Reports: ‘Chinese State Security Official Escapes To U.S.’
The world appeared a step closer Tuesday to learn about the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak amid reports that a senior Chinese state security official defected to the United States.
World News
U.S. to impose more sanctions on Russia, following Navalny imprisonment, recent cyber attacks
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the U.S. will impose more sanctions on Russia in response to recent cyber attacks and the poisoning and imprisonment of Russian President Vladimir Putin political rival Alexei Navalny.
Russia Blames Lack Of Vaccinations On Rising In COVID-19 Cases
Russia’s government has blamed a surge in COVID-19 cases on reluctance among Russians to have vaccinations amid concerns about side effects. Critics also point out that it usually takes years to develop vaccines, while Russia was the first country to announce a coronavirus jab.
US to continue talks on rejoining Iran deal, although says Raisi election was unfair
The United States has said it will continue indirect talks with Iran on rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal, despite asserting that the June 18 election of ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran’s new president had not been a free and fair process, the Times of Israel reports. Raisi is viewed as an ally of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
War Weary Armenia Vote in Early Poll After Peace Deal
Armenians began voting Sunday in early parliamentary elections amid mounting tensions over their country’s military defeat in fighting against Azerbaijan over the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia’s acting prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, hopes the elections will restore trust in him.
Iran’s sole nuclear power plant undergoes unexplained emergency shutdown
Iran’s sole nuclear power plant underwent an unexplained temporary emergency shutdown, state TV reported on Sunday.
US to pull Patriot batteries from key MidEast countries
The US is moving up to eight Patriot air defense batteries from key countries in the Middle East, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Friday.
Top U.S. general warns of ‘wildfire of terrorism’ across Africa
A top U.S. general this weekend warned that a “wildfire of terrorism” is sweeping across Africa as the continent seems poised to become the new global epicenter for Islamic extremism.
Ayatolloah’s protege wins Iran presidency in questionable election
Iran’s hard-line judiciary chief won the country’s presidential election in a landslide victory Saturday, propelling the supreme leader’s protege into Tehran’s highest civilian position in a vote that appeared to see the lowest turnout in the Islamic Republic’s history.
Al Qaeda in Afghanistan could threaten U.S. homeland within two years, Pentagon warns
Al Qaeda in Afghanistan could regenerate and plot terrorist attacks against the American homeland within two years, possibly sooner if the insurgent Taliban overwhelm a fragile U.S.-backed government and take control of the country, top Pentagon officials warned Thursday.
Hong Kong police raid offices of pro-democracy paper, make arrests
Hundreds of police officers in Hong Kong swarmed the office of the pro-democracy Apple Daily on Thursday and arrested several executives in what was called a “blatant attack” on its editorial team.
Hungary’s Premier Defends Anti-LGTB Law As EU Pressure Mounts
Hungary’s embattled prime minister condemns mounting European Union criticism over a new homosexual and transgender law that he says protects children against pedophilia.
Global Online Outages Impact US Airlines, Australian Banks
U.S. airlines and Australian banks are among firms around the world suffering online outages.
Ultraconservative cleric expected to win Iran’s presidential election
Iran may be about to take an even harder stance against the West, as it is expected ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi will replace “moderate” President Hassan Rouhani in the country’s presidential election on June 18, the Times of Israel reports. After three of the seven candidates dropped out of the race on Wednesday, the election is widely viewed as a foregone conclusion in favor of Raisi, and a record low turnout is anticipated.
Hungary Says Anti-LGBT Law Protects Children
Hungary’s conservative government says a new law prohibiting sharing with minors any content portraying homosexuality or sex reassignment is linked to its fight against pedophilia.
Hundreds of vaccinated Indonesian health workers get COVID-19
More than 350 health care workers have become infected with COVID-19 in Indonesia and dozens hospitalized despite being vaccinated with China’s Sinovac shot, officials said.
Biden Says US Could Strike Russia in “Cyber Way”
U.S. President Joe Biden says he has made it clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin he would not accept more cyberattacks and election interference. Biden suggested that America could respond in a “cyber way.”
Iran says it has 6.5 kg of 60%-enriched uranium, inching closer to weapons-grade
Iran said Tuesday that it has produced 6.5 kilograms (14.3 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity and 108 kilograms of uranium enriched to 20% purity in five months, far ahead of the schedule set by a law passed earlier this year by Tehran.
Russia Denies Responsibility for Cyber Attacks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied Russia was the source of the hacking onslaught and claimed the United States was the biggest offender. “Russia is not even on the list,” he said, adding that offenders also included Canada and Britain.
US, Russia Ambassadors Return To Posts; Talks “Constructive”
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he and U.S. President Joe Biden have agreed to return their ambassadors to their posts in a bid to lower tensions.