Iran says it cannot completely cut ties with IAEA
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Asharq Al-Awsat
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Israel to Place $500 Million, US-funded Order for Boeing Aerial Refueling Tankers
Israel plans to buy two Boeing-made KC-46 military aerial refueling tankers in a $500 million deal to be financed with US military aid, the Israeli defense ministry said on Wednesday. It said it would sign the contract with the US government once an Israeli ministerial committee for defense procurement grants its approval. The US government oversees foreign military sales and transfers to other nations. The military already operates four Boeing-made KC-46 aerial tankers, the defense ministry said in a statement. Ministry Director General Amir Baram said in the statement that the aircraft would strengthen the military's long-range strategic capabilities, enabling it to operate farther afield with greater force and with increased scope. Israel used such aerial refueling tankers during its 12-day air war against Iran in June. The statement said the contract would include equipping the planes with Israeli systems, which it did not specify. Washington provides its close ally Israel with billions of dollars each year to purchase American weapons and equipment. "The contract's scope is estimated at approximately half a billion USD (US dollars) and is funded through US aid," the ministry statement said. Recently, some US Republicans and Democrats have questioned whether the government should continue giving Israel military aid, citing its war in Gaza and concerns over whether taxpayer dollars might be better spent on domestic priorities.
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China, Afghanistan Hold Talks on Mining, Belt and Road Participation
China told Afghanistan on Wednesday that Beijing was keen on exploring and mining minerals in Afghanistan and wanted Kabul to formally join its Belt and Road Initiative, the Afghan Taliban foreign ministry said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Kabul and held talks with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ministry said in a statement, adding that both countries wanted to expand cooperation in a range of areas. Beijing will continue to support the Afghan government to achieve long-term peace and stability, Wang told Muttaqi, according to a readout of the meeting released by China's foreign ministry. China was willing to deepen mutual political trust with Afghanistan and step up cooperation in areas including trade and agriculture, Wang said. He called on Afghanistan to combat militant forces, adding that tighter security ties would provide a guarantee for bilateral economic cooperation. "Mr. Wang Yi also mentioned that China intends to initiate practical mining activities this year," the Afghan statement said. In a separate meeting with the Afghan Taliban prime minister, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Wang said "China will continue to uphold justice, oppose unilateral bullying, and engage in cooperation in various fields with Afghanistan". Wang urged Akhund's government to take seriously Chinese concerns over "terrorist forces" and step up efforts to combat them, according to a readout of the meeting from Wang's ministry. China was the first country to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan under the Taliban and has sought to develop its ties with the hardline group that took control of the war-torn country in 2021. The impoverished country, rich in lithium, copper and iron deposits, could offer a wealth of mineral resources to boost Beijing's supply chain security, analysts say.
Al Arabiya
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Saudi FM Prince Faisal holds calls with counterparts from UAE, Qatar, Bahrain
The top Saudi diplomat held separate calls with his counterparts from Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE on Wednesday. Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the latest regional and international developments and issues of common interest between Riyadh and the other three capitals, according to readouts of the calls. Prince Faisal spoke to UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
