India fears China could soon start flooding excess steel into its market after the United States raised tariffs on Chinese products due to the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.

India worried of excess Chinese steel exports after US-China trade war

North Korea called US a seizure of North Korean cargo ship involved in banned coal exports an "unlawful robbery" and demanded the ship to be immediately returned.

North Korea demands immediate return of Cargo Ship seized by US

Saudi Arabia Says Two Of Its Oil Tanks Were Sabotaged Off The Cost Of The UAE. Iran Distances Itself From The Incident. But Tensions Soar Between US & Iran.

Gravitas: New Flashpoint In US-Iran Standoff?

Saudi Arabia said two of its oil tankers were attacked while sailing toward the Persian Gulf, adding to regional tensions as the US increases pressure on Iran.

Saudi Arabia Says Oil Tankers Damaged In "Sabotage Attack" as Middle East Tensions Rise

Authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi rescued people from their homes after heavy rains this weekend caused major flooding in the region.

Heavy rains in southern US leave some trapped

Will A Potential Trade War Hurt The U.S. More Or China More? A trade war will hurt supply chains, financial markets and as a consequence the global economy. Palki sums up the latest on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the U.S and explains why a trade war is akin to the U.S. shooting the global economy on the boot and asking it to run a marathon

Gravitas: Is a U.S-China trade war around the corner?

The US has ordered tariff hikes on all imports from China. Watch the full video to know more.

US orders tariff hike on all imports from China

The US Justice Department announced on Friday it had charged former Fugees rapper Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel and wealthy Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as 'Jho Low,' for conspiring to steer illegal foreign campaign funds into the 2012 presidential election.

According to the unsealed indictment, between June 2012 and November 2012, Low directed the transfer of approximately $21.6 million from foreign entities and accounts to Michel to be funnelled into the US election while disguising it as legitimate campaign contributions.

Under federal election law it is a crime for foreign nationals to make political contributions in U.S. federal, state or local elections.

Jho Low, who remains at large, faces separate criminal charges in the United States in connection with a multi-billion-dollar scandal at Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Jho Low has been identified by Malaysian and US investigators as a central figure in the alleged theft of about $4.5 billion from 1MDB.

In the election funding case, Michel appeared in a federal court in Washington, DC, for his arraignment.&nbsp;

CNN reported that Michel pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to return to his homes in Florida and California as he awaits his trial.

Pras and Jho Low were each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States government and for making foreign and conduit campaign contributions.

Pras also was charged with one count of a scheme to conceal material facts and two counts of making a false entry in a record in connection with the conspiracy.&nbsp;

The indictment did not reveal the identity of the presidential candidate.

However, Michel was an avid supporter of former Democratic President Barack Obama, and federal election records show he contributed money to political committees that supported Obama`s 2012 re-election campaign and other Democratic committees.

The US Justice Department announced on Friday it had charged former Fugees rapper Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel and wealthy Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as 'Jho Low,' for conspiring to steer illegal foreign campaign funds into the 2012 presidential election.

The US Justice Department announced on Friday it had charged former Fugees rapper Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel and wealthy Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as 'Jho Low,' for conspiring to steer illegal foreign campaign funds into the 2012 presidential election. According to the unsealed indictment, between June 2012 and November 2012, Low directed the transfer of approximately $21.6 million from foreign entities and accounts to Michel to be funnelled into the US election while disguising it as legitimate campaign contributions. Under federal election law it is a crime for foreign nationals to make political contributions in U.S. federal, state or local elections. Jho Low, who remains at large, faces separate criminal charges in the United States in connection with a multi-billion-dollar scandal at Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Jho Low has been identified by Malaysian and US investigators as a central figure in the alleged theft of about $4.5 billion from 1MDB. In the election funding case, Michel appeared in a federal court in Washington, DC, for his arraignment. CNN reported that Michel pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to return to his homes in Florida and California as he awaits his trial. Pras and Jho Low were each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States government and for making foreign and conduit campaign contributions. Pras also was charged with one count of a scheme to conceal material facts and two counts of making a false entry in a record in connection with the conspiracy. The indictment did not reveal the identity of the presidential candidate. However, Michel was an avid supporter of former Democratic President Barack Obama, and federal election records show he contributed money to political committees that supported Obama`s 2012 re-election campaign and other Democratic committees.

US charges rapper Pras, Malaysian businessman Jho Low over funding in 2012 election

Donald Trump Is Spoiling For A Fight With Iran. But His Carrot & Stick Diplomacy Is Unlikely To Cause Any Impact To Iran What worked with North Korea won't work with Iran; Trump's carrot-and-stick policy is unlikely to force Iran into a corner because it's a regional powerhouse. Palki explains the situation

Gravitas: Trump's carrot-and-stick policy unlikely to work with Iran

Deciphering The U.S.-Iran Tensions That Is Threatening To Disrupt Global Peace Are the U.S. and Iran on the brink of the fourth gulf war? Is non-compliance of the 2015 deal in the best interests of Iran? Can Europe do anything more than mere posturing? Can India, China save the deal? Palki speaks to Adnan Tabatabai, Expert of Iranian affairs to understand the implications of the rising tensions

Gravitas: Understand U.S.-Iran tensions: In conversation with Adnan Tabatabai, expert on Iranian affairs

The US on Thursday warned of giving a "swift and decisive" response to Iran`s "threatening actions", amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-tensions-escalate-as-trump-imposes-new-sanctions-217272">mounting tensions between the two countries</a>.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks. The response of the United States and our partners and allies has been clear: We do not seek war," US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement.

"But Iran`s forty years of killing American soldiers, attacking American facilities, and taking American hostages is a constant reminder that we must defend ourselves," he added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-more-sanctions-for-iran-tells-europe-to-stop-doing-business-with-tehran-217159">US vows more sanctions for Iran, tells Europe to stop doing business with Tehran</a>

Pompeo further said, "The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response. Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve."

Pompeo accused Iran of indulging in "violence," which he said, has been the regime`s "default option".

"To date, the regime`s default option has been violence and we appeal to those in Tehran who see a path to a prosperous future through de-escalation to modify the regime`s behaviour. As President Trump stated yesterday, he `looks forward to someday meeting with leaders of Iran in order to work out an agreement and, very importantly, taking steps to give Iran the future it deserves`," he further said.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that the US is "open to talks" with Iran, urging Tehran to "call him" and make a "fair deal" with Washington.

Ties between the US and Iran soured after Washington pulled out from the 2015 nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year.

Following this, the US slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter`s support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on Iran targetting its steel and mining industries, amid rising tensions between the two nations.

The sanctions were slapped on Iran`s steel, aluminium, iron, and copper sectors and the move came after Tehran announced its partial withdrawal from the nuclear deal.

The partial withdrawal would mean that Iran would stop exporting enriched uranium stocks as against what was stipulated by the 2015 agreement.

Tehran warned that the remaining signatories -- the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia -- had 60 days before it would resume high-level enrichment of uranium.

Meanwhile, the US has said it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme.

Washington also recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.&nbsp;

The US on Thursday warned of giving a "swift and decisive" response to Iran`s "threatening actions", amid mounting tensions between the two countries. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks.

The US on Thursday warned of giving a "swift and decisive" response to Iran`s "threatening actions", amid mounting tensions between the two countries. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks. The response of the United States and our partners and allies has been clear: We do not seek war," US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement. "But Iran`s forty years of killing American soldiers, attacking American facilities, and taking American hostages is a constant reminder that we must defend ourselves," he added. Also read: US vows more sanctions for Iran, tells Europe to stop doing business with Tehran Pompeo further said, "The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response. Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve." Pompeo accused Iran of indulging in "violence," which he said, has been the regime`s "default option". "To date, the regime`s default option has been violence and we appeal to those in Tehran who see a path to a prosperous future through de-escalation to modify the regime`s behaviour. As President Trump stated yesterday, he `looks forward to someday meeting with leaders of Iran in order to work out an agreement and, very importantly, taking steps to give Iran the future it deserves`," he further said. Earlier in the day, Trump said that the US is "open to talks" with Iran, urging Tehran to "call him" and make a "fair deal" with Washington. Ties between the US and Iran soured after Washington pulled out from the 2015 nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year. Following this, the US slapped a multitude of sanctions on Iran, citing the latter`s support to state-sponsored terrorism and conflicts. On Wednesday, the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on Iran targetting its steel and mining industries, amid rising tensions between the two nations. The sanctions were slapped on Iran`s steel, aluminium, iron, and copper sectors and the move came after Tehran announced its partial withdrawal from the nuclear deal. The partial withdrawal would mean that Iran would stop exporting enriched uranium stocks as against what was stipulated by the 2015 agreement. Tehran warned that the remaining signatories -- the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia -- had 60 days before it would resume high-level enrichment of uranium. Meanwhile, the US has said it would continue to "impose maximum pressure" against Iran till the regime gives up its "destabilising ambitions" of expanding its nuclear programme. Washington also recently announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.

US threatens 'swift, decisive' response to any Iran attack

The U.S. Navy released video on Thursday (May 9) showing fighter planes taking off and landing aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as it makes its way to the Middle East over what Washington describes as threats from Iran.

US Navy releases video of USS Lincoln strike group headed to Mideast

Facebook Inc quickly rejected a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-co-founder-says-it-is-time-to-break-up-the-company-217297">call from co-founder Chris Hughes on Thursday to split </a>the world's largest social media company in three, while lawmakers urged the US Justice Department to launch an antitrust investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-unwittingly-auto-generating-terror-content-us-whistleblower-centre-217365">Facebook</a> has been under scrutiny from regulators around the world over data sharing practices as well as hate speech and misinformation on its networks. Some US&nbsp;lawmakers have pushed for action to break up big tech companies as well as federal privacy regulation.

"We are a nation with a tradition of reining in monopolies, no matter how well-intentioned the leaders of these companies may be. Mark's power is unprecedented and un-American," Hughes, a former college roommate of Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, wrote in a lengthy New York Times opinion piece.

Facebook's social network has more than 2 billion users. It also owns WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, each used by more than 1 billion people. Facebook bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014.

Facebook rejected Hughes' call for WhatsApp and Instagram to be made into separate companies and said the focus should instead be on regulating the internet. Zuckerberg will be in Paris on Friday to discuss internet regulation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Facebook accepts that with success comes accountability. But you don't enforce accountability by calling for the break up of a successful American company," Facebook spokesman Nick Clegg said in a statement.

"Accountability of tech companies can only be achieved through the painstaking introduction of new rules for the internet. That is exactly what Mark Zuckerberg has called for."

Late on Thursday, Senator Mike Crapo, the Republican who chairs the banking committee and Sherrod Brown, the top Democrat, asked Facebook to answer questions about a potential cryptocurrency-based payments system using its social network and its data collection.

The letter also asked questions about consumer privacy protections and if it had information about users' creditworthiness.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, told CNBC he thinks Facebook should be broken up and that the Justice Department's antitrust division needs to begin an investigation.

Antitrust law makes such a proposal tough to execute because the government would have to take the company to court and win. It is rare to break up a company but not unheard of, with Standard Oil and AT&amp;T being the two biggest examples.

SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Hughes co-founded Facebook in 2004 at Harvard with Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz. He left Facebook in 2007, and has said in a LinkedIn post he made half a billion dollars for his three years of work.

"It's been 15 years since I co-founded Facebook at Harvard, and I haven't worked at the company in a decade. But I feel a sense of anger and responsibility," Hughes said.

Facebook lost several executives after a bruising series of privacy and disinformation scandals since 2016. The founders of Instagram and WhatsApp have left, as has the executive who took over WhatsApp last year.

Chief Product Officer Chris Cox, who had been at the company for 13 years and was one of Zuckerberg's closest lieutenants, stepped down in March around the same time Facebook announced a pivot towards more private messaging.

He later cited "artistic differences" with Zuckerberg as his reason for leaving, without elaborating.

Critics say the company's pivot to privacy, which will introduce more encrypted communications, will restrict Facebook's ability to police propaganda, hate speech and other abusive behaviours. Cox focused on improving tools to catch banned content in recent years.

Despite its scandals, the company's core business has proven resilient. Facebook has blown past earnings estimates in the past two quarters and its stock price barely budged in response to Hughes' opinion piece.

Hughes suggested Zuckerberg should be held responsible for privacy and other lapses at the company, echoing a call earlier this month by Democratic US Senator Ron Wyden to hold the CEO individually liable for "repeated violations" of privacy.

"The government must hold Mark accountable. For too long, lawmakers have marvelled at Facebook's explosive growth and overlooked their responsibility to ensure that Americans are protected and markets are competitive," Hughes said.

LAWMAKER PRESSURE

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2020 presidential election, has vowed to break up Facebook, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google if elected.

"Today's big tech companies have too much power—over our economy, our society, &amp; our democracy. They've bulldozed competition, used our private info for profit, hurt small businesses &amp; stifled innovation. It's time to #BreakUpBigTech," Warren said on Twitter on Thursday.

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, said in a statement he agreed in retrospect that US regulators should not have approved Facebook's acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp.

"The way forward is to heavily scrutinize future mergers and to ensure no company has anti-competitive platform privileges," Khanna said.

In one of a number of scandals to hit the company, Facebook is accused of inappropriately sharing information belonging to 87 million users with the now-defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook has been in advanced talks with the US&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission to settle a year-old investigation and said last month it expected to spend between $3 billion and $5 billion.

On Monday, Republican and Democratic US senators criticized reported plans for the settlement, calling on the FTC to impose harsher penalties and more restrictions on Facebook's business practices.

Hughes said he last met with Zuckerberg in the summer of 2017, several months before the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke.

"Mark is a good, kind person. But I'm angry that his focus on growth led him to sacrifice security and civility for clicks," Hughes said.

Adam Mosseri, Facebook's previous head of news feed who recently took over Instagram, responded to Hughes on Twitter.

"Regulation is important and necessary, but I'm not convinced breaking us up is the right path. Would love to chat about it if you're open," Mosseri said.

Facebook Inc quickly rejected a call from co-founder Chris Hughes on Thursday to split the world's largest social media company in three, while lawmakers urged the US Justice Department to launch an antitrust investigation.

Facebook Inc quickly rejected a call from co-founder Chris Hughes on Thursday to split the world's largest social media company in three, while lawmakers urged the US Justice Department to launch an antitrust investigation. Facebook has been under scrutiny from regulators around the world over data sharing practices as well as hate speech and misinformation on its networks. Some US lawmakers have pushed for action to break up big tech companies as well as federal privacy regulation. "We are a nation with a tradition of reining in monopolies, no matter how well-intentioned the leaders of these companies may be. Mark's power is unprecedented and un-American," Hughes, a former college roommate of Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, wrote in a lengthy New York Times opinion piece. Facebook's social network has more than 2 billion users. It also owns WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, each used by more than 1 billion people. Facebook bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. Facebook rejected Hughes' call for WhatsApp and Instagram to be made into separate companies and said the focus should instead be on regulating the internet. Zuckerberg will be in Paris on Friday to discuss internet regulation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "Facebook accepts that with success comes accountability. But you don't enforce accountability by calling for the break up of a successful American company," Facebook spokesman Nick Clegg said in a statement. "Accountability of tech companies can only be achieved through the painstaking introduction of new rules for the internet. That is exactly what Mark Zuckerberg has called for." Late on Thursday, Senator Mike Crapo, the Republican who chairs the banking committee and Sherrod Brown, the top Democrat, asked Facebook to answer questions about a potential cryptocurrency-based payments system using its social network and its data collection. The letter also asked questions about consumer privacy protections and if it had information about users' creditworthiness. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, told CNBC he thinks Facebook should be broken up and that the Justice Department's antitrust division needs to begin an investigation. Antitrust law makes such a proposal tough to execute because the government would have to take the company to court and win. It is rare to break up a company but not unheard of, with Standard Oil and AT&T being the two biggest examples. SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY Hughes co-founded Facebook in 2004 at Harvard with Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz. He left Facebook in 2007, and has said in a LinkedIn post he made half a billion dollars for his three years of work. "It's been 15 years since I co-founded Facebook at Harvard, and I haven't worked at the company in a decade. But I feel a sense of anger and responsibility," Hughes said. Facebook lost several executives after a bruising series of privacy and disinformation scandals since 2016. The founders of Instagram and WhatsApp have left, as has the executive who took over WhatsApp last year. Chief Product Officer Chris Cox, who had been at the company for 13 years and was one of Zuckerberg's closest lieutenants, stepped down in March around the same time Facebook announced a pivot towards more private messaging. He later cited "artistic differences" with Zuckerberg as his reason for leaving, without elaborating. Critics say the company's pivot to privacy, which will introduce more encrypted communications, will restrict Facebook's ability to police propaganda, hate speech and other abusive behaviours. Cox focused on improving tools to catch banned content in recent years. Despite its scandals, the company's core business has proven resilient. Facebook has blown past earnings estimates in the past two quarters and its stock price barely budged in response to Hughes' opinion piece. Hughes suggested Zuckerberg should be held responsible for privacy and other lapses at the company, echoing a call earlier this month by Democratic US Senator Ron Wyden to hold the CEO individually liable for "repeated violations" of privacy. "The government must hold Mark accountable. For too long, lawmakers have marvelled at Facebook's explosive growth and overlooked their responsibility to ensure that Americans are protected and markets are competitive," Hughes said. LAWMAKER PRESSURE Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2020 presidential election, has vowed to break up Facebook, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google if elected. "Today's big tech companies have too much power—over our economy, our society, & our democracy. They've bulldozed competition, used our private info for profit, hurt small businesses & stifled innovation. It's time to #BreakUpBigTech," Warren said on Twitter on Thursday. Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, said in a statement he agreed in retrospect that US regulators should not have approved Facebook's acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. "The way forward is to heavily scrutinize future mergers and to ensure no company has anti-competitive platform privileges," Khanna said. In one of a number of scandals to hit the company, Facebook is accused of inappropriately sharing information belonging to 87 million users with the now-defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook has been in advanced talks with the US Federal Trade Commission to settle a year-old investigation and said last month it expected to spend between $3 billion and $5 billion. On Monday, Republican and Democratic US senators criticized reported plans for the settlement, calling on the FTC to impose harsher penalties and more restrictions on Facebook's business practices. Hughes said he last met with Zuckerberg in the summer of 2017, several months before the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke. "Mark is a good, kind person. But I'm angry that his focus on growth led him to sacrifice security and civility for clicks," Hughes said. Adam Mosseri, Facebook's previous head of news feed who recently took over Instagram, responded to Hughes on Twitter. "Regulation is important and necessary, but I'm not convinced breaking us up is the right path. Would love to chat about it if you're open," Mosseri said.

Facebook rejects co-founder Chris Hughes call for breakup, senator urges US antitrust probe

The United States on Friday says that they don't war any war with Iran but if provoked they are ready for a swift response.

US claims 'don't want any war with Iran', tension intensifies

U.S. and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their sixth round of peace talks on Thursday with “some progress” made on a draft agreement for when foreign troops might withdraw from Afghanistan.

Sixth round of Taliban-U.S. peace talks end

Watch this video to know what Hassan Rouhani's nuke deal means.

What is the Iran nuke deal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House panel accuses Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege

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

No end to US-China trade war

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gravitas: Iran Threatens To Partially Withdraw From 2015 Nuclear Deal

us-1

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

us 1