Reuters: Thirteen of 15-member U.N. Security Council oppose U.S. push for Iran sanctions
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The United States was further isolated on Friday over its bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran with 13 countries on the 15-member U.N. Security Council expressing their opposition, arguing that Washington’s move is void given it is using a process agreed under a nuclear deal that it quit two years ago.
In the 24 hours since U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he triggered a 30-day countdown to a return of U.N. sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo, long-time allies Britain, France, Germany and Belgium as well as China, Russia, Vietnam, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Indonesia, Estonia and Tunisia have already written letters in opposition, seen by Reuters.
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MIDDLE EAST
Gaza militants fire 12 rockets, Israel strikes Hamas targets. Fresh Gaza projectile at Israel as exchanges of fire continue.
Israel warns of Gaza escalation over balloon and rocket attacks.
European countries oppose US sanctions move on Iran, deepening rift at UN.
Iran: US has no right to demand restoration of sanctions.
Protesters set fire to Iraq parliament's regional office in Basra.
Lebanon reimposes lockdown amid coronavirus surge.
S&P downgrades Lebanon bonds to default after missed payments.
Turkey's President Erdogan turns another ancient Istanbul church into a mosque a month after converting the city's famed Hagia Sophia into a place of Muslim worship.
Turkey discovers large natural gas reserve off Black Sea.
ASIA
India, China to work towards 'complete disengagement' of troops.
Vietnam warns Chinese bomber on disputed islands in South China Sea ‘jeopardises peace’.
Philippines, China in fresh row over disputed shoal.
Three Gorges Dam hits record levels as flooding continues in China.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un acknowledges economic shortfalls amid COVID-19, flooding and heavy sanctions.
Myanmar peace talks: Growing frustration over lack of progress.
Thai student protests: Minister meets organisers.
Pakistan risks losing Arab allies over its 'new Kashmir policy'.
South Korea police raid church at center of COVID-19 outbreak.
Millions likely infected by coronavirus in New Delhi: Survey.
AFRICA
Libya: Rival authorities declare immediate cease-fire.
Mali coup: Thousands take to Bamako streets to celebrate. Mali opposition, military join rally to celebrate Keita's removal.
A transitional ‘civilian or military’ president will take power in Mali, junta tells FRANCE 24.
Mali: Isolation beckons as ECOWAS piles pressure on junta leaders.
Mali's coup is cheered at home but upsets neighbours.
Libyan government calls for cease-fire, elections in March.
On Libya's front lines, Sirte is focus for regional rivalries.
Ivory Coast’s high-stakes 2020 election raises old fears, new likely scenarios. Ivory Coast former president, ex-rebel rejected in election bid: official.
Senegal seeks to move huge ammonium nitrate stock from Dakar port.
Ebola cases climb to 100 in latest DR Congo outbreak.
EUROPE
Belarusians 'will never accept' Lukashenko's leadership, says opposition's Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya.
Macron, Merkel offer EU mediation for Belarus election stand-off in concert with Russia.
Russian doctors agree to evacuation of Kremlin critic Navalny to Germany. Russia to let dissident in coma fly to Berlin for treatment.
EU says Britain 'wasting time' as deadline nears for Brexit trade deal. Brexit: UK-EU trade deal 'seems unlikely' says Michel Barnier.
WHO hopes pandemic over in two years as Europe battles rising cases.
Russia to test 'Sputnik V' COVID-19 vaccine in 40K human subjects.
Europe's largest refugee camp braces for COVID-19 outbreak.
Number of migrants crossing Channel in boats passes 5,000.
Malta's former PM questioned over Daphne Caruana Galizia murder inquiry.
AMERICAS
US coronavirus cases are falling but challenges persist.
Joe Biden lays out vision for US after Trump during final night of Democratic convention.
Sanders: 'The day after Biden's elected we're going to have a serious debate'.
Bannon calls federal charges 'a political hit job'.
US: William Barr 'vehemently opposed' to Edward Snowden pardon.
Evo Morales: Exiled Bolivian ex-president accused of rape.
Venezuela: Opposition leaders promise to boycott elections.
'Robert, I Love You. Rest In Peace!': Donald Trump holds first White House funeral since death of JFK in 1963 for his younger brother Robert who died aged 71.
Tens of thousands flee homes as deadly California wildfires rage amid heat wave.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Barr: U.S. will not seek death penalty for 'ISIS Beatles'.
Brother of Manchester bomber given at least 55 years in prison.
Despite uncertain future, U.S. Africa Command boosts Sahel counterterrorism force.
Lebanon's Beirut blast shattered taboos around Hezbollah.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P 500 ticks higher to record, powered again by tech stocks.
Human consumption of the Earth's resources declined in 2020.
Alibaba tells Trump we 'support American brands'.
China says trade talks with U.S. will resume soon.
Airbnb orders ban on house parties at listed properties.
