Latest news with #CongressTestimony
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Steve Witkoff must testify about 'secret side deal' with Iran, top Democrat says
A leading US senator on Tuesday said special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff must appear before Congress to face questions about whether the Trump administration is trying to cut a 'secret side deal' with Iran. Mr Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump have repeatedly said Iran will not be allowed to enrich any uranium as part of continuing nuclear talks, including for civilian purposes. But reports by The New York Times and Axios contradict this. They say Washington and Tehran are working on a solution in which Iran could enrich uranium at low levels for civilian use until the US and other nations formulate a larger plan that stops its progress towards a nuclear bomb. 'Steve Witkoff must testify before Congress,' Senator Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, said on X. 'Is there a secret side deal that will allow Iran to continue enriching uranium and empowers Iran's nefarious activity or not?' Whether Mr Witkoff testifies is up to Republicans, who control the US Senate and House of Representatives. The reports also say the proposal suggests the formation of a regional consortium to produce nuclear power, which could include Saudi Arabia and other nations. In a separate video message, Mr Schumer accused Mr Trump of 'folding' to Iran's demands. 'What kind of bull is this? You're going to sound tough in public and then have a secret side eal that let's Iran get away with everything. That's outrageous.' The purported agreement would allow for Iran and the US to find a way past red lines both countries have drawn. Mr Trump has said Iran will not be allowed to enrich 'any' uranium, while Iran has said that its ability to enrich uranium is non-negotiable. When asked about a side deal, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to comment on any negotiations. 'What I can say, though, of course, is that the maximum-pressure campaign on Iran remains in full force,' she told reporters. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that a directive came down last week from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to pause all new sanctions activity towards Iran.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Ex NYC Governor Andrew Cuomo under investigation for Covid testimony
The US Justice Department has launched an investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over his testimony to Congress during the Covid-19 pandemic, US media reports. Congressional Republicans have accused Cuomo - who is running for New York City mayor - of lying in an investigation surrounding his response to the crisis. It marks the latest in a string of investigations launched by the Trump administration into Democrats or opponents since the president returned to the White spokesperson has said the former governor is not aware of a Justice Department investigation into his actions. House Republicans reportedly requested Cuomo be federally investigated and argued he lie to a congressional committee when he said he was not involved in reviewing a report from the New York Health Department about how the state handled the Covid pandemic while he was governor. In a statement, Rich Azzopardi, a Cuomo spokesperson, told the BBC's US partner CBS News that the former governor has not had any contact from law enforcement about the case or received any said news of the investigation was leaked, describing it as "lawfare" and "election interference".The BBC has reached out to the Cuomo and the Justice Department for was frequently criticised for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and often clashed with Trump over his handling of the crisis. The one-time New York governor is attempting a political comeback and is leading polls in the New York City mayoral race. He is running against Eric Adams, who in April had a criminal case against him permanently dismissed by a federal judge after the Trump administration directed prosecutors to drop the corruption move led to the resignation of Manhattan's top federal prosecutor who accused Adams of striking a deal with the Trump administration to dismiss his case in exchange for immigration is one of a handful of Democrats being targeted by Trump. Earlier this week, a Trump-allied prosecutor charged a New Jersey Democratic lawmaker with assault following an alleged incident outside an immigration facility.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
DOJ opens investigation into Andrew Cuomo over pandemic testimony to Congress
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo concerning his testimony to Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic, two officials familiar with the matter told CBS News Tuesday. The investigation comes months after the DOJ dropped charges against current New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Both Adams and Cuomo are running for mayor in the upcoming election. The news was first reported by The New York Times. This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
