&nbsp;

Colin&nbsp;Kaepernick,&nbsp;whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;games became a national issue, reminded league owners and coaches Wednesday he's&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;for a chance to&nbsp;return. 
The former San Francisco 49 star quarterback tweeted a video of himself working out in a gym lifting weights with a counter noting he has not been in the&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;for 889 days since opting out of his contract for free agency in March 2017.

"5 am 5 days a week. For 3 years. Still&nbsp;Ready,"&nbsp;Kaepernick&nbsp;tweeted. 
His move comes as teams are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tweets-nfl-anthem-protesters-shouldnt-be-paid-153384">conducting pre-season training camps</a> ahead of next month's start to the 2019 campaign, all of them testing talent at quarterback and other positions.

 
In 2016,&nbsp;Kaepernick&nbsp;began a kneeling protest during the US anthem as a way to protest US police brutality and racial injustice.

In September 2017, the wider protest movement that he had sparked became a target of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defends-attack-on-african-american-us-lawmaker-elijah-cummings-239036">criticism by US President Donald Trump</a>, calling a player who kneeled a "son of a bitch" and saying all who kneeled should be fired for insulting the nation and its military.&nbsp;

In October 2017, Kaepernick and former 49ers teammate Eric Reid filed grievances against the&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;saying there was collusion against him that denied him a contract. 
Both grievances were settled six months ago with the Wall Street Journal reporting Reid and&nbsp;Kaepernick&nbsp;received less than $10 million in the settlement

Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before NFL games became a national issue, reminded league owners and coaches Wednesday he's waiting for a chance to return.

Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before NFL games became a national issue, reminded league owners and coaches Wednesday he's waiting for a chance to return. The former San Francisco 49 star quarterback tweeted a video of himself working out in a gym lifting weights with a counter noting he has not been in the NFL for 889 days since opting out of his contract for free agency in March 2017. "5 am 5 days a week. For 3 years. Still Ready," Kaepernick tweeted. His move comes as teams are conducting pre-season training camps ahead of next month's start to the 2019 campaign, all of them testing talent at quarterback and other positions. In 2016, Kaepernick began a kneeling protest during the US anthem as a way to protest US police brutality and racial injustice. In September 2017, the wider protest movement that he had sparked became a target of criticism by US President Donald Trump, calling a player who kneeled a "son of a bitch" and saying all who kneeled should be fired for insulting the nation and its military. In October 2017, Kaepernick and former 49ers teammate Eric Reid filed grievances against the NFL saying there was collusion against him that denied him a contract. Both grievances were settled six months ago with the Wall Street Journal reporting Reid and Kaepernick received less than $10 million in the settlement

Kaepernick reminds NFL he's ready, waiting for return

The secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has said that the US will be “on the doorstep, pen in hand”, ready to sign a new trade deal with the UK as soon as possible after Brexit.

WION Global Round-Up: US-UK commit to free trade agreement post Brexit

Tensions in the Korean Peninsula are escalating. North Korea's official news agency KCNA on August 7 released still photographs of leader Kim Jong Un watching latest missile launch which they said it is a warning to the U.S. and South Korea's joint military drills.

North Korea issues warning to US

A&nbsp;cautious&nbsp;calm&nbsp;returned to stock markets on Wednesday as softer&nbsp;rhetoric&nbsp;from Washington on the US-China&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;soothed investors, though demand for safe-haven assets underscored lingering anxiety.

Europe's STOXX 600 climbed 0.7%, recovering from a three-day sell-off as investors fled after an escalation in the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war. MSCI's world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, rose 0.2%.

But gold, the Japanese yen and government debt remained in high demand as investors remained&nbsp;wary of riskier assets.

US shares gained overnight after President Donald Trump downplayed worries of a lengthy&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;and senior adviser Larry Kudlow said Trump's administration is planning to host a Chinese delegation for talks in September. Wall Street futures gauges also rose.

The US administration's remarks marked a shift in tone from recent days when Beijing&nbsp;warned that Washington's labelling China as a currency manipulator on Monday would have severe consequences for the global financial order.

Still, market players voiced caution. Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs on more Chinese products is set to take effect in less than a month.

"There is some&nbsp;cautious&nbsp;buying creeping back in," said Michael Hewson, chief market strategist at CMC Markets. "But if you want that to be sustained you have to look towards September 1, when the new tariffs kick in, and whether or not Trump presses ahead with them."

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was slightly lower.

Also easing the mood were signs that China is intervening to steady the yuan after its recent sharp fall, allaying investor fears of a global currency&nbsp;war.

The US Treasury designated China a currency manipulator on Monday after it allowed the yuan to weaken below 7 per dollar for the first time in over a decade. The US move rattled financial markets and dimmed hopes the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;was ending.

Since then, China's state banks have been active in the onshore yuan forwards market, tightening dollar supply and supporting the Chinese currency, sources told Reuters.

The yuan still dropped 0.2% to 7.0708 in offshore markets despite the support. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) set its official reference rate at an 11-year low, keeping currency markets on edge.

"We had a little bit of recovery yesterday, but this morning we are seeing that stalling due to the PBOC fixing the dollar-yen higher again," said Thu Lan Nguyen, FX strategist at Commerzbank. "It has caused markets to again be in a bit of a risk-off mode."

Safe Havens in Demand

The skittish mood was underlined by continuing demand for currencies and commodities considered safe havens.

Gold reached a six-year high of $1,489.76 per ounce. The Japanese yen rose 0.2% to 106.27, although that was still some way from levels seen on Monday when the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war's escalation panicked investors.

The US bonds have also retained much of their gains made in the past week. Ten-year Treasury notes yielded 1.66% per cent, their lowest since 2016, as investors bet on another rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September.

Fixed income markets have benefited from fears the US-China&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;would raise the risk of a global recession, strengthening the case for policy easing by central banks.

Germany's 10-year bond yield fell to record lows deep in negative territory as a bigger-than-expected interest rate cut in New Zealand and weak German data gave further impetus to a rally in bond markets.

German industrial output fell more than expected in June, adding to signs that Europe's biggest economy contracted in the second quarter as its exporters were caught up in&nbsp;trade disputes.

In commodity markets, oil prices slipped, with the potential for damage to the global economy and to fuel demand from the Sino-US&nbsp;trade&nbsp;dispute casting a shadow over the market.

International benchmark Brent crude futures were at $58.79 a barrel by 0759 GMT, down 14 cents, or 0.05%, and trading near seven-month lows.

A cautious calm returned to stock markets on Wednesday as softer rhetoric from Washington on the US-China trade war soothed investors, though demand for safe-haven assets underscored lingering anxiety.

A cautious calm returned to stock markets on Wednesday as softer rhetoric from Washington on the US-China trade war soothed investors, though demand for safe-haven assets underscored lingering anxiety. Europe's STOXX 600 climbed 0.7%, recovering from a three-day sell-off as investors fled after an escalation in the trade war. MSCI's world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, rose 0.2%. But gold, the Japanese yen and government debt remained in high demand as investors remained wary of riskier assets. US shares gained overnight after President Donald Trump downplayed worries of a lengthy trade war and senior adviser Larry Kudlow said Trump's administration is planning to host a Chinese delegation for talks in September. Wall Street futures gauges also rose. The US administration's remarks marked a shift in tone from recent days when Beijing warned that Washington's labelling China as a currency manipulator on Monday would have severe consequences for the global financial order. Still, market players voiced caution. Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs on more Chinese products is set to take effect in less than a month. "There is some cautious buying creeping back in," said Michael Hewson, chief market strategist at CMC Markets. "But if you want that to be sustained you have to look towards September 1, when the new tariffs kick in, and whether or not Trump presses ahead with them." MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was slightly lower. Also easing the mood were signs that China is intervening to steady the yuan after its recent sharp fall, allaying investor fears of a global currency war. The US Treasury designated China a currency manipulator on Monday after it allowed the yuan to weaken below 7 per dollar for the first time in over a decade. The US move rattled financial markets and dimmed hopes the trade war was ending. Since then, China's state banks have been active in the onshore yuan forwards market, tightening dollar supply and supporting the Chinese currency, sources told Reuters. The yuan still dropped 0.2% to 7.0708 in offshore markets despite the support. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) set its official reference rate at an 11-year low, keeping currency markets on edge. "We had a little bit of recovery yesterday, but this morning we are seeing that stalling due to the PBOC fixing the dollar-yen higher again," said Thu Lan Nguyen, FX strategist at Commerzbank. "It has caused markets to again be in a bit of a risk-off mode." Safe Havens in Demand The skittish mood was underlined by continuing demand for currencies and commodities considered safe havens. Gold reached a six-year high of $1,489.76 per ounce. The Japanese yen rose 0.2% to 106.27, although that was still some way from levels seen on Monday when the trade war's escalation panicked investors. The US bonds have also retained much of their gains made in the past week. Ten-year Treasury notes yielded 1.66% per cent, their lowest since 2016, as investors bet on another rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September. Fixed income markets have benefited from fears the US-China trade war would raise the risk of a global recession, strengthening the case for policy easing by central banks. Germany's 10-year bond yield fell to record lows deep in negative territory as a bigger-than-expected interest rate cut in New Zealand and weak German data gave further impetus to a rally in bond markets. German industrial output fell more than expected in June, adding to signs that Europe's biggest economy contracted in the second quarter as its exporters were caught up in trade disputes. In commodity markets, oil prices slipped, with the potential for damage to the global economy and to fuel demand from the Sino-US trade dispute casting a shadow over the market. International benchmark Brent crude futures were at $58.79 a barrel by 0759 GMT, down 14 cents, or 0.05%, and trading near seven-month lows.

Cautious calm returns to stock markets as White House softens trade war rhetoric

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the United States is getting closer to Turkey's views on a proposed safe zone in northeast Syria, and that its military deployment plans are complete, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Speaking in Ankara, Akar also said that Turkey has told the United States it would prefer to act together.

"Our plans, preparations, the deployment of our units in the field are all complete. But we said we wanted to act together with our friend and ally, the United States," Akar was quoted by Anadolu as saying.

Turkey has been growing impatient with the United States, which had agreed to create a safe zone inside Syria's northeastern border with Turkey, set to be cleared of the Kurdish YPG militia.

Ankara has accused Washington of stalling progress on setting up the safe zone and has demanded it sever its relations with the YPG. The group was Washington's main ally on the ground in Syria during the battle against Islamic State, but Turkey designates it as a terrorist organization.

On Wednesday, the third days of Turkish-US talks on the safe zone, Akar described them as "positive and rather constructive", and that he expected them to finish within hours.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the United States is getting closer to Turkey's views on a proposed safe zone in northeast Syria, and that its military deployment plans are complete, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the United States is getting closer to Turkey's views on a proposed safe zone in northeast Syria, and that its military deployment plans are complete, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday. Speaking in Ankara, Akar also said that Turkey has told the United States it would prefer to act together. "Our plans, preparations, the deployment of our units in the field are all complete. But we said we wanted to act together with our friend and ally, the United States," Akar was quoted by Anadolu as saying. Turkey has been growing impatient with the United States, which had agreed to create a safe zone inside Syria's northeastern border with Turkey, set to be cleared of the Kurdish YPG militia. Ankara has accused Washington of stalling progress on setting up the safe zone and has demanded it sever its relations with the YPG. The group was Washington's main ally on the ground in Syria during the battle against Islamic State, but Turkey designates it as a terrorist organization. On Wednesday, the third days of Turkish-US talks on the safe zone, Akar described them as "positive and rather constructive", and that he expected them to finish within hours.

Turkish-US talks 'positive and rather constructive':Turkey's Defence Minister

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-misstates-location-of-ohio-shooting-rampage-241057">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against&nbsp;Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-sanders-emerge-as-top-two-candidates-for-the-2020-us-presidential-electionspolls-241096">2020 election</a>.

Trump, in a series of early posts on Twitter, also slammed&nbsp;Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, and again raised questions about the search engine's work with China, despite his administration's earlier comments that any such work was limited.

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... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158797734394191873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We go to great lengths to build our products and enforce our policies in ways that don't take political leanings into account," a&nbsp;Google&nbsp;spokesperson said in an email statement.

Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020, has repeatedly slammed&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and a host of other technology companies, echoing conservative critics' claims of unfair treatment and raising the spectre of regulation.

Lawmakers have also raised the possibility of regulating the industry, in part over security and misinformation concerns following the 2016 election, and findings of Russian interference in that vote that relied heavily on leveraging technology and social media.

Trump on Tuesday accused&nbsp;Google&nbsp;of "very illegal" acts but offered no evidence, and no formal charges have been announced.

"Distorting results for political purposes would harm our business and go against our mission of providing helpful content to all of our users," the spokesperson added.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what steps the administration was taking towards the company.

Trump and&nbsp;Google's Pichai had met at the White House last month. Following the meeting, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said they both had been assured that any of&nbsp;Google's work with China was "very, very limited."

Days later, Trump warned&nbsp;Google&nbsp;with a post on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the 2020 election.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the 2020 election. Trump, in a series of early posts on Twitter, also slammed Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, and again raised questions about the search engine's work with China, despite his administration's earlier comments that any such work was limited. ... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2019 × "We go to great lengths to build our products and enforce our policies in ways that don't take political leanings into account," a Google spokesperson said in an email statement. Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020, has repeatedly slammed Google and a host of other technology companies, echoing conservative critics' claims of unfair treatment and raising the spectre of regulation. Lawmakers have also raised the possibility of regulating the industry, in part over security and misinformation concerns following the 2016 election, and findings of Russian interference in that vote that relied heavily on leveraging technology and social media. Trump on Tuesday accused Google of "very illegal" acts but offered no evidence, and no formal charges have been announced. "Distorting results for political purposes would harm our business and go against our mission of providing helpful content to all of our users," the spokesperson added. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what steps the administration was taking towards the company. Trump and Google's Pichai had met at the White House last month. Following the meeting, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said they both had been assured that any of Google's work with China was "very, very limited." Days later, Trump warned Google with a post on Twitter.

Ahead of 2020 US presidential election Trump accused Google of 'very illegal' acts

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 7th, 2019

Two Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee, including the panel`s chairman, asked the National Archives on Tuesday for records from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh`s service in the White House under former President George W. Bush.

In a letter to the National Archives and Records Administration, Chairman Jerrold Nadler and Representative Hank Johnson said they were seeking records from 2001 to 2006 that include documents unavailable during Kavanaugh`s 2018 Senate confirmation, which was dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct.

The lawmakers said the committee is considering legislative proposals to create a "code of conduct for Supreme Court justices" involving the transparency of court proceedings, the adequacy of justices` financial disclosures and circumstances in which justices or judges must disqualify themselves from cases.

"The court`s fidelity to the principles of equal and impartial justice, as well as the public`s faith in the integrity of the judiciary, are foundational to maintaining the rule of law," they wrote.&nbsp;

Officials at the Supreme Court were not immediately available for comment. The National Archives had no immediate comment.&nbsp;

The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh to the high court last year after hearings dominated by accusations that he sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford in 1982. Kavanaugh, who had served on the special counsel team that investigated Democratic President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, forcefully denied the allegations.

Nadler and Johnson said the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to recommend Kavanaugh`s confirmation to the full Senate after reviewing only a fraction of his White House records. Kavanaugh was nominated to the high court by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Representative Doug Collins, the top Republican on Nadler`s committee, in a statement denounced the records request as "harassment" and accused Democrats of pursuing a "smear" campaign against a sitting Supreme Court justice.&nbsp;

In their letter, Nadler and Johnson said they wanted records from Kavanaugh`s service in the White House counsel`s office from 2001 to 2003 and as White House staff secretary from 2003 to 2006. The list includes Kavanaugh`s emails and office file textual records from his stint as staff secretary.&nbsp;

Johnson chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, which held a hearing in June on promoting ethics, accountability and transparency in the federal courts.&nbsp;

Two Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee, including the panel`s chairman, asked the National Archives on Tuesday for records from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh`s service in the White House under former President George W.

Two Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee, including the panel`s chairman, asked the National Archives on Tuesday for records from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh`s service in the White House under former President George W. Bush. In a letter to the National Archives and Records Administration, Chairman Jerrold Nadler and Representative Hank Johnson said they were seeking records from 2001 to 2006 that include documents unavailable during Kavanaugh`s 2018 Senate confirmation, which was dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct. The lawmakers said the committee is considering legislative proposals to create a "code of conduct for Supreme Court justices" involving the transparency of court proceedings, the adequacy of justices` financial disclosures and circumstances in which justices or judges must disqualify themselves from cases. "The court`s fidelity to the principles of equal and impartial justice, as well as the public`s faith in the integrity of the judiciary, are foundational to maintaining the rule of law," they wrote. Officials at the Supreme Court were not immediately available for comment. The National Archives had no immediate comment. The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh to the high court last year after hearings dominated by accusations that he sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford in 1982. Kavanaugh, who had served on the special counsel team that investigated Democratic President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, forcefully denied the allegations. Nadler and Johnson said the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to recommend Kavanaugh`s confirmation to the full Senate after reviewing only a fraction of his White House records. Kavanaugh was nominated to the high court by President Donald Trump. Representative Doug Collins, the top Republican on Nadler`s committee, in a statement denounced the records request as "harassment" and accused Democrats of pursuing a "smear" campaign against a sitting Supreme Court justice. In their letter, Nadler and Johnson said they wanted records from Kavanaugh`s service in the White House counsel`s office from 2001 to 2003 and as White House staff secretary from 2003 to 2006. The list includes Kavanaugh`s emails and office file textual records from his stint as staff secretary. Johnson chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, which held a hearing in June on promoting ethics, accountability and transparency in the federal courts.

US House Democrats seek Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh's records

The US and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-movement-240573">Taliban</a> have made "excellent progress" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-round-of-us-taliban-talks-in-doha-hope-for-peace-deal-rise-240401">latest round of talks in Doha </a>to craft a peace deal, Washington's&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;envoy said on Monday.

The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda.

"Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress."

The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress.

Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks

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Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process".

A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate.

"My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted.&nbsp;

"Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added.

The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from&nbsp;Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire.

'We're talking'

The US invaded&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years.

Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of&nbsp;Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".

However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord.

The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own.&nbsp;

Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with&nbsp;Afghanistan's government.

The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month.

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan. In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. "Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress." The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress. Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks × Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process". A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate. "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted. "Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added. The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire. 'We're talking' The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years. Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord. The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own. Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with Afghanistan's government. The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month. The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

US Afghan envoy praises 'excellent progress' in Taliban talks

The Trump administration froze all Venezuelan government assets in US. Watch video to know more.

Donald Trump freezes all Venezulean govt assests in US

Those in the U.S. that constantly flip flop on trade talks with China need to abandon their outdated zero sum thinking, said a China Media Group (CMG) commentary on Sunday.

U.S.'s zero sum thinking detrimental to all

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry.

The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme.

Also read--<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-north-korea-in-regular-communication-for-the-resumption-of-denuclearisation-talks-official-240377">US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official</a>

But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are "no longer eligible", details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas.

The other seven countries -- most of them in the Middle East -- were already on the exclusion list. &nbsp;

The change will affect tens of thousands of people from visa waiver countries who have gone to the North as tourists or for other purposes in recent years.

It will also put a damper on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's hopes of promoting cross-border tourism projects for his citizens to visit their nuclear-armed neighbour.

South Korean media put the spotlight on top business leaders including Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong who were part of Moon's delegation to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September.

A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment.

US citizens have been banned from visiting North Korea since 2017, a measure introduced after an American student detained in Pyongyang was released in a coma and died a few days later.

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry.

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry. The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme. Also read--US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are "no longer eligible", details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas. The other seven countries -- most of them in the Middle East -- were already on the exclusion list. The change will affect tens of thousands of people from visa waiver countries who have gone to the North as tourists or for other purposes in recent years. It will also put a damper on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's hopes of promoting cross-border tourism projects for his citizens to visit their nuclear-armed neighbour. South Korean media put the spotlight on top business leaders including Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong who were part of Moon's delegation to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment. US citizens have been banned from visiting North Korea since 2017, a measure introduced after an American student detained in Pyongyang was released in a coma and died a few days later.

US ends visa-free entry for visitors to North Korea

President Donald Trump is set to visit El Paso on Wednesday, but some leaders are urging him to stay away from the city that is still grieving after a domestic terror attack at a Walmart store over the weekend left 22 people dead.

Donald Trump to visit El Paso town

China on Tuesday announced that its firms have suspended purchases of US agricultural products nearly a week after President Donald Trump announced his decision to slap <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-new-un-envoy-beijing-ready-to-fight-us-on-trade-240448">additional tariffs on Chinese exports</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-designates-china-a-currency-manipulator-as-yuan-hits-record-low-240948">US designates China a currency manipulator as yuan hits record low</a>

China "has not ruled out import tariffs on US agricultural products purchased after August 3, and related Chinese companies have suspended purchasing US agricultural products," South China Morning Post reported quoting state-run Xinhua News Agency."

It is hoped that the US will conscientiously implement the consensus reached at the meeting between the heads of state of China and the US, and have the confidence to implement the commitments to create the necessary conditions for cooperation in the agricultural fields between the two countries," the Xinhua report said.

On August 1, Trump had announced that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining US $300 billion worth of untaxed imports from China, which came after trade talks between the two sides were held in Shanghai. &nbsp;

This means everything that China sells to the US, including clothes and iPhones to chemicals and construction equipment, will have levies of between 10 and 25 per cent on them starting in September, escalating the trade tensions between the two countries.

Calling the US` decision a "serious violation" of the consensus reached by the two sides at the G20 summit in Osaka, Beijing said the move deviated from the right course and will in no way help to end the protracted trade war between the two world`s largest economies.

Following the US` announcement, China allowed the Yuan to fall to its lowest level in more than a decade. The Yuan traded above 7 per US dollar.

China on Tuesday announced that its firms have suspended purchases of US agricultural products nearly a week after President Donald Trump announced his decision to slap additional tariffs on Chinese exports.

China on Tuesday announced that its firms have suspended purchases of US agricultural products nearly a week after President Donald Trump announced his decision to slap additional tariffs on Chinese exports. Also read: US designates China a currency manipulator as yuan hits record low China "has not ruled out import tariffs on US agricultural products purchased after August 3, and related Chinese companies have suspended purchasing US agricultural products," South China Morning Post reported quoting state-run Xinhua News Agency." It is hoped that the US will conscientiously implement the consensus reached at the meeting between the heads of state of China and the US, and have the confidence to implement the commitments to create the necessary conditions for cooperation in the agricultural fields between the two countries," the Xinhua report said. On August 1, Trump had announced that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining US $300 billion worth of untaxed imports from China, which came after trade talks between the two sides were held in Shanghai. This means everything that China sells to the US, including clothes and iPhones to chemicals and construction equipment, will have levies of between 10 and 25 per cent on them starting in September, escalating the trade tensions between the two countries. Calling the US` decision a "serious violation" of the consensus reached by the two sides at the G20 summit in Osaka, Beijing said the move deviated from the right course and will in no way help to end the protracted trade war between the two world`s largest economies. Following the US` announcement, China allowed the Yuan to fall to its lowest level in more than a decade. The Yuan traded above 7 per US dollar.

China suspends purchase of US farm products after Trump's tariffs

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US-China trade war in 10 dates

North Korea on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations.

The comments by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman, carried by state news agency KCNA, came as Pyongyang fired two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

There were no further details but the reported firing came after three earlier weapons tests over eight days.

"Despite our repeated warnings, the United States and South Korean authorities have finally started the joint military exercise targeting the DPRK," the foreign ministry spokesman for the nuclear-armed North said, according to KCNA.

"This is an undisguised denial and a flagrant violation of June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, Panmunjom Declaration and September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, all of which are agreements to establish new DPRK-US relations and build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula," the spokesman said, referring to the annual joint military exercises that began Monday.

After a year of mutual threats and mounting tension, US President Donald Trump and the North's Kim Jong Un held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where both leaders signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and concessions from the North.

Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington pushed ahead with the manoeuvres.

The North's spokesman on Monday also accused the US, apart from holding the exercises, of "deploying a large amount of latest offensive military equipment" in the South.

"All the above facts prove that the US and South Korean authorities do not have the political will at all to implement the joint statements whereby they committed to improving the DPRK-US relations and the inter-Korean relations and that they remain unchanged in their position to continue to face us as an enemy," the spokesman said.

He added that Pyongyang remains "unchanged in our stand to resolve the issues through dialogue," but warned that it was becoming more difficult.

"The prevailing situation is dramatically dampening down our desire for implementing the DPRK-US agreements and the inter-Korean agreements, which also affects the prospect of future dialogue," he said.

Pyongyang may have to seek "a new road," but if the US and South Korea continue to disregard the North's warnings, "we will make them pay a heavy price," the North's spokesman said.

North Korea on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations.

North Korea on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations. The comments by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman, carried by state news agency KCNA, came as Pyongyang fired two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. There were no further details but the reported firing came after three earlier weapons tests over eight days. "Despite our repeated warnings, the United States and South Korean authorities have finally started the joint military exercise targeting the DPRK," the foreign ministry spokesman for the nuclear-armed North said, according to KCNA. "This is an undisguised denial and a flagrant violation of June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, Panmunjom Declaration and September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, all of which are agreements to establish new DPRK-US relations and build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula," the spokesman said, referring to the annual joint military exercises that began Monday. After a year of mutual threats and mounting tension, US President Donald Trump and the North's Kim Jong Un held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where both leaders signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and concessions from the North. Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin. Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington pushed ahead with the manoeuvres. The North's spokesman on Monday also accused the US, apart from holding the exercises, of "deploying a large amount of latest offensive military equipment" in the South. "All the above facts prove that the US and South Korean authorities do not have the political will at all to implement the joint statements whereby they committed to improving the DPRK-US relations and the inter-Korean relations and that they remain unchanged in their position to continue to face us as an enemy," the spokesman said. He added that Pyongyang remains "unchanged in our stand to resolve the issues through dialogue," but warned that it was becoming more difficult. "The prevailing situation is dramatically dampening down our desire for implementing the DPRK-US agreements and the inter-Korean agreements, which also affects the prospect of future dialogue," he said. Pyongyang may have to seek "a new road," but if the US and South Korea continue to disregard the North's warnings, "we will make them pay a heavy price," the North's spokesman said.

US, South Korea lack 'political will'on peace talks: North Korea

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said.

"President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday.

"He is coming out here on Wednesday."

Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso- which has a mainly Hispanic population- have said that the president would not be welcome.

But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit.

"This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters.

"I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said.

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said. "President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday. "He is coming out here on Wednesday." Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso- which has a mainly Hispanic population- have said that the president would not be welcome. But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit. "This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters. "I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

Donald Trump to visit El Paso tomorrow following mass shooting: Mayor

China warned Tuesday it would take unspecified countermeasures if the United States goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

The comments come days after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal last week from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia.

"China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

"And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea.

"That would not serve the national security interest of these countries," he said.

Australia on Monday ruled out the possibility of the missiles being deployed on its soil, saying Canberra had not even been asked to host them.

The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -namely China- &nbsp;free rein to develop their own long-range missiles.

Esper, the new Pentagon chief, said Saturday that Washington would like to deploy the missiles "sooner rather than later," speaking to reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia.

"I would prefer the months.. But these things tend to take longer than you expect."

The announcement was the latest US plan to irk China, which is vying with Washington for influence in the region, but Esper said Beijing should not be surprised.

The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing for territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

Esper did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons but experts say the most likely location for deployment is the island of Guam, which hosts significant US military facilities.

Washington withdrew from the INF treaty on Friday after accusing Russia of violating it for years.

Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear missiles with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres (300-3,000 miles).

But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US.

China warned Tuesday it would take unspecified countermeasures if the United States goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

China warned Tuesday it would take unspecified countermeasures if the United States goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. The comments come days after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal last week from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry. "And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea. "That would not serve the national security interest of these countries," he said. Australia on Monday ruled out the possibility of the missiles being deployed on its soil, saying Canberra had not even been asked to host them. The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -namely China- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles. Esper, the new Pentagon chief, said Saturday that Washington would like to deploy the missiles "sooner rather than later," speaking to reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia. "I would prefer the months.. But these things tend to take longer than you expect." The announcement was the latest US plan to irk China, which is vying with Washington for influence in the region, but Esper said Beijing should not be surprised. The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing for territorial claims to the strategic waterway. Esper did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons but experts say the most likely location for deployment is the island of Guam, which hosts significant US military facilities. Washington withdrew from the INF treaty on Friday after accusing Russia of violating it for years. Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear missiles with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres (300-3,000 miles). But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US.

China warns of countermeasures over US missile plans in Asia-Pacific

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said.

"President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday.

"He is coming out here on Wednesday."

Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso -which has a mainly Hispanic population-&nbsp;have said that the president would not be welcome.

But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit.

"This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters.

"I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said. "President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday. "He is coming out here on Wednesday." Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso -which has a mainly Hispanic population- have said that the president would not be welcome. But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit. "This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters. "I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

Donald Trump To Visit El Paso Tomorrow Following Mass Shooting: Mayor

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Tuesday said US-South Korean war games are a "flagrant violation" of efforts to reach peace on the Korean peninsula and reflect a lack of "political will" to improve relations.

The comments by an unnamed&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean foreign ministry spokesman, carried by state news agency KCNA, came as Pyongyang fired two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast, South&nbsp;Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

There were no further details but the reported firing came after three earlier weapons tests over eight days.

"Despite our repeated warnings, the United States and South Korean authorities have finally started the joint military exercise targeting the DPRK," the foreign ministry spokesman for the nuclear-armed&nbsp;North&nbsp;said, according to KCNA.

"This is an undisguised denial and a flagrant violation of June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, Panmunjom Declaration and September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, all of which are agreements to establish new DPRK-US relations and build a lasting and&nbsp;stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula," the spokesman said, referring to the annual joint military exercises that began Monday.

After a year of mutual threats and mounting tension, US President Donald Trump and the&nbsp;North's Kim Jong Un held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where both leaders signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions&nbsp;relief and concessions from the&nbsp;North.

Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington pushed ahead with the manoeuvres.

The&nbsp;North's spokesman on Monday also&nbsp;accused the US, apart from holding the exercises, of "deploying a large amount of latest offensive military equipment" in the&nbsp;

South.

"All the above facts prove that the US and South Korean authorities do not have the political will at all to implement the joint statements whereby they committed to improving the DPRK-US relations and the inter-Korean relations and that they remain unchanged in their position to continue to face us as an enemy," the spokesman said.

He added that Pyongyang remains "unchanged in our stand to resolve the issues through dialogue," but warned that it was becoming more difficult.

"The prevailing situation is dramatically dampening down our desire for implementing the DPRK-US agreements and the inter-Korean agreements, which also affects the prospect of future dialogue," he said.

Pyongyang may have to seek "a new road," but if the US and South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;continue to disregard the&nbsp;North's warnings, "we will make them pay a heavy price," the&nbsp;North's spokesman said.

US, South Korea Lack 'Political Will' On Peace Talks: North Korea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-missile-tests-defensive-needs-no-ones-permission-238915">Iran unveiled three precision-guided missiles</a> on Tuesday, with the defence minister saying they show the country is ready to defend itself in the face of US 'viciousness and conspiracies'.

The new line-up of air-to-air missiles dubbed the 'Yasin', 'Balaban' and a new series of the 'Ghaem' were developed jointly by the ministry and Sa Iran, also known as Iran Electronics Industries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-normal-for-iran-to-test-missiles-iranian-defence-minister-amir-hatami-239724">Defence Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami</a> hailed their launch as 'another significant achievement of power and dignity for the Islamic Republic of Iran'.

'It shows that despite the viciousness and conspiracies of the Great Satan America and its mercenaries, the defence ministry will not hesitate for a moment to defend the Islamic republic and to expand security,' he said, quoted by Fars news agency.

The Yasin was a smart, guided-missile with folding wings that can be fired from a range of 50 kilometres (30 miles) of its target from manned or unmanned aircraft, Fars reported.

The Balaban was guided by GPS and sensors, equipped with folding wings and could be mounted under aircraft, while the Ghaem was a heat-seeking missile that could hit within 50 centimetres of a target.

They were unveiled amid tensions between Iran and the US and its allies in the Strait of Hormuz a vital corridor linking oil-producing countries in the Middle East to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.

The tensions arose after the US withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year and began stepping up a campaign of 'maximum pressure' on the Islamic republic.

Since May this year, ships have been targeted in mysterious attacks, drones have been downed and oil tankers seized in the strategic waters.

 
&nbsp;

Iran unveiled three precision-guided missiles on Tuesday, with the defence minister saying they show the country is ready to defend itself in the face of US 'viciousness and conspiracies'.

Iran unveiled three precision-guided missiles on Tuesday, with the defence minister saying they show the country is ready to defend itself in the face of US 'viciousness and conspiracies'. The new line-up of air-to-air missiles dubbed the 'Yasin', 'Balaban' and a new series of the 'Ghaem' were developed jointly by the ministry and Sa Iran, also known as Iran Electronics Industries. Defence Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami hailed their launch as 'another significant achievement of power and dignity for the Islamic Republic of Iran'. 'It shows that despite the viciousness and conspiracies of the Great Satan America and its mercenaries, the defence ministry will not hesitate for a moment to defend the Islamic republic and to expand security,' he said, quoted by Fars news agency. The Yasin was a smart, guided-missile with folding wings that can be fired from a range of 50 kilometres (30 miles) of its target from manned or unmanned aircraft, Fars reported. The Balaban was guided by GPS and sensors, equipped with folding wings and could be mounted under aircraft, while the Ghaem was a heat-seeking missile that could hit within 50 centimetres of a target. They were unveiled amid tensions between Iran and the US and its allies in the Strait of Hormuz a vital corridor linking oil-producing countries in the Middle East to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. The tensions arose after the US withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year and began stepping up a campaign of 'maximum pressure' on the Islamic republic. Since May this year, ships have been targeted in mysterious attacks, drones have been downed and oil tankers seized in the strategic waters.

Iran unveils three new precision-guided missiles

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb3cb2gO7jAhVp_XMBHWeKDz0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw18_4lWqQw3eB7zT4p4f_vq">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO)</a> secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March.

His comments came as the United States reels from two mass shootings at the weekend that killed 29 people and injured dozens in Texas and Ohio, provoking calls for tighter gun controls and prompting worries over a resurgence of white nationalism and xenophobic politics. 
&nbsp; 
Stoltenberg, making a two-day trip to New Zealand, visited Christchurch, where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in the attacks on two mosques by a suspected white supremacist.

"These attacks are committed by lone wolves but they are at the same time connected because they use each other as inspiration and they refer to each other in the different manifestos," Stoltenberg told state broadcaster TVNZ.

"It highlights that we have to fight terrorism in many different ways, with many different tools."

The Texas shooter who killed 20 people at a Walmart store expressed support for the Christchurch gunman in his manifesto.

New Zealand authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, with murder following the attacks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Society has to stand up for values of freedom, openness and tolerance, Stoltenberg said.

"We see that many of the terrorists are one of us," he said. "They are home-grown, they are coming from our own societies. So this is very much also about addressing the root causes."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is due to meet Stoltenberg on Tuesday, said New Zealand would only want to be remembered for the way it rejected the act of violence and hatred.

"This is a global challenge," she told a news conference later in the day.

"Of course we can do what we can to defeat acts of hatred, violence and racism in our own domestic areas. But, as an international community, we should also be united against acts of hatred, violence and terrorism."

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March.

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March. His comments came as the United States reels from two mass shootings at the weekend that killed 29 people and injured dozens in Texas and Ohio, provoking calls for tighter gun controls and prompting worries over a resurgence of white nationalism and xenophobic politics. Stoltenberg, making a two-day trip to New Zealand, visited Christchurch, where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in the attacks on two mosques by a suspected white supremacist. "These attacks are committed by lone wolves but they are at the same time connected because they use each other as inspiration and they refer to each other in the different manifestos," Stoltenberg told state broadcaster TVNZ. "It highlights that we have to fight terrorism in many different ways, with many different tools." The Texas shooter who killed 20 people at a Walmart store expressed support for the Christchurch gunman in his manifesto. New Zealand authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, with murder following the attacks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Society has to stand up for values of freedom, openness and tolerance, Stoltenberg said. "We see that many of the terrorists are one of us," he said. "They are home-grown, they are coming from our own societies. So this is very much also about addressing the root causes." Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is due to meet Stoltenberg on Tuesday, said New Zealand would only want to be remembered for the way it rejected the act of violence and hatred. "This is a global challenge," she told a news conference later in the day. "Of course we can do what we can to defeat acts of hatred, violence and racism in our own domestic areas. But, as an international community, we should also be united against acts of hatred, violence and terrorism."

In order to stop lone wolf attackers, nations must unite:NATO chief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/communist-party-has-full-confidence-in-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-china-240981">China's central government</a> on Tuesday warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-flights-cancelled-as-hong-kong-protesters-launch-city-wide-strike-240696">Hong Kong protesters</a> that they should not underestimate "the immense strength of the central government".

At a press briefing in Beijing, Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, also said "those who play with fire will perish by it".&nbsp;

The remark has come a day after a series of rallies&nbsp;that included bloody clashes between protesters and pro-government men brandishing poles.

The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions of criminals to mainland China.

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They evolved into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms, with protesters' anger fuelled by Lam's refusal to publicly acknowledge their grievances.

The semi-autonomous southern Chinese city has been wracked by two months of protests and clashes between police and increasingly hardcore demonstrators in the biggest threat to Beijing's rule since its 1997 handover from Britain.

In a press conference, Lam on Monday warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, Hong Kong has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.&nbsp;

But many say those rights are being curtailed.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of a reviled extradition bill, and the right to elect their leaders.

China's central government on Tuesday warned Hong Kong protesters that they should not underestimate "the immense strength of the central government". At a press briefing in Beijing, Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, also said "those who play with fire will perish by it".

China's central government on Tuesday warned Hong Kong protesters that they should not underestimate "the immense strength of the central government". At a press briefing in Beijing, Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, also said "those who play with fire will perish by it". The remark has come a day after a series of rallies that included bloody clashes between protesters and pro-government men brandishing poles. The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions of criminals to mainland China. × They evolved into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms, with protesters' anger fuelled by Lam's refusal to publicly acknowledge their grievances. The semi-autonomous southern Chinese city has been wracked by two months of protests and clashes between police and increasingly hardcore demonstrators in the biggest threat to Beijing's rule since its 1997 handover from Britain. In a press conference, Lam on Monday warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty. Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, Hong Kong has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed. Protesters are demanding the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of a reviled extradition bill, and the right to elect their leaders.

Central government has immense strength, those who play with fire will perish: China to Hong Kong protesters

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