Iran's military will conduct naval drills on Saturday in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, a commander told state television. "The joint military exercise Zolfaghar 1403 will begin tomorrow (Saturday) on the Makran coast, the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean," Habibollah Sayyari, the Iranian army's deputy coordinator, said on Friday.
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South Korea has requested the US to exclude it from upcoming tariffs on steel, aluminium, and other goods. These tariffs, which include 25 percent levies, could heavily impact South Korean industries. Deputy Trade Minister Park Jong-won highlighted their significant investments in the US and noted existing tariff eliminations under the Seoul-Washington free trade agreement.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for real, lasting peace on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion. He emphasized the need for unity and strength, vowing that Russia will not win. Donald Trump suggested that Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal.
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China, Russia, and Iran urged the end of US sanctions on Iran's nuclear program and called for renewed multinational talks. They emphasized diplomatic engagement and mutual respect. The US imposed new sanctions while holding out hope for a deal. Iran's nuclear program advances, raising tensions, while its economy suffers under US sanctions.
Republican senators face difficulty defending President Trump's pardons of January 6 protesters, including those who attacked police officers. The decisions raise safety concerns on Capitol Hill and conflict with the party's law and order stance. Many GOP members express dissent while some defer to presidential authority.
Ethnic Baloch insurgents hijacked a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, resulting in at least 20 soldiers' deaths and taking 182 hostages. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, warning against any rescue attempt. Women, children, and elderly civilians were released, while communication remains disrupted in the affected area.
Turkish police detained 10 senior officials from Istanbul’s opposition-held municipalities, including deputy mayors and council members, over alleged links to Kurdish militants. The officials, all from the Republican People's Party (CHP), are accused of appointing individuals connected to the banned PKK. Critics see this as a government attempt to discredit Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a potential rival to President Erdogan. CHP leaders condemned the arrests as politically motivated.
Mike Pence plans to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, despite their strained relationship since the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump bypassed Pence in favor of Sen. JD Vance as his 2024 running mate. The ceremony's transition to the Capitol Rotunda introduces seating challenges due to limited capacity for former leaders.
Steve Bannon has denied claims of performing a Nazi salute during his speech at CPAC, arguing that he was merely waving to the audience. He asserts that the media misinterpreted his gesture, which led to unfounded accusations and widespread online criticism.