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☆ Day after U.S. drone accusations, Iran advises citizens not to visit Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 21 (Reuters) - Iran advised its citizens on Friday not to travel to Ukraine and urged Iranians already there to leave, semi-official news agencies reported, a day after the United States accused Iran of helping Russia operate drones against Ukraine. "Due to the military escalation in Ukraine, all Iranians are strongly advised to refrain from travelling to Ukraine. Also, Iranians living in Ukraine are advised to leave the country for their own safety," the ministry statement said. The United States is now concerned that Russia may seek to acquire advanced conventional weapons from Iran such as surface-to-surface missiles for use against Ukraine, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register<a href="mailto:dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com" target="_blank">dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com</a>; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Iran sent troops to Ukraine to help Russia use Iranian-made drones, Biden admin officials say
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Dan De Luce | Dan De Luce Is A Reporter For The Nbc News Investigative Unit. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

The U.S. has evidence that Iran sent troops to Ukraine to help Russia launch drone attacks on targets across the country, Biden administration officials said Thursday. “We assess that Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations,” Kirby said. The U.S. has “credible information that Russian officials prior to the presence of Iranian trainers in Crimea have received training in Iran,” Price said. The New York Times first reported that Iranian personnel had been sent to Ukraine to guide Russian forces in the use of newly acquired Iranian-made drones. The Biden administration earlier this year accused Iran of preparing to send drones to Russia.

☆ Iran Is Training Russian Drone Pilots in Crimea to Aid Moscow’s War Effort, U.S. Says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Vivian Salama | Michael R. Gordon | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON—Iranian personnel have been working in Crimea to train Russian pilots to use Iranian-made drones, the U.S. said Thursday, as Moscow attempts to maintain its hold on the territory in southern UkraineThe statement by John Kirby, the National Security Council’s Coordinator for Strategic Communications, marks the first official U.S. accusation that Iran is directly involved in the war in Ukraine.

CAIRO Oct 16 (Reuters) - OPEC+ member states lined up on Sunday to endorse a steep production cut agreed this month after the White House, stepping up a war of words with Riyadh, claimed Saudi Arabia had pushed some other nations into the move. Iraq, OPEC's second largest exporter, said the decision was based on economic indicators and was taken unanimously. The cut came despite oil markets being tight, with inventories in major economies at lower levels than when OPEC has cut output in the past. But some analysts have said recent volatility in crude markets could be remedied by a cut that would help attract investors to a market that was underperforming fundamentals. Oman's energy ministry said OPEC+ decisions were based purely on the realities of market supply and demand.

☆ OPEC+ oil output cut: Saudi Arabia coerced dissenting countries into backing its plan to slash production, the White House says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Zahra Tayeb | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Saudi Arabia pushed other OPEC nations to support huge oil output cuts, the White House said. There will be "consequences" for Saudi Arabia for aligning with Russia, the White House has said. A feud has broken out between the White House and Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ and its allies last week agreed to slash oil production by 2 million barrels a day. White House officials are worried the cut to production quotas could end up undermining the G7 effort to cap the price of Russian oil. Kirby said Saudi Arabia knew the reductions would increase Russian revenues and curb the effectiveness of Western sanctions on Moscow after it invaded Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia has suggested the United States asked it to wait a month before cutting oil production, defending a move heavily criticized by the White House as helping Russia's war in Ukraine. Bandar Al-Jaloud / AFP - Getty ImagesAs the de facto head of OPEC+, Saudi Arabia rejected that appeal, with the alliance instead announcing earlier this week it would be cutting global supply by 2 million barrels. John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said that Saudi Arabia was trying to "spin and deflect" on the issue. "Other OPEC nations communicated to us privately that they also disagreed with the Saudi decision, but felt coerced to support Saudi’s direction." Like many Western governments, Washington has long sought to balance reliance on Saudi Arabia, the world's second largest oil producer, with holding it to account on human rights.

☆ Upcoming Russian nuclear exercises a challenge for the West
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Phil Stewart | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Russia typically holds major annual nuclear exercises around this time of year, and U.S. and Western officials expect them perhaps in just days. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg assured a news conference in Brussels that the alliance would monitor Russia's annual nuclear drills very closely, as it has for decades. "We believe that Russian nuclear rhetoric and its decision to proceed with this exercise while at war with Ukraine is irresponsible," the official told Reuters. The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. "While we will continue routine activities to sustain our (nuclear) deterrent, there will be no special messaging around our exercises," the U.S. defense official said.

☆ Is this a drill? Upcoming Russian nuclear exercises a challenge for the West
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Phil Stewart | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives U.S. President Joe Biden at Al Salman Palace upon his arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. Still, the U.S.-Saudi rift is widening as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MbS, flags his country's -- and his own -- importance on the world stage. "He has made a great effort since day 1 to signal to the U.S. that he wants excellent ties. Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler, is aware of Riyadh's oil market power and position as a counterweight to Iran, and may stand firm in the face of U.S. criticism. It says it faces a threat from Iran and its proxies, especially after 2019 attacks that temporarily hit Saudi oil output and shook energy markets.

☆ Saudi Arabia pushed other OPEC nations into oil cut, White House claims
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Flames are seen at the production facility of Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield in the Empty Quarter, Saudi Arabia May 22, 2018. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia pushed other OPEC+ nations into an output cut last week, the White House claimed on Thursday, part of an escalating war of words between the two countries. "More than one" OPEC member disagreed with Saudi Arabia's push to cut production and felt coerced into the vote, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. Of those cuts, experts expect an actual production cut of about half that level. The production cut is the latest sign of deteriorating U.S.-Saudi relations since Biden took office.

☆ Biden escalates feud with Saudi Arabia, warning of 'consequences' for cutting oil production in coordination with Russia
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Biden made an nonspecific threat to Saudi Arabia after its decision to cut oil output. The OPEC+ group includes Saudi Arabia and Russia — the two biggest oil producers after the US itself — as well as numerous other oil-producing countries. Biden spoke warned Saudi Arabia in an interview with CNN on Tuesday: "There's going to be some consequences for what they've done, with Russia." US officials warned Saudi Arabia that it would be seen as taking Russia's side if OPEC+ cut its production, but Saudi Arabia dismissed the warnings and proceeded, The Wall Street Journal reported. Biden's hardened stance on Saudi Arabia is a big shift from his repeated engagement with the Kingdom and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

☆ The US and other NATO allies are rushing to get air defense systems to Ukraine after Russia let loose a barrage of missiles and explosive suicide drones
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The US and other NATO allies have in turn stepped up efforts to send Ukraine air defense systems. Among these advanced systems are the IRIS-T SLM and NASAMS. Since then, NATO countries like the US, Germany, and the Netherlands have publicly expressed a desire to quickly get air defense systems into the hands of Ukrainian forces. Germany's defense ministry said on Monday that it was delivering the first of four IRIS-T SLM air defense systems to Ukraine, adding that the recent attacks show "how important the air defense capability for Ukraine's self-defense is." The advanced IRIS-T SLM can defend against missiles as far as 25 miles away and hit targets flying at an altitude of around 12 miles.

Brent crude settled down $1.90, or 2%, to $94.29 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled down $1.78, or 2%, to $89.35. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"There is growing pessimism in the markets now," said Craig Erlam of brokerage OANDA. U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen last week after having fallen the prior two weeks, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. A strong dollar makes oil more expensive for buyers with other currencies and tends to weigh on risk appetite. President Joe Biden is re-evaluating the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ announced last week it would cut oil production, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday.

World Bank President David Malpass and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned on Monday of a growing risk of global recession and said inflation remained a continuing problem. Brent crude was down $1.62, or 1.7%, to $94.57 a barrel by 12:14 p.m. EDT (1614 GMT). Oil also came under pressure from a strong dollar, which hit multi-year highs on worries about interest rate increases and escalation of the Ukraine war. A strong dollar makes oil more expensive for buyers with other currencies and tends to weigh on risk appetite. President Joe Biden is re-evaluating the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ announced last week it would cut oil production, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday.

☆ U.S. expediting shipment of NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine -White House
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - The United States is speeding up the shipment of sophisticated NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday, after a devastating missile barrage from Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelenskiy in a phone call on Monday to support the country's air defenses as residents took cover from strikes in Kyiv. The United States has approved sending Ukraine a total of eight National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) so far, with two expected to be delivered soon and six more sent over a longer time frame. "We are certainly interested in expediting the delivery of NASAMS to Ukraine as soon as we can." The United States has provided more than $16.8 billion worth of security assistance since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 and imposed a wide-ranging array of economic sanctions on Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.

CNN —Tesla CEO Elon Musk has denied a claim that he spoke directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks about the war in Ukraine and a proposed “peace plan” to end the conflict. Speaking to CNN on Tuesday, American political scientist Ian Bremmer, president of political consulting firm Eurasia Group, claimed Musk told him directly about his conversation with Putin last month. “Elon Musk told me he had spoken with Putin and the Kremlin directly about Ukraine. “My recommendation…would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won’t make everyone happy,” Musk told the Financial Times in an interview published last week. “Musk also appeared concerned about more direct threats from Putin,” Bremmer wrote.

☆ Biden re-evaluating U.S. relationship with Saudis after OPEC decision -official
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden is re-evaluating the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ announced last week that it would cut oil production, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday. "And certainly in light of the OPEC decision, I think that's where he is." Biden is willing to work with Congress on the future of Saudi relations, Kirby added. Biden was disappointed in the OPEC+ decision, Kirby said, and "he's willing to work with Congress to think through what that relationship ought to look like going forward." "And I think he's going to be willing to start to have those conversations right away.

☆ Lavrov says Russia open to talks with West, awaiting serious proposal
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow was open to talks with the West on the Ukraine war but had yet to receive any serious proposal to negotiate. In an interview on state TV, Lavrov said Russia was willing to engage with the United States or with Turkey on ways to end the war, now in its eight month. Commenting on the possibility that Turkey could host talks between Russia and the West, Lavrov said Moscow would be willing to listen to any suggestions but could not say in advance whether this would lead to results. He said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan would have an opportunity to put proposals to Russian President Vladimir Putin when both visit Kazakhstan this week. Lavrov noted that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine had broken down at the end of March.

☆ Russia's Lavrov says U.S. de facto involved in Ukraine war
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that the United States had long been involved in the war in Ukraine. "It seems to me that the Americans have been participating de facto in this war for a long time," Lavrov told Russian state television. "This war is being controlled by the Anglo-Saxons." Lavrov said that officials including White House national security spokesman John Kirby had said the United States was open to talks but that Russia had refused. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Reuters; editing by Guy FaulconbridgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ North Korean missile launch raises alarm in Washington
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-04 | by ( Christina Wilkie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

This latest North Korean missile test — the 23rd year to date — was different because it marked the first time in five years that a North Korean missile had been fired directly over Japan. The missile was fired late Monday, flying over Japan early on Tuesday morning before landing in the Pacific Ocean. WASHINGTON — The Biden administration responded on multiple levels Tuesday to North Korea's latest long-range ballistic missile launch, reaching out to allies in the region on diplomatic and military fronts, and at the leader level by U.S. President Joe Biden . In airspace over the Yellow Sea off the Korean peninsula, the U.S. and South Korea conducted joint aerial flight and precision targeting exercises on Tuesday in response to the missile launch. While the exercises Tuesday were held specifically in response to the latest missile launch, they also served to strengthen trilateral coordination in the face of a threat that keeps growing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

☆ The Biden administration has been privately warning Russia against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine for months, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The US has been privately warning Russia against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, per The Washington Post. Putin recently threatened to use nuclear weapons in an escalation of rhetoric over his war in Ukraine. Experts and the international community are divided about how seriously to take Putin's nuclear threats. Biden administration officials have noted that Russia has made threats about nuclear weapons since it began its invasion of Ukraine in February and that there are no indications Russia is moving nuclear weapons in preparation for a strike, per The Washington Post. "The consequences of even a so-called 'limited nuclear war' would be absolutely catastrophic."

☆ N.Korea says it has never supplied weapons or ammunition to Russia - KCNA
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Joori Roh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

State flags of Russia and North Korea fly in a street near a railway station during the visit of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un to Vladivostok, Russia April 25, 2019. REUTERS/Yuri MaltsevSEOUL, Sept 22 (Reuters) - North Korea on Thursday said it has never supplied weapons or ammunition to Russia and has no plans to do so, while warning the United States to "keep its mouth shut" and stop circulating rumours aimed at "tarnishing" the country's image. The United States has also accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine, which Tehran has denied. Russia also denied the allegations and demanded the United States to provide evidence. read moreRussia and North Korea have recently talked up their ties.

☆ Biden to urge allied nations for more Ukraine support at U.N. General Assembly
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Amanda Macias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

UNITED NATIONS — When U.S. President Joe Biden takes the famed speakers rostrum at the United Nations Assembly Hall on Wednesday, he will do so under immense international scrutiny. Biden's address to the 77th United Nations General Assembly comes as Russia's war in Ukraine marches past its 200th day, while governments continue to grapple with the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and as climate change uncertainties mount. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Biden's Ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters on Friday that a U.S. delegation will meet with a Ukrainian delegation on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. What they're interested in is continuing to raise this unprovoked war on Ukraine," she told reporters during a press briefing at the United Nations. Michele Sison, assistant secretary for International Organization Affairs at the State Department, said the Biden administration did not view this year's General Assembly "as business as usual."

Washington CNN —ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was killed Wednesday during a US counterterrorism raid in northwest Syria, President Joe Biden announced Thursday morning. It was the biggest US raid in the country since the 2019 operation that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. “Thanks to the bravery of our troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said from the Roosevelt Room. US says suicide bomb killed ISIS leaderThe Pentagon will conduct a more thorough after-action review of the raid. But Wednesday’s operation was the largest in scale since a two-hour raid killed ISIS leader Baghdadi in northwest Syria in October 2019.

☆ With close military encounters on opposite sides of the world, Russia is sending a message to the West
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-15 | by ( Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Russia's military had close encounters with its US and European rivals in June. The incidents and exercises were messages about Russia's military capabilities, experts said. A Russian fighter jet flying past the Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen in the Black Sea on June 24. Russia's military drilled around Crimea throughout the end of June and early July, focusing on attacking the ships of "a notional enemy." Russian officials continue to call the HMS Defender incident a "provocation" and warn about future run-ins.

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