A fiery exchange unfolded during a White House press briefing involving Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and reporters, with questions focusing on the Trump administration’s claims and media coverage. Leavitt has repeatedly engaged in heated exchanges with journalists during White House briefings, including confrontations over coverage of the Iran conflict.

The latest moments have renewed debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the White House press corps, with reporters challenging official statements while Leavitt strongly defending the administration’s position.

Watch the full report for the key exchanges, fact-check moments and the latest developments from the White House.


 War of Words, Fact Check Moments on White House Press Secy Leavitt

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday (April 14) warned the international community against descending deeper into&nbsp;conflict as Israel called for "all possible sanctions" against Iran.

Guterres was addressing the Security Council meeting which was held to address the weekend attack by Iran on Israel in which Tehran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Tel Aviv in response to the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.

"Neither the region nor the world can afford more war. The Middle East is on the brink," said Guterres, while speaking at the Security Council.&nbsp;

"The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate," he said&nbsp;and appealed for "maximum restraint."

In his speech, Guterres condemned the strikes launched by Iran on Israel and the attack allegedly carried out by the Israeli government at&nbsp;the Iranian consulate in Damascus.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-to-stay-out-of-israeli-counter-strike-on-iran-joe-biden-tells-netanyahu-711229">West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu</a>

"It's time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," said Guterres.

He also further appealed for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza, which as per the experts is on the brink of famine.

<h2>Israel and Iran face each other over attacks&nbsp;</h2>

During the Security Council session, which was called by Israel to address the simmering crisis, Ambassador Gilad Erdan appealed to the council to "take action (and) condemn Iran for their terror."

The Security Council must "impose all possible sanctions on Iran before it's too late," he said.&nbsp;

He said that Iran had violated international law and played a video in which Israel was seen intercepting Iranian drones above the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem.

Erdan further appealed to the body to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terror organisation.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran unleashes 300 Drones, Ballistic &amp; Cruise missiles on Israel amidst Gaza War

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unleashes-300-drones-ballistic-cruise-missiles-on-israel-amidst-gaza-war-711275/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The snooze button is no longer an option. The only option is to condemn Iran and utilise every means necessary to make them pay a heavy price for their horrible crimes," said Erdan, in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Iran's UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani claimed that the Islamic Republic was exercising its "inherent right to self-defence."

"The Security Council... failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security," said Iravani.&nbsp;

Hence, Tehran "had no choice" but to respond, Iravani said, further stating that his country does "not seek escalation or war," but they will respond to any "threat or aggression".

"If the US initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests, Iran will use its inherent right to respond proportionately," Iravani said.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday (April 14) warned the international community against descending deeper into conflict as Israel called for "all possible sanctions" against Iran.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday (April 14) warned the international community against descending deeper into conflict as Israel called for "all possible sanctions" against Iran. Guterres was addressing the Security Council meeting which was held to address the weekend attack by Iran on Israel in which Tehran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Tel Aviv in response to the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. "Neither the region nor the world can afford more war. The Middle East is on the brink," said Guterres, while speaking at the Security Council. "The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate," he said and appealed for "maximum restraint." In his speech, Guterres condemned the strikes launched by Iran on Israel and the attack allegedly carried out by the Israeli government at the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Also Read: West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu "It's time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," said Guterres. He also further appealed for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza, which as per the experts is on the brink of famine. Israel and Iran face each other over attacks During the Security Council session, which was called by Israel to address the simmering crisis, Ambassador Gilad Erdan appealed to the council to "take action (and) condemn Iran for their terror." The Security Council must "impose all possible sanctions on Iran before it's too late," he said. He said that Iran had violated international law and played a video in which Israel was seen intercepting Iranian drones above the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. Erdan further appealed to the body to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terror organisation. Watch: Iran unleashes 300 Drones, Ballistic & Cruise missiles on Israel amidst Gaza War "The snooze button is no longer an option. The only option is to condemn Iran and utilise every means necessary to make them pay a heavy price for their horrible crimes," said Erdan, in the meeting. Meanwhile, Iran's UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani claimed that the Islamic Republic was exercising its "inherent right to self-defence." "The Security Council... failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security," said Iravani. Hence, Tehran "had no choice" but to respond, Iravani said, further stating that his country does "not seek escalation or war," but they will respond to any "threat or aggression". "If the US initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests, Iran will use its inherent right to respond proportionately," Iravani said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel calls for 'all possible sanctions' against Iran amid war of words at UNSC

During a World Trade Organisation meeting on Friday (January 27), the United States and China engaged in a war of words as the latter called the former a “unilateral bully” and “supply chain disruptor”, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, Washington reportedly accused Beijing of imposing “illegal unilateral retaliatory measures” on US exports. This comes as Washington had lodged an appeal against several WTO rulings which included China, Turkiye, Norway, and Switzerland after it was found that US metal tariffs breached global rules.

“These troubling behaviours of the US have clearly depicted an image of the U.S. as a unilateral bully, a rule breaker, and a supply chain disruptor,” said China's ambassador to the WTO, Li Chenggang, while addressing a meeting on trade disputes, according to a copy of his speech procured by Reuters. Notably, several important rulings against the US have been made at the WTO in recent weeks.&nbsp;

In addition to the metals ruling with China, Washington has also engaged in a dispute with Hong Kong over labelling which the US has since appealed and criticised both rulings. In reference to this, Li said, “China would have hoped that the US would show due self-restraint not to appeal every unfavourable panel report into the void, which the US itself has created.”&nbsp;

Subsequently, in an interview with Reuters, Deputy United States Trade Representative Maria Pagan in an apparent downplaying of criticism from Beijing at the WTO meetings said, “You can call us whatever names you want…We are continuing to talk to China.”&nbsp;

The US also said that it regretted the metal tariffs dispute with China and it is on the agenda of the meeting and accused Beijing of “illegal unilateral retaliatory measures” on Washington’s tariffs. However, Pagan also noted, “A WTO that serves to shield China’s non-market policies and practices is not in anyone’s interest”, reported Reuters citing a copy of her speech.&nbsp;

Washington has also long criticised the trade organisation’s dispute resolution system for overreach and is currently leading the discussions on reforming it. Meanwhile, the WTO would also not be able to look into the appeals lodged by Washington since the top appeals bench has been paralysed after the US blocked the appointment of new judges, reported Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

During a World Trade Organisation meeting on Friday (January 27), the United States and China engaged in a war of words as the latter called the former a “unilateral bully” and “supply chain disruptor”, reported Reuters.

During a World Trade Organisation meeting on Friday (January 27), the United States and China engaged in a war of words as the latter called the former a “unilateral bully” and “supply chain disruptor”, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, Washington reportedly accused Beijing of imposing “illegal unilateral retaliatory measures” on US exports. This comes as Washington had lodged an appeal against several WTO rulings which included China, Turkiye, Norway, and Switzerland after it was found that US metal tariffs breached global rules. “These troubling behaviours of the US have clearly depicted an image of the U.S. as a unilateral bully, a rule breaker, and a supply chain disruptor,” said China's ambassador to the WTO, Li Chenggang, while addressing a meeting on trade disputes, according to a copy of his speech procured by Reuters. Notably, several important rulings against the US have been made at the WTO in recent weeks. In addition to the metals ruling with China, Washington has also engaged in a dispute with Hong Kong over labelling which the US has since appealed and criticised both rulings. In reference to this, Li said, “China would have hoped that the US would show due self-restraint not to appeal every unfavourable panel report into the void, which the US itself has created.” Subsequently, in an interview with Reuters, Deputy United States Trade Representative Maria Pagan in an apparent downplaying of criticism from Beijing at the WTO meetings said, “You can call us whatever names you want…We are continuing to talk to China.” The US also said that it regretted the metal tariffs dispute with China and it is on the agenda of the meeting and accused Beijing of “illegal unilateral retaliatory measures” on Washington’s tariffs. However, Pagan also noted, “A WTO that serves to shield China’s non-market policies and practices is not in anyone’s interest”, reported Reuters citing a copy of her speech. Washington has also long criticised the trade organisation’s dispute resolution system for overreach and is currently leading the discussions on reforming it. Meanwhile, the WTO would also not be able to look into the appeals lodged by Washington since the top appeals bench has been paralysed after the US blocked the appointment of new judges, reported Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China calls US ‘unilateral bully’ amid exchange of accusations over disputes at WTO meeting

The raging feud between two former Indian captains today turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was &quot;living in a fool&#39;s world&quot; if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach&#39;s job. 
 
Being pipped by Anil Kumble for chief coach&#39;s post, Shastri created a controversy when he said that, Ganguly, part of the three-member high-powered Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was not present during his interview which he found to be &quot;disrespectful&quot;. 
 
Not one to pull back punches, a furious Ganguly today gave it back to Shastri questioning the former India all-rounder&#39;s &quot;seriousness&quot; while giving an interview while &quot;holidaying in Bangkok&quot;. 
 
&quot;I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. If Ravi Shastri feels that Sourav Ganguly was responsible for him not being the India coach, he is living in a fool&#39;s world,&quot; an angry Ganguly told TV channels today. 
 
One of India&#39;s most celebrated captains was even more terse while rebutting Shastri&#39;s suggestion that next time, he should be &quot;present&quot; when an interview is being conducted. 
 
&quot;It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available. My advice to Ravi is that when the coach of India is selected and one of the most important jobs, he should be in front of the committee and not sit in Bangkok and give a presentation while being on a holiday,&quot; Ganguly said. 
 
Taking a a dig at Shastri&#39;s casual approach, Ganguly said that the former Team Director could have been present in person &quot;especially when one of India&#39;s greatest cricketers of all time spoke for two hours. I am hurt because of personal attacks. 
 
&quot;I read in a couple of newspapers and chose to ignore it. I am extremely saddened that he went on air to express his view. Specially someone who has been in every BCCI committee for the last 20 years. He has been in my position for selecting the coach 10 years back. He is aware of everything. I informed BCCI on June 19th and I have got official mails. I will circulate those mails once I get a clearance from BCCI,&quot; Ganguly said. 
 
Ganguly then went onto add,&quot;I don&#39;t know whether he is serious or not serious, but I hope he was if he wanted one of the most important jobs in the game. But if he is talking about respect, then he should have been here as well.&quot; 
 
&quot;When you have a three-member committee and important people are involved in the decision making, then it is not just about Sourav Ganguly, so these personal remarks have been very saddening.&quot; 
 
On Shastri making comments on public domain against him, Ganguly said: &quot;He should have shown a bit more maturity, especially for someone who has been in such committees for more than 10 years.&quot; 
 
On Anil Kumble starting his stint as Indian coach, Ganguly said: &quot;I wish him all the luck. As I said he is the best in the world. He is one of the champions of Indian cricket and he will take this team forward.&quot; 
 
Ganguly did not give a direct answer to the queries about it his animosity with Shastri being an open secret in Indian cricket. 
 
&quot;From my side, I have never gone on to make any comments to the media.&quot; 
 
Ganguly then also gave his account of the itinerary of that day. 
 
&quot;I had informed BCCI that there was a CAB Working Committee meeting that day. Being a president of CAB, I had to chair the meeting.&nbsp;Also the notification for a Working Committee is always given 14 days in advance whereas this meeting was fixed two days in advance.&nbsp;Ravi&#39;s meeting was scheduled at 4:15 pm, and I guess Ravi has got that received as well. BCCI had sent him the time. 
 
&quot;Now while interviewing other candidates, it went past 5 pm and I came out of the meeting. Then Mister (Ajay) Shirke (BCCI secretary) called me and said that others (Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and co-ordinator Sanjay Jagdale) are requesting if they can continue (with the interviews). I said &#39;fine, let&#39;s do that as it happens everywhere in the world&#39;. That&#39;s exactly what happened and I feel comments are very personal in nature.&quot; 
 
(PTI)

Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying he's 'living in a fool's world' if he held him responsible for not getting coach job

The raging feud between two former Indian captains today turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was "living in a fool's world" if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach's job. Being pipped by Anil Kumble for chief coach's post, Shastri created a controversy when he said that, Ganguly, part of the three-member high-powered Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was not present during his interview which he found to be "disrespectful". Not one to pull back punches, a furious Ganguly today gave it back to Shastri questioning the former India all-rounder's "seriousness" while giving an interview while "holidaying in Bangkok". "I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. If Ravi Shastri feels that Sourav Ganguly was responsible for him not being the India coach, he is living in a fool's world," an angry Ganguly told TV channels today. One of India's most celebrated captains was even more terse while rebutting Shastri's suggestion that next time, he should be "present" when an interview is being conducted. "It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available. My advice to Ravi is that when the coach of India is selected and one of the most important jobs, he should be in front of the committee and not sit in Bangkok and give a presentation while being on a holiday," Ganguly said. Taking a a dig at Shastri's casual approach, Ganguly said that the former Team Director could have been present in person "especially when one of India's greatest cricketers of all time spoke for two hours. I am hurt because of personal attacks. "I read in a couple of newspapers and chose to ignore it. I am extremely saddened that he went on air to express his view. Specially someone who has been in every BCCI committee for the last 20 years. He has been in my position for selecting the coach 10 years back. He is aware of everything. I informed BCCI on June 19th and I have got official mails. I will circulate those mails once I get a clearance from BCCI," Ganguly said. Ganguly then went onto add,"I don't know whether he is serious or not serious, but I hope he was if he wanted one of the most important jobs in the game. But if he is talking about respect, then he should have been here as well." "When you have a three-member committee and important people are involved in the decision making, then it is not just about Sourav Ganguly, so these personal remarks have been very saddening." On Shastri making comments on public domain against him, Ganguly said: "He should have shown a bit more maturity, especially for someone who has been in such committees for more than 10 years." On Anil Kumble starting his stint as Indian coach, Ganguly said: "I wish him all the luck. As I said he is the best in the world. He is one of the champions of Indian cricket and he will take this team forward." Ganguly did not give a direct answer to the queries about it his animosity with Shastri being an open secret in Indian cricket. "From my side, I have never gone on to make any comments to the media." Ganguly then also gave his account of the itinerary of that day. "I had informed BCCI that there was a CAB Working Committee meeting that day. Being a president of CAB, I had to chair the meeting. Also the notification for a Working Committee is always given 14 days in advance whereas this meeting was fixed two days in advance. Ravi's meeting was scheduled at 4:15 pm, and I guess Ravi has got that received as well. BCCI had sent him the time. "Now while interviewing other candidates, it went past 5 pm and I came out of the meeting. Then Mister (Ajay) Shirke (BCCI secretary) called me and said that others (Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and co-ordinator Sanjay Jagdale) are requesting if they can continue (with the interviews). I said 'fine, let's do that as it happens everywhere in the world'. That's exactly what happened and I feel comments are very personal in nature." (PTI)

Former India captains engage in war of words

war-of-words

War Of Words, News on War Of Words, stories on War Of Words, articles on War Of Words, War Of Words stories at Wion, War Of Words news, War Of Words latest news

war of-words

War of Words, Fact Check Moments on White House Press Secy Leavitt

Israel calls for 'all possible sanctions' against Iran amid war of words at UNSC

China calls US ‘unilateral bully’ amid exchange of accusations over disputes at WTO meeting

Former India captains engage in war of words