CBS/AP: Iran's Revolutionary Guard says no fear of war with U.S., top diplomat says no interest in talks
Tehran, Iran -- Iran's influential Revolutionary Guard said Tuesday it doesn't fear a possible war with the United States and claimed that America hasn't grown in power in recent years -- the latest tough talk from Tehran amid escalating regional tensions and a crisis with Washington.
"The enemy is not more powerful than before," said the Guard spokesman, Gen. Ramazan Sharif.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif appeared unimpressed with Japan's offer to mediate in the crisis, saying Mr. Trump should make his intentions clear about any talks with Iran through actions, not words.
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MIDDLE EAST
U.S. calls Russian, Syrian air strikes 'reckless escalation' in Syria.
Civilian toll mounts as Syria regime pounds jihadist bastion. Syrian government forces intensify bombing, civilian deaths rise.
Israeli military confirms it conducted Syria air strike.
Turkish military launches operation against militants in northern Iraq.
Iran: 'We currently see no prospect of negotiations with America'. Iranian officials reject Trump's call for talks.
Iraq offers to mediate in crisis between its allies Iran, US.
Iran set for dialogue with Gulf neighbours as tensions soar.
Nechirvan Barzani elected president of Iraq's Kurdish region.
Ramadan in Mideast is for fasting and Facebook, data shows.
Kushner heads to Middle East to seek support for US peace plan.
ASIA
China rages against Bolton meeting with Taiwan as anti-invasion drills begin on the island.
Chinese media turning up the heat as US-China trade war drags on.
Pakistan not invited to Modi's swearing-in: sources.
Trump calls US-Japan relationship a 'treasured alliance' at state dinner.
US official urges Pacific nations to keep ties with Taiwan.
China looks to Russia, Central Asia for support amid tensions with US.
U.S. says all North Korea's weapons of mass destruction violate U.N. resolutions.
North Korea blasts South for unilateral military drills.
Two militants killed in Kashmir after hours-long gunfight with Indian Army.
Papua New Guinea in crisis as PM stalls resignation.
Terror attacks on Afghan schools leave millions with no formal education.
‘Walking over bodies’: mountaineers describe carnage on Everest.
Japanese bus stop stabbing leaves three people dead and 19 injured.
AFRICA
Don't take our troops for granted, France warns West African states.
Hifter's forces push toward Libyan capital city's center.
Libya: Flight data places mysterious planes in Haftar territory.
Egypt's Sinai: 'War crimes' being committed, says Human Rights Watch.
Sudan protesters begin two-day strike to pressure military.
Algeria's presidential election 'likely to be delayed'. Algeria army chief calls for 'mutual concessions'.
President calls for opposition to accept Malawi vote result.
Eight Gambian soldiers sentenced over coup plot.
Lake Mai-Ndombe disaster: 'Older boats' to be banned.
EUROPE
EU leaders agree to pick new 'Mr or Ms Europe' next month.
All synagogues, Jewish schools in Germany need police guards, Angela Merkel says just days after Kippah warning.
Serbian troops 'moving toward' Kosovo border.
Serbian troops on 'combat alert' after arrests by Kosovo police.
Building blocs: EU leaders make post-election deals for top jobs. EU Commission: Fight starts for top jobs in Brussels.
EU summit: Merkel, Macron at odds over top European Commission job.
Greek conservative party well placed ahead of snap election.
Austria's ousted chancellor vows to return despite no-confidence vote.
British Labor Party being investigated for anti-Semitism.
Europe introduces new 100 and 200 euro notes.
AMERICAS
British ex-spy will not talk to U.S. prosecutor examining Trump probe origins: source.
Fake social media accounts spread pro-Iran, anti-Trump messages during 2018 election: FireEye.
Tornadoes carve a path through Ohio and Indiana; 1 killed.
Senate GOP vows to quickly quash any impeachment charges.
Nearly 60 dead after riots at 4 Brazilian prisons.
From Colombia, Venezuelan defectors arm themselves to 'liberate' their homeland.
Food, fuel ships to Venezuela are being sabotaged, says Maduro.
Shortages plague Cuba as U.S. sanctions sharpen economic woes.
Germany hosts Latin America and Caribbean conference in Berlin.
Jair Bolsonaro: Man who stabbed Brazil's leader is 'mentally ill'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Iraq condemns six French IS group members to death.
ISIS claims escalating use of wildfire arson as terror tactic.
Al Qaeda-linked jihadi leader killed in Kashmir.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall St. loses early gains as trade concerns abound.
Johnson & Johnson faces trial over opioid crisis in Oklahoma.
Donald Trump planning more restrictions on US tech exports to China as trade war friction continues.
Zuckerberg, Sandberg decline summons to testify before Canada's Parliament.
MacKenzie Bezos pledges to donate half her $37bn fortune.
