In a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days.&nbsp;

Being deemed as a 'heat dome', it has caused temperatures to rise to almost 50C in Canada and has been linked to hundreds of deaths, melted power lines, buckled roads and wildfires.&nbsp;

At least 300 sudden deaths have been reported in Canada, as the country recorded its highest ever temperature amid scorching conditions that extended to the US Pacific Northwest.

Sir David King, the former UK chief scientific adviser, was quoted by the Guardian saying, "Nowhere is safe … who would have predicted a temperature of 48/49C in British Columbia?”. He added, "The risks have been understood and known for so long and we have not acted, now we have a very narrow timeline for us to manage the problem".

At the US west coast, Seattle and Portland registered consecutive days of exceptional heat.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-canada-experience-heatwave-un-confirms-record-heat-in-antarctica-395224">Also read |&nbsp;As US &amp; Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica</a>

The local authorities said that they were investigating about a dozen deaths in Washington and Oregon that could be because of the high temperatures.&nbsp;

Michael E Mann, professor of atmospheric science at Pennsylvania State University and author of The New Climate War, was quoted by the Guardian saying, "We should take this very seriously … You warm up the planet, you’re going to see an increased incidence of heat extreme. Climate models are actually underestimating the impact that climate change is having on events like the unprecedented heatwave we are witnessing out west right now".

He further highlighted that climate was being destabilised in part by the global warming of the Arctic. He said that the existing climate models were failing to capture the scale of what was happening.

Meanwhile, as an unprecedented heatwave ripped across the United States and Canada, the UN recognised a new record high temperature for Antarctica at 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit) which occurred last year.

"Verification of this maximum temperature record is important because it helps us to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earth's final frontiers," Petteri Taala, UN's World Meteorological Organization secretary-general said.

In a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days.

In a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days. Being deemed as a 'heat dome', it has caused temperatures to rise to almost 50C in Canada and has been linked to hundreds of deaths, melted power lines, buckled roads and wildfires. At least 300 sudden deaths have been reported in Canada, as the country recorded its highest ever temperature amid scorching conditions that extended to the US Pacific Northwest. Sir David King, the former UK chief scientific adviser, was quoted by the Guardian saying, "Nowhere is safe … who would have predicted a temperature of 48/49C in British Columbia?”. He added, "The risks have been understood and known for so long and we have not acted, now we have a very narrow timeline for us to manage the problem". At the US west coast, Seattle and Portland registered consecutive days of exceptional heat. Also read | As US & Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica The local authorities said that they were investigating about a dozen deaths in Washington and Oregon that could be because of the high temperatures. Michael E Mann, professor of atmospheric science at Pennsylvania State University and author of The New Climate War, was quoted by the Guardian saying, "We should take this very seriously … You warm up the planet, you’re going to see an increased incidence of heat extreme. Climate models are actually underestimating the impact that climate change is having on events like the unprecedented heatwave we are witnessing out west right now". He further highlighted that climate was being destabilised in part by the global warming of the Arctic. He said that the existing climate models were failing to capture the scale of what was happening. Meanwhile, as an unprecedented heatwave ripped across the United States and Canada, the UN recognised a new record high temperature for Antarctica at 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit) which occurred last year. "Verification of this maximum temperature record is important because it helps us to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earth's final frontiers," Petteri Taala, UN's World Meteorological Organization secretary-general said.

No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada

Former White House physician has urged President Joe Biden to take a cognitive mental ability test again. Ronny Jackson has written a letter to Biden asking him to evaluate his mental ability and make the results public.

Ex-White House Physician urges cognitive test for Biden

In Pics | Americans gather to celebrate July 4

The 'soft-pedal coverage' of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Communist Party centenary has left US experts sounding the alarm bells. Geopolitical experts believe that commercial motive could be behind the mellow reporting of the communist nation by American media.

According to Fox News, the mainstream media in the United States had a celebratory tone leading up to the 100-year anniversary of CCP, despite its poor human rights record.

China expert Gordon Chang believes that a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and as a result, they are willing to mellow down their coverage.

"I think it's because a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and so they are willing to soft-pedal coverage and they are not willing to give context where context is required," Chang told Fox. "I think there's the commercial motive there."

During the 100th founding anniversary of the CCP, Xi threatened that any nation that gets in the way of China's priorities "will find their heads bashed bloody against a great wall of steel".

According to Chang, the mainstream media didn't pick up on an "important message" that was sent to America through the communist leader's rhetoric.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-85-people-crashes-40-rescued-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued</a>

"What they should have said was that Xi Jinping has territorial designs on other countries. So really what he was saying was that he's going to wage war on the region. And that was not pointed out," Chang said, adding that most American media outlets lack context when covering China and failed to pick up on a key element of the speech.

On Thursday, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Chinese President is serious about his 'bashing heads bloody' remark and called on President Joe Biden's administration to strengthen its policies against Beijing.

Pompeo urged the Biden administration to take the Chinese threat seriously and that the Chinese President sees America as 'weak'. "We've seen this now for six months with this administration: unprepared to respond to Chinese aggression," he said.

Pompeo further remarked: "Xi is serious. He has confidence, he's aggressive. He thinks America is declining. He's wrong about that but it's going to take American leadership to prove him wrong."

According to Fox News, China revelled in what it views as the bedrock of the nation's global success. However, they will without a doubt fail to mention that tens of millions of people have been killed at the hands of the CCP.&nbsp;

The 'soft-pedal coverage' of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Communist Party centenary has left US experts sounding the alarm bells. Geopolitical experts believe that commercial motive could be behind the mellow reporting of the communist nation by American media.

The 'soft-pedal coverage' of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Communist Party centenary has left US experts sounding the alarm bells. Geopolitical experts believe that commercial motive could be behind the mellow reporting of the communist nation by American media. According to Fox News, the mainstream media in the United States had a celebratory tone leading up to the 100-year anniversary of CCP, despite its poor human rights record. China expert Gordon Chang believes that a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and as a result, they are willing to mellow down their coverage. "I think it's because a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and so they are willing to soft-pedal coverage and they are not willing to give context where context is required," Chang told Fox. "I think there's the commercial motive there." During the 100th founding anniversary of the CCP, Xi threatened that any nation that gets in the way of China's priorities "will find their heads bashed bloody against a great wall of steel". According to Chang, the mainstream media didn't pick up on an "important message" that was sent to America through the communist leader's rhetoric. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued "What they should have said was that Xi Jinping has territorial designs on other countries. So really what he was saying was that he's going to wage war on the region. And that was not pointed out," Chang said, adding that most American media outlets lack context when covering China and failed to pick up on a key element of the speech. On Thursday, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Chinese President is serious about his 'bashing heads bloody' remark and called on President Joe Biden's administration to strengthen its policies against Beijing. Pompeo urged the Biden administration to take the Chinese threat seriously and that the Chinese President sees America as 'weak'. "We've seen this now for six months with this administration: unprepared to respond to Chinese aggression," he said. Pompeo further remarked: "Xi is serious. He has confidence, he's aggressive. He thinks America is declining. He's wrong about that but it's going to take American leadership to prove him wrong." According to Fox News, China revelled in what it views as the bedrock of the nation's global success. However, they will without a doubt fail to mention that tens of millions of people have been killed at the hands of the CCP.

US experts raise alarm over 'soft-pedal coverage' of CCP's centenary

As American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S history, locals living in the shadow of the base and in nearby Kabul were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next.

Violence has been raging throughout Afghanistan in the weeks since President Joe Biden announced troops would withdraw unconditionally by Sept. 11.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-fighting-rages-as-us-forces-seek-exit-by-end-august-395583">Afghanistan: Fighting rages as US forces seek exit by end August</a>

With peace talks in Qatar stuttering, and roughly a quarter of the country's districts having fallen to the Taliban in recent weeks according to one study, many are concerned that chaos looms.

Malek Mir, a mechanic in Bagram who saw the Soviet Army and then the Americans come and go, said he was left with a deep sense of sadness at the futility of a foreign presence.

"They came with bombing the Taliban and got rid of their regime - but now they have left when the Taliban are so empowered that they will take over any time soon," he said.

"What was the point of all the destruction, killing and misery they brought us? I wish they had never come."

More than 3,500 foreign troops have been killed in a two-decade war, which has claimed over 100,000 civilians since 2009 alone, according to United Nations records.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-as-us-withdraws-taliban-gains-ground-395719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some, however, say the presence of foreign troops distorted Afghanistan's economy and that it is time for the country to stand on its own.

"The Americans leave a legacy of failure, they've failed in containing the Taliban or corruption," said Sayed Naqibullah, a shop owner in Bagram. "A small percentage of Afghans got so rich, while the vast majority still live with extreme poverty.

"In a way, we're happy they've gone ... We're Afghans and we'll find our way."

In the nearby capital, the news was a fresh reminder of the growing panic that has been gripping many parts of Afghan society, particularly in urban areas, since Biden announced the withdrawal in April.

"All the people are worried that if foreign forces leave Afghanistan, the Taliban will take over. Then what will we do?" asked Zumarai Wafa, a Kabul shopkeeper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-system-only-way-to-afghan-peace-taliban-392753">'Islamic system' only way to Afghan peace: Taliban</a>

Wafa and others described a slump in business and signs of many urban residents trying to flee the country, with hundreds lined up outside embassies seeking visas.

Medical student Muzhda, 22, who asked to be identified by only one name for security reasons, said her family had decided to leave the country because of the deterioration in security.

She said she wondered what future awaited women if the Taliban came back to power and restricted access to education for women, as they did during their previous time in power.

The Taliban say they have changed and that they will make provisions for women's rights in line with cultural traditions and religious rules.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-fears-of-the-taliban-taking-over-afghan-395714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Still, Muzhda said she feels bereft and let down by the American departure.

"The withdrawal of foreign troops in the current situation is irrational," she said. "It is now clear that the Americans came here for their own purposes, not to help and cooperate with Afghanistan."

"I'm very sad and disappointed, I had many dreams that will not come true."

As American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S history, locals living in the shadow of the base and in nearby Kabul were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next.

As American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S history, locals living in the shadow of the base and in nearby Kabul were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next. Violence has been raging throughout Afghanistan in the weeks since President Joe Biden announced troops would withdraw unconditionally by Sept. 11. Also read | Afghanistan: Fighting rages as US forces seek exit by end August With peace talks in Qatar stuttering, and roughly a quarter of the country's districts having fallen to the Taliban in recent weeks according to one study, many are concerned that chaos looms. Malek Mir, a mechanic in Bagram who saw the Soviet Army and then the Americans come and go, said he was left with a deep sense of sadness at the futility of a foreign presence. "They came with bombing the Taliban and got rid of their regime - but now they have left when the Taliban are so empowered that they will take over any time soon," he said. "What was the point of all the destruction, killing and misery they brought us? I wish they had never come." More than 3,500 foreign troops have been killed in a two-decade war, which has claimed over 100,000 civilians since 2009 alone, according to United Nations records. Some, however, say the presence of foreign troops distorted Afghanistan's economy and that it is time for the country to stand on its own. "The Americans leave a legacy of failure, they've failed in containing the Taliban or corruption," said Sayed Naqibullah, a shop owner in Bagram. "A small percentage of Afghans got so rich, while the vast majority still live with extreme poverty. "In a way, we're happy they've gone ... We're Afghans and we'll find our way." In the nearby capital, the news was a fresh reminder of the growing panic that has been gripping many parts of Afghan society, particularly in urban areas, since Biden announced the withdrawal in April. "All the people are worried that if foreign forces leave Afghanistan, the Taliban will take over. Then what will we do?" asked Zumarai Wafa, a Kabul shopkeeper. Also read | 'Islamic system' only way to Afghan peace: Taliban Wafa and others described a slump in business and signs of many urban residents trying to flee the country, with hundreds lined up outside embassies seeking visas. Medical student Muzhda, 22, who asked to be identified by only one name for security reasons, said her family had decided to leave the country because of the deterioration in security. She said she wondered what future awaited women if the Taliban came back to power and restricted access to education for women, as they did during their previous time in power. The Taliban say they have changed and that they will make provisions for women's rights in line with cultural traditions and religious rules. Still, Muzhda said she feels bereft and let down by the American departure. "The withdrawal of foreign troops in the current situation is irrational," she said. "It is now clear that the Americans came here for their own purposes, not to help and cooperate with Afghanistan." "I'm very sad and disappointed, I had many dreams that will not come true."

'What was the point?' Afghans rue decades of war as US quits Bagram

In about two-months, all US groups will be off the ground in Afghanistan as the Biden administration prepares to return after a two decade war. Fear looms over the citizens as the Taliban imposes regressive laws in captured areas.

Afghanistan: As US withdraws, Taliban gains ground

Marking an end to the longest war in US history, the American troops have left the main military base in Afghanistan. Locals living in the shadow of the base are bracing themselves for what comes next.

Afghanistan: Fears of the Taliban taking over Afghan

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee will resume work later this month on Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, after two days of debate on the measure. 
 
A spokesman said on Friday, the panel would consider its consideration of the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act, or Eagle Act, on July 12 after marathon discussion of the measure on Wednesday and Thursday, but no vote. 
 
The desire for a hard line in dealings with China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided US&nbsp;Congress, which is narrowly controlled by President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats. 
 
However, the two parties disagree on how best to deal with Beijing. While the Senate passed sweeping legislation with bipartisan support in early June, the full House has yet to finalise or vote on a comprehensive bill. 
 
During the marathon discussion of the Eagle Act, which ended well after midnight on Wednesday and then stretched into Thursday evening, members of the Foreign Affairs panel offered about 100 amendments to the legislation, which was written by the committee's Democratic chairman, Representative Gregory Meeks. 
 
Among other things, committee Republicans, who said before the meeting they would not support the bill, objected to provisions authorising funding for climate initiatives. They also said it was too much of a 'messaging bill',&nbsp;focused more on ordering reports than changing policy, a criticism Democrats dispute. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee will resume work later this month on Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, after two days of debate on the measure.

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee will resume work later this month on Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, after two days of debate on the measure. A spokesman said on Friday, the panel would consider its consideration of the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act, or Eagle Act, on July 12 after marathon discussion of the measure on Wednesday and Thursday, but no vote. The desire for a hard line in dealings with China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided US Congress, which is narrowly controlled by President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats. However, the two parties disagree on how best to deal with Beijing. While the Senate passed sweeping legislation with bipartisan support in early June, the full House has yet to finalise or vote on a comprehensive bill. During the marathon discussion of the Eagle Act, which ended well after midnight on Wednesday and then stretched into Thursday evening, members of the Foreign Affairs panel offered about 100 amendments to the legislation, which was written by the committee's Democratic chairman, Representative Gregory Meeks. Among other things, committee Republicans, who said before the meeting they would not support the bill, objected to provisions authorising funding for climate initiatives. They also said it was too much of a 'messaging bill', focused more on ordering reports than changing policy, a criticism Democrats dispute. (With inputs from agencies)

China bill delayed in US House amid partisan wrangling

The Biden administration is exploring having three Central Asian countries temporarily take in thousands of Afghans who worked with US&nbsp;forces and face threats from the Taliban now that American troops are withdrawing after 20 years, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. 
 
They said Washington is in talks with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan about letting in the at-risk Afghan citizens. Two of the sources were US&nbsp;officials and all requested anonymity. 
 
The three sources said an agreement did not appear imminent with any of the countries. 
 
The decision to move at-risk Afghans risks inflaming a sense of crisis in Afghanistan, as fighting between US-backed Afghan forces and the Taliban has surged in recent weeks, with the militants gaining control of large amounts of territory. 
 
Thousands of Afghan translators and interpreters face threats from the Taliban after working for two decades alongside the US&nbsp;military. 
 
The United States announced plans last week to seek refuge for thousands of vulnerable Afghans in countries outside Afghanistan so their US&nbsp;visa applications could be processed from safety, but Washington did not specify where they would go. 
 
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki provided no further details on Friday. 
 
"One of the reasons that I'm not going to get into security details about what third country they might go to, and how many, is exactly for that reason, but certainly our timeline is to relocate these individuals to a location outside of Afghanistan before we complete our military drawdown," Psaki said.

President Joe Biden has said those who helped the United States will not be left behind, and on Thursday, a senior Republican lawmaker said plans to evacuate at-risk Afghans will include their family members for a total of as many as 50,000 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration is exploring having three Central Asian countries temporarily take in thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces and face threats from the Taliban now that American troops are withdrawing after 20 years, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The Biden administration is exploring having three Central Asian countries temporarily take in thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces and face threats from the Taliban now that American troops are withdrawing after 20 years, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. They said Washington is in talks with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan about letting in the at-risk Afghan citizens. Two of the sources were US officials and all requested anonymity. The three sources said an agreement did not appear imminent with any of the countries. The decision to move at-risk Afghans risks inflaming a sense of crisis in Afghanistan, as fighting between US-backed Afghan forces and the Taliban has surged in recent weeks, with the militants gaining control of large amounts of territory. Thousands of Afghan translators and interpreters face threats from the Taliban after working for two decades alongside the US military. The United States announced plans last week to seek refuge for thousands of vulnerable Afghans in countries outside Afghanistan so their US visa applications could be processed from safety, but Washington did not specify where they would go. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki provided no further details on Friday. "One of the reasons that I'm not going to get into security details about what third country they might go to, and how many, is exactly for that reason, but certainly our timeline is to relocate these individuals to a location outside of Afghanistan before we complete our military drawdown," Psaki said. President Joe Biden has said those who helped the United States will not be left behind, and on Thursday, a senior Republican lawmaker said plans to evacuate at-risk Afghans will include their family members for a total of as many as 50,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

US looks into having 3 Central Asian states take in at-risk Afghans: Sources

Pakistan has rejected its inclusion in the US' Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) list and has Washington to review the 'baseless assertions' made against Islamabad.

Pakistan urges US to review 'baseless inclusion' in child soldier recruiter list

Argentina will tweak legislation to help the country receive US&nbsp;donations of COVID-19 vaccinations, senior officials said on Friday, a move that could also help unlock deals that have proved tricky with drugmakers like Pfizer Inc. 
 
A government decree will soften legal clauses around negligence, remove a reference to 'fraudulent maneuvers' and create a fund to compensate people harmed by a vaccine. 
 
The prior language had hampered negotiations with vaccine firms, and the changes could help Argentina step up its vaccine programme as it faces cases and deaths among the highest in the world. 
 
"This regulation will facilitate and favour the possibility of accessing more vaccines," Health Minister Carla Vizzotti said late on Friday, adding it would allow better access via the WHO/Gavi-led COVAX programme and from donations, especially from the United States. 
 
The United States recently announced donations of Pfizer and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines to Peru and Colombia respectively. 
 
Argentina, currently facing a second wave of COVID-19, has recorded some 4.5 million cases of the virus and 95,382 deaths. 
 
Its vaccine programme has been largely built around Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, China's Sinopharm and the AstraZeneca vaccine developed with Oxford University. 
 
Vilma Ibarra, legal and technical secretary with the presidency office, said the decree was a 'result of conversations and concessions with the laboratories that supply the vaccines' over legal obstacles. 
 
"We arrived at a text that we understand facilitates and contains the possibility of acquiring vaccines for children and expanding the spectrum of vaccines for the general population," Ibarra said. 
 
Argentine authorities have carried out 21.6 million inoculations with some 4.3 million people having received two doses. The South American county has a population of around 45 million people. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Argentina will tweak legislation to help the country receive US donations of COVID-19 vaccinations, senior officials said on Friday, a move that could also help unlock deals that have proved tricky with drugmakers like Pfizer Inc.

Argentina will tweak legislation to help the country receive US donations of COVID-19 vaccinations, senior officials said on Friday, a move that could also help unlock deals that have proved tricky with drugmakers like Pfizer Inc. A government decree will soften legal clauses around negligence, remove a reference to 'fraudulent maneuvers' and create a fund to compensate people harmed by a vaccine. The prior language had hampered negotiations with vaccine firms, and the changes could help Argentina step up its vaccine programme as it faces cases and deaths among the highest in the world. "This regulation will facilitate and favour the possibility of accessing more vaccines," Health Minister Carla Vizzotti said late on Friday, adding it would allow better access via the WHO/Gavi-led COVAX programme and from donations, especially from the United States. The United States recently announced donations of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to Peru and Colombia respectively. Argentina, currently facing a second wave of COVID-19, has recorded some 4.5 million cases of the virus and 95,382 deaths. Its vaccine programme has been largely built around Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, China's Sinopharm and the AstraZeneca vaccine developed with Oxford University. Vilma Ibarra, legal and technical secretary with the presidency office, said the decree was a 'result of conversations and concessions with the laboratories that supply the vaccines' over legal obstacles. "We arrived at a text that we understand facilitates and contains the possibility of acquiring vaccines for children and expanding the spectrum of vaccines for the general population," Ibarra said. Argentine authorities have carried out 21.6 million inoculations with some 4.3 million people having received two doses. The South American county has a population of around 45 million people. (With inputs from agencies)

Argentina opens door to US vaccine donations with legal tweak

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them. 
 
The quiet departure from Bagram Air Base brought an effective end to the longest war in US&nbsp;history. It came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered. 
 
The Pentagon said the turnover of Bagram to Afghan security forces was a 'key milestone' in the withdrawal, but insisted the US&nbsp;military still has the authority to protect Afghan forces. 
 
"Those authorities still exist," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He did not give a timeline for when they might end. 
 
President Joe Biden said the troops' departure is on track, but some American forces will still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a 'rational drawdown with allies'. 
 
He called repeated queries from reporters about the withdrawal timeline 'negative' on Friday, ahead of the July 4 US&nbsp;Independence Day holiday weekend. "I want to talk about happy things, man," Biden said. "It's the holiday weekend. I'm going to celebrate it. There's great things happening." 
 
Bagram, an hour's drive north of Kabul, was where the US&nbsp;military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission. The Taliban thanked them for leaving. 
 
"We consider this withdrawal a positive step. Afghans can get closer to stability and peace with the full withdrawal of foreign forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. 
 
Other Afghans were more circumspect. "The Americans must leave Afghanistan and there should be peace in this country," said Kabul resident Javed Arman. 
 
But he added: "We are in a difficult situation. Most people have fled their districts and some districts have fallen. Seven districts in Paktia province have fallen and are now under Taliban control." 
 
More than 3,500 international troops were killed in Afghanistan. A Western diplomat in Kabul said Washington and its NATO allies had 'won many battles, but have lost the Afghan war'.

(With inputs from agencies)

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them.

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them. The quiet departure from Bagram Air Base brought an effective end to the longest war in US history. It came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered. The Pentagon said the turnover of Bagram to Afghan security forces was a 'key milestone' in the withdrawal, but insisted the US military still has the authority to protect Afghan forces. "Those authorities still exist," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He did not give a timeline for when they might end. President Joe Biden said the troops' departure is on track, but some American forces will still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a 'rational drawdown with allies'. He called repeated queries from reporters about the withdrawal timeline 'negative' on Friday, ahead of the July 4 US Independence Day holiday weekend. "I want to talk about happy things, man," Biden said. "It's the holiday weekend. I'm going to celebrate it. There's great things happening." Bagram, an hour's drive north of Kabul, was where the US military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission. The Taliban thanked them for leaving. "We consider this withdrawal a positive step. Afghans can get closer to stability and peace with the full withdrawal of foreign forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Other Afghans were more circumspect. "The Americans must leave Afghanistan and there should be peace in this country," said Kabul resident Javed Arman. But he added: "We are in a difficult situation. Most people have fled their districts and some districts have fallen. Seven districts in Paktia province have fallen and are now under Taliban control." More than 3,500 international troops were killed in Afghanistan. A Western diplomat in Kabul said Washington and its NATO allies had 'won many battles, but have lost the Afghan war'. (With inputs from agencies)

Era ends, uncertainty looms as US forces quit main Afghanistan base

The US&nbsp;Treasury said on Friday it removed sanctions on three Iranians but said this did not reflect a change in its sanctions policy toward Iran and had nothing to do with talks on restoring US&nbsp;and Iranian compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. 
 
The Treasury said it had determined Behzad Ferdows, Mehrzad Ferdows and Mohammad Reza Dezfulian are no longer blocked under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters. 
 
The order froze their US&nbsp;assets and barred US&nbsp;persons from dealing with them. All three were also subject to secondary sanctions, meaning non-US&nbsp;persons, who dealt with them risked themselves being sanctioned and cut off from the US&nbsp;market. 
 
Erich Ferrari, an attorney who represented the three in a lawsuit against the Treasury arguing there was 'insufficient basis' for their designation, said 'there was a dismissal of the claims'.&nbsp;He declined to comment further. 
 
A Treasury spokesperson stressed that the US&nbsp;decision to drop the three from its list of Specially Designated Nationals, who are subject to certain US&nbsp;sanctions had nothing to do with indirect talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). 
 
"These delistings do not reflect any change in US&nbsp;government sanctions policy towards Iran. They have nothing to do with ongoing JCPOA negotiations in Vienna," the spokesperson said on condition of anonymity. 
 
Iran and the United States have been holding indirect talks in Vienna on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers that imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The US Treasury said on Friday it removed sanctions on three Iranians but said this did not reflect a change in its sanctions policy toward Iran and had nothing to do with talks on restoring US and Iranian compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

The US Treasury said on Friday it removed sanctions on three Iranians but said this did not reflect a change in its sanctions policy toward Iran and had nothing to do with talks on restoring US and Iranian compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The Treasury said it had determined Behzad Ferdows, Mehrzad Ferdows and Mohammad Reza Dezfulian are no longer blocked under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters. The order froze their US assets and barred US persons from dealing with them. All three were also subject to secondary sanctions, meaning non-US persons, who dealt with them risked themselves being sanctioned and cut off from the US market. Erich Ferrari, an attorney who represented the three in a lawsuit against the Treasury arguing there was 'insufficient basis' for their designation, said 'there was a dismissal of the claims'. He declined to comment further. A Treasury spokesperson stressed that the US decision to drop the three from its list of Specially Designated Nationals, who are subject to certain US sanctions had nothing to do with indirect talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "These delistings do not reflect any change in US government sanctions policy towards Iran. They have nothing to do with ongoing JCPOA negotiations in Vienna," the spokesperson said on condition of anonymity. Iran and the United States have been holding indirect talks in Vienna on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers that imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

US drops sanctions on three Iranians, says move unrelated to nuclear talks

A ransomware attack paralyzed the networks of at least 200 US companies on Friday. The attackers targeted a software supplier called Kaseya, using its network management package as a conduit to spread the ransomware through cloud service providers.

Ransomware attack hits at least 200 US companies

Iran denied on Saturday US&nbsp;accusations that Tehran supported attacks on US&nbsp;forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US&nbsp;airstrikes on Iranian-backed militants there, state media reported. 
 
On Tuesday, the United States told the UN&nbsp;Security Council that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US&nbsp;personnel or facilities. 
 
But Iran's UN&nbsp;envoy, Majid Takht Ravanchi, said: "Any claim to attribute to Iran... any attack carried out against American personnel or facilities in Iraq is factually wrong and void of the minimum requirements of authenticity and reliability," according to the official news agency IRNA. 
 
Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. 
 
Washington told the United Nations that the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US&nbsp;forces in Iraq. 
 
But Ravanchi said: "The US&nbsp;argument that such attacks were conducted to deter ...Iran and the so-called Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks..., has no factual or legal ground, as it is founded on mere fabrication as well as arbitrary interpretation of Article 51." 
 
"The attacks by the United States are conducted in flagrant violation of international law," Ravanchi said in a letter, quoted by IRNA. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Iran denied on Saturday US accusations that Tehran supported attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US airstrikes on Iranian-backed militants there, state media reported.

Iran denied on Saturday US accusations that Tehran supported attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US airstrikes on Iranian-backed militants there, state media reported. On Tuesday, the United States told the UN Security Council that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities. But Iran's UN envoy, Majid Takht Ravanchi, said: "Any claim to attribute to Iran... any attack carried out against American personnel or facilities in Iraq is factually wrong and void of the minimum requirements of authenticity and reliability," according to the official news agency IRNA. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. Washington told the United Nations that the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US forces in Iraq. But Ravanchi said: "The US argument that such attacks were conducted to deter ...Iran and the so-called Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks..., has no factual or legal ground, as it is founded on mere fabrication as well as arbitrary interpretation of Article 51." "The attacks by the United States are conducted in flagrant violation of international law," Ravanchi said in a letter, quoted by IRNA. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran denies links to attacks on US forces in Iraq, Syria

The US on Friday announced fresh sanctions on 22 persons including four Myanmar government ministers. The Treasury and Commerce Department, in a two-pronged action, announced the sanctions &nbsp;as part of Washington's continued response to the overthrow of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government

Aung San Suu Kyi's government was toppled by Myanmar military junta in a coup on February 1. The country has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. Military junta has received international condemnation for the disproportionate use of force against the demonstrators.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the new sanctions were levied "in response to the brutal campaign of violence perpetrated by the Burmese military regime and to continue imposing costs in connection with the military coup."

The sanctions do not target the Myanmar people, but are aimed at pressuring the military to "immediately restore Burma's path to democracy," Blinken said.

Myanmar's minister of information Chit Naing, minister for investment Aung Naing Oo, &nbsp;labor and immigration minister Myint Kyaing, and Thet Thet Khine, the minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement are the ministers the US led sanctions have targetted.

Three members of the powerful State Administrative Council were also hit with sanctions, as were 15 spouses and adult children of officials, in an expansion of US punishments imposed in February, March and May following the coup.

Under the sanctions, all US property in the name of the individuals are blocked, and Americans or people in the United States are prohibited from conducting property or interest transactions with them.

Andrea Gacki, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement the action demonstrates Washington "will continue to impose increasing costs on Burma's military and promote accountability for those responsible for the military coup and ongoing violence."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The US on Friday announced fresh sanctions on 22 persons including four Myanmar government ministers. The Treasury and Commerce Department, in a two-pronged action, announced the sanctions as part of Washington's continued response to the overthrow of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government Aung San Suu Kyi's government was toppled by Myanmar military junta in a coup on February 1.

The US on Friday announced fresh sanctions on 22 persons including four Myanmar government ministers. The Treasury and Commerce Department, in a two-pronged action, announced the sanctions as part of Washington's continued response to the overthrow of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government Aung San Suu Kyi's government was toppled by Myanmar military junta in a coup on February 1. The country has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. Military junta has received international condemnation for the disproportionate use of force against the demonstrators. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the new sanctions were levied "in response to the brutal campaign of violence perpetrated by the Burmese military regime and to continue imposing costs in connection with the military coup." The sanctions do not target the Myanmar people, but are aimed at pressuring the military to "immediately restore Burma's path to democracy," Blinken said. Myanmar's minister of information Chit Naing, minister for investment Aung Naing Oo, labor and immigration minister Myint Kyaing, and Thet Thet Khine, the minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement are the ministers the US led sanctions have targetted. Three members of the powerful State Administrative Council were also hit with sanctions, as were 15 spouses and adult children of officials, in an expansion of US punishments imposed in February, March and May following the coup. Under the sanctions, all US property in the name of the individuals are blocked, and Americans or people in the United States are prohibited from conducting property or interest transactions with them. Andrea Gacki, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement the action demonstrates Washington "will continue to impose increasing costs on Burma's military and promote accountability for those responsible for the military coup and ongoing violence." (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar coup: US imposes fresh sanctions on 22 persons

The White House has said that it would send special teams to hotspots around the US to battle the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant amid rising cases in parts of the country.

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat.

While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

White House Covid-19 senior adviser Jeffrey Zients told reporters that "surge response" teams would be ready to speed additional testing supplies and therapeutics to communities that were experiencing increases in Covid-19 cases.&nbsp;

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said on a news call highlighted that more than 180 million people and more than 66 per cent of adults in the United States have received shots, but around 1,000 counties still have vaccination rates below 30 per cent.&nbsp;

Michael Newshel, a healthcare analyst for Evercore ISI, in a Tuesday analyst note that Nevada and Missouri have the highest rates of Covid-19 infection, and there have been recent outbreaks in states including Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska.

Medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat

Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments. 
As of now, new specific symptoms have been reported. It is also not yet clear if the existing vaccines are effective against Delta Plus.

The White House has said that it would send special teams to hotspots around the US to battle the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant amid rising cases in parts of the country.

The White House has said that it would send special teams to hotspots around the US to battle the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant amid rising cases in parts of the country. Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants. Also Read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant White House Covid-19 senior adviser Jeffrey Zients told reporters that "surge response" teams would be ready to speed additional testing supplies and therapeutics to communities that were experiencing increases in Covid-19 cases. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said on a news call highlighted that more than 180 million people and more than 66 per cent of adults in the United States have received shots, but around 1,000 counties still have vaccination rates below 30 per cent. Michael Newshel, a healthcare analyst for Evercore ISI, in a Tuesday analyst note that Nevada and Missouri have the highest rates of Covid-19 infection, and there have been recent outbreaks in states including Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska. Medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments. As of now, new specific symptoms have been reported. It is also not yet clear if the existing vaccines are effective against Delta Plus.

White House to send special teams to hotspots due to highly contagious Delta variant

"This buildup is concerning. It raises questions about the PRC's intent. And for us, it reinforces the importance of pursuing practical measures to reduce nuclear risks," Ned Price said.

US calls China's nuclear arsenal build-up 'concerning'

A recent study has revealed that rising temperatures, reduced snowfall and increased rain might shut Yellowstone Park's most famous geyser. The Greater Yellowstone Area is among the world’s last intact temperate ecosystems.

A recent study has revealed that rising temperatures, reduced snowfall and increased rain might shut Yellowstone Park's most famous geyser. The Greater Yellowstone Area is among the world’s last intact temperate ecosystems. It includes two national parks, five national forests, half a dozen tribal nations and stunning biodiversity. Also, it is a supervolcano that is home to 10,000 hydrothermal features, including 500 geysers. If the temperatures at Yellowstone rise 10F by the end of the century, as predicted, this vast ecosystem will be disrupted. The geyser will almost shut off completely, and the snowpack that feeds rivers throughout the west may disappear. This is not the first problem that such a problem is being witnessed. About 800 years ago, extreme heat and drought made the geyser come to a complete standstill for decades. This shift changed everything from what plant species grew in the area to what the land looked like. Also Read | Scientists believe they have discovered Alaska’s Yellowstone ‘super volcano’ Researchers are now trying to use the park’s recent past as a 'climate roadmap'. This will help them to predict what might happen next. However, reading the map will not be easy or clean. In 2018, Chris Schiller, a post-doctoral research associate at Montana State University, ventured out to find out what made one lake in the geyser basin go from thermal to freshwater centuries ago. In the lab, Schiller’s team discovered evidence of fire, drought and temperature shifts in the sediment. The research helps in filling in the gaps in prehistoric climate and vegetation. These are all indicators of how this land has changed. As per a recent Yellowstone climate assessment, in recent decades, the average temperature in the park has been as high or higher than in any period in the last 20,000 years. Also, this could be the warmest of the last 800,000 years.

Yellowstone’s most famous geyser could shut down, reveals study

Former US President Donald Trump visited the US-Mexico border on Wednesday, where he unleashed a wave of attacks on President Joe Biden and denounce an immigration crisis.

Former US President Trump visits the US-Mexico border, pushes anti-immigrant rhetoric

Former President Donald&nbsp;Trump's company and its long-serving chief financial officer are to be charged on Thursday with tax-related crimes, US media reported.

They would mark the first criminal charges in a more than two-year investigation by the Manhattan district attorney into alleged fraud at the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization.

The New York Times and The Washington Post said that a New York grand jury had indicted the company and Allen Weisselberg on Wednesday, although the specific charges have not been disclosed.

The Wall Street Journal said Weisselberg and the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization are expected to be charged with the evasion of taxes on fringe benefits when the indictment is unveiled on Thursday.

The paper was the first to report the imminent charges and cited people familiar with the matter.

Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance and New York state Attorney General Letitia James have been investigating whether Weisselberg and other executives avoided paying taxes on perks from the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization.

The perks included private school tuition, luxury cars, and apartments, US media say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-jinping-hails-irreversible-rise-of-china-on-communist-party-centenary-395051">Also Read |&nbsp;President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary</a>

Weisselberg, a loyal&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;lieutenant often described as the keeper of the company's secrets, is expected to turn himself into Vance's office on Thursday morning, the Post said, citing two people familiar with the plan.

He is then expected to be arraigned later in the day in front of a judge. Lawyers for the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization will also appear in court, the newspapers said.

Trump&nbsp;himself is not expected to be charged, according to the reports, although a criminal indictment would deal a major blow to the Republican ex-president who has suggested he could run for the White House again in 2024.

Possible tax evasion

Trump, 75, has condemned the probe as politically motivated, describing it as "a continuation of the greatest witch hunt in American history."

The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization is an unlisted family holding company that owns golf clubs, hotels and luxury properties.

Trump&nbsp;handed over the reins of the business to his two eldest sons and to Weisselberg when he went to the White House in early 2017.

New York prosecutors have been trying to get Weisselberg, 73, to cooperate with their broad investigations into the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;Organization's finances.

The indictment would increase the pressure on him to cooperate.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office is probing whether the company regularly overvalued or undervalued its assets, particularly several properties in New York state, to either get bank loans or reduce their taxes.

Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has alleged that they did, allegations that could constitute possible tax evasion or insurance fraud.

The investigations also center on eight years of&nbsp;Trump's tax returns, obtained by the prosecutors in February after a long legal battle that went to the Supreme Court.

Vance's probe initially focused on hush payments made to two women who allege they had affairs with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;-- before the investigation was expanded.

Cohen, jailed for tax evasion and violating campaign finance laws, was one of the real estate mogul's closest henchmen before turning against his former boss and deciding to cooperate with prosecutors.

Former President Donald Trump's company and its long-serving chief financial officer are to be charged on Thursday with tax-related crimes, US media reported. They would mark the first criminal charges in a more than two-year investigation by the Manhattan district attorney into alleged fraud at the Trump Organization.

Former President Donald Trump's company and its long-serving chief financial officer are to be charged on Thursday with tax-related crimes, US media reported. They would mark the first criminal charges in a more than two-year investigation by the Manhattan district attorney into alleged fraud at the Trump Organization. The New York Times and The Washington Post said that a New York grand jury had indicted the company and Allen Weisselberg on Wednesday, although the specific charges have not been disclosed. The Wall Street Journal said Weisselberg and the Trump Organization are expected to be charged with the evasion of taxes on fringe benefits when the indictment is unveiled on Thursday. The paper was the first to report the imminent charges and cited people familiar with the matter. Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance and New York state Attorney General Letitia James have been investigating whether Weisselberg and other executives avoided paying taxes on perks from the Trump Organization. The perks included private school tuition, luxury cars, and apartments, US media say. Also Read | President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary Weisselberg, a loyal Trump lieutenant often described as the keeper of the company's secrets, is expected to turn himself into Vance's office on Thursday morning, the Post said, citing two people familiar with the plan. He is then expected to be arraigned later in the day in front of a judge. Lawyers for the Trump Organization will also appear in court, the newspapers said. Trump himself is not expected to be charged, according to the reports, although a criminal indictment would deal a major blow to the Republican ex-president who has suggested he could run for the White House again in 2024. Possible tax evasion Trump, 75, has condemned the probe as politically motivated, describing it as "a continuation of the greatest witch hunt in American history." The Trump Organization is an unlisted family holding company that owns golf clubs, hotels and luxury properties. Trump handed over the reins of the business to his two eldest sons and to Weisselberg when he went to the White House in early 2017. New York prosecutors have been trying to get Weisselberg, 73, to cooperate with their broad investigations into the Trump Organization's finances. The indictment would increase the pressure on him to cooperate. The Manhattan District Attorney's office is probing whether the company regularly overvalued or undervalued its assets, particularly several properties in New York state, to either get bank loans or reduce their taxes. Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has alleged that they did, allegations that could constitute possible tax evasion or insurance fraud. The investigations also center on eight years of Trump's tax returns, obtained by the prosecutors in February after a long legal battle that went to the Supreme Court. Vance's probe initially focused on hush payments made to two women who allege they had affairs with Trump -- before the investigation was expanded. Cohen, jailed for tax evasion and violating campaign finance laws, was one of the real estate mogul's closest henchmen before turning against his former boss and deciding to cooperate with prosecutors.

Trump Organization, CFO to be charged Thursday: US media

At least 300 sudden deaths have been reported in Canada, as the country recorded its highest ever temperature amid scorching conditions that extended to the US Pacific Northwest.

Heatwave leads to over 300 sudden deaths in Canada

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday that his country was under pressure from the United States and Western powers over its close ties with China as he vowed to never buckle under that pressure.

Pakistan and China enjoy a "very special relationship" spanning over 70 years and nothing could change these time-tested ties,

Khan said in an interview with English-language state-broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN), an excerpt of which was shared on his Instagram account.

Talking about the evolving regional rivalry between the US and China, Khan said that "Pakistan thinks it is very unfair for the US or other powers – western power" to pressurise "countries like us to take sides" in a conflict with China.

"Why should we take sides? We should have good relations with everyone. It is not going to happen if pressure is put on

Pakistan to change its relationship or downgrade its relationship with China, it wouldn’t happen," Khan said.

Emphasising the deep relationship with China, Khan said that Pakistan would never bend under any kind of pressure.

"Whatever will happen, our relationship between the two countries - no matter what pressure is put on us - is not going to change," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-of-hong-kong-security-law-crackdown-on-people-and-the-press-394849">Also Read |&nbsp;A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press</a>

He said that there was a "strange, great rivalry" taking place in the region which was public knowledge.

"You see the United States being wary of China. The way United States and China are looking at each other creates problems because what the United States is doing is it's formed this regional alliance called the Quad, which is US, India and a couple of other countries," Khan said.

The Quad or Quadrilateral alliance consisting of the US, India, Japan and Australia has been resolving to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.

Responding to a question about how to further deepen Sino-Pakistan ties, Khan said that the two sides enjoyed strong political ties but the relationship was not only limited to official relations but it was also "people to people relationship".

He said trade was important to increase ties in future and termed the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the "biggest thing happening in Pakistan".

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of

China's ambitious multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Highlighting the 70 years of diplomatic ties, Khan said China always stood with Pakistan, which "always had a very special relationship with China".

He said that China "always stood with us" whenever Pakistan was in trouble politically or internationally or in a conflict with its neighbour.

"In good times, everyone stands with you but in your difficult, tough times, bad times, you remember those people who stood by you. That's why you will find that in Pakistan, people always have a special fondness for people in China," he said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday that his country was under pressure from the United States and Western powers over its close ties with China as he vowed to never buckle under that pressure.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday that his country was under pressure from the United States and Western powers over its close ties with China as he vowed to never buckle under that pressure. Pakistan and China enjoy a "very special relationship" spanning over 70 years and nothing could change these time-tested ties, Khan said in an interview with English-language state-broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN), an excerpt of which was shared on his Instagram account. Talking about the evolving regional rivalry between the US and China, Khan said that "Pakistan thinks it is very unfair for the US or other powers – western power" to pressurise "countries like us to take sides" in a conflict with China. "Why should we take sides? We should have good relations with everyone. It is not going to happen if pressure is put on Pakistan to change its relationship or downgrade its relationship with China, it wouldn’t happen," Khan said. Emphasising the deep relationship with China, Khan said that Pakistan would never bend under any kind of pressure. "Whatever will happen, our relationship between the two countries - no matter what pressure is put on us - is not going to change," he said. Also Read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press He said that there was a "strange, great rivalry" taking place in the region which was public knowledge. "You see the United States being wary of China. The way United States and China are looking at each other creates problems because what the United States is doing is it's formed this regional alliance called the Quad, which is US, India and a couple of other countries," Khan said. The Quad or Quadrilateral alliance consisting of the US, India, Japan and Australia has been resolving to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Responding to a question about how to further deepen Sino-Pakistan ties, Khan said that the two sides enjoyed strong political ties but the relationship was not only limited to official relations but it was also "people to people relationship". He said trade was important to increase ties in future and termed the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the "biggest thing happening in Pakistan". The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Highlighting the 70 years of diplomatic ties, Khan said China always stood with Pakistan, which "always had a very special relationship with China". He said that China "always stood with us" whenever Pakistan was in trouble politically or internationally or in a conflict with its neighbour. "In good times, everyone stands with you but in your difficult, tough times, bad times, you remember those people who stood by you. That's why you will find that in Pakistan, people always have a special fondness for people in China," he said.

'It wouldn't happen': Pakistan will resist pressure from US, western powers over its ties with China, says Imran Khan

The United States told the UN&nbsp;Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US&nbsp;personnel or facilities. 
 
Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. 
 
US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US&nbsp;personnel and facilities in Iraq.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-retaliates-after-iran-backed-militias-target-american-base-in-eastern-syria-394583">US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria</a> 
 
"This military response was taken after non-military options proved inadequate to address the threat, with the aim of deescalating the situation and preventing further attacks," she wrote in a letter. 
 
President Joe Biden wrote a similar letter to Congress on Tuesday. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," he said. 
 
US&nbsp;troops came under rocket fire in Syria on Monday in apparent retaliation for weekend US&nbsp;air strikes. About 34 rockets were fired in the attack, but there were no injuries, a US&nbsp;military official said on Tuesday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-tells-us-it-has-serious-reservations-about-iran-nuclear-deal-394383">Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal</a>

While the Iraqi and US&nbsp;militaries coordinate closely in a separate battle in Iraq against remnants of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, Iraq's government and military condemned the US&nbsp;airstrikes against the Iran-back militia. 
 
The United States began airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria in 2014, telling the United Nations it acted because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government had failed to wipe out safe havens used by the militants to launch attacks on Iraq. 
 
Iraq told the UN&nbsp;Security Council at the time that it requested US&nbsp;help because a safe haven for the militants in Syria had made its border 'impossible to defend'. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities.

The United States told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq. Also Read: US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria "This military response was taken after non-military options proved inadequate to address the threat, with the aim of deescalating the situation and preventing further attacks," she wrote in a letter. President Joe Biden wrote a similar letter to Congress on Tuesday. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," he said. US troops came under rocket fire in Syria on Monday in apparent retaliation for weekend US air strikes. About 34 rockets were fired in the attack, but there were no injuries, a US military official said on Tuesday. Also Read: Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal While the Iraqi and US militaries coordinate closely in a separate battle in Iraq against remnants of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, Iraq's government and military condemned the US airstrikes against the Iran-back militia. The United States began airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria in 2014, telling the United Nations it acted because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government had failed to wipe out safe havens used by the militants to launch attacks on Iraq. Iraq told the UN Security Council at the time that it requested US help because a safe haven for the militants in Syria had made its border 'impossible to defend'. (With inputs from agencies)

US tells UN weekend airstrikes were aimed at deterring Iran

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