US approves $8.6bn in arms sales to Middle East allies

The US State Department has authorised a series of major weapons sales to allies in the Middle East, totalling approximately $8.6bn in military hardware and support services.

China rejects US sanctions on refineries over Iran oil links

China will not comply with US sanctions against five firms targeted for purchasing Iranian oil, Beijing’s commerce ministry said on Saturday.

Trump administration sanctions on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz ‘a serious threat’

The administration is threatening to impose sanctions on individuals or entities that attempt to get through the Strait of Hormuz by paying the Iranian toll, which the Iranians are demanding for passage.

Iran delivered new proposal for US talks to Pakistan, Iranian state media reports

Iran delivered its new proposal for US talks to Pakistan on Thursday, Iranian state media reports.

Trump administration claims Iran war ‘terminated’ before 60-day deadline for Congress’s approval

The Associated Press (AP) and Reuters news agencies are reporting that the Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has ended – due to the ceasefire that began in early April – meaning that the president does not need to seek congressional approval for military action.

White House Officials to Travel to Venezuela for Oil, Mining Agreements

White House officials are set to visit Venezuela today to announce several agreements that could create opportunities for oil and mining companies to operate in the country, Politico reported on Thursday, citing sources.

Finland to be legitimate target for Russian missile forces if it imports nuke arms

Nuclear weapons, if deployed to Finland, will make it a legitimate target for Russian strategic missile troops, Hero of Russia Major General Sergey Lipovoy, chairman of the Officers of Russia organization, told TASS.

Trump eyeing Iran blockade lasting ‘months if needed,’ White House official says

The United States could extend its naval blockade of Iran for months more, oil executives were told in a meeting with President Donald Trump, a White House official said Wednesday.