Latest news with #Pool
Japan Today
an hour ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Europe-Iran talks yield little in Geneva at 'perilous' moment
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, talk over lunch at the offices of the honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Geneva, Switzerland June 20, 2025, during a meeting of European foreign ministers, as European countries call for de-escalation of tensions after Israeli bombings aimed at breaking Iranian nuclear programme. Top European diplomats are set to meet with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on June 20 to discuss Iran's nuclear programme. Fabrice Coffrini/Pool via REUTERS By Francois Murphy, John Irish, Parisa Hafezi and Olivia Le Poidevin here were few signs of progress after European foreign ministers met their Iranian counterpart on Friday in a bid to prevent conflict in the Middle East from escalating, although all signaled readiness to keep talking, despite major sticking points. The foreign ministers of Germany, Britain, France, known as the E3, plus the EU, urged Iran to engage with the United States over its contentious nuclear program even as Tehran has repeatedly insisted it will not open discussions with the Trump administration until Israeli strikes on Iran end. The talks aimed to test Tehran's willingness to negotiate a new nuclear deal despite there being no obvious prospect of Israel ceasing its attacks soon, diplomats said. "The Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed his willingness to continue discussions on the nuclear programme and more broadly on all issues, and we expect Iran to commit to the discussion, including with the United States, to reach a negotiated settlement," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran was ready to consider diplomacy once Israel had ceased its attacks and been held accountable for its actions. "In this regard, I made it crystal clear that Iran's defense capabilities are not negotiable," he said following the talks lasting around three hours in Geneva. No date for a follow-up meeting was announced despite Europeans underscoring the small window for diplomacy. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether to join the Israeli strikes intended to smash Tehran's nuclear capacity. European ministers spoke beforehand with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who signaled Washington was open to direct talks even as it mulls the strikes, diplomatic sources said. Washington did not confirm that, though broadcaster CNN quoted a U.S. official saying Trump supported diplomacy by allies that could bring Iran closer to a deal. Britain's foreign minister David Lammy said the European countries were eager to continue talks with Iran. "This is a perilous moment, and it is hugely important that we don't see regional escalation of this conflict," he said. Two European diplomats said the E3 did not believe that Israel would accept a ceasefire in the near term and that it would be difficult for Iran and the U.S. to resume negotiations. They said the idea was to begin a parallel negotiating track, initially without the U.S., on a new deal that would involve tougher inspections, and potentially on Iran's ballistic missile program, while allowing Tehran some notional enrichment capacity. ENRICHMENT DIFFERENCES The Trump administration is demanding Iran stop uranium enrichment altogether, whereas the E3 have in past talks left it some scope to enrich for civil ends in exchange for extremely strict international inspections. On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron shifted closer to Trump's position, saying that any new deal with Tehran needed to go towards zero enrichment. A senior Iranian official told Reuters Iran is ready to discuss limitations on its uranium enrichment but said the prospect of zero enrichment would undoubtedly be rejected. In a speech at the United Nations in Geneva before the E3 meeting, Araqchi accused Israel of a "betrayal of diplomacy", while Israel's envoy in Geneva raised a "vehement objection" to the minister addressing the U.N.'s Human Rights Council. Geneva was the scene of an initial accord between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear programme in return for sanctions lifting in 2013 before a comprehensive deal in 2015. Separate talks between Iran and the U.S. collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12. France's Barrot spoke to Rubio on Thursday night, during which Rubio said Washington was ready for direct contact with the Iranians, a diplomatic source said. The Europeans wanted to make clear to Iran that the U.S. is ready for direct talks, but that Iran must give a serious signal, two diplomats said, without defining what that could be. © (Thomson Reuters 2025.
Boston Globe
5 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Bill Burr, comedian and Canton native, says he ‘thought everyone was lyin'' in Karen Read case
'Maybe she knew, maybe that's why she was smiling,' Burr said of Read, after being told of the verdict. 'That's amazing, so now what, they keep investigating?' He added, 'I thought everyone was lyin', I don't know what happened.' Advertisement Read, 45, was acquitted of second-degree murder, manslaughter while OUI, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, with the jury convicting her only of drunk driving, a misdemeanor. She received a year of probation. Read hugs her parents Janet and William after the verdict is read in Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) Greg Derr/Associated Press Prosecutors had said she backed her Lexus SUV into her boyfriend, Read's lawyers said O'Keefe entered the property, owned at the time by a fellow Boston officer, where he was fatally beaten and possibly mauled by the family German Shepherd before his body was planted on the lawn. Read's first criminal trial had ended with a hung jury in July, and she Advertisement Travis Andersen can be reached at
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Moscow promises to closely monitor foreign businesses that return to Russia
Russia's President Vladimir Putin applauds during a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Bahrain's National Security Advisor Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile attend a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 20, 2025. Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. ST PETERSBURG, Russia - Russia's Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, who has led the state's efforts to seize property worth 2.4 trillion roubles ($31 billion), on Friday said foreign companies that return to the country would be watched closely to ensure Russia benefited. Moscow has placed around a dozen foreign-owned assets under state management in the more than three years that Russia has been fighting in Ukraine and prosecutors have stepped up the seizure of domestic assets through the courts this year. Now, as the economy begins to slow after two years of growth fuelled by high military spending, Russian officials are trying to find the balance between insulating the economy from exposure to Western nations it considers unfriendly and the need for growth to keep funding the conflict in Ukraine. "We will closely follow the government's actions," Krasnov said. "That is, who will come... on what terms they will come." "We will definitely look at making sure that the conditions under which our (Russian) business operates are better (when Western business returns)," Krasnov said. It must be profitable for Russia's own firms, he said. Russia is prioritising domestic companies, some of whom have taken market share vacated by Western firms, such as McDonald's and Unilever, that have left since Russia launched the conflict in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin on Friday said the Russian economy could not develop effectively without investment and said Moscow would create conditions to make foreign partners feel comfortable. He said Russian companies should fulfil legally binding buybacks with foreign companies, but stressed that Russia would support measures that benefit its own interests. "If someone left for political reasons, under pressure from their own political elites, their countries, then this means they are unreliable partners," Putin said. WESTERN FIRMS ABSENT Kirill Dmitriev, chief of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, has said that U.S. companies are in talks to return to Russia, although lawyers and investors have told Reuters that sanctions must be lifted before any significant influx can take place. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the Izvestia daily on Friday that no foreign companies had yet submitted requests to return. "There are no applications for entry yet, but I feel that the situation is changing and interest in investing in Russia is growing," Siluanov said. The sparse Western presence at Russia's forum suggests otherwise, with some analysts also pointing to concerns about property rights. Two sources from Russia's energy and banking sectors said some companies may be interested in returning as there could be money to be made, but not in the current situation. Assets owned by French yoghurt maker Danone and Danish brewer Carlsberg are among the foreign assets taken under state control and sold to Kremlin-friendly buyers since 2022. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Amazon slashes price of 'massive and brilliant' paddling pool big enough for adults
Amazon slashes price of 'massive and brilliant' paddling pool big enough for adults The Intex Easy Set Up 10 Foot Pool is perfect for keeping the kids entertained in the garden or for adults in need of relaxing (Image: Amazon ) The hunt for the ultimate summer bargain is on, as shoppers are snapping up a self-erecting paddling pool that has been hailed as "a heatwave saviour." The Intex Easy Set Up 10 Foot Pool has seen its price slashed by 20%, with the new £42.99 price tag significantly lower than the original £53. Ideal for both kids and adults, this 10ft wide by 30 inches deep round pool is perfect for keeping the whole family entertained through the warmer months. Thanks to its three-layer reinforced material construction, it's promoted as puncture-proof and robust, ready to handle a full season of fun. Featuring a 'fill and rise' system, the above-ground pool simply expands as water is added after inflating the top ring. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here With its straightforward setup, those sweltering at home could be taking the plunge by tomorrow if they take advantage of next-day delivery options available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Inflating a paddling pool often feels like a daunting task, however, Amazon claims that it only takes about five minutes to inflate the ring, and filling the pool with water can be done in 40 minutes, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Alongside the pool itself, buyers receive a filter pump, protective cover and even a repair patch kit for any tears. Although designed for children six years and older, the pool is also a breeze to drain and fold away when the summer sun sets. If you're eager to make a splash without waiting for delivery, Argos has the Funsicle Round Frame 10ft Pool available for £150. While it's a bit pricier, this pool boasts a sturdy snap-in frame, making it an ideal semi-permanent addition to any garden and can accommodate up to five people. For those with larger outdoor spaces, the Large Bestway Framed Pool is a steal, reduced from £159 to just £64.99. It's available in three sizes so you can choose how big you want it. Amazon's Intex 10 Foot Pool is proving popular, with a glowing 4.3 out of five stars from over 36,000 reviews. A pleased customer shared: "This is a fantastic pool, massive and brilliant. Price wise I think this is really good value compared to paddling pools, because it is so much better and I feel sure it will be reusable for years." Another satisfied purchaser remarked: "It's an instant fun pool. I know it sounds simple, but it was fantastic on a hot day, and my teenagers spent hours sitting in it, sipping drinks and chatting." A third pleased customer shared their satisfaction with the product, saying: "We got tired of having to replace the children's garden pool every few years because of both punctures and unattractive discolouration of the plastic. These Intex pools seemed of much stronger, durable design." Yet, not all feedback was glowing, as one buyer left a two-star review, voicing their issues: "The top is constantly deflating, within 2 weeks the top is deformed and sometimes the top is flipped over and the water spills, so I have to rush to lift it up." Article continues below Nonetheless, the Intex pool has largely been met with approval. One particularly thrilled reviewer gave a five-star rating, stating: "I bought this as a replacement for our family holiday to Spain. (Thanks Covid-19) If you're drunk enough, and the sun is hot enough, it's like being on holiday. As pools go, this one is nothing short of fantastic. Get one."
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Trump's granddaughter works drive-thru at donut shop
First there was Donald at McDonald's, and now his teenage granddaughter Kai Trump has tried her hand as an honorary fast food worker by manning the drive-thru at her local Dunkin' Donuts. The 18-year-old, whose cumulative social media following pushes six million, ventured to her local doughnut store to taste-test menu items, and take some orders. All in the name of content, of course. The approachable youngster shared a TikTok of herself learning to use the cash register and greeting customers. 'Hi, how are you? Just a medium iced coffee... perfect,' she says in the clip, greeting a customer at the drive-thru while dressed in a pink tank top and orange skirt to match the shop's branding. She was joined at the venue buy her younger brother Tristan, and best friend Emma. While some fans of the teen were supportive of her attempt to connect with the general population, others joked her financial safety net was far from relatable. 'Love Her!!! ♥️Future President,' one said. Another quipped, 'Kai works for $12 an hour while her bank account has 7 figures at least 😂😂😂'. The name Trump has long been associated with hotels and golf courses, but during the US president's race to return the Oval Office last year, he ventured into a Philadelphia McDonald's to trump his rival Kamala Harris who claimed to have once enjoyed employment at the global chain. 'I love McDonald's,' Trump said. 'I like to see good jobs, and I think it's inappropriate when somebody puts down all over the place that she worked at McDonald's.' President Donald Trump works behind the counter making french fries during a visit to McDonald's restaurant on October 20, 2024 in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Credit: Pool / Getty Images Donning an apron, the presidential candidate greeted drive-thru customers and scooped fries — proudly exclaiming each product 'never touches the human hand'. According to Politico, Trump would wait in his limousine during his first presidential tenure while an aide would run into the fast food chain to collect Egg McMuffins in the morning, or two Quarter pounders and a large fries later in the day. His granddaughter regularly posts about her consumption adventures, although much of her content is centred on her burgeoning golf career. Kai is the daughter of Donald Trump jr and Vanessa Trump — who are no longer married — with her mother confirming earlier this year she had begun dating golf icon Tiger Woods.
