Israel Rushes Aid To Quakes-Hit Turkey, Syria
As Turkey’s president defended his government’s perceived slow response to massive earthquakes, Israel was rushing to provide aid to Turkey and neighboring Syria.
sanctions
Senators want to block Turkey F-16 sale until NATO expansion succeeds
More than a quarter of the Senate sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Thursday threatening to tank a $20 billion arms sale that includes 40 Lockheed Martin Block 70 F-16 fighter jets and upgrades to Turkey’s current fleet so long as Ankara continues to block Sweden and Finland from joining NATO.
Hungary’s Premier: ‘Dissolve EU Parliament’
As European legislators prepared for their long Christmas holidays, Hungary’s prime minister advised them not to return.
Alleged Lockerbie Bomb Maker In US Custody
A former Libyan intelligence officer accused of preparing the bomb that brought down Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, killing 270 people, is in U.S. custody after a spectacular operation.
US: ‘Russia, Iran Have Full-Fledged Defense Partnership’
The U.S. warns that Russia and Iran’s relationship has turned into a “full-fledged” defense partnership adding to concerns their cooperation will lead to more bloodshed in Ukraine and elsewhere, including Israel.
Jailed Belarus Opposition Leader Hospitalized
A prominent Belarusian opposition leader serving an 11-year prison sentence for helping organize anti-government protests was in stable condition Wednesday after being rushed to hospital, her family and allies say.
Biden gives Chevron permit to restart Venezuelan oil sales
The Treasury Department granted permission Saturday for oil giant Chevron to produce and export oil from Venezuela following the South American country’s decision to restart talks with opposition groups.
Hungary Delaying NATO Expansion Seeks Israel’s Defense
Hungary’s controversial prime minister says his country will only consider ratifying NATO military alliance membership of Finland and Sweden next year.
Fire, Shootings At Iran Prison Kills Four
A fire at one of Iran’s most notorious prisons where Christians and political activists are among inmates has killed at least four people and injured 61 others, Iranian authorities acknowledged Sunday.
Russia Warns It Will Recapture Lost Land In Ukraine
Russia said Wednesday that it would recapture areas of annexed territory that fell back into Ukrainian control. Moscow’s warning came as Ukraine continued its counter-offensive, leaving thousands of Russian troops running for their lives.
Iran to join Russia, China-led group in bid to dodge Western sanctions: report
Iran will look to join an Asian security group headed up by Russia and China in a move that further solidifies ties between the countries and aims to limit Western influence in the region.
U.S. considers China sanctions to deter Taiwan action, Taiwan presses EU
The United States is considering options for a sanctions package against China to deter it from invading Taiwan, with the European Union coming under diplomatic pressure from Taipei to do the same, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Russia Threatens To Halt Grain Amid Drills With China
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear he could impose a new naval blockade in the Black Sea, halting grain exports after he oversaw military drills with China and other nations.
Iran-backed militants launch rocket attacks on US bases in Syria
In a continued series of recent back-and-forth attacks between the US and Iran-backed militants, three American service members were injured Wednesday during rocket attacks by Iran-backed groups on two US military bases in northeastern Syria, the Washington Times reports.
Against the odds, Biden inches closer to nuclear deal with Iran
The Biden administration on Wednesday inched closer to restarting a controversial nuclear deal with Iran, brushing aside stark warnings from key American ally Israel and sidestepping mounting evidence that Tehran and its proxies have not moderated their behavior on other fronts and remain intent on targeting U.S. troops, officials, allies and interests.
Iran responds to ‘final’ nuclear talks proposal, after urging US ‘flexibility’
Iran has responded to the European Union’s “final” draft text to revive its 2015 nuclear accord with world powers, according to a European official, after Tehran urged the United States to be flexible in resolving three outstanding issues.
Millions Flee As Tensions Rise Over Nuclear Power Plant
The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said Tuesday that more than 10.5 million people had fled war-torn Ukraine, where the threat of a nuclear disaster looms.
Russia halts U.S. inspections of its nuclear arsenals
Russia on Monday announced a freeze on U.S. inspections of its nuclear arsenals under a pivotal arms control treaty, claiming that Western sanctions have hampered similar tours of U.S. facilities by Russian monitors.
Iran has installed three IR-6 centrifuges at enrichment plant
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog said in a report to member states Wednesday that Iran has finished installing three advanced IR-6 centrifuges at its Natanz fuel enrichment plant, Israel Hayom reports.
Iran, US, EU envoys heading to Vienna as nuclear talks expected to resume
Iran said Wednesday it was sending a delegation to Vienna to resume talks to revive the frayed 2015 agreement on its nuclear program that have been halted since March.
