14 May 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Press Briefing By Maj. Gen. Ghika via Satellite From Baghdad, Iraq DoD 14 May 2019 -- U.K. Maj. Gen. Chris Ghika, deputy commander, Strategy and Information, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve; Commander Sean Robertson, Pentagon Spokesman
ISIS Continues To Pose Significant Threat, OIR Official Says DoD News 14 May 2019 -- ISIS still poses a significant threat to Iraq and Syria and to the wider world, the deputy commander for stability for Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Operation Inherent Resolve said today.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Denies Report He's Considering 120,000 Troops to Counter Iran VOA 14 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a report that he is considering sending 120,000 troops to counter Iran, but didn't rule out deploying "a lot more" soldiers in the future.
U.S. Defends Gulf Military Buildup, Says It's 'Not Spoiling For Fight' RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- Amid growing concerns of a conflict between the United States and Iran, U.S. officials have told their European allies that its military buildup in the Persian Gulf region is a "defensive" move in response to multiple threats coming out of Iran.
Trump Denies U.S. Preparing Plans To Send 120,000 Troops To Counter Iran Threat RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed as "fake news" a report in The New York Times that said the White House is reviewing plans to possibly deploy up to 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack U.S. forces or accelerate work on nuclear weapons.
Trump Denies Reports on US Plans to Deploy 120,000 Troops to Mideast Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The US has already increased its military presence in the region amid growing tensions with Iran, sending an aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf. However, a recent New York Times report suggested that the military presence could expand to the level at the time of the Iraq invasion.
Pentagon Plans to Send 120,000 Troops to Middle East to Counteract Iran - Report Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan last Thursday reportedly presented an updated military plan at a meeting of President Trump's top national security aides.
US hawks present Trump with Bolton-backed military plan on Iran: NY Times Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Hawkish American officials, led by National Security Advisor John Bolton, have reportedly presented President Donald Trump with a new military plan aimed at Iran, which would see Washington deploy tens of thousands of troops to the Middle East.

Air Force announces basing candidates for US Combatant Command for Space US Air Force 14 May 2019 -- The secretary of the Air Force selected six locations as candidate bases to potentially host the headquarters for United States Space Command.
Cybercom, NSA Senior Enlisted Leader Discusses Troops, Training, Mental Health DoD News 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency are key organizations needed in a world challenged by great power competition, the organizations' senior enlisted leader said recently.
Persistent Engagement, Partnerships, Top Cybercom's Priorities DoD News 14 May 2019 -- As it embarks on its second year as a unified combatant command, U.S. Cyber Command is taking stock of its first year and looking toward the future.
New radio system enables Marines to simultaneously monitor multiple networks USMC News 14 May 2019 -- The Marine Corps' radio systems are getting smaller, lighter and more capable.
U.S. Navy CNO, ships and aircraft join IMDEX in Singapore NNS 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and Sailors participate in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2019 in Singapore, May 14.
UCT-2 Concludes Maritime Infrastructure Assessment in FSM NNS 14 May 2019 -- Sailors assigned to Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2, Construction Dive Det. Alpha, completed a recompression chamber inspection and maritime infrastructure assessment of the Pohnpei Harbor and Kapingamarangi Atoll, May 7, as part of Pacific Partnership 2019.
CNO Visits India, Expands Partnership NNS 14 May 2019 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson concluded his three-day visit to India, May 14.
U.S., Philippine Coast Guards Conduct Joint Search-and-Rescue Exercise NNS 14 May 2019 -- The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) and vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard conducted joint search-and-rescue exercises at sea, west of Manila, May 14.
Southern Partnership Station 2019 Begins NNS 14 May 2019 -- The U.S. Navy has deployed adaptive force packages (AFPs) in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2019 to the Caribbean, Central and South America to conduct subject matter expert exchanges from May to October 2019.
NAVFAC EXWC MUSE Deploys Technicians to Djbouti for Power Transformation and Generation Equipment Stretched Across Two Continents NNS 14 May 2019 -- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) Division has deployed three Seabee technicians to perform annual inspections on 16 pieces of power transformation and generation equipment deployed in Djbouti, Africa.
USS Theodore Roosevelt Participates in Exercise Northern Edge 2019 NNS 14 May 2019 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and select ships from Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG-9) joined U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and Marine Corps service members for Exercise Northern Edge 2019 (NE19) in the Gulf of Alaska, May 13.
NRL Introduces Newly Acquired Aircraft for Airborne Research NNS 14 May 2019 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the Navy's premier science and technology research squadron, Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1), unveiled the UV-18 "Twin Otter" as the newest addition to the squadron's unique fleet of aircraft research platforms, May 11.
US Military Begins Series of Joint Exercises in Europe - EUCOM Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The US military has started a series of joint military drills in Europe that are scheduled to last through September, the European Command (EUCOM) said in a statement on Tuesday.
US Air Force Reactivates Aggressor Squadron to Improve F-35 Training Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The US Air Force recently announced that it is reactivating its 65th Aggressor Squadron and shipping 11 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base to further strengthen the service's training on the multirole stealth fighter.
Air Force completes test of combat support innovation US Air Force 14 May 2019 -- The Air Force completed the final test of an innovative warfighting concept May 12 that could be a game-changer for future adaptive-basing constructs.

NATO Secretary General in London to prepare Leaders' Meeting NATO 14 May 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed preparations for the next meeting of NATO leaders with Prime Minister Theresa May in a visit to 10 Downing Street on Tuesday (14 May 2019). The meeting in London in December will be an opportunity for Allied Heads of State and Government to address NATO's continued adaptation to deal with the security challenges the Alliance faces. The Secretary General and the Prime Minister also had talks about the current security situation, including Russia's continued breach of the INF treaty, and burden-sharing within the Alliance.

Spain pulls frigate out of ME-bound combat group led by US aircraft carrier Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Spain has withdrawn its frigate with 215 sailors on board from the Middle East-bound strike group, led by an American aircraft carrier, as tensions heighten between the United States and Iran.
Spain Withdraws Its Frigate from US Combat Group in Persian Gulf - Reports Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, has ordered the temporary withdrawal of the Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez (F-104), with 215 sailors on board, from the combat group led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

UK FM calls for military spending boost to meet US demands; deter Russia, China Press TV 14 May 2019 -- British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt says London needs to "decisively" increase its military budget after leaving the European Union (EU) to satisfy US President Donald Trump's demands of more spending while also developing a viable deterrent force against Russia and China.

China to soon commission 1st homemade aircraft carrier: reports Global Times 14 May 2019 -- A full year has passed since China's second aircraft carrier, or the first domestically made, the Type 001A, conducted its first sea trial, leading analysts to suggest the ship might soon officially join the country's naval service.

India Tests 'Abhyas' Live-Fire Target Drone Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- India's top military research agency, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), announced on Monday its first successful test of the Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) drone, a new tool for live-fire weapons tests.
India to Move Its Air Defence Systems Closer to Pakistan Border - Report Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Last month, Pakistan reportedly deployed medium-range LY-80/HQ-16 air defence systems near border bases to prevent any fresh intrusions by the Indian Air Force.

Israel Deploys Iron Dome Anti-Missile Systems Ahead of Eurovision - Reports Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Tel Aviv is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest and its associated festivities after Israeli singer Netta won it last year. Its beginning coincides with the anniversary of the US Embassy being opened in Jerusalem and the Palestinians' Nakba Day, which was marked by violent protests in Gaza in 2018.

US Defence Spending Bill Bans Transfer of F-35s to Turkey Due to Russian S-400s Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- US lawmakers have drafted a defence spending bill that would ban the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey in order to prevent the exposure of the US technology to Russian missile systems, the House Appropriations Committee said.
US Again Attempting to Stop Delivery of Russian S-400s to Turkey - Report Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The issue of Turkey, a US NATO ally, buying Russian air defence systems has been straining relations between Washington and Ankara since December 2017, when the deal with Moscow was inked. The US claims that the Russian systems pose a threat to American F-35 jets Ankara is also willing to buy.

Remarks With Russian President Vladimir Putin US Dept. of State 14 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 14 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Press Availability With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov US Dept. of State 14 May 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
In Sochi, Putin Tells Pompeo He Hopes To 'Fully Restore' U.S. Ties RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia against interference in next year's U.S. presidential election, as Russia's foreign minister likened Washington's push for a new government in Venezuela to the U.S. war in Iraq.
US Stands Ready to Find Common Ground With Russia - Pompeo Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- At the press conference following the bilateral meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that he and his US counterpart Mike Pompeo have agreed the need to resume communication channels between the two countries.
US, Russia Agree to Talk Again Next Month at G-20 in Osaka VOA 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to work to normalize strained relations and restore bilateral channels of communication following talks Tuesday at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 14 May 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 14, 2019

Other Conflicts

14 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 May 2019

Saudi Arabia Says Its Pipeline Attacked by Drones VOA 14 May 2019 -- Saudi Arabia says an oil pipeline was attacked by drones Tuesday west of the capital, Riyadh.
Saudi halts pumping on major oil pipeline after Yemeni drone strike Press TV 14 May 2019 -- The Saudi energy minister says the kingdom has stopped pumping crude oil on a major pipeline across the country after retaliatory drone strikes carried out by Yemeni army forces and their allies.
Yemeni drones launch retaliatory raids against vital Saudi facilities: Al-Masirah Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Seven drones run by Yemeni armed forces have reportedly carried out attacks against vital Saudi facilities in response to the Riyadh regime's ongoing acts of aggression against Yemeni people.
State Security Presidency Security Spokesman: limited targeting of two oil pumping stations of Saudi Aramco in Dawadmi and Afif Governorates in Riyadh SPA 14 May 2019 -- The Security Spokesman of the State Security Presidency stated that between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., Tuesday morning, 9/9/1440 AH, there was a limited targeting of oil pumping stations of Saudi Aramco in Dawadmi and Afif Governorates in Riyadh Region.
Saudi Energy Minister says two pump stations on the East-West pipeline were attacked, confirming sabotage targets global oil supply. SPA 14 May 2019 -- Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, stated that on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., two pump stations on the East-West pipeline were attacked by armed drones which caused a fire and minor damage to Pump Station No. 8. The fire has since been contained. The pipeline transports Saudi oil from the Eastern Province to Yanbu port.

Yemen's Houthis hand over key ports to coastguard, UN has confirmed Press TV 14 May 2019 -- The United Nations (UN) says Yemen's Houthis have handed over security of three key ports in the western province of Hudaydah to the local "coastguard" by unilaterally pulling out from the ports in line with a UN-brokered accord, while hinting that the other side to the conflict has not carried out its end of the bargain.
Yemen's Houthi Forces Redeploy from Key Ports 'Partly as Agreed' - UN Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi forces have partly executed an agreement to redeploy away from key ports in the country as agreed under a peace accord reached last year, the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) said in a statement on Tuesday.
UN monitoring team in Yemen verifies pullout of armed forces from crucial port zones UN News 14 May 2019 -- The UN team set up to monitor the ceasefire agreement between warring parties in Yemen has formally verified the pullout of armed Ansar Allah, or Houthi forces, from port zones in the country that are crucial to the flow of humanitarian aid, describing cooperation they have received so far as "very good."

Six civilians killed, 11 injured in terrorist rocket attack on Syria refugee camp Press TV 14 May 2019 -- At least six civilians, including two children, have lost their lives and nearly a dozen other sustained injuries when foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists fired a barrage of rockets at a government-controlled refugee camp in Syria's northern province of Aleppo.

US plots in Middle East will not succeed, top Hezbollah official says Press TV 14 May 2019 -- A high-ranking member of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says US President Donald Trump's administration is in a state of confusion concerning the developments unfolding in Middle East, stating that Washington's schemes in the region will not thrive.
Could Blacklisting Muslim Brotherhood Complicate US Diplomacy in Middle East? VOA 14 May 2019 -- Designating Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization could pit the United States against new potential enemies in the Muslim world, experts say.

EU Calls for Libya Cease-Fire, Return to Talks VOA 14 May 2019 -- European Union foreign ministers are calling for an immediate cease-fire in Libya and for the warring parties in the strife-torn North African state to return to negotiations to resolve their differences.

UN urges world to end support for Myanmar's military Press TV 14 May 2019 -- The United Nations (UN)'s fact-finding mission on Myanmar has called on all countries to cut financial and other ties with the country's military over genocide targeting minority Rohingya Muslims.
Myanmar: Conflict resolution at 'total standstill', military commanders must answer for crimes against humanity UN News 14 May 2019 -- Myanmar's military commanders must answer charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in a credible court, a United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) said on Tuesday, urging the international community to cut off all financial and other support to them.

4 Killed in Mogadishu District HQ Blast VOA 14 May 2019 -- Police in Somalia say four people were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber hit offices in the Warta Nabadda district of Mogadishu.

News Reports

Report: U.S. Prosecutor Assigned To Look Into Russia Probe Origins RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Attorney General William Barr has appointed a federal prosecutor to examine the origins of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, the Associated Press reports.

US Officials Claim Iran or Iranian Proxies Damaged Ships in UAE Waters - Report Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- US officials said Monday that initial assessments of an incident over the weekend in which four oil tankers were damaged by explosions in Emirati waters point to Iranian involvement.

China sends 2nd medical aid cargo to Venezuela Press TV 14 May 2019 -- China sends a huge supply of medicine by plane to Venezuela, the second such shipment to be dispatched to the Latin American country by Beijing in three months.
Threats to Maduro From Guaido, US Have Nothing to Do With Democracy - Lavrov Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he had a frank exchange on the situation in Venezuela with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the southern Russian resort of Sochi on Tuesday.
Venezuela Coup Failed Over Inability to Agree on Interim President - Reports Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Two weeks ago, Juan Guaido, Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president, called on citizens and the country's armed forces to join his efforts to oust legitimately elected President Nicolas Maduro, claiming that he had the support of the military. His coup attempt failed after military chiefs reaffirmed their complete loyalty to Maduro.
Amnesty International Accuses Maduro of Crimes Against Humanity VOA 14 May 2019 -- The human rights group Amnesty International says it believes the Maduro regime committed crimes against humanity in Venezuela and wants the International Criminal Court to investigate.

UK admits MI5 in 'serious' breach of surveillance safeguards Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid has admitted that the country's main domestic intelligence agency MI5 has breached safeguards on protection of data obtained from citizens during interception operations.

Iran sentences British Council worker to 10 years in jail over spying for UK Press TV 14 May 2019 -- A judicial official says an Iranian woman has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars after she was found guilty of spying for Britain.

Judge Orders Florida-Based Broadcast Company To Register As Agent For Russia RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- A U.S. judge has backed a Justice Department ruling that Florida-based RM Broadcasting must register as an agent of Russia under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), another move in the two countries' dispute over foreign broadcast operations.

DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hits out at Outrageous Act of U.S. KCNA 14 May 2019 -- A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made the following statement on Tuesday:
North Korea calls US seizure of ship 'robbery,' demands immediate return Press TV 14 May 2019 -- North Korea has censured the seizure of one of its cargo ships by the United States as an illegal move that violates the spirit of a summit deal between the leaders of the two countries in June 2018, demanding the ship's immediate release.
Pyongyang Accuses US of Violating Deal After North Korean Cargo Ship's Seizure Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The North Korean Foreign Ministry on Tuesday accused Washington of complete disregard of bilateral arrangements "to build new relations" following a recent seizure of a North Korean cargo ship by the US forces.

Europe Urges Restraint as Fears of US-Iran Conflict Escalate VOA 14 May 2019 -- As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, Europe has urged all sides to avoid further escalation.
Iran Tensions on Agenda as Pompeo Meets With Putin, Lavrov in Sochi VOA 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Russian leaders Tuesday that President Donald Trump "is committed to improving" relations between the two superpowers
Iran's borders fully secure: Commander IRNA 14 May 2019 -- The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Border Guards says that Iran has no concern over common maritime and land borders with neighboring countries despite the threats close to the borders.
Iran decision not contrary to nuclear deal: Official IRNA 14 May 2019 -- Head of Strategic Council on Foreign Relations of Iran Kamal Kharazi did not consider Tehran's decision in reducing its commitments in JCPOA contrary to the nuclear accord, and called on the European Union as the main party of the international agreement to defend its interests against the United States.
Necessity of EU's compliance with its JCPOA commitments IRNA 14 May 2019 -- The meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Brussels and the visit of the US Secretary of State to Europe to negotiate with European officials on Iran indicates that the developments related to JCPOA take a more serious stride and Europe is bound to be more committed.
CBI chief calls for immediate implementation of INSTEX IRNA 14 May 2019 -- Central Bank of Iran (CBI) chief on Tuesday urged the European countries to implement the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) during the deadline.
Iran rejects Reuters' linking JCPOA to oil exports IRNA 14 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Tuesday refuted the media campaign by Reuters linking Iranian compliance with JCPOA to export of 1.5 million bpd oil.
CBI chief criticizes EU for procrastination over INSTEX IRNA 14 May 2019 -- Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) in a message criticized Europeans for their repetitive remarks for implementing the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).
Mogherini: First transaction of INSTEX to be conducted within weeks IRNA 14 May 2019 -- European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini reiterated Europe's adherence to the full implementation of the JCPOA, saying that INSTEX will get up and running and have the first transactions hopefully in the next few weeks.
Iran has right to partially suspend nuclear deal commitments: Lavrov ISNA 14 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov said that Iran had the right to partially suspend its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Iran denies report on Iran's condition for staying in JCPOA ISNA 14 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has rejected a report by Reuters regarding the country's condition for staying in the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Neither a war will happen; nor will we negotiate: Imam Khamenei Ayatollah Khamenei 14 May 2019 -- On the eighth day of the auspicious month of Ramadan, the heads of power branches, officials and government authorities as well as a group of senior managers of various sectors, members of parliament, political, social and cultural activists met with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution– Ayatollah Khamenei– this afternoon May 14, 2019.
Khamenei, Amid Tensions With US, Says There Will Be No War - Reports Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The announcement by the Iranian leader comes amid increasing tensions between the Islamic Republic and the US, which has recently increased its military presence in the Middle East in order to counter Tehran.
Ayatollah Khamenei rules out possibility of war with US despite tensions Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei rules out the possibility of war between the United States and Iran despite heightened tensions between the two sides, saying Washington knows engaging in such a conflict would not be in its interest.
European powers tell U.S. to avoid military escalation with Iran People's Daily 14 May 2019 -- The Europeans Union (EU) and member states' foreign ministers told U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation on the military side with Iran, the EU's top diplomat Federica Mogherini said.
'We fundamentally do not seek a war with Iran,' says US state secy Press TV 14 May 2019 -- US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo says the country is not after military confrontation with Iran, a statement running counter to Washington's military buildup in the Persian Gulf.
Iranian nuclear program peaceful in nature: Russia's Lavrov Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Iran's nuclear program is peaceful in nature and used for civilian means, stressing that Moscow and Washington have a great deal of differences over the issue.
Iran rejects Reuters report on its demands from JCPOA parties about oil sales Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Iran has dismissed a Reuters report claiming that the country has demanded a guaranteed sale of at least 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude as a prerequisite for staying in a multilateral nuclear deal it clinched with world powers in 2015.
Iran envoy to UN: Reports about US Mideast deployment plan mere 'psychological warfare' Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Tehran's envoy to the United Nations dismisses as mere "psychological warfare" a reported US military plan aimed at Iran, under which Washington could deploy tens of thousands of troops to the Middle East.
Iranian FM Zarif warns about 'suspicious acts of sabotage' in region Press TV 14 May 2019 -- On a visit to India, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned about "suspicious acts of sabotage" in the region, following recent incidents involving oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Iran's Zarif In New Delhi After India Halts Iranian Oil Imports RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held talks with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi after India halted imports of Iranian oil in the wake of renewed U.S. sanctions.
Iran Takes Step Toward Abolishing Discriminatory Citizenship Law RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- For decades, a controversial law has denied citizenship and equal rights to Iranian children born to foreign fathers.
US Fundamentally Does Not Seek War With Iran - Pompeo Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US State Secretary Mike Pompeo held talks earlier in the day in the Russian resort city of Sochi, discussing plans to solve the crisis regarding the JCPOA, among other topics.
Pompeo and EU's Mogherini Exchange Warnings Over Iran Military Escalation Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- The United States and the EU have been at loggerheads since Washington unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last May and reinstated sanctions against Tehran, threatening to slap European allies with penalties if they continue doing business with the Islamic Republic.

Trump Denies Trade Talks with China Have Collapsed VOA 14 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is denying trade talks with China have collapsed and is characterizing what many are calling a trade war between the world's two largest economies as "a little squabble."
To US: 'We will fight to the end' Global Times 14 May 2019 -- China Central Television (CCTV) ran an editorial "China has made comprehensive preparation" to specifically announce China's stance on the trade war launched by the US in the column Guoji Ruiping, or "sharp comments on international affairs," during the broadcast of the daily news program, Xinwen Lianbo.
China steps up US criticism Global Times 14 May 2019 -- FM pushes back on Washington claims, keeps options open China on Tuesday stepped up criticism of the US as tensions between the world's largest economies continued to escalate, blaming the US for the renewed escalation that has roiled global financial markets and saying the US has underestimated China's resolve and ability to defend itself.
China raises tariffs on US in response People's Daily 14 May 2019 -- Move shows Beijing's resolve to safeguard its interests, legitimate rights, experts say
China says won't be 'bullied' by US amid trade war Press TV 14 May 2019 -- China says it will not be "bullied" by the United States into agreeing to a trade deal, saying it hopes Washington does not underestimate Beijing's determination to protect its interests, amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.
China to Emerge Victorious From Trade War With US - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Beijing is determined to win the trade war with the United States though it does not want the economic conflict to grow in intensity, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman said after the two countries again exchanged tariffs on each other's imports.
New Legislation Aims to Limit US Technology Exports to China - Senator Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- A newly introduced bill in the US Congress would limit the export of sensitive American technologies to China, US Senator Josh Hawley said in a press release on Tuesday.

The existence of the ROC is undeniable: President Tsai CNA 14 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday emphasized the importance of ensuring Taiwan remains an independent and sovereign country called the Republic of China (ROC).

Sudan protesters reach deal with junta amid deadly violence Press TV 14 May 2019 -- Sudan's protest leaders and the ruling generals have reached a deal on a new power structure, with subsequent violence nevertheless taking the lives of six people.
Armed Men Attack Sudan's Protesters But Fail to Derail Negotiations VOA 14 May 2019 -- The sound of gunfire echoed late into the night in Khartoum on Monday evening, as security forces clashed with demonstrators almost immediately after Sudan's ruling military council announced it had reached an agreement with protest leaders on a transitional authority.

Poland Proposes Closer Ties For EU Eastern Partnership Nations RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- The Polish foreign minister has called for an upgraded Eastern Partnership, including closer ties with the European Union and the creation of a free-trade zone among the six member nations.

Rival Protests Staged As Ex-President Kocharian's Trial Enters Second Day RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- Rival protests were being staged on May 14 outside of a court building in Yerevan by supporters and opponents of Armenian ex-President Robert Kocharian as his trial on charges of overthrowing the constitutional order entered its second day.

Zimbabweans Air Anger Amid Economic Meltdown VOA 14 May 2019 -- Pro-government statements are the norm in Chinhoyi, the hometown of former president Robert Mugabe. But that was not the case at a public meeting Saturday, as Zimbabweans grappling with poverty amid the flailing economy are using every chance they can to voice to their anger.

Small Parties Put Thai Coup Leader on Track to Remain in PM Post VOA 14 May 2019 -- Thai Prime Minister and 2014 coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha took a giant leap closer to holding on to his post after 11 small parties endorsed his candidacy Monday, although a scramble for control of the lower house of parliament continues.

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