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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 2 July 2019

Iraq’s president told an emergency Arab summit in Saudi Arabia on Thursday that regional and international tensions with Iran could spark a war if not managed well and voiced hope that Iran’s security would not be targeted.

Iraq warns of war if regional tensions not managed well

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Mecca condemned a "terrorist attack" on Saudi Arabia's oil pumping stations which targeted global oil supplies, its final statement said on Saturday. The summit also condemned "sabotage operations" against four vessels near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates, which it said threatened international maritime traffic safety.

OIC condemns 'terrorist attack' on Saudi oil pumping stations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-invited-by-saudi-arabia-to-talks-over-iran-tensions-221847">Saudi Arabia's King Salman</a> told an emergency Arab summit on Friday that decisive action was needed to stop Iranian "escalations" following attacks on Gulf oil assets, as US officials said a military deployment had deterred Tehran.

The right of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to defend their interests after the attacks on oil pumping stations in the kingdom and tankers off the UAE was supported in a Gulf Arab states and a separate communique issued after the wider summit.

Tehran denies any involvement in the attacks and in a sign of regional tensions, Iraq, which has good ties with neighbouring Iran and Washington, said it objected to the Arab communique, which stated that any cooperation with Tehran should be based on "non-interference in other countries".

"The absence of a firm deterrent stance against Iranian behaviour is what led to the escalation we see today," King Salman told the two consecutive meetings late on Thursday.

The ruler of the world's top crude exporter said Shi'ite Iran's development of nuclear and missile capabilities and its threats on world oil supplies posed a risk to regional and global security.

The US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that attacks on four vessels near a major bunkering hub, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, were "efforts by Iranians to raise the price of crude oil around the world."

Riyadh accused Tehran of ordering the drone strikes. The attacks were claimed by the Iran-aligned Houthi group which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen for four years.

The US&nbsp;national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday that evidence of Iran being behind the tanker attacks would be presented to the UN Security Council as early as next week.

"The kingdom is keen to preserve the stability and security of the region, to spare it the scourge of war and to realise peace and stability," King Salman said.

Iran, which is locked in several proxy wars with Saudi Arabia in the region, rejected what it called "baseless" accusations made at the summit, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported.

"We see the Saudi effort to mobilise (regional) opinion as part of the hopeless process followed by America and the Zionist regime (Israel) against Iran," IRNA quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying.

IRAQ PLEA

Iraqi President Barham Salih, asking the gathering to support Iraq's stability, said that rising tensions with Iran could spark a war if not managed well and voiced hope that Iran's security would not be targeted.

Pompeo has warned Iraqi leaders that if they failed to keep in check Iran-backed militias, which now form part of Baghdad's security apparatus, the United States would respond with force.

Tensions have risen between the United States and Iran after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump a year ago withdrew Washington from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, re-imposed sanctions and boosted its military presence in the Gulf.

Bolton has said that Iranian mines were "almost certainly" used in the tanker attacks. An Iranian official dismissed that as "a ludicrous claim."

The Islamic Republic has said it would defend itself against any aggression. Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri has said Tehran was not allowed to pursue the development of nuclear weapons as it was banned by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The final communique said regional stability required the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders to include Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

MILITARY DEPLOYMENT

The US&nbsp;special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, said on Thursday that a repositioning of US&nbsp;military assets in the region had deterred Iran, but that the United States would respond with military force if its interests are targeted.

The United States has deployed 900 additional troops to the region and extended the stay of 600 other service members, after speeding up the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and sending bombers and additional Patriot missiles.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told the summit it was time to renew discussions on joint Arab defence mechanisms.

The United States and the UAE, which hosts a US&nbsp;air base, on Wednesday activated a defence cooperation agreement signed earlier this year.

Gulf states have a joint defence force under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), but the alliance has been fractured by a boycott imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and non-GCC Egypt since mid-2017.

The Gulf communique said the six nations had discussed the GCC defence mechanism during their meeting.

Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, whose country hosts the largest US military base in the region, attended the summits, the most senior Qatari official to visit the kingdom since the embargo.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman told an emergency Arab summit on Friday that decisive action was needed to stop Iranian "escalations" following attacks on Gulf oil assets, as US officials said a military deployment had deterred Tehran.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman told an emergency Arab summit on Friday that decisive action was needed to stop Iranian "escalations" following attacks on Gulf oil assets, as US officials said a military deployment had deterred Tehran. The right of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to defend their interests after the attacks on oil pumping stations in the kingdom and tankers off the UAE was supported in a Gulf Arab states and a separate communique issued after the wider summit. Tehran denies any involvement in the attacks and in a sign of regional tensions, Iraq, which has good ties with neighbouring Iran and Washington, said it objected to the Arab communique, which stated that any cooperation with Tehran should be based on "non-interference in other countries". "The absence of a firm deterrent stance against Iranian behaviour is what led to the escalation we see today," King Salman told the two consecutive meetings late on Thursday. The ruler of the world's top crude exporter said Shi'ite Iran's development of nuclear and missile capabilities and its threats on world oil supplies posed a risk to regional and global security. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that attacks on four vessels near a major bunkering hub, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, were "efforts by Iranians to raise the price of crude oil around the world." Riyadh accused Tehran of ordering the drone strikes. The attacks were claimed by the Iran-aligned Houthi group which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen for four years. The US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday that evidence of Iran being behind the tanker attacks would be presented to the UN Security Council as early as next week. "The kingdom is keen to preserve the stability and security of the region, to spare it the scourge of war and to realise peace and stability," King Salman said. Iran, which is locked in several proxy wars with Saudi Arabia in the region, rejected what it called "baseless" accusations made at the summit, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. "We see the Saudi effort to mobilise (regional) opinion as part of the hopeless process followed by America and the Zionist regime (Israel) against Iran," IRNA quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying. IRAQ PLEA Iraqi President Barham Salih, asking the gathering to support Iraq's stability, said that rising tensions with Iran could spark a war if not managed well and voiced hope that Iran's security would not be targeted. Pompeo has warned Iraqi leaders that if they failed to keep in check Iran-backed militias, which now form part of Baghdad's security apparatus, the United States would respond with force. Tensions have risen between the United States and Iran after US President Donald Trump a year ago withdrew Washington from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, re-imposed sanctions and boosted its military presence in the Gulf. Bolton has said that Iranian mines were "almost certainly" used in the tanker attacks. An Iranian official dismissed that as "a ludicrous claim." The Islamic Republic has said it would defend itself against any aggression. Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri has said Tehran was not allowed to pursue the development of nuclear weapons as it was banned by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The final communique said regional stability required the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders to include Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. MILITARY DEPLOYMENT The US special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, said on Thursday that a repositioning of US military assets in the region had deterred Iran, but that the United States would respond with military force if its interests are targeted. The United States has deployed 900 additional troops to the region and extended the stay of 600 other service members, after speeding up the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and sending bombers and additional Patriot missiles. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told the summit it was time to renew discussions on joint Arab defence mechanisms. The United States and the UAE, which hosts a US air base, on Wednesday activated a defence cooperation agreement signed earlier this year. Gulf states have a joint defence force under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), but the alliance has been fractured by a boycott imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and non-GCC Egypt since mid-2017. The Gulf communique said the six nations had discussed the GCC defence mechanism during their meeting. Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, whose country hosts the largest US military base in the region, attended the summits, the most senior Qatari official to visit the kingdom since the embargo.

Saudi Arabia says firm stand needed to deter Iran, Iraq demurs

Qatar said that it had received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend emergency regional talks to discuss mounting tensions between Iran and the United States.

Saudi Arabia calls for emergency meeting over US-Iran conflicts

Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-genocidal-taunts-will-not-end-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-hits-back-220126/amp">Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif </a>said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed.

Speaking in a news conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim, Zarif said his country wanted to build balanced relations with its Gulf Arab neighbours and that it had proposed signing a non-aggression pact with them.

"We will defend against any war efforts against Iran, whether it be an economic war or a military one, and we will face these efforts with strength," he said.

Strains have increased between Iran and the United States, which is a firm backer of Tehran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, after this month's attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region that Washington has blamed on Iran.

Tehran has distanced itself from the bombings, but the United States has sent an aircraft carrier and an extra 1,500 troops to the Gulf, sparking concerns about the risks of conflict in a volatile region.

Iraq stands with Iran and is willing to act as an intermediary between its neighbour and the United States, Hakim said, adding that Baghdad does not believe an "economic blockade" is fruitful, a reference to US&nbsp;sanctions.

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"We are saying very clearly and honestly that we oppose the unilateral actions taken by the United States. We stand with the Islamic Republic of Iran in its position," said Hakim. The United States and Iran are Iraq's two main allies.

NUCLEAR REFERENDUM?

Washington has been seeking to tighten sanctions against Iran, as relations worsen under President Donald Trump, who last year pulled out of a nuclear agreement his predecessor Barack Obama had signed with Iran alongside other world powers in 2015.

In Tehran,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-too-great-to-be-intimidated-rouhani-218701"> President Hassan Rouhani </a>floated the idea of holding a referendum over Iran's nuclear programme, Iranian media reported.

A referendum over the controversial nuclear programme could give Iran's leaders space to manoeuvre and a chance to resolve the standoff with the United States.

Top Iranian leaders have said they are not seeking war with the United States and officials speaking to Reuters from Tehran said last week that despite the sharpened rhetoric with Washington, authorities are trying to avoid an open conflict.

"Article 59 of the Constitution (referendum ) is a deadlock breaker ... and could be a problem-solver at any junction," the semi-official news agency ILNA quoted Rouhani as saying late on Saturday.

Rouhani said that, when he was a top nuclear negotiator in 2004, he had proposed holding a referendum on the nuclear issue to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has only held three referendums since its 1979 Islamic revolution -- to approve the setting up of an Islamic Republic and then to approve and amend the constitution.

Washington says it has built up the US military presence in the region, accusing Tehran of threats to US&nbsp;troops and interests. Tehran has described US&nbsp;moves as “psychological warfare” and a “political game”.

Separately, a deputy commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said the US&nbsp;military presence in the Middle East was at its "weakest in history" despite the talk of a build-up.

Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed.

Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed. Speaking in a news conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim, Zarif said his country wanted to build balanced relations with its Gulf Arab neighbours and that it had proposed signing a non-aggression pact with them. "We will defend against any war efforts against Iran, whether it be an economic war or a military one, and we will face these efforts with strength," he said. Strains have increased between Iran and the United States, which is a firm backer of Tehran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, after this month's attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region that Washington has blamed on Iran. Tehran has distanced itself from the bombings, but the United States has sent an aircraft carrier and an extra 1,500 troops to the Gulf, sparking concerns about the risks of conflict in a volatile region. Iraq stands with Iran and is willing to act as an intermediary between its neighbour and the United States, Hakim said, adding that Baghdad does not believe an "economic blockade" is fruitful, a reference to US sanctions. "We are saying very clearly and honestly that we oppose the unilateral actions taken by the United States. We stand with the Islamic Republic of Iran in its position," said Hakim. The United States and Iran are Iraq's two main allies. NUCLEAR REFERENDUM? Washington has been seeking to tighten sanctions against Iran, as relations worsen under President Donald Trump, who last year pulled out of a nuclear agreement his predecessor Barack Obama had signed with Iran alongside other world powers in 2015. In Tehran, President Hassan Rouhani floated the idea of holding a referendum over Iran's nuclear programme, Iranian media reported. A referendum over the controversial nuclear programme could give Iran's leaders space to manoeuvre and a chance to resolve the standoff with the United States. Top Iranian leaders have said they are not seeking war with the United States and officials speaking to Reuters from Tehran said last week that despite the sharpened rhetoric with Washington, authorities are trying to avoid an open conflict. "Article 59 of the Constitution (referendum ) is a deadlock breaker ... and could be a problem-solver at any junction," the semi-official news agency ILNA quoted Rouhani as saying late on Saturday. Rouhani said that, when he was a top nuclear negotiator in 2004, he had proposed holding a referendum on the nuclear issue to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has only held three referendums since its 1979 Islamic revolution -- to approve the setting up of an Islamic Republic and then to approve and amend the constitution. Washington says it has built up the US military presence in the region, accusing Tehran of threats to US troops and interests. Tehran has described US moves as “psychological warfare” and a “political game”. Separately, a deputy commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said the US military presence in the Middle East was at its "weakest in history" despite the talk of a build-up.

Iran will defend itself against any  military or economic aggression, says foreign minister Javad Zarif

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-officials-plan-to-bypass-congress-for-saudi-arms-sales-report-221244">sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia</a>, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

The Trump administration informed congressional committees that it will go ahead with 22 military sales to the Saudis, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, infuriating lawmakers by circumventing a long-standing precedent for congressional review of major weapons sales.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Lawmakers and congressional aides warned earlier this week that Trump, frustrated with Congress holding up weapons deals including the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia, was considering using a loophole in arms control law to go ahead by declaring a national emergency.

"President Trump is only using this loophole because he knows Congress would disapprove ... There is no new 'emergency' reason to sell bombs to the Saudis to drop in Yemen, and doing so only perpetuates the humanitarian crisis there," said Senator Chris Murphy.

Murphy, a Democrat, made public on Twitter on Wednesday that Trump was considering the loophole in the Arms Control Export Act to clear the sales.

Several of Trump's fellow Republicans, as well as Democrats, said they would object to such a plan, fearing that blowing through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress' ability to check not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that US&nbsp;partners in the Middle East needed the contracts to be completed to help deter Iran and that the decision to circumvent Congress was meant to be a "one-time event."

It is not the first time Congress and Trump have clashed over policy in the region or the division of powers between the White House and Capitol Hill. The House and Senate voted to end US&nbsp;military support for the campaign in Yemen earlier this year, but Trump vetoed the resolution.

Boon to defence industry

In documents sent to Congress, Pompeo listed a wide range of products and services that would be provided to the countries.

They include Raytheon precision-guided munitions (PGMs), support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp.

Other companies that will benefit include General Electric, now cleared to sell engines for use in F-16 fighter jets operated by the UAE and the US&nbsp;unit of French firm Thales, which was cleared to sell a fuzing system for Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to Britain and the UAE.

It will also likely be welcome news for Britain’s BAE Systems Plc and Europe’s Airbus, clearing the way for installation of Paveway laser-guided bombs on European-built Eurofighter and Tornado fighter jets sold to Saudi Arabia, as well F-15 fighters built by Boeing.

"I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the Trump Administration has failed once again to prioritize our long-term national security interests or stand up for human rights, and instead is granting favours to authoritarian countries like Saudi Arabia," Senator Bob Menendez said in a statement.

Menendez, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, vowed to fight the action and said he was in talks with both Democrats and some of Trump's fellow Republicans on ways to preserve congressional review of arms sales.

The Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Republican Senator Jim Risch, said he had received formal notification of the administration's intent to move forward.

In a statement, Risch said, "I am reviewing and analysing the legal justification for this action and the associated implications."

In his memorandum justifying the emergency declaration, Pompeo listed years of actions by Iran. "Iranian malign activity poses a fundamental threat to the stability of the Middle East and to American security at home and abroad," he wrote and cited "a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" from Tehran.

Trump's administration also announced that it was sending 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East, which it described as an effort to bolster defences against Iran against what it sees as a threat of potential attack.&nbsp;

Members of Congress from both parties have worried that Trump is pushing toward war with Iran. Clarke Cooper, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, said the administration was responding to important needs from partners.

"This is about deterrence and it's not about war," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The Trump administration informed congressional committees that it will go ahead with 22 military sales to the Saudis, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, infuriating lawmakers by circumventing a long-standing precedent for congressional review of major weapons sales. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. Lawmakers and congressional aides warned earlier this week that Trump, frustrated with Congress holding up weapons deals including the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia, was considering using a loophole in arms control law to go ahead by declaring a national emergency. "President Trump is only using this loophole because he knows Congress would disapprove ... There is no new 'emergency' reason to sell bombs to the Saudis to drop in Yemen, and doing so only perpetuates the humanitarian crisis there," said Senator Chris Murphy. Murphy, a Democrat, made public on Twitter on Wednesday that Trump was considering the loophole in the Arms Control Export Act to clear the sales. Several of Trump's fellow Republicans, as well as Democrats, said they would object to such a plan, fearing that blowing through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress' ability to check not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that US partners in the Middle East needed the contracts to be completed to help deter Iran and that the decision to circumvent Congress was meant to be a "one-time event." It is not the first time Congress and Trump have clashed over policy in the region or the division of powers between the White House and Capitol Hill. The House and Senate voted to end US military support for the campaign in Yemen earlier this year, but Trump vetoed the resolution. Boon to defence industry In documents sent to Congress, Pompeo listed a wide range of products and services that would be provided to the countries. They include Raytheon precision-guided munitions (PGMs), support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp. Other companies that will benefit include General Electric, now cleared to sell engines for use in F-16 fighter jets operated by the UAE and the US unit of French firm Thales, which was cleared to sell a fuzing system for Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to Britain and the UAE. It will also likely be welcome news for Britain’s BAE Systems Plc and Europe’s Airbus, clearing the way for installation of Paveway laser-guided bombs on European-built Eurofighter and Tornado fighter jets sold to Saudi Arabia, as well F-15 fighters built by Boeing. "I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the Trump Administration has failed once again to prioritize our long-term national security interests or stand up for human rights, and instead is granting favours to authoritarian countries like Saudi Arabia," Senator Bob Menendez said in a statement. Menendez, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, vowed to fight the action and said he was in talks with both Democrats and some of Trump's fellow Republicans on ways to preserve congressional review of arms sales. The Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Republican Senator Jim Risch, said he had received formal notification of the administration's intent to move forward. In a statement, Risch said, "I am reviewing and analysing the legal justification for this action and the associated implications." In his memorandum justifying the emergency declaration, Pompeo listed years of actions by Iran. "Iranian malign activity poses a fundamental threat to the stability of the Middle East and to American security at home and abroad," he wrote and cited "a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" from Tehran. Trump's administration also announced that it was sending 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East, which it described as an effort to bolster defences against Iran against what it sees as a threat of potential attack. Members of Congress from both parties have worried that Trump is pushing toward war with Iran. Clarke Cooper, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, said the administration was responding to important needs from partners. "This is about deterrence and it's not about war," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Defying Congress, Trump sets $8 billion-plus in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Donald Trump's administration is planning to bypass Congress to allow the sale of $7 billion worth of arms to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-it-seeks-to-avert-war-ball-in-irans-court-219802">Saudi Arabia </a>and the United Arab Emirates, which are involved in a bloody war in Yemen, The New York Times reported Thursday.

US Secretary of State<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-in-russia-five-talking-points-218640"> Mike Pompeo </a>and several State Department appointees are pushing the administration to invoke an emergency provision that would allow Trump to prevent Congress from halting the sales, which are currently on hold.

Reports of the plan have angered politicians on both sides of the aisle, who are frustrated by the government's support for the Saudi-led coalition in the ongoing Yemen war.

Democratic Representative Eliot Engel, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called invoking the provision a "slap in Congress's face."

"I have deep concerns about how our Gulf partners have conducted the war in Yemen, including with US weapons, some of which have reportedly ended up in the wrong hands in Yemen," he said in a statement.

The provision could be invoked within the next few days, the Times said, citing current and former officials, as well as legislators familiar with the plan.

State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday, "We do not comment to confirm or deny potential arms sales or transfers until Congress is formally notified."

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy took to Twitter to denounce the potential move, which would allow Trump to claim the sale constitutes an emergency, thereby preventing Congress from voting against it.

It's "a loophole that would allow any President to claim any number of Middle East crises as an 'emergency' and then Congress will never ever be able to object to an arms sale again," he said on Twitter.

He added that if there is an emergency, then it is a "humanitarian emergency caused by the bombs we sell the Saudis."

The war in Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the country since March 2015, but rights groups say the toll could be far higher.

Congress dealt Trump a harsh rebuke in March with a historic bipartisan resolution that would have curtailed the president's war-making powers and ended American support for the Saudi-led coalition.

Trump vetoed the measure in April, the second such move of his presidency.

The sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia risks further inflaming the already-tense relations between the US and Iran, which views Riyadh as one of its main rivals.

Donald Trump's administration is planning to bypass Congress to allow the sale of $7 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are involved in a bloody war in Yemen, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Donald Trump's administration is planning to bypass Congress to allow the sale of $7 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are involved in a bloody war in Yemen, The New York Times reported Thursday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several State Department appointees are pushing the administration to invoke an emergency provision that would allow Trump to prevent Congress from halting the sales, which are currently on hold. Reports of the plan have angered politicians on both sides of the aisle, who are frustrated by the government's support for the Saudi-led coalition in the ongoing Yemen war. Democratic Representative Eliot Engel, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called invoking the provision a "slap in Congress's face." "I have deep concerns about how our Gulf partners have conducted the war in Yemen, including with US weapons, some of which have reportedly ended up in the wrong hands in Yemen," he said in a statement. The provision could be invoked within the next few days, the Times said, citing current and former officials, as well as legislators familiar with the plan. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday, "We do not comment to confirm or deny potential arms sales or transfers until Congress is formally notified." Democratic Senator Chris Murphy took to Twitter to denounce the potential move, which would allow Trump to claim the sale constitutes an emergency, thereby preventing Congress from voting against it. It's "a loophole that would allow any President to claim any number of Middle East crises as an 'emergency' and then Congress will never ever be able to object to an arms sale again," he said on Twitter. He added that if there is an emergency, then it is a "humanitarian emergency caused by the bombs we sell the Saudis." The war in Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the country since March 2015, but rights groups say the toll could be far higher. Congress dealt Trump a harsh rebuke in March with a historic bipartisan resolution that would have curtailed the president's war-making powers and ended American support for the Saudi-led coalition. Trump vetoed the measure in April, the second such move of his presidency. The sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia risks further inflaming the already-tense relations between the US and Iran, which views Riyadh as one of its main rivals.

Trump officials plan to bypass Congress for Saudi arms sales: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-ex-white-house-counsel-mcgahn-not-to-appear-before-congress-220528">US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;use&nbsp;a loophole and rising tensions with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to sell bombs to Saudi Arabia, even though Congress blocked such sales for months over concerns about civilian deaths in the war in Yemen, Senator&nbsp;Chris Murphy said on Wednesday.

"I am hearing that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;may&nbsp;use&nbsp;an obscure loophole in the Arms Control Act and notice a major new sale of&nbsp;bombs&nbsp;to Saudi Arabia (the ones they drop in Yemen) in a way that would prevent Congress from objecting. Could happen this week," the Democratic senator warned on Twitter.

Congressional aides said there are provisions of the Arms Control Act, which sets rules for international arms transactions, that would allow a president to approve a sale&nbsp;without&nbsp;congressional review in case of a national emergency.

In this case, they said the Republican president would cite rising tensions with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;as a reason to provide more military equipment to Saudi Arabia, which he sees as an important US&nbsp;partner in the region.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has touted arms sales to the&nbsp;Saudis&nbsp;as a way to generate US jobs.

Trump&nbsp;previously declared an influx of immigrants a national emergency to bypass Congress and get $6 billion to build his wall along the Mexican border. Both Democrats and his fellow Republicans voted to block the move, forcing&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;to issue the first veto of his presidency.

It was not immediately clear what equipment would be sold to Saudi Arabia or when any sale might go ahead.

However, any such plan would run into resistance in Congress, from&nbsp;Trump's fellow Republicans as well as Democrats like Murphy, even in the Senate, where Republicans have a slim majority.

A handful of Republicans recently voted with Democrats in a failed effort to override&nbsp;Trump's veto of a resolution that would have ended US support for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen's devastating civil war.

Many lawmakers from both parties have also expressed anger over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Senator&nbsp;Lindsey Graham, one of&nbsp;Trump's closest congressional allies, told CNN he would oppose the&nbsp;administration&nbsp;if it decided to go around Congress, citing Khashoggi's killing.

"We are not going to have business as usual until that issue is dealt with," Graham said.

The State Department declined to comment. The White House&nbsp;did not respond to a request for comment.

The top Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations and House&nbsp;of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees, who review major international weapons deals, have been approving sales of defensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia.

But they have been putting "holds" - or blocking - the sale of offensive weapons like&nbsp;bombs, anti-tank missiles, small-diameter rockets and large mortars.

Senator&nbsp;Bob Menendez, the ranking Foreign Relations Democrat, has been blocking the sale of Raytheon Co's precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for about a year over concerns about the war in Yemen.

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to use a loophole and rising tensions with Iran to sell bombs to Saudi Arabia, even though Congress blocked such sales for months over concerns about civilian deaths in the war in Yemen, Senator Chris Murphy said on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to use a loophole and rising tensions with Iran to sell bombs to Saudi Arabia, even though Congress blocked such sales for months over concerns about civilian deaths in the war in Yemen, Senator Chris Murphy said on Wednesday. "I am hearing that Trump may use an obscure loophole in the Arms Control Act and notice a major new sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia (the ones they drop in Yemen) in a way that would prevent Congress from objecting. Could happen this week," the Democratic senator warned on Twitter. Congressional aides said there are provisions of the Arms Control Act, which sets rules for international arms transactions, that would allow a president to approve a sale without congressional review in case of a national emergency. In this case, they said the Republican president would cite rising tensions with Iran as a reason to provide more military equipment to Saudi Arabia, which he sees as an important US partner in the region. Trump has touted arms sales to the Saudis as a way to generate US jobs. Trump previously declared an influx of immigrants a national emergency to bypass Congress and get $6 billion to build his wall along the Mexican border. Both Democrats and his fellow Republicans voted to block the move, forcing Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency. It was not immediately clear what equipment would be sold to Saudi Arabia or when any sale might go ahead. However, any such plan would run into resistance in Congress, from Trump's fellow Republicans as well as Democrats like Murphy, even in the Senate, where Republicans have a slim majority. A handful of Republicans recently voted with Democrats in a failed effort to override Trump's veto of a resolution that would have ended US support for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen's devastating civil war. Many lawmakers from both parties have also expressed anger over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's closest congressional allies, told CNN he would oppose the administration if it decided to go around Congress, citing Khashoggi's killing. "We are not going to have business as usual until that issue is dealt with," Graham said. The State Department declined to comment. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The top Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees, who review major international weapons deals, have been approving sales of defensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia. But they have been putting "holds" - or blocking - the sale of offensive weapons like bombs, anti-tank missiles, small-diameter rockets and large mortars. Senator Bob Menendez, the ranking Foreign Relations Democrat, has been blocking the sale of Raytheon Co's precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for about a year over concerns about the war in Yemen.

Trump administration may use Iran threat to sell bombs to Saudis without Congress' approval: Senator

Is the world turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia's dodgy track record on terrorism? Is it because of the Oil might? Saudi Arabia's funding is behind violence in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan and even the U.S. But no country, be it the U.S., Russia or China stands up to Riyadh. Palki explains why Saudi Arabia remains insulated from terrorism.

Gravitas: The unchecked might of Saudi Arabia, Why does the world let Saudi go scot-free?

Nearly 2 decades after the 9/11 attacks, Saudi Arabia continues to be covertly & overtly supporting terrorists. Saudi Arabia continues to provoke, instigate and catalyse terrorism across the region. Take a look at Saudi Arabia's dismal track record on terror.

Gravitas: The Saudi link to terror isn't new

A secret cable from Saudi Arabia on Sri Lanka terror attacks spark intense speculation. Did Saudi Arabia have an inkling about Sri Lanka easter massacre ahead of the attack? A secret cable signed by Saudi foreign minister instructs Saudi diplomats to avoid public space and even churches. Did Riyadh hide intelligence on the terror attacks? Palki takes a look at the contents of the secret cable.

Gravitas: Saudi cable leak on Lanka

Oil prices fell on Wednesday after industry data showed an increase in US crude inventories and as Saudi Arabia pledged to keep markets balanced.

Brent crude futures were down 38 cents, or 0.5 per cent, at $71.80 at barrel by 0219 GMT, having risen 21 cents on Tuesday.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for July delivery were down 58 cents, or 0.9 per cent, at $62.55. The June contract expired on Tuesday, settling at $62.99 a barrel, down 11 cents.

The American Petroleum Institute(API) said on Tuesday that US&nbsp;crude stockpiles rose by 2.4 million barrels last week, to 480.2 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 599,000 barrels.

Official data from the US Energy Information Administration's oil stockpiles report is due later on Wednesday.

Outside the United States, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said it was committed to a balanced and sustainable oil market.

Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which the kingdom is the de-facto leader, which started in January and are aimed at reducing global oversupply that emerged in 2018.

Because of the cuts, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said crude output by OPEC and its allies fell by 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) between November 2018 and April 2019. That has helped push up Brent crude prices by more than a third since the start of the year.

The bank said some of the cuts' impact was offset by a slowdown in global oil demand growth due to trade tensions to just 0.7 million bpd in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of this year, versus a five-year average of 1.5 million bpd.

Beyond market fundamentals, oil traders are eying the tensions between the United States and Iran.

US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened Iran with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East.

On Tuesday, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said threats from Iran remained high.

Tensions have risen since Trump re-imposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports to try to strangle the country's economy and force Tehran to halt its nuclear programme. 
&nbsp;

Oil prices fell on Wednesday after industry data showed an increase in US crude inventories and as Saudi Arabia pledged to keep markets balanced. Brent crude futures were down 38 cents, or 0.

Oil prices fell on Wednesday after industry data showed an increase in US crude inventories and as Saudi Arabia pledged to keep markets balanced. Brent crude futures were down 38 cents, or 0.5 per cent, at $71.80 at barrel by 0219 GMT, having risen 21 cents on Tuesday. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for July delivery were down 58 cents, or 0.9 per cent, at $62.55. The June contract expired on Tuesday, settling at $62.99 a barrel, down 11 cents. The American Petroleum Institute(API) said on Tuesday that US crude stockpiles rose by 2.4 million barrels last week, to 480.2 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 599,000 barrels. Official data from the US Energy Information Administration's oil stockpiles report is due later on Wednesday. Outside the United States, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said it was committed to a balanced and sustainable oil market. Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which the kingdom is the de-facto leader, which started in January and are aimed at reducing global oversupply that emerged in 2018. Because of the cuts, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said crude output by OPEC and its allies fell by 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) between November 2018 and April 2019. That has helped push up Brent crude prices by more than a third since the start of the year. The bank said some of the cuts' impact was offset by a slowdown in global oil demand growth due to trade tensions to just 0.7 million bpd in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of this year, versus a five-year average of 1.5 million bpd. Beyond market fundamentals, oil traders are eying the tensions between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened Iran with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East. On Tuesday, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said threats from Iran remained high. Tensions have risen since Trump re-imposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports to try to strangle the country's economy and force Tehran to halt its nuclear programme.

Oil slides on rising US crude stockpiles, Saudi Arabia vow to keep market balanced

A leaked diplomatic cable by the Saudi Arabian foreign ministry suggested that Riyadh knew more than they were letting on about the Easter blasts. Watch this video to know more.

Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks?

Oil&nbsp;rose to multi-week highs on Monday after OPEC indicated it will likely maintain production cuts that have helped support prices this year, while tensions continued to escalate in the Middle East.

Brent crude was up by 96 cents, or 1.3%, at $73.17 a barrel by 0227 GMT, having earlier touched $73.40, the highest since April 26.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was 82 cents, 1.3%, higher at $63.58 a barrel. The US&nbsp;benchmark reached $63.81 earlier, the highest since May 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudis-falih-says-oil-stocks-still-building-but-opec-to-act-if-needed-219637">Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih </a>said on Sunday there was the consensus among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied&nbsp;oil&nbsp;producers to drive down crude inventories "gently" but he would remain responsive to the needs of a "fragile market."

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei earlier told reporters that producers were capable of filling any market gap and that relaxing supply cut was not "the right decision."

Meanwhile, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump threatened Tehran on Sunday, tweeting that a conflict would be the "official end" of Iran, while Saudi Arabia said it was ready to respond with "all strength" and that it was up to Iran to avoid war.

The rhetoric follows last week's attacks on Saudi&nbsp;oil&nbsp;assets and the firing of a rocket on Sunday into Baghdad's heavily fortified "Green Zone" that exploded near the US&nbsp;embassy.

"Al-Falih and the UAE both put paid to suggestions of increasing production over the weekend and then President Trump essentially telling Iran to bring it on, was a perfect short-term storm for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices," Greg McKenna, strategist at McKenna Macro, told Reuters by email.

OPEC, Russia and other non-member producers, an alliance known as OPEC+, agreed to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from January&nbsp;1 for six months to prevent inventories from increasing and weakening prices.

"This second half, our preference is to maintain production management to keep inventories on their way declining gradually, softly but certainly declining towards normal levels," al-Falih told a news conference after OPEC and other producers met.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak earlier said an easing of cuts had been discussed and the supply situation would be clearer in a month, including from countries under sanctions.

Another bullish signal was the second week of declines in US&nbsp;drilling operations, with energy companies cutting&nbsp;oil&nbsp;rigs to the lowest since March 2018.

The rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by 3 to 802, General Electric Co's Baker Hughes energy services unit said on Friday.

Oil rose to multi-week highs on Monday after OPEC indicated it will likely maintain production cuts that have helped support prices this year, while tensions continued to escalate in the Middle East.

Oil rose to multi-week highs on Monday after OPEC indicated it will likely maintain production cuts that have helped support prices this year, while tensions continued to escalate in the Middle East. Brent crude was up by 96 cents, or 1.3%, at $73.17 a barrel by 0227 GMT, having earlier touched $73.40, the highest since April 26. US West Texas Intermediate crude was 82 cents, 1.3%, higher at $63.58 a barrel. The US benchmark reached $63.81 earlier, the highest since May 1. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Sunday there was the consensus among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied oil producers to drive down crude inventories "gently" but he would remain responsive to the needs of a "fragile market." United Arab Emirates (UAE) Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei earlier told reporters that producers were capable of filling any market gap and that relaxing supply cut was not "the right decision." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened Tehran on Sunday, tweeting that a conflict would be the "official end" of Iran, while Saudi Arabia said it was ready to respond with "all strength" and that it was up to Iran to avoid war. The rhetoric follows last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets and the firing of a rocket on Sunday into Baghdad's heavily fortified "Green Zone" that exploded near the US embassy. "Al-Falih and the UAE both put paid to suggestions of increasing production over the weekend and then President Trump essentially telling Iran to bring it on, was a perfect short-term storm for oil prices," Greg McKenna, strategist at McKenna Macro, told Reuters by email. OPEC, Russia and other non-member producers, an alliance known as OPEC+, agreed to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from January 1 for six months to prevent inventories from increasing and weakening prices. "This second half, our preference is to maintain production management to keep inventories on their way declining gradually, softly but certainly declining towards normal levels," al-Falih told a news conference after OPEC and other producers met. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak earlier said an easing of cuts had been discussed and the supply situation would be clearer in a month, including from countries under sanctions. Another bullish signal was the second week of declines in US drilling operations, with energy companies cutting oil rigs to the lowest since March 2018. The rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by 3 to 802, General Electric Co's Baker Hughes energy services unit said on Friday.

Oil surges after OPEC indicates it will maintain output cuts

Qatar has not been invited to two regional summits called to discuss attacks on Saudi oil assets, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-it-seeks-to-avert-war-ball-in-irans-court-219802">Saudi King Salman</a> on Saturday proposed holding the two meetings in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of last week's drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-uae-see-sufficient-oil-supplies-rising-stocks-219977">United Arab Emirates</a>.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed an economic and diplomatic boycott on Qatar since June 2017 over allegations that Doha supports terrorism and is cosying up to regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the charges.

"Qatar, which is still isolated from its neighbours, did not receive an invitation to attend the two summits," the director of the Foreign Ministry Information Office said on Twitter, citing State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad al-Muraikhi.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry and government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of ordering the drone strikes and said while it did not want the war to break out in the region, it was ready to respond strongly. The UAE has not blamed anyone for the sabotage acts against the tankers pending an investigation and said it was committed to de-escalation.

Iran has denied it carried out either attack.

The UAE on Sunday said that the current "critical circumstances" in the region required a "unified Arab and Gulf stance".

Qatar has not been invited to two regional summits called to discuss attacks on Saudi oil assets, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday. Saudi King Salman on Saturday proposed holding the two meetings in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of last week's drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar has not been invited to two regional summits called to discuss attacks on Saudi oil assets, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday. Saudi King Salman on Saturday proposed holding the two meetings in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of last week's drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed an economic and diplomatic boycott on Qatar since June 2017 over allegations that Doha supports terrorism and is cosying up to regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the charges. "Qatar, which is still isolated from its neighbours, did not receive an invitation to attend the two summits," the director of the Foreign Ministry Information Office said on Twitter, citing State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. The Saudi Foreign Ministry and government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of ordering the drone strikes and said while it did not want the war to break out in the region, it was ready to respond strongly. The UAE has not blamed anyone for the sabotage acts against the tankers pending an investigation and said it was committed to de-escalation. Iran has denied it carried out either attack. The UAE on Sunday said that the current "critical circumstances" in the region required a "unified Arab and Gulf stance".

Qatar not invited to emergency Arab summits in Saudi Arabia: Official

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength" following last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court.

Riyadh has accused Tehran of ordering Tuesday's drone strikes on two oil pumping stations in the kingdom, claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group. Two days earlier, four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has denied involvement in either operation, which come as Washington and the Islamic Republic spar over sanctions and the US&nbsp;military presence in the region, raising concerns about a potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-a-war-coming-between-the-us-and-iran-219109/amp">US-Iran conflict</a>.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region nor does it seek that," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference.

"It will do what it can to prevent this war and at the same time it reaffirms that in the event the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with all force and determination, and it will defend itself and its interests."

Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Sunday invited Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of the attacks.

"The current critical circumstances entail a unified Arab and Gulf stance toward the besetting challenges and risks," the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia's Sunni Muslim ally the UAE has not blamed anyone for the tanker sabotage operation, pending an investigation. No-one has claimed responsibility, but two US&nbsp;government sources said last week that US&nbsp;officials believed Iran had encouraged the Houthi group or Iraq-based Shi'ite militias to carry it out.

The drone strike on oil pumping stations, which Riyadh said did not disrupt output or exports, was claimed by the Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led military coalition in a war in Yemen since 2015.

The head of the Houthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, derided Riyadh's call to convene Arab summits, saying in a Twitter post that they "only know how to support war and destruction".

A Norwegian insurers' report seen by Reuters said Iran's Revolutionary Guards were "highly likely" to have facilitated the attack on vessels near the UAE's Fujairah emirate, the main bunkering hub lying just outside the Strait of Hormuz.

SAUDI PRINCE CALLS POMPEO

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has dismissed the possibility of war erupting, saying Tehran did not want conflict and no country had the "illusion it can confront Iran". This stance was echoed by the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards on Sunday.

"We are not pursuing war but we are also not afraid of war," Major General Hossein Salami was cited as saying by the semi-official news agency Tasnim.

Washington has tightened economic sanctions against Iran, trying to cut Tehran's oil exports to zero, and beefed up the US&nbsp;military presence in the Gulf in response to what it said were Iranian threats to United States troops and interests.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments, including efforts to strengthen security and stability, in a phone call with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Saudi Media Ministry tweeted on Sunday.

"We want peace and stability in the region but we will not sit on our hands in light of the continuing Iranian attack," Jubeir said. "The ball is in Iran's court and it is up to Iran to determine what its fate will be."

He said the crew of an Iranian oil tanker that had been towed to Saudi Arabia early this month after a request for help due to engine trouble were still in the kingdom receiving the "necessary care". The crews are 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars. In a sign of the heightened tension, Exxon Mobil evacuated foreign staff from an oilfield in neighbouring Iraq.

Bahrain on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran and asked those already there to return.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an advisory to US&nbsp;commercial airliners flying over the waters of the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to exercise caution.

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength" following last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court.

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength" following last week's attacks on Saudi oil assets, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court. Riyadh has accused Tehran of ordering Tuesday's drone strikes on two oil pumping stations in the kingdom, claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group. Two days earlier, four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has denied involvement in either operation, which come as Washington and the Islamic Republic spar over sanctions and the US military presence in the region, raising concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region nor does it seek that," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference. "It will do what it can to prevent this war and at the same time it reaffirms that in the event the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with all force and determination, and it will defend itself and its interests." Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Sunday invited Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of the attacks. "The current critical circumstances entail a unified Arab and Gulf stance toward the besetting challenges and risks," the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement. Saudi Arabia's Sunni Muslim ally the UAE has not blamed anyone for the tanker sabotage operation, pending an investigation. No-one has claimed responsibility, but two US government sources said last week that US officials believed Iran had encouraged the Houthi group or Iraq-based Shi'ite militias to carry it out. The drone strike on oil pumping stations, which Riyadh said did not disrupt output or exports, was claimed by the Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led military coalition in a war in Yemen since 2015. The head of the Houthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, derided Riyadh's call to convene Arab summits, saying in a Twitter post that they "only know how to support war and destruction". A Norwegian insurers' report seen by Reuters said Iran's Revolutionary Guards were "highly likely" to have facilitated the attack on vessels near the UAE's Fujairah emirate, the main bunkering hub lying just outside the Strait of Hormuz. SAUDI PRINCE CALLS POMPEO Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has dismissed the possibility of war erupting, saying Tehran did not want conflict and no country had the "illusion it can confront Iran". This stance was echoed by the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards on Sunday. "We are not pursuing war but we are also not afraid of war," Major General Hossein Salami was cited as saying by the semi-official news agency Tasnim. Washington has tightened economic sanctions against Iran, trying to cut Tehran's oil exports to zero, and beefed up the US military presence in the Gulf in response to what it said were Iranian threats to United States troops and interests. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments, including efforts to strengthen security and stability, in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Saudi Media Ministry tweeted on Sunday. "We want peace and stability in the region but we will not sit on our hands in light of the continuing Iranian attack," Jubeir said. "The ball is in Iran's court and it is up to Iran to determine what its fate will be." He said the crew of an Iranian oil tanker that had been towed to Saudi Arabia early this month after a request for help due to engine trouble were still in the kingdom receiving the "necessary care". The crews are 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis. Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars. In a sign of the heightened tension, Exxon Mobil evacuated foreign staff from an oilfield in neighbouring Iraq. Bahrain on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran and asked those already there to return. The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an advisory to US commercial airliners flying over the waters of the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to exercise caution.

Saudi Arabia says it seeks to avert war, ball in Iran's court

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106"> journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey </a>last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime.

"I cannot understand that the world still has not done anything about this," Cengiz told a US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, speaking in Turkish through an interpreter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-other-journalists-are-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-183310">Jamal Khashoggi is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year'</a>

"I still cannot make human sense of it. I still cannot understand. I still feel that I`ll wake up," she said in emotional testimony to a hearing on international press freedom and the dangers of reporting on human rights.

Cengiz was the last person to see Khashoggi, a US&nbsp;resident and columnist for the Washington Post, before he went into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2 to obtain papers for their upcoming marriage.

He never left the building.

The Saudi journalist, a royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by a team of Saudi operatives, provoking international revulsion.

"We still don`t know why he was killed. We don`t know where his corpse is," Cengiz said. She called for sanctions to punish Saudi Arabia and for Washington to push for the freedom of political prisoners held in the kingdom.

US authorities have concluded that responsibility for Khashoggi`s death went to the highest levels of the Saudi government. Riyadh denies the crown prince was involved.

Cengiz said she came to Washington hoping to help provoke a stronger reaction to her fiance` s death. She said President Donald Trump invited her to the White House months earlier, but that she had not come then because she was not confident about his response.

"I think we choose between two things ...," Cengiz told the subcommittee. "We can either go on as if nothing has happened ... or we can act, we can leave aside all interests, international interests and politics, and focus on the values for a better life."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, Trump has resisted imposing consequences such as strong sanctions. Saudi Arabia is considered an important partner in the Middle East and a counterweight to Iran.

Calling the United States "a fortress" protecting freedom of thought and human rights, Cengiz appealed for justice. 
"I think it is a test for the United States and I believe it is a test that it can and should pass," she said.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime. "I cannot understand that the world still has not done anything about this," Cengiz told a US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, speaking in Turkish through an interpreter. Also read: Jamal Khashoggi is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year' "I still cannot make human sense of it. I still cannot understand. I still feel that I`ll wake up," she said in emotional testimony to a hearing on international press freedom and the dangers of reporting on human rights. Cengiz was the last person to see Khashoggi, a US resident and columnist for the Washington Post, before he went into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain papers for their upcoming marriage. He never left the building. The Saudi journalist, a royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by a team of Saudi operatives, provoking international revulsion. "We still don`t know why he was killed. We don`t know where his corpse is," Cengiz said. She called for sanctions to punish Saudi Arabia and for Washington to push for the freedom of political prisoners held in the kingdom. US authorities have concluded that responsibility for Khashoggi`s death went to the highest levels of the Saudi government. Riyadh denies the crown prince was involved. Cengiz said she came to Washington hoping to help provoke a stronger reaction to her fiance` s death. She said President Donald Trump invited her to the White House months earlier, but that she had not come then because she was not confident about his response. "I think we choose between two things ...," Cengiz told the subcommittee. "We can either go on as if nothing has happened ... or we can act, we can leave aside all interests, international interests and politics, and focus on the values for a better life." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, Trump has resisted imposing consequences such as strong sanctions. Saudi Arabia is considered an important partner in the Middle East and a counterweight to Iran. Calling the United States "a fortress" protecting freedom of thought and human rights, Cengiz appealed for justice. "I think it is a test for the United States and I believe it is a test that it can and should pass," she said.

'The world still has not done anything,' says slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiance

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-as-middle-east-tanker-attack-increases-supply-concerns-218303">Oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;rose</a> on Tuesday after the world's top&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia said explosive-laden&nbsp;drones had attacked two pumping stations belonging to state&nbsp;oil&nbsp;company&nbsp;Aramco.

Brent crude futures were at $70.79 a barrel at 1035 GMT, up 56 cents or 0.80%.

The US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.35 per barrel, up 31 cents or 0.51%.

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;state news agency quoted Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih as saying that&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;had halted pumping on the East-West pipeline until the damage was evaluated, but that production and exports were continuing without disruptions.

Falih said the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;was an "act of terrorism" that targeted the world's global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;supply.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia said earlier that two of its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;tankers were among those&nbsp;attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, incidents which ratcheted up tensions in the world's top&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exporting region.

A US&nbsp;official said Iran was the likely culprit, but Iranian officials denied responsibility for the incident.

A television station run by Yemen's Houthi group said on Tuesday the Iran-aligned movement had launched&nbsp;drone&nbsp;attacks on Saudi installations, without identifying the targets or time of the&nbsp;attacks.

Tehran has been embroiled in an escalating war of words with the United States over stricter US&nbsp;sanctions, which have cut its oil exports and tightened global supply.

A fifth of global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz from the Middle East crude producers to global markets.

The market was also holding out some hope for flagging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wall-street-shudders-as-us-china-trade-war-intensifies-218493">US-China trade talks</a> as both sides expressed positive sentiments which may signal that the negotiations are not yet dead.

"The brinkmanship between Washington and Beijing is now seen as a significant hurdle to the growth in global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will further promote volatility."

The negotiations between the United States and China appeared headed towards success last week but have largely unravelled over US&nbsp;accusations that Beijing sought vast, last-minute changes.

China on Monday ignored a warning from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and moved to impose higher tariffs on a range of US&nbsp;goods including frozen vegetables and liquefied natural gas.

But the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, indicated on Monday that Beijing hoped for a compromise: "Both countries' negotiating teams have the ability and wisdom to resolve each other's reasonable demands."

Trump on Monday said he expected to speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping at a G20 summit in late June and have "probably a very fruitful meeting".

"The US president's comments likely tilted the balance in favour of the optimists, who continue to expect a rapprochement despite last week's major setback in trade negotiations," analyst Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights said.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday after the world's top oil exporter Saudi Arabia said explosive-laden drones had attacked two pumping stations belonging to state oil company Aramco.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday after the world's top oil exporter Saudi Arabia said explosive-laden drones had attacked two pumping stations belonging to state oil company Aramco. Brent crude futures were at $70.79 a barrel at 1035 GMT, up 56 cents or 0.80%. The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.35 per barrel, up 31 cents or 0.51%. The Saudi state news agency quoted Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih as saying that Aramco had halted pumping on the East-West pipeline until the damage was evaluated, but that production and exports were continuing without disruptions. Falih said the attack was an "act of terrorism" that targeted the world's global oil supply. Saudi Arabia said earlier that two of its oil tankers were among those attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, incidents which ratcheted up tensions in the world's top oil exporting region. A US official said Iran was the likely culprit, but Iranian officials denied responsibility for the incident. A television station run by Yemen's Houthi group said on Tuesday the Iran-aligned movement had launched drone attacks on Saudi installations, without identifying the targets or time of the attacks. Tehran has been embroiled in an escalating war of words with the United States over stricter US sanctions, which have cut its oil exports and tightened global supply. A fifth of global oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz from the Middle East crude producers to global markets. The market was also holding out some hope for flagging US-China trade talks as both sides expressed positive sentiments which may signal that the negotiations are not yet dead. "The brinkmanship between Washington and Beijing is now seen as a significant hurdle to the growth in global oil demand. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will further promote volatility." The negotiations between the United States and China appeared headed towards success last week but have largely unravelled over US accusations that Beijing sought vast, last-minute changes. China on Monday ignored a warning from US President Donald Trump and moved to impose higher tariffs on a range of US goods including frozen vegetables and liquefied natural gas. But the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, indicated on Monday that Beijing hoped for a compromise: "Both countries' negotiating teams have the ability and wisdom to resolve each other's reasonable demands." Trump on Monday said he expected to speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping at a G20 summit in late June and have "probably a very fruitful meeting". "The US president's comments likely tilted the balance in favour of the optimists, who continue to expect a rapprochement despite last week's major setback in trade negotiations," analyst Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights said.

Oil prices jump on drone attack on Saudi Aramco facilities

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih said on Tuesday that two oil pumping stations for the East-West pipeline had been hit by explosive-laden drones, calling the attack "an act of terrorism" that targeted global oil supplies.

Saudi Arabia oil stations attacked by drones

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia said it had stopped pumping crude oil along a major pipeline on Tuesday following a drone attack, hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-says-rebel-pullout-from-yemen-ports-on-track-218105">Yemen's Huthi rebels</a> said they had targeted vital Saudi installations.

Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said two pumping stations on the pipeline from the oil-rich eastern province to the Red Sea had been targeted early on Tuesday.

The vital pipeline has a capacity of at least five million barrels per day.

"Saudi Aramco took precautionary measures and temporarily stopped operation of the pipeline, as it is evaluating the situation and working on restoring the operations of the affected pump station and the pipeline," Falih said in a statement cited by state news agency SPA.

The 1,200-kilometre (750-mile) pipeline carries crude from Saudi Arabia's main eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port city of Yanbu in the west.

It was created several decades ago as an alternative for Saudi crude exports if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf were to be closed.&nbsp;

The pumping stations reportedly targeted lie west of the capital Riyadh, at Dawadmi and Afeef.

Yemen's Huthi rebels said Tuesday they had attacked several vital Saudi targets with drones.

The reported pipeline attacks came amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-warns-of-conflict-by-accident-in-gulf-218331">spiralling tensions in the Gulf</a>, following a series of mysterious attacks on ships off the coast of the UAE and a major US military deployment to the region.&nbsp;

"The latest acts of terrorism and sabotage in the Arabian Gulf... not only target the Kingdom but also the security of oil supplies to the world and the global economy," he said.

"These attacks prove again that it is important for us to face terrorist entities, including the Houthi militias in Yemen that are backed by Iran."

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia said it had stopped pumping crude oil along a major pipeline on Tuesday following a drone attack, hours after Yemen's Huthi rebels said they had targeted vital Saudi installations.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia said it had stopped pumping crude oil along a major pipeline on Tuesday following a drone attack, hours after Yemen's Huthi rebels said they had targeted vital Saudi installations. Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said two pumping stations on the pipeline from the oil-rich eastern province to the Red Sea had been targeted early on Tuesday. The vital pipeline has a capacity of at least five million barrels per day. "Saudi Aramco took precautionary measures and temporarily stopped operation of the pipeline, as it is evaluating the situation and working on restoring the operations of the affected pump station and the pipeline," Falih said in a statement cited by state news agency SPA. The 1,200-kilometre (750-mile) pipeline carries crude from Saudi Arabia's main eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port city of Yanbu in the west. It was created several decades ago as an alternative for Saudi crude exports if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf were to be closed. The pumping stations reportedly targeted lie west of the capital Riyadh, at Dawadmi and Afeef. Yemen's Huthi rebels said Tuesday they had attacked several vital Saudi targets with drones. The reported pipeline attacks came amid spiralling tensions in the Gulf, following a series of mysterious attacks on ships off the coast of the UAE and a major US military deployment to the region. "The latest acts of terrorism and sabotage in the Arabian Gulf... not only target the Kingdom but also the security of oil supplies to the world and the global economy," he said. "These attacks prove again that it is important for us to face terrorist entities, including the Houthi militias in Yemen that are backed by Iran."

Saudi Arabia stops pumping oil in major pipeline after Huthi rebel drone strike

Oil prices were moving higher on Tuesday, though gains were checked amid an escalation in the trade war between the United States and China.

Brent crude futures were at $70.30 a barrel at 0318 GMT, up 7 cents, or 0.1%, from their last close. Brent ended the previous session down 0.6%.

The US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.11 per barrel, up 7 cents, or 0.1%, from their previous settlement. WTI closed down 1% on Monday.

Headlines from the Middle East grabbed attention early in the session after Saudi Arabia said two of its oil tankers were among those attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, describing it as an attempt to undermine the security of supply amid United States-Iran tensions.

But analysts said the US-China trade war continued to cast a pall on the market as a whole.

"This ramp-up in trade tensions, which I don't really think people saw coming, is going to have an impact, a broad impact," Phin Ziebell, senior economist at National Australia Bank said by phone. "You can't avoid the impact on the oil market."

China on Monday ignored a warning from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and moved to impose higher tariffs on a range of US goods including frozen vegetables and liquefied natural gas

The US&nbsp;Energy Department said on Monday that it was confident global oil markets are well supplied.

But that may change by the end of the year as oil production capacity could drop to under 1% of global supply-demand by the end of the year after the US&nbsp;imposed sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, the analyst said.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, is likely to raise its production much more cautiously than last year when production from the Kingdom rose to record highs above 11 million bpd in November after calls from Trump to replace Iranian barrels.

Riyadh, for now, is reluctant to boost oil supply too quickly and risk a price crash and a build-up in inventories, despite pressure from the Trump administration to reduce oil prices.

Oil prices were moving higher on Tuesday, though gains were checked amid an escalation in the trade war between the United States and China. Brent crude futures were at $70.

Oil prices were moving higher on Tuesday, though gains were checked amid an escalation in the trade war between the United States and China. Brent crude futures were at $70.30 a barrel at 0318 GMT, up 7 cents, or 0.1%, from their last close. Brent ended the previous session down 0.6%. The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.11 per barrel, up 7 cents, or 0.1%, from their previous settlement. WTI closed down 1% on Monday. Headlines from the Middle East grabbed attention early in the session after Saudi Arabia said two of its oil tankers were among those attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, describing it as an attempt to undermine the security of supply amid United States-Iran tensions. But analysts said the US-China trade war continued to cast a pall on the market as a whole. "This ramp-up in trade tensions, which I don't really think people saw coming, is going to have an impact, a broad impact," Phin Ziebell, senior economist at National Australia Bank said by phone. "You can't avoid the impact on the oil market." China on Monday ignored a warning from US President Donald Trump and moved to impose higher tariffs on a range of US goods including frozen vegetables and liquefied natural gas The US Energy Department said on Monday that it was confident global oil markets are well supplied. But that may change by the end of the year as oil production capacity could drop to under 1% of global supply-demand by the end of the year after the US imposed sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, the analyst said. Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, is likely to raise its production much more cautiously than last year when production from the Kingdom rose to record highs above 11 million bpd in November after calls from Trump to replace Iranian barrels. Riyadh, for now, is reluctant to boost oil supply too quickly and risk a price crash and a build-up in inventories, despite pressure from the Trump administration to reduce oil prices.

Oil prices rise, gains tempered by US-China trade tensions

Saudi Arabia Says Two Of Its Oil Tanks Were Sabotaged Off The Cost Of The UAE. Iran Distances Itself From The Incident. But Tensions Soar Between US & Iran.

Gravitas: New Flashpoint In US-Iran Standoff?

Saudi Arabia said two of its oil tankers were attacked while sailing toward the Persian Gulf, adding to regional tensions as the US increases pressure on Iran.

Saudi Arabia Says Oil Tankers Damaged In "Sabotage Attack" as Middle East Tensions Rise

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar.

Saudi Arabia said Monday that two of its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-saudi-tankers-came-under-sabotage-attack-off-uae-no-casualties-218248"> oil tankers were damaged </a>in "sabotage attacks" in the Gulf, with its arch-rival Iran calling for an investigation and warning of "adventurism" by foreign players to disrupt maritime security.

The region is already on edge because of the standoff between Washington and Tehran over the Iran nuclear deal, and Hunt said he would share Britain's concerns with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-iran-standoff-the-sequence-of-events-217608/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"We are very worried about the risk of a conflict happening by accident with an escalation that is unintended on either side but ends with some kind of conflict," Hunt said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

"I think what we need is a period of calm, to make sure everyone understands what the other side is thinking and most of all we must make sure we don't end up putting Iran back on the path to denuclearisation, because if Iran becomes a nuclear power its neighbours are likely to want to become nuclear powers.&nbsp;"This is already the most unstable region in the world and it would be a massive step in the wrong direction."

The UAE said on Sunday that four commercial vessels of various nationalities had been targeted by acts of sabotage of the emirate of Fujairah. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the two tankers suffered "significant damage" but there were no casualties or any oil spill.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar. Saudi Arabia said Monday that two of its oil tankers were damaged in "sabotage attacks" in the Gulf, with its arch-rival Iran calling for an investigation and warning of "adventurism" by foreign players to disrupt maritime security. The region is already on edge because of the standoff between Washington and Tehran over the Iran nuclear deal, and Hunt said he would share Britain's concerns with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday. "We are very worried about the risk of a conflict happening by accident with an escalation that is unintended on either side but ends with some kind of conflict," Hunt said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "I think what we need is a period of calm, to make sure everyone understands what the other side is thinking and most of all we must make sure we don't end up putting Iran back on the path to denuclearisation, because if Iran becomes a nuclear power its neighbours are likely to want to become nuclear powers. "This is already the most unstable region in the world and it would be a massive step in the wrong direction." The UAE said on Sunday that four commercial vessels of various nationalities had been targeted by acts of sabotage of the emirate of Fujairah. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the two tankers suffered "significant damage" but there were no casualties or any oil spill.

Worried about risk of conflict happening by accident in Gulf region: UK foreign minister Jeremy Hunt

Oil futures rose on Monday on increasing concerns about supply disruptions in the crucial producing region of the Middle East even as investors and traders fretted over global economic growth prospects amid a standoff in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-falls-on-trade-dispute-despite-surprise-drop-in-us-crude-inventories-217140">Sino-US&nbsp;trade talks</a>.

Brent crude futures were at $71.00 a barrel, up 38 cents, or 0.5%, from their last close by 0624 GMT.

The US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were at $61.73 per barrel, up 7 cents, or 0.1%, from their previous settlement.

Saudi Arabia said on Monday that two Saudi oil tankers were among vessels targeted by a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-saudi-tankers-came-under-sabotage-attack-off-uae-no-casualties-218248"> "sabotage attack"</a> off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, condemning it as an attempt to undermine the security of global crude supplies.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest and third-largest producers, respectively, in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), according to the latest survey by Reuters.

"Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, together with sharply declining oil supplies from Venezuela and Iran, will remain bullish for prices," said Abhishek Kumar, head of analytics at Interfax Energy in London.

Markets have been supported by Washington's bid to cut Iran's oil exports to zero and reduce exports from Venezuela, where infrastructure problems have also cut output.

The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of a 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and world powers last year.

Investors are also focused on tightened supplies following OPEC-led production cuts since the start of the year. There is a consensus that OPEC and its producer allies will extend the six-month output-cut agreement when they meet in June.

But the trade friction between Washington and China, which intensified last week will keep a lid on prices, said Kumar.

The United States and China together accounted for 34% of global oil consumption in the first quarter of 2019, data from the International Energy Agency showed.

"The US-China trade war is set to intensify, which will limit gains in prices," Kumar said.

"Market participants will closely watch China's retaliatory steps in response to the imposition of additional US tariffs on Chinese goods," Kumar said, adding the dispute "could be particularly detrimental to the growth in global oil demand".

The trade turmoil has prompted hedge funds to cut their bullish wagers on US crude oil to the lowest level in a month and raised their bets on Brent crude to the highest in nearly seven months, US&nbsp;government data showed on Friday.

Separately, in an early indicator of future output, US&nbsp;energy companies last week reduced the number of oil rigs operating for the third time in four weeks, cutting them by two and bringing the count down 805.

Oil futures rose on Monday on increasing concerns about supply disruptions in the crucial producing region of the Middle East even as investors and traders fretted over global economic growth prospects amid a standoff in the Sino-US trade talks.

Oil futures rose on Monday on increasing concerns about supply disruptions in the crucial producing region of the Middle East even as investors and traders fretted over global economic growth prospects amid a standoff in the Sino-US trade talks. Brent crude futures were at $71.00 a barrel, up 38 cents, or 0.5%, from their last close by 0624 GMT. The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were at $61.73 per barrel, up 7 cents, or 0.1%, from their previous settlement. Saudi Arabia said on Monday that two Saudi oil tankers were among vessels targeted by a "sabotage attack" off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, condemning it as an attempt to undermine the security of global crude supplies. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest and third-largest producers, respectively, in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), according to the latest survey by Reuters. "Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, together with sharply declining oil supplies from Venezuela and Iran, will remain bullish for prices," said Abhishek Kumar, head of analytics at Interfax Energy in London. Markets have been supported by Washington's bid to cut Iran's oil exports to zero and reduce exports from Venezuela, where infrastructure problems have also cut output. The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of a 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and world powers last year. Investors are also focused on tightened supplies following OPEC-led production cuts since the start of the year. There is a consensus that OPEC and its producer allies will extend the six-month output-cut agreement when they meet in June. But the trade friction between Washington and China, which intensified last week will keep a lid on prices, said Kumar. The United States and China together accounted for 34% of global oil consumption in the first quarter of 2019, data from the International Energy Agency showed. "The US-China trade war is set to intensify, which will limit gains in prices," Kumar said. "Market participants will closely watch China's retaliatory steps in response to the imposition of additional US tariffs on Chinese goods," Kumar said, adding the dispute "could be particularly detrimental to the growth in global oil demand". The trade turmoil has prompted hedge funds to cut their bullish wagers on US crude oil to the lowest level in a month and raised their bets on Brent crude to the highest in nearly seven months, US government data showed on Friday. Separately, in an early indicator of future output, US energy companies last week reduced the number of oil rigs operating for the third time in four weeks, cutting them by two and bringing the count down 805.

Oil prices rise as Middle East tanker attack increases supply concerns

The US on Monday assured India that it was working with countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure oil supplies following imports drying up in the wake of US sanctions impacting New Delhi, reported news agency ANI.

US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster made public the assurance after Trade Secretary Wilbur Ross held a meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the North Block in which India`s concerns over oil supplies getting deeply impacted following the US sanctions on oil imports from Iran by other countries.

Juster, who accompanied Ross, said the US was working with other countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE to ensure adequate oil supplies to India.

On his part, Ross said "Iran is a problem if you have seen recent terrorism incidents and we should be doing whatever we can against terrorism.

"To a question, he replied it was premature to talk about Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in e-commerce which he said he would discuss with Suresh Prabhu.

India was forced to stop importing crude oil from Iran May 2 after the US ended sanction waivers on countries importing oil from Teheran.

The Trump administration decided not to renew waiver that let countries like India buy Iranian oil without facing US sanctions.

New Delhi was expected to press the US government for continuation of Iranian supplies. India was the second biggest buyer of Iranian crude oil after China. It bought some 24 million tonnes of crude oil from Iran in the fiscal ended March 31 (2018-19).&nbsp;

Iran supplied more than a tenth of its oil needs. The shortfall will be made from alternate supply sources available in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Mexico. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said "a robust plan for an adequate supply of crude oil to Indian refineries" is in place. &nbsp;

The US on Monday assured India that it was working with countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure oil supplies following imports drying up in the wake of US sanctions impacting New Delhi, reported news agency ANI.

The US on Monday assured India that it was working with countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure oil supplies following imports drying up in the wake of US sanctions impacting New Delhi, reported news agency ANI. US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster made public the assurance after Trade Secretary Wilbur Ross held a meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the North Block in which India`s concerns over oil supplies getting deeply impacted following the US sanctions on oil imports from Iran by other countries. Juster, who accompanied Ross, said the US was working with other countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE to ensure adequate oil supplies to India. On his part, Ross said "Iran is a problem if you have seen recent terrorism incidents and we should be doing whatever we can against terrorism. "To a question, he replied it was premature to talk about Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in e-commerce which he said he would discuss with Suresh Prabhu. India was forced to stop importing crude oil from Iran May 2 after the US ended sanction waivers on countries importing oil from Teheran. The Trump administration decided not to renew waiver that let countries like India buy Iranian oil without facing US sanctions. New Delhi was expected to press the US government for continuation of Iranian supplies. India was the second biggest buyer of Iranian crude oil after China. It bought some 24 million tonnes of crude oil from Iran in the fiscal ended March 31 (2018-19). Iran supplied more than a tenth of its oil needs. The shortfall will be made from alternate supply sources available in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Mexico. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said "a robust plan for an adequate supply of crude oil to Indian refineries" is in place.

Working with Saudi Arabia, UAE to ensure oil supplies to India: US

Saudi Arabia's coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Iran, which confirmed that its vessel had broken down in the area, and Saudi Arabia are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars.

SPA said the Iranian tanker "Happiness 1" and its 26 crewmembers were found 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Jeddah Islamic Port and the captain had requested a tow due to "engine failure and loss of control".

"The kingdom received an official request for help, through its permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York, from the Iranian charge d'affaires in the Iranian delegation," SPA quoted a coast guard spokesman as saying.

"All necessary precautions were taken for the safety of the crew and to ensure there is no environmental damage and to provide assistance," it added.

The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) said the tanker had suffered engine failure but there had been no leak of its contents into the Red Sea, according to SHANA, the Iranian oil ministry's news agency.

"On Tuesday, the vessel, with 26 crew members aboard, was sailing in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal when its engine failed due to water leakage to the engine room," SHANA said. It said the crew were 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

SHANA said the tanker was now safe with no injuries reported, and there was no environmental damage from the incident.

The United States decided to end all waivers on Iranian oil imports by May 1 after which buyers of oil from the Islamic Republic could face sanctions.

Saudi Arabia's coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia's coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday. Iran, which confirmed that its vessel had broken down in the area, and Saudi Arabia are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars. SPA said the Iranian tanker "Happiness 1" and its 26 crewmembers were found 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Jeddah Islamic Port and the captain had requested a tow due to "engine failure and loss of control". "The kingdom received an official request for help, through its permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York, from the Iranian charge d'affaires in the Iranian delegation," SPA quoted a coast guard spokesman as saying. "All necessary precautions were taken for the safety of the crew and to ensure there is no environmental damage and to provide assistance," it added. The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) said the tanker had suffered engine failure but there had been no leak of its contents into the Red Sea, according to SHANA, the Iranian oil ministry's news agency. "On Tuesday, the vessel, with 26 crew members aboard, was sailing in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal when its engine failed due to water leakage to the engine room," SHANA said. It said the crew were 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis. SHANA said the tanker was now safe with no injuries reported, and there was no environmental damage from the incident. The United States decided to end all waivers on Iranian oil imports by May 1 after which buyers of oil from the Islamic Republic could face sanctions.

Saudi Arabia assists Iranian oil tanker in Red Sea, no injuries

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-to-deposit-250-million-in-sudans-central-bank-214196&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjut9zQlvrhAhUU3o8KHWskCLcQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZiC2ikqTxwc11EZpUy_Dr">Arab states support a transition in Sudan</a> that balances the ambitions of the people with stability, a senior United Arab Emirates minister said on Wednesday.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders who ousted president Omar al-Bashir after weeks of mass protests.

Protesters and activists have been negotiating with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) to form a joint civilian-military body to oversee a transition, but are deadlocked over who would control the new council.

"Totally legitimate for Arab states to support an orderly &amp; stable transition in Sudan. One that carefully calibrates popular aspirations with institutional stability," the UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

"We have experienced all-out chaos in the region and, sensibly, don’t need more of it," he added.

Sudanese opposition groups are calling for a civilian-led council to oversee the political transition.

The TMC has shown no sign of willingness to relinquish ultimate authority.&nbsp;

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are backing council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, through their participation the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

The UAE was quick to welcome Burhan’s appointment and said it would look to accelerate aid to Sudan.

Shortly after Burhan’s nomination, Saudi Arabia said it would provide wheat, fuel and medicine to Sudan.

The financial aid provided by the two close allies, which includes a deposit of $500 million with the Sudanese central bank, is the first major publicly announced assistance to the African nation from Gulf states in several years.&nbsp;

The UAE and Saudi have worked to counter the rise of political Islamist movements across the region and supported Egypt`s military leader President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the overthrow of its first democratically elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

Arab states support a transition in Sudan that balances the ambitions of the people with stability, a senior United Arab Emirates minister said on Wednesday. The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders who ousted president Omar al-Bashir after weeks of mass protests.

Arab states support a transition in Sudan that balances the ambitions of the people with stability, a senior United Arab Emirates minister said on Wednesday. The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders who ousted president Omar al-Bashir after weeks of mass protests. Protesters and activists have been negotiating with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) to form a joint civilian-military body to oversee a transition, but are deadlocked over who would control the new council. "Totally legitimate for Arab states to support an orderly & stable transition in Sudan. One that carefully calibrates popular aspirations with institutional stability," the UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter. "We have experienced all-out chaos in the region and, sensibly, don’t need more of it," he added. Sudanese opposition groups are calling for a civilian-led council to oversee the political transition. The TMC has shown no sign of willingness to relinquish ultimate authority. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are backing council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, through their participation the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. The UAE was quick to welcome Burhan’s appointment and said it would look to accelerate aid to Sudan. Shortly after Burhan’s nomination, Saudi Arabia said it would provide wheat, fuel and medicine to Sudan. The financial aid provided by the two close allies, which includes a deposit of $500 million with the Sudanese central bank, is the first major publicly announced assistance to the African nation from Gulf states in several years. The UAE and Saudi have worked to counter the rise of political Islamist movements across the region and supported Egypt`s military leader President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the overthrow of its first democratically elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

Arab states support Sudan transition, want stability: UAE minister

India is stuck in the proverbial ‘rock and a hard place’ syndrome in relation to the US embargo on energy trade with Iran. The choice is limited; continue pursuing the strategic relationship with the US as one of the more important swing states with mutuality of future interests or resist the US coercion and follow the principle of strategic autonomy by remaining engaged with Iran for the many strategic advantages that the option provides. Both options have their extreme negatives too. An analysis of this needs context and brief explanation.

India imports almost 80 per cent of its energy need. Of this, almost 11 per cent comes from the Islamic Republic of Iran, third in the quantified list of imports after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 15, 2015, Iran was given a reprieve from sanctions which allowed it to pursue trade, especially of oil; it worked to India’s interests even as the arrangement was essentially aimed at bringing Iran into the international trade and monetary system. This period also saw a surge in Indo-Iran relations with the agreement on development and usage of the Iranian port of Chabahar which promised the long-elusive surface access for India to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

However, on May 8, 2018, quoting alleged Iranian reneging on the nuclear deal, the Trump Administration pulled out of the deal struck by its predecessor. In November 2018, India got another reprieve with leeway granted to it and seven other nations on importing Iranian oil for a further six months. The others were China, Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey.&nbsp;

China and India remain the two largest importers of Iranian oil. Six months later, the US, as part of renewed vigour in its Middle East strategy, has revoked the leeway given to the eight nations. Iran’s oil, shipping, and banking industries could take a significant hit and its weakened currency could plunge further under these sanctions, which President Trump has said are intended to stop what he considers Iran’s unacceptable actions in the Middle East.&nbsp;

These include Iran’s support to Bashir Assad in Syria and to the Hezbollah, actions which have demonstratively enhanced Iran’s influence in the Levant. It was evident for some time that the six-month reprieve given would not be extended. The last step which confirmed that this was going to happen was the recent US declaration of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity.&nbsp;

Iran’s continued support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen irks Saudi Arabia even as Iran’s overall military power in the region is perceived as growing Shia power in the sectarian struggle against the Sunnis. The strong Iranian presence in the Levant, even by proxy, hurts US interests. The Iranian missile development programme and support to Hezbollah does likewise to Israeli interests. The current US strategy in the Middle East is focussed upon the emasculation of Iran aiming at internal instability with a segment of the people rebelling and this leading to a change in regime.

Internationally, the Iranian threat, as perceived by the US and its Middle East allies, is not considered sufficiently potent to exercise such measures to punish it. However, for the US it’s a legacy threat and quite psychological, going back to the black days of 1979-80 when as a superpower it was held hostage by a ragtag group of Iranian youth.

How does it all affect India? The potential withdrawal of Iran’s oil resources from the market has raised the price of oil to $75. Besides that, the continuation of import against the US embargo will invite secondary sanctions from the US which essentially means some form of exclusion from the international banking system that is controlled by the US due to the dollar trade. The US, however, said the sanctions, will not hurt global oil supply as other nations will step up production. For India, it is not so simple; the economic effect means higher import bills and purchase deals which will not carry the Iranian provisions of being freight-free and with a line of credit.

If India acquiesces completely to the US diktat, it stands to lose much of the strategic advantage it has built through its relationship with Iran. The strategically located port of Chabahar on which India had struck a tripartite deal with Iran and Afghanistan in 2015 gave it for the first time a capability to approach Afghanistan by other than an aerial route; overland access having been denied by Pakistan all these years, even after the emergence of the independent Central Asian Republics (CARs) in 1992.&nbsp;

However, with the US now sold out on greater Pakistani involvement in striking a deal with the Afghan Taliban even the argument of an enhanced Indian role in stabilizing Afghanistan may not work in obtaining special favours from the US. Diplomatically having Iran in a favourable disposition towards India would always cut advantage for us in the context of Pakistan and any contemplated role in Afghanistan. It’s also been reported that the US is demanding its pound of flesh for the support it is extending to India over the UN designation of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

In the dilemma that it finds itself the Indian government has limited choice. Resisting the US under the belief that the Trump Administration has only a 20 months balance period in its term and that things will eventually change will be a folly. The US presidential scenario for 2020 is completely uncertain and 20 months is a long period for a peeved President Trump to coerce India even further than it already has. The question is the extent to which the US needs India’s support; is it more than the support India needs from the US. The US has largely sidelined India on Afghanistan knowing that its presence at the high table will always irk Pakistan. However, in the Indo Pacific and more specifically the Indian Ocean India’s cooperation is crucial for the US, as a balancing force against China.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-resisting-us-pressure-on-iran-2743509">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India is stuck in the proverbial ‘rock and a hard place’ syndrome in relation to the US embargo on energy trade with Iran. The choice is limited; continue pursuing the strategic relationship with the US as one of the more important swing states with mutuality of future interests or resist the US coercion and follow the principle of strategic autonomy by remaining engaged with Iran for the many strategic advantages that the option provides.

India is stuck in the proverbial ‘rock and a hard place’ syndrome in relation to the US embargo on energy trade with Iran. The choice is limited; continue pursuing the strategic relationship with the US as one of the more important swing states with mutuality of future interests or resist the US coercion and follow the principle of strategic autonomy by remaining engaged with Iran for the many strategic advantages that the option provides. Both options have their extreme negatives too. An analysis of this needs context and brief explanation. India imports almost 80 per cent of its energy need. Of this, almost 11 per cent comes from the Islamic Republic of Iran, third in the quantified list of imports after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 15, 2015, Iran was given a reprieve from sanctions which allowed it to pursue trade, especially of oil; it worked to India’s interests even as the arrangement was essentially aimed at bringing Iran into the international trade and monetary system. This period also saw a surge in Indo-Iran relations with the agreement on development and usage of the Iranian port of Chabahar which promised the long-elusive surface access for India to Afghanistan and Central Asia. However, on May 8, 2018, quoting alleged Iranian reneging on the nuclear deal, the Trump Administration pulled out of the deal struck by its predecessor. In November 2018, India got another reprieve with leeway granted to it and seven other nations on importing Iranian oil for a further six months. The others were China, Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. China and India remain the two largest importers of Iranian oil. Six months later, the US, as part of renewed vigour in its Middle East strategy, has revoked the leeway given to the eight nations. Iran’s oil, shipping, and banking industries could take a significant hit and its weakened currency could plunge further under these sanctions, which President Trump has said are intended to stop what he considers Iran’s unacceptable actions in the Middle East. These include Iran’s support to Bashir Assad in Syria and to the Hezbollah, actions which have demonstratively enhanced Iran’s influence in the Levant. It was evident for some time that the six-month reprieve given would not be extended. The last step which confirmed that this was going to happen was the recent US declaration of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. Iran’s continued support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen irks Saudi Arabia even as Iran’s overall military power in the region is perceived as growing Shia power in the sectarian struggle against the Sunnis. The strong Iranian presence in the Levant, even by proxy, hurts US interests. The Iranian missile development programme and support to Hezbollah does likewise to Israeli interests. The current US strategy in the Middle East is focussed upon the emasculation of Iran aiming at internal instability with a segment of the people rebelling and this leading to a change in regime. Internationally, the Iranian threat, as perceived by the US and its Middle East allies, is not considered sufficiently potent to exercise such measures to punish it. However, for the US it’s a legacy threat and quite psychological, going back to the black days of 1979-80 when as a superpower it was held hostage by a ragtag group of Iranian youth. How does it all affect India? The potential withdrawal of Iran’s oil resources from the market has raised the price of oil to $75. Besides that, the continuation of import against the US embargo will invite secondary sanctions from the US which essentially means some form of exclusion from the international banking system that is controlled by the US due to the dollar trade. The US, however, said the sanctions, will not hurt global oil supply as other nations will step up production. For India, it is not so simple; the economic effect means higher import bills and purchase deals which will not carry the Iranian provisions of being freight-free and with a line of credit. If India acquiesces completely to the US diktat, it stands to lose much of the strategic advantage it has built through its relationship with Iran. The strategically located port of Chabahar on which India had struck a tripartite deal with Iran and Afghanistan in 2015 gave it for the first time a capability to approach Afghanistan by other than an aerial route; overland access having been denied by Pakistan all these years, even after the emergence of the independent Central Asian Republics (CARs) in 1992. However, with the US now sold out on greater Pakistani involvement in striking a deal with the Afghan Taliban even the argument of an enhanced Indian role in stabilizing Afghanistan may not work in obtaining special favours from the US. Diplomatically having Iran in a favourable disposition towards India would always cut advantage for us in the context of Pakistan and any contemplated role in Afghanistan. It’s also been reported that the US is demanding its pound of flesh for the support it is extending to India over the UN designation of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In the dilemma that it finds itself the Indian government has limited choice. Resisting the US under the belief that the Trump Administration has only a 20 months balance period in its term and that things will eventually change will be a folly. The US presidential scenario for 2020 is completely uncertain and 20 months is a long period for a peeved President Trump to coerce India even further than it already has. The question is the extent to which the US needs India’s support; is it more than the support India needs from the US. The US has largely sidelined India on Afghanistan knowing that its presence at the high table will always irk Pakistan. However, in the Indo Pacific and more specifically the Indian Ocean India’s cooperation is crucial for the US, as a balancing force against China. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Resisting US pressure on Iran: India is stuck between rock and hard place

Oil prices dipped on Friday on expectations that producer club OPEC will soon raise output to make up for a decline in exports from Iran following a tightening of sanctions by the United States against Tehran.

Brent crude futures were at $74.09 per barrel at 0029 GMT, down 26 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last close.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $64.82 per barrel, down 39 cents, or 0.6 per cent, from their previous settlement.

The dip followed Brent's rise above $75 per barrel for the first time this year on Thursday after Germany, Poland and Slovakia suspended imports of Russian oil via a major pipeline, citing poor quality. The move cut parts of Europe off from a major supply route.

But prices were already gaining before the Russian disruption, driven up by supply cuts led by the Middle East dominated Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and US&nbsp;sanctions against Venezuela and Iran. Crude futures are up around 40 per cent so far this year.

Washington said on Monday it would end all exemptions for sanctions against Iran, demanding countries halt oil imports from Tehran from May or face punitive action from Washington.

To make up for the shortfall from Iran, the United States is pressuring OPEC's de-facto leader Saudi Arabia to end its voluntary supply restraint.

"The US&nbsp;will continue to pressure Saudi Arabia to lift its production to cover the supply gap," said Alfonso Esparza, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA.

Energy consultancy FGE said "the need is now very apparent for OPEC+ to take action and increase production" in order to keep markets well supplied and prevent prices from spiking.

Despite US&nbsp;efforts to drive Iranian oil exports down to zero, many analysts expect some oil to still seep out of the country.

"A total of 400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day of crude and condensate will continue to be exported," said FGE, down from around 1 million bpd currently.

Most of this oil would be smuggled out of Iran or go to China despite the sanctions.

China, the world's biggest buyer of Iranian oil, this week formally complained to the United States over its unilateral Iran sanctions.

Oil prices dipped on Friday on expectations that producer club OPEC will soon raise output to make up for a decline in exports from Iran following a tightening of sanctions by the United States against Tehran.

Oil prices dipped on Friday on expectations that producer club OPEC will soon raise output to make up for a decline in exports from Iran following a tightening of sanctions by the United States against Tehran. Brent crude futures were at $74.09 per barrel at 0029 GMT, down 26 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last close. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $64.82 per barrel, down 39 cents, or 0.6 per cent, from their previous settlement. The dip followed Brent's rise above $75 per barrel for the first time this year on Thursday after Germany, Poland and Slovakia suspended imports of Russian oil via a major pipeline, citing poor quality. The move cut parts of Europe off from a major supply route. But prices were already gaining before the Russian disruption, driven up by supply cuts led by the Middle East dominated Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and US sanctions against Venezuela and Iran. Crude futures are up around 40 per cent so far this year. Washington said on Monday it would end all exemptions for sanctions against Iran, demanding countries halt oil imports from Tehran from May or face punitive action from Washington. To make up for the shortfall from Iran, the United States is pressuring OPEC's de-facto leader Saudi Arabia to end its voluntary supply restraint. "The US will continue to pressure Saudi Arabia to lift its production to cover the supply gap," said Alfonso Esparza, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA. Energy consultancy FGE said "the need is now very apparent for OPEC+ to take action and increase production" in order to keep markets well supplied and prevent prices from spiking. Despite US efforts to drive Iranian oil exports down to zero, many analysts expect some oil to still seep out of the country. "A total of 400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day of crude and condensate will continue to be exported," said FGE, down from around 1 million bpd currently. Most of this oil would be smuggled out of Iran or go to China despite the sanctions. China, the world's biggest buyer of Iranian oil, this week formally complained to the United States over its unilateral Iran sanctions.

Oil prices ease on expectation that OPEC will raise output

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