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Russia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
African state accuses Western powers of destabilization campaign
Niger's interim president, Abdourahamane Tchiani, has accused Western powers, particularly France, of fueling terrorist violence in the African country in an attempt to impose a 'new model of governance' against the will of the Nigerien people. In an interview with state broadcaster RTN over the weekend, General Tchiani claimed that 'several plots' have been launched against Niger from neighboring countries, including Nigeria and Benin, with the backing of Western governments expelled after the July 2023 military takeover. He said Western-backed operatives have held meetings in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin to coordinate efforts, including smuggling weapons to terrorist groups. 'France has used several means to destabilize us… France has also infiltrated all the movements that were initially called independentist movements, then, the jihadist movement, and finally, terrorist movements,' he stated. He said Paris has established 'French cells' in the region, one led by Jean-Marie Bockel, President Emmanuel Macron's personal envoy for Africa, tasked with countering 'Sahelian influence.' According to Tchiani, the so-called 'Sahel cell of the Elysee' is mobilizing the French secret service (DGSE), diplomats, and the Francophonie agency, backed by 'unlimited funds,' to carry out all 'subversive operations' aimed at destabilizing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). 'This Sahel cell will also have a mission to do everything by all means to demonize the relations between the states of the [AES] and the Federation of Russia,' he added. The Nigerien leader made similar accusations in December, alleging that France was funding militants operating in Nigeria's Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as in Benin, to undermine Niger's sovereignty. He accused former Nigerian intelligence chief Ahmed Abubakar Rufai of supporting the groups with training and equipment. In January, Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba also accused France of using 'Trojan horses' to weaken the military government in Niamey. Toumba warned of subversive tactics and claimed French military cooperation had left the country in 'desolation.' The accusations come amid heightened regional tensions and a wave of anti-French sentiment across the Sahel, which has been devastated by more than a decade of deadly jihadist insurgency. Niger, along with its AES allies – Mali and Burkina Faso – has cut ties with Paris and expelled French troops, accusing the former colonial power of prolonging instability under the pretense of counterterrorism. On Saturday, Tchiani claimed that Nigeria is providing logistical support to French troops expelled from Niger. Abuja has previously denied the allegations. Russia, which Niamey, Bamako, and Ouagadougou have turned to for security cooperation in recent months, has echoed similar claims that certain Western states are attempting to undermine the troubled Sahel region. Last week, Russian Foreign Ministry official Tatyana Dovgalenko accused Ukraine of funneling Western-supplied weapons to militants operating across Africa and training terrorist networks in the Sahel as part of 'systematic efforts to destabilize the continent.'
Japan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Japan Times
Damning IAEA report spells out past secret nuclear activities in Iran
Iran carried out secret nuclear activities with material not declared to the U.N. nuclear watchdog at three locations that have long been under investigation, the watchdog said in a wide-ranging, confidential report to member states. The findings in the "comprehensive" International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report requested by the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors in November pave the way for a push by the United States, Britain, France and Germany for the board to declare Iran in violation of its non-proliferation obligations. A resolution would infuriate Iran and could further complicate nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. Using the IAEA report's findings, the four Western powers plan to submit a draft resolution for the board to adopt at its next meeting the week of June 9, diplomats say. It would be the first time in almost 20 years that Iran has formally been found in non-compliance. Iran's foreign ministry and the Iranian nuclear agency rejected the report, calling it "politically motivated" in a joint statement. They said Tehran will take "appropriate measures" in response to any effort to take action against the country at the Board of Governors meeting, state media reported, without elaborating. Tehran says it wants to master nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and has long denied accusations by Western powers that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. While many of the findings relate to activities dating back decades and have been made before, the IAEA report's conclusions were more definitive. It summarized developments in recent years and pointed more clearly towards coordinated, secret activities, some of which were relevant to producing nuclear weapons. It also spelled out that Iran's cooperation with IAEA continues to be "less than satisfactory" in "a number of respects." The IAEA is still seeking explanations for uranium traces found years ago at two of four sites it has been investigating. Three hosted secret experiments, it found. The IAEA has concluded that "these three locations, and other possible related locations, were part of an undeclared structured nuclear program carried out by Iran until the early 2000s and that some activities used undeclared nuclear material," the report said. Nuclear material and/or heavily contaminated equipment from that program was stored at the fourth site, Turquzabad, between 2009 and 2018, it said. "The Agency concludes that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran, specifically, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin and Turquzabad," the report said. At Lavisan-Shian in Tehran, a disc made of uranium metal was "used in the production of explosively-driven neutron sources" at least twice in 2003, a process designed to initiate the explosion in a nuclear weapon, the report said, adding that it was part of "small-scale" tests. The report is likely to lead to Iran being referred to the U.N. Security Council, though that would probably happen at a later IAEA board meeting, diplomats said. More immediately, it is likely to lead to Iran again accelerating or expanding its rapidly advancing nuclear program, as it has done after previous rebukes at the board. It could also further complicate talks with the United States aimed at reining in that program. A separate IAEA report sent to member states on Saturday said Iran's stock of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% of weapons grade, had grown by roughly half to 408.6 kg. That is enough, if enriched further, for nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick. Both IAEA reports said enrichment to such a high level was "of serious concern" since it is the only country to do so without producing nuclear weapons. Israel, which has long urged strong action against Iran's nuclear program, said the IAEA report showed Tehran was determined to complete its nuclear weapons program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the world should act now to stop Iran from doing this. U.S. intelligence agencies and the IAEA have long believed Iran had a secret, coordinated nuclear weapons program that it halted in 2003. Iran denies ever having had one. Separately on Saturday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his Omani counterpart presented elements of a U.S. proposal for a nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington during a short visit to Tehran. In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said later on Saturday that President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff "has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it's in their best interest to accept it." She declined to provide further details. Araqchi said in a post on X that Iran "will respond to the U.S. proposal in line with the principles, national interests and rights of people of Iran." His statement came ahead of an anticipated sixth round of talks between Washington and Tehran. The date and venue of talks have not yet been announced.
CNA
5 days ago
- General
- CNA
Damning IAEA report spells out past secret nuclear activities in Iran
VIENNA: Iran carried out secret nuclear activities with material not declared to the UN nuclear watchdog at three locations that have long been under investigation, the watchdog said in a wide-ranging, confidential report to member states seen by Reuters. The findings in the "comprehensive" International Atomic Energy Agency report requested by the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors in November pave the way for a push by the United States, Britain, France and Germany for the board to declare Iran in violation of its non-proliferation obligations. A resolution would infuriate Iran and could further complicate nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. Using the IAEA report's findings, the four Western powers plan to submit a draft resolution for the board to adopt at its next meeting the week of Jun 9, diplomats say. It would be the first time in almost 20 years Iran has formally been found in non-compliance. Iran's foreign ministry and the Iranian nuclear agency rejected the report, calling it "politically motivated" in a joint statement. They said Tehran will take "appropriate measures" in response to any effort to take action against the country at the Board of Governors meeting, state media reported, without elaborating. Tehran says it wants to master nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and has long denied accusations by Western powers that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. While many of the findings relate to activities dating back decades and have been made before, the IAEA report's conclusions were more definitive. It summarised developments in recent years and pointed more clearly towards coordinated, secret activities, some of which were relevant to producing nuclear weapons. It also spelled out that Iran's cooperation with IAEA continues to be "less than satisfactory" in "a number of respects". The IAEA is still seeking explanations for uranium traces found years ago at two of four sites it has been investigating. Three hosted secret experiments, it found. The IAEA has concluded that "these three locations, and other possible related locations, were part of an undeclared structured nuclear programme carried out by Iran until the early 2000s and that some activities used undeclared nuclear material", the report said. Nuclear material and/or heavily contaminated equipment from that programme was stored at the fourth site, Turquzabad, between 2009 and 2018, it said. "The Agency concludes that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran, specifically, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad," the report said. At Lavisan-Shian in Tehran, a disc made of uranium metal was "used in the production of explosively-driven neutron sources" at least twice in 2003, a process designed to initiate the explosion in a nuclear weapon, the report said, adding that it was part of "small-scale" tests. The report is likely to lead to Iran being referred to the UN Security Council, though that would probably happen at a later IAEA board meeting, diplomats said. More immediately, it is likely to lead to Iran again accelerating or expanding its rapidly advancing nuclear programme, as it has done after previous rebukes at the board. It could also further complicate talks with the United States aimed at reining in that programme. URANIUM ENRICHMENT A separate IAEA report sent to member states on Saturday (May 31) said Iran's stock of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent purity, close to the roughly 90 percent of weapons grade, had grown by roughly half to 408.6 kg. That is enough, if enriched further, for nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick. Both IAEA reports said enrichment to such a high level was "of serious concern" since it is the only country to do so without producing nuclear weapons. Israel, which has long urged strong action against Iran's nuclear programme, said the IAEA report showed Tehran was determined to complete its nuclear weapons programme. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the world should act now to stop Iran from doing this. US intelligence agencies and the IAEA have long believed Iran had a secret, coordinated nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. Iran denies ever having had one. Separately on Saturday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his Omani counterpart presented elements of a US proposal for a nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington during a short visit to Tehran. Araqchi said in a post on X that Iran "will respond to the US proposal in line with the principles, national interests and rights of people of Iran". His statement came ahead of an anticipated sixth round of talks between Washington and Tehran. The date and venue of talks have not yet been announced.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Netanyahu's high-stakes moves between war and trial
As the Gaza conflict escalates into one of the most intense confrontations in recent memory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands at a crucial crossroads. Facing international calls for a ceasefire, domestic political pressures and ongoing legal battles, Netanyahu's refusal to halt military operations without significant concessions reveals a calculated strategy balancing survival, security and power. US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to call for an end to the hostilities, reflecting the growing global impatience with the ongoing violence. Western powers and international organizations, long weary of the repeated cycles of conflict, emphasize the urgent need for peace. Yet Netanyahu remains defiant, signaling that his calculations extend far beyond immediate diplomatic approval. Israel's traditional allies have become increasingly divided. While the US maintains support for Israel's right to self-defense, its tone has softened to urge de-escalation. Other Western countries like the UK, France and Canada have voiced criticism and are contemplating sanctions in response to Israel's continued military campaigns, while London has suspended trade talks. This shift highlights the global outrage over Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe — widespread civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction and critical shortages of food, water and medicine. Despite international pressure, Netanyahu insists on two conditions for any ceasefire: the full disarmament of Hamas and the implementation of a controversial relocation plan for Gaza's Palestinian population. This plan, widely condemned as forced displacement, raises serious ethical and legal questions. It echoes painful histories of displacement in the region and risks escalating tensions throughout the Middle East. Netanyahu remains defiant, signaling that his calculations extend far beyond immediate diplomatic approval Hani Hazaimeh At home, Netanyahu's political survival is deeply intertwined with the Gaza conflict. Facing charges of bribery and corruption, Netanyahu hopes a successful military campaign will strengthen his standing and divert attention from his legal troubles. Conversely, a premature ceasefire could weaken his position and embolden his opponents. Israeli society remains divided. Many support Netanyahu's hard-line approach as essential to security, while others criticize the human cost and warn of long-term damage to Israel's moral character. Protests both supporting and opposing the government's policies have erupted nationwide. The urgent demand to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas adds another layer of complexity, fueling calls for continued military pressure. The proposed relocation plan for Gaza's nearly 2 million Palestinians is the most contentious element of Netanyahu's strategy. Seen by many as a violation of international law, it recalls fears of ethnic cleansing and risks destabilizing Gaza and the broader region. Neighboring countries with large Palestinian refugee populations, including Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, could see heightened tensions and security risks if displacement occurs. For Netanyahu, this plan aims to permanently neutralize the Hamas threat and reshape Gaza's political reality in Israel's favor. But such a move risks isolating Israel diplomatically and provoking regional backlash. The Middle East remains a volatile landscape of fragile alliances and rivalries. Prolonged conflict or forced displacement could further destabilize the region. The international community faces a dilemma — supporting Israel's alleged right to self-defense while condemning the humanitarian consequences of its military operations. The international community must work toward a sustainable peace that addresses the conflict's root causes Hani Hazaimeh Netanyahu's challenge is to maintain political strength and security credibility at home while managing growing international pressure and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Persisting with a hard-line stance risks diplomatic isolation and regional escalation. Conversely, conceding without substantial gains could undermine his authority and legal standing. In the coming weeks, Netanyahu's decisions will reverberate far beyond Israel's borders, shaping regional stability and the fate of millions. Amid this political and legal chess game, the civilians of Gaza remain the most vulnerable. The international community must intensify humanitarian aid and work toward a sustainable peace that addresses the conflict's root causes, not just its symptoms. Netanyahu's defiance highlights a broader failure — global and regional leaders' inability to forge a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Without such a solution, cycles of violence and suffering will persist, threatening any hope for lasting peace in one of the world's most volatile regions. The world watches and waits, hoping humanity does not become the ultimate casualty in this high-stakes game. • Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh
Russia Today
25-05-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
BRICS offers hope for Africa's future – Mandela's granddaughter
Africa must shake off its legacy of dependence on Western colonial powers and seek true independence by boosting cooperation with partners such as Russia and the BRICS group, Ndileka Mandela has told RT. In an exclusive interview ahead of International Africa Day, the granddaughter of late South African President Nelson Mandela said the continent remains constrained by economic control and financial systems that continue to favor Western interests over local development. According to Mandela, her grandfather believed that true freedom and independence for Africa as a whole and South Africa in particular lies in regional unity and global partnerships rooted in equality. 'For Africa, the path to freedom isn't just about breaking free from old dependencies; it's about building new ones that align with our own values and interests,' she said. 'Real freedom means harnessing our resources to benefit every South African. It means breaking free from the economic control that has kept us reliant on systems that don't serve our interests.' Mandela called out Western countries and corporations for continuing to drain the country's natural resources long after the end of formal colonial rule. She argued that BRICS – which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others – offers a path forward for African nations to break free from exploitative models and build prosperity on their own terms. BRICS holds the potential to reshape economies, advance shared interests, and support meaningful development. It's more than just an economic bloc; it's a chance for countries like ours to grow and overcome challenges together, through mutual respect and shared vision. Mandela went on to say that cooperation with Russia within BRICS 'helps pave the way toward a multipolar world.' She praised Russia as a valuable partner capable of supporting Africa's growth without the strings attached by Western institutions. 'Within this alliance, our collaboration with Russia is a natural extension of shared goals… Russia can be a key partner in ensuring that South Africa and other BRICS nations are not dependent on any single global power,' she said, adding that partnership with the group offers the means to build a resilient economy that values people over profit and builds prosperity for all, not for foreign or corporate interests.
