Iranian military vows response to attack on ship in Red Sea
Iran will “definitely” respond to a recent attack on an Iranian ship in the Red Sea, a spokesman for the Islamic Republic’s military said Thursday.
Russia
Israel, Russia agree to cooperate on internal security matters
Israel and Russia on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on internal security matters.
World Powers, Iran Hold ‘Constructive’ Talks on Reviving Nuclear Deal
Iran and world powers held what they described as “constructive” talks on Tuesday and agreed to form working groups to discuss the sanctions Washington might lift and the nuclear curbs Tehran might observe as they try to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
Putin Signs Law that Paves the Way to Him Ruling Until 2036
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a controversial bill that opens the door for him to potentially remain in power until 2036.
Russia threatens US interests in Arctic with military buildup
As ice thaws in the Arctic, Russia is building up a military presence unseen since the end of the Cold War, as revealed by recent reports and confirmed by the Pentagon on Monday.
U.S. rushes to reassure Kyiv as tensions with Russia mount
The U.S. is expressing growing alarm over reports that Russian military forces are deploying along their border with Ukraine, as a largely frozen conflict has heated up again in recent months between the Kyiv government and separatist forces in the east strongly back by Moscow.
Populist Leaders Hungary, Poland, Italy Seek Nationalist Alliance
Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says he and populist leaders from Poland and Italy have agreed to work on a new nationalist political force in Europe.
US and NATO meet to discuss ‘Russia’s recent large-scale military activities’ near Ukraine
The United States and European allies are “discussing concerns” about Russia’s reported military buildup on the border of Ukraine, a senior State Department official said in a warning to Moscow.
US ready for ‘mutual’ steps as world powers to hold nuclear talks with Iran
World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced Thursday, in a development welcomed by Washington.
Armenia Condemns Azerbaijan For Demolishing Church
Armenia’s leading cultural authority accuses neighboring Azerbaijan of demolishing an Armenian Church in a disputed area.
Leaders Call For New World Order After Pandemic
More than 20 world leaders want all nations to unite under a new global settlement saying it is the only way to prevent future pandemics and stamp out nationalism. They made the appeal Tuesday in an open letter published in Britain’s the Daily Telegraph and publications such as Le Monde in France and El Pais in Spain.
EU, Britain Battle Over Vaccine Supplies
European Union leaders agreed to toughen export controls of coronavirus vaccines amid a row with Britain over deliveries. At an online summit attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, they also stressed the importance of a reliable global supply chain of COVID-19 jabs.
US President Biden Threatens To Change Senate Rules
U.S. President Joe Biden used his first news conference to threaten fundamental changes to Senate rules to battle Republican opponents and defend his controversial migration and China policies.
‘Done deal’: Turkey defies U.S., won’t give up Russian-made S-400 missile defense system
Turkey‘s purchase and installation of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system is a “done deal” despite vehement U.S. objections, top Turkish officials said Wednesday, once again openly defying Washington and deepening a rift between the NATO allies.
China, Russia officials meet in show of unity against EU, US
The foreign ministers of China and Russia affirmed their countries’ close ties at a meeting Tuesday, amid intense criticism and new Western sanctions against them over human rights.
Mideast quartet discusses reviving Israel, Palestinian peace talks
The Middle East quartet of mediators – the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations – discussed on Tuesday reviving “meaningful negotiations” between Israel and the Palestinians with the aim of a two-state solution.
Surge in US firearms imports in 2020
A new report estimates that the US in 2020 saw a 60% increase in personal firearm imports, compared to the same category of imports in 2019. Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) reported an estimated 6.4 million handgun and long-gun units were imported in 2020, a surge from 4.0 million in 2019. SAAF said its import estimates are based on raw data obtained from the International Trade Commission.
US-Russia Ties Nosedive After Biden-Putin Tit-for-Tat
The Kremlin on Thursday denounced U.S. President Joe Biden’s remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning it would rethink its approach to relations with Washington.
Iran, Russia and Turkey signal growing alliance
Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif was very content during a trip to Turkey on Friday. He said it was productive and smiled alongside his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. He said it was a “wonderful” trip where he spoke with his “brother Cavusoglu.”
Huge asteroid flying closer to Earth than the Moon
A particularly big asteroid will pass by Earth particularly close on Monday night, and the encounter will be streamed live online. Don’t worry: The flyby will be completely safe and doesn’t pose any risk to anything or anyone on Earth or any of our satellites. But asteroid 2021 EQ3 will come closer to Earth than our lone natural satellite.