The United States Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to Purdue Pharma’s $6 billion opioids settlement, on Monday (Dec 4) which would immunise the company’s billionaire Sackler family owners from future lawsuits brought by opioid victims. The Justice Department has argued against this immunity after accusing them of flooding the country with highly addictive opioids and challenging its legality.&nbsp;

In August, the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-halts-purdues-6-billion-opioid-settlement-pending-review-624448">temporarily blocked</a> a bankruptcy deal for Purdue Pharma that would have shielded members of the Sackler family which controls the drugmaker from future litigation over their role in the country’s opioid epidemic.&nbsp;

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has argued that the family earned tens of billions of dollars while flooding the country with the highly addictive pain medication OxyContin, which played a key role in the opioid epidemic that has caused over half a million deaths across the US.&nbsp;

<h2>How will the $6 billion settlement help people?</h2>

Purdue’s plan involves paying up to $6 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits filed by states, hospitals, people who had become addicted and others who have sued the Connecticut-based company over its misleading marketing of OxyContin in exchange for full immunity from all civil legal disputes.&nbsp;

The opioid epidemic in the US has caused more than 500,000 overdose deaths over two decades, according to American officials. In 1996, Purdue introduced OxyContin and marketed and promoted it aggressively.&nbsp;

The pain medication has been attributed to kickstarting the epidemic, according to the various plaintiffs who have argued in thousands of lawsuits against Purdue, across the US. The drugmaker has also been accused of encouraging the free-wheeling prescription of their products while hiding the addictive nature of the drugs.

Following an avalanche of litigation which involved legal officials from all 50 US states, in 2021, Purdue pled guilty to three criminal charges over its marketing of OxyContin. The drugmaker also pleaded guilty to misbranding and fraud charges over the marketing of its pain medication, in 2007 and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/purdue-pharma-pleads-guilty-to-criminal-charges-for-opioid-sales-337138">2020</a>.

However, the litigation&nbsp;prompted Purdue, in 2019, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address its debts nearly all of which stemmed from thousands of OxyContin-related lawsuits.&nbsp;

Purdue’s bankruptcy settlement, approved by a US bankruptcy judge in 2021, would provide around $10 billion in value to its creditors, said the company.&nbsp;

The settlement was revised a year later, to include more money from the Sacklers after the Attorneys General of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-drop-opposition-to-purdue-pharma-bankruptcy-plan-396799">eight states</a> and the District of Columbia successfully appealed the bankruptcy court approval.

This was after Purdue had reached a bankruptcy settlement with creditors, including various state attorneys general, local governments and the DOJ’s criminal and civil divisions.&nbsp;

As a part of the revised deal, the Sackler family would pay up to $6 billion to a trust to settle claims filed by states, hospitals, people who had become addicted and individual opioid plaintiffs.

A group comprising more than 60,000 people who have filed personal injury claims due to Purdue’s opioid products told the Supreme Court that they support the settlement, including legal immunity for the Sackler family.

However, the settlement is opposed by the DOJ’s bankruptcy watchdog and some individual opioid plaintiffs.

<h2>DOJ argues against the settlement</h2>

The temporary block on the bankruptcy deal for Purdue came after the top court agreed to hear US President Joe Biden’s administration regarding the legality of the settlement and said it would hold oral arguments in December.&nbsp;

The order was filed by the US Trustee, an office within the DOJ that carries out an administrative function and performs a watchdog role in some instances.&nbsp;

The settlement, which was approved by a lower court, gave the families of Raymond Sackler and Mortimer Sackler protection from all future civil claims which would effectively protect their other assets from opioid-related lawsuits.&nbsp;

The objection filed by the DOJ argues that Purdue’s plans allowed the members of the Sackler family to take advantage of legal protections meant for debtors in “financial distress,” not for billionaires like the Sacklers.

“The court of appeals’ decision is a roadmap for corporations and wealthy individuals to misuse the bankruptcy system to avoid mass-tort liability,” US Trustee told the SCOTUS.

Sackler family members withdrew $11 billion from Purdue over the 11 years before the company filed for bankruptcy protection and later agreed to contribute $6 billion to its opioid settlement, said the Biden administration.

Purdue said it was disappointed that the US Trustee filed a challenge that has “single-handedly” delayed “billions of dollars in value that should be put to use for victim compensation, opioid crisis abatement for communities across the country and overdose rescue medicines.”&nbsp;

The company also said that it was confident about the legality of its “universally supported plan of reorganization” and the SCOTUS will agree with it.&nbsp;

<h2>How did the Sackler family use bankruptcy as a shield?</h2>

The Sacklers have consistently denied wrongdoing and expressed regret that OxyContin “unexpectedly became part of an opioid crisis.” The billionaire family would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/purdue-pharmas-sackler-family-to-receive-full-immunity-from-opioid-lawsuits-court-rules-598848">receive immunity</a> in exchange for paying the settlement amount, despite not being bankrupt themselves.&nbsp;

The Sacklers would shield themselves through what is called a non-debtor release, which the US Congress initially granted in the context of asbestos litigation.&nbsp;

Simply put, Sacklers for giving billions of dollars to Purdue – which as a part of the settlement deal would transform into a nonprofit and dedicate its assets to addressing the harms of opioid addiction across the US – cannot be held accountable for their role in the opioid crisis and don’t even have to declare bankruptcy to for that protection.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the SCOTUS hearing about?</h2>

In this context, the Supreme Court justices would decide whether members of the Sackler family should be shielded from current and future lawsuits connected with Purdue.&nbsp;

Ellen Isaacs, a former OxyContin user, who lost her son to overdose and is among those who oppose the $6 billion settlement, wrote to the justices saying that the settlement fails to hold the Sacklers responsible.&nbsp;

“In a case where so many lost everything priceless, including their lives, justice is served when the villains keep nothing at all,” she wrote. “But justice is not served by forcing victims, against their will, into a deal that leaves the Sacklers billionaires,” she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to Purdue Pharma’s $6 billion opioids settlement, on Monday (Dec 4) which would immunise the company’s billionaire Sackler family owners from future lawsuits brought by opioid victims.

The United States Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to Purdue Pharma’s $6 billion opioids settlement, on Monday (Dec 4) which would immunise the company’s billionaire Sackler family owners from future lawsuits brought by opioid victims. The Justice Department has argued against this immunity after accusing them of flooding the country with highly addictive opioids and challenging its legality. In August, the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) temporarily blocked a bankruptcy deal for Purdue Pharma that would have shielded members of the Sackler family which controls the drugmaker from future litigation over their role in the country’s opioid epidemic. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has argued that the family earned tens of billions of dollars while flooding the country with the highly addictive pain medication OxyContin, which played a key role in the opioid epidemic that has caused over half a million deaths across the US. How will the $6 billion settlement help people? Purdue’s plan involves paying up to $6 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits filed by states, hospitals, people who had become addicted and others who have sued the Connecticut-based company over its misleading marketing of OxyContin in exchange for full immunity from all civil legal disputes. The opioid epidemic in the US has caused more than 500,000 overdose deaths over two decades, according to American officials. In 1996, Purdue introduced OxyContin and marketed and promoted it aggressively. The pain medication has been attributed to kickstarting the epidemic, according to the various plaintiffs who have argued in thousands of lawsuits against Purdue, across the US. The drugmaker has also been accused of encouraging the free-wheeling prescription of their products while hiding the addictive nature of the drugs. Following an avalanche of litigation which involved legal officials from all 50 US states, in 2021, Purdue pled guilty to three criminal charges over its marketing of OxyContin. The drugmaker also pleaded guilty to misbranding and fraud charges over the marketing of its pain medication, in 2007 and 2020. However, the litigation prompted Purdue, in 2019, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address its debts nearly all of which stemmed from thousands of OxyContin-related lawsuits. Purdue’s bankruptcy settlement, approved by a US bankruptcy judge in 2021, would provide around $10 billion in value to its creditors, said the company. The settlement was revised a year later, to include more money from the Sacklers after the Attorneys General of eight states and the District of Columbia successfully appealed the bankruptcy court approval. This was after Purdue had reached a bankruptcy settlement with creditors, including various state attorneys general, local governments and the DOJ’s criminal and civil divisions. As a part of the revised deal, the Sackler family would pay up to $6 billion to a trust to settle claims filed by states, hospitals, people who had become addicted and individual opioid plaintiffs. A group comprising more than 60,000 people who have filed personal injury claims due to Purdue’s opioid products told the Supreme Court that they support the settlement, including legal immunity for the Sackler family. However, the settlement is opposed by the DOJ’s bankruptcy watchdog and some individual opioid plaintiffs. DOJ argues against the settlement The temporary block on the bankruptcy deal for Purdue came after the top court agreed to hear US President Joe Biden’s administration regarding the legality of the settlement and said it would hold oral arguments in December. The order was filed by the US Trustee, an office within the DOJ that carries out an administrative function and performs a watchdog role in some instances. The settlement, which was approved by a lower court, gave the families of Raymond Sackler and Mortimer Sackler protection from all future civil claims which would effectively protect their other assets from opioid-related lawsuits. The objection filed by the DOJ argues that Purdue’s plans allowed the members of the Sackler family to take advantage of legal protections meant for debtors in “financial distress,” not for billionaires like the Sacklers. “The court of appeals’ decision is a roadmap for corporations and wealthy individuals to misuse the bankruptcy system to avoid mass-tort liability,” US Trustee told the SCOTUS. Sackler family members withdrew $11 billion from Purdue over the 11 years before the company filed for bankruptcy protection and later agreed to contribute $6 billion to its opioid settlement, said the Biden administration. Purdue said it was disappointed that the US Trustee filed a challenge that has “single-handedly” delayed “billions of dollars in value that should be put to use for victim compensation, opioid crisis abatement for communities across the country and overdose rescue medicines.” The company also said that it was confident about the legality of its “universally supported plan of reorganization” and the SCOTUS will agree with it. How did the Sackler family use bankruptcy as a shield? The Sacklers have consistently denied wrongdoing and expressed regret that OxyContin “unexpectedly became part of an opioid crisis.” The billionaire family would receive immunity in exchange for paying the settlement amount, despite not being bankrupt themselves. The Sacklers would shield themselves through what is called a non-debtor release, which the US Congress initially granted in the context of asbestos litigation. Simply put, Sacklers for giving billions of dollars to Purdue – which as a part of the settlement deal would transform into a nonprofit and dedicate its assets to addressing the harms of opioid addiction across the US – cannot be held accountable for their role in the opioid crisis and don’t even have to declare bankruptcy to for that protection. What is the SCOTUS hearing about? In this context, the Supreme Court justices would decide whether members of the Sackler family should be shielded from current and future lawsuits connected with Purdue. Ellen Isaacs, a former OxyContin user, who lost her son to overdose and is among those who oppose the $6 billion settlement, wrote to the justices saying that the settlement fails to hold the Sacklers responsible. “In a case where so many lost everything priceless, including their lives, justice is served when the villains keep nothing at all,” she wrote. “But justice is not served by forcing victims, against their will, into a deal that leaves the Sacklers billionaires,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | US Supreme Court to hear challenge to Purdue’s $6bn deal. Will it affect opioid epidemic relief?

The United States Reports say that in an attempt to enhance deterrence against China. Washington is set to deploy a ground Intermediate-range missiles in the Indo Pacific in 2024.

US set to deploy ground-based missiles in Indo-Pacific | US' first deployment since end of cold war

Major cyber thrash is impacting US water infrastructure. Iran linked hacking group is actively targeting multiple US facilities.

Iranian hackers target Israeli tech used by several US water facilities

A US destroyer and several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea came under drone and ballistic missile attacks and this is according to the US military as it marks the most significant escalation of a weeks long military attack on ships operating in those waters.

US Navy destroyer shoots down three drones in Red Sea that hit commercial ships by missiles & drones

Amid the COP28 summit, a report says electricity generated in China, India and US as well as oil and gas production have produced the biggest spike in global greenhouse gas emissions.

India, China & US biggest Greenhouse gas emittors, says report; Satellite tracking displays reality

An American destroyer shot down multiple drones on Sunday (Dec 3) while assisting commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by&nbsp;Yemen, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Pentagon had previously said that they were aware of reports regarding attacks on an American warship and commercial vessels in the area.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels had claimed drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, the Iran-backed group in Yemen has launched several drones and missiles towards Israel, particularly since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas and even seized what they called an Israel-linked cargo vessel.&nbsp;

<h2>US destroyer downs drones</h2>

The US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance following missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

“Today, there were four attacks against three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea,” said the CENTCOM.&nbsp;

“The Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer USS Carney responded to the distress calls from the ships and provided assistance” and shot down three drones that were heading for the warship, the statement added.&nbsp;

Carney detected a missile from the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen which landed near the Bahamas-flagged M/V Unity Explorer. The cargo ship later reported minor damage from another missile from a rebel-held area, reported AFP.&nbsp;

A Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, M/V Number 9, also reported some damage to the vessel but didn't report any casualties after a missile attack from Yemen. M/V Sophie II, which also has Panama’s flag, said it was struck as well but reported no significant harm.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-us-ambassador-to-bolivia-arrested-accused-of-serving-as-an-agent-of-cuba-report-665920">Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, accused of serving as an agent of Cuba: Report</a>

The US military has called these attacks a “direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.”

<h2>Houthis claim responsibility for attacks in Red Sea, US blames Iran</h2>

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks on Unity Explorer and Number 9 – both reportedly linked to United Kingdom-based companies – earlier on Sunday, saying that it attacked two Israeli ships with an armed drone and a naval missile.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Iran-backed group also said that the ships were targeted after they rejected warnings, but did not give any other details about the incident.&nbsp;

In a statement on social media, the group said, the attacks on the country’s vessels would continue “until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-queens-stabbing-attack-four-killed-as-police-shoots-suspect-dead-665821">New York stabbing: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoot suspect dead</a>

Meanwhile, the US has blamed Iran for enabling these attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and that it will take appropriate measures in coordination with its allies.&nbsp;

“We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Huthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” said the Pentagon.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Nov 26), the US military captured five attackers who seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An American destroyer shot down multiple drones on Sunday (Dec 3) while assisting commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by Yemen, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

An American destroyer shot down multiple drones on Sunday (Dec 3) while assisting commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by Yemen, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Pentagon had previously said that they were aware of reports regarding attacks on an American warship and commercial vessels in the area. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels had claimed drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area. In recent weeks, the Iran-backed group in Yemen has launched several drones and missiles towards Israel, particularly since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas and even seized what they called an Israel-linked cargo vessel. US destroyer downs drones The US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance following missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea “Today, there were four attacks against three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea,” said the CENTCOM. “The Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer USS Carney responded to the distress calls from the ships and provided assistance” and shot down three drones that were heading for the warship, the statement added. Carney detected a missile from the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen which landed near the Bahamas-flagged M/V Unity Explorer. The cargo ship later reported minor damage from another missile from a rebel-held area, reported AFP. A Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, M/V Number 9, also reported some damage to the vessel but didn't report any casualties after a missile attack from Yemen. M/V Sophie II, which also has Panama’s flag, said it was struck as well but reported no significant harm. ALSO READ | Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, accused of serving as an agent of Cuba: Report The US military has called these attacks a “direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.” Houthis claim responsibility for attacks in Red Sea, US blames Iran The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks on Unity Explorer and Number 9 – both reportedly linked to United Kingdom-based companies – earlier on Sunday, saying that it attacked two Israeli ships with an armed drone and a naval missile. A spokesperson for the Iran-backed group also said that the ships were targeted after they rejected warnings, but did not give any other details about the incident. In a statement on social media, the group said, the attacks on the country’s vessels would continue “until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops”. ALSO READ | New York stabbing: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoot suspect dead Meanwhile, the US has blamed Iran for enabling these attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and that it will take appropriate measures in coordination with its allies. “We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Huthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” said the Pentagon. On Sunday (Nov 26), the US military captured five attackers who seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. (With inputs from agencies)

US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis

The results for the assembly elections 2023 in four states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Rajasthan are set to be announced today. The counting of votes has started amid tight security arrangements.

Assembly Elections Results: Congress strong-hold in southern India

Cases of respiratory illnesses have been surging in northern China, particularly among children, sparking speculation of a new pandemic threat four years after COVID-19 first emerged in the country. The global concern escalated when the World Health Organization (WHO) requested additional information from China. Watch this story to know why five republican senators led by Marco Rubio are asking President Joe Biden to ban travel between the United States and China. To know more watch this interview with Jennifer Zeng, Member of International Press Association.

China mystery illness: China refuses to divulge disease details

Amid the COP28 Summit, a Climate Trace report says electricity generated in China and India as well as oil and gas production in the US have produced the biggest spike in global greenhouse gas emissions since 2015.

'Climate trace' project releases data on global warming

US deploys weapons in Indo-Pacific as China ups aggression

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hoping for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.

US Defense secretary seeks meeting with China Defense minister

Derek Chauvin was stabbed in prison 22 times by a former gang leader and one-time FBI informant who told investigators he targeted the ex-Minneapolis police officer because of his notoriety for killing George Floyd, federal prosecutors said Friday.

George Floyd killer Derek Chauvin stabbed 22 times in prison: officials

A U.S. court has charged an Indian citizen for involvement in a plot to murder US-based Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. While India has formed a high-level committee to probe the allegations, the indictment is bound to have significant implications for India-U.S. relations. Vikram Chandra analyses this aspect with Arun Kumar Singh, former Ambassador to the US, and Lisa Curtis, Director, of Indo-Pacific Security Program, Centre for A New American Security on The India Story.

US charges Indian in a 'plot to kill'

The prospect of a downgrade to France's credit rating is growing stronger. The latest comes a year after President Emmanuel Macron was warned that the country's credit rating was under closer review. Debt levels remain stubbornly high at about 110% of GDP. That puts the standards set by S&P to maintain its rating to the test. Nearly twelve months after delivering a negative view, it has set friday as the deadline for an update.

Debt levels remain stubbornly high at about 110% of GDP

Zurich and Singapore are the most expensive cities in the world ahead of New York amid the ever-rising cost of living, according to rankings published Thursday by The Economist magazine.

These are the world's most expensive cities

US officials respond to allegations of Indian involvement in Pannun plot | The India Story

Pannun 'murder plot': White House says, 'US taking the matter seriously' | The India Story

The UK has ordered an investigation into the proposed acquisition of the Telegraph newspaper by a vehicle backed by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the latest twist in a battle to control the famed conservative media brand.

UK probe of Abu Dhabi-Backed Telegraph bid extends takeover saga

The spike in chinese respiratory illness cases have become global issue. World Health Organization asked China for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children by the program for monitoring emerging diseases. After that Denmark have also reported outbreaks of Mycoplasma Pneumonia. Watch this report to know how the disease is on the rise in the US

Pneumonia outbreak in children in US

In its latest move, the Biden administration has issued guidance that will limit Chinese content in batteries eligible for EV tax credits. The u.S. Will temporarily exempt some trace critical minerals from new strict rules. These rules would bar materials from China North Korea, Russia, and Iran - all of them deemed "Foreign entities of concern" or f-e-o-c.

Limit on Chinese content in batteries eligible for tax credits

A profound wealth transition is underway as billionaires worldwide embark on 'the great wealth transfer,' endowing their children with unprecedented trillions. For the first time in the report's nine-year history, new billionaires amassed more wealth from inheritance than from building businesses. In the past 12 months alone, 53 heirs inherited a staggering $150.8 billion, surpassing the $140.7 billion earned by 84 self-made billionaires. Over 1,000 billionaires are expected to pass down a jaw-dropping $5.2 trillion to their heirs in the next two to three decades.

More Billionaires transferring their wealth than ever

Cases of respiratory illnesses have been surging in northern China, particularly among children, sparking speculation of a new pandemic threat four years after COVID-19 first emerged in the country. The global concern escalated when the World Health Organization (WHO) requested additional information from China. Watch this story to know why five republican senators led by Marco Rubio are asking President Joe Biden to ban travel between the United States and China.

China mystery illness: Why US Senators want a travel ban on China?

A mystery pneumonia is spreading across China. Beijing claims that there is no novel virus, instead, the infections are from known viruses, and bacteria. Children have now begun falling sick in the U.S. and the Netherlands. In Denmark, the number of pediatric pneumonia has crossed the epidemic mark. Vikram Chandra brings you the details.

China Mystery Pneumonia: Children fall sick in Denmark, U.S, the Netherlands

Iran hit back at the UK, France, and Germany for jointly condemning its recent missile advances, specifically the unveiling of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran says is "hypersonic."&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the E3 countries expressed concern and said, "Iran continues to develop its missile programme despite repeated international calls to halt it, and after years of disregarding UN restrictions."

The Fattah-2, equipped with an advanced warhead and hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), was showcased at the Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University in Tehran on November 19.

Fattah, translating to "conquer" in Farsi, represents an advanced iteration of its initial domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, also named "Fattah".

The new version boasts several notable features. It's HGV warhead is capable of maneuvering and gliding at incredibly high speeds, capable of evading air defence systems.

Propelled by a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, the precision-guided two-stage missile exhibits a striking range of 1500 kilometres. It also achieves a velocity of Mach 15, equating to 15 times the speed of sound, equivalent to 18522 kilometres per hour, as per reports.&nbsp;

<h2>UN sanctions against Iran lifted&nbsp;</h2>

The E3 countries highlighted the global and regional security threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program, especially following the expiration of UN sanctions on Iran's missile programme in October.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-roars-back-at-us-says-satellite-interference-will-be-seen-as-declaration-of-war-665486">North Korea roars back at US, says satellite interference will be seen as declaration of war</a>

The lifting of sanctions, reports say, allows Iran to sell its drones, ballistic missiles, and related technologies, potentially generating revenue for supporting militant and terror proxies in the Middle East.

"The E3 remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to holding Iran to account for its destabilising activity around the region and internationally," the statement read.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-plants-power-cut-carried-risk-of-nuclear-accident-ukraine-665458">Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine</a>

In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, dismissed the E3 statement as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking legal grounding.

He said that Iran is committed to peaceful and defensive measures, urging the international community to recognise it.

Kanaani clarified that, according to the 2015 nuclear deal timetable, all missile restrictions on Iran should have been lifted by October 17, 2023.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-fighting-resumes-how-safe-are-the-hostages-665497">Israel-Hamas War: Fighting resumes, how safe are the hostages?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-fighting-resumes-how-safe-are-the-hostages-665497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Iranian authorities maintain that these capabilities are non-negotiable and not subject to discussions as well as compromises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran hit back at the UK, France, and Germany for jointly condemning its recent missile advances, specifically the unveiling of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran says is "hypersonic.

Iran hit back at the UK, France, and Germany for jointly condemning its recent missile advances, specifically the unveiling of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran says is "hypersonic." In a joint statement, the E3 countries expressed concern and said, "Iran continues to develop its missile programme despite repeated international calls to halt it, and after years of disregarding UN restrictions." The Fattah-2, equipped with an advanced warhead and hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), was showcased at the Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University in Tehran on November 19. Fattah, translating to "conquer" in Farsi, represents an advanced iteration of its initial domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, also named "Fattah". The new version boasts several notable features. It's HGV warhead is capable of maneuvering and gliding at incredibly high speeds, capable of evading air defence systems. Propelled by a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, the precision-guided two-stage missile exhibits a striking range of 1500 kilometres. It also achieves a velocity of Mach 15, equating to 15 times the speed of sound, equivalent to 18522 kilometres per hour, as per reports. UN sanctions against Iran lifted The E3 countries highlighted the global and regional security threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program, especially following the expiration of UN sanctions on Iran's missile programme in October. Also Read | North Korea roars back at US, says satellite interference will be seen as declaration of war The lifting of sanctions, reports say, allows Iran to sell its drones, ballistic missiles, and related technologies, potentially generating revenue for supporting militant and terror proxies in the Middle East. "The E3 remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to holding Iran to account for its destabilising activity around the region and internationally," the statement read. Also Read | Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, dismissed the E3 statement as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking legal grounding. He said that Iran is committed to peaceful and defensive measures, urging the international community to recognise it. Kanaani clarified that, according to the 2015 nuclear deal timetable, all missile restrictions on Iran should have been lifted by October 17, 2023. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Fighting resumes, how safe are the hostages? × The Iranian authorities maintain that these capabilities are non-negotiable and not subject to discussions as well as compromises. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran says claims over launch of Fattah-2 hypersonic missile 'misleading'

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1