The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">sanctions on Iran</a> `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program.

On the first anniversary of Washington`s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal between Tehran and world powers, US officials said they would keep squeezing Iran to force it to return to the negotiating table for a more comprehensive deal that would seek to curtail Iranian ambitions in the Middle East.

Tensions were already high between Washington and Tehran when the Trump administration said last weekend that it was deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East, in response to what it said were `troubling indications and warnings` from Iran.

Leading Democratic lawmakers such as Representative Adam Schiff warned that the Republican administration`s moves could put the United States on the path to a war and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested a briefing on Iran for members.

Hours before the US&nbsp;threat of more sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced Tehran was reducing curbs to its nuclear program with steps that for now stopped short of violating the 2015 accord. But it threatened more action if countries did not shield it from sanctions.

Tehran halting compliance with some elements of the nuclear deal was "nothing less than nuclear blackmail of Europe," Tim Morrison, special assistant to the US&nbsp;president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction, told a conference.

"Now is the time for the community of nations to strongly condemn Iran’s nuclear misconduct and increase pressure on the regime to comply with U.S. demands," Morrison said, adding that Washington was not `done` with sanctions on Iran.

"Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon," he said.

Morrison said the United States would move quickly against any attempt by European countries to undermine Washington`s sanctions pressure on Iran. He advised them against using the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate non-dollar trade to circumvent US sanctions.

"If you are a bank, an investor, an insurer or other business in Europe you should know that getting involved in the … Special Purpose Vehicle is a very poor business decision," Morrison said.

DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION&nbsp;

President Donald Trump a year ago pulled out of the accord signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States to put limits on Iran`s disputed nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions.

The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries.

Spearheaded by national security adviser John Bolton, the Trump administration since then has taken several unprecedented steps to squeeze Iran such as demanding the world halt all Iranian oil imports and designating Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, which Iran has cast as an American provocation.

"We have made our focus diplomatic isolation and economic pressure and that policy is working," Brian Hook, Special Envoy for Iran, said in a briefing. 
Hook said that more nations now, compared with a year ago, were in agreement with the United States on Iran.

Washington`s European allies opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and have failed so far to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US&nbsp;sanctions. France and Germany both said they wanted to keep the accord alive, and warned Iran not to violate it.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program. On the first anniversary of Washington`s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal between Tehran and world powers, US officials said they would keep squeezing Iran to force it to return to the negotiating table for a more comprehensive deal that would seek to curtail Iranian ambitions in the Middle East. Tensions were already high between Washington and Tehran when the Trump administration said last weekend that it was deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East, in response to what it said were `troubling indications and warnings` from Iran. Leading Democratic lawmakers such as Representative Adam Schiff warned that the Republican administration`s moves could put the United States on the path to a war and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested a briefing on Iran for members. Hours before the US threat of more sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced Tehran was reducing curbs to its nuclear program with steps that for now stopped short of violating the 2015 accord. But it threatened more action if countries did not shield it from sanctions. Tehran halting compliance with some elements of the nuclear deal was "nothing less than nuclear blackmail of Europe," Tim Morrison, special assistant to the US president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction, told a conference. "Now is the time for the community of nations to strongly condemn Iran’s nuclear misconduct and increase pressure on the regime to comply with U.S. demands," Morrison said, adding that Washington was not `done` with sanctions on Iran. "Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon," he said. Morrison said the United States would move quickly against any attempt by European countries to undermine Washington`s sanctions pressure on Iran. He advised them against using the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate non-dollar trade to circumvent US sanctions. "If you are a bank, an investor, an insurer or other business in Europe you should know that getting involved in the … Special Purpose Vehicle is a very poor business decision," Morrison said. DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION President Donald Trump a year ago pulled out of the accord signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States to put limits on Iran`s disputed nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions. The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries. Spearheaded by national security adviser John Bolton, the Trump administration since then has taken several unprecedented steps to squeeze Iran such as demanding the world halt all Iranian oil imports and designating Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, which Iran has cast as an American provocation. "We have made our focus diplomatic isolation and economic pressure and that policy is working," Brian Hook, Special Envoy for Iran, said in a briefing. Hook said that more nations now, compared with a year ago, were in agreement with the United States on Iran. Washington`s European allies opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and have failed so far to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US sanctions. France and Germany both said they wanted to keep the accord alive, and warned Iran not to violate it.

US vows more sanctions for Iran, tells Europe to stop doing business with Tehran

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday to sanction Iran's steel, aluminium, copper and iron sectors, which provide crucial foreign currency earnings for its crippled economy. Trump also threatened further action unless Tehran "fundamentally" changed its behaviour.

US new sanctions likely to target Iranian oil, steel and copper

Oil prices dropped on Thursday amid concerns over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-would-be-happy-to-keep-tariffs-on-chinese-imports-in-place-217051">escalating trade battle between the United States and China</a>, despite a surprise fall in US crude stockpiles.

Brent crude oil futures were at $69.92 a barrel by 0102 GMT, down 44 cents, or 0.63 per cent, from their previous settlement.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.67 per barrel, down 45 cents, or 0.72 per cent, from their last close.

The Sino-US&nbsp;trade war has weighed on oil prices this week as heightened tensions between the world's two biggest economies could the global economic outlook.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China "broke the deal" in trade talks with Washington and would face stiff tariffs if no agreement is reached.

Higher tariffs are set to take effect on Friday, during Chinese Vice Premier Liu He's two-day visit to Washington from Thursday.

Despite this, oil prices have been supported by signs of tighter global supply on the back of production cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, including Russia. Both benchmarks have risen more than 30 per cent so far this year.

Global supply has also been tightened by US sanctions on OPEC members Venezuela and Iran.

"From a fundamental point of view, OPEC supply discipline is still in check, and US supplies show tighter markets than expected while Asia demand is still robust," said Stephen Innes head of trading at SPI Asset Management.

"All of which suggests once the trade war-induced sell-offs abate conditions could settle themselves quickly," Innes said.

In a sign that Asia demand remains firm, China's crude imports in April hit a record for the month, at 10.6 million barrels per day (bpd), customs data showed on Wednesday. China is the world's biggest oil importer.

An unexpected drop in US crude inventories kept oil price declines in check. US crude inventories fell by 4 million barrels in the week to May 3, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

Oil prices dropped on Thursday amid concerns over the escalating trade battle between the United States and China, despite a surprise fall in US crude stockpiles.

Oil prices dropped on Thursday amid concerns over the escalating trade battle between the United States and China, despite a surprise fall in US crude stockpiles. Brent crude oil futures were at $69.92 a barrel by 0102 GMT, down 44 cents, or 0.63 per cent, from their previous settlement. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.67 per barrel, down 45 cents, or 0.72 per cent, from their last close. The Sino-US trade war has weighed on oil prices this week as heightened tensions between the world's two biggest economies could the global economic outlook. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China "broke the deal" in trade talks with Washington and would face stiff tariffs if no agreement is reached. Higher tariffs are set to take effect on Friday, during Chinese Vice Premier Liu He's two-day visit to Washington from Thursday. Despite this, oil prices have been supported by signs of tighter global supply on the back of production cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, including Russia. Both benchmarks have risen more than 30 per cent so far this year. Global supply has also been tightened by US sanctions on OPEC members Venezuela and Iran. "From a fundamental point of view, OPEC supply discipline is still in check, and US supplies show tighter markets than expected while Asia demand is still robust," said Stephen Innes head of trading at SPI Asset Management. "All of which suggests once the trade war-induced sell-offs abate conditions could settle themselves quickly," Innes said. In a sign that Asia demand remains firm, China's crude imports in April hit a record for the month, at 10.6 million barrels per day (bpd), customs data showed on Wednesday. China is the world's biggest oil importer. An unexpected drop in US crude inventories kept oil price declines in check. US crude inventories fell by 4 million barrels in the week to May 3, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

Oil falls on trade dispute despite surprise drop in US crude inventories

A Democratic-led House panel on Wednesday (May 8) approved a measure to hold U.S. Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure.

House panel accuses Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege

On Sunday, President Trump tweeted a surprising announcement that he would order tariffs be increased from 10% to %25 on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. President Trump also threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports (another $325 billion or so).

No end to US-China trade war

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-reneged-on-trade-commitments-sparking-trump-tariff-hike-216534">China "broke the deal"</a> it had reached in trade talks with the United States and vowed not to back down on imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports unless Beijing "stops cheating our workers."

The US Trade Representative's office announced that tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods would increase to 25 per cent from 10 per cent at 12:01 a.m. (0401) GMT on Friday, right in the middle of two days of meetings between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and Trump's top trade officials in Washington.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">Trump targets Iran's iron, steel, aluminium &amp; copper sectors in new sanctions</a>

Speaking to supporters at a rally in Florida on Wednesday, Trump accused China of breaking the deal and said that Beijing would pay if no agreement is reached.

"I just announced that we’ll increase tariffs on China and we won’t back down until China stops cheating our workers and stealing our jobs, and that’s what’s going to happen, otherwise we don’t have to do business with them,” Trump told a cheering crowd.

"They broke the deal," he added. "They can't do that. So they'll be paying. If we don't make the deal, nothing wrong with taking in more than $100 billion a year."

Trump's comments fueled a round of selling in Asian markets

Beijing has announced it would retaliate if tariffs rise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043">Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018</a>

"The Chinese side deeply regrets that if the US&nbsp;tariff measures are implemented, China will have to take necessary countermeasures," China's Commerce Ministry said on its website, without elaborating.

The world's two largest economies have been embroiled in a tit-for-tat tariff war since July 2018 over US&nbsp;demands that the Asian powerhouse adopt policy changes that would, among other things, better protect American intellectual property and make China's market more accessible to US companies.

Expectations were recently riding high that a deal could be reached, but a deep rift over the language of the proposed agreement opened up last weekend.

Reuters, citing US government and private-sector sources, reported on Wednesday that China had backtracked on almost all aspects of a draft trade agreement, threatening to blow up the negotiations and prompting Trump to order the tariff increase.

Trump, who has embraced largely protectionist policies as part of his "America First" agenda, warned China on Wednesday that it was mistaken if it hoped to delay a trade deal until a Democrat controlled the White House.

"The reason for the China pullback &amp; attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to 'negotiate' with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats," Trump, a Republican, tweeted on Wednesday.

"Guess what, that's not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the US&nbsp;to make a deal. We'll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling US coffers," he added.

In response, Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, criticized Trump, saying on Twitter that US farmers, small-business owners and consumers were the ones hit by the tariff battle.

Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the Trump administration had received an "indication" that China wants an agreement.

US stock indexes rebounded slightly from this week's earlier losses after her comments, but the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq closed in negative territory amid caution over trade and some disappointing earnings.

SWEEPING CHANGES

Washington is demanding Beijing make sweeping changes to its trade and regulatory practices, including protecting US intellectual property from theft and forced transfers to Chinese firms, curbs on Chinese government subsidies and increased American access to China's markets.

Trump also has sought massive hikes in Chinese purchases of US farm, energy and manufactured products to shrink a gaping US&nbsp;trade deficit with China.

Sources familiar with the talks said China's latest demands for changes to a 150-page document that had been drafted over several months would make it hard to avoid the US tariff hike on Friday. That increase would affect Chinese imports from computer modems and routers to vacuum cleaners, furniture, lighting and building materials.

Scott Kennedy, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said the talks were at a delicate stage and much depended on what sort of proposal Liu is bringing to Washington.

"I think the Trump administration is quite serious about imposing tariffs," Kennedy said. "I don't think Liu He would have agreed to come if he was just going to give the US&nbsp;a lecture."

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China "broke the deal" it had reached in trade talks with the United States and vowed not to back down on imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports unless Beijing "stops cheating our workers.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China "broke the deal" it had reached in trade talks with the United States and vowed not to back down on imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports unless Beijing "stops cheating our workers." The US Trade Representative's office announced that tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods would increase to 25 per cent from 10 per cent at 12:01 a.m. (0401) GMT on Friday, right in the middle of two days of meetings between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and Trump's top trade officials in Washington. Also read: Trump targets Iran's iron, steel, aluminium & copper sectors in new sanctions Speaking to supporters at a rally in Florida on Wednesday, Trump accused China of breaking the deal and said that Beijing would pay if no agreement is reached. "I just announced that we’ll increase tariffs on China and we won’t back down until China stops cheating our workers and stealing our jobs, and that’s what’s going to happen, otherwise we don’t have to do business with them,” Trump told a cheering crowd. "They broke the deal," he added. "They can't do that. So they'll be paying. If we don't make the deal, nothing wrong with taking in more than $100 billion a year." Trump's comments fueled a round of selling in Asian markets Beijing has announced it would retaliate if tariffs rise. Also read: Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018 "The Chinese side deeply regrets that if the US tariff measures are implemented, China will have to take necessary countermeasures," China's Commerce Ministry said on its website, without elaborating. The world's two largest economies have been embroiled in a tit-for-tat tariff war since July 2018 over US demands that the Asian powerhouse adopt policy changes that would, among other things, better protect American intellectual property and make China's market more accessible to US companies. Expectations were recently riding high that a deal could be reached, but a deep rift over the language of the proposed agreement opened up last weekend. Reuters, citing US government and private-sector sources, reported on Wednesday that China had backtracked on almost all aspects of a draft trade agreement, threatening to blow up the negotiations and prompting Trump to order the tariff increase. Trump, who has embraced largely protectionist policies as part of his "America First" agenda, warned China on Wednesday that it was mistaken if it hoped to delay a trade deal until a Democrat controlled the White House. "The reason for the China pullback & attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to 'negotiate' with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats," Trump, a Republican, tweeted on Wednesday. "Guess what, that's not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the US to make a deal. We'll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling US coffers," he added. In response, Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, criticized Trump, saying on Twitter that US farmers, small-business owners and consumers were the ones hit by the tariff battle. Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the Trump administration had received an "indication" that China wants an agreement. US stock indexes rebounded slightly from this week's earlier losses after her comments, but the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed in negative territory amid caution over trade and some disappointing earnings. SWEEPING CHANGES Washington is demanding Beijing make sweeping changes to its trade and regulatory practices, including protecting US intellectual property from theft and forced transfers to Chinese firms, curbs on Chinese government subsidies and increased American access to China's markets. Trump also has sought massive hikes in Chinese purchases of US farm, energy and manufactured products to shrink a gaping US trade deficit with China. Sources familiar with the talks said China's latest demands for changes to a 150-page document that had been drafted over several months would make it hard to avoid the US tariff hike on Friday. That increase would affect Chinese imports from computer modems and routers to vacuum cleaners, furniture, lighting and building materials. Scott Kennedy, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said the talks were at a delicate stage and much depended on what sort of proposal Liu is bringing to Washington. "I think the Trump administration is quite serious about imposing tariffs," Kennedy said. "I don't think Liu He would have agreed to come if he was just going to give the US a lecture."

Won’t back down until China stops cheating our workers and stealing our jobs: Trump at Florida rally

Two male students <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/student-fought-with-assailant-to-end-shooting-at-north-carolina-university-police-215197">armed with guns</a> burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

Several of the surviving victims of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-critical-in-australia-shooting-outside-nightclub-210207">attack </a>at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School in Highlands Ranch, a Denver suburb, were initially listed in critical condition at local hospitals and in surgery, Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said at a briefing.

One of those victims, an 18-year-old male, later died of his injuries, Spurlock said a short time later.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-student-killed-7-injured-in-suburban-denver-school-shooting-in-colorado-216874/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"Two individuals walked into the STEM school, got deep inside the school, and engaged students in two separate locations," Spurlock said.

The suspects were identified only as two male students of the school, one an adult and the other under age 18, the sheriff said. The school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Television images showed police vehicles gathered outside a suburban house about 2 miles from the school, where one of the suspect was believed to live.

Sheriff's deputies arrived at the school, located about 25 miles (40 km) south of Denver, within two minutes of the first reports, Spurlock said, and "engaged the suspects."

Law enforcement officials declined to comment on a possible motive for the rampage, saying it was too early in the course of the investigation, which was being assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
&nbsp;

Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said. Several of the surviving victims of the attack at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School in Highlands Ranch, a Denver suburb, were initially listed in critical condition at local hospitals and in surgery, Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said at a briefing. One of those victims, an 18-year-old male, later died of his injuries, Spurlock said a short time later. "Two individuals walked into the STEM school, got deep inside the school, and engaged students in two separate locations," Spurlock said. The suspects were identified only as two male students of the school, one an adult and the other under age 18, the sheriff said. The school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Television images showed police vehicles gathered outside a suburban house about 2 miles from the school, where one of the suspect was believed to live. Sheriff's deputies arrived at the school, located about 25 miles (40 km) south of Denver, within two minutes of the first reports, Spurlock said, and "engaged the suspects." Law enforcement officials declined to comment on a possible motive for the rampage, saying it was too early in the course of the investigation, which was being assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded

Tension Escalates Between US & Iran; Tehran Threatens To Partially Withdraw From 2015 Nuclear Deal, Gives 60-Day Ultimatum To Europe To Buy Iranian Oil.

Gravitas: Iran Threatens To Partially Withdraw From 2015 Nuclear Deal

One student has been killed while seven have been hurt in a shooting at Suburban Denver School Shooting in Colorado. Watch full video to know more.

One student killed, 7 injured in Suburban Denver School Shooting in Colorado

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-trump-was-sent-by-god-to-save-israel-from-iran-216511">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> landed in Baghdad late Tuesday on an unannounced visit, an Iraqi government source told AFP, cancelling a trip to Germany amid escalating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-donald-trump-aims-to-bring-irans-oil-exports-down-to-zero-216628">US-Iran tensions</a>.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the high security nature of the visit, said Pompeo was set to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.

The visit comes two days after the US announced it was dispatching an aircraft carrier strike group and bomber task force to the Middle East to send a "clear and unmistakable" message to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sending-carrier-bombers-to-mideast-is-psychological-warfare-iran-216721">Iran</a>.

National Security Advisor John Bolton said the deployment was in response to a "number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings," but did not elaborate.

"The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or regular Iranian forces," he said.&nbsp;

Pompeo had been en route to Germany but suddenly cancelled the trip due to "pressing issues," the State Department said, without elaborating where he was heading.&nbsp;

But in response to a question about threats from Iran or its proxies on US forces in Iraq, the top US diplomat mentioned both Iraq and Jordan.&nbsp;

"As Secretary of State I have a responsibility to keep the officers that work for me safe each and every day all around the world. That includes in Erbil and Baghdad, in our facilities in Amman, all around the Middle East," he said. &nbsp;

"And so any time we receive threat reporting, things that raise concerns, we do everything... that we can to make sure that those planned or contemplated attacks don't take place, and to make sure that we've got the right security posture," he said.&nbsp;

Pompeo had been traveling from Finland, where he had attended a meeting of the Arctic Council.&nbsp;

He was due to meet both Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas later Tuesday in Germany.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Baghdad late Tuesday on an unannounced visit, an Iraqi government source told AFP, cancelling a trip to Germany amid escalating US-Iran tensions.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Baghdad late Tuesday on an unannounced visit, an Iraqi government source told AFP, cancelling a trip to Germany amid escalating US-Iran tensions. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the high security nature of the visit, said Pompeo was set to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. The visit comes two days after the US announced it was dispatching an aircraft carrier strike group and bomber task force to the Middle East to send a "clear and unmistakable" message to Iran. National Security Advisor John Bolton said the deployment was in response to a "number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings," but did not elaborate. "The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or regular Iranian forces," he said. Pompeo had been en route to Germany but suddenly cancelled the trip due to "pressing issues," the State Department said, without elaborating where he was heading. But in response to a question about threats from Iran or its proxies on US forces in Iraq, the top US diplomat mentioned both Iraq and Jordan. "As Secretary of State I have a responsibility to keep the officers that work for me safe each and every day all around the world. That includes in Erbil and Baghdad, in our facilities in Amman, all around the Middle East," he said. "And so any time we receive threat reporting, things that raise concerns, we do everything... that we can to make sure that those planned or contemplated attacks don't take place, and to make sure that we've got the right security posture," he said. Pompeo had been traveling from Finland, where he had attended a meeting of the Arctic Council. He was due to meet both Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas later Tuesday in Germany.

Pompeo in Baghdad on unannounced visit: Iraq government source

France said that India and nations like Germany, Brazil and Japan are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Watch full video to know more.

India ' Absolutely Needed' as permanent UN Security Council members, says France

Iran has suspended commitments under the 2015 international nuclear deal, a year after it was abandoned by the US. Watch WION West Asia Chief Daniele Pagani explains.

WION Explains: Iran Will Stop Complying With Some Parts of Nuclear Deal?

US raises tariffs on Chinese import for goods worth $200 Bn. Watch this video for complete details.

US raises tariffs on Chinese import for goods worth $200 Bn

By Charles Hankla 
 
Last week President Donald Trump seemed to be on the cusp of a trade deal with China. A couple of threatening tweets later, the odds of ending the 16-month-old US-China trade war have dropped dramatically.

Whether or not American and Chinese trade negotiators ultimately salvage a deal – the US says China backpedaled on a commitment and intends to raise tariffs within days – the episode highlights drawbacks in Trump’s trade strategy, which tends to be protectionist, confrontational and negotiated one on one.

Unfortunately, Trump’s policies are only an acceleration of a trend in international trade that’s been going on for several decades. It’s a move away from multilateralism – in which many countries agree on certain trading principles – and toward bilateralism – which pits nation against nation, raising the stakes.

I am a specialist in the politics of trade. My observations lead me to believe that the increasing abandonment of multilateralism will have pernicious long-term consequences. Not only will trade become more costly for businesses and consumers, it may even make the planet a more dangerous place.

World trade – Trump style

Before we can understand what has changed, we need to revisit how trade deals have historically been done.

In the decades following World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was the center of gravity for trade negotiations. While that system wasn’t perfect, most of the world’s countries could at least participate, to one degree or another, in hammering out the rules of trade.

This multilateral trading order reached its heyday in 1995, with the creation of the World Trade Organisation. But more recently, the system has weakened. Today, most of the world’s new agreements are struck between only two countries or within a single region.

Trump has shown little appetite for continuing the multilateral negotiations his predecessors were working on. He’s also hammered on regional accords, famously renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement and withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Trump’s clear preference is for bilateral deals where the US can use its market power to force concessions from its negotiating partners. But Trump has added a level of confrontation and antagonism to world trade not known in the postwar era.

For evidence, look no further than his threats to raise tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods if a deal falls through.

In essence, the United States under Trump has begun to see itself as the victim, rather than the guarantor, of the liberal trading order. This new perspective has made American negotiators more willing to extract temporary concessions from trading partners, even when these come at the cost of destabilizing the system as a whole.

Rules upon rules

One pernicious consequence of abandoning multilateralism is the mounting complexity and discriminatory nature of global trading arrangements.

In international trade, the fewer rules there are the better. One real benefit of the WTO system is that the same rules, more or less, apply to everyone.

But the world’s increasing rejection of multilateralism is creating a complex web of trade regulations that are tremendously hard to navigate. The number of preferential trade agreements jumped from just over 50 in 1990 to nearly 300 in 2010.

More deals like these mean that one set of rules is overlaid by more rules that only apply when trading with specific countries in certain goods and services. For this reason, the economist Jagdish Bhagwati has called bilateral deals “termites in the trading system.”

These “termites” and the informational burdens they create have real costs for companies and consumers, whether in Europe, Asia or the United States. And this growing complexity weakens competition by giving certain companies an edge over others based on their national origin, distorting the efficiency of global markets.

In the end, these burdens can discourage smaller companies from engaging in global commerce, make it more expensive for even the largest businesses and drive up the cost of products for consumers.

Trade conflicts

A second drawback to Trump’s approach is that it increases the risk of war, at least over the long term.

As the political economist David Lake has pointed out, one purpose of the trading system that the US helped set up after World War II was to forestall mutually antagonistic trading blocs like the ones built by Adolf Hitler or, earlier, by the European and Japanese colonial powers.

The origins of the two world wars may have been principally political, but there is little doubt that economic conflicts between blocs contributed to the military tensions.

During the postwar era, the multilateral system took a major step toward insulating trade from such international disputes and strategic competition. Outside of relations with the communist bloc, which only later participated in multilateral trade deals, there is ample reason to believe that economic interdependence helped produce the “long peace” of that period.

For this reason, we should all be worried about the wobbly state of the global trading system. Bilateral and regional deals are making it easier for large countries to use trade policy more explicitly as an arm of foreign and military policy.

Modern bilateral deals are not recreating the colonial systems of the past, but they do tend to center on major powers in what some scholars have called a “hub” and “spoke” pattern. The “hub” often enjoys significant influence over the “spoke,” and not just in commercial affairs. China’s overtures to African countries over a free trade deal, for example, are likely linked to its strategic interest in securing access to national resources.

While I’m not suggesting that these deals are likely to trigger a shooting war anytime soon, an increasingly fractured world will gradually reduce interdependence among countries – which can act as a strong incentive to avoid a fight.

If the rising number of bilateral deals become an instrument of security policy, and trade increasingly flows only to strategically friendly countries, we should all prepare for more violent conflict in the future. 
 
(Charles Hankla is Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trumps-one-on-one-approach-to-china-has-dangerous-implications-for-global-trade-and-world-peace-116505">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
&nbsp;

By Charles Hankla Last week President Donald Trump seemed to be on the cusp of a trade deal with China. A couple of threatening tweets later, the odds of ending the 16-month-old US-China trade war have dropped dramatically.

By Charles Hankla Last week President Donald Trump seemed to be on the cusp of a trade deal with China. A couple of threatening tweets later, the odds of ending the 16-month-old US-China trade war have dropped dramatically. Whether or not American and Chinese trade negotiators ultimately salvage a deal – the US says China backpedaled on a commitment and intends to raise tariffs within days – the episode highlights drawbacks in Trump’s trade strategy, which tends to be protectionist, confrontational and negotiated one on one. Unfortunately, Trump’s policies are only an acceleration of a trend in international trade that’s been going on for several decades. It’s a move away from multilateralism – in which many countries agree on certain trading principles – and toward bilateralism – which pits nation against nation, raising the stakes. I am a specialist in the politics of trade. My observations lead me to believe that the increasing abandonment of multilateralism will have pernicious long-term consequences. Not only will trade become more costly for businesses and consumers, it may even make the planet a more dangerous place. World trade – Trump style Before we can understand what has changed, we need to revisit how trade deals have historically been done. In the decades following World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was the center of gravity for trade negotiations. While that system wasn’t perfect, most of the world’s countries could at least participate, to one degree or another, in hammering out the rules of trade. This multilateral trading order reached its heyday in 1995, with the creation of the World Trade Organisation. But more recently, the system has weakened. Today, most of the world’s new agreements are struck between only two countries or within a single region. Trump has shown little appetite for continuing the multilateral negotiations his predecessors were working on. He’s also hammered on regional accords, famously renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement and withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump’s clear preference is for bilateral deals where the US can use its market power to force concessions from its negotiating partners. But Trump has added a level of confrontation and antagonism to world trade not known in the postwar era. For evidence, look no further than his threats to raise tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods if a deal falls through. In essence, the United States under Trump has begun to see itself as the victim, rather than the guarantor, of the liberal trading order. This new perspective has made American negotiators more willing to extract temporary concessions from trading partners, even when these come at the cost of destabilizing the system as a whole. Rules upon rules One pernicious consequence of abandoning multilateralism is the mounting complexity and discriminatory nature of global trading arrangements. In international trade, the fewer rules there are the better. One real benefit of the WTO system is that the same rules, more or less, apply to everyone. But the world’s increasing rejection of multilateralism is creating a complex web of trade regulations that are tremendously hard to navigate. The number of preferential trade agreements jumped from just over 50 in 1990 to nearly 300 in 2010. More deals like these mean that one set of rules is overlaid by more rules that only apply when trading with specific countries in certain goods and services. For this reason, the economist Jagdish Bhagwati has called bilateral deals “termites in the trading system.” These “termites” and the informational burdens they create have real costs for companies and consumers, whether in Europe, Asia or the United States. And this growing complexity weakens competition by giving certain companies an edge over others based on their national origin, distorting the efficiency of global markets. In the end, these burdens can discourage smaller companies from engaging in global commerce, make it more expensive for even the largest businesses and drive up the cost of products for consumers. Trade conflicts A second drawback to Trump’s approach is that it increases the risk of war, at least over the long term. As the political economist David Lake has pointed out, one purpose of the trading system that the US helped set up after World War II was to forestall mutually antagonistic trading blocs like the ones built by Adolf Hitler or, earlier, by the European and Japanese colonial powers. The origins of the two world wars may have been principally political, but there is little doubt that economic conflicts between blocs contributed to the military tensions. During the postwar era, the multilateral system took a major step toward insulating trade from such international disputes and strategic competition. Outside of relations with the communist bloc, which only later participated in multilateral trade deals, there is ample reason to believe that economic interdependence helped produce the “long peace” of that period. For this reason, we should all be worried about the wobbly state of the global trading system. Bilateral and regional deals are making it easier for large countries to use trade policy more explicitly as an arm of foreign and military policy. Modern bilateral deals are not recreating the colonial systems of the past, but they do tend to center on major powers in what some scholars have called a “hub” and “spoke” pattern. The “hub” often enjoys significant influence over the “spoke,” and not just in commercial affairs. China’s overtures to African countries over a free trade deal, for example, are likely linked to its strategic interest in securing access to national resources. While I’m not suggesting that these deals are likely to trigger a shooting war anytime soon, an increasingly fractured world will gradually reduce interdependence among countries – which can act as a strong incentive to avoid a fight. If the rising number of bilateral deals become an instrument of security policy, and trade increasingly flows only to strategically friendly countries, we should all prepare for more violent conflict in the future. (Charles Hankla is Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump’s one-on-one approach to China has dangerous implications for global trade

A fuel tanker lorry has overturned and exploded near the airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, killing at least 58 people. Watch full video to know more.

WION Global Round-up: Niger fuel tanker explosion kills at least 58 people

Construction of China's first full-sized aircraft carrier is well under way, according to satellite images obtained and analysed by a U.S. think tank.

China building it's third, & largest aircraft carrier

US congressional Democrats edged closer on Monday to fighting two legal battles - one over the Mueller report and one over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi4x-uGhIniAhXEL48KHbZABIYQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1goYtvq3sLuL2HKvhTgeMl">President Donald Trump</a>`s tax returns - after administration officials stonewalled lawmakers` requests for those documents.

The House Judiciary Committee set a vote for Wednesday on whether to cite Attorney General William Barr with contempt over his refusal to provide the panel with a full, unredacted version of Special Counsel <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-should-not-testify-before-us-congress-trump-216223&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQvvzsg4niAhUEknAKHQ-sDX8QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3cUrZBP4maVuMQFp13jMI3">Robert Mueller</a>`s Russia investigation report and underlying evidence from the probe.&nbsp;

Separately, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he would not provide the House Ways and Means Committee with six years of Trump`s individual and business tax returns, despite a formal request by Chairman Richard Neal under a law authorizing such actions.

"I have determined that the committee`s request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose ... the department is therefore not authorized to disclose the requested returns and return information," Mnuchin said in a letter on Monday to Neal.

Neal responded in a statement: "I will consult with counsel and determine the appropriate response.”

Both developments put the two oversight committees on a course leading to federal court action to obtain the documents, as the Trump administration escalated its push to block multiple probes by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.

Republicans in Congress have rejected the efforts of both Democratic-led committees as political gamesmanship intended to appeal to the Democratic Party`s voting base ahead of the 2020 presidential election, in which Trump is seeking re-election.&nbsp;

"The attorney general`s failure to comply with our subpoena ... leaves us no choice but to initiate contempt proceedings," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said in a statement released along with a committee report citing Barr with contempt of Congress.&nbsp;

"If the department presents us with a good faith offer for access to the full report and the underlying evidence, I reserve the right to postpone these proceedings," he said.&nbsp; 
If Nadler`s committee votes as expected to adopt a contempt citation on Wednesday, the measure will go to the full House for a floor vote that is likely to pass.

Lawmakers say such an outcome would lead to a civil court case against Barr, raising the possibility of fines and other legal actions for failure to comply.&nbsp;Democrats also expect Neal`s battle with Mnuchin over Trump`s tax returns to wind up in a lengthy court battle, although Neal could begin by issuing a subpoena for the documents.&nbsp;

OVERSIGHT EFFORTS

The Mueller report and Trump`s taxes are central to the oversight efforts of six Democratic-led House committees that are probing the president, his associates and his presidency.&nbsp;

The Mueller report detailed extensive contacts between Trump`s 2016 campaign and Moscow but did not find that there was a conspiracy between Moscow and the campaign. The report also describes actions Trump took to try to impede Mueller`s investigation.&nbsp;

If lawmakers established that Trump obstructed justice by seeking to impede Mueller, Nadler`s panel could move to impeachment proceedings against the president for high crimes and misdemeanours.

Democrats also want Trump`s returns as part of their investigations of possible conflicts of interest posed by his continued ownership of extensive business interests, even as he serves as president.

Trump broke with a decades-old precedent by refusing to release his tax returns as a presidential candidate in 2016 or since being elected, saying he could not do so while his taxes were being audited.&nbsp;

But his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, told a House panel in February that he does not believe Trump`s taxes are under audit. Cohen said the president feared that releasing his returns could lead to an audit and IRS tax penalties.

US congressional Democrats edged closer on Monday to fighting two legal battles - one over the Mueller report and one over President Donald Trump`s tax returns - after administration officials stonewalled lawmakers` requests for those documents.

US congressional Democrats edged closer on Monday to fighting two legal battles - one over the Mueller report and one over President Donald Trump`s tax returns - after administration officials stonewalled lawmakers` requests for those documents. The House Judiciary Committee set a vote for Wednesday on whether to cite Attorney General William Barr with contempt over his refusal to provide the panel with a full, unredacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia investigation report and underlying evidence from the probe. Separately, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he would not provide the House Ways and Means Committee with six years of Trump`s individual and business tax returns, despite a formal request by Chairman Richard Neal under a law authorizing such actions. "I have determined that the committee`s request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose ... the department is therefore not authorized to disclose the requested returns and return information," Mnuchin said in a letter on Monday to Neal. Neal responded in a statement: "I will consult with counsel and determine the appropriate response.” Both developments put the two oversight committees on a course leading to federal court action to obtain the documents, as the Trump administration escalated its push to block multiple probes by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Republicans in Congress have rejected the efforts of both Democratic-led committees as political gamesmanship intended to appeal to the Democratic Party`s voting base ahead of the 2020 presidential election, in which Trump is seeking re-election. "The attorney general`s failure to comply with our subpoena ... leaves us no choice but to initiate contempt proceedings," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said in a statement released along with a committee report citing Barr with contempt of Congress. "If the department presents us with a good faith offer for access to the full report and the underlying evidence, I reserve the right to postpone these proceedings," he said. If Nadler`s committee votes as expected to adopt a contempt citation on Wednesday, the measure will go to the full House for a floor vote that is likely to pass. Lawmakers say such an outcome would lead to a civil court case against Barr, raising the possibility of fines and other legal actions for failure to comply. Democrats also expect Neal`s battle with Mnuchin over Trump`s tax returns to wind up in a lengthy court battle, although Neal could begin by issuing a subpoena for the documents. OVERSIGHT EFFORTS The Mueller report and Trump`s taxes are central to the oversight efforts of six Democratic-led House committees that are probing the president, his associates and his presidency. The Mueller report detailed extensive contacts between Trump`s 2016 campaign and Moscow but did not find that there was a conspiracy between Moscow and the campaign. The report also describes actions Trump took to try to impede Mueller`s investigation. If lawmakers established that Trump obstructed justice by seeking to impede Mueller, Nadler`s panel could move to impeachment proceedings against the president for high crimes and misdemeanours. Democrats also want Trump`s returns as part of their investigations of possible conflicts of interest posed by his continued ownership of extensive business interests, even as he serves as president. Trump broke with a decades-old precedent by refusing to release his tax returns as a presidential candidate in 2016 or since being elected, saying he could not do so while his taxes were being audited. But his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, told a House panel in February that he does not believe Trump`s taxes are under audit. Cohen said the president feared that releasing his returns could lead to an audit and IRS tax penalties.

US Democrats edge toward court battles over Mueller, Trump's taxes

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

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

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

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

US President Donald Trump says the United States will raise tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, complaining of a lack of progress in trade talks. "The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate.

US President Trump to hike tariffs on $200 bn of China goods

Political unrest in Venezuela Continued once again. Watch this video to know more.

Political unrest in Venezuela continues

India is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of buying more American shale oil, which the US has been pushing to counterbalance the impact of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, officials with direct knowledge of the matter said on condition of anonymity.

India to buy oil from alternates beyond Iranian oil

Twenty-four US&nbsp;members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it.

Ending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from India, would impose "hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes" on American companies, the lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter led by Democratic Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut.

"In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States," the letter says. They urged the administration to continue negotiating a deal with India that would protect American jobs.

A decision to scrap the trade privilege comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to cut the US&nbsp;trade deficit and repeatedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-vietnam-charged-us-big-tariffs-trump-at-wisconsin-rally-214388">called out India for high tariffs</a>.

India is the world's largest beneficiary of GSP, which dates from the 1970s, and ending its participation would not only be the strongest punitive action against the country since Trump took office, but would also open a new front in the global trade war.

The elimination of GSP is likely to bring retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi, according to a senior source with direct knowledge of the matter. Last June, India said it would step up import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US&nbsp;farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs.

But it has since repeatedly delayed adopting the higher duties - a move that could be implemented if GSP is withdrawn, the source added.

India is hoping the decision to end the trade privilege is delayed and the Trump administration is open to further negotiations, the source said. In April, Republican Senator John Cornyn and Democratic Senator Mark Warner, co-chairs of the Senate India caucus, urged Lighthizer to delay adopting the plan.

India sent a trade package listing the concessions it was willing to make to the USTR in late February but hasn't heard from them, the source said.

"They are usually very responsive so it is highly unusual for them to not respond to the trade package that was sent," the source said.

The decision to drop GSP is also ill-timed as it comes in the middle of elections in India, hampering the country's ability to negotiate further, the source added.

Despite close political ties between the two countries, trade between India and the United States, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

Trade relations suffered in the past few months after India adopted new rules on e-commerce, reining in how US&nbsp;companies such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc can do business in the country.

Twenty-four US members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it.

Twenty-four US members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it. Ending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from India, would impose "hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes" on American companies, the lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter led by Democratic Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut. "In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States," the letter says. They urged the administration to continue negotiating a deal with India that would protect American jobs. A decision to scrap the trade privilege comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to cut the US trade deficit and repeatedly called out India for high tariffs. India is the world's largest beneficiary of GSP, which dates from the 1970s, and ending its participation would not only be the strongest punitive action against the country since Trump took office, but would also open a new front in the global trade war. The elimination of GSP is likely to bring retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi, according to a senior source with direct knowledge of the matter. Last June, India said it would step up import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs. But it has since repeatedly delayed adopting the higher duties - a move that could be implemented if GSP is withdrawn, the source added. India is hoping the decision to end the trade privilege is delayed and the Trump administration is open to further negotiations, the source said. In April, Republican Senator John Cornyn and Democratic Senator Mark Warner, co-chairs of the Senate India caucus, urged Lighthizer to delay adopting the plan. India sent a trade package listing the concessions it was willing to make to the USTR in late February but hasn't heard from them, the source said. "They are usually very responsive so it is highly unusual for them to not respond to the trade package that was sent," the source said. The decision to drop GSP is also ill-timed as it comes in the middle of elections in India, hampering the country's ability to negotiate further, the source added. Despite close political ties between the two countries, trade between India and the United States, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. Trade relations suffered in the past few months after India adopted new rules on e-commerce, reining in how US companies such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc can do business in the country.

US lawmakers urge Trump administration to not end India's trade privileges

President Donald Trump said he briefly discussed special counsel Robert Mueller's report in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, but didn't warn his Russian counterpart to not meddle in the next US election.

Trump-Putin discusses nuclear weapon, Venezuela, North Korea & Mueller Report on phone call

The United States on Friday warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite sanctions, according to the US State Department Spokesperson.

The latest announcement is part of United States` "unprecedented maximum pressure campaign" on Iran, as per an official press release.

Washington also targetted Iran`s enriched uranium exports through its statement on May 3.

"Starting May 4, assistance to expand Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant beyond the existing reactor unit could be sanctionable. In addition, activities to transfer enriched uranium out of Iran in exchange for natural uranium could be sanctionable," Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in the statement.

"Iran must stop all proliferation-sensitive activities, including uranium enrichment, and we will not accept actions that support the continuation of such enrichment. We will also no longer permit the storage for Iran of heavy water it has produced in excess of current limits; any such heavy water must no longer be available to Iran in any fashion," the statement added.

"The US will continue to apply maximum pressure until #Iran`s leaders change their destructive behaviour, respect the rights of their people, and return to the negotiating table," the US State Department tweeted.

The relations between Iran and the United States have worsened after the latter pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal after US President Donald Trump came into power.

Washington re-imposed sanctions on nuclear cooperation with Iran, including by re-designating Atomic Energy Organization of Iran entities, and by placing new limits on foreign assistance that could expand Iran`s nuclear program in November 2018.

Furthermore, in March 2019, the US designated an additional 31 Iranian individuals and entities "linked to Iran`s WMD proliferation-sensitive activities," as per the US Department of State.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite sanctions, according to the US State Department Spokesperson.

The United States on Friday warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite sanctions, according to the US State Department Spokesperson. The latest announcement is part of United States` "unprecedented maximum pressure campaign" on Iran, as per an official press release. Washington also targetted Iran`s enriched uranium exports through its statement on May 3. "Starting May 4, assistance to expand Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant beyond the existing reactor unit could be sanctionable. In addition, activities to transfer enriched uranium out of Iran in exchange for natural uranium could be sanctionable," Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in the statement. "Iran must stop all proliferation-sensitive activities, including uranium enrichment, and we will not accept actions that support the continuation of such enrichment. We will also no longer permit the storage for Iran of heavy water it has produced in excess of current limits; any such heavy water must no longer be available to Iran in any fashion," the statement added. "The US will continue to apply maximum pressure until #Iran`s leaders change their destructive behaviour, respect the rights of their people, and return to the negotiating table," the US State Department tweeted. The relations between Iran and the United States have worsened after the latter pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal after US President Donald Trump came into power. Washington re-imposed sanctions on nuclear cooperation with Iran, including by re-designating Atomic Energy Organization of Iran entities, and by placing new limits on foreign assistance that could expand Iran`s nuclear program in November 2018. Furthermore, in March 2019, the US designated an additional 31 Iranian individuals and entities "linked to Iran`s WMD proliferation-sensitive activities," as per the US Department of State.

Assisting expansion of Iran's nuclear power plant may invite US sanctions

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for the country to "resist and unite" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-targets-iran-uranium-but-lets-nuclear-deal-stay-alive-215771&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi598bquIHiAhWMsI8KHdrHCyYQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Or6wcXF_HgJ-neUh0c2Lq">against US pressure</a> in what he called a "war on hope" waged against the Islamic republic.

It is almost a year since President Donald Trump reimposed crippling US sanctions after exiting a landmark nuclear agreement between major powers and Iran.

"America will only let go of this game when it realises it cannot achieve anything. We have no way but to resist and unite," Rouhani said in a televised speech.

Iran's economy has been battered since sanctions returned.

Inflation has shot up, its currency has plummeted and imports are now vastly more expensive.

Upping the ante, the White House announced last week it would end oil purchase waivers granted to Iran's main customers -- including China, India and Turkey -- cutting Iran's access to its main source of foreign currency revenue.

"Our war today is the war on hope. They want to break our hope, and we have to break their hope" of defeating Iran, said Rouhani.

"They want to cut our foreign currency supply ... they seek to sow discord in the country. They want us to be divided, to stand against each other," he added.

Rouhani has vowed that Iran will continue to supply oil to its major customers despite the unilateral measures adopted by the United States. 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for the country to "resist and unite" against US pressure in what he called a "war on hope" waged against the Islamic republic.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for the country to "resist and unite" against US pressure in what he called a "war on hope" waged against the Islamic republic. It is almost a year since President Donald Trump reimposed crippling US sanctions after exiting a landmark nuclear agreement between major powers and Iran. "America will only let go of this game when it realises it cannot achieve anything. We have no way but to resist and unite," Rouhani said in a televised speech. Iran's economy has been battered since sanctions returned. Inflation has shot up, its currency has plummeted and imports are now vastly more expensive. Upping the ante, the White House announced last week it would end oil purchase waivers granted to Iran's main customers -- including China, India and Turkey -- cutting Iran's access to its main source of foreign currency revenue. "Our war today is the war on hope. They want to break our hope, and we have to break their hope" of defeating Iran, said Rouhani. "They want to cut our foreign currency supply ... they seek to sow discord in the country. They want us to be divided, to stand against each other," he added. Rouhani has vowed that Iran will continue to supply oil to its major customers despite the unilateral measures adopted by the United States.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urges unity in face of US 'war on hope'

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly has joined the board of a firm that operates centres for housing unaccompanied migrant children, US media reported Friday, prompting a storm of criticism from Democrats.

The ex-Marine general -- who as Homeland Security secretary proposed the controversial policy of separating immigrant children from their parents -- joined Caliburn International four months after leaving the White House.

"General Kelly is a strong strategic addition to our team," said Caliburn International CEO James Van Dusen in a statement cited by various US outlets.

Democrats including 2020 presidential hopefuls accused Kelly of profiting from policies he had supervised during his stint in President Donald Trump's administration.

"John Kelly oversaw many of the Trump Admin's most morally repugnant immigration policies," tweeted Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Elizabeth Warren.

"Now he could be making big bucks serving on the board of a company that's profiting from the same cruel plans he put in place. This is corruption at its absolute worst", Warren added.

Senator Cory Booker, another Democrat candidate&nbsp;tweeted,&nbsp;"Profiting from your own cruel policies. This is disgusting."

Caliburn is the parent company of Comprehensive Health Services, a private firm that has been given contracts by US Customs and Border Protection.

It runs Homestead, a temporary facility for housing unaccompanied migrant children, in Florida.&nbsp;

Trump's battle to prevent illegal immigration and soaring numbers of asylum seekers have turned into the biggest political fight in the country ahead of next year's presidential election.

During his stint as Trump's Homeland Security secretary, Kelly said would consider separating migrant children from their parents and would "do almost anything to deter the people from Central America" getting into the US via the Mexico border.

He later became White House chief of staff, before his relationship with the president reportedly deteriorated.

In December last year, shortly before leaving the White House, Kelly said he had "nothing but compassion" for undocumented migrants crossing into the US.

"Illegal immigrants, overwhelmingly, are not bad people.... I have nothing but compassion for them, the young kids," Kelly told the LA Times, adding that many had been manipulated by traffickers.

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly has joined the board of a firm that operates centres for housing unaccompanied migrant children, US media reported Friday, prompting a storm of criticism from Democrats.

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly has joined the board of a firm that operates centres for housing unaccompanied migrant children, US media reported Friday, prompting a storm of criticism from Democrats. The ex-Marine general -- who as Homeland Security secretary proposed the controversial policy of separating immigrant children from their parents -- joined Caliburn International four months after leaving the White House. "General Kelly is a strong strategic addition to our team," said Caliburn International CEO James Van Dusen in a statement cited by various US outlets. Democrats including 2020 presidential hopefuls accused Kelly of profiting from policies he had supervised during his stint in President Donald Trump's administration. "John Kelly oversaw many of the Trump Admin's most morally repugnant immigration policies," tweeted Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Now he could be making big bucks serving on the board of a company that's profiting from the same cruel plans he put in place. This is corruption at its absolute worst", Warren added. Senator Cory Booker, another Democrat candidate tweeted, "Profiting from your own cruel policies. This is disgusting." Caliburn is the parent company of Comprehensive Health Services, a private firm that has been given contracts by US Customs and Border Protection. It runs Homestead, a temporary facility for housing unaccompanied migrant children, in Florida. Trump's battle to prevent illegal immigration and soaring numbers of asylum seekers have turned into the biggest political fight in the country ahead of next year's presidential election. During his stint as Trump's Homeland Security secretary, Kelly said would consider separating migrant children from their parents and would "do almost anything to deter the people from Central America" getting into the US via the Mexico border. He later became White House chief of staff, before his relationship with the president reportedly deteriorated. In December last year, shortly before leaving the White House, Kelly said he had "nothing but compassion" for undocumented migrants crossing into the US. "Illegal immigrants, overwhelmingly, are not bad people.... I have nothing but compassion for them, the young kids," Kelly told the LA Times, adding that many had been manipulated by traffickers.

Former White House chief John Kelly joins firm that detains migrant children

The US President Donald Trump began the National Day of Prayer service offering his support to Venezuelans who have taken to the streets in an effort to oust President Maduro. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuela Crisis: US President Donald Trump offers prayers to Venezuelans

House Democrats passed its first major piece of legislation addressing climate change on Thursday, aiming to prevent the US from leaving the Paris climate agreement. Watch full video to know more.

House Democrats pass major climate change bill

Democrats intensified their pressure on President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-trump-team-prepares-mideast-plan-palestinians-face-financial-crisis-215666&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZkvbGsf_hAhVBgI8KHaFiBI8QFjACegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ptpfPY9cPe6NnKfeXDjT9">Donald Trump's</a> administration on Thursday as US&nbsp;House Speaker <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosi-accuses-barr-of-crime-as-democrats-step-up-pressure-on-trump-215496&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8_YqEsv_hAhW0mOYKHWNWCj84ChAWMAB6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1thrh_2rdgcDkNuZqPRQxf">Nancy Pelosi accused Attorney General William Barr</a> of committing a crime by lying to lawmakers and a key committee chairman threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress.

Even as Democratic lawmakers accused the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-us-president-donald-trump-offers-prayers-to-venezuelans-215596&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZkvbGsf_hAhVBgI8KHaFiBI8QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Q1OUOSgF7sZMWRYtUgXzL">Trump </a>administration of a growing attack on US&nbsp;democracy and the authority of Congress, the White House showed no sign of backing down.

White House legal counsel Emmet Flood said in a defiant letter that Trump had the right to tell advisers not to testify to congressional panels on the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia inquiry.

The duelling statements marked a sharp escalation in the conflict between the White House and Democrats who control the House of Representatives.

With Trump seeking re-election next year, Democrats are weighing whether to try to remove the Republican president from office using the impeachment process while pressing forward with demands for information on his taxes, businesses and other topics.

Shortly after Barr refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee, Pelosi accused him of lying to lawmakers about interactions with Mueller after the special counsel ended a 22-month investigation into Russia`s efforts to interfere in the 2016 US&nbsp;election to boost Trump`s candidacy.

"That`s a crime," Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, told reporters, referring to Barr`s congressional testimony.

Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec called Pelosi`s allegation "reckless, irresponsible and false."

Democrats have accused Barr of misleading Congress by testifying in April he was unaware of any concern by the special counsel`s team about Barr`s initial March 24 characterization of the report, an account that led Trump to claim full exoneration.

Barr failed to mention a March 27 letter he got from Mueller complaining that Barr`s March 24 account did not "fully capture the context, nature and substance of this Office`s work."

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress if he does not provide a full, unredacted copy of Mueller`s report and the underlying evidence, as the panel has requested by a subpoena that had a Wednesday deadline.

That could potentially lead to legal steps against the top US&nbsp;law enforcement official.

Barr released Mueller`s report on April 18, with some parts blacked out to protect sensitive information.

Several Democrats have called on Barr, whom Trump appointed after firing Jeff Sessions as attorney general, to resign.

Pelosi and other House Democrats previously had cautioned against launching the impeachment process, which would begin in the House but would face long odds of success in the Republican-controlled Senate and could alienate voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

But Pelosi said the Trump administration was continuing to ignore congressional subpoenas and noted that Congress launched impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon after he resisted similar demands.

Nixon resigned in 1974 over the Watergate scandal.

'OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE'

Pelosi said, "Trump`s blanket statement that he`s not going to honour any subpoenas is obstruction of justice."

The White House signalled little appetite to cooperate.&nbsp;

Trump told Fox News in an interview on Thursday he was not inclined to let former White House counsel Don McGahn testify before congressional committees.

Nadler has issued a subpoena for McGahn to testify in its investigation of possible obstruction of justice by the president.

Trump told Fox News that McGahn had already spoken to Mueller`s team for 30 hours and allowing him to testify to Congress would open the door to others being called.&nbsp;

"I would say it`s done," Trump said.

Flood reiterated that point in a letter seen by Reuters, saying Trump`s decision to let advisers cooperate when Mueller was conducting his investigation did not extend to congressional oversight investigations now that the inquiry had been completed.

Flood also said Mueller`s 448-page report suffered from "an extraordinary legal defect" by failing to determine whether Trump had committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

''Mueller instead produced a prosecutorial curiosity - part `truth commission` report and part law school exam paper," Flood wrote to Barr in a letter dated a day after the report was released.

Democrats have argued Trump waived the right to assert executive privilege - which allows a president to withhold information about internal executive branch deliberations from other branches of government - by allowing advisers to cooperate extensively with Mueller.

Barr cancelled his House testimony after clashing with Nadler over the hearing`s format, particularly having staff lawyers question him in addition to committee members. Nadler said he would move forward with a contempt citation as soon as Monday.

"The very system of government of the United States - the system of limited power, the system of not having a president as a dictator - is very much at stake," Nadler told reporters after a 15-minute committee session held in place of Barr`s appearance.&nbsp;

Democrats have said they may issue a subpoena to try to force Barr to testify.&nbsp;

Barr spent four hours before a Republican-led Senate committee on Wednesday defending his handling of Mueller`s report and justifying Trump`s actions.

The report detailed extensive contacts between Trump`s 2016 presidential campaign and Moscow and the campaign`s expectation that it would benefit from Russia`s actions, which included hacking and propaganda to boost Trump and harm Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

The report also detailed a series of actions Trump took to try to impede the investigation.

Mueller, a former FBI director, concluded there was insufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy and opted not to make a conclusion on whether Trump committed obstruction of justice, but pointedly did not exonerate him.

Barr has said he and Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department`s No. 2 official, then determined there was not enough evidence to charge Trump with obstruction.

Democrats intensified their pressure on President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Attorney General William Barr of committing a crime by lying to lawmakers and a key committee chairman threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress.

Democrats intensified their pressure on President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Attorney General William Barr of committing a crime by lying to lawmakers and a key committee chairman threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress. Even as Democratic lawmakers accused the Trump administration of a growing attack on US democracy and the authority of Congress, the White House showed no sign of backing down. White House legal counsel Emmet Flood said in a defiant letter that Trump had the right to tell advisers not to testify to congressional panels on the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia inquiry. The duelling statements marked a sharp escalation in the conflict between the White House and Democrats who control the House of Representatives. With Trump seeking re-election next year, Democrats are weighing whether to try to remove the Republican president from office using the impeachment process while pressing forward with demands for information on his taxes, businesses and other topics. Shortly after Barr refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee, Pelosi accused him of lying to lawmakers about interactions with Mueller after the special counsel ended a 22-month investigation into Russia`s efforts to interfere in the 2016 US election to boost Trump`s candidacy. "That`s a crime," Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, told reporters, referring to Barr`s congressional testimony. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec called Pelosi`s allegation "reckless, irresponsible and false." Democrats have accused Barr of misleading Congress by testifying in April he was unaware of any concern by the special counsel`s team about Barr`s initial March 24 characterization of the report, an account that led Trump to claim full exoneration. Barr failed to mention a March 27 letter he got from Mueller complaining that Barr`s March 24 account did not "fully capture the context, nature and substance of this Office`s work." Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress if he does not provide a full, unredacted copy of Mueller`s report and the underlying evidence, as the panel has requested by a subpoena that had a Wednesday deadline. That could potentially lead to legal steps against the top US law enforcement official. Barr released Mueller`s report on April 18, with some parts blacked out to protect sensitive information. Several Democrats have called on Barr, whom Trump appointed after firing Jeff Sessions as attorney general, to resign. Pelosi and other House Democrats previously had cautioned against launching the impeachment process, which would begin in the House but would face long odds of success in the Republican-controlled Senate and could alienate voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election. But Pelosi said the Trump administration was continuing to ignore congressional subpoenas and noted that Congress launched impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon after he resisted similar demands. Nixon resigned in 1974 over the Watergate scandal. 'OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE' Pelosi said, "Trump`s blanket statement that he`s not going to honour any subpoenas is obstruction of justice." The White House signalled little appetite to cooperate. Trump told Fox News in an interview on Thursday he was not inclined to let former White House counsel Don McGahn testify before congressional committees. Nadler has issued a subpoena for McGahn to testify in its investigation of possible obstruction of justice by the president. Trump told Fox News that McGahn had already spoken to Mueller`s team for 30 hours and allowing him to testify to Congress would open the door to others being called. "I would say it`s done," Trump said. Flood reiterated that point in a letter seen by Reuters, saying Trump`s decision to let advisers cooperate when Mueller was conducting his investigation did not extend to congressional oversight investigations now that the inquiry had been completed. Flood also said Mueller`s 448-page report suffered from "an extraordinary legal defect" by failing to determine whether Trump had committed the crime of obstruction of justice. ''Mueller instead produced a prosecutorial curiosity - part `truth commission` report and part law school exam paper," Flood wrote to Barr in a letter dated a day after the report was released. Democrats have argued Trump waived the right to assert executive privilege - which allows a president to withhold information about internal executive branch deliberations from other branches of government - by allowing advisers to cooperate extensively with Mueller. Barr cancelled his House testimony after clashing with Nadler over the hearing`s format, particularly having staff lawyers question him in addition to committee members. Nadler said he would move forward with a contempt citation as soon as Monday. "The very system of government of the United States - the system of limited power, the system of not having a president as a dictator - is very much at stake," Nadler told reporters after a 15-minute committee session held in place of Barr`s appearance. Democrats have said they may issue a subpoena to try to force Barr to testify. Barr spent four hours before a Republican-led Senate committee on Wednesday defending his handling of Mueller`s report and justifying Trump`s actions. The report detailed extensive contacts between Trump`s 2016 presidential campaign and Moscow and the campaign`s expectation that it would benefit from Russia`s actions, which included hacking and propaganda to boost Trump and harm Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The report also detailed a series of actions Trump took to try to impede the investigation. Mueller, a former FBI director, concluded there was insufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy and opted not to make a conclusion on whether Trump committed obstruction of justice, but pointedly did not exonerate him. Barr has said he and Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department`s No. 2 official, then determined there was not enough evidence to charge Trump with obstruction.

Democrats ramp up pressure on Donald Trump as Nancy Pelosi accuses William Barr of 'crime'

The international community has welcomed the United Nations' decision to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and sought sustained action from Pakistan against terrorism. Watch full video to know more.

UK, US and France welcomes UN move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the United Nations' decision to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a big victory for India. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi says UN ban on Masood Azhar is a 'Big Victory'

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