US President Donald Trump announced to impose a new 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of goods from China beginning next month. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on China

Trump to impose new 10% tariff on $300 billion Chinese goods

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-brazil-prison-massacre-rises-to-57-several-decapitated-239329">Death toll in Brazil prison massacre rises to 57; several decapitated</a>

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/17-killed-as-pakistani-army-plane-crashes-into-residential-area-239357">Death toll rises to 17 as Pakistani army plane crashes into residential area in Rawalpindi</a>o

Seventeen people were killed when a small military plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi early Tuesday, officials told AFP, in the latest disaster to hit the country’s troubled aviation sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-fails-to-override-trump-veto-of-bill-stopping-saudi-weapons-sales-239328">US Senate fails to override Trump veto of bill stopping Saudi weapons sales</a>

The US Senate on Monday failed to override President Donald Trump`s veto of legislation passed by Congress that would have blocked the sale of certain weapons to Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cafe-coffee-day-founder-vg-siddhartha-gone-missing-near-netravati-river-in-mangaluru-239351">Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha goes missing near river in Mangaluru</a>

VG Siddhartha, the founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day(CCD) chain and son-in-law of former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna has been missing since Monday night, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-be-happy-to-have-ravi-bhai-as-coach-will-tell-cac-virat-kohli-239346">Will be happy to have Ravi bhai as coach, will tell CAC: Virat Kohli</a>

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said that will be very happy if Ravi Shastri continues to be team head coach.

"The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) hasn't contacted me yet. If they want my opinion, I'll go and speak to them. With Ravi Bhai, we share a great camaraderie, and will definitely be very happy if he continues. But I haven't been contacted so far," Kohli told reporters before leaving for West Indies.

Death toll in Brazil prison massacre rises to 57; several decapitated A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails.

Death toll in Brazil prison massacre rises to 57; several decapitated A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails. Death toll rises to 17 as Pakistani army plane crashes into residential area in Rawalpindio Seventeen people were killed when a small military plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi early Tuesday, officials told AFP, in the latest disaster to hit the country’s troubled aviation sector. US Senate fails to override Trump veto of bill stopping Saudi weapons sales The US Senate on Monday failed to override President Donald Trump`s veto of legislation passed by Congress that would have blocked the sale of certain weapons to Saudi Arabia. Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha goes missing near river in Mangaluru VG Siddhartha, the founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day(CCD) chain and son-in-law of former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna has been missing since Monday night, reports said. Will be happy to have Ravi bhai as coach, will tell CAC: Virat Kohli Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said that will be very happy if Ravi Shastri continues to be team head coach. "The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) hasn't contacted me yet. If they want my opinion, I'll go and speak to them. With Ravi Bhai, we share a great camaraderie, and will definitely be very happy if he continues. But I haven't been contacted so far," Kohli told reporters before leaving for West Indies.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump hit out Saturday at a prominent Congressman who's been a strong critic of Trump's handling of the migration crisis on the US-Mexico border. In a series of tweets, the president described Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, and the House Oversight Chairman, as a "brutal bully".

Trump lashes out at Cummings over border criticism

U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Boris Johnson on becoming British prime minister in a phone call on Friday (July 26) and said work had already begun on a U.S.-British free trade agreement. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office he had just gotten off the phone with Johnson. "I congratulated him and he's all set to go," said Trump. Johnson succeeded Theresa May as prime minister earlier this week and made clear to the European Union he will be taking a tougher approach to negotiating a revision of the Brexit divorce deal that May failed to deliver. Trump said their two governments were already working on a free trade agreement seen as crucial to helping Britain once a Brexit deal takes place.

Trump says U.S and UK already working on free trade agreement

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (July 26)the United States would hit France shortly with a "substantial reciprocal action" - and warned a new American tax on French wine was possible - after Paris announced a tax aimed at U.S. technology companies. Trump told reporters the tax decision was wrong and he threatened the key French export. The United States is by far the largest single export market for French wine and spirits, which is France's second-biggest export after aerospace. The United States in 2018 accounted for nearly a quarter of all French wine exports or 3.2 billion euros' ($3.6 billion) worth. Trump also offered a pessimistic view on reaching a trade deal with China, saying Beijing may not sign one before the November 2020 election in hopes a Democrat who will be easier to deal with, will win.

Trump says U.S. to hit France with 'substantial' action for digital tax

The Supreme Court on Friday handed President Trump a major victory by clearing the way for him to divert $2.5 billion from the military’s budget and use it to build an extra 100 miles of border wall in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The justices, by a vote of 5 to 4, lifted orders by a federal judge in Oakland and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that had barred the administration from using the Pentagon’s money to build a border wall. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and the court’s four other conservatives joined in ruling for the Trump administration. They questioned whether the Sierra Club and other plaintiffs had standing to challenge the government’s spending policy.

U.S top court rules in Trump's favour in border wall funding dispute

The US Supreme Court has allowed US President Donald Trump to use defence funds to build border wall. Donald Trump says it is a big win for border security. Watch this video to know more.

US Supreme Court allows use of funds for border wall

President Donald Trump celebrated his new Secretary of Defense with pomp and pagentry at the Pentagon, Thursday. The president, along with Vice President Mike Pence and Pentagon leaders participated in a full honors welcome ceremony, including a 21-gun-salute, for Mark Esper, an Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist who was confirmed by the Senate 90-8 and sworn in on Tuesday. In remarks at the ceremony, Trump congratulated Esper and expressed confidence he is the right person for the growing challenges of the times.

Trump celebrates new Defense Secretary Mark Esper

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said. It is the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. Watch this video to know more.

South Korean military: North Korea fired two missiles into sea

North Korea has conducted new missile tests, raising further tensions on the Korean peninsula. South Korea has described the launches as a security threat. Watch this video to know more.

South Korea calls North Korea missile tests as a security threat

Iran's foreign minister accused Washington of "US economic terrorism" during a visit to Managua, Nicaragua on Tuesday (July 22), declaring that countries were turning away from the dollar-based global economy. U.S.-Iranian tensions have escalated since U.S. President Donald Trump decided last year to abandon the nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its atomic programme in return for relief from economic sanctions crippling its economy. To avoid the collapse of the deal after Washington's withdrawal, the European Union is trying to set up a barter-based trade conduit with Iran to avoid US sanctions. Whilst the payment system is still being finalized, Zarif said it showed movement away from using the American dollar as an international standard.

After Trump slamming, Iran says US bullying them

Boris Johnson's use of 'verbal flamboyance' unique, linguists say

Oil slipped to around $63 a barrel on Tuesday as concerns faded for now that rising tensions in the Middle East would escalate and hit oil supplies, compounding the impact of a weaker demand outlook.

Iran's capture of a British oil tanker late last week sparked concern about supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's supply flows. Crude rose more than 1% on Monday.

On Tuesday, Brent crude fell 40 cents to $62.86 a barrel by 1052 GMT. US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 20 cents to $56.02.

"The response of oil prices to the seizure of a British oil tanker by armed Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz has been amazingly muted so far," said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank.

"It appears that the majority of market participants are convinced that there will be no open conflict between the West and Iran."

The tensions come as the United States aims to cut off Iran's oil exports and against the backdrop of supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries since the start of the year to prop up prices.

As part of that plan, the United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector.

But due to strong growth in supply from the United States and other non-OPEC producers, oil supply is exceeding demand, according to the International

A weaker outlook for oil demand due to slowing economic growth has weighed on prices, which are still up by 18% in 2019 helped by the OPEC-led Energy Agency, despite lower Iranian exports and OPEC's voluntary supply curbs supply pact.

"Although prices had been driven by supply developments in the first half of the year economic considerations are making oil bulls careful this month," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.

Goldman Sachs on Sunday lowered its 2019 oil demand projection, joining other forecasters such as the IEA and OPEC in trimming its outlook for fuel use.

Oil may gain further support from expectations of another drop in US&nbsp;crude inventories in weekly reports due later on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Analysts expect a 3.4 million-barrel drop in crude stocks.

The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, releases its inventory report at 2030 GMT.

Oil slipped to around $63 a barrel on Tuesday as concerns faded for now that rising tensions in the Middle East would escalate and hit oil supplies, compounding the impact of a weaker demand outlook.

Oil slipped to around $63 a barrel on Tuesday as concerns faded for now that rising tensions in the Middle East would escalate and hit oil supplies, compounding the impact of a weaker demand outlook. Iran's capture of a British oil tanker late last week sparked concern about supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's supply flows. Crude rose more than 1% on Monday. On Tuesday, Brent crude fell 40 cents to $62.86 a barrel by 1052 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 20 cents to $56.02. "The response of oil prices to the seizure of a British oil tanker by armed Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz has been amazingly muted so far," said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank. "It appears that the majority of market participants are convinced that there will be no open conflict between the West and Iran." The tensions come as the United States aims to cut off Iran's oil exports and against the backdrop of supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries since the start of the year to prop up prices. As part of that plan, the United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector. But due to strong growth in supply from the United States and other non-OPEC producers, oil supply is exceeding demand, according to the International A weaker outlook for oil demand due to slowing economic growth has weighed on prices, which are still up by 18% in 2019 helped by the OPEC-led Energy Agency, despite lower Iranian exports and OPEC's voluntary supply curbs supply pact. "Although prices had been driven by supply developments in the first half of the year economic considerations are making oil bulls careful this month," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. Goldman Sachs on Sunday lowered its 2019 oil demand projection, joining other forecasters such as the IEA and OPEC in trimming its outlook for fuel use. Oil may gain further support from expectations of another drop in US crude inventories in weekly reports due later on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Analysts expect a 3.4 million-barrel drop in crude stocks. The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, releases its inventory report at 2030 GMT.

Oil slips to around $63 as Iran concerns fades for now

Former foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson</a> was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday.

With the leadership campaign largely dominated by Brexit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Johnson has set out little</a> in the way of firm policies, but below are some of his positions on key issues:

Iran

Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons programme is the right way forward.

He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach, instead saying he agreed with the position taken by European countries to encourage a return to diplomacy. He has said he would not currently back military action.

"I am not going to pretend that the mullahs of Tehran are easy people to deal with or that they are anything other than a disruptive, dangerous, difficult regime, they certainly are," he said during a leadership debate earlier this month.

"But ... if you asked me whether I think we should now, were I to be prime minister now, would I be supporting military action against Iran? Then the answer is no."

Hong Kong

As protests erupted in the former British colony earlier this month over a proposed extradition bill, and a war of words ensued between Britain and China, Johnson told Reuters the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the legislation.

"I do support them and I will happily speak up for them and back them every inch of the way. And I would stress to our friends in Beijing that the one country, two systems approach has worked, is working and should not be cast aside," he said.

Huawei

A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure.

"You would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do, particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us."

Relationship with the United States

Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the United States and British media have reported he is considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership.

His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident earlier this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked to a newspaper.

Instead Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and it was "very important that we should have a close friendship, a close partnership with the United States".

Johnson has since said Darroch told him the lacklustre support was a factor in his decision to resign.

During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist.

"If you are the leader of great multi-racial, multi-cultural society you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back to where they came from, that went out decades and decades ago and thank heavens for that so it is totally unacceptable," he said.

The economy

Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts including promises to increase spending on education, transport, superfast broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze.

He has said he will tap into the 27 billion pounds of "fiscal headroom" that has built up in the public finances, referring to the difference between the government's target for the budget deficit and its projected size.

"Believe me there is cash now available ... I'm prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility," he said.

British media have reported he is preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation if there is a no-deal Brexit.

During Johnson's time as mayor of London, he championed financial services but has been trying to rebuild ties with company executives after an expletive against business.

Tax cuts

Johnson has said there is room to make tax cuts and has pledged to raise the level at which the higher rate of income tax is paid. He also wants to raise the threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance.

"We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth," he said.

He has also said Britain should cut business taxes but has indicated internet giants could be forced to pay more.

"It's deeply unfair that high street businesses are paying tax through the nose ... whereas the internet giants, the FAANGs - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google - are paying virtually nothing," he said.

Former foreign minister Boris Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday.

Former foreign minister Boris Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday. With the leadership campaign largely dominated by Brexit, Johnson has set out little in the way of firm policies, but below are some of his positions on key issues: Iran Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons programme is the right way forward. He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach, instead saying he agreed with the position taken by European countries to encourage a return to diplomacy. He has said he would not currently back military action. "I am not going to pretend that the mullahs of Tehran are easy people to deal with or that they are anything other than a disruptive, dangerous, difficult regime, they certainly are," he said during a leadership debate earlier this month. "But ... if you asked me whether I think we should now, were I to be prime minister now, would I be supporting military action against Iran? Then the answer is no." Hong Kong As protests erupted in the former British colony earlier this month over a proposed extradition bill, and a war of words ensued between Britain and China, Johnson told Reuters the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the legislation. "I do support them and I will happily speak up for them and back them every inch of the way. And I would stress to our friends in Beijing that the one country, two systems approach has worked, is working and should not be cast aside," he said. Huawei A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure. "You would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do, particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us." Relationship with the United States Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the United States and British media have reported he is considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership. His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident earlier this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked to a newspaper. Instead Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and it was "very important that we should have a close friendship, a close partnership with the United States". Johnson has since said Darroch told him the lacklustre support was a factor in his decision to resign. During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist. "If you are the leader of great multi-racial, multi-cultural society you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back to where they came from, that went out decades and decades ago and thank heavens for that so it is totally unacceptable," he said. The economy Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts including promises to increase spending on education, transport, superfast broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze. He has said he will tap into the 27 billion pounds of "fiscal headroom" that has built up in the public finances, referring to the difference between the government's target for the budget deficit and its projected size. "Believe me there is cash now available ... I'm prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility," he said. British media have reported he is preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation if there is a no-deal Brexit. During Johnson's time as mayor of London, he championed financial services but has been trying to rebuild ties with company executives after an expletive against business. Tax cuts Johnson has said there is room to make tax cuts and has pledged to raise the level at which the higher rate of income tax is paid. He also wants to raise the threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance. "We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth," he said. He has also said Britain should cut business taxes but has indicated internet giants could be forced to pay more. "It's deeply unfair that high street businesses are paying tax through the nose ... whereas the internet giants, the FAANGs - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google - are paying virtually nothing," he said.

Boris Johnson's stance on Iran, Trump, Huawei and the economy

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the move of US President Donald Trump of mediating between India and Pakistan for Kashmir.

Imran said that the contentious issue of Kashmir between the two neighbours could never be resolved bilaterally.

“There was one point when there was General (Pervez) Musharraf and Prime Minister (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee of India when we did get close to the resolution of the Kashmir issue. But since then we are poles apart and I feel that India should come on the table; US could play a big part. President Trump certainly can play a big part," said Khan in an interview with Fox News.

On Monday evening, Donald Trump, during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, offered to mediate between the two countries to resolve the issue of Kashmir.

Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to help ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries on the “disputed” Kashmir region and that he would love to be a mediator.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the move of US President Donald Trump of mediating between India and Pakistan for Kashmir. Imran said that the contentious issue of Kashmir between the two neighbours could never be resolved bilaterally.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the move of US President Donald Trump of mediating between India and Pakistan for Kashmir. Imran said that the contentious issue of Kashmir between the two neighbours could never be resolved bilaterally. “There was one point when there was General (Pervez) Musharraf and Prime Minister (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee of India when we did get close to the resolution of the Kashmir issue. But since then we are poles apart and I feel that India should come on the table; US could play a big part. President Trump certainly can play a big part," said Khan in an interview with Fox News. On Monday evening, Donald Trump, during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, offered to mediate between the two countries to resolve the issue of Kashmir. Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to help ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries on the “disputed” Kashmir region and that he would love to be a mediator.

Kashmir issue can't be resolved bilaterally: Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan after Trump meeting

U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back at President Donald Trump, saying on Saturday (July 20) his attacks on her and three other liberal congresswomen were motivated by "ethnicity and racism" and rendered him unfit to hold office. "Men like him have been telling women like me to go back to my own country for a long time. It's not a new thing," Ocasio-Cortez said, adding that it was "dangerous" for an elected leader to make those sort of remarks. Ocasio-Cortez also rejected the President's attempts to distance himself from supporters' chants of "send her back" at a rally where he blasted Somalia-born U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, one of the members of the so-called 'squad' of minority women lawmakers attacked by Trump in a series of tweets and remarks.

"Men like him..." - Ocasio-Cortez fires back at Trump over recent remarks

The former first lady Michelle Obama hits out at US President Donald Trump over his comments on four Congresswomen. Michelle Obama tweets, "What truly makes our country great is its diversity. I’ve seen that beauty in so many ways over the years. Whether we are born here or seek refuge here, there’s a place for us all. We must remember it’s not my America or your America. It’s our America."

Former first lady Michelle Obama hits out at US President

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they would release images to disprove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-donald-trump-236999">US President Donald Trump</a>'s assertion that the US Navy has destroyed an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-deputy-foreign-minister-says-tehran-has-not-lost-any-drones-237039">Iranian drone in the Gulf</a>,&nbsp;Iranian news agencies reported.

"Soon, images captured by the Guards drones from the US warship Boxer will be published to expose to world public opinion as lies and groundless the claim ... of shooting down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by news agencies.

Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday after Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an&nbsp;amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew."

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the&nbsp;Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters.

"We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] by mistake!," Araqchi said on Twitter, referring to a US warship in the strategic waterway.

First US military action

The drone shootdown comes after a series of low-level attacks in the region blamed on Tehran's forces, including placing limpet mines on several tankers and actions by what Washington calls Iranian proxies in Syria and Yemen.

Watch:&nbsp;US ship destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz: President Donald Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ship-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-president-donald-trump-237013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In May the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to waters near Iran in response to "indications of a credible threat by Iranian regime forces."

Tehran downed an American surveillance drone in June, prompting Trump to order airstrikes against Iran. But he called them off at the last minute, saying the plan was not "proportionate" and casualties would have been too high.

On July 4 Britain seized a fully loaded Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, allegedly headed for Syria in violation of sanctions.

Iran furiously branded the seizure "piracy, and one week later armed Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate.

That led to US calls for an international flotilla to escort hydrocarbon-laden vessels from Gulf oil fields through the Hormuz Strait.

US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters.

Broader conflict feared

The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and&nbsp; 
its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported.

It comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal.

Earlier this month Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- to break with the US sanctions escalation and defend the economic benefits Iran was promised for agreeing to drastic limitations on its nuclear program.

On Wednesday at the United Nations in New York, Zarif accused Washington of waging "economic terrorism."&nbsp;

The "unlawful, extraterritorial" sanctions "represent the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals of Iran and many of our neighbours," he said.

Washington nevertheless announced fresh sanctions Thursday on what it called a "network" of companies in Iran, Belgium and China supplying crucial materials to Tehran's enrichment program.&nbsp;

Door open for negotiations?

Yet both sides kept open the possibility of talks. The Guardian reported Thursday that Zarif said he had offered a new deal for enhanced inspections of Iran's nuclear program if Washington agrees to remove sanctions.&nbsp;

Trump appeared to be receptive as well to negotiations.

He told reporters that the pressure on Iran had forced the country to reduce regional activities and suggested that could lead to negotiations.

"You look at them pulling back, and they're not pulling back because they love us. They're pulling back because they don't have money," Trump said.

"All we want to do is have a fair deal. The deal that was made was a bad deal... We can do something quickly or we can take our time. I'm in no rush."

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they would release images to disprove US President Donald Trump's assertion that the US Navy has destroyed an Iranian drone in the Gulf, Iranian news agencies reported.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they would release images to disprove US President Donald Trump's assertion that the US Navy has destroyed an Iranian drone in the Gulf, Iranian news agencies reported. "Soon, images captured by the Guards drones from the US warship Boxer will be published to expose to world public opinion as lies and groundless the claim ... of shooting down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by news agencies. Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday after Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew." Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters. "We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] by mistake!," Araqchi said on Twitter, referring to a US warship in the strategic waterway. First US military action The drone shootdown comes after a series of low-level attacks in the region blamed on Tehran's forces, including placing limpet mines on several tankers and actions by what Washington calls Iranian proxies in Syria and Yemen. Watch: US ship destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz: President Donald Trump In May the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to waters near Iran in response to "indications of a credible threat by Iranian regime forces." Tehran downed an American surveillance drone in June, prompting Trump to order airstrikes against Iran. But he called them off at the last minute, saying the plan was not "proportionate" and casualties would have been too high. On July 4 Britain seized a fully loaded Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, allegedly headed for Syria in violation of sanctions. Iran furiously branded the seizure "piracy, and one week later armed Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate. That led to US calls for an international flotilla to escort hydrocarbon-laden vessels from Gulf oil fields through the Hormuz Strait. US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters. Broader conflict feared The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported. It comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal. Earlier this month Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- to break with the US sanctions escalation and defend the economic benefits Iran was promised for agreeing to drastic limitations on its nuclear program. On Wednesday at the United Nations in New York, Zarif accused Washington of waging "economic terrorism." The "unlawful, extraterritorial" sanctions "represent the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals of Iran and many of our neighbours," he said. Washington nevertheless announced fresh sanctions Thursday on what it called a "network" of companies in Iran, Belgium and China supplying crucial materials to Tehran's enrichment program. Door open for negotiations? Yet both sides kept open the possibility of talks. The Guardian reported Thursday that Zarif said he had offered a new deal for enhanced inspections of Iran's nuclear program if Washington agrees to remove sanctions. Trump appeared to be receptive as well to negotiations. He told reporters that the pressure on Iran had forced the country to reduce regional activities and suggested that could lead to negotiations. "You look at them pulling back, and they're not pulling back because they love us. They're pulling back because they don't have money," Trump said. "All we want to do is have a fair deal. The deal that was made was a bad deal... We can do something quickly or we can take our time. I'm in no rush."

Will release images to disprove US claim that drone was shot down: Iran's Revolutionary Guards

Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad makes an emotional appeal to US President Donald Trump about the suffering of Yazidis while attending an event at the White House: "It's not about ISIS, it's about I'm in danger, my people cannot go back". The president, who promises to "look into it very strongly", asks Murad how her Nobel Prize came about. The US President was hosting survivors of religious persecution at the Oval Office.

Nobel Prize winner Nadia Murad makes emotional appeal to President Trump

Trump has issued orders to build a space force. U.S space command will oversee defence in space. China quickly catching up in space missions. China has tested space weaponry multiple times. Watch this video to know more.

China flexes its muscles in space

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-companies-leaving-china-that-is-why-they-want-make-a-deal-trump-236190">Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump</a>

As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case</a>

The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allah-was-with-us-captain-morgan-hails-diverse-cultures-as-england-win-world-cup-with-rest-of-world-236174">'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world'</a>

England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-condemns-rioters-after-violent-mall-clash-236131">I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters</a>

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-sanctions-hit-iran-women-debate-wearing-hijab-in-public-236170">In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public</a>

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country. Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary. 'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world' England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's. I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes. In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

U.S. President Donald Trump dropped plans on Thursday (July 11) to add a contentious citizenship question to the 2020 census, but insisted the government would obtain the data by other means. "We are not backing down on our effort to determine the citizenship status of the United States population," Trump said in an announcement at the White House.

Trump vows to 'leave no stone unturned' to obtain citizenship data for census

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning -09th July 2019

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">S President Donald Trump</a> said he would no longer deal with him.

"Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support," a spokesman said.

Trump launched an extraordinary attack on outgoing British premier Theresa May, following the leak of diplomatic cables highly critical of his presidency.

London has been scrambling to stem the damage caused by the weekend release of confidential telegrams in which its envoy to Washington, Kim Darroch, described the US leader as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">"inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional."</a>

Visibly angered by May's continuing support for her ambassador -- which Downing Street reiterated on Monday -- Trump assailed the prime minister over her handling of fraught Brexit negotiations, and welcomed her impending departure from office.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created," Trump fumed in a series of tweets. "I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way."

"The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister," he wrote.&nbsp;

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....thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him. The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister. While I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent State Visit last month, it was the Queen who I was most impressed with!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148298497189392384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As for London's man in Washington, Trump declared he would have no further contact with him.

"I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US," the president said, doubling down on weekend comments claiming his administration were "not big fans" of Darroch.

"We will no longer deal with him," Trump vowed.

But even after Trump's remarks, a government spokesman said that "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support."

The cables' publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper came just a month after Trump enjoyed a state visit to Britain that included a 41-gun salute welcome at Buckingham Palace and a banquet dinner with the queen.

The incident threatens to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade agreement with key ally the United States, in hope of mitigating potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

May's office called the leak "unacceptable," but said, "the prime minister has full faith in her ambassador to Washington."

'Very serious consequences'

British officials defended Darroch as carrying out his duties by providing "frank" accounts of developments in Washington.

"We have made clear to the US how unfortunate this leak is. The selective extracts leaked do not reflect the closeness of, and the esteem in which we hold, the relationship," the government spokesperson said.

"At the same time we have also underlined the importance of ambassadors being able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country."

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the culprit, if identified, would face "very serious consequences."

His US affairs deputy Alan Duncan told parliament police could launch their own investigation "if evidence of criminality is found."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within the governing Conservative Party.

Coveted job

British politics are in for a major revamp once May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexit-supporting former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-envoy-to-us-calls-trump-incompetent-233758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires in January.

Commentators note that the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexiter".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage -- who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 -- does."

Farage has met Trump on several occasions and has brandished his anti-EU credentials by leading his Brexit Party to victory in European elections in May.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" even as he played down his interest in the job.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine."

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him. "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support," a spokesman said. Trump launched an extraordinary attack on outgoing British premier Theresa May, following the leak of diplomatic cables highly critical of his presidency. London has been scrambling to stem the damage caused by the weekend release of confidential telegrams in which its envoy to Washington, Kim Darroch, described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional." Visibly angered by May's continuing support for her ambassador -- which Downing Street reiterated on Monday -- Trump assailed the prime minister over her handling of fraught Brexit negotiations, and welcomed her impending departure from office. "What a mess she and her representatives have created," Trump fumed in a series of tweets. "I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way." "The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister," he wrote. ....thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him. The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister. While I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent State Visit last month, it was the Queen who I was most impressed with! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2019 × As for London's man in Washington, Trump declared he would have no further contact with him. "I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US," the president said, doubling down on weekend comments claiming his administration were "not big fans" of Darroch. "We will no longer deal with him," Trump vowed. But even after Trump's remarks, a government spokesman said that "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support." The cables' publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper came just a month after Trump enjoyed a state visit to Britain that included a 41-gun salute welcome at Buckingham Palace and a banquet dinner with the queen. The incident threatens to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade agreement with key ally the United States, in hope of mitigating potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. May's office called the leak "unacceptable," but said, "the prime minister has full faith in her ambassador to Washington." 'Very serious consequences' British officials defended Darroch as carrying out his duties by providing "frank" accounts of developments in Washington. "We have made clear to the US how unfortunate this leak is. The selective extracts leaked do not reflect the closeness of, and the esteem in which we hold, the relationship," the government spokesperson said. "At the same time we have also underlined the importance of ambassadors being able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country." Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the culprit, if identified, would face "very serious consequences." His US affairs deputy Alan Duncan told parliament police could launch their own investigation "if evidence of criminality is found." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within the governing Conservative Party. Coveted job British politics are in for a major revamp once May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexit-supporting former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires in January. Commentators note that the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexiter". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage -- who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 -- does." Farage has met Trump on several occasions and has brandished his anti-EU credentials by leading his Brexit Party to victory in European elections in May. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" even as he played down his interest in the job. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine."

UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables

Crude prices were little changed on Monday as traders weighed geopolitical risks against the impact of the Sino-US trade war on the global economy, although last week's better-than-expected US jobs data offered some support.

Brent crude futures were down 3 cents by 0300 GMT at $64.20. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 6 cents at $57.57 a barrel.

"A very cautious open this morning supported by a better than expected (non-farm payrolls)," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets in Bangkok. "Traders remain incredibly cautious about the dimmer global economic overhang."

Both oil benchmarks fell last week as concerns about a slowing global economy outweighed risks to supply. Brent fell more than 3% and WTI shed more than 1.5%.

US job growth rebounded strongly in June, with government payrolls surging, the Labour Department's closely watched employment report showed on Friday, suggesting May's sharp slowdown in hiring was probably a one-off.

Employers added 224,000 jobs last month, the most in five months, the report showed.

But the US-China trade war has dampened prospects of global economic growth and oil demand.

The lack of concrete progress in resolving the acrimonious trade war between the United States and China, however, means the bar could be very high for the US Federal Reserve not to lower borrowing costs at its July 30-31 policy meeting.

White House Economic advisor Larry Kudlow has confirmed top representatives from the United States and China will meet in the coming week to continue trade talks.

Still, Japan's core machinery orders fell for the first time in four months in May, posing the biggest monthly drop in eight months in a worrying sign that global trade tensions are taking a toll on corporate investment.

Oil received some support from simmering tensions over Iran and after an extension last week to output cuts by OPEC and its allies.

Iran said on Sunday it will shortly boost its uranium enrichment above a cap set by a landmark 2015 nuclear deal, prompting a warning 'to be careful' from US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the pact last year.

"Geopolitical risks remain plentiful, but the start of the week could see Iran worries ease," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Meanwhile, US energy companies this week reduced the number of oil rigs operating for the first time in three weeks as drillers follow through on plans to cut spending this year.

Crude prices were little changed on Monday as traders weighed geopolitical risks against the impact of the Sino-US trade war on the global economy, although last week's better-than-expected US jobs data offered some support.

Crude prices were little changed on Monday as traders weighed geopolitical risks against the impact of the Sino-US trade war on the global economy, although last week's better-than-expected US jobs data offered some support. Brent crude futures were down 3 cents by 0300 GMT at $64.20. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 6 cents at $57.57 a barrel. "A very cautious open this morning supported by a better than expected (non-farm payrolls)," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets in Bangkok. "Traders remain incredibly cautious about the dimmer global economic overhang." Both oil benchmarks fell last week as concerns about a slowing global economy outweighed risks to supply. Brent fell more than 3% and WTI shed more than 1.5%. US job growth rebounded strongly in June, with government payrolls surging, the Labour Department's closely watched employment report showed on Friday, suggesting May's sharp slowdown in hiring was probably a one-off. Employers added 224,000 jobs last month, the most in five months, the report showed. But the US-China trade war has dampened prospects of global economic growth and oil demand. The lack of concrete progress in resolving the acrimonious trade war between the United States and China, however, means the bar could be very high for the US Federal Reserve not to lower borrowing costs at its July 30-31 policy meeting. White House Economic advisor Larry Kudlow has confirmed top representatives from the United States and China will meet in the coming week to continue trade talks. Still, Japan's core machinery orders fell for the first time in four months in May, posing the biggest monthly drop in eight months in a worrying sign that global trade tensions are taking a toll on corporate investment. Oil received some support from simmering tensions over Iran and after an extension last week to output cuts by OPEC and its allies. Iran said on Sunday it will shortly boost its uranium enrichment above a cap set by a landmark 2015 nuclear deal, prompting a warning 'to be careful' from US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the pact last year. "Geopolitical risks remain plentiful, but the start of the week could see Iran worries ease," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. Meanwhile, US energy companies this week reduced the number of oil rigs operating for the first time in three weeks as drillers follow through on plans to cut spending this year.

Oil prices tread water as market eyes global risks

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning -8th July 2019

US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the UK launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador in the US had described the president and his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional"</a>.

Trump said Ambassador Kim Darroch had "not served the UK well" and that he and his administration were "not big fans" of the envoy.

Darroch had said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", according to a cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction-riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch.

The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent".

A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First".

He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true".

Asked about the leak, Trump told reporters in the US: "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that.

"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

The UK foreign ministry said it would carry out a formal investigation into the leak.

Jeremy Hunt, the foreign minister, distanced himself from Darroch's remarks, saying: "It's really important to say that the ambassador was doing his job as an ambassador which is to give frank reports and personal opinions about what's happening in the country where he works, and that's his job to send back those reports but they are personal opinions, not the opinions of the British Government, not my opinion.

"And we continue to think that under President Trump the United States administration is both highly effective and the best possible friend of Britain on the international stage."

From 2017 to now

Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency.

The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017.

In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22, Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic".

He allegedly said the president's assertion that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up".

"It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election.

Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos.

"The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

"Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid".&nbsp;

"Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the UK launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador in the US had described the president and his White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional".

US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the UK launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador in the US had described the president and his White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional". Trump said Ambassador Kim Darroch had "not served the UK well" and that he and his administration were "not big fans" of the envoy. Darroch had said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", according to a cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the Mail on Sunday newspaper. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction-riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch. The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent". A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First". He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true". Asked about the leak, Trump told reporters in the US: "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." The UK foreign ministry said it would carry out a formal investigation into the leak. Jeremy Hunt, the foreign minister, distanced himself from Darroch's remarks, saying: "It's really important to say that the ambassador was doing his job as an ambassador which is to give frank reports and personal opinions about what's happening in the country where he works, and that's his job to send back those reports but they are personal opinions, not the opinions of the British Government, not my opinion. "And we continue to think that under President Trump the United States administration is both highly effective and the best possible friend of Britain on the international stage." From 2017 to now Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency. The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017. In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22, Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic". He allegedly said the president's assertion that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up". "It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election. Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos. "The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said. "Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid". "Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

Trump hits back at Britain's ambassador in US, says 'not served the UK well'

UK envoy said that Trump administration is inept & insecure. He needs simple, blunt arguments. He also said that he could still attack Iran. Watch this video to know more.

UK envoy to U.S calls Trump incompetent

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amash-becomes-first-republican-lawmaker-to-call-for-trump-impeachment-219754">US Representative Justin Amash</a>, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle.

The Congressman from Michigan, who drew a barrage of criticism from fellow Republicans after he laid out a case for Trump's impeachment, said he has become disenchanted with a political system that is "trapped in a partisan death spiral."

"The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions," he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece published on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salute-to-america-trump-praises-us-military-in-july-4-speech-233094">US Independence Day holiday</a>.

"Instead of acting as an independent branch of government and serving as a check on the executive branch, congressional leaders of both parties expect the House and Senate to act in obedience or opposition to the president and their colleagues on a partisan basis," Amash wrote.

A member of Congress since 2011, Amash, 39, made some high-profile decisions in recent months that chronicled his growing disdain for Trump and subsequent drift from the party.

It was his decision to speak out on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election that drew the president's fury - and a prompt Republican primary challenge.

Amash said in May that the Mueller report showed Trump had obstructed justice, bucking his party and joining Democrats in castigating the president for his actions. "President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct," he said.

Amash’s comments on the Mueller report echoed the conclusions of many Democrats, but Democrats are divided about impeachment. Most Republicans are still standing by the president at a time of economic growth, turbulent markets and global trade tensions.

Trump quickly returned fire by calling Amash a lightweight and a loser. Soon after, Jim Lower, a Michigan state legislator who described himself as "pro-Trump," said he would challenge Amash in the 2020 congressional race in Michigan, a state Trump won in 2016.

The president welcomed Amash's news with an acrimonious personal attack on Twitter that also referenced Amash's primary challenge. "Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest &amp; most disloyal men in Congress is 'quitting' the Party," he said.

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Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest &amp; most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146766931573301248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Amash has signalled he would consider running as a libertarian against Trump in 2020, but he made no mention of that Thursday. Amash's office did not return calls for comment.

The leading Democrat to challenge Trump in 2020, former US Vice President Joe Biden, was asked about Amash's departure while campaigning in Iowa. "Where there's faith, there's hope," he quipped.

In his opinion piece, Amash said he believed that most Americans are not rigidly partisan and do not feel well represented by either party.

In February, he became the lone Republican to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives to reject the emergency Trump declared at the US-Mexico border to build a wall there, in a stinging reprimand to the president.

Last month, Amash left the conservative House Freedom Caucus he helped found, whose members usually defend Trump. A libertarian who has targeted government overspending, his July Fourth announcement cast a wide invitation.

"No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us," Amash said. "If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it."

US Representative Justin Amash, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle.

US Representative Justin Amash, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle. The Congressman from Michigan, who drew a barrage of criticism from fellow Republicans after he laid out a case for Trump's impeachment, said he has become disenchanted with a political system that is "trapped in a partisan death spiral." "The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions," he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece published on the US Independence Day holiday. "Instead of acting as an independent branch of government and serving as a check on the executive branch, congressional leaders of both parties expect the House and Senate to act in obedience or opposition to the president and their colleagues on a partisan basis," Amash wrote. A member of Congress since 2011, Amash, 39, made some high-profile decisions in recent months that chronicled his growing disdain for Trump and subsequent drift from the party. It was his decision to speak out on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election that drew the president's fury - and a prompt Republican primary challenge. Amash said in May that the Mueller report showed Trump had obstructed justice, bucking his party and joining Democrats in castigating the president for his actions. "President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct," he said. Amash’s comments on the Mueller report echoed the conclusions of many Democrats, but Democrats are divided about impeachment. Most Republicans are still standing by the president at a time of economic growth, turbulent markets and global trade tensions. Trump quickly returned fire by calling Amash a lightweight and a loser. Soon after, Jim Lower, a Michigan state legislator who described himself as "pro-Trump," said he would challenge Amash in the 2020 congressional race in Michigan, a state Trump won in 2016. The president welcomed Amash's news with an acrimonious personal attack on Twitter that also referenced Amash's primary challenge. "Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is 'quitting' the Party," he said. Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2019 × Amash has signalled he would consider running as a libertarian against Trump in 2020, but he made no mention of that Thursday. Amash's office did not return calls for comment. The leading Democrat to challenge Trump in 2020, former US Vice President Joe Biden, was asked about Amash's departure while campaigning in Iowa. "Where there's faith, there's hope," he quipped. In his opinion piece, Amash said he believed that most Americans are not rigidly partisan and do not feel well represented by either party. In February, he became the lone Republican to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives to reject the emergency Trump declared at the US-Mexico border to build a wall there, in a stinging reprimand to the president. Last month, Amash left the conservative House Freedom Caucus he helped found, whose members usually defend Trump. A libertarian who has targeted government overspending, his July Fourth announcement cast a wide invitation. "No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us," Amash said. "If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it."

Justin Amash quits Republican party, Trump calls him 'dumb and disloyal'

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

"What a great country," Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism.

"For Americans, nothing is impossible."

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A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaluteToAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaluteToAmerica</a>🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/nJghdfqIhX">pic.twitter.com/nJghdfqIhX</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146938775689412608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As combat aircraft, including the rarely seen B2 stealth bomber flew overhead, Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories, drawing cheers of "USA! USA!" from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington.

'The most exceptional nation'

In front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants.

Wath:&nbsp;US military parade -&nbsp;Why the criticism?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-military-parade-why-the-criticism-233090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals.

Instead, in a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribed singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world."

"Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said.

"Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said.

Patriotic fervour

Surrounded by the top officers of the Pentagon, and a panoply of invited Republican officials and VIP donors, the event allowed Trump to stake a strong claim to patriotic fervour 16 months ahead of a presidential election with polls showing his potential Democratic rivals holding a significant edge over him.

Trump originally wanted a grand military parade for the holiday, ostensibly inspired by France's rollout of its military might on its own national day.

But instead, he got a scaled-back version, with some US armoured vehicles parked for display and a flyover by the president's own Air Force One jet, the B2 bomber, attack helicopters, and the Navy's Blue Angels flying team.

It was a military show that has been absent from the US capital for decades, and Trump's foes blasted it ahead of time as a show of militarism.

"What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa earlier Thursday.

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington. "What a great country," Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism. "For Americans, nothing is impossible." A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument! #SaluteToAmerica🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nJghdfqIhX — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2019 × As combat aircraft, including the rarely seen B2 stealth bomber flew overhead, Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories, drawing cheers of "USA! USA!" from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington. 'The most exceptional nation' In front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants. Wath: US military parade - Why the criticism? But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals. Instead, in a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribed singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world." "Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said. "Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said. Patriotic fervour Surrounded by the top officers of the Pentagon, and a panoply of invited Republican officials and VIP donors, the event allowed Trump to stake a strong claim to patriotic fervour 16 months ahead of a presidential election with polls showing his potential Democratic rivals holding a significant edge over him. Trump originally wanted a grand military parade for the holiday, ostensibly inspired by France's rollout of its military might on its own national day. But instead, he got a scaled-back version, with some US armoured vehicles parked for display and a flyover by the president's own Air Force One jet, the B2 bomber, attack helicopters, and the Navy's Blue Angels flying team. It was a military show that has been absent from the US capital for decades, and Trump's foes blasted it ahead of time as a show of militarism. "What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa earlier Thursday.

Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before: Trump in Independence Day

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