08 May 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Success of First SFAB in Afghanistan Proves 'Army Got it Right,' Commander Says DoD News 08 May 2019 -- The 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade deployed in March 2018 to Afghanistan to carry out the inaugural mission for the newly-created SFAB concept. They brigade returned in November, and they now say their experience there has proven successful what the Army hoped to accomplish with the new kind of training units.
Huge explosion, gunfire hit Afghan capital Press TV 08 May 2019 -- A huge car bomb explosion and subsequent gunfire have hit the Afghan capital, Kabul, according to officials, with at least nine people having been injured.
Blast, Gunfire Heard As Taliban Militants Target Aid Group Office In Kabul RFE/RL 08 May 2019 -- Taliban militants have attacked the offices of an international aid group in central Kabul, setting off a huge blast and battling Afghan security forces, officials said.
Taliban Claims Responsibility for Kabul Blast Targeting Foreign NGOs Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Afghanistan's capital Kabul has seen intensified security since Taliban militants declared their annual spring offensive pledging to target Afghan government and foreign installations.
Taliban Attack on US-Funded Relief Group in Afghanistan Kills 5 VOA 08 May 2019 -- Officials in Afghanistan say a Taliban car bomb-and-gun attack against a U.S.-funded international relief organization Wednesday killed at least five people, including a police guard, and wounded 24 others.

Defense Policy / Programs

Army demonstrates extended ranges for precision munitions Army News 08 May 2019 -- The Army recently demonstrated extended ranges for the guided multiple launch rocket system, and two 155mm cannon artillery precision munitions.
SECNAV Stresses Urgency to Dominate Future Conflicts during Final Day of SAS 2019 NNS 08 May 2019 -- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer provided the keynote address during a luncheon on the final day of the annual Sea-Air-Space (SAS) exposition at the Gaylord National Convention Center, May 8, 2019.
NATO Partners Visit Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group NNS 08 May 2019 -- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military representatives from the European theater visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), flagship of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), May 7.
ABECSG Conducts CAS Exercise with Lithuanian Military NNS 08 May 2019 -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) and components of its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, along with the U.S. Air Force 603rd Air Control Squadron, and the British and Lithuanian Special Operations and Air Forces, participated in a close air support (CAS) exercise in Lithuanian airspace, May 6.
Pacific Partnership 2019 continues with welcoming ceremony in Vietnam NNS 08 May 2019 -- Senior mission leadership, host nation and partner nation personnel attended the opening ceremony of the sixth Pacific Partnership mission stop in Tuy Hoa on May 6.
Fleet Cyber Engages Industry at SAS 2019 NNS 08 May 2019 -- U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F) leaders participated in discussions during the Navy League's 2019 Sea-Air-Space Exposition at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., April 6-8.
SPAWAR Discusses the Importance of Digitizing Sea Power at Sea-Air-Space 2019 NNS 08 May 2019 -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) joined ten commands from across the Information Warfare (IW) Community to discuss the shift to a digital Navy at the Navy's Information Warfare Pavilion during the 2019 Sea-Air-Space Exposition at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland May 6-8.
US Marines Will Fly F-35Bs from British Aircraft Carrier in 2021 Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- A US Marine Corps F-35B squadron is going to serve the first-ever deployment on a foreign aircraft carrier by a US squadron in 2021, when it will set sail with the UK's HMS Queen Elizabeth.
US Struggles to Staff Cyber Defenсe 'Red Teams' - Shanahan Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- The US military is having difficulty staffing so-called red teams, which conduct fake cyberattacks to expose vulnerabilities, because of competition from the private tech industry, acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told Congress.

UK Drops Idea of "Budget Frigate" Amid Fears It Won't be Able to Defend Itself Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Instead, the government has found a way to reduce the costs of construction for contractors, hoping that now the deal on 5 ships can be closed by the end of 2019. The first vessel is expected to be ready in 2023.

PLA conducts live-fire exercise north of Taiwan Straits People's Daily 08 May 2019 -- The ongoing live-fire exercise of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) north of the Taiwan Straits is an annual arrangement to show China's ability to uphold its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, experts said.

Trump to Designate Brazil as Major Non-NATO Ally - White House Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said in a statement issued by the White House on Wednesday that the decision to recognize Brazil as a major non-NATO ally comes due to "Brazil's recent commitments to increase defense cooperation with the United States".
Message to the Congress on Designating Brazil as a Major Non-NATO Ally The White House 08 May 2019

DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Criticizes Some Forces for Making Issue of Its Routine and Self-Defensive Military Drill KCNA 08 May 2019 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on May 8 with regard to the fact that some forces are making an issue of the DPRK's recent military drill.
S. Korean Military Authorities Urged to Stop Nonsense KCNA 08 May 2019 -- A spokesman of the delegation of the DPRK's side for the north-south general-level military talks gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on May 8 as regards a litany of rhetoric let loose by south Korean military authorities over the recent reasonable strike drill of the Korean People's Army (KPA):

IAF Plans to Buy Israeli Bunker Buster Version of Spice-2000 Bombs – Report Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- The Indian Air Force reportedly conducted the Balakot strike in Pakistan using Mirage 2000 fighters armed with Spice-2000 penetrator bombs. Because the target was visually obscured by clouds, strike pilots were unable to use the electro-optical seeker in the Spice kits.

Turkish military servicemen to travel to Russia for S-400 training in late May: Report Press TV 08 May 2019 -- A Russian military source says Turkish military personnel are set to travel to Moscow later this month in order to participate in a training course on the operation of advanced S-400 air defense missile systems.

Remarks at Beginning of Religious Freedom Roundtable US Dept. of State 08 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State, and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 8, 2019

Other Conflicts

8 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 May 2019
Around 52 million in Near East, North Africa, suffering chronic undernourishment, new UN food agency report reveals UN News 08 May 2019 -- Hunger continues to rise as conflicts and protracted crises have worsened in the Near East and North Africa region (NENA), which is likely to affect food security for years to come, warned the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Wednesday.

China, Wary of US, Pushes to Accelerate Accident Prevention Deal in Disputed Sea VOA 08 May 2019 -- China and Southeast Asian countries that dispute sovereignty over a strategic Asian sea aim to speed up talks toward a code of conduct that would lower the risk of accidents and help keep the U.S. government out of the fray.

Even in Defeat, Islamic State's Foreign Fighters Expanding VOA 08 May 2019 -- It was March 2018, approximately five months after U.S.-backed forces had declared victory in the battle for the Islamic State terror group's Syrian capital of Raqqa. And Afghan officials had reason to worry.

US Extends National Emergency Regarding Syria, Leaves Sanctions in Place - WH Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump continued on Wednesday the national emergency with respect to Syria for an additional year leaving sanctions against Damascus in place, the White House said in a notice on Wednesday.
Kurdish-Led SDF Transfers IS Relatives to Home Countries VOA 08 May 2019 -- U.S.-backed Syrian forces have handed over more than 100 women and children of Islamic State (IS) fighters to their home countries, local officials told VOA.
Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria The White House 08 May 2019
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria The White House 08 May 2019

Blast targeting police checkpoint kills 9 in Pakistan's Lahore Press TV 08 May 2019 -- An explosion targeting a police checkpoint in the Pakistani city of Lahore has killed at least nine people and injured 24 others.

Speculation Grows in Turkey After Jailed Kurdish Leader Allowed to See Lawyers VOA 08 May 2019 -- Turkey's surprise move to allow Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), to meet with his lawyers after an eight-year hiatus is spurring speculation of a shift in Ankara's hard-line policy following the 2015 collapse in peace talks with the rebel group.

Israeli Paper Claims to Have DETAILS of US 'DEAL OF CENTURY' For Middle East Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- US President Trump and his administration have been working on the so-called "deal of the century" for some time now, but few details have been leaked to the press about its contents. The White House promises that the deal will become a permanent solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli newspaper publishes terms of US 'deal of century' on Palestine Press TV 08 May 2019 -- An Israeli Hebrew-language daily newspaper has published the main points of US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, dubbed "the deal of the century."
Determination Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act US Dept. of State 08 May 2019 -- "On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem officially opened for business. Now, as we near the first anniversary of that momentous event, I am pleased to report that I have provided my determination to Congress that the relevant elements of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 have been addressed. Accordingly, no further Presidential waiver of the funding restriction under the Act is necessary."
Hundreds of wounded Gaza protesters risk limb amputation without immediate help, warns top UN official UN News 08 May 2019 -- Millions of dollars in emergency funding is needed in Gaza to save the shattered limbs of some 1,700 people who have been seriously injured in demonstrations against Israel along the border fence, a top UN humanitarian official said on Wednesday.

Sahel crisis reaching unprecedented levels, warn top UN humanitarian officials UN News 08 May 2019 -- Repeated and increasingly sophisticated armed attacks in the Sahel and food shortages linked to last year's severe drought, have reached unprecedented levels, putting the future of a "whole generation" at stake, three top UN humanitarian officials said on Wednesday.

Cameroon: Hundreds of Militants, Terrorists Surrender VOA 08 May 2019 -- Authorities in Cameroon say 165 Anglophone separatists and Boko Haram terrorists have voluntarily surrendered in the past two months, while hundreds of other separatists have stopped fighting.

South Sudan's Kiir: More Time Needed to Form Interim Government VOA 08 May 2019 -- South Sudan's warring parties will need more than a six-month extension approved last week before they can form a transitional government, says the country's president, Salva Kiir.

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Central African Republic The White House 08 May 2019
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Central African Republic The White House 08 May 2019

News Reports

Senate Intel Committee Subpoenas Trump Jr Over Russian Probe - Report Sputnik 09 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr was subpoenaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee to answer questions regarding his previous testimony before Senate in respect to the Russian investigation, Axios reported citing sources familiar with the matter.

Venezuela to prosecute 7 lawmakers for supporting coup bid Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Venezuela's top court has ordered the prosecution of seven lawmakers for high treason and conspiracy through the supporting of a failed coup attempt against the government of President Nicolas Maduro last week.
Embassy: Moscow Clarified Russian Military Engineers' Goals in Venezuela for UK Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Russia has explained the aims its military engineers have in Venezuela and has clarified lawful reasons for sending them there to the United Kingdom, the Russian embassy in London said on Wednesday.
Bolton Pledges US Will Sever Ties Between Cuba and Venezuela Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Since the political crisis broke out in Venezuela, the US has backed self-proclaimed interim President Juan Guaido and slammed those who support the legitimate head of the country, Nicolas Maduro, including Cuba. Washington put extra-pressure on Havana in April with new restrictions.
Pence: US Removes All Sanctions on Venezuela Military Official Who Joined Guaido Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- The United States has lifted all sanctions on Venezuela's former intelligence service chief Gen. Manuel Cristopher Figuera after he broke ranks with President Nicolas Maduro last week to support opposition leader Juan Guaido, US Vice President Mike Pence said in a speech.
VP Pence Signals Rewards With a Warning in Venezuela Speech VOA 08 May 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence says the United States is lifting sanctions on Venezuela's former intelligence service, but warned the 25 magistrates of the country's supreme court of possible punishment and reiterated "all options are the table" to remove President Nicolas Maduro.

Sudan opposition urges civil disobedience over army's 'disappointing' stance Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Sudanese protest leaders have called for civil disobedience after the military's "disappointing" response to their proposals for a transitional period that they say is aimed to delay the transfer of power to a civilian authority.
Sudanese Protesters Vow to Keep Up Pressure During Ramadan VOA 08 May 2019 -- The youth volunteers unrolled long green carpets on Monday before distributing loaves of bread and bowls of stew to the seated faithful. Nearby, dozens of others cheered and waved Sudanese flags.

Press Availability With British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt US Dept. of State 08 May 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
The Special Relationship US Dept. of State 08 May 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Jeremy Hunt's opening remarks at press conference with Mike Pompeo UK FCO 08 May 2019 -- The Foreign Secretary was speaking in London on 8 May alongside the US Secretary of State.
Pompeo Visits London to Reaffirm US-UK Ties VOA 08 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States' and Britain's "special relationship" will flourish despite differences over Iran's nuclear program and China's involvement with the British communications network.
Britain's Post-Brexit Conundrum – America or China? VOA 08 May 2019 -- Britain is eager to negotiate trade deals with the United States and China to compensate for leaving the European Union, by far the country's largest trading partner, but it is already discovering the snag of balancing geo-political requests of its traditional ally with the ambitions of Beijing, say analysts and diplomats.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 8, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 May 2019
Russia expels two Swedish diplomats in tit-for-tat move Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Russia has expelled two Swedish diplomats after Stockholm denied visas to Russian envoys, Sweden's foreign ministry says.
Russia Expels Two Swedish Diplomats In Retaliatory Measure RFE/RL 08 May 2019 -- Sweden's Foreign Ministry says two of its diplomats have been expelled from Russia following a move by Stockholm to deny visas to two of Moscow's envoys.

US Sanctions Hit Two of Iran's Top Non-Energy Exports VOA 08 May 2019 -- New U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian industrial metals will hit two of the country's most lucrative non-energy exports, according to Iranian government data seen by VOA Persian.
US Slaps New Sanctions on Iran as Tehran Suspends Some Parts of Nuclear Deal VOA 08 May 2019 -- President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions Wednesday on Iran, hours after the Iranian president said he was pulling out of parts of the 2015 nuclear deal struck with world powers.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran The White House 08 May 2019
Message to the Congress on Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran The White House 08 May 2019
Iran to frustrate enemy IRNA 08 May 2019 -- The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in a statement emphasized its strong support for Tehran's move to reduce its nuclear obligations.
EU to discuss consequences of Iran's choice IRNA 08 May 2019 -- A senior spokesmen in the European Union stressed that Iranian President's letter on Iran's reciprocal act against the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal was received and the joint commission is reviewing its consequences.
Iran seeking engagement with credible actors: FM IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described the country's stance on the nuclear deal as favoring engagement with 'credible and relevant' actors.
EU has 60 days time to meet its commitments: Official IRNA 08 May 2019 -- The European countries will have 60 days time to fulfill their obligations enshrined in the nuclear deal, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday.
Iran not seeking confrontation: FM Zarif IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday affirmed that Iran was not seeking confrontation, but stressed that the US should give up its 'dangerous' policies.
France wants to preserve JCPOA, says French defense minister IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Paris wants the nuclear deal with Iran to be preserved, France's Defense Minister Florence Parly said on Wednesday after Iran scaled down commitments in reaction to US breach of the nuclear deal endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
Lawmaker sets deadline for negotiations on JCPOA IRNA 08 May 2019 -- A senior lawmaker set two-month deadline for negotiations on fate of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action after Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran will suspend parts of its commitments to JCPOA.
JCPOA needs urgent surgery: President Rouhani IRNA 08 May 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran is not withdrawing from the nuclear deal, rather it is reducing its commitments to the deal and that JCPOA needs surgery.
Zarif: Iran acts within JCPOA terms IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message on Wednesday slammed the US breach of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action over the past year, saying Iran is honoring the JCPOA terms.
Iran gives parties to JCPOA 60-day moratorium to remedy breaches IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran will give a 60-day moratorium to the states parties to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to remedy their breaches and restore Iran's interests enshrined by the international deal.
Rouhani: JCPOA serves interest of region, world IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the nuclear deal was to the interest of the world and the region, but the enemies of Iran pressed US to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
FM Zarif: Iran not to withdraw from JCPOA IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister said Iran's future actions will be completely in the context of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Tehran will not pull out of the nuclear deal.
Iran's action within terms of JCPOA: Zarif ISNA 08 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed in a tweet that after a year of patient, Iran stops measures that US has made impossible to continue.
Araqchi submits President Rouhani's letter on JCPOA to P4+1 envoys ISNA 08 May 2019 -- Iranian deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi has handed over a letter from President Hassan Rouhani to ambassadors of countries remaining in the Iran nuclear deal.
Iran not leaving JCPOA: FM Zarif ISNA 08 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif announced that the Islamic Republic has decided to stop implementing some of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) commitments it used to fulfill voluntarily for now.
SNSC in a statement addressing nuclear deal parties: 60-day deadline to JCPOA remaining parties to live up to their commitments ISNA 08 May 2019 -- The Supreme National Security Council issued a statement addressing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) member states, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown considerable restraint in the past one year after the illegal withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions".
Iran sets 60-day deadline for new nuclear deal terms People's Daily 08 May 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday in letters to five world leaders that Iran will scale back more compliance with a 2015 nuclear agreement in 60 days unless they keep promises with the deal, according to media reports.
Senior diplomat: Withdrawal from nuclear deal on Iran's agenda Press TV 08 May 2019 -- A senior Iranian diplomat says the Islamic Republic has put a "step-by-step" withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on the agenda.
Trump issues executive order imposing sanctions on Iran metal, mining sectors Press TV 08 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to impose new sanctions on Iran to deny it of revenue from exports in the metal and mining sectors.
Russia, China hail Iran's commitment to JCPOA, slam US for stirring tension Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Russia and China have applauded Iran's implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal, warning the United States against taking any measures that would further undermine the landmark accord.
Iran, Russia FMs urge Europeans to fulfill obligations for JCPOA survival Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Tehran and Moscow have called on the European sides to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to comply with their commitments to guarantee the survival of the agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
European banks, businesses warned by US official not to work with Iran Press TV 08 May 2019 -- A US official is warning investors, banks and businesses in Europe not to work with Iran in the wake of the United States' unilateral pressure on Tehran.
Rouhani: Europe security tied to US return to JCPOA Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday pointed to certain facts on the ground when he detailed the necessary conditions meant to secure a win-win result regarding the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal --- known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- between Iran and world powers. The facts are significant as they are likely to be affected by Iran's recent announcement to suspend some of its commitments under the JCPOA, exactly one year after the US unilaterally abandoned the international document.
UK urges Iran not to take 'further' steps after Tehran's reaction to US pressure Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Britain has reacted to Iran's announcement that it will suspend parts of its commitments under an international nuclear agreement in the wake of US unilateral pressure.
Iran giving remaining signatories chance to save JCPOA: FM Zarif Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says it is time for Tehran's remaining partners in the 2015 nuclear deal to uphold their end of the bargain following the US withdrawal, because Iran has provided them with a 60-day "opportunity" to salvage the landmark agreement.
Signatories react after Iran's warning shot on nuclear deal Press TV 08 May 2019 -- China, France, and Russia have separately reacted after Iran suspended some of its commitments under a nuclear deal in reciprocation for the withdrawal of the United States last year.
China's Iran oil imports rise to eight-month high Press TV 08 May 2019 -- China's oil imports from Iran climbed to the highest in eight months in April which saw countries stock on Iranian crude before exemptions from US sanctions expired, new tanker data shows.
Iran notifies JCPOA partners of suspension of some commitments Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Iran has informed the five remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal of its decision to suspend the implementation of some of its commitments under the multinational agreement, exactly one year after the United States unilaterally abandoned the international document.
Iran Threatens To Resume High-Level Uranium Enrichment Amid U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 08 May 2019 -- Iran's president said the Islamic republic will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not protect its interests against U.S. sanctions.
Tehran Says Will Withdraw From Nuclear Deal Stage by Stage - Report Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on Iran, relating to iron, steel, aluminium, and copper. The move came after Tehran said that it was suspending some of its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actions (JCPOA) in light of the US decision to intensify sanctions.
France Determined to See Iran Nuclear Deal Implemented - Reports Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Iran threatened earlier on Wednesday to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels in 60 days if world powers fail to negotiate new terms for the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, meanwhile, has informed remaining parties to the deal – France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Russia – about the decision.
US Slaps Iran With Sanctions on Metal as Tehran Partially Pulls Out of Nuke Deal Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Tehran said that it was suspending some of its obligations under the nuclear deal in light of the US decision to intensify sanctions.
Iran May Leave NPT if UNSC Raises Concern Over Nuclear Deal - Reports Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Tehran announced that it would be suspending several commitments within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iranian nuclear deal, for a 60-day period, adding that the country has no intention to withdraw from the agreement.
Instex Mechanism is Less Effective Than Originally Planned - Lavrov Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Tehran's version of INSTEX, the EU mechanism for bilateral transactions with Iran bypassing US sanctions, may be implemented with the participation of other interested parties, such as Russia and Turkey, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Sputnik a day earlier.
Netanyahu Vows to Stop Iran From Getting Nukes Amid Possible Nuclear Deal Crisis Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has announced that due to the inability of the EU and other states to resist pressure from the US, who pulled out of the nuclear deal, Tehran will be backtracking on some of its "voluntary" commitments.
Iran to Suspend Some of Its Nuclear Deal Commitments - Rouhani Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has previously warned about a possible cutback on "voluntary" commitments, stressing, however, that Tehran has no intention of completely withdrawing from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Javad Zarif Says Iran Will Cut Back on 'Voluntary' JCPOA Commitments - Report Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has reportedly said that Iran would cut back on "voluntary" commitments in the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actions (JCPOA), noting that Tehran has no intention to withdraw from it, Reuters reported citing state-run news agency IRNA.

China ready for prolonged US trade war Global Times 08 May 2019 -- After US officials threatened to escalate its trade war with China, rattling global financial markets and angering some US businesses, there is a distinctive, palpable level of calmness in China. Many in the foreign press gushed about how calm China was over the latest threats from US officials.
China, US to advance trade talks People's Daily 08 May 2019 -- Although the United States threatened on Sunday to hike tariffs on Chinese goods beginning on Friday, Beijing maintained a measured approach when it responded to the latest threat stemming from the ongoing Sino-US trade consultations.
Rights Groups Decry China's Ban on Fasting During Ramadan VOA 08 May 2019 -- Rights groups are calling for greater international attention on the Chinese government due to recent cases of alleged rights abuses, including the latest clampdown in Xinjiang to ban Uighurs, young and old, from fasting or observing Ramadan, which starts this week.

China slams US bills on Taiwan Global Times 08 May 2019 -- The bills passed by the US House of Representatives that support Taiwan secessionist forces have angered China, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned that such a move could seriously damage the China-US relationship as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
US House passes bills in support of Taiwan Press TV 08 May 2019 -- The United States House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill reaffirming US commitment to Taiwan which is one of a growing number of sticking points in the US-China relationship.

Pompeo Makes Unexpected Trip To Iraq, Warns Of 'Escalating' Iranian Activity RFE/RL 08 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Baghdad, where he met with Iraqi officials to discuss the United States' security concerns amid what he called "escalating" Iranian activity.

Pakistani ex-PM Nawaz returns back to jail as bail expires IRNA 08 May 2019 -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned back to jail after the expiry of his six-week bail in a corruption case, local media reported

DR Congo: Ebola claims over 1,000 lives, Guterres commits 'whole' UN system, to help 'end the outbreak' UN News 08 May 2019 -- Now in its tenth month, the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed more than a thousand lives, prompting Secretary-General António Guterres to throw the support of "the whole United Nations system" into stemming the spread of the deadly virus.

Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization US Dept. of Justice 08 May 2019 -- A Fort Worth man today pleaded guilty to a federal terrorism charge, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas.

South Africa Votes in 6th Post-Apartheid Poll VOA 08 May 2019 -- Citizens across the Rainbow Nation on Wednesday thronged schools, community centers, church halls and tents to cast their votes in the nation's sixth parliamentary poll since the beginning of democracy.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list