Latest news with #UnitedAgainstNuclearIran
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Panama Removes Over 650 Ships From Registry Amid Sanctions, Stricter Rules
Panama City: Panama's Maritime Authority has removed from its registry more than 650 vessels since 2019 as part of an effort to fulfill U.S. sanctions and enforce stricter rules for the ships it flags, it said on Monday. A total of 214 vessels have been withdrawn from Panama's registry, among the world's largest with more than 8,500 ships, since it began implementing measures last year allowing it to act faster to help enforce sanctions, the authority added. Ships cannot sail under Panama's flag once they are removed from its registry. Panama responded to criticism by non-governmental organization United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which last week said Panama had not taken sufficient action against sanction violators and asked it to "immediately cease facilitating Iran's illicit oil trade" and withdraw its flag from all tankers carrying Iranian oil. According to UANI, nearly one in five vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil sails under Panama's flag. "This is not just a failure of Panama's registry. It's a direct threat to global sanctions compliance and regional and U.S. security," it said. Panama in 2019 signed an agreement with other flag countries including Liberia and Marshall Islands to exchange information about vessels whose registrations were canceled or rejected due to potential sanction violations. It also began implementing measures against ships that deliberately turn off their transponders to avoid tracking. In May, the authority said it would reinforce controls for ship-to-ship operations by Panama-flagged vessels, following an increase in the use of "dark-fleet" tankers to skirt sanctions or evade environmental requirements. The U.S. has increased pressure on countries with large vessel registries to help enforce sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the expansion of a dark fleet of tankers moving sanctioned oil and threatened to take over the Panama Canal. The Central American nation is collaborating with the United States on its registry, the authority said in its press release. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Panama removes over 650 ships from registry amid sanctions, stricter rules
PANAMA CITY -Panama's Maritime Authority has removed from its registry more than 650 vessels since 2019 as part of an effort to fulfill U.S. sanctions and enforce stricter rules for the ships it flags, it said on Monday. A total of 214 vessels have been withdrawn from Panama's registry, among the world's largest with more than 8,500 ships, since it began implementing measures last year allowing it to act faster to help enforce sanctions, the authority added. Ships cannot sail under Panama's flag once they are removed from its registry. Panama responded to criticism by non-governmental organization United Against Nuclear Iran , which last week said Panama had not taken sufficient action against sanction violators and asked it to "immediately cease facilitating Iran's illicit oil trade" and withdraw its flag from all tankers carrying Iranian oil. According to UANI, nearly one in five vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil sails under Panama's flag. "This is not just a failure of Panama's registry. It's a direct threat to global sanctions compliance and regional and U.S. security," it said. Panama in 2019 signed an agreement with other flag countries including Liberia and Marshall Islands to exchange information about vessels whose registrations were canceled or rejected due to potential sanction violations. It also began implementing measures against ships that deliberately turn off their transponders to avoid tracking. In May, the authority said it would reinforce controls for ship-to-ship operations by Panama-flagged vessels, following an increase in the use of "dark-fleet" tankers to skirt sanctions or evade environmental requirements. The U.S. has increased pressure on countries with large vessel registries to help enforce sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the expansion of a dark fleet of tankers moving sanctioned oil and threatened to take over the Panama Canal. The Central American nation is collaborating with the United States on its registry, the authority said in its press release.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Video Shows Iran's New Underground Military Drone Facility
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new underground military drone hangar, marking another step in the country's efforts to project its military capabilities. The reveal was accompanied by a video showing the facility's layout and weaponry. The announcement coincided with sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson and senior Republicans condemned Iran's role in global conflicts during a Capitol Hill event at which a captured Iranian-made drone was displayed as a symbol of Tehran's reach from Ukraine to the Middle East. Newsweek has reached out the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters The unveiling of Iran's underground drone facility highlights Tehran's strategy to protect its assets from potential airstrikes and surveillance, particularly from Israel or the United States, as it shifts focus toward asymmetric warfare and enhanced defense infrastructure. This development coincides with renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, with a fourth round of negotiations set for Sunday. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is preparing for a Middle East trip, including stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, where discussions will likely center on Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional security concerns. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (L) (R-LA) is greeted by Mark Wallace, CEO of the non-profit United Against Nuclear Iran, before Johnson delivered remarks next to a Shahed 136 military drone during a... U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (L) (R-LA) is greeted by Mark Wallace, CEO of the non-profit United Against Nuclear Iran, before Johnson delivered remarks next to a Shahed 136 military drone during a press conference on Capitol Hill May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC. The press conference, organized by United Against Nuclear Iran, occurred as the United States and Iran continue to negotiate over bilateral issues and growing international concern with Iran's drone production and proliferation. MoreWhat to Know The IRGC unveiling showcased the underground base's integration of various missile platforms and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Iranian media highlighted the facility's apparent capacity for autonomous operations and rapid mobilization. Officials stated that the site is fully operational and capable of sustaining independent military campaigns. Iranian Drone Threat This demonstration of Iran's expanding military capabilities comes as U.S. lawmakers have voiced increasing concern over Tehran's growing use of drones. On Thursday, an Iranian-made Shahed 136 drone, captured in Ukraine, was displayed inside Congress during an event organized by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). The exhibition highlighted growing concerns in Washington over Iran's global footprint, with UANI CEO and former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mark Wallace calling the drone "the most ubiquitous terror weapon of mass destruction in the world today." Secret Nuclear Site Meanwhile on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed recent reports suggesting the existence of a secret nuclear facility in Iran, attributing them to attempts aimed at disrupting upcoming nuclear negotiations with Washington. Araghchi, posting on X, appeared to reference a report citing the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), writing: "Like clockwork, more Very Scary Satellite Images are being circulated as Iran-US indirect nuclear talks are set to resume." Like clockwork, more Very Scary Satellite Images are being circulated as Iran-U.S. indirect nuclear talks are set to resume. With his credibility in tatters and exposed as a saboteur, Netanyahu—under his "Determining What @realdonaldtrump Can & Cannot Do"-policy—is turning to… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 8, 2025 The NCRI is recognized as diplomatic wing of the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MeK). It is designated as a terrorist organization by Iran due to its past involvement in violent attacks and was considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. until its delisting in 2012. What People Are Saying IRGC Major General Hossein Salami said: "What the Iranian people witness today represents only a fraction of the IRGC Navy's substantial drone capabilities." Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mark Wallace called Iran's Shahed 136 drone: "The most ubiquitous terror weapon of mass destruction in the world today." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote: "Like clockwork, more Very Scary Satellite Images are being circulated as Iran-U.S. indirect nuclear talks are set to resume." What Happens Next As Iran continues to unveil new military capabilities, Tehran is clearly seeking to strengthen its position ahead of renewed nuclear talks with the U.S., set to resume on May 11 in Oman. The timing aligns with President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East, where Iran's expanding military footprint and nuclear ambitions are expected to dominate the regional security agenda.
Wall Street Journal
02-05-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Where's That Maximum Pressure on Iran?
One could be forgiven for thinking Iran is now under 'maximum pressure.' The Trump White House first said so Feb. 4, announcing the return of the oil sanctions President Biden had declined to enforce. Might we note, then, the discordant fact that Iran's oil exports have yet to suffer? The occasion for the Feb. 4 announcement—'President Donald J. Trump Restores Maximum Pressure on Iran'—was a memo ordering 'a campaign aimed at driving Iran's oil exports to zero.' On Feb. 14 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent adjusted that to the target of 100,000 barrels a day. They're nowhere close. Iran is exporting some 1.6 million barrels a day, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control assessed in April. That matches May 1 figures from United Against Nuclear Iran, the group of former U.S. Ambassador Mark Wallace whose Tanker Tracker provides the best monthly data we have. It finds that Iran's exports of 1.6 million barrels a day in April—more than 90% of it to China—are near March's 1.5 million a day and February's 1.7 million a day, and up from January's 1.3 million a day. At the end of Mr. Trump's first term in 2020, when sanctions had Iran 'on its knees,' as the President likes to say, Iran's oil exports had been driven down to 300,000 barrels a day.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Warning to Trump nuke negotiators about deceptive Iranian version of the 'Art of the Deal'
FIRST ON FOX – Experts on the Islamic Republic of Iran's manipulative atomic weapons bargaining strategy issued a dire warning to team Trump negotiators on how to avoid falling into the trap of former President Barack Obama's flawed nuclear deal with Iran. President Trump issued a scathing indictment of Obama's agreement when he withdrew from the atomic accord in 2018, declaring, "This was a horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made." Trump asserted that Obama's 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the formal name for the Iran nuclear deal, did not stop Tehran from building an atomic bomb. Experts from United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) published a report that outlines the 10 negotiating tactics Iran exploits to secure major concessions while retaining its capability to construct a nuclear weapon. Iran Ramps Up State Executions Amid Nuclear Talks With Us The report, in an ode to President Trump's famous 1987 book "The Art of the Deal," is called: "Iran's Version of the 'Art of the Deal'" and was authored by Saeid Golkar, Jason M. Brodsky and Kasra Aarabi. The 10 tactics Iran uses in nuclear negotiations to outorganize the U.S. government and its allies, according to UANI, are: Read On The Fox News App The Grass Can Be Greener Promises vague future rewards to keep talks alive without offering anything concrete. Exploit the illusion of political pluralism – use "moderates" vs. "hardliners" to extract concessions, even though all power lies with the supreme leader. Dangle phantom investment deals to lure Western governments and companies – then pull the rug out. Issue exaggerated threats to stir anti-war sentiment and paralyze tough policymaking in the U.S. Resist clear commitments; rely on vague language to allow deniability while still benefiting from deals. Nuclear Watchdog Urges 'Trust But Verify' That Iran Engages In Good-faith Negotiations Engage in endless, exhausting talks to delay action, offering superficial gestures to avoid real consequences Invoke historical grievances to justify current behavior and shift blame onto the West. Exploit rifts within Western alliances – between the U.S. and Europe, or even within U.S. administrations Use bazaar-style haggling tactics – start high, concede slow, cloak intentions in false politeness. Leak selectively and spin the media narrative to present Iran as the reasonable actor driving diplomacy. The UANI experts explained in greater detail in their report how Iran's regime maximizes gains with minimum concessions via its 10 deceptive bargaining tactics. According to the UANI "These are derived from direct accounts from individuals who have firsthand experience in negotiating and dealing with Iranian officials, native Iranian policy experts, as well as from observations from veteran Iran watchers." The Trump administration and Iran have just completed a third round of indirect nuclear talks. According to Reuters, Omani officials have said a new round of U.S.-Iran talks could be held on May 3 in Europe. No formal decision has been taken. Iran has reached out to Britain, France and Germany ahead of the next negotiating session. This suggests Tehran is keeping its options open, but also wants to assess where the Europeans stand on the possible re-imposition of U.N. sanctions before October, when a resolution ratifying the 2015 accord expires. Iran Accused Of 'Covering Up' Death Toll In Port Explosion Amid Uprising Fears UANI says Iran is seeking to play the EU against U.S. to weaken the Western alliance. The experts wrote that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali "Ayatollah Khamenei's overarching strategy has been rooted in his so-called 'West without the U.S.' method. Grounded in Khamenei's and the Islamic Republic's vehement anti-Americanism, this strategy has sought to divide the Europeans from the U.S. to undercut U.S. national interests." UANI argued that the Iranian regime's "gimmicks are meant to try to mask the fact that the Iranians are offering nothing more than the concessions it made to President Obama under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of 2015." Iran seeks to manipulate nuclear talks to diminish the "ideal conditions for Israel and/or the U.S. to take military action against Tehran," noted UANI. Trump's military threats to target Iran's nuclear facilities have forced Tehran to engage in negotiations, according to the experts. President Donald Trump may prefer a diplomatic solution to stop Iran's creep toward a nuclear weapon, but recently claimed he'll be "leading the pack" to war with the regime if talks falter. "I think we're going to make a deal with Iran," he told Time magazine in an interview published Friday, while claiming that President Joe Biden had allowed Iran to "become rich." Fox News' Morgan Phillips and Reuters contributed to this article source: Warning to Trump nuke negotiators about deceptive Iranian version of the 'Art of the Deal'
