Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.&nbsp;

Pompeo&nbsp;served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;and his wife would&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-takes-on-biden-in-his-cpac-speech-366815">Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech</a>

"Former Secretary of State&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;is a long-term and staunch friend of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and made outstanding contributions to promoting&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in&nbsp;office," the ministry said in a statement.

His&nbsp;visit&nbsp;shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the close&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added.

The Trump administration gave strong backing to&nbsp;Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and&nbsp;visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party.

China&nbsp;has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty.

Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday. Pompeo served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Pompeo and his wife would visit the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank. Also read | Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech "Former Secretary of State Pompeo is a long-term and staunch friend of Taiwan and made outstanding contributions to promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in office," the ministry said in a statement. His visit shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for Taiwan and the close Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added. The Trump administration gave strong backing to Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine Pompeo particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party. China has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty. Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week

Early on Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that the US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad was leaving his post soon.

Branstad, 73, was once a governor of Iowa, and no clear reasons have been put out for this sudden departure.

Currently, the relationship between US and China is strained at best. This is over issues of bilateral trade, and the US becoming more wary of handing over data to Chinese companies, claiming they were feeding the data to China’s Communist Party. The COVID-19 pandemic has also strained relations between both the countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/entire-world-beginning-to-unite-against-china-says-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-324734" hreflang="en">Entire world beginning to unite against China, says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a>

The US embassy has not officially confirmed his departure yet.

"I thank Ambassador Terry Branstad for his more than three years of service to the American people as U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China," Pompeo tweeted.

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Ambassador Branstad has contributed to rebalancing U.S.-China relations so that it is results-oriented, reciprocal, and fair. This will have lasting, positive effects on U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific for decades to come.
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"Ambassador Branstad has contributed to rebalancing U.S.-China relations so that it is results-oriented, reciprocal, and fair," he added.

CNN reported that Branstad was leaving the post before the upcoming November presidential elections in the US, in which Democrat Biden and Republican Trump are rivals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-seeking-to-destroy-uighurs-looking-forward-to-your-public-callout-pompeo-hits-out-at-iran-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-324661" hreflang="en">China seeking to destroy Uighurs, looking forward to your public callout: Pompeo hits out at Iran leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>

China also had only good things to say about Branstad, once calling him an “old friend of the Chinese people.”.

President Xi Jinping had visited Iowa decades ago, whereby Branstad first forged ties with him.

Last week, China’s People’s Daily had refused to publish an article by Branstad, which incited a war of words among the two countries on press freedom.

Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry in a news conference said that they had not received a notice about Branstad leaving yet.

Early on Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that the US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad was leaving his post soon. Branstad, 73, was once a governor of Iowa, and no clear reasons have been put out for this sudden departure.

Early on Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that the US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad was leaving his post soon. Branstad, 73, was once a governor of Iowa, and no clear reasons have been put out for this sudden departure. Currently, the relationship between US and China is strained at best. This is over issues of bilateral trade, and the US becoming more wary of handing over data to Chinese companies, claiming they were feeding the data to China’s Communist Party. The COVID-19 pandemic has also strained relations between both the countries. Also read: Entire world beginning to unite against China, says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo The US embassy has not officially confirmed his departure yet. "I thank Ambassador Terry Branstad for his more than three years of service to the American people as U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China," Pompeo tweeted. Ambassador Branstad has contributed to rebalancing U.S.-China relations so that it is results-oriented, reciprocal, and fair. This will have lasting, positive effects on U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific for decades to come. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 14, 2020 × "Ambassador Branstad has contributed to rebalancing U.S.-China relations so that it is results-oriented, reciprocal, and fair," he added. CNN reported that Branstad was leaving the post before the upcoming November presidential elections in the US, in which Democrat Biden and Republican Trump are rivals. Also read: China seeking to destroy Uighurs, looking forward to your public callout: Pompeo hits out at Iran leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei China also had only good things to say about Branstad, once calling him an “old friend of the Chinese people.”. President Xi Jinping had visited Iowa decades ago, whereby Branstad first forged ties with him. Last week, China’s People’s Daily had refused to publish an article by Branstad, which incited a war of words among the two countries on press freedom. Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry in a news conference said that they had not received a notice about Branstad leaving yet.

US ambassador to China Branstad is leaving post, suggests US Secretary of State Pompeo

US imposed fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the US in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing put restrictions on American diplomats in China. Now, Chinese diplomats will be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

The State Department said it would also take action to help ensure all Chinese embassy and consular social media accounts were "properly identified."

What's the reason behind restrictions?

Although Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that US was "simply demanding reciprocity", the latest steps also appear to be part of Trump administration's campaign against alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage.

US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against China in the run-up to&nbsp;US Presidential Elections 2020 slated to be held in November.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/india-has-already-banned-100-plus-chinese-apps-call-on-nations-to-join-the-clean-network-us-324853">India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US</a>

US State Department has also written to boards of US universities about the threat&nbsp;from Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

The Chinese reaction:

China's Washington embassy called the fresh restrictions "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side."

Confucius Institutes work to recruit spies and collaborators: Pompeo

Mike Pompeo came down heavily on Chinese government-run Confucius Confucius Institute cultural centers across US and alleged that they worked to recruit "spies and collaborators"

He said that all Confucius Institutes will be shut down by the year-end.

On Wednesday, the Washington-based Confucius Institute U.S. Center, which was required last month to register as a foreign mission after Pompeo accused it of advancing Beijing`s "malign influence," said it had been mischaracterized by the State Department as a headquarters for Confucius Institutes.

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&nbsp;

"Contrary to what people have heard from the State Department, CI programs in the U.S. are independent of each other, set up and run by the schools that choose to set up Chinese language education, and staffed by people hired and supervised by those schools," it said in a statement.

Pompeo said he planned to discuss China and other regional issues with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Indo-Pacific countries in virtual meetings next week. 
The State Department said Pompeo would participate in an East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers` meeting and another with his ASEAN counterparts on Sept. 9.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

US imposed fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the US in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing put restrictions on American diplomats in China. Now, Chinese diplomats will be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

US imposed fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the US in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing put restrictions on American diplomats in China. Now, Chinese diplomats will be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds. The State Department said it would also take action to help ensure all Chinese embassy and consular social media accounts were "properly identified." What's the reason behind restrictions? Although Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that US was "simply demanding reciprocity", the latest steps also appear to be part of Trump administration's campaign against alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage. US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against China in the run-up to US Presidential Elections 2020 slated to be held in November. Also Read: India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US US State Department has also written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said. The Chinese reaction: China's Washington embassy called the fresh restrictions "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side." Confucius Institutes work to recruit spies and collaborators: Pompeo Mike Pompeo came down heavily on Chinese government-run Confucius Confucius Institute cultural centers across US and alleged that they worked to recruit "spies and collaborators" He said that all Confucius Institutes will be shut down by the year-end. On Wednesday, the Washington-based Confucius Institute U.S. Center, which was required last month to register as a foreign mission after Pompeo accused it of advancing Beijing`s "malign influence," said it had been mischaracterized by the State Department as a headquarters for Confucius Institutes. × "Contrary to what people have heard from the State Department, CI programs in the U.S. are independent of each other, set up and run by the schools that choose to set up Chinese language education, and staffed by people hired and supervised by those schools," it said in a statement. Pompeo said he planned to discuss China and other regional issues with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Indo-Pacific countries in virtual meetings next week. The State Department said Pompeo would participate in an East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers` meeting and another with his ASEAN counterparts on Sept. 9. (With inputs from Reuters)

In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats

There was a time when the G7, the group of seven represented 46 per cent of the global GDP. Today, it represents 66 per cent of the global death toll. Also read: Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 Six members of this powerful seven-nation body are among the world's worst-affected countries.

There was a time when the G7, the group of seven represented 46 per cent of the global GDP. Today, it represents 66 per cent of the global death toll. Also read: Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 Six members of this powerful seven-nation body are among the world's worst-affected countries. Japan with more than 9,000 active cases. Germany with over 4,000 deaths. United Kingdom with nearly 13,000 deaths. France with over 17,000 deaths. Italy at least 22,000 people dead. The United States close to 33,000 lives lost. Also read: Trump administration fails to cope as COVID-19 pandemic takes heavy toll These nations are struggling and then there's China which is celebrating. The virus is apparently fading in China and it seems -- so is the Chinese regime's hold over the G7. A virtual meeting took place last night. The immediate fallout of this meeting may ruin all of Beijing's celebrations. China is slowly being isolated by the G7. Questions are being raised about the origins of this virus and there are calls for accountability from new quarters. Leading the charge, like always --- is the United States and this time it is joined by Europe. The United Kingdom & France both nations have slammed china's handling of the outbreak. Though just like the G20 meeting, they did not say very much at the actual conference. Leaders remained bound by self-imposed diplomatic niceties. The gloves came off only later. Speaking at 10 downing street, the interim prime minister of the United Kingdom, Dominic Raab said that its time to ask some hard questions of China. 'Questions about how this virus came' The French president to thinks it will be 'naive' not to ask such questions. That it will be 'naive' to suggest that China had dealt with the crisis well. In a print interview, Emmanuel Macron said: "There are clearly things that have happened that we don't know about." And that there can be no comparison what so ever between "open societies and those where truth is suppressed." Some countries have been subtle in response to China. But the United States of America find it difficult to be subtle under the leadership of Donald Trump. The US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has clearly stated that China needs to come clean. His message to Beijing is: "Open up and help explain exactly how this virus spread." He contradicted himself by adding that: "We knew that China was working on this program." So, Washington was aware of inhumane medical experiments by Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Pompeo's remarks sound more like a confession than a charge because if the White House knew - what exactly did it do to stop China? Why? Because the American govt was, in fact, funding these so-called programs in Wuhan. Yesterday WION reported on how the US govt. gave a $3.7 million grant to the lab at the centre of the coronavirus scrutiny. For years, American taxpayers were unknowingly funding cruel experiments at this lab in China. The National Institutes of Health, a US government agency lists this lab as a partner. What did the Trump administration do to stop this? Now the United States wants China to come clean and take responsibility. The whole world wants China to come clean and take responsibility. But the US should also practice what it preaches.

Top G7 nations come forward to isolate China, question the origin of virus

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">United States</a> has reached agreement with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Taliban </a>on a weeklong reduction of violence that could lead to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">US&nbsp;troop</a> withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Afghanistan</a>, a senior administration official said on Friday, while cautioning that the insurgents must honor commitments for the accord to stick.

The deal was struck in protracted negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha and was announced after a meeting between US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mike-pompeo-people-cant-practice-faith-freely-279167">Mike Pompeo</a>, Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-amazon-win-tussle-against-trump-over-major-defence-contract-280612">Mark Esper</a> and Afghan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">Ashraf Ghani</a> on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">US, Taliban have negotiated proposal for 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon chief</a>

The accord if it holds could pave the way for an agreement by the end of the month on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a long-sought objective for US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-amazon-win-tussle-against-trump-over-major-defence-contract-280612">Donald Trump</a>, who has vowed to stop the "endless wars" as he seeks re-election in November.

"It was violence that derailed the signing of the agreement in September. Now we have an agreement on the reduction of violence. And, should the Talibs implement what they've committed to doing, we will move forward with the agreement," the senior administration official told reporters in Munich.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress</a>

The seven-day period has not yet started, but will go into effect soon, the official said.

There were no immediate comments from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">Ghani's </a>government or the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Taliban</a>.

There remains a long way to go to a peace settlement and end to the nearly two-decade-old US&nbsp;military presence that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">al Qaeda</a>.

US&nbsp;officials have been clear that the 13,000 US&nbsp;troops will be cut to about 8,600 this year, with or without a withdrawal deal.

The reduction in violence agreement "is a good step on a very long road," said Ronald Neumann, a former US&nbsp;ambassador to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Afghanistan</a>.

The United States has reached agreement with the Taliban on a weeklong reduction of violence that could lead to a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a senior administration official said on Friday, while cautioning that the insurgents must honor commitments for the accord to stick.

The United States has reached agreement with the Taliban on a weeklong reduction of violence that could lead to a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a senior administration official said on Friday, while cautioning that the insurgents must honor commitments for the accord to stick. The deal was struck in protracted negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha and was announced after a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Also read: US, Taliban have negotiated proposal for 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon chief The accord if it holds could pave the way for an agreement by the end of the month on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a long-sought objective for US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop the "endless wars" as he seeks re-election in November. "It was violence that derailed the signing of the agreement in September. Now we have an agreement on the reduction of violence. And, should the Talibs implement what they've committed to doing, we will move forward with the agreement," the senior administration official told reporters in Munich. Also read: US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress The seven-day period has not yet started, but will go into effect soon, the official said. There were no immediate comments from Ghani's government or the Taliban. There remains a long way to go to a peace settlement and end to the nearly two-decade-old US military presence that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda. US officials have been clear that the 13,000 US troops will be cut to about 8,600 this year, with or without a withdrawal deal. The reduction in violence agreement "is a good step on a very long road," said Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Afghanistan.

US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal

The Trump administration today <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">recognised Jeanine Anez</a>, 52, as Bolivia's interim president after ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico.

"The United States applauds Bolivian Senator Jeanine Anez for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

In Mexico on his first day in exile,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-morales-pledges-to-remain-in-politics-as-bolivia-battles-to-restore-stability-261704"> Evo Morales in a press conference</a> said he was ready to return to &nbsp;"pacify" the country even as police clashed with pro-Morales supporters in Bolivia.

Deputy Senate Speaker Anez had earlier moved to proclaim herself as the interim president amid turmoil in the country - a move which was backed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court.

Anez promised to hold elections in the "shortest possible time" while naming a cabinet.

"There is no coup in Bolivia. There is a constitutional replacement," Anes asserted, adding, "the only coup d'Etat in this country has been by Evo Morales."

Watch Video:

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Meanwhile, Morales speaking in Mexico said that the &nbsp;Organization of American States (OAS) is "in the service of the North American empire", referring to the US.

"The OAS took a political decision, not a technical or legal one, the OAS is in the service of the North American empire," Morales declared.

"We're going to return, sooner or later. The sooner the better, to pacify Bolivia," he added.

Bolivia's has seen weeks of political turmoil after the controversial October 20 election in which Morales was declared the winner. The OAS in an audit had said it had evidence of vote count manipulation as the Opposition rejected the elections.

As political uncertainty spread post-elections, Bolivians clashed with police in La Paz almost everyday leaving at least ten people dead.

"We are doing everything possible to bring everything back to normal," police chief, General Yuri Calderon said as authorities struggle to bring the situation under control post-Morales.

The Trump administration today recognised Jeanine Anez, 52, as Bolivia's interim president after ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico. "The United States applauds Bolivian Senator Jeanine Anez for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

The Trump administration today recognised Jeanine Anez, 52, as Bolivia's interim president after ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico. "The United States applauds Bolivian Senator Jeanine Anez for stepping up as Interim President of State to lead her nation through this democratic transition, under the constitution of Bolivia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. In Mexico on his first day in exile, Evo Morales in a press conference said he was ready to return to "pacify" the country even as police clashed with pro-Morales supporters in Bolivia. Deputy Senate Speaker Anez had earlier moved to proclaim herself as the interim president amid turmoil in the country - a move which was backed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court. Anez promised to hold elections in the "shortest possible time" while naming a cabinet. "There is no coup in Bolivia. There is a constitutional replacement," Anes asserted, adding, "the only coup d'Etat in this country has been by Evo Morales." Watch Video: Meanwhile, Morales speaking in Mexico said that the Organization of American States (OAS) is "in the service of the North American empire", referring to the US. "The OAS took a political decision, not a technical or legal one, the OAS is in the service of the North American empire," Morales declared. "We're going to return, sooner or later. The sooner the better, to pacify Bolivia," he added. Bolivia's has seen weeks of political turmoil after the controversial October 20 election in which Morales was declared the winner. The OAS in an audit had said it had evidence of vote count manipulation as the Opposition rejected the elections. As political uncertainty spread post-elections, Bolivians clashed with police in La Paz almost everyday leaving at least ten people dead. "We are doing everything possible to bring everything back to normal," police chief, General Yuri Calderon said as authorities struggle to bring the situation under control post-Morales.

US recognises Jeanine Anez as Bolivia's interim president

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Wednesday termed the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia as an "Iranian attack" while also described it as an "act of war."

"We were blessed that there were no Americans killed in this attack but any time you have an act of war of this nature, there's always a risk that that could happen. This is an attack of a scale we've just not seen before," CNN quoted him as saying.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Pompeo, who is on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-heading-to-saudi-arabia-over-iran-tensions-pence-250263">two-day visit</a> to the Gulf region following the attack, also said, "This was an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-heads-to-saudi-arabia-after-us-blames-iran-250306">Iranian attack</a>. It's not the case that you can subcontract out the devastation of 5 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-pursues-ipo-planning-despite-attack-damage-doubts-250228">per cent of the world's global energy supply</a> and think that you can absolve yourself from responsibility. Were it the case that the Houthis' fraudulent claim was accurate, was that true it's not but were that true, it doesn't change the fingerprints of the Ayatollah as having put at risk the global energy supply."

The US Secretary of State said that the weapons used in the attack were not in the possession of Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The drone attack took place on the oil facilities in Saudi Arabia took place on Saturday.

The attack was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Wednesday termed the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia as an "Iranian attack" while also described it as an "act of war.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Wednesday termed the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia as an "Iranian attack" while also described it as an "act of war." "We were blessed that there were no Americans killed in this attack but any time you have an act of war of this nature, there's always a risk that that could happen. This is an attack of a scale we've just not seen before," CNN quoted him as saying. Pompeo, who is on a two-day visit to the Gulf region following the attack, also said, "This was an Iranian attack. It's not the case that you can subcontract out the devastation of 5 per cent of the world's global energy supply and think that you can absolve yourself from responsibility. Were it the case that the Houthis' fraudulent claim was accurate, was that true it's not but were that true, it doesn't change the fingerprints of the Ayatollah as having put at risk the global energy supply." The US Secretary of State said that the weapons used in the attack were not in the possession of Yemen's Houthi rebels. The drone attack took place on the oil facilities in Saudi Arabia took place on Saturday. The attack was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran.

Pompeo describes attack on Saudi oil facilities as 'act of war'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-meet-in-doha-for-fresh-round-of-talks-as-us-eyes-peace-with-taliban-233144">Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks</a> with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together.

Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw.

Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar.

"History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday.

A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT.

Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session.

The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue".

The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides.

Most productive

US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs".

The Taliban said they were "happy with progress".

The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women.

The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity".

Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks.

Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May.

An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terrorists-joining-hands-with-afghan-outfits-after-balakot-strike-sources-233866">Afghanistan</a> and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.&nbsp;

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights. Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together. Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw. Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar. "History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday. A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT. Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session. The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added. Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue". The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides. Most productive US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs". The Taliban said they were "happy with progress". The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women. The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity". Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks. Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May. An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Afghanistan rivals resume talks for peace with Taliban in Doha

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-sure-to-guarantee-freedom-of-navigation-in-strait-of-hormuz-pompeo-227699">recent attacks on civilian oil tankers</a> in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike.

"The United States is considering a full range of options. We have briefed the President a couple of times, we'll continue to keep him updated. We are confident that we can take a set of actions that can restore deterrence which is our mission set," Pompeo said in a TV interview.

Pompeo, at the same time, suggested that Washington seeks to prevent the ongoing tension with Iran from escalating any further.

"President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don't want war," he said in another interview with Fox News on the same day.

Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran 
&nbsp;

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Pompeo, in a series of Sunday television interviews, emphasized the US international outreach in the wake of what the US says were Iranian attacks Thursday on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has denied being involved in the attacks and accused America of promoting a negative campaign against it.

Last week, two oil tankers — Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

Shortly after the incident, the United States claimed that Tehran was responsible for the attack, a statement that was denounced by the latter earlier today.

To back its claim, the US released a blurry video which, the country believed, showed the boat crew of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers shortly after the attack.

The UK, in a statement, said that Iran should be held responsible for the attack on four oil tankers off the port of Fujairah last month.&nbsp;

A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over recent attacks on civilian oil tankers in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike.

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over recent attacks on civilian oil tankers in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike. "The United States is considering a full range of options. We have briefed the President a couple of times, we'll continue to keep him updated. We are confident that we can take a set of actions that can restore deterrence which is our mission set," Pompeo said in a TV interview. Pompeo, at the same time, suggested that Washington seeks to prevent the ongoing tension with Iran from escalating any further. "President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don't want war," he said in another interview with Fox News on the same day. Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran Pompeo, in a series of Sunday television interviews, emphasized the US international outreach in the wake of what the US says were Iranian attacks Thursday on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has denied being involved in the attacks and accused America of promoting a negative campaign against it. Last week, two oil tankers — Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Shortly after the incident, the United States claimed that Tehran was responsible for the attack, a statement that was denounced by the latter earlier today. To back its claim, the US released a blurry video which, the country believed, showed the boat crew of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers shortly after the attack. The UK, in a statement, said that Iran should be held responsible for the attack on four oil tankers off the port of Fujairah last month. A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. (With inputs from agencies)

US weighing 'full range' of options to counter Iran, including a military strike: Mike Pompeo on Iran

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-commander-says-he-could-send-carrier-into-strait-of-hormuz-despite-iran-tensions-217422">Strait of Hormuz</a>.

Pompeo would not be drawn on what options the US is considering to protect shipping -- or to punish Iran -- in the wake of Thursday's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

"What you should assume is we are going to guarantee freedom of navigation throughout the strait," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday."

A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

"This is an international challenge, important to the entire globe. The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," Pompeo said.

He would not lay out US evidence for Iran's involvement in the Gulf of Oman explosions but insisted, "It's unmistakable what happened here. &nbsp;

"These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial shipping, on the freedom of navigation, with the clear intent to deny transit through the strait."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Pompeo would not be drawn on what options the US is considering to protect shipping -- or to punish Iran -- in the wake of Thursday's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman. "What you should assume is we are going to guarantee freedom of navigation throughout the strait," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. "This is an international challenge, important to the entire globe. The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," Pompeo said. He would not lay out US evidence for Iran's involvement in the Gulf of Oman explosions but insisted, "It's unmistakable what happened here. "These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial shipping, on the freedom of navigation, with the clear intent to deny transit through the strait."

Will make sure to guarantee freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz: Pompeo

The United States is attempting to check on&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that a senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-executes-its-special-envoy-to-us-after-hanoi-summit-collapse-223029">North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;official involved in Pyongyang</a>'s non-proliferation talks with Washington has been executed, Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said on Friday.

"We've seen the reporting to which you are referring,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told a news conference in Berlin in answer to a reporter's question. "We're doing our best to check it out. I don't have anything else to add to that today."

Earlier on Friday, a South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;newspaper reported that nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Choi had been executed as part of a purge of officials who steered negotiations for a failed summit between leader Kim Jong Un and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-still-has-confidence-in-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-221636">US President Donald Trump</a>.

The United States is attempting to check on reports that a senior North Korean official involved in Pyongyang's non-proliferation talks with Washington has been executed, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.

The United States is attempting to check on reports that a senior North Korean official involved in Pyongyang's non-proliferation talks with Washington has been executed, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday. "We've seen the reporting to which you are referring," Pompeo told a news conference in Berlin in answer to a reporter's question. "We're doing our best to check it out. I don't have anything else to add to that today." Earlier on Friday, a South Korean newspaper reported that nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Choi had been executed as part of a purge of officials who steered negotiations for a failed summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

US checking reports of North Korean envoy's execution: Pompeo

Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">President Vladimir Putin</a> on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader.

The new diplomatic push followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years.

Putin is expected to receive Pompeo Tuesday evening after the US secretary of state holds talks with Moscow's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov.

"My meetings in Russia will highlight a number of important topics," Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday.

"On some issues, we may agree, on others we may disagree, but when it’s in our national interests, it is our responsibility to find a way forward."

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Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election.

Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, Iran, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'Hypersonic weapons'&nbsp;

Hours before he meets Pompeo, Putin is expected to visit a top military flight test centre and inspect new weaponry on Tuesday.

At a meeting Monday evening, Putin stressed that Russia was developing hypersonic weapons and tasked his top brass with also developing defences against such weapons.

"We understand full well that leading countries of the world will sooner or later get such weapons," Putin said.&nbsp;

"This means that we should get hold of defences against such types of weapons before" Western countries put such weapons into combat service.

Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021.

The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a Russian missile system was in violation. Moscow has denied the claims.

Last year Putin revealed a new generation of "invincible" nuclear weapons and warned of a new arms race if America pulled out of weapons treaties.

The Venezuela crisis is expected to be another key point of contention.

The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline.

Trump has, however, contradicted Pompeo, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela.

&nbsp;'Regime slays dissidents'&nbsp;

The US president's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine.

Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California.

Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy."

"But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said.

Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled for Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran.

The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout.

The United States has recently ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord.

Russia's Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran.

"We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control. Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader. The new diplomatic push followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years. Putin is expected to receive Pompeo Tuesday evening after the US secretary of state holds talks with Moscow's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov. "My meetings in Russia will highlight a number of important topics," Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday. "On some issues, we may agree, on others we may disagree, but when it’s in our national interests, it is our responsibility to find a way forward." × Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election. Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, Iran, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine. 'Hypersonic weapons' Hours before he meets Pompeo, Putin is expected to visit a top military flight test centre and inspect new weaponry on Tuesday. At a meeting Monday evening, Putin stressed that Russia was developing hypersonic weapons and tasked his top brass with also developing defences against such weapons. "We understand full well that leading countries of the world will sooner or later get such weapons," Putin said. "This means that we should get hold of defences against such types of weapons before" Western countries put such weapons into combat service. Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021. The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a Russian missile system was in violation. Moscow has denied the claims. Last year Putin revealed a new generation of "invincible" nuclear weapons and warned of a new arms race if America pulled out of weapons treaties. The Venezuela crisis is expected to be another key point of contention. The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline. Trump has, however, contradicted Pompeo, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela. 'Regime slays dissidents' The US president's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine. Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California. Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy." "But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said. Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled for Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran. The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout. The United States has recently ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord. Russia's Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran. "We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Putin meets Pompeo as US seeks 'a way forward' in ties

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.

As relations between Moscow and Washington plunge to depths not seen since the Cold War, here are topics the top diplomats could address:

&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;

Pompeo and Lavrov have in the past weeks called on the other's country to get out of crisis-wracked Venezuela.

Moscow is a key ally of President Nicolas Maduro whereas Washington backs opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-seeks-us-pentagon-cooperation-to-solve-political-crisis-217960">Juan Guaido.</a>&nbsp;

Russia slammed the US's "irresponsible" support for a failed uprising against Maduro. Pompeo said Maduro had been ready to leave the country but that his Russian backers talked him out of it.

North Korea&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month met Russia's Vladimir Putin for their first face-to-face talks.

The meeting in Vladivostok aimed to counter US influence and boost Moscow's role on the Korean peninsula after earlier negotiations between Kim and US President Donald Trump broke down.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has angrily insisted "foolish and dangerous" Pompeo be kept away from further talks.&nbsp;

Election meddling&nbsp;

The report by US special counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow but did document widespread Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election.&nbsp;

Pompeo, who has promised "tough actions" on meddling, last month warned Russia would attempt to influence the next US presidential election in 2020.

"And we should expect in 2050, the Russians will be at it still," he said.&nbsp;

Moscow has long rejected reports it sought to swing the 2016 vote in Trump's favour. &nbsp;

Prisoners&nbsp;

Moscow has denounced the case against Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics.&nbsp;

Butina, who remains incarcerated in the US, faced "arbitrary" charges, Putin has said.

Meanwhile, US citizen Paul Whelan is in detention in Russia.

The security expert was accused of espionage and arrested in Moscow late last year.

Moscow has rejected the idea Whelan could be exchanged for any prisoner in the United States, saying it does not treat people as "pawns" in diplomatic games.

&nbsp;Iran nuclear deal&nbsp;

Russia has criticised Washington's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, an agreement which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief.&nbsp;

European counterparts urged Pompeo Monday to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf after Washington sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to protect its interests and President Donald Trump said Tehran would "suffer greatly".

UN inspectors have said Iran is complying with the deal, and Moscow last week denounced new US sanctions on the country's mining industry, calling for new talks to save the nuclear accord.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday. As relations between Moscow and Washington plunge to depths not seen since the Cold War, here are topics the top diplomats could address: Venezuela Pompeo and Lavrov have in the past weeks called on the other's country to get out of crisis-wracked Venezuela. Moscow is a key ally of President Nicolas Maduro whereas Washington backs opposition leader Juan Guaido. Russia slammed the US's "irresponsible" support for a failed uprising against Maduro. Pompeo said Maduro had been ready to leave the country but that his Russian backers talked him out of it. North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month met Russia's Vladimir Putin for their first face-to-face talks. The meeting in Vladivostok aimed to counter US influence and boost Moscow's role on the Korean peninsula after earlier negotiations between Kim and US President Donald Trump broke down. Pyongyang has angrily insisted "foolish and dangerous" Pompeo be kept away from further talks. Election meddling The report by US special counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow but did document widespread Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election. Pompeo, who has promised "tough actions" on meddling, last month warned Russia would attempt to influence the next US presidential election in 2020. "And we should expect in 2050, the Russians will be at it still," he said. Moscow has long rejected reports it sought to swing the 2016 vote in Trump's favour. Prisoners Moscow has denounced the case against Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics. Butina, who remains incarcerated in the US, faced "arbitrary" charges, Putin has said. Meanwhile, US citizen Paul Whelan is in detention in Russia. The security expert was accused of espionage and arrested in Moscow late last year. Moscow has rejected the idea Whelan could be exchanged for any prisoner in the United States, saying it does not treat people as "pawns" in diplomatic games. Iran nuclear deal Russia has criticised Washington's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, an agreement which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief. European counterparts urged Pompeo Monday to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf after Washington sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to protect its interests and President Donald Trump said Tehran would "suffer greatly". UN inspectors have said Iran is complying with the deal, and Moscow last week denounced new US sanctions on the country's mining industry, calling for new talks to save the nuclear accord.

Mike Pompeo-Vladimir Putin meeting: Five Talking Points

US&nbsp;Secretary of State<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/long-awaited-action-victory-for-us-diplomacy-mike-pompeo-on-unsc-listing-azhar-as-terrorist-215231&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX34zAv4viAhWKrY8KHWatAcMQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw28ilS_2r8yLkcfX-ECDai3"> Mike Pompeo</a> visited Britain on Wednesday to pitch a post-Brexit `special relationship` as Iran said it may stop complying with some parts of the nuclear deal which the United States withdrew from a year ago.

Pompeo arrived in London after an unannounced visit to Iraq where he explained US&nbsp;security concerns amid rising Iranian activity. The US&nbsp;military said on Tuesday B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the administration of US <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt_eTPv4viAhXBW3wKHbvoDDoQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ze63rN5OGU2_wXvkJq-b-">President Donald Trump </a>says is "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US&nbsp;forces there.

"The message that we’ve sent to the Iranians, I hope, puts us in a position where we can deter and the Iranians will think twice about attacking American interests," Pompeo said, noting that US&nbsp;intelligence was "very specific" about "attacks that were imminent."

Iran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not protect its interests against US&nbsp;sanctions, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US&nbsp;withdrawal from a nuclear deal a year ago.

In London, Pompeo will meet Prime Minister Theresa May who is grappling with a three-year political crisis over the United Kingdom`s exit from the European Union. He will also meet Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

As Britain tries to extract itself from the EU after 46 years of membership, a divorce many diplomats say has already made Britain weaker, Pompeo will give a speech on the so-called special relationship with the United Kingdom.

Both Brexit and the sometimes unpredictable Trump presidency have strained relations between the world`s preeminent power and the United Kingdom, its main European ally. Trump is due to make a state visit to the United Kingdom in June.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Britain on Wednesday to pitch a post-Brexit `special relationship` as Iran said it may stop complying with some parts of the nuclear deal which the United States withdrew from a year ago.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Britain on Wednesday to pitch a post-Brexit `special relationship` as Iran said it may stop complying with some parts of the nuclear deal which the United States withdrew from a year ago. Pompeo arrived in London after an unannounced visit to Iraq where he explained US security concerns amid rising Iranian activity. The US military said on Tuesday B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the administration of US President Donald Trump says is "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there. "The message that we’ve sent to the Iranians, I hope, puts us in a position where we can deter and the Iranians will think twice about attacking American interests," Pompeo said, noting that US intelligence was "very specific" about "attacks that were imminent." Iran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not protect its interests against US sanctions, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US withdrawal from a nuclear deal a year ago. In London, Pompeo will meet Prime Minister Theresa May who is grappling with a three-year political crisis over the United Kingdom`s exit from the European Union. He will also meet Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. As Britain tries to extract itself from the EU after 46 years of membership, a divorce many diplomats say has already made Britain weaker, Pompeo will give a speech on the so-called special relationship with the United Kingdom. Both Brexit and the sometimes unpredictable Trump presidency have strained relations between the world`s preeminent power and the United Kingdom, its main European ally. Trump is due to make a state visit to the United Kingdom in June.

Pompeo visits Brexit Britain as Iran warns over nuclear deal

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering Iran in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he met with Pompeo in the Brazilian capital that he planned to discuss how to intensify intelligence and operations cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian "aggression."

In his first public comments on Trump's decision, Pompeo said it "in no way changes anything that this administration is working on alongside Israel."

"The counter-ISIS campaign continues, our efforts to counter Iranian aggression continue and our commitment to Middle East stability and the protection of Israel continues in the same way it did before that decision was made," he said.

Trump announced last month that he planned to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, declaring that they had succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State and were no longer needed in the country.

In making the announcement, Trump ignored the advice of top national security aides and did so without consulting lawmakers or US&nbsp;allies participating in anti-Islamic State operations. The decision prompted Jim Mattis to resign as defense secretary.

"We have a lot to discuss," said Netanyahu, who like Pompeo was in the Brazilian capital for the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro as Brazil's new president.

"We’re going to be discussing our, the intense cooperation between Israel and the United States which will also deal with the questions following the decision, the American decision, on Syria and how to intensify even further our intelligence and operational cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian aggression in the Middle East."Netanyahu said Israel was very appreciative of the "strong ... unequivocal support" Pompeo gave Israel's "efforts at self defense against Syria" in the past few days.

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said Pompeo and Netanyahu “discussed the unacceptable threat that regional aggression and provocation by Iran and its agents poses to Israeli and regional security” and Pompeo reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense.

Netanyahu said last month after Trump's announcement that Israel would escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Israel sees the spread of Iran's influence in the Middle East as a growing threat, and has carried out scores of air strikes in civil war-torn Syria against suspected military deployments and arms deliveries by Iranian forces supporting Damascus.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering Iran in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering Iran in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he met with Pompeo in the Brazilian capital that he planned to discuss how to intensify intelligence and operations cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian "aggression." In his first public comments on Trump's decision, Pompeo said it "in no way changes anything that this administration is working on alongside Israel." "The counter-ISIS campaign continues, our efforts to counter Iranian aggression continue and our commitment to Middle East stability and the protection of Israel continues in the same way it did before that decision was made," he said. Trump announced last month that he planned to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, declaring that they had succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State and were no longer needed in the country. In making the announcement, Trump ignored the advice of top national security aides and did so without consulting lawmakers or US allies participating in anti-Islamic State operations. The decision prompted Jim Mattis to resign as defense secretary. "We have a lot to discuss," said Netanyahu, who like Pompeo was in the Brazilian capital for the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro as Brazil's new president. "We’re going to be discussing our, the intense cooperation between Israel and the United States which will also deal with the questions following the decision, the American decision, on Syria and how to intensify even further our intelligence and operational cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian aggression in the Middle East."Netanyahu said Israel was very appreciative of the "strong ... unequivocal support" Pompeo gave Israel's "efforts at self defense against Syria" in the past few days. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said Pompeo and Netanyahu “discussed the unacceptable threat that regional aggression and provocation by Iran and its agents poses to Israeli and regional security” and Pompeo reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense. Netanyahu said last month after Trump's announcement that Israel would escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Israel sees the spread of Iran's influence in the Middle East as a growing threat, and has carried out scores of air strikes in civil war-torn Syria against suspected military deployments and arms deliveries by Iranian forces supporting Damascus.

Mike Pompeo says cooperation with Israel over Syria and Iran to continue

The Israeli army said Tuesday it had detected Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and had launched an operation to cut them off.

Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" detected were not yet operational. He declined to say how many were detected or how they would be cut off.

All operations would take place within Israeli territory, Conricus said, though they were likely to boost tensions with Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group with which Israel fought a devastating war in 2006.

The military has used various means to collapse or fill in tunnels from the Gaza Strip.

"We have launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and thwart cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah terror organisation from Lebanon into Israel," Conricus told journalists.

The announcement of the operation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday night.

Netanyahu said he had planned to discuss with Pompeo "steps we are taking together to block the aggression of Iran and its proxies in the north," referring to Syria and Lebanon.

Hezbollah is backed by Iran, Israel's main enemy.

The Israeli army said Tuesday it had detected Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and had launched an operation to cut them off. Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" detected were not yet operational.

The Israeli army said Tuesday it had detected Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and had launched an operation to cut them off. Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" detected were not yet operational. He declined to say how many were detected or how they would be cut off. All operations would take place within Israeli territory, Conricus said, though they were likely to boost tensions with Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group with which Israel fought a devastating war in 2006. The military has used various means to collapse or fill in tunnels from the Gaza Strip. "We have launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and thwart cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah terror organisation from Lebanon into Israel," Conricus told journalists. The announcement of the operation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday night. Netanyahu said he had planned to discuss with Pompeo "steps we are taking together to block the aggression of Iran and its proxies in the north," referring to Syria and Lebanon. Hezbollah is backed by Iran, Israel's main enemy.

Israel launches operation to cut off Hezbollah infiltration tunnels

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