Latest news with #Non-NATO
Euronews
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
France, Germany and allies warn of growing Iranian intelligence plots
France, Germany and other NATO allies, as well as Austria, are accusing Iran of a growing number of intelligence threats, including a surge in kidnapping and assassination plots, across Europe and North America. 'We are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass people in Europe and North America in clear violation of our sovereignty,' the joint statement released on Thursday said. 'These services are increasingly collaborating with international criminal organizations to target journalists, dissidents, Jewish citizens, and current and former officials in Europe and North America," it noted. France, Germany, the US, the UK, and other NATO allies, including Albania, Belgium, Britain, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden signed the statement. Non-NATO member Austria, home to the UN nuclear watchdog headquarters, also signed. While the statement did not point to a specific incident, the signatures called on Iran 'to immediately put an end to such illegal activities in (their) respective territories.' The US and the UK have previously warned of Tehran-backed plots on their soil. Just last month, the UK Intelligence Committee reported 15 murder and kidnap attempts against its citizens and residents between January 2022 and August 2023. Iran's embassy in London had denied the allegations, calling them "unfounded, politically motivated and hostile." "Such accusations are not only defamatory but also dangerous, fuelling unnecessary tensions and undermining diplomatic norms," the embassy said in a statement.
Euronews
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Western allies warn of growing Iranian intelligence threats
The United States and many of its NATO allies, as well as Austria, are accusing Iran of a growing number of intelligence threats, including a surge in kidnapping and assasination plots, across Europe and North America. 'We are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass people in Europe and North America in clear violation of our sovereignty,' the joint statement released on Thursday said. 'These services are increasingly collaborating with international criminal organizations to target journalists, dissidents, Jewish citizens, and current and former officials in Europe and North America," it noted. The statement was signed the United States, Britain, France and 11 other NATO allies, including Albania, Belgium, Britain, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden. Non-NATO member Austria, home to the UN nuclear watchdog headquarters, also signed. While the statement did not point to a specific incident, the signatures called on Iran 'to immediately put an end to such illegal activities in [their] respective territories.' The United States and the United Kingdom have previously warned for Tehran-backed plots on their soil. Just last month, the UK Intelligence Committee reported 15 murder and kidnap attempts against its citizens and residents between January 2022 and August 2023. Iran's embassy in London had denied the allegations, calling them "unfounded, politically motivated and hostile." "Such accusations are not only defamatory but also dangerous, fuelling unnecessary tensions and undermining diplomatic norms," the embassy said in a statement.
New York Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
How about NOT relying on Qatar as an honest US-Iran broker?
Count us as deeply skeptical of having Qatar handle negotiations to further resolve Iran's nuke program — or any other burning Middle East issues. Doha certainly has its uses, as it strives to be everyone's friend — but that very much includes warm relations with America's rivals and outright enemies, which drastically limits those uses. It has, notably, been one of the prime funders of Hamas, whose headquarters is there — even as it was one of the first Gulf nations to (unofficially) embrace trade with Israel. Advertisement It's a designated US Major Non-NATO Ally and hosts major US bases, but also hosts and owns Al Jazeera — a media network with a clear anti-American bias and a history of links to rabid Islamists. It's an eager participant in and funder of AI initiatives — yet its easy relations with Beijing foster fears that it would aid China's relentless theft of Western intellectual property in this most cutting-edge research. Advertisement So, yes: Qatar was plainly helpful in setting up the Israel-Iran ceasefire — but relying on it to broker deeper and longer-lasting accords could easily skew those negotiations into favoring a hidden agenda. Doha is just plain slippery — the last quality anyone should want when looking for an honest broker. Another possible complication: The Trump Organization's deal with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund to develop the Trump International Golf Club in Doha — a further blurring of interests that can only add fuel fearful speculation over just whose interests are being served by any Qatar-facilitated diplomatic accords. Really, folks: If you want a neutral intermediary, what's wrong with Switzerland? It's served just fine in that role for a long, long time.
Ya Biladi
01-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's $260 million Javelin Missile deal with the U.S. moves forward
Pending Congressional approval, Morocco's order for 612 Javelin missiles was published in the U.S. Federal Register on May 27. This potential sale, valued at $260 million (or 2.61 billion dirhams), has already received the green light from the State Department, as announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a statement on March 19. «This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa», the statement added. This marks the first major U.S. arms sale to Morocco announced since Donald Trump's return to the White House on January 20. It was followed, on April 15, by a proposal to sell the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles and related equipment for an estimated $825 million (approximately 7.7 billion dirhams). As with the Javelin order, this deal is also awaiting Congressional approval. During Trump's first term, Morocco signed major contracts with the U.S. military industry, including the 2019 purchase of 24 Apache helicopters for $1.5 billion, 25 new F-16 Block 72 fighter jets for $3.787 billion, and the upgrade of 23 older F-16s for $985.2 million.
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Trump is visiting three of world's wealthiest nations. What's on the table for discussion
US President Donald Trump is set to visit three key Gulf nations this week: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip marks his first state visit of his second term, and the Gulf states are keen to secure deals and strengthen their ties with the US. According to CNN, the Gulf nations have developed strong personal ties with Trump and pledged significant investments in the US. They also see themselves as key partners in resolving conflicts like those in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran. These countries hope to gain economic, military, and diplomatic benefits from their relationship with the US. Saudi Arabia is looking to strengthen its security ties with the US. As Ali Shihabi, a commentator on Saudi politics, told CNN, 'Security, security and security' are the main priorities for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. They seek reassurance of the US's commitment to Gulf stability, especially after concerns over US interest during the Biden administration. Saudi Arabia is also interested in developing a civilian nuclear program, though this has been delayed due to concerns over uranium enrichment, which could be used to produce nuclear weapons. Trump's visit could help advance this goal, as it could open up lucrative opportunities for US companies in the nuclear sector. The UAE is focused on using its wealth to deepen ties with the US, especially in the field of technology. The UAE has committed to investing $1.4 trillion over the next decade, targeting areas like AI, semiconductors, and energy. As Ebtesam AlKetbi, head of the Emirates Policy Center, said to CNN, expanding trade and investment is essential for strengthening the US-UAE partnership. The UAE is particularly keen on advancing its AI ambitions and has positioned itself as a key player in the global tech race. However, it faces restrictions on AI exports from the US, which may be eased during Trump's visit. This would be a major step for the UAE's goal of becoming a global AI leader. Qatar's main concern is security, as it hosts the largest US military base in the region. The US and Qatar recently extended their military cooperation agreement, and Qatar has been granted the status of a Major Non-NATO Ally. As Hasan Alhasan, a Middle East expert, explained to CNN, Qatar's role as a mediator in conflicts, such as in Gaza and Afghanistan, adds to its influence with the US. One of Qatar's key aims during Trump's visit is to convince the US to lift sanctions on Syria under the Caesar Act, which imposes economic restrictions on the country. Qatar is cautious about offering support to Syria without US approval. Experts say Trump's visit is seen as a chance for the Gulf states to secure major deals in security, technology, and diplomacy. As Firas Maksad, managing director at Eurasia Group, said, 'Expect big announcements' during Trump's trip, as both the US and Gulf states stand to benefit from the strengthened partnership.
