A number of notable races are taking place on Tuesday in the US midterm elections, when Americans go to the polls to elect governors and members of the US House of Representatives and Senate.

Here is a look at some of the most interesting contests:

Beto-mania&nbsp;

One of the most expensive and closely watched Senate races is in Texas, where incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz is facing Democratic Representative Beto O'Rourke.

O'Rourke, 46, whose given names are Robert Francis but who goes by Beto, is mounting a suprisingly strong challenge to the 47-year-old Cruz in the reliably Republican "Lone Star State."

O'Rourke, a three-term congressman and former member of a punk band, is drawing enthusiastic support from many urban dwellers in Texas while Cruz does better in conservative rural areas.

Plucking the Senate seat from Cruz, who battled Donald Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, would be a major victory for the Democratic Party.

Dueling female candidates&nbsp;

Arizona will have a woman representing the southwestern state in the US Senate for the first time as two women battle for the seat being vacated by Jeff Flake, a Trump critic who is not running for reelection.

The Republican flag-bearer is Martha McSally, a 52-year-old former US Air Force fighter pilot and two-term member of the House of Representatives.&nbsp;

McSally's Democratic opponent is Kyrsten Sinema, 42, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who spent several years of her childhood in poverty after her parents divorced.

McSally and Sinema are running neck-in-neck in a state which President Donald Trump won by 3.5 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election.

Democrats in danger&nbsp;

Democratic Senate candidates are in danger of losing their seats in Missouri, North Dakota and Indiana.

In Missouri -- which Trump won by 18 points in 2016 -- Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, 65, is facing a strong challenge from Republican attorney general Josh Hawley.

Trump has campaigned personally for the 38-year-old Hawley and called him a rising star in the party.

In North Dakota -- which Trump won by 36 points in 2016 -- Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp, 63, is fighting for her political survival against Republican Kevin Cramer.

Cramer, 57, who has served three terms in the House of Representatives, currently leads in the polls.

In Indiana, Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly, 63, has a small lead over his Republican challenger Mike Braun, a 64-year-old businessman, in a state which Trump won by 19 points in 2016.

Bob Menendez, 64, a Democrat from New Jersey who has served in the Senate since 2006, could also be in trouble after facing corruption charges.

The case ended up with a hung jury and a mistrial and the charges were dropped. Menendez is being challenged by Republican businessman Bob Hugin, 64.

Close eye on Florida&nbsp;

Two of the most-watched races in the country are in Florida.

Democrat Bill Nelson, 76, was first elected to the Senate in 2000 and was easily reelected in 2006 and 2012.

But Nelson, who served as a payload specialist on a Space Shuttle in 1986, is facing a tough challenge this time from Florida's Republican Governor Rick Scott.

Gun control is a big issue in the race following the February shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 people dead.

Another close race in Florida is for governor to replace the 65-year-old Scott.

Democrat Andrew Gillum, 39, the African-American mayor of Tallahassee, is locked in an acrimonious battle with Ron DeSantis, 40, a member of the House of Representatives and ardent Trump supporter.

Trump has personally campaigned for DeSantis and has had harsh words for Gillum, considered by some to be a potential future star of the Democratic Party.

First black female governor&nbsp;

In Georgia, Stacy Abrams, 44, the former minority leader of the state House of Representatives, is running for governor against Republican Brian Kemp, the 55-year-old Georgia secretary of state.

Abrams, who has received the support of Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities, would be the first black woman to become governor of a US state if she wins.

The race has seen allegations that Kemp has attempted to prevent tens of thousands of mainly black voters from taking part in the election.

A number of notable races are taking place on Tuesday in the US midterm elections, when Americans go to the polls to elect governors and members of the US House of Representatives and Senate.

A number of notable races are taking place on Tuesday in the US midterm elections, when Americans go to the polls to elect governors and members of the US House of Representatives and Senate. Here is a look at some of the most interesting contests: Beto-mania One of the most expensive and closely watched Senate races is in Texas, where incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz is facing Democratic Representative Beto O'Rourke. O'Rourke, 46, whose given names are Robert Francis but who goes by Beto, is mounting a suprisingly strong challenge to the 47-year-old Cruz in the reliably Republican "Lone Star State." O'Rourke, a three-term congressman and former member of a punk band, is drawing enthusiastic support from many urban dwellers in Texas while Cruz does better in conservative rural areas. Plucking the Senate seat from Cruz, who battled Donald Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, would be a major victory for the Democratic Party. Dueling female candidates Arizona will have a woman representing the southwestern state in the US Senate for the first time as two women battle for the seat being vacated by Jeff Flake, a Trump critic who is not running for reelection. The Republican flag-bearer is Martha McSally, a 52-year-old former US Air Force fighter pilot and two-term member of the House of Representatives. McSally's Democratic opponent is Kyrsten Sinema, 42, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who spent several years of her childhood in poverty after her parents divorced. McSally and Sinema are running neck-in-neck in a state which President Donald Trump won by 3.5 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Democrats in danger Democratic Senate candidates are in danger of losing their seats in Missouri, North Dakota and Indiana. In Missouri -- which Trump won by 18 points in 2016 -- Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, 65, is facing a strong challenge from Republican attorney general Josh Hawley. Trump has campaigned personally for the 38-year-old Hawley and called him a rising star in the party. In North Dakota -- which Trump won by 36 points in 2016 -- Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp, 63, is fighting for her political survival against Republican Kevin Cramer. Cramer, 57, who has served three terms in the House of Representatives, currently leads in the polls. In Indiana, Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly, 63, has a small lead over his Republican challenger Mike Braun, a 64-year-old businessman, in a state which Trump won by 19 points in 2016. Bob Menendez, 64, a Democrat from New Jersey who has served in the Senate since 2006, could also be in trouble after facing corruption charges. The case ended up with a hung jury and a mistrial and the charges were dropped. Menendez is being challenged by Republican businessman Bob Hugin, 64. Close eye on Florida Two of the most-watched races in the country are in Florida. Democrat Bill Nelson, 76, was first elected to the Senate in 2000 and was easily reelected in 2006 and 2012. But Nelson, who served as a payload specialist on a Space Shuttle in 1986, is facing a tough challenge this time from Florida's Republican Governor Rick Scott. Gun control is a big issue in the race following the February shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 people dead. Another close race in Florida is for governor to replace the 65-year-old Scott. Democrat Andrew Gillum, 39, the African-American mayor of Tallahassee, is locked in an acrimonious battle with Ron DeSantis, 40, a member of the House of Representatives and ardent Trump supporter. Trump has personally campaigned for DeSantis and has had harsh words for Gillum, considered by some to be a potential future star of the Democratic Party. First black female governor In Georgia, Stacy Abrams, 44, the former minority leader of the state House of Representatives, is running for governor against Republican Brian Kemp, the 55-year-old Georgia secretary of state. Abrams, who has received the support of Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities, would be the first black woman to become governor of a US state if she wins. The race has seen allegations that Kemp has attempted to prevent tens of thousands of mainly black voters from taking part in the election.

US midterm elections 2018: Races to watch in US midterm elections

US sanctions against importers of Iranian oil threaten the crude oil market's precarious balance and risk surging prices, all under Saudi Arabia's watchful gaze, according to experts.

"In the next weeks all eyes will be on Iranian exports, whether there will be some cheating around US sanctions, and on how quickly production will fall," said Riccardo Fabiani, an analyst for Energy Aspects.

The US will from Monday target buyers of Iranian oil in order to deprive Tehran of its main source of income.&nbsp;

Going after Iran's oil money will hit Tehran where it hurts, but it also means hitting a major pillar of the global oil market -- Iran is the OPEC cartel's third-largest producer -- with major consequences for world supply.

Iran exported the equivalent of 2.5 million barrels a day in April, before&nbsp;the announcement of sanctions turned buyers away.&nbsp;

"Even if the United States grants exemptions, Washington will demand that the volume imported from Iran be significantly reduced," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo, who expects prices to rise.&nbsp;

Exemptions&nbsp;

However, oil prices have fallen by nearly $15 in less than a month, after peaking in early October at their highest level in two and a half years, with a barrel of Brent at over $85.&nbsp;

Part of the explanation lies in the ambiguous position of the US, which initially insisted that the sanctions were designed to reduce Iranian exports to zero barrels, but has since has softened its position.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced exemptions for eight countries, without naming them.&nbsp;

Turkey indicated that it was one of them and analysts believe that India, one of the world's largest importers, is also on the list, which will be published on Monday.

"India said to the US that they can't stop before March, they are facing a major currency crisis," explained Joel Hancock, analyst at Natixis.&nbsp;

Consumer confidence in the US itself could also suffer if rising oil prices translate into higher prices at the pump.

"If prices start to rise again or another major producer has difficulties, it could put pressure on the US and lead to new exemptions," said Fabiani.

Saudi uncertainty&nbsp;

The other major oil producing countries are expected to ramp up production to try and compensate for Iran's anticipated decline in output.&nbsp;

But in doing so, they run the risk of hampering their ability to react to any future crises.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter, has claimed that it can respond to the Iranian shortfall, but some market players are wondering whether the kingdom is exhausting its capacities.&nbsp;

"Saudi Arabia can produce 12 million barrels a day, but only if it invests," said Hancock, noting that the country currently produces just under 11 million barrels a day.&nbsp;

He believes that Riyadh can currently only rely on 300,000 barrels per day of spare capacity, the extraction of which can be launched in fewer than 30 days.&nbsp;

"The mantra right now is to go to Saudi Arabia but its exports have remained flat at around 10 or 10.2 million barrels a day," said Samir Madani, an analyst at Tanker Trackers, which specialises in satellite tanker tracking.&nbsp;

"The big increase right now is Iraq at 4.2 million, which I've never seen before," he added.

The US, which is in the process of becoming the world's leading producer thanks to its shale oil operations, could meet part of the demand, but lacks export capacity, said the analyst.

US sanctions against importers of Iranian oil threaten the crude oil market's precarious balance and risk surging prices, all under Saudi Arabia's watchful gaze, according to experts.

US sanctions against importers of Iranian oil threaten the crude oil market's precarious balance and risk surging prices, all under Saudi Arabia's watchful gaze, according to experts. "In the next weeks all eyes will be on Iranian exports, whether there will be some cheating around US sanctions, and on how quickly production will fall," said Riccardo Fabiani, an analyst for Energy Aspects. The US will from Monday target buyers of Iranian oil in order to deprive Tehran of its main source of income. Going after Iran's oil money will hit Tehran where it hurts, but it also means hitting a major pillar of the global oil market -- Iran is the OPEC cartel's third-largest producer -- with major consequences for world supply. Iran exported the equivalent of 2.5 million barrels a day in April, before the announcement of sanctions turned buyers away. "Even if the United States grants exemptions, Washington will demand that the volume imported from Iran be significantly reduced," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo, who expects prices to rise. Exemptions However, oil prices have fallen by nearly $15 in less than a month, after peaking in early October at their highest level in two and a half years, with a barrel of Brent at over $85. Part of the explanation lies in the ambiguous position of the US, which initially insisted that the sanctions were designed to reduce Iranian exports to zero barrels, but has since has softened its position. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced exemptions for eight countries, without naming them. Turkey indicated that it was one of them and analysts believe that India, one of the world's largest importers, is also on the list, which will be published on Monday. "India said to the US that they can't stop before March, they are facing a major currency crisis," explained Joel Hancock, analyst at Natixis. Consumer confidence in the US itself could also suffer if rising oil prices translate into higher prices at the pump. "If prices start to rise again or another major producer has difficulties, it could put pressure on the US and lead to new exemptions," said Fabiani. Saudi uncertainty The other major oil producing countries are expected to ramp up production to try and compensate for Iran's anticipated decline in output. But in doing so, they run the risk of hampering their ability to react to any future crises. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter, has claimed that it can respond to the Iranian shortfall, but some market players are wondering whether the kingdom is exhausting its capacities. "Saudi Arabia can produce 12 million barrels a day, but only if it invests," said Hancock, noting that the country currently produces just under 11 million barrels a day. He believes that Riyadh can currently only rely on 300,000 barrels per day of spare capacity, the extraction of which can be launched in fewer than 30 days. "The mantra right now is to go to Saudi Arabia but its exports have remained flat at around 10 or 10.2 million barrels a day," said Samir Madani, an analyst at Tanker Trackers, which specialises in satellite tanker tracking. "The big increase right now is Iraq at 4.2 million, which I've never seen before," he added. The US, which is in the process of becoming the world's leading producer thanks to its shale oil operations, could meet part of the demand, but lacks export capacity, said the analyst.

Oil market on alert as Iran sanctions hit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday.&nbsp;

"Thank you, President Trump, for this historic move. The sanctions are indeed coming," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office.&nbsp;

"For years I've been calling for sanctions to be fully reimposed against Iran's murderous terrorist regime, which threatens the entire world."

Trump announced in May he was withdrawing the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Tehran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme.

On Friday, Washington confirmed it was going ahead with a second round of sanctions set to take effect on Monday.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said the effect of the first round of sanctions reintroduced in August "were already being felt".

"The riyal has plummeted, Iran's economy is depressed and the results are evident," he said.&nbsp;

The European Union, France, Britain and Germany -- all signatories to the 2015 deal with Iran -- have condemned the US move to renew its sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Washington says it wants a new deal with Tehran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday. "Thank you, President Trump, for this historic move. The sanctions are indeed coming," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. "For years I've been calling for sanctions to be fully reimposed against Iran's murderous terrorist regime, which threatens the entire world." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Tehran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. On Friday, Washington confirmed it was going ahead with a second round of sanctions set to take effect on Monday. Netanyahu said the effect of the first round of sanctions reintroduced in August "were already being felt". "The riyal has plummeted, Iran's economy is depressed and the results are evident," he said. The European Union, France, Britain and Germany -- all signatories to the 2015 deal with Iran -- have condemned the US move to renew its sanctions on Iran. Washington says it wants a new deal with Tehran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Iran.

Israel's Netanyahu hails Trump for Iran sanctions

Wendy Burke has had enough. Campaign advertisements bombard her favourite TV shows. Dozens of election pamphlets fill her mailbox. Every day, she gets several political calls on her cell phone and more on her landline. Strangers knock at her door seeking her vote.

"It's ridiculous," Burke, 47, said outside a shopping centre in Palmdale, California. "I've had to block my calls."

Welcome to the most expensive race in the hard-fought battle between Republicans and Democrats for control of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, which will be decided in Tuesday's elections.

The blizzard of spending in California's 25th district, a region stretching north and east of Los Angeles into the high desert of the Antelope Valley, stands out even during the most expensive congressional elections in US&nbsp;history.

Most of the money is funnelled into non-stop advertising - on TV, radio, social media, yard signs, automated robocalls to cell phones and land lines, bumper stickers and a deluge of pamphlets stuffed into mailboxes.

"The mailers go in the trash," she said. "I can’t wait until this whole thing is over."The contest, a top Democratic target, has drawn more than $26 million in spending by candidates and outside groups since January 2017, according to a Reuters analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) data.

It leads the 10 priciest House races, where a total of $238 million has been spent.

Democrats - aiming to pick up the 23 House seats and two in the Senate needed to control Congress and block much of Republican President Donald Trump's agenda and increase oversight of his administration - have far outpaced their opponents in spending.

Democrats and their allies in the 10 costliest House races spent $142 million to Republicans' $96 million, Reuters' analysis found.

The fight for the Senate is even costlier.

In Florida, Republican Rick Scott's contest against incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson is the most expensive Senate race. The candidates and their allies have spent nearly $160 million. Nelson's campaign spent about $25 million while outside groups splashed out $45 million supporting him or opposing Scott, who spent nearly $67 million. Outside groups spent $22 million supporting him and opposing Nelson.

Missouri's Senate race between Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Josh Hawley is second most expensive at roughly $108 million. Texas is third at about $100 million.

All up, it is a record for a congressional midterm cycle. Candidates, political parties and outside groups are set to spend more than $5.2 billion on House and Senate contests combined, according to the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics.

The Democratic share of spending for the House swelled to 60 per cent this year, from 44 per cent in 2014, the previous midterm elections, said Sheila Krumholz, the centre's executive director.

One reason for the big spending: Trump.

"This is in no small part a referendum on the 2016 election, and it's been bolstered by the role of women, the #MeToo Movement, the Brett Kavanaugh nomination, and the fact that so many women are running," Krumholz said.

REPUBLICANS ON DEFENSE

Republicans are seeking re-election in nine of the 10 most expensive House races. The tenth is an open Republican seat. Each recorded spending of more than $20 million.

Four of the costliest races are in California. Contests in Washington, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, New York and Minnesota round out the list.

California's 25th district is one of the most competitive. Republicans have held the seat since 1992. But the past decade has seen an influx of newcomers priced out of the Los Angeles housing market, and now nearly 40 per cent of the district's 720,000 residents are Hispanic.

Democrats set their sights on taking the district after 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won it by seven points and a Republican, Representative Steve Knight, clinched another term by six points.

This year, Knight, 51, has been outraised and outspent by Democratic challenger Katie Hill, who previously ran a non-profit for the homeless and is seeking office for the first time.

Hill, 31, raised $7.3 million by mid-October, compared to the $2.4 million raised by Knight, according to FEC data. Hill has out-spent Knight $5.9 million to $2 million, with nearly three-quarters of her money going to advertising.

With money from outside groups factored in, more than $18 million has been spent on Hill's behalf, compared to about $8 million for Knight, Reuters found.

Independence USA PAC, almost entirely funded by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, has spent more than $4.5 million in ads supporting Hill.

The money helped the political newcomer blanket the district with her liberal message supporting a path to universal healthcare, an assault weapons ban and gay-and-lesbian rights.

That could prove a double-edged sword. District voter Burke said she had leaned toward Knight. Then the avalanche of Hill ads and mailers annoyed Burke so much it cemented her decision to cast her ballot for him.

Wendy Burke has had enough. Campaign advertisements bombard her favourite TV shows. Dozens of election pamphlets fill her mailbox. Every day, she gets several political calls on her cell phone and more on her landline.

Wendy Burke has had enough. Campaign advertisements bombard her favourite TV shows. Dozens of election pamphlets fill her mailbox. Every day, she gets several political calls on her cell phone and more on her landline. Strangers knock at her door seeking her vote. "It's ridiculous," Burke, 47, said outside a shopping centre in Palmdale, California. "I've had to block my calls." Welcome to the most expensive race in the hard-fought battle between Republicans and Democrats for control of the US House of Representatives, which will be decided in Tuesday's elections. The blizzard of spending in California's 25th district, a region stretching north and east of Los Angeles into the high desert of the Antelope Valley, stands out even during the most expensive congressional elections in US history. Most of the money is funnelled into non-stop advertising - on TV, radio, social media, yard signs, automated robocalls to cell phones and land lines, bumper stickers and a deluge of pamphlets stuffed into mailboxes. "The mailers go in the trash," she said. "I can’t wait until this whole thing is over."The contest, a top Democratic target, has drawn more than $26 million in spending by candidates and outside groups since January 2017, according to a Reuters analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) data. It leads the 10 priciest House races, where a total of $238 million has been spent. Democrats - aiming to pick up the 23 House seats and two in the Senate needed to control Congress and block much of Republican President Donald Trump's agenda and increase oversight of his administration - have far outpaced their opponents in spending. Democrats and their allies in the 10 costliest House races spent $142 million to Republicans' $96 million, Reuters' analysis found. The fight for the Senate is even costlier. In Florida, Republican Rick Scott's contest against incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson is the most expensive Senate race. The candidates and their allies have spent nearly $160 million. Nelson's campaign spent about $25 million while outside groups splashed out $45 million supporting him or opposing Scott, who spent nearly $67 million. Outside groups spent $22 million supporting him and opposing Nelson. Missouri's Senate race between Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Josh Hawley is second most expensive at roughly $108 million. Texas is third at about $100 million. All up, it is a record for a congressional midterm cycle. Candidates, political parties and outside groups are set to spend more than $5.2 billion on House and Senate contests combined, according to the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics. The Democratic share of spending for the House swelled to 60 per cent this year, from 44 per cent in 2014, the previous midterm elections, said Sheila Krumholz, the centre's executive director. One reason for the big spending: Trump. "This is in no small part a referendum on the 2016 election, and it's been bolstered by the role of women, the #MeToo Movement, the Brett Kavanaugh nomination, and the fact that so many women are running," Krumholz said. REPUBLICANS ON DEFENSE Republicans are seeking re-election in nine of the 10 most expensive House races. The tenth is an open Republican seat. Each recorded spending of more than $20 million. Four of the costliest races are in California. Contests in Washington, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, New York and Minnesota round out the list. California's 25th district is one of the most competitive. Republicans have held the seat since 1992. But the past decade has seen an influx of newcomers priced out of the Los Angeles housing market, and now nearly 40 per cent of the district's 720,000 residents are Hispanic. Democrats set their sights on taking the district after 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won it by seven points and a Republican, Representative Steve Knight, clinched another term by six points. This year, Knight, 51, has been outraised and outspent by Democratic challenger Katie Hill, who previously ran a non-profit for the homeless and is seeking office for the first time. Hill, 31, raised $7.3 million by mid-October, compared to the $2.4 million raised by Knight, according to FEC data. Hill has out-spent Knight $5.9 million to $2 million, with nearly three-quarters of her money going to advertising. With money from outside groups factored in, more than $18 million has been spent on Hill's behalf, compared to about $8 million for Knight, Reuters found. Independence USA PAC, almost entirely funded by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, has spent more than $4.5 million in ads supporting Hill. The money helped the political newcomer blanket the district with her liberal message supporting a path to universal healthcare, an assault weapons ban and gay-and-lesbian rights. That could prove a double-edged sword. District voter Burke said she had leaned toward Knight. Then the avalanche of Hill ads and mailers annoyed Burke so much it cemented her decision to cast her ballot for him.

US midterms: Non-stop ads and robocalls, welcome to America's costliest election

Drug dealers, sexual predators, "poisonous snakes" blamed for all the ills plaguing US society: President Donald Trump has cast Latino immigrants as public enemy numero uno in his rallies and tweets in the run-up to November 6.

But&nbsp;oddly enough, millions of Hispanic voters do not appear set on taking revenge at the polls: no surveys indicate a Latino wave to turf Republicans out of Congress come Tuesday.

What's going on? According to experts, Trump's repeated insults and bullying haven't had the effect of pushing Latinos toward the Democrat party -- rather they have driven them from voting at all.

"In 2016 many analysts had pointed to then-candidate Trump's comments on Mexican immigrants and Hispanics as perhaps being a motivator to get Latinos to the polls," said Mark Hugo Lopez, director of global migration and demography research at Pew Research Center.&nbsp; But in reality, he says, "the turnout fell."

And 30 per cent of all Hispanics ended up in fact voting for Trump.&nbsp;

There are 29 million Hispanics registered to vote in the midterm elections, where all 435 seats from the House of Representatives are up for grabs, one-third of the Senate, the governors of 36 states and numerous local officials including judges, sheriffs and attorneys general.

Burned by their failures to accurately predict the 2016 presidential vote, many analysts are striking a more cautious note.

"It remains to be seen what will happen this year. Latinos may be more interested in voting but there are many indications that perhaps the turnout rate may not rise much compared to 2014," said Lopez.&nbsp;

When midterms were held that year the turnout rate was only 27 percent for the demographic -- a history low, according to Pew Research.

Veterans and Evangelicals

It ends up being a vicious circle: the fewer Latinos are mobilized, the less the major political parties spend gearing their platforms to address the community's concerns.

And the less the major parties care, the more apathy spreads. To be sure, Latinos are generally more inclined toward the center-left Democrats,&nbsp;but the party "is not doing enough outreach" with the group, says Christine Marie Sierra, Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of New Mexico.&nbsp;

"We continue to hear about all they have to reach out to the white-working class voters or white women in some suburbs," she continued.&nbsp;

"Well that's fine. You can reach out to them but that's not where your base is. For the Democrats their base is in communities of color.

"They've got to invest a whole lot more to especially with Latinos to overcome the lack of participation."

According to the non-profit Latino Decisions, 63 percent of registered Hispanic voters say they plan to vote. But more than half of them were not contacted by any candidate in their constituency.

"Those voters that are contacted more are more likely to vote and those that are impacted less or not at all are less likely to vote," emphasized David Ayon of Latino Decisions.

Complicating matters further is the Latino vote is far from a monolithic bloc but instead a mosaic of diverse communities, with party affiliation not necessarily linked to country of origin, said Lopez.

Republicans, for example, can count on the overwhelming support of Cuban Americans, a community vehemently opposed to the Communist regime that rules the island. Military veterans and Evangelical migrants from Central America are likewise more likely to lean toward the Grand Old Party.

It sets the scene for some intriguing races. Will Mexican-born voters in Texas throw their weight behind Irish-American Beto O'Rourke over his Cuban-American rival and arch conservative Ted Cruz?&nbsp;

Will Puerto Ricans resettled in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria tip the scales for the Democrats in Florida? We will find out Tuesday.

Drug dealers, sexual predators, "poisonous snakes" blamed for all the ills plaguing US society: President Donald Trump has cast Latino immigrants as public enemy numero uno in his rallies and tweets in the run-up to November 6.

Drug dealers, sexual predators, "poisonous snakes" blamed for all the ills plaguing US society: President Donald Trump has cast Latino immigrants as public enemy numero uno in his rallies and tweets in the run-up to November 6. But oddly enough, millions of Hispanic voters do not appear set on taking revenge at the polls: no surveys indicate a Latino wave to turf Republicans out of Congress come Tuesday. What's going on? According to experts, Trump's repeated insults and bullying haven't had the effect of pushing Latinos toward the Democrat party -- rather they have driven them from voting at all. "In 2016 many analysts had pointed to then-candidate Trump's comments on Mexican immigrants and Hispanics as perhaps being a motivator to get Latinos to the polls," said Mark Hugo Lopez, director of global migration and demography research at Pew Research Center. But in reality, he says, "the turnout fell." And 30 per cent of all Hispanics ended up in fact voting for Trump. There are 29 million Hispanics registered to vote in the midterm elections, where all 435 seats from the House of Representatives are up for grabs, one-third of the Senate, the governors of 36 states and numerous local officials including judges, sheriffs and attorneys general. Burned by their failures to accurately predict the 2016 presidential vote, many analysts are striking a more cautious note. "It remains to be seen what will happen this year. Latinos may be more interested in voting but there are many indications that perhaps the turnout rate may not rise much compared to 2014," said Lopez. When midterms were held that year the turnout rate was only 27 percent for the demographic -- a history low, according to Pew Research. Veterans and Evangelicals It ends up being a vicious circle: the fewer Latinos are mobilized, the less the major political parties spend gearing their platforms to address the community's concerns. And the less the major parties care, the more apathy spreads. To be sure, Latinos are generally more inclined toward the center-left Democrats, but the party "is not doing enough outreach" with the group, says Christine Marie Sierra, Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of New Mexico. "We continue to hear about all they have to reach out to the white-working class voters or white women in some suburbs," she continued. "Well that's fine. You can reach out to them but that's not where your base is. For the Democrats their base is in communities of color. "They've got to invest a whole lot more to especially with Latinos to overcome the lack of participation." According to the non-profit Latino Decisions, 63 percent of registered Hispanic voters say they plan to vote. But more than half of them were not contacted by any candidate in their constituency. "Those voters that are contacted more are more likely to vote and those that are impacted less or not at all are less likely to vote," emphasized David Ayon of Latino Decisions. Complicating matters further is the Latino vote is far from a monolithic bloc but instead a mosaic of diverse communities, with party affiliation not necessarily linked to country of origin, said Lopez. Republicans, for example, can count on the overwhelming support of Cuban Americans, a community vehemently opposed to the Communist regime that rules the island. Military veterans and Evangelical migrants from Central America are likewise more likely to lean toward the Grand Old Party. It sets the scene for some intriguing races. Will Mexican-born voters in Texas throw their weight behind Irish-American Beto O'Rourke over his Cuban-American rival and arch conservative Ted Cruz? Will Puerto Ricans resettled in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria tip the scales for the Democrats in Florida? We will find out Tuesday.

US midterm polls 2018: Will Trump's America wake up Latino vote in midterms?

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will likely make a deal with China on trade, adding that a lot of progress had been made to resolve the two countries' differences but warning that he still may impose more tariffs on Chinese goods.

"China very much wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters in Washington just hours after his top economic adviser expressed caution about talk of a possible US-China trade agreement.

"We've had a very good discussions with China, we're getting much closer to doing something," Trump said before departing the White House for a campaign event.

"I spoke with President Xi (Jinping) yesterday. They very much want to make a deal," Trump said.

"I think we'll make a deal with China, and I think it will be a very fair deal for everybody, but it will be a good deal for the United States."

Trump said he will discuss trade with Xi when the two meet for dinner on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit at the end of November in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

His administration has demanded that Beijing make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protections, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and domestic market access, along with steps to reduce a US $375 billion US&nbsp;goods trade deficit with China.

Trump said a deal with China would also be good for Beijing.

"If we can open up China and make it fair, for the first time ever -- this should have done years ago by other presidents but it wasn't -- I am very much willing to do it. But China very much wants to make a deal," he said.

Trump's comments came a day after a phone call with Xi that he described as "very good.".

The president's remarks helped US&nbsp;stocks to trim their losses on a day that started with market optimism over a Bloomberg report quoting unnamed sources as saying that Trump had ordered his cabinet to draw up terms for a China trade deal.

But by midday, shares had turned negative, weighed down by Apple Inc.'s disappointing earnings forecast and comments from White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow that he was less optimistic than previously about a deal between Washington and Beijing.

Kudlow, speaking on CNBC, contradicted the Bloomberg report and added: "There's no mass movement, there's no huge thing. We're not on the cusp of a deal."

One of China's vice commerce ministers Wang Bingnan said on Saturday the country is willing to resolve trade issues with the United States through mutually respectful talks and on an equal footing, similar to past comments from Beijing.

Trump administration officials have said US-China trade talks cannot resume until Beijing outlines specific actions it would take to meet US&nbsp;demands for sweeping changes to policies on technology transfers, industrial subsidies and market access.

Trump said that if a deal is not made with China, he could impose tariffs on another US $267 billion in Chinese imports into the United States, adding that China's economy had "been hit very hard" by previous US&nbsp;tariffs.

The United States has imposed tariffs on US $250 billion worth of Chinese goods so far, while China has retaliated with US $110 billion worth of tariffs on US&nbsp;goods.

The Trump administration also has taken action to hit the Chinese semiconductor industry, indicting two companies accused of stealing trade secrets and banning US&nbsp;software and equipment exports to one of them.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will likely make a deal with China on trade, adding that a lot of progress had been made to resolve the two countries' differences but warning that he still may impose more tariffs on Chinese goods.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will likely make a deal with China on trade, adding that a lot of progress had been made to resolve the two countries' differences but warning that he still may impose more tariffs on Chinese goods. "China very much wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters in Washington just hours after his top economic adviser expressed caution about talk of a possible US-China trade agreement. "We've had a very good discussions with China, we're getting much closer to doing something," Trump said before departing the White House for a campaign event. "I spoke with President Xi (Jinping) yesterday. They very much want to make a deal," Trump said. "I think we'll make a deal with China, and I think it will be a very fair deal for everybody, but it will be a good deal for the United States." Trump said he will discuss trade with Xi when the two meet for dinner on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit at the end of November in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His administration has demanded that Beijing make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protections, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and domestic market access, along with steps to reduce a US $375 billion US goods trade deficit with China. Trump said a deal with China would also be good for Beijing. "If we can open up China and make it fair, for the first time ever -- this should have done years ago by other presidents but it wasn't -- I am very much willing to do it. But China very much wants to make a deal," he said. Trump's comments came a day after a phone call with Xi that he described as "very good.". The president's remarks helped US stocks to trim their losses on a day that started with market optimism over a Bloomberg report quoting unnamed sources as saying that Trump had ordered his cabinet to draw up terms for a China trade deal. But by midday, shares had turned negative, weighed down by Apple Inc.'s disappointing earnings forecast and comments from White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow that he was less optimistic than previously about a deal between Washington and Beijing. Kudlow, speaking on CNBC, contradicted the Bloomberg report and added: "There's no mass movement, there's no huge thing. We're not on the cusp of a deal." One of China's vice commerce ministers Wang Bingnan said on Saturday the country is willing to resolve trade issues with the United States through mutually respectful talks and on an equal footing, similar to past comments from Beijing. Trump administration officials have said US-China trade talks cannot resume until Beijing outlines specific actions it would take to meet US demands for sweeping changes to policies on technology transfers, industrial subsidies and market access. Trump said that if a deal is not made with China, he could impose tariffs on another US $267 billion in Chinese imports into the United States, adding that China's economy had "been hit very hard" by previous US tariffs. The United States has imposed tariffs on US $250 billion worth of Chinese goods so far, while China has retaliated with US $110 billion worth of tariffs on US goods. The Trump administration also has taken action to hit the Chinese semiconductor industry, indicting two companies accused of stealing trade secrets and banning US software and equipment exports to one of them.

Trump says 'I think we'll make a deal with China' on trade

With four days to save the Republican Party's grip on Congress -- and his own dominance of US politics -- Donald Trump unleashed his two main weapons Friday: boasts about the economy and fear-mongering over immigration.

Trump flew to West Virginia to host a campaign rally to ahead of another one in Indiana, then more on the weekend and Monday. Less than 24 hours earlier, he was in Missouri.

"It will be a very exciting five days," Trump said at the White House before departing on the Marine One helicopter.

Trump said his Republicans are in a good position ahead of Tuesday's midterm congressional elections, particularly with new employment figures out showing the economy booming.

But polls point to the Democrats capturing at least the House of Representatives, threatening Trump with the specter of an opposition finally able to block policies and dig into his highly opaque personal finances.

The campaign trail Friday also saw arguably the one Democrat able to match Trump's sheer media star power -- his predecessor in the White House Barack Obama.

Obama, employing his trademark oratorical flourishes, spoke in Florida, where Democrats and Republicans are locked in a series of tight races, telling supporters to "cut through the lies, block out the noise."

"Out of this political darkness, I see a great awakening of citizenship all across the country," Obama said.

Celebration and fear&nbsp;

Trump, who has brought an unprecedented brand of populism and confrontational politics to the White House, clearly enjoys a fight.

Friday's job figures gave him a golden opportunity to crow over what he near daily claims to be the world's "hottest economy."

"Wow! The U.S. added 250,000 Jobs in October - and this was despite the hurricanes,"&nbsp;Trump heralded in a typically high-energy tweet. "Unemployment at 3.7%. Wages UP! These are incredible numbers. Keep it going, Vote Republican!"

Equally good news for Trump and his bid to spread that elusive voter feelgood factor was that wages appear to be strengthening -- a sign that average Americans may be enjoying the fruits of economic growth.

He also signaled that a budding trade war with China -- which he says will force Beijing to drop what Washington has long considered unfair barriers and theft of intellectual property -- will end with "a very good deal."

"We are getting much closer to doing something," he said.

Scorched earth

But if on one hand the president touts the United States as a land of plenty, with jobs for all, on the other he's doing everything possible to stir fear and loathing.

Even as illegal immigration dips to a quarter of what it was in 2000, Trump claims that the country literally faces an "invasion" of Central Americans.

He has ordered regular army troops to the US-Mexican border, announced "tent cities" to detain people demanding political asylum and claimed power to scrap the right to citizenship for anyone born on US soil -- until now considered protected by the US Constitution.

Referring to a group of a few thousand impoverished Central Americans currently trying to walk to the United States through Mexico, Trump says the nation could be "overwhelmed."

On Thursday, he said that soldiers would respond to migrants throwing stones as if they were attacking with firearms -- suggesting that deadly force would be used.

He pulled back Friday, saying US troops "won't have to fire."

Another eye-catching moment has been Trump's tweet of a campaign ad starring a clip of a real-life illegal immigrant named Luis Bracamontes, who killed two sheriff's deputies in California in 2014 then laughingly bragged about the murders in court.

The ad, seeking to underline Trump's repeated argument that the Democrats will encourage hardened criminals into the country, says Democrats allowed Bracamontes to enter the US and "Democrats let him stay."

The Sacramento Bee newspaper in California reported, however, that records show the cop killer was deported before sneaking back into the country -- under Republican President George W. Bush.

With four days to save the Republican Party's grip on Congress -- and his own dominance of US politics -- Donald Trump unleashed his two main weapons Friday: boasts about the economy and fear-mongering over immigration.

With four days to save the Republican Party's grip on Congress -- and his own dominance of US politics -- Donald Trump unleashed his two main weapons Friday: boasts about the economy and fear-mongering over immigration. Trump flew to West Virginia to host a campaign rally to ahead of another one in Indiana, then more on the weekend and Monday. Less than 24 hours earlier, he was in Missouri. "It will be a very exciting five days," Trump said at the White House before departing on the Marine One helicopter. Trump said his Republicans are in a good position ahead of Tuesday's midterm congressional elections, particularly with new employment figures out showing the economy booming. But polls point to the Democrats capturing at least the House of Representatives, threatening Trump with the specter of an opposition finally able to block policies and dig into his highly opaque personal finances. The campaign trail Friday also saw arguably the one Democrat able to match Trump's sheer media star power -- his predecessor in the White House Barack Obama. Obama, employing his trademark oratorical flourishes, spoke in Florida, where Democrats and Republicans are locked in a series of tight races, telling supporters to "cut through the lies, block out the noise." "Out of this political darkness, I see a great awakening of citizenship all across the country," Obama said. Celebration and fear Trump, who has brought an unprecedented brand of populism and confrontational politics to the White House, clearly enjoys a fight. Friday's job figures gave him a golden opportunity to crow over what he near daily claims to be the world's "hottest economy." "Wow! The U.S. added 250,000 Jobs in October - and this was despite the hurricanes," Trump heralded in a typically high-energy tweet. "Unemployment at 3.7%. Wages UP! These are incredible numbers. Keep it going, Vote Republican!" Equally good news for Trump and his bid to spread that elusive voter feelgood factor was that wages appear to be strengthening -- a sign that average Americans may be enjoying the fruits of economic growth. He also signaled that a budding trade war with China -- which he says will force Beijing to drop what Washington has long considered unfair barriers and theft of intellectual property -- will end with "a very good deal." "We are getting much closer to doing something," he said. Scorched earth But if on one hand the president touts the United States as a land of plenty, with jobs for all, on the other he's doing everything possible to stir fear and loathing. Even as illegal immigration dips to a quarter of what it was in 2000, Trump claims that the country literally faces an "invasion" of Central Americans. He has ordered regular army troops to the US-Mexican border, announced "tent cities" to detain people demanding political asylum and claimed power to scrap the right to citizenship for anyone born on US soil -- until now considered protected by the US Constitution. Referring to a group of a few thousand impoverished Central Americans currently trying to walk to the United States through Mexico, Trump says the nation could be "overwhelmed." On Thursday, he said that soldiers would respond to migrants throwing stones as if they were attacking with firearms -- suggesting that deadly force would be used. He pulled back Friday, saying US troops "won't have to fire." Another eye-catching moment has been Trump's tweet of a campaign ad starring a clip of a real-life illegal immigrant named Luis Bracamontes, who killed two sheriff's deputies in California in 2014 then laughingly bragged about the murders in court. The ad, seeking to underline Trump's repeated argument that the Democrats will encourage hardened criminals into the country, says Democrats allowed Bracamontes to enter the US and "Democrats let him stay." The Sacramento Bee newspaper in California reported, however, that records show the cop killer was deported before sneaking back into the country -- under Republican President George W. Bush.

US midterm polls 2018: Trump pushes economic hope, immigrant fear in election final run

The United States will add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and pressure the global SWIFT banking network to cut off Tehran when expanded sanctions are put in place next week.

The aim is to cripple the Iranian economy to pressure Tehran to halt its nuclear activities and what the US says is broad support for “terrorism” in the region, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

The reimposition of sanctions “is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world,” Pompeo explained.

“Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country.”

President Trump tweeted what looks like a movie-style poster that takes creative inspiration from the TV series “Game of Thrones” to announce the reimposition of sanctions against Iran.

He tweeted a photo of himself with the words “Sanctions are Coming”.

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<a href="https://t.co/nk2vKvHuaL">pic.twitter.com/nk2vKvHuaL</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1058388700617498625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, eight countries will be able to continue importing Iranian oil at lower levels in order to avoid upsetting global crude markets when the sanctions take effect on Monday, the US later said.

The sanctions come six months after President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal struck between world powers and Iran.

At the time, he began reimposing sanctions that had been suspended or removed by his predecessor Barack Obama.

That process will be completed starting from midnight Sunday, US eastern time, when sanctions on the regime’s banks, shippers, shipbuilders and oil sector are imposed.

The impact remains in question as other countries, particularly Washington’s European allies, resist joining its effort to economically strangle the Tehran regime.

The European Union has gone so far as to protect businesses that operate in Iran. It has announced plans for a legal framework through which firms can skirt US sanctions, although few major corporations have been eager to risk the wrath of penalties in the world’s largest economy.

“This is not 2012 when the world was united behind sanctions against Iran. This is the Trump administration trying to force the rest of the world to go along with a policy that most countries do not accept,” said Barbara Slavin, an Iran expert at the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

“The US has had some success in terms of frightening away major corporations. The sanctions hurt a lot. But Iran is still going to be able to sell oil,” especially to China, she said.

OIL TRADE EXEMPTIONS

Pompeo said the US will grant exemptions to eight countries that have pledged to or have already cut back on purchases of petroleum from Iran, which has long depended on crude exports to power its economy.

He did not name the eight countries, but they are believed to include India, Japan, South Korea, and possibly China.

Pompeo said the countries agreed that the payments for the oil will go into offshore accounts that Iran will only be able to tap for “humanitarian trade, or bilateral trade in non-sanctioned goods and services.”

“Maximum pressure means maximum pressure,” he said.

To punish Iranian banks, US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the global financial network SWIFT — which enables secure bank-to-bank communications and transactions — will also be subject to US sanctions if it provides services to Iranian financial institutions on the US blacklist, which includes most major Iranian banks.

That could make it very hard for Iran to do business with other countries.

“SWIFT is no different than any other entity,”&nbsp;Mnuchin said.

US OBJECTIVE IN QUESTION

Justifying the action,&nbsp;Pompeo has issued a list of demands for Iran that go well beyond the nuclear program that was the focus of&nbsp;Obama’s deal.

He wants the Shiite clerical regime to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where it is a critical ally of President Bashar al-Assad, and to end longstanding support to regional militant movements Hezbollah and Hamas.

The US also wants Iran to stop backing Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who are facing a US-supported air campaign led by Saudi Arabia.

But experts don’t expect Iran’s leaders to immediately throw in the towel.

“It’s basically magical thinking. The Iranians have been able to continue their support to regional proxies and allies for 40 years despite economic pressure,” said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group.

He said the Trump administration believed that a constrained, struggling Iran would see its influence erode. But the final goal, he said, was unclear.

“I think the endgame depends on who you’re asking. The president himself is interested in having a broader, better deal with the Iranians, but I believe that most of his national security team are interested in either destabilising Iran or assuring a regime change in Tehran,” Mr Vaez said.

The United States will add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and pressure the global SWIFT banking network to cut off Tehran when expanded sanctions are put in place next week.

The United States will add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and pressure the global SWIFT banking network to cut off Tehran when expanded sanctions are put in place next week. The aim is to cripple the Iranian economy to pressure Tehran to halt its nuclear activities and what the US says is broad support for “terrorism” in the region, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. The reimposition of sanctions “is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world,” Pompeo explained. “Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country.” President Trump tweeted what looks like a movie-style poster that takes creative inspiration from the TV series “Game of Thrones” to announce the reimposition of sanctions against Iran. He tweeted a photo of himself with the words “Sanctions are Coming”. pic.twitter.com/nk2vKvHuaL — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2018 × However, eight countries will be able to continue importing Iranian oil at lower levels in order to avoid upsetting global crude markets when the sanctions take effect on Monday, the US later said. The sanctions come six months after President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal struck between world powers and Iran. At the time, he began reimposing sanctions that had been suspended or removed by his predecessor Barack Obama. That process will be completed starting from midnight Sunday, US eastern time, when sanctions on the regime’s banks, shippers, shipbuilders and oil sector are imposed. The impact remains in question as other countries, particularly Washington’s European allies, resist joining its effort to economically strangle the Tehran regime. The European Union has gone so far as to protect businesses that operate in Iran. It has announced plans for a legal framework through which firms can skirt US sanctions, although few major corporations have been eager to risk the wrath of penalties in the world’s largest economy. “This is not 2012 when the world was united behind sanctions against Iran. This is the Trump administration trying to force the rest of the world to go along with a policy that most countries do not accept,” said Barbara Slavin, an Iran expert at the Washington-based Atlantic Council. “The US has had some success in terms of frightening away major corporations. The sanctions hurt a lot. But Iran is still going to be able to sell oil,” especially to China, she said. OIL TRADE EXEMPTIONS Pompeo said the US will grant exemptions to eight countries that have pledged to or have already cut back on purchases of petroleum from Iran, which has long depended on crude exports to power its economy. He did not name the eight countries, but they are believed to include India, Japan, South Korea, and possibly China. Pompeo said the countries agreed that the payments for the oil will go into offshore accounts that Iran will only be able to tap for “humanitarian trade, or bilateral trade in non-sanctioned goods and services.” “Maximum pressure means maximum pressure,” he said. To punish Iranian banks, US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the global financial network SWIFT — which enables secure bank-to-bank communications and transactions — will also be subject to US sanctions if it provides services to Iranian financial institutions on the US blacklist, which includes most major Iranian banks. That could make it very hard for Iran to do business with other countries. “SWIFT is no different than any other entity,” Mnuchin said. US OBJECTIVE IN QUESTION Justifying the action, Pompeo has issued a list of demands for Iran that go well beyond the nuclear program that was the focus of Obama’s deal. He wants the Shiite clerical regime to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where it is a critical ally of President Bashar al-Assad, and to end longstanding support to regional militant movements Hezbollah and Hamas. The US also wants Iran to stop backing Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who are facing a US-supported air campaign led by Saudi Arabia. But experts don’t expect Iran’s leaders to immediately throw in the towel. “It’s basically magical thinking. The Iranians have been able to continue their support to regional proxies and allies for 40 years despite economic pressure,” said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. He said the Trump administration believed that a constrained, struggling Iran would see its influence erode. But the final goal, he said, was unclear. “I think the endgame depends on who you’re asking. The president himself is interested in having a broader, better deal with the Iranians, but I believe that most of his national security team are interested in either destabilising Iran or assuring a regime change in Tehran,” Mr Vaez said.

'Sanctions are Coming', tweets Trump as US reimposes all sanctions on Iran

Former president Barack Obama on Friday decried as a "political stunt" Donald Trump's plan to send thousands of US soldiers to the Mexican border to block migrants from entering the country.

In a rousing speech to a Miami crowd as he campaigned for fellow Democrats ahead of next week's midterm elections, Obama said the Republican administration was "even taking our brave troops away from their families for a political stunt at the border."

Trump, who has placed immigration at the heart of his party's election effort, has persistently attacked the caravan of Central American migrants, denouncing it as a potential "invasion."&nbsp;

Trump announced earlier this week that he would send thousands of troops to the border to beef up national defenses at the border.

He has campaigned heavily on the issue, warning supporters Thursday that migrants would soon be "overwhelming your schools, your hospitals, your communities."

Obama said the deployment was serving to "get folks angry and ginned up," adding: "There's just constant fearmongering to distract from the record."&nbsp;

The nation's first African American commander in chief took the stage with Andrew Gillum, who is locked in a tight race for governor of Florida against pro-Trump Republican Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election against outgoing Governor Rick Scott.

"Let's make history happen right here in Florida," Obama told jubilant supporters at the end of a speech that was occasionally interrupted by pro-Republican protesters.

Obama urged more decisive action by Americans who have grown frustrated by the first 21 months of Trump's presidency.

"If you don't like what's going on right now, don't just complain," Obama said.&nbsp;

"Don't get anxious and freaked out, don't throw up your hands in despair. Don't boo. Don't hashtag. Vote!"

In the home stretch of a campaign marked by a recent deadly anti-Semitic attack and the interception of parcel bombs sent to prominent Democrats including Obama, the former president called for defending "the values that bind us to our fellow citizens, no matter who we are."

But he also drilled down on core Democratic issues for the 2018 campaign, like health care and preserving protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

Obama, architect of the Obamacare health reforms that he signed into law in 2010, took Republicans to task for "suddenly" saying they will protect pre-existing conditions coverage despite seeking to pass legislation to do away with such protections.

"Let's call it what it is. It's a lie. They're lying to you," Obama said.

Americans on Tuesday will elect lawmakers for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governors and dozens of state legislatures.

Former president Barack Obama on Friday decried as a "political stunt" Donald Trump's plan to send thousands of US soldiers to the Mexican border to block migrants from entering the country.

Former president Barack Obama on Friday decried as a "political stunt" Donald Trump's plan to send thousands of US soldiers to the Mexican border to block migrants from entering the country. In a rousing speech to a Miami crowd as he campaigned for fellow Democrats ahead of next week's midterm elections, Obama said the Republican administration was "even taking our brave troops away from their families for a political stunt at the border." Trump, who has placed immigration at the heart of his party's election effort, has persistently attacked the caravan of Central American migrants, denouncing it as a potential "invasion." Trump announced earlier this week that he would send thousands of troops to the border to beef up national defenses at the border. He has campaigned heavily on the issue, warning supporters Thursday that migrants would soon be "overwhelming your schools, your hospitals, your communities." Obama said the deployment was serving to "get folks angry and ginned up," adding: "There's just constant fearmongering to distract from the record." The nation's first African American commander in chief took the stage with Andrew Gillum, who is locked in a tight race for governor of Florida against pro-Trump Republican Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election against outgoing Governor Rick Scott. "Let's make history happen right here in Florida," Obama told jubilant supporters at the end of a speech that was occasionally interrupted by pro-Republican protesters. Obama urged more decisive action by Americans who have grown frustrated by the first 21 months of Trump's presidency. "If you don't like what's going on right now, don't just complain," Obama said. "Don't get anxious and freaked out, don't throw up your hands in despair. Don't boo. Don't hashtag. Vote!" In the home stretch of a campaign marked by a recent deadly anti-Semitic attack and the interception of parcel bombs sent to prominent Democrats including Obama, the former president called for defending "the values that bind us to our fellow citizens, no matter who we are." But he also drilled down on core Democratic issues for the 2018 campaign, like health care and preserving protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Obama, architect of the Obamacare health reforms that he signed into law in 2010, took Republicans to task for "suddenly" saying they will protect pre-existing conditions coverage despite seeking to pass legislation to do away with such protections. "Let's call it what it is. It's a lie. They're lying to you," Obama said. Americans on Tuesday will elect lawmakers for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governors and dozens of state legislatures.

Obama brands Trump's border deployment plan a 'political stunt'

Former US President Barack Obama warned on Friday against rhetoric he said was meant to sow fear as he campaigned in support of Democratic candidates while President Donald Trump hammered a hardline anti-immigration message to energize Republicans.

In a packed day of campaigning ahead of Tuesday's congressional midterm elections, Trump continued a blitz of rallies urging voters to keep his Republican Party in control of Congress, while Democrats appeared to notch a win in their efforts to halt the spread of misinformation online.

Twitter Inc said it had deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesday’s elections and wrongly appeared to be from Democrats, after the party flagged the misleading tweets to the social media company.

The removals took place in late September and early October.

Obama hit on a common theme of Democratic campaigns - defending his signature 2010 healthcare law, while urging Americans not to embrace hostility and division in politics.

"We have seen repeated attempts to divide us with rhetoric designed to make us angry and make us fearful," Obama said in Miami. "But in four days, Florida, you can be a check on that kind of behaviour."

Obama was flanked by gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who faces former congressman and strong Trump backer Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is being challenged by the outgoing governor, Rick Scott.

Trump's campaign stops were aimed at bolstering Republicans challenging incumbent Democratic senators in West Virginia and Indiana, states he won in the 2016 presidential election.

Speaking on behalf of Mike Braun, who is trying to replace Joe Donnelly in the Senate, Trump told a rally in Indianapolis:

“If you want prosperity for your family, safety for your children and security for your country, vote for Mike Braun.”

Trump was joined on stage by former Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight, who led the crowd in a cheer “Go get’em Donald.”

Opinion polls and non-partisan forecasters generally show Democrats with strong chances of winning 23 additional seats and taking a majority in the House of Representatives, which they could use to launch investigations into Trump's administration and block his legislative agenda.

Republicans are favoured to retain control of the Senate, whose powers include confirming Trump's nominations to lifetime seats on the Supreme Court.

Obama's speech was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers, prompting him to quip: "Why is it that the folks who won the last election are so mad all the time?"

SURGING EARLY VOTING

Interest in the election has been unusually high in a year when Congress but not the White House is at stake, according to early voting tallies. Twenty-seven states plus the District of Columbia have recorded more early votes at this point in the campaign than they did in all of 2014, according to The Election Project at the University of Florida, which tracks turnout.

Texas had already recorded more votes than it did in all of 2014, including Election Day, the group said.

After Miami, Obama was headed to Georgia to campaign for Stacey Abrams, a former state legislator aiming to become the nation's first black female governor.

That race pitting Abrams against Republican Brian Kemp, the state's top elections overseer, has become a flashpoint for allegations of voter suppression by Democrats due to the state's strict voter-identification law. Republicans say the law is necessary to deter voter fraud.

A federal judge on Friday ordered the state to allow some 3,000 recently naturalized citizens to vote after their registrations had been put on hold.

With the race neck and neck, voter turnout will be crucial, said Georgia State University political scientist Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey. Obama could energize Democratic voters and drive up turnout, she added.

"At this point it's going to be turnout," she said. "How can he mobilize those who are already registered to vote to go out and vote. And to tell their friends and families to vote."

The final weeks of the campaign have also seen a spate of violence including the massacre of 11 people at a Pennsylvania synagogue and more than a dozen package bombs sent to prominent Trump critics.

The FBI said on Friday it had recovered a suspicious package addressed to California billionaire Tom Steyer, a Democrat known for his ads calling for Trump's impeachment.

In West Virginia, Trump's third visit in three months was aimed at shoring up Patrick Morrisey, who is seeking to unseat Democratic Senator Joe Manchin.

Two new polls this week showed Manchin's once-comfortable lead over Morrisey dwindling to 5 percentage points, which the Democrat's supporters blame in part on Trump's repeated visits.

"I know Trump coming so often is making an impact," said Jim Hoyt, chairman of the Morgan County Democratic Party in northeast West Virginia. Like other Democrats in the state, he still expects Manchin to win.

Former US President Barack Obama warned on Friday against rhetoric he said was meant to sow fear as he campaigned in support of Democratic candidates while President Donald Trump hammered a hardline anti-immigration message to energize Republicans.

Former US President Barack Obama warned on Friday against rhetoric he said was meant to sow fear as he campaigned in support of Democratic candidates while President Donald Trump hammered a hardline anti-immigration message to energize Republicans. In a packed day of campaigning ahead of Tuesday's congressional midterm elections, Trump continued a blitz of rallies urging voters to keep his Republican Party in control of Congress, while Democrats appeared to notch a win in their efforts to halt the spread of misinformation online. Twitter Inc said it had deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesday’s elections and wrongly appeared to be from Democrats, after the party flagged the misleading tweets to the social media company. The removals took place in late September and early October. Obama hit on a common theme of Democratic campaigns - defending his signature 2010 healthcare law, while urging Americans not to embrace hostility and division in politics. "We have seen repeated attempts to divide us with rhetoric designed to make us angry and make us fearful," Obama said in Miami. "But in four days, Florida, you can be a check on that kind of behaviour." Obama was flanked by gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who faces former congressman and strong Trump backer Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is being challenged by the outgoing governor, Rick Scott. Trump's campaign stops were aimed at bolstering Republicans challenging incumbent Democratic senators in West Virginia and Indiana, states he won in the 2016 presidential election. Speaking on behalf of Mike Braun, who is trying to replace Joe Donnelly in the Senate, Trump told a rally in Indianapolis: “If you want prosperity for your family, safety for your children and security for your country, vote for Mike Braun.” Trump was joined on stage by former Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight, who led the crowd in a cheer “Go get’em Donald.” Opinion polls and non-partisan forecasters generally show Democrats with strong chances of winning 23 additional seats and taking a majority in the House of Representatives, which they could use to launch investigations into Trump's administration and block his legislative agenda. Republicans are favoured to retain control of the Senate, whose powers include confirming Trump's nominations to lifetime seats on the Supreme Court. Obama's speech was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers, prompting him to quip: "Why is it that the folks who won the last election are so mad all the time?" SURGING EARLY VOTING Interest in the election has been unusually high in a year when Congress but not the White House is at stake, according to early voting tallies. Twenty-seven states plus the District of Columbia have recorded more early votes at this point in the campaign than they did in all of 2014, according to The Election Project at the University of Florida, which tracks turnout. Texas had already recorded more votes than it did in all of 2014, including Election Day, the group said. After Miami, Obama was headed to Georgia to campaign for Stacey Abrams, a former state legislator aiming to become the nation's first black female governor. That race pitting Abrams against Republican Brian Kemp, the state's top elections overseer, has become a flashpoint for allegations of voter suppression by Democrats due to the state's strict voter-identification law. Republicans say the law is necessary to deter voter fraud. A federal judge on Friday ordered the state to allow some 3,000 recently naturalized citizens to vote after their registrations had been put on hold. With the race neck and neck, voter turnout will be crucial, said Georgia State University political scientist Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey. Obama could energize Democratic voters and drive up turnout, she added. "At this point it's going to be turnout," she said. "How can he mobilize those who are already registered to vote to go out and vote. And to tell their friends and families to vote." The final weeks of the campaign have also seen a spate of violence including the massacre of 11 people at a Pennsylvania synagogue and more than a dozen package bombs sent to prominent Trump critics. The FBI said on Friday it had recovered a suspicious package addressed to California billionaire Tom Steyer, a Democrat known for his ads calling for Trump's impeachment. In West Virginia, Trump's third visit in three months was aimed at shoring up Patrick Morrisey, who is seeking to unseat Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Two new polls this week showed Manchin's once-comfortable lead over Morrisey dwindling to 5 percentage points, which the Democrat's supporters blame in part on Trump's repeated visits. "I know Trump coming so often is making an impact," said Jim Hoyt, chairman of the Morgan County Democratic Party in northeast West Virginia. Like other Democrats in the state, he still expects Manchin to win.

US midterm polls 2018: Obama warns against fear, Trump touts economy on campaign trail

Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Five Republican US lawmakers, led by Senator Marco Rubio, said in a letter to Trump they would use the Atomic Energy Act to block any US-Saudi nuclear agreements if Trump did not cut off talks.

In addition, Democratic Senator Edward Markey wrote another letter to Trump calling for a suspension of discussions on civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and for the administration to revoke any approvals for the transfer of nuclear services, technology or assistance to the kingdom.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Republican letter, first reported by NBC News, or Markey's letter.

Markey said in his letter that cooperation between nations, particularly on nuclear energy, must be based on trust and shared values, but Saudi Arabia's actions "have made it clear that any nuclear cooperation with its government does not currently meet that bar."

Washington has wanted Saudi Arabia to buy nuclear power technology from US companies, including Westinghouse, which recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In July, Saudi Arabia put South Korea's state-run utility KEPCO, the United States, France, China and Russia on a shortlist to bid for a nuclear power project and the winner would likely be selected in 2019, a South Korea official said.

Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, disappeared after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The death of the Washington Post columnist, a US resident who had American children, sparked global outrage and pitched the world's top oil exporter into crisis.

The United States has called for transparency in the investigation of Khashoggi's death and revoked the US visas of some Saudis over the incident. Trump has said Prince Mohammed bore ultimate responsibility for what happened to Khashoggi but has also cited Riyadh as a strong ally.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis on Tuesday called for a cessation of hostilities in Yemen and urged the start of UN-led negotiations to end the civil war next month.

Saudi Arabia's official comments on Khashoggi's death have shifted from initially denying any involvement to saying the killing was premeditated. Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey are investigating Khashoggi's death.

Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Five Republican US lawmakers, led by Senator Marco Rubio, said in a letter to Trump they would use the Atomic Energy Act to block any US-Saudi nuclear agreements if Trump did not cut off talks. In addition, Democratic Senator Edward Markey wrote another letter to Trump calling for a suspension of discussions on civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and for the administration to revoke any approvals for the transfer of nuclear services, technology or assistance to the kingdom. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Republican letter, first reported by NBC News, or Markey's letter. Markey said in his letter that cooperation between nations, particularly on nuclear energy, must be based on trust and shared values, but Saudi Arabia's actions "have made it clear that any nuclear cooperation with its government does not currently meet that bar." Washington has wanted Saudi Arabia to buy nuclear power technology from US companies, including Westinghouse, which recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In July, Saudi Arabia put South Korea's state-run utility KEPCO, the United States, France, China and Russia on a shortlist to bid for a nuclear power project and the winner would likely be selected in 2019, a South Korea official said. Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, disappeared after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The death of the Washington Post columnist, a US resident who had American children, sparked global outrage and pitched the world's top oil exporter into crisis. The United States has called for transparency in the investigation of Khashoggi's death and revoked the US visas of some Saudis over the incident. Trump has said Prince Mohammed bore ultimate responsibility for what happened to Khashoggi but has also cited Riyadh as a strong ally. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis on Tuesday called for a cessation of hostilities in Yemen and urged the start of UN-led negotiations to end the civil war next month. Saudi Arabia's official comments on Khashoggi's death have shifted from initially denying any involvement to saying the killing was premeditated. Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey are investigating Khashoggi's death.

US President Donald Trump says he does not feel betrayed by Saudis

The US Senate Intelligence Committee is pursuing a wide-ranging examination of former White House adviser Steve Bannon's activities during the 2016 presidential campaign, three sources familiar with the inquiry told Reuters.

The committee is looking into what Bannon might know about any contacts during the campaign between Moscow and two advisers to the campaign, George Papadopoulos and Carter Page, they said.

William Burck, a lawyer for Bannon, told Reuters: "The Senate Intelligence Committee has expressed an interest in interviewing Mr. Bannon as a witness, just as they have many other people involved in the Trump Campaign. But the Committee has never suggested that he’s under investigation himself and to claim otherwise is recklessly false."

Papadopoulos, a consultant, initially advised the presidential campaign of Republican hopeful Ben Carson before joining the Trump campaign. Page is also a consultant, who had business contacts in Russia.&nbsp;

On September 7, Papadopoulos was sentenced to 14 days in prison. He had pleaded guilty last year to lying to FBI agents about the timing and significance of his contacts with Russians, including a professor who told him the Russians had "dirt" on Trump`s Democratic presidential rival, Hillary Clinton.

No charges have been filed against Page.

The panel also will examine Bannon`s role with Cambridge Analytica, a former data analysis company that the Trump campaign hired to help identify and target messages to potentially sympathetic voters, the sources said.&nbsp;

The Senate committee is working with Bannon`s advisers to set a date for him to be interviewed by staff investigators in late November, two of the sources said.

Bannon recently met for the second time with investigators working for Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating allegations of Russian interference on Trump`s behalf in the 2016 presidential election, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

Russia has denied interfering in the election and Trump denies any collusion, frequently describing the Mueller investigation as a political witch hunt.

The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that Bannon was questioned last week by Mueller's team. The newspaper said the interview focused on Trump supporter Roger Stone. In emails to Reuters, Stone has said he did not know about or have access to WikiLeaks materials related to Democrats.

In the run-up to the 2016 election, WikiLeaks published hundreds of emails hacked from the Democratic Party and the personal account of top Hillary Clinton campaign adviser John Podesta.

One of the sources familiar with the Bannon-related Senate panel investigations said Mueller`s team does not consider Bannon to be a potential subject of their investigation.

Bannon served as a vice president of Cambridge Analytica from June 2014 to August 2016, at which point he joined Trump`s presidential campaign as a senior strategist.

Sources said the Senate Intelligence committee has sought to interview other witnesses about the role played by Cambridge Analytica and affiliated companies in the 2016 election.

Earlier this year it was reported that Cambridge Analytica had collected the personal data of millions of people`s Facebook profiles without their consent and used it for political purposes. Facebook later apologised to users for the data breach.&nbsp;

The US Senate Intelligence Committee is pursuing a wide-ranging examination of former White House adviser Steve Bannon's activities during the 2016 presidential campaign, three sources familiar with the inquiry told Reuters.

The US Senate Intelligence Committee is pursuing a wide-ranging examination of former White House adviser Steve Bannon's activities during the 2016 presidential campaign, three sources familiar with the inquiry told Reuters. The committee is looking into what Bannon might know about any contacts during the campaign between Moscow and two advisers to the campaign, George Papadopoulos and Carter Page, they said. William Burck, a lawyer for Bannon, told Reuters: "The Senate Intelligence Committee has expressed an interest in interviewing Mr. Bannon as a witness, just as they have many other people involved in the Trump Campaign. But the Committee has never suggested that he’s under investigation himself and to claim otherwise is recklessly false." Papadopoulos, a consultant, initially advised the presidential campaign of Republican hopeful Ben Carson before joining the Trump campaign. Page is also a consultant, who had business contacts in Russia. On September 7, Papadopoulos was sentenced to 14 days in prison. He had pleaded guilty last year to lying to FBI agents about the timing and significance of his contacts with Russians, including a professor who told him the Russians had "dirt" on Trump`s Democratic presidential rival, Hillary Clinton. No charges have been filed against Page. The panel also will examine Bannon`s role with Cambridge Analytica, a former data analysis company that the Trump campaign hired to help identify and target messages to potentially sympathetic voters, the sources said. The Senate committee is working with Bannon`s advisers to set a date for him to be interviewed by staff investigators in late November, two of the sources said. Bannon recently met for the second time with investigators working for Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating allegations of Russian interference on Trump`s behalf in the 2016 presidential election, one of the sources said. Russia has denied interfering in the election and Trump denies any collusion, frequently describing the Mueller investigation as a political witch hunt. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that Bannon was questioned last week by Mueller's team. The newspaper said the interview focused on Trump supporter Roger Stone. In emails to Reuters, Stone has said he did not know about or have access to WikiLeaks materials related to Democrats. In the run-up to the 2016 election, WikiLeaks published hundreds of emails hacked from the Democratic Party and the personal account of top Hillary Clinton campaign adviser John Podesta. One of the sources familiar with the Bannon-related Senate panel investigations said Mueller`s team does not consider Bannon to be a potential subject of their investigation. Bannon served as a vice president of Cambridge Analytica from June 2014 to August 2016, at which point he joined Trump`s presidential campaign as a senior strategist. Sources said the Senate Intelligence committee has sought to interview other witnesses about the role played by Cambridge Analytica and affiliated companies in the 2016 election. Earlier this year it was reported that Cambridge Analytica had collected the personal data of millions of people`s Facebook profiles without their consent and used it for political purposes. Facebook later apologised to users for the data breach.

US Senate panel examines former Trump aide Steve Bannon's campaign role: Sources

Trump calls migration an act of invasion

US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-unlikely-to-honour-indias-invite-for-republic-day-celebrations-174076">India's Republic Day celebrations</a> next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet.

"President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation.&nbsp;

It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February.

The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship.

"The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the

US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said.

"The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said.

Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there.

Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations.

In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president.

This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations.

In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014.

The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said.

US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.

Trump not coming to India's Republic Day celebrations: White House

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/earths-wild-animal-population-plummets-60-per-cent-in-44-years-wwf-174289">In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF</a>

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">Khashoggi fiancee slams Trump response to </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">killing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">, tells him to set aside trade interests</a>

The fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s response to his killing, urging him to set aside US trade interests in the push for truth, and demanded Riyadh disclose more details to bring those who ordered it to justice.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-1-lakh-children-under-five-died-due-to-toxic-air-in-2016-who-study-174295">Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO</a>

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298">Fuel prices continue to drop, petrol at Rs 79.55 per </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298">litre</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298"> in Delhi</a>

Fuel prices in the national capital dropped for the thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday as petrol prices stood at Rs 79.55 per litre, down by Rs 0.20 paise, and diesel prices at Rs. 73.73, down by Rs 0.07 paise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-interviews-indian-american-woman-to-replace-kavanaugh-in-dc-circuit-court-174293">Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court</a>

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. Khashoggi fiancee slams Trump response to killing, tells him to set aside trade interests The fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s response to his killing, urging him to set aside US trade interests in the push for truth, and demanded Riyadh disclose more details to bring those who ordered it to justice. Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution. Fuel prices continue to drop, petrol at Rs 79.55 per litre in Delhi Fuel prices in the national capital dropped for the thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday as petrol prices stood at Rs 79.55 per litre, down by Rs 0.20 paise, and diesel prices at Rs. 73.73, down by Rs 0.07 paise. Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/womens-groups-aim-to-use-kavanaugh-rage-to-boost-voter-turnout-169950">woman</a> to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

Neomi Jehangir Rao, 45, who is currently administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was recommended for the judgeship on the DC circuit court by former White House counsel Don McGahn, news website Axios reported Sunday.

Citing sources, the website said Trump was interested in Rao so that he could appoint a minority woman to Kavanaugh's old job.&nbsp;

Rao, a former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The agency reviews executive branch regulations, a task the DC circuit often addresses.

Rao in this capacity is called the regulatory czar of the Trump administration.

Before being sworn in as the US Supreme Court Judge, Kavanaugh, whose confirmation process was marred by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sex-assault-allegations-totally-political-donald-trump-167467">sexual misconduct allegations</a>, was a judge at the United States circuit court of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The position has now fallen vacant and Trump is reported to be interviewing several individuals for this position.&nbsp;

Sree Srinivasan is another Indian-American on this prestigious US federal court.

While one source told the website that Rao did not leave Trump with a good first impression, another said the president had not ruled her out of contention.

"Immediately after Trump met with Rao, two sources briefed on their encounter say they got the strong impression that the president was not impressed by her,&nbsp;the news portal said.

"Yes, but: A third source, who is close to Trump, told me late this week that it seemed like he was reconsidering his initial judgement of Rao and may still pick her,&nbsp;Axios said.

Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government.&nbsp;

She served as Associate Counsel to President George W Bush; counsel for nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of US Supreme Court.

She practiced public international law and arbitration at Clifford Chance LLP in London. Rao received her JD with high honours from the University of Chicago and her BA from Yale University.

Last December, Trump had praised Rao's contribution in cutting down regulations.&nbsp;

Rao was born to mother Zerin Rao and father Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India. She grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report. Neomi Jehangir Rao, 45, who is currently administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was recommended for the judgeship on the DC circuit court by former White House counsel Don McGahn, news website Axios reported Sunday. Citing sources, the website said Trump was interested in Rao so that he could appoint a minority woman to Kavanaugh's old job. Rao, a former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The agency reviews executive branch regulations, a task the DC circuit often addresses. Rao in this capacity is called the regulatory czar of the Trump administration. Before being sworn in as the US Supreme Court Judge, Kavanaugh, whose confirmation process was marred by sexual misconduct allegations, was a judge at the United States circuit court of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The position has now fallen vacant and Trump is reported to be interviewing several individuals for this position. Sree Srinivasan is another Indian-American on this prestigious US federal court. While one source told the website that Rao did not leave Trump with a good first impression, another said the president had not ruled her out of contention. "Immediately after Trump met with Rao, two sources briefed on their encounter say they got the strong impression that the president was not impressed by her, the news portal said. "Yes, but: A third source, who is close to Trump, told me late this week that it seemed like he was reconsidering his initial judgement of Rao and may still pick her, Axios said. Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government. She served as Associate Counsel to President George W Bush; counsel for nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of US Supreme Court. She practiced public international law and arbitration at Clifford Chance LLP in London. Rao received her JD with high honours from the University of Chicago and her BA from Yale University. Last December, Trump had praised Rao's contribution in cutting down regulations. Rao was born to mother Zerin Rao and father Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India. She grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School.

Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court

The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/many-gang-members-in-caravan-headed-to-sourthern-border-it-is-an-invasion-and-our-military-is-waiting-trump-174273">border with Mexico</a>, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of November&nbsp;6 mid-term elections.

The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the US&nbsp;military contingent in Iraq, as Trump's administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States.

General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the head of US&nbsp;Northern Command, said 800 US&nbsp;troops were already en route to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-honors-migrants-at-day-of-the-dead-as-caravan-treks-north-173978">Texas border</a> and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona.

"The president has made it clear that border security is national security," O'Shaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by US&nbsp;officials last week.

O'Shaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond US&nbsp;military police, might need those weapons. US&nbsp;officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying US&nbsp;customs personnel to locations along the border.

Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next week's vote, firing up support for his Republican Party.

If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 per cent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters.

Although Trump's supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt.

"President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas.

ARMED SOLDIERS

Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession -- suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described.

"Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump tweeted.

"Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" he added.

Trump administration officials have been discussing other options to address the caravan and a surge in border crossings, including having Trump use his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum for national security reasons.

Officials said no decisions had been made.

Kevin McAleenan, the US&nbsp;commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were travelling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the US&nbsp;border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said.

At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children travelling together, McAleenan said.

"We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border," he said.

Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico.

Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces -- largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies.

There are already 2,100 US&nbsp;National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces.

The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilise greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters.

But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election.

The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of November 6 mid-term elections.

The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of November 6 mid-term elections. The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the US military contingent in Iraq, as Trump's administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States. General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the head of US Northern Command, said 800 US troops were already en route to the Texas border and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona. "The president has made it clear that border security is national security," O'Shaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by US officials last week. O'Shaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond US military police, might need those weapons. US officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying US customs personnel to locations along the border. Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 US presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next week's vote, firing up support for his Republican Party. If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 per cent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters. Although Trump's supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt. "President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas. ARMED SOLDIERS Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession -- suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump tweeted. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" he added. Trump administration officials have been discussing other options to address the caravan and a surge in border crossings, including having Trump use his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum for national security reasons. Officials said no decisions had been made. Kevin McAleenan, the US commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were travelling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the US border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said. At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children travelling together, McAleenan said. "We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border," he said. Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico. Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces -- largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies. There are already 2,100 US National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces. The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilise greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters. But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election.

As migrant caravan approaches, US says it's sending 5,200 troops to Mexico border

The US Commerce Department on Monday targeted a Chinese tech company with restrictions to cut off access to US technology, saying the firm could harm US security.

President Donald Trump has painted China as an economic threat to the United States and American companies and based his aggressive tariff strategy on the goal of preventing the country from becoming dominant in key technology sectors.

The new restrictions mean US firms will need special approval to export products intended for use by state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company, Ltd., according to a statement.

The firm is nearing completion of substantial production capacity for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits, likely to be based on US-technology.

However, that production "threatens the long term economic viability of US suppliers of these essential components of US military systems," the Commerce Department said.

"When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

He said the export restrictions would limit Jinhua's "ability to threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems."

China established Jinhua in February 2016 in a bid to make its own home-produced chips, with the firm investing 37 billion yuan ($5.6 billion) that year to build a production line.

Semiconductors are among China's biggest imports, rivaling oil, and have become a stark reminder of its dependence on US technology.

Earlier this year, Washington banned Chinese telecom and smartphone giant ZTE from purchasing crucial US components for seven years, threatening its survival, as punishment for breaking US export controls.

In a politically charged settlement, Washington then allowed ZTE to resume imports under tough conditions.

The US Commerce Department on Monday targeted a Chinese tech company with restrictions to cut off access to US technology, saying the firm could harm US security.

The US Commerce Department on Monday targeted a Chinese tech company with restrictions to cut off access to US technology, saying the firm could harm US security. President Donald Trump has painted China as an economic threat to the United States and American companies and based his aggressive tariff strategy on the goal of preventing the country from becoming dominant in key technology sectors. The new restrictions mean US firms will need special approval to export products intended for use by state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company, Ltd., according to a statement. The firm is nearing completion of substantial production capacity for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits, likely to be based on US-technology. However, that production "threatens the long term economic viability of US suppliers of these essential components of US military systems," the Commerce Department said. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. He said the export restrictions would limit Jinhua's "ability to threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems." China established Jinhua in February 2016 in a bid to make its own home-produced chips, with the firm investing 37 billion yuan ($5.6 billion) that year to build a production line. Semiconductors are among China's biggest imports, rivaling oil, and have become a stark reminder of its dependence on US technology. Earlier this year, Washington banned Chinese telecom and smartphone giant ZTE from purchasing crucial US components for seven years, threatening its survival, as punishment for breaking US export controls. In a politically charged settlement, Washington then allowed ZTE to resume imports under tough conditions.

US imposes restrictions on Chinese tech firm

Shortly after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced in May he would reimpose sanctions on Iran, the State Department began telling countries around the world the clock was ticking for them to cut oil purchases from the Islamic Republic to zero.

The strategy is meant to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions, but this time, its ballistic missile program and its influence in Syria.

With just days to go before renewed sanctions take effect November&nbsp;5, the reality is setting in: three of Iran’s top five customers – India, China, and Turkey - are resisting Washington’s call to end purchases outright, arguing there are not sufficient supplies worldwide to replace them, according to sources familiar with the matter.

That pressure, along with worries of a damaging oil price spike, is putting the Trump administration’s hard line to the test and raising the possibility of bilateral deals to allow some buying to continue, according to the sources.

The tension has split the administration into two camps, one led by National Security Adviser John Bolton, who wants the toughest possible approach, and another by State Department officials keen to balance sanctions against preventing an oil price spike that could damage the US&nbsp;and its allies, according to a source briefed by administration officials on the matter.

The global price of oil peaked just below US $87 a barrel this month, a four-year high. Because of that concern, the source said, the administration is considering limited waivers for some Iranian customers until Russia and Saudi Arabia add additional supply next year, while limiting what Tehran can do with the proceeds in the meantime.

Revenues from sales could be escrowed for use by Tehran exclusively for humanitarian purposes, the source, who asked not to be named, said – a mechanism more stringent than a similar one imposed on Iran oil purchases during the last round of sanctions under US&nbsp;President Barack Obama.

“If you’re the administration, you’d like to ensure you don’t have a spike in the price. So, you are better off from mid-2019 onwards to aggressively enforce the barrels side of reducing to zero and in the interim aggressively enforcing the revenue side,” the source said.

Such concessions could be problematic for the White House as it seeks stricter terms than under Obama, who along with European allies imposed sanctions that led to an agreement limiting Iran's nuclear weapons development.

The State Department declined comment for this story, but the administration has confirmed Washington is considering waivers. US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Reuters that countries will first have to reduce purchases of Iran’s oil by more than the 20 percent level they did under the previous sanctions.

'A BIT UNPREDICTABLE'

US&nbsp;Treasury and State Department teams have traveled to more than two dozen countries since Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal on&nbsp;May 8, warning companies and countries of the dangers of doing business with Iran.

US&nbsp;allies Japan and South Korea have already ceased importing Iran's crude. But the situation is less clear among other, bigger buyers.

Brian Hook, the State Department’s special representative for Iran, and Frank Fannon, State's top US&nbsp;energy diplomat, most recently met with officials in India, Iran’s No. 2 buyer, in mid-October after a US&nbsp;source said for the first time that the administration was actively considering waivers.

An Indian&nbsp;government source said India told the US&nbsp;delegation that rising energy costs caused by a weak rupee and high oil prices meant zeroing out Iranian purchases was impossible until at least March.

“We have told this to the United States, as well as during Brian Hook’s visit,” the source said. “We cannot end oil imports from Iran at a time when alternatives are costly.”

A US&nbsp;diplomat confirmed the discussions, saying limited waivers for India and other countries was possible.

India typically imports over 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian oil, but has reduced that level in recent months, according to official data.

Discussions are also underway with Turkey, Iran’s fourth biggest crude buyer, even though Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish ministers have openly criticized the sanctions.

An industry source in Turkey familiar with the talks told Reuters the country had cut Iranian imports in half already, and could get to zero, but would prefer to continue some purchases.

Obama's administration granted a six-month waiver to Turkey, but the source said Turkey expected the Trump administration to impose tougher requirements for obtaining waivers that could potentially cover shorter periods.

“It could be for three months, or they may not get a waiver at all. It is all a bit unpredictable this time, as we understand a lot of things are up to Trump,” the source said.

The situation is least clear in China, Iran’s biggest customer, whose state-owned buyers are also seeking waivers. The country took in between 500,000 and 800,000 bpd from Iran in the past several months, a typical range.

Beijing's signals to its refiners have been mixed, said the two sources. Last week, Reuters reported Sinopec Group and&nbsp;China&nbsp;National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the country's top state-owned refiners, have not placed orders for Iranian&nbsp;oil&nbsp;for November because of concerns about the sanctions.

Joe McMonigle, energy analyst at Hedgeye in Washington, said he expected the administration would have to accept some level of Iranian oil buying from China, given its consumption.

“Of all the countries, I don’t think they think China is going to zero,” he said.

US&nbsp;State Department's Fannon is scheduled to travel to Asia in coming days, with a speech in Singapore planned for Oct. 30; an official did not say if Fannon would use the trip to discuss Iran with China.

Shortly after US President Donald Trump announced in May he would reimpose sanctions on Iran, the State Department began telling countries around the world the clock was ticking for them to cut oil purchases from the Islamic Republic to zero.

Shortly after US President Donald Trump announced in May he would reimpose sanctions on Iran, the State Department began telling countries around the world the clock was ticking for them to cut oil purchases from the Islamic Republic to zero. The strategy is meant to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions, but this time, its ballistic missile program and its influence in Syria. With just days to go before renewed sanctions take effect November 5, the reality is setting in: three of Iran’s top five customers – India, China, and Turkey - are resisting Washington’s call to end purchases outright, arguing there are not sufficient supplies worldwide to replace them, according to sources familiar with the matter. That pressure, along with worries of a damaging oil price spike, is putting the Trump administration’s hard line to the test and raising the possibility of bilateral deals to allow some buying to continue, according to the sources. The tension has split the administration into two camps, one led by National Security Adviser John Bolton, who wants the toughest possible approach, and another by State Department officials keen to balance sanctions against preventing an oil price spike that could damage the US and its allies, according to a source briefed by administration officials on the matter. The global price of oil peaked just below US $87 a barrel this month, a four-year high. Because of that concern, the source said, the administration is considering limited waivers for some Iranian customers until Russia and Saudi Arabia add additional supply next year, while limiting what Tehran can do with the proceeds in the meantime. Revenues from sales could be escrowed for use by Tehran exclusively for humanitarian purposes, the source, who asked not to be named, said – a mechanism more stringent than a similar one imposed on Iran oil purchases during the last round of sanctions under US President Barack Obama. “If you’re the administration, you’d like to ensure you don’t have a spike in the price. So, you are better off from mid-2019 onwards to aggressively enforce the barrels side of reducing to zero and in the interim aggressively enforcing the revenue side,” the source said. Such concessions could be problematic for the White House as it seeks stricter terms than under Obama, who along with European allies imposed sanctions that led to an agreement limiting Iran's nuclear weapons development. The State Department declined comment for this story, but the administration has confirmed Washington is considering waivers. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Reuters that countries will first have to reduce purchases of Iran’s oil by more than the 20 percent level they did under the previous sanctions. 'A BIT UNPREDICTABLE' US Treasury and State Department teams have traveled to more than two dozen countries since Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal on May 8, warning companies and countries of the dangers of doing business with Iran. US allies Japan and South Korea have already ceased importing Iran's crude. But the situation is less clear among other, bigger buyers. Brian Hook, the State Department’s special representative for Iran, and Frank Fannon, State's top US energy diplomat, most recently met with officials in India, Iran’s No. 2 buyer, in mid-October after a US source said for the first time that the administration was actively considering waivers. An Indian government source said India told the US delegation that rising energy costs caused by a weak rupee and high oil prices meant zeroing out Iranian purchases was impossible until at least March. “We have told this to the United States, as well as during Brian Hook’s visit,” the source said. “We cannot end oil imports from Iran at a time when alternatives are costly.” A US diplomat confirmed the discussions, saying limited waivers for India and other countries was possible. India typically imports over 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian oil, but has reduced that level in recent months, according to official data. Discussions are also underway with Turkey, Iran’s fourth biggest crude buyer, even though Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish ministers have openly criticized the sanctions. An industry source in Turkey familiar with the talks told Reuters the country had cut Iranian imports in half already, and could get to zero, but would prefer to continue some purchases. Obama's administration granted a six-month waiver to Turkey, but the source said Turkey expected the Trump administration to impose tougher requirements for obtaining waivers that could potentially cover shorter periods. “It could be for three months, or they may not get a waiver at all. It is all a bit unpredictable this time, as we understand a lot of things are up to Trump,” the source said. The situation is least clear in China, Iran’s biggest customer, whose state-owned buyers are also seeking waivers. The country took in between 500,000 and 800,000 bpd from Iran in the past several months, a typical range. Beijing's signals to its refiners have been mixed, said the two sources. Last week, Reuters reported Sinopec Group and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the country's top state-owned refiners, have not placed orders for Iranian oil for November because of concerns about the sanctions. Joe McMonigle, energy analyst at Hedgeye in Washington, said he expected the administration would have to accept some level of Iranian oil buying from China, given its consumption. “Of all the countries, I don’t think they think China is going to zero,” he said. US State Department's Fannon is scheduled to travel to Asia in coming days, with a speech in Singapore planned for Oct. 30; an official did not say if Fannon would use the trip to discuss Iran with China.

Trump's Iran sanctions resolve faces test from oil-thirsty China, India

A new group of migrants gathered and left from the capital of El Salvador on Sunday, headed for the United States after thousands of other Central Americans began similar journeys in recent weeks, angering US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

The group of more than 300 Salvadorans that left San Salvador on Sunday came together after thousands of Hondurans in mid-October left their country in a large group, becoming an international news story and a key issue in the US&nbsp;congressional elections.

A second group of Hondurans was moving through Guatemala last week, and at one point numbered more than 1,000 people before beginning to fragment.

Trump and his fellow Republicans have sought to make immigration a major issue before the Nov. 6 elections, in which the party is battling to keep control of Congress.

The Salvadoran migrants organized using social networks like Facebook and WhatsApp over the last couple of weeks, inspired by the group of mostly Hondurans currently crossing Mexico.

Salvadoran police traveled with the group on Sunday as they left San Salvador, the migrants carrying backpacks and water bottles and protecting themselves from the hot sun with hats. Some mothers pushed their children in strollers.

Several migrants, gathered by the capital's 'Savior of the World' statue before leaving, said they were headed to the United States.

"We're asking the all-powerful to look after us, to guide us, to free us from all that is bad," shouted Hernan Quinteros, 49, a driver who urged his fellow travelers to tie up their shoes ahead of the long trip.

El Salvador's left-wing government said it had solidarity with the migrants and respected their right to mobilize, but urged them not to risk their lives on the way.

A new group of migrants gathered and left from the capital of El Salvador on Sunday, headed for the United States after thousands of other Central Americans began similar journeys in recent weeks, angering US President Donald Trump.

A new group of migrants gathered and left from the capital of El Salvador on Sunday, headed for the United States after thousands of other Central Americans began similar journeys in recent weeks, angering US President Donald Trump. The group of more than 300 Salvadorans that left San Salvador on Sunday came together after thousands of Hondurans in mid-October left their country in a large group, becoming an international news story and a key issue in the US congressional elections. A second group of Hondurans was moving through Guatemala last week, and at one point numbered more than 1,000 people before beginning to fragment. Trump and his fellow Republicans have sought to make immigration a major issue before the Nov. 6 elections, in which the party is battling to keep control of Congress. The Salvadoran migrants organized using social networks like Facebook and WhatsApp over the last couple of weeks, inspired by the group of mostly Hondurans currently crossing Mexico. Salvadoran police traveled with the group on Sunday as they left San Salvador, the migrants carrying backpacks and water bottles and protecting themselves from the hot sun with hats. Some mothers pushed their children in strollers. Several migrants, gathered by the capital's 'Savior of the World' statue before leaving, said they were headed to the United States. "We're asking the all-powerful to look after us, to guide us, to free us from all that is bad," shouted Hernan Quinteros, 49, a driver who urged his fellow travelers to tie up their shoes ahead of the long trip. El Salvador's left-wing government said it had solidarity with the migrants and respected their right to mobilize, but urged them not to risk their lives on the way.

New US-bound group of migrants leaves San Salvador

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-lion-air-passenger-plane-goes-missing-official-174088">Indonesia: Lion Air plane with 188 on board goes missing</a>

An Indonesian Lion Air passenger plane has gone missing. The plane went missing 13 minutes after it took off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta.&nbsp;

The plane was flying to Pangkal Pinang. There were 188 people on board.&nbsp;

"It’s true that Lion Air JT 610 has lost contact. We have forwarded the information to search and rescue teams," AFP quoted AirNav Indonesia spokesman Yohanes Harry Douglas as saying.

Reuters meanwhile is reporting that the plane has crashed into the sea off the coast of Sumatra.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/far-right-jair-bolsonaro-wins-brazil-presidential-race-174068">Far-right Jair Bolsonaro wins Brazil elections; he has been called the 'Trump of Brazil'</a>

Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday (October 28), riding a wave of frustration over corruption and crime that brought a dramatic swing to the right in the world's fourth-largest democracy.

With 94 per cent of ballots counted, Bolsonaro had 56 per cent of the votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT), who had 44 per cent, according to the electoral authority TSE.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/thai-owner-of-leicester-city-was-killed-in-helicopter-crash-174067">Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha pronounced dead in helicopter crash</a>

Leicester City FC has confirmed that the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was died in the helicopter which crashed outside team's stadium shortly after it took off on Saturday.

"It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium," the club said in a statement.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-turns-violent-as-one-killed-at-ex-ministers-office-174097">Sri Lanka crisis turns violent as 1 killed at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-turns-violent-as-one-killed-at-ex-ministers-office-174097">ex-minister's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-turns-violent-as-one-killed-at-ex-ministers-office-174097"> office</a>

A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place.

Sri Lanka has been plunged into crisis since Friday, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister to replace him.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-unlikely-to-honour-indias-invite-for-republic-day-celebrations-174076">Trump unlikely to accept India's Republic Day invite: Sources</a>

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday.

The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

 
&nbsp;

Indonesia: Lion Air plane with 188 on board goes missing An Indonesian Lion Air passenger plane has gone missing. The plane went missing 13 minutes after it took off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

Indonesia: Lion Air plane with 188 on board goes missing An Indonesian Lion Air passenger plane has gone missing. The plane went missing 13 minutes after it took off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The plane was flying to Pangkal Pinang. There were 188 people on board. "It’s true that Lion Air JT 610 has lost contact. We have forwarded the information to search and rescue teams," AFP quoted AirNav Indonesia spokesman Yohanes Harry Douglas as saying. Reuters meanwhile is reporting that the plane has crashed into the sea off the coast of Sumatra. Far-right Jair Bolsonaro wins Brazil elections; he has been called the 'Trump of Brazil' Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday (October 28), riding a wave of frustration over corruption and crime that brought a dramatic swing to the right in the world's fourth-largest democracy. With 94 per cent of ballots counted, Bolsonaro had 56 per cent of the votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT), who had 44 per cent, according to the electoral authority TSE. Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha pronounced dead in helicopter crash Leicester City FC has confirmed that the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was died in the helicopter which crashed outside team's stadium shortly after it took off on Saturday. "It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium," the club said in a statement. Sri Lanka crisis turns violent as 1 killed at ex-minister's office A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place. Sri Lanka has been plunged into crisis since Friday, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister to replace him. Trump unlikely to accept India's Republic Day invite: Sources US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday. The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-trumps-trade-target-169316&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjU3NDDuqreAhUEMY8KHa82AcYQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1bvPXN4_cJ8MLWg4EvlEDg">India's invitation</a> to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday.

The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

This comes at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-set-ink-s-400-defence-deal-during-india-visit-us-warns-against-missile-pact-169213">deal with Russia </a>to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two-three heads of states for extending invitation to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

Earlier this year, the US announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016.&nbsp;

Under CAATSA, the US can punish entities and governments engaged in a transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.

India and the US were in touch with each other over New Delhi's invite to Trump to visit the country.

The sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored.

In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet.

"I know that the invitation has been extended, but I do not believe that a final decision has been made," Sanders had told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017.

Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations.

In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. 
This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations.

In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014.

The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday. The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday. The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. This comes at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two-three heads of states for extending invitation to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade. Earlier this year, the US announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016. Under CAATSA, the US can punish entities and governments engaged in a transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. India and the US were in touch with each other over New Delhi's invite to Trump to visit the country. The sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored. In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "I know that the invitation has been extended, but I do not believe that a final decision has been made," Sanders had told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.

Trump unlikely to accept India's Republic Day invite: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/synagogue-gunman-kills-11-in-americas-worst-anti-semitic-attack-173906">US: 11 dead after heavily-armed gunman attacks synagogue</a>

A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/helicopter-owned-by-leicester-citys-chairman-crashes-173903">Leicester City owner's helicopter crashes in club's car park</a>

A helicopter belonging to Thai tycoon Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed on Saturday near the stadium of his UK football club Leicester City.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-synagogue-shooting-has-little-to-do-with-gun-laws-173917">Trump says US synagogue shooting has little to do with gun laws</a>

President Donald Trump told reporters that the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue earlier on Saturday had little to do with gun laws and that the killings might have been prevented if there was an armed guard inside the building.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922">Migrant caravan presses on towards </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922"> despite </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922">offer</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922"> of jobs from Mexico</a>

A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through southern Mexico on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has angered US President Donald Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-price-drop-by-40-paise-in-delhi-39-in-mumbai-173923">Petrol prices drop by 40 paise in Delhi, 39 in Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices declined for the eleventh consecutive day on Sunday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 80.05 per litre, while that of diesel to Rs 74.05 per litre.

US: 11 dead after heavily-armed gunman attacks synagogue A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history.

US: 11 dead after heavily-armed gunman attacks synagogue A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history. Leicester City owner's helicopter crashes in club's car park A helicopter belonging to Thai tycoon Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed on Saturday near the stadium of his UK football club Leicester City. Trump says US synagogue shooting has little to do with gun laws President Donald Trump told reporters that the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue earlier on Saturday had little to do with gun laws and that the killings might have been prevented if there was an armed guard inside the building. Migrant caravan presses on towards US despite offer of jobs from Mexico A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through southern Mexico on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has angered US President Donald Trump. Petrol prices drop by 40 paise in Delhi, 39 in Mumbai Fuel prices declined for the eleventh consecutive day on Sunday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 80.05 per litre, while that of diesel to Rs 74.05 per litre.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-man-charged-in-connection-with-14-bombs-sent-to-trump-critics-173730">US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics</a>

A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections.

Cesar Sayoc, 56, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was born in New York and lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. He was arrested outside a Florida mall.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-political-tension-us-urges-sri-lankan-parties-to-follow-constitution-173736">Follow Constitution, US tells Sri Lanka after PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is sacked</a>

The United States urged political parties in Sri Lanka on Friday to abide by the Constitution and refrain from violence, as the latter country faces a constitutional crisis after its president ousted the prime minister.

Controversial Sri Lankan strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a dramatic political comeback on Friday, becoming the new prime minister after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked premier Ranil Wickremesinghe who termed the move as "unconstitutional" and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-shishir-hattangadi-ready-to-testify-against-bcci-ceo-rahul-johri-173748">#MeToo: Ex-Mumbai captain ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri</a>

Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi has said he is ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri who has accused of sexual misconduct.

In a tweet on Friday, Hattangadi said he would assist the BCCI in the Rahul Johri case. Hattangadi said he was exercising his responsibility as a former captain.

He also tweeted that individuals cannot be above the game.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-stuff-slowing-republican-momentum-at-polls-trump-173741">'Bomb stuff' slowing Republican momentum at polls: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that news coverage of the pipe bombs targeting high-profile Democratic politicians and critics of the president had drowned out other stories and slowed Republican momentum ahead of congressional elections.

"Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this 'Bomb' stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows - news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on," Trump wrote on Twitter as he urged Republicans to get out to vote.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746">US Defence Secretary Mattis approves </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746">request</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746"> to send </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-mattis-approves-request-to-send-army-to-mexico-border-173746"> to Mexico border</a>

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Friday approved a request to send troops and military assistance to the US-Mexico border -- part of President Donald Trump's effort to slow illegal crossings in the run-up to key elections.

A Pentagon statement said the support would come in the form of logistical and engineering assistance, including the construction of "temporary barriers, barricades and fencing." 
 
&nbsp;

US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections.

US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections. Cesar Sayoc, 56, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was born in New York and lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. He was arrested outside a Florida mall. Follow Constitution, US tells Sri Lanka after PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is sacked The United States urged political parties in Sri Lanka on Friday to abide by the Constitution and refrain from violence, as the latter country faces a constitutional crisis after its president ousted the prime minister. Controversial Sri Lankan strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a dramatic political comeback on Friday, becoming the new prime minister after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked premier Ranil Wickremesinghe who termed the move as "unconstitutional" and vowed to prove his majority in Parliament. #MeToo: Ex-Mumbai captain ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi has said he is ready to testify against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri who has accused of sexual misconduct. In a tweet on Friday, Hattangadi said he would assist the BCCI in the Rahul Johri case. Hattangadi said he was exercising his responsibility as a former captain. He also tweeted that individuals cannot be above the game. 'Bomb stuff' slowing Republican momentum at polls: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Friday that news coverage of the pipe bombs targeting high-profile Democratic politicians and critics of the president had drowned out other stories and slowed Republican momentum ahead of congressional elections. "Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this 'Bomb' stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows - news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on," Trump wrote on Twitter as he urged Republicans to get out to vote. US Defence Secretary Mattis approves request to send army to Mexico border Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Friday approved a request to send troops and military assistance to the US-Mexico border -- part of President Donald Trump's effort to slow illegal crossings in the run-up to key elections. A Pentagon statement said the support would come in the form of logistical and engineering assistance, including the construction of "temporary barriers, barricades and fencing."

A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections.

Cesar Sayoc, 56, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was born in New York and lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. He was arrested outside a Florida mall.

The van was impounded and Sayoc charged with five federal crimes, including mailing of explosives and threats against former presidents, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced.

If put on trial and convicted, he faces up to 48 years in prison in what politicians on both sides of the aisle have condemned as domestic terrorism.

"We do believe that we've caught the right guy but... there's a lot of work still to be done, which means there are still plenty of unanswered questions," FBI director Christopher Wray told a news conference.

The 13 bombs were sent through the mail, many of them through a US Postal Service processing centre in Florida, and Sayoc was tracked down based on fingerprint and possible DNA evidence, agents said.

The Republican president congratulated law enforcement for what he called a "fantastic job."

Speaking before his supporters at a North Carolina campaign rally later Friday, Trump called the attempted attacks "terrorist actions" that must be punished "to the fullest extent of the law."

"Political violence must never ever be allowed in America and I will do everything in my power to stop it."

In southern Florida, FBI agents and police swarmed the strip mall in Plantation, where an AFP photographer saw a van covered in blue tarpaulin loaded onto a truck by authorities and driven away.

Trump denies blame 
Sayoc is accused of mailing explosives to 11 prominent Democrats or liberal critics of the president, including former president Barack Obama and Trump's opponent in the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton.

The other targets were ex vice president Joe Biden, Hollywood star Robert De Niro, billionaire donor George Soros, former CIA director John Brennan, former intelligence chief James Clapper, former attorney general Eric Holder, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris.

Waters and Biden were each sent two packages. All the targets are loathed by Trump supporters for their public opposition to the US president and for being the recipients of his toxic remarks in the past.

The president acknowledged the suspect's political allegiance, but denied any responsibility that his incendiary rhetoric could have played a role in motivating the spree.

"I heard he was a person that preferred me over others," he told reporters. "There is no blame," he insisted, despite being hounded by political opponents for his response to the crisis in which he lashed out at the media.

"The media has been unbelievably unfair to Republicans, conservatives, and certainly to me," he said Friday. "But with all of that being said, we're winning. So I like that."

Asked about the role that rhetoric could have played, the FBI demurred.

"It's too early at this stage for us to be discussing motivation in this particular case," Wray told reporters in Washington.&nbsp;

A laywer for the suspect's family, Ron Lowy, told CNN that Sayoc prior "had no interest in politics," and that he was more into "bodybuilding, nightclub events."

US media reported Sayoc had once danced as a male stripper, and The New York Daily News quoted an event promoter as saying the suspect would dance at strip clubs and ran a show called "Girls Night Out."

"It is my opinion that he was attracted to the Trump formula of reaching out," lawyer Lowy said. "Trump reaching out to these types of outsiders, people who don't fit in, telling them they have a place at the table."

Each of the homemade bombs included six inches of PVC pipe, a small clock, a battery, wiring and energetic material, defined by Wray as potentially explosive.

The first package was intercepted Monday at Soros's Bedford, New York home. The most recent ones on Friday in California, Florida and New York.

Obama marked with red X 
The Clapper and Brennan packages were marked care of CNN, a television network often critical of the administration and long provoking Trump's ire.

Trump has come under fire for his response to the spree, which politicians on all sides have branded domestic terrorism, stretching from New York, Maryland, Florida, Delaware and Los Angeles.

On Friday, shortly before news of the arrest broke, he complained that the packages were slowing momentum for his Republican Party ahead of the November 6 elections, remarks that enraged his opponents.

Double Oscar winner and biting Trump critic De Niro on Friday urged people to vote in the midterms, one day after a device was discovered at the Manhattan offices of his production company.

"I thank God no one's been hurt, and I thank the brave and resourceful security and law enforcement people for protecting us," he said. "There's something more powerful than bombs, and that's your vote. People MUST vote!"

The packages were sent in manila envelopes lined with bubble wrap, each stamped with six postage stamps bearing the picture of an American flag.

Each envelope listed Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, as the sender, and misspelt Florida as "Florids," according to the criminal complaint.

The typed addresses included misspellings in Clinton, Obama and Waters's first names. The package destined for the former president included a photograph of Obama marked with a red X, according to the criminal complaint.

A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections.

A Florida fan of Donald Trump was arrested and charged Friday with mailing 13 bombs to opponents of the US president in a brazen, week-long spree that inflamed the country ahead of key elections. Cesar Sayoc, 56, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, was born in New York and lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. He was arrested outside a Florida mall. The van was impounded and Sayoc charged with five federal crimes, including mailing of explosives and threats against former presidents, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced. If put on trial and convicted, he faces up to 48 years in prison in what politicians on both sides of the aisle have condemned as domestic terrorism. "We do believe that we've caught the right guy but... there's a lot of work still to be done, which means there are still plenty of unanswered questions," FBI director Christopher Wray told a news conference. The 13 bombs were sent through the mail, many of them through a US Postal Service processing centre in Florida, and Sayoc was tracked down based on fingerprint and possible DNA evidence, agents said. The Republican president congratulated law enforcement for what he called a "fantastic job." Speaking before his supporters at a North Carolina campaign rally later Friday, Trump called the attempted attacks "terrorist actions" that must be punished "to the fullest extent of the law." "Political violence must never ever be allowed in America and I will do everything in my power to stop it." In southern Florida, FBI agents and police swarmed the strip mall in Plantation, where an AFP photographer saw a van covered in blue tarpaulin loaded onto a truck by authorities and driven away. Trump denies blame Sayoc is accused of mailing explosives to 11 prominent Democrats or liberal critics of the president, including former president Barack Obama and Trump's opponent in the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton. The other targets were ex vice president Joe Biden, Hollywood star Robert De Niro, billionaire donor George Soros, former CIA director John Brennan, former intelligence chief James Clapper, former attorney general Eric Holder, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris. Waters and Biden were each sent two packages. All the targets are loathed by Trump supporters for their public opposition to the US president and for being the recipients of his toxic remarks in the past. The president acknowledged the suspect's political allegiance, but denied any responsibility that his incendiary rhetoric could have played a role in motivating the spree. "I heard he was a person that preferred me over others," he told reporters. "There is no blame," he insisted, despite being hounded by political opponents for his response to the crisis in which he lashed out at the media. "The media has been unbelievably unfair to Republicans, conservatives, and certainly to me," he said Friday. "But with all of that being said, we're winning. So I like that." Asked about the role that rhetoric could have played, the FBI demurred. "It's too early at this stage for us to be discussing motivation in this particular case," Wray told reporters in Washington. A laywer for the suspect's family, Ron Lowy, told CNN that Sayoc prior "had no interest in politics," and that he was more into "bodybuilding, nightclub events." US media reported Sayoc had once danced as a male stripper, and The New York Daily News quoted an event promoter as saying the suspect would dance at strip clubs and ran a show called "Girls Night Out." "It is my opinion that he was attracted to the Trump formula of reaching out," lawyer Lowy said. "Trump reaching out to these types of outsiders, people who don't fit in, telling them they have a place at the table." Each of the homemade bombs included six inches of PVC pipe, a small clock, a battery, wiring and energetic material, defined by Wray as potentially explosive. The first package was intercepted Monday at Soros's Bedford, New York home. The most recent ones on Friday in California, Florida and New York. Obama marked with red X The Clapper and Brennan packages were marked care of CNN, a television network often critical of the administration and long provoking Trump's ire. Trump has come under fire for his response to the spree, which politicians on all sides have branded domestic terrorism, stretching from New York, Maryland, Florida, Delaware and Los Angeles. On Friday, shortly before news of the arrest broke, he complained that the packages were slowing momentum for his Republican Party ahead of the November 6 elections, remarks that enraged his opponents. Double Oscar winner and biting Trump critic De Niro on Friday urged people to vote in the midterms, one day after a device was discovered at the Manhattan offices of his production company. "I thank God no one's been hurt, and I thank the brave and resourceful security and law enforcement people for protecting us," he said. "There's something more powerful than bombs, and that's your vote. People MUST vote!" The packages were sent in manila envelopes lined with bubble wrap, each stamped with six postage stamps bearing the picture of an American flag. Each envelope listed Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, as the sender, and misspelt Florida as "Florids," according to the criminal complaint. The typed addresses included misspellings in Clinton, Obama and Waters's first names. The package destined for the former president included a photograph of Obama marked with a red X, according to the criminal complaint.

US: Florida man charged with mailing 13 bombs to Trump critics

Turkish prosecutors have prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects from Saudi Arabia in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, authorities said on Friday, after President Tayyip Erdogan urged Riyadh to disclose who ordered the murder.

Erdogan has in recent days stepped up pressure on Saudi Arabia to come clean in the case, and Western governments have also voiced increasing scepticism, pitching the world's top oil exporter and a pivotal Middle East ally into a worsening crisis.

Erdogan said Turkey had more information than it had shared so far about the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi national and Washington Post columnist who was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct.2.

Khashoggi, who lived in the United States, was a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler.

Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor on Thursday said the killing of Khashoggi was premeditated, contradicting a previous official statement that it happened accidentally during a tussle in the consulate. Riyadh's numerous shifting accounts of the killing have undermined Prince Mohammed's stance in the West.

Turkish prosecutors seeking the extradition accuse the 18 of "murder by premeditation, monstrous intent or by torture". Riyadh previously arrested the 18 as part of its investigation into the case. Those include a 15-man security team that Turkey says flew in hours before the killing and carried it out.

"Who gave this order?" Erdogan said in a speech to members of his AK Party in Ankara. "Who gave the order for 15 people to come to Turkey?" he said.

Saudi officials initially denied having anything to do with Khashoggi's disappearance after he entered the consulate, which he had visited to obtain paperwork for a planned marriage.

"The reasoning behind the extradition request is that Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in Turkey by Saudi nationals who travelled to Turkey for this specific purpose," a senior Turkish official said.

"It is clear that the judicial system in Turkey is better equipped to genuinely serve the cause of justice in this case."

Saudi Arabia has also sacked five senior government officials as part of the investigation.

Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, said she did not accept an invitation from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, the kingdom's staunchest Western champion, to visit the White House after Khashoggi's murder because she thought it was aimed at influencing public opinion in his own favour.

In her first television interview since the killing, Cengiz recounted the events leading up to their visit to the consulate on October&nbsp;2 where Khashoggi handed her his two mobile phones and went inside while she waited outside for him to emerge.

"Trump invited me to the United States but I perceived it as a statement to win public favour," Cengiz told broadcaster Haberturk, pausing at times during an interview and more than once breaking down in tears.

Trump and Prince Mohammed have cultivated warm ties though the US&nbsp;president said earlier this week that the crown prince, as the kingdom's de facto ruler, bore ultimate responsibility for the operation against Khashoggi. Trump also said Riyadh had staged the "worst cover-up ever" over the killing.

Cengiz said Khashoggi was concerned tensions would arise when he visited the consulate for the first time on Sept. 28, but he was treated well at that visit, which appeared to reassure him, she said.

"He thought Turkey is a safe country and if he would be held or interrogated, this issue would be swiftly solved," she said.

How Western allies deal with Riyadh will hinge on the extent to which they believe responsibility for Khashoggi's death lies directly with Prince Mohammed and the Saudi authorities.

Prince Mohammed, who casts himself as a reformer, has said the killers will be brought to justice.

Erdogan said he had spoken with Prince Mohammed. "I also told the crown prince. I said, 'You know how to make people talk. Whatever happened between these 18 people, this dodgy business is among them. If you are determined to lift suspicion, then the key point of our cooperation is these 18 people.'"

Turkish officials suspect Saudi agents killed Khashoggi, 59, inside the consulate and dismembered him. Turkish sources say authorities have an audio recording documenting the murder.

U. CIA Director Gina Haspel heard the audio during a visit to Turkey this week, sources told Reuters, and has briefed Trump about Turkey's findings and her discussions.

Saudi state television quoted the Saudi public prosecutor on Thursday as saying Riyadh was interrogating suspects on the basis of information given by a joint Saudi-Turkish task force.

Many Saudis have been shocked by Riyadh's admission after two weeks of denials and condemnation of foreign news reports.

On Friday, authorities tried to stem the domestic fallout, instructing mosque preachers to focus sermons on "the fierce and unjust onslaught targeting the country", according to a directive seen by Reuters that did not specifically mention the Khashoggi murder.

One Riyadh cleric warned worshippers against repeating reports from TV or social media "without contemplating the danger of this news", adding that "most of them are lies".

Turkish prosecutors have prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects from Saudi Arabia in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, authorities said on Friday, after President Tayyip Erdogan urged Riyadh to disclose who ordered the murder.

Turkish prosecutors have prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects from Saudi Arabia in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, authorities said on Friday, after President Tayyip Erdogan urged Riyadh to disclose who ordered the murder. Erdogan has in recent days stepped up pressure on Saudi Arabia to come clean in the case, and Western governments have also voiced increasing scepticism, pitching the world's top oil exporter and a pivotal Middle East ally into a worsening crisis. Erdogan said Turkey had more information than it had shared so far about the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi national and Washington Post columnist who was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct.2. Khashoggi, who lived in the United States, was a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor on Thursday said the killing of Khashoggi was premeditated, contradicting a previous official statement that it happened accidentally during a tussle in the consulate. Riyadh's numerous shifting accounts of the killing have undermined Prince Mohammed's stance in the West. Turkish prosecutors seeking the extradition accuse the 18 of "murder by premeditation, monstrous intent or by torture". Riyadh previously arrested the 18 as part of its investigation into the case. Those include a 15-man security team that Turkey says flew in hours before the killing and carried it out. "Who gave this order?" Erdogan said in a speech to members of his AK Party in Ankara. "Who gave the order for 15 people to come to Turkey?" he said. Saudi officials initially denied having anything to do with Khashoggi's disappearance after he entered the consulate, which he had visited to obtain paperwork for a planned marriage. "The reasoning behind the extradition request is that Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in Turkey by Saudi nationals who travelled to Turkey for this specific purpose," a senior Turkish official said. "It is clear that the judicial system in Turkey is better equipped to genuinely serve the cause of justice in this case." Saudi Arabia has also sacked five senior government officials as part of the investigation. Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, said she did not accept an invitation from US President Donald Trump, the kingdom's staunchest Western champion, to visit the White House after Khashoggi's murder because she thought it was aimed at influencing public opinion in his own favour. In her first television interview since the killing, Cengiz recounted the events leading up to their visit to the consulate on October 2 where Khashoggi handed her his two mobile phones and went inside while she waited outside for him to emerge. "Trump invited me to the United States but I perceived it as a statement to win public favour," Cengiz told broadcaster Haberturk, pausing at times during an interview and more than once breaking down in tears. Trump and Prince Mohammed have cultivated warm ties though the US president said earlier this week that the crown prince, as the kingdom's de facto ruler, bore ultimate responsibility for the operation against Khashoggi. Trump also said Riyadh had staged the "worst cover-up ever" over the killing. Cengiz said Khashoggi was concerned tensions would arise when he visited the consulate for the first time on Sept. 28, but he was treated well at that visit, which appeared to reassure him, she said. "He thought Turkey is a safe country and if he would be held or interrogated, this issue would be swiftly solved," she said. How Western allies deal with Riyadh will hinge on the extent to which they believe responsibility for Khashoggi's death lies directly with Prince Mohammed and the Saudi authorities. Prince Mohammed, who casts himself as a reformer, has said the killers will be brought to justice. Erdogan said he had spoken with Prince Mohammed. "I also told the crown prince. I said, 'You know how to make people talk. Whatever happened between these 18 people, this dodgy business is among them. If you are determined to lift suspicion, then the key point of our cooperation is these 18 people.'" Turkish officials suspect Saudi agents killed Khashoggi, 59, inside the consulate and dismembered him. Turkish sources say authorities have an audio recording documenting the murder. U. CIA Director Gina Haspel heard the audio during a visit to Turkey this week, sources told Reuters, and has briefed Trump about Turkey's findings and her discussions. Saudi state television quoted the Saudi public prosecutor on Thursday as saying Riyadh was interrogating suspects on the basis of information given by a joint Saudi-Turkish task force. Many Saudis have been shocked by Riyadh's admission after two weeks of denials and condemnation of foreign news reports. On Friday, authorities tried to stem the domestic fallout, instructing mosque preachers to focus sermons on "the fierce and unjust onslaught targeting the country", according to a directive seen by Reuters that did not specifically mention the Khashoggi murder. One Riyadh cleric warned worshippers against repeating reports from TV or social media "without contemplating the danger of this news", adding that "most of them are lies".

Turkey demands extradition of 18 Saudis in Khashoggi case

President Donald Trump accused the US&nbsp;news media on Friday of using reporting on the suspect in least 14 bombs sent to some of his prominent critics to score political points against him.

Hours after a Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was arrested in Florida in the bomb case, Trump told a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that political violence must never be tolerated.

"I will do all I can to stop it," he said.

But any major attempt to heal political divisions was quickly set aside as Trump renewed attacks on his usual targets: the news media and his Democratic opponents.

"We have seen an effort by the media in recent hours to use the sinister actions of one individual to score political points against me and the Republican Party," Trump said.

Trump appeared to be commenting on cable news blanket coverage of the bomb case and how the people targeted are frequently criticized by the president.

Trump was in Charlotte campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the hotly contested November&nbsp;6 US&nbsp;congressional elections, with Republicans are trying to hang on to control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Some in the crowd on Friday quickly chimed in with a cry that is a familiar one at Trump's political rallies: "CNN sucks."

Trump paused while the CNN chant continued, then added: "And they do have a major role to play as far as tone. The media's constant unfair coverage ... and negative attacks only serve to drive people apart and to undermine healthy debate."

When Trump criticized Democrats, the crowd chanted "lock her up," a refrain from the Republican president's 2016 campaign when he called Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton "Crooked Hillary." Trump again referred to Clinton as "Crooked Hillary" on Friday night when he listed Democrats who supposedly had supported building a wall on the US&nbsp;border with Mexico.

Clinton was the target of one of the bombs sent this week, which was intercepted during a routine off-site mail screening.

"They're gonna be reporting about you tonight," Trump told the crowd in North Carolina.

Trump said Republicans did not try to seek political gain over the Democrats when a supporter of democratic socialist Bernie Sanders opened fire on congressional Republicans at a baseball field last year and severely wounded Representative Steve Scalise.

"We did not use that heinous attempt at mass murder for political gain because that would have been wrong. ... Nor do we blame the Democrat party every time radical leftists seize and destroy public property and unleash violence and mayhem," he said.

Trump made similar comments on Thursday, blaming the news media for stirring up anger and hateful political rhetoric as two more suspicious packages were discovered. In a post on Twitter he referred to "purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media."

Trump hinted earlier on Friday in a tweet that the news media's coverage of the bomb case was taking attention away from the midterm elections at a time when Republicans may be hitting their stride.

"Republicans all over the country, we're hot," Trump said in Charlotte. "We're hot and I don't think they’re going to cool us off. They try so hard. But I don't think that's going to happen."

President Donald Trump accused the US news media on Friday of using reporting on the suspect in least 14 bombs sent to some of his prominent critics to score political points against him.

President Donald Trump accused the US news media on Friday of using reporting on the suspect in least 14 bombs sent to some of his prominent critics to score political points against him. Hours after a Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was arrested in Florida in the bomb case, Trump told a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that political violence must never be tolerated. "I will do all I can to stop it," he said. But any major attempt to heal political divisions was quickly set aside as Trump renewed attacks on his usual targets: the news media and his Democratic opponents. "We have seen an effort by the media in recent hours to use the sinister actions of one individual to score political points against me and the Republican Party," Trump said. Trump appeared to be commenting on cable news blanket coverage of the bomb case and how the people targeted are frequently criticized by the president. Trump was in Charlotte campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the hotly contested November 6 US congressional elections, with Republicans are trying to hang on to control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Some in the crowd on Friday quickly chimed in with a cry that is a familiar one at Trump's political rallies: "CNN sucks." Trump paused while the CNN chant continued, then added: "And they do have a major role to play as far as tone. The media's constant unfair coverage ... and negative attacks only serve to drive people apart and to undermine healthy debate." When Trump criticized Democrats, the crowd chanted "lock her up," a refrain from the Republican president's 2016 campaign when he called Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton "Crooked Hillary." Trump again referred to Clinton as "Crooked Hillary" on Friday night when he listed Democrats who supposedly had supported building a wall on the US border with Mexico. Clinton was the target of one of the bombs sent this week, which was intercepted during a routine off-site mail screening. "They're gonna be reporting about you tonight," Trump told the crowd in North Carolina. Trump said Republicans did not try to seek political gain over the Democrats when a supporter of democratic socialist Bernie Sanders opened fire on congressional Republicans at a baseball field last year and severely wounded Representative Steve Scalise. "We did not use that heinous attempt at mass murder for political gain because that would have been wrong. ... Nor do we blame the Democrat party every time radical leftists seize and destroy public property and unleash violence and mayhem," he said. Trump made similar comments on Thursday, blaming the news media for stirring up anger and hateful political rhetoric as two more suspicious packages were discovered. In a post on Twitter he referred to "purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media." Trump hinted earlier on Friday in a tweet that the news media's coverage of the bomb case was taking attention away from the midterm elections at a time when Republicans may be hitting their stride. "Republicans all over the country, we're hot," Trump said in Charlotte. "We're hot and I don't think they’re going to cool us off. They try so hard. But I don't think that's going to happen."

Trump says media using bomb case to score political points against him

Taking a tough stand at the migrants heading towards the US from Central America, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that his country would not allow migrants&nbsp;to enter illegally.

Calling the situation as&nbsp;"National emergency", he asked the people to return back to their country and apply&nbsp;for citizenship of the United States.

"To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!", his tweet read.

A caravan of some 5,000 to 7,000 people, mostly from the three Latin American countries&nbsp;El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are heading towards America through Mexico to enter the country illegally.

The migrants include people who are seeking to escape violence, poverty and government corruption in their home countries.

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To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1055527191235227648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hours before his tweet, Trump had said that he was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bringing-out-the-military-to-protect-us-border-173423">deploying military on the Southern border</a> with Mexico to stop them from entering the United States illegally. He also described the situation as&nbsp;"national emergency".

He also hit out at the former US government saying that the people are taking the advantage of the "stupid" US policy of catch and release under which&nbsp;the immigrants are arrested immediately upon entering the border illegally and then released with the advice that they appear before the court for the next hearing, which at times is months away.

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Trump's administration had said Thursday that it would send 1,000 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border.

Although Trump's language in recent days has suggested the military might be directly involved in preventing the migrants from entering the United States, one official said the troops would engage only in logistics and infrastructure services, like setting up tents, and not law enforcement activities. 
There are currently 2,100 National Guard troops along the US border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Trump has taken a hard line toward immigration - legal and illegal - since becoming president.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking a tough stand at the migrants heading towards the US from Central America, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that his country would not allow migrants to enter illegally.

Taking a tough stand at the migrants heading towards the US from Central America, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that his country would not allow migrants to enter illegally. Calling the situation as "National emergency", he asked the people to return back to their country and apply for citizenship of the United States. "To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!", his tweet read. A caravan of some 5,000 to 7,000 people, mostly from the three Latin American countries El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are heading towards America through Mexico to enter the country illegally. The migrants include people who are seeking to escape violence, poverty and government corruption in their home countries. To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2018 × Hours before his tweet, Trump had said that he was deploying military on the Southern border with Mexico to stop them from entering the United States illegally. He also described the situation as "national emergency". He also hit out at the former US government saying that the people are taking the advantage of the "stupid" US policy of catch and release under which the immigrants are arrested immediately upon entering the border illegally and then released with the advice that they appear before the court for the next hearing, which at times is months away. × Trump's administration had said Thursday that it would send 1,000 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border. Although Trump's language in recent days has suggested the military might be directly involved in preventing the migrants from entering the United States, one official said the troops would engage only in logistics and infrastructure services, like setting up tents, and not law enforcement activities. There are currently 2,100 National Guard troops along the US border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Trump has taken a hard line toward immigration - legal and illegal - since becoming president. (With inputs from agencies)

Go back to your country, apply for US citizenship: Trump to caravan of Central American migrants

US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a presidential memorandum directing the Commerce Department to develop a long-term comprehensive national spectrum strategy to prepare for the introduction of next-generation 5G wireless networks.

Trump is also creating a White House Spectrum Strategy Task Force and wants federal agencies to report on government spectrum needs and review how spectrum can be shared with private sector users.

The memorandum requires a series of reports over the next nine months and looking at ways and existing efforts on increasing spectrum and sharing existing spectrum. A long-term strategy is due by July.

The goal is to ensure th ere is enough spectrum to handle the growing amount of internet and wireless traffic and that future faster 5G networks have adequate spectrum.

The White House also said Trump is withdrawing presidential memorandums on spectrum signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2010 and 2013.&nbsp;

AT&amp;T Inc , Verizon Communications Inc , Sprint Corp and T-Mobile US Inc are working to acquire spectrum and beginning to develop and test 5G networks, which are expected to be at least 100 times faster than current 4G networks and cut latency, or delays, to less than one-thousandth of a second from one-hundredth of a second in 4G, the Federal Communications Commission has said.

Wireless industry trade group CTIA praised the administration for "recognising the importance of establishing a national spectrum strategy. With the right approach based on licensed wireless spectrum, America’s wireless carriers will invest hundreds of billions of dollars and create millions of jobs."

White House officials said they do not support any effort to nationalize the 5G network. A leaked document in January suggested the administration was considering the idea.&nbsp;

"We will prioritize efforts to accelerate the private sector’s development of 5G, so that the American people can reap the rewards of this incredible technology," White House adviser Michael Kratsios told reporters on Thursday.

Democratic Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Jessica Rosenworcel questioned the length of the time for the reports. "Other nations are moving ahead while we’re headed to study hall - and in the interim we’re slapping big tariffs on 5G networks. This doesn`t speed our 5G leadership - it slows us down," she said.

One big issue is a band of spectrum reserved for automakers to enable vehicles to "talk" to one another that has gone largely unused. Cable companies and others want the FCC to award part or all of that to expand Wi-Fi.

On Tuesday, the FCC voted to open additional spectrum for use by unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band, or five times the current spectrum available.

Unlicensed devices include things such as Wi-Fi routers, connected home appliances, baby monitors, fitness trackers, garage door openers and cordless landline phones.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a presidential memorandum directing the Commerce Department to develop a long-term comprehensive national spectrum strategy to prepare for the introduction of next-generation 5G wireless networks.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a presidential memorandum directing the Commerce Department to develop a long-term comprehensive national spectrum strategy to prepare for the introduction of next-generation 5G wireless networks. Trump is also creating a White House Spectrum Strategy Task Force and wants federal agencies to report on government spectrum needs and review how spectrum can be shared with private sector users. The memorandum requires a series of reports over the next nine months and looking at ways and existing efforts on increasing spectrum and sharing existing spectrum. A long-term strategy is due by July. The goal is to ensure th ere is enough spectrum to handle the growing amount of internet and wireless traffic and that future faster 5G networks have adequate spectrum. The White House also said Trump is withdrawing presidential memorandums on spectrum signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2010 and 2013. AT&T Inc , Verizon Communications Inc , Sprint Corp and T-Mobile US Inc are working to acquire spectrum and beginning to develop and test 5G networks, which are expected to be at least 100 times faster than current 4G networks and cut latency, or delays, to less than one-thousandth of a second from one-hundredth of a second in 4G, the Federal Communications Commission has said. Wireless industry trade group CTIA praised the administration for "recognising the importance of establishing a national spectrum strategy. With the right approach based on licensed wireless spectrum, America’s wireless carriers will invest hundreds of billions of dollars and create millions of jobs." White House officials said they do not support any effort to nationalize the 5G network. A leaked document in January suggested the administration was considering the idea. "We will prioritize efforts to accelerate the private sector’s development of 5G, so that the American people can reap the rewards of this incredible technology," White House adviser Michael Kratsios told reporters on Thursday. Democratic Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Jessica Rosenworcel questioned the length of the time for the reports. "Other nations are moving ahead while we’re headed to study hall - and in the interim we’re slapping big tariffs on 5G networks. This doesn`t speed our 5G leadership - it slows us down," she said. One big issue is a band of spectrum reserved for automakers to enable vehicles to "talk" to one another that has gone largely unused. Cable companies and others want the FCC to award part or all of that to expand Wi-Fi. On Tuesday, the FCC voted to open additional spectrum for use by unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band, or five times the current spectrum available. Unlicensed devices include things such as Wi-Fi routers, connected home appliances, baby monitors, fitness trackers, garage door openers and cordless landline phones.

Trump signs order to set US spectrum strategy as 5G race looms

Investigators believe that the design and instructions for<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/package-bombs-sent-to-trump-critics-lead-investigators-to-florida-report-173486"> building the bombs</a> sent to several critics of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump this week were taken from the internet, a federal law enforcement official told Reuters on Thursday.

The instructions for such devices are widely available on websites and in propaganda distributed by Islamic militant groups including Al Qaeda and ISIS, said the official and a former federal government bomb expert.

The federal official also said the designs could have been lifted from "The Anarchist Cookbook," a notorious bomb and hacker manual dating to the early 1970s.

There was no claim of responsibility for the spate bombs, none of which exploded.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Washington, DC, news radio station WMAL said on Thursday it had received a suspicious package and its building has been evacuated.

Authorities are investigating 10 pipe bombs sent to high-profile Democrats and critics of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump with the focus on leads in Florida, a federal law enforcement source said.

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday (October 25) said he hopes that the recent spate of mailed pipe bombs, is a wake up call that "We have to begin to put this country back together again."

He said, "This division, this hatred, is ugliness. It has to end. Words matter."

Investigators believe that the design and instructions for building the bombs sent to several critics of US President Donald Trump this week were taken from the internet, a federal law enforcement official told Reuters on Thursday.

Investigators believe that the design and instructions for building the bombs sent to several critics of US President Donald Trump this week were taken from the internet, a federal law enforcement official told Reuters on Thursday. The instructions for such devices are widely available on websites and in propaganda distributed by Islamic militant groups including Al Qaeda and ISIS, said the official and a former federal government bomb expert. The federal official also said the designs could have been lifted from "The Anarchist Cookbook," a notorious bomb and hacker manual dating to the early 1970s. There was no claim of responsibility for the spate bombs, none of which exploded. Meanwhile, Washington, DC, news radio station WMAL said on Thursday it had received a suspicious package and its building has been evacuated. Authorities are investigating 10 pipe bombs sent to high-profile Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump with the focus on leads in Florida, a federal law enforcement source said. Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday (October 25) said he hopes that the recent spate of mailed pipe bombs, is a wake up call that "We have to begin to put this country back together again." He said, "This division, this hatred, is ugliness. It has to end. Words matter."

Design of bombs targeting Trump critics came from Internet: Source

The Trump administration and the US defence industry are scrambling to save the few actual deals in the much-touted $110 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia as concerns rise about the role of the Kingdom's leadership over the death of a prominent critic.

President Donald Trump has hedged his criticism of Saudi leaders over the disappearance and death of US resident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting he does not want to imperil a "tremendous order" of $110 billion of weapons he says will support 500,000 US jobs - figures that experts say are highly exaggerated.

Khashoggi's killing in the Saudi consulate on October 2 has caused global outrage and raised questions about the possible role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia who controls the kingdom's security services.

Riyadh has blamed a "rogue operation" and said the crown prince had no knowledge of the killing.

Working behind the scenes in Washington, a defence industry group has circulated talking points to industry executives, focusing on the importance of arms sales to US allies. Companies hope to preserve the deals on the Saudi list with near-term delivery dates in 2019 and 2020, ideally firming up the soft commitments made during Trump's trip in May 2017.

"Contingency Points On Defense Sales to Saudi Arabia" were emailed to defence contractors by the Aerospace Industry Association (AIA) in recent days, instructing executives to explain that stopping arms sales could reduce the US ability to influence foreign governments.

Talking points help executives promote their point of view when speaking with their own staff, suppliers, the media, government officials and elected officials.

The AIA email says the death of Khashoggi "sparked an important conversation about the United States' relationship with Saudi Arabia," and details two short responses to whether industry communicated with US government about Khashoggi and the scale of arms sales to Saudi Arabia last year before a lengthy response to the "jobs question."

Yet the answer, laid out in four bullet points, does not mention the numbers Trump has spoken about or any other estimates of possible job gains, instead touching on "economic impact" and explaining how weapons sales strengthen political-military relationships.

"When we sell American products to allies and partners, we can ensure our adversaries aren't able to supplant our political, military or economic ties," the document says.

AIA spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said she wouldn't comment on the details of the email sent to their members, adding they do not tell their members what to say on any given issue. AIA's executive committee includes the chief executives of the top five US defence contractors Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp, Boeing Co, Raytheon Co, and General Dynamics Corp.

Congress Concerned

Defence contractors have a lot to worry about. Republican Senator Bob Corker, who as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee can block foreign military arms sales, told reporters at the US Capitol that a defence contractor had come to see him at his office, and he had warned that – even before Khashoggi's death - it would not be a good time to try to push a major defence deal through Congress.

Speaking of Khashoggi's death Corker said: "I know that Congress will not let this idly go by. This is something that enrages people, as it should."

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would stop most US arms sales to Saudi Arabia in response to Khashoggi's death.

Under mounting Congressional criticism the White House has also stepped up its efforts to save the Saudi arms sales package. Peter Navarro, Trump's White House trade chief and architect of his "Buy American" policy to ease restrictions on foreign arms sales, has been a significant voice during the Khashoggi affair in reinforcing to the president the importance of Saudi weapons deals and the US job implications, a senior US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

At a roundtable with defence contractors at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on Saturday, Trump and his aides sought to ease top executives concerns about future Saudi arms sales, assuring them that the President would do all he could to keep them on track, the official said.

Jobs, Payments

How Trump has arrived at the 500,000 jobs figure deal is unclear since the five biggest US defence contractors, who manufacture nearly every item on the Saudi list, now only employ 383,000 people.

Since the $110 billion package was first announced 18 months ago, some Saudi payments, like those to Lockheed Martin, for its frigates have begun to flow. But most of the other deals, such as a $13.5 billion THAAD missile defence system from Lockheed, have languished without a firm purchase agreement.

As it stands, the US State Department said it has begun processing over $14.5 billion of military sales to Saudi Arabia since Trump's trip.

Many of the remaining deals were either already negotiated under President Obama or were conditional in nature. Industry executives and government officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the Saudis wanted much of the military equipment only if the deals created new jobs the kingdom as a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative.

According to a 2017 draft list of deals in the arms package seen by Reuters about $95 billion were defined as memorandums of intent, non-binding commitments to buy.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Even before the disappearance of Khashoggi, Trump and Saudi King Salman discussed in a late September phone call the THAAD missile defence system deal, a Saudi official told Reuters earlier this month. The official said the deal could well be closed by the end of the year. The official was speaking before Saudi authorities admitted that Khashoggi had been killed inside the consulate, and it was unclear if the case would have any effect on the deal. 
Lockheed said this week they did not know when a firm agreement would be signed.

Saudi Arabia - seen as the linchpin of the Trump administration’s strategy to counter Iran’s influence in the Middle East - is a top buyer of US military equipment. Its imports totalled $65 billion between 2009 and 2016, according to the Government Accountability Office that monitors public finances and halting shipments to the kingdom would be inconceivable for the US defence industry.

Still, defence contractors and the administration worry deals could stall in Congress where Democrats and Republicans alike are alarmed by the Khashoggi case, which has laid bare the risks of downgrading human rights concerns amid the "Buy American" push.

Even before the news of his death, Democratic lawmakers have effectively blocked at least four military equipment deals from being finalised, leaving them in limbo, largely because of Saudi attacks that killed Yemeni civilians.

"This makes it more likely they'll expand holds to include systems that aren't necessarily controversial by themselves. It's a major concern," the senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration and the US defence industry are scrambling to save the few actual deals in the much-touted $110 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia as concerns rise about the role of the Kingdom's leadership over the death of a prominent critic.

The Trump administration and the US defence industry are scrambling to save the few actual deals in the much-touted $110 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia as concerns rise about the role of the Kingdom's leadership over the death of a prominent critic. President Donald Trump has hedged his criticism of Saudi leaders over the disappearance and death of US resident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting he does not want to imperil a "tremendous order" of $110 billion of weapons he says will support 500,000 US jobs - figures that experts say are highly exaggerated. Khashoggi's killing in the Saudi consulate on October 2 has caused global outrage and raised questions about the possible role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia who controls the kingdom's security services. Riyadh has blamed a "rogue operation" and said the crown prince had no knowledge of the killing. Working behind the scenes in Washington, a defence industry group has circulated talking points to industry executives, focusing on the importance of arms sales to US allies. Companies hope to preserve the deals on the Saudi list with near-term delivery dates in 2019 and 2020, ideally firming up the soft commitments made during Trump's trip in May 2017. "Contingency Points On Defense Sales to Saudi Arabia" were emailed to defence contractors by the Aerospace Industry Association (AIA) in recent days, instructing executives to explain that stopping arms sales could reduce the US ability to influence foreign governments. Talking points help executives promote their point of view when speaking with their own staff, suppliers, the media, government officials and elected officials. The AIA email says the death of Khashoggi "sparked an important conversation about the United States' relationship with Saudi Arabia," and details two short responses to whether industry communicated with US government about Khashoggi and the scale of arms sales to Saudi Arabia last year before a lengthy response to the "jobs question." Yet the answer, laid out in four bullet points, does not mention the numbers Trump has spoken about or any other estimates of possible job gains, instead touching on "economic impact" and explaining how weapons sales strengthen political-military relationships. "When we sell American products to allies and partners, we can ensure our adversaries aren't able to supplant our political, military or economic ties," the document says. AIA spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said she wouldn't comment on the details of the email sent to their members, adding they do not tell their members what to say on any given issue. AIA's executive committee includes the chief executives of the top five US defence contractors Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp, Boeing Co, Raytheon Co, and General Dynamics Corp. Congress Concerned Defence contractors have a lot to worry about. Republican Senator Bob Corker, who as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee can block foreign military arms sales, told reporters at the US Capitol that a defence contractor had come to see him at his office, and he had warned that – even before Khashoggi's death - it would not be a good time to try to push a major defence deal through Congress. Speaking of Khashoggi's death Corker said: "I know that Congress will not let this idly go by. This is something that enrages people, as it should." A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would stop most US arms sales to Saudi Arabia in response to Khashoggi's death. Under mounting Congressional criticism the White House has also stepped up its efforts to save the Saudi arms sales package. Peter Navarro, Trump's White House trade chief and architect of his "Buy American" policy to ease restrictions on foreign arms sales, has been a significant voice during the Khashoggi affair in reinforcing to the president the importance of Saudi weapons deals and the US job implications, a senior US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. At a roundtable with defence contractors at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on Saturday, Trump and his aides sought to ease top executives concerns about future Saudi arms sales, assuring them that the President would do all he could to keep them on track, the official said. Jobs, Payments How Trump has arrived at the 500,000 jobs figure deal is unclear since the five biggest US defence contractors, who manufacture nearly every item on the Saudi list, now only employ 383,000 people. Since the $110 billion package was first announced 18 months ago, some Saudi payments, like those to Lockheed Martin, for its frigates have begun to flow. But most of the other deals, such as a $13.5 billion THAAD missile defence system from Lockheed, have languished without a firm purchase agreement. As it stands, the US State Department said it has begun processing over $14.5 billion of military sales to Saudi Arabia since Trump's trip. Many of the remaining deals were either already negotiated under President Obama or were conditional in nature. Industry executives and government officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the Saudis wanted much of the military equipment only if the deals created new jobs the kingdom as a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative. According to a 2017 draft list of deals in the arms package seen by Reuters about $95 billion were defined as memorandums of intent, non-binding commitments to buy. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Even before the disappearance of Khashoggi, Trump and Saudi King Salman discussed in a late September phone call the THAAD missile defence system deal, a Saudi official told Reuters earlier this month. The official said the deal could well be closed by the end of the year. The official was speaking before Saudi authorities admitted that Khashoggi had been killed inside the consulate, and it was unclear if the case would have any effect on the deal. Lockheed said this week they did not know when a firm agreement would be signed. Saudi Arabia - seen as the linchpin of the Trump administration’s strategy to counter Iran’s influence in the Middle East - is a top buyer of US military equipment. Its imports totalled $65 billion between 2009 and 2016, according to the Government Accountability Office that monitors public finances and halting shipments to the kingdom would be inconceivable for the US defence industry. Still, defence contractors and the administration worry deals could stall in Congress where Democrats and Republicans alike are alarmed by the Khashoggi case, which has laid bare the risks of downgrading human rights concerns amid the "Buy American" push. Even before the news of his death, Democratic lawmakers have effectively blocked at least four military equipment deals from being finalised, leaving them in limbo, largely because of Saudi attacks that killed Yemeni civilians. "This makes it more likely they'll expand holds to include systems that aren't necessarily controversial by themselves. It's a major concern," the senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Trump, industry work behind the scenes to save Saudi arms package

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