Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Iran nuclear deal and the prevailing situation in Syria on Tuesday.

The two leaders discussed the matter over the phone and assured their commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. 
 
The talks have come ahead of the Economic Forum meeting scheduled for next week in Russia where the two leaders will hold the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Russian Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said that the Iran Nuclear Deal can be discussed without the participation of United States. He also&nbsp;called the US decision on Iran as "rash".He further said that for the continuation of the deal it was important for Tehran to make concessions.

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;pulled the United States out of an international agreement that aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, earlier this month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Meanwhile, the Russian Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said that the Iran Nuclear Deal can be discussed without the participation of United States and called the US decision on Iran as 'rash'

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Iran nuclear deal and the prevailing situation in Syria on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed the matter over the phone and assured their commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The talks have come ahead of the Economic Forum meeting scheduled for next week in Russia where the two leaders will hold the meeting. Meanwhile, the Russian Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said that the Iran Nuclear Deal can be discussed without the participation of United States. He also called the US decision on Iran as "rash".He further said that for the continuation of the deal it was important for Tehran to make concessions. US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of an international agreement that aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, earlier this month. (With inputs from Reuters)

Putin held talks with Macron on Iran Nuclear deal

The Trump administration plans to kill a project it says would have cost tens of billions of dollars to convert plutonium from Cold War-era nuclear bombs and burn it to generate electricity, according to a document it sent to Congress last week.

The Department of Energy submitted a document on May 10 to the Senate appropriations committee saying that the Mixed Oxide (MOX) project at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina would cost about $48 billion more than $7.6 billion already spent on it. The United States has never built a MOX plant.

Instead of completing MOX, the administration, like the Obama administration before it, wants to blend the deadly plutonium with an inert substance and bury it underground in a New Mexico's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Burying the plutonium would cost about $19.9 billion, according to the document, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.

"We are currently processing plutonium in South Carolina for shipment (to WIPP) ... and intend to continue to do so," Energy Secretary Rick Perry said in a letter sent to committee leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate.

Legislation passed in February allows the Energy Department to advance burying the plutonium if it showed that the cost would be less than half of completing MOX.

South Carolina politicians, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have defended the MOX plant, saying it is about 70 percent complete, would help keep plutonium out of the hands of militants, and provide up to 600 direct jobs.

South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster complained to Perry in a letter earlier this month that the Energy Department's dilution plan is at best "conceptual." South Carolina, which has already sued the department over the MOX plant, will "use all legal recourses available" to continue the program, McMaster said.

The Energy Department has deemed the Savannah site could be used to manufacture new plutonium pits, or triggers, for nuclear weapons, an idea McMaster said was an attempt to pacify South Carolina, but would not provide jobs for many years.

The Energy Department document estimated that diluting the plutonium would require 400 jobs at Savannah River through the late 2040s.

Edwin Lyman, a physicist at science advisory group the Union of Concerned Scientists concerned about plutonium getting into the wrong hands, said Perry had made a sensible decision. "MOX was a slow-motion train wreck, and throwing good money after bad simply wasn't an option."

Legislation passed in February allows the Energy Department to advance burying the plutonium if it showed that the cost would be less than half of completing MOX

The Trump administration plans to kill a project it says would have cost tens of billions of dollars to convert plutonium from Cold War-era nuclear bombs and burn it to generate electricity, according to a document it sent to Congress last week. The Department of Energy submitted a document on May 10 to the Senate appropriations committee saying that the Mixed Oxide (MOX) project at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina would cost about $48 billion more than $7.6 billion already spent on it. The United States has never built a MOX plant. Instead of completing MOX, the administration, like the Obama administration before it, wants to blend the deadly plutonium with an inert substance and bury it underground in a New Mexico's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Burying the plutonium would cost about $19.9 billion, according to the document, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. "We are currently processing plutonium in South Carolina for shipment (to WIPP) ... and intend to continue to do so," Energy Secretary Rick Perry said in a letter sent to committee leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate. Legislation passed in February allows the Energy Department to advance burying the plutonium if it showed that the cost would be less than half of completing MOX. South Carolina politicians, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have defended the MOX plant, saying it is about 70 percent complete, would help keep plutonium out of the hands of militants, and provide up to 600 direct jobs. South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster complained to Perry in a letter earlier this month that the Energy Department's dilution plan is at best "conceptual." South Carolina, which has already sued the department over the MOX plant, will "use all legal recourses available" to continue the program, McMaster said. The Energy Department has deemed the Savannah site could be used to manufacture new plutonium pits, or triggers, for nuclear weapons, an idea McMaster said was an attempt to pacify South Carolina, but would not provide jobs for many years. The Energy Department document estimated that diluting the plutonium would require 400 jobs at Savannah River through the late 2040s. Edwin Lyman, a physicist at science advisory group the Union of Concerned Scientists concerned about plutonium getting into the wrong hands, said Perry had made a sensible decision. "MOX was a slow-motion train wreck, and throwing good money after bad simply wasn't an option."

Trump administration axes project to generate power from plutonium

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">slight</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419"> edge</a>

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">One dead, 4 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">knife</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433"> attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe.

The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-at-least-two-dead-13-injured-after-bomb-attacks-on-churches-136435">Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches</a>

At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">accident</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437"> from leaving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">country</a>

A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/very-smart-and-gracious-gesture-trump-thanks-north-korea-for-promising-to-destroy-nuclear-test-site-136434">'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site</a>

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has slight edge The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. One dead, 4 injured after knife attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe. The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night. Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia. The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city. Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in accident from leaving country A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures. 'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to Singapore for talks with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other support staff.

The choice of Singapore as the site of the first-ever meeting of a sitting US&nbsppresident and a North Korean leader was as much because it was within reasonable flight time and distance from Pyongyang as because of the island state’s political neutrality, a South Korean presidential official told reporters.

Since becoming North Korea’s leader in 2011, Kim has only taken one known overseas trip by air – and that was earlier this week to Dalian in China to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He flew in his personal Ilyushin-62M jet accompanied by a cargo plane that people with knowledge of North Korean affairs say is believed to have carried his limousine.

"It looks very much like the trip to Dalian was a dry run," said Andray Abrahamian, a research fellow at Pacific Forum CSIS and formerly with Choson Exchange, a Singapore-based group that trains North Koreans in business skills.

At 4,700 km from Pyongyang's Sunan airport, Singapore is easily in the range of the Il-62M aircraft. The Soviet-era narrow-body jet with four engines was first introduced in the 1970s and has a maximum range of 10,000 km.

But the Ilyushin-76 cargo plane cannot fly more than 3,000 km without refuelling if carrying a full load. It will, therefore, have to stop off at a friendly location like Vietnam’s capital on the way to Singapore or fly with a reduced load.

The Il-76, originally designed for moving heavy machinery to remote parts of the Soviet Union, is big enough to fit a school bus or two shipping containers inside it, according to passenger and cargo flight operator Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions.

But the cargo plane has had some safety issues. In the latest incident last month, a crash killed 257 people on board after takeoff from an Algiers air base.

Unlike his father Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011 and who travelled by armoured train on his rare trips abroad because he feared being shot down, according to a North Korean defector familiar with his security details, the younger leader is not known to be averse to flying.

But air travel of this distance does pose a significantly greater challenge in transporting communication and security equipment and personnel needed to back up a summit meeting.

Suite fit for the leader

Lee Yun-keol, a defector who had worked for the North's government and now heads the North Korea Strategic Information Service Center in Seoul, said the trip will involve dozens of security personnel and equipment including possibly a personal toilet for the leader.

It will also mean burning a large quantity of jet fuel, a refined oil product sharply limited by UN&nbspsanctions targeting North Korea’ imports. Kim's two planes will need around 50 metric tons of jet fuel per aircraft for the flight from Pyongyang to Singapore.

China, the main source of fuel for the North, exported just 3 tons of jet fuel in March and made no official exports the two previous months, according to Chinese customs data.

But the North's planes can pick up extra fuel when they fly to China and Russia for commercial operations, and international security experts believe the North may have been stockpiling the fuel which it has also used for its missile programme.

“The United States had preferred Geneva," the South Korean presidential official told reporters, requesting anonymity to discuss the arrangements for the summit meeting.

&nbsp"But Singapore was selected as it was the most realistically viable destination Kim Jong Un could probably travel when considering the travel time and flight distance."

&nbspThe two sides initially considered meeting in the Panmunjom truce village straddling the Korean military border, the scene of the third inter-Korea summit attended by Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in last month, the official said. The official said the South did not know the reason why Panmunjom was dropped.

&nbspThere was no confirmation on the specific location for the meeting between Kim and Trump although there are a number of sites in Singapore that can guarantee security protection, including hotels that have experience hosting high-security events, Singapore media and a Singapore government official said.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the country was "honoured to host it, and would do our best to facilitate a smooth and successful meeting," in a telephone call with Trump on Friday.

Trump said the summit would contribute to resolving the long outstanding issue of securing peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, Singapore's foreign ministry said.

The meeting is scheduled for one day on June 12, but if either or both of the leaders decide to stay overnight, there is only one hotel room in all of the city that meets “security protocol" for the US&nbsppresident, according to a source with knowledge of previous US&nbsppresidential visits.

That is the 348-square meter Shangri-la Suite in the Valley Wing of the hotel of the same name, at a current rate of S$10,000 ($7,500) a night for June 12.

&nbsp

The choice of Singapore as the site of the first-ever meeting of a sitting US president and a North Korean leader was as much because it was within reasonable flight time and distance from Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to Singapore for talks with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other support staff. The choice of Singapore as the site of the first-ever meeting of a sitting US&nbsppresident and a North Korean leader was as much because it was within reasonable flight time and distance from Pyongyang as because of the island state’s political neutrality, a South Korean presidential official told reporters. Since becoming North Korea’s leader in 2011, Kim has only taken one known overseas trip by air – and that was earlier this week to Dalian in China to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He flew in his personal Ilyushin-62M jet accompanied by a cargo plane that people with knowledge of North Korean affairs say is believed to have carried his limousine. "It looks very much like the trip to Dalian was a dry run," said Andray Abrahamian, a research fellow at Pacific Forum CSIS and formerly with Choson Exchange, a Singapore-based group that trains North Koreans in business skills. At 4,700 km from Pyongyang's Sunan airport, Singapore is easily in the range of the Il-62M aircraft. The Soviet-era narrow-body jet with four engines was first introduced in the 1970s and has a maximum range of 10,000 km. But the Ilyushin-76 cargo plane cannot fly more than 3,000 km without refuelling if carrying a full load. It will, therefore, have to stop off at a friendly location like Vietnam’s capital on the way to Singapore or fly with a reduced load. The Il-76, originally designed for moving heavy machinery to remote parts of the Soviet Union, is big enough to fit a school bus or two shipping containers inside it, according to passenger and cargo flight operator Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions. But the cargo plane has had some safety issues. In the latest incident last month, a crash killed 257 people on board after takeoff from an Algiers air base. Unlike his father Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011 and who travelled by armoured train on his rare trips abroad because he feared being shot down, according to a North Korean defector familiar with his security details, the younger leader is not known to be averse to flying. But air travel of this distance does pose a significantly greater challenge in transporting communication and security equipment and personnel needed to back up a summit meeting. Suite fit for the leader Lee Yun-keol, a defector who had worked for the North's government and now heads the North Korea Strategic Information Service Center in Seoul, said the trip will involve dozens of security personnel and equipment including possibly a personal toilet for the leader. It will also mean burning a large quantity of jet fuel, a refined oil product sharply limited by UN&nbspsanctions targeting North Korea’ imports. Kim's two planes will need around 50 metric tons of jet fuel per aircraft for the flight from Pyongyang to Singapore. China, the main source of fuel for the North, exported just 3 tons of jet fuel in March and made no official exports the two previous months, according to Chinese customs data. But the North's planes can pick up extra fuel when they fly to China and Russia for commercial operations, and international security experts believe the North may have been stockpiling the fuel which it has also used for its missile programme. “The United States had preferred Geneva," the South Korean presidential official told reporters, requesting anonymity to discuss the arrangements for the summit meeting. "But Singapore was selected as it was the most realistically viable destination Kim Jong Un could probably travel when considering the travel time and flight distance." &nbspThe two sides initially considered meeting in the Panmunjom truce village straddling the Korean military border, the scene of the third inter-Korea summit attended by Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in last month, the official said. The official said the South did not know the reason why Panmunjom was dropped. &nbspThere was no confirmation on the specific location for the meeting between Kim and Trump although there are a number of sites in Singapore that can guarantee security protection, including hotels that have experience hosting high-security events, Singapore media and a Singapore government official said. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the country was "honoured to host it, and would do our best to facilitate a smooth and successful meeting," in a telephone call with Trump on Friday. Trump said the summit would contribute to resolving the long outstanding issue of securing peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, Singapore's foreign ministry said. The meeting is scheduled for one day on June 12, but if either or both of the leaders decide to stay overnight, there is only one hotel room in all of the city that meets “security protocol" for the US&nbsppresident, according to a source with knowledge of previous US&nbsppresidential visits. That is the 348-square meter Shangri-la Suite in the Valley Wing of the hotel of the same name, at a current rate of S$10,000 ($7,500) a night for June 12.

Trump, Kim summit in Singapore presents logistical challenges for North Korea

The Trump administration said on Thursday the protected immigration status the United States granted to some 9,000 Nepalese after a 2015 earthquake would end in June 2019, making them vulnerable to deportation.

The United States offered so-called temporary protected status for Nepalese after a large earthquake killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands homeless. In 2016, it was extended for 18 months, and it was set to expire on June 24.

The decision to terminate the status announced by the US&nbspDepartment of Homeland Security gives the immigrants a year to leave the country or change their immigration status. After June 24, 2019, they would face deportation.

The department said in a statement the decision was reached after a review of the disaster-related conditions that led to the status initially being granted.

"The disruption of living conditions in Nepal from the April 2015 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that served as the basis for its TPS designation have decreased to a degree that they should no longer be regarded as substantial, and Nepal can now adequately manage the return of its nationals," it said.

In recent months, the Trump administration has decided to end temporary protected status for immigrants from several countries affected by disasters, including Nicaragua, Haiti and El Salvador, leaving hundreds of thousands of people who had permission to live and work in the United States vulnerable to deportation if they remain.

Critics of the TPS programme have complained that repeated extensions in six-month to 18-month increments of the status, sometimes for decades, has given beneficiaries de facto residency in the United States.

The administration faces a separate deadline on May 4 when it will have to decide the fate of some 57,000 Hondurans covered by TPS, the second-largest group in the programme after immigrants from El Salvador.

Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the Western Hemisphere and it has recently has been convulsed by protests following a contested presidential election.

So far most of the other countries that have come up for review have been terminated except for Syria, which is in the midst of a devastating war.

The United States offered so-called temporary protected status for Nepalese after a large earthquake killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

The Trump administration said on Thursday the protected immigration status the United States granted to some 9,000 Nepalese after a 2015 earthquake would end in June 2019, making them vulnerable to deportation. The United States offered so-called temporary protected status for Nepalese after a large earthquake killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands homeless. In 2016, it was extended for 18 months, and it was set to expire on June 24. The decision to terminate the status announced by the US&nbspDepartment of Homeland Security gives the immigrants a year to leave the country or change their immigration status. After June 24, 2019, they would face deportation. The department said in a statement the decision was reached after a review of the disaster-related conditions that led to the status initially being granted. "The disruption of living conditions in Nepal from the April 2015 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that served as the basis for its TPS designation have decreased to a degree that they should no longer be regarded as substantial, and Nepal can now adequately manage the return of its nationals," it said. In recent months, the Trump administration has decided to end temporary protected status for immigrants from several countries affected by disasters, including Nicaragua, Haiti and El Salvador, leaving hundreds of thousands of people who had permission to live and work in the United States vulnerable to deportation if they remain. Critics of the TPS programme have complained that repeated extensions in six-month to 18-month increments of the status, sometimes for decades, has given beneficiaries de facto residency in the United States. The administration faces a separate deadline on May 4 when it will have to decide the fate of some 57,000 Hondurans covered by TPS, the second-largest group in the programme after immigrants from El Salvador. Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the Western Hemisphere and it has recently has been convulsed by protests following a contested presidential election. So far most of the other countries that have come up for review have been terminated except for Syria, which is in the midst of a devastating war.

Protected immigration status for 9,000 Nepalese to end next year: US

President Donald Trump will address around 800 US and Israeli dignitaries at the ceremonial opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem by video on Monday, a senior official said.

It was not immediately clear from the senior administration official's comment, on a background call to reporters, whether Trump would speak via a live videolink or a pre-recorded address.

The official said staff at the mission in Tel Aviv had just marked its last day as an embassy, and that the ambassador's team would turn up for work on Monday at the Jerusalem embassy, which would host an opening ceremony later that day.

"I think we're all very happy and excited to be participating in such an historic event. People have been working, really around the clock and getting ready for our opening dedication ceremony on Monday. We'll be ready," he said.

"We're expecting around 800 people," he said, adding that in addition to the previously announced US presidential delegation, he expected an "healthy number" of guests from the US Congress.

"The president, from my side of things, will be addressing the audience by video," the official said.

But he stressed the event will be a bilateral US-Israeli celebration, downplaying reports that very few if any diplomats from other countries that have not recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital would attend.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation that will include Trump's daughter Ivanka, her husband and senior White House aide Jared Kushner, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

 
&nbsp

President Donald Trump will address around 800 US and Israeli dignitaries at the ceremonial opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem by video on Monday, a senior official said

President Donald Trump will address around 800 US and Israeli dignitaries at the ceremonial opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem by video on Monday, a senior official said. It was not immediately clear from the senior administration official's comment, on a background call to reporters, whether Trump would speak via a live videolink or a pre-recorded address. The official said staff at the mission in Tel Aviv had just marked its last day as an embassy, and that the ambassador's team would turn up for work on Monday at the Jerusalem embassy, which would host an opening ceremony later that day. "I think we're all very happy and excited to be participating in such an historic event. People have been working, really around the clock and getting ready for our opening dedication ceremony on Monday. We'll be ready," he said. "We're expecting around 800 people," he said, adding that in addition to the previously announced US presidential delegation, he expected an "healthy number" of guests from the US Congress. "The president, from my side of things, will be addressing the audience by video," the official said. But he stressed the event will be a bilateral US-Israeli celebration, downplaying reports that very few if any diplomats from other countries that have not recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital would attend. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation that will include Trump's daughter Ivanka, her husband and senior White House aide Jared Kushner, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Trump to address Jerusalem embassy opening by video: Official

Three American prisoners freed by North Korea arrived at St Andrews Air Force base in Maryland&nbsp;as President Trump stood at the tarmac at 2:30am on Thursday morning to welcome them.

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I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set.
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The three men - Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim - were imprisoned by North Korea as relations between the US deteriorated with Kim and Trump traded daily insults against each other last year.

However, in March Trump made a surprise announcement on accepting an invitation&nbsp;by Kim to meet him for summit talks as the North Korean leader decided to denuclearise the Korean peninsula.

The freed "hostages" were handed to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after he concluded talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday.

"Pompeo did a fantastic job," Trump said as he received the three prisoners at the air base.

Trump arrived at the US air force base along with this wife Melania&nbsp;to receive the US prisoners. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The freeing of the prisoners was widely seen as "goodwill gesture" by the North Koreans ahead of Trump-Kim summit talks next month.

The freeing of the prisoners was widely seen as "goodwill gesture" by the North Koreans

Three American prisoners freed by North Korea arrived at St Andrews Air Force base in Maryland as President Trump stood at the tarmac at 2:30am on Thursday morning to welcome them. I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2018 × The three men - Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim - were imprisoned by North Korea as relations between the US deteriorated with Kim and Trump traded daily insults against each other last year. However, in March Trump made a surprise announcement on accepting an invitation by Kim to meet him for summit talks as the North Korean leader decided to denuclearise the Korean peninsula. The freed "hostages" were handed to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after he concluded talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday. "Pompeo did a fantastic job," Trump said as he received the three prisoners at the air base. Trump arrived at the US air force base along with this wife Melania to receive the US prisoners. The freeing of the prisoners was widely seen as "goodwill gesture" by the North Koreans ahead of Trump-Kim summit talks next month.

Trump meets 3 American prisoners freed by North Korea at US Air Force base

It has one foot in the East and one in the West, is ultra-modern, secure and sometimes mocked as being a little dull -- Singapore was the safe pick for a historic first meeting between the unpredictable leaders of the US and North Korea.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed the summit -- a first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- would take place in Singapore on June 12.

"We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!" he tweeted.

It followed a second visit to Pyongyang by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday to make arrangements for the summit.&nbsp

The Southeast Asian financial hub was likely chosen due to its neutrality, security advantages and track record of hosting international summits, observers say.&nbsp

The ultramodern city-state has robust security infrastructure and is widely considered one of the safest cities in Asia.

It has tight restrictions over media and public gatherings, which will allow for a controlled environment likely to be preferred by the North Koreans.

Singapore is also in the rare position of having friendly diplomatic ties with both Washington and Pyongyang.

It considers the US a close partner, while North Korea maintains a fully functioning embassy in the city-state.

Singapore and the North have a long history of cooperation -- the first law firm and fast food restaurant in Pyongyang were both set up by Singaporeans -- even if relations hit a snag last year when Singapore enforced new UN sanctions on trade.&nbsp

Singapore will also be an acceptable choice to China, North Korea's only major ally, which wields a strong influence despite its physical absence from next month's proceedings.

"As a neutral, and objective country with much-admired consistent foreign policy principles and a small state with no desire or capacity to harm other states and their interests, Singapore fits that bill well," said Lim Tai Wei, adjunct research fellow at the National University of Singapore's East Asia Institute.&nbsp

&nbsp'No baggage'&nbsp

By apparently agreeing to meet Trump 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) away from Pyongyang, Kim has to travel a significant distance out of his comfort zone, said Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at the S&nbspRajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).&nbsp

Since Kim took over as leader, he has rarely left his isolated nation and has only officially ventured away from home this year, with two visits to China, most recently travelling to the northeastern port city of Dalian where he met Xi.

He also stepped across the border into South Korea during a historic meeting with President Moon Jae-in in April, making him the first Northern leader to set foot in the South since the Korean War ceasefire in 1953. &nbsp

Remarkable images of the two leaders greeting each other warmly over the Military Demarcation Line that splits their countries, rich with symbolism and high political theatre, were broadcast around the world.

Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas could be a venue for his meeting with Kim, before ruling it out on Wednesday.

Nearby Mongolia was also ruled out as a possible neutral third-country venue, reportedly for security reasons.

But for Trump and Kim, Singapore is a convenient venue precisely because it "doesn't have the historical or political baggage," said Sarah Teo, an associate research fellow at RSIS's regional security architecture programme.

Singapore also has a track record for hosting international summits.&nbsp

In 2015, the city-state played host to a historic meeting between China's president Xi Jinping and then Taiwanese president Ma Ying Jeou.&nbsp

It hosts the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, a defence forum regularly attended by heads of state, defence ministers and high level military officials.&nbsp

Now the venue and date have been chosen, it only remains to be seen if Singapore will play host to a meeting that truly builds on hopes for the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War.

 
&nbsp

It has one foot in the East and one in the West, is ultra-modern, secure and sometimes mocked as being a little dull -- Singapore was the safe pick for a historic first meeting between the unpredictable leaders of the US and North Korea

It has one foot in the East and one in the West, is ultra-modern, secure and sometimes mocked as being a little dull -- Singapore was the safe pick for a historic first meeting between the unpredictable leaders of the US and North Korea. US President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed the summit -- a first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- would take place in Singapore on June 12. "We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!" he tweeted. It followed a second visit to Pyongyang by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday to make arrangements for the summit. The Southeast Asian financial hub was likely chosen due to its neutrality, security advantages and track record of hosting international summits, observers say. The ultramodern city-state has robust security infrastructure and is widely considered one of the safest cities in Asia. It has tight restrictions over media and public gatherings, which will allow for a controlled environment likely to be preferred by the North Koreans. Singapore is also in the rare position of having friendly diplomatic ties with both Washington and Pyongyang. It considers the US a close partner, while North Korea maintains a fully functioning embassy in the city-state. Singapore and the North have a long history of cooperation -- the first law firm and fast food restaurant in Pyongyang were both set up by Singaporeans -- even if relations hit a snag last year when Singapore enforced new UN sanctions on trade. Singapore will also be an acceptable choice to China, North Korea's only major ally, which wields a strong influence despite its physical absence from next month's proceedings. "As a neutral, and objective country with much-admired consistent foreign policy principles and a small state with no desire or capacity to harm other states and their interests, Singapore fits that bill well," said Lim Tai Wei, adjunct research fellow at the National University of Singapore's East Asia Institute. 'No baggage' By apparently agreeing to meet Trump 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) away from Pyongyang, Kim has to travel a significant distance out of his comfort zone, said Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at the S&nbspRajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). Since Kim took over as leader, he has rarely left his isolated nation and has only officially ventured away from home this year, with two visits to China, most recently travelling to the northeastern port city of Dalian where he met Xi. He also stepped across the border into South Korea during a historic meeting with President Moon Jae-in in April, making him the first Northern leader to set foot in the South since the Korean War ceasefire in 1953. Remarkable images of the two leaders greeting each other warmly over the Military Demarcation Line that splits their countries, rich with symbolism and high political theatre, were broadcast around the world. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas could be a venue for his meeting with Kim, before ruling it out on Wednesday. Nearby Mongolia was also ruled out as a possible neutral third-country venue, reportedly for security reasons. But for Trump and Kim, Singapore is a convenient venue precisely because it "doesn't have the historical or political baggage," said Sarah Teo, an associate research fellow at RSIS's regional security architecture programme. Singapore also has a track record for hosting international summits. In 2015, the city-state played host to a historic meeting between China's president Xi Jinping and then Taiwanese president Ma Ying Jeou. It hosts the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, a defence forum regularly attended by heads of state, defence ministers and high level military officials. Now the venue and date have been chosen, it only remains to be seen if Singapore will play host to a meeting that truly builds on hopes for the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War.

Why Singapore for the Trump-Kim summit?

Israel today hit "dozens" of Iranian military targets in Syria soon after Iran attacked Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday, creating greater tensions.&nbsp;

"The (Israeli military) has struck dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria," Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists.

Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported.

Conricus said they targeted intelligence, logistics, storage, and vehicles as well as the origin of the rockets. It was one of the largest Israeli military operations in recent years and the biggest against Iranian targets.

Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles and also destroyed a Syrian radar. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other".

However, Israeli army said that it is not "looking to escalate the situation with Iran."&nbsp;

Attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-out-of-iran-nuclear-deal-reimposes-us-sanctions-135588">withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal</a>.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-dismay-support-how-the-world-sees-us-withdrawal-from-iran-nuclear-deal-135597">Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal</a>

Attacks came soon after Iran hit Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday

Israel today hit "dozens" of Iranian military targets in Syria soon after Iran attacked Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday, creating greater tensions. "The (Israeli military) has struck dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria," Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists. Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported. Conricus said they targeted intelligence, logistics, storage, and vehicles as well as the origin of the rockets. It was one of the largest Israeli military operations in recent years and the biggest against Iranian targets. Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles and also destroyed a Syrian radar. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other". However, Israeli army said that it is not "looking to escalate the situation with Iran." Attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Also read: Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal

Israel army hits dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran will face some "serious consequences" if they restarted its nuclear program.&nbsp

On being asked what if Tehran restarted its nuclear efforts, Trump said, "I would advise Iran not to start their nuclear program I would advise them very strongly," "If they do, there will be very severe consequences," as quoted by Arab News.

After the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned that his country could resume uranium enrichment "without limit" but would refrain from doing so for now.

In announcing the US pullout on Tuesday, Trump called the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core".

Trump announced Tuesday he is quitting the Iran nuclear deal, pitting him against the United States' closest allies and leaving the future of Tehran's nuclear ambitions in question.

The 2015 agreement, which was negotiated by the Obama administration and included Germany, France and Britain, had lifted most US and international economic sanctions against Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program, making it impossible to produce a bomb and establishing rigorous inspections.

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, claimed that the deal, initially involving seven parties, could yet continue. But Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who helped engineer the deal to ease his country’s economically crippling isolation, told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that Europe had only a “limited opportunity” to preserve the pact.&nbsp

After the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned that his country could resume uranium enrichment 'without limit' but would refrain from doing so for now

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran will face some "serious consequences" if they restarted its nuclear program. On being asked what if Tehran restarted its nuclear efforts, Trump said, "I would advise Iran not to start their nuclear program I would advise them very strongly," "If they do, there will be very severe consequences," as quoted by Arab News. After the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned that his country could resume uranium enrichment "without limit" but would refrain from doing so for now. In announcing the US pullout on Tuesday, Trump called the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core". Trump announced Tuesday he is quitting the Iran nuclear deal, pitting him against the United States' closest allies and leaving the future of Tehran's nuclear ambitions in question. The 2015 agreement, which was negotiated by the Obama administration and included Germany, France and Britain, had lifted most US and international economic sanctions against Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program, making it impossible to produce a bomb and establishing rigorous inspections. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, claimed that the deal, initially involving seven parties, could yet continue. But Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who helped engineer the deal to ease his country’s economically crippling isolation, told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that Europe had only a “limited opportunity” to preserve the pact.

'Severe consequences' to be faced if Iran resumes nuclear programme: Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-fires-missiles-at-syria-explosions-heard-in--damascus-135808">Israel fires missiles at Syria, explosions heard in Damascus</a>

Israel today launched missiles on Syria early on Thursday, the Israeli Army said. Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-92-to-be-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-after-historic-poll-win-135817">Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad to be sworn-in as PM after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-92-to-be-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-after-historic-poll-win-135817">historic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-92-to-be-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-after-historic-poll-win-135817"> poll win</a>

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has won a historc victory making him the olderst as well as the longest serving Prime Minister in Malaysia.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-cannes-2018-kangana-ranaut-brings-back-vintage-fashion-on-her-debut-appearance-at-the-festival--135814">Cannes 2018: Kangana Ranaut brings back vintage fashion on her debut appearance at the festival</a>

Dressed in a black shimmer saree by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Kangana Ranaut brought back old-world charm on her first day at the Cannes Film Festival. The actress is attending the film festival as a face of a brand and this is her first time at Cannes.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-polls-high-pitched-campaigning-to-conclude-today-135809">Karnataka polls: High-pitched campaigning to conclude today</a>

The high-voltage campaigning for the crucial Karnataka Assembly polls will come to an end on Thursday at 5 pm. The political parties, eyeing to sweep the polls, will hold multiple rallies today in their last attempt to woo the voter in their favour.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/oil-jumps-3-after-us-quits-iran-deal-us-stock-drawdown-135811">Oil jumps 3% after US quits Iran deal, US stock drawdown</a>

Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Wednesday and hit fresh 3-1/2 year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran.

Israel fires missiles at Syria, explosions heard in Damascus Israel today launched missiles on Syria early on Thursday, the Israeli Army said. Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles. Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad to be sworn-in as PM after historic poll win Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has won a historc victory making him the olderst as well as the longest serving Prime Minister in Malaysia. Cannes 2018: Kangana Ranaut brings back vintage fashion on her debut appearance at the festival Dressed in a black shimmer saree by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Kangana Ranaut brought back old-world charm on her first day at the Cannes Film Festival. The actress is attending the film festival as a face of a brand and this is her first time at Cannes. Karnataka polls: High-pitched campaigning to conclude today The high-voltage campaigning for the crucial Karnataka Assembly polls will come to an end on Thursday at 5 pm. The political parties, eyeing to sweep the polls, will hold multiple rallies today in their last attempt to woo the voter in their favour. Oil jumps 3% after US quits Iran deal, US stock drawdown Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Wednesday and hit fresh 3-1/2 year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran.

Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Wednesday and hit fresh 3-1/2 year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran.

Ignoring pleas by allies, U.S. President Trump on Tuesday pulled out of a 2015 international deal with Iran and announced the "highest level" of sanctions against the OPEC member, making investors nervous about rising risks of conflict in the Middle East and about oil supplies in a tight market.

News of the deal prompted a volatile trading session on Tuesday in the heaviest volumes for front-month U.S. crude futures since Nov. 30, 2016.

The United States will likely re-impose sanctions against Iran after 180 days, unless some other agreement is reached.

Brent crude futures rose $2.36, or 3.2 percent, to settle at $77.21 a barrel. The global benchmark hit a session high of $77.43, the highest since November 2014. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $2.08 to settle at $71.14 a barrel, a 3-percent gain.

Both contracts notched their biggest daily percentage gain in a month.

Prices extended gains after U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed domestic crude inventories &nbsp;fell 2.2 million barrels in the latest week, far exceeding forecasts for a decrease of 719,000 barrels.

Net U.S. crude imports <usoici=eci> fell last week by 955,000 barrels per day to 5.4 million bpd, the lowest since mid-February, the EIA data showed.</usoici=eci>

U.S. gasoline futures <rbc1> hit a high of $2.1701 a gallon, the highest since Hurricane Harvey sent prices surging in August. U.S. heating oil futures <hoc1> surged to $2.2258 a gallon, the highest since February 2015.</hoc1></rbc1>

"A whopping drop in imports has resulted in a moderate draw to crude stocks, while a drop in both gasoline and distillates inventories round out a broadly supportive report," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData.

Oil ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait said their countries will work closely with major OPEC and non-OPEC producers to lessen the impact of any supply shortages after U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The country, the third-biggest producer of crude within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, exported about 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in April.

Analysts' estimates of the possible reduction in Iranian crude supplies as a result of any new U.S. sanctions range from 200,000 bpd to 1 million bpd.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a note that Trump's announcement brought upside risks to its forecast that Brent crude will hit $82.50 a barrel by the summer.

Several refiners in Asia said they were seeking alternatives to Iranian supplies.

A number of countries have already cut reliance on Iranian oil, as well as other "traditional" sources of supply, due to a surge in cheaper U.S. crude exports.

Volumes jumped for all key crude oil futures contracts as investors took new positions and refiners hedged to protect themselves from higher feedstock prices. 
&nbsp;

Ignoring pleas by allies, U.S. President Trump on Tuesday pulled out of a 2015 international deal with Iran and announced the "highest level" of sanctions against the OPEC member

Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Wednesday and hit fresh 3-1/2 year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran. Ignoring pleas by allies, U.S. President Trump on Tuesday pulled out of a 2015 international deal with Iran and announced the "highest level" of sanctions against the OPEC member, making investors nervous about rising risks of conflict in the Middle East and about oil supplies in a tight market. News of the deal prompted a volatile trading session on Tuesday in the heaviest volumes for front-month U.S. crude futures since Nov. 30, 2016. The United States will likely re-impose sanctions against Iran after 180 days, unless some other agreement is reached. Brent crude futures rose $2.36, or 3.2 percent, to settle at $77.21 a barrel. The global benchmark hit a session high of $77.43, the highest since November 2014. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $2.08 to settle at $71.14 a barrel, a 3-percent gain. Both contracts notched their biggest daily percentage gain in a month. Prices extended gains after U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed domestic crude inventories fell 2.2 million barrels in the latest week, far exceeding forecasts for a decrease of 719,000 barrels. Net U.S. crude imports fell last week by 955,000 barrels per day to 5.4 million bpd, the lowest since mid-February, the EIA data showed. U.S. gasoline futures hit a high of $2.1701 a gallon, the highest since Hurricane Harvey sent prices surging in August. U.S. heating oil futures surged to $2.2258 a gallon, the highest since February 2015. "A whopping drop in imports has resulted in a moderate draw to crude stocks, while a drop in both gasoline and distillates inventories round out a broadly supportive report," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData. Oil ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait said their countries will work closely with major OPEC and non-OPEC producers to lessen the impact of any supply shortages after U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The country, the third-biggest producer of crude within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, exported about 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in April. Analysts' estimates of the possible reduction in Iranian crude supplies as a result of any new U.S. sanctions range from 200,000 bpd to 1 million bpd. Investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a note that Trump's announcement brought upside risks to its forecast that Brent crude will hit $82.50 a barrel by the summer. Several refiners in Asia said they were seeking alternatives to Iranian supplies. A number of countries have already cut reliance on Iranian oil, as well as other "traditional" sources of supply, due to a surge in cheaper U.S. crude exports. Volumes jumped for all key crude oil futures contracts as investors took new positions and refiners hedged to protect themselves from higher feedstock prices.

Oil jumps 3% after US quits Iran deal, US stock drawdown

Britain challenged the United States on Wednesday to spell out its vision of a new negotiated settlement with Iran after President&nbsp;Donald Trump pulled out&nbsp;of the 2015 international nuclear deal. 
 
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain had no intention of walking away from the&nbsp;deal, known as the JCPOA. He also said Britain would do its utmost to protect UK commercial interests in Iran. 
 
"Now that the Trump administration has left the JCPOA, the responsibility falls on them to describe how they in Washington will build a new negotiated solution to our shared concerns," he told parliament. 
 
"President Trump said himself last night that he is committed to finding a new solution and we should hold him to his word." 
 
Johnson said he had no problem with Trump's goal for a lasting solution to Iran's nuclear threat and other Iranian policies seen as malign by London and Washington, but added: "The question is: how does the U.S. propose to achieve it?"

Asked about the potential impact of new U.S. economic sanctions against Iran on British firms seeking to do business in the country, Johnson did not go into specifics but indicated the government would be supportive of companies. 
 
"We will do our utmost to protect UK commercial interests," he said. 
 
Asked what suggestions the British government would be making to the U.S. administration about the way ahead in dealing with Iran, Johnson talked about the idea of a follow-on agreement that would preserve the central pillars of the JCPOA while addressing other issues beyond the nuclear programme. 
 
"The central idea is that around the core of the JCPOA you build a super-structure, a follow-on agreement that would address the problems of the sunset clauses, address the issue of the ICBMs (inter-continental ballistic missiles) and satisfy the president's anxieties," he said. 
 
Throughout his statement, Johnson repeatedly said the JCPOA had delivered on the core goal of preventing Iran from moving towards acquiring a nuclear bomb. He also said the central bargain of the deal, better economic prospects for Iran in return for de-nuclearisation, remained valid. 
 
"We did our utmost to prevent this outcome. From the moment that President Trump's administration took office, we made the case for keeping the JCPOA at every level," he said. 
 
"The U.S. decision makes no difference to the British assessment that the constraints imposed on Iran's nuclear ambitions by the JCPOA remain vital for our national security and the stability of the Middle East.

"For as long as Iran abides by the agreement ... then Britain will remain a party to the JCPOA," he added. "Britain has no intention of walking away."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain had no intention of walking away from the deal, known as the JCPOA. He also said Britain would do its utmost to protect UK commercial interests in Iran

Britain challenged the United States on Wednesday to spell out its vision of a new negotiated settlement with Iran after President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 international nuclear deal. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain had no intention of walking away from the deal, known as the JCPOA. He also said Britain would do its utmost to protect UK commercial interests in Iran. "Now that the Trump administration has left the JCPOA, the responsibility falls on them to describe how they in Washington will build a new negotiated solution to our shared concerns," he told parliament. "President Trump said himself last night that he is committed to finding a new solution and we should hold him to his word." Johnson said he had no problem with Trump's goal for a lasting solution to Iran's nuclear threat and other Iranian policies seen as malign by London and Washington, but added: "The question is: how does the U.S. propose to achieve it?" Asked about the potential impact of new U.S. economic sanctions against Iran on British firms seeking to do business in the country, Johnson did not go into specifics but indicated the government would be supportive of companies. "We will do our utmost to protect UK commercial interests," he said. Asked what suggestions the British government would be making to the U.S. administration about the way ahead in dealing with Iran, Johnson talked about the idea of a follow-on agreement that would preserve the central pillars of the JCPOA while addressing other issues beyond the nuclear programme. "The central idea is that around the core of the JCPOA you build a super-structure, a follow-on agreement that would address the problems of the sunset clauses, address the issue of the ICBMs (inter-continental ballistic missiles) and satisfy the president's anxieties," he said. Throughout his statement, Johnson repeatedly said the JCPOA had delivered on the core goal of preventing Iran from moving towards acquiring a nuclear bomb. He also said the central bargain of the deal, better economic prospects for Iran in return for de-nuclearisation, remained valid. "We did our utmost to prevent this outcome. From the moment that President Trump's administration took office, we made the case for keeping the JCPOA at every level," he said. "The U.S. decision makes no difference to the British assessment that the constraints imposed on Iran's nuclear ambitions by the JCPOA remain vital for our national security and the stability of the Middle East. "For as long as Iran abides by the agreement ... then Britain will remain a party to the JCPOA," he added. "Britain has no intention of walking away."

Britain tells Trump: Spell out how you will deal with Iran now

The Norwegian police said Tuesday they had closed an investigation into Donald Trump's fake Nobel Peace Prize nomination after failing to identify the person behind it.&nbsp;

The Norwegian Nobel Institute filed a police report earlier this year after receiving a seemingly fraudulent nomination of the US president for the prestigious prize.

Suspicion mounted that the nomination was submitted by a person suspected of committing identity fraud to appear legitimate, as only a select group of individuals -- including members of parliament and government, former laureates and some university professors -- are entitled to propose names.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-why-trump-could-win-the-nobel-peace-prize-according-to-boris-johanson--135336">This is why Trump could win the Nobel Peace Prize, according to Boris Johnson</a>

"The case was closed because the police lack information about the culprit," Tone Bysting, an Oslo police official, told AFP.&nbsp;

"We haven't been able to find the (real) identity" of the person behind this "openly fraudulent" nomination, she added.&nbsp;

While the US president's nomination is dropped this year, Trump still has a chance next year as a group of 18 House Republicans have nominated him to the Norwegian Nobel Committee "in recognition of his work to end the Korean War, denuclearise the Korean peninsula and bring peace to the region".

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in, after his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, also said in late April that Trump deserved the award for his denuclearisation efforts.&nbsp;

A Nobel nomination does not necessarily constitute a nod from the Norwegian Nobel Institute since it accepts all applications as long as they are valid.&nbsp;

It said it had received 329 valid nominations for the 2018 prize, which is to be awarded in early October.&nbsp;

The Norwegian police said Tuesday they had closed an investigation into Donald Trump's fake Nobel Peace Prize nomination after failing to identify the person behind it

The Norwegian police said Tuesday they had closed an investigation into Donald Trump's fake Nobel Peace Prize nomination after failing to identify the person behind it. The Norwegian Nobel Institute filed a police report earlier this year after receiving a seemingly fraudulent nomination of the US president for the prestigious prize. Suspicion mounted that the nomination was submitted by a person suspected of committing identity fraud to appear legitimate, as only a select group of individuals -- including members of parliament and government, former laureates and some university professors -- are entitled to propose names. Also read: This is why Trump could win the Nobel Peace Prize, according to Boris Johnson "The case was closed because the police lack information about the culprit," Tone Bysting, an Oslo police official, told AFP. "We haven't been able to find the (real) identity" of the person behind this "openly fraudulent" nomination, she added. While the US president's nomination is dropped this year, Trump still has a chance next year as a group of 18 House Republicans have nominated him to the Norwegian Nobel Committee "in recognition of his work to end the Korean War, denuclearise the Korean peninsula and bring peace to the region". South Korea's President Moon Jae-in, after his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, also said in late April that Trump deserved the award for his denuclearisation efforts. A Nobel nomination does not necessarily constitute a nod from the Norwegian Nobel Institute since it accepts all applications as long as they are valid. It said it had received 329 valid nominations for the 2018 prize, which is to be awarded in early October.

Trump's fake Nobel nomination to remain a mystery

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-american-allies-regret-us-withdrawal-from-iranian-nuclear-deal--135598">Top American allies 'regret' US withdrawal from Iranian nuclear deal</a>

Top American allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada regretted and expressed concerns over the decision of US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-abducted-in-afghanistan-4-belonged-to-jharkhand-135599">Indians abducted in Afghanistan: 4 belonged to Jharkhand</a>

The seven Indian engineers who were abducted in Afghanistan on Sunday, at least four belonged to Jharkhand, report said. The Indians belonged to Jhargram in Jharkhand's populous Giridih district. All the engineers worked for a private company named KEC.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-apologises-for-flawed-beer-burger-emoji-displays-new-versions--135607">Google CEO Sundar Pichai apologises for flawed beer, burger emoji, displays new versions</a>

Google's annual developer conference kicked off on Tuesday in California starting with CEO Sundar Pichai apologising for the flawed designs of the burger and beer emoji on Android.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sonam-kapoors-reception-shah-rukh-salman-and-anil-kapoor-set-the-stage-on-fire-with-their-dance-moves-135603">Sonam Kapoor's reception: Shah Rukh, Salman set the stage on fire</a>

It was a night that tinsel town will remember for a long time. Shah Rukh and Salman Khan danced their heart out at Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja's wedding reception on Tuesday night as nearly the entire film industry descended at Leela Hotel to celebrate the joyous occasion.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/reports-linking-nawaz-sharif-laundering-49-billion-to-india-incorrect-world-bank-135606">Reports linking Nawaz Sharif laundering $4.9 billion to India 'incorrect': World Bank</a>

The World Bank today described as "incorrect" media reports in Pakistan about allegations that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif laundered $4.9 billion to India. In the past day, there have been media reports citing the World Bank's Remittances and Migration Report of 2016.&nbsp

Top American allies 'regret' US withdrawal from Iranian nuclear deal Top American allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada regretted and expressed concerns over the decision of US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal. Indians abducted in Afghanistan: 4 belonged to Jharkhand The seven Indian engineers who were abducted in Afghanistan on Sunday, at least four belonged to Jharkhand, report said. The Indians belonged to Jhargram in Jharkhand's populous Giridih district. All the engineers worked for a private company named KEC. Google CEO Sundar Pichai apologises for flawed beer, burger emoji, displays new versions Google's annual developer conference kicked off on Tuesday in California starting with CEO Sundar Pichai apologising for the flawed designs of the burger and beer emoji on Android. Sonam Kapoor's reception: Shah Rukh, Salman set the stage on fire It was a night that tinsel town will remember for a long time. Shah Rukh and Salman Khan danced their heart out at Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja's wedding reception on Tuesday night as nearly the entire film industry descended at Leela Hotel to celebrate the joyous occasion. Reports linking Nawaz Sharif laundering $4.9 billion to India 'incorrect': World Bank The World Bank today described as "incorrect" media reports in Pakistan about allegations that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif laundered $4.9 billion to India. In the past day, there have been media reports citing the World Bank's Remittances and Migration Report of 2016.

&nbspFormer U.S. President Barack&nbspObama&nbspsaid on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, struck during&nbspObama's presidency, was "misguided."

"I believe that the decision to put the JCPOA at risk without any Iranian violation of the deal is a serious mistake,"&nbspObama&nbspsaid in a statement, referring to the acronym for the agreement worked out by the United States, five other world powers and Iran.

Since leaving office in January 2017,&nbspObama, a Democrat, has largely remained on the sidelines of the political debate, although he has criticized his Republican successor's efforts to undo some of his major policy achievements.

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There are few issues more important to the security of the US than the potential spread of nuclear weapons or the potential for even more destructive war in the Middle East. Today’s decision to put the JCPOA at risk is a serious mistake. My full statement: <a href="https://t.co/4oTdXESbxe">https://t.co/4oTdXESbxe</a>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/993938824752451586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He has condemned Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate accord and for ending a program that shielded from deportation immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children. He also spoke out against Trump's effort to unravel the&nbspObamacare healthcare program.

Obama&nbspsaid the Iran agreement significantly rolled back Tehran's nuclear program and was a model for a possible deal Trump hopes to negotiate with North Korea to eliminate Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

"That is why today’s announcement is so misguided,"&nbspObama&nbspsaid.

"Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on America’s closest allies, and an agreement that our country’s leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated," he said.

President Trump on Tuesday announced the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Iran nuclear deal.

He terminated the US participation in the JCPOA citing that the deal failed to protect America's national security interest.

He also underscored that the deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.

The US President also delivered a message to the long-suffering people of Iran saying "the people of America stand with you."

Since leaving office in January 2017, Obama, a Democrat, has largely remained on the sidelines of the political debate, although he has criticized his Republican successor's efforts to undo some of his major policy achievements

&nbspFormer U.S. President Barack&nbspObama&nbspsaid on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, struck during&nbspObama's presidency, was "misguided." "I believe that the decision to put the JCPOA at risk without any Iranian violation of the deal is a serious mistake,"&nbspObama&nbspsaid in a statement, referring to the acronym for the agreement worked out by the United States, five other world powers and Iran. Since leaving office in January 2017,&nbspObama, a Democrat, has largely remained on the sidelines of the political debate, although he has criticized his Republican successor's efforts to undo some of his major policy achievements. There are few issues more important to the security of the US than the potential spread of nuclear weapons or the potential for even more destructive war in the Middle East. Today’s decision to put the JCPOA at risk is a serious mistake. My full statement: https://t.co/4oTdXESbxe — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 8, 2018 × He has condemned Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate accord and for ending a program that shielded from deportation immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children. He also spoke out against Trump's effort to unravel the&nbspObamacare healthcare program. Obama&nbspsaid the Iran agreement significantly rolled back Tehran's nuclear program and was a model for a possible deal Trump hopes to negotiate with North Korea to eliminate Pyongyang's nuclear weapons. "That is why today’s announcement is so misguided,"&nbspObama&nbspsaid. "Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on America’s closest allies, and an agreement that our country’s leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated," he said. President Trump on Tuesday announced the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Iran nuclear deal. He terminated the US participation in the JCPOA citing that the deal failed to protect America's national security interest. He also underscored that the deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into. The US President also delivered a message to the long-suffering people of Iran saying "the people of America stand with you."

Obama calls Trump's decision on Iran nuclear deal 'misguided'

Michael Avenatti, adult actress Stormy Daniels' lawyer, on Tuesday, claimed that US President Donald Trump's attorney Michael Cohen, who had also paid Daniels US $130,000 to keep quiet about her encounter with Trump, has received US $500,000 from a Russian billionaire in months after the 2016 US elections.&nbsp

In a tweet and report released on Tuesday, Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti said a company controlled by Viktor Vekselberg, a businessman with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, sent the payment to Cohen. The payments were allegedly made between January and August 2017.

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After significant investigation, we have discovered that Mr. Trump’s atty Mr. Cohen received approximately $500,000 in the mos. after the election from a company controlled by a Russian Oligarc with close ties to Mr. Putin. These monies may have reimbursed the $130k payment.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelAvenatti/status/993959992762994688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An attorney for the Renova affiliate, Columbus Nova, said it hired Cohen as a business consultant and that Vekselberg had no involvement in the payments. Columbus Nova is an U.S. investment arm of Renova Group, a conglomerate controlled by Vekselberg. Both Vekselberg and Renova were hit last month by U.S. sanctions for suspected meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and other alleged "malign activity."

AT&T, the telecoms corporation, confirmed it had made payments to Cohen’s firm during 2017 for “insights into understanding the new administration”.

"Essential Consultants was one of several firms we engaged in early 2017 to provide insights into understanding the new administration. They did no legal or lobbying work for us, and the contract ended in December 2017," AT&T said in a statement.

Avenatti also said he discovered four payments of just under $100,000 each by drugmaker Novartis to Essential Consultants, the same company used by Cohen to make payments to Daniels. Novartis, a Swiss-based pharmaceuticals firm, did not dispute that it paid Cohen. 
&nbsp

In a tweet and report released on Tuesday, Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti said a company controlled by Viktor Vekselberg, a businessman with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, sent the payment to Cohen

Michael Avenatti, adult actress Stormy Daniels' lawyer, on Tuesday, claimed that US President Donald Trump's attorney Michael Cohen, who had also paid Daniels US $130,000 to keep quiet about her encounter with Trump, has received US $500,000 from a Russian billionaire in months after the 2016 US elections. In a tweet and report released on Tuesday, Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti said a company controlled by Viktor Vekselberg, a businessman with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, sent the payment to Cohen. The payments were allegedly made between January and August 2017. After significant investigation, we have discovered that Mr. Trump’s atty Mr. Cohen received approximately $500,000 in the mos. after the election from a company controlled by a Russian Oligarc with close ties to Mr. Putin. These monies may have reimbursed the $130k payment. — Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) May 8, 2018 × An attorney for the Renova affiliate, Columbus Nova, said it hired Cohen as a business consultant and that Vekselberg had no involvement in the payments. Columbus Nova is an U.S. investment arm of Renova Group, a conglomerate controlled by Vekselberg. Both Vekselberg and Renova were hit last month by U.S. sanctions for suspected meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and other alleged "malign activity." AT&T, the telecoms corporation, confirmed it had made payments to Cohen’s firm during 2017 for “insights into understanding the new administration”. "Essential Consultants was one of several firms we engaged in early 2017 to provide insights into understanding the new administration. They did no legal or lobbying work for us, and the contract ended in December 2017," AT&T said in a statement. Avenatti also said he discovered four payments of just under $100,000 each by drugmaker Novartis to Essential Consultants, the same company used by Cohen to make payments to Daniels. Novartis, a Swiss-based pharmaceuticals firm, did not dispute that it paid Cohen.

Stormy Daniels' lawyer alleges big payment to Trump attorney Cohen from Russian oligarch

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/walmart-buying-77-stake-in-flipkart-for-16-billion-135737">Walmart buying 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion</a>

Walmart Inc has agreed to pay $16 billion for a roughly 77 per cent stake in Indian online shopping site Flipkart, the US retailer's biggest foreign investment as it battles rival Amazon.com Inc in one of the world's biggest emerging markets.

The deal, capping almost two years of talks, will help the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer fortify and boost market share against Amazon.com, which reportedly had tried to make a competing offer for a stake.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-to-grow-at-74-in-2018-78-in-2019-imf-135754">India to grow at 7.4% in 2018, says IMF</a>

The Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the current fiscal and accelerate further to 7.8 per cent as it recovers from the impact of demonetisation and GST roll out, IMF said today.

Asia continues to be the main engine of the world's economy, accounting for more than 60 per cent of global growth, three-quarters of which comes from China and India alone, as per IMF's Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific (REO).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-says-will-quit-nuke-deal-without-european-guarantees-135725">Iran supreme leader Khamenei says will quit nuclear deal without European guarantees</a>

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Tehran would quit the landmark 2015 nuclear deal unless European signatories offered solid guarantees that trade relations would continue after the US withdrawal.

Addressing Iran's government in a televised speech, Khamenei said: "We hear that you want to continue the nuclear deal with the three European countries. I don't have confidence in these three countries."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-xi-is-worlds-most-powerful-person-modi-is-9th-forbes-135739">China's Xi is world's most powerful person, Modi is 9th: Forbes</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes in a list that has been topped for the first time ever by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet.&nbsp;

Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list of 75 of the World's Most Powerful People who make the world turn.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-returning-from-north-korea-with-three-us-detainees-trump-135759">Pompeo returning from North Korea with three US detainees: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that three Americans detained by North Korea have been released and are on their way home with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

Walmart buying 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion Walmart Inc has agreed to pay $16 billion for a roughly 77 per cent stake in Indian online shopping site Flipkart, the US retailer's biggest foreign investment as it battles rival Amazon.com Inc in one of the world's biggest emerging markets. The deal, capping almost two years of talks, will help the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer fortify and boost market share against Amazon.com, which reportedly had tried to make a competing offer for a stake. India to grow at 7.4% in 2018, says IMF The Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the current fiscal and accelerate further to 7.8 per cent as it recovers from the impact of demonetisation and GST roll out, IMF said today. Asia continues to be the main engine of the world's economy, accounting for more than 60 per cent of global growth, three-quarters of which comes from China and India alone, as per IMF's Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific (REO). Iran supreme leader Khamenei says will quit nuclear deal without European guarantees Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Tehran would quit the landmark 2015 nuclear deal unless European signatories offered solid guarantees that trade relations would continue after the US withdrawal. Addressing Iran's government in a televised speech, Khamenei said: "We hear that you want to continue the nuclear deal with the three European countries. I don't have confidence in these three countries." China's Xi is world's most powerful person, Modi is 9th: Forbes Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes in a list that has been topped for the first time ever by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet. Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list of 75 of the World's Most Powerful People who make the world turn. Pompeo returning from North Korea with three US detainees: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that three Americans detained by North Korea have been released and are on their way home with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

President Donald Trump was poised Tuesday to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal, reimposing sanctions and abandoning the 2015 accord that Washington's allies believe is the last barrier against a Middle East arms race.

A US government official told AFP that Trump intends to announce he is dropping Washington's commitments under the deal, in defiance of desperate calls from European capitals for more time to negotiate a "Plan B".&nbsp

Trump, who has long pledged to tear up the "very badly negotiated" agreement, was due to speak at 2:00 pm at the White House, and some deal supporters are clinging to hopes he might only partially reinstate sanctions or allow more time for talks.

Instead, it now seems more likely that he will effectively tear up the accord -- which his predecessor Barack Obama agreed with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- and dare Tehran's regime to restart its enrichment program and alleged quest for a nuclear weapon.

Former Obama administration officials said this would put Washington on a collision course with Iran, distance the White House from its key allies, put US citizens held in Iran at risk, undermine efforts to negotiate away North Korea's nuclear arsenal and threaten new conflict in the Middle East.

Former deputy secretary of state Tony Blinken, who helped negotiate the accord, said this would be a "monumental mistake" and former senior diplomat Wendy Sherman told reporters Trump was putting international stability at risk for purely domestic political purposes.

"This has been a crisis that Trump has been precipitating himself to answer his base, to fulfil a campaign pledge that he made, without any sense whatsoever of what Plan B is," she told reporters.

"It says that the United States is not a reliable partner," she added, insisting that the existing deal permanently prevents Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon.

Blinken said ending the deal gives "hardliners in Iran an excuse to restart their pursuit of nuclear weapons, but without the united international coalition to oppose them or inspectors on the ground to expose them."

Trump had had until May 12 to decide whether to continue to waive sanctions on Iran's central bank and its oil sector dealings, a key pillar of the 2015 agreement.

Sombre mood 
For months, critics have been warning ending the waivers would unravel the carefully constructed deal, plunge Iran's already struggling economy into crisis and expose the biggest transatlantic rift since the Iraq War.

But some US officials close to Trump, as well as hawkish Washington lobbyists, argue that an Iranian economic collapse could lead to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-losing-everything-due-to-trump-135503">Tehran's Islamist regime falling</a> -- and that this would be a good thing.&nbsp

The president's decision will be closely watched across the Middle East, where a number of powers are mulling their own nuclear programs, and in Pyongyang ahead of non-proliferation talks between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

For months, Trump has unsuccessfully demanded changes to the Obama-era nuclear accord, which saw Iran stop military-scale uranium enrichment and open up to inspections, in return for massive sanctions relief.

Months of intensive talks with European allies ultimately stalled when Berlin, London and Paris refused Trump's demand to rewrite key provisions of the accord.

One European diplomat, echoing the somber mood around foreign embassies in Washington on the eve of Trump's announcement, said "there is plainly a difference of opinion."

"I would like to pretend to you today that I feel that there is a chance of the existing (deal) remaining intact," the European official said. "I think that that chance may exist but it is very small."

A French official said Macron left the United States last week "convinced that we would get a negative decision."

Danger of 'escalation' 
Ahead of Trump's verdict, diplomats shifted into damage limitation mode, hoping that beyond his inevitably harsh rhetoric, he stops short of immediately reimposing sanctions.

In Brussels, officials are already working on "blocking" measures that would protect EU citizens and companies from US prosecution.

"We are having conversations obviously and we are working on a number of proposals that could protect European companies and operators," a senior EU official told reporters.

Tehran has sent mixed signals about its potential response, hinting it could leave a fatally undermined deal and resume military-scale uranium enrichment.

But Iranian President Hassan Rouhani -- who publicly backed engagement with the United States and could face a domestic backlash if that policy fails -- indicated his country would stay in the agreement even if Washington pulls out.

It is still unclear whether Iran's more hardline military leaders, or Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hold the same view.

Iran staying in the deal makes it more likely that vital avenues for European trade would stay open.

Amid six months of speculation over Trump's decision, the Iranian rial had lost around a third of its value, before authorities in April took the drastic step of pegging the exchange rate to the dollar.

A US government official said Trump intends to announce he is dropping Washington's commitments under the deal, in defiance of desperate calls from European capitals for more time to negotiate a 'Plan B'

President Donald Trump was poised Tuesday to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal, reimposing sanctions and abandoning the 2015 accord that Washington's allies believe is the last barrier against a Middle East arms race. A US government official told AFP that Trump intends to announce he is dropping Washington's commitments under the deal, in defiance of desperate calls from European capitals for more time to negotiate a "Plan B". Trump, who has long pledged to tear up the "very badly negotiated" agreement, was due to speak at 2:00 pm at the White House, and some deal supporters are clinging to hopes he might only partially reinstate sanctions or allow more time for talks. Instead, it now seems more likely that he will effectively tear up the accord -- which his predecessor Barack Obama agreed with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- and dare Tehran's regime to restart its enrichment program and alleged quest for a nuclear weapon. Former Obama administration officials said this would put Washington on a collision course with Iran, distance the White House from its key allies, put US citizens held in Iran at risk, undermine efforts to negotiate away North Korea's nuclear arsenal and threaten new conflict in the Middle East. Former deputy secretary of state Tony Blinken, who helped negotiate the accord, said this would be a "monumental mistake" and former senior diplomat Wendy Sherman told reporters Trump was putting international stability at risk for purely domestic political purposes. "This has been a crisis that Trump has been precipitating himself to answer his base, to fulfil a campaign pledge that he made, without any sense whatsoever of what Plan B is," she told reporters. "It says that the United States is not a reliable partner," she added, insisting that the existing deal permanently prevents Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. Blinken said ending the deal gives "hardliners in Iran an excuse to restart their pursuit of nuclear weapons, but without the united international coalition to oppose them or inspectors on the ground to expose them." Trump had had until May 12 to decide whether to continue to waive sanctions on Iran's central bank and its oil sector dealings, a key pillar of the 2015 agreement. Sombre mood For months, critics have been warning ending the waivers would unravel the carefully constructed deal, plunge Iran's already struggling economy into crisis and expose the biggest transatlantic rift since the Iraq War. But some US officials close to Trump, as well as hawkish Washington lobbyists, argue that an Iranian economic collapse could lead to Tehran's Islamist regime falling -- and that this would be a good thing. The president's decision will be closely watched across the Middle East, where a number of powers are mulling their own nuclear programs, and in Pyongyang ahead of non-proliferation talks between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. For months, Trump has unsuccessfully demanded changes to the Obama-era nuclear accord, which saw Iran stop military-scale uranium enrichment and open up to inspections, in return for massive sanctions relief. Months of intensive talks with European allies ultimately stalled when Berlin, London and Paris refused Trump's demand to rewrite key provisions of the accord. One European diplomat, echoing the somber mood around foreign embassies in Washington on the eve of Trump's announcement, said "there is plainly a difference of opinion." "I would like to pretend to you today that I feel that there is a chance of the existing (deal) remaining intact," the European official said. "I think that that chance may exist but it is very small." A French official said Macron left the United States last week "convinced that we would get a negative decision." Danger of 'escalation' Ahead of Trump's verdict, diplomats shifted into damage limitation mode, hoping that beyond his inevitably harsh rhetoric, he stops short of immediately reimposing sanctions. In Brussels, officials are already working on "blocking" measures that would protect EU citizens and companies from US prosecution. "We are having conversations obviously and we are working on a number of proposals that could protect European companies and operators," a senior EU official told reporters. Tehran has sent mixed signals about its potential response, hinting it could leave a fatally undermined deal and resume military-scale uranium enrichment. But Iranian President Hassan Rouhani -- who publicly backed engagement with the United States and could face a domestic backlash if that policy fails -- indicated his country would stay in the agreement even if Washington pulls out. It is still unclear whether Iran's more hardline military leaders, or Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hold the same view. Iran staying in the deal makes it more likely that vital avenues for European trade would stay open. Amid six months of speculation over Trump's decision, the Iranian rial had lost around a third of its value, before authorities in April took the drastic step of pegging the exchange rate to the dollar.

Trump will pull out of Iran nuclear deal: US official

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani will respond on state television on Tuesday, shortly after US counterpart Donald Trump's expected withdrawal from the nuclear deal, an Iranian official told AFP.

"If Trump speaks, President Rouhani will respond tonight" on television, said the official on condition of anonymity.&nbsp

A US official in Washington told AFP that Trump will announce he is pulling the United States out of the landmark nuclear deal signed with world powers in 2015

'If Trump speaks, President Rouhani will respond tonight' on television, an official said on condition of anonymity

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani will respond on state television on Tuesday, shortly after US counterpart Donald Trump's expected withdrawal from the nuclear deal, an Iranian official told AFP. "If Trump speaks, President Rouhani will respond tonight" on television, said the official on condition of anonymity. A US official in Washington told AFP that Trump will announce he is pulling the United States out of the landmark nuclear deal signed with world powers in 2015

Iran's Rouhani will respond to Trump tonight: Official

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by telephone Tuesday with Donald Trump, just hours before the US president is widely expected to pull out of a key nuclear deal with Iran, his office said.

In a terse statement, the Elysee Palace said only that the two men "discussed matters relating to peace and stability in the Middle East," with no specific mention of Iran.

Macron has positioned himself as the emissary for European officials seeking a compromise that would keep the deal intact, after months of warnings by Trump that it fails to guarantee Tehran won't eventually build a nuclear weapon.

He had hoped to successfully argue his case during a state visit to Washington last month, but later made no secret that he believed Trump had already made up his mind to scrap the Obama-era accord.

Their discussion Tuesday came as Britain, Germany, France and a senior EU official met Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Brussels and "used this opportunity to reiterate their support to the continued full and effective implementation of the (deal) by all sides", the bloc said in a statement.

Trump said on Twitter that he would announce his decision at 1800 GMT, in what could be his most consequential foreign policy move yet.

In a terse statement, the Elysee Palace said only that the two men 'discussed matters relating to peace and stability in the Middle East,' with no specific mention of Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by telephone Tuesday with Donald Trump, just hours before the US president is widely expected to pull out of a key nuclear deal with Iran, his office said. In a terse statement, the Elysee Palace said only that the two men "discussed matters relating to peace and stability in the Middle East," with no specific mention of Iran. Macron has positioned himself as the emissary for European officials seeking a compromise that would keep the deal intact, after months of warnings by Trump that it fails to guarantee Tehran won't eventually build a nuclear weapon. He had hoped to successfully argue his case during a state visit to Washington last month, but later made no secret that he believed Trump had already made up his mind to scrap the Obama-era accord. Their discussion Tuesday came as Britain, Germany, France and a senior EU official met Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Brussels and "used this opportunity to reiterate their support to the continued full and effective implementation of the (deal) by all sides", the bloc said in a statement. Trump said on Twitter that he would announce his decision at 1800 GMT, in what could be his most consequential foreign policy move yet.

Macron speaks with Trump hours before his announcement on Iran nuclear deal

Oil prices retreated from three-and-a-half-year highs on Tuesday as investors waited on an announcement by President Donald Trump on whether the United States will reimpose sanctions on Iran.

Should Trump pull the United States out of a multi-nation agreement on Tehran's nuclear programme, Iranian crude exports could be hit, adding to tightness in the oil market, which is coming back into balance after years of glut.

US&nbspWest Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 63 cents, or 0.9 percent, to $70.10 a barrel by 0024 GMT. At one point they fell below $70, after settling above that level for the first time since November 2014 on Monday.

Brent crude futures were down 53 cents, or 0.7 percent, at $75.64, having jumped 1.7 percent to settle at $76.17 a barrel in the previous session.

Trump said on Monday a decision on whether to remain in the Iran nuclear deal or to impose sanctions would be announced at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Tuesday, four days earlier than expected.

Trump is likely to either announce he will not be renewing a waiver on sanctions, leading to a "significant reduction" in Iranian oil sales within six months, or will restate his opposition to the nuclear agreement, Barclays Research analysts said in a report.

"Regardless, his foreign policy continues to ignite tensions in the main oil-exporting centre and is, thus, price supportive," they said.

If Trump restores core US. sanctions, under US&nbsplaw he must wait at least 180 days before imposing their furthest-reaching measure, which is to target banks of nations that fail to significantly cut their purchases of Iranian oil.

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said Iran's exports could be cut by 200,000 to 300,000 bpd as a result. Iranian officials, however, said that the country's oil industry would continue to develop even if the United States exits the accord.

If Trump restores core US. sanctions, under US law he must wait at least 180 days before imposing their furthest-reaching measure

Oil prices retreated from three-and-a-half-year highs on Tuesday as investors waited on an announcement by President Donald Trump on whether the United States will reimpose sanctions on Iran. Should Trump pull the United States out of a multi-nation agreement on Tehran's nuclear programme, Iranian crude exports could be hit, adding to tightness in the oil market, which is coming back into balance after years of glut. US&nbspWest Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 63 cents, or 0.9 percent, to $70.10 a barrel by 0024 GMT. At one point they fell below $70, after settling above that level for the first time since November 2014 on Monday. Brent crude futures were down 53 cents, or 0.7 percent, at $75.64, having jumped 1.7 percent to settle at $76.17 a barrel in the previous session. Trump said on Monday a decision on whether to remain in the Iran nuclear deal or to impose sanctions would be announced at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Tuesday, four days earlier than expected. Trump is likely to either announce he will not be renewing a waiver on sanctions, leading to a "significant reduction" in Iranian oil sales within six months, or will restate his opposition to the nuclear agreement, Barclays Research analysts said in a report. "Regardless, his foreign policy continues to ignite tensions in the main oil-exporting centre and is, thus, price supportive," they said. If Trump restores core US. sanctions, under US&nbsplaw he must wait at least 180 days before imposing their furthest-reaching measure, which is to target banks of nations that fail to significantly cut their purchases of Iranian oil. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said Iran's exports could be cut by 200,000 to 300,000 bpd as a result. Iranian officials, however, said that the country's oil industry would continue to develop even if the United States exits the accord.

Oil prices fall as market awaits Trump decision on Iran

Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday said he has contacted the Trump administration to request an emergency declaration so the area can get federal help with volcano recovery efforts.

"I called FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) right away to let them know that we anticipate an event, that we want their support and most importantly I called the White House to let them know," he said.

This new eruption would entail danger to our community that I felt was very important that we assure that state, federal and county assets would be available to keep all of you safe, Ige added.

He was speaking at a community meeting in Pahoa.

Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983.

There's no indication when this particular lava flow might stop or how far it might spread.

"Yesterday when we went to look at the volcano, you could hear it. It's like a freight train and a huge wave coming at you. It was very scary," said Briyani Carley, a local who was evacuated by authorities.

Scientists from the US Geological Survey expect the flow to continue until more magma drains from the system.

On Sunday, some of the evacuees were allowed to return briefly to gather medicine, pets, and other necessities.

"We are feeling sorry for the people that have lost their houses because we know some of our neighbours have lost theirs. But at least up until now we are okay," said Carley.

They will be able to do so each day as long as authorities believe it is safe.

'I called FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) right away to let them know that we anticipate an event, that we want their support and most importantly I called the White House to let them know,' he said

Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday said he has contacted the Trump administration to request an emergency declaration so the area can get federal help with volcano recovery efforts. "I called FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) right away to let them know that we anticipate an event, that we want their support and most importantly I called the White House to let them know," he said. This new eruption would entail danger to our community that I felt was very important that we assure that state, federal and county assets would be available to keep all of you safe, Ige added. He was speaking at a community meeting in Pahoa. Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983. There's no indication when this particular lava flow might stop or how far it might spread. "Yesterday when we went to look at the volcano, you could hear it. It's like a freight train and a huge wave coming at you. It was very scary," said Briyani Carley, a local who was evacuated by authorities. Scientists from the US Geological Survey expect the flow to continue until more magma drains from the system. On Sunday, some of the evacuees were allowed to return briefly to gather medicine, pets, and other necessities. "We are feeling sorry for the people that have lost their houses because we know some of our neighbours have lost theirs. But at least up until now we are okay," said Carley. They will be able to do so each day as long as authorities believe it is safe.

Hawaii seeks US government's help with recovery efforts after volcano eruption

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-should-win-nobel-peace-prize-south-korea-president-133773">South Korea Presiden Moon Jae-Un</a> said that US President Donald Trump should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, Britan's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has also suggested that Trump be given the honor if he "fixes" North Korea and the Iran nuclear deal, reports said.&nbsp;

Johnson also said that Trump is as a deserving candidate as for the prize as Barack Obama "who got it before he even did anything," reports quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

Obama had won the prestigious award in 2009, less than a year after entering office.

Johnson's remarks came during his trip to Washington DC where he plans to convince Trump to renew the Iran nuclear deal of 2015. Johnson told Trump that Iran will "go for a bomb" if the deal is scrapped.&nbsp;

On Monday, Trump announced on Twitter that he would make a decision on Tuesday. “I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2.00pm,” he wrote.&nbsp;

Johnson said that, if he backs the Iran deal, Trump has as much chance of winning the award as Barack Obama.

Johnson is set to meet the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo but has no meetings with Trump this week.&nbsp;

Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-Un said: "President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace," Moon told a cabinet meeting, according to a presidential Blue House official who briefed media.

Trump has tamped down expectations from the North Korea talks over its nuclear weapon programme but has claimed credit for making it possible. &nbsp;

Calls have followed for the Nobel Peace Prize for Trump, Kim and South Korea’s Moon Jae-in. According to a leading London bookie, the Korea reconciliation initiative is currently the favorite for the prize in 2018, with Kim and Moon front-ending it. Trump is the next favorite.

Also, loyal supporters of Donald Trump in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/house-of-representatives-nominate-trump-for-nobel-peace-prize-134374">House of Representatives</a> have nominated the US President's name for Nobel Peace Prize.

The members from House of Representatives have sent a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee for their proposal.&nbsp;

The nomination was headed by Indiana's Rep. Luke Messer, who is locked in a fierce GOP primary battle in the Hoosier State for a Senate seat. Besides Messer, other members endorsing the proposal are Freedom Caucus leader Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina and Rep. Steve King of Iowa.&nbsp;

Johnson also said that Trump as a deserving candidate as for the prize as Barack Obama 'who got it before he even did anything' reports quoted him as saying

After South Korea Presiden Moon Jae-Un said that US President Donald Trump should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, Britan's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has also suggested that Trump be given the honor if he "fixes" North Korea and the Iran nuclear deal, reports said. Johnson also said that Trump is as a deserving candidate as for the prize as Barack Obama "who got it before he even did anything," reports quoted him as saying. Obama had won the prestigious award in 2009, less than a year after entering office. Johnson's remarks came during his trip to Washington DC where he plans to convince Trump to renew the Iran nuclear deal of 2015. Johnson told Trump that Iran will "go for a bomb" if the deal is scrapped. On Monday, Trump announced on Twitter that he would make a decision on Tuesday. “I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2.00pm,” he wrote. Johnson said that, if he backs the Iran deal, Trump has as much chance of winning the award as Barack Obama. Johnson is set to meet the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo but has no meetings with Trump this week. Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-Un said: "President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace," Moon told a cabinet meeting, according to a presidential Blue House official who briefed media. Trump has tamped down expectations from the North Korea talks over its nuclear weapon programme but has claimed credit for making it possible. Calls have followed for the Nobel Peace Prize for Trump, Kim and South Korea’s Moon Jae-in. According to a leading London bookie, the Korea reconciliation initiative is currently the favorite for the prize in 2018, with Kim and Moon front-ending it. Trump is the next favorite. Also, loyal supporters of Donald Trump in House of Representatives have nominated the US President's name for Nobel Peace Prize. The members from House of Representatives have sent a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee for their proposal. The nomination was headed by Indiana's Rep. Luke Messer, who is locked in a fierce GOP primary battle in the Hoosier State for a Senate seat. Besides Messer, other members endorsing the proposal are Freedom Caucus leader Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina and Rep. Steve King of Iowa.

This is why Trump could win the Nobel Peace Prize, according to Boris Johnson

Venezuela on Sunday slammed comments by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the government of President Nicolas Maduro, denouncing "supremacist policies" and aggression by the "regime of Donald Trump."

In a speech on Friday, Pompeo said that "a dictator today in Venezuela cripples his economy and starves his people," and urged the State Department help to those who flee the crisis-stricken country.

"Mr. Pompeo shows false concern for the reality of Venezuela, while hiding the perverse effects of the unilateral coercive measures of his government," Venezuela's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, referring to financial sanctions levied against Venezuela by the Trump government.

It said Trump's government "has launched erratic maneuvers, typical of the arrogance and despair of imperialist politics, after having failed once and again in the face of the will of a free and independent people."

Close to 1 million people left Venezuela between 2015 and 2017, according to U.N. figures, to escape the rising incidence of malnutrition and preventable diseases as a result of the collapse of the country's socialist economic system.

Maduro blames the situation on U.S. sanctions and an "economic war" waged by the opposition. He is up for re-election on May 20 in a vote that is being boycotted by the opposition's main coalition, which calls it a sham.

Opposition politician Henri Falcon is breaking the boycott and will stand against Maduro.

In a speech on Friday, Pompeo said that 'a dictator today in Venezuela cripples his economy and starves his people,' and urged the State Department help to those who flee the crisis-stricken country.

Venezuela on Sunday slammed comments by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the government of President Nicolas Maduro, denouncing "supremacist policies" and aggression by the "regime of Donald Trump." In a speech on Friday, Pompeo said that "a dictator today in Venezuela cripples his economy and starves his people," and urged the State Department help to those who flee the crisis-stricken country. "Mr. Pompeo shows false concern for the reality of Venezuela, while hiding the perverse effects of the unilateral coercive measures of his government," Venezuela's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, referring to financial sanctions levied against Venezuela by the Trump government. It said Trump's government "has launched erratic maneuvers, typical of the arrogance and despair of imperialist politics, after having failed once and again in the face of the will of a free and independent people." Close to 1 million people left Venezuela between 2015 and 2017, according to U.N. figures, to escape the rising incidence of malnutrition and preventable diseases as a result of the collapse of the country's socialist economic system. Maduro blames the situation on U.S. sanctions and an "economic war" waged by the opposition. He is up for re-election on May 20 in a vote that is being boycotted by the opposition's main coalition, which calls it a sham. Opposition politician Henri Falcon is breaking the boycott and will stand against Maduro.

Venezuela slams 'supremacist policies' of Pompeo, Trump 'regime'

Ahead of her Senate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-nominee-gina-haspel-faces-us-senate-hurdle-in-bid-to-lead-cia-35745">intelligence committee appearance</a> on Wednesday, Gina Haspel who was picked by Trump to be the next CIA chief has reportedly informed the White House that she may not attend the confirmation hearing over her intelligence records which allegedly involves "waterboarding" technique which is condemned as torture.

A US media report said she has told the White House that she may step aside from the hearing than be subjected to hard grilling by the Senate committee who are reportedly set to ask several uncomfortable questions about her tenure in the CIA.

However, the White House has apparently said she will not withdraw. Haspel, 61, would become the first woman CIA chief if she confirmed by the Senate committee.

The White House reportedly wanted to hear her version ahead of Senate confirmation hearing with several controversial topics set to be&nbsp;discussed.

Haspel's work in the CIA has been shrouded in mystery. She is widely believed to have used waterboarding techniques as a brutal form of interrogation on at least two terror suspects.

The al Qaida suspects were allegedly interrogated in secret prisons outside the US in what many believe was a form of "torture".

Although Republicans hold a narrow majority, her confirmation could become a close affair with several questions being raised about her work and techniques she followed during her time as a field officer in the aftermath of 9/11.

Former President George Bush had authorized the Rendition, Detention and Interrogation Program after the 2001, September 11th terror attacks on the New York trade towers and the Pentagon.

Haspel is due to succeed Mike Pompeo, who became secretary of state last month.

The al Qaida suspects were allegedly interrogated in secret prisons outside the US in what many believe was a form of "torture".

Ahead of her Senate intelligence committee appearance on Wednesday, Gina Haspel who was picked by Trump to be the next CIA chief has reportedly informed the White House that she may not attend the confirmation hearing over her intelligence records which allegedly involves "waterboarding" technique which is condemned as torture. A US media report said she has told the White House that she may step aside from the hearing than be subjected to hard grilling by the Senate committee who are reportedly set to ask several uncomfortable questions about her tenure in the CIA. However, the White House has apparently said she will not withdraw. Haspel, 61, would become the first woman CIA chief if she confirmed by the Senate committee. The White House reportedly wanted to hear her version ahead of Senate confirmation hearing with several controversial topics set to be discussed. Haspel's work in the CIA has been shrouded in mystery. She is widely believed to have used waterboarding techniques as a brutal form of interrogation on at least two terror suspects. The al Qaida suspects were allegedly interrogated in secret prisons outside the US in what many believe was a form of "torture". Although Republicans hold a narrow majority, her confirmation could become a close affair with several questions being raised about her work and techniques she followed during her time as a field officer in the aftermath of 9/11. Former President George Bush had authorized the Rendition, Detention and Interrogation Program after the 2001, September 11th terror attacks on the New York trade towers and the Pentagon. Haspel is due to succeed Mike Pompeo, who became secretary of state last month.

CIA nominee Gina Haspel tried to withdraw over 'torture' allegation: Report

The US&nbsppresident’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, on Sunday claimed that Trump would have definitely had Michael Cohen make payments to more women if he had to, as the Trump-Stormy Daniels scandal heats up.&nbsp

"I have no knowledge of that. But I would think if it was necessary, yes." Giuliani told ABC's "This Week", when asked about Cohen making payments to other women, The Hill reported.

Daniels’ lawyer said Giuliani and Trump had “lost track of the truth” and were undermining their own attempted “coverup”. He had added that there could be many other woemn with similar issues to his client.&nbsp

Giuliani, who recently joined Trump's team of lawyers in the Mueller probe over the alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election appeared in several interviews to clarify his comments on reimbursement.

On Thursday, in an exclusive interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity, Giuliani said that the payment was "perfectly legal" and was not "campaign money".

Asked whether the US President was aware of the payment, Giuliani underscored that "he did not know the specifics of it in his knowledge".

Also watch:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-knew-about-the-payment-to-stormy-daniels-trumps-lawyer-134579">Trump knew about the payment to Stormy Daniels: Trump's lawyer</a>

On Thursday, Trump went on a Twitter rant after Guiliani &nbspsaid on Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/stormy-daniels-case-trump-repays-michael-cohen-says-rudy-giuliani--134389">Trump had reimbursed Cohen</a> the $130,000 that was given to Daniels to buy her silence about an alleged affair with the president, saying that his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair.

"Money from the campaign, or campaign contributions, played no roll (sic) in this transaction," Trump wrote in one of a series of posts on Twitter early on Thursday.

Last week, Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, who publicly claimed a 2006 sexual encounter with President Trump, filed a fresh defamation suit against him. The lawsuit said that she suffered damages in excess of USD 75,000.

Daniels has been locked in a legal battle with President Trump, seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she and Cohen had signed more than a decade ago.

In her previous lawsuit, the adult star is asking whether the hush agreement was legal and is looking at whether President Trump consented to it.

The adult star revealed that the deal was not valid because the US President "never signed it himself".&nbsp

Giuliani, who recently joined Trump's team of lawyers in the Mueller probe over the alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election appeared in several interviews to clarify his comments on reimbursement

The US&nbsppresident’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, on Sunday claimed that Trump would have definitely had Michael Cohen make payments to more women if he had to, as the Trump-Stormy Daniels scandal heats up. "I have no knowledge of that. But I would think if it was necessary, yes." Giuliani told ABC's "This Week", when asked about Cohen making payments to other women, The Hill reported. Daniels’ lawyer said Giuliani and Trump had “lost track of the truth” and were undermining their own attempted “coverup”. He had added that there could be many other woemn with similar issues to his client. Giuliani, who recently joined Trump's team of lawyers in the Mueller probe over the alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election appeared in several interviews to clarify his comments on reimbursement. On Thursday, in an exclusive interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity, Giuliani said that the payment was "perfectly legal" and was not "campaign money". Asked whether the US President was aware of the payment, Giuliani underscored that "he did not know the specifics of it in his knowledge". Also watch: Trump knew about the payment to Stormy Daniels: Trump's lawyer On Thursday, Trump went on a Twitter rant after Guiliani &nbspsaid on Wednesday that Trump had reimbursed Cohen the $130,000 that was given to Daniels to buy her silence about an alleged affair with the president, saying that his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair. "Money from the campaign, or campaign contributions, played no roll (sic) in this transaction," Trump wrote in one of a series of posts on Twitter early on Thursday. Last week, Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, who publicly claimed a 2006 sexual encounter with President Trump, filed a fresh defamation suit against him. The lawsuit said that she suffered damages in excess of USD 75,000. Daniels has been locked in a legal battle with President Trump, seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she and Cohen had signed more than a decade ago. In her previous lawsuit, the adult star is asking whether the hush agreement was legal and is looking at whether President Trump consented to it. The adult star revealed that the deal was not valid because the US President "never signed it himself".

Trump would have had Cohen pay other women if necessary: Lawyer Rudy Giuliani

US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim-Jong Un are most probably going to meet in Singapore for the historic summit in June, reports said on Monday.&nbsp;

The date and location have been settled by the two leaders, Trump had said during the weekend but refrained from giving out any other detail.&nbsp;

Earlier, a senior US official said Singapore was still high on the list of potential sites for the summit after Trump had suggested the Peace House on DMZ where Kim met South Korean President Moon Jae In last week.&nbsp;

"We're looking at various countries, including Singapore. And we are also talking about the possibility of the DMZ Peace House/Freedom House," Trump said.

A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit.

Preparations for the much-anticipated talks between the two leaders are gaining more momentum since the Korea summit last month which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War.

North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move.

Trump, who has declined to comment on whether he has spoken directly to the North Korean leader, called Kim "very open and very straightforward so far".

"Oh yeah, I think the summit's going to happen," he said. They very much want it. We certainly would like to see it... I will say this: If it's not a success... I will respectfully leave. It's very simple."

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The date and location have been settled by the two leaders, Trump had said during the weekend but refrained from giving out any other detail

US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim-Jong Un are most probably going to meet in Singapore for the historic summit in June, reports said on Monday. The date and location have been settled by the two leaders, Trump had said during the weekend but refrained from giving out any other detail. Earlier, a senior US official said Singapore was still high on the list of potential sites for the summit after Trump had suggested the Peace House on DMZ where Kim met South Korean President Moon Jae In last week. "We're looking at various countries, including Singapore. And we are also talking about the possibility of the DMZ Peace House/Freedom House," Trump said. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Preparations for the much-anticipated talks between the two leaders are gaining more momentum since the Korea summit last month which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move. Trump, who has declined to comment on whether he has spoken directly to the North Korean leader, called Kim "very open and very straightforward so far". "Oh yeah, I think the summit's going to happen," he said. They very much want it. We certainly would like to see it... I will say this: If it's not a success... I will respectfully leave. It's very simple." ×

Watch: Singapore to be a possible location for historic Trump-Kim meeting

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump spoke with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday on issues including the Iran nuclear deal, a week before the president is to decide whether Washington will leave the pact, the White House said.

Trump is set to decide by May 12 whether to withdraw from the 2015 Iran deal, in which the Islamic Republic agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump has all but decided to withdraw, White House officials said on May 2.

Still, Trump could figure out a way to stay in the deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.

Britain, France and Germany agreed that the deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from getting nuclear weapons, May's office said in late April.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Trump to stay in the deal when he met with the president in Washington last month.

In the call with May, Trump "underscored his commitment to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon," the White House said.

The two also talked about nuclear issues in North Korea. "As planning continues for his upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump emphasized his goal of a denuclearized North Korea," the White House said.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is travelling to Washington on Sunday for a two-day visit, when he will meet Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, for talks on Iran, North Korea, Syria and other issues, Britain said.

"The UK, the United States, and European partners are "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behavior that makes the Middle East region less secure - its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile program, which is arming Houthi militias in Yemen," Johnson said in a statement.

Trump is slated visit the United Kingdom in July.

Trump is set to decide by May 12 whether to withdraw from the 2015 Iran deal

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump spoke with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday on issues including the Iran nuclear deal, a week before the president is to decide whether Washington will leave the pact, the White House said. Trump is set to decide by May 12 whether to withdraw from the 2015 Iran deal, in which the Islamic Republic agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump has all but decided to withdraw, White House officials said on May 2. Still, Trump could figure out a way to stay in the deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Britain, France and Germany agreed that the deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from getting nuclear weapons, May's office said in late April. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Trump to stay in the deal when he met with the president in Washington last month. In the call with May, Trump "underscored his commitment to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon," the White House said. The two also talked about nuclear issues in North Korea. "As planning continues for his upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump emphasized his goal of a denuclearized North Korea," the White House said. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is travelling to Washington on Sunday for a two-day visit, when he will meet Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, for talks on Iran, North Korea, Syria and other issues, Britain said. "The UK, the United States, and European partners are "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behavior that makes the Middle East region less secure - its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile program, which is arming Houthi militias in Yemen," Johnson said in a statement. Trump is slated visit the United Kingdom in July.

Trump speaks with Britain's May on Iran, North Korea

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-in-france-britain-over-us-president-donald-trumps-gun-law-speech-134851">Anger in France, Britain over US president Donald Trump's gun law speech</a>

US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/18-miners-killed-several-injured-as-two-coal-mines-collapse-in-balochistan-134856">18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan</a>

At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860">Muslim </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860">organisations</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860"> burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office</a>

Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-confirms-death-sentences-for-11-hardcore-terrorists-134865">Pakistan Army Chief confirms death sentences for 11 'hardcore terrorists'</a>

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday confirmed the death sentence of 11 hardcore terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

I<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-meet-russias-putin-on-wednesday-statement-134853">sraeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement</a>

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Anger in France, Britain over US president Donald Trump's gun law speech US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban. 18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.' Muslim organisations burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Pakistan Army Chief confirms death sentences for 11 'hardcore terrorists' Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday confirmed the death sentence of 11 hardcore terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Israeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Britain's data privacy watchdog has ordered Cambridge Analytica to hand over all the personal information it holds on a US academic, confirming the right of people abroad to seek data held by a UK firm.

Data privacy activists say that it sets a precedent that would enable millions of other US voters to request information that the company had collected on them.

The Information Commissioner's Office served notice to SCL Elections, Cambridge Analytica's parent, to provide the information it holds on David Carroll, saying failure to do so would be a criminal offence punishable by an unlimited fine.

The order comes days after both firms filed for insolvency after reports that Cambridge Analytica had improperly obtained data on tens of millions of Facebook users without their knowledge or consent.

Cambridge Analytica advised US President Donald Trump's election campaign, building psychographic profiles of the electorate to help micro-target voters with advertising in key swing states.

Its managers have denied, however, using data harvested by Cambridge University psychologist Alexandr Kogan through a personality quiz on Facebook, in the 2016 US election.

"The company has consistently refused to cooperate with our investigation into this case and has refused to answer our specific enquiries in relation to the complainant's personal data," Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said.

"The right to request personal data that an organisation holds about you is a cornerstone right in data protection law and it is important that Professor Carroll, and other members of the public, understand what personal data Cambridge Analytica held and how they analysed it."

The case rests on the principle that, because a British company processed his data, Carroll is entitled under UK data protection law to receive the data a company holds on him even though he is a US resident.

"The ICO's decision will provide us all with answers about what Cambridge Analytica did with people's data, how it was used and who it was given to," said Carroll's UK lawyer Ravi Naik.

Cambridge Analytica and its insolvency administrators did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Sunday.

&nbsp

 
&nbsp

Data privacy activists say that it sets a precedent that would enable millions of other US voters to request information that the company had collected on them

Britain's data privacy watchdog has ordered Cambridge Analytica to hand over all the personal information it holds on a US academic, confirming the right of people abroad to seek data held by a UK firm. Data privacy activists say that it sets a precedent that would enable millions of other US voters to request information that the company had collected on them. The Information Commissioner's Office served notice to SCL Elections, Cambridge Analytica's parent, to provide the information it holds on David Carroll, saying failure to do so would be a criminal offence punishable by an unlimited fine. The order comes days after both firms filed for insolvency after reports that Cambridge Analytica had improperly obtained data on tens of millions of Facebook users without their knowledge or consent. Cambridge Analytica advised US President Donald Trump's election campaign, building psychographic profiles of the electorate to help micro-target voters with advertising in key swing states. Its managers have denied, however, using data harvested by Cambridge University psychologist Alexandr Kogan through a personality quiz on Facebook, in the 2016 US election. "The company has consistently refused to cooperate with our investigation into this case and has refused to answer our specific enquiries in relation to the complainant's personal data," Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said. "The right to request personal data that an organisation holds about you is a cornerstone right in data protection law and it is important that Professor Carroll, and other members of the public, understand what personal data Cambridge Analytica held and how they analysed it." The case rests on the principle that, because a British company processed his data, Carroll is entitled under UK data protection law to receive the data a company holds on him even though he is a US resident. "The ICO's decision will provide us all with answers about what Cambridge Analytica did with people's data, how it was used and who it was given to," said Carroll's UK lawyer Ravi Naik. Cambridge Analytica and its insolvency administrators did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Sunday.

UK watchdog orders Cambridge Analytica to hand over American's personal data

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