06 March 2018 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 06 Mar 2018 [PDF]

U.S. Calls On Afghan Taliban To Take Ghani Peace Offer 'Seriously' RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- The United States is calling on the Taliban to give "serious" consideration to an offer for peace talks extended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last week.

Pentagon Waiting to Release Results of Investigation into Deadly Niger Ambush VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- U.S. lawmakers are no closer to getting a look at the completed report on an ambush by an Islamic State-affiliated group that killed four U.S. special forces soldiers last October in Niger.
US Troops in Niger Ambush Were Acting Without Command Authorization - Reports Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The Pentagon's investigation into the deadly Tongo Tongo ambush in Niger that left four US soldiers and five Nigerien allies dead has revealed some disturbing findings. Reportedly, the American strike team did not receive senior command approval to undertake the risky mission after which they were ambushed.

Defense Policy / Programs

Vice Chairman Highlights Importance of Nuclear Deterrence AFPS 06 Mar 2018 -- The recent Nuclear Posture Review ensures the United States can match any nuclear threat, including that of a low-yield nuclear weapon, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
Speedier Acquisition Needed to Stay Competitive, Defense Official Says AFPS 06 Mar 2018 -- The Defense Department needs to speed its acquisition processes and allow decisions at a lower level if it wants to stay competitive, the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering said today.
Africom Continues Efforts for Stable, Secure Continent AFPS 06 Mar 2018 -- U.S. Africa Command's commander said today that his command will continue its strategy of "by, with and through" partner nations on the continent.
US Navy, JMSDF Participate in MultiSail 2018 NNS 06 Mar 2018 -- Units and personnel from the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) are scheduled to participate in the annual bilateral training exercise MultiSail 2018, Mar. 8-14.
Nimitz Enters Drydock NNS 06 Mar 2018 -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) shifted from its homeport pier at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton to a dry dock at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton site, March 1.
USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) Underway for Pre-Season Tactical Workout NNS 06 Mar 2018 -- Sailors and Marines from the USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed Naval Base San Diego yesterday, Monday, March 5, in a first for the Navy's Surface Warfare community - an ARG Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise.
USS Laboon Enters U.S. 6th Fleet NNS 06 Mar 2018 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) entered the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations March 1, to conduct a routine deployment in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increased theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations.
AFRICOM Commander Testifies Before House Committee USMC News 06 Mar 2018 -- Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander of U.S. Africa Command, testified before the House Armed Services Committee on national security challenges and U.S. military activities in Africa, March 6, 2018.
Lockheed Martin Vows Better Flight Availability Soon for Troubled F-35s Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Lockheed Martin's F-35 executive director is making new promises about the problem-plagued fifth-generation fighter jet in the wake of recent revelations that only half of the US' 280-aircraft fleet is available to fly if called upon.
US Mulls Opportunities to Cooperate With China at Military Base in Djibouti Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The Chinese military base in Djibouti provides an opportunity to work with the nearby US military base on issues such as humanitarian medical relief, even as the US closely monitors China's likely counterintelligence activities in the African port, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) head Gen. Thomas Waldhauser said on Tuesday.

NATO Secretary General: Jordan is a key partner, contributing to regional stability NATO 06 Mar 2018 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Jordan's contributions to regional and international security during an official visit to Amman on Tuesday (6 March 2018). Meeting with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the Secretary General stressed that NATO remains committed to the international fight against terrorism, and to working with Jordan to make the region more secure.
NATO Secretary General visits Iraq, praises Allied trainers and Iraqi forces NATO 06 Mar 2018 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg began an official visit to Iraq on Monday (5 March 2018), paying a visit to NATO's training facilities in Besmaya.
NATO staying in Iraq at Baghdad request: Alliance chief Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- The NATO chief said the Western military alliance will stay in Iraq at its government's request "as long as necessary" just days after the Arab country's lawmakers called for the withdrawal of foreign troops following the defeat of Daesh terrorists.

Russia Working on Military Satellite Grouping to Counter US Space Warfare Plans Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The Russian military's announcement comes just two weeks after remarks by US Air Force top brass that America must prepare to fight and win wars in outer space.
Kyrgyz President Says Russia Undecided On Second Military Base RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia has not decided yet whether it needs another military base in Kyrgyzstan, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on March 6.

China defends increase in defense spending as proportionate Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- China has defended a recent increase in its 2018 defense budget, saying the hike is a reasonable compared to the United States.
China Tests Reusable Hypersonic Spacecraft With Military, Civilian Applications Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Chinese researchers recently tested a demonstration version of a reusable, hypersonic spacecraft in the vast Gobi Desert in late February as part of a major push to become one of the leaders in space exploration, according to a new report.
China Upholds Its Military Budget Rise, Rejects 'Usual Suspects' Finger-Pointing Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Beijing's announcement of an 8.1 percent rise in defense spending for 2018 has already alarmed the US and China's immediate neighbors, including Japan and self-ruled Taiwan.
China Building Trenches and Helipads at Doklam - Indian Defense Minister Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- India's defense ministry has informed the nation's parliament about the massive infrastructure construction by the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Doklam plateau, which was the site of a bitter standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese forces last year.

3 Iranian warships berth in Mumbai Port Trust IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Three Iranian warships berthed in Mumbai Port Trust to promote relations between two countries.
Iran not waiting for EU-Zionist permission on defense issues IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Government spokesman Mohammad Baqer Nobakht said that Iran's actions in connection with defensive power is not pending on the call of the Zionist regime and the European Union and there is no topic for discussion on the table.
No one has right to start dialogue on Iran's missile defense power with foreigners: Gen. Jazayeri ISNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Iran's Armed Forces spokesman emphasized that the country will continue to strengthen its defensive power.

Japan Appoints First Woman to Command Navy Warship Squadron Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Ahead of the International Women's Day, the Asian economic giant, whose gender equality profile has been rated worst among the Group of Seven, has made a historic move in the field.

Erdogan Slams NATO's Negative Reaction to S-400 Deal With Russia Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday accused NATO of having double standards following the alliance's reaction to Ankara buying an anti-aircraft S-400 missile system from Russia.

Defence Secretary reaffirms commitment to Daesh's total defeat in meeting with Iraqi counterpart UK MOD 06 Mar 2018 -- RAF jets continue to strike Daesh in Iraq and Syria

Tillerson: China's Approach to Africa Encourages Dependency VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- Hours before embarking on a his first official visit to Africa, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States is committed to building on a "strong foundation of U.S.-Africa relations" and accused China of "encouraging dependency" in its approach to the continent.
U.S.-Africa Relations: A New Framework US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2018 -- Remarks by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State
Department Press Briefing - March 6, 2018 US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2018

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for March 06, 2018

Other Conflicts

6 March 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Mar 2018

Taiwan fishing boat chased off by Japanese could face license suspension CNA 06 Mar 2018 -- A Taiwanese fishing boat that was chased off by Japanese patrol vessels from waters near the disputed Diaoyutai Islands over the weekend could have its license suspended, the head of Taiwan's Fisheries Agency (FA) said Tuesday.
Taiwan will protect its fishermen: Taiwan's envoy to Japan CNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Taiwan's top envoy to Japan declared Tuesday the government's stance on the latest maritime dispute between the two nations, saying that Taiwan will protect its fishermen and defend its national sovereignty, but will also undertake a self-review.

Turkey to build refugee camp in Syria's Idlib Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Turkey says it is building a camp for refugees inside the Syrian territory as it seeks to allay concerns about its devastating campaign against Kurdish militants, which has forced hundreds of thousands out of their homes.
Turkey expects US to take back weapons handed to Syria-based Kurdish militants: Foreign Ministry Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Turkey says it wants the United States to take back the weapons it has given to Syria-based Kurdish militants, whom Ankara considers a threat to its security, and will discuss the issue with American officials in an upcoming meeting.

Army regains control over al-Muhamadyia town, continues to advance in Eastern Ghouta IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Army units achieved a new advancement in their operations against Jabhat al-Nusra and the groups affiliated to it in Damascus countryside and they continued to ensure the safety of the corridor assigned for the exit of the besieged civilians from Ghouta towards al-Wafideen camp to transport them to the temporary housing shelter in al-Dwair.
7 civilians injured in fresh mortar shelling attacks in Damascus IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Seven civilians were injured on Tuesday in a fresh shelling attack on Bab Touma neighborhood and Jaramana City in Damascus and its countryside by Jabhat al-Nusra and the groups affiliated to it which are positioned in some areas in Ghouta.
Syrian Army continues operations against terrorists in Ghouta IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Syrian Arab Army units on Monday continued military operations against Jabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist groups affiliated to it in Eastern Ghouta in Damascus Countryside, in parallel with continuing to secure the safe corridor for the evacuation of civilians from Ghouta.
Turkey, Russia, Iran FMs to meet in Astana on March 16 ISNA 06 Mar 2018 -- The foreign ministers of Turkey, Russia and Iran will meet in the Kazakh capital on March 16 to discuss progress over the last year of the Astana process for Syria peace, Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Trump considered new military action against Syrian govt.: Report Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has considered new military action against the Syrian government on the allegations that it has used chemical weapons against militants, according to officials, raising the prospect of a second US strike on the government in less than a year.
US-led strikes killed 150 Syrian civilians in March 2017: UN Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria says at least 150 civilians lost their lives in the US-led coalition's airstrikes on a school in the northern Syrian city of Raqqah in March 2017.
Foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, Turkey to meet on Syria crisis in Kazakhstan Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- The Iranian, Russian and Turkish foreign ministers plan to hold a meeting in Kazakhstan's capital of Astana next week in line with the three countries' efforts to pave the way for ending the nearly seven years of war in Syria.
Russia rejects 'unfounded' reports of Syria using chemicals Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia has rejected allegations that the Syrian government is using chemical weapons, stressing that only an international body can rule on the issue based on an "impartial" probe.
Russian An-26 plane crashes in Syria, all 32 onboard killed IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- According to preliminary information, a technical malfunction led to the aircraft crashing near the Russian military's Hmeimim Air Base in the Syrian province of Latakia.
Russian cargo plane crashes in eastern Syria, 39 killed Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says a cargo plane operated by the Russian military has crashed in Syria, killing at least 39 people on board.
Russia offers militants safe passage out of Syria's Eastern Ghouta Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia says it has offered anti-Damascus militants safe passage out of the Eastern Ghouta region, which they have been using as a launch pad for deadly terrorist attacks on civilians in the Syrian capital.
Death Toll In Russian Plane Crash In Syria Rises To 39 RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has raised the death toll from a military transport plane crash near the Hmeimim air base in Syria to 39.
Syrian forces continue to rid Eastern Ghouta from terrorists Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Syrian government troops have made major gains on their path of freeing Eastern Ghouta from terrorist groups.
Red Cross Says Violence Halts Aid Delivery To Syria's Ghouta RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) says it was forced to halt aid delivery to the rebel-held enclave of eastern Ghouta in Syria the previous day after the security situation worsened while aid workers were on the ground.
Official: Syria Militants Organize Chem Arms Provocations to Push West to Attack Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The armed groups acting in Syria's Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, organize provocations with the use of chemical weapons in order to prepare the ground for a military intervention by Western nations, an adviser to the Syrian information minister told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Syrian Democratic Forces Sending Fighters to Afrin to Help YPG Fight Turks Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The Turkish Armed Forces have been carrying out the Olive Branch military operation in northern Syria since January 20 in order to eradicate Kurdish armed factions which Ankara considers to be terrorists.
Russian An-26 Plane Crashes in Syria, All 39 Onboard Killed - Military Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The military investigation bodies of the Russian Investigative Committee have launched a criminal case on violation of flight or preflight regulations after the crash of the Russian transport aircraft near the Hmeymin Air Base in the Syrian province of Latakia.
Militants in E Ghouta Shell Damascus: 15 Reportedly Injured, Three Killed Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Earlier, UN Security Council adopted resolution which requires all parties to end the clashes and provide a humanitarian pause throughout Syria. However, the militants have continued the shelling.
Syrian Army Opens Humanitarian Corridor for Militants in E Ghouta - Russian MoD Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The shelling of the Syrian suburb of Damascus, Eastern Ghouta, continues, as the terrorists in the region refuse to give up and surrender.
Victims of Syrian conflict 'denied any meaningful justice,' says UN-mandated panel UN News 06 Mar 2018 -- The brutal conflict in Syria has not only claimed civilians as unintentional victims but has seen all the warring parties deliberately target them through unlawful methods of warfare with complete impunity, a new report by a United Nations-mandated inquiry on the war-ravaged country has said.
Russia May Be Guilty of War Crime in Syria, UN Investigators Say VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- A report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria suggests an attack on a densely populated civilian area in Aleppo by the Russian air force may amount to a war crime.
Fighting Rages On in Ghouta, One Day Before UN Meeting on Syrian Violence VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- Heavy fighting continued unabated Tuesday in the Syrian rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta, one day before the U.N. Security Council meets to discuss the escalating violence.
US Coalition Asks for Pause in Hostilities in Northwest Syria VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- The U.S.-led coalition battling the Islamic State (IS) is asking for a pause in fighting in Northwest Syria where the Turkish government and its allied Syrian militias are fighting Kurdish forces in the town of Afrin.

Sri Lanka's president declares emergency amid anti-Muslim violence Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena has declared a nationwide state of emergency after Buddhist mobs attacked mosques and businesses belonging to Muslims.

AMISOM Warns of Increased Al-Shabab Ambushes VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- Al-Shabab attacks against African Union peacekeepers and Somali government forces could worsen as troops try to reopen Somalia's main supply roads, currently cut off by the militants, a spokesman for the peacekeepers warns.

Report: Some Top Officials in South Sudan Profit from War Proceeds VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- South Sudan's first lady Mary Ayen Mayardit and Stephen Dhieu Dau, the country's finance minister, have been identified in a new report as individuals fueling and profiting from violence in South Sudan.

UN: Myanmar continuing 'ethnic cleansing' of Rohingya Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- A United Nations (UN) official says the "ethnic cleansing" of the Rohingya Muslim community is continuing in Myanmar, despite denials by the government in Naypyidaw of any violence against the minority Muslims.
'No other conclusion,' ethnic cleansing of Rohingyas in Myanmar continues – senior UN rights official UN News 06 Mar 2018 -- The "frenzied" scale of unspeakable violence against the minority Muslim Rohingya community in Myanmar has shifted to a "lower intensity campaign of terror and forced starvation," seemingly intended to drive the remaining Rohingyas from their homeland, a senior United Nations human rights official has warned.
UN: Myanmar's Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingyas Continues VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- A United Nations official says Myanmar security forces continue to subject the remaining Rohingya Muslims in northwest Rakhine state to human rights abuses.

Mounting Inter-Ethnic Tensions in DRC's Kasai Region Threaten New Violence VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- The U.N. refugee agency warns mounting inter-ethnic tension in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo threatens to plunge the region into renewed violence, with fears of more civilian displacement.
DR Congo: Flaring tensions could 'plunge Kasai region into new violence,' UN warns UN News 06 Mar 2018 -- The United Nations refugee agency warned Tuesday that ongoing instability in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) poses a grave risk to civilian safety, including for several hundred refugees recently returned there from Angola.

News Reports

US Intel Chief: No 'Coherent Strategy' to Thwart 2018 Russian Election Meddling VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- U.S. intelligence chief Dan Coats said Tuesday the U.S. government has yet to put in place any "coherent strategy" to thwart any Russian interference in the November congressional elections, even though it is "highly likely" that Moscow will engage in a campaign of disruption, just as it did in the 2016 presidential election.
U.S. Intelligence Chief: Russia Will Meddle in U.S. Midterm Elections RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- A top U.S. intelligence official has predicted that Russia plans to interfere in the upcoming U.S. congressional elections, but says officials are unsure exactly how and when.
Intel Chiefs Tell Senate Committee of Dangers to America AFPS 06 Mar 2018 -- These are dangerous times, and the threat of war is greater now than at any time since the end of the Cold War, the director of national intelligence told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

Another Steele revelation: Russia 'Blocked' Mitt Romney as Secretary of State Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Christopher Steele, a former British MI6 spy and renowned author of the Trump Dossier, reveals that Moscow reportedly had influence on US President Donald Trump when he was in the process of deciding his secretary of state, namely that the Russians vetoed Mitt Romney.

US sanctions on Russia coming soon: American Treasury Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has announced that the steps ordered by Congress for sanctions against Russia will be imposed in coming weeks.
Putin Adviser Says Russia Ready To Deal With Internet Cutoff RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- An adviser to President Vladimir Putin has raised the prospect that the West may seek to disconnect Russia from the global Internet and said that Moscow is ready to deal with such a development if it occurs.

Former Russian spy gravely ill in 'suspicious' UK incident Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- A former Russian spy has reportedly fallen critically ill in the UK after exposure to an "unknown substance," British media say.
Britain Warns Russia, Vows 'Robust' Response If State Behind Ex-Spy's Illness RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Britain will respond "robustly" if any foreign government was behind the sudden and severe illness of a former Russian spy and his daughter, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said, warning that no attempt to take a life on U.K. soil will go unpunished.
Name Your Poison -- Exotic Toxins Fell Kremlin Foes RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- The sudden illness in Britain of a Russian man convicted of spying for London has drawn comparisons with another poisoning in the United Kingdom -- the assassination in 2006 of Russian former-spy-turned-Kremlin-critic Aleksandr Litvinenko, who was found by a British public enquiry to have been poisoned by Russian state agents.
Russian Double Agent in Critical Condition After Exposure to 'Unknown Substance' Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- At least two people, including a former double agent who spied on Russia for the British, have been hospitalized after being exposed to an "unknown substance." The two individuals were transported to a local medical facility and are currently in critical condition.
Britain Threatens 'Robust' Response If Russia Behind Spy Poisoning VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- Britain has threatened a "robust" response if it is proven that Russia is behind the apparent attempted killing of a former double agent.

Chinese president stresses focus of developing high-quality economy People's Daily 06 Mar 2018 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday the focus of high-quality economic development should be placed on transforming and upgrading industries.

Imposition of Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act Sanctions on North Korea US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2018 -- On February 22, 2018, the United States determined under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (CBW Act) that the Government of North Korea used the chemical warfare agent VX to assassinate Kim Jong Nam, in the Kuala Lumpur airport.
Kim Jong Un Meets Delegation of Special Envoy of S. Korean President KCNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, received the members of a delegation of special envoy of the south Korean president who arrived in Pyongyang on Monday.
Kim Jong Un Hosts Dinner for Members of Special Envoy Delegation of S. Korean President KCNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, Monday hosted a dinner for the members of the delegation of the special envoy of the south Korean president on a visit to Pyongyang.
Top DPRK leader reaches "satisfactory" agreement with envoy over S. Korean president's intention for summit People's Daily 06 Mar 2018 -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has made "a satisfactory agreement" with the South Korean envoy over a summit intention, Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday.
North Korea offers to give up nukes in exchange for security guarantees Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- North Korea has said it would consider abandoning nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees, a South Korean envoy says.
North, South Korean Presidents Agree To Hold April Summit RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- South Korea says it has agreed with North Korea to hold summit talks between the two countries' presidents in late April.
Satellites Reportedly Detect Signs of Activity at North Korean Nuclear Facility Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Satellites have detected signs of activity of one of the North Korean Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center's reactors, which might indicate that the country has resumed the plutonium production, 38 North website reported on Tuesday.
'Protect the momentum' and seize opportunities offered by latest inter-Korean talks, urges UN chief UN News 06 Mar 2018 -- Welcoming the progress in the latest talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, the United Nations Secretary-General has highlighted the need to utilize the opportunities it offers to find a peaceful path forward.
Trump: US 'Willing to Go Either Way' with North Korea VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- President Donald Trump said the United States is "willing to go either way" in response to North Korea's development of nuclear-tipped missiles, adding "hopefully it's going to be the proper way."
Statement from Vice President Mike Pence on North Korea The White House 06 Mar 2018

Dr Rouhani in a meeting with French FM: JCPOA a test for both sides, breaching it to bring regret to everyone ISNA 06 Mar 2018 -- President of the Islamic Republic of Iran referred to the historical, friendly Tehran-Paris relations in various fields such as trade, economy, industry, agriculture, culture, transportation and energy, and said, "The two governments of Iran and France are determined to establish and develop comprehensive, solid and friendly relations between the two countries".
Iran FM: EU should compel US to abide by JCPOA ISNA 06 Mar 2018 -- Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif published a report on his Twitter account about his meeting with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Tehran.
Netanyahu launches another tirade against Iran at AIPAC Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that Iran is responsible for "darkness descending" on the Middle East, hailing the US administration's threat to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries.
Israel to Prevent Iran From Building Missile Factories in Syria, Lebanon - PM Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- Israel will stop Iran from developing or building factories in Syria and Lebanon for the construction of missiles that would be used to attack Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday in Washington, DC.

China to launch Long March-5B rocket in 2019 People's Daily 06 Mar 2018 -- China will launch the Long March-5B carrier rocket into space in 2019, according to a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO).

Another ex-aide to testify against Netanyahu in graft case Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Another former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to turn in evidence against him and his wife in a high-profile corruption case that is likely to end Netanyahu's political career.

Cuba condemns US Embassy staff cuts Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Cuba has condemned the United States' move to make permanent the withdrawal of 60 percent of the American Embassy staff in Havana over mysterious ailments affecting some diplomats there.

Taiwan to roll out strategy in response to China's proposed incentives CNA 06 Mar 2018 -- The government will announce measures next week in response to Beijing's recent offer of a raft of incentives aimed at attracting Taiwanese investment and talent into China, Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday.
China's new incentives aimed at annexing Taiwan: premier CNA 06 Mar 2018 -- A set of incentive measures targeted at Taiwanese citizens that were recently unveiled by Beijing are aimed at eventually annexing Taiwan, Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday.

Turkish court sentences 65 to life in prison over 2016 botched putsch Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced 65 former military personnel to life imprisonment on charges of involvement in the July 2016 coup attempt, which the Ankara government says was orchestrated by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Fernandez Faces Trial On Charges Of Covering Up Iran's Role In Bombing RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Former Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will face trial on charges she covered up Iran's role in a 1994 bombing at a Jewish center in Buenos Aires that killed dozens, judicial authorities said.

Party Pooper: Turkmen President A No-Show For Central Asian Summit RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- The first Central Asian summit in many years is due to take place in Astana on March 15-16, and it was shaping up to be an epic event.

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