Latest news with #Iranian-allied
Boston Globe
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Trump vowed to ease sanctions on Syria. How quickly that happens is up for debate.
Advertisement Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the former militant commander who led the overthrow, says he is working to build an inclusive government friendly to the West. Some Trump administration officials are pushing to lift or waive sanctions as fast as possible without demanding tough conditions first. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Others in the administration have proposed a phased approach, giving short-term waivers soon on some sanctions and then tying extensions or a wider executive order to Syria meeting conditions, which could substantially slow — or even permanently prevent — longer-term relief. That would impede the interim government's ability to attract investment and rebuild Syria after the war, critics say. 'The Syria sanctions are a complex web of statutes, executive actions and United Nations Security Council resolutions that have to be unwound thoughtfully and cautiously,' White House National Security Council spokesman Max Bluestein said. Advertisement The administration is 'currently analyzing the optimal way to do so' and would have an announcement soon, Bluestein said in a statement Thursday to The Associated Press. A State Department proposal circulated among officials after Trump's pledge on his Middle East trip last week lays out sweeping conditions for future phases of relief or permanent lifting of sanctions, including dismantling Palestinian militant groups as a top demand, according to a senior U.S. official familiar with the plan, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Additional proposals are circulating, including one shared this week that broadly emphasized taking all the action possible, as fast as possible, to help Syria rebuild, the official said. A welcome US announcement in Syria People danced in the streets of Damascus after Trump announced in Saudi Arabia last week that he would 'be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness.' 'We're taking them all off,' Trump said a day before meeting the country's new leader. 'Good luck, Syria. Show us something special.' This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocated for a hedged approach in testimony before U.S. lawmakers. Rubio pushed for sanctions relief to start quickly, saying Syria's five-month-old transition government could be weeks from 'collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions.' But asked what sanctions relief should look like overall, Rubio gave a one-word explanation: 'Incremental.' Washington has levied sanctions against Syria's former ruling family since 1979 over its support for Hezbollah and other Iranian-allied militant groups, its alleged chemical weapons program and its brutality against civilians as the Assad family fought to stay in power. Advertisement The sanctions include heavy penalties for outside companies or investors doing business there. Syria needs tens of billions of dollars in investment to restore its battered infrastructure and help the estimated 90% of the population living in poverty. Syria's interim leaders 'didn't pass their background check with the FBI,' Rubio acknowledged to lawmakers this week. The group that al-Sharaa led, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was originally affiliated with al-Qaida, although it later renounced ties and took a more moderate tone. It is still listed by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. But al-Sharaa's government could be the best chance for rebuilding the country and avoiding a power vacuum that could allow for a resurgence of the Islamic State and other extremist groups. 'If we engage them, it may work out, it may not work out. If we do not engage them, it was guaranteed to not work out,' Rubio said. Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the U.S.-based Syrian Emergency Task Force and an advocate who has been influential in helping shape past U.S. policy on Syria, said he has been circulating a framework for a proposed executive order that would allow Trump to quickly remove many of the sanctions. Trump's move to lift the penalties is aimed at 'preventing a failed state and ending perpetual violence,' but some in the administration are trying to 'water down' the decision, Moustafa asserted. Debate within the Trump administration The initial document sent out last week by the State Department's policy and planning staff proposed a three-phase road map for sanctions relief, starting with short-term waivers. Progress toward additional relief and an outright lifting of penalties in future phases would be tied to tough conditions that generated pushback from some officials. Advertisement Removing 'Palestinian terror groups' from Syria is first on the list of requirements to get to the second phase. Supporters of sanctions relief say the condition might be impossible, given the subjectivity of determining which groups meet that definition and at what point they can be declared removed. Other conditions for moving to the second phase are for the new government to take custody of detention facilities housing Islamic State fighters in northeast Syria and to carry out a recent deal with the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — which manages the detention facilities — that includes the SDF being incorporated into the Syrian army. To get to phase three, Syria would be required to join the Abraham Accords — normalized relations with Israel — and to prove that it had destroyed all of the previous government's chemical weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously pushed for the Trump administration not to lift sanctions on Syria. Israel has been suspicious of the new government, although Syrian officials have said publicly that they do not want a conflict with Israel. Since Assad fell, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes and seized a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in Syria. Congressional sanctions on Syria will take much longer to lift While some of the sanctions can be lifted by executive action, others face a more complex process. The most difficult could be the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a wide-reaching set of sanctions passed by Congress in 2019 in response to alleged war crimes by Assad's government. It specifically blocks reconstruction activities, and although it can be waived for 180 days by executive order, investors are likely to be wary of reconstruction projects when sanctions could be reinstated after six months. Advertisement In a meeting last week in Turkey with Syria's foreign minister, Rubio and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham explained that they supported Trump's call to ease sanctions immediately but that permanent relief would require action by the Syrian government to meet conditions that the president laid out, according to other U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. 'We have a moment here to provide some capability to this new government that should be conditions-based,' Graham said this week. 'And I don't want that moment to pass.' Sewell reported from Beirut. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
CBS News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
U.S. offers $15 million reward for woman, 3 accomplices accused of smuggling drone technology to Iran
The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $15 million for a woman and three accomplices who have been allegedly smuggling U.S. technology to Iran for nearly 20 years. Liu Baoxia, also known as Emily Liu, allegedly worked with three associates to use front companies in China to send U.S. electronic components to companies linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the State Department said in a news release . The associates were identified as Li Yongxin, also known as Emma Lee; Yung Yiu Wa, also known as Stephen Yung; and Zhong Yanlai, also known as Sydney Chung. The electronic components could be used in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, ballistic missile systems, and other "military end uses," the State Department said. Thousands of components were sent, the State Department said in another post . Liu and her associates allegedly misrepresented who the electronic components would be sent to, so they were exported to the Chinese front companies under the belief they were being sent to China. Instead, they were exported to Iran-linked companies Shiraz Electronics Industries, Rayan Roshd Afzar, and their affiliates, the State Department said. Federal charges against the four, including conspiracy, were announced in January 2024. Known locations for Liu and her associates are Tehran, Iran; Shiraz, Iran; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Beijing, China, and Kowloon, Hong Kong. Federal arrest warrants have been issued for Liu and Chung , and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has added them to its "Most Wanted" list. The U.S. State Department said its Rewards For Justice program was offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to their arrest. The IRGC regularly uses front companies to make and move money, and to procure technology while evading sanctions and trade controls , the State Department said. The IRGC and Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, which supervises the development and production of the nation's military weapons, have utilitized U.S. technology to manufacture arms and weapons systems, the State Department said. Those systems are then sold to governments and groups in Iranian-allied countries like Russia, Sudan and Yemen .
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lebanon reports 15 deaths as ceasefire deadline with Israel expires
Lebanon said 15 people were killed on Sunday in confrontations with Israeli forces in the south of the country. The deaths came after a deadline expired for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Iranian-allied Lebanese Hezbollah movement. Despite the violence, many people were nevertheless attempting to return to homes they had fled during months of cross-border hostilities. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said at least 15 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 83 others injured in the Israeli attacks. The Lebanese army said one of its soldiers was killed and another injured by Israeli fire in two separate incidents. It accused Israel of failing to comply with the ceasefire deal. The Israeli army said its troops operating in southern Lebanon had fired warning shots to "remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching the troops." The military added that suspects were apprehended for posing an imminent threat to its troops and were being questioned. People have gathered since the early hours of Sunday trying to return to their towns and villages in the border area of southern Lebanon, the official Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said. The Israeli military has warned residents not to return to the area and accused Hezbollah of inciting tensions. Online images purportedly showed people crossing a barbed wire fence and entering the southern town of Kfar Kila, carrying pictures and the Hezbollah banner. Footage circulating online also showed a convoy of cars attempting to enter the southern town of Ayta al-Shaab, despite the Israeli army warning that it is still operating in the area. The United Nations said on Sunday it is not yet safe for people to return to their places in southern Lebanon. "As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages," UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the head of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Aroldo Lázaro, said in a joint statement. Some locals sounded resolute about returning to their towns in the region against the odds. "We are determined to enter our villages, whatever the cost may be," Fatma, a woman from the southern town of Mais al-Jabal, told dpa as she was trekking towards her home town. "We are here as civilians and not as armed people. We are the people of the land," Mohammed, a native of the southern town of Maroun al-Ras, said. People were seen entering Maroun al-Ras and standing facing the nearby Israelis tanks, witnessed said. "My son is still dead under the rubble. You have to allow me to enter to bury him properly," Zeinab, a woman from the southern town of Khiyam, shouted as she was speaking to Lebanese soldiers. For his part, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, an ex-army chief, called on people to exercise restraint. "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity," Aoun, who took office earlier this month, told the southerners, according to NNA. On Saturday, the Lebanese army blamed Israel for not being able to deploy its forces throughout southern Lebanon as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement that halted the Israel-Hezbollah war in late November. The Lebanese army said it is ready to complete its deployment as soon as the Israeli forces withdraw. Under the 60-day ceasefire deal, which was announced on November 26, Israel was supposed to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon by Sunday. The Israeli withdrawal was then to be followed by a deployment of the Lebanese army, which would patrol the border area with Israel in southern Lebanon alongside UN peacekeepers to prevent Hezbollah from returning and re-establishing a military presence in the area. Israel said it delayed the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, insisting that the Lebanese side had not fully implemented its part of the ceasefire agreement. According to media reports, Israel has asked the United States for a 30-day extension to the original deadline.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lebanon reports 11 dead as ceasefire deadline with Israel expires
Lebanon said 11 people were killed on Sunday in southern Lebanon, where tensions mounted after the deadline expired for Israeli troops to withdraw as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Iranian-allied Lebanese Hezbollah movement. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said at least 11 people, including one soldier, were killed and 83 others injured in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon as people attempted to return to their home towns there. The Lebanese army meanwhile said one of its soldiers was killed and another injured by firing from the Israeli army in two separate incidents and accused Israel of failing to comply with the ceasefire deal. The Israeli army said its troops operating in southern Lebanon had fired warning shots to "remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching the troops." The military added that suspects were apprehended for posing an imminent threat to its troops and were being questioned. People have gathered since the early hours of Sunday trying to return to their towns and villages in the border area of southern Lebanon, the official Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said. The Israeli military has warned residents not to return to the area and accused Hezbollah of inciting tensions. Online images purportedly showed people crossing a barbed wire fence and entering the southern town of Kfar Kila, carrying pictures and the Hezbollah banner. Footage circulating online also showed a convoy of cars attempting to enter the southern town of Ayta al-Shaab despite the Israeli army warning that it is still operating in the area. The United Nations said on Sunday it is not yet safe for people to return to their places in southern Lebanon. "As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages," UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the head of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Aroldo Lázaro, said in a joint statement. Some locals sounded resolute about returning to their towns in the region against the odds. "We are determined to enter our villages, whatever the cost may be," Fatma, a woman from the southern town of Mais al-Jabal, told dpa as she was trekking towards her home town. "We are here as civilians and not as armed people. We are the people of the land," Mohammed, a male native of the southern town of Maroun al-Ras, said. People were seen entering Maroun al-Ras and standing facing the nearby Israelis tanks, witnessed said. For his part, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, an ex-army chief, called on people to exercise restraint. "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity," Aoun, who took office earlier this month, told the southerners, according to NNA. On Saturday, the Lebanese army blamed Israel for not being able to deploy its forces throughout southern Lebanon as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement that halted the Israel-Hezbollah war in late November. The Lebanese army said it is ready to complete its deployment as soon as the Israeli forces withdraw. Under the 60-day ceasefire deal, which was announced on November 26, Israel was supposed to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon by Sunday. The Israeli withdrawal was supposed to be followed by a deployment of the Lebanese army, which would patrol the border area with Israel in southern Lebanon alongside UN peacekeepers to prevent Hezbollah from returning and re-establishing a military presence in the area. According to media reports, Israel has asked the United States for a 30-day extension to the original deadline.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lebanon reports casualties as ceasefire deadline with Israel expires
Tensions erupted in southern Lebanon on Sunday after the deadline expired for Israeli troops to withdraw as part of a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and the Iranian-allied Lebanese Hezbollah movement. Three people were killed and 31 injured in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon as people attempted to return to their towns there, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said. People have gathered since the early hours of Sunday trying to return to their towns and villages in the border area of southern Lebanon, the official Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said. The Israeli military has warned residents against returning to the area and accused Hezbollah of inciting tensions. Online images purportedly showed people crossing a barbed wire fence and entering the southern town of Kfar Kila carrying pictures and the Hezbollah banner. The Israeli army captured two people in the southern town of Houla after they had entered it, the Lebanese television station LBC reported. Footage circulating online showed a convoy of cars attempting to enter the southern town of Ayta al-Shaab despite the Israeli army warning that it is still deployed in the area. Some locals sounded resolute about returning to their towns in the region against the odds. "We are determined to enter our villages, whatever the cost may be," Fatma, a woman from the southern town of Mais al-Jabal, told dpa as she was trekking towards her home town. "We are here as civilians and not as armed people. We are the people of the land," Mohammed, a male native of the southern town of Maroun al-Ras, said. People were seen entering Maroun al-Ras and standing facing the nearby Israelis tanks, witnessed said.
