<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunanda-pushkar-death-delhi-police-files-fir-against-congress-mp-shashi-tharoor-136735">Sunanda Pushkar death: Delhi Police names Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in FIR</a>

Delhi Police today filed a First Information Report(FIR) in the death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of MP Shashi Tharoor, naming the Congress leader as one of the accused.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710"> set to open </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710">embassy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710"> in Jerusalem amid clashes in Gaza</a>

The United States will open its embassy in Jerusalem today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-unrest-2-palestinians-killed-35-injured-by-israeli-forces-136718">Gaza unrest: 2 Palestinians killed, 35 injured by Israeli forces</a>

As the United States embassy is all set to shift from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, two Palestinian were killed by Israeli forces during the Gaza protests continuing for the sixth week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-71-due-to-lightning-thunderstorm-in-5-states-136703">Death toll rises to 71 due to lightning, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-71-due-to-lightning-thunderstorm-in-5-states-136703">thunderstorm</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-71-due-to-lightning-thunderstorm-in-5-states-136703"> in 5 states</a>

As many as 71 people lost their lives in five states, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh, due to lightning and thunderstorms since Sunday, the Home Ministry said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-mark-zuckerberg-turns-34-heres-exploring-foodie-side-of-facebooks-chief-136701">Life beyond Cambridge Analytica: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg turns 34</a>

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg rings in his 34th birthday today. The chief of one of the world's biggest social networking giants is well known for his love for fitness and food.

Sunanda Pushkar death: Delhi Police names Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in FIR Delhi Police today filed a First Information Report(FIR) in the death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of MP Shashi Tharoor, naming the Congress leader as one of the accused. US set to open embassy in Jerusalem amid clashes in Gaza The United States will open its embassy in Jerusalem today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza. Gaza unrest: 2 Palestinians killed, 35 injured by Israeli forces As the United States embassy is all set to shift from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, two Palestinian were killed by Israeli forces during the Gaza protests continuing for the sixth week. Death toll rises to 71 due to lightning, thunderstorm in 5 states As many as 71 people lost their lives in five states, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh, due to lightning and thunderstorms since Sunday, the Home Ministry said today. Life beyond Cambridge Analytica: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg turns 34 Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg rings in his 34th birthday today. The chief of one of the world's biggest social networking giants is well known for his love for fitness and food.

WION evening news brief, May 14, 2018

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed the scheduled opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem as "a great day for Israel," even as violent clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces on the Gaza border.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire amid mass protests on the border against the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT.

"Lead up to 9:00 AM&nbsp(eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!" Trump tweeted.

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U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxBusiness?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxBusiness</a>. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/995980604016611329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed the scheduled opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem as "a great day for Israel," even as violent clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces on the Gaza border. The Gaza Health Ministry said 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire amid mass protests on the border against the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT. "Lead up to 9:00 AM (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!" Trump tweeted. U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on @FoxNews & @FoxBusiness. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2018 ×

Trump calls Jerusalem embassy move 'a great day for Israel'

Israel's soccer club, Beitar Jerusalem, announced changing its name to Beitar 'Trump'&nbspJerusalem.

The official statement was shared on Facebook yesterday and read that the club wanted to honour US President Donald Trump for his decision to move US Embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.&nbsp

The club described Trump's move as courageous and thanked him for recognising Jerusalem internationally.

A number of parks, streets among other public sites have been named after Trump ever since the US President recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital and decided to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv.&nbsp

The club described Trump's move as courageous and thanked him for recognising Jerusalem internationally

Israel's soccer club, Beitar Jerusalem, announced changing its name to Beitar 'Trump'&nbspJerusalem. The official statement was shared on Facebook yesterday and read that the club wanted to honour US President Donald Trump for his decision to move US Embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The club described Trump's move as courageous and thanked him for recognising Jerusalem internationally. A number of parks, streets among other public sites have been named after Trump ever since the US President recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital and decided to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv.

Israeli football club changes name to Beitar 'Trump' Jerusalem to honour US President 

Amid the shift of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the Kremlin has said that it feared that opening could fuel tensions in the Middle East.

The move of shifting US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is being followed after the United States president Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The announcement was well received by Israel but was criticised by international media.&nbsp

News agency Reuters reported Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov saying that "Yes, we have such fears," when he was asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region.

Meanwhile, President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security.

Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality."

May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said that 'Yes, we have such fears,' when he was asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region

Amid the shift of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the Kremlin has said that it feared that opening could fuel tensions in the Middle East. The move of shifting US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is being followed after the United States president Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The announcement was well received by Israel but was criticised by international media. News agency Reuters reported Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov saying that "Yes, we have such fears," when he was asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region. Meanwhile, President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security. Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan. Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality." May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

US Jerusalem embassy opening could fuel Middle East tensions: Kremlin

North Korea will never completely give up its nuclear weapons, a top defector said ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's landmark summit with US President Donald Trump next month.

The current whirlwind of diplomacy and negotiations will not end with "a sincere and complete disarmament" but with "a reduced North Korean nuclear threat", said Thae Yong-ho, who fled his post as the North's deputy ambassador to Britain in August 2016.

"In the end, North Korea will remain 'a nuclear power packaged as a non-nuclear state'," Thae told the South's Newsis news agency.

His remarks come ahead of an unprecedented summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 12 where North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes are expected to dominate the agenda.

North and South Korea affirmed their commitment to the goal of denuclearisation of the peninsula at summit last month, and Pyongyang announced at the weekend it will destroy its only known nuclear test site next week.

But it has not made public what concessions it is offering.

Washington is seeking the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID)" of the North and stresses that verification will be key.

Pyongyang has said it does not need nuclear weapons if the security of its regime is guaranteed.

But Thae, one of the highest ranking officials to have defected in recent years, said: "North Korea will argue that the process of nuclear disarmament will lead to the collapse of North Korea and oppose CVID."

The North wanted to ensure Kim's "absolute power" and its model of hereditary succession, he added, and would oppose intrusive inspections as they "would be viewed as a process of breaking down Kim Jong Un's absolute power in front of the eyes of ordinary North Koreans and elites".

At a party meeting last month when Kim proclaimed the development of the North's nuclear force complete and promised no more nuclear or missile tests, he called its arsenal "a powerful treasured sword for defending peace".

"Giving it up soon after Kim Jong Un himself labelled it the 'treasured sword for defending peace' and a firm guarantee for the future? It can never happen," Thae said.

In his memoir that hit shelves Monday, Thae added: "More people should realise that North Korea is desperately clinging to its nuclear programme more than anything."

Tensions on and around the peninsula had been mounting for years as Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes saw it subjected to multiple rounds of increasingly strict sanctions by the UN Security Council, the US, EU, South Korea and others.

Trump last year threatened the North with "fire and fury".

But since the Winter Olympics in the South, Pyongyang and Washington have agreed to the unprecedented Singapore meeting.

Kim has also twice visited China after not paying his respects to President Xi Jinping in the six years since he inherited power from his father, and met the South's President Moon Jae-in in the Demilitarized Zone that divides their countries.

North Korea's sudden change in attitude was probably driven by the mounting international sanctions imposed over its weapons programmes that had begun to take a toll on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, Thae said.

As of last year the UN Security Council sanctions included measures on sectors such as coal, fish, textiles and overseas workers.

"North Korea did not foresee the destructive power of these sanctions," Thae told the interview. "These sanctions are threatening the livelihoods of millions of North Koreans at the root."

But Pyongyang had a long history of making overtures that ultimately came to nothing, he warned.

"North Korea's diplomacy has always been a repeat of hardline and appeasement," Thae said.

"It is North Korea's diplomatic tactic to push the situatio

North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons, a top defector said ahead of Kim Jong Un's landmark summit with US President Donald Trump

North Korea will never completely give up its nuclear weapons, a top defector said ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's landmark summit with US President Donald Trump next month. The current whirlwind of diplomacy and negotiations will not end with "a sincere and complete disarmament" but with "a reduced North Korean nuclear threat", said Thae Yong-ho, who fled his post as the North's deputy ambassador to Britain in August 2016. "In the end, North Korea will remain 'a nuclear power packaged as a non-nuclear state'," Thae told the South's Newsis news agency. His remarks come ahead of an unprecedented summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 12 where North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes are expected to dominate the agenda. North and South Korea affirmed their commitment to the goal of denuclearisation of the peninsula at summit last month, and Pyongyang announced at the weekend it will destroy its only known nuclear test site next week. But it has not made public what concessions it is offering. Washington is seeking the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID)" of the North and stresses that verification will be key. Pyongyang has said it does not need nuclear weapons if the security of its regime is guaranteed. But Thae, one of the highest ranking officials to have defected in recent years, said: "North Korea will argue that the process of nuclear disarmament will lead to the collapse of North Korea and oppose CVID." The North wanted to ensure Kim's "absolute power" and its model of hereditary succession, he added, and would oppose intrusive inspections as they "would be viewed as a process of breaking down Kim Jong Un's absolute power in front of the eyes of ordinary North Koreans and elites". At a party meeting last month when Kim proclaimed the development of the North's nuclear force complete and promised no more nuclear or missile tests, he called its arsenal "a powerful treasured sword for defending peace". "Giving it up soon after Kim Jong Un himself labelled it the 'treasured sword for defending peace' and a firm guarantee for the future? It can never happen," Thae said. In his memoir that hit shelves Monday, Thae added: "More people should realise that North Korea is desperately clinging to its nuclear programme more than anything." Tensions on and around the peninsula had been mounting for years as Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes saw it subjected to multiple rounds of increasingly strict sanctions by the UN Security Council, the US, EU, South Korea and others. Trump last year threatened the North with "fire and fury". But since the Winter Olympics in the South, Pyongyang and Washington have agreed to the unprecedented Singapore meeting. Kim has also twice visited China after not paying his respects to President Xi Jinping in the six years since he inherited power from his father, and met the South's President Moon Jae-in in the Demilitarized Zone that divides their countries. North Korea's sudden change in attitude was probably driven by the mounting international sanctions imposed over its weapons programmes that had begun to take a toll on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, Thae said. As of last year the UN Security Council sanctions included measures on sectors such as coal, fish, textiles and overseas workers. "North Korea did not foresee the destructive power of these sanctions," Thae told the interview. "These sanctions are threatening the livelihoods of millions of North Koreans at the root." But Pyongyang had a long history of making overtures that ultimately came to nothing, he warned. "North Korea's diplomacy has always been a repeat of hardline and appeasement," Thae said. "It is North Korea's diplomatic tactic to push the situatio

North Korea will never fully give up nuclear weapons: Top defector

Within a week of US President Donald Trump announcing America's pullout from the Iran nuclear accord, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.&nbsp;

Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement.

According to reports, President Hassan Rouhani has asked Zarif to get European countries, like China and Russia, to take measures that could save the nuke deal post United States' exit.&nbsp;

Zarif is scheduled to leave for Russia after his China visit from where he will head to Brussels to meet foreign ministers from Germany, Britain and France and discuss the "fate of the nuclear deal".

&nbsp;

According to reports, President Hassan Rouhani has asked Zarif to get European countries to take measures that could save the nuke deal

Within a week of US President Donald Trump announcing America's pullout from the Iran nuclear accord, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement. According to reports, President Hassan Rouhani has asked Zarif to get European countries, like China and Russia, to take measures that could save the nuke deal post United States' exit. Zarif is scheduled to leave for Russia after his China visit from where he will head to Brussels to meet foreign ministers from Germany, Britain and France and discuss the "fate of the nuclear deal".

Iran-China meet over nuke deal after US exit

The United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, a move that has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians.

The opening ceremony is at an existing US&nbsp;consular building in the mostly Jewish Arnona neighbourhood of the city, inside which an interim embassy with a small staff will operate until a larger site is found.

But the location is controversial - the compound cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line separating West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and has held under occupation ever since.

The embassy move is the most tangible result so far of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision last December to break with decades of US&nbsp;policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that "the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem."

But the move upset the Arab world and Western allies, and protests are expected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it a "slap in the face" and said the US&nbsp;can no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

Trump said that his administration has a peace proposal in the works, and that by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of America's closest ally he had "taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table."

There has long been pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington to move the US&nbsp;embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and Trump made it a signature promise of his 2016 election campaign.

Vice-President Mike Pence and David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel appointed by Trump, are thought to have pushed hard for both recognition and embassy relocation.

It is a decision that was popular with many conservative and evangelical Christians who voted for Trump and Pence. Many of them support political recognition of Israel's claim to the city.

Trump acted under a 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama consistently signed waivers.

Announcing his decision on December 6, Trump cited the Jerusalem Embassy Act and suggested that his predecessors had "lacked courage." He said: "They failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering."

Jerusalem is a city that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each religion has sites of great significance there. Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia by its inhabitants, and by regional powers and invaders including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, early Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans, the British Empire, and by the modern states of Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Israel's government regards Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the country, although that is not recognized internationally. Palestinians feel equally strongly, saying that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. The city even has different names. Jews call it Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, and Arabs call it Al-Quds, which means "The Holy".

But the city's significance goes further.

At the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity but all that remains of them above ground is a restraining wall for the foundations built by Herod the Great. Known as the Western Wall, this is a sacred place of prayer for Jews.

Within yards of the wall, and overlooking it, are two Muslim holy places, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who revere it as the place where they believe that Jesus Christ preached, died and was resurrected.

In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the then British-ruled Palestine should be partitioned into an Arab state and a Jewish state. But it recognized that Jerusalem had special status and proposed international rule for the city, along with nearby Bethlehem, as a 'corpus separatum' to be administered by the United Nations.

That never happened. When British rule ended in 1948, Jordanian forces occupied the Old City and Arab East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally.

In 1980 the Israeli parliament passed a law declaring the "complete and united" city of Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. But the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied, and the city's status as disputed until resolved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The King of Jordan retains a role in ensuring the upkeep of the Muslim holy places.

Guatemala will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the American move, and Paraguay later this month.

Guatemala and a dozen other countries maintained embassies in Jerusalem in the past. All moved them out of the city years ago, after a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution calling on countries to relocate to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US&nbsp;lead, but he did not identify them.

In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN&nbsp;General Assembly resolution calling on the US&nbsp;to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote.

Since the announcement, there has been tension, with Palestinian protests in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week border protest.

That protest culminates on May 15, a day that Palestinians traditionally lament homes and land lost as Israel was created in 1948, given extra significance this year because it falls on the day after the US&nbsp;Embassy move.

Although the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces have not been on the scale of the first and second Palestinian intifadas in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, violence has erupted before over matters of sovereignty and religion.

In 1969 an Australian Messianic Christian tried to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He failed, but caused damage. So charged was the Middle East's political climate - just two years after the Six Day War - that there was fury across the Arab world.

In 2000, the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon, then opposition leader, led a group of Israeli lawmakers onto the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif complex. Palestinians protested, and there were violent clashes that quickly escalated into the second Palestinian uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada.

Deadly confrontations also took place last July after Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the complex following the killing of two Israeli policemen thereby Arab-Israeli gunmen.

Arab leaders across the Middle East have warned that a unilateral American move could lead to turmoil, and hamper US&nbsp;efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that 'the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem'

The United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, a move that has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. The opening ceremony is at an existing US consular building in the mostly Jewish Arnona neighbourhood of the city, inside which an interim embassy with a small staff will operate until a larger site is found. But the location is controversial - the compound cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line separating West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and has held under occupation ever since. The embassy move is the most tangible result so far of US President Donald Trump's decision last December to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that "the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem." But the move upset the Arab world and Western allies, and protests are expected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it a "slap in the face" and said the US can no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel. Trump said that his administration has a peace proposal in the works, and that by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of America's closest ally he had "taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table." There has long been pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and Trump made it a signature promise of his 2016 election campaign. Vice-President Mike Pence and David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel appointed by Trump, are thought to have pushed hard for both recognition and embassy relocation. It is a decision that was popular with many conservative and evangelical Christians who voted for Trump and Pence. Many of them support political recognition of Israel's claim to the city. Trump acted under a 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama consistently signed waivers. Announcing his decision on December 6, Trump cited the Jerusalem Embassy Act and suggested that his predecessors had "lacked courage." He said: "They failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering." Jerusalem is a city that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each religion has sites of great significance there. Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia by its inhabitants, and by regional powers and invaders including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, early Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans, the British Empire, and by the modern states of Israel and its Arab neighbours. Israel's government regards Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the country, although that is not recognized internationally. Palestinians feel equally strongly, saying that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. The city even has different names. Jews call it Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, and Arabs call it Al-Quds, which means "The Holy". But the city's significance goes further. At the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity but all that remains of them above ground is a restraining wall for the foundations built by Herod the Great. Known as the Western Wall, this is a sacred place of prayer for Jews. Within yards of the wall, and overlooking it, are two Muslim holy places, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who revere it as the place where they believe that Jesus Christ preached, died and was resurrected. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the then British-ruled Palestine should be partitioned into an Arab state and a Jewish state. But it recognized that Jerusalem had special status and proposed international rule for the city, along with nearby Bethlehem, as a 'corpus separatum' to be administered by the United Nations. That never happened. When British rule ended in 1948, Jordanian forces occupied the Old City and Arab East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally. In 1980 the Israeli parliament passed a law declaring the "complete and united" city of Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. But the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied, and the city's status as disputed until resolved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The King of Jordan retains a role in ensuring the upkeep of the Muslim holy places. Guatemala will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the American move, and Paraguay later this month. Guatemala and a dozen other countries maintained embassies in Jerusalem in the past. All moved them out of the city years ago, after a UN Security Council resolution calling on countries to relocate to Tel Aviv. Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution calling on the US to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Since the announcement, there has been tension, with Palestinian protests in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week border protest. That protest culminates on May 15, a day that Palestinians traditionally lament homes and land lost as Israel was created in 1948, given extra significance this year because it falls on the day after the US Embassy move. Although the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces have not been on the scale of the first and second Palestinian intifadas in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, violence has erupted before over matters of sovereignty and religion. In 1969 an Australian Messianic Christian tried to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He failed, but caused damage. So charged was the Middle East's political climate - just two years after the Six Day War - that there was fury across the Arab world. In 2000, the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon, then opposition leader, led a group of Israeli lawmakers onto the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif complex. Palestinians protested, and there were violent clashes that quickly escalated into the second Palestinian uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Deadly confrontations also took place last July after Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the complex following the killing of two Israeli policemen thereby Arab-Israeli gunmen. Arab leaders across the Middle East have warned that a unilateral American move could lead to turmoil, and hamper US efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Why is US moving its embassy to Jerusalem?

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Sunday that Tehran would remain committed to its 2015 nuclear deal if its interests can be protected and said the U.S. withdrawal from the accord was a "violation of morals".

"The U.S. withdrawal ... is a violation of morals, the correct way to carry out politics and diplomacy and against international regulations," Rouhani during a meeting with visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena.

"If the remaining five countries continue to abide by the agreement, Iran will remain in the deal despite the will of America," Rouhani said in remarks carried by state television.

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil.

In what is seen as a last-ditch effort to save the accord after Washington's withdrawal, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has embarked on a tour of world powers.

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Sunday that Tehran would remain committed to its 2015 nuclear deal if its interests can be protected and said the U.S. withdrawal from the accord was a "violation of morals". "The U.S. withdrawal ... is a violation of morals, the correct way to carry out politics and diplomacy and against international regulations," Rouhani during a meeting with visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. "If the remaining five countries continue to abide by the agreement, Iran will remain in the deal despite the will of America," Rouhani said in remarks carried by state television. U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil. In what is seen as a last-ditch effort to save the accord after Washington's withdrawal, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has embarked on a tour of world powers.

Rouhani says Iran may remain part of nuclear accord

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's list appears to be leading in Iraq's parliamentary election, followed by influential Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's alliance, an election commission source and a security official told&nbsp;on Sunday.

The sources cited unofficial initial results.

Iraqis voted on Saturday in the first election since the defeat of Islamic State militants inside the country.

Final results are expected on Monday.

Turnout was 44.52 percent with 92 percent of votes counted, the Independent High Electoral Commission said -- significantly lower than in previous elections.

Results are due to be officially announced on Monday.

Abadi, a rare ally of both the United States and Iran, was mainly concerned with fending off Shi'ite Muslim groups other than Sadr's alliance, which are seeking to pull the country closer to Tehran.

Those rivals were his predecessor as prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, and the leader of the main Shi'ite paramilitary group, Hadi al-Amiri, both closer than he is to Iran, which has wide sway in Iraq as the primary Shi'ite power in the region.

Unofficial results compiled by&nbsp;reporters in southern provinces also indicated that Sadr, a firebrand cleric who led a violent uprising against US&nbsp;troops from 2003-2011, appeared to be making a strong showing.

If the Sadr list finished second, that would mark a surprise comeback by the cleric.

Sadr has a zealous following among the young, poor and dispossessed but has been sidelined by influential Iranian-backed figures such as Amiri.

Sadr has kept Tehran at a distance.

Sadr has formed an unlikely alliance with communists and other independent secular supporters who joined protests he organised in 2016 to press the government to see through a move to stem endemic corruption.

He derives much of his authority from his family. Sadr's father, highly respected Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq al-Sadr, was murdered in 1999 for defying Saddam Hussein.

His father’s cousin, Mohammed Baqir, was killed by Saddam in 1980.

Whoever wins the election will have to contend with the fallout from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision to quit Iran's nuclear deal, a move Iraqis fear could turn their country into a theatre of conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Abadi, who came to power four years ago after Islamic State seized a third of Iraqi territory, received US&nbsp;military support for Iraq's army to defeat the Sunni Muslim militant group even as he gave free rein to Iran to back Shi'ite militias fighting on the same side.

If parliament chooses him as prime minister, Abadi will remain under pressure to maintain that balancing act amid tensions between Washington and Tehran over the nuclear accord.

Abadi, a British-educated engineer, was seen by some Iraqis as lacking charisma and ineffective.

He had no powerful political machine of his own when he took office.

But the defeat of Islamic State and Abadi's campaign to eradicate Iraq's rampant corruption improved his standing.

Even if Abadi's Victory Alliance wins the most seats, he still must negotiate a coalition government, which must be formed within 90 days of the election.

Amiri's Badr organisation played a key role in the battle against Islamic State. But some Iraqis resent his close ties to Tehran.

The dissident-turned-militia leader spent more than two decades fighting Saddam Hussein from exile in Iran.

His list is expected to come in third place, according to the election commission source and security official.

Iraqis voted on Saturday in the first election since the defeat of Islamic State militants inside the country

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's list appears to be leading in Iraq's parliamentary election, followed by influential Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's alliance, an election commission source and a security official told on Sunday. The sources cited unofficial initial results. Iraqis voted on Saturday in the first election since the defeat of Islamic State militants inside the country. Final results are expected on Monday. Turnout was 44.52 percent with 92 percent of votes counted, the Independent High Electoral Commission said -- significantly lower than in previous elections. Results are due to be officially announced on Monday. Abadi, a rare ally of both the United States and Iran, was mainly concerned with fending off Shi'ite Muslim groups other than Sadr's alliance, which are seeking to pull the country closer to Tehran. Those rivals were his predecessor as prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, and the leader of the main Shi'ite paramilitary group, Hadi al-Amiri, both closer than he is to Iran, which has wide sway in Iraq as the primary Shi'ite power in the region. Unofficial results compiled by reporters in southern provinces also indicated that Sadr, a firebrand cleric who led a violent uprising against US troops from 2003-2011, appeared to be making a strong showing. If the Sadr list finished second, that would mark a surprise comeback by the cleric. Sadr has a zealous following among the young, poor and dispossessed but has been sidelined by influential Iranian-backed figures such as Amiri. Sadr has kept Tehran at a distance. Sadr has formed an unlikely alliance with communists and other independent secular supporters who joined protests he organised in 2016 to press the government to see through a move to stem endemic corruption. He derives much of his authority from his family. Sadr's father, highly respected Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq al-Sadr, was murdered in 1999 for defying Saddam Hussein. His father’s cousin, Mohammed Baqir, was killed by Saddam in 1980. Whoever wins the election will have to contend with the fallout from US President Donald Trump's decision to quit Iran's nuclear deal, a move Iraqis fear could turn their country into a theatre of conflict between Washington and Tehran. Abadi, who came to power four years ago after Islamic State seized a third of Iraqi territory, received US military support for Iraq's army to defeat the Sunni Muslim militant group even as he gave free rein to Iran to back Shi'ite militias fighting on the same side. If parliament chooses him as prime minister, Abadi will remain under pressure to maintain that balancing act amid tensions between Washington and Tehran over the nuclear accord. Abadi, a British-educated engineer, was seen by some Iraqis as lacking charisma and ineffective. He had no powerful political machine of his own when he took office. But the defeat of Islamic State and Abadi's campaign to eradicate Iraq's rampant corruption improved his standing. Even if Abadi's Victory Alliance wins the most seats, he still must negotiate a coalition government, which must be formed within 90 days of the election. Amiri's Badr organisation played a key role in the battle against Islamic State. But some Iraqis resent his close ties to Tehran. The dissident-turned-militia leader spent more than two decades fighting Saddam Hussein from exile in Iran. His list is expected to come in third place, according to the election commission source and security official.

Iraq election: Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ahead, say sources

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to dismantle its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-taking-measures-to-dismantle-nuclear-site-136388">taking technical measures</a>" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

"North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th," Trump tweeted.

"Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!"&nbsp;

Trump will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12.

The meeting is unprecedented. No American President has ever met with a North Korean leader while in office.&nbsp;

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North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th. Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!
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North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was 'taking technical measures' to dismantle its test site

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to dismantle its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site. "North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th," Trump tweeted. "Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!" Trump will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12. The meeting is unprecedented. No American President has ever met with a North Korean leader while in office. North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th. Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2018 ×

'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to dismantle nuclear test site

President Donald Trump will address around 800 US and Israeli dignitaries at the ceremonial opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem by video on Monday, the US ambassador said.

It was not immediately clear from Ambassador David Friedman's comment, on a call with reporters, whether Trump would speak via a live videolink or a pre-recorded address.

"Big week next week when the American Embassy in Israel will be moved to Jerusalem. Congratulations to all!" Trump tweeted on Friday.

The ambassador said staff at the Tel Aviv mission had just marked its last day as an embassy and some of them would turn up for work on Monday at the Jerusalem embassy, which would host an opening ceremony later that day.

"People will be coming back to work as the embassy branch of the Jerusalem embassy, and I think we're all very happy and excited to be participating in such a historic event," Friedman said.

"People have been working literally around the clock in getting ready for our opening dedication ceremony on Monday. We'll be ready."&nbsp;

Friedman said around 800 people were expected for the ceremony, he added, explaining that in addition to the previously announced US presidential delegation, a "healthy number" of American lawmakers were also set to attend.

"The president, from my side of things, will be addressing the audience by video," he said.

Lindsey Graham's office said he would be among a delegation of senators, also including Ted Cruz, who would attend the opening ceremony and meet with Israeli officials about "counter-terrorism and national security issues."

But he stressed the event will be a bilateral US-Israeli celebration, downplaying reports that very few if any diplomats from other countries that have not recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital would attend.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation that will include Trump's daughter Ivanka, her husband and senior White House aide Jared Kushner, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The US decision to move the embassy and to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital raised concern in many capitals, and outrage in some, that Washington is pre-judging the result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Trump has been criticized for handing his ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a political victory without insisting on any Israeli concessions that might mollify Palestinians and help revive the moribund peace process.

But Friedman insisted that the embassy decision had been taken purely in the US national interest.

"The Israelis are obviously desirous of this, and they've requested this, and they're very happy by it," he said. &nbsp;

"But the decision was made because it was viewed to be in the best interests of the United States and something the president had promised during the campaign, and something the United States felt was in its best interests."&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear whether Trump would speak via a live videolink or a pre-recorded address

President Donald Trump will address around 800 US and Israeli dignitaries at the ceremonial opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem by video on Monday, the US ambassador said. It was not immediately clear from Ambassador David Friedman's comment, on a call with reporters, whether Trump would speak via a live videolink or a pre-recorded address. "Big week next week when the American Embassy in Israel will be moved to Jerusalem. Congratulations to all!" Trump tweeted on Friday. The ambassador said staff at the Tel Aviv mission had just marked its last day as an embassy and some of them would turn up for work on Monday at the Jerusalem embassy, which would host an opening ceremony later that day. "People will be coming back to work as the embassy branch of the Jerusalem embassy, and I think we're all very happy and excited to be participating in such a historic event," Friedman said. "People have been working literally around the clock in getting ready for our opening dedication ceremony on Monday. We'll be ready." Friedman said around 800 people were expected for the ceremony, he added, explaining that in addition to the previously announced US presidential delegation, a "healthy number" of American lawmakers were also set to attend. "The president, from my side of things, will be addressing the audience by video," he said. Lindsey Graham's office said he would be among a delegation of senators, also including Ted Cruz, who would attend the opening ceremony and meet with Israeli officials about "counter-terrorism and national security issues." But he stressed the event will be a bilateral US-Israeli celebration, downplaying reports that very few if any diplomats from other countries that have not recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital would attend. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation that will include Trump's daughter Ivanka, her husband and senior White House aide Jared Kushner, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The US decision to move the embassy and to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital raised concern in many capitals, and outrage in some, that Washington is pre-judging the result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump has been criticized for handing his ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a political victory without insisting on any Israeli concessions that might mollify Palestinians and help revive the moribund peace process. But Friedman insisted that the embassy decision had been taken purely in the US national interest. "The Israelis are obviously desirous of this, and they've requested this, and they're very happy by it," he said. "But the decision was made because it was viewed to be in the best interests of the United States and something the president had promised during the campaign, and something the United States felt was in its best interests."

Trump to address Jerusalem embassy opening by video

The United States promised Friday that it would work to rebuild North Korea's sanctions-crippled economy if Kim Jong Un's regime agrees to surrender its nuclear arsenal.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's vow came as senior US officials expressed growing optimism ahead of the landmark June 12 summit between Kim and President Donald Trump.

Pompeo, who held talks Pyongyang's young leader over the weekend, even said "we have a pretty good understanding between our two countries about what the shared objectives are."

He was speaking after talks with his South Korean opposite number Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha to coordinate Washington and Seoul's preparations for the historic encounter.

Many observers have warned Kim's regime will try to drive a wedge between the allies as the summit approaches, playing Seoul's fear of war against Washington's nuclear concerns.

But both Kang and Pompeo insisted that they agreed on the need for the "total, permanent and verifiable" denuclearization of the divided peninsula.

Trump and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in are due to meet on May 22 at the White House for the next round of planning.

Pompeo said the United States would remain on board to help develop the North's economy, which has been devastated by its own mismanagement and crippling international sanctions.

"If North Korea takes bold action to quickly denuclearize, the United States is prepared to work with North Korea to achieve prosperity on par with our South Korean friends," he said.

Since an ad hoc 1953 armistice put an end to active hostilities between the North and the South, South Korea has emerged from devastation to become a leading world economy.

'Good conversations'

But the North has remained one of the world's most isolated states and its outdated economy has been further battered by a UN-backed "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions.

Over the past year Kim and Trump have added a personal touch to a half-century of international enmity, swapping insults and both openly threatening devastating direct military action.

Kim's regime also carried out missile tests that convinced US intelligence officials, including Pompeo in his former role as CIA chief, that North Korea could threaten US cities.

But South Korea's President Moon reached out to the North, reopening direct talks, and when Kim invited Trump to a summit to discuss disarmament the mood changed.

Pompeo flew to Pyongyang for talks and to recover three released American detainees, and now a summit date has been set for June 12 in Singapore.

"We had good conversations, conversations that involve deep complex problems, challenges, strategic decisions that chairman Kim has before him," Pompeo said.

The pair, he said, talked "about how it is he wishes to proceed and if he's prepared, in exchange for the assurances that we're ready to provide him, if he is prepared to fully denuclearize.

"We'll require a robust verification program, one that we would undertake with partners around the world which would achieve that outcome," he warned.

But he added: "I'm confident that we have a shared understanding of the outcome that the leaders want, certainly President Trump and chairman Kim, but I think President Moon as well."

South Korea's Kang shared in Pompeo's optimism and was at pains to insist that there is no daylight between how Washington and Seoul are approaching the talks.

"We agreed that the summit would be an historic opportunity for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, and securing enduring peace on the Korean peninsula," she said.

"We reaffirmed that our goal is to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula," she added, promising "air-tight" coordination.&nbsp

Carrot and stick

Pompeo's promise of an economic carrot to match the stick of "maximum pressure" may reassure observers who are concerned that Seoul and Washington's objectives are not exactly aligned. &nbsp

"There's a danger here of the peace track moving more quickly than the denuclearization track," warned Abraham Denmark, an Asia expert and former senior US defense official.

"If that happens, it could give North Korea an opportunity to try to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington," said Denmark, now at the Wilson Center think tank in the US capital.

Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice offered three recommendations to Trump: allow experts to make the deal, don't negotiate away the "equities" of others including Japan and South Korea, and "don't be anxious to remove American troops from the equation."

"If we can hold to those three principles, this might work," Rice said at Stanford's Hoover Institution.

So far, the North Korean regime has made vague pledges to "denuclearize" but has not spelled out what that means, when it would happen or how it would be implemented.

In North Korea's bombastic rhetoric, "denuclearization" has, for years, been a byword for US troop withdrawals from South Korea -- an idea that Kang appeared to reject.

After her talks with Pompeo, she took pains to "emphasize again that the US military presence in Korea is a matter for the ROK-US alliance first and foremost."

Hardliners in the North are believed to see a nuclear weapon as a guarantee against outside efforts to topple the regime, but Trump insists he will not tolerate their growing arsenal.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's vow came as senior US officials expressed growing optimism ahead of the landmark June 12 summit between Kim and President Donald Trump

The United States promised Friday that it would work to rebuild North Korea's sanctions-crippled economy if Kim Jong Un's regime agrees to surrender its nuclear arsenal. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's vow came as senior US officials expressed growing optimism ahead of the landmark June 12 summit between Kim and President Donald Trump. Pompeo, who held talks Pyongyang's young leader over the weekend, even said "we have a pretty good understanding between our two countries about what the shared objectives are." He was speaking after talks with his South Korean opposite number Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha to coordinate Washington and Seoul's preparations for the historic encounter. Many observers have warned Kim's regime will try to drive a wedge between the allies as the summit approaches, playing Seoul's fear of war against Washington's nuclear concerns. But both Kang and Pompeo insisted that they agreed on the need for the "total, permanent and verifiable" denuclearization of the divided peninsula. Trump and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in are due to meet on May 22 at the White House for the next round of planning. Pompeo said the United States would remain on board to help develop the North's economy, which has been devastated by its own mismanagement and crippling international sanctions. "If North Korea takes bold action to quickly denuclearize, the United States is prepared to work with North Korea to achieve prosperity on par with our South Korean friends," he said. Since an ad hoc 1953 armistice put an end to active hostilities between the North and the South, South Korea has emerged from devastation to become a leading world economy. 'Good conversations' But the North has remained one of the world's most isolated states and its outdated economy has been further battered by a UN-backed "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions. Over the past year Kim and Trump have added a personal touch to a half-century of international enmity, swapping insults and both openly threatening devastating direct military action. Kim's regime also carried out missile tests that convinced US intelligence officials, including Pompeo in his former role as CIA chief, that North Korea could threaten US cities. But South Korea's President Moon reached out to the North, reopening direct talks, and when Kim invited Trump to a summit to discuss disarmament the mood changed. Pompeo flew to Pyongyang for talks and to recover three released American detainees, and now a summit date has been set for June 12 in Singapore. "We had good conversations, conversations that involve deep complex problems, challenges, strategic decisions that chairman Kim has before him," Pompeo said. The pair, he said, talked "about how it is he wishes to proceed and if he's prepared, in exchange for the assurances that we're ready to provide him, if he is prepared to fully denuclearize. "We'll require a robust verification program, one that we would undertake with partners around the world which would achieve that outcome," he warned. But he added: "I'm confident that we have a shared understanding of the outcome that the leaders want, certainly President Trump and chairman Kim, but I think President Moon as well." South Korea's Kang shared in Pompeo's optimism and was at pains to insist that there is no daylight between how Washington and Seoul are approaching the talks. "We agreed that the summit would be an historic opportunity for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, and securing enduring peace on the Korean peninsula," she said. "We reaffirmed that our goal is to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula," she added, promising "air-tight" coordination. Carrot and stick Pompeo's promise of an economic carrot to match the stick of "maximum pressure" may reassure observers who are concerned that Seoul and Washington's objectives are not exactly aligned. "There's a danger here of the peace track moving more quickly than the denuclearization track," warned Abraham Denmark, an Asia expert and former senior US defense official. "If that happens, it could give North Korea an opportunity to try to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington," said Denmark, now at the Wilson Center think tank in the US capital. Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice offered three recommendations to Trump: allow experts to make the deal, don't negotiate away the "equities" of others including Japan and South Korea, and "don't be anxious to remove American troops from the equation." "If we can hold to those three principles, this might work," Rice said at Stanford's Hoover Institution. So far, the North Korean regime has made vague pledges to "denuclearize" but has not spelled out what that means, when it would happen or how it would be implemented. In North Korea's bombastic rhetoric, "denuclearization" has, for years, been a byword for US troop withdrawals from South Korea -- an idea that Kang appeared to reject. After her talks with Pompeo, she took pains to "emphasize again that the US military presence in Korea is a matter for the ROK-US alliance first and foremost." Hardliners in the North are believed to see a nuclear weapon as a guarantee against outside efforts to topple the regime, but Trump insists he will not tolerate their growing arsenal.

US vows to make North Korea rich if it gives up nukes

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place in Singapore on June 12.

"We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!" Trump said in a tweeted announcement.

The location and date of the summit -- the first ever between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- were revealed hours after three American prisoners were released by North Korea and arrived back in the United States.

Officials said that step removed the last major obstacle to the nuclear-focused summit, providing Trump with tangible evidence that his policy of engagement was reaping rewards.

The small Southeast Asian city state of Singapore has long acted as a bridge between the United States and China.&nbsp;

The Trump-Kim summit has no precedent in US-North Korean relations. No US president has met with his North Korean counterpart while in office.

Despite the optimism of that moment, a deal to limit North Korea's nuclear program ultimately failed.

A decade on, the nuclear threat with North Korea has only grown, with the country believed to be on the cusp of developing intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.

Trump has vowed that he will not let that happen and has demanded that North Korea give up its nukes.

So far the regime has not indicated it is willing to do that. Hardliners are likely see possession of a nuke as the only guarantee against US-led efforts to topple the regime.

Pyongyang has yet to indicate its price for any move toward denuclearization and may yet demand US troops withdraw from South Korea as a quid pro quo.

That complex strategic puzzle will be the focus of the June 12 summit between two relatively new and untested leaders.

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The highly anticipated meeting between Kim Jong Un and myself will take place in Singapore on June 12th. We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/994587349718847489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On behalf of the American people, WELCOME HOME! <a href="https://t.co/hISaCI95CB">pic.twitter.com/hISaCI95CB</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/994517833357946882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Trump-Kim summit has no precedent in US-North Korean relations. No US president has met with his North Korean counterpart while in office

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place in Singapore on June 12. "We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!" Trump said in a tweeted announcement. The location and date of the summit -- the first ever between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- were revealed hours after three American prisoners were released by North Korea and arrived back in the United States. Officials said that step removed the last major obstacle to the nuclear-focused summit, providing Trump with tangible evidence that his policy of engagement was reaping rewards. The small Southeast Asian city state of Singapore has long acted as a bridge between the United States and China. The Trump-Kim summit has no precedent in US-North Korean relations. No US president has met with his North Korean counterpart while in office. Despite the optimism of that moment, a deal to limit North Korea's nuclear program ultimately failed. A decade on, the nuclear threat with North Korea has only grown, with the country believed to be on the cusp of developing intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental United States. Trump has vowed that he will not let that happen and has demanded that North Korea give up its nukes. So far the regime has not indicated it is willing to do that. Hardliners are likely see possession of a nuke as the only guarantee against US-led efforts to topple the regime. Pyongyang has yet to indicate its price for any move toward denuclearization and may yet demand US troops withdraw from South Korea as a quid pro quo. That complex strategic puzzle will be the focus of the June 12 summit between two relatively new and untested leaders. The highly anticipated meeting between Kim Jong Un and myself will take place in Singapore on June 12th. We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2018 × On behalf of the American people, WELCOME HOME! pic.twitter.com/hISaCI95CB — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2018 ×

'Very special moment for World Peace!' Trump tweets, says Kim summit set for Singapore

"I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00 pm," that is how the US President decided to escalate tensions and tease the Iran nuke deal issue further.

While all eyes are set on the fate of the 'landmark' nuclear accord, signed in the year 2015 between Iran and the P5 +1 countries, Trump's announcement is likely to create an aftermath which will ripple across the world for long.&nbsp;

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I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/993562242124865536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/a-timeline-of-trumps-statements-on-the-iran-nuclear-deal-135463">Trump's opposition towards the deal</a> was quite<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/a-timeline-of-trumps-statements-on-the-iran-nuclear-deal-135463"> out in the public</a> ever since he started campaigning for the US Presidential elections 2016. During his campaign, Trump had openly expressed dissatisfaction with the deal and had vowed to scrap the accord on the very first day of assuming office... it didn't happen.&nbsp;

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<h5>"Never ever ever in my life have I seen any transaction so incompetently negotiated as our deal with Iran -- and I mean never," Donald Trump as Republican presidential candidate, September 9, 2015, Washington DC</h5>
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What did happen was Trump administration's growing persistence in slapping more sanctions on Tehran and lobbying against the deal that Trump recently described as a "MESS" created by former US Secretary of State, John Kerry.&nbsp;

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The United States does not need John Kerry’s possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/993492804985872385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It all started last year when Donald Trump accused Tehran of not complying with the nuke pact. He went on to state that the deal was not aligned with America's national interest. The US President described the deal as "one-sided" maintaining that it did not target Iran’s ballistic missile programme as well as its role in the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

Trump went on to rake the fire further by imposing more sanctions on Iran. In July 2017, Washington announced fresh sanctions against Iran, targeting 18 individuals or entities for supporting the country's ballistic missile programme or radical groups.

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<h5>Trump described the deal as "one-sided" that it did not target Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen.</h5>
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"In response to these continued Iranian threats, the Administration today announces that it has designated 18 entities and individuals supporting Iran's ballistic missile programme and for supporting Iran's military procurement or Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as an Iran-based transnational criminal organisation and associated persons," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert announced.

Ms Nauert also accused Iran of supporting radical groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad "that threaten Israel and stability in the Middle East".

Iran continues to test and develop ballistic missiles in direct defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the spokesperson said.

It has been a longstanding complaint that the previous administration allowed the nuclear deal to be the "tail that wags the Iran policy dog", the official said, adding that the Trump administration is determined to not repeat that mistake.

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Donald Trump then went to seek a Congressional nod on measures that could have tightened the nuke deal further, calling for more stringent sanctions on Tehran -- the proposal fell flat, the Congress didn't pass any bill that would “address the deal’s many flaws” that the US President referred to.

Trump, having left with no option, made demands on the nuclear accord, threatening to pull out in case his demands are not met.&nbsp;

Trump noted that unless European allies fix the "terrible flaws" in the Iran nuclear deal by May 12, he will refuse to extend sanctions relief for oil-producing Iran. He had previously termed the deal as "terrible", "insane" and "ridiculous".

Iran has put forward a stern stance on the accord stating Donald Trump's demand to amend Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers was unacceptable. The country warned the United States of facing "regret of historic proportions" if it quits the deal.&nbsp;

"We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord. If America leaves the nuclear accord, this will entail historic remorse for it," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a speech.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's theatrical presentation last month on&nbsp;'evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program' further&nbsp;pressured Trump, suggesting United States' exit as inevitable.&nbsp;

French President and a close political ally of the US President, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed great distress over the scenario around the JCPOA. Macron had previously noted that he sees no "Plan-B" for the deal and that the deal can't have an alternative.&nbsp;

Macron recently anticipated United States' exit from the 2015 nuke accord fueled by "his (Trump's) own domestic reasons”.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-options-on-iran-nuclear-deal-135293">What could be Trump's possible options on Iran nuclear deal?</a>

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Britain, France and Germany proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syria’s war, in a bid to persuade US President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. US sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh “waivers” to suspend them on May 12.

UN secretary-general, António Guterres also emphasised the need for the deal to stay stating that no deal should be scrapped until there is a better agreement or an alternative in place. He called the accord a diplomatic victory which should be preserved.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that an alternative Iran nuke agreement may already be underway to mitigate the aftermath in case Trump pronounces measures unfavourable to the deal. However, the biggest challenge will be to get Trump to accept the result.

JCPOA's fate will be sealed in a few hours from now, according to Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs Minister of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-could-iran-do-if-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-135382">Iran</a>, Trump's exit from the agreement, "would be a very bad precedent if the United States sends this message to the international community that the length or the duration of any agreement would depend on the duration of the presidency".&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Trump's opposition toward the deal was quite out in the public ever since he started campaigning for the US Presidential elections in 2016

"I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00 pm," that is how the US President decided to escalate tensions and tease the Iran nuke deal issue further. While all eyes are set on the fate of the 'landmark' nuclear accord, signed in the year 2015 between Iran and the P5 +1 countries, Trump's announcement is likely to create an aftermath which will ripple across the world for long. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 × Trump's opposition towards the deal was quite out in the public ever since he started campaigning for the US Presidential elections 2016. During his campaign, Trump had openly expressed dissatisfaction with the deal and had vowed to scrap the accord on the very first day of assuming office... it didn't happen. "Never ever ever in my life have I seen any transaction so incompetently negotiated as our deal with Iran -- and I mean never," Donald Trump as Republican presidential candidate, September 9, 2015, Washington DC × What did happen was Trump administration's growing persistence in slapping more sanctions on Tehran and lobbying against the deal that Trump recently described as a "MESS" created by former US Secretary of State, John Kerry. The United States does not need John Kerry’s possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 × It all started last year when Donald Trump accused Tehran of not complying with the nuke pact. He went on to state that the deal was not aligned with America's national interest. The US President described the deal as "one-sided" maintaining that it did not target Iran’s ballistic missile programme as well as its role in the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Trump went on to rake the fire further by imposing more sanctions on Iran. In July 2017, Washington announced fresh sanctions against Iran, targeting 18 individuals or entities for supporting the country's ballistic missile programme or radical groups. Trump described the deal as "one-sided" that it did not target Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen. × "In response to these continued Iranian threats, the Administration today announces that it has designated 18 entities and individuals supporting Iran's ballistic missile programme and for supporting Iran's military procurement or Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as an Iran-based transnational criminal organisation and associated persons," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert announced. Ms Nauert also accused Iran of supporting radical groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad "that threaten Israel and stability in the Middle East". Iran continues to test and develop ballistic missiles in direct defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the spokesperson said. It has been a longstanding complaint that the previous administration allowed the nuclear deal to be the "tail that wags the Iran policy dog", the official said, adding that the Trump administration is determined to not repeat that mistake. "The previous administration allowed the nuclear deal to be the tail that wags the Iran policy dog," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert. × Donald Trump then went to seek a Congressional nod on measures that could have tightened the nuke deal further, calling for more stringent sanctions on Tehran -- the proposal fell flat, the Congress didn't pass any bill that would “address the deal’s many flaws” that the US President referred to. Trump, having left with no option, made demands on the nuclear accord, threatening to pull out in case his demands are not met. Trump noted that unless European allies fix the "terrible flaws" in the Iran nuclear deal by May 12, he will refuse to extend sanctions relief for oil-producing Iran. He had previously termed the deal as "terrible", "insane" and "ridiculous". Iran has put forward a stern stance on the accord stating Donald Trump's demand to amend Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers was unacceptable. The country warned the United States of facing "regret of historic proportions" if it quits the deal. "We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord. If America leaves the nuclear accord, this will entail historic remorse for it," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a speech. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's theatrical presentation last month on 'evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program' further pressured Trump, suggesting United States' exit as inevitable. French President and a close political ally of the US President, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed great distress over the scenario around the JCPOA. Macron had previously noted that he sees no "Plan-B" for the deal and that the deal can't have an alternative. Macron recently anticipated United States' exit from the 2015 nuke accord fueled by "his (Trump's) own domestic reasons”. Also Read: What could be Trump's possible options on Iran nuclear deal? Trump will get rid of this deal on his own for domestic reasons: French President Emmanuel Macron × Britain, France and Germany proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syria’s war, in a bid to persuade US President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. US sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh “waivers” to suspend them on May 12. UN secretary-general, António Guterres also emphasised the need for the deal to stay stating that no deal should be scrapped until there is a better agreement or an alternative in place. He called the accord a diplomatic victory which should be preserved. Reports suggest that an alternative Iran nuke agreement may already be underway to mitigate the aftermath in case Trump pronounces measures unfavourable to the deal. However, the biggest challenge will be to get Trump to accept the result. JCPOA's fate will be sealed in a few hours from now, according to Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran, Trump's exit from the agreement, "would be a very bad precedent if the United States sends this message to the international community that the length or the duration of any agreement would depend on the duration of the presidency". (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Donald Trump wants to scrap Iran nuclear deal so badly

US President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal is an act of "psychological warfare" against Iran, President Hassan Rouhani said.

Speaking on state television, Rouhani said he wished to discuss Trump's decision with the European, Russian and Chinese parties to the 2015 deal.

The Iranian president appeared on the state broadcaster just minutes after Trump announced the historic decision to withdraw the United States from the agreement.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-losing-everything-due-to-trump-135503">Iran's Rouhani 'losing everything' due to Trump</a>

Rouhani has stated in recent days that he hopes to salvage the deal as much as possible with the help of the other parties -- Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and the European Union -- who have strongly opposed Washington's decision to pull out.&nbsp;

Hassan Rouhani said he wished to discuss Trump's decision with the European, Russian and Chinese parties to the 2015 deal

US President Donald Trump's decision on Tuesday to pull out of the nuclear deal is an act of "psychological warfare" against Iran, President Hassan Rouhani said. Speaking on state television, Rouhani said he wished to discuss Trump's decision with the European, Russian and Chinese parties to the 2015 deal. The Iranian president appeared on the state broadcaster just minutes after Trump announced the historic decision to withdraw the United States from the agreement. Also read: Iran's Rouhani 'losing everything' due to Trump Rouhani has stated in recent days that he hopes to salvage the deal as much as possible with the help of the other parties -- Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and the European Union -- who have strongly opposed Washington's decision to pull out.

Trump decision to pull out of nuclear deal is 'psychological warfare': Iran President Rouhani

Israel has instructed local authorities in the Israeli-held Golan Heights to "unlock and ready (bomb) shelters" after identifying what the military described on Tuesday as "irregular activity of Iranian forces in Syria".

The announcement came minutes before U.S. President Donald Trump declared he was withdrawing from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, a move that has stirred concern about a possible regional flare-up.

Israeli media said the order to prepare bomb shelters was unprecedented during Syria`s seven-year-old civil war, in which Israel is formally neutral, though it has carried out cross-border strikes at suspected deployments by Iranian forces supporting

Damascus and arms transfers to Hezbollah guerrillas.

Iran has blamed Israel for an April 9 strike that killed seven of its personnel at a Syrian airbase and has vowed revenge.&nbsp

In its statement, Israel`s military further said that its defence systems had been deployed "and IDF (Israel Defence Force) troops are on high alert for an attack".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a televised address after Trump`s announcement, lauding the U.S. president`s hard tack on Iran and alluding to the tensions over Syria.

"For months now, Iran has been transferring lethal weaponry to its forces in Syria, with the purpose of striking at Israel," Netanyahu said. "We will respond mightily to any attack on our territory."

US president's move has stirred concern about a possible regional flare-up.

Israel has instructed local authorities in the Israeli-held Golan Heights to "unlock and ready (bomb) shelters" after identifying what the military described on Tuesday as "irregular activity of Iranian forces in Syria". The announcement came minutes before U.S. President Donald Trump declared he was withdrawing from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, a move that has stirred concern about a possible regional flare-up. Israeli media said the order to prepare bomb shelters was unprecedented during Syria`s seven-year-old civil war, in which Israel is formally neutral, though it has carried out cross-border strikes at suspected deployments by Iranian forces supporting Damascus and arms transfers to Hezbollah guerrillas. Iran has blamed Israel for an April 9 strike that killed seven of its personnel at a Syrian airbase and has vowed revenge. In its statement, Israel`s military further said that its defence systems had been deployed "and IDF (Israel Defence Force) troops are on high alert for an attack". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a televised address after Trump`s announcement, lauding the U.S. president`s hard tack on Iran and alluding to the tensions over Syria. "For months now, Iran has been transferring lethal weaponry to its forces in Syria, with the purpose of striking at Israel," Netanyahu said. "We will respond mightily to any attack on our territory."

Israel goes on high alert over Syria as Trump quits Iran deal

President Donald Trump on Tuesday pulled the United States out of an international agreement aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and said he would reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran immediately.

The decision is likely to raise the risk of conflict in the Middle East, upset America`s European allies and disrupt global oil supplies.

"This was a horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made," Trump said at the White House. "It didn`t bring calm. It didn`t bring peace. And it never will."

The 2015 deal, worked out by the United States, five other international powers and Iran, eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear programme.

Trump says the agreement, the signature foreign policy achievement of Trump`s predecessor Barack Obama, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 nor its role in conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

Trump said he was willing to negotiate a new deal with Iran, but Tehran has already ruled that out and threatened unspecified retaliation if Washington pulled out.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday that Trump`s decision to withdraw was "illegal, illegitimate and undermines international agreements."

Renewing sanctions would make it much harder for Iran to sell its oil abroad or use the international banking system.

The Iran deal may remain partially intact, even without the United States. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested on Monday that Iran could remain in the accord with the other signatories that stay committed to it.

Trump`s move is a snub to European allies such as France, Britain and Germany who are also part of the Iran deal and tried hard to convince the U.S. president to preserve it. The Europeans must now scramble to decide their own course of action with Tehran.

China and Russia are also signatories to the Iran deal.

Oil prices dived as much as 4 percent on Tuesday as media reports rattled markets with doubts about whether Trump would withdraw Washington.

Trump did not provide details of what he described as the “highest level of economic sanctions” that he is reimposing on Iran.&nbsp;

But he implied that he was going beyond not renewing waivers on sanctions related to Iran’s oil exports and its central bank that were due to expire on Saturday and reimpose all of the other U.S. sanctions that were suspended under the nuclear deal.

Iran`s growing military and political power in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq worries the United States, Israel and U.S. Arab allies such as Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Israel has traded blows with Iranian forces in Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming.

Trump said the 'disastrous' deal was an embarrassment for the US

President Donald Trump on Tuesday pulled the United States out of an international agreement aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and said he would reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran immediately. The decision is likely to raise the risk of conflict in the Middle East, upset America`s European allies and disrupt global oil supplies. "This was a horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made," Trump said at the White House. "It didn`t bring calm. It didn`t bring peace. And it never will." The 2015 deal, worked out by the United States, five other international powers and Iran, eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear programme. Trump says the agreement, the signature foreign policy achievement of Trump`s predecessor Barack Obama, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 nor its role in conflicts in Yemen and Syria. Trump said he was willing to negotiate a new deal with Iran, but Tehran has already ruled that out and threatened unspecified retaliation if Washington pulled out. Iranian state television said on Tuesday that Trump`s decision to withdraw was "illegal, illegitimate and undermines international agreements." Renewing sanctions would make it much harder for Iran to sell its oil abroad or use the international banking system. The Iran deal may remain partially intact, even without the United States. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested on Monday that Iran could remain in the accord with the other signatories that stay committed to it. Trump`s move is a snub to European allies such as France, Britain and Germany who are also part of the Iran deal and tried hard to convince the U.S. president to preserve it. The Europeans must now scramble to decide their own course of action with Tehran. China and Russia are also signatories to the Iran deal. Oil prices dived as much as 4 percent on Tuesday as media reports rattled markets with doubts about whether Trump would withdraw Washington. Trump did not provide details of what he described as the “highest level of economic sanctions” that he is reimposing on Iran. But he implied that he was going beyond not renewing waivers on sanctions related to Iran’s oil exports and its central bank that were due to expire on Saturday and reimpose all of the other U.S. sanctions that were suspended under the nuclear deal. Iran`s growing military and political power in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq worries the United States, Israel and U.S. Arab allies such as Saudi Arabia. Israel has traded blows with Iranian forces in Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming.

Trump pulls out of Iran nuclear deal, reimposes US sanctions

After the Trump bombshell (which was not unexpected), is Iran going to build the bomb? &nbsp;

The million-dollar question and the answer to it may depend on what the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-rouhani-agree-to-seek-continued-implementation-of-nuclear-deal-135774">Europeans do</a>. The US is only one signatory to the Iran deal. There are five others — the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China — who still support it. &nbsp;

Top Indian diplomats say the ones to watch are the three European countries. &nbsp;The deal could survive if they stick to it, but for how long? A reading of the US State Department advisory indicates a six-month window for countries to start winding down their Iran connections. These include banking, shipping and oil-related transactions. &nbsp; &nbsp;

All other connections must be shut down in 90 days. So private firms dealing with Iran have that window to terminate their licences "in an orderly way" the advisory helpfully adds.

So what happens to Europe? The advisory mentions dialogue with US allies and partners. That's probably a polite way of saying Washington will bully, intimidate, bend and twist every European arm to ensure they get on board. &nbsp;

Will Europe bend, twist and turn? Probably yes because their stakes in the US are too strong to be sacrificed for Iran. &nbsp;

That leaves the Iranians all the time and space they need to go and build their bomb. &nbsp;There's speculation how long they could take to build one. A few months claim some, more say others.

David Albright of the Institute for Science & International Security, writing in the New York Times, say it would take Iran 8-10 months to rebuild its enrichment complexes and acquire sufficient uranium fuel to make a bomb. &nbsp;This is only a first step, he warns, because the fuel would have to be turned into a weapon.

Recent revelations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest&nbsp;Iranian scientists have made detailed studies of warhead design. &nbsp;But that doesn't mean they know how to build one. &nbsp;Nor is it clear that they have the missiles to deliver the warheads.&nbsp;

In July 2015, when the nuclear deal was struck, Iran had less than 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to power nuclear reactors. &nbsp;But almost all of that had to be moved out of the country. &nbsp;The last inspection by international inspectors indicated iran had about 113 kg of uranium, not enough to make even one nuclear warhead. Nor does it have the uranium required to build a nuclear weapon.

The Iranians may prefer to make haste slowly. &nbsp;They may develop and build new centrifuge models that will then be used to enrich uranium to bomb grade. Iran has at least three uranium mines to make good any shortfall in uranium. So give them a year.&nbsp;But if they end up with something far sooner, you may have to credit some of their neighbours for that.

There were five other signatories to the Iran nuclear deal. Top Indian diplomats say what Iran does next will depend on what the European signatories — France, Germany, and the UK — do

After the Trump bombshell (which was not unexpected), is Iran going to build the bomb? The million-dollar question and the answer to it may depend on what the Europeans do. The US is only one signatory to the Iran deal. There are five others — the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China — who still support it. Top Indian diplomats say the ones to watch are the three European countries. The deal could survive if they stick to it, but for how long? A reading of the US State Department advisory indicates a six-month window for countries to start winding down their Iran connections. These include banking, shipping and oil-related transactions. All other connections must be shut down in 90 days. So private firms dealing with Iran have that window to terminate their licences "in an orderly way" the advisory helpfully adds. So what happens to Europe? The advisory mentions dialogue with US allies and partners. That's probably a polite way of saying Washington will bully, intimidate, bend and twist every European arm to ensure they get on board. Will Europe bend, twist and turn? Probably yes because their stakes in the US are too strong to be sacrificed for Iran. That leaves the Iranians all the time and space they need to go and build their bomb. There's speculation how long they could take to build one. A few months claim some, more say others. David Albright of the Institute for Science & International Security, writing in the New York Times, say it would take Iran 8-10 months to rebuild its enrichment complexes and acquire sufficient uranium fuel to make a bomb. This is only a first step, he warns, because the fuel would have to be turned into a weapon. Recent revelations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest Iranian scientists have made detailed studies of warhead design. But that doesn't mean they know how to build one. Nor is it clear that they have the missiles to deliver the warheads. In July 2015, when the nuclear deal was struck, Iran had less than 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to power nuclear reactors. But almost all of that had to be moved out of the country. The last inspection by international inspectors indicated iran had about 113 kg of uranium, not enough to make even one nuclear warhead. Nor does it have the uranium required to build a nuclear weapon. The Iranians may prefer to make haste slowly. They may develop and build new centrifuge models that will then be used to enrich uranium to bomb grade. Iran has at least three uranium mines to make good any shortfall in uranium. So give them a year. But if they end up with something far sooner, you may have to credit some of their neighbours for that.

Will Iran now make the bomb? Depends on Europe

Top American allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada regretted and expressed concerns over the decision of US President Donald Trump to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-out-of-iran-nuclear-deal-reimposes-us-sanctions-135588">withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal</a>.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday pulled the United States out of an international agreement aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and said he would reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran immediately.

"It is with regret and concern that we, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom take note of President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States of America from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," British Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday.

<a href="Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal">In a joint statement issued</a> soon after Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal yesterday, the leaders emphasized their continuing commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"This agreement remains important for our shared security. This resolution remains the binding international legal framework for the resolution of the dispute about the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge all sides to remain committed to its full implementation and to act in a spirit of responsibility," the three leaders said.

Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton said the US was having consultations with its top allies.

"It has been already in consultations with European and other allies before today's announcement because we were trying to be fully transparent with them," Bolton told reporters at the White House.

The President already made some calls yesterday and will make more. "I'm going to be discussing this tomorrow morning with my British, French, and German counterparts, so we're already underway," he said.

Leaders of the three countries encouraged Iran to show restraint in response to the decision by the US. Iran must continue to meet its own obligations under the deal, cooperating fully and in a timely manner with IAEA inspection requirements, they reiterated.

"There must be no doubt: Iran's nuclear programme must always remain peaceful and civilian. While taking the JCPOA as a base, we also agree that other major issues of concern need to be addressed," the statement said.

"A long-term framework for Iran's nuclear programme after some of the provisions of the JCPOA expire in 2025 will have to be defined. We must also address shared concerns about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its destabilising regional activities, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We have already started constructive and mutually beneficial discussions on these issues, and the E3 is committed to continuing them," they said.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland supported an effective rules-based international order, saying that the JCPOA was essential to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability and to ensure greater regional and global security.

"Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The JCPOA has subjected Iran's nuclear programme to a rigorous and unprecedented international verification regime by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," she said.

The JCPOA was not perfect but it helped curb a real threat to international peace and security, Freeland said.

"Canada regrets that the United States has decided to withdraw from the JCPOA, particularly given that, according to the IAEA, Iran continues to implement its JCPOA commitments. Canada condemns Iran's ongoing development of its ballistic missile programme and its ballistic missile launches, which are destabilising for the region. Canada maintains sanctions that target Iran's ballistic missile programmes," she added.

(With inputs from PTI)

The leaders emphasized their continuing commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Top American allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada regretted and expressed concerns over the decision of US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal. President Donald Trump on Tuesday pulled the United States out of an international agreement aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and said he would reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran immediately. "It is with regret and concern that we, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom take note of President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States of America from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," British Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday. In a joint statement issued soon after Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal yesterday, the leaders emphasized their continuing commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "This agreement remains important for our shared security. This resolution remains the binding international legal framework for the resolution of the dispute about the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge all sides to remain committed to its full implementation and to act in a spirit of responsibility," the three leaders said. Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton said the US was having consultations with its top allies. "It has been already in consultations with European and other allies before today's announcement because we were trying to be fully transparent with them," Bolton told reporters at the White House. The President already made some calls yesterday and will make more. "I'm going to be discussing this tomorrow morning with my British, French, and German counterparts, so we're already underway," he said. Leaders of the three countries encouraged Iran to show restraint in response to the decision by the US. Iran must continue to meet its own obligations under the deal, cooperating fully and in a timely manner with IAEA inspection requirements, they reiterated. "There must be no doubt: Iran's nuclear programme must always remain peaceful and civilian. While taking the JCPOA as a base, we also agree that other major issues of concern need to be addressed," the statement said. "A long-term framework for Iran's nuclear programme after some of the provisions of the JCPOA expire in 2025 will have to be defined. We must also address shared concerns about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its destabilising regional activities, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We have already started constructive and mutually beneficial discussions on these issues, and the E3 is committed to continuing them," they said. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland supported an effective rules-based international order, saying that the JCPOA was essential to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability and to ensure greater regional and global security. "Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The JCPOA has subjected Iran's nuclear programme to a rigorous and unprecedented international verification regime by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," she said. The JCPOA was not perfect but it helped curb a real threat to international peace and security, Freeland said. "Canada regrets that the United States has decided to withdraw from the JCPOA, particularly given that, according to the IAEA, Iran continues to implement its JCPOA commitments. Canada condemns Iran's ongoing development of its ballistic missile programme and its ballistic missile launches, which are destabilising for the region. Canada maintains sanctions that target Iran's ballistic missile programmes," she added. (With inputs from PTI)

Top American allies 'regret' US withdrawal from Iranian nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal prompted the furious reaction in Tehran, regret in Europe and cheers from Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The following is a selection of reactions from around the globe to Trump's biggest foreign policy move since taking office:

"This decision was an act of psychological warfare against Iran."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

"I have instructed the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization to take the necessary measures for future actions so that, if necessary, we can resume industrial enrichment without limit."

Rouhani

"Stay true to your commitments as we will stay true to ours and together with the rest of the international community, we will preserve this nuclear deal."

European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini

"France, Germany and the UK regret the US decision to leave the JCPOA. The nuclear non-proliferation regime is at stake. We will work collectively on a broader framework, covering nuclear activity, the post-2025 period, ballistic activity and stability in the Middle East, notably Syria, Yemen and Iraq."

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Twitter, referring to the Iran deal by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

"I call on other JCPOA participants to abide fully by their respective commitments under the JCPOA and on all other member-states to support this agreement."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

"Israel fully supports President Trump's bold decision today to reject the disastrous nuclear deal with the terrorist regime in Tehran."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp

 
"The kingdom supports and welcomes the steps announced by the US president toward withdrawing from the nuclear deal... and reinstating economic sanctions against Iran."

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry

"The reality is clear. The JCPOA is working... That is why today's announcement is so misguided... I believe that the decision to put the JCPOA at risk without any Iranian violation of the deal is a serious mistake."

Former US President Barack Obama, whose administration brokered the 2015 deal

Israel fully supports President Trump's bold decision today to reject the disastrous nuclear deal with the terrorist regime in Tehran.

US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal prompted the furious reaction in Tehran, regret in Europe and cheers from Israel and Saudi Arabia. The following is a selection of reactions from around the globe to Trump's biggest foreign policy move since taking office: "This decision was an act of psychological warfare against Iran." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani "I have instructed the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization to take the necessary measures for future actions so that, if necessary, we can resume industrial enrichment without limit." Rouhani "Stay true to your commitments as we will stay true to ours and together with the rest of the international community, we will preserve this nuclear deal." European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini "France, Germany and the UK regret the US decision to leave the JCPOA. The nuclear non-proliferation regime is at stake. We will work collectively on a broader framework, covering nuclear activity, the post-2025 period, ballistic activity and stability in the Middle East, notably Syria, Yemen and Iraq." French President Emmanuel Macron, on Twitter, referring to the Iran deal by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action "I call on other JCPOA participants to abide fully by their respective commitments under the JCPOA and on all other member-states to support this agreement." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "Israel fully supports President Trump's bold decision today to reject the disastrous nuclear deal with the terrorist regime in Tehran." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "The kingdom supports and welcomes the steps announced by the US president toward withdrawing from the nuclear deal... and reinstating economic sanctions against Iran." Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry "The reality is clear. The JCPOA is working... That is why today's announcement is so misguided... I believe that the decision to put the JCPOA at risk without any Iranian violation of the deal is a serious mistake." Former US President Barack Obama, whose administration brokered the 2015 deal

Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal

By:&nbsp;Charles Hermann*

The United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, according to a May 8 announcement by President Donald Trump. The decision reverses a hard-won agreement that President Barack Obama negotiated with European allies, Russia, Iran and other nations in 2015.

This is hardly Trump’s first foreign policy turnaround.

The president plans to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, something no sitting U.S. president has ever done. He also scrapped the Trans-Pacific Partnership, relocated the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and decreed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

All of these decisions have triggered vehement criticism.

But is Trump really such an outlier? As a scholar of American foreign policy, I know that many American presidents have reoriented international relations.

Some of those policies succeeded. Many faced opposition. Ultimately, though, my research shows that what matters more to U.S. national security is how those presidents responded when their foreign policy shifts failed.

From Truman to Bush

History has sometimes redeemed foreign policy shifts that seemed radical at first blush.

In 1947, President Harry Truman, a Democrat who stumbled into the presidency when Franklin Roosevelt died in office, asked Congress to authorise major military and economic assistance to Greece, Turkey and other countries where Communism was making inroads.

In the end, the “Truman Doctrine” – which held the U.S. should provide political, military and economic assistance to all nations under threat from authoritarianism – became a cornerstone of U.S. policy. Republicans in Congress, who wanted to enact steep federal budget cuts, opposed Truman’s request. Critics on the left said the U.S. should not assist non-democracies.

Three decades later, President Jimmy Carter paid a steep political price for agreeing to return the Panama Canal – at the time owned and operated by the U.S. – to Panama. Polls showed that a majority of respondents opposed the agreement.

The Senate approved the Panama Treaties by one vote. Several lawmakers who supported Carter subsequently lost their seats. In 1980, California governor Ronald Reagan – who criticised Carter’s return of the canal – handily defeated him for the presidency. Today, it seems logical that the Panama Canal belongs to Panama.

Another major shift in foreign policy occurred in 1989, with the fall of the Berlin Wall. President George H.W. Bush had to decide whether the U.S. should support the reunification of Communist East Germany with democratic West Germany.

European allies, vividly remembering that Germany had caused two global wars earlier that century, objected strenuously to reunification. So did Russian President Mikael Gorbachev. U.S. newspapers editorialised caution.

President Bush prevailed. A single, democratic Germany entered NATO. It is now the leader of democratic Europe.

Carter’s risk-taking

Presidents who upend foreign policy do so for different reasons.

Truman was responding to an international crisis. Carter saw himself as an outsider elected to transform America’s global role. Bush wanted to end the Cold War. Some presidential changes are designed to boost approval with core supporters.

Trump’s own policy shifts are probably driven by a variety of such factors.

Whatever his motivation, in my experience the most critical question now is: What happens if a Trump policy goes badly?

History confirms that the wrong reaction can be dangerous.

Take the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, when some 50 U.S. diplomats were detained at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran hostage.

After diplomatic negotiations failed to obtain their release, President Carter’s advisors presented him with several options, including levying sanctions, blockading Iran or attempting a rescue mission estimated to risk significant casualties.

Carter’s chose the rescue attempt, illustrating a well-researched insight into human decision-making: When people experience loss, they will take substantial risks in an attempt to recover.

The Iran hostage rescue mission was aborted almost immediately after several helicopters failed to reach the refueling point. Two other aircraft collided, killing eight men and badly burning four others.

Bush’s escalation

George W. Bush’s behavior during the Iraq War demonstrates another kind of potentially dangerous behavior, called escalation of commitment.

When people find that their initial idea is not working well, they must either double down or change course. Regardless of how bad the news, many opt to increase their commitment.

By 2006, the U.S. faced losing the war initiated against Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. Fifty-seven percent of voters that year disapproved of Bush’s performance. Roughly the same percentage favored withdrawing from Iraq.

Many of Bush’s top military advisors urged him to reduce military involvement in Iraq and turn most combat over to Iraqi forces. Instead, in 2006, he changed his field commander and “surged” U.S. combat troops. The surge achieved some success, but the war continued.

What will Trump do?

I have identified two forces that help presidents avoid these dangerous decision-making behaviors.

The first is strong, independent-minded advisers. During the Cuban missile crisis, when Soviet offensive missiles were discovered in Cuba, President John F. Kennedy faced an agonising decision. Should he do air strikes, an invasion or a blockade?

More than a dozen Kennedy advisers vigorously debated the strengths and weaknesses of each possible response. Their willingness to criticise, question and speak out may have saved the U.S. from nuclear war.

Trump, on the other hand, famously demands loyalty of his advisers. Those who question his decisions risk losing their position.

Presidents can also avert crises by flexibly responding to changing facts on the ground.

For example, in 1983, President Reagan ordered U.S. Marines to return to an international peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which had descended into civil war. Reagan thought neutral troops could restore order.

Instead, the Marines became targets. More than 200 died when their barracks were bombed on October 23, 1983. So Reagan recalculated, pulling out U.S. troops.

In Trump’s Iran decision, I perceive an unwillingness to re-evaluate policy choices when outside evidence contradicts his original cost-benefit analysis.

When Trump first threatened to scrap the multinational agreement, he assumed the other signatories would agree to re-impose sanctions on Iran, as the U.S. will.

But European countries strongly oppose that idea. They even said they would refuse to renew their sanctions. Still, Trump’s analysis did not change.

Presidential history strongly warns of danger for this White House. Inevitably, some of this president’s policies will fail. Attempts to save them could take the U.S. down a deadly path.

*Charles Hermann, Senior Professor, and Brent Scowcroft Chair Emeritus, Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/presidents-often-reverse-us-foreign-policy-how-trump-handles-setbacks-is-what-matters-most-now-95580">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Many presidents have radically changed US foreign policy. Truman created his own doctrine. Carter gave up the Panama Canal. But a presidential historian sees danger in Trump's decision-making style

By: Charles Hermann* The United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, according to a May 8 announcement by President Donald Trump. The decision reverses a hard-won agreement that President Barack Obama negotiated with European allies, Russia, Iran and other nations in 2015. This is hardly Trump’s first foreign policy turnaround. The president plans to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, something no sitting U.S. president has ever done. He also scrapped the Trans-Pacific Partnership, relocated the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and decreed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. All of these decisions have triggered vehement criticism. But is Trump really such an outlier? As a scholar of American foreign policy, I know that many American presidents have reoriented international relations. Some of those policies succeeded. Many faced opposition. Ultimately, though, my research shows that what matters more to U.S. national security is how those presidents responded when their foreign policy shifts failed. From Truman to Bush History has sometimes redeemed foreign policy shifts that seemed radical at first blush. In 1947, President Harry Truman, a Democrat who stumbled into the presidency when Franklin Roosevelt died in office, asked Congress to authorise major military and economic assistance to Greece, Turkey and other countries where Communism was making inroads. In the end, the “Truman Doctrine” – which held the U.S. should provide political, military and economic assistance to all nations under threat from authoritarianism – became a cornerstone of U.S. policy. Republicans in Congress, who wanted to enact steep federal budget cuts, opposed Truman’s request. Critics on the left said the U.S. should not assist non-democracies. Three decades later, President Jimmy Carter paid a steep political price for agreeing to return the Panama Canal – at the time owned and operated by the U.S. – to Panama. Polls showed that a majority of respondents opposed the agreement. The Senate approved the Panama Treaties by one vote. Several lawmakers who supported Carter subsequently lost their seats. In 1980, California governor Ronald Reagan – who criticised Carter’s return of the canal – handily defeated him for the presidency. Today, it seems logical that the Panama Canal belongs to Panama. Another major shift in foreign policy occurred in 1989, with the fall of the Berlin Wall. President George H.W. Bush had to decide whether the U.S. should support the reunification of Communist East Germany with democratic West Germany. European allies, vividly remembering that Germany had caused two global wars earlier that century, objected strenuously to reunification. So did Russian President Mikael Gorbachev. U.S. newspapers editorialised caution. President Bush prevailed. A single, democratic Germany entered NATO. It is now the leader of democratic Europe. Carter’s risk-taking Presidents who upend foreign policy do so for different reasons. Truman was responding to an international crisis. Carter saw himself as an outsider elected to transform America’s global role. Bush wanted to end the Cold War. Some presidential changes are designed to boost approval with core supporters. Trump’s own policy shifts are probably driven by a variety of such factors. Whatever his motivation, in my experience the most critical question now is: What happens if a Trump policy goes badly? History confirms that the wrong reaction can be dangerous. Take the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, when some 50 U.S. diplomats were detained at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran hostage. After diplomatic negotiations failed to obtain their release, President Carter’s advisors presented him with several options, including levying sanctions, blockading Iran or attempting a rescue mission estimated to risk significant casualties. Carter’s chose the rescue attempt, illustrating a well-researched insight into human decision-making: When people experience loss, they will take substantial risks in an attempt to recover. The Iran hostage rescue mission was aborted almost immediately after several helicopters failed to reach the refueling point. Two other aircraft collided, killing eight men and badly burning four others. Bush’s escalation George W. Bush’s behavior during the Iraq War demonstrates another kind of potentially dangerous behavior, called escalation of commitment. When people find that their initial idea is not working well, they must either double down or change course. Regardless of how bad the news, many opt to increase their commitment. By 2006, the U.S. faced losing the war initiated against Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. Fifty-seven percent of voters that year disapproved of Bush’s performance. Roughly the same percentage favored withdrawing from Iraq. Many of Bush’s top military advisors urged him to reduce military involvement in Iraq and turn most combat over to Iraqi forces. Instead, in 2006, he changed his field commander and “surged” U.S. combat troops. The surge achieved some success, but the war continued. What will Trump do? I have identified two forces that help presidents avoid these dangerous decision-making behaviors. The first is strong, independent-minded advisers. During the Cuban missile crisis, when Soviet offensive missiles were discovered in Cuba, President John F. Kennedy faced an agonising decision. Should he do air strikes, an invasion or a blockade? More than a dozen Kennedy advisers vigorously debated the strengths and weaknesses of each possible response. Their willingness to criticise, question and speak out may have saved the U.S. from nuclear war. Trump, on the other hand, famously demands loyalty of his advisers. Those who question his decisions risk losing their position. Presidents can also avert crises by flexibly responding to changing facts on the ground. For example, in 1983, President Reagan ordered U.S. Marines to return to an international peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which had descended into civil war. Reagan thought neutral troops could restore order. Instead, the Marines became targets. More than 200 died when their barracks were bombed on October 23, 1983. So Reagan recalculated, pulling out U.S. troops. In Trump’s Iran decision, I perceive an unwillingness to re-evaluate policy choices when outside evidence contradicts his original cost-benefit analysis. When Trump first threatened to scrap the multinational agreement, he assumed the other signatories would agree to re-impose sanctions on Iran, as the U.S. will. But European countries strongly oppose that idea. They even said they would refuse to renew their sanctions. Still, Trump’s analysis did not change. Presidential history strongly warns of danger for this White House. Inevitably, some of this president’s policies will fail. Attempts to save them could take the U.S. down a deadly path. *Charles Hermann, Senior Professor, and Brent Scowcroft Chair Emeritus, Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: After Iran deal turnaround, how Trump handles setbacks is what matters now

According to a statement released by the White House, US President Donald Trump will not be travelling to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-roadsigns-begin-appearing-in-jerusalem-135145">Jerusalem</a> for the inauguration of the new United States Embassy on May 14.

Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump will be visiting the holy city along with her husband Jared Kushner.

Trump and Kushner will be accompanied by the US delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.&nbsp;

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning Trump's decision.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend the inauguration. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal

According to a statement released by the White House, US President Donald Trump will not be travelling to Jerusalem for the inauguration of the new United States Embassy on May 14. Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump will be visiting the holy city along with her husband Jared Kushner. Trump and Kushner will be accompanied by the US delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning Trump's decision. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend the inauguration. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

No Trump in US embassy inauguration in Jerusalem, Ivanka to attend

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani will respond on state television on Tuesday, shortly after US counterpart Donald Trump's expected withdrawal from the nuclear deal, an Iranian official told AFP.

"If Trump speaks, President Rouhani will respond tonight" on television, said the official on condition of anonymity.&nbsp

A US official in Washington told AFP that Trump will announce he is pulling the United States out of the landmark nuclear deal signed with world powers in 2015

'If Trump speaks, President Rouhani will respond tonight' on television, an official said on condition of anonymity

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani will respond on state television on Tuesday, shortly after US counterpart Donald Trump's expected withdrawal from the nuclear deal, an Iranian official told AFP. "If Trump speaks, President Rouhani will respond tonight" on television, said the official on condition of anonymity. A US official in Washington told AFP that Trump will announce he is pulling the United States out of the landmark nuclear deal signed with world powers in 2015

Iran's Rouhani will respond to Trump tonight: Official

President Donald Trump is expected to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear agreement on May 12. Tehran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, and the United States in 2015.

Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of some sanctions. But the withdrawal of the United States will probably sink the deal. If that happens, Iran could retaliate by undermining the interests of Washington and its allies in the Middle East.

Here are some possible scenarios:

Iraq

When Islamic State seized much of Iraq in 2014, Iran was quick to support Baghdad. Iran has since helped arm and train thousands of Shi'ite fighters in Iraq. These Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are also a significant political force.

If the deal falls through, Iran could encourage PMF factions who want the US&nbspto leave Iraq to step up rhetorical, and maybe military, attacks against American forces.

These could be rocket, mortar and roadside bomb attacks not directly linked to a specific Shi'ite militia, which would allow Iran to deny it had changed its position of avoiding direct conflict with US&nbspforces in Iraq.

Syria

Iran and paramilitary allies such as Lebanon's Hezbollah have been involved in Syria's war since 2012. Iran has armed and trained thousands of Shi'ite paramilitary fighters to shore up the government. Israel says Iran has recruited at least 80,000 Shi'ite fighters.

Iran's presence in Syria has brought Tehran into direct conflict with Israel for the first time, with a series of high-profile clashes in recent months. Israeli officials say they will never let Tehran or Hezbollah establish a permanent military presence in neighbouring Syria.

If the nuclear deal falls through, Iran will have little incentive to stop its Shi'ite militia allies in Syria from carrying out attacks against Israel.

Iran and the forces it controls in Syria could also cause trouble for about 2,000 US&nbsptroops deployed in northern and eastern Syria to support Kurdish-led fighters.

A top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said in April he hoped Syria and its allies would drive US&nbsptroops out of eastern Syria.

Lebanon

In 2006, Hezbollah fought Israel to a standstill in a 34-day border war. According to Israeli and US&nbspofficials, Iran is now helping Hezbollah build factories to manufacture precision-guided missiles or refit longer-range missiles with precision guidance systems.

Israeli forces have repeatedly attacked Hezbollah in Syria where the group is leading many of Iran's Shi'ite militia allies. The rhetoric between Israel and Iran has ramped up in recent weeks. Though Hezbollah and Israel say they are not interested in conflict, the tensions could easily spill over into another Lebanon war.

Hezbollah said last year that any war waged by Israel against Syria and Lebanon could draw thousands of fighters from countries including Iran and Iraq, indicating that Shi'ite militias could come to Lebanon to help Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is also a major political force in Lebanon, and may strengthen its position at elections on May 6. For the moment, the group is working with its political opponents, notably Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who is backed by Western governments.

But if the nuclear deal falls through, Iran could pressure Hezbollah to isolate its opponents, a development experts believe could destabilise Lebanon.

"Hezbollah literally controls Lebanese politics," said Hilal Khashan, a professor of political studies at the American University of Beirut. "If they do that, it would be sheer harassment."

Yemen

Iran has never acknowledged direct military involvement in Yemen. But US&nbspand Saudi officials say it is supplying rebel Houthi fighters with missiles and other arms. The Houthis have fired missiles at Riyadh and Saudi oil facilities, saying they are retaliating against air raids on Yemen.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are locked in a regional power struggle. Supporters of the Iran nuclear deal say it has prevented the conflict from descending into open warfare. If the deal falls through, Iran could increase support for the Houthis, possibly provoking a military response from Saudi Arabia and Gulf allies such as the United Arab Emirates.

"I'm not ruling out Iranian support to the Houthis," said Khashan

Treaty

Iran also has options directly related to its nuclear programme. Iranian officials have said that one option they are examining is to withdraw completely from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), an agreement designed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the country is not interested in developing nuclear weapons. But if Iran withdraws from the NPT, it will set off alarm bells globally.

"This would of course be a disastrous course for the Islamic Republic, as it will find itself isolated," said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Even if Iran does not withdraw from the NPT, it has indicated that it will probably ramp up enrichment of uranium, strictly limited under the deal to help allay fears it could be used to produce atomic bomb material. Under the current deal, Iran's enrichment levels must remain around 3.6 percent. Iran stopped producing 20 percent enriched uranium and gave up the majority of its stockpile as part of the 2015 agreement.

Uranium refined to 20 percent fissile purity is beyond the 5 percent normally required to fuel civilian nuclear power plants, although short of highly enriched, or 80 to 90 percent, purity needed for a nuclear bomb.

This week, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Iran was able to enrich uranium to a higher level than it could before the deal.

Iran's actions may be influenced by the extent to which the other signatories to the deal respond to US&nbspwithdrawal, according to analysts.

That will depend on: the extent to which France, Germany and Britain insist that their companies can continue to do business with Iran under what is an international agreement ratified unanimously by the UN Security Council the level of diplomatic support for Iran from Russia, its partner in Syria and how much China wishes to bind Iran into its Belt and Road foreign trade and investment initiative.

There will be a test of wills if the Trump administration restores sanctions and threatens violators with being shut out of the US&nbspbanking system. Of the other signatories only China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, is able to brush this off.

If the deal falls through, Iran could encourage PMF factions who want the US to leave Iraq to step up rhetorical, and maybe military, attacks against American forces

President Donald Trump is expected to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear agreement on May 12. Tehran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, and the United States in 2015. Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of some sanctions. But the withdrawal of the United States will probably sink the deal. If that happens, Iran could retaliate by undermining the interests of Washington and its allies in the Middle East. Here are some possible scenarios: Iraq When Islamic State seized much of Iraq in 2014, Iran was quick to support Baghdad. Iran has since helped arm and train thousands of Shi'ite fighters in Iraq. These Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are also a significant political force. If the deal falls through, Iran could encourage PMF factions who want the US&nbspto leave Iraq to step up rhetorical, and maybe military, attacks against American forces. These could be rocket, mortar and roadside bomb attacks not directly linked to a specific Shi'ite militia, which would allow Iran to deny it had changed its position of avoiding direct conflict with US&nbspforces in Iraq. Syria Iran and paramilitary allies such as Lebanon's Hezbollah have been involved in Syria's war since 2012. Iran has armed and trained thousands of Shi'ite paramilitary fighters to shore up the government. Israel says Iran has recruited at least 80,000 Shi'ite fighters. Iran's presence in Syria has brought Tehran into direct conflict with Israel for the first time, with a series of high-profile clashes in recent months. Israeli officials say they will never let Tehran or Hezbollah establish a permanent military presence in neighbouring Syria. If the nuclear deal falls through, Iran will have little incentive to stop its Shi'ite militia allies in Syria from carrying out attacks against Israel. Iran and the forces it controls in Syria could also cause trouble for about 2,000 US&nbsptroops deployed in northern and eastern Syria to support Kurdish-led fighters. A top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said in April he hoped Syria and its allies would drive US&nbsptroops out of eastern Syria. Lebanon In 2006, Hezbollah fought Israel to a standstill in a 34-day border war. According to Israeli and US&nbspofficials, Iran is now helping Hezbollah build factories to manufacture precision-guided missiles or refit longer-range missiles with precision guidance systems. Israeli forces have repeatedly attacked Hezbollah in Syria where the group is leading many of Iran's Shi'ite militia allies. The rhetoric between Israel and Iran has ramped up in recent weeks. Though Hezbollah and Israel say they are not interested in conflict, the tensions could easily spill over into another Lebanon war. Hezbollah said last year that any war waged by Israel against Syria and Lebanon could draw thousands of fighters from countries including Iran and Iraq, indicating that Shi'ite militias could come to Lebanon to help Hezbollah. Hezbollah is also a major political force in Lebanon, and may strengthen its position at elections on May 6. For the moment, the group is working with its political opponents, notably Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who is backed by Western governments. But if the nuclear deal falls through, Iran could pressure Hezbollah to isolate its opponents, a development experts believe could destabilise Lebanon. "Hezbollah literally controls Lebanese politics," said Hilal Khashan, a professor of political studies at the American University of Beirut. "If they do that, it would be sheer harassment." Yemen Iran has never acknowledged direct military involvement in Yemen. But US&nbspand Saudi officials say it is supplying rebel Houthi fighters with missiles and other arms. The Houthis have fired missiles at Riyadh and Saudi oil facilities, saying they are retaliating against air raids on Yemen. Iran and Saudi Arabia are locked in a regional power struggle. Supporters of the Iran nuclear deal say it has prevented the conflict from descending into open warfare. If the deal falls through, Iran could increase support for the Houthis, possibly provoking a military response from Saudi Arabia and Gulf allies such as the United Arab Emirates. "I'm not ruling out Iranian support to the Houthis," said Khashan Treaty Iran also has options directly related to its nuclear programme. Iranian officials have said that one option they are examining is to withdraw completely from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), an agreement designed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the country is not interested in developing nuclear weapons. But if Iran withdraws from the NPT, it will set off alarm bells globally. "This would of course be a disastrous course for the Islamic Republic, as it will find itself isolated," said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Even if Iran does not withdraw from the NPT, it has indicated that it will probably ramp up enrichment of uranium, strictly limited under the deal to help allay fears it could be used to produce atomic bomb material. Under the current deal, Iran's enrichment levels must remain around 3.6 percent. Iran stopped producing 20 percent enriched uranium and gave up the majority of its stockpile as part of the 2015 agreement. Uranium refined to 20 percent fissile purity is beyond the 5 percent normally required to fuel civilian nuclear power plants, although short of highly enriched, or 80 to 90 percent, purity needed for a nuclear bomb. This week, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Iran was able to enrich uranium to a higher level than it could before the deal. Iran's actions may be influenced by the extent to which the other signatories to the deal respond to US&nbspwithdrawal, according to analysts. That will depend on: the extent to which France, Germany and Britain insist that their companies can continue to do business with Iran under what is an international agreement ratified unanimously by the UN Security Council the level of diplomatic support for Iran from Russia, its partner in Syria and how much China wishes to bind Iran into its Belt and Road foreign trade and investment initiative. There will be a test of wills if the Trump administration restores sanctions and threatens violators with being shut out of the US&nbspbanking system. Of the other signatories only China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, is able to brush this off.

What could Iran do if Trump pulls out of nuclear deal?

A powerful Congressional committee has placed conditions on the release of $350 million financial aid to Pakistan for counter-terrorism operations to push Islamabad into taking action against the Haqqani network.

The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group linked to the Taliban is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.

Releasing the text of its version of the national defence authorisation (NDAA) bill, the House Armed Services Committee on Monday said that $350 million of the $700 million proposed financial assistance to Pakistan may not be released till the defence secretary certifies to Congress that Islamabad has taken actions against the Haqqani network militants.

According to the NDAA text running into more than 700 pages, it authorises $700 million in coalition support funds (CSF) to Pakistan. "Of that amount, not more than $350.0 million may be provided until the Secretary of Defence certified that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani network," it said.

The committee also authorised the president's budget request of $900 million for fiscal year 2019 for CSF payments.

In his new South Asia and Afghanistan policy in August, Trump had called for tougher measure against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism.&nbsp

Since January, the Trump administration has suspended its security assistance to Pakistan alleging that Islamabad has not been taking satisfactory actions against terrorist safe havens inside the country.

The aid suspended has not be relocated yet but has been kept aside for Pakistan to be used later if and when it starts taking actions against terrorists.&nbsp

Pakistan has repeatedly denied that there are any terrorist safe havens inside its territory. Both its officials in Islamabad and inside the United Nations in New York assert that there are no terrorist safe havens.

However, the top American leadership insists that there has been no change in Pakistani behaviour on this front that that it is fast running out of patience.

A powerful Congressional committee has placed conditions on the release of $350 million financial aid to Pakistan for counter-terrorism operations to push Islamabad into taking action against the Haqqani network

A powerful Congressional committee has placed conditions on the release of $350 million financial aid to Pakistan for counter-terrorism operations to push Islamabad into taking action against the Haqqani network. The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group linked to the Taliban is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. Releasing the text of its version of the national defence authorisation (NDAA) bill, the House Armed Services Committee on Monday said that $350 million of the $700 million proposed financial assistance to Pakistan may not be released till the defence secretary certifies to Congress that Islamabad has taken actions against the Haqqani network militants. According to the NDAA text running into more than 700 pages, it authorises $700 million in coalition support funds (CSF) to Pakistan. "Of that amount, not more than $350.0 million may be provided until the Secretary of Defence certified that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani network," it said. The committee also authorised the president's budget request of $900 million for fiscal year 2019 for CSF payments. In his new South Asia and Afghanistan policy in August, Trump had called for tougher measure against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism. Since January, the Trump administration has suspended its security assistance to Pakistan alleging that Islamabad has not been taking satisfactory actions against terrorist safe havens inside the country. The aid suspended has not be relocated yet but has been kept aside for Pakistan to be used later if and when it starts taking actions against terrorists. Pakistan has repeatedly denied that there are any terrorist safe havens inside its territory. Both its officials in Islamabad and inside the United Nations in New York assert that there are no terrorist safe havens. However, the top American leadership insists that there has been no change in Pakistani behaviour on this front that that it is fast running out of patience.

US Congressional committee seeks conditions on $350 million aid to Pakistan

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said he would announce a decision on the future of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday at 2.pm (United States time) as European countries piled pressure on Washington to remain in the 2015 agreement.

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Trump has threatened to withdraw from the deal, which provided Iran with relief from economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment capacity unless European signatories to the accord fix what he has called its shortcomings.

Trump has until May 12 to decide whether to reintroduce US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran, which would deal a heavy blow to the agreement.

While all eyes are set at the US President's landmark announcement on one of the biggest nuclear agreements of all times, here's a quick look at some of his statements on the nuclear accord.

1. "Never ever ever in my life have I seen any transaction so incompetently negotiated as our deal with Iran -- and I mean never," Donald Trump as&nbsp;Republican presidential candidate on September 9, 2015, Washington DC.

2. "Because they're not stupid people (the Iranians), they're very smart people and they're great negotiators, and in two days they get a check for one hundred fifty billion dollars. OK? They don't want to take a --- see, the difference is if they did that with me, I'd say you're not getting your money back, you're in default for what you did, no -- you're in default,"&nbsp;Donald Trump as&nbsp;Republican presidential candidate in Iowa, January 15, 2016.

3. "They are not living up to the spirit of the agreement, I can tell you that, and we are analyzing it very, very carefully and we'll have something to say about it in the not-too-distant future. But Iran has not lived up to the spirit of the agreement," Donald Trump as US President on April 20, 2017, Washington DC.&nbsp;

4. "But it was a terrible, a terrible thing for the United States to enter that deal and believe me Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, that I can tell you," Donald Trump on May 22, 2017, Jerusalem.&nbsp;

5. "If that deal doesn't conform to what it's supposed to conform to, there's going to be big big problems for them, that I can tell you. You're going to see that," Trump in Ohio, US on July 25, 2017.

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6. "The Iran deal was one of the worst and one-side transactions the United States has ever entered into. Frankly, that deal is an embarrassment to the United States, and I don't think you've heard the last of it. Believe me," Donald Trump at the United Nations, September&nbsp;19, 2017.

7. "Today, I am announcing our strategy along with several major steps we are taking to confront the training regimes hostile actions and to ensure that Iran never and I mean never acquires a nuclear weapon,"&nbsp;US President in Washington DC, October 13, 2017

8. "In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated," US President in Washington DC, October 13, 2017.

9. "But, the Iran deal was something that I felt had to be done. And we'll see what phase two is. Phase two might be positive it might be very negative. Might be a total termination: that's a very real possibility. Some would say that's a greater possibility. But, it also could turn out to be very positive. We'll see what happens. I thought the tone of the Iranian leaders was very modified. And, I was happy to see that but I don't know if that means anything," Trump in Washington DC, October 16, 2017.

10. "But there is a chance and nobody knows what I'm going to do on the 12th -- although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea -- but we'll see, but we'll see, also, if I do what some people expect. Whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations because this is a deal with decayed foundations. It's a bad deal. It's a bad structure. It's falling down, should have never ever been made. I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it. But it should have never been made. And we're going to see what happens on the 12th. But I will say if Iran threatens us in any way they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid," Trump on April 24, 2018, Washington DC.&nbsp;

While all eyes are set at the US President's landmark announcement on Iran nuclear deal, here's a quick look at some of the statements he made on the nuclear accord

US President Donald Trump said he would announce a decision on the future of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday at 2.pm (United States time) as European countries piled pressure on Washington to remain in the 2015 agreement. × Trump has threatened to withdraw from the deal, which provided Iran with relief from economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment capacity unless European signatories to the accord fix what he has called its shortcomings. Trump has until May 12 to decide whether to reintroduce US sanctions on Iran, which would deal a heavy blow to the agreement. While all eyes are set at the US President's landmark announcement on one of the biggest nuclear agreements of all times, here's a quick look at some of his statements on the nuclear accord. 1. "Never ever ever in my life have I seen any transaction so incompetently negotiated as our deal with Iran -- and I mean never," Donald Trump as Republican presidential candidate on September 9, 2015, Washington DC. 2. "Because they're not stupid people (the Iranians), they're very smart people and they're great negotiators, and in two days they get a check for one hundred fifty billion dollars. OK? They don't want to take a --- see, the difference is if they did that with me, I'd say you're not getting your money back, you're in default for what you did, no -- you're in default," Donald Trump as Republican presidential candidate in Iowa, January 15, 2016. 3. "They are not living up to the spirit of the agreement, I can tell you that, and we are analyzing it very, very carefully and we'll have something to say about it in the not-too-distant future. But Iran has not lived up to the spirit of the agreement," Donald Trump as US President on April 20, 2017, Washington DC. 4. "But it was a terrible, a terrible thing for the United States to enter that deal and believe me Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, that I can tell you," Donald Trump on May 22, 2017, Jerusalem. 5. "If that deal doesn't conform to what it's supposed to conform to, there's going to be big big problems for them, that I can tell you. You're going to see that," Trump in Ohio, US on July 25, 2017. "Never ever ever in my life have I seen any transaction so incompetently negotiated as our deal with Iran -- and I mean never," Donald Trump as Republican presidential candidate on September 9, 2015 × 6. "The Iran deal was one of the worst and one-side transactions the United States has ever entered into. Frankly, that deal is an embarrassment to the United States, and I don't think you've heard the last of it. Believe me," Donald Trump at the United Nations, September 19, 2017. 7. "Today, I am announcing our strategy along with several major steps we are taking to confront the training regimes hostile actions and to ensure that Iran never and I mean never acquires a nuclear weapon," US President in Washington DC, October 13, 2017 8. "In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated," US President in Washington DC, October 13, 2017. 9. "But, the Iran deal was something that I felt had to be done. And we'll see what phase two is. Phase two might be positive it might be very negative. Might be a total termination: that's a very real possibility. Some would say that's a greater possibility. But, it also could turn out to be very positive. We'll see what happens. I thought the tone of the Iranian leaders was very modified. And, I was happy to see that but I don't know if that means anything," Trump in Washington DC, October 16, 2017. 10. "But there is a chance and nobody knows what I'm going to do on the 12th -- although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea -- but we'll see, but we'll see, also, if I do what some people expect. Whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations because this is a deal with decayed foundations. It's a bad deal. It's a bad structure. It's falling down, should have never ever been made. I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it. But it should have never been made. And we're going to see what happens on the 12th. But I will say if Iran threatens us in any way they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid," Trump on April 24, 2018, Washington DC.

A timeline of Trump's statements on Iran nuclear deal

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump will decide the future of the Iran nuclear deal today. Signed in the year 2015, between Iran and P5+1 countries (China, Russia, France, United States, Germany and the UK) in Vienna, the accord called for Iran to&nbsp;accept&nbsp;restraints on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of UN, European and US nuclear-related economic sanctions.&nbsp;

As per the agreement, Iran agreed to eliminate its stock of medium-enriched and low-enriched uranium and exercise strict control over its uranium-enrichment activities. The country also agreed to reduce the number of its gas centrifuges by about two-thirds for 13 years.&nbsp;

The deal gave the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) a regular access to all Iranian nuclear facilities.&nbsp;

Time and again, the US President has threatened to pull out of the deal. Countries like Germany and France have been trying to persuade Donald Trump not to scrap the deal. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that calling off the JCPOA "would open the Pandora’s box. There could be war".

On 30 April 2018, the United States and Israel announced that Iran violated one of the clauses stated in the 2015 agreement which required the country to disclose a past covert nuclear weapons program to the IAEA.

While all eyes are set on Trump's announcement on JCPOA today, here are four possible avenues he could take on the fate of the 2015 deal.

Trump could claim that Iran is not living up to the deal by pointing to last week’s revelation by Israel of what it said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme, most of which was already known to the international community and UN&nbsp;nuclear inspectors.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is in compliance with the agreement. While senior US&nbsp;officials acknowledge that Iran has complied with the letter of the accord, Trump points to Iran's ballistic missile activity and regional conduct as evidence of the deal's shortcomings.

Scenario 1: Trump re-issues sanctions waivers

Trump could waive US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran’s central bank and oil exports – as he has done every four months – while continuing talks with Germany, France and Britain on a side agreement that addresses what he sees as the deal's flaws.&nbsp;

Scenario 2: Trump does not waive sanctions

Trump could decide not to waive the US&nbsp;sanctions, under which the penalties would take effect 180 days later, and leave it to European allies – who favour preserving the deal - to decide on their own course of action. In this scenario, Iran would have to decide whether it will continue to abide by the accord's restrictions on its nuclear programme.

Scenario 3:&nbsp;Trump doesn't waive sanctions, but could reconsider

Trump could decide not to waive sanctions, but announce that he could restore the waivers before the penalties for violating the sanctions go back into effect if European allies reach a side agreement with the United States. Again, it would be Iran’s choice whether to continue abiding by the deal in the meantime.

Scenario 4: Trump doesn't waive sanctions and says Iran violating the deal 

Trump could announce that he will not waive the sanctions, and, citing the purported evidence revealed by Israel, claim that Iran is violating the deal. The United States could then use a dispute resolution mechanism laid out in the JCPOA to seek a “snap-back” of UN&nbsp;sanctions on Iran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is in compliance with the agreement

US President Donald Trump will decide the future of the Iran nuclear deal today. Signed in the year 2015, between Iran and P5+1 countries (China, Russia, France, United States, Germany and the UK) in Vienna, the accord called for Iran to accept restraints on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of UN, European and US nuclear-related economic sanctions. As per the agreement, Iran agreed to eliminate its stock of medium-enriched and low-enriched uranium and exercise strict control over its uranium-enrichment activities. The country also agreed to reduce the number of its gas centrifuges by about two-thirds for 13 years. The deal gave the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) a regular access to all Iranian nuclear facilities. Time and again, the US President has threatened to pull out of the deal. Countries like Germany and France have been trying to persuade Donald Trump not to scrap the deal. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that calling off the JCPOA "would open the Pandora’s box. There could be war". On 30 April 2018, the United States and Israel announced that Iran violated one of the clauses stated in the 2015 agreement which required the country to disclose a past covert nuclear weapons program to the IAEA. While all eyes are set on Trump's announcement on JCPOA today, here are four possible avenues he could take on the fate of the 2015 deal. Trump could claim that Iran is not living up to the deal by pointing to last week’s revelation by Israel of what it said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme, most of which was already known to the international community and UN nuclear inspectors. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is in compliance with the agreement. While senior US officials acknowledge that Iran has complied with the letter of the accord, Trump points to Iran's ballistic missile activity and regional conduct as evidence of the deal's shortcomings. Scenario 1: Trump re-issues sanctions waivers Trump could waive US sanctions on Iran’s central bank and oil exports – as he has done every four months – while continuing talks with Germany, France and Britain on a side agreement that addresses what he sees as the deal's flaws. Scenario 2: Trump does not waive sanctions Trump could decide not to waive the US sanctions, under which the penalties would take effect 180 days later, and leave it to European allies – who favour preserving the deal - to decide on their own course of action. In this scenario, Iran would have to decide whether it will continue to abide by the accord's restrictions on its nuclear programme. Scenario 3: Trump doesn't waive sanctions, but could reconsider Trump could decide not to waive sanctions, but announce that he could restore the waivers before the penalties for violating the sanctions go back into effect if European allies reach a side agreement with the United States. Again, it would be Iran’s choice whether to continue abiding by the deal in the meantime. Scenario 4: Trump doesn't waive sanctions and says Iran violating the deal Trump could announce that he will not waive the sanctions, and, citing the purported evidence revealed by Israel, claim that Iran is violating the deal. The United States could then use a dispute resolution mechanism laid out in the JCPOA to seek a “snap-back” of UN sanctions on Iran.

What could be Trump's possible options on Iran nuclear deal?

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-options-on-iran-nuclear-deal-135293">Donald Trump</a> is set to decide the fate of the landmark <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/ahead-of-us-decision-on-iran-deal-a-look-at-gulf-oil-diplomacy-135492">Iran nuclear deal</a> on Tuesday, announcing his verdict on US sanctions relief underpinning the international accord, which he has repeatedly and harshly criticised.

Officials and diplomats expect the pugnacious US leader to ignore last-ditch European pleas and move to withdraw the United States from a 2015 agreement, which he insists was "very badly negotiated".

Trump has unsuccessfully demanded changes to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal--135480">Obama-era deal</a>, which saw Iran mothball a suspected nuclear weapons program in return for massive sanctions relief.

Months of intensive talks between the United States and European allies now appear deadlocked, with Berlin, London and Paris refusing to rewrite the agreement. The prospect of Trump pulling out of the deal has left many West Asian countries concerned.

"I can't say if the US will walk away from the Iran nuclear deal but we have to all work together and strive for Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons," Jordan's foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi said.

"If we do not look at the political picture and ... find a way to ensure that the whole region is free of (these weapons), we'll be looking at a lot of dangerous repercussions that will affect the region in terms of an arms race," he said.

In March, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told CBS news that his kingdom would "without a doubt" develop nuclear weapons if Iran, Riyadh's arch foe, did so.

Trump has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/a-timeline-of-trumps-statements-on-the-iran-nuclear-deal-135463">consistently threatened to pull out</a> of the 2015 agreement because it does not address Iran's ballistic missile program or its role in wars in Syria and Yemen, and does not permanently prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

One European diplomat echoed the mood around foreign embassies in Washington, saying "there is plainly a difference of opinion," acknowledging that Trump seems poised to walk away from the accord.

WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE SAYING

Germany and France on Monday vowed to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers even if the United States pulls out.

"This agreement is not the best one in the world," France's Defence Minister Florence Parly told RTL radio. "But without being perfect, it still has its virtues... and they (the Iranians) are respecting it," she said.

Volker Kauder, head of Merkel's conservatives in parliament, said continued dialogue was needed to avoid isolating Iran.

"That would only further exacerbate the situation in the Middle East," Kauder told reporters in Murnau, where Merkel and other leaders of the coalition government are gathered for a retreat.

Andrea Nahles, head of the Social Democrats, junior partner in the coalition, also warned against a US decision to withdraw from the accord. "The situation is more difficult than ever. Things are falling apart at every corner," she said.

'READY FOR ANY SCENARIO'

Iran has, meanwhile, said that it will not re-negotiate and will resist any American attempt to counter its presence in West Asia. <a href="www.wionews.com/world/what-could-iran-do-if-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-135382">Iran also said</a> that it is ready for any scenario.

"We are ready for any possible scenario... If the United States violates the deal, it would be naive to negotiate with this country again," Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri was quoted as saying by news agency Tasnim.

Iranian officials say all this amounts to a flagrant violation of article 29 of the nuclear deal, which committed the US to ensure "the normalisation of trade and economic relations with Iran".

The US counters that it never promised to lift non-nuclear sanctions related to issues such as human rights and Iran's missile programme, which were already complicating trade before Trump came to power.

Trump has consistently threatened to pull out of the 2015 agreement because it does not address Iran's ballistic missile program or its role in wars in Syria and Yemen.

US President Donald Trump is set to decide the fate of the landmark Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday, announcing his verdict on US sanctions relief underpinning the international accord, which he has repeatedly and harshly criticised. Officials and diplomats expect the pugnacious US leader to ignore last-ditch European pleas and move to withdraw the United States from a 2015 agreement, which he insists was "very badly negotiated". Trump has unsuccessfully demanded changes to the Obama-era deal, which saw Iran mothball a suspected nuclear weapons program in return for massive sanctions relief. Months of intensive talks between the United States and European allies now appear deadlocked, with Berlin, London and Paris refusing to rewrite the agreement. The prospect of Trump pulling out of the deal has left many West Asian countries concerned. "I can't say if the US will walk away from the Iran nuclear deal but we have to all work together and strive for Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons," Jordan's foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi said. "If we do not look at the political picture and ... find a way to ensure that the whole region is free of (these weapons), we'll be looking at a lot of dangerous repercussions that will affect the region in terms of an arms race," he said. In March, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told CBS news that his kingdom would "without a doubt" develop nuclear weapons if Iran, Riyadh's arch foe, did so. Trump has consistently threatened to pull out of the 2015 agreement because it does not address Iran's ballistic missile program or its role in wars in Syria and Yemen, and does not permanently prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. One European diplomat echoed the mood around foreign embassies in Washington, saying "there is plainly a difference of opinion," acknowledging that Trump seems poised to walk away from the accord. WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE SAYING Germany and France on Monday vowed to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers even if the United States pulls out. "This agreement is not the best one in the world," France's Defence Minister Florence Parly told RTL radio. "But without being perfect, it still has its virtues... and they (the Iranians) are respecting it," she said. Volker Kauder, head of Merkel's conservatives in parliament, said continued dialogue was needed to avoid isolating Iran. "That would only further exacerbate the situation in the Middle East," Kauder told reporters in Murnau, where Merkel and other leaders of the coalition government are gathered for a retreat. Andrea Nahles, head of the Social Democrats, junior partner in the coalition, also warned against a US decision to withdraw from the accord. "The situation is more difficult than ever. Things are falling apart at every corner," she said. 'READY FOR ANY SCENARIO' Iran has, meanwhile, said that it will not re-negotiate and will resist any American attempt to counter its presence in West Asia. Iran also said that it is ready for any scenario. "We are ready for any possible scenario... If the United States violates the deal, it would be naive to negotiate with this country again," Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri was quoted as saying by news agency Tasnim. Iranian officials say all this amounts to a flagrant violation of article 29 of the nuclear deal, which committed the US to ensure "the normalisation of trade and economic relations with Iran". The US counters that it never promised to lift non-nuclear sanctions related to issues such as human rights and Iran's missile programme, which were already complicating trade before Trump came to power.

What will happen to West Asia if Trump pulls out of Iran nuclear deal?

India's ties with the United States has been helped along by the personal chemistry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, but the US President's policies, first towards Russia <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-will-happen-to-west-asia-if-trump-pulls-out-of-iran-nuclear-deal-135516">and now Iran</a>, are causing anxieties to New Delhi.

Russia is among the biggest exporters of military hardware to India, and Iran is the third largest supplier of oil to India. Together, they are crucial for India's defence and energy security.

But the recent US sanctions on Russia threaten the defence relationship between New Delhi and Moscow.

The sanctions make it more difficult for Indian banks to make payment to Russian state-owned arms manufacturers.

India is also scrambling to insulate Russian defence purchases from the American domestic law called Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence sectors of Russia.

On August 2 last year, Trump signed into law the act, which among other things, imposes new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea.

India is currently in an advance stage of negotiations with Russia for five S-400 system worth an estimate US $4.5 billion.

The S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The S-400 missile system can fire three types of missiles and simultaneously engage 36 targets, thereby creating a layered defence.

As if this was not enough, Trump's opposition to the Iran nuclear deal, with its attendant consequences, comes just as India ramps up ties with Iran.

Any instability in what India sees as its extended neighbourhood will have implications for New Delhi. Disruption of oil imports from Iran will be an immediate worry.

Between April 2017 and January this year, Iran was India's third largest supplier of crude oil after Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The mode of payment for the oil imported is another concern as banks would be reluctant to route payments to Iran because of the fear of inviting adverse reaction from the US.

India is also invested in developing the Chabahar port in Iran. It is of immense strategic importance for both India and the land-locked Afghanistan.

The other connectivity project of interest of to India is the international north-south transport corridor linking India with Central Asia and Russia via Iran.

In fact, this was a major point of discussion during Iranian <a href="www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-losing-everything-due-to-trump-135503">President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to India</a> in February, 2018.

The joint statement issued towards the end of his visit said, "The two leaders agreed on the deepening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. In this context, they recognised the need to put in place an effective banking channel for business transactions. It was noted that permission for the Iranian Pasargad Bank to open a branch in India was under advance consideration. It was also agreed to set up a joint committee of officials to examine feasible options, including Rupee-Rial arrangement, Asian clearing union mechanism to establish functional payment channels."

India lost a decade in its relations with Iran after voting against it in the international atomic energy agency in 2005. Iran retaliated immediately by cancelling a deal for selling liquefied natural gas or LNG to India.

It was only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power that the ties began to look up. But, if the Iran nuclear deal unravels, West Asia may face new problems, which could potentially create a new global crisis at India's doorstep.

Any instability in what India sees as its extended neighbourhood will have implications for New Delhi. Disruption of oil imports from Iran will be an immediate worry.

India's ties with the United States has been helped along by the personal chemistry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, but the US President's policies, first towards Russia and now Iran, are causing anxieties to New Delhi. Russia is among the biggest exporters of military hardware to India, and Iran is the third largest supplier of oil to India. Together, they are crucial for India's defence and energy security. But the recent US sanctions on Russia threaten the defence relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. The sanctions make it more difficult for Indian banks to make payment to Russian state-owned arms manufacturers. India is also scrambling to insulate Russian defence purchases from the American domestic law called Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence sectors of Russia. On August 2 last year, Trump signed into law the act, which among other things, imposes new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea. India is currently in an advance stage of negotiations with Russia for five S-400 system worth an estimate US $4.5 billion. The S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The S-400 missile system can fire three types of missiles and simultaneously engage 36 targets, thereby creating a layered defence. As if this was not enough, Trump's opposition to the Iran nuclear deal, with its attendant consequences, comes just as India ramps up ties with Iran. Any instability in what India sees as its extended neighbourhood will have implications for New Delhi. Disruption of oil imports from Iran will be an immediate worry. Between April 2017 and January this year, Iran was India's third largest supplier of crude oil after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The mode of payment for the oil imported is another concern as banks would be reluctant to route payments to Iran because of the fear of inviting adverse reaction from the US. India is also invested in developing the Chabahar port in Iran. It is of immense strategic importance for both India and the land-locked Afghanistan. The other connectivity project of interest of to India is the international north-south transport corridor linking India with Central Asia and Russia via Iran. In fact, this was a major point of discussion during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to India in February, 2018. The joint statement issued towards the end of his visit said, "The two leaders agreed on the deepening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. In this context, they recognised the need to put in place an effective banking channel for business transactions. It was noted that permission for the Iranian Pasargad Bank to open a branch in India was under advance consideration. It was also agreed to set up a joint committee of officials to examine feasible options, including Rupee-Rial arrangement, Asian clearing union mechanism to establish functional payment channels." India lost a decade in its relations with Iran after voting against it in the international atomic energy agency in 2005. Iran retaliated immediately by cancelling a deal for selling liquefied natural gas or LNG to India. It was only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power that the ties began to look up. But, if the Iran nuclear deal unravels, West Asia may face new problems, which could potentially create a new global crisis at India's doorstep.

Trump's decision on Iran can impact India. Here's how

President Donald Trump will announce on Tuesday whether he will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and a senior US official said it was unclear if efforts by European allies to address Trump`s concerns would be enough to save the pact.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the deal, which eased economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program unless France, Germany and Britain - which also signed the agreement - fix what he has called its flaws.

The senior US official said the European allies had moved significantly in Trump's direction on what he sees as the defects - the failure to address Iran`s ballistic missile program, the terms under which international inspectors visit suspected Iranian sites, and "sunset" clauses under which some terms expire.

The official did not know, however, if the Europeans had done enough to convince Trump to remain in the deal.

"The big question in my mind is does he think the Europeans have moved far enough so that we can all be unified and announce a deal? That’s one option," said the official. "Or (does he conclude) the Europeans have not moved far enough and we say they’ve got to move more?"

European diplomats said privately they expected Trump to effectively withdraw from the agreement, which was struck by six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - and Iran in July 2015.

"It’s pretty obvious to me that unless something changes in the next few days, I believe the president will not waive the sanctions," one European diplomat said, adding he saw only a "very small" chance that Trump stays in the deal.

European leaders have warned that Trump`s withdrawal would strike a blow to the alliance between Western Europe and the United States, and undo years of negotiations that they say were successful in halting Iran`s nuclear ambitions.

Iran has ruled out renegotiating the accord and threatened to retaliate, although it has not said exactly how, if Washington pulls out.

Trump gave no indication of which way he was leaning on Monday, saying only in a Twitter post that he would announce his decision at 11:30 PM on Tuesday.

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I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/993562242124865536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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IRAN BACKLASH?

Under the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the United States committed to easing a series of U.S. sanctions on Iran and it has done so under a string of "waivers" that effectively suspend them.

Under U.S. law, Trump has until Saturday to decide whether to reintroduce U.S. sanctions related to Iran`s central bank and Iranian oil exports.

The reimposition of sanctions would dissuade foreign companies from doing business with Iran because they could be subject to U.S. penalties.

Bringing back U.S. sanctions could also trigger a backlash by Iran, which could resume its nuclear arms program or punish U.S. allies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, diplomats said.

On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested Iran could remain in the accord even if the United States dropped out but that Tehran would fiercely resist U.S. pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East.

Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all.

"We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

"If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories. ... In that case, getting rid of America`s mischievous presence will be fine for Iran."

Trump's Iran tweet helped oil prices break $70 a barrel to reach their highest level since late 2014.

ALLIES COMMITTED TO DEAL

Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address U.S. complaints, want to open talks on Iran`s ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, in Washington this week, said the deal`s weaknesses could be remedied.

"At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he said in a commentary in the New York Times.

Johnson met U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence on Monday.

Diplomats say Iran would rather the deal remain intact out of concern about a revival of domestic unrest over economic hardships that mounted over the years sanctions were in place.

Sanctions imposed on Iran in early 2012 by the United States and European Union over its nuclear program cut Iran`s crude exports from a peak of 2.5 million barrels per day before the sanctions to a little more than 1 million bpd.

But Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in January 2016 when international sanctions were suspended in return for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran`s clerical rulers have repeatedly ruled out reducing its sway across the region, as the United States and its European allies may seek as part of any new deal.

Underlining Tehran`s growing regional clout, pro-Iranian group Hezbollah and its political allies won just over half the seats in Lebanon`s parliamentary election, unofficial results showed on Monday.

The official did not know, however, if the Europeans had done enough to convince Trump to remain in the deal.

President Donald Trump will announce on Tuesday whether he will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and a senior US official said it was unclear if efforts by European allies to address Trump`s concerns would be enough to save the pact. Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the deal, which eased economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program unless France, Germany and Britain - which also signed the agreement - fix what he has called its flaws. The senior US official said the European allies had moved significantly in Trump's direction on what he sees as the defects - the failure to address Iran`s ballistic missile program, the terms under which international inspectors visit suspected Iranian sites, and "sunset" clauses under which some terms expire. The official did not know, however, if the Europeans had done enough to convince Trump to remain in the deal. "The big question in my mind is does he think the Europeans have moved far enough so that we can all be unified and announce a deal? That’s one option," said the official. "Or (does he conclude) the Europeans have not moved far enough and we say they’ve got to move more?" European diplomats said privately they expected Trump to effectively withdraw from the agreement, which was struck by six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - and Iran in July 2015. "It’s pretty obvious to me that unless something changes in the next few days, I believe the president will not waive the sanctions," one European diplomat said, adding he saw only a "very small" chance that Trump stays in the deal. European leaders have warned that Trump`s withdrawal would strike a blow to the alliance between Western Europe and the United States, and undo years of negotiations that they say were successful in halting Iran`s nuclear ambitions. Iran has ruled out renegotiating the accord and threatened to retaliate, although it has not said exactly how, if Washington pulls out. Trump gave no indication of which way he was leaning on Monday, saying only in a Twitter post that he would announce his decision at 11:30 PM on Tuesday. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 × IRAN BACKLASH? Under the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the United States committed to easing a series of U.S. sanctions on Iran and it has done so under a string of "waivers" that effectively suspend them. Under U.S. law, Trump has until Saturday to decide whether to reintroduce U.S. sanctions related to Iran`s central bank and Iranian oil exports. The reimposition of sanctions would dissuade foreign companies from doing business with Iran because they could be subject to U.S. penalties. Bringing back U.S. sanctions could also trigger a backlash by Iran, which could resume its nuclear arms program or punish U.S. allies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, diplomats said. On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested Iran could remain in the accord even if the United States dropped out but that Tehran would fiercely resist U.S. pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all. "We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories. ... In that case, getting rid of America`s mischievous presence will be fine for Iran." Trump's Iran tweet helped oil prices break $70 a barrel to reach their highest level since late 2014. ALLIES COMMITTED TO DEAL Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address U.S. complaints, want to open talks on Iran`s ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, in Washington this week, said the deal`s weaknesses could be remedied. "At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he said in a commentary in the New York Times. Johnson met U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence on Monday. Diplomats say Iran would rather the deal remain intact out of concern about a revival of domestic unrest over economic hardships that mounted over the years sanctions were in place. Sanctions imposed on Iran in early 2012 by the United States and European Union over its nuclear program cut Iran`s crude exports from a peak of 2.5 million barrels per day before the sanctions to a little more than 1 million bpd. But Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in January 2016 when international sanctions were suspended in return for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran`s clerical rulers have repeatedly ruled out reducing its sway across the region, as the United States and its European allies may seek as part of any new deal. Underlining Tehran`s growing regional clout, pro-Iranian group Hezbollah and its political allies won just over half the seats in Lebanon`s parliamentary election, unofficial results showed on Monday.

Donald Trump to unveil Iran decision today; Europeans move his way

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has announced his plans to name the square near the US embassy site as the " United States Square in honour of President Donald Trump".

A media report quoted the mayor saying that they were naming the square in the honour of Trump to show their love and respect for the president and the American people.&nbsp;

He added that the gesture was for the American people who "always stood by there side".

The naming will be celebrated in an official event in future with American dignitaries.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city.

The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

A media report quoted the mayor saying that they were nnaming the square in the honour of Trump to show their love and respect for the president and the American people

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has announced his plans to name the square near the US embassy site as the " United States Square in honour of President Donald Trump". A media report quoted the mayor saying that they were naming the square in the honour of Trump to show their love and respect for the president and the American people. He added that the gesture was for the American people who "always stood by there side". The naming will be celebrated in an official event in future with American dignitaries. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

Square near new US embassy in Jerusalem to be named after Trump

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