
Trump's Iran attack shows what it takes to win his military support
The attack may have triggered tectonic shifts in the Gulf region, and the rivalry between Iran, the United States and Israel is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. While global attention may now turn to the possibility of a Gaza cease-fire or more U.S. strikes on Iran, my focus is elsewhere.
The most significant point about this incident is the lesson it offers U.S. allies, especially in the Indo-Pacific, about how to convince a hesitant U.S. president to take military action abroad. Israel managed to persuade Trump — who had long avoided foreign intervention — to strike Iran. As a former diplomat, I was struck by the extent of Israel's diplomatic influence, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political and negotiating skills, which surpassed all expectations.
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Yomiuri Shimbun
18 minutes ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Trump Administration Withdraws from UNESCO Again, Only 2 Years after US Rejoined
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO, an expected move that has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision to pull U.S. funding and participation from UNESCO comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, five-year absence that began during President Donald Trump's first term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency of promoting anti-Israel speech. The decision, which won't go into effect until December 2026, will deal a blow to an agency known for preserving cultural heritage through its UNESCO World Heritage Sites program — which recognizes significant landmarks for protection, ranging from the Taj Mahal to Egypt's pyramids of Giza and the Grand Canyon National Park. The agency also empowers education and science across the globe. It is the Trump administration's latest move to pull support for U.N. agencies under a larger campaign to reshape U.S. diplomacy. Under the 'America First' approach, the administration has pulled out of the U.N. World Health Organization and the top U.N. human rights body, while reassessing its funding for others. This has left the U.N., which is in the process of its own massive overhaul, reevaluating core programs and initiatives and what the international body would look like without support from the U.S. — its largest donor. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement that the withdrawal was linked to UNESCO's perceived agenda to 'advance divisive social and cultural causes.' She added that UNESCO's decision in 2011 'to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a Member State is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.' UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay said she 'deeply' regrets the U.S. decision but said it was expected and that the agency 'has prepared for it.' She also denied accusations of anti-Israel bias, saying it contradicts 'the reality of UNESCO's efforts, particularly in the field of Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.' Azoulay added that 'the reasons put forward by the United States of America are the same as seven years ago, even though the situation has changed profoundly, political tensions have receded, and UNESCO today constitutes a rare forum for consensus on concrete and action-oriented multilateralism.' Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the U.N., celebrated the announcement, saying in a statement that it is a 'fitting response to the consistent misguided anti-Israel bias of UNESCO, an organization that has lost its way.' The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after citing concerns that China was filling the gap left by the U.S. in UNESCO policymaking, notably in setting standards for artificial intelligence and technology education. 'Unilaterally withdrawing the United States from UNESCO is another assault by the Trump administration on international cooperation and U.S. global leadership,' Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said. 'This decision cedes more ground to U.S. competitors, especially China, who will take advantage of America's absence to further shape the international system in their favor.' The withdrawal, which was first reported by the New York Post, came after a review ordered by the Trump administration earlier this year. While the U.S. had previously provided a notable share of the agency's budget, UNESCO has diversified its funding sources in recent years as the U.S. contribution has decreased. Today, American assistance represents only 8% of the agency's total budget. Bruce hinted later Tuesday that further U.S. withdrawal from international organizations could be coming as a result of the ongoing review to ensure 'continued U.S. participation in international organizations will focus on advancing American interests with clarity and conviction.' Azoulay pledged that UNESCO will carry out its missions despite 'inevitably reduced resources.' The agency said that it is not considering any staff layoffs at this stage. 'UNESCO's purpose is to welcome all the nations of the world, and the United States of America is and always will be welcome,' she said. 'We will continue to work hand in hand with all our American partners in the private sector, academia and non-profit organizations, and will pursue our political dialogue with the U.S. administration and Congress.' The U.S. previously pulled out of UNESCO under the Reagan administration in 1984 because it viewed the agency as mismanaged, corrupt and used to advance the interests of the Soviet Union. It rejoined in 2003 during George W. Bush's presidency. France, where UNESCO is based, stated in a press release that it regrets the U.S.'s decision to withdraw from the agency, which was founded in 1946 'to prevent conflicts through education, culture and tolerance.' 'France supports UNESCO, which backs several of its priorities at international level, particularly access to education for all, the protection of endangered heritage, the protection of our oceans, the responsible development of artificial intelligence and the fight against anti-Semitism and hate speech,' the French foreign ministry said.

an hour ago
Trump Announces Trade Deal with Japan Involving 15 Pct Levy
News from Japan Economy Jul 23, 2025 10:00 (JST) Washington, July 22 (Jiji Press)--U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his country and Japan have concluded a trade agreement setting the reciprocal tariff rate at 15 pct. According to Japanese government officials, the U.S. administration agreed to a 15 pct tariff on automobiles imported from Japan. "We just completed a massive deal with Japan, perhaps the largest deal ever made," Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social. The president said that Japan will open up its markets to U.S. automobiles and agricultural products including rice. He also said that Japan will invest 550 billion dollars into the United States. Washington was set to impose a 25 pct levy on Japan on Aug. 1 if it could not reach a deal with Tokyo. The two sides reached an agreement some three months after the start of negotiations, partly thanks to Tokyo's decision to allow larger imports of rice, which had previously been considered off-limits. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press


NHK
an hour ago
- NHK
Zelenskyy: New round of Ukraine-Russia talks Wednesday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that peace negotiations with Russia will restart on Wednesday in Turkey. It will be the third round of direct talks. However, the two sides remain far apart, and progress is uncertain. Negotiators met in June in Istanbul and agreed to exchange prisoners of war and return the bodies of those killed. They also handed over memorandums outlining their proposals. Ukrainians are asking for an unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days, and the Russians are demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four regions in the east and south. US President Donald Trump has been putting pressure on the Russians by announcing that they will face stiff tariffs if they fail to agree to a ceasefire in less than two months. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has cast doubt on reaching a meaningful deal. He said on Tuesday that he does not expect the talks to result in "magical breakthroughs." The negotiations come as both sides launch heavy strikes using drones. Russian defense officials say they intercepted a barrage from Ukraine over the weekend. The attack caused delays and cancelations at four airports in and near Moscow. The Moscow Times reports that more than 1,000 flights were impacted from Saturday to Monday.