The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-iran-sanctions-are-already-in-effect-says-us-president-donald-trump-273262">retaliation to the attack on its military bases</a> housing US troops in Iraq.&nbsp;

The targets of the sanctions include, Iran's manufacturing, mining and textile sectors, as well as several senior Iranian officials who Washington said, were involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-was-start-of-a-series-of-attacks-across-the-region-iranian-commander-273235">Wednesday's strikes</a>.

"As a result of these actions, we will cut off billions of dollars of support to the Iranian regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at a White House briefing while standing beside the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Mnuchin also said that the measures hitting Iran's economy "will continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons." &nbsp;

Among the targeted senior Iranian officials, are Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Iranian armed forces deputy chief of staff and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the regime.

The US said that these officials are working towards the disability of the region.

The US Treasury also slapped sanction on 17 Iranian metals producers and mining companies which it said generated billions of dollars in revenue.

The sanctions also included a network of three entities that are based in China and Seychelles as well as a vessel "involved in the purchase, sale, and transfer of Iranian metals products," the Treasury said in a statement.

Tensions between Washington&nbsp;and Tehran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport.

Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq&nbsp;</a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Although the two sides seem to have stepped back from the brink of armed conflict, Trump vowed on Wednesday to impose the additional sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq.

The United States on Friday announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq. The targets of the sanctions include, Iran's manufacturing, mining and textile sectors, as well as several senior Iranian officials who Washington said, were involved in the Wednesday's strikes. "As a result of these actions, we will cut off billions of dollars of support to the Iranian regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at a White House briefing while standing beside the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mnuchin also said that the measures hitting Iran's economy "will continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons." Among the targeted senior Iranian officials, are Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Iranian armed forces deputy chief of staff and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the regime. The US said that these officials are working towards the disability of the region. The US Treasury also slapped sanction on 17 Iranian metals producers and mining companies which it said generated billions of dollars in revenue. The sanctions also included a network of three entities that are based in China and Seychelles as well as a vessel "involved in the purchase, sale, and transfer of Iranian metals products," the Treasury said in a statement. Tensions between Washington and Tehran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack on its Baghdad International Airport. Soon after the attack, Iran vowed to take "severe revenge". On Wednesday Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Although the two sides seem to have stepped back from the brink of armed conflict, Trump vowed on Wednesday to impose the additional sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

In retaliation to missile attacks, US imposes more sanctions on Iran

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun.

"We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said.

No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment&nbsp;one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate.

Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules.

"They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week."

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating.

McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bill-clinton-to-george-w-bush-us-presidents-who-toured-dmz-between-north-and-south-korea-510">Bill Clinton</a> faced his impeachment trial.

Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses.

"All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said.

"We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify.

They include Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-human-defect-221893">John Bolton</a>, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed.

Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine.

Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses.

"Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?"

Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may.

"Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called. Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun. "We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said. No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules. "They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week." The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating. McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president Bill Clinton faced his impeachment trial. Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses. "All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said. "We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify. They include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed. Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine. Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses. "Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?" Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

US Senate leader ready to pass impeachment trial rules without Democrats

British foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Dominic Raab</a> said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region.

Iran condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Donald Trump</a> as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets in retaliation for the killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> on Friday.

Raab, who is due to meet with US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-europeans-of-not-being-helpful-after-us-strikes-272098">Mike Pompeo</a> in Washington on Thursday, said he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president and also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister later on Sunday.

"We want to de-escalate the tensions, we want to see a route through this crisis. We do not want to see a major war in the Middle East. The only group of players that would benefit from that would be the terrorists and Daesh," he told the BBC.

Raab said Soleimani was a "regional menace" and he understood "the position the Americans found themselves in".

Asked if the killing was legal, Raab said: "It was General Soleimani’s job description to engage proxies and militias to attack Western countries that were legitimately there and in those circumstances the right of self-defence clearly applies."

Raab said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimanis-killing-uk-pm-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-cut-short-caribbean-vacation-272084">Britain</a>, which on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran, was taking "every essential measure" to reduce the risk to British nationals, diplomatic missions and military personnel.

He said the leadership in Tehran needed to know that there was a diplomatic way out.

"There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to deescalate and stabilise the situation."

Opposition Labour lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">Keir Starmer</a>, the bookmakers' favourite to win the party's upcoming leadership contest, said the killing of Soleiman was the "unilateral act of an irrational and erratic president".

"We cannot blindly follow the Americans into what could well turn out to be a war in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region. Iran condemned Donald Trump as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani on Friday. Raab, who is due to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Thursday, said he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president and also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister later on Sunday. "We want to de-escalate the tensions, we want to see a route through this crisis. We do not want to see a major war in the Middle East. The only group of players that would benefit from that would be the terrorists and Daesh," he told the BBC. Raab said Soleimani was a "regional menace" and he understood "the position the Americans found themselves in". Asked if the killing was legal, Raab said: "It was General Soleimani’s job description to engage proxies and militias to attack Western countries that were legitimately there and in those circumstances the right of self-defence clearly applies." Raab said Britain, which on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran, was taking "every essential measure" to reduce the risk to British nationals, diplomatic missions and military personnel. He said the leadership in Tehran needed to know that there was a diplomatic way out. "There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to deescalate and stabilise the situation." Opposition Labour lawmaker Keir Starmer, the bookmakers' favourite to win the party's upcoming leadership contest, said the killing of Soleiman was the "unilateral act of an irrational and erratic president". "We cannot blindly follow the Americans into what could well turn out to be a war in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

British foreign minister calls for de-escalation of tensions after killing of 'menace' Soleimani

After the US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on Friday, Washington is disappointed with European reaction as it is reaching out to its allies around the world in order to gain support.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is spearheading the campaign and called officials worldwide over the support of the strikes that was praised by US President Donald Trump and US-ally Israel. However, most of the countries have warned that the latest strike would trigger regional tensions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-cannot-afford-another-gulf-war-says-un-chief-after-us-kills-iran-general-271986">'World cannot afford' another Gulf war, says UN chief after US kills Iran general</a>

"I spent the last day and a half, two days, talking to partners in the region, sharing with them what we were doing, why we were doing it, seeking their assistance. They've all been fantastic," the secretary of state said in an interview with Fox News.

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Discussed with Iraqi President Salih <a href="https://twitter.com/RealDonalTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonalTrump</a>’s decision to take defensive action to protect U.S. personnel and interests abroad, and I reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to de-escalation.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1213207450293288960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">The killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and its consequences</a>

"Frankly, the Europeans haven't been as helpful as I wish that they could be," he said. Pompeo also said that talks with US-allies, other than the ones in Middle East, were&nbsp;not "quite as good".&nbsp;

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and I discussed the decisive defensive action <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> employed in Baghdad to protect American lives. I emphasized that de-escalation is the United States’ principal goal.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1213141648475119621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Following the killing, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell called on all involved parties "to exercise maximum restraint and show responsibility in this crucial moment."&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron urged those involved to act with "restraint" and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called for de-escalation.&nbsp;

"The Brits, the French, the Germans all need to understand that what we did, what the Americans did, saved lives in Europe as well," Pompeo said.

Pompeo's twitter timeline was filled with the calls from leaders across the world.&nbsp;

The leaders with whom Pompeo talked include Iraqi President Barham Salih and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the US Secretary of State reached out to senior government officials of most of the countries, but in Pakistan's case, Pompeo called upon Army Chief Qamar Bajwa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on Friday, Washington is disappointed with European reaction as it is reaching out to its allies around the world in order to gain support.

After the US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on Friday, Washington is disappointed with European reaction as it is reaching out to its allies around the world in order to gain support. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is spearheading the campaign and called officials worldwide over the support of the strikes that was praised by US President Donald Trump and US-ally Israel. However, most of the countries have warned that the latest strike would trigger regional tensions. Also read: 'World cannot afford' another Gulf war, says UN chief after US kills Iran general "I spent the last day and a half, two days, talking to partners in the region, sharing with them what we were doing, why we were doing it, seeking their assistance. They've all been fantastic," the secretary of state said in an interview with Fox News. Discussed with Iraqi President Salih @realDonalTrump’s decision to take defensive action to protect U.S. personnel and interests abroad, and I reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to de-escalation. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020 × Also read: The killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and its consequences "Frankly, the Europeans haven't been as helpful as I wish that they could be," he said. Pompeo also said that talks with US-allies, other than the ones in Middle East, were not "quite as good". Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and I discussed the decisive defensive action @realDonaldTrump employed in Baghdad to protect American lives. I emphasized that de-escalation is the United States’ principal goal. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020 × Following the killing, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell called on all involved parties "to exercise maximum restraint and show responsibility in this crucial moment." French President Emmanuel Macron urged those involved to act with "restraint" and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called for de-escalation. "The Brits, the French, the Germans all need to understand that what we did, what the Americans did, saved lives in Europe as well," Pompeo said. Pompeo's twitter timeline was filled with the calls from leaders across the world. The leaders with whom Pompeo talked include Iraqi President Barham Salih and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Interestingly, the US Secretary of State reached out to senior government officials of most of the countries, but in Pakistan's case, Pompeo called upon Army Chief Qamar Bajwa.

Soleimani killing: US reaches out to allies, Pompeo says Europeans aren't being 'helpful'

Iranian military commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-other-free-nations-will-take-revenge-for-soleimanis-killing-from-criminal-america-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-271885">Qasem Soleimani</a> was planning "imminent"&nbsp;action&nbsp;which would have threatened hundreds of American citizens, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said on Friday after Soleimani was killed in US strike in Baghdad.

"Soleimani was actively plotting in the region to take actions, a big action, as he described it, that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk," Pompeo told local media.

"We know it was imminent," Pompeo also said of Soleimani's plot, without going into detail about the nature of the planned operation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/qasem-soleimani-the-latest-file-terminated-at-cia-headquarters-271942">In pics : Qasem Soleimani: The latest file terminated at CIA Headquarters</a>

"This was an intelligence-based assessment that drove our decision-making process," Pompeo added.

On Friday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-commander-of-quds-force-to-replace-soleimani-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-271905">United States killed Soleimani</a>, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, in an air raid on Baghdad international airport.

Earlier in the day, Pompeo tweeted that the US is "committed to de-escalation".

Watch: How Iran and Iraq respond to US airstrike on Iraq

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He also said that he had spoken with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi about the killing and is thankful that the "allies recognise the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force."

"Thankful that our allies recognize the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force," he wrote on microblogging site.&nbsp;

"The US remains committed to de-escalation."

Pro-Iranian demonstrators laid siege to the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, angered by US weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters from the hardline Kataeb Hezbollah paramilitary group.

The strikes were in response to a rocket attack last week that killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

The Pentagon said Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the past few months, including on December 27, the day the contractor was killed.

Soleimani "also approved the attacks" on the US embassy in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani was planning "imminent" action which would have threatened hundreds of American citizens, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said on Friday after Soleimani was killed in US strike in Baghdad.

Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani was planning "imminent" action which would have threatened hundreds of American citizens, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said on Friday after Soleimani was killed in US strike in Baghdad. "Soleimani was actively plotting in the region to take actions, a big action, as he described it, that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk," Pompeo told local media. "We know it was imminent," Pompeo also said of Soleimani's plot, without going into detail about the nature of the planned operation. In pics : Qasem Soleimani: The latest file terminated at CIA Headquarters "This was an intelligence-based assessment that drove our decision-making process," Pompeo added. On Friday, the United States killed Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, in an air raid on Baghdad international airport. Earlier in the day, Pompeo tweeted that the US is "committed to de-escalation". Watch: How Iran and Iraq respond to US airstrike on Iraq × He also said that he had spoken with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi about the killing and is thankful that the "allies recognise the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force." "Thankful that our allies recognize the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force," he wrote on microblogging site. "The US remains committed to de-escalation." Pro-Iranian demonstrators laid siege to the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, angered by US weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters from the hardline Kataeb Hezbollah paramilitary group. The strikes were in response to a rocket attack last week that killed an American contractor working in Iraq. The Pentagon said Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the past few months, including on December 27, the day the contractor was killed. Soleimani "also approved the attacks" on the US embassy in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon. (With inputs from agencies)

Soleimani was plotting 'imminent' action threatening hundreds of American lives: Pompeo

North&nbsp;Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programmes and to introduce a "new&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left&nbsp;room&nbsp;for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for&nbsp;talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-has-everything-to-lose-donald-trump-after-north-koreas-significant-test-267034">Kim&nbsp;Jong Un</a> presided over a four-day meeting of top Workers' Party officials this week amid rising tensions with the United States, which has not responded to his repeated calls for concessions to reopen negotiations. Washington has dismissed the deadline as artificial.

Kim&nbsp;said there were no grounds for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;to be bound any longer by a self-declared moratorium on testing nuclear bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), according to a statement on the results of the policy meeting carried by the official KCNA news agency.

Kim&nbsp;accused the United States of making "gangster-like demands" and maintaining a "hostile policy", including by holding continued joint military drills with South&nbsp;Korea, adopting cutting edge weapons and imposing sanctions.

He pledged to continue bolstering his country's nuclear deterrent but said the "scope and depth" of that deterrent will be "properly co-ordinated depending on" the attitude of the United States.

"The world will witness a new&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;weapon to be possessed by the DPRK in the near future,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said, using the initials for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's official name the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-leaders-of-china-north-korea-watch-grand-performance-229137"> Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea</a>.

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"We will reliably put on constant alert the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US&nbsp;and guaranteeing our long-term security."

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it would be "deeply disappointing" if&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;reneges on denuclearisation commitments and&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;would hopefully "choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war."

In his latest comments on Tuesday in the United States, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> said he had a good relationship with&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and thought the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader would keep his word.

There were no official reports as of noon on Wednesday in South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;that&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;had delivered an annual New Year's address.

Kim&nbsp;had previously said he might have to seek a "new path" if Washington failed to meet his expectations. US&nbsp;military commanders said Pyongyang's actions could include test-firing an ICBM alongside nuclear warhead tests.&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last test-fired an ICBM in 2017.

Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said it was difficult to predict&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's next move. But it might involve firing a solid-fuel ICBM and an atmospheric nuclear test, he said.

Tension had been rising ahead of the year-end as&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

The nuclear&nbsp;talks&nbsp;have made little headway though&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and Trump have met three times since 2018. Working-level&nbsp;talks&nbsp;in Stockholm in October fell apart, with a&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean chief negotiator accusing US&nbsp;officials of sticking to their old stance.

Kim&nbsp;said there will "never be denuclearisation on the&nbsp;Korean peninsula" if Washington adheres to what he calls its hostile policy.

We "will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;weapons for the security of the state until the US&nbsp;rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK and lasting and durable peace-keeping mechanism is built,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said.

He called for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Koreans to brace for an "arduous and prolonged struggle" and foster a self-reliant economy because of a delay in the anticipated lifting of sanctions.

"The present situation warning of long confrontation with the US&nbsp;urgently requires us to make it a fait accompli that we have to live under the sanctions by the hostile forces in the future, too, and to strengthen the internal power from all aspects."

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean Studies in Seoul, said the party assembly results made clear&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;wants US&nbsp;security guarantees before taking substantial action towards denuclearisation.

"And he is suggesting that he will take the bull by the horns to achieve that goal, while promoting self reliance at home and still being open to&nbsp;talks&nbsp;depending on how Trump handles 'hostile policy,'" Yang said.

North Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programmes and to introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left room for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for talks.

North Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programmes and to introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left room for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for talks. Kim Jong Un presided over a four-day meeting of top Workers' Party officials this week amid rising tensions with the United States, which has not responded to his repeated calls for concessions to reopen negotiations. Washington has dismissed the deadline as artificial. Kim said there were no grounds for North Korea to be bound any longer by a self-declared moratorium on testing nuclear bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), according to a statement on the results of the policy meeting carried by the official KCNA news agency. Kim accused the United States of making "gangster-like demands" and maintaining a "hostile policy", including by holding continued joint military drills with South Korea, adopting cutting edge weapons and imposing sanctions. He pledged to continue bolstering his country's nuclear deterrent but said the "scope and depth" of that deterrent will be "properly co-ordinated depending on" the attitude of the United States. "The world will witness a new strategic weapon to be possessed by the DPRK in the near future," Kim said, using the initials for North Korea's official name the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "We will reliably put on constant alert the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US and guaranteeing our long-term security." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it would be "deeply disappointing" if Kim reneges on denuclearisation commitments and Kim would hopefully "choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war." In his latest comments on Tuesday in the United States, President Donald Trump said he had a good relationship with Kim and thought the North Korean leader would keep his word. There were no official reports as of noon on Wednesday in South Korea that Kim had delivered an annual New Year's address. Kim had previously said he might have to seek a "new path" if Washington failed to meet his expectations. US military commanders said Pyongyang's actions could include test-firing an ICBM alongside nuclear warhead tests. North Korea last test-fired an ICBM in 2017. Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said it was difficult to predict North Korea's next move. But it might involve firing a solid-fuel ICBM and an atmospheric nuclear test, he said. Tension had been rising ahead of the year-end as North Korea conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US President Donald Trump. The nuclear talks have made little headway though Kim and Trump have met three times since 2018. Working-level talks in Stockholm in October fell apart, with a North Korean chief negotiator accusing US officials of sticking to their old stance. Kim said there will "never be denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula" if Washington adheres to what he calls its hostile policy. We "will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite strategic weapons for the security of the state until the US rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK and lasting and durable peace-keeping mechanism is built," Kim said. He called for North Koreans to brace for an "arduous and prolonged struggle" and foster a self-reliant economy because of a delay in the anticipated lifting of sanctions. "The present situation warning of long confrontation with the US urgently requires us to make it a fait accompli that we have to live under the sanctions by the hostile forces in the future, too, and to strengthen the internal power from all aspects." Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the party assembly results made clear Kim wants US security guarantees before taking substantial action towards denuclearisation. "And he is suggesting that he will take the bull by the horns to achieve that goal, while promoting self reliance at home and still being open to talks depending on how Trump handles 'hostile policy,'" Yang said.

North Korea threatens to resume nuclear testing, introduce 'new strategic weapon'

Protesters&nbsp;angry about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;hurled stones and torched a&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">US&nbsp;Embassy</a>&nbsp;in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to the Middle East.

The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for&nbsp;US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran.

The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them.

Embassy&nbsp;guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel&nbsp;protesters, who stormed and&nbsp;burned the&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the entrance but did not breach the main compound.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protesters-storm-us-embassy-compound-in-baghdad-271300/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said that in addition to Marines sent to protect&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;were prepared to deploy over the next several days.

"This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against&nbsp;US&nbsp;personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement.

US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750&nbsp;troops&nbsp;would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;could be sent to the&nbsp;region&nbsp;in the coming days if needed.

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="299bcfa9-b50b-472b-b1cb-dcf591fb50d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2838%29_2.jpg" />

More than 5,000&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;are stationed in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;supporting local forces.

The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged&nbsp;US&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;to their worst level in years.

The United States and its allies invaded&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive.

Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> of&nbsp;Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in&nbsp;Iraq," the White House said.

Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence.

"Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet.

Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility.

"America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the&nbsp;Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25&nbsp;Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af442d77-60db-4b16-ab9a-673479b4affa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29_6.jpg" />

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations.

The protests followed&nbsp;US&nbsp;airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside&nbsp;Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a&nbsp;US&nbsp;civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an&nbsp;Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iraq. They will be held fully responsible."

Democrats&nbsp;upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy.

"The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said&nbsp;US&nbsp;Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The&nbsp;protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!"

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66f91c45-4f5c-40f4-9543-f97112bb0baf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2840%29_0.jpg" />

Iraqi special forces prevented&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;entering, later reinforced by&nbsp;US-trained&nbsp;Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces.

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the&nbsp;US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Mike Pompeo</a> told CBS News that&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials never contemplated evacuating the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;and had kept the heat on&nbsp;Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe.

"We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into&nbsp;Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd.

A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues&nbsp;carried them away.

Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-pm-kataib-hezbollah-condemns-us-airstrikes-271203">Kataib Hezbollah</a> and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the&nbsp;embassy.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East. The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for US President Donald Trump, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran. The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them. Embassy guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel protesters, who stormed and burned the security post at the entrance but did not breach the main compound. The Pentagon said that in addition to Marines sent to protect embassy personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that additional troops were prepared to deploy over the next several days. "This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750 troops would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000 troops could be sent to the region in the coming days if needed. More than 5,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq supporting local forces. The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in Iraq marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged US relations with Iraq to their worst level in years. The United States and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive. Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi of Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in Iraq," the White House said. Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet. Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing US sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility. "America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25 Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The embassy incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the US ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations. The protests followed US airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible." Democrats upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy. "The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said US Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the embassy gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces prevented protesters entering, later reinforced by US-trained Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces. The embassy has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CBS News that US officials never contemplated evacuating the embassy and had kept the heat on Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe. "We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd. A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues carried them away. Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy.

Protesters burn security post at US Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;reaffirm&nbsp;US&nbsp;support&nbsp;for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level&nbsp;US&nbsp;visit&nbsp;since President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment over his handling of relations with&nbsp;Ukraine.

Trump's conduct of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;policy has raised questions about his commitment to the country's security as it battles Russia-backed rebels and seeks to recover Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014.

A senior State Department official said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;will stress in talks with Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> and other top officials that as "Ukraine&nbsp;faces its challenges, the United States is with them."

Pompeo&nbsp;also will&nbsp;reaffirm&nbsp;US&nbsp;backing of Zelenskiy's anti-corruption reforms, said the official, who could not be further identified under the rules of a briefing on&nbsp;Pompeo's January&nbsp;3-7 trip to&nbsp;Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on December&nbsp;18 impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from his bid to push Zelenskiy to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender to run against Trump in the 2020 election, and a debunked theory on election interference.

The senior State Department official dodged questions about whether&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;would raise with Ukrainian leaders the investigations sought by Trump.

"I can't tell you every topic that's going to come up in those bilateral meetings," said the official.

The House inquiry concluded that Trump sought the investigations in return for granting Zelenskiy an Oval Office&nbsp;visit. It also found that Trump held back $391 million in congressionally approved aid that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;needed to defend against Russia-backed separatists.

Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have promoted&nbsp;unsubstantiated allegations that Biden, while vice president, blocked an investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm whose board members included his son, Hunter.

They also have trumpeted a discredited theory that it was&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;that interfered in the 2016&nbsp;US&nbsp;presidential election.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;intelligence community and a bipartisan Senate investigation concluded that Russia interfered to swing the vote to Trump over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegation.

The State Department official also evaded questions about whether&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;sought the early departure from Kiev of the acting&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador, William Taylor, whose testimony was a key factor in the House Democrats' impeachment case.

Taylor is leaving Kiev before&nbsp;Pompeo's arrival even though his term does not expire until mid-January.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reaffirm US support for Ukraine this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level US visit since President Donald Trump's impeachment over his handling of relations with Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reaffirm US support for Ukraine this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level US visit since President Donald Trump's impeachment over his handling of relations with Ukraine. Trump's conduct of Ukraine policy has raised questions about his commitment to the country's security as it battles Russia-backed rebels and seeks to recover Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014. A senior State Department official said Pompeo will stress in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other top officials that as "Ukraine faces its challenges, the United States is with them." Pompeo also will reaffirm US backing of Zelenskiy's anti-corruption reforms, said the official, who could not be further identified under the rules of a briefing on Pompeo's January 3-7 trip to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on December 18 impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from his bid to push Zelenskiy to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender to run against Trump in the 2020 election, and a debunked theory on election interference. The senior State Department official dodged questions about whether Pompeo would raise with Ukrainian leaders the investigations sought by Trump. "I can't tell you every topic that's going to come up in those bilateral meetings," said the official. The House inquiry concluded that Trump sought the investigations in return for granting Zelenskiy an Oval Office visit. It also found that Trump held back $391 million in congressionally approved aid that Ukraine needed to defend against Russia-backed separatists. Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have promoted unsubstantiated allegations that Biden, while vice president, blocked an investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm whose board members included his son, Hunter. They also have trumpeted a discredited theory that it was Ukraine that interfered in the 2016 US presidential election. The US intelligence community and a bipartisan Senate investigation concluded that Russia interfered to swing the vote to Trump over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegation. The State Department official also evaded questions about whether Pompeo sought the early departure from Kiev of the acting US ambassador, William Taylor, whose testimony was a key factor in the House Democrats' impeachment case. Taylor is leaving Kiev before Pompeo's arrival even though his term does not expire until mid-January.

Pompeo set to reaffirm support to Ukraine: US State Department

North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un</a>&nbsp;called for "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures" to ensure the country's&nbsp;security&nbsp;before a year-end&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;he has set for denuclearization&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

Kim&nbsp;convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and missile programs.

At a Sunday session,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures&nbsp;for fully ensuring the sovereignty and&nbsp;security&nbsp;of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating.

The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013&nbsp;under&nbsp;Kim, according to Seoul's&nbsp;Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-calls-for-offensive-measures-as-nuclear-deadline-looms-271049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale.

"By&nbsp;'positive&nbsp;and offensive&nbsp;measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the&nbsp;United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the&nbsp;University of North Korean studies in Seoul.

KCNA said the meeting was still&nbsp;underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing.

The&nbsp;United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> said on Monday.

"We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons," Pompeo told Fox News.

North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an&nbsp;unspecified "new path" if the&nbsp;United States fails to meet its expectations.

US&nbsp;military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;warhead tests.

Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;missile, White House national&nbsp;security&nbsp;adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power.

The&nbsp;United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>, O'Brien said.

A video released by the US&nbsp;Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles.

The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December&nbsp;2 on the website of the US&nbsp;Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9edaaf7d-8f50-4620-9c68-372e2ce5f241" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_1.jpg" />

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&nbsp;

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North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs.

KCNA said&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy."

Kim&nbsp;"presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said.

In New York, US&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea.

Russia and China proposed a draft UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization&nbsp;talks.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea.

"China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue,&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing.

The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations.

Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday. Kim convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his deadline for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. At a Sunday session, Kim suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating. The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013 under Kim, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs. The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale. "By 'positive and offensive measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean studies in Seoul. KCNA said the meeting was still underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since Kim took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing. The United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday. "We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their nuclear weapons," Pompeo told Fox News. North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an unspecified "new path" if the United States fails to meet its expectations. US military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with nuclear warhead tests. Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or nuclear missile, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power. The United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped Kim would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US President Donald Trump, O'Brien said. A video released by the US Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles. The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December 2 on the website of the US Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs. KCNA said Kim discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy." Kim "presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said. In New York, US Security Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea. Russia and China proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization talks. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the talks process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea. "China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue, Security Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing. The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations. Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

Kim Jong Un urges 'positive and offensive' security measures ahead of nuclear talks deadline

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said.

The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid.

Apart from holding talks with Zelenskiy, Pompeo will also meet Ukraine's foreign and defence ministers to reaffirm US support for the "country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said.

So far it isn't known whether both leaders will also discuss Trump's impeachment row.

The visit is part of a trip that includes several former Soviet republics, the US State Department said.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and since then Russian-backed rebels have been waging an insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached him on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from his effort to get Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential race.

The House inquiry into the matter concluded that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to influence Kiev, sending the matter to the US Senate for trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

In Kiev, Pompeo will also discuss human rights, investment climate, and the government's reform agenda, the State Department said.

He will also visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus on a trip from Friday through to next Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said. The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid.

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said. The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid. Apart from holding talks with Zelenskiy, Pompeo will also meet Ukraine's foreign and defence ministers to reaffirm US support for the "country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said. So far it isn't known whether both leaders will also discuss Trump's impeachment row. The visit is part of a trip that includes several former Soviet republics, the US State Department said. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and since then Russian-backed rebels have been waging an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. The Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached him on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from his effort to get Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential race. The House inquiry into the matter concluded that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to influence Kiev, sending the matter to the US Senate for trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. In Kiev, Pompeo will also discuss human rights, investment climate, and the government's reform agenda, the State Department said. He will also visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus on a trip from Friday through to next Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

US' Mike Pompeo to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Saturday slammed China for alleged ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and people in Tibet Autonomous Region, saying that Beijing is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures through repressive campaigns.

"From #Tibet to #Xinjiang, the Chinese Communist Party`s repressive campaigns are not about combating terrorism. The #CCP is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures. All societies must respect and protect religious freedom," he tweeted.

Pompeo`s statement came even as some Chinese Communist Party documents that were leaked over the high-security prison camps in Xinjiang which confirmed China`s human rights violations of Uighur Muslims.

The China Cables, which were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists - a global network of investigative journalists based in Washington - show how Uighurs are locked up, indoctrinated and punished inside the detention camps.

The investigation found new evidence that undermines Beijing`s claims that the detention camps, which have been built across Xinjiang in the last three years to detain at least a million Uighur Muslims, provide voluntary re-education purposes to counter extremism to the inmates who are detained without trial.

China has consistently claimed that the detention centres in Xinjiang offer voluntary education and training.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Saturday slammed China for alleged ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and people in Tibet Autonomous Region, saying that Beijing is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures through repressive campaigns.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Saturday slammed China for alleged ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and people in Tibet Autonomous Region, saying that Beijing is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures through repressive campaigns. "From #Tibet to #Xinjiang, the Chinese Communist Party`s repressive campaigns are not about combating terrorism. The #CCP is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures. All societies must respect and protect religious freedom," he tweeted. Pompeo`s statement came even as some Chinese Communist Party documents that were leaked over the high-security prison camps in Xinjiang which confirmed China`s human rights violations of Uighur Muslims. The China Cables, which were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists - a global network of investigative journalists based in Washington - show how Uighurs are locked up, indoctrinated and punished inside the detention camps. The investigation found new evidence that undermines Beijing`s claims that the detention camps, which have been built across Xinjiang in the last three years to detain at least a million Uighur Muslims, provide voluntary re-education purposes to counter extremism to the inmates who are detained without trial. China has consistently claimed that the detention centres in Xinjiang offer voluntary education and training. (With inputs from ANI)

China attempting to erase its own citizens' faiths, cultures through repressive campaigns: Pompeo

On Saturday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "shameful" Russia and China blocking the UN resolution, which would have extended for a year cross-border humanitarian aid to four million Syrians.

"To Russia and China, who have chosen to make a political statement by opposing this resolution, you have blood on your hands," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iran-still-hopeful-for-prisoner-talks-267740">Pompeo</a> said in a statement.

China reacted angrily Monday, saying it voted on the basis of "right and wrong".

"We firmly reject the unjustifiable accusations made by the US side on China's voting position," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said&nbsp;at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Geng said the US was "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestinian-territories-269444">politicising humanitarian issues</a>" and "pursuing a typical double standard".

Humanitarian aid currently flows into Syria through UN-designated checkpoints in Turkey and Iraq without the formal permission of the regime in Damascus, but that authority is due to expire on January 10.

Germany, Belgium and Kuwait presented a resolution extending that authority for a year, winning the support of 13 council members but drawing the vetoes of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-block-un-demand-for-seven-day-aleppo-truce-9783">Russia and China</a>.

A competing Russian resolution would have granted a six-month extension while reducing the number of UN crossing points, but it failed to get the minimum nine votes.

Russia -- an ally and major supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- has used its veto 14 times on Syrian issues since civil war broke out there in 2011.

The resolution failed as tens of thousands of civilians have been fleeing the northwestern Idlib region amid heavy bombardments by Assad's Russian-backed government, in the last bastion of the jihadist opposition.

On Saturday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "shameful" Russia and China blocking the UN resolution, which would have extended for a year cross-border humanitarian aid to four million Syrians.

On Saturday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "shameful" Russia and China blocking the UN resolution, which would have extended for a year cross-border humanitarian aid to four million Syrians. "To Russia and China, who have chosen to make a political statement by opposing this resolution, you have blood on your hands," Pompeo said in a statement. China reacted angrily Monday, saying it voted on the basis of "right and wrong". "We firmly reject the unjustifiable accusations made by the US side on China's voting position," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Geng said the US was "politicising humanitarian issues" and "pursuing a typical double standard". Humanitarian aid currently flows into Syria through UN-designated checkpoints in Turkey and Iraq without the formal permission of the regime in Damascus, but that authority is due to expire on January 10. Germany, Belgium and Kuwait presented a resolution extending that authority for a year, winning the support of 13 council members but drawing the vetoes of Russia and China. A competing Russian resolution would have granted a six-month extension while reducing the number of UN crossing points, but it failed to get the minimum nine votes. Russia -- an ally and major supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- has used its veto 14 times on Syrian issues since civil war broke out there in 2011. The resolution failed as tens of thousands of civilians have been fleeing the northwestern Idlib region amid heavy bombardments by Assad's Russian-backed government, in the last bastion of the jihadist opposition.

'US politicising humanitarian issues': China slams Pompeo's criticism of Syria aid veto

India and the US have agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation in areas of defence, counter-terrorism and trade, and to work with like-minded countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. #India #US #2+2dialouge #IndiaUS #RajnathSingh

India-US concludes 2+2 dialogue; Agrees to expand bilateral ties

In a joint statement released after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-resolve-to-work-together-to-realise-full-potential-of-strategic-global-partnership-mea-on-22-meeting-269220">2+2 ministerial dialogue</a>, India and the United States have called for "concerted" action against terrorist networks.&nbsp;

The ministers also called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism.&nbsp;

"The ministers called for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including Al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Haqqani network, Hizbul Mujahideen, TTP and the D-Company," the statement said as reported by news agency ANI.

"The ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner," the statement added.&nbsp;

The ministers have also asked Pakistan to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the Pathankot attack.

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The Ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner, &amp; to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot. <a href="https://t.co/0tYwhF2o4W">https://t.co/0tYwhF2o4W</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207684635724959744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive".

Kumar said that the meeting saw the Indian Defence and External Affairs ministers meet with their American counterparts wherein the diplomats resolved to "work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership".

"The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Kumar said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed during the 2+2 meeting.&nbsp;

The 2+2 dialogue took place in the United States between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and their American counterparts, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.&nbsp;

The 2+2 Ministerial dialogue hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC focused on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and the shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

In a joint statement released after the 2+2 ministerial dialogue, India and the United States have called for "concerted" action against terrorist networks. The ministers also called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism.

In a joint statement released after the 2+2 ministerial dialogue, India and the United States have called for "concerted" action against terrorist networks. The ministers also called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism. "The ministers called for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including Al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Haqqani network, Hizbul Mujahideen, TTP and the D-Company," the statement said as reported by news agency ANI. "The ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner," the statement added. The ministers have also asked Pakistan to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the Pathankot attack. The Ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner, & to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot. https://t.co/0tYwhF2o4W — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019 × Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive". Kumar said that the meeting saw the Indian Defence and External Affairs ministers meet with their American counterparts wherein the diplomats resolved to "work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership". "The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi. Kumar said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed during the 2+2 meeting. The 2+2 dialogue took place in the United States between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and their American counterparts, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The 2+2 Ministerial dialogue hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC focused on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and the shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from ANI)

2+2 dialogue: India, US call on Pakistan to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terror attacks

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive".

Kumar said that the meeting saw the Indian Defence and External Affairs ministers meet with their American counterparts wherein the diplomats resolved to "work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership".

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA on 2+2 Ministerial meeting, in the US: The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister &amp; External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump. <a href="https://t.co/HJks1iPx7e">pic.twitter.com/HJks1iPx7e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207625107025223681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Kumar said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed during the 2+2 meeting.&nbsp;

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA on 2+2 Ministerial meeting, in the US: The 4 Ministers resolved that they will work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership. <a href="https://t.co/imHdssP1Y7">https://t.co/imHdssP1Y7</a>
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"I'm not aware of the specifics of what was discussed in EAM's meeting with the Senate Committee on foreign relations. But our perspective on the Act Citizenship Amendment Act has been shared with the US interlocutors, including the US Congress," he added.&nbsp;

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA on if Citizenship Amendment Bill issue was raised by US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during 2+2 Ministerial meeting, in Washington DC: This issue, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed in the 2+2 meeting. <a href="https://t.co/Do3wPLub4s">pic.twitter.com/Do3wPLub4s</a>
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"We've highlighted the points which we have articulated in Parliament &amp; subsequently which has been repeated by the PM &amp; Home Minister. I can only say that in the context of his meeting with the members of the US Congress, EAM shared our perspectives on this issue," Kumar stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive".

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive". Kumar said that the meeting saw the Indian Defence and External Affairs ministers meet with their American counterparts wherein the diplomats resolved to "work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership". Raveesh Kumar, MEA on 2+2 Ministerial meeting, in the US: The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister & External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/HJks1iPx7e — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019 × "The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi. Kumar said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed during the 2+2 meeting. Raveesh Kumar, MEA on 2+2 Ministerial meeting, in the US: The 4 Ministers resolved that they will work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership. https://t.co/imHdssP1Y7 — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019 × "I'm not aware of the specifics of what was discussed in EAM's meeting with the Senate Committee on foreign relations. But our perspective on the Act Citizenship Amendment Act has been shared with the US interlocutors, including the US Congress," he added. Raveesh Kumar, MEA on if Citizenship Amendment Bill issue was raised by US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during 2+2 Ministerial meeting, in Washington DC: This issue, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed in the 2+2 meeting. pic.twitter.com/Do3wPLub4s — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019 × "We've highlighted the points which we have articulated in Parliament & subsequently which has been repeated by the PM & Home Minister. I can only say that in the context of his meeting with the members of the US Congress, EAM shared our perspectives on this issue," Kumar stated. (With inputs from ANI)

India, US resolve to work together to realise full potential of strategic global partnership: MEA on 2+2 meeting 

India and the United States on Wednesday initiated the second session of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC that would reflect the rapid growth of the vital strategic partnership between the sides.&nbsp;

The meeting, hosted by the Department of State in DC, will focus on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and the shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Building on the success of the inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in 2018, the talk will serve as an important platform for discussing critical diplomatic and security issues and expand cooperation in defence and counter-terrorism measures between the two sides.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper will host Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh for the Dialogue.

The US and India, last month, had held the Tiger Triumph, the first-of-its-kind, tri-service military exercise, which strengthened cooperation between the two armed forces in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

A senior State Department official said that 2+2 will address ways to further accelerate and deepen the cooperation and the two sides will discuss and coordinate on the pressing regional and global challenges of the day.

The official recalled that Pompeo emphasised on his visit to India last summer, the US-India relationship has evolved dramatically from a relationship of great potential to one of great achievement.

"This upcoming meeting underscores the high priority the Trump Administration places on a strong US-India relationship," he said.

The inaugural India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 in the presence of Pompeo and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The Dialogue was launched as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts.&nbsp;

India and the United States on Wednesday initiated the second session of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC that would reflect the rapid growth of the vital strategic partnership between the sides.

India and the United States on Wednesday initiated the second session of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC that would reflect the rapid growth of the vital strategic partnership between the sides. The meeting, hosted by the Department of State in DC, will focus on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and the shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the success of the inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in 2018, the talk will serve as an important platform for discussing critical diplomatic and security issues and expand cooperation in defence and counter-terrorism measures between the two sides. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper will host Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh for the Dialogue. The US and India, last month, had held the Tiger Triumph, the first-of-its-kind, tri-service military exercise, which strengthened cooperation between the two armed forces in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. A senior State Department official said that 2+2 will address ways to further accelerate and deepen the cooperation and the two sides will discuss and coordinate on the pressing regional and global challenges of the day. The official recalled that Pompeo emphasised on his visit to India last summer, the US-India relationship has evolved dramatically from a relationship of great potential to one of great achievement. "This upcoming meeting underscores the high priority the Trump Administration places on a strong US-India relationship," he said. The inaugural India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 in the presence of Pompeo and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The Dialogue was launched as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts.

India, US commence 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC

Iran on Monday accused the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iran-still-hopeful-for-prisoner-talks-267740">United States of dreaming </a>up "imaginary enemies" after Washington warned there would be a stiff response if US interests in Iraq are attacked.

"When politicians want to absolve themselves of blame they always make up an imaginary enemy," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a press conference.

"This is the American tradition - creating enemies and projecting blame on an enemy. I think America should review its policies in Iraq."

He added Washington's aim was "to intensify a psychological war" against Tehran, and that it was making accusations for which it has "presented no evidence".

If Washington went ahead with implementing its threats "it will receive a crushing ... response", Rabiei warned.

The United States has expressed mounting concern about a flurry of attacks on Iraqi bases used by US troops, several of which it has blamed on Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups.

Since October 28, rockets have 10 times targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are based. The attacks have never been claimed.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Friday there would be a "decisive response" if American interests were harmed in Iraq - an ally of both Iran and the United States.

"We must... use this opportunity to remind Iran's leaders that any attacks by them, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be answered with a decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Iran must respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and immediately cease its provision of lethal aid and support to third parties in Iraq and throughout the region," he said.

Tensions have been on the rise between the US and Iran, since US President Donald Trump last year decided to withdraw from a landmark 2015 nuclear accord agreed between Tehran and several world powers.

Iran on Monday accused the United States of dreaming up "imaginary enemies" after Washington warned there would be a stiff response if US interests in Iraq are attacked.

Iran on Monday accused the United States of dreaming up "imaginary enemies" after Washington warned there would be a stiff response if US interests in Iraq are attacked. "When politicians want to absolve themselves of blame they always make up an imaginary enemy," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a press conference. "This is the American tradition - creating enemies and projecting blame on an enemy. I think America should review its policies in Iraq." He added Washington's aim was "to intensify a psychological war" against Tehran, and that it was making accusations for which it has "presented no evidence". If Washington went ahead with implementing its threats "it will receive a crushing ... response", Rabiei warned. The United States has expressed mounting concern about a flurry of attacks on Iraqi bases used by US troops, several of which it has blamed on Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups. Since October 28, rockets have 10 times targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are based. The attacks have never been claimed. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Friday there would be a "decisive response" if American interests were harmed in Iraq - an ally of both Iran and the United States. "We must... use this opportunity to remind Iran's leaders that any attacks by them, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be answered with a decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement. "Iran must respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and immediately cease its provision of lethal aid and support to third parties in Iraq and throughout the region," he said. Tensions have been on the rise between the US and Iran, since US President Donald Trump last year decided to withdraw from a landmark 2015 nuclear accord agreed between Tehran and several world powers.

Washington's aim is to intensify psychological war: Iran

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday -- the Russian's first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced.

The brief statement about the meeting, to be held at the State Department, said Pompeo and Lavrov would "discuss a broad range of regional and bilateral issues."

On Friday, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the meeting was being "prepared" for Tuesday.

The situations in war-wracked Syria and Ukraine are likely to top the agenda. The Washington meeting will come on the heels of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east in Paris on Monday.

Iran and North Korea are also of mutual concern in Washington and Moscow.

Pompeo and Lavrov met in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

But Lavrov has not been on an official visit to the US capital since his encounter with Trump in the Oval Office in May 2017, which was followed by allegations that the US leader divulged classified intelligence in the meeting.

Photographs of the meeting showed Lavrov, Trump and subsequently sacked Russian envoy to Washington Sergei Kislyak sharing a laugh.

US intelligence concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election with an eye to swinging it in Trump's favour, but US special counsel Robert Mueller found there was not enough evidence to prove that Trump's campaign conspired with the Russian government in those efforts.

The report did not conclude that Trump had committed a crime, but it also did not fully exonerate him.

"If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state," Mueller's long-awaited report said.

"Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgment."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday -- the Russian's first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday -- the Russian's first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced. The brief statement about the meeting, to be held at the State Department, said Pompeo and Lavrov would "discuss a broad range of regional and bilateral issues." On Friday, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the meeting was being "prepared" for Tuesday. The situations in war-wracked Syria and Ukraine are likely to top the agenda. The Washington meeting will come on the heels of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east in Paris on Monday. Iran and North Korea are also of mutual concern in Washington and Moscow. Pompeo and Lavrov met in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. But Lavrov has not been on an official visit to the US capital since his encounter with Trump in the Oval Office in May 2017, which was followed by allegations that the US leader divulged classified intelligence in the meeting. Photographs of the meeting showed Lavrov, Trump and subsequently sacked Russian envoy to Washington Sergei Kislyak sharing a laugh. US intelligence concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election with an eye to swinging it in Trump's favour, but US special counsel Robert Mueller found there was not enough evidence to prove that Trump's campaign conspired with the Russian government in those efforts. The report did not conclude that Trump had committed a crime, but it also did not fully exonerate him. "If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state," Mueller's long-awaited report said. "Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgment."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to visit Washington, US confirms

Russian Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov-to-visit-washington-us-confirms-267075"> Sergei Lavrov</a> will meet US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> during talks with his US&nbsp;counterpart in Washington on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency cited a Russian foreign ministry source as saying.

Lavrov's trip to Washington for talks with US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> comes as bilateral ties are at post-Cold War lows, strained over everything from alleged election meddling to the wars in Ukraine and Syria.

Time is also running out for the two sides to strike a deal that would replace or extend their New START nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire in February 2021.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> last week offered the United States an extension on the deal without any pre-conditions or further discussion.

Russia's foreign ministry confirmed Lavrov's trip to Washington in a statement. It did not mention a meeting with Trump, but Interfax cited a foreign ministry source saying there would be such a meeting.

"We expect that (Lavrov) will be received by (Trump) and will hold talks with (Pompeo)," the source was quoted as saying.

There was no immediate response from the United States.

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have said Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election campaign in order to tilt the vote in Trump's favor. Moscow has denied any interference.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet US President Donald Trump during talks with his US counterpart in Washington on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency cited a Russian foreign ministry source as saying.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet US President Donald Trump during talks with his US counterpart in Washington on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency cited a Russian foreign ministry source as saying. Lavrov's trip to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo comes as bilateral ties are at post-Cold War lows, strained over everything from alleged election meddling to the wars in Ukraine and Syria. Time is also running out for the two sides to strike a deal that would replace or extend their New START nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire in February 2021. President Vladimir Putin last week offered the United States an extension on the deal without any pre-conditions or further discussion. Russia's foreign ministry confirmed Lavrov's trip to Washington in a statement. It did not mention a meeting with Trump, but Interfax cited a foreign ministry source saying there would be such a meeting. "We expect that (Lavrov) will be received by (Trump) and will hold talks with (Pompeo)," the source was quoted as saying. There was no immediate response from the United States. US intelligence agencies have said Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election campaign in order to tilt the vote in Trump's favor. Moscow has denied any interference.

Trump to meet Russia's foreign minister on Tuesday: Source

Netanyahu presses Pompeo for Pressure on Tottering Iran. To know more watch the video

WION Dispatch: Pompeo meets Netanyahu in Lisbon

Iran arrested eight people "linked to the CIA" during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-banks-and-government-sites-burned-in-iran-unrest-interior-minister-abdolreza-rahmani-fazli-264898">street violence</a> that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against a decision to hike fuel prices, state news agency IRNA reported late Wednesday.

"Some elements who tried to collect information about the recent riots and send them out of the country... were identified and arrested," IRNA quoted the director-general of the intelligence ministry's counter-espionage department as saying.

Six of those arrested were alleged to have been "attending the riots and carrying out orders", IRNA said, without naming the official.

Two others accused of trying to collect information and transfer it abroad were arrested before they could leave the country, the news agency said.

They had all been "trained in different countries on how to collect information... as citizen-journalists", it added.

Iran's arch-foe the United States said on Tuesday it had received thousands of messages from the Islamic republic about protests, including photos and videos, after issuing an appeal for them to defy internet restrictions.

"We've received to date nearly 20,000 messages, videos, pictures, notes of the regime's abuses through Telegram messaging services," Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-pompeo-for-outdated-cold-war-thinking-in-berlin-speech-against-china-261668">Mike Pompeo</a> said, referring to the encrypted app.

The unrest, triggered by a sharp rise in petrol prices, came after a year and a half of biting sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump that aim to contain Iran's regional role.

Amnesty International said Monday that at least 143 demonstrators have been killed since November 15 in Iran's crackdown.

Iran arrested eight people "linked to the CIA" during street violence that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against a decision to hike fuel prices, state news agency IRNA reported late Wednesday.

Iran arrested eight people "linked to the CIA" during street violence that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against a decision to hike fuel prices, state news agency IRNA reported late Wednesday. "Some elements who tried to collect information about the recent riots and send them out of the country... were identified and arrested," IRNA quoted the director-general of the intelligence ministry's counter-espionage department as saying. Six of those arrested were alleged to have been "attending the riots and carrying out orders", IRNA said, without naming the official. Two others accused of trying to collect information and transfer it abroad were arrested before they could leave the country, the news agency said. They had all been "trained in different countries on how to collect information... as citizen-journalists", it added. Iran's arch-foe the United States said on Tuesday it had received thousands of messages from the Islamic republic about protests, including photos and videos, after issuing an appeal for them to defy internet restrictions. "We've received to date nearly 20,000 messages, videos, pictures, notes of the regime's abuses through Telegram messaging services," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, referring to the encrypted app. The unrest, triggered by a sharp rise in petrol prices, came after a year and a half of biting sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump that aim to contain Iran's regional role. Amnesty International said Monday that at least 143 demonstrators have been killed since November 15 in Iran's crackdown.

Iran arrests eight 'linked to CIA' during unrest: State media

The United States on Monday (November 19) effectively backed Israel's right to build Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank by abandoning its four-decade-old position that they were "inconsistent with international law," in a statement that on Tuesday (November 19) drew praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and condemnation from Palestinians.

U.S. backs Israel on settlements, angering Palestinians and clouding peace process

The United States on Monday (November 18) effectively backed Israel's right to build Jewish settlements on the occupied West Bank by abandoning its four-decade position that they were "inconsistent with international law."

"West Bank settlements are not inconsistent with International Law" - Pompeo

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-protest-moves-to-grant-netanyahu-immunity-limit-supreme-court-221711">Israelis </a>hailed a US announcement that it no longer considers settlements in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-health-ministry-a-palestinian-shot-dead-in-west-bank-clashes-261418">West Bank </a>and annexed east Jerusalem illegal, but the Palestinians pledged fresh measures to oppose it Tuesday.

Most Israeli politicians and media joined settler groups in welcoming the announcement made by US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-lawmakers-press-pompeo-for-answers-on-iran-arms-control-report-219258">Mike Pompeo </a>on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-gives-rare-tv-interview-to-address-allegations-205334">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said it reflected "a historical truth that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judaea and Samaria," using the biblical terms for the southern and northern West Bank.

Pompeo said that after legal consultation they had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law".

He said that the United States was not necessarily considering the settlements legal either but instead would defer to the judgement of Israeli courts.

The decision is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by Donald Trump's administration in recent years, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Watch: Reversal of US on it's long standing policy on Israeli settlements

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More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians.

The statement puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied land.

The Arab League criticised the announcement Tuesday, calling it an "extremely adverse development."

The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel Egypt and Jordan&nbsp;both sharply criticised the US change of policy, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of its "dangerous consequences".

The direct impact on the ground may be limited but analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel.

The Palestinian Authority which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived&nbsp;denounced the latest decision.

Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians would take a series of measures to oppose the move.

"We began deliberations in the UN to present a draft resolution in the Security Council," he said Tuesday.

"We expect a (US) veto but we will do it. Let the United States veto international law.

"We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask. the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation with Israeli officials concerning settlements."

The US change of policy was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel.

The European Union’s top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels.

The International Criminal Court is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including on whether Israeli settlements are a war crime according to international law.

Ofer Zalzberg, senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally.

"The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," Zalzberg said.

"It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions."

Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for annexation of the settlements."We applaud the Trump administration for revealing the truth about the standing of Israeli communities in Judaea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley," the Yesha settlements council said.

"After the American recognition, we must move to the next stage applying sovereignty to Israeli settlements."

Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try and force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state.

"They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick internally, externally, regionally to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

Israelis hailed a US announcement that it no longer considers settlements in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem illegal, but the Palestinians pledged fresh measures to oppose it Tuesday.

Israelis hailed a US announcement that it no longer considers settlements in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem illegal, but the Palestinians pledged fresh measures to oppose it Tuesday. Most Israeli politicians and media joined settler groups in welcoming the announcement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it reflected "a historical truth that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judaea and Samaria," using the biblical terms for the southern and northern West Bank. Pompeo said that after legal consultation they had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law". He said that the United States was not necessarily considering the settlements legal either but instead would defer to the judgement of Israeli courts. The decision is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by Donald Trump's administration in recent years, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967. Watch: Reversal of US on it's long standing policy on Israeli settlements × More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. The statement puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied land. The Arab League criticised the announcement Tuesday, calling it an "extremely adverse development." The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel Egypt and Jordan both sharply criticised the US change of policy, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of its "dangerous consequences". The direct impact on the ground may be limited but analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel. The Palestinian Authority which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived denounced the latest decision. Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians would take a series of measures to oppose the move. "We began deliberations in the UN to present a draft resolution in the Security Council," he said Tuesday. "We expect a (US) veto but we will do it. Let the United States veto international law. "We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask. the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation with Israeli officials concerning settlements." The US change of policy was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel. The European Union’s top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels. The International Criminal Court is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including on whether Israeli settlements are a war crime according to international law. Ofer Zalzberg, senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally. "The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," Zalzberg said. "It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions." Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for annexation of the settlements."We applaud the Trump administration for revealing the truth about the standing of Israeli communities in Judaea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley," the Yesha settlements council said. "After the American recognition, we must move to the next stage applying sovereignty to Israeli settlements." Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try and force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state. "They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick internally, externally, regionally to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

Israelis celebrate, Palestinians vow measures to oppose as US backs settlements in West Bank

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-struggle-to-continue-protests-after-deadly-crackdown-by-authorities-261169">crackdown of the Iraqi government</a> and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands.

"The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement.

The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions.

"Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption.

The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday. Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October 1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands. "The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement. The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions. "Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption. The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

Pompeo 'deplored' protests' death toll in phone call with Iraqi PM: US State Department

A US-born woman who says she regrets having joined the Islamic State group has appealed again to come home from the refugee camp where she lives with her small son in Syria.

The government is refusing to let Hoda Muthana return to the US, arguing that she is not an American citizen.

In an interview with NBC News published Saturday, Muthana said she "regrets every single thing" done by IS, which she joined in 2014 after embracing extremist ideology while living with her family in Alabama.

"Anyone that believes in God believes that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how harmful their sins were," Muthana said.&nbsp;

The interview was conducted in northeast Syria at the Al-Roj refugee camp, controlled by Kurdish forces, where Muthana lives with her two-year-old son Adam.

Muthana said she fears for her life because she could be targeted by people at the camp who have not renounced IS.

"I did not support the beheadings from (IS) from day 1, until now I do not support any of their crimes and suicide attacks," Muthana said.&nbsp;

The US government has repatriated several American women linked to the group, along with their children, but not Muthana.

Washington argues she is not a US citizen even though she was born in the US because she is the daughter of a diplomat serving for the Yemeni government at the time.

The children of US-based foreign diplomats do not enjoy citizenship by birthright.

Muthana has filed suit to try to return to the US. She had travelled to Syria on a US passport.

"I am a citizen and I have papers to prove it. I am as American as a blond-haired blue-eyed girl and I would like to stay in my country and do American things," Muthana told NBC.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called her a terrorist.

Muthana married three IS fighters, all of whom died in combat.

She took part actively in IS propaganda, according to the Counter Extremism Project.

She had urged jihadists in America to "go on drive-bys, and spill all of their blood."

Muthana also hailed an attack in 2015 in France against the offices of the magazine Charlie Hebdo, which left 12 people dead.

In the interview with NBC she said "it was an ideology that really was just a phase." She refused to discuss those earlier comments.

She said she is willing to face the US justice system if she is allowed to return.

A US-born woman who says she regrets having joined the Islamic State group has appealed again to come home from the refugee camp where she lives with her small son in Syria.

A US-born woman who says she regrets having joined the Islamic State group has appealed again to come home from the refugee camp where she lives with her small son in Syria. The government is refusing to let Hoda Muthana return to the US, arguing that she is not an American citizen. In an interview with NBC News published Saturday, Muthana said she "regrets every single thing" done by IS, which she joined in 2014 after embracing extremist ideology while living with her family in Alabama. "Anyone that believes in God believes that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how harmful their sins were," Muthana said. The interview was conducted in northeast Syria at the Al-Roj refugee camp, controlled by Kurdish forces, where Muthana lives with her two-year-old son Adam. Muthana said she fears for her life because she could be targeted by people at the camp who have not renounced IS. "I did not support the beheadings from (IS) from day 1, until now I do not support any of their crimes and suicide attacks," Muthana said. The US government has repatriated several American women linked to the group, along with their children, but not Muthana. Washington argues she is not a US citizen even though she was born in the US because she is the daughter of a diplomat serving for the Yemeni government at the time. The children of US-based foreign diplomats do not enjoy citizenship by birthright. Muthana has filed suit to try to return to the US. She had travelled to Syria on a US passport. "I am a citizen and I have papers to prove it. I am as American as a blond-haired blue-eyed girl and I would like to stay in my country and do American things," Muthana told NBC. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called her a terrorist. Muthana married three IS fighters, all of whom died in combat. She took part actively in IS propaganda, according to the Counter Extremism Project. She had urged jihadists in America to "go on drive-bys, and spill all of their blood." Muthana also hailed an attack in 2015 in France against the offices of the magazine Charlie Hebdo, which left 12 people dead. In the interview with NBC she said "it was an ideology that really was just a phase." She refused to discuss those earlier comments. She said she is willing to face the US justice system if she is allowed to return.

'Everyone deserves second chance': US-born Islamic State bride appeals again to come home from Syria

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday slammed Tehran's treatment of an inspector with the UN's nuclear watchdog agency last week as "an outrageous and unwarranted act of intimidation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday slammed Tehran's treatment of an inspector with the UN's nuclear watchdog agency last week as "an outrageous and unwarranted act of intimidation." The top US diplomat said Iran "detained" the inspector, who the International Atomic Energy Agency has said had been briefly prevented from leaving Iran. Iran said Thursday it had cancelled the inspector's accreditation after she triggered an alarm last week at the entrance to the Natanz uranium enrichment plant. The alarm during a check at the entrance to the plant in central Iran had raised concerns that she could be carrying a "suspect product" on her, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said in a statement posted online. As a result, she was denied entry, it added, without specifying whether or not anything had been found in her possession. Iran's ambassador to the IAEA Kazem Gharib Abadi told reporters after a special agency meeting in Vienna that after setting off the alarms on October 28, the woman "sneaked out" to the bathroom while waiting for a more thorough inspection with a detector that can find a range of explosive materials. After her return, the alarms did not go off again, but authorities found contamination in the bathroom and later on her empty handbag during a house search. Iran said IAEA officials were present for all the searches. The IAEA has not publicly commented on the incident with the inspector so far. "The United States fully supports the IAEA's monitoring and verification activities in Iran, and we are alarmed at Iran's lack of adequate cooperation," Pompeo said in a statement. "IAEA inspectors must be allowed to conduct their critical work unimpeded. We call on Iran to immediately resolve all open issues with the IAEA and to afford Agency inspectors the privileges and immunities to which they are entitled." Iran has been progressively scaling back its commitments under a landmark 2015 deal aimed at reining in Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The US left the agreement last year and re-imposed sanctions, leaving remaining world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- trying to save the agreement and mitigate the sanctions.

US Secretary of State Pompeo slams Iran 'intimidation' of IAEA inspector as 'outrageous'

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and incoming EU chief Ursula von der Leyen issued stark warnings Friday that the West faces new &nbsp;challenges from Russia and China, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall.

Urging Western allies to defend hard-won freedoms, Pompeo stressed "we can never take ... things for granted".

With the West facing a slew of geopolitical challenges, he said the bulwark of the bloc's defence alliance, the 70-year-old NATO, also "runs the risk that it will become obsolete" if leaders failed to tackle new challenges.

Pompeo's warning came after French President Emmanuel Macron criticised the transatlantic partnership as experiencing "brain death".

The sharp words prompted an unusually firm retort from Chancellor Angela Merkel. Von der Leyen too on Friday defended NATO as an "outstanding" shield.

Dismissing the debate around Macron's comments as "kerfuffle," Pompeo acknowledged that "NATO needs to grow and change, it needs to confront the realities of today and the challenges today."

These threats include those posed by governments like China, Russia and Iran, Pompeo said, speaking just a few metres (yards) away from where the Wall ran past the German capital's world-famous Brandenburg Gate.

In a renewed attack against Beijing, Pompeo said the "Chinese Communist Party uses tactics and methods to suppress its own people that would be horrifyingly familiar to former East Germans".

The United States and its allies should "defend what was so hard-won... in 1989" and "recognise we are in a competition of values with unfree nations," he added.

'Complacency was naive'

Issuing a similar message, von der Leyen said 30 years after the epochal event that was thought to usher in the unstoppable train of liberal democracy, "today, we have to admit that our complacency was naive."

Russia is "using violence to shift established borders in Europe, and is trying to fill every vacuum that the US has left behind."

And hopes that China would develop closer to the Western model have not been fulfilled, the former German defence minister said.

In the face of such challenges, von der Leyen said Europe needs to bulk up against the world's biggest players.

"Soft power is no longer enough today, if we Europeans want to assert ourselves in the world," she said, adding that "Europe must also learn the 'language of power'."

This include "building our own muscles, on where we've for a long time been able to rely on others -- in security policies."

Faced with a mercurial US President Donald Trump, European leaders including Merkel have in the last years intensified their calls for the bloc to ensure that it stand on its own feet.

'Putin's whims'

On a whirlwind two-day tour of Germany where he revisited the site of his Cold War military service on the former Iron Curtain border and met Merkel and key members of her cabinet, Pompeo looked to shore up transatlantic relations.

But he did not hesitate to name longstanding US-EU differences that have shifted into the spotlight under Trump's tenure.

America's top diplomat said defending liberal democracy also means preventing "Europe's energy supplies... (from) depending on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's whims" through the under-construction Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

Merkel has repeatedly said the pipeline is a purely private business concern.

And Pompeo warned of "Chinese companies' intent to build 5G networks", after the German government failed to exclude tech giant Huawei from the next-generation mobile network infrastructure.

While Huawei is a world leader in the technology, the US and others including Germany's own security services have warned that it is close to Beijing.

But wary of a potential falling-out with China -- Germany's biggest trade partner -- Berlin last month said only that there would be "high standards" for security in the new network.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and incoming EU chief Ursula von der Leyen issued stark warnings Friday that the West faces new challenges from Russia and China, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and incoming EU chief Ursula von der Leyen issued stark warnings Friday that the West faces new challenges from Russia and China, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall. Urging Western allies to defend hard-won freedoms, Pompeo stressed "we can never take ... things for granted". With the West facing a slew of geopolitical challenges, he said the bulwark of the bloc's defence alliance, the 70-year-old NATO, also "runs the risk that it will become obsolete" if leaders failed to tackle new challenges. Pompeo's warning came after French President Emmanuel Macron criticised the transatlantic partnership as experiencing "brain death". The sharp words prompted an unusually firm retort from Chancellor Angela Merkel. Von der Leyen too on Friday defended NATO as an "outstanding" shield. Dismissing the debate around Macron's comments as "kerfuffle," Pompeo acknowledged that "NATO needs to grow and change, it needs to confront the realities of today and the challenges today." These threats include those posed by governments like China, Russia and Iran, Pompeo said, speaking just a few metres (yards) away from where the Wall ran past the German capital's world-famous Brandenburg Gate. In a renewed attack against Beijing, Pompeo said the "Chinese Communist Party uses tactics and methods to suppress its own people that would be horrifyingly familiar to former East Germans". The United States and its allies should "defend what was so hard-won... in 1989" and "recognise we are in a competition of values with unfree nations," he added. 'Complacency was naive' Issuing a similar message, von der Leyen said 30 years after the epochal event that was thought to usher in the unstoppable train of liberal democracy, "today, we have to admit that our complacency was naive." Russia is "using violence to shift established borders in Europe, and is trying to fill every vacuum that the US has left behind." And hopes that China would develop closer to the Western model have not been fulfilled, the former German defence minister said. In the face of such challenges, von der Leyen said Europe needs to bulk up against the world's biggest players. "Soft power is no longer enough today, if we Europeans want to assert ourselves in the world," she said, adding that "Europe must also learn the 'language of power'." This include "building our own muscles, on where we've for a long time been able to rely on others -- in security policies." Faced with a mercurial US President Donald Trump, European leaders including Merkel have in the last years intensified their calls for the bloc to ensure that it stand on its own feet. 'Putin's whims' On a whirlwind two-day tour of Germany where he revisited the site of his Cold War military service on the former Iron Curtain border and met Merkel and key members of her cabinet, Pompeo looked to shore up transatlantic relations. But he did not hesitate to name longstanding US-EU differences that have shifted into the spotlight under Trump's tenure. America's top diplomat said defending liberal democracy also means preventing "Europe's energy supplies... (from) depending on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's whims" through the under-construction Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. Merkel has repeatedly said the pipeline is a purely private business concern. And Pompeo warned of "Chinese companies' intent to build 5G networks", after the German government failed to exclude tech giant Huawei from the next-generation mobile network infrastructure. While Huawei is a world leader in the technology, the US and others including Germany's own security services have warned that it is close to Beijing. But wary of a potential falling-out with China -- Germany's biggest trade partner -- Berlin last month said only that there would be "high standards" for security in the new network.

US, EU warn of danger from Russia, China on Berlin Wall anniversary

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-renews-attack-on-pompeo-says-communist-party-criticism-dangerous-260769">Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday issued a stark warning&nbsp;against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;eve&nbsp;of the 30th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the fall of the&nbsp;Berlin&nbsp;Wall.

"Western, free nations have a responsibility to deter threats to our people" from governments like&nbsp;China,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Iran,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said, speaking just a few metres (yards) away from where the&nbsp;Wall&nbsp;ran past the German capital's world-famous Brandenburg Gate.

The US and its allies should "defend what was so hard-won... in 1989" and "recognise we are in a competition of values with unfree nations," he added.

Picking at sore spots in Washington's relationship with&nbsp;Berlin,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said the under-construction Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to Germany would mean "Europe's energy supplies… depend&nbsp;on&nbsp;(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's whims".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-in-fresh-push-for-nationwide-e-car-charging-network-259740">Chancellor Angela Merkel</a> has repeatedly said the pipeline is a purely private business concern.

And he warned of "Chinese companies' intent to build 5G networks", after the German government failed to exclude tech giant Huawei from the bidding process for the next-generation mobile network infrastructure.

Pompeo&nbsp;is&nbsp;on&nbsp;a whirlwind two-day tour of Germany where he has revisited the site of his Cold War military service&nbsp;on&nbsp;the former Iron Curtain border and is slated to meet leaders including Merkel.

While in Europe, he has looked to shore up transatlantic relations eroded by trade conflicts and discord over geopolitical crises and military spending.

Spurred by the US leaving the way open to Turkish and Russian military action in northern Syria, France's President Emmanuel Macron told The Economist this week that the NATO alliance,&nbsp;of which Ankara is also a member,&nbsp;was suffering a "brain death" of lack of coordination between Europe and Washington.

Recalling past "challenges between partners" within NATO, including France's 1960s departure from the alliance's command structure,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday dismissed the debate around Macron's comments as a "kerfuffle".

Other leaders including Merkel, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have also firmly rejected Macron's assessment.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday issued a stark warning against China and Russia on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. "Western, free nations have a responsibility to deter threats to our people" from governments like China, Russia and Iran, Pompeo said, speaking just a few metres (yards) away from where the Wall ran past the German capital's world-famous Brandenburg Gate.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday issued a stark warning against China and Russia on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. "Western, free nations have a responsibility to deter threats to our people" from governments like China, Russia and Iran, Pompeo said, speaking just a few metres (yards) away from where the Wall ran past the German capital's world-famous Brandenburg Gate. The US and its allies should "defend what was so hard-won... in 1989" and "recognise we are in a competition of values with unfree nations," he added. Picking at sore spots in Washington's relationship with Berlin, Pompeo said the under-construction Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany would mean "Europe's energy supplies… depend on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's whims". Chancellor Angela Merkel has repeatedly said the pipeline is a purely private business concern. And he warned of "Chinese companies' intent to build 5G networks", after the German government failed to exclude tech giant Huawei from the bidding process for the next-generation mobile network infrastructure. Pompeo is on a whirlwind two-day tour of Germany where he has revisited the site of his Cold War military service on the former Iron Curtain border and is slated to meet leaders including Merkel. While in Europe, he has looked to shore up transatlantic relations eroded by trade conflicts and discord over geopolitical crises and military spending. Spurred by the US leaving the way open to Turkish and Russian military action in northern Syria, France's President Emmanuel Macron told The Economist this week that the NATO alliance, of which Ankara is also a member, was suffering a "brain death" of lack of coordination between Europe and Washington. Recalling past "challenges between partners" within NATO, including France's 1960s departure from the alliance's command structure, Pompeo on Friday dismissed the debate around Macron's comments as a "kerfuffle". Other leaders including Merkel, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have also firmly rejected Macron's assessment.

Pompeo warns against China, Russia on eve of Berlin Wall anniversary

China's Foreign Ministry launched a renewed attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday, saying that his recent criticism of the Chinese Communist Party was "extremely dangerous" and exposed his "sinister intentions".

Last month, Pompeo stepped-up US rhetoric against China's ruling Communist Party, saying Beijing was focused on international domination and needed to be confronted. China at the time called it a "vicious attack".

China has been consistently irritated by Pompeo, whether over his remarks on China's Belt and Road infrastructure project or allegations of Chinese rights abuses in the far western region of Xinjiang, and in many other areas.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Pompeo's attacks on China's political system and calling China a threat were "full of ideological prejudice" that China strongly opposed.

"Pompeo is splitting apart and setting in antagonism against each other the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to provoke their relationship," Geng said.

The party has always represented and safeguarded the interests of the Chinese people and has won their deep trust and loyal support, he added.

"Attempts to separate the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party is a provocation against the entire Chinese people and is doomed to fail," Geng said.

"It must be pointed out that Pompeo's comments are extremely dangerous and seriously inconsistent with his position as US Secretary of State," he added.

"They fully expose his sinister intentions of fishing for political capital by being anti-China."

He should stop "jabbering on" with his unwarranted criticisms of China, Geng said.

China's stepping up of rhetoric against Pompeo comes as China and the United States seek a truce in their trade war by signing a "phase one" trade deal.

The world's two largest economies have other serious areas of disagreement, including the disputed South China Sea, US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan and human rights, especially in heavily Muslim Xinjiang.

China's Foreign Ministry launched a renewed attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday, saying that his recent criticism of the Chinese Communist Party was "extremely dangerous" and exposed his "sinister intentions".

China's Foreign Ministry launched a renewed attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday, saying that his recent criticism of the Chinese Communist Party was "extremely dangerous" and exposed his "sinister intentions". Last month, Pompeo stepped-up US rhetoric against China's ruling Communist Party, saying Beijing was focused on international domination and needed to be confronted. China at the time called it a "vicious attack". China has been consistently irritated by Pompeo, whether over his remarks on China's Belt and Road infrastructure project or allegations of Chinese rights abuses in the far western region of Xinjiang, and in many other areas. Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Pompeo's attacks on China's political system and calling China a threat were "full of ideological prejudice" that China strongly opposed. "Pompeo is splitting apart and setting in antagonism against each other the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to provoke their relationship," Geng said. The party has always represented and safeguarded the interests of the Chinese people and has won their deep trust and loyal support, he added. "Attempts to separate the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party is a provocation against the entire Chinese people and is doomed to fail," Geng said. "It must be pointed out that Pompeo's comments are extremely dangerous and seriously inconsistent with his position as US Secretary of State," he added. "They fully expose his sinister intentions of fishing for political capital by being anti-China." He should stop "jabbering on" with his unwarranted criticisms of China, Geng said. China's stepping up of rhetoric against Pompeo comes as China and the United States seek a truce in their trade war by signing a "phase one" trade deal. The world's two largest economies have other serious areas of disagreement, including the disputed South China Sea, US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan and human rights, especially in heavily Muslim Xinjiang.

China renews attack on Pompeo, says Communist Party criticism 'dangerous'

As Iran announced it was resuming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-irans-decision-to-deny-accreditation-to-iaea-inspector-eu-260590">uranium enrichment</a> at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout".

"Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding,"it is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure."

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Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout. It is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure.
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Iran said today that engineers had begun feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into the plant in "the first minutes of Thursday".&nbsp;

France which is one of the signatories of the nuclear deal termed it a "grave" decision with President Macron saying the resumption of uranium enrichment was a "profound change" from Tehran's previous position.

The next few weeks will be dedicated to increasing pressure on Iran to return within the framework of the pact, the French president said.

"A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda" and dialogue, Macron added.

Meanwhile, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab had said that a "way forward" was needed "through constructive international dialogue". &nbsp;

"Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance," Dominic Raab said.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas had said Iran must "rollback" its decision to resume uranium enrichment.

"We call on Iran to reverse all steps taken since July and return to full compliance with its commitments," Maas said, adding, "Our aim is to maintain the nuclear agreement."

"We have always fully implemented our commitments and Iran must now urgently relent in order to ease tensions," Mass added.

On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump had announced that the United States will quit the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions against Iran. From August to November last year, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil and finance sectors.&nbsp;

In May this year, Iran had announced it will suspend commitments on limiting the amount of heavy water and enriched uranium it possesses even as the US imposed sanctions on Iran's steel and minining sectors. &nbsp;

As Iran announced it was resuming uranium enrichment at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout".

As Iran announced it was resuming uranium enrichment at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout". "Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding,"it is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure." Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout. It is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 7, 2019 × Iran said today that engineers had begun feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into the plant in "the first minutes of Thursday". France which is one of the signatories of the nuclear deal termed it a "grave" decision with President Macron saying the resumption of uranium enrichment was a "profound change" from Tehran's previous position. The next few weeks will be dedicated to increasing pressure on Iran to return within the framework of the pact, the French president said. "A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda" and dialogue, Macron added. Meanwhile, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab had said that a "way forward" was needed "through constructive international dialogue". "Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance," Dominic Raab said. German foreign minister Heiko Maas had said Iran must "rollback" its decision to resume uranium enrichment. "We call on Iran to reverse all steps taken since July and return to full compliance with its commitments," Maas said, adding, "Our aim is to maintain the nuclear agreement." "We have always fully implemented our commitments and Iran must now urgently relent in order to ease tensions," Mass added. On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump had announced that the United States will quit the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions against Iran. From August to November last year, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil and finance sectors. In May this year, Iran had announced it will suspend commitments on limiting the amount of heavy water and enriched uranium it possesses even as the US imposed sanctions on Iran's steel and minining sectors.

Iran positioning itself for rapid nuclear breakout: Pompeo

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