U.S. boosts defensive capabilities in Middle East amid rising Israel-Iran tensions
Amid rising Israel-Iran tensions, the U.S. has ordered additional military deployments to bolster its defense posture in the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that removing Russia from what was once the G8 was a “very big mistake,” claiming the ongoing war in Ukraine could have been avoided if Moscow had remained at the table. He also suggested China’s inclusion in the G7 could be considered.
Speaking at the Group of Seven summit in Canada, President Donald Trump criticized the decision made nearly a decade ago to expel Russia from the then-G8 bloc, saying it led to greater global instability and may have contributed to the current war in Ukraine.
“The G7 used to be the G8,” Trump told reporters. “Barack Obama and a person named [Justin] Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in, and I would say that that was a mistake because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in.”
Trump went on to argue that had he been president four years earlier, the conflict in Ukraine would not have occurred, reiterating his belief that diplomacy with adversaries is preferable to exclusion. “You have your enemy at the table. He wasn’t really an enemy at that time.”
Asked whether Russia should now be readmitted, Trump was noncommittal: “I’m not saying he should at this point, because too much water has gone over the dam maybe.”
The U.S. President also weighed in on the possible expansion of the G7 to include China. “Well, it’s not a bad idea. I don’t mind that,” Trump said, adding that while China doesn’t often engage in dialogue at summits, “you want to have people that you can talk to.”
The G8 became the G7 after Russia’s removal, and current members include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Amid rising Israel-Iran tensions, the U.S. has ordered additional military deployments to bolster its defense posture in the Middle East.
The U.S. is considering joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran, with President Trump expected to make the final decision. CENTCOM supports involvement, but senior officials are divided on the move.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said expelling Russia from the G8 was a “mistake,” suggesting the absence of Moscow complicated global diplomacy, and expressed openness to the idea of China joining the group.
Kazakhstan has named China’s CNNC as a strategic partner in its nuclear power expansion plans, signaling deeper energy cooperation between the two countries.
The United States has redirected the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz from a scheduled stop in Vietnam to the Middle East, amid rapidly escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment