Latest news with #US-aligned
Roya News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Leaked Gaza ‘deradicalization' camp plan sparks fears of forced displacement: Reuters
A proposal obtained by Reuters has sparked concern among humanitarian experts over a plan to establish massive 'Humanitarian Transit Areas' (HTAs) for Palestinians inside, and potentially outside, the Gaza Strip. The plan, which carries the name of the US-aligned Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), outlines a USD 2 billion initiative to build large camps aimed to "temporarily residing" Palestinians, as well as "deradicalize, re-integrate and prepare to relocate if they wish to do so.' According to two sources familiar with the matter, the proposal was shared with the Trump administration earlier this year and was recently discussed in Washington. The project's stated aim is to transition control over Gaza's population away from Hamas, presenting the HTAs as 'voluntary' shelters where residents can temporarily live while Gaza is rebuilt. The plan also appeared in a presentation obtained by Reuters, which includes maps, timelines, and cost estimates. One slide suggested the first camp could be functional within 90 days and accommodate over 2,000 people. A longer-term vision includes the construction of up to eight camps, each capable of housing hundreds of thousands. While the proposal did not explain how residents would be moved to these areas, it showed potential destinations including Egypt and Cyprus. Despite the document prominently featuring the logos of GHF and the for-profit contractor SRS, both organizations have denied authorship or involvement. GHF told Reuters that the slides 'are not a GHF document,' stressing that it is not planning or implementing any such camps. 'Our focus is solely on food distribution,' the group said. SRS echoed that message, saying it has had 'no discussions with GHF about HTAs' and any claims suggesting otherwise were 'entirely false.' The White House declined to comment, while a senior US official said, 'nothing of the like is under consideration,' and no funding is being directed toward it. Still, the plan's emergence has alarmed humanitarian leaders. 'There is no such thing as voluntary displacement amongst a population that has been under constant bombardment for nearly two years and has been cut off from essential aid,' said Jeremy Konyndyk, head of Refugees International and a former US aid official. Concerns over forced relocation resurfaced after former President Donald Trump suggested in February that the US should take over Gaza and turn it into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' comments widely condemned by Palestinians and human rights groups. Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director of Gaza's Government Media Office, told Reuters the foundation is 'not a relief organization but rather an intelligence and security tool affiliated with the Israeli occupation.' Since opening its food distribution operations in Gaza in May, GHF has coordinated with the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and US security firms to move aid through non-UN channels, an approach favored by the Trump administration but criticized by the UN and aid groups. The United Nations has called the foundation's operations unsafe and a breach of humanitarian neutrality, reporting that hundreds have died at GHF distribution sites or near convoys. While the status of the camp proposal remains unclear, critics argue that even discussing such a plan in a war-ravaged and displaced population risk legitimizing mass relocation under the guise of humanitarian relief.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US trade threat: Donald Trump warns Brics nations of 10% tariff hike; bloc slams US trade policies
US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose an additional 10% import tariff on China, India, and other Brics nations after the 11-member grouping criticised his trade policies during their summit in Brazil. 'Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of Brics, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,' Trump said in a post on social media. His remarks came after Brics leaders denounced the US tariff regime as 'indiscriminate', 'damaging', and 'illegal' in their joint statement on Sunday. The Brics bloc — which includes China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia — accounts for nearly half the world's population and about 40% of global economic output. Once envisioned as a forum for fast-growing emerging markets, the expanded Brics now brings together both US adversaries such as Iran and Russia, and Washington's allies, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. While some US-aligned members sought to moderate the criticism by avoiding Trump's name in the joint declaration, it did little to placate the White House. Saudi Arabia, a key buyer of US weapons, went so far as to withdraw its foreign minister from Sunday's session and the official Brics 'family photo', AFP reported. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Tariff pressure mounts ahead of August 1 Trump's renewed tariff threat comes ahead of an August 1 deadline, by which the administration has demanded new trade deals from global partners or face sweeping unilateral duties. The Brics nations now appear likely to be targeted for steeper penalties. The latest backlash also follows a Brics statement condemning US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure — a move seen as bolstering member state Iran amid rising Middle East tensions. China defends Brics stance China rejected accusations that the Brics platform was hostile to the United States. 'China has repeatedly stated its position that trade and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism offers no way forward,' said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in a briefing on Monday. 'Brics is not targeted at any country,' Mao added, calling the bloc an 'important platform for cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries.' The summit's momentum appeared weakened by the absence of key leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has never missed a Brics summit in 12 years, skipped this year's event. Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted by the International Criminal Court over the Ukraine war, joined via video link. Despite the diplomatic strain, Putin told Brics counterparts the group has become a 'key player in global governance', underlining its growing geopolitical weight. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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First Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Khamenei holds the Iran key as Trump pushes for new nuclear deal
Senior Iranian officials are prepared to enter talks with the Trump administration over a civilian nuclear deal, but the final decision rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei read more Despite public denials, senior Iranian officials are quietly signaling their willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. However, as with all critical decisions in the Islamic Republic, the ultimate authority rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . A source familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that Iran's leadership has indicated a readiness to talk, but they are still awaiting a green light from Khamenei. It remains unclear whether Khamenei is deliberately holding back his approval or if communication difficulties are contributing to the delay. Some reports suggest that Khamenei has retreated to a secure underground location — an apparent wartime measure—that has hampered contact with top officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khamenei previously blocked key talks Journalist Barak Ravid recently reported that Khamenei previously blocked attempts by Iran's foreign minister to engage with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance. That obstruction, during the recent conflict, was a decisive factor in US President Donald Trump 's choice to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. A deal is still on the table Despite the tensions and military strikes between Iran, Israel, and the US, efforts to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table are ongoing. Trump administration officials have floated a range of proposals — some highly ambitious — including potentially allowing Iran to access up to $30 billion for a civilian nuclear energy program. The proposals are contingent on a firm, non-negotiable condition: zero uranium enrichment by Iran. The US insists that any civilian nuclear programme must be powered by imported, not domestically enriched, uranium. This idea mirrors the model followed by the United Arab Emirates. Secret White House meetings and regional involvement Much of the recent diplomacy has been conducted in secret. A critical meeting occurred last Friday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and officials from Gulf states at the White House, just one day before the US military launched strikes against Iran. During this meeting, terms for a revamped Iranian nuclear program were laid out, including a $20–30 billion investment, primarily expected to come from US-aligned Gulf partners, not American taxpayers. One floated idea involves Gulf states funding the replacement of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility — recently bombed by the US — with a new non-enrichment energy site. Whether Iran would have access to or control over the facility remains unclear. Sanctions relief and access to frozen funds Another incentive under discussion is the removal of select economic sanctions and the unlocking of $6 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen in foreign bank accounts. These financial carrots are part of a broader strategy to draw Iran back into a compliance framework without direct concessions from Washington DC. Still, reports quoting senior Trump administration officials said these proposals are preliminary and subject to change. The US is not offering unilateral benefits but is open to facilitating peace and long-term stability. Trump's public indifference belies behind-the-scenes diplomacy In public statements, President Trump has struck a dismissive tone, stating he doesn't care whether a new deal is signed or not. However, CNN cited sources to say that the administration sees real value in locking down a longer-term nuclear agreement to reinforce the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Witkoff has echoed similar views in his interviews. He said the US is pursuing a 'comprehensive peace agreement' and sees signs that Iran is open to one. He said multiple intermediaries — especially Qatar — are actively facilitating discussions. Road to a new agreement remains uncertain While a sixth round of negotiations had been scheduled before Israel's strikes disrupted talks, no formal date has been set to resume them. President Trump claimed that US-Iran talks might take place next week, though Iranian officials have not confirmed this and sources say the logistics are still being finalised. Before the recent military escalation, five rounds of preliminary talks had already been held. A proposal from the US was on the table and Iran was expected to respond in Oman — plans which were derailed by the Israeli assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Potential turning point or point of no return? The Trump administration hopes that the recent show of military force will pressure Iran into abandoning its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. However, some experts warn the opposite outcome is just as plausible: that Iran may now double down on its nuclear ambitions out of self-preservation. In a troubling sign, the Iranian parliament has recently voted to end cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog agency — a move widely interpreted as a signal of Tehran's intent to further conceal its nuclear activities. Direct talks are still uncertain US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced that any future agreement depends on Iran's willingness to engage in direct negotiations. Still, back-channel communication continues, with Qatar playing a central role in conveying messages and helping maintain the fragile ceasefire. The coming days may determine whether this fragile diplomatic moment yields a new nuclear agreement — or slides into deeper mistrust and confrontation.
NDTV
27-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
$30 Billion Investment, Unfreeze Funds: US Offer To Iran To Resume Talks
New Delhi: The Trump administration has been exploring a range of proposals to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, including easing sanctions, releasing frozen funds, and facilitating a multi-billion-dollar investment in a civilian nuclear energy programme, CNN reported, citing four sources familiar with the matter. Discussions have continued despite recent military strikes between Israel and Iran. US officials and Middle East intermediaries have been engaging Iran behind closed doors, as per sources. Talks have intensified since a fragile ceasefire was reached this week, brokered by US President Donald Trump. The administration has floated various proposals, all contingent on one non-negotiable: zero Iranian uranium enrichment, a position Tehran has consistently rejected. According to CNN, the proposal includes several incentives for Iran. A $20-30 billion investment in non-enrichment nuclear infrastructure for civilian energy. Sanctions relief. Access to $6 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen in foreign accounts. One idea being floated involves rebuilding the Fordow nuclear site, recently struck by US bunker-buster bombs, into a non-enriching civilian facility, potentially funded by US-aligned Gulf nations. It remains unclear whether Iran would operate that site under the new proposal. "The US is willing to lead these talks," a Trump administration official told CNN. "And someone is going to need to pay for the nuclear programem to be built, but we will not make that commitment." Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East, told CNBC on Wednesday that the administration is pursuing a "comprehensive peace agreement" and sees an opportunity to present Iran with a formal term sheet. He said any new programme must be modelled after the United Arab Emirates' civil nuclear project, which prohibits enrichment. "Now the issue and the conversation with Iran is going to be, how do we rebuild a better civil nuclear programme for you that is non-enrichable?" Witkoff said. President Donald Trump confirmed the possibility of talks next week but appeared uncertain about the need for a deal. "I don't care if I have an agreement or not," he said on Wednesday, even as some of his aides reportedly view a long-term nuclear deal as essential to maintaining the current ceasefire. Qatar, key to the Israel-Iran ceasefire, will continue mediating US-Iran talks, CNN reported. Five US-Iran talks took place before Israel's strikes halted a planned sixth round in Oman. Before the US strikes, intermediaries told Iran the action would be limited and that the US demand for no uranium enrichment remained firm. "We may sign an agreement, I don't know," Trump said Wednesday from the NATO summit. "I could get a statement that they're not going to go nuclear, we're probably going to ask for that."
The Age
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Albanese to put beef on the table in Trump trade talks
However, the US's mad cow outbreak subsided and Australia's ban on US beef was lifted in 2019. Biosecurity officials are still reviewing whether to permit cattle raised in Mexico and Canada but slaughtered in the US into Australia, as the Trump administration has demanded. 'Our farmers are blocked from selling almost anywhere ... Australia won't let us sell beef,' US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in April, in an oversimplification of the current situation. It is unclear whether the outcome of that review will be the card Albanese plays in his discussion with Trump, which another government source noted was not a 'deal-or-no-deal' moment and could lead to months of talks. The source added that ministers were wary of Trump's erratic approach and were unwilling to 'sell the farm' by giving in to US demands to water down the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or back away from charging tech giants for news. The prime minister's office was contacted for comment. Experts, including former inspector-general of biosecurity Helen Scott-Orr, told this masthead in April that they endorsed Australia's ban on US beef exports from cattle raised outside the US. Australia's disease-free status depended on strict biosecurity protocols, they said. 'We do not use them [biosecurity protocols] as non-tariff trade barriers. When other countries query our biosecurity requirements, we have to justify them and show that we are applying proper controls to allow trade to all those countries to continue,' Scott-Orr said. 'The requirements we have are very cautious because the consequences would be huge.' The Albanese government's consideration of permitting US beef imports suggests it has found a pathway through these complications. In April, Albanese said he would negotiate with the US but would never undermine biosecurity. 'We will not weaken the measures that protect our farmers and producers from the risks of disease or contamination,' he said in a separate statement. Agriculture sector consultant Patrick Hutchison, of Gibraltar Strategic Advisory, said while the US was a major competitor in the biggest markets for beef, like China, Japan and Korea, Australia's population of 27 million was likely too small to become a major target for Americans. 'US exports would only play a very niche role in the market here, like in food service or potentially, US-aligned supermarket chains,' Hutchinson said. The US is the biggest market for Australian beef, which is used in 6 billion hamburgers across the United States each year, and industry calculates tariffs would cost US consumers an additional $600 million a year. National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said he welcomed Albanese's ongoing commitment not to compromise biosecurity rules to satisfy US demands. Loading 'The science-based, biosecurity assessment processes undertaken by the Australian government are crucial in ensuring imports are safe,' Jochinke said. Australia's historic trade with the US dipped into a deficit for the first time earlier this year, just as Trump was preparing to announce tariffs. However, it returned to surplus on Thursday, handing Albanese and Farrell a more powerful argument because most countries, unlike Australia, sell more to the US than they buy from it. The US hostility towards trade under Trump has forced its allies to open up new trading avenues. Australia is closing in on a long-delayed free-trade deal with the EU, with Trade Minister Don Farrell meeting European counterparts in Paris this week. Loading UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a partial exemption from metals tariffs when he visited Washington, creating a precedent for such an arrangement and fuelling Coalition calls for Albanese to get the same outcome. The prime minister said on Tuesday he would 'certainly' raise metals tariff with Trump, and on Thursday argued the case for a long-delayed EU trade deal that Farrell is now negotiating was bolstered by the chaos caused by Trump's tariff spree.
