<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">US protests sea lanes for other countries for zero compensation, we don’t even need to be there: Trump</a>

"China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, &amp; many other countries likewise. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey," Trump said in a tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/absolute-possibility-pakistan-could-blacklisted-fatf-president-billingslea-230015">Absolute possibility Pakistan could blacklisted: FATF president Billingslea</a>

Following its greylisting in 2018, Islamabad had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to deal with “structural deficiencies” in its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply put-- acting on the financing of terror.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellite-image-shows-chennais-largest-reservoir-lake-puzhal-going-dry-229994">Satellite image shows Chennai's largest reservoir lake Puzhal going dry</a>

Chennai has been hit by water shortage in the past month due to delay in the monsoon. According to state government data, the city's four major reservoirs have just 0.2% capacity currently.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-beats-india-in-dropped-catches-with-a-huge-margin-in-world-cup-2019-229984">Pakistan 'beat' India in dropped catches with a huge margin in World Cup 2019</a>

The Men in Green won despite dropping at least six catches during the match, and by being consistent in their sloppy fielding in the tournament.Sloppy fielding, almost as regular a feature of Pakistan cricket as dazzling fast bowling, continues to let Pakistan down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/in-pics-george-clooney-and-wife-amal-vacation-with-the-obamas-in-italy-230051">In pics: George Clooney and wife Amal vacation with the Obamas in Italy</a>

Most recent of the lot are George Clooney and wife Amal as they vacation with Barack and Michelle Obama in Italy. The couples apparently left for a trip soon after Sasha Obama’s high school graduation got over. They started with South of France according to a report published in People.&nbsp;

US protests sea lanes for other countries for zero compensation, we don’t even need to be there: Trump "China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise.

US protests sea lanes for other countries for zero compensation, we don’t even need to be there: Trump "China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey," Trump said in a tweet. Absolute possibility Pakistan could blacklisted: FATF president Billingslea Following its greylisting in 2018, Islamabad had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to deal with “structural deficiencies” in its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply put-- acting on the financing of terror. Satellite image shows Chennai's largest reservoir lake Puzhal going dry Chennai has been hit by water shortage in the past month due to delay in the monsoon. According to state government data, the city's four major reservoirs have just 0.2% capacity currently. Pakistan 'beat' India in dropped catches with a huge margin in World Cup 2019 The Men in Green won despite dropping at least six catches during the match, and by being consistent in their sloppy fielding in the tournament.Sloppy fielding, almost as regular a feature of Pakistan cricket as dazzling fast bowling, continues to let Pakistan down. In pics: George Clooney and wife Amal vacation with the Obamas in Italy Most recent of the lot are George Clooney and wife Amal as they vacation with Barack and Michelle Obama in Italy. The couples apparently left for a trip soon after Sasha Obama’s high school graduation got over. They started with South of France according to a report published in People.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Tehran after a senior<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-urges-international-community-to-urge-iran-to-de-escalate-229802"> Iranian military commander</a> warned any conflict in the Gulf region could spread uncontrollably and threaten the lives of US troops.

Tensions remain high between longtime foes Iran and the United States after Trump said on Friday that he called off a military strike to retaliate for Iran's downing of an unmanned US drone out of concern it would have been a disproportionate response.

"I'm not looking for war," Trump said on NBC's Meet the Press program.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeated to reporters on Sunday that Washington was prepared to negotiate with Tehran with no preconditions.

"They know precisely where to find us," said Pompeo, who is traveling to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to "ensure we're strategically aligned" with those countries, which are regional rivals of Iran.

Trump has said he will impose further sanctions on Iran beginning on Monday, but has also indicated that he would be prepared to seek a deal to bolster its flagging economy, an apparent move to defuse tensions.

"I think they want to negotiate. And I think they want to make a deal. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-war-would-spread-across-gulf-threaten-us-troops-229757">And my deal is nuclear</a>. Look, they're not going to have a nuclear weapon," he added.

"I don't think they like the position they're in. Their economy is, is absolutely broken."

Iran played down the impact of any new US sanctions. They were "just propaganda, as all sanctions ... have been imposed and there are no more sanctions left," state-run news agency IRIB quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and refers to a fatwa or religious decree issued in the early 2000s by Iran's top authority Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that bans the development or use of nuclear weapons.

Last year Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers that curbed Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions. Relations in the region have worsened significantly since then.

Diplomacy&nbsp;

Diplomatic efforts are underway to ease tensions following attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf in recent weeks that the United States blames on Iran and the shooting down of the American drone last week.

Andrew Murrison, Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, said on Sunday that he had "open, frank and constructive" talks with Iranian government representatives in Tehran.

"I reiterated the UK's assessment that Iran almost certainly bears responsibility for recent attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman," and called for such activity to stop, Murrison said.

A senior adviser to Khamenei said Iran may scale back compliance with its nuclear deal soon unless European countries shield it from U.S. sanctions through a trade mechanism.

"If Europeans don't take measures within the 60-day deadline, we will take new steps," the semi-official ISNA news agency quoted the official, Kamal Kharazi, as saying. Tehran announced a deadline of 60 days in May.

Iran has said it would respond firmly to any threat and warned on Sunday of the risks of a military confrontation.

"If a conflict breaks out in the region, no country would be able to manage its scope and timing," Major General Gholamali Rashid said, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

"The American government must act responsibly to protect the lives of American troops by avoiding misconduct in the region."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the Americans of stoking tensions in the Gulf through what Iran has called the violation of its airspace by the U.S. military drone, Fars reported.

Washington said the aircraft was targeted in international air space in "an unprovoked attack".

'Hunting license'

A hawk in Trump's administration, national security adviser John Bolton, sought to maintain military pressure on Iran.

"Neither Iran nor any other hostile actor should mistake U.S. prudence and discretion for weakness. No one has granted them a hunting license in the Middle East," Bolton said during a visit to Israel.

US ally Israel, which Islamic Iran refuses to recognise and has itself long-threatened strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, signalled to back Trump administration's stance.

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.

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. Tensions remain high between longtime foes Iran and the United States after Trump said on Friday that he called off a military strike to retaliate for Iran's downing of an unmanned US drone out of concern it would have been a disproportionate response. "I'm not looking for war," Trump said on NBC's Meet the Press program. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeated to reporters on Sunday that Washington was prepared to negotiate with Tehran with no preconditions. "They know precisely where to find us," said Pompeo, who is traveling to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to "ensure we're strategically aligned" with those countries, which are regional rivals of Iran. Trump has said he will impose further sanctions on Iran beginning on Monday, but has also indicated that he would be prepared to seek a deal to bolster its flagging economy, an apparent move to defuse tensions. "I think they want to negotiate. And I think they want to make a deal. And my deal is nuclear. Look, they're not going to have a nuclear weapon," he added. "I don't think they like the position they're in. Their economy is, is absolutely broken." Iran played down the impact of any new US sanctions. They were "just propaganda, as all sanctions ... have been imposed and there are no more sanctions left," state-run news agency IRIB quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and refers to a fatwa or religious decree issued in the early 2000s by Iran's top authority Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that bans the development or use of nuclear weapons. Last year Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers that curbed Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions. Relations in the region have worsened significantly since then. Diplomacy Diplomatic efforts are underway to ease tensions following attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf in recent weeks that the United States blames on Iran and the shooting down of the American drone last week. Andrew Murrison, Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, said on Sunday that he had "open, frank and constructive" talks with Iranian government representatives in Tehran. "I reiterated the UK's assessment that Iran almost certainly bears responsibility for recent attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman," and called for such activity to stop, Murrison said. A senior adviser to Khamenei said Iran may scale back compliance with its nuclear deal soon unless European countries shield it from U.S. sanctions through a trade mechanism. "If Europeans don't take measures within the 60-day deadline, we will take new steps," the semi-official ISNA news agency quoted the official, Kamal Kharazi, as saying. Tehran announced a deadline of 60 days in May. Iran has said it would respond firmly to any threat and warned on Sunday of the risks of a military confrontation. "If a conflict breaks out in the region, no country would be able to manage its scope and timing," Major General Gholamali Rashid said, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. "The American government must act responsibly to protect the lives of American troops by avoiding misconduct in the region." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the Americans of stoking tensions in the Gulf through what Iran has called the violation of its airspace by the U.S. military drone, Fars reported. Washington said the aircraft was targeted in international air space in "an unprovoked attack". 'Hunting license' A hawk in Trump's administration, national security adviser John Bolton, sought to maintain military pressure on Iran. "Neither Iran nor any other hostile actor should mistake U.S. prudence and discretion for weakness. No one has granted them a hunting license in the Middle East," Bolton said during a visit to Israel. US ally Israel, which Islamic Iran refuses to recognise and has itself long-threatened strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, signalled to back Trump administration's stance.

Iran warns of risk of conflict, Trump sees scope for deal

One nominee was flagged for his relationship with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-election-probe-amounted-to-treason-206153">Russia</a>, another for his alleged ties to white supremacist groups, and several others for criticizing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-rally-trump-says-russia-probe-backers-tried-to-steal-power-illegally-206396">Donald Trump</a> before he became US president.

These are the revelations from a trove of vetting documents published by the news site Axios on Sunday that examine the backgrounds of people considered for, and whom in some cases received, appointments to Trump's administration after his 2017 inauguration.

The documents show that the Trump administration was well aware of allegations of inappropriate relationships that dogged some of his initial cabinet members, many of whom have since resigned or been forced out.

Energy executive Rex Tillerson's relationship with Russia was said to "go deep," but he was nonetheless made Secretary of State, a position he held until Trump fired him last year.

And the administration was well aware of the "allegations of cosiness with big energy companies" surrounding former Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, but Trump still named him chief of the Environmental Protection Agency.&nbsp;

Pruitt resigned last July following a series of ethics scandals.

Axios did not publish the dossiers in full but described them as "political vetting forms" that were standard for top White House officials.

The trove also includes the dossiers of a host of people who didn't get the jobs they were considered for but nonetheless stayed close to Trump.

A document on the "foreign entanglements" of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, compiled as part of his vetting for Secretary of State, ran 25 pages. He didn't get the job but is now Trump's personal lawyer.

Former Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach had "white supremacy" flagged as a vulnerability when he was being vetted for homeland security chief based on allegations from political opponents.&nbsp;

Trump didn't end up nominating him for that job but later tasked Kobach with investigating alleged voter fraud.

While he's well-known for hitting back at his critics, the documents show that Trump also hired people who had previously made critical comments about him.

Mick Mulvaney once called Trump "not a very good person," but today he is the White House's chief of staff.

One nominee was flagged for his relationship with Russia, another for his alleged ties to white supremacist groups, and several others for criticizing Donald Trump before he became US president.

One nominee was flagged for his relationship with Russia, another for his alleged ties to white supremacist groups, and several others for criticizing Donald Trump before he became US president. These are the revelations from a trove of vetting documents published by the news site Axios on Sunday that examine the backgrounds of people considered for, and whom in some cases received, appointments to Trump's administration after his 2017 inauguration. The documents show that the Trump administration was well aware of allegations of inappropriate relationships that dogged some of his initial cabinet members, many of whom have since resigned or been forced out. Energy executive Rex Tillerson's relationship with Russia was said to "go deep," but he was nonetheless made Secretary of State, a position he held until Trump fired him last year. And the administration was well aware of the "allegations of cosiness with big energy companies" surrounding former Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, but Trump still named him chief of the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt resigned last July following a series of ethics scandals. Axios did not publish the dossiers in full but described them as "political vetting forms" that were standard for top White House officials. The trove also includes the dossiers of a host of people who didn't get the jobs they were considered for but nonetheless stayed close to Trump. A document on the "foreign entanglements" of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, compiled as part of his vetting for Secretary of State, ran 25 pages. He didn't get the job but is now Trump's personal lawyer. Former Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach had "white supremacy" flagged as a vulnerability when he was being vetted for homeland security chief based on allegations from political opponents. Trump didn't end up nominating him for that job but later tasked Kobach with investigating alleged voter fraud. While he's well-known for hitting back at his critics, the documents show that Trump also hired people who had previously made critical comments about him. Mick Mulvaney once called Trump "not a very good person," but today he is the White House's chief of staff.

Leaked documents show 'red flags' of Donald Trump officials

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he is ready to "consider" a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-economy-first-approach-to-mideast-peace-built-on-big-money-projects-229587">US plan to resolve his country's long-running conflict</a> with the Palestinians.

"We will consider the American proposal in a fair and open way," he said as he hosted US national security adviser John Bolton.

The Palestinian leadership has already rejected the plan, citing US "bias" after the White House recognised bitterly divided Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

"I don't understand how the Palestinians rejected the plan even before knowing what it contained," said Netanyahu.

"That's not how you move forward."

He was talking during a visit to the Jordan valley, Israeli-occupied territory he has pledged never to give up in a peace deal.

"To those who say that to obtain peace, Israel must leave the Jordan Valley, I say, it will not bring peace -- it will bring war and terror," he said.

"Israel's presence here must continue for Israel's security and the security of all."

Bolton was being hosted by the Israeli leader for talks on "regional security", according to the White House.

His visit came amid a tense standoff between the US and Iran following a series of tanker attacks and the shooting down of an American drone.

The White House is set next week to present details for the first time of its long-awaited peace initiative being formulated by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner.

US officials say it aims to raise more than $50 billion and create more than a million jobs for the Palestinians within a decade.

But the Palestinian Authority is boycotting the so-called Peace to Prosperity workshop in Bahrain.

Palestinians have accused Trump of seeking to buy them off and deprive them of an independent state.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Sunday he was confident the Bahrain conference would fail.

"We need the economic (support), the money and the assistance, but before everything there is a political solution," he said.

"For America to turn the whole cause from a political issue into an economic one, we cannot accept this." 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he is ready to "consider" a US plan to resolve his country's long-running conflict with the Palestinians. "We will consider the American proposal in a fair and open way," he said as he hosted US national security adviser John Bolton.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he is ready to "consider" a US plan to resolve his country's long-running conflict with the Palestinians. "We will consider the American proposal in a fair and open way," he said as he hosted US national security adviser John Bolton. The Palestinian leadership has already rejected the plan, citing US "bias" after the White House recognised bitterly divided Jerusalem as Israel's capital. "I don't understand how the Palestinians rejected the plan even before knowing what it contained," said Netanyahu. "That's not how you move forward." He was talking during a visit to the Jordan valley, Israeli-occupied territory he has pledged never to give up in a peace deal. "To those who say that to obtain peace, Israel must leave the Jordan Valley, I say, it will not bring peace -- it will bring war and terror," he said. "Israel's presence here must continue for Israel's security and the security of all." Bolton was being hosted by the Israeli leader for talks on "regional security", according to the White House. His visit came amid a tense standoff between the US and Iran following a series of tanker attacks and the shooting down of an American drone. The White House is set next week to present details for the first time of its long-awaited peace initiative being formulated by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner. US officials say it aims to raise more than $50 billion and create more than a million jobs for the Palestinians within a decade. But the Palestinian Authority is boycotting the so-called Peace to Prosperity workshop in Bahrain. Palestinians have accused Trump of seeking to buy them off and deprive them of an independent state. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Sunday he was confident the Bahrain conference would fail. "We need the economic (support), the money and the assistance, but before everything there is a political solution," he said. "For America to turn the whole cause from a political issue into an economic one, we cannot accept this."

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu ready to 'consider' long-awaited US peace plan

Last week was tense as the US and Iran almost went at loggerheads with each other. The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated since the 1970s when Irani revolutionaries kicked out US-backed shah and took the US embassy hostage.&nbsp;

In 2015, the US signed a deal to stop Iran’s nuclear agenda but President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal completely saying that it wasn’t enough and instead, implemented heavy sanctions that are squeezing Iran’s economy. Tensions have reached a peak as of last week after weeks of threats from Iran against US troops. On Thursday (June 20), Iran gunned down an unmanned military drone that it said was in its airspace. The US denies that it was intruding on Iranian territory. Soon after, it was found that the USA had called for a retaliatory strike against Iran- literally ships and places in place and ready to go. This was called off. But certainly kept the world on a jittery edge. And in particular, India; who should be gravely concerned for two major reasons.&nbsp;

First, this will exponentially increase oil cost for India. With a width of only 35 nautical miles, the Strait of Hormuz is the only passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is through this narrow strip of sea that 20 per cent of the world global crude and 25 per cent of the world LNG (liquefied natural gas) goes through. 
 
Additionally, Iran has been one of India’s top energy suppliers (crude oil) for over a decade. India also purchases natural gas from Iran. 
 
Therefore, India is dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy imports. Continued tensions at this level between the US and Iran could prove difficult for India’s economy; especially at a time when Modi’s NDA is set to increase federal spending on energising India’s economy. In fact, the account of Iran allegedly shooting down the US drone in&nbsp;its airspace earlier this week has already led to increased oil prices; globally, a five per cent spike.&nbsp;

Exactly how does India get affected with higher oil prices? India’s oil and petrol prices have inherently remained in the low range without volatility. This has allowed the central government to spend on other areas like affordable housing, healthcare, electricity and multiple Swachh Bharat initiatives at a time when the GDP requires this diverse spending. With volatile oil prices, consumers will be pinched and a significant chunk of government spending and reserves will be forced to go to oil. Every $10 per barrel increase in crude oil takes away 0.4 per cent of GDP by increasing India’s current account deficit by about $12 billion. Higher oil prices also have other consequences to a rapidly growing economy. Inevitably, the price of India’s imports will increase, foreign exchange reserves will deplete and the value of the rupee gets goes down.&nbsp;

The second major reason why India needs to be concerned about US-Iran tensions is that our agenda for a robust foreign policy would be hindered should pressure continue to rise. India carries excellent bilateral relations with Iran. The two nations share historical and cultural links with each other. They also cooperate on trade, oil imports and the development and operationalisation of the strategic Chabahar Port; an $85 million project. In the year 2018-19, total bilateral trade between India and Iran was over $15,600 million. Furthermore, in order to enhance India’s maritime strategy, PM Modi signed an agreement with Iran and Afghanistan to develop the Chabahar Port as a passage for increased trade, collaboration and transit. Should tensions escalate between the USA and Iran, no single country will be able to handle the magnitude and impact of conflict around the Gulf area. This could weather down the strong bilateral relations PM Modi has worked so hard to build.&nbsp;

Recently, India had also stopped importing Iranian oil in order to comply with US sanctions being imposed on Tehran. Indian firms involved in Iranian iron, steel, mining and automobile manufacturing sectors are therefore getting directly hit with increased US sanctions. And with continued hits on these sectors, infrastructure and development projects for the Chabahar port will also be adversely affected. &nbsp;

India is currently in a gravely precarious situation. If we completely stop taking oil from Iran, it impacts bilateral relations and trade. If we give in to American pressure, we plunder our own autonomy and risk as strong of a military relationship with the United States who called us a priority ally not too long ago. It is unlikely that India is going to defy the USA for Iran. But at the same time, we diminish our own autonomy; something that PM Modi’s NDA government has worked hard to build.&nbsp;

For these reasons, it is essential that India must play a more active leadership role in the US-Iran conflict de-escalation initiatives. In particular, India must work to get a formal or informal exemption from America to continue to get oil from Iran. If that is not possible, India can increase investment in the Chabahar Port. This maintains a positive relationship with Iran and does not defy the United States. 
 
The bottom line is that even though a US-Iran war is unlikely, peaking tensions only hinder India’s foreign policy, relations and economic activities. Consequently, the time and occasion to step up for India is now.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Last week was tense as the US and Iran almost went at loggerheads with each other. The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated since the 1970s when Irani revolutionaries kicked out US-backed shah and took the US embassy hostage.

Last week was tense as the US and Iran almost went at loggerheads with each other. The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated since the 1970s when Irani revolutionaries kicked out US-backed shah and took the US embassy hostage. In 2015, the US signed a deal to stop Iran’s nuclear agenda but President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal completely saying that it wasn’t enough and instead, implemented heavy sanctions that are squeezing Iran’s economy. Tensions have reached a peak as of last week after weeks of threats from Iran against US troops. On Thursday (June 20), Iran gunned down an unmanned military drone that it said was in its airspace. The US denies that it was intruding on Iranian territory. Soon after, it was found that the USA had called for a retaliatory strike against Iran- literally ships and places in place and ready to go. This was called off. But certainly kept the world on a jittery edge. And in particular, India; who should be gravely concerned for two major reasons. First, this will exponentially increase oil cost for India. With a width of only 35 nautical miles, the Strait of Hormuz is the only passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is through this narrow strip of sea that 20 per cent of the world global crude and 25 per cent of the world LNG (liquefied natural gas) goes through. Additionally, Iran has been one of India’s top energy suppliers (crude oil) for over a decade. India also purchases natural gas from Iran. Therefore, India is dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy imports. Continued tensions at this level between the US and Iran could prove difficult for India’s economy; especially at a time when Modi’s NDA is set to increase federal spending on energising India’s economy. In fact, the account of Iran allegedly shooting down the US drone in its airspace earlier this week has already led to increased oil prices; globally, a five per cent spike. Exactly how does India get affected with higher oil prices? India’s oil and petrol prices have inherently remained in the low range without volatility. This has allowed the central government to spend on other areas like affordable housing, healthcare, electricity and multiple Swachh Bharat initiatives at a time when the GDP requires this diverse spending. With volatile oil prices, consumers will be pinched and a significant chunk of government spending and reserves will be forced to go to oil. Every $10 per barrel increase in crude oil takes away 0.4 per cent of GDP by increasing India’s current account deficit by about $12 billion. Higher oil prices also have other consequences to a rapidly growing economy. Inevitably, the price of India’s imports will increase, foreign exchange reserves will deplete and the value of the rupee gets goes down. The second major reason why India needs to be concerned about US-Iran tensions is that our agenda for a robust foreign policy would be hindered should pressure continue to rise. India carries excellent bilateral relations with Iran. The two nations share historical and cultural links with each other. They also cooperate on trade, oil imports and the development and operationalisation of the strategic Chabahar Port; an $85 million project. In the year 2018-19, total bilateral trade between India and Iran was over $15,600 million. Furthermore, in order to enhance India’s maritime strategy, PM Modi signed an agreement with Iran and Afghanistan to develop the Chabahar Port as a passage for increased trade, collaboration and transit. Should tensions escalate between the USA and Iran, no single country will be able to handle the magnitude and impact of conflict around the Gulf area. This could weather down the strong bilateral relations PM Modi has worked so hard to build. Recently, India had also stopped importing Iranian oil in order to comply with US sanctions being imposed on Tehran. Indian firms involved in Iranian iron, steel, mining and automobile manufacturing sectors are therefore getting directly hit with increased US sanctions. And with continued hits on these sectors, infrastructure and development projects for the Chabahar port will also be adversely affected. India is currently in a gravely precarious situation. If we completely stop taking oil from Iran, it impacts bilateral relations and trade. If we give in to American pressure, we plunder our own autonomy and risk as strong of a military relationship with the United States who called us a priority ally not too long ago. It is unlikely that India is going to defy the USA for Iran. But at the same time, we diminish our own autonomy; something that PM Modi’s NDA government has worked hard to build. For these reasons, it is essential that India must play a more active leadership role in the US-Iran conflict de-escalation initiatives. In particular, India must work to get a formal or informal exemption from America to continue to get oil from Iran. If that is not possible, India can increase investment in the Chabahar Port. This maintains a positive relationship with Iran and does not defy the United States. The bottom line is that even though a US-Iran war is unlikely, peaking tensions only hinder India’s foreign policy, relations and economic activities. Consequently, the time and occasion to step up for India is now. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US-Iran tensions and why India needs to step up its game

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-meet-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-in-vietnam-on-february-27-28-trump-in-state-of-the-union-address-195467">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-again-blasts-us-attorney-general-sessions-166716">former Senator Jeff Sessions</a> as his first US attorney general.

"I would say if I had one do-over, it would be, I would not have appointed Jeff Sessions to be attorney general ... That was the biggest mistake," Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday with NBC's 'Meet the Press' program.

After almost three years of investigations, Trump's presidency is still clouded by questions surrounding Russian interference to boost his candidacy in the 2016 US elections and his subsequent efforts to impede inquiries into the matter.

Sessions, formerly a Republican senator from Alabama, was one of the earliest Trump administration casualties of the Russian election meddling scandal, which continues to be investigated by committees of the US Congress.

In February 2016, Sessions became the first serving senator to endorse Trump when the New York reality TV star and real estate developer was still a presidential candidate.

Russian intelligence organizations a month later began a cyber campaign aimed at interfering with the 2016 presidential election, according to US intelligence agencies.

During the campaign, Sessions, a close Trump adviser, met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Several others in Trump's inner circle met with Russians during this period, too.

In late July 2016, the FBI began investigating Russian meddling in the election.

After Trump's stunning election victory, Sessions was rewarded for his loyalty by being nominated as the top US law enforcement official and head of the Justice Department.

In January 2017 in Senate confirmation hearings, Sessions said that during the campaign he had no communication with Russians. A month later, he was confirmed as attorney general.

Only two months afterwards Sessions' campaign ties to Kislyak were reported. Democrats accused him of lying to Congress.

In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the elections, infuriating Trump, who thereafter frequently attacked Sessions.

In May 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Russia probe from the FBI.

In November 2018, after months of being publicly ridiculed by Trump, Sessions resigned. He was replaced briefly by Matthew Whitaker until William Barr was confirmed to the job of the attorney general. On Barr, Trump said, "He's brought sanity back."

Mueller's 448-page final report, released in mid-April, found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Moscow, despite numerous contacts between the campaign and Russia.

The report also described attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's investigation but stopped short of declaring that he committed a crime.

Asked on Sunday if he had read the Mueller report, Trump said, "I read much of it ... I read the conclusion." He again called the allegations that his campaign worked with the Kremlin "a hoax."

Trump told NBC: "I'll be honest with you, nobody even mentions Russia anymore since the Mueller report."

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming former Senator Jeff Sessions as his first US attorney general.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming former Senator Jeff Sessions as his first US attorney general. "I would say if I had one do-over, it would be, I would not have appointed Jeff Sessions to be attorney general ... That was the biggest mistake," Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday with NBC's 'Meet the Press' program. After almost three years of investigations, Trump's presidency is still clouded by questions surrounding Russian interference to boost his candidacy in the 2016 US elections and his subsequent efforts to impede inquiries into the matter. Sessions, formerly a Republican senator from Alabama, was one of the earliest Trump administration casualties of the Russian election meddling scandal, which continues to be investigated by committees of the US Congress. In February 2016, Sessions became the first serving senator to endorse Trump when the New York reality TV star and real estate developer was still a presidential candidate. Russian intelligence organizations a month later began a cyber campaign aimed at interfering with the 2016 presidential election, according to US intelligence agencies. During the campaign, Sessions, a close Trump adviser, met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Several others in Trump's inner circle met with Russians during this period, too. In late July 2016, the FBI began investigating Russian meddling in the election. After Trump's stunning election victory, Sessions was rewarded for his loyalty by being nominated as the top US law enforcement official and head of the Justice Department. In January 2017 in Senate confirmation hearings, Sessions said that during the campaign he had no communication with Russians. A month later, he was confirmed as attorney general. Only two months afterwards Sessions' campaign ties to Kislyak were reported. Democrats accused him of lying to Congress. In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the elections, infuriating Trump, who thereafter frequently attacked Sessions. In May 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Russia probe from the FBI. In November 2018, after months of being publicly ridiculed by Trump, Sessions resigned. He was replaced briefly by Matthew Whitaker until William Barr was confirmed to the job of the attorney general. On Barr, Trump said, "He's brought sanity back." Mueller's 448-page final report, released in mid-April, found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Moscow, despite numerous contacts between the campaign and Russia. The report also described attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's investigation but stopped short of declaring that he committed a crime. Asked on Sunday if he had read the Mueller report, Trump said, "I read much of it ... I read the conclusion." He again called the allegations that his campaign worked with the Kremlin "a hoax." Trump told NBC: "I'll be honest with you, nobody even mentions Russia anymore since the Mueller report."

Trump admits his 'biggest mistake' was handing Jeff Sessions the attorney general job

Mike Pompeo has met Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince for talks as the US secretary of state seeks to promote an anti-Iran alliance at a time of mounting tensions in the region.

Mike Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia

Donald Trump has dismissed a United Nations request for the FBI to investigate the murder of the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, suggesting it would jeopardise American weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.

Trump refuses to pay heed to UN report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-confident-china-trade-talks-will-not-be-hurt-over-iran-oil-sanctions-214566">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trouble-in-the-gulf-as-us-iran-dispute-threatens-to-escalate-into-serious-conflict-220323">soaring tensions with Iran</a>.

On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace.

"You are a dear friend," the king told Pompeo as he shook hands with the top US diplomat and his aides.

Pompeo is later due to meet the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, before flying for talks in the United Arab Emirates, US officials said.

Both Saudi and Emirati leaders advocate a tough US approach against regional rival Iran, whose downing of the unmanned drone prompted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-warns-iran-of-imminent-attack-229251">President Donald Trump</a> to order a military strike before changing his mind.

Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left Washington, called Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "two great allies in the challenge that Iran presents".

"We'll be talking with them about how to make sure that we are all strategically aligned and how we can build out a global coalition," Pompeo said.

He said the United States sought a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world's largest state sponsor of terror".

But the hawkish US stance has drawn limited support among its allies in Europe, which still support a denuclearisation deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama from which Trump pulled out last year, triggering tensions.

Iran says that the US drone encroached its airspace -- a charge that Washington denies -- and accuses Washington of waging economic warfare by unilaterally imposing sanctions, including trying to stop all its oil exports.

The US point man on Iran, Brian Hook, on Monday held his own talks in Oman, which has often served as a go-between for Washington and Tehran.

Pompeo's trip comes despite growing controversy inside the United States over the Trump administration's cosy relationship with Mohammed bin Salman after US-based dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year.

Pompeo used rare emergency powers, citing Iran as a threat, to authorise $8.1 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite concerns in the US Congress that the arms will go to kill civilians in the devastating war in Yemen.

Pompeo added the Middle East stops on his way to a previously scheduled visit to India.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over soaring tensions with Iran. On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over soaring tensions with Iran. On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace. "You are a dear friend," the king told Pompeo as he shook hands with the top US diplomat and his aides. Pompeo is later due to meet the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, before flying for talks in the United Arab Emirates, US officials said. Both Saudi and Emirati leaders advocate a tough US approach against regional rival Iran, whose downing of the unmanned drone prompted President Donald Trump to order a military strike before changing his mind. Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left Washington, called Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "two great allies in the challenge that Iran presents". "We'll be talking with them about how to make sure that we are all strategically aligned and how we can build out a global coalition," Pompeo said. He said the United States sought a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world's largest state sponsor of terror". But the hawkish US stance has drawn limited support among its allies in Europe, which still support a denuclearisation deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama from which Trump pulled out last year, triggering tensions. Iran says that the US drone encroached its airspace -- a charge that Washington denies -- and accuses Washington of waging economic warfare by unilaterally imposing sanctions, including trying to stop all its oil exports. The US point man on Iran, Brian Hook, on Monday held his own talks in Oman, which has often served as a go-between for Washington and Tehran. Pompeo's trip comes despite growing controversy inside the United States over the Trump administration's cosy relationship with Mohammed bin Salman after US-based dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year. Pompeo used rare emergency powers, citing Iran as a threat, to authorise $8.1 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite concerns in the US Congress that the arms will go to kill civilians in the devastating war in Yemen. Pompeo added the Middle East stops on his way to a previously scheduled visit to India.

Mike Pompeo meets Saudi king Mohammed bin Salman on Iran crisis

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Monday said Tehran welcomes any defusion of tensions in the Gulf region following weeks of deteriorating relations with US, news agency Reuters reported.

"We welcome defusion of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374"> tensions in the region</a>. We do not want rise of tensions," Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency.

Mousavi's remark comes amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran after Iran downed an unmanned US surveillance drone. Following which, Trump ordered strikes on Iranian military installations but abruptly aborted the operations after he was told that the strikes will cost 150 Iranian lives.

Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 accord <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-risk-of-conflict-trump-sees-scope-for-deal-229848">between Iran</a> and world powers that curbed its nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. Relations in the region have worsened significantly since then.

Watch: Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE for Iran crisis talks

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Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Iran and would be prepared to seek a deal to bolster its flagging economy, an apparent move to defuse tensions.

An Iranian navy commander on Monday described the shooting down of the US drone as a "firm response" to the United States and warned it could be repeated.

"Everyone saw the downing of the unmanned drone," navy commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

"I can assure you that this firm response can be repeated, and the enemy knows it."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Monday said Tehran welcomes any defusion of tensions in the Gulf region following weeks of deteriorating relations with US, news agency Reuters reported.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Monday said Tehran welcomes any defusion of tensions in the Gulf region following weeks of deteriorating relations with US, news agency Reuters reported. "We welcome defusion of tensions in the region. We do not want rise of tensions," Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency. Mousavi's remark comes amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran after Iran downed an unmanned US surveillance drone. Following which, Trump ordered strikes on Iranian military installations but abruptly aborted the operations after he was told that the strikes will cost 150 Iranian lives. Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers that curbed its nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. Relations in the region have worsened significantly since then. Watch: Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE for Iran crisis talks × Trump said on Sunday he was not seeking war with Iran and would be prepared to seek a deal to bolster its flagging economy, an apparent move to defuse tensions. An Iranian navy commander on Monday described the shooting down of the US drone as a "firm response" to the United States and warned it could be repeated. "Everyone saw the downing of the unmanned drone," navy commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency. "I can assure you that this firm response can be repeated, and the enemy knows it." (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran says it welcomes any defusion of tensions in Gulf region: Report

Iranian lawmakers chanted "Death to America" during a parliament session on Sunday after a speaker accused the United States of being the "real world terrorist", reported news agency Reuters.

The development comes amid escalating tension with Washington following the downing of an unmanned US drone.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he aborted a military strike to retaliate for the drone incident because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran.

Iran said on Saturday it would respond firmly to any threat against it.

"America is the real terrorist in the world by spreading chaos in countries, giving advanced weapons to terrorist groups, causing insecurity, and still it says 'Come, let's negotiate'," the parliament's deputy speaker, Masoud Pezeshkian, said at the start of a session broadcast live on state radio.

"Death to America," chanted many lawmakers.

The chants, often repeated since the 1979 Islamic revolution which toppled the US-backed Shah, came weeks after Trump said in a US television interview: "They (Iranians) haven't screamed 'death to America' lately."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iranian lawmakers chanted "Death to America" during a parliament session on Sunday after a speaker accused the United States of being the "real world terrorist", reported news agency Reuters.

Iranian lawmakers chanted "Death to America" during a parliament session on Sunday after a speaker accused the United States of being the "real world terrorist", reported news agency Reuters. The development comes amid escalating tension with Washington following the downing of an unmanned US drone. US President Donald Trump said on Friday he aborted a military strike to retaliate for the drone incident because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran. Iran said on Saturday it would respond firmly to any threat against it. "America is the real terrorist in the world by spreading chaos in countries, giving advanced weapons to terrorist groups, causing insecurity, and still it says 'Come, let's negotiate'," the parliament's deputy speaker, Masoud Pezeshkian, said at the start of a session broadcast live on state radio. "Death to America," chanted many lawmakers. The chants, often repeated since the 1979 Islamic revolution which toppled the US-backed Shah, came weeks after Trump said in a US television interview: "They (Iranians) haven't screamed 'death to America' lately." (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran lawmakers chant 'Death to America' as US called 'terrorist'

President Donald Trump said on Monday that U.S. authorities would begin next week removing millions of immigrants who are in the United States illegally.

Trump says U.S. agency will begin removing millions of illegal immigrants

The US will impose "major" additional sanctions on Iran in a bid to prevent the country obtaining nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump says.

Trump announces 'major' sanctions amid tensions on Iran

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un receives a personal letter from U.S. President Donald Trump. Watch this video to know more.

Kim Jong-un receives excellent letter from Trump

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 23rd, 2019

Donald Trump won't rule out military actions amid sanctions. US President Donald Trump said that he will make Iran great again with a deal. Trump said that He is not looking for a war with Iran. Iran warns Obliteration like you've never seen before. Watch this video to know more.

U.S imposes more sanctions on Iran

President Donald Trump said Saturday he was delaying a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-immigration-sweep-targeting-2000-families-report-229375">planned immigration sweep</a> for two weeks to allow time for his Republican Party and opposition Democrats to find a political solution to the hot-button issue.

The mass round-up of as many as 2,000 families who had been served with deportation orders or failed to show up for court appointments was expected to begin in up to 10 cities as early as Sunday.

"At the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border," he tweeted Saturday.

He added, "If not, Deportations start!"&nbsp;

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At the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border. If not, Deportations start!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1142506687020130306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It was not immediately clear what legislative measures might be considered in the two-week reprieve. Immigration reform is a long-sought goal by lawmakers in both parties but meaningful change has remained elusive amid partisan rancour.

Democratic US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had urged Trump to call off the raids, alluding to his stated reason for scuttling a military strike on Iran in retaliation for its drowning of an unmanned US spy drone -- as many as 150 lives would be lost, he said.

"I would hope he would apply that same value to avoiding the collateral damage to tens of thousands of children who are frightened by his actions," Pelosi said in a statement.

She later tweeted, "Mr President, the delay is welcome. Time is needed for comprehensive immigration reform. Families belong together."

No help from major cities

Major US cities said to be targets of the now-postponed raids had vowed not to cooperate, with city leaders and civic groups from New York to San Francisco warning undocumented foreigners of their rights.

In Texas, an immigrant and refugee advocacy group called RAICES put out a tweet reminding immigrants of their rights if their home or place of work is raided, they can refuse to open the door, remain silent, refrain from signing anything and ask to speak to a lawyer.

"Only good faith bipartisan efforts will fix the system and ensure our country lives up to its own highest values and ideals," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, one of the cities girding for operations that Trump warned of on Monday.

US news outlets reported that the family roundups had been expected in up to 10 cities including Houston, Chicago, New York and Miami.

Earlier Saturday, Trump depicted the planned operation as "going by the rules, going by our court system, and taking people out of our country who came into our country illegally. They came into our country illegally and we're taking them out legally."

Much as he did to get elected in 2016, Trump is focusing on illegal migration as red meat to rally his conservative base as he seeks another term in 2020.

Earlier this month, Trump rattled world markets and defied his advisers by threatening tariffs on all Mexican imports unless it cracked down more on people pouring across the border into the United States.

Migrant apprehensions at the US border with Mexico reached 144,000 in May, the highest number in 13 years.&nbsp;

Mexico avoided the duties after agreeing to bolster security on its southern border and expand its policy of taking back migrants, most of them from violence-riven Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, as the United States processes their asylum claims.

President Donald Trump said Saturday he was delaying a planned immigration sweep for two weeks to allow time for his Republican Party and opposition Democrats to find a political solution to the hot-button issue.

President Donald Trump said Saturday he was delaying a planned immigration sweep for two weeks to allow time for his Republican Party and opposition Democrats to find a political solution to the hot-button issue. The mass round-up of as many as 2,000 families who had been served with deportation orders or failed to show up for court appointments was expected to begin in up to 10 cities as early as Sunday. "At the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border," he tweeted Saturday. He added, "If not, Deportations start!" At the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border. If not, Deportations start! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2019 × It was not immediately clear what legislative measures might be considered in the two-week reprieve. Immigration reform is a long-sought goal by lawmakers in both parties but meaningful change has remained elusive amid partisan rancour. Democratic US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had urged Trump to call off the raids, alluding to his stated reason for scuttling a military strike on Iran in retaliation for its drowning of an unmanned US spy drone -- as many as 150 lives would be lost, he said. "I would hope he would apply that same value to avoiding the collateral damage to tens of thousands of children who are frightened by his actions," Pelosi said in a statement. She later tweeted, "Mr President, the delay is welcome. Time is needed for comprehensive immigration reform. Families belong together." No help from major cities Major US cities said to be targets of the now-postponed raids had vowed not to cooperate, with city leaders and civic groups from New York to San Francisco warning undocumented foreigners of their rights. In Texas, an immigrant and refugee advocacy group called RAICES put out a tweet reminding immigrants of their rights if their home or place of work is raided, they can refuse to open the door, remain silent, refrain from signing anything and ask to speak to a lawyer. "Only good faith bipartisan efforts will fix the system and ensure our country lives up to its own highest values and ideals," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, one of the cities girding for operations that Trump warned of on Monday. US news outlets reported that the family roundups had been expected in up to 10 cities including Houston, Chicago, New York and Miami. Earlier Saturday, Trump depicted the planned operation as "going by the rules, going by our court system, and taking people out of our country who came into our country illegally. They came into our country illegally and we're taking them out legally." Much as he did to get elected in 2016, Trump is focusing on illegal migration as red meat to rally his conservative base as he seeks another term in 2020. Earlier this month, Trump rattled world markets and defied his advisers by threatening tariffs on all Mexican imports unless it cracked down more on people pouring across the border into the United States. Migrant apprehensions at the US border with Mexico reached 144,000 in May, the highest number in 13 years. Mexico avoided the duties after agreeing to bolster security on its southern border and expand its policy of taking back migrants, most of them from violence-riven Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, as the United States processes their asylum claims.

Donald Trump says planned immigration sweep delayed for two weeks

US President Donald Trump said he will delay mass deportation raids scheduled for Sunday as he seeks compromise with Democratic leaders on immigration issues.

In a Twitter message Saturday afternoon, Trump said at "the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems."

Trump warned that if no compromise is reached, "Deportations start!"

US President Donald Trump said he will delay mass deportation raids scheduled for Sunday as he seeks compromise with Democratic leaders on immigration issues. In a Twitter message Saturday afternoon, Trump said at "the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems.

US President Donald Trump said he will delay mass deportation raids scheduled for Sunday as he seeks compromise with Democratic leaders on immigration issues. In a Twitter message Saturday afternoon, Trump said at "the request of Democrats, I have delayed the Illegal Immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems." Trump warned that if no compromise is reached, "Deportations start!"

Trump says he will delay deportation raids for two weeks

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has received a personal letter of "excellent content" from US President Donald Trump, the country's state news agency said Sunday.

Kim "said with satisfaction that the letter is of excellent content," Korean Central News Agency reported.

"Appreciating the political judging faculty and extraordinary courage of President Trump, Kim Jong-un said that he would seriously contemplate the interesting content," KCNA said.

The report gave no further detail about the content of the letter.

Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang are deadlocked after a second summit between Kim and Trump broke up in Hanoi in February with the two unable to reach a deal on sanctions relief and what the North might give up in return.

Before the collapse of the Hanoi summit, Trump had said that he and Kim had an excellent relationship, and had even "fallen in love."

Kim recently played host to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who wrapped up a highly symbolic visit to the nuclear-armed North on Friday.

Kim told the Chinese president that his visit was an opportunity to demonstrate "the immutability and invincibility of the DPRK-China friendship before the world", KCNA said, using the abbreviation of North Korea's official name.

Pyongyang pulled out all the stops to welcome Xi, the first Chinese president to visit in 14 years -- a period in which North Korea has carried out five nuclear tests and launched missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

Analysts say Xi intended to use the trip as a way of signalling to Trump his influence with Kim one week before the G20 summit in Japan.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has received a personal letter of "excellent content" from US President Donald Trump, the country's state news agency said Sunday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has received a personal letter of "excellent content" from US President Donald Trump, the country's state news agency said Sunday. Kim "said with satisfaction that the letter is of excellent content," Korean Central News Agency reported. "Appreciating the political judging faculty and extraordinary courage of President Trump, Kim Jong-un said that he would seriously contemplate the interesting content," KCNA said. The report gave no further detail about the content of the letter. Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang are deadlocked after a second summit between Kim and Trump broke up in Hanoi in February with the two unable to reach a deal on sanctions relief and what the North might give up in return. Before the collapse of the Hanoi summit, Trump had said that he and Kim had an excellent relationship, and had even "fallen in love." Kim recently played host to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who wrapped up a highly symbolic visit to the nuclear-armed North on Friday. Kim told the Chinese president that his visit was an opportunity to demonstrate "the immutability and invincibility of the DPRK-China friendship before the world", KCNA said, using the abbreviation of North Korea's official name. Pyongyang pulled out all the stops to welcome Xi, the first Chinese president to visit in 14 years -- a period in which North Korea has carried out five nuclear tests and launched missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland. Analysts say Xi intended to use the trip as a way of signalling to Trump his influence with Kim one week before the G20 summit in Japan.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un receives 'excellent' letter from Trump: Report

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abe-set-for-mediation-mission-to-iran-224969">Tehran and Washington</a> to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Abe, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-to-meet-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-to-mediate-with-us-report-223544">first Japanese leader to visit Iran</a> since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, landed in Tehran as a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States stokes fear of another military conflict in the crisis-ridden Middle East.

"Japan can help in easing the ongoing tension between Iran and America... As a goodwill gesture, America should either lift the unjust oil sanctions or extend the waivers or suspend them," a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Iranian state TV broadcast live footage of Abe's arrival, saying he will later hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani and on Thursday will meet the Islamic Republic's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On a four-day visit to Japan last month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-beef-aside-trump-and-abe-bond-over-burgers-sumo-and-golf-221840">US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran</a>, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran.

As a US ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States.

"Mr. Abe can be a great mediator to facilitate that (easing of oil sanctions)... Japan has always respected Iran, and Mr. Abe can play a very constructive role to calm the ongoing tension that can harm the (Middle East) region," said another Iranian official, who asked not to be named.

Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Trump cranks up pressure on Iran

Washington, calling the nuclear deal flawed and seeking to push Iran into new negotiations, intensified sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and firms to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system.

It has also dispatched extra armed forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats.

Iran threatened in May that in 60 days it would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions.

European parties of the deal have promised to help Iran find other ways to trade, although with no success so far. All major European companies that had announced plans to invest in Iran have since called them off for fear of US punishment.

"Japan wants to do as much as possible towards peace and stability in the Middle East," Abe said in Tokyo ahead of his departure, according to Iranian TV.

Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will focus on defending its interests, according to state TV.

"During the talks with foreign leaders, Iran's interests and preserving these rights will be our priority," it quoted Rouhani as saying.

To achieve his aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to zero, the Trump administration has revoked waivers since May that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude and has effectively ordered countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Iran will ask Japan to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease oil sanctions imposed by the United States, Iranian officials said on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country for a two-day visit. Abe, the first Japanese leader to visit Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, landed in Tehran as a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States stokes fear of another military conflict in the crisis-ridden Middle East. "Japan can help in easing the ongoing tension between Iran and America... As a goodwill gesture, America should either lift the unjust oil sanctions or extend the waivers or suspend them," a senior Iranian official told Reuters. Iranian state TV broadcast live footage of Abe's arrival, saying he will later hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani and on Thursday will meet the Islamic Republic's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On a four-day visit to Japan last month, US President Donald Trump welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran, highlighting what he called the "very good relationship" between Tokyo and Tehran. As a US ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States. "Mr. Abe can be a great mediator to facilitate that (easing of oil sanctions)... Japan has always respected Iran, and Mr. Abe can play a very constructive role to calm the ongoing tension that can harm the (Middle East) region," said another Iranian official, who asked not to be named. Strains between Washington and Tehran have sharply increased in recent weeks, a year after the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Trump cranks up pressure on Iran Washington, calling the nuclear deal flawed and seeking to push Iran into new negotiations, intensified sanctions from the start of May, ordering all countries and firms to halt imports of Iranian oil or be banished from the global financial system. It has also dispatched extra armed forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats. Iran threatened in May that in 60 days it would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low fissile purity - suitable for civilian nuclear power generation - allowed under the deal, unless other powers signed up to it found a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions. European parties of the deal have promised to help Iran find other ways to trade, although with no success so far. All major European companies that had announced plans to invest in Iran have since called them off for fear of US punishment. "Japan wants to do as much as possible towards peace and stability in the Middle East," Abe said in Tokyo ahead of his departure, according to Iranian TV. Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will focus on defending its interests, according to state TV. "During the talks with foreign leaders, Iran's interests and preserving these rights will be our priority," it quoted Rouhani as saying. To achieve his aim of slashing Iran's oil exports to zero, the Trump administration has revoked waivers since May that had allowed some countries, including Japan, to continue buying Iranian crude and has effectively ordered countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. Despite pushing for imports to continue, Japan has stopped importing oil from Iran for now to avoid US sanctions.

Iran to ask Japan's Abe to mediate over US oil sanctions: Officials

The US Commerce Department blacklisted five Chinese tech entities Friday in a new move against Beijing's supercomputing industry likely to raise tensions ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping next week.

The notice targets Sugon -- a prominent Chinese supercomputer manufacturer -- along with three of its microchip subsidiaries and a computing institute owned by the People's Liberation Army.

All of the entities will be effectively barred from obtaining US technology after the government determined they were "acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States."

Trade tensions between the world's top two economies have spilled over into the tech sector in recent months, with Trump's administration moving to essentially ban Chinese tech firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-phone-sales-plunge-cutbacks-planned-as-us-pressure-bites-227979">Huawei</a> from the huge US market on security grounds.

In May, it added Huawei to an "entity list" of companies barred from receiving US-made components without permission from Washington, though the company was granted a 90-day reprieve.

Facebook and Google have since both announced they will move to cut off Huawei in order to comply with the US sanctions, further isolating the Chinese tech giant.

Beijing has responded with threats to release its own blacklist of "unreliable" foreign companies and individuals that appears aimed at pressuring foreign companies to maintain commercial relations with Huawei.

Earlier this month, Beijing summoned executives from American firms Dell and Microsoft and South Korea's Samsung, among others, to warn them that any moves to ramp down their businesses in China may lead to retaliation, The New York Times reported.

Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi are set to meet next week on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan.

The US Commerce Department blacklisted five Chinese tech entities Friday in a new move against Beijing's supercomputing industry likely to raise tensions ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping next week.

The US Commerce Department blacklisted five Chinese tech entities Friday in a new move against Beijing's supercomputing industry likely to raise tensions ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping next week. The notice targets Sugon -- a prominent Chinese supercomputer manufacturer -- along with three of its microchip subsidiaries and a computing institute owned by the People's Liberation Army. All of the entities will be effectively barred from obtaining US technology after the government determined they were "acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States." Trade tensions between the world's top two economies have spilled over into the tech sector in recent months, with Trump's administration moving to essentially ban Chinese tech firm Huawei from the huge US market on security grounds. In May, it added Huawei to an "entity list" of companies barred from receiving US-made components without permission from Washington, though the company was granted a 90-day reprieve. Facebook and Google have since both announced they will move to cut off Huawei in order to comply with the US sanctions, further isolating the Chinese tech giant. Beijing has responded with threats to release its own blacklist of "unreliable" foreign companies and individuals that appears aimed at pressuring foreign companies to maintain commercial relations with Huawei. Earlier this month, Beijing summoned executives from American firms Dell and Microsoft and South Korea's Samsung, among others, to warn them that any moves to ramp down their businesses in China may lead to retaliation, The New York Times reported. Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi are set to meet next week on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan.

US blocks more Chinese tech firms on national security concerns

The United States Donald Trump on Friday said he is not looking for war with its foe Iran. However, he did not rule the possibility as he warned that if conflict did occurs then it would result in "obliteration."

"I'm not looking for war, and if there is it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before. But I'm not looking to do that," Trump told NBC News in an interview a day after he aborted a planned air strike against Iranian targets in retaliation for Tehran shooting down a US drone.

On Thursday, an Iranian surface-to-air missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf.&nbsp;

Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Donald Trump on Friday said he is not looking for war with its foe Iran. However, he did not rule the possibility as he warned that if conflict did occurs then it would result in "obliteration.

The United States Donald Trump on Friday said he is not looking for war with its foe Iran. However, he did not rule the possibility as he warned that if conflict did occurs then it would result in "obliteration." "I'm not looking for war, and if there is it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before. But I'm not looking to do that," Trump told NBC News in an interview a day after he aborted a planned air strike against Iranian targets in retaliation for Tehran shooting down a US drone. On Thursday, an Iranian surface-to-air missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz. The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf. Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says doesn’t want war with Iran but there’ll be ‘obliteration’ if it happens

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on Venezuela to release jailed dissidents Friday and said the crisis-wracked country faced a "serious" humanitarian situation.

Her comments came at the end of a three-day visit to the country on the invitation of embattled President Nicolas Maduro, who has faced allegations of cracking down on political opponents amid rampant hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods.

"I call on the authorities to release all those who are detained or deprived of their liberty for exercising their civil rights in a peaceful manner," said Bachelet, referring to the hundreds of Maduro government opponents who are currently incarcerated.

The UN rights chief met relatives of these detainees, many of whom are accused of "conspiracy" to overthrow the government. She also spoke with relatives of people who died during the anti-Maduro protests of 2017.

Rights groups had pushed Bachelet to raise the issue of 715 people they say have been jailed for political reasons, a claim Maduro's government rejects.

Maduro, meanwhile, said he would respect the recommendations made by Bachelet, a former Chilean president.

"I told her that she can count on me, as president, to take her suggestions, her recommendations and her proposals seriously," Maduro said, adding that people accused of human rights abuses would be prosecuted.

Bachelet also said she had appointed delegates to remain in the country with the mandate "to provide assistance and technical advice, but also, very importantly, to continue to monitor the human rights situation across Venezuela."

The high commissioner's visit came amid the country's ongoing economic and political crisis that the UN says has caused some four million Venezuelans to flee since 2015 amid collapsing government services and shortages of food.

Bachelet has previously criticized the government's response to the crisis and called for Caracas to respect "everyone's fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression."

Yet it was the Maduro government who invited her to Venezuela, saying the visit would be an opportunity to show its adherence to human rights and the "negative repercussions" of sanctions that prevent it from selling its oil to the United States.

'Skeptical'

Bachelet has also been critical of US sanctions against Maduro imposed by President Donald Trump, raising concerns that restrictions on trade with Venezuela could have negative repercussions for the general population in a country where 96 per cent of the budget is based on oil.

During her visit, Bachelet also met with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized as Venezuela's interim president by some 50 countries, including the United States.

She called for dialogue between the government and Guaido's opposition and spoke in support of Norway's efforts to broker talks.

Delegates from both sides met there for the first time in May, but progress has since stalled.

"I understand that some are skeptical that these sorts of negotiations will bear fruit, but the serious situation in the country demands that the leaders try," Bachelet said.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on Venezuela to release jailed dissidents Friday and said the crisis-wracked country faced a "serious" humanitarian situation.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on Venezuela to release jailed dissidents Friday and said the crisis-wracked country faced a "serious" humanitarian situation. Her comments came at the end of a three-day visit to the country on the invitation of embattled President Nicolas Maduro, who has faced allegations of cracking down on political opponents amid rampant hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods. "I call on the authorities to release all those who are detained or deprived of their liberty for exercising their civil rights in a peaceful manner," said Bachelet, referring to the hundreds of Maduro government opponents who are currently incarcerated. The UN rights chief met relatives of these detainees, many of whom are accused of "conspiracy" to overthrow the government. She also spoke with relatives of people who died during the anti-Maduro protests of 2017. Rights groups had pushed Bachelet to raise the issue of 715 people they say have been jailed for political reasons, a claim Maduro's government rejects. Maduro, meanwhile, said he would respect the recommendations made by Bachelet, a former Chilean president. "I told her that she can count on me, as president, to take her suggestions, her recommendations and her proposals seriously," Maduro said, adding that people accused of human rights abuses would be prosecuted. Bachelet also said she had appointed delegates to remain in the country with the mandate "to provide assistance and technical advice, but also, very importantly, to continue to monitor the human rights situation across Venezuela." The high commissioner's visit came amid the country's ongoing economic and political crisis that the UN says has caused some four million Venezuelans to flee since 2015 amid collapsing government services and shortages of food. Bachelet has previously criticized the government's response to the crisis and called for Caracas to respect "everyone's fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression." Yet it was the Maduro government who invited her to Venezuela, saying the visit would be an opportunity to show its adherence to human rights and the "negative repercussions" of sanctions that prevent it from selling its oil to the United States. 'Skeptical' Bachelet has also been critical of US sanctions against Maduro imposed by President Donald Trump, raising concerns that restrictions on trade with Venezuela could have negative repercussions for the general population in a country where 96 per cent of the budget is based on oil. During her visit, Bachelet also met with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized as Venezuela's interim president by some 50 countries, including the United States. She called for dialogue between the government and Guaido's opposition and spoke in support of Norway's efforts to broker talks. Delegates from both sides met there for the first time in May, but progress has since stalled. "I understand that some are skeptical that these sorts of negotiations will bear fruit, but the serious situation in the country demands that the leaders try," Bachelet said.

Venezuela should release jailed opponents: UN rights chief

In this video, Political Analyst, Syed Mohammad Marandi speaks to WION over US-Iran conflicts.

Syed Mohammad Marandi speaks to WION over US-Iran conflicts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-one-bullet-towards-iran-will-set-fire-to-americas-interests-iran-229490">Iran</a> has executed a "defence ministry contractor" convicted of spying for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374">US </a>Central Intelligence Agency, semi-official news agency ISNA reported Saturday.

"The execution sentence was carried out for Jalal Haji Zavar, a contractor for the defence ministry's aerospace organisation who spied for the CIA and the American government," ISNA reported, quoting the Iranian military.

ISNA said he was convicted by Iran's military court and that he was executed, at an unspecified time, at the Rajayi Shahr prison in the city of Karaj, west of Tehran.

The agency did not say when Zavar was arrested, noting however that his contract with the defence ministry had been terminated during the Iranian year 1389 (March 2010-2011).

He was identified as a spy by the defence ministry's intelligence unit, ISNA said.

During the investigation the suspect "explicitly confessed to spying for the CIA" in return for money, ISNA said, adding that "documents and espionage devices were found at his house".

Zavar's ex-wife was convicted of "involvement in espionage" and is serving a 15-year jail sentence, the agency said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-putting-additional-sanctions-on-iran-says-trump-military-action-still-on-table-229601">'We are putting additional sanctions on Iran,' says Trump; military action still on table</a>

The report comes days after Iran said it had dismantled a "new" US spy network in the country linked to the CIA, amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

In what it termed a "wide-reaching blow" to US intelligence, state news agency IRNA said on Tuesday that Tehran had carried out the operation in cooperation with "foreign allies", without naming any state.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran flared up after Iran, on Tuesday, said it shot down a US "spy" drone which violated its airspace -- a claim the US denies -- near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

In response, the US was ready to carry out a military strike against Iran.

President Donald Trump said Friday the United States was "cocked &amp; loaded" to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute as it would not have been a "proportionate" response to Tehran's shooting down of the unmanned drone.

The downing of the drone came after tensions spiked between the two countries following a series of attacks on oil tankers the US has blamed on Iran.

Iran has executed a "defence ministry contractor" convicted of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency, semi-official news agency ISNA reported Saturday. "The execution sentence was carried out for Jalal Haji Zavar, a contractor for the defence ministry's aerospace organisation who spied for the CIA and the American government," ISNA reported, quoting the Iranian military.

Iran has executed a "defence ministry contractor" convicted of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency, semi-official news agency ISNA reported Saturday. "The execution sentence was carried out for Jalal Haji Zavar, a contractor for the defence ministry's aerospace organisation who spied for the CIA and the American government," ISNA reported, quoting the Iranian military. ISNA said he was convicted by Iran's military court and that he was executed, at an unspecified time, at the Rajayi Shahr prison in the city of Karaj, west of Tehran. The agency did not say when Zavar was arrested, noting however that his contract with the defence ministry had been terminated during the Iranian year 1389 (March 2010-2011). He was identified as a spy by the defence ministry's intelligence unit, ISNA said. During the investigation the suspect "explicitly confessed to spying for the CIA" in return for money, ISNA said, adding that "documents and espionage devices were found at his house". Zavar's ex-wife was convicted of "involvement in espionage" and is serving a 15-year jail sentence, the agency said. Also read: 'We are putting additional sanctions on Iran,' says Trump; military action still on table The report comes days after Iran said it had dismantled a "new" US spy network in the country linked to the CIA, amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. In what it termed a "wide-reaching blow" to US intelligence, state news agency IRNA said on Tuesday that Tehran had carried out the operation in cooperation with "foreign allies", without naming any state. Tensions between Washington and Tehran flared up after Iran, on Tuesday, said it shot down a US "spy" drone which violated its airspace -- a claim the US denies -- near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In response, the US was ready to carry out a military strike against Iran. President Donald Trump said Friday the United States was "cocked & loaded" to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute as it would not have been a "proportionate" response to Tehran's shooting down of the unmanned drone. The downing of the drone came after tensions spiked between the two countries following a series of attacks on oil tankers the US has blamed on Iran.

Iran executes 'defence ministry contractor' over spying for CIA: Report

In this video, Political Analyst, Nicholas Grossman speaks to WION over US-Iran conflicts.

Nicholas Grossman speaks to WION over US-Iran conflicts

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose additional <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-one-bullet-towards-iran-will-set-fire-to-americas-interests-iran-229490">sanctions on Iran</a> in an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that military action was still a possibility.

Trump, who was speaking to reporters at the White House, made his comments after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374">recently calling off military action</a> against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-firmly-confront-any-aggression-or-threat-by-america-iran-229442">Iran to retaliate</a> for the downing of a US&nbsp;military drone.

"We are putting additional sanctions on Iran," Trump said. "In some cases we are going slowly, but in other cases we are moving rapidly."

The president said military action "is always on the table" against Iran.

But Trump also indicated he was open to reversing the escalation, adding he was willing to quickly reach a deal with Iran that he said would bolster the country's flagging economy.

"We will call it 'Let's make Iran great again.'"

Trump spoke to reporters as he prepared to depart Washington for the presidential retreat Camp David, where he said he would be deliberating on Iran.

Watch: Trump says, 'not looking for war with Iran'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-not-looking-for-war-with-iran-229399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran said on Saturday it would respond firmly to any US&nbsp;threat, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid escalating tension between Tehran and Washington over the shooting down of an unmanned US&nbsp;drone by the Islamic Republic.

On Thursday, an Iranian missile destroyed a US&nbsp;Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran repeated on Saturday that the drone was shot down over its territory. Washington said the incident had occurred in international airspace.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he aborted a military strike to retaliate because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran.

"Regardless of any decision they (US&nbsp;officials) make ... we will not allow any of Iran's borders to be violated. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told Tasnim.

Worries about a confrontation between Iran and the United States have mounted despite Trump saying that he has no appetite to go to war with Iran. Tehran has also said it is not seeking a war but has warned of a "crushing" response if attacked.

"Any mistake by Iran's enemies, in particular America and its regional allies, would be like firing at a powder keg that will burn America, its interests and its allies to the ground," the senior spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, told Tasnim on Saturday.

A senior commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards struck a similarly defiant note, in comments quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

"This is our response to a violation of Iranian space and if the violation is repeated then our response will be repeated," said Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division.

"It's possible that this infringement of the Americans was carried out by a general or some operators."

Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned a diplomatic representative of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday because the UAE allowed the drone that was shot down to be launched from a US&nbsp;military base on its territory, the Fars news agency reported.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose additional sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that military action was still a possibility.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose additional sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that military action was still a possibility. Trump, who was speaking to reporters at the White House, made his comments after recently calling off military action against Iran to retaliate for the downing of a US military drone. "We are putting additional sanctions on Iran," Trump said. "In some cases we are going slowly, but in other cases we are moving rapidly." The president said military action "is always on the table" against Iran. But Trump also indicated he was open to reversing the escalation, adding he was willing to quickly reach a deal with Iran that he said would bolster the country's flagging economy. "We will call it 'Let's make Iran great again.'" Trump spoke to reporters as he prepared to depart Washington for the presidential retreat Camp David, where he said he would be deliberating on Iran. Watch: Trump says, 'not looking for war with Iran' Iran said on Saturday it would respond firmly to any US threat, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid escalating tension between Tehran and Washington over the shooting down of an unmanned US drone by the Islamic Republic. On Thursday, an Iranian missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran repeated on Saturday that the drone was shot down over its territory. Washington said the incident had occurred in international airspace. US President Donald Trump said on Friday he aborted a military strike to retaliate because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran. "Regardless of any decision they (US officials) make ... we will not allow any of Iran's borders to be violated. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told Tasnim. Worries about a confrontation between Iran and the United States have mounted despite Trump saying that he has no appetite to go to war with Iran. Tehran has also said it is not seeking a war but has warned of a "crushing" response if attacked. "Any mistake by Iran's enemies, in particular America and its regional allies, would be like firing at a powder keg that will burn America, its interests and its allies to the ground," the senior spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, told Tasnim on Saturday. A senior commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards struck a similarly defiant note, in comments quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). "This is our response to a violation of Iranian space and if the violation is repeated then our response will be repeated," said Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division. "It's possible that this infringement of the Americans was carried out by a general or some operators." Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned a diplomatic representative of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday because the UAE allowed the drone that was shot down to be launched from a US military base on its territory, the Fars news agency reported.

'We are putting additional sanctions on Iran,' says Trump; military action still on table

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 22nd, 2019

US President Donald Trump speaks about Iran. Trump said that I'm not looking for war with Iran. Warns of Obliteration like you've never seen before. Trump cancel strikes against Iran after approving them. Watch this video to know more.

Trump: Not Looking For War With Iran

Mike Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran. Watch this video to know more.

Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran

An advice columnist for Elle fashion magazine said in an account published Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-a-dozen-women-publicly-detail-sexual-allegations-against-president-trump-26536">Donald Trump sexually assaulted her</a> in the dressing room of a New York department store more than two decades ago.

Trump reacted with a statement saying he'd never met his accuser, E. Jean Carroll, and that the incident "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-denies-accusations-of-sexual-misconduct-attacks-democrats-26585">never happened</a>."

According to Carroll, the rape occurred in either 1995 or 1996, when Trump was a prominent real estate developer and she was a well-known magazine writer and host of a television show.

The account, revealed in an excerpt of Carroll's latest book and published Friday by New York magazine, makes her at least the 16th woman to have accused Trump of sexual misconduct before he became president.

Carroll, 75, says she ran into Trump at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan while they were both shopping.

She says that in an initially friendly encounter, Trump asked her for advice on buying a piece of 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," Carroll wrote.

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.

Carroll never went to the police because, she said, she was afraid of repercussions.

Carroll wrote that she did not come forward sooner because she was afraid of "receiving death threats, being driven from my home, being dismissed, being dragged through the mud."

"Joining the 15 women who've come forward with credible stories about how the man grabbed, badgered, belittled, mauled, molested and assaulted them, only to see the man turn it around, deny, threaten, and attack them, never sounded like much fun," she wrote.

Trump shot back that Carroll was an attention seeker.

"I've never met this person in my life. She is trying to sell a new book --that should indicate her motivation," he said in a statement. "It should be sold in the fiction section."

He also said that New York magazine is a "dying publication" and had tried to "prop itself up by peddling fake news."

The magazine quoted a senior White House official saying that the accusation "was created simply to make the president look bad," while Trump asked if Carroll had links to his opponents in the Democratic party.

An advice columnist for Elle fashion magazine said in an account published Friday that Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the dressing room of a New York department store more than two decades ago.

An advice columnist for Elle fashion magazine said in an account published Friday that Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the dressing room of a New York department store more than two decades ago. Trump reacted with a statement saying he'd never met his accuser, E. Jean Carroll, and that the incident "never happened." According to Carroll, the rape occurred in either 1995 or 1996, when Trump was a prominent real estate developer and she was a well-known magazine writer and host of a television show. The account, revealed in an excerpt of Carroll's latest book and published Friday by New York magazine, makes her at least the 16th woman to have accused Trump of sexual misconduct before he became president. Carroll, 75, says she ran into Trump at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan while they were both shopping. She says that in an initially friendly encounter, Trump asked her for advice on buying a piece of 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," Carroll wrote. 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. Carroll never went to the police because, she said, she was afraid of repercussions. Carroll wrote that she did not come forward sooner because she was afraid of "receiving death threats, being driven from my home, being dismissed, being dragged through the mud." "Joining the 15 women who've come forward with credible stories about how the man grabbed, badgered, belittled, mauled, molested and assaulted them, only to see the man turn it around, deny, threaten, and attack them, never sounded like much fun," she wrote. Trump shot back that Carroll was an attention seeker. "I've never met this person in my life. She is trying to sell a new book --that should indicate her motivation," he said in a statement. "It should be sold in the fiction section." He also said that New York magazine is a "dying publication" and had tried to "prop itself up by peddling fake news." The magazine quoted a senior White House official saying that the accusation "was created simply to make the president look bad," while Trump asked if Carroll had links to his opponents in the Democratic party.

US writer says Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in mid-1990s

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