Latest news with #HowardSolomon


Roya News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Roya News
UN nuclear watchdog condemns Iran for lack of nuclear transparency
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution Thursday censuring Iran for its continued failure to meet its nuclear transparency obligations, increasing diplomatic pressure on Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. The resolution, drafted by the US, UK, France, and Germany, passed with 19 votes in favor out of 35 member states, according to diplomatic sources cited by AFP. Three countries, China, Russia, and Burkina Faso, voted against it, while 11 abstained. Venezuela and Paraguay were unable to vote due to financial arrears. The measure marks the latest attempt by Western powers to hold Iran accountable for its lack of cooperation with nuclear inspectors, with concerns persisting that Tehran could be moving closer to developing nuclear weapons, an allegation Iranian authorities consistently deny. In a statement issued during the IAEA board meeting, US chargé d'affaires Howard Solomon emphasized Washington's desire for a diplomatic solution. 'The United States is negotiating in good faith to reach a deal that allows us to say with confidence what President Trump has said time and again: Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon,' Solomon said. 'Iran now has a clear opportunity to build confidence: by providing the Agency with greater transparency' and 'ceasing its escalatory nuclear activities,' he added. The resolution urged Iran 'to urgently remedy its non-compliance' with its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and expressed regret that, despite repeated requests and opportunities, Tehran has not fully cooperated with the IAEA. The watchdog noted its inability to confirm that Iran's nuclear efforts are solely peaceful, stating this uncertainty justifies potential referral to the UN Security Council, which holds the authority to impose sanctions. Tensions have risen in recent months as Iran continues to enrich uranium close to weapons-grade levels and restricts IAEA access to key facilities. Western diplomats say the resolution aims to pressure Tehran into restoring cooperation with nuclear inspectors. Tehran has threatened retaliation if censured. Ahead of the vote, Iranian officials warned they would 'react very strongly' by reducing collaboration with the IAEA.


CBS News
04-03-2025
- CBS News
Former Oakland youth boxing program director faces mail fraud, tax evasion charges
The former director of an Oakland nonprofit pleaded not guilty Monday to embezzling more than $100,000 from the organization he once led. Howard Solomon ran the East Oakland Boxing Association, a nonprofit organization that provides boxing lessons, coaching and mentorship to children. The gym is located on 98th St. near San Leandro. As the director of EOBA, Solomon was in charge of managing daily operations, fundraising and oversight of the organization's budget and finances. He's accused of using EOBA funds for personal use and is facing charges of embezzlement, mail fraud and tax evasion. Back in 2019 Steph and Ayesha Curry were guests on the Ellen DeGeneres special "Ellen's Greatest Night of Giveaways" when they presented Solomon and his organization with $50,000 and gifts. According to court documents, he pocketed that money. Solomon has been accused of embezzling funds collected for the organization since at least 2017. He allegedly used money from EOBA accounts to purchase $100,000 worth of personal items from Amazon and falsely claimed these purchases were for the organization. He allegedly used the organization's accounts to pay for vacation rental properties and bought a Ford Explorer with EOBA funds that he later traded in for a Cadillac Escalade. Solomon is charged with owing more federal income tax than was declared due on his federal income tax returns and filing false and fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He appeared in federal district court on Monday and entered a not guilty plea. He is currently out on a $25,000 bond.