Latest world news

UNSC Tightens Noose around North Korea

Published

9 years ago

September 12, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Russia and China supported the US move

United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution for imposing new sanctions on North Korea on Monday. This came within one week after Pyonyang carried out its sixth and largest nuclear test. US had initiated the sanctions resolution to curb North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile program.

The UN resolution is designed to accomplish six major goals: cap North Korea’s oil imports, ban textile exports, end additional overseas laborer contracts, suppress smuggling efforts, stop joint ventures with other countries and sanction designated North Korean government entities.

Reacting to the UN vote, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said, “Today, we are saying the world will never accept a nuclear armed North Korea, and today the Security Council is saying that if the North Korean regime does not halt its nuclear program, we will act to stop it ourselves.”

A North Korean official has reportedly told CNN that increased pressure from the US could mean North Korea faces “a very strong response, with unbearable consequences.” Hostile sanctions are like a delusion tantamount to expecting foolishly that the ocean would dry up, the official added. Pyongyang has not given any official reaction yet.

Meanwhile South Korea and Japan have expressed satisfaction with the UNSC’s vote to tighten the sanctions regime against North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

Pak Su-hyun, spokesman of the South Korean president, held a news conference on Tuesday and said Pyongyang needs to realize that a reckless challenge against international peace will bring about even stronger sanctions against it. It is significant that China and Russia agreed on the need for stronger restrictive measures than previous ones, the spokesman added.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe also said that he highly appreciates “a remarkably tough sanctions resolution.” He further said that “it is important to put an unprecedented level of pressure on North Korea to make it change its policies.” He warned that “It is up to the international community to see that these resolutions are implemented.”

The resolution was a watered down version of the initial US draft. It was reportedly revised for winning support of China and Russia.

The initial draft resolution called for a complete ban on exports of oil to North Korea and an asset freeze on leader Kim Jong Un, the Worker’s Party and the government of North Korea. But later US removed the full oil embargo, asset freeze, travel ban for Kim and softened the language on foreign workers and other issues.

Russia and China both have veto power as the permanent members of the Security Council and had expressed scepticism over the initial draft resolution. But after Monday vote Beijing supported the resolution.

Liu Jieyi, Ambassador of China at UN said, “China is consistently committed to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, to the peace and stability of the peninsula and to the solution of the issue through dialogue and consultation.”

Moreover, China’s Big Four state-owned banks have stopped providing financial services to the new North Korean clients.

Immediately after UNSC vote against Pyongyang, Peru’s foreign ministry has ordered North Korea’s ambassador to leave the country within five days. Earlier, Mexico had ejected Pyongyang’s representative from its soil.

The UN resolution will hugely impact the North Korean economy. It will result in a 30% decrease in oil imports by cutting off over 55% of refined petroleum products going from US to North Korea. It will also ban all textile exports resulting in a big jolt to the country’s economy. In 2016 North Korea earned $760 million through these sales. This was never touched by earlier UNSC sanction resolutions.

The UNSC resolution will prevent North Koreans from working abroad who have been earning over $ 500 million each year.

Ahead of the Security Council vote, Pyongyang had warned US that it would pay a “due price” for spearheading efforts on the sanctions and also stressed that its nuclear program was part of its “legitimate self-defensive measures.”

North Korea’s foreign ministry on Monday said, “The forthcoming measures to be taken by the DPRK will cause the US the greatest ‘pain and suffering’ it had ever gone through in its entire history.” The world will witness how DPRK tames the US gangsters by taking series of action tougher than they have ever envisaged, it added.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Trump approves nearly $9 billion weapons sales to Israel, UAE and other allies amid Iran tensions

The US has fast-tracked nearly $9 billion in weapons sales to Israel, UAE and other allies as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue despite a fragile ceasefire.

Published

6 days ago

May 2, 2026

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The United States has approved nearly $9 billion worth of weapons sales to key Middle Eastern allies, including Israel and the United Arab Emirates, amid ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The decision, cleared by the administration of Donald Trump, includes expedited military transfers to Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. The approvals were granted under an emergency provision, allowing authorities to bypass the usual congressional review process.

Emergency clearance amid ongoing conflict

Officials said the move was necessary due to the evolving security situation in the region, particularly as the conflict involving Iran continues despite a fragile ceasefire. The war, which began earlier in 2026, has heightened instability across West Asia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked emergency powers to fast-track the deals, citing urgent defence requirements for allied nations.

What the arms package includes

The approved package includes a mix of advanced defence systems and precision weapons:

Patriot missile defence replenishments worth over $4 billion for Qatar
Precision-guided weapon systems for multiple countries
Integrated battle command systems for Kuwait
Additional advanced weapons support for Israel and the UAE

The total value of these deals is estimated at over $8.6 billion, often rounded to nearly $9 billion.

Timing linked to iran war

The approval comes nearly nine weeks into the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, with tensions still high despite a ceasefire that has been in place for several weeks.

Analysts note that the move signals continued US military backing for its regional allies, particularly in strengthening air defence and precision strike capabilities during uncertain conditions.

Criticism and concerns

The decision to bypass congressional oversight has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly over transparency and the broader implications of increasing arms supplies in a conflict-prone region.

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Trump and Putin hold over 90-minute call, discuss Iran war and Ukraine conflict

Trump and Putin held a 90-minute call focusing on Iran tensions and the Ukraine conflict, with warnings over escalation and talks of ceasefire.

Published

1 week ago

April 30, 2026

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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation lasting more than 90 minutes, focusing on escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to official statements, the discussion was described as “frank and businesslike,” with both leaders addressing key global security concerns. A major part of the conversation centred on the situation involving Iran and developments in the Persian Gulf.

Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire related to Iran, suggesting that continued restraint could create space for negotiations and help stabilise the region. However, he also issued a strong warning, stating that renewed military action by the United States or Israel could lead to “extremely damaging consequences” not only for Iran but for the wider international community.

Ukraine conflict also discussed

The leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has continued for several years since Russia’s invasion in 2022. During the call, there were indications of potential efforts toward a temporary ceasefire, although no final agreement has been confirmed.

Reports suggest that the idea of a short-term pause in hostilities was explored, possibly linked to upcoming symbolic dates, but significant differences between the parties remain unresolved.

Focus on diplomacy amid global tensions

The call highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions involving both the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

While both sides acknowledged the importance of dialogue, the situation on the ground in both conflict zones remains complex, with no immediate resolution in sight.

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Trump rejects Iran peace plan as tensions rise, Tehran signals military readiness

Trump rejects Iran’s peace plan, keeping focus on nuclear concerns as Tehran signals readiness and tensions continue to rise.

Published

1 week ago

April 30, 2026

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U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from Iran aimed at easing ongoing tensions, signaling a continued deadlock between the two countries.

The proposal reportedly included steps linked to easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. However, the United States declined the offer, maintaining that any agreement must address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

Washington has made it clear that resolving nuclear issues remains a priority and that partial measures without broader commitments will not be accepted.

Nuclear issue remains central

The U.S. position continues to focus on preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Officials believe that without a comprehensive agreement, temporary arrangements could delay a long-term resolution.

The rejection of the proposal indicates that negotiations remain stalled, with both sides holding firm on key demands.

Iran issues warning

Following the rejection, Iranian officials have issued strong statements, indicating readiness to respond if pressure from the U.S. continues.

Reports suggest that Iran has asserted its military preparedness, warning that any escalation could lead to serious consequences. The remarks reflect growing tensions as diplomatic efforts struggle to produce results.

Rising geopolitical tension

The situation remains volatile, with both countries engaged in a prolonged standoff. Measures such as restrictions on trade routes and strategic pressure points continue to impact the broader region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical factor in the conflict, given its importance for global energy supplies.

Outlook uncertain

With no immediate breakthrough in sight, tensions between the United States and Iran are expected to persist. The lack of agreement on key issues, particularly the nuclear programme, continues to hinder progress toward de-escalation.