Europeans Threaten to Reimpose Tough U.N. Nuclear Sanctions on Iran
The announcement was part of an effort to push Tehran into renewed negotiations on restricting its nuclear program. Mr. Barrot said France and its partners that remain in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal were 'justified in reapplying global embargoes on arms, banks and nuclear equipment that were lifted 10 years ago' under the deal, which expires in mid-October.
'Without a firm, tangible and verifiable commitment from Iran, we will do so by the end of August at the latest,' Mr. Barrot said on Tuesday in Brussels.
After Israel and the United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites last month, Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose inspectors left. They try to monitor Iran's nuclear program and its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, some of which is near-bomb-grade and could eventually produce up to 10 nuclear weapons, the agency has said.
Iran must allow inspections under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, but the inspectors also monitored its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, and its violations of that agreement.
The Europeans are hoping that the prospect of restored multilateral sanctions will persuade Iran to restore its cooperation with the agency and also renew serious negotiations on restricting or eliminating its ability to enrich uranium. So far, there has been no progress since the bombings to renew talks between Iran and the United States on a new nuclear deal.
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New York Post
22 minutes ago
- New York Post
French authorities investigate if Jewish passengers were removed from flight due to religion
French authorities are trying to establish whether a group of young French citizens was removed from a plane bound for Paris from Spain this week because they are Jewish. The airline, Vueling, has denied the claims. Several dozen French passengers on Wednesday were kicked off a flight leaving the Spanish city of Valencia for Paris, for what Spanish police and the airline described as unruly behavior. French authorities are trying to establish whether a group of young French citizens was removed from a plane bound for Paris from Spain this week because they are Jewish. AFP via Getty Images France's ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday that the minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, contacted the CEO of Vueling, Carolina Martinoli, to express his deep concern 'about the removal of a group of young French Jews from one of the company's flights.' Barrot also requested more information to 'determine whether these individuals had been discriminated against on the basis of their religion.' A similar request has been made to the Spanish ambassador to France. 'Ms. Martinoli assured Mr. Barrot that a thorough internal investigation was underway and that its findings would be shared with the French and Spanish authorities,' the ministry said. Vueling previously denied reports that the incident, which involved the removal of 44 minors and eight adults from flight V8166, was related to the passengers' religion. Several dozen French passengers on Wednesday were kicked off a flight leaving the Spanish city of Valencia for Paris, for what Spanish police and the airline described as unruly behavior. AP Some Israeli news outlets reported that the students were Jewish and that their removal was religiously motivated, a claim that was repeated by an Israeli minister online. Spain's Civil Guard said the minors and adults were French nationals. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the agents involved were not aware of the group's religious affiliation. A Vueling spokesperson said the passengers were removed after the minors repeatedly tampered with the plane's emergency equipment and interrupted the crew's safety demonstration. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the captain of the plane ordered the removal of the minors from the plane at Valencia's Manises Airport after they repeatedly ignored the crew's instructions. On Thursday, the Federation for Jewish Communities of Spain expressed concern about the incident. The group said that Vueling needed to provide documentary evidence of what happened on the plane.
UPI
an hour ago
- UPI
Military clash between Thailand, Cambodia escalates at border
A crater is seen near homes at a residential area amid clashes along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border, in Surin Province, Thailand, on Saturday. Photo by Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/EPA July 26 (UPI) -- Cambodia and Thailand military forces on Saturday fought each other for the third day over contested border territory as the death toll rose to at least 32. The dead were 19 in Thailand, including 13 civilians, and 13 in Cambodia, with eight civilians, in the bloodiest fighting in more than a decade, The Guardian reported. Acting Thai Prime Minister warned the situation "could develop into war." "For now, it remains limited to clashes," he told reporters in Bangkok, and his nation was acting to "protect our land and the sovereignty of our nation." Fighting involving tanks began Thursday near Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an ancient temple claimed by both nations. Thailand also used F-16 jets. Weapons included cluster munitions, which are internationally prohibited though both nations haven't agreed to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. "Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law at great expense to civilians," John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said in a news release Friday. "Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure." On Friday, United Nations diplomats from both countries sought a cease-fire during an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council in New York. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand's envoy to the U.N., urged Cambodia to "immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith." The diplomat said his nation agreed "in principle" to the deal but said Cambodia was continuing "indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory." Cambodia's U.N. ambassador, Chhea Keo said "Cambodia asked for an immediate cease-fire -- unconditionally -- and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," said Chea Keo, Cambodia's U.N. ambassador. "If this conflict escalates, the peace and stability of the entire Southeast Asia region will be at stake," Keo added. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise the "utmost restraint." "The United States is gravely concerned by reports of the escalating fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border," a State Department press spokesperson said Thursday. "We are particularly alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians. We express our deepest condolences on the loss of life. We strongly urge the immediate cessation of attacks, protection of civilians, and peaceful settlement of disputes." On Saturday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social from Scotland that he "I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS. "They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!" Malaysia, which heads the 10-member Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, offered to mediate. China has also expressed concern about the situation, which worsened on Saturday. Cambodia's Ministry of Defense accused Thailand of "unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression" on -- firing five heavy artillery shells in Pursat Province on the southern edge of the shared border. Thailand said Cambodia attacked in neighboring Trat Province but their naval forces pushed back "the incursion" early Saturday. Trat, bordering the Gulf of Thailand and the Pacific Ocean, includes numerous islands with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Tensions have escalated since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an exchange with gunfire. Then last week, Thai soldiers were injured by new landmines. Cambodia has denied putting them there. Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia and said it would expel Cambodia's diplomat in Bangkok. At least 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand's borders. Cambodia said more than 23,000 people were moved from near the border. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister, visited evacuees at a shelter in Ubon Ratchathani Province on Saturday morning. Cambodia has a population of 17.4 million and Thailand has 71.7 million residents. Vietnam borders both nations.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Cracks Emerge in G7 Over Macron's Palestine Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. European and American leaders have spoken out against French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to officially recognize Palestine as a state, illuminating the cracks among nations that make up the Group of Seven (G7) amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. On X, formerly Twitter, Macron made the announcement on Thursday and wrote in part: "Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September." Why It Matters Macron's announcement brings to a head months of increasing criticism from France, which has a large Muslim population, regarding Israel's conduct in its war against Hamas—the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza—that was sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has led to mass destruction, death, and famine in Gaza. At least 1.9 million people—about 90 percent of the population in the enclave—have been internally displaced by Israeli bombardments, according to the U.N. Israel's ground and air attacks have killed more than 55,300 Palestinians, per the Gaza Health Ministry. The French president's decision also comes amid a wave of nations moving to recognize Palestinian statehood, with France being the first G7 nation to do so. Other countries that make up the G7 include Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Representatives from other nations say it could be too soon to recognize statehood and further complicate relations between Palestine and Israel. Of the 193 U.N. member states, approximately 147 currently recognize the State of Palestine, which was granted non-member observer status at the U.N. in 2012. Israel, which is a full member of the U.N., is currently recognized by around 165 U.N. member states. What To Know Macron's announcement followed his visit to Egypt's border with Gaza in April where he witnessed the scale of the crisis. "In light of the commitments made to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I have written to him to express my determination to move forward," Macron wrote in his X post. He had originally sought a coordinated move with allies, including the U.K. and Canada, but faced reluctance from these governments. While France presses forward, the United States and Israel sharply condemned the decision, characterizing it as bolstering Hamas and undermining peace efforts. "The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly," Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X following Macron's announcement. "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Germany have also resisted immediately following suit, citing the necessity of linking Palestinian statehood to progress on a two-state solution and broader regional negotiations, The Independent reported. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to Macron's statement saying in part, "I am very much in favour of the State of Palestine but I am not in favour of recognising it prior to establishing it," Reuters reported. Meloni also rejected premature recognition, saying, "If something that doesn't exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn't." French President Emmanuel Macron talks to media prior to talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Villa Borsig on July 23 in Berlin. French President Emmanuel Macron talks to media prior to talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Villa Borsig on July 23 in Berlin. Photo byHamas 'Always Rejected the Two-State Solution' Macron has said the decision on a Palestinian state was "consistent" with his country's "historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," and called for an "urgent end to the war" as well as greater humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defended the decision and rejected the accusation that it helped Hamas. "Hamas has always rejected the two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France proves this terrorist movement wrong. It supports the side of peace against that of war," Barrot posted to X. Israel Reacts to Macron Decision Israel's Permanent Representative to the U.N., Danny Danon, blasted France's decision. "Neither international conferences disconnected from reality nor unilateral statements at the U.N. will lead to peace," Danon said in a statement shared with Newsweek. "Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state after the massacre of October 7 and precisely at a time when Hamas is still holding hostages is a disgraceful reward for terrorism." He added: "Anyone who ignores the reality on the ground—that Israel has no partner for peace—harms not only Israel but the stability of the entire region." What People Are Saying President Donald Trump to reporters about Macron's announcement on Friday: "What he says doesn't matter. He's a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn't carry weight." British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement Friday, per The Independent: "Alongside our closest allies, I am working on a pathway to peace in the region, focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those that are suffering in this war. That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace." He added: "Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. This is the way to ensure it is a tool of maximum utility to improve the lives of those who are suffering—which of course, will always be our ultimate goal." French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "...Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region. There is no alternative. The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility—as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners—to prove that peace is possible." What Happens Next? Following Macron's announcement, divisions may further complicate efforts to coordinate Western policy on the Middle East and could weaken the G7's collective influence over the peace process. Within the U.K., Starmer's Labour government faces continued pressure from MPs, trade unions, and allied parties to match France's move, with speculation surrounding potential policy shifts following a planned meeting with Trump in Scotland this week.
