
Trump is open to regime change in Iran, after his administration said that wasn't the goal
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Sunday sent a series of conflicting messages to Iran — with U.S. officials initially indicating a willingness to resume negotiations after a surprise attack on three of the country's nuclear sites and President Donald Trump talking up the possibility of regime change.
'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???' Trump posted on social media. 'MIGA!!!'

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Japan Forward
an hour ago
- Japan Forward
Irresponsible for Diet to End Session Without Tackling Iran Crisis
The ruling and opposition parties are already prioritizing campaigning for the July House of Councillors elections. It seems that they will end the regular Diet session without properly debating the crisis in Iran and the Middle East. Yet, that region has a profound impact on Japan. As scheduled, the current session of the Diet ended on June 22. Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), announced on June 19 that he would not submit a resolution of no confidence in the Cabinet at this time. The interest of the ruling and opposition parties has now clearly shifted to the July Upper House election. But is that the right thing to do? Israel and Iran are now locked in fierce combat. Moreover, the United States has just bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. Yet, the Diet has not been conducting intensive deliberations on this situation in any of its relevant committees, including the budget, foreign affairs, and defense-related committees. Shouldn't our elected representatives engage in necessary discussions for the sake of the nation and its people, even if it means slightly extending the Diet session? Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi (©Reuters via Kyodo) Japan is dependent on the Middle East for 90% of its petroleum. The impact of the conflict on national security, energy security, and the economy will be enormous. Meanwhile, US forces are currently being deployed near the Middle East. Closer to home, there is a risk that China could exploit any gaps in defense preparedness to intensify its military pressure in Northeast Asia. Noda said that "there should be no political vacuum" due to the Japan-US tariff negotiations and the situation in the Middle East. Therefore, it seems that they recognize tariffs as such a critical issue. So, why don't the opposition parties call for an extension of the Diet session to discuss that and other international crises? The same holds true for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Is he unwilling to answer questions from representatives of the people and openly exchange opinions with them? In fact, the Prime Minister has not even delivered a report to the Diet on the G7 Summit. Nor has he taken questions from Diet members regarding the same. Is the government, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, oblivious to the international situation? Their attitude is very disappointing. The current Diet session has also left many other issues unresolved. One is ensuring that the Imperial family has a sufficient number of members to provide for stable succession to the throne. Yet, the Speaker and Vice-Speakers of the Lower and Upper Houses of the Diet have postponed this discussion. It is imperative to reach a consensus within the legislative branch based on the paramount principle of male-line succession. The Emperor and Empress, Princess Aiko, and Crown Prince and Princess Akishino at the Imperial Palace on June 10. (Pool photo) Regarding constitutional reform, it was encouraging that five political parties — including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito, Ishin no Kai, and the Democratic Party for the People — presented a draft constitutional reform outline to the Lower House executive committee of the Commission on the Constitution. This plan would allow for the extension of terms for Diet members in emergencies. Nonetheless, it is problematic that the CDP rejected the LDP's proposal to set up a drafting committee for constitutional amendments. There was lively debate within the Diet about measures to combat rising prices. But it was intolerable that each political party rushed to gain popularity with the electorate in anticipation of the upcoming House of Councillors election by offering handouts or a cut in the consumption tax. On the defense of Japan, there was far from sufficient discussion on how China should be perceived or how to improve deterrence. That gap was allowed, despite Chinese fighter jets' dangerous maneuvers toward a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol aircraft. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet makes an abnormal approach to a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P3C patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean on June 8. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Defense) Finally, although the pension reform law was passed, it was disappointing that there was no in-depth discussion on raising the basic pension. This was another disappointment from the just-ended Diet session. (Read the editorial in Japanese .) Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun


Canada News.Net
an hour ago
- Canada News.Net
Canada warns of retaliation without Trump agreement
OTTAWA, Canada: Canada may boost its counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the U.S. if a comprehensive trade agreement with President Donald Trump is not finalized within the next 30 days, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this week. Earlier this month, Trump raised import duties on these metals from 25 percent to 50 percent, prompting the industry to call for Canada to respond officially. This decision could negatively impact Canada, the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the U.S. Carney stated that he had reached a mutual agreement with Trump to aim for a new economic and security deal by July 21. He emphasized that, based on the progress achieved in the trade negotiations, Canada would modify its existing counter-tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products by that date. While Carney did not immediately respond to Trump's recent tariff increase, he expressed the desire to see advancements in talks focused on establishing a stronger economic and security alliance. Earlier this year, on March 13, Canada enacted 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on steel products worth C$12.6 billion and aluminum products worth C$3 billion. Furthermore, Canada is introducing new procurement policies that allow Canadian producers and trading partners with tariff-free access to compete for federal contracts involving steel and aluminum. Carney also indicated that Canada intends to create new tariff-rate quotas equal to 100 percent of 2024 levels for steel imported from nations without free trade agreements, aiming to stabilize the domestic market and prevent detrimental trade shifts. Approximately 90 percent of Canada's steel and aluminum exports go to the U.S., while Canada consumes about 20 percent of U.S. steel exports and 50 percent of U.S. aluminum exports, according to the Royal Bank of Canada, underscoring the importance of this trade relationship. Under Carney's leadership, Canada is advancing numerous infrastructure projects, including those related to defense and housing, which will significantly increase the demand for steel and aluminum. "We are committed to supporting the industry by prioritizing Canadian steel and aluminum in federal projects," Carney stated during a press conference.


Calgary Herald
2 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
Oil spikes as Trump's attack on Iran ramps up risks to supplies
(Bloomberg) — Oil surged after the US struck Iran's three main nuclear sites and threatened further attacks, exacerbating a crisis in the Middle East and stoking concerns that energy supplies from the region could be disrupted. Article content Global benchmark Brent rallied as much as 5.7% to $81.40 a barrel, before paring some of that gain in heavy trading. Timespreads widened. US President Donald Trump said air attacks had 'obliterated' the trio of targets, and threatened more military action if Iran didn't make peace. In its initial reply, Tehran warned the strikes would trigger 'everlasting consequences.' Article content Article content Article content Brent's prompt spread — the difference between its two nearest contracts, and a closely followed metric — widened to as much as $1.99 a barrel in backwardation, from $1.53 on Friday. That's a bullish pattern indicating concern about tight prompt supplies. Article content Article content The US assault — which targeted sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — dramatically raises the stakes in the confrontation and increases the premium that traders are pricing into the global energy market. Still, the extent of the gains will depend on how Tehran opts to respond to the US moves. Article content The oil market has been gripped by the crisis since Israel attacked Iran more than a week ago, with futures pushing higher, options volumes spiking along with freight rates, and the futures curve shifting to reflect tensions about tighter near-term supplies. The Middle East accounts for about a third of global crude output, and a sustained increase in prices would boost inflationary pressures worldwide. Article content Article content 'The market will closely watch Iran's response — particularly whether it will move to disrupt Middle Eastern oil flows, directly or indirectly through its regional proxies,' said Muyu Xu, a senior crude analyst at Kpler Ltd. 'If Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz, even for one day, oil can temporarily hit $120 or even $150.' Article content There are multiple, overlapping risks for physical crude flows. The biggest centers on the Strait of Hormuz, should Tehran seek to retaliate by attempting to close the chokepoint. About a fifth of the world's crude output passes through the waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Article content Iran's parliament has called for the closure of the strait, according to state-run TV. Such a move, however, could not proceed without the explicit approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.