The Pentagon warned Thursday that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-condemns-us-warns-iran-will-confront-threats-271466"> Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group </a>that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it.

"The provocative behaviour has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters.

"We are prepared to exercise self-defence, and we are prepared to deter further bad behaviour from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran."

Esper said there were "some indications out there" that groups may be planning additional attacks, and that the US would respond accordingly.&nbsp;

"If we get word of attacks or some type of indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect American lives," he said.

The Pentagon ordered hundreds of rapid-response troops to the Gulf region Tuesday after Iraqi protesters stormed the normally highly-protected US embassy compound in Baghdad, breaching its outer wall while chanting "Death to America!"

The protestors, many from Kataeb Hezbolla, were angered by weekend air strikes by US forces that killed 25 of their supporters, said by Washington to be retaliation for rocket attacks on December 27 that killed a US civilian contractor.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Iran had been behind a "sustained campaign" to provoke the United States since at least October.

"We know that the campaign has increased in tempo and intensity," he said.

"We know that the intent of this last attack was in fact to kill American soldiers, sailors and the Marine... 31 rockets aren't designed as a warning shot. That's designed to inflict damage and kill."

Esper said the reinforcements, sent to Kuwait, would allow the Pentagon to be prepared "for any contingency."

"The game has changed and we're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel, and our interests and our partners in the region," he said.

The US already has some 60,000 troops in the region, sharply up from a year ago, in response to Iran's alleged attacks on tankers in the Gulf and a drone-and-missile assault on Saudi oil installations in September, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran.

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it.

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it. "The provocative behaviour has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters. "We are prepared to exercise self-defence, and we are prepared to deter further bad behaviour from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran." Esper said there were "some indications out there" that groups may be planning additional attacks, and that the US would respond accordingly. "If we get word of attacks or some type of indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect American lives," he said. The Pentagon ordered hundreds of rapid-response troops to the Gulf region Tuesday after Iraqi protesters stormed the normally highly-protected US embassy compound in Baghdad, breaching its outer wall while chanting "Death to America!" The protestors, many from Kataeb Hezbolla, were angered by weekend air strikes by US forces that killed 25 of their supporters, said by Washington to be retaliation for rocket attacks on December 27 that killed a US civilian contractor. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Iran had been behind a "sustained campaign" to provoke the United States since at least October. "We know that the campaign has increased in tempo and intensity," he said. "We know that the intent of this last attack was in fact to kill American soldiers, sailors and the Marine... 31 rockets aren't designed as a warning shot. That's designed to inflict damage and kill." Esper said the reinforcements, sent to Kuwait, would allow the Pentagon to be prepared "for any contingency." "The game has changed and we're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel, and our interests and our partners in the region," he said. The US already has some 60,000 troops in the region, sharply up from a year ago, in response to Iran's alleged attacks on tankers in the Gulf and a drone-and-missile assault on Saudi oil installations in September, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran.

US expects more attacks from Iran-backed groups: Mark Esper

Amid the deadlock between the United States and North Korea talks, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, he is hopeful that the US can restart diplomacy process again.

Speaking a the Pentagon during a press briefing, Esper said, "I remain hopeful that we could again get the process started again and remain on the diplomatic path."

Esper also said that he must "ensure we are in a high state of readiness, prepared to fight and win, tonight if need be. And I'm confident in that."

"We are prepared for whatever," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said during the same briefing.

The negotiations between the US and North Korea have been at the stalemate since the collapse of Hanoi Summit between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Kim Jong-un earlier this year.

Earlier this week the tension rose to the next level as Pyongyang conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with Trump.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng met US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Friday.

Meanwhile, Trump also said that he held discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping on North Korea.

The nuclear-armed North carried out a series of tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month after several weapons launch in recent weeks.

The North Korea leader also promised an ominous "Christmas gift" if Washington does not come up with some concessions.

To which Trump later responded that he'd be "disappointed" if North Korea had something "in the works".

"We'll see. I'd be disappointed if something would be in the works. And if it is, we'll take care of it," Trump said at the White House when asked about the situation. "We're watching it very closely."

&nbsp;

Amid the deadlock between the United States and North Korea talks, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, he is hopeful that the US can restart diplomacy process again.

Amid the deadlock between the United States and North Korea talks, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, he is hopeful that the US can restart diplomacy process again. Speaking a the Pentagon during a press briefing, Esper said, "I remain hopeful that we could again get the process started again and remain on the diplomatic path." Esper also said that he must "ensure we are in a high state of readiness, prepared to fight and win, tonight if need be. And I'm confident in that." "We are prepared for whatever," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said during the same briefing. The negotiations between the US and North Korea have been at the stalemate since the collapse of Hanoi Summit between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Kim Jong-un earlier this year. Earlier this week the tension rose to the next level as Pyongyang conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with Trump. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng met US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Friday. Meanwhile, Trump also said that he held discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping on North Korea. The nuclear-armed North carried out a series of tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month after several weapons launch in recent weeks. The North Korea leader also promised an ominous "Christmas gift" if Washington does not come up with some concessions. To which Trump later responded that he'd be "disappointed" if North Korea had something "in the works". "We'll see. I'd be disappointed if something would be in the works. And if it is, we'll take care of it," Trump said at the White House when asked about the situation. "We're watching it very closely."

Hopeful for restarting diplomacy with North Korea, but stands ready: Pentagon chief Mark Esper

The Pentagon on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-planning-to-send-14000-troops-to-middle-east-report-266277">denied a report</a> that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the possible deployment would include "dozens" more ships and double the number of troops added to the US force in the region since the beginning of this year, citing unnamed US officials.

The paper said President Donald Trump could make a decision on the troop boost as early as this month.

But the Pentagon disputed the accuracy of the report.

"To be clear, the reporting is wrong. The US&nbsp;is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted.

The region has seen a series of attacks on shipping vessels and a drone and missile attack on Saudi oil installations in September blamed on Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-to-rejoin-doha-talks-with-taliban-after-kabul-visit-state-department-266270">Washington</a> has already ratcheted up its military presence in the Gulf and expanded economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating tensions across the region.&nbsp;

In mid-November, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sailed through the Strait of Hormuz in a show of force aimed at reassuring allies worried about the Iran threat.

In October Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defence batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops.

Earlier Wednesday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the country was willing to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program if the United States first drops sanctions, which have hampered the country's economy and may have contributed to recent domestic turmoil sparked by fuel price hikes.

Speaking at a defence conference in Manama, Bahrain on November 23, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said the US does not have all the resources it needs to cover the Middle East region.

"There is a lot of water to cover. Simply put, we don't have sufficient resources to be where we want to be in the right numbers all the time," he told the annual Manama Dialogue on regional security.

But McKenzie rebuffed criticism that Washington has been disengaging from the region.

"We have a carrier in the theatre, we've reinforced Saudi Arabia," he said.

"So I'm not sure I would agree with the narrative of abandonment or a narrative of walking away."

"Clearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-willing-to-compromise-us-security-impeachment-hearing-chair-266274">the United States</a> has different global priorities and this is probably not the highest global priority, but I think it remains a very important thing for the United States," he added.

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied a report that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran.

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied a report that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that the possible deployment would include "dozens" more ships and double the number of troops added to the US force in the region since the beginning of this year, citing unnamed US officials. The paper said President Donald Trump could make a decision on the troop boost as early as this month. But the Pentagon disputed the accuracy of the report. "To be clear, the reporting is wrong. The US is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted. The region has seen a series of attacks on shipping vessels and a drone and missile attack on Saudi oil installations in September blamed on Iran. Washington has already ratcheted up its military presence in the Gulf and expanded economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating tensions across the region. In mid-November, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sailed through the Strait of Hormuz in a show of force aimed at reassuring allies worried about the Iran threat. In October Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defence batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops. Earlier Wednesday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the country was willing to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program if the United States first drops sanctions, which have hampered the country's economy and may have contributed to recent domestic turmoil sparked by fuel price hikes. Speaking at a defence conference in Manama, Bahrain on November 23, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said the US does not have all the resources it needs to cover the Middle East region. "There is a lot of water to cover. Simply put, we don't have sufficient resources to be where we want to be in the right numbers all the time," he told the annual Manama Dialogue on regional security. But McKenzie rebuffed criticism that Washington has been disengaging from the region. "We have a carrier in the theatre, we've reinforced Saudi Arabia," he said. "So I'm not sure I would agree with the narrative of abandonment or a narrative of walking away." "Clearly the United States has different global priorities and this is probably not the highest global priority, but I think it remains a very important thing for the United States," he added.

United States not mulling 14,000 more troops for Middle East: Pentagon

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States. John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

Indications Iranian 'aggression' could occur: Pentagon official

Amazon.com Inc on Friday filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims contesting the Pentagon's award of an up to $10 billion cloud computing contract to Microsoft Corp.

Amazon.com Inc on Friday filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims contesting the Pentagon's award of an up to $10 billion cloud computing contract to Microsoft Corp. An Amazon spokesman said that the company filed a complaint and supplemental motion for discovery. The filing was under seal. "The Complaint and related filings contain source selection sensitive information, as well as AWS's proprietary information, trade secrets, and confidential financial information, the public release of which would cause either party severe competitive harm," Amazon said in a court document seeking a protective order. "The record in this bid protest likely will contain similarly sensitive information." Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper rejected any suggestion of bias in the Pentagon's decision to award Microsoft the contract after Amazon announced plans to challenge it. Amazon was considered a favourite for the contract, part of a broader digital modernization process of the Pentagon, before Microsoft emerged as the surprise winner. The company has previously said that politics got in the way of a fair contracting process. U.S. President Donald Trump has long criticized Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos.

Amazon files lawsuit contesting Pentagon's $10 billion cloud contract to Microsoft

Iran has largest missile force in Middle East, capable of hitting Israel, Saudi Arabia: Pentagon report

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse.

Speaking after a high-level defence policy meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Esper also said the two countries must be flexible with their joint military drills to back diplomatic efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programme.

But he stopped short of announcing any new reduction in military exercises that North Korea has sharply condemned.

North Korea said on Thursday it had turned down a US offer for new talks ahead of a year-end deadline Pyongyang has set for Washington to show more flexibility in negotiations.

As uncertainty hangs over the troubled peace push, the United States and South Korea are simultaneously scrambling to clinch an agreement in the coming weeks to cover next year's costs of maintaining a 28,500-strong US military presence aimed at deterring North Korea.

South Korea, Esper said, "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more" for the U.S. military deployment.

"It is crucial that we conclude the (defence pact) ... with increased burden-sharing by the Republic of Korea before the end of the year," Esper told a news conference.

Jeong said he and Esper shared the view that the cost-sharing pact being negotiated should be fair and mutually agreeable, but it was unclear if they shared any sense of what a fair amount might be.

A South Korean lawmaker said last week that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times what Seoul agreed to pay this year under a one-year deal.

North Korea: US seeking to 'exploit' others

US President Donald Trump has rattled South Korea with his insistence it take on a greater contribution for the deterrence against North Korea.

A survey by the government-affiliated Korea Institute for National Unification released last week showed 96% of South Koreans opposed paying more for the U.S. military presence.

North Korea said in a commentary from state media KCNA on Friday that the US demand for a greater South Korean contribution to defence costs was an attempt to "exploit" and tighten its control over South Korea.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced another round of defence cost talks would be held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul.

After his talks with Jeong, Esper warned that South Korea's decision to end an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, called GSOMIA, would impact military readiness - presumably by slowing the ability of the US allies to directly share information about North Korean military activity.

"The only ones who benefit from expiration of GSOMIA and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," Esper said.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), hosted a video teleconference from Seoul on Friday with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, during which South Korea's Park Han-ki stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation, its JCS said.

Jeong said both South Korea and Japan would make efforts to narrow differences before the pact expires on November 23. But there was no sign of an imminent breakthrough.

Relations between the neighbours plunged after South Korea's top court last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. Japan imposed export controls on South Korea, citing unspecified security reasons.

During a meeting with Esper and Milley later on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said it was difficult to share intelligence with Japan which raised security concerns in restricting exports, though he acknowledged the need for three-way cooperation, Moon's spokeswoman told a briefing.

Esper said he would also ask Japan to make efforts for an amicable resolution of the issue.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse. Speaking after a high-level defence policy meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Esper also said the two countries must be flexible with their joint military drills to back diplomatic efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programme. But he stopped short of announcing any new reduction in military exercises that North Korea has sharply condemned. North Korea said on Thursday it had turned down a US offer for new talks ahead of a year-end deadline Pyongyang has set for Washington to show more flexibility in negotiations. As uncertainty hangs over the troubled peace push, the United States and South Korea are simultaneously scrambling to clinch an agreement in the coming weeks to cover next year's costs of maintaining a 28,500-strong US military presence aimed at deterring North Korea. South Korea, Esper said, "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more" for the U.S. military deployment. "It is crucial that we conclude the (defence pact) ... with increased burden-sharing by the Republic of Korea before the end of the year," Esper told a news conference. Jeong said he and Esper shared the view that the cost-sharing pact being negotiated should be fair and mutually agreeable, but it was unclear if they shared any sense of what a fair amount might be. A South Korean lawmaker said last week that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times what Seoul agreed to pay this year under a one-year deal. North Korea: US seeking to 'exploit' others US President Donald Trump has rattled South Korea with his insistence it take on a greater contribution for the deterrence against North Korea. A survey by the government-affiliated Korea Institute for National Unification released last week showed 96% of South Koreans opposed paying more for the U.S. military presence. North Korea said in a commentary from state media KCNA on Friday that the US demand for a greater South Korean contribution to defence costs was an attempt to "exploit" and tighten its control over South Korea. The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced another round of defence cost talks would be held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul. After his talks with Jeong, Esper warned that South Korea's decision to end an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, called GSOMIA, would impact military readiness - presumably by slowing the ability of the US allies to directly share information about North Korean military activity. "The only ones who benefit from expiration of GSOMIA and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," Esper said. General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), hosted a video teleconference from Seoul on Friday with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, during which South Korea's Park Han-ki stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation, its JCS said. Jeong said both South Korea and Japan would make efforts to narrow differences before the pact expires on November 23. But there was no sign of an imminent breakthrough. Relations between the neighbours plunged after South Korea's top court last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. Japan imposed export controls on South Korea, citing unspecified security reasons. During a meeting with Esper and Milley later on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said it was difficult to share intelligence with Japan which raised security concerns in restricting exports, though he acknowledged the need for three-way cooperation, Moon's spokeswoman told a briefing. Esper said he would also ask Japan to make efforts for an amicable resolution of the issue.

Pentagon's Esper says it is crucial South Korea pays more for US troops

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-pumps-in-more-than-600-million-into-india-units-258756">Amazon</a> on Thursday challenged the awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to Microsoft, alleging "unmistakable bias" in the process.

The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.

"It's critical for our country that the government and its elected leaders administer procurements objectively and in a manner that is free from political influence," a spokesperson for Amazon Web Services said.

"Numerous aspects of the JEDI evaluation process contained clear deficiencies, errors, and unmistakable bias."

Amazon said it filed a notice in US court last week signalling its intent to protest the handling of the bidding process, which the DoD maintained was fair.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Amazon and company founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post. The newspaper is among US media outlets most critical in its coverage of Trump and his administration.

The president told reporters during a news conference in July that he had asked aides to investigate the JEDI contract, citing complaints from companies that compete with Amazon.

"I'm getting tremendous complaints about the contract with the Pentagon and with Amazon. ... They're saying it wasn't competitively bid," Trump said.

"Some of the greatest companies in the world are complaining about it, having to do with Amazon and the Department of Defense, and I will be asking them to look at it very closely to see what's going on."

From leader to loser

Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with its Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA.

But the Pentagon delayed awarding the hefty contract, saying the process would be reviewed by newly appointed Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who was selected by Trump.

A new book on the tenure of Esper's predecessor James Mattis, written by his speechwriter Guy Snodgrass, contends that Trump told Mattis to "screw&nbsp;Amazon" out of the JEDI contract.

Microsoft was Amazon's only rival in the final bidding for the winner-take-all contract, despite employees urging it to drop out. The Pentagon announced it was awarded the contract to Microsoft in late October.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Thursday.

"AWS is uniquely experienced and qualified to provide the critical technology the US military needs, and remains committed to supporting the DoD's modernization efforts," the Amazon spokesperson said.

'Paradigm changer'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/microsoft-beats-amazon-for-pentagons-10-billion-cloud-computing-contract-258282">Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and Amazon's Bezos are "laser-focused"</a> on what has the potential to be a $100 billion market for government projects, according to Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.

Amazon's protest of the JEDI procurement process is not likely to change the decision, the analyst said.

"We ultimately believe this is a paradigm changer for Microsoft who will remain the lone winner," Ives said, calling Amazon's loss a "black eye" for the company and Bezos.

Microsoft should be able to beef up its cloud services with money from the major military contract, increasing the odds of beating AWS more often in a market expected to see $1 trillion in cloud spending in the coming decade, according to the analyst.

Microsoft reported that profits rose 21 per cent in the recently ended quarter on the back of its thriving cloud computing business which has become a core focus for the US technology giant.

The tactic is a major switch from the way the Redmond-based company built its empire selling packaged software to computer users.

Amazon, one of the world's most valuable companies, has expanded from its origins in e-commerce to cloud services, streaming media, artificial intelligence and other ventures.

AWS accounted for nearly $9 billion in revenue in the recently-ended quarter, with growth in the cloud computing unit up 35 per cent from a year ago.

Amazon on Thursday challenged the awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to Microsoft, alleging "unmistakable bias" in the process. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.

Amazon on Thursday challenged the awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to Microsoft, alleging "unmistakable bias" in the process. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence. "It's critical for our country that the government and its elected leaders administer procurements objectively and in a manner that is free from political influence," a spokesperson for Amazon Web Services said. "Numerous aspects of the JEDI evaluation process contained clear deficiencies, errors, and unmistakable bias." Amazon said it filed a notice in US court last week signalling its intent to protest the handling of the bidding process, which the DoD maintained was fair. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Amazon and company founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post. The newspaper is among US media outlets most critical in its coverage of Trump and his administration. The president told reporters during a news conference in July that he had asked aides to investigate the JEDI contract, citing complaints from companies that compete with Amazon. "I'm getting tremendous complaints about the contract with the Pentagon and with Amazon. ... They're saying it wasn't competitively bid," Trump said. "Some of the greatest companies in the world are complaining about it, having to do with Amazon and the Department of Defense, and I will be asking them to look at it very closely to see what's going on." From leader to loser Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with its Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA. But the Pentagon delayed awarding the hefty contract, saying the process would be reviewed by newly appointed Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who was selected by Trump. A new book on the tenure of Esper's predecessor James Mattis, written by his speechwriter Guy Snodgrass, contends that Trump told Mattis to "screw Amazon" out of the JEDI contract. Microsoft was Amazon's only rival in the final bidding for the winner-take-all contract, despite employees urging it to drop out. The Pentagon announced it was awarded the contract to Microsoft in late October. Microsoft did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Thursday. "AWS is uniquely experienced and qualified to provide the critical technology the US military needs, and remains committed to supporting the DoD's modernization efforts," the Amazon spokesperson said. 'Paradigm changer' Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and Amazon's Bezos are "laser-focused" on what has the potential to be a $100 billion market for government projects, according to Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives. Amazon's protest of the JEDI procurement process is not likely to change the decision, the analyst said. "We ultimately believe this is a paradigm changer for Microsoft who will remain the lone winner," Ives said, calling Amazon's loss a "black eye" for the company and Bezos. Microsoft should be able to beef up its cloud services with money from the major military contract, increasing the odds of beating AWS more often in a market expected to see $1 trillion in cloud spending in the coming decade, according to the analyst. Microsoft reported that profits rose 21 per cent in the recently ended quarter on the back of its thriving cloud computing business which has become a core focus for the US technology giant. The tactic is a major switch from the way the Redmond-based company built its empire selling packaged software to computer users. Amazon, one of the world's most valuable companies, has expanded from its origins in e-commerce to cloud services, streaming media, artificial intelligence and other ventures. AWS accounted for nearly $9 billion in revenue in the recently-ended quarter, with growth in the cloud computing unit up 35 per cent from a year ago.

Amazon says 'bias' in Pentagon awarding $10 billion contract to Microsoft

Microsoft Corp. has won the Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract, the Defense Department said on Friday, beating out favourite Amazon.com Inc. Microsoft beats Amazon for Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Amazon beaten by Microsoft for Pentagon's $10 billion contract

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 31st, 2019

The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-baghdadis-top-replacement-also-terminated-258678"> last weekend's commando raid in Syria</a> that led to the death of Islamic State leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/al-baghdadis-death-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-leader-of-islamic-state-258617">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a "retribution attack."

The declassified, grainy, black-and-white aerial videos from Saturday's raid showed US special operations forces closing in on the compound and US aircraft firing on militants nearby.

The most dramatic video showed a massive, black plume of smoke rising from the ground after US military bombs leveled Baghdadi's compound.

"It looks pretty much like a parking lot, with large potholes," said Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, the commander of US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East.

McKenzie, briefing Pentagon reporters, said the idea of destroying the compound was at least in part "to ensure that it would not be a shrine or otherwise memorable in any way.

"It's just another piece of ground," he said.
<img alt=" Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi raid" data-caption="The compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen moments before an air strike." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="beb6be6a-eb5a-4827-9b29-7abece3e328c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_25.jpg" />
[The compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen moments before an air strike. (Image courtesy: Reuters)]
<img alt=" Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi raid" data-caption="A smoke cloud rises moments after an air strike." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b5f6fba-7020-48d7-9bb2-293af4152e36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_23.jpg" />
[US special forces move towards the compound of Baghdadi. (Image courtesy: Reuters)]
<img alt="US special forces move towards the compound." data-caption="US special forces move towards the compound." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="392bae60-93c6-4f79-919c-6dfd928a39b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_33.jpg" />
[US special forces move towards the compound.(Image courtesy: Reuters)]

Baghdadi, an Iraqi jihadist who rose from obscurity to declare himself "caliph" of all Muslims as the leader of Islamic State, died by detonating a suicide vest as he fled into a dead-end tunnel as elite US special forces closed in.

McKenzie said he brought two young children into the tunnel with him - not three, as had been the US government estimate. Both children were believed to be under the age of 12 and both were killed, he said.

Watch: US releases Baghdadi raid video

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He portrayed Baghdadi as isolated at his Syrian compound, just four miles from the Turkish border, saying fighters from other militant groups nearby probably did not even know he was there. McKenzie suggested it was unlikely that Baghdadi used the Internet or had digital connections to the outside world.

"I think you'd find (he was using) probably a messenger system that allows you to put something on a floppy or on a bit of electronics and have someone physically move it somewhere," he said.

McKenzie said Islamic State would likely try to stage some kind of retaliatory attack.

"We suspect they will try some form of retribution attack. And we are postured and prepared for that," he said.

Whimpering and crying?

McKenzie did not back up or knock down Trump's dramatic account of Baghdadi's final moments, which the president delivered during a televised address to the nation on Sunday. Trump said Baghdadi "died a coward — crying, whimpering, screaming."

Asked about Trump's account, McKenzie said: "About Baghdadi's last moments, I can tell you this: He crawled into a hole with two small children and blew himself up as his people stayed on the ground."

"So you can deduce what kind of person he is based on that activity... I'm not able to confirm anything else about his last seconds. I just can't confirm that one way or another."

On Monday, Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also declined to confirm Trump's account, saying he presumed Trump got that information from his direct conversations with members of the elite unit that conducted the operation. Milley had not yet spoken with them, he said.

McKenzie suggested the US military had secured a large amount of intelligence about Islamic State's activities during the raid.

"While the assault force was securing the remains, they also secured whatever documentation and electronics we could find, which was substantial," McKenzie said, declining to provide further details.

McKenzie said Turkey's incursion into Syria this month, and the US pullback from the border, was not a factor in deciding the timing of the raid. Instead, McKenzie pointed to a host of other factors, including the amount of moonlight.

"We struck because the time is about right to do it then, given the totality of the intelligence and the other factors that would affect the raid force going into and coming out," McKenzie said.

The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from last weekend's commando raid in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a "retribution attack.

The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from last weekend's commando raid in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a "retribution attack." The declassified, grainy, black-and-white aerial videos from Saturday's raid showed US special operations forces closing in on the compound and US aircraft firing on militants nearby. The most dramatic video showed a massive, black plume of smoke rising from the ground after US military bombs leveled Baghdadi's compound. "It looks pretty much like a parking lot, with large potholes," said Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, the commander of US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East. McKenzie, briefing Pentagon reporters, said the idea of destroying the compound was at least in part "to ensure that it would not be a shrine or otherwise memorable in any way. "It's just another piece of ground," he said. [The compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen moments before an air strike. (Image courtesy: Reuters)] [US special forces move towards the compound of Baghdadi. (Image courtesy: Reuters)] [US special forces move towards the compound.(Image courtesy: Reuters)] Baghdadi, an Iraqi jihadist who rose from obscurity to declare himself "caliph" of all Muslims as the leader of Islamic State, died by detonating a suicide vest as he fled into a dead-end tunnel as elite US special forces closed in. McKenzie said he brought two young children into the tunnel with him - not three, as had been the US government estimate. Both children were believed to be under the age of 12 and both were killed, he said. Watch: US releases Baghdadi raid video × He portrayed Baghdadi as isolated at his Syrian compound, just four miles from the Turkish border, saying fighters from other militant groups nearby probably did not even know he was there. McKenzie suggested it was unlikely that Baghdadi used the Internet or had digital connections to the outside world. "I think you'd find (he was using) probably a messenger system that allows you to put something on a floppy or on a bit of electronics and have someone physically move it somewhere," he said. McKenzie said Islamic State would likely try to stage some kind of retaliatory attack. "We suspect they will try some form of retribution attack. And we are postured and prepared for that," he said. Whimpering and crying? McKenzie did not back up or knock down Trump's dramatic account of Baghdadi's final moments, which the president delivered during a televised address to the nation on Sunday. Trump said Baghdadi "died a coward — crying, whimpering, screaming." Asked about Trump's account, McKenzie said: "About Baghdadi's last moments, I can tell you this: He crawled into a hole with two small children and blew himself up as his people stayed on the ground." "So you can deduce what kind of person he is based on that activity... I'm not able to confirm anything else about his last seconds. I just can't confirm that one way or another." On Monday, Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also declined to confirm Trump's account, saying he presumed Trump got that information from his direct conversations with members of the elite unit that conducted the operation. Milley had not yet spoken with them, he said. McKenzie suggested the US military had secured a large amount of intelligence about Islamic State's activities during the raid. "While the assault force was securing the remains, they also secured whatever documentation and electronics we could find, which was substantial," McKenzie said, declining to provide further details. McKenzie said Turkey's incursion into Syria this month, and the US pullback from the border, was not a factor in deciding the timing of the raid. Instead, McKenzie pointed to a host of other factors, including the amount of moonlight. "We struck because the time is about right to do it then, given the totality of the intelligence and the other factors that would affect the raid force going into and coming out," McKenzie said.

US releases Baghdadi raid video, warns of likely retribution attack

The Pentagon released details and graphic footage Wednesday of the secret raid that killed ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

U.S. releases Baghdadi raid video

By James Johnson

The US government, long a proponent of advancing technology for military purposes, sees artificial intelligence as key to the next generation of fighting tools.

Several recent investments and Pentagon initiatives show that military leaders are concerned about keeping up with – and ahead of – China and Russia, two countries that have made big gains in developing artificial-intelligence systems. AI-powered weapons include target recognition systems, weapons guided by AI, and cyberattack and cyberdefense software that runs without human intervention.

The US defence community is coming to understand that AI will significantly transform, if not completely reinvent, the world’s military power balance. The concern is more than the military. As Chinese and Russian technologies become more sophisticated, they threaten US domination of technological innovation and development, as well as global economic power and influence.

Military leaders see the threat to US technological leadership coming from two main sources: A&nbsp;rising and ambitious China and a mischievous and declining Russia. Taken together, these forces challenge global stability.

The nature of the threat

A 2018 Pentagon report noted that technological developments could change the types of threats facing the US, which might include space-based weapons, long-range ballistic missiles and cyberweapons.

A February 2019 analysis warned that China’s investments in its military’s AI systems – in particular, those supporting robotics, autonomy, precision munitions and cyber warfare – threaten to overtake the United States. Chinese government agencies are working closely with the country’s civilian businesses to keep on top of fast-changing technological developments.

In addition, some Chinese and Russian projects have developed military AI systems specifically aimed at what they perceive as US technological weaknesses. For instance, swarms of armed AI-enhanced drones might locate and attack the secure computer systems countries rely on to control and launch their nuclear weapons.

Pentagon’s response

So far the Pentagon’s actions have been largely bureaucratic, rather than concrete. It has released a Defense Department-wide strategy document that articulates broad principles for the development and use of AI in future warfare. The military has established a Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, which is tasked with accelerating the delivery and adoption of AI.

But projects with names like “the Third Offset,” “Project Maven” and the “AI Next Campaign” have minimal funding. Leaders have released few details about what they will actually do.

Working with Silicon Valley

The Pentagon has also established the Defense Innovation Unit, with permission to circumvent the cumbersome military purchasing process, to coordinate with Silicon Valley and bring new technologies into military use relatively quickly.

That unit has sparked discussions about the potential for the Chinese military to acquire and use US-designed technologies, which led to the US&nbsp;bans on doing business with many Chinese technology firms.

Many experts consider it possible for China to surpass the US&nbsp;in the development and use of AI. However, China trails the US in several ways. The United States has the world’s largest intelligence budget; the most popular hardware, software and technology companies; and the most advanced cyberwarfare capabilities, both offensive and defensive. I and other experts expect these advantages to preserve US&nbsp;technological leadership for now, at least – but perhaps not forever.

(James Johnson is Postdoctoral Fellow in Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-the-us-losing-the-artificial-intelligence-arms-race-124969">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By James Johnson The US government, long a proponent of advancing technology for military purposes, sees artificial intelligence as key to the next generation of fighting tools.

By James Johnson The US government, long a proponent of advancing technology for military purposes, sees artificial intelligence as key to the next generation of fighting tools. Several recent investments and Pentagon initiatives show that military leaders are concerned about keeping up with – and ahead of – China and Russia, two countries that have made big gains in developing artificial-intelligence systems. AI-powered weapons include target recognition systems, weapons guided by AI, and cyberattack and cyberdefense software that runs without human intervention. The US defence community is coming to understand that AI will significantly transform, if not completely reinvent, the world’s military power balance. The concern is more than the military. As Chinese and Russian technologies become more sophisticated, they threaten US domination of technological innovation and development, as well as global economic power and influence. Military leaders see the threat to US technological leadership coming from two main sources: A rising and ambitious China and a mischievous and declining Russia. Taken together, these forces challenge global stability. The nature of the threat A 2018 Pentagon report noted that technological developments could change the types of threats facing the US, which might include space-based weapons, long-range ballistic missiles and cyberweapons. A February 2019 analysis warned that China’s investments in its military’s AI systems – in particular, those supporting robotics, autonomy, precision munitions and cyber warfare – threaten to overtake the United States. Chinese government agencies are working closely with the country’s civilian businesses to keep on top of fast-changing technological developments. In addition, some Chinese and Russian projects have developed military AI systems specifically aimed at what they perceive as US technological weaknesses. For instance, swarms of armed AI-enhanced drones might locate and attack the secure computer systems countries rely on to control and launch their nuclear weapons. Pentagon’s response So far the Pentagon’s actions have been largely bureaucratic, rather than concrete. It has released a Defense Department-wide strategy document that articulates broad principles for the development and use of AI in future warfare. The military has established a Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, which is tasked with accelerating the delivery and adoption of AI. But projects with names like “the Third Offset,” “Project Maven” and the “AI Next Campaign” have minimal funding. Leaders have released few details about what they will actually do. Working with Silicon Valley The Pentagon has also established the Defense Innovation Unit, with permission to circumvent the cumbersome military purchasing process, to coordinate with Silicon Valley and bring new technologies into military use relatively quickly. That unit has sparked discussions about the potential for the Chinese military to acquire and use US-designed technologies, which led to the US bans on doing business with many Chinese technology firms. Many experts consider it possible for China to surpass the US in the development and use of AI. However, China trails the US in several ways. The United States has the world’s largest intelligence budget; the most popular hardware, software and technology companies; and the most advanced cyberwarfare capabilities, both offensive and defensive. I and other experts expect these advantages to preserve US technological leadership for now, at least – but perhaps not forever. (James Johnson is Postdoctoral Fellow in Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is the US losing the artificial intelligence arms race?

Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;has won the Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract, the Defense Department said on Friday, beating out favourite Amazon.com Inc.

The contracting process had long been mired in conflict of interest allegations, even drawing the attention of President Donald Trump, who has publicly taken swipes at Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos. Trump in August said his administration was reviewing Amazon's bid after complaints from other companies.

The Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud (JEDI) contract is part of a broader digital modernization of the Pentagon meant to make it more technologically agile. Specifically, a goal of JEDI is to give the military better access to data and the cloud from battlefields and other remote locations.

Oracle Corp&nbsp;had expressed concerns about the award process for the contract, including the role of a former Amazon employee who worked on the project at the Defense Department but recused himself, then later left the Defense Department and returned to Amazon Web Services.

In a statement, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) spokesman said the company was "surprised about this conclusion."

The company said that a "detailed assessment purely on the comparative offerings" would "clearly lead to a different conclusion," according to the statement.

AWS is considering options for protesting the award, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Although the Pentagon boasts the world's most potent fighting force, its information technology remains woefully inadequate, according to many officials.

Officials have complained of having outdated computer systems and being unable to access files or share information as quickly as they might be able to in the private sector.

"If I am a warfighter, I want as much data as you could possibly give me," Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan, the director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, told reporters in August describing the importance of the contract.

Some companies were concerned that a single award would give the winner an unfair advantage in follow-on work. The Pentagon has said it planned to award future cloud deals to multiple contractors.

This week, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper removed himself from reviewing the deal due to his adult son's employment with one of the original contract applicants, IBM Corp. IBM had previously bid for the contract but had already been eliminated from the competition.

Microsoft said it was working on a comment. IBM and Oracle did not immediately return requests for comment.

In a book slated for publication October&nbsp;29, retired Navy commander Guy Snodgrass, who served as a speechwriter to former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, said Trump called Mattis and directed him to "screw Amazon" by preventing it from bidding on the JEDI contract, according to an excerpt of the book seen by Reuters ahead of its release.

"We’re not going to do that," Mattis later told other Pentagon officials, according to the excerpt. "This will be done by the book, both legally and ethically."

Snodgrass declined to comment pending the release of his book.

In a statement announcing Microsoft as the winner, the Pentagon underscored its view that the competition was conducted fairly and legally.

"All (offers) were treated fairly and evaluated consistent with the solicitation's stated evaluation criteria. Prior to the award, the department conferred with the DOD Inspector General, which informed the decision to proceed," it said.

Microsoft shares were up 3 per cent&nbsp;to $144.98 in after-hours trading after the news. Amazon shares were down 0.92 per cent&nbsp;to $1,745.12.

The Pentagon said it had awarded more than $11 billion across 10 separate cloud contracts over the past two years.

"As we continue to execute the DOD Cloud Strategy, additional contracts are planned for both cloud services and complimentary migration and integration solutions necessary to achieve effective cloud adoption," the Pentagon said.

Microsoft Corporation has won the Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract, the Defense Department said on Friday, beating out favourite Amazon.com Inc. The contracting process had long been mired in conflict of interest allegations, even drawing the attention of President Donald Trump, who has publicly taken swipes at Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos.

Microsoft Corporation has won the Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract, the Defense Department said on Friday, beating out favourite Amazon.com Inc. The contracting process had long been mired in conflict of interest allegations, even drawing the attention of President Donald Trump, who has publicly taken swipes at Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos. Trump in August said his administration was reviewing Amazon's bid after complaints from other companies. The Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud (JEDI) contract is part of a broader digital modernization of the Pentagon meant to make it more technologically agile. Specifically, a goal of JEDI is to give the military better access to data and the cloud from battlefields and other remote locations. Oracle Corp had expressed concerns about the award process for the contract, including the role of a former Amazon employee who worked on the project at the Defense Department but recused himself, then later left the Defense Department and returned to Amazon Web Services. In a statement, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) spokesman said the company was "surprised about this conclusion." The company said that a "detailed assessment purely on the comparative offerings" would "clearly lead to a different conclusion," according to the statement. AWS is considering options for protesting the award, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. Although the Pentagon boasts the world's most potent fighting force, its information technology remains woefully inadequate, according to many officials. Officials have complained of having outdated computer systems and being unable to access files or share information as quickly as they might be able to in the private sector. "If I am a warfighter, I want as much data as you could possibly give me," Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan, the director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, told reporters in August describing the importance of the contract. Some companies were concerned that a single award would give the winner an unfair advantage in follow-on work. The Pentagon has said it planned to award future cloud deals to multiple contractors. This week, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper removed himself from reviewing the deal due to his adult son's employment with one of the original contract applicants, IBM Corp. IBM had previously bid for the contract but had already been eliminated from the competition. Microsoft said it was working on a comment. IBM and Oracle did not immediately return requests for comment. In a book slated for publication October 29, retired Navy commander Guy Snodgrass, who served as a speechwriter to former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, said Trump called Mattis and directed him to "screw Amazon" by preventing it from bidding on the JEDI contract, according to an excerpt of the book seen by Reuters ahead of its release. "We’re not going to do that," Mattis later told other Pentagon officials, according to the excerpt. "This will be done by the book, both legally and ethically." Snodgrass declined to comment pending the release of his book. In a statement announcing Microsoft as the winner, the Pentagon underscored its view that the competition was conducted fairly and legally. "All (offers) were treated fairly and evaluated consistent with the solicitation's stated evaluation criteria. Prior to the award, the department conferred with the DOD Inspector General, which informed the decision to proceed," it said. Microsoft shares were up 3 per cent to $144.98 in after-hours trading after the news. Amazon shares were down 0.92 per cent to $1,745.12. The Pentagon said it had awarded more than $11 billion across 10 separate cloud contracts over the past two years. "As we continue to execute the DOD Cloud Strategy, additional contracts are planned for both cloud services and complimentary migration and integration solutions necessary to achieve effective cloud adoption," the Pentagon said.

Microsoft beats Amazon for Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-heading-in-wrong-direction-with-syria-incursion-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-257941">United States&nbsp;Defence Secretary Mark Esper</a> is expected to focus on Turkey's recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing with either issue.

Earlier this month, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced that he&nbsp;would be withdrawing their&nbsp;troops from northeastern Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to launch an offensive against Kurdish fighters in the area.

Since then, Trump has said he will keep a small number of troops in parts of northeastern Syria where there is oil. Russian military police started deploying on Syria's border with Turkey on Wednesday under a deal with Ankara to drive Kurdish fighters from the region.

Last week, Esper said he would press NATO allies "to take collective and individual diplomatic and economic measures in response" to Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria, even as critics have pointed out that Trump's decision enabled the Turkish offensive.

In a speech on Thursday in Brussels before the NATO meeting, Esper is expected to call out Turkey's actions.

According to prepared remarks, Esper will say Turkey's actions jeopardise the progress made in Syria.

Statements by the Pentagon criticising Turkey in the past month have had little impact on Ankara.

Rachel Rizzo, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security think-tank, said Esper has few options to punish NATO member Turkey at NATO.

"As far as NATO-level punishment, I don't see really what is possible," Rizzo said.

She said Trump's initial decision to pull out of northeast Syria was seen in Europe as enabling Turkey to carry out the incursion and the latest sign that they could not rely on the Trump administration.

A number of European countries have suspended weapons sales to Turkey.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday decried NATO's inability to react to what he called Turkey's "crazy" offensive and said it was time Europe stopped acting like a junior ally when it came to the Middle East.

Germany's defence minister has told lawmakers she wants to get the U.N. Security Council to approve a safe zone in northern Syria.

Trump has defended his decision to move most troops out of Syria. He said on Wednesday that the ceasefire in northern Syria is now permanent and lifted sanctions on Turkey as a result. 
 
Future of ISIS fight

The American pullout from northeastern Syria has raised concern that it could allow a resurgence of Islamic State militants.

Esper is expected to meet with counterparts from Germany, France and Britain to discuss how the fight against Islamic State militants can continue and what it would look like, a senior US&nbsp;defence official said.

Many US&nbsp;lawmakers, both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans, have expressed dismay over Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to battle Kurdish forces who for years helped US&nbsp;troops fight Islamic State militants, taking the brunt of the casualties.

The fate of Islamic State militants in Syrian Kurdish prisons remains up in the air.

A senior Trump administration official said while most ISIS (Islamic State) fighters remained under lock and key, it appeared that a small number had escaped from prisons.

United States Defence Secretary Mark Esper is expected to focus on Turkey's recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing with either issue.

United States Defence Secretary Mark Esper is expected to focus on Turkey's recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing with either issue. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced that he would be withdrawing their troops from northeastern Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to launch an offensive against Kurdish fighters in the area. Since then, Trump has said he will keep a small number of troops in parts of northeastern Syria where there is oil. Russian military police started deploying on Syria's border with Turkey on Wednesday under a deal with Ankara to drive Kurdish fighters from the region. Last week, Esper said he would press NATO allies "to take collective and individual diplomatic and economic measures in response" to Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria, even as critics have pointed out that Trump's decision enabled the Turkish offensive. In a speech on Thursday in Brussels before the NATO meeting, Esper is expected to call out Turkey's actions. According to prepared remarks, Esper will say Turkey's actions jeopardise the progress made in Syria. Statements by the Pentagon criticising Turkey in the past month have had little impact on Ankara. Rachel Rizzo, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security think-tank, said Esper has few options to punish NATO member Turkey at NATO. "As far as NATO-level punishment, I don't see really what is possible," Rizzo said. She said Trump's initial decision to pull out of northeast Syria was seen in Europe as enabling Turkey to carry out the incursion and the latest sign that they could not rely on the Trump administration. A number of European countries have suspended weapons sales to Turkey. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday decried NATO's inability to react to what he called Turkey's "crazy" offensive and said it was time Europe stopped acting like a junior ally when it came to the Middle East. Germany's defence minister has told lawmakers she wants to get the U.N. Security Council to approve a safe zone in northern Syria. Trump has defended his decision to move most troops out of Syria. He said on Wednesday that the ceasefire in northern Syria is now permanent and lifted sanctions on Turkey as a result. Future of ISIS fight The American pullout from northeastern Syria has raised concern that it could allow a resurgence of Islamic State militants. Esper is expected to meet with counterparts from Germany, France and Britain to discuss how the fight against Islamic State militants can continue and what it would look like, a senior US defence official said. Many US lawmakers, both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans, have expressed dismay over Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to battle Kurdish forces who for years helped US troops fight Islamic State militants, taking the brunt of the casualties. The fate of Islamic State militants in Syrian Kurdish prisons remains up in the air. A senior Trump administration official said while most ISIS (Islamic State) fighters remained under lock and key, it appeared that a small number had escaped from prisons.

Pentagon chief looks to focus on Turkey, Syria at NATO but has few good options

US&nbsp;forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-find-answers-to-all-complicated-questions-putin-after-meeting-erdogan-in-sochi-257563"> pullout from Syria </a>do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, however, that Washington aimed eventually to bring the troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States.

The Iraqi military statement contradicted the Pentagon's announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq".

"All US&nbsp;forces that withdrew from Syria received approval to enter the Kurdistan Region so that they may be transported outside Iraq. There is no permission granted for these forces to stay inside Iraq," the Iraqi military said.

Esper said Washington's objective was for the troops not to remain in Iraq.

"The aim isn't to stay in Iraq interminably, the aim is to pull our soldiers out and eventually get them back home," Esper said at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Esper said the details had not yet been worked out on how long the US&nbsp;troops would stay in Iraq and he would be having discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on Wednesday.

It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out air strikes against Islamic State militants.

The additional US&nbsp;troops would add to the more than 5,000 American troops already based in the country, training Iraqi forces and helping to ensure that Islamic State militants do not make a comeback.

"Not&nbsp;a mercenary&nbsp;force"

Esper, speaking in front of a Patriot missile battery where he was meeting US&nbsp;troops, said Saudi Arabia had agreed to help underwrite the deployment to the kingdom. He did not provide details on what specifically Saudi Arabia had agreed to pay for.

The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in recent months to bolster Saudi defences, including an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel.

That includes radar systems, Patriot missiles and support personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities on Sept. 14.

Some experts have criticized President Donald Trump's administration for saying that Saudi Arabia will pay for the deployment of US&nbsp;troops to the Kingdom, suggesting it makes the US&nbsp;military a mercenary force.

Trump has repeatedly said that Saudi Arabia would pay for the recent US&nbsp;deployments.

"We are not a mercenary force," Esper said.

"Mercenary forces do things for the pay, we are doing this (to).. help defend our allies, second to deter Iran so we don't have increasingly bad behavior, and third defend the international rules-based order," he added.

US forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

US forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, however, that Washington aimed eventually to bring the troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States. The Iraqi military statement contradicted the Pentagon's announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq". "All US forces that withdrew from Syria received approval to enter the Kurdistan Region so that they may be transported outside Iraq. There is no permission granted for these forces to stay inside Iraq," the Iraqi military said. Esper said Washington's objective was for the troops not to remain in Iraq. "The aim isn't to stay in Iraq interminably, the aim is to pull our soldiers out and eventually get them back home," Esper said at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Esper said the details had not yet been worked out on how long the US troops would stay in Iraq and he would be having discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on Wednesday. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out air strikes against Islamic State militants. The additional US troops would add to the more than 5,000 American troops already based in the country, training Iraqi forces and helping to ensure that Islamic State militants do not make a comeback. "Not a mercenary force" Esper, speaking in front of a Patriot missile battery where he was meeting US troops, said Saudi Arabia had agreed to help underwrite the deployment to the kingdom. He did not provide details on what specifically Saudi Arabia had agreed to pay for. The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in recent months to bolster Saudi defences, including an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel. That includes radar systems, Patriot missiles and support personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities on Sept. 14. Some experts have criticized President Donald Trump's administration for saying that Saudi Arabia will pay for the deployment of US troops to the Kingdom, suggesting it makes the US military a mercenary force. Trump has repeatedly said that Saudi Arabia would pay for the recent US deployments. "We are not a mercenary force," Esper said. "Mercenary forces do things for the pay, we are doing this (to).. help defend our allies, second to deter Iran so we don't have increasingly bad behavior, and third defend the international rules-based order," he added.

US forces withdrawing from Syria have no approval to stay: Iraq

The Pentagon is considering keeping some US troops near oilfields in northeastern Syria alongside Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to help deny oil to Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Monday.

The Pentagon is considering keeping some US troops near oilfields in northeastern Syria alongside Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to help deny oil to Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Monday. US troops are crossing into Iraq as part of a broader withdrawal from Syria ordered by President Donald Trump, a decision that allowed Turkey to launch an offensive against the SDF which for years was a US ally battling Islamic State. More than 100 vehicles crossed the border into Iraq early on Monday from the northeast tip of Syria, where Turkey agreed to pause its offensive for five days under a deal with Washington. The truce expires late on Tuesday, just after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is set to discuss next steps in the region at a meeting in Russia with President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters during a trip to Afghanistan, Esper said that, while the US withdrawal was under way, some troops were still with partner forces near oilfields and there had been discussions about keeping some of them there. He said that was one option and no decision had been made "with regard to numbers or anything like that". The Pentagon's job was to look at different options, he added. "We presently have troops in a couple of cities that (are) located right near that area," Esper said. "The purpose is to deny access, specifically revenue to ISIS (Islamic State) and any other groups that may want to seek that revenue to enable their own malign activities." Trump's shift has opened a new chapter in Syria's more than eight-year war and prompted a rush by Turkey and by the Damascus government and its ally Russia to fill the vacuum left by the Americans. His decision has been criticised in Washington and elsewhere as a betrayal of Kurdish allies who had fought for years alongside U.S. troops in a region rich in oil reserves and farmland. The New York Times reported late on Sunday that Trump was now leaning in favour of a new military plan to keep about 200 U.S. troops in eastern Syria near the Iraq border. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "Necessary steps" Turkey is seeking to set up a "safe zone" as a buffer against the YPG militia, the main component of the SDF. Ankara sees the YPG as a terrorist group due to its links to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey. Erdogan has said Ankara will resume its assault in Syria when the deadline expires on Tuesday if the SDF has not pulled back from its proposed zone, which spans much of the border. "We will take up this process with Mr Putin and after that we will take the necessary steps" in northeastern Syria, Erdogan told a forum in Istanbul hosted by broadcaster TRT World on Monday, without elaborating. Erdogan has also said Turkey will set up a dozen observation posts in the "safe zone", prompting criticism from Iran. "We are against Ankara's establishing of military posts in Syria," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a weekly news conference on Monday broadcast live on state TV. "The issues should be resolved by diplomatic means ... Syria's integrity should be respected," said Mousavi, whose country is a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

US mulls leaving some troops in Syria to guard oil: Pentagon

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troops-in-northern-syria-ordered-to-leave-country-us-official-255927">troops withdrawing from northern Syria</a> are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq."

"Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East.

It is unclear whether the US&nbsp;troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants.

The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area</a>.

Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said.

"We are executing the order," the official told AFP.

Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies.

But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely.

Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq." "Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants. The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area. Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said. "We are executing the order," the official told AFP. Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies. But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely. Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

All United States troops withdrawing from Syria expected to go to Iraq: Pentagon chief

The senior United States&nbsp;defence official for Asia said on Tuesday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firmly-oppose-us-house-of-representatives-insistence-on-passing-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-256179">US wants China</a> to improve its enforcement of sanctions on North Korea and take other steps to press Pyongyang to be more constructive in talks with the United States.

Randall Schriver, the US&nbsp;assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a Washington conference there had been some slippage in sanctions enforcement by China, particularly when it came to controlling ship-to-ship transfers of banned goods in its waters.

"We want them to do better," Schriver said.

"At a minimum, sanctions enforcement, but I think there are other ways China could help pressure Pyongyang into being a more constructive participant in the talks, should they resume, and we are just not seeing this right now."

Schriver, who spoke at an event organised by the Jamestown Foundation, was referring to efforts by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-no-difference-with-us-on-trade-deal-256089">United States to revive talks</a> aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

Responding to Schriver's comments, China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday it has always fulfilled its duty pertaining to resolutions on North Korea from the U.N. Security Council.

"China has been persistent in earnestly carrying out its duty in the resolutions related to North Korea. The concerned countries should all also completely carry out (the Security Council's) aforementioned resolutions," said Geng Shuang, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, at a daily press briefing.

"The Korean Peninsula's denuclearisation discussion is at a critical moment. We hope that all the concerned sides will continue to uphold the hard-earned ease in tensions and momentum in dialogue, (and) equitably push for progress in a political solution," he said.

Earlier this month, the United States and North Korea held their first working-level talks since a failed summit in February between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the North Koreans accused the US&nbsp;side of inflexibility and have yet to say if they will attend another round.

China is North Korea's neighbour and main ally. It is a signatory to tough U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang over its past nuclear and missile testing but has urged the United States to adopt an approach more conducive to dialogue and suggested that sanctions relief be considered.

The senior United States defence official for Asia said on Tuesday the US wants China to improve its enforcement of sanctions on North Korea and take other steps to press Pyongyang to be more constructive in talks with the United States.

The senior United States defence official for Asia said on Tuesday the US wants China to improve its enforcement of sanctions on North Korea and take other steps to press Pyongyang to be more constructive in talks with the United States. Randall Schriver, the US assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a Washington conference there had been some slippage in sanctions enforcement by China, particularly when it came to controlling ship-to-ship transfers of banned goods in its waters. "We want them to do better," Schriver said. "At a minimum, sanctions enforcement, but I think there are other ways China could help pressure Pyongyang into being a more constructive participant in the talks, should they resume, and we are just not seeing this right now." Schriver, who spoke at an event organised by the Jamestown Foundation, was referring to efforts by the United States to revive talks aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. Responding to Schriver's comments, China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday it has always fulfilled its duty pertaining to resolutions on North Korea from the U.N. Security Council. "China has been persistent in earnestly carrying out its duty in the resolutions related to North Korea. The concerned countries should all also completely carry out (the Security Council's) aforementioned resolutions," said Geng Shuang, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, at a daily press briefing. "The Korean Peninsula's denuclearisation discussion is at a critical moment. We hope that all the concerned sides will continue to uphold the hard-earned ease in tensions and momentum in dialogue, (and) equitably push for progress in a political solution," he said. Earlier this month, the United States and North Korea held their first working-level talks since a failed summit in February between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the North Koreans accused the US side of inflexibility and have yet to say if they will attend another round. China is North Korea's neighbour and main ally. It is a signatory to tough U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang over its past nuclear and missile testing but has urged the United States to adopt an approach more conducive to dialogue and suggested that sanctions relief be considered.

United States wants China to press North Korea to be more constructive in talks: Pentagon official

The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The developments illustrate Washington's waning influence over events in Syria and the failure of the US policy of keeping Assad from reasserting state authority over areas lost during the more than eight-year conflict with rebels trying to end his rule.

The developments also represent wins for Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad since 2011 when his violent effort to crush what began as peaceful protests against his family's decades-long rule of Syria exploded into a full-blown civil war.

While the US withdrawal moves American troops out of the line of fire, the return of Syrian soldiers to the Turkish border opens up the possibility of a wider conflagration should the Syrian army come in direct conflict with Turkish forces.

The Turkish onslaught in northern Syria has also raised the prospect that Islamic State militants and their families held by the Kurdish forces targeted by Turkey may escape - scores were said to have done so already - and permit the group's revival.

The remarkable turn of events was set in motion a week ago when U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw about 50 special operations forces from two outposts in northern Syria, a step widely seen as paving the way for Turkey to launch its week-long incursion against Kurdish militia in the region.

Turkey aims to neutralize the Kurdish YPG militia, the main element of Washington's Kurdish-led ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a key US ally in dismantling the jihadist "caliphate" set up by Islamic State militants in Syria.

Ankara regards the YPG as a terrorist group aligned with Kurdish insurgents in Turkey.

ERDOGAN OUTLINES WIDER OPERATION

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said the offensive would extend from Kobani in the west to Hasaka in the east and extend some 30 km (19 miles) into Syrian territory, with the town of Ras al-Ain now in Turkish control.

US Defense Secretary Mike Esper said the United States decided to withdraw its roughly 1,000 troops in northern Syria - two U.S. officials told Reuters it could pull the bulk out in days - after learning of the deepening Turkish offensive.

It was unclear what would happen to the several hundred US&nbsp;troops at the American military outpost of Tanf, near Syria's southern border with Iraq and Jordan.

Another factor behind the decision, Esper indicated in an interview with the CBS program "Face the Nation," was that the SDF aimed to make a deal with Russia and Syria to counter the Turkish onslaught. Several hours later, the Kurdish-led administration said it had struck just such an agreement for the Syrian army to deploy along the length of the border with Turkey to help repel Ankara's offensive.

The deployment would help the SDF in countering "this aggression and liberating the areas that the Turkish army and mercenaries had entered," it added, referring to Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, and would also allow for the liberation of other Syrian cities occupied by the Turkish army such as Afrin.

The fighting has sparked Western concerns that the SDF, holding large swathes of northern Syria once controlled by Islamic State, would be unable to keep thousands of jihadists in jail and tens of thousands of their family members in camps.

The region's Kurdish-led administration said 785 Islamic State-affiliated foreigners escaped the camp at Ain Issa but the British-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, citing sources in the camp, said around 100 people had escaped.

Erdogan dismissed the reports and told the state-run Anadolu news agency that accounts of escapes by Islamic State prisoners were "disinformation" aimed at provoking the West.

SANCTIONS THREAT

Trump, who has come under withering criticism for the U.S. withdrawal, including from his fellow Republicans, placed the onus on the Kurds and Turkey to restrain the Islamic State fighters and blamed European nations for not taking back their own citizens.

"Turkey and the Kurds must not let them escape. Europe should have taken them back," Trump wrote on Twitter. "They will never come to, or be allowed in, the United States!"

Turkey also said Turkish and allied Syrian rebel forces seized a highway some 30-35 km (18-22 miles) into Syrian territory, which would sever a major artery linking the Kurdish-run regions of war-torn Syria's north.

An SDF official said clashes were going on along the road.

New reports of civilian casualties surfaced. A Turkish airstrike in Ras al-Ain killed 14 people including 10 civilians on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The SDF said a "civilian convoy" had been targeted.

Turkey's stated aim is to carve out a "safe zone" inside Syria to resettle many of the 3.6 million Syrian war refugees it is hosting. Erdogan has threatened to send them to Europe if the EU does not back his assault.

But the Turkish offensive has triggered international alarm over its large-scale displacements of civilians as well as U.S. domestic criticism that Trump has effectively abandoned the US Kurdish allies. Trump argues that the United States should withdraw from "endless" Middle East wars and protect its own borders.

Turkey now faces threats of possible sanctions from the United States, a NATO ally, unless it calls off the incursion.

Two other NATO allies, Germany and France, have suspended arms exports to Turkey, and French President Emmanuel Macron was convening an emergency defense cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss options regarding the offensive.

A U.S. State Department spokesman said Washington was studying "extremely troubling" reports that a Kurdish politician and captured Kurdish fighters were killed by Turkish proxy forces amid the offensive.

More than 130,000 people have been displaced from rural areas around Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain as a result of the fighting, the United Nations said.

The planned evacuation of U.S. forces came a week after Trump spoke by telephone with Erdogan and then abruptly shifted policy and withdrew about 50 U.S. troops deployed to support Kurdish forces in the campaign against Islamic State.

"In the last 24 hours, we learned that (the Turks) likely intend to extend their attack further south than originally planned, and to the west," Esper said. "We also have learned in the last 24 hours that the ... SDF are looking to cut a deal, if you will, with the Syrians and the Russians to counter-attack against the Turks in the north."

Syrian state media reported that the Syrian army has begun deploying its troops to northern battlefronts to confront "Turkish aggression" on Syrian territory.

Esper called the situation "untenable" for U.S. forces, saying he spoke with Trump on Saturday night and that the president directed the U.S. military to "begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria".

Erdogan told reporters that Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies had besieged Tel Abyad, a key border town west of Ras al-Ain. They later advanced into the centre of Tel Abyad where the situation was calm and they were conducting search operations, a Reuters witness said.

Erdogan also said Turkish-led forces had killed 440 SDF fighters so far and captured 109 square km (42 square miles) of terrain, including 17 villages around Tel Abyad and four villages around Ras Al Ain.

The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The developments illustrate Washington's waning influence over events in Syria and the failure of the US policy of keeping Assad from reasserting state authority over areas lost during the more than eight-year conflict with rebels trying to end his rule. The developments also represent wins for Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad since 2011 when his violent effort to crush what began as peaceful protests against his family's decades-long rule of Syria exploded into a full-blown civil war. While the US withdrawal moves American troops out of the line of fire, the return of Syrian soldiers to the Turkish border opens up the possibility of a wider conflagration should the Syrian army come in direct conflict with Turkish forces. The Turkish onslaught in northern Syria has also raised the prospect that Islamic State militants and their families held by the Kurdish forces targeted by Turkey may escape - scores were said to have done so already - and permit the group's revival. The remarkable turn of events was set in motion a week ago when U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw about 50 special operations forces from two outposts in northern Syria, a step widely seen as paving the way for Turkey to launch its week-long incursion against Kurdish militia in the region. Turkey aims to neutralize the Kurdish YPG militia, the main element of Washington's Kurdish-led ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a key US ally in dismantling the jihadist "caliphate" set up by Islamic State militants in Syria. Ankara regards the YPG as a terrorist group aligned with Kurdish insurgents in Turkey. ERDOGAN OUTLINES WIDER OPERATION Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said the offensive would extend from Kobani in the west to Hasaka in the east and extend some 30 km (19 miles) into Syrian territory, with the town of Ras al-Ain now in Turkish control. US Defense Secretary Mike Esper said the United States decided to withdraw its roughly 1,000 troops in northern Syria - two U.S. officials told Reuters it could pull the bulk out in days - after learning of the deepening Turkish offensive. It was unclear what would happen to the several hundred US troops at the American military outpost of Tanf, near Syria's southern border with Iraq and Jordan. Another factor behind the decision, Esper indicated in an interview with the CBS program "Face the Nation," was that the SDF aimed to make a deal with Russia and Syria to counter the Turkish onslaught. Several hours later, the Kurdish-led administration said it had struck just such an agreement for the Syrian army to deploy along the length of the border with Turkey to help repel Ankara's offensive. The deployment would help the SDF in countering "this aggression and liberating the areas that the Turkish army and mercenaries had entered," it added, referring to Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, and would also allow for the liberation of other Syrian cities occupied by the Turkish army such as Afrin. The fighting has sparked Western concerns that the SDF, holding large swathes of northern Syria once controlled by Islamic State, would be unable to keep thousands of jihadists in jail and tens of thousands of their family members in camps. The region's Kurdish-led administration said 785 Islamic State-affiliated foreigners escaped the camp at Ain Issa but the British-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, citing sources in the camp, said around 100 people had escaped. Erdogan dismissed the reports and told the state-run Anadolu news agency that accounts of escapes by Islamic State prisoners were "disinformation" aimed at provoking the West. SANCTIONS THREAT Trump, who has come under withering criticism for the U.S. withdrawal, including from his fellow Republicans, placed the onus on the Kurds and Turkey to restrain the Islamic State fighters and blamed European nations for not taking back their own citizens. "Turkey and the Kurds must not let them escape. Europe should have taken them back," Trump wrote on Twitter. "They will never come to, or be allowed in, the United States!" Turkey also said Turkish and allied Syrian rebel forces seized a highway some 30-35 km (18-22 miles) into Syrian territory, which would sever a major artery linking the Kurdish-run regions of war-torn Syria's north. An SDF official said clashes were going on along the road. New reports of civilian casualties surfaced. A Turkish airstrike in Ras al-Ain killed 14 people including 10 civilians on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The SDF said a "civilian convoy" had been targeted. Turkey's stated aim is to carve out a "safe zone" inside Syria to resettle many of the 3.6 million Syrian war refugees it is hosting. Erdogan has threatened to send them to Europe if the EU does not back his assault. But the Turkish offensive has triggered international alarm over its large-scale displacements of civilians as well as U.S. domestic criticism that Trump has effectively abandoned the US Kurdish allies. Trump argues that the United States should withdraw from "endless" Middle East wars and protect its own borders. Turkey now faces threats of possible sanctions from the United States, a NATO ally, unless it calls off the incursion. Two other NATO allies, Germany and France, have suspended arms exports to Turkey, and French President Emmanuel Macron was convening an emergency defense cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss options regarding the offensive. A U.S. State Department spokesman said Washington was studying "extremely troubling" reports that a Kurdish politician and captured Kurdish fighters were killed by Turkish proxy forces amid the offensive. More than 130,000 people have been displaced from rural areas around Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain as a result of the fighting, the United Nations said. The planned evacuation of U.S. forces came a week after Trump spoke by telephone with Erdogan and then abruptly shifted policy and withdrew about 50 U.S. troops deployed to support Kurdish forces in the campaign against Islamic State. "In the last 24 hours, we learned that (the Turks) likely intend to extend their attack further south than originally planned, and to the west," Esper said. "We also have learned in the last 24 hours that the ... SDF are looking to cut a deal, if you will, with the Syrians and the Russians to counter-attack against the Turks in the north." Syrian state media reported that the Syrian army has begun deploying its troops to northern battlefronts to confront "Turkish aggression" on Syrian territory. Esper called the situation "untenable" for U.S. forces, saying he spoke with Trump on Saturday night and that the president directed the U.S. military to "begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria". Erdogan told reporters that Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies had besieged Tel Abyad, a key border town west of Ras al-Ain. They later advanced into the centre of Tel Abyad where the situation was calm and they were conducting search operations, a Reuters witness said. Erdogan also said Turkish-led forces had killed 440 SDF fighters so far and captured 109 square km (42 square miles) of terrain, including 17 villages around Tel Abyad and four villages around Ras Al Ain.

US to pull last troops from north Syria; Syrian army to redeploy on border

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria, as the number of people fleeing a Turkish assault soared to 130,000.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria, as the number of people fleeing a Turkish assault soared to 130,000. "I spoke with the president last night after discussions with the rest of the national security team and he directed that we begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria," Esper told CBS's Face the Nation. Esper told Fox News that the number of troops being pulled back totalled "less than a thousand." "I can't give a timeline because it changes hourly. We want to make sure that we do so in a very safe, deliberate manner, that we deconflict things as we go with those folks on the ground and immediate area." Fighting has engulfed the area since Wednesday when Ankara launched a long-threatened offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who it considers "terrorists" linked to insurgents inside Turkey. Trump has been accused of abandoning a loyal ally in the fight against IS after ordering American special forces to pull back from the border. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said an exodus sparked by the fighting had grown to 130,000 people and it was preparing for that figure to more than triple. US troops near the northern border came under artillery fire from Turkish positions on Friday, the Pentagon said, warning that the US was prepared to meet aggression with "immediate defensive action." The US military confirmed an explosion within a few hundred meters of its post near the town of Kobani, in an area "known by the Turks to have US forces present." "We find ourselves as we have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies and it's a very untenable situation," Esper told CBS. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Friday that Trump had authorized -- but not yet activated -- new sanctions to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action. "We can shut down all US dollar transactions with the entire government of Turkey," Mnuchin told ABC on Sunday. "It's something we may do. There's full authority and something at a moment's notice the president can tell me to do."

Pentagon says up to 1,000 US troops to withdraw from northern Syria

The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-sets-ablaze-iranian-oil-tanker-near-saudi-port-report-255149">bolster the kingdom's defences</a> after the September 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

The large deployment, which was first reported by Reuters, includes fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel, the Pentagon said. Together with the 200 forces to Saudi Arabia announced last month, the deployment totalled about 3,000 troops, it said.

US-Iran tensions have risen to new highs since May 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from a 2015 international nuclear accord with Tehran that put limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of sanctions.

As Trump reinstated US sanctions, increasing pressure on the Iranian economy, there have been a series of attacks that Washington and close allies have blamed on Iran, including the attack on the world's biggest crude oil-processing facility. Iran denies responsibility.

In a bid to better shield Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said it was sending two additional Patriot batteries and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD).

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the deployments were designed to deter Iran.

"We thought it was important to continue to deploy forces to deter and defend and to send the message to the Iranians: Do not strike another sovereign state, do not threaten American interests, American forces, or we will respond," Esper told reporters during a press briefing.

Trump said the United States would not bear the expense of the deployment. "Saudi Arabia, at my request, has agreed to pay us for everything we’re doing," he told reporters.

Some of Trump's Republican allies have called for retaliatory strikes, which the president has so far declined to carry out.

It was unclear whether some of the newly announced troops might replace other American forces expected to depart the region in the coming weeks or months.

The Pentagon has yet to announce, for example, whether it will replace the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group when it eventually wraps up its deployment to the Middle East.

Esper declined to say whether the carrier, which itself includes thousands of troops and massive firepower, would be replaced.

The deployment is part of a series of what the United States has described as defensive moves following the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities last month, which rattled global energy markets and exposed major gaps in Saudi Arabia's air defences.

Iran has responded to previous US troop deployments this year with apprehension. It denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia as well as attacks on oil tankers earlier this year.

The additional deployment comes as many members of Congress have questioned the longstanding US-Saudi security alliance and backed several efforts - which have failed so far - to stop Trump from selling arms to the kingdom without congressional approval or providing support to the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen.

Criticism of close US-Saudi ties under Trump increased last year after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Eleven Saudi officials are on trial in Riyadh for the murder, which took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to bolster the kingdom's defences after the September 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to bolster the kingdom's defences after the September 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran. The large deployment, which was first reported by Reuters, includes fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel, the Pentagon said. Together with the 200 forces to Saudi Arabia announced last month, the deployment totalled about 3,000 troops, it said. US-Iran tensions have risen to new highs since May 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from a 2015 international nuclear accord with Tehran that put limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of sanctions. As Trump reinstated US sanctions, increasing pressure on the Iranian economy, there have been a series of attacks that Washington and close allies have blamed on Iran, including the attack on the world's biggest crude oil-processing facility. Iran denies responsibility. In a bid to better shield Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said it was sending two additional Patriot batteries and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD). US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the deployments were designed to deter Iran. "We thought it was important to continue to deploy forces to deter and defend and to send the message to the Iranians: Do not strike another sovereign state, do not threaten American interests, American forces, or we will respond," Esper told reporters during a press briefing. Trump said the United States would not bear the expense of the deployment. "Saudi Arabia, at my request, has agreed to pay us for everything we’re doing," he told reporters. Some of Trump's Republican allies have called for retaliatory strikes, which the president has so far declined to carry out. It was unclear whether some of the newly announced troops might replace other American forces expected to depart the region in the coming weeks or months. The Pentagon has yet to announce, for example, whether it will replace the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group when it eventually wraps up its deployment to the Middle East. Esper declined to say whether the carrier, which itself includes thousands of troops and massive firepower, would be replaced. The deployment is part of a series of what the United States has described as defensive moves following the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities last month, which rattled global energy markets and exposed major gaps in Saudi Arabia's air defences. Iran has responded to previous US troop deployments this year with apprehension. It denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia as well as attacks on oil tankers earlier this year. The additional deployment comes as many members of Congress have questioned the longstanding US-Saudi security alliance and backed several efforts - which have failed so far - to stop Trump from selling arms to the kingdom without congressional approval or providing support to the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen. Criticism of close US-Saudi ties under Trump increased last year after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Eleven Saudi officials are on trial in Riyadh for the murder, which took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

US says deploying more forces to Saudi Arabia to counter Iran threat

Congressional Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their advancing impeachment probe, demanding documents tied to President Donald Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine.

The chairmen of three House panels leading the impeachment investigation are seeking information related to Trump pressing his Ukrainian counterpart to uncover dirt on 2020 US presidential contender Joe Biden -- and the alleged conditioning of aid on that favour.

The chairmen ordered Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Office of Management and Budget acting director, Russell Vought, to hand over the documents by October 15.

The materials are "necessary for the committees to examine... the reasons behind the White House's decision to withhold critical military assistance to Ukraine that was appropriated by Congress to counter Russian aggression," they said.

Failure to comply "shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," wrote House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, foreign affairs panel head Eliot Engel and oversight committee head Elijah Cummings.

Pentagon officials last week "proactively" issued an internal directive to retain documents potentially related to the investigation, Defense Department spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell said.

"As we've stated previously, we are prepared to work with Congress and other relevant parties on questions related to the issue of Ukrainian aid as appropriate," she told AFP.

Democrats have heaped pressure on the Trump administration since launching the impeachment investigation, including last week when subpoenas were delivered to the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Democrats also obtained a string of text messages between US diplomats that showed the Trump administration's effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating Biden and his son Hunter, and that some diplomats in the text chain expressed concern that such actions were inappropriate.

One of the diplomats, US envoy to the European Union Gordon Sondland, a major donor to Trump's 2016 campaign, heads to Capitol Hill Tuesday for a deposition before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies before the panel Friday.

Yovanovitch was removed earlier this year for resisting White House pressure to get Kiev to investigate Biden, according to US media reports.

Trump withheld nearly $400 million in military aid for months but it was eventually released to Ukraine.

The subpoena for documents, and the congressional appearances focus in part on Trump's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

A released memorandum of the call shows the two leaders discussed Zelensky's desire to receive the military aid, followed by Trump asking for a "favour" and then bringing up Biden.

Details of the call emerged last month in an explosive whistleblower complaint by an unidentified intelligence official.&nbsp;

The complaint alleged that he or she learned about details of the call from other personnel and that White House officials aware of the gravity of what had transpired on the call moved to "lockdown" all records of it.

Meanwhile, a second whistleblower has come forward, one with first-hand information of the events that triggered the impeachment investigation, the informant's lawyer said Sunday.

Congressional Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their advancing impeachment probe, demanding documents tied to President Donald Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine.

Congressional Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their advancing impeachment probe, demanding documents tied to President Donald Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine. The chairmen of three House panels leading the impeachment investigation are seeking information related to Trump pressing his Ukrainian counterpart to uncover dirt on 2020 US presidential contender Joe Biden -- and the alleged conditioning of aid on that favour. The chairmen ordered Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Office of Management and Budget acting director, Russell Vought, to hand over the documents by October 15. The materials are "necessary for the committees to examine... the reasons behind the White House's decision to withhold critical military assistance to Ukraine that was appropriated by Congress to counter Russian aggression," they said. Failure to comply "shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," wrote House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, foreign affairs panel head Eliot Engel and oversight committee head Elijah Cummings. Pentagon officials last week "proactively" issued an internal directive to retain documents potentially related to the investigation, Defense Department spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell said. "As we've stated previously, we are prepared to work with Congress and other relevant parties on questions related to the issue of Ukrainian aid as appropriate," she told AFP. Democrats have heaped pressure on the Trump administration since launching the impeachment investigation, including last week when subpoenas were delivered to the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Democrats also obtained a string of text messages between US diplomats that showed the Trump administration's effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating Biden and his son Hunter, and that some diplomats in the text chain expressed concern that such actions were inappropriate. One of the diplomats, US envoy to the European Union Gordon Sondland, a major donor to Trump's 2016 campaign, heads to Capitol Hill Tuesday for a deposition before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies before the panel Friday. Yovanovitch was removed earlier this year for resisting White House pressure to get Kiev to investigate Biden, according to US media reports. Trump withheld nearly $400 million in military aid for months but it was eventually released to Ukraine. The subpoena for documents, and the congressional appearances focus in part on Trump's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A released memorandum of the call shows the two leaders discussed Zelensky's desire to receive the military aid, followed by Trump asking for a "favour" and then bringing up Biden. Details of the call emerged last month in an explosive whistleblower complaint by an unidentified intelligence official. The complaint alleged that he or she learned about details of the call from other personnel and that White House officials aware of the gravity of what had transpired on the call moved to "lockdown" all records of it. Meanwhile, a second whistleblower has come forward, one with first-hand information of the events that triggered the impeachment investigation, the informant's lawyer said Sunday.

US Democrats subpoena Pentagon docs in impeachment inquiry

US Defence Secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blacklists-iranian-oil-tanker-adrian-darya-sanctions-captain-246781"> Mark Esper</a> said on Thursday he currently had no plan on his desk to seize the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which is at the centre of a dispute between Tehran and Western powers.

The tanker, which is loaded with Iranian crude oil, appears to have turned off its transponder in the Mediterranean west of Syria.

The vessel, formerly named Grace 1, was detained by British Royal Marine commandos off Gibraltar on July 4 as it was suspected to be en route to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

Gibraltar released the Iranian vessel on Aug. 15 after receiving formal written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its 2.1 million barrels of oil in Syria.

"We do not talk about plans, but currently I have no plan right now sitting on my desk to do such a thing," Esper told reporters in London when asked if there was any plan to seize the ship.

Washington has warned any state against assisting the ship, saying it would consider that support for a terrorist organisation, namely, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

US officials have told Reuters that taking any military action like boarding the vessel was not being seriously considered by the United States as it would likely lead to an escalation that would increase tensions.

Esper said he was in favour of efforts by France and other countries to get Iran to hold talks.

"My personal view, but I'm not the lead for this, it's the State Department, is if the French and others can get the Iranians to come to the table to talk, that would be a good thing," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

The United States has been pressing Iran with sanctions since last year, when Washington abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, often referred to as the Iran nuclear deal.

While European countries, including France, have been trying to push Iran to remain in compliance with the deal, offering proposals such as a $15 billion credit line for Iran to do so, Trump administration officials said on Wednesday they were sceptical of such manoeuvres.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday he currently had no plan on his desk to seize the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which is at the centre of a dispute between Tehran and Western powers.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday he currently had no plan on his desk to seize the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which is at the centre of a dispute between Tehran and Western powers. The tanker, which is loaded with Iranian crude oil, appears to have turned off its transponder in the Mediterranean west of Syria. The vessel, formerly named Grace 1, was detained by British Royal Marine commandos off Gibraltar on July 4 as it was suspected to be en route to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Gibraltar released the Iranian vessel on Aug. 15 after receiving formal written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its 2.1 million barrels of oil in Syria. "We do not talk about plans, but currently I have no plan right now sitting on my desk to do such a thing," Esper told reporters in London when asked if there was any plan to seize the ship. Washington has warned any state against assisting the ship, saying it would consider that support for a terrorist organisation, namely, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. US officials have told Reuters that taking any military action like boarding the vessel was not being seriously considered by the United States as it would likely lead to an escalation that would increase tensions. Esper said he was in favour of efforts by France and other countries to get Iran to hold talks. "My personal view, but I'm not the lead for this, it's the State Department, is if the French and others can get the Iranians to come to the table to talk, that would be a good thing," he said. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. The United States has been pressing Iran with sanctions since last year, when Washington abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, often referred to as the Iran nuclear deal. While European countries, including France, have been trying to push Iran to remain in compliance with the deal, offering proposals such as a $15 billion credit line for Iran to do so, Trump administration officials said on Wednesday they were sceptical of such manoeuvres.

Pentagon chief says he currently has no plan to seize Iranian tanker Adrian Darya 1

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