Iran's supreme leader appointed the deputy commander of the Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, as the replacement for Qassem Soleimani, the former head of the elite force who was killed in a U.S. airstrike on Friday. #EsmailGhaani #QasemSoleimani #QudsForceChief #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Iran: Brigadier Gen Esmail Qaani appointed as country's Quds Force chief replacing Soleimani

The commander, Major General Qassim Suleimani, and several officials from Iraqi militias backed by Tehran were killed when an American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the airport. #WION #DonaldTrump #Iran #US

Ayatollah Khamenei vows ‘severe revenge’ for Soleimani killing

Iran has been locked in a long conflict with the United States that escalated sharply last week with an attack on the U.S. embassy in Iraq by pro-Iranian militiamen following a U.S. air raid on the Kataib Hezbollah militia. #Iran #US #DonaldTrump

US confirms it kills Soleimani; Trump tweets American flag

U.S. Presidents Have Always Used Wars To Divert Attention From Domestic Political Troubles. #Gravitas #WION #US

WION Edit: US Presidents, domestic politics, foreign wars...

Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, was killed early on Friday in a US air strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport.

U.S. says it kills top Iranian commander Soleimani in air strike

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 3, 2020

In this segment of WION Dispatch, our correspondent Daniele Pagani and journalist Amichan Stein explain- How Iran and Iraq respond to US airstrike on Iraq. #Iraq #IraqAirStrike #US #IranGeneral #Soleimani

WION Dispatch: How Iran and Iraq respond to US airstrike on Iraq

In this segment of WION Dispatch, our correspondent Simon Marks explains - what all went behind the scenes of US airstrikes on Iraq? #Iraq #IraqAirStrike #US #IranGeneral #Soleimani

WION Dispatch: What all went behind the scenes of US airstrikes on Iraq?

<p>After the surprise airstrike by the USA that has killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, tensions have substantially spiked between the two nations. So much so that the possibility of war has been brought up by media, creating fear among the masses globally. Specifically, India should take special heed of this because of our economic and oil interests, at a time when we are undergoing rapid growth in multiple sectors. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Approximately 66 per cent of the crude oil imported in the last financial year was from the Middle East. With India, this dependent, a major war in the Middle East region; an area that is in any case, conflict-prone, will substantially increase consumer prices. Geographically speaking, the Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is the planet’s most important oil checkpoint because of the large volumes of oil that flows through the strait. Furthermore, the Persian Gulf holds a significant percentage of the world’s oil reserves and production. This gulf shares coastlines with Iran, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>US-Iran Tensions &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The USA and Iran share a rocky relationship that dates back to the Islamic Revolution, 1979 that overthrew the Shah, an American ally and brought Iran under a regime that was incompatible to the USA. America placed sanctions on Iran in the 1980s and 1990s in order to put a check on Iran’s regional activities. Heavy economic sanctions were again placed on Iran when President Trump pulled out of the JCPOA in 2018. The pact was signed under the Obama administration in 2015. The JCPOA basically aimed to halt Iran’s nuclear agenda. For Trump, the JCPOA was not enough. Trump said that the pact provisions would still let Iran attain nuclear weapons. Additionally, the American President has made multiple statements expressing that Iran’s nuclear issues, missile program and military expansionism (which garners support from non-state actors) undermine US national interests. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India-Iran Relations&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Bilateral relations are strong via economic, cultural and historical links. India and Iran look to each other as key actors in maintaining stability in the region. In 2016, PM Modi and Iran President Rouhani strengthened relations even further through strong partisan engagements. In terms of trade, energy is the most important between India and Iran. Moreover, the development and operationalisation of the Chabahar Port also ties the two nations together. India sees Chabahar Port as a key transport and trade corridor with Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The Impact on India’s Economy&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Continued tensions between America and Iran Is detrimental to India’s economy. Because oil prices would heavily increase, India would have to spend much more on oil. This means that less money would be allocated to integral areas such as affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure and development. Since the death of General Soleimani, oil prices have already surged four per cent in India. This increasing rise in crude oil will also undesirably affect India’s energy supply. It will result in an increase in India’s exports and deplete foreign exchange reserves. There is a more than definite probability that the value of the rupee will go down. And at a time where India’s economy is facing temporary slow growth, this could have severe consequences to national development and infrastructure. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Tensions also affect approximately eight million Indians who live and work in West Asia. India currently receives a whopping $70 billion in remittances from Indian nationals. If eight million are affected by tensions, this means India stands to lose $40 billion in remittances overall. That’s over 57 per cent of received money instantly gone! &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The Impact on India’s Foreign Policy </strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rising US-Iran tensions massively hinders India’s foreign policy agenda. Development of the Chabahar Port would be halted or, in grave circumstances, ceased altogether. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On one hand, India and Iran carry good relations and cooperate on trade, oil and development. India, Iran and Afghanistan had also recently signed a trilateral agreement to increase trade, collaboration and transit. On the other hand, India carries very strong relations with America as well. We even have a preferred military partnership with the USA. Notably, in 2019, India had to stop importing Iranian oil to comply with US sanctions on Iran to appease Trump’s continued cooperation at a preferred level. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States of America and Iran are incredibly strategic for India; a rapidly developing country. Prime Minister Modi has actively worked to meaningfully improve India’s relationship with America over the past few years. India cannot lose such an important ally. Simultaneously, however, our energy security is heavily dependant on Iran. If the USA and Iran cannot work this out and war becomes a stark reality, India faces severe drawbacks to growth, progress and relations. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>What is the best plan of action? PM Modi should step up and play an active role in any capacity to ensure that these two countries can somehow work it out without resorting to a full-scale conflict. A hand of help should be offered to both Iran and the USA to help in any way to alleviate tensions. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


After the surprise airstrike by the USA that has killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, tensions have substantially spiked between the two nations. So much so that the possibility of war has been brought up by media, creating fear among the masses globally.

After the surprise airstrike by the USA that has killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, tensions have substantially spiked between the two nations. So much so that the possibility of war has been brought up by media, creating fear among the masses globally. Specifically, India should take special heed of this because of our economic and oil interests, at a time when we are undergoing rapid growth in multiple sectors. Approximately 66 per cent of the crude oil imported in the last financial year was from the Middle East. With India, this dependent, a major war in the Middle East region; an area that is in any case, conflict-prone, will substantially increase consumer prices. Geographically speaking, the Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is the planet’s most important oil checkpoint because of the large volumes of oil that flows through the strait. Furthermore, the Persian Gulf holds a significant percentage of the world’s oil reserves and production. This gulf shares coastlines with Iran, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. US-Iran Tensions The USA and Iran share a rocky relationship that dates back to the Islamic Revolution, 1979 that overthrew the Shah, an American ally and brought Iran under a regime that was incompatible to the USA. America placed sanctions on Iran in the 1980s and 1990s in order to put a check on Iran’s regional activities. Heavy economic sanctions were again placed on Iran when President Trump pulled out of the JCPOA in 2018. The pact was signed under the Obama administration in 2015. The JCPOA basically aimed to halt Iran’s nuclear agenda. For Trump, the JCPOA was not enough. Trump said that the pact provisions would still let Iran attain nuclear weapons. Additionally, the American President has made multiple statements expressing that Iran’s nuclear issues, missile program and military expansionism (which garners support from non-state actors) undermine US national interests. India-Iran Relations Bilateral relations are strong via economic, cultural and historical links. India and Iran look to each other as key actors in maintaining stability in the region. In 2016, PM Modi and Iran President Rouhani strengthened relations even further through strong partisan engagements. In terms of trade, energy is the most important between India and Iran. Moreover, the development and operationalisation of the Chabahar Port also ties the two nations together. India sees Chabahar Port as a key transport and trade corridor with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The Impact on India’s Economy Continued tensions between America and Iran Is detrimental to India’s economy. Because oil prices would heavily increase, India would have to spend much more on oil. This means that less money would be allocated to integral areas such as affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure and development. Since the death of General Soleimani, oil prices have already surged four per cent in India. This increasing rise in crude oil will also undesirably affect India’s energy supply. It will result in an increase in India’s exports and deplete foreign exchange reserves. There is a more than definite probability that the value of the rupee will go down. And at a time where India’s economy is facing temporary slow growth, this could have severe consequences to national development and infrastructure. Tensions also affect approximately eight million Indians who live and work in West Asia. India currently receives a whopping $70 billion in remittances from Indian nationals. If eight million are affected by tensions, this means India stands to lose $40 billion in remittances overall. That’s over 57 per cent of received money instantly gone! The Impact on India’s Foreign Policy Rising US-Iran tensions massively hinders India’s foreign policy agenda. Development of the Chabahar Port would be halted or, in grave circumstances, ceased altogether. On one hand, India and Iran carry good relations and cooperate on trade, oil and development. India, Iran and Afghanistan had also recently signed a trilateral agreement to increase trade, collaboration and transit. On the other hand, India carries very strong relations with America as well. We even have a preferred military partnership with the USA. Notably, in 2019, India had to stop importing Iranian oil to comply with US sanctions on Iran to appease Trump’s continued cooperation at a preferred level. Conclusion The United States of America and Iran are incredibly strategic for India; a rapidly developing country. Prime Minister Modi has actively worked to meaningfully improve India’s relationship with America over the past few years. India cannot lose such an important ally. Simultaneously, however, our energy security is heavily dependant on Iran. If the USA and Iran cannot work this out and war becomes a stark reality, India faces severe drawbacks to growth, progress and relations. What is the best plan of action? PM Modi should step up and play an active role in any capacity to ensure that these two countries can somehow work it out without resorting to a full-scale conflict. A hand of help should be offered to both Iran and the USA to help in any way to alleviate tensions. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US-Iran tensions and why India should care

While the killing of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani is going to have magnitudes of repercussions on west Asia and the United States foreign policy. One of these developments wider implications could be a message to North Korea. As North Korea is another foreign power since the Trump administration has missed no opportunity to aggravate the United States efforts to get the country to denuclearize. Denuclearization of Iran was the cornerstone of the Obama era administration. #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Killing of Qasem Soleimani can have repercussions on west Asia and US foreign policy

<p>The United States stirred a hornet’s nest that stretches far beyond Iraq when it this weekend attacked an Iranian-backed militia.</p>

<p>The fallout of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-commander-of-quds-force-to-replace-soleimani-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-271905">US strikes</a> was immediate in Iraq with pro-Iranian militiamen besieging the US embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">Baghdad</a> in scenes reminiscent of the run-up in 1979 to the 444-day occupation of the American diplomatic mission in Tehran.</p>

<p>The strikes put a question mark on&nbsp;the future of the US military presence in Iraq, 17 years after US-led forces toppled the regime of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hails-iraqi-dictator-saddam-hussein-for-killing-terrorists-1924">Saddam Hussein</a>.</p>

<p>They came at a moment that mass anti-government demonstrations are demanding a radical overhaul of Iraq’s political system.</p>

<p>If protesters focussed their demand for a withdrawal of all foreign forces primarily on Iranian influence prior to the US strikes, they now focus equally on the presence of US forces.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-orders-killing-of-qassim-suleimani-in-baghdad-271821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of equal, if not more far-reaching consequence, is the fact that the strikes potentially bolster efforts to counter moves by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-over-200-arrested-over-public-indecency-harassment-271232">Saudi Arabia</a> to position itself as an Islamic hegemon based on its financial muscle and appeal as the custodian of Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.</p>

<p>The backing of the efforts by allies and states with whom the United States maintains, sometimes increasingly complex relationships, including Malaysia, Turkey, and Qatar, complicates issues for the Trump administration.</p>

<p>The efforts involve both joint initiatives that last month culminated in an Islamic summit in Kuala Lumpur outside of the confines of the Riyadh-based, Saudi-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-call-taken-by-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-on-foreign-minister-meet-on-kashmircaa-yet-271129">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC) that groups 57 Muslim majority states.</p>

<p>Ultimately, the summit dashed hopes that an anti-Saudi block would challenge the kingdom by taking on major problems confronting the Muslim world, including China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its troubled, north-western province of Xinjiang; repression of Rohingya in Myanmar that has prompted hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh; and civil wars in Syria and Yemen.</p>

<p>Despite its billing, the summit avoided such sensitive issues. Nonetheless, it signaled strong currents in the Muslim world that seek to counter the influence of America’s closest allies in the Middle East.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If it’s true Suleimani is dead, this is bigger than bin-Laden. Bigger than Mugniyeh. Bigger than Baghdadi.<br />
<br />
For two decades, Suleimani has been the most powerful, savvy &amp; effective terrorist on the planet. He’s enjoyed full backing of powerful terrorist state.<br />
<br />
Irreplaceable.</p>
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mdubowitz/status/1212916879611879424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-crown-prince-arrives-in-pakistan-to-boost-bilateral-ties-271674">Kuala Lumpur summit</a>’s problem was that rivalries in the Muslim world transcend political and geopolitical fault lines in an environment of a few cash-rich and a majority of economically and financially troubled states.</p>

<p>Countries like Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates, the kingdom’s closest ally; Turkey; and Iran are, moreover, competing with one another globally using religious soft power by investing in the building of mosques and religious entities in countries as far-flung and seemingly marginal as Cuba and New Zealand and the funding of key Muslim institutions.</p>

<p>The rivalries are also fought geopolitically in Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean gas race and the Horn of Africa where rivals back opposing sides.</p>

<p>The US military strikes, widely viewed as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, potentially handed a whip to Saudi Arabia’s detractors at a moment that the summit spotlighted the divisions in the Muslim world and participation in the gathering was determined in part by the kingdom’s ability to wield its financial muscle to prevent states from attending.</p>

<p>Russia and Iran were quick to condemn the US strikes. So far, others have remained silent.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">US air strike which killed Qasem Soleimani was the correct response to repeated Iranian provocations and apparent US intelligence about more to come. Iranian conduct cannot be ignored and <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is to be commended for responding to awful Iranian actions!</p>
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovChristie/status/1212940478162882561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>That could, however, change with Iraqi public demands for a withdrawal of all foreign forces and pro-Iranian militias ending their siege of the US embassy in Baghdad on condition that parliament adopts a timeline for the withdrawal.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Pro-Iranian militias</a> are counting on the fact that they are Iraqis with close ties to the Iraqi security establishment, which they expect will exclude them from the moves to withdraw foreign forces that would primarily target the United States.</p>

<p>For its part, the Trump administration is likely counting on Saudi and UAE financial muscles to prevent the Iraqi crisis sparking a groundswell of anti-US sentiment elsewhere in the Muslim world.</p>

<p>Saudi financial muscle persuaded Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, believed to be one of the instigators of the Kuala Lumpur summit, from attending the gathering.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia reportedly threatened to withdraw some $ 10billion-plus in investments and financial aid to Pakistan if Khan participated.</p>

<p>Saudi opposition to the gathering coupled with Chinese concerns that it would target the crackdown in Xinjiang influenced Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s decision not to participate.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UK supports moral and legal basis of U.S. strike on Iranian terror mastermind by emphasizing "the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani." Contradicts top UNHRC official Agnes Callamard's declaration that it was illegal.<a href="https://t.co/3fdJ0aGQrI">https://t.co/3fdJ0aGQrI</a></p>
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillelNeuer/status/1213041174686117888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indonesian vice-president Amin Ma’ruf, a leading figure in Nahdlatul Ulema, the world’s largest Muslim organization, cited medical reasons for not attending.</p>

<p>A forced US withdrawal from Iraq, even if countries like Saudi Arabia are able to limit the fallout in the Muslim world, would significantly bolster anti-US forces and hand them a victory on par with the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s.</p>

<p><img alt="US strikes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aebc5e1d-c621-4642-896a-1bd0c2e8f8b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_9.jpg" /></p>

<p>The anti-Soviet insurgents, despite being backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia, ultimately turned their backs on their benefactors.</p>

<p>A forced US withdrawal from Iraq would likely not spark the jihadist movement that emerged from Afghanistan, but it would put considerable wind in the sails of those seeking to counter US and Saudi influence in the region.</p>

<p>“Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief. A situation that could have easily escalated out of control was handled with tactical restraint, and everyone was able to walk away,” said Charlie Dietz, a spokesman for the US military in Baghdad, after protesters withdrew from the US embassy.</p>

<p>The problem is the relief is temporary at best. Seventeen years of engagement in Iraq and $1 trillion later, the United States risks the kind of humiliation it suffered from the 1979 occupation of its Tehran embassy.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Iran announces Suleimani's successor as commander of the Quds Force: Esmail Qaani (pronounced Terr-or-eest). <a href="https://t.co/rhR4Tl2jEN">https://t.co/rhR4Tl2jEN</a></p>
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillelNeuer/status/1213051990437244929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only this time, it may occur against the backdrop of the United States that has suffered a loss of credibility and whose power is perceived to be waning, irrespective of whether by design or default.<br />
<br />
<em>(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The United States stirred a hornet’s nest that stretches far beyond Iraq when it this weekend attacked an Iranian-backed militia. The fallout of the US strikes was immediate in Iraq with pro-Iranian militiamen besieging the US embassy in Baghdad in scenes reminiscent of the run-up in 1979 to the 444-day occupation of the American diplomatic mission in Tehran.

The United States stirred a hornet’s nest that stretches far beyond Iraq when it this weekend attacked an Iranian-backed militia. The fallout of the US strikes was immediate in Iraq with pro-Iranian militiamen besieging the US embassy in Baghdad in scenes reminiscent of the run-up in 1979 to the 444-day occupation of the American diplomatic mission in Tehran. The strikes put a question mark on the future of the US military presence in Iraq, 17 years after US-led forces toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein. They came at a moment that mass anti-government demonstrations are demanding a radical overhaul of Iraq’s political system. If protesters focussed their demand for a withdrawal of all foreign forces primarily on Iranian influence prior to the US strikes, they now focus equally on the presence of US forces. Watch Video: Of equal, if not more far-reaching consequence, is the fact that the strikes potentially bolster efforts to counter moves by Saudi Arabia to position itself as an Islamic hegemon based on its financial muscle and appeal as the custodian of Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. The backing of the efforts by allies and states with whom the United States maintains, sometimes increasingly complex relationships, including Malaysia, Turkey, and Qatar, complicates issues for the Trump administration. The efforts involve both joint initiatives that last month culminated in an Islamic summit in Kuala Lumpur outside of the confines of the Riyadh-based, Saudi-controlled Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that groups 57 Muslim majority states. Ultimately, the summit dashed hopes that an anti-Saudi block would challenge the kingdom by taking on major problems confronting the Muslim world, including China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its troubled, north-western province of Xinjiang; repression of Rohingya in Myanmar that has prompted hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh; and civil wars in Syria and Yemen. Despite its billing, the summit avoided such sensitive issues. Nonetheless, it signaled strong currents in the Muslim world that seek to counter the influence of America’s closest allies in the Middle East. If it’s true Suleimani is dead, this is bigger than bin-Laden. Bigger than Mugniyeh. Bigger than Baghdadi. For two decades, Suleimani has been the most powerful, savvy & effective terrorist on the planet. He’s enjoyed full backing of powerful terrorist state. Irreplaceable. — Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) January 3, 2020 × Part of the Kuala Lumpur summit’s problem was that rivalries in the Muslim world transcend political and geopolitical fault lines in an environment of a few cash-rich and a majority of economically and financially troubled states. Countries like Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates, the kingdom’s closest ally; Turkey; and Iran are, moreover, competing with one another globally using religious soft power by investing in the building of mosques and religious entities in countries as far-flung and seemingly marginal as Cuba and New Zealand and the funding of key Muslim institutions. The rivalries are also fought geopolitically in Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean gas race and the Horn of Africa where rivals back opposing sides. The US military strikes, widely viewed as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, potentially handed a whip to Saudi Arabia’s detractors at a moment that the summit spotlighted the divisions in the Muslim world and participation in the gathering was determined in part by the kingdom’s ability to wield its financial muscle to prevent states from attending. Russia and Iran were quick to condemn the US strikes. So far, others have remained silent. US air strike which killed Qasem Soleimani was the correct response to repeated Iranian provocations and apparent US intelligence about more to come. Iranian conduct cannot be ignored and @realDonaldTrump is to be commended for responding to awful Iranian actions! — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) January 3, 2020 × That could, however, change with Iraqi public demands for a withdrawal of all foreign forces and pro-Iranian militias ending their siege of the US embassy in Baghdad on condition that parliament adopts a timeline for the withdrawal. Pro-Iranian militias are counting on the fact that they are Iraqis with close ties to the Iraqi security establishment, which they expect will exclude them from the moves to withdraw foreign forces that would primarily target the United States. For its part, the Trump administration is likely counting on Saudi and UAE financial muscles to prevent the Iraqi crisis sparking a groundswell of anti-US sentiment elsewhere in the Muslim world. Saudi financial muscle persuaded Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, believed to be one of the instigators of the Kuala Lumpur summit, from attending the gathering. Saudi Arabia reportedly threatened to withdraw some $ 10billion-plus in investments and financial aid to Pakistan if Khan participated. Saudi opposition to the gathering coupled with Chinese concerns that it would target the crackdown in Xinjiang influenced Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s decision not to participate. UK supports moral and legal basis of U.S. strike on Iranian terror mastermind by emphasizing "the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani." Contradicts top UNHRC official Agnes Callamard's declaration that it was illegal.https://t.co/3fdJ0aGQrI — Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) January 3, 2020 × Indonesian vice-president Amin Ma’ruf, a leading figure in Nahdlatul Ulema, the world’s largest Muslim organization, cited medical reasons for not attending. A forced US withdrawal from Iraq, even if countries like Saudi Arabia are able to limit the fallout in the Muslim world, would significantly bolster anti-US forces and hand them a victory on par with the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s. The anti-Soviet insurgents, despite being backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia, ultimately turned their backs on their benefactors. A forced US withdrawal from Iraq would likely not spark the jihadist movement that emerged from Afghanistan, but it would put considerable wind in the sails of those seeking to counter US and Saudi influence in the region. “Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief. A situation that could have easily escalated out of control was handled with tactical restraint, and everyone was able to walk away,” said Charlie Dietz, a spokesman for the US military in Baghdad, after protesters withdrew from the US embassy. The problem is the relief is temporary at best. Seventeen years of engagement in Iraq and $1 trillion later, the United States risks the kind of humiliation it suffered from the 1979 occupation of its Tehran embassy. Iran announces Suleimani's successor as commander of the Quds Force: Esmail Qaani (pronounced Terr-or-eest). https://t.co/rhR4Tl2jEN — Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) January 3, 2020 × Only this time, it may occur against the backdrop of the United States that has suffered a loss of credibility and whose power is perceived to be waning, irrespective of whether by design or default. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US military strikes in Iraq stir regional hornet’s nest

The commander, Major General Qassim Soleimani, and several officials from Iraqi militias backed by Tehran were killed when an American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the airport. #WION #DonaldTrump #Iran #US

Defence Expert Davis Des Roches exclusively speaks to WION over 'Soleimani killing'

<p>US&nbsp;electric vehicle maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-says-will-start-delivering-china-made-model-3s-to-public-on-january-7-271722">Tesla Inc</a> cut the starting price for its China-made Model 3 sedans by 16 per cent&nbsp;to 299,050 yuan ($42,919) after receiving Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles, according to its China website.</p>

<p>The reduction, partly thanks to 24,750 yuan of subsidies, from an earlier 355,800 yuan is among a slew of adjustments Tesla has made to its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-begins-deliveries-of-china-made-model-3-cars-270899">sales</a> policy in China, including tweaking prices for car accessories and home charging facilities.</p>

<p>Tesla has said it plans to start delivering cars, made at its $2 billion factory in Shanghai, to the public on January&nbsp;7.</p>

<p>Fifteen Tesla employees who had purchased the car were the first to take delivery on Monday after the first China-made vehicles rolled off the plant's production line in October. The deliveries come a year after construction of Tesla's only plant outside the United States began.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Tesla said that 30 per cent&nbsp;of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-to-take-new-14-billion-loan-from-chinese-banks-for-shanghai-factory-sources-269723">China</a> supply chain was localized, which means some car parts are shipped in to build its cars. The automaker wants to completely localize its China supply chain by end-2020, it said at the time.</p>

<p>Tesla plans to ramp up Model 3 deliveries in January and will double the number of service centres and fast charging stations in China in 2020, its executives have said.</p>

<p>The plant has achieved a production target of 1,000 units per week, or around 280 cars a day, and that sales for the China-made sedan had so far been "very good", according to the executives.</p>


US electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc cut the starting price for its China-made Model 3 sedans by 16 per cent to 299,050 yuan ($42,919) after receiving Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles, according to its China website.

US electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc cut the starting price for its China-made Model 3 sedans by 16 per cent to 299,050 yuan ($42,919) after receiving Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles, according to its China website. The reduction, partly thanks to 24,750 yuan of subsidies, from an earlier 355,800 yuan is among a slew of adjustments Tesla has made to its sales policy in China, including tweaking prices for car accessories and home charging facilities. Tesla has said it plans to start delivering cars, made at its $2 billion factory in Shanghai, to the public on January 7. Fifteen Tesla employees who had purchased the car were the first to take delivery on Monday after the first China-made vehicles rolled off the plant's production line in October. The deliveries come a year after construction of Tesla's only plant outside the United States began. Earlier this week, Tesla said that 30 per cent of its China supply chain was localized, which means some car parts are shipped in to build its cars. The automaker wants to completely localize its China supply chain by end-2020, it said at the time. Tesla plans to ramp up Model 3 deliveries in January and will double the number of service centres and fast charging stations in China in 2020, its executives have said. The plant has achieved a production target of 1,000 units per week, or around 280 cars a day, and that sales for the China-made sedan had so far been "very good", according to the executives.

Tesla reduced price for China made Tesla Model 3 before delivery

The Political Calendar Of 2020. #Gravitas #PoliticalCalendar2020 #WorldLeaders

Gravitas: World leaders set their agenda for 2020

The US defence secretary, Mark Esper, announced that 750 airborne troops would be deployed to the region immediately, with more to follow in the next few days.

US deploys 750 troops to Middle East after Baghdad embassy attack

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 2, 2020

In Iraq, angry demonstrators entered the US compound against the US jets hit Kataib Hezbollah bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a US contractor in northern Iraq last week. The US deployed 750 additional troops in Baghdad as a result of the crisis, it already has over five thousand troops deployed in the country. #WION #Fineprint #Iraq #Iraq-US #USA

Fineprint: US Embassy closed in Iraq until further notice

Those forces come from the very unit that was created in the wake of the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi attack to rapidly come to the aid of embattled embassies in the Middle East.

Donald Trump evades his own Benghazi moment

The US President Donald Trump said on December 31, 2019, said he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad. #WION #Trump #Iran

Trump: Does not want, or foresee, war with Iran

<p>Iran's supreme leader Wednesday strongly condemned deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-made-us-president-donald-trump-threaten-iran-271452">US strikes on Iraq</a> and warned his country was ready to confront threats after US President Donald Trump issued one against the Islamic republic.</p>

<p>"I and the government and the nation of Iran strongly condemn this American crime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television.</p>

<p>They were his first remarks since Sunday's deadly US strikes on the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network in western Iraq.</p>

<p>The United States carried out the raids in retaliation for rocket fire that killed an American civilian contractor at a base in northern Iraq on Friday.</p>

<p>In a tweet on Tuesday, Trump accused Iran of "orchestrating" that day's storming of the US embassy in Baghdad by protesters angry at the American air strikes.</p>

<p>Trump said: "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat."</p>

<p>In response, Khamenei retweeted the post and said: "That guy has tweeted that we (the United States) see Iran responsible for the events in Baghdad and we will respond to Iran.</p>

<p>"First of all, you can't do a damn thing! This has nothing to do with Iran," the supreme leader in his televised address.</p>

<p>"Secondly, be logical... The people of this region hate America. Why don't Americans understand this?" he said.</p>

<p>"You Americans have committed crimes in Iraq, you have committed crimes in Afghanistan. You have killed people."</p>

<p>Khamenei said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-attack-iran-summons-envoy-over-us-warmongering-but-trump-says-he-doesnt-want-war-271439">Iran was ready to respond to any threat</a>.</p>

<p>"If the Islamic republic decides to oppose or fight against a country, it will do this explicitly," he said.</p>

<p>"We are strongly committed to the interests of our country... We are strongly committed to the dignity of our nation. We are strongly committed to the progress and greatness of the nation of Iran.</p>

<p>"Should anyone threaten these, we will confront him without any hesitation and will strike our blow," Khamenei said.</p>

<p>"We will never... drag the country towards war. But if others want to impose anything on this country, we will stand against them with all our might."</p>

<p>US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions.</p>


Iran's supreme leader Wednesday strongly condemned deadly US strikes on Iraq and warned his country was ready to confront threats after US President Donald Trump issued one against the Islamic republic.

Iran's supreme leader Wednesday strongly condemned deadly US strikes on Iraq and warned his country was ready to confront threats after US President Donald Trump issued one against the Islamic republic. "I and the government and the nation of Iran strongly condemn this American crime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television. They were his first remarks since Sunday's deadly US strikes on the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network in western Iraq. The United States carried out the raids in retaliation for rocket fire that killed an American civilian contractor at a base in northern Iraq on Friday. In a tweet on Tuesday, Trump accused Iran of "orchestrating" that day's storming of the US embassy in Baghdad by protesters angry at the American air strikes. Trump said: "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat." In response, Khamenei retweeted the post and said: "That guy has tweeted that we (the United States) see Iran responsible for the events in Baghdad and we will respond to Iran. "First of all, you can't do a damn thing! This has nothing to do with Iran," the supreme leader in his televised address. "Secondly, be logical... The people of this region hate America. Why don't Americans understand this?" he said. "You Americans have committed crimes in Iraq, you have committed crimes in Afghanistan. You have killed people." Khamenei said Iran was ready to respond to any threat. "If the Islamic republic decides to oppose or fight against a country, it will do this explicitly," he said. "We are strongly committed to the interests of our country... We are strongly committed to the dignity of our nation. We are strongly committed to the progress and greatness of the nation of Iran. "Should anyone threaten these, we will confront him without any hesitation and will strike our blow," Khamenei said. "We will never... drag the country towards war. But if others want to impose anything on this country, we will stand against them with all our might." US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions.

Khamenei condemns US, warns Iran will confront threats

<p>US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a threat to Iran, blaming it for the attack on the US embassy in Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212121026072592384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The threat came following the violent protests by the Iranian-backed force, the Kataib Hezbollah militia, at the US embassy in Baghdad.<br />
<br />
This event has heightened the tensions between Iran and the US since Washington cancelled the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018.</p>

<p><strong>Why did protesters attack&nbsp;US embassy in Baghdad</strong></p>

<p>The US on Sunday carried out airstrikes&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria, targetting the Kataib Hezbollah militia, in retaliation of a rocket attack that killed an American civilian contractor at an Iraqi military base.</p>

<p>At least 25 militias were killed in the US airstrikes. The protesters chanted anti-US slogans, hurled stones towards the embassy compound and also burned US flags.</p>

<p>Agitated protesters said they won't leave the embassy until US forces quit Iraq. The US immediately rushed a rapid response team of marines to help guard the compound.</p>

<p>There were no reports of casualties from the attack. The State Department said all US personnel were safe and there were no plans to evacuate the embassy.</p>

<p><strong>Why did the US target the Kataib Hezbollah militia</strong></p>

<p>The US has designated Kataib Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2009, which is a hardline faction of Iranian-trained Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Washington claims that the group has long targetted the US forces in Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kataib Hezbollah group receives financial and military support from Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US soldiers and diplomats, deployed in Iraqi military bases, have faced a series of attacks by the pro-Iran groups.</p>

<p>The US described the attacks in Iraq and Syria as 'defensive strikes'. Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned Iran, saying the US will not tolerate any attacks by the Iranian-backed forces targetting Americans.</p>

<p><strong>Baghdad attack brings back memories of Benghazi</strong></p>

<p>Baghdad episode is being compared to the attack on the US consulate in Libya's&nbsp;Benghazi in 2012.</p>

<p>The 2012 attack was carried by the Islamic militant group, Ansar al-Sharia, on two United States government facilities in Benghazi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, communications officer Sean Smith, CIA contractors Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were killed in the attack.</p>

<p>To avoid a repeat of the deadly attack, the Trump administration took a quick decision to send&nbsp;Marines to the&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad. The US is also set to deploy around&nbsp;750 soldiers in the region immediately. This is being seen as a precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities.</p>

<p><strong>How did Iran react</strong></p>

<p>The United States and Iran are at the loggerheads over influence in Iraq, the nuclear deal and imposition of economic sanctions by Washington.</p>

<p>Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has strongly condemned the US airstrikes and warned that his country was ready to confront any threats issued by the United States.</p>

<p>Khamenei said Iran was ready to respond to any threat without any hesitation. We will never... drag the country towards war. But if others want to impose anything on this country, we will stand against them with all our might," he said.</p>


US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a threat to Iran, blaming it for the attack on the US embassy in Iraq. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a threat to Iran, blaming it for the attack on the US embassy in Iraq. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!," he tweeted. ....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × The threat came following the violent protests by the Iranian-backed force, the Kataib Hezbollah militia, at the US embassy in Baghdad. This event has heightened the tensions between Iran and the US since Washington cancelled the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018. Why did protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad The US on Sunday carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, targetting the Kataib Hezbollah militia, in retaliation of a rocket attack that killed an American civilian contractor at an Iraqi military base. At least 25 militias were killed in the US airstrikes. The protesters chanted anti-US slogans, hurled stones towards the embassy compound and also burned US flags. Agitated protesters said they won't leave the embassy until US forces quit Iraq. The US immediately rushed a rapid response team of marines to help guard the compound. There were no reports of casualties from the attack. The State Department said all US personnel were safe and there were no plans to evacuate the embassy. Why did the US target the Kataib Hezbollah militia The US has designated Kataib Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2009, which is a hardline faction of Iranian-trained Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Washington claims that the group has long targetted the US forces in Iraq. Kataib Hezbollah group receives financial and military support from Iran. US soldiers and diplomats, deployed in Iraqi military bases, have faced a series of attacks by the pro-Iran groups. The US described the attacks in Iraq and Syria as 'defensive strikes'. Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned Iran, saying the US will not tolerate any attacks by the Iranian-backed forces targetting Americans. Baghdad attack brings back memories of Benghazi Baghdad episode is being compared to the attack on the US consulate in Libya's Benghazi in 2012. The 2012 attack was carried by the Islamic militant group, Ansar al-Sharia, on two United States government facilities in Benghazi. US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, communications officer Sean Smith, CIA contractors Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were killed in the attack. To avoid a repeat of the deadly attack, the Trump administration took a quick decision to send Marines to the embassy in Baghdad. The US is also set to deploy around 750 soldiers in the region immediately. This is being seen as a precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities. How did Iran react The United States and Iran are at the loggerheads over influence in Iraq, the nuclear deal and imposition of economic sanctions by Washington. Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has strongly condemned the US airstrikes and warned that his country was ready to confront any threats issued by the United States. Khamenei said Iran was ready to respond to any threat without any hesitation. We will never... drag the country towards war. But if others want to impose anything on this country, we will stand against them with all our might," he said.

Explained: What made US President Donald Trump threaten Iran

Iran and Iraq fought nearly a decade long war in the 1980's and earlier elite Iranian documents accessed by US media revealed the complex tale of how Iran had influenced Iraq. Watch report: #Iran #Iraq #US #WION

How Iran infiltrated Iraqi affairs, leaked Iranian intel documents on Iraq

<p>A partial new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-slip-as-weak-china-exports-highlights-trade-war-impact-267079">US-China trade</a> agreement will be signed in the middle of next month, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that he will also then travel to China for continued talks.</p>

<p>"I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15," Trump tweeted moments before Wall Street was due to open.</p>

<p>"The ceremony will take place at the White House. High-level representatives of China will be present."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15. The ceremony will take place at the White House. High level representatives of China will be present. At a later date I will be going to Beijing where talks will begin on Phase Two!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212014713808273410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump said he would then travel to Beijing to continue negotiations "at a later date."</p>

<p>Word of the deal, and the de-escalation of the trade conflict, has driven a Wall Street rally this month but US stocks were lower at the open early Tuesday.</p>

<p>The two sides earlier this month announced a "Phase One" deal in their nearly two-year trade confrontation, with Washington cancelling and reducing some tariffs in exchange for Chinese pledges to increase purchases of US exports and adopt trade reforms.</p>

<p>The text of the agreement has not yet been made public pending legal and translation reviews, US officials say, and details remain scant.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;U.S-China Trade War: Certain US Goods exempted by China</strong></p>

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<p>US and Chinese officials said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/what-trade-war-chinese-companies-wow-with-third-quarter-report-card-263154">the agreement</a> includes protections for intellectual property, food and farm goods, financial services and foreign exchange, and a provision for dispute resolution.</p>


A partial new US-China trade agreement will be signed in the middle of next month, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that he will also then travel to China for continued talks.

A partial new US-China trade agreement will be signed in the middle of next month, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that he will also then travel to China for continued talks. "I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15," Trump tweeted moments before Wall Street was due to open. "The ceremony will take place at the White House. High-level representatives of China will be present." I will be signing our very large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15. The ceremony will take place at the White House. High level representatives of China will be present. At a later date I will be going to Beijing where talks will begin on Phase Two! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × Trump said he would then travel to Beijing to continue negotiations "at a later date." Word of the deal, and the de-escalation of the trade conflict, has driven a Wall Street rally this month but US stocks were lower at the open early Tuesday. The two sides earlier this month announced a "Phase One" deal in their nearly two-year trade confrontation, with Washington cancelling and reducing some tariffs in exchange for Chinese pledges to increase purchases of US exports and adopt trade reforms. The text of the agreement has not yet been made public pending legal and translation reviews, US officials say, and details remain scant. Watch: U.S-China Trade War: Certain US Goods exempted by China US and Chinese officials said the agreement includes protections for intellectual property, food and farm goods, financial services and foreign exchange, and a provision for dispute resolution.

US-China 'phase one' trade deal to be signed January 15: Trump

<p>President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "great &amp; important coordination" between the US and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-new-prisoner-swaps-with-ukraine-russia-271297">Russia</a> had helped thwart an attack in Saint Petersburg.</p>

<p>"President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the US&nbsp;for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg," Trump tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the U.S. for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg. They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved. Great &amp; important coordination!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212012065440894976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved," he said. "Great &amp; important coordination!"</p>

<p>Russia on Monday remanded into custody two men suspected of planning the New Year's Eve attack. According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discussed-russia-attack-arms-control-relations-white-house-271119">Russia's</a> FSB security service, the two men had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901">&nbsp;Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks</strong></p>

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<p>The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia."</p>

<p>No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.</p>


President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "great & important coordination" between the US and Russia had helped thwart an attack in Saint Petersburg. "President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the US for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg," Trump tweeted.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "great & important coordination" between the US and Russia had helped thwart an attack in Saint Petersburg. "President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the US for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg," Trump tweeted. President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the U.S. for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg. They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved. Great & important coordination! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × "They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved," he said. "Great & important coordination!" Russia on Monday remanded into custody two men suspected of planning the New Year's Eve attack. According to Russia's FSB security service, the two men had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday. Watch | Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks × The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia." No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.

'Great' coordination with Russia helped thwart attack: Donald Trump

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