Latest news with #Tass


The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
From The Hindu, June 20, 1975: Japan allays Soviet fears on pact with China
Tokyo, June 19: The statement issued two days ago by the official Soviet news agency, Tass, which in effect warned the Japanese Government against agreeing to China's demand for inclusion of an anti-hegemony clause in concluding the Sino-Japanese peace agreement has placed Japan on the horns of a dilemma. The Russian Government's statement asked Japan to 'give a proper rebuff to any actions of third States to create obstacles in the improvement of the Soviet-Japanese relations' which is interpreted by diplomatic observers as a clear warning to Japan of unfavourable consequences from Moscow, should the Miki Government acquiesce in China's adamant demand. Officially the Japanese Government has reacted rather coolly to the Soviet warning and Government spokesmen from Premier Miki downward have sought to give the impression that they are not unduly concerned over the Soviet statement. The Japanese Government's reply to the statement is expected to be conveyed to the Soviet Government in a few days and it is expected to point out 1) that Japan has worked consistently for promotion of the Soviet-Japanese friendship ever since the resumption of relations in 1956 and will continue to do so; 2) that the Soviet Union shall be fully aware of this and Japan finds it difficult to understand the reasons for the Soviet Government's statement.

Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Iran Issues New Warning to US-'All Necessary Options on the Table'
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned Thursday that "all necessary options are on the table" to respond to a potential strike by the United States. President Donald Trump has been considering strikes against Iran aimed at diminishing the country's nuclear capabilities amid concerns that it may be developing nuclear weapons, which the president has stated it cannot have, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The conflict escalated last week after Israel launched strikes at Iran targeting nuclear capabilities. The two countries have since fired strikes back-and-forth in recent days, fueling concerns about the possibility of a wider war involving the United States. The conflict could reshape affairs in the region and across the globe for years to come. The warning came as Trump has reportedly been warming up to the idea of striking Iran directly, while the U.S. already has been providing military support to Israel amid the heightened conflict with Tehran. "If the U.S. wants to actively intervene in support of Israel, Iran will have no other option but to use its tools to teach aggressors a lesson and defend itself," Gharibabadi said, Russia's Tass news agency reported, citing Iranian media. "Our military decision-makers have all necessary options on the table," he said. "Our recommendation to the US is to at least stand by if they do not wish to stop Israel's aggression," the Iranian diplomat said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a briefing that Trump will "make a decision within the next two weeks" about whether to join the war. Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Thursday threatened an "immediate" response to any third party that intervenes in its ongoing conflict with Israel, though it did not specifically mention the U.S. by name. The U.S. has many bases in the region that some fear could become Iranian targets. Trump has not confirmed what he plans to do about the conflict. He has reportedly reviewed strike options but is waiting to see whether Iran de-escalates its nuclear activities. He is aware of the diplomatic effort being undertaken, with EU officials meeting with the Iranian foreign minister in Switzerland on Friday. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, in a statement emailed to Newsweek: "In 2002, in testimony to Congress urging the United States to go to war in Iraq, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated: 'There is no question whatsoever that Saddam is seeking... nuclear you take out Saddam's regime, I guarantee you that it will have enormous positive reverberations.' "Netanyahu was wrong. Very wrong. The war in Iraq resulted in 4,492 U.S. military deaths, over 32,000 wounded, and a cost of roughly three trillion dollars. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis also died as a result of that tragic war. Netanyahu was wrong regarding the war in Iraq. He is wrong now. We must not get involved in Netanyahu's war against Iran." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in a post to X (formerly Twitter): "Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility. Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region." President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I don't want to fight either. I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, in a public address: "The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage. The U.S. entering in this matter is 100 percent to its own detriment. The damage it will suffer will be far greater than any harm that Iran may encounter." Debate continues about whether the U.S. should join the conflict. While some have argued it is strategic to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, others have said the U.S. should not get involved in a war on Israel's behalf. Members of Congress are pushing to limit Trump's ability to join the conflict without their authorization. Update 6/19/25, 2:01 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information. Related Articles US Support For Donald Trump Attacking Iran Revealed in PollsIranian Jewish Leader Denounces Israel's 'Savage' Attacks on IranFormer Spy Chief: 'Good Case' for US To Strike Iranian Nuclear SiteWhy Iran War Hurts China More Than America 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.


Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Issues New Warning to US— 'All Necessary Options on The Table'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned in Thursday comments that "all necessary options are on the table" to respond to a potential strike by the United States. The warning came as President Donald Trump has reportedly been warming up to the idea of striking Iran directly, while the U.S. already has been providing military support to Israel amid the heightened conflict with Tehran. "If the U.S. wants to actively intervene in support of Israel, Iran will have no other option but to use its tools to teach aggressors a lesson and defend itself," Gharibabadi said, Russia's Tass news agency reported, cited Iranian media. "Our military decision-makers have all necessary options on the table," he said. "Our recommendation to the US is to at least stand by if they do not wish to stop Israel's aggression," the Iranian diplomat said. This is a developing news story and will be updated with additional comment.


Kyodo News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Kyodo News
Xi seeks Middle East cease-fire in phone call with Putin
KYODO NEWS - 3 hours ago - 22:08 | World, All Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a cease-fire amid Iran-Israel tensions during phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, describing it as an "urgent priority," the Foreign Ministry said. Xi said the international community should make efforts to de-escalate the situation and that disputes should be resolved through negotiations rather than force, stressing the need to protect civilians, according to the Chinese ministry. In an apparent reference to the United States, Xi said "major powers that have a special influence on the parties involved in the conflict" should strive to cool down the situation, rather than the opposite, the ministry said. Putin expressed Moscow's readiness to mediate a possible settlement of the conflict, according to Russia's Tass news agency. Israel said last week that it had begun striking nuclear facilities and military targets in Iran, claiming that its regional archrival is nearing the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. The strike triggered retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Tensions in the region have been further fueled by speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump may join Israel in striking Iran. Xi specifically urged Israel to agree to a cease-fire as soon as possible to prevent further escalation, the Chinese ministry said. Related coverage: China, Russia leaders' statement avoided wording that could irk Japan Xi to visit Russia from May 7 to attend WWII Victory Day ceremony Putin agrees to halt Ukraine energy site strikes but no cease-fire


Kyodo News
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Kyodo News
Xi seeks Middle East cease-fire in phone call with Putin
KYODO NEWS - 7 minutes ago - 22:08 | World, All Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a cease-fire amid Iran-Israel tensions during phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, describing it as an "urgent priority," the Foreign Ministry said. Xi said the international community should make efforts to de-escalate the situation and that disputes should be resolved through negotiations rather than force, stressing the need to protect civilians, according to the Chinese ministry. In an apparent reference to the United States, Xi said "major powers that have a special influence on the parties involved in the conflict" should strive to cool down the situation, rather than the opposite, the ministry said. Putin expressed Moscow's readiness to mediate a possible settlement of the conflict, according to Russia's Tass news agency. Israel said last week that it had begun striking nuclear facilities and military targets in Iran, claiming that its regional archrival is nearing the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. The strike triggered retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Tensions in the region have been further fueled by speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump may join Israel in striking Iran. Xi specifically urged Israel to agree to a cease-fire as soon as possible to prevent further escalation, the Chinese ministry said. Related coverage: China, Russia leaders' statement avoided wording that could irk Japan Xi to visit Russia from May 7 to attend WWII Victory Day ceremony Putin agrees to halt Ukraine energy site strikes but no cease-fire