by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been billed as the first part of Washington's long-delayed broader political blueprint to revive the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which will be unveiled at a later date. But neither the Israeli nor Palestinian governments will attend the curtain-raising event in the Bahraini capital, Manama. There will be close scrutiny as to whether attendees such as Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf Arab states show any interest in making actual donations to a US plan that has already elicited bitter criticism from Palestinians and many others in the Arab world. Bahrain, a close American ally and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been making preparations for weeks. Although the conference is supposed to focus on economics, Gulf Arab states hope their presence will also show their solidarity with the Trump administration over its hardline against Iran, a senior Gulf diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Under the plan, donor nations and investors would contribute about $50 billion over 10 years, with $28 billion going to the Palestinian territories - the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip - as well as $7.5 billion to Jordan, $9 billion to Egypt and $6 billion for Lebanon. Among 179 proposed infrastructure and business, projects is a $5 billion transport corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza. "I laugh when they attack this as the ‘deal of the century,’" Kushner told Reuters, referring to the lofty nickname that Trump’s peace plan has assumed over the past two years. "This is going to be the ‘opportunity of the century’ if they have the courage to pursue it." Kushner, a senior Trump adviser who like his father-in-law comes from the world of New York real estate, is presenting his plan in a pair of pamphlets filled with graphs and statistics that resemble an investment prospectus. But pushing back against critics who accuse Kushner of trying to forge a strictly “economic peace,” he told Reuters last week: “A lot of past attempts have failed. Calm down ... and keep an open mind.” Peace to Prosperity Even so, expectations for success are low. The Trump team concedes that the economic plan - billed "Peace to Prosperity" - will be implemented only if a political solution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts is reached. Any such solution would have to settle long-standing issues such as the status of Jerusalem, mutually agreed borders, satisfying Israel's security concerns and Palestinian demands for statehood, and the fate of Israel's settlements and military presence in territory Palestinians want to build that state. In an interview with Al Jazeera set to air on Tuesday, Kushner offered a rare glimpse into the possible political contours of the plan, saying a deal would not adhere to the Arab Peace Initiative, a Saudi-led plan that has been the Arab consensus on the necessary elements for a Palestinian deal since 2002. "I think we all have to recognise that if there ever is a deal, it's not going to be along the lines of the Arab Peace Initiative. It will be somewhere between the Arab Peace Initiative and between the Israeli position," Kushner told Al Jazeera. The Arab Peace Initiative offers Israel normal ties with the Arab world in exchange for a Palestinian state drawn along borders that predate Israel's capture of territory in a 1967 war and a fair solution for Palestinian refugees. Israel has rejected some of the initiative's main provisions. Hanging over the entire initiative are persistent questions about whether the Trump team plans to abandon the "two-state solution," a long-standing principle of Middle East peacemaking that involves the creation of an independent Palestinian state. But the Trump team has consistently refused to commit to it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, has his own domestic problems, facing an election, and possible corruption charges after a long-running police investigation. He denies any wrongdoing. "We'll hear the American proposition, hear it fairly and with openness," Netanyahu said on Sunday. Although no Israeli government ministers will attend, an Israeli business delegation is expected. Palestinian leaders have boycotted the workshop, and are refusing to engage with the White House - accusing it of pro-Israel bias after a series of recent Trump decisions. Kushner told Reuters that "some" Palestinian businessmen would be present. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was scathing about its prospects of success. "Money is important. The economy is important. But politics are more important. The political solution is more important," he said. Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, has found itself in rare agreement with its arch-rival Abbas. "The Palestinian people only and no one else can represent the Palestinian cause," Hamas official Mushir al-Masri said. Kushner insists, however, that the economic plan is intended to help draw Palestinians back to the negotiating table by showcasing the benefits a peace deal could bring. Kushner said that even without the Israeli and Palestinian governments represented, the presence of Israeli business executives and journalists with their Arab counterparts would be significant at a time of rising tensions with Iran. "People realize that the real threat to that region is Iran and their aggression, and Israel and a lot of the other Arab states have a lot more in common today than they did before," he said. David Makovsky, a Washington-based Middle East expert, agreed that although the principal focus of the event was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "Iran is higher on the chain of interest right now." However, Makovsky, whom the White House has invited as an observer, said of the Trump-Kushner plan: "No one believes you can solve this thing economically without addressing the political issues."

In Bahrain, United States to launch economic part of Mideast peace plan amid skepticism

The presidential hopeful's plan would include all private and graduate school loan debt. Watch the full video to know more.

Bernie Sanders unveils plan to cancel $1.6tn in student loan debt

Focus on defence, security, trade and boosting strategic ties during Pompeo's 3-day visit to India

Oil prices rose on Monday to extend gains from last week, bolstered as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-trying-to-set-up-negotiation-with-iran-trump-220237">tensions remain high between Iran and the United States</a> after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "significant" sanctions would be announced on Tehran.

Brent futures were up 26 cents, or 0.4%, at $65.46 a barrel by 0544 GMT. 
West Texas Intermediate crude was up 40 cents, or 0.7%, at $57.83 a barrel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-attacks-on-oil-tankers-very-minor-228446">US President Donald Trump</a> said last week that he called off a military strike to retaliate for Iran's downing of an unmanned US drone, and he said on Sunday that he was not seeking war with Iran.

But Pompeo also said "significant" sanctions on Iran would be announced on Monday aimed at further choking off resources that Tehran uses to fund its activities in the region.

"There's a very firm tone to trading on well above average volumes," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney.

"We've got concerns about the sanctions against Iran, (but) we are seeing a better demand picture because of the actions of central banks, which is benefiting all commodities ... and we have got a weaker US dollar."

Oil is usually priced in dollars, so a weaker greenback makes it cheaper for holders of other currencies.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates soon to bolster the US economy, while the European Central Bank President Mario Draghi last week called for additional stimulus to boost growth.

Oil prices surged last week after Iran shot down a drone that the United States claimed was in international airspace and Tehran said was over its territory.

Amid the escalating tensions, Brent racked up a gain of about 5% last week, its first weekly gain in five weeks, and WTI jumped about 10%, its biggest weekly percentage gain since December 2016.

Trump said he had aborted a military strike on Iran because such a response to Tehran's downing of the unmanned US surveillance drone would have caused a disproportionate loss of life.

Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran had received a message from Trump through Oman overnight warning that a US attack on Iran was imminent.

Meanwhile, US energy companies last week increased the number of oil rigs operating for the first time in three weeks.

Companies added one oil rig in the week to June 21, bringing the total count to 789, Baker Hughes said in a closely followed report on Friday.

Oil prices rose on Monday to extend gains from last week, bolstered as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "significant" sanctions would be announced on Tehran.

Oil prices rose on Monday to extend gains from last week, bolstered as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "significant" sanctions would be announced on Tehran. Brent futures were up 26 cents, or 0.4%, at $65.46 a barrel by 0544 GMT. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 40 cents, or 0.7%, at $57.83 a barrel. US President Donald Trump said last week that he called off a military strike to retaliate for Iran's downing of an unmanned US drone, and he said on Sunday that he was not seeking war with Iran. But Pompeo also said "significant" sanctions on Iran would be announced on Monday aimed at further choking off resources that Tehran uses to fund its activities in the region. "There's a very firm tone to trading on well above average volumes," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. "We've got concerns about the sanctions against Iran, (but) we are seeing a better demand picture because of the actions of central banks, which is benefiting all commodities ... and we have got a weaker US dollar." Oil is usually priced in dollars, so a weaker greenback makes it cheaper for holders of other currencies. The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates soon to bolster the US economy, while the European Central Bank President Mario Draghi last week called for additional stimulus to boost growth. Oil prices surged last week after Iran shot down a drone that the United States claimed was in international airspace and Tehran said was over its territory. Amid the escalating tensions, Brent racked up a gain of about 5% last week, its first weekly gain in five weeks, and WTI jumped about 10%, its biggest weekly percentage gain since December 2016. Trump said he had aborted a military strike on Iran because such a response to Tehran's downing of the unmanned US surveillance drone would have caused a disproportionate loss of life. Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran had received a message from Trump through Oman overnight warning that a US attack on Iran was imminent. Meanwhile, US energy companies last week increased the number of oil rigs operating for the first time in three weeks. Companies added one oil rig in the week to June 21, bringing the total count to 789, Baker Hughes said in a closely followed report on Friday.

Oil prices extend gains, United States-Iran tensions in focus

By David Cortright

Many are worried about the risk of war between the US&nbsp;and Iran. But the truth is, the US&nbsp;has been fighting with Iran for decades in an economic war waged via sanctions – which is about to get a lot worse.

Concerns about a war of guns, warplanes and missiles grew after Iran shot down a US&nbsp;spy drone amid already worsening tensions. President Donald Trump says he ordered a retaliatory strike in response – only to reverse course at the last minute.

Whether or not a shooting war does break out, the United States’ economic war has already been intensifying over the past year. Trump promised “major” new sanctions in response to the attack on the drone.

Existing sanctions have already devastated innocent Iranians. Not only that, they’ve undermining long-accepted principles of international cooperation and diplomacy, a topic I’ve been researching for the past 25 years.

Carrots and sticks

Many nations have recognised that sanctions work best as tools of persuasion rather than punishment.

Sanctions by themselves rarely succeed in changing the behaviour of a targeted state. They are often combined with diplomacy in a carrots-and-sticks bargaining framework designed to achieve negotiated solutions.

Indeed, the offer to lift sanctions can be a persuasive inducement in convincing a targeted regime to alter its policies, as was the case when successful negotiations involving the US&nbsp;and Europe led to the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. That deal ended sanctions in exchange for Tehran shutting down much of its nuclear production capacity.

A year ago Trump withdrew the US&nbsp;from that accord and not only reimposed previous sanctions but added further restrictions, including so-called secondary sanctions that penalize other countries for continuing to trade with Iran.

Multilateral vs unilateral sanctions 
 
In an increasingly globalised world, unilateral sanctions like these – in which one country goes it alone – are rarely effective at achieving their end result, which in this case is regime change.

Multilateral sanctions involving several or many countries have greater impact and make it more difficult for targeted individuals or regimes to find alternative sources of oil or other goods. And getting authorization through the United Nations or regional organizations provides legal and political cover.

When the UN&nbsp;Security Council imposed targeted sanctions on Iran in 2006 over its illicit nuclear activities, for example, members of the European Union were able to join the US&nbsp;and other countries in applying pressures that brought Iran to the bargaining table. That’s what led to the negotiated nuclear deal nine years later.

The US&nbsp;circumvented this voluntary multilateral process when it withdrew from the accord and unilaterally imposed “extraterritorial secondary sanction.” These barred nations or companies that buy Iranian oil or other sanctioned products from doing business in the US

Although most countries disagree with the US&nbsp;withdrawal from the Iran deal and some reject such sanctions as an infringement on their own sovereignty, they are powerless. They cannot afford to lose access to dollar financing and the US economy and thus are forced against their will to do Washington’s bidding.

Iranians pay the price 
 
And the Iranian people are paying the price.

Oil exports and national income are dropping, inflation is rising and economic hardships are mounting. The Iranian rial lost more than 60 per cent of its value in the last year, eroding the savings of ordinary Iranians.

Life is becoming increasingly difficult for working families struggling to make ends meet. There are indications that the new sanctions are inhibiting the flow of humanitarian goods and contributing to shortages in specialised medicines to treat ailments such as multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Cargill and other global food giants have halted shipments to Iran because of the lack of available financing.

Punishment of the Iranian people seems to be a deliberate policy. When asked recently how the administration expects sanctions to change the behaviour of the Iranian government, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acknowledged they won’t be able to do that and instead suggested it’s up to the people to “change the government.”

In other words, the pain of sanctions will force people to rise up and overthrow their leaders. This is as naïve as it is cynical. It reflects the long-discredited theory that sanctioned populations will direct their frustrations and anger at national leaders and demand a change in policy or the regime. Sanctions have never worked for this purpose.

The more likely result is the classic “rally around the flag” effect. Iranians are critical of their government’s economic policies, but they also blame Trump for the hardships resulting from sanctions. Governments subjected to sanctions are adept at blaming economic hardships on their external adversaries, as Iran’s religious and elected leaders are doing now against the United States.

Tehran is likely to respond to tightening sanctions by giving greater authority to companies associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a major branch of the Iranian military, further empowering the very hard-line forces Washington claims to oppose.

The White House is ignoring these realities and adding even more draconian sanctions, while threatening and making preparations for military strikes, hoping that economic pain and military pressure will make Iran’s leaders cry uncle. There is no sign of surrender yet from Tehran, nor is there likely to be, until the two sides pull back from the brink and agree to negotiate a diplomatic settlement.

(David Cortright is Director of Policy Studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/risk-of-shooting-war-with-iran-grows-after-decades-of-economic-warfare-by-the-us-119272">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By David Cortright Many are worried about the risk of war between the US and Iran. But the truth is, the US has been fighting with Iran for decades in an economic war waged via sanctions – which is about to get a lot worse.

By David Cortright Many are worried about the risk of war between the US and Iran. But the truth is, the US has been fighting with Iran for decades in an economic war waged via sanctions – which is about to get a lot worse. Concerns about a war of guns, warplanes and missiles grew after Iran shot down a US spy drone amid already worsening tensions. President Donald Trump says he ordered a retaliatory strike in response – only to reverse course at the last minute. Whether or not a shooting war does break out, the United States’ economic war has already been intensifying over the past year. Trump promised “major” new sanctions in response to the attack on the drone. Existing sanctions have already devastated innocent Iranians. Not only that, they’ve undermining long-accepted principles of international cooperation and diplomacy, a topic I’ve been researching for the past 25 years. Carrots and sticks Many nations have recognised that sanctions work best as tools of persuasion rather than punishment. Sanctions by themselves rarely succeed in changing the behaviour of a targeted state. They are often combined with diplomacy in a carrots-and-sticks bargaining framework designed to achieve negotiated solutions. Indeed, the offer to lift sanctions can be a persuasive inducement in convincing a targeted regime to alter its policies, as was the case when successful negotiations involving the US and Europe led to the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. That deal ended sanctions in exchange for Tehran shutting down much of its nuclear production capacity. A year ago Trump withdrew the US from that accord and not only reimposed previous sanctions but added further restrictions, including so-called secondary sanctions that penalize other countries for continuing to trade with Iran. Multilateral vs unilateral sanctions In an increasingly globalised world, unilateral sanctions like these – in which one country goes it alone – are rarely effective at achieving their end result, which in this case is regime change. Multilateral sanctions involving several or many countries have greater impact and make it more difficult for targeted individuals or regimes to find alternative sources of oil or other goods. And getting authorization through the United Nations or regional organizations provides legal and political cover. When the UN Security Council imposed targeted sanctions on Iran in 2006 over its illicit nuclear activities, for example, members of the European Union were able to join the US and other countries in applying pressures that brought Iran to the bargaining table. That’s what led to the negotiated nuclear deal nine years later. The US circumvented this voluntary multilateral process when it withdrew from the accord and unilaterally imposed “extraterritorial secondary sanction.” These barred nations or companies that buy Iranian oil or other sanctioned products from doing business in the US Although most countries disagree with the US withdrawal from the Iran deal and some reject such sanctions as an infringement on their own sovereignty, they are powerless. They cannot afford to lose access to dollar financing and the US economy and thus are forced against their will to do Washington’s bidding. Iranians pay the price And the Iranian people are paying the price. Oil exports and national income are dropping, inflation is rising and economic hardships are mounting. The Iranian rial lost more than 60 per cent of its value in the last year, eroding the savings of ordinary Iranians. Life is becoming increasingly difficult for working families struggling to make ends meet. There are indications that the new sanctions are inhibiting the flow of humanitarian goods and contributing to shortages in specialised medicines to treat ailments such as multiple sclerosis and cancer. Cargill and other global food giants have halted shipments to Iran because of the lack of available financing. Punishment of the Iranian people seems to be a deliberate policy. When asked recently how the administration expects sanctions to change the behaviour of the Iranian government, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acknowledged they won’t be able to do that and instead suggested it’s up to the people to “change the government.” In other words, the pain of sanctions will force people to rise up and overthrow their leaders. This is as naïve as it is cynical. It reflects the long-discredited theory that sanctioned populations will direct their frustrations and anger at national leaders and demand a change in policy or the regime. Sanctions have never worked for this purpose. The more likely result is the classic “rally around the flag” effect. Iranians are critical of their government’s economic policies, but they also blame Trump for the hardships resulting from sanctions. Governments subjected to sanctions are adept at blaming economic hardships on their external adversaries, as Iran’s religious and elected leaders are doing now against the United States. Tehran is likely to respond to tightening sanctions by giving greater authority to companies associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a major branch of the Iranian military, further empowering the very hard-line forces Washington claims to oppose. The White House is ignoring these realities and adding even more draconian sanctions, while threatening and making preparations for military strikes, hoping that economic pain and military pressure will make Iran’s leaders cry uncle. There is no sign of surrender yet from Tehran, nor is there likely to be, until the two sides pull back from the brink and agree to negotiate a diplomatic settlement. (David Cortright is Director of Policy Studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Risk of shooting war with Iran grows after decades of economic warfare by the US

Iran's telecoms minister on Monday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-risk-of-conflict-trump-sees-scope-for-deal-229848">US cyber attacks </a>on Iranian&nbsp;rocket launch systems&nbsp;have not been successful after reports emerged that US launched a long-planned cyber attacks after the Islamic Republic downed a US surveillance drone amid escalating tension between the two countries, reported news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Iran's telecoms minister's comment came&nbsp;within days of reports that the Pentagon had launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-urges-international-community-to-urge-iran-to-de-escalate-229802">long-planned cyber attack</a> to disable Iran's rocket launch systems.

Tension runs high between longtime foes Iran and the US after Trump on Friday said he called off a military strike to retaliate for the Middle East nation's downing of an unmanned US drone.

On Thursday, however, the Pentagon launched a long-planned cyber attack, Yahoo News said, citing former intelligence officials. The cyber strike disabled Iranian rocket launch systems, the Washington Post said on Saturday.

However, Iran has refuted US claims."They try hard, but have not carried out a successful attack," Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran's minister for information and communications technology, said on social network Twitter.

"Media asked if the claimed cyberattacks against Iran are true," he said. "Last year we neutralised 33 million attacks with the (national) firewall."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran's telecoms minister on Monday said that US cyber attacks on Iranian rocket launch systems have not been successful after reports emerged that US launched a long-planned cyber attacks after the Islamic Republic downed a US surveillance drone amid escalating tension between the two countries, reported news agency Reuters.

Iran's telecoms minister on Monday said that US cyber attacks on Iranian rocket launch systems have not been successful after reports emerged that US launched a long-planned cyber attacks after the Islamic Republic downed a US surveillance drone amid escalating tension between the two countries, reported news agency Reuters. Iran's telecoms minister's comment came within days of reports that the Pentagon had launched a long-planned cyber attack to disable Iran's rocket launch systems. Tension runs high between longtime foes Iran and the US after Trump on Friday said he called off a military strike to retaliate for the Middle East nation's downing of an unmanned US drone. On Thursday, however, the Pentagon launched a long-planned cyber attack, Yahoo News said, citing former intelligence officials. The cyber strike disabled Iranian rocket launch systems, the Washington Post said on Saturday. However, Iran has refuted US claims."They try hard, but have not carried out a successful attack," Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran's minister for information and communications technology, said on social network Twitter. "Media asked if the claimed cyberattacks against Iran are true," he said. "Last year we neutralised 33 million attacks with the (national) firewall." (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran minister says US cyber attacks on Iranian targets not successful 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-risk-of-conflict-trump-sees-scope-for-deal-229848">Iran warns of risk of conflict, Trump sees scope for deal</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Tehran after a senior Iranian military commander warned any conflict in the Gulf region could spread uncontrollably and threaten the lives of US troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-hopes-trump-letter-to-north-korean-leader-can-restart-talks-229852">Pompeo says hopes Trump letter to North Korean leader can restart talks</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that he hopes a letter sent by President Donald Trump to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un can pave the way for new talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-hit-saudi-airport-killing-one-wounding-21-saudi-led-coalition-229864">Yemen's Houthis hit Saudi airport, killing one, wounding 21: Saudi-led coalition</a>

Yemen's Houthi movement launched an attack on Abha civilian airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday that killed one person and wounded 21 others, the Saudi-led coalition battling the group in Yemen said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-crowds-of-protesters-demand-czech-pm-step-down-229851">Huge crowds of protesters demand Czech PM step down</a>

Huge crowds flooded central Prague on Sunday demanding Prime Minister Andrej Babis step down over allegations of graft in a protest that organisers and local media claim drew around 250,000 people, making it the largest since the fall of communism in 1989.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-due-to-suspected-acute-encephalitis-rises-to-167-229867">Bihar: Death toll due to suspected acute encephalitis rises to 167</a>

The death toll due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rose to 167 in Bihar, according to the statistics released by the health department on Monday.

&nbsp;

Iran warns of risk of conflict, Trump sees scope for deal US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Tehran after a senior Iranian military commander warned any conflict in the Gulf region could spread uncontrollably and threaten the lives of US troops.

Iran warns of risk of conflict, Trump sees scope for deal US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Tehran after a senior Iranian military commander warned any conflict in the Gulf region could spread uncontrollably and threaten the lives of US troops. Pompeo says hopes Trump letter to North Korean leader can restart talks US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that he hopes a letter sent by President Donald Trump to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un can pave the way for new talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program. Yemen's Houthis hit Saudi airport, killing one, wounding 21: Saudi-led coalition Yemen's Houthi movement launched an attack on Abha civilian airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday that killed one person and wounded 21 others, the Saudi-led coalition battling the group in Yemen said. Huge crowds of protesters demand Czech PM step down Huge crowds flooded central Prague on Sunday demanding Prime Minister Andrej Babis step down over allegations of graft in a protest that organisers and local media claim drew around 250,000 people, making it the largest since the fall of communism in 1989. Bihar: Death toll due to suspected acute encephalitis rises to 167 The death toll due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rose to 167 in Bihar, according to the statistics released by the health department on Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forget-bitcoin-millionaires-bezos-gates-may-become-trillionaires-29476">Bitcoin</a> surged to a near 16-month high above $11,000 Monday, overshadowing showings across stock, foreign exchange and commodity markets, with investors looking ahead to the week's G20 summit.

Bitcoin reached $11,251.21, surpassing $10,000 for the first time since March last year, as the cryptocurrency sector got a huge boost from Facebook's unveiling of its own digital unit Libra, analysts said.&nbsp;

"The strong resurgence in the bitcoin price is mainly due to the renewed mainstreaming interest in cryptocurrencies and the technology which underlines them," Naeem Aslam, an analyst at trading group ThinkMarkets, said.

"Projects like Facebook's Libra have provided a much-needed tailwind for this space."

The social network plans to launch Libra next year, with the backing by a basket of real-world currencies and a consortium of companies including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Uber.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bitcoin-trading-volume-hits-two-year-low-in-march-208110">Bitcoin</a> volatility is likely to persist, with $12,000 and $15,000 as the next two critical resistance levels," said OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya.

Bitcoin has risen about 20 per cent this month alone but is still well off record levels near $20,000 seen at the end of 2017.

Elsewhere Monday, oil prices nudged higher as rising US-Iran tensions continued to fuel supply concerns.

Stock markets were largely steady ahead of a crunch meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the weekend summit of 20 major economies.

Markets are waiting to see if Trump and Xi can break an impasse in their trade war when they meet on the sidelines of the event in Japan.

Global equities last week rallied after Trump hailed positive telephone talks between the pair, fuelling hopes of a possible end to their long-running tariffs battle.

"No one thinks the US and China will do a deal in Osaka, but there is some hope that we will have a positive development that marks a shift in the rhetoric and a re-energising of talks following the breakdown in the recent discussions," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com.

The dollar meanwhile dropped Monday, continuing to face pressure from expectations that the Federal Reserve could lower US interest rates as soon as July as the economy shows signs of softening amid the trade war with China.

Bitcoin surged to a near 16-month high above $11,000 Monday, overshadowing showings across stock, foreign exchange and commodity markets, with investors looking ahead to the week's G20 summit.

Bitcoin surged to a near 16-month high above $11,000 Monday, overshadowing showings across stock, foreign exchange and commodity markets, with investors looking ahead to the week's G20 summit. Bitcoin reached $11,251.21, surpassing $10,000 for the first time since March last year, as the cryptocurrency sector got a huge boost from Facebook's unveiling of its own digital unit Libra, analysts said. "The strong resurgence in the bitcoin price is mainly due to the renewed mainstreaming interest in cryptocurrencies and the technology which underlines them," Naeem Aslam, an analyst at trading group ThinkMarkets, said. "Projects like Facebook's Libra have provided a much-needed tailwind for this space." The social network plans to launch Libra next year, with the backing by a basket of real-world currencies and a consortium of companies including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Uber. "Bitcoin volatility is likely to persist, with $12,000 and $15,000 as the next two critical resistance levels," said OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya. Bitcoin has risen about 20 per cent this month alone but is still well off record levels near $20,000 seen at the end of 2017. Elsewhere Monday, oil prices nudged higher as rising US-Iran tensions continued to fuel supply concerns. Stock markets were largely steady ahead of a crunch meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the weekend summit of 20 major economies. Markets are waiting to see if Trump and Xi can break an impasse in their trade war when they meet on the sidelines of the event in Japan. Global equities last week rallied after Trump hailed positive telephone talks between the pair, fuelling hopes of a possible end to their long-running tariffs battle. "No one thinks the US and China will do a deal in Osaka, but there is some hope that we will have a positive development that marks a shift in the rhetoric and a re-energising of talks following the breakdown in the recent discussions," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. The dollar meanwhile dropped Monday, continuing to face pressure from expectations that the Federal Reserve could lower US interest rates as soon as July as the economy shows signs of softening amid the trade war with China.

After Facebook's cryptocurrency Libra, Bitcoin surges above $11,000

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