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News Reports

Current Operations

• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 01 Jul 2019 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
• UN Children's Fund chief condemns 'horrific' Kabul bomb attack UN News 01 Jul 2019 -- Scores of children were among the casualties following a bomb attack on a Government building in the Afghan capital of Kabul today, that hit nearby schools. The bombing was described by Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, as "horrific."
• Deadly Bomb, Gun Attack Rocks Afghan Capital VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- A group of five heavily armed men Monday carried out a powerful vehicle bomb-and-gun attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul, killing at least one person and wounding dozens of others. Officials said the ensuing clashes lasted about nine hours before Afghan security forces killed all the assailants.
• At Least 68 Injured in Car Bomb Explosion in Kabul Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The number of people injured in a strong explosion that took place in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Monday morning has reached 68, Health Ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar stated. Later in the day, the Taliban movement has claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Six Killed, More Than 115 Hurt As Powerful Blast Rocks Kabul RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- Four civilians and two members of the Afghan security forces have been killed and more than 115 wounded after a powerful car bomb rocked the Afghan capital, followed by a battle between gunmen and security forces, officials say.
• Scores injured after powerful blast, clashes rock Kabul Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Scores of people have been wounded with fatalities feared after a bomb-laden truck rocked Kabul, followed by gunmen battling special forces in an area housing military and government buildings.
• Pakistan: Key Afghan Border Crossing to Remain Open 24 Hours For Trade VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Pakistan announced Monday that its main Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan will remain open round the clock from next month to facilitate bilateral and transit trade activities.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Exercise Resolute Sun: U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Combine Training to Improve Readiness in Amphibious Operations USMC News 01 Jul 2019 -- U.S. Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics participated in exercise Resolute Sun from June 11-19, 2019.
• USS Carney en Route to Exercise Sea Breeze 2019 NNS 01 Jul 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) began its north-bound transit to the Black Sea June 29 to enhance regional maritime stability by participating in exercise Sea Breeze 2019.
• USS Charleston, JMSDF Conduct Combined Exercise NNS 01 Jul 2019 -- The littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense ships JS Inazuma (DD 105) and JS Kashima (TV 3508) participated in a combined exercise, June 16.
• USS Stethem departs 7th Fleet after more than decade forward deployed NNS 01 Jul 2019 -- SAN DIEGO - USS Stethem (DDG 63) returned to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations, June 30, following 14 years of forward-deployed service in the Indo-Pacific region operating from Japan.
• Navy Full Court Press on USS Gerald R. Ford Weapons Elevators NNS 01 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. Navy is leveraging the talent of an independent team of government and outside experts to assist in advanced electromagnetic, production and software technology aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
• USS Abraham Lincoln Conducts GUNNEX NNS 01 Jul 2019 -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducted an expanded live-fire exercise, June 24, with the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 and the "Griffins" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79.
• Comfort Opening Ceremony Held in Manta NNS 01 Jul 2019 -- Senior leadership from the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) alongside host and partner nation personnel attended the opening ceremony in Manta, Ecuador, June 28.
• US Navy Considers Destroyer Upgrades to Counter New Weapons From China, Russia Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The US Navy is considering upgrading its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers as China and Russia continue to advance their defense technology.
• AFRL puts new technologies into space aboard world's most powerful launch vehicle US Air Force 01 Jul 2019 -- The Air Force Research Laboratory successfully put new technologies into space, June 25, as part of the Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP-2) mission, managed by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.
• 341st Military Intelligence takes part in Panther Strike '19 Army News 01 Jul 2019 -- For eight years, Panther Strike has set the standard for military intelligence training for the U.S. Army. The multi-national, multi-echelon military intelligence training exercise challenges soldiers on the skills associated with counterintelligence, human intelligence, geospatial, all-source and signal intelligence.
• Reports: High-Ranking Officials Of Russia's National Guard Quitting RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- Several top officials of Russia's National Guard, including deputy directors, are expected to resign in the coming days, reports say.
• Russian Navy Monitoring NATO's Sea Breeze-2019 Naval Drills - Defence Ministry Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The Black Sea Fleet is closely monitoring NATO Sea Breeze-2019 naval drills in the Black Sea region to react to possible emergency situations, the Russian Defence Ministry said Monday.
• Russia, US Conducted Mutual Inspections Under New START Treaty Last Week- Russian Military Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Russia and the United States last week carried out mutual inspections in the framework of the New START nuclear arms control treaty, the Russian Defence Ministry's official newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported.
• Russia Starts Producing S-500 Missile System - Developer Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov has previously said that the S-500 anti-ballistic missile system would be received by the Russian military in the coming years.
• Russian Navy Following Moves of US Destroyer Sailing in Black Sea - MoD Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney has reportedly entered the Black Sea passing the Bosphorus ahead of a naval exercise called Sea Breeze.
• Pentagon Presses Cambodia Amid Speculated Plans to Host 'Chinese Military Assets' – Report Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Relations between Cambodia and the United States hit a low point in August 2017 after Phnom Penh accused Washington of interfering in the country's domestic affairs.
• 'Big Waves': China Confirms Successful Testing of Its New Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- In early June, residents in several provinces in central China claimed that they had spotted a mysterious light moving across the sky, with the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force and Chinese Navy hinting at the time that it could be a secret military test.
• No delays in Russian S-400 missiles delivery to Turkey: Erdogan Global Times 30 Jun 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that there have been no delays in the delivery of Russian S-400 air defense missiles to his country.
• Helicopter Crashes in German City of Aerzen, Leaves 1 Dead - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The news comes after another incident occurred in northeastern Germany last Monday when two unarmed Eurofighter Typhoon jets collided over Fleesensee. As a result, one pilot managed to parachute to safety, while the second died.
• Iraqi new defense minister calls for defense cooperation with Iran IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iraq's new Defense Minister Najah al-Shammari on Monday emphasized the need for defense cooperation with Iran.
• Iraq wants Shia militias as 'indivisible' part of army Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has issued a decree that further integrates the Popular Mobilization Forces, which have proven a decisive force in Baghdad's counter-terrorism operations, into the country's armed forces.
• Taiwan's new chief of military staff takes office CNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Vice Defense Minister Shen Yi-ming (沈一鳴) took office as the chief of the general staff at a ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday, replacing Li Hsi-ming (李喜明), who retired the same day.
• Turkey preparing for US sanctions over S-400 purchase: Report Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- A report says Turkey is preparing for possible sanctions by the United States against the country over its purchase of Russia's advanced S-400 missile defense system.
• Turkey to Consider Buying Russian Warplanes If US Refuses to Supply F-35 - Report Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The United States earlier threatened to remove Turkey from it's F-35 program after Ankara refused to scrap a deal with Russia to buy Moscow's cutting-edge S-400 missile systems, which Washington claimed could compromise US-made aircraft.
• Erdogan Says Trump Told Him 'You Are Right' on S-400s Purchase, Promises Delivery in 10 Days Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, adding that there would be no US sanctions after he and US President Donald Trump discussed the purchase.
• Sweden to Deploy Upgraded Defence Systems to Gotland, Citing Alleged Russian Threat - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- In May, the Swedish Defence Forum submitted a report to the country's defence minister with a list of propositions dubbed "the greatest reinforcement since the 1940s" amid the alleged "Russian threat".
• Norway Spends Thousands of Working Hours Trying to Figure Out Total F-35 Cost Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Some Norwegian politicians believe the uncertainty surrounding the price of the US F-35 fighter jets, the new backbone of the country's air force, is "absurd".

Defense Industry

• Contracts for July 1, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 1 July 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Jul 2019
• 1.4 million refugees set to need urgent resettlement in 2020: UNHCR UN News 01 Jul 2019 -- More than 1.4 million displaced people in over 60 refugee hosting countries will need resettlement next year, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Monday, while also supporting a call for far greater protection for vulnerable LGBTI individuals seeking asylum.
• Yemeni army retakes strategic locations in Taiz and captures 15 Houthis SPA 01 Jul 2019 -- The Yemeni national army forces today, made strategic progress in the Mawiya district northeast of Taiz province, southwest of Yemen.
• Command of Joint Forces of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Coalition Forces Intercept, down a drone launched by Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia from Sanaa towards the Kingdom SPA 01 Jul 2019 -- The spokesman of the coalition forces, "Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen," Colonel Turki Al-Maliki stated that, at 09:07 a.m today, the Coalition Forces managed to intercept and down a drone launched by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia from Sanaa towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and destroyed it in the Yemeni airspace.
• Casualties reported as Yemeni forces launch retaliatory drone attack on Abha airport Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Yemen's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement has launched new retaliatory strikes against neighboring Saudi Arabia, avenging an ongoing invasion of the impoverished country by the kingdom and its allies.
• Nearly dozen Saudi mercenaries killed, several others injured in Yemeni army offensive Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Nearly a dozen Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to Yemen's former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi have been killed and several others injured when Yemeni army soldiers and fighters from allied Popular Committees launched an offensive against their positions in the kingdom's southern border region of Najran.
• Missile Attack on Damascus, Homs Outskirts Carried Out By Israeli Forces, Syrian Military Source Says Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Syrian state news agency said that Syrian air defences have shot down several missiles over Damascus amid multiple reports of loud explosions in the area.
• Lebanese military demolishes Syrian refugee settlements in NE Lebanon: Aid groups Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Lebanese military units have begun demolishing Syrian refugee settlements in northeast Lebanon following the expiry of a government ultimatum, a group of international aid agencies say, warning that the move could affect thousands of children.
• New UN-Syrian Action Plan signals an 'important day' for child protection, says UN envoy UN News 01 Jul 2019 -- The top UN official charged with representing the interests of children caught up in armed conflict, has signed a landmark new agreement on child protection with the Force Commander of a main Syrian opposition military alliance, it was announced on Monday, aimed at ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children under the age of 18.
• Russian-made 'missile' hits Northern Cyprus: Officials Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Northern Cyprus has suggested that a projectile which hit a mountainside north of the capital Nicosia appears to have been a Russian-made missile.
• Object That Hit Northern Cyprus Could Be Syria's Russia-Made Missile, Local Official Claims Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- An official from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognised only by Turkey, said earlier on Monday that authorities were studying debris from an unidentified flying object that may have been a missile that crashed north of Nicosia.
• Suspected Russian-Made Missile Falls on Northern Cyprus VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Turkish Cypriot officials say a stray Russian-made missile fell just outside Nicosia during Israeli airstrikes on Syria on Sunday.
• Five years on from ISIL 'caliphate' proclamation in Iraq, Security Council makes first-ever visit UN News 01 Jul 2019 -- The Security Council has concluded a first-ever visit to Iraq on Saturday, five years on from the proclamation, by the ISIL terrorist group, of a "caliphate" in the country. The visit, which also took in a trip to Kuwait, saw the members meet senior government, UN and humanitarian officials to discuss the development of Iraq, the humanitarian situation, and the ongoing security challenges faced by the Government.
• Haftar's forces down Turkish drone, arrest Turks Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- A Turkish drone has been downed in Tripoli and two Turkish nationals arrested by forces loyal to Libyan renegade General Khalifa Haftar after the two sides exchanged severe warnings.
• Six Turkish Citizens Detained By Haftar's Forces in Libya Released - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Six Turkish citizens who have been detained in Libya by forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), have been released, CNN Turk broadcaster reported on Monday.
• Libyan Parliament Speaker Announces General Mobilisation Amid Turkey's Threats - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh Issa late on Sunday declared a general mobilisation in the country amid Turkey's recent threats against the Libyan National Army (LNA) headed by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, local media reported.
• Libya Tensions Escalate After Tripoli Takes Key Strategic Town VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- The day after the battle for the Libyan town of Gharyan, burnt-out cars were flipped on the side of the highway and only a few shop owners opened their doors to see if they could do business.
• Myanmar to send delegation to Rohingya camps in Bangladesh Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Myanmar says it is sending a high-level delegation to overcrowded Rohingya camps in Bangladesh concerning the return of the refugees to their ethnic homeland of Rakhine state.
• Pakistani Army Has Violated Ceasefire Pact With India 1,248 Times in 2019 - Indian Defence Minister Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Kashmir has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in full but control only a portion of it. Two wars were fought over Kashmir, while a third was waged in 1971 over the eastern enclave of Pakistan, which later became independent Bangladesh.
• Pakistan to Deploy More Drones on Border With India to Foil Balakot-Like Strikes – Report Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The decades-long conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours nearly escalated into a new war in February when India carried out an air raid on an alleged terror camp in Pakistan in retaliation for a deadly attack on Indian military personnel earlier that month.
• Russia-Backed Separatists Attack Ukrainian Medical Vehicle, Killing Soldier RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- Ukraine says one of its soldiers has been killed after Russia-backed separatists opened fire at a medical vehicle in the eastern region of Donetsk.

News Reports

• Awkward Handshakes, a Truce But at Least No G-20 Bust-Ups VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Thirteen years ago as the world was rocked by the impact of the financial crash, the G-20, the international forum for the heads of 19 leading and developing countries and the European Union, had its most relevant moment.
• Sudan protesters blame ruling junta for bloodshed at rallies Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Sudan's protest leaders have blamed ruling generals for deadly new violence as three blood-stained bodies were found a day after thousands of Sudanese took to the streets to urge the country's ruling generals to relinquish power.
• Islamists Faced with Challenges in Sudan's Transition VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- As protesters in Sudan continue to push against the military junta to form a civilian-led government after the ouster of former president Omar al-Bashir, Islamist groups seem to struggle to have a say in the political process in the African country.
• More Deaths Reported in Sudan Protests VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Reports from Sudan say at least 11 people were killed in the latest mass protests demanding a transition to civilian rule in the country.
• OPEC extends oil cuts until March 2020: Sources Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have agreed to extend cuts to their supply of oil to the international markets for another nine months as they seek more stable prices amid an increase in oil production in the United States and tensions created in the market as result of Washington's political and economic tensions with other countries.
• Fake Candidates, 'Terrorist Threats,' Detentions: In St. Petersburg, Kremlin Foes Face Minefield Just To Get On The Ballot RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- For almost a week, Pavel Chuprunov has tried in vain to register as a candidate for September municipal elections in St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city.
• Bellingcat: Top GRU Officer Coordinated Skripal Attack From London RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- The Bellingcat investigative organization says it has obtained evidence suggesting that a senior Russian military intelligence officer worked from a hotel in central London to coordinate the March 2018 nerve agent attack against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal.
• Trump, Kim DMZ Summit Changed Little, Experts Say VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- The sudden summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arose out of their common desire for "perpetuating the illusion of denuclearization" even though their divergent definitions of denuclearization remain unchanged, said experts.
• DMZ Summit May Ease Some Tensions, But Underlying Issues Remain VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- President Donald Trump made history Sunday by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to set foot on North Korean soil. But the way the summit came about was no less significant.
• DPRK's state media says breakthrough achieved in Kim-Trump meeting People's Daily 01 Jul 2019 -- The historic meeting between Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and U.S. President Donald Trump at the truce village of Panmunjom made a new breakthrough in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, DPRK state media reported Monday.
• Bolton dismisses report of 'nuclear freeze' with North Korea Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- US National Security Adviser John Bolton has dismissed reports that the administration of President Donald Trump is considering agreeing to a "freeze" of North Korea's nuclear weapons program as opposed to a more comprehensive denuclearization deal.
• US Not Discussing 'Nuclear Freeze' by North Korea - Bolton Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The United States is not discussing a nuclear freeze by North Korea that would allow Pyongyang to keep, but not increase its nuclear arsenal, and media reports to the contrary amount to an attempt to hinder Donald Trump's efforts at denuclearising the Korean peninsula, National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Monday.
• UN chief welcomes possibility of resumed talks between US and North Korea UN News 01 Jul 2019 -- As the clicking of cameras and flash of lightbulbs captured on Sunday the first sitting United States President to set foot inside North Korea, Secretary-General António Guterres offered his full support to a potentially reset relationship that may render a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
• Press Review KCNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Following are major news items and articles in the newspapers of the DPRK on Monday:
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Has Historic Meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Panmunjom KCNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, had a historic meeting with President of the United States of America Donald Trump at Panmunjom on Sunday afternoon at the suggestion of Trump.
• Trump-Kim historic rendezvous delivers goodwill message, but more concrete actions needed People's Daily 01 Jul 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un held a largely impromptu meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom on Sunday.
• Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 01 Jul 2019
• U.S. Calls on Iran to Halt All Uranium Enrichment US Dept. of State 01 Jul 2019 -- "The Iranian regime has taken new steps to advance its nuclear ambitions. The world's leading state sponsor of terrorism continues to use its nuclear program to extort the international community and threaten regional security."
• US Will 'Never Allow' Iran to Develop Nukes After Iran Exceeds Uranium Limit VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- The United States says it will "never allow" Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, after Tehran announced that it had exceeded the limit on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium it agreed to in the 2015 international accord restraining its nuclear weapons development.
• FM Zarif rejects reports Iran has violated nuclear deal IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that Tehran has not violated the nuclear deal, saying the country has "reserved its right".
• Russia blames US for Iran exceeding enriched uranium stockpile limit IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- A senior Russian diplomat says that US sanctions have provoked Iran's move to break the limit set on its uranium stockpiles, calling a natural result of the US provocative moves.
• Envoy: increasing Tehran uranium enrichment reserves based on JCPOA IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, referring to the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Director General on Iran's crossing of the agreed level for enriched uranium deposits in the JCPOA, underlined that Tehran's move to increase its enriched uranium reserves is based on its rights envisaged in the nuclear deal.
• Iran hopes Europe will take practical measures by July 7 IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran says that it hopes Europe will take practical and tangible measures to put into practice a financial channel – known as INSTEX – before a July 7 deadline, noting that otherwise the country will suspend further nuclear commitments.
• Zarif: Iran not to bow to pressures IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday said the Iranian nation will not bow to pressures but rather work with other world nations to make those who are exerting pressure on Iran to talk to the nation in no other language than reverence and never dare threaten Iranians.
• Iran says reaching uranium enrichment cap not to mean leaving JCPOA IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran's ambassador to the UN says Tehran's decision to increase its enriched uranium stockpile is based on the nuclear deal signed by six world powers in 2015, stressing that it doesn't mean the violation of its terms.
• Iran to force world to speak only with respect: Zarif ISNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif insisted Iran will force the world to speak with Iranians only with respect and if necessary, Iran will confront them.
• Another 7 European countries to join INSTEX: Mogherini ISNA 01 Jul 2019 -- EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini announced that the Instrument for Supporting Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) has become operational, saying in addition to UK, Germany and France, another seven European countries will join the mechanism.
• Russia: Iran nuclear reaction consequence of US moves Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Russia says Iran's surpassing the 300-kilogram limit on its low-enriched uranium production came only as a consequence of the United States' moves to betray its commitments to the Islamic Republic.
• US repeats anti-Iran threats: Maximum pressure will continue Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has issued new threats against Tehran, warning that its pressure campaign against Iranians "will continue."
• Iran ready to inflict heavy costs on aggressor: General Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Iranian armed forces maintain the highest level of combat readiness and will respond to any aggression with countermeasures that will cost the enemies dearly, says a senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
• Zarif to US: Threats won't work with Iran, try respect Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran will never give in to external pressure, advising US officials to stop threatening the Iranian nation and learn how to respect it instead.
• IAEA confirms increase in Iran's enriched uranium reserves IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's commitments to the nuclear program, in a statement on Monday affirmed Iran's crossing of enriched uranium reserves based on 2015 nuclear deal.
• Zarif: Iran goes beyond 300kg enriched uranium IRNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to implementation of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), saying based on the schedule Iran has gone beyond 300kg enriched uranium.
• Foreign minister: Iran's enriched uranium stocks exceed 300kg Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the country has increased the level of its low-enriched uranium production to over 300 kilograms as had been already announced by the country in line with paragraphs 26 and 36 of a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• UN Watchdog Verifies Iran Exceeded Cap On Uranium Stockpile RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified Iran's claim that its stockpile of low-enriched uranium has exceeded the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
• Iranian Enriched Uranium Exceeds Limits of Nuclear Deal, IAEA Says SPA 01 Jul 2019 -- Iran has fulfilled its threat to breach a key limit of its nuclear deal with major powers, accumulating more enriched uranium than allowed under the 2015 pact, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Monday.
• White House says Iran should be held to a standard of no uranium enrichment SPA 01 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. policy of maximum pressure on Iran will continue until it changes course and Iran should be held to a standard of no uranium enrichment, the White House said on Monday.
• Iran Will 'Never Be Allowed to Enrich Uranium at Any Level' - Pompeo Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed earlier that Tehran had stockpiled over 300 kilograms (661 pounds) of enriched uranium in a response to the US withdrawal from the 2015 JCPOA nuclear treaty.
• US, Allies 'Will Never Allow Iran to Develop Nuclear Weapons' - White House Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- A White House statement released Monday made clear that "the US and its allies will never allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons."
• IRGC Commander Vows to 'Inflict Heavy Costs on the Aggressor' in Case of Attack on Iran Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The warning comes amid worsening US-Iranian ties which became further aggravated after Iran downed a US spy drone late last month inside what Tehran says was Iranian airspace over the Persian Gulf. Washington, however, insists that the downing occurred in international airspace.
• Iran's FM Confirms Tehran Has Breached Nuclear Deal by Stockpiling Over 300 kg Enriched Uranium Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Javad Zarif confirmed Monday that Tehran has breached the 2015 nuclear deal by stockpiling over 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of enriched uranium, Iranian Students' News Agency has reported.
• Europe Shifting Away From US, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif Says Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Despite the fact that Iranian officials have criticised INSTEX, the EU's financial settlement mechanism tailor-made to sidestep US sanctions against Tehran, the country's foreign minister still sees its launch as a positive sign for European countries.
• Hong Kong Police Fire Tear Gas After Protesters Storm Legislature VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Hundreds of riot police in Hong Kong used tear gas to break up protestors near the city's legislative complex after thousands of demonstrators stormed the building earlier Monday.
• Authorities condemn violence, takeover of LegCo Global Times 01 Jul 2019 -- Thousands of residents in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the city's return to China with a flag-raising ceremony and lion dance performances.
• Anti-govt. protesters break into Hong Kong legislative council building Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Hundreds of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong have stormed into the legislative council complex over a controversial extradition bill as the financial hub further plunges into crisis.
• China calls on UK to stop gesticulating about Hong Kong as protest turns violent Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- China has lashed out at the United Kingdom over its interference in Hong Kong recent unrest, calling on London to stop "gesticulating" about its former colony, which is now part of China's territory.
• Hong Kong Protesters Storm Parliament Building, Seize Main Debating Chamber Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- For a month now, protesters have been demonstrating against the amendments proposed to the extradition bill in Hong Kong that - if approved - will allow the extradition of people to any jurisdiction, including mainland China.
• Riot Police Meet Hong Kong Protesters with Pepper Spray, Batons VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Protesters and riot police returned to the streets of Hong Kong early Monday to mark the 22nd anniversary of the city's reunification with China.
• China Plans to Deploy Almost 200 AI-Controlled Satellites into Orbit - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- The satellites, which will reportedly include Yaogan-class remote sensing vehicles and named after the Leo constellation, are expected to be equipped with a self-piloting system.
• China angry as US plans to host Taiwan president Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- The US is about to host Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen this month, in a move that will most likely infuriate China which has warned both Taipei and Washington against establishing official contacts.
• Top Israeli diplomat in UAE, pushing for normalization with Arab states Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- The Israeli foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, has visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met and held talks with senior authorities as a number of Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region do not shy away from disclosing their clandestine relations with the Tel Aviv following years of secretive contacts.
• Saudi Arabia Boosts Security Measures in its Waters Over Recent Attacks on Oil Tankers - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2019 -- Last month two oil tankers were targeted in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, with the United States and some of its allies immediately accusing Iran of being behind the attacks. Tehran has strongly denied the allegations and urged to stop "warmongering".
• Report: FBI, DOJ 'Deprioritize' Investigating Far-Right Violence VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Despite rising incidence of far-right violence in the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Justice Department continue to deprioritize investigating the violence and prosecuting its perpetrators, according to a report released Monday.
• Zelenskiy Heads To Canada To Gather International Support For Ukraine RFE/RL 01 Jul 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is heading to Toronto for talks with top Canadian officials and to take part in an international conference aimed at gathering support for Ukraine's reform process and its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
• Security to be restored to Mount Lebanon following Aley clashes: President Aoun Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun says security will be restored in the country's southern province of Mount Lebanon, a day after two bodyguards of the minister of state for refugee affairs lost their lives and another sustained critical wounds when gunmen opened fire on his convoy and triggered armed clashes.
• Mauritania Constitutional Council Confirms Mohamed Ould Ghazouani as President VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Mauritania's constitutional council confirmed Mohamed Ould Ghazouani as president, amid concerns of election impropriety by opposition leaders.
• Haiti's Parliament Attempts to Re-establish Order After Chaos VOA 01 Jul 2019 -- Chaos has dominated Haitian politics for weeks after opposition lawmakers used various tactics including removing furniture from the chamber and failing to report for work -- to block a vote on the designated prime minister Jean Michel Lapin's nomination. The country has been without a prime minister since March, when Jean Henry Ceant was forced to resign amid corruption allegations.