U.S.-China trade talks start in Paris ahead of Trump-Xi summit
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials began a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to res...
Ambassador Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, stated on Tuesday that any potential agreement with Iran will only be completed if it aligns with the principles set out by former President Donald Trump.
The envoy emphasized that the deal must create a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East while ensuring that Iran halts its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.
In a statement released on social media, Witkoff outlined the U.S. government’s demands for a “tough, fair” agreement with Iran that guarantees long-lasting security. “A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal. Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East — meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program,” Witkoff said. “It is imperative for the world that we create a tough, fair deal that will endure, and that is what President Trump has asked me to do.”
The remarks reflect the U.S. administration’s ongoing approach to Iran, which aims to ensure that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are thoroughly addressed before any long-term agreement can be reached. While the specifics of the negotiations remain unclear, Witkoff’s statement signals the administration’s hardline stance on securing a comprehensive deal.
Witkoff’s call for a robust agreement aligns with Trump’s previous policies, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, a move that drastically shifted diplomatic relations with Tehran. While the Biden administration has pursued different approaches, the continuation of tough negotiations indicates the complexity and ongoing challenges in addressing Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional influence.
This statement also underscores the heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Iran’s nuclear developments remain a central issue for global security. As talks continue, all eyes are on the U.S. approach to striking a deal that could redefine the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its role in the region.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued veiled threats to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Hezbollah on Thursday (12 March), during his first press conference since the conflict with Iran began.
Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes on Friday (13 March), as the U.S. and French militaries reported deaths in Iraq, and the U.N. launched a $325 million appeal to help Lebanon, where a seventh of the population have left their homes since fighting began.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials began a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-launch of 12 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers on Saturday (14 March), state media KCNA said, after the United States and South Korea this week launched their annual large-scale military drills in South Korea.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday (14 March) that many countries are interested in purchasing Russian oil after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on certain exports.
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