U.S. Has Until End of Month For Nuclear Agreement With Iran: Biden Officials
Good day from REEDNEWSARABWORLD for Thursday, February 10, 2022!
"Nothing with Iran is ever a straight line," but the Biden administration now says the current session of nuclear negotiations in Vienna is critical and that an agreement must come before the end of this month. If not, the U.S. will make aggressive efforts to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb.
Iran unveiled a new domestically-made long-range missile it says can hit U.S. bases in the Middle East and Israel. Republicans in the United States Senate are threatening to block any nuclear agreement with Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is personally ordering Iran-backed forces in Iraq not to cooperate with cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in forming a new Iraqi government. Gunmen shot at the car of Libya's prime minister in an assassination attempt as he was driving home, but he was unhurt.
Don’t spread rumors, the United Arab Emirates said. Authorities in Abu Dhabi cautioned against spreading rumors after a building fire and explosion that was first believed to be another missile attack. The United States Embassy was among those warning of an attack, reporting "a possible missile or drone attack" and telling U.S. citizens in Abu Dhabi to take safety measures.
And news of Saudi Arabia’s king and Joe Biden, Yemen, Algeria, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Sudan, and More.
The Biden administration believes it has until the end of February to renew the Iran nuclear agreement. Otherwise, officials say, the United States will have to change and make aggressive efforts to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
"This session is the critical one," a senior administration official said, referring to the high-level talks in Vienna. "We are genuinely in the very final stretch."
A second administration official said: "Nothing with Iran is every a straight line, but we are getting to a decisive moment."
CNN, Biden administration believes if has until end of month to salvage Iran nuclear deal
Iran unveiled a new domestically-made long-range missile with a distance of 1,450 kilometers. State television displayed the missile, manufactured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and named Kheibar Shekan, or "Kheibar buster." The name refers to the ancient Jewish oasis of Kheibar in the Arabian peninsula that was overrun by Muslim warriors in the seventh century.
Iran has one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East and claims its missiles have a range of up to 1,200 miles, enough to reach U.S. bases and to reach Israel.
The new missile "has high accuracy and is propelled by solid fuel and is capable of penetrating missile shields," Iran's state media reported. The announcement came one day after talks resumed in Vienna, trying to salvage a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
Reuters, Iran unveils long-range missile as Vienna nuclear talks resume.
Associated Press, Iran unveils new missile it says can strike US bases, Israel.
AFP, Iran guards unveil missile said to put Israel in reach.
Iran will continue advancing its missile program, its armed forces chief of staff said. Major General Mohammad Bagheri said: "We will continue on the path of growth, development, and excellence for our missile power, both in terms of quantity and quality." The United States and other western powers have opposed Iran's missile program and want it in any new nuclear agreement, but Iran has consistently said it would maintain and grow the program.
Reuters, Iran commander says Tehran will continue advancing its missile program - Tasnim.
Dozens of Republicans in the United States Senate are threatening to block any Biden administration nuclear deal with Iran. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas with 31 other Republican senators sent a letter to President Joe Biden reminding that an agreement must be submitted to Congress, including "the possibility of Congress blocking implementation of the agreement."
The senators believe a nuclear agreement with Iran amounts to a treaty and said: "We reiterate our view that any agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program is of such gravity for U.S. national security that by definition it is a treaty requiring Senate advice and consent."
The Hill, Republican senators threaten to block Iran deal.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabia's King Salman spoke for the first time in about a year. The White House said the two leaders committed to ensuring that global energy supplies are stable, and King Salman emphasized the need to maintain the OPEC+ agreement, which calls for moderate monthly increases in oil production. Biden repeated the U.S. commitment to support Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen's Houthis and also briefed King Salman on the Iran nuclear talks.
King Salman told Biden that Saudi Arabia wants a "political resolution" to the conflict in Yemen.
Reuters, Biden, Saudi king discuss energy supplies, Iran and Yemen.
Alarabiya, Biden talks support for Saudi Arabia, energy supplies in call with King Salman.
Twelve people were reported injured by shrapnel from an attempted drone attack on a Saudi Arabian airport near the border with Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said the injured included travelers and people working at the airport, which is in the southern Saudi region of Abha. Saudi air defenses destroyed a drone the coalition said was launched by Yemen's Houthi forces inside Yemen, and falling debris caused the injuries.
Associated Press, 12 hurt in attack targeting airport near Yemen.
The United States wants energy companies in Algeria to help find gas supplies for Europe if Russia attacks Ukraine and liquefied natural gas is cut off. The U.S. government has asked to meet with Eni, Total, and other companies to see if more gas can be sourced from Algeria.
Reuters, U.S. reaches out to foreign producers in Algeria on gas options - sources.
Don't spread rumors: Abu Dhabi's civil defense warned the public to avoid spreading rumors after a fire in the United Arab Emirates capital was at first thought to be a missile attack. The fire and blast in a residential building in Abu Dhabi were caused by a malfunctioning gas cylinder, but the incident immediately caused concern about a potential missile attack, following ballistic missile and drone attacks on Abu Dhabi by Yemen's Houthi militia.
U.S. Embassy officials were among those who reported "a possible missile or drone strike" and warned U.S. citizens to take safety measures.
Reuters, UAE: Gas cylinder, not Houthi strike, caused fire and blast.
Alarabiyia, UAE's Abu Dhabi's civil defense extinguishes fire in building with no casualties.
Reuters, U.S. Embassy in UAE warns citizens of 'possible missile or drone strike' - statement .
Fierce fighting continued in northwest Marib province in Yemen, and Yemen government forces moved north toward Al-Hazm, the capital of Al-Jawf governate. Also, Houthi militia carried out three consecutive attacks trying to penetrate Yemen army fortifications in the Laeref area, and government forces counter-attacked and reached the outskirts of Mount Al-Qashe, taking control of advanced positions.
Arab News, Yemen's army intercepts 3 Houthi attacks as fierce battles continue in northwest Marib.
Iran sent its Quds Force commander to meet with Iraq's Moqtada al-Sadr in an effort to bridge gaps and bolster Iran-backed Iraqi militias in a new government in Iraq. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meanwhile ordered all members of the pro-Iran Coordination Framework to stay united and not join the rival Sadrists. One group, Hadi al-Ameri's Fatah alliance, had signaled it wanted to join the Sadrist camp.
Al Sadr, following his meeting with Quds Forces commander Brig. Gen. Esmail Ghaani, repeated his calls for an inclusive government. Al-Sadr is short of a parliamentary majority that would allow him to form a new government and needs the backing of other parties.
The National, Al Sadr backs inclusive Iraqi government after meeting Iran's IRGC head.
Asharq Al-Awsat, Iran's Khamenei bars Sadr's rivals in Iraq from joining his coalition.
Three Iraqi soldiers and a civilian were killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq's western Anbar province. The incident took place when a vehicle carrying the soldiers was detonated on a highway near Rutba, about 390 kilometers west of Baghdad. The blast destroyed the vehicle and killed the three soldiers and a driver. Iraqi security forces have started an investigation.
UNI, Iraq: Four including three soldiers die in explosion.
A United Nations commission submitted its final report on reparations to Kuwait from Iraq. Iraq has now paid $52.4 billion, and the commission is going out of business.
It was created in 1991 by the UN, after Iraq's Saddam Hussein ordered his army to invade Kuwait. The commission raised the funds from a 5 percent tax on sales of Iraq's oil and other petroleum products.
AFP, UN panel wraps up after Iraq pays $52.4 bn for Kuwait invasion.
Britain's Prince William is visiting the United Arab Emirates and promoting a "more sustainable world." The heir to the British throne is on an official visit that Britain's foreign office also hopes will deepen trade relations with the UAE. Kensington Palace said it was the prince's first official visit to the UAE. Six of the UAE emirates were British protectorates until they gained independence 50 years ago and formed in a federation, and the seventh emirate joined in 1972.
Reuters, Prince William visits UAE as Britain seeks to deepen ties.
The High Court in London said a British man claiming he was jailed in the United Arab Emirates for wearing a rival football shirt can sue the head of Interpol. Ali Issa Ahmad claimed he was arrested and jailed in the UAE for wearing a shirt bearing an emblem of Qatar, then a rival of the UAE. Ahmad's case is against Ahmed Naser al-Raisi, who was inspector general of the UAE interior ministry when Ahmad was arrested. Raisi was elected president of Interpol and continues as inspector general in the UAE. The UAE has denied Ahmad's allegations.
Middle East Eye, UAE: British man given approval for lawsuit against Emerati Interpol chief.
China is reported pressing the United Arab Emirates and other countries to deport Uighurs living abroad. An investigation by Sky News said Chinese agents identify Uighurs who have escaped from China, then coerce them into spying. The investigation found that the UAE was the country where Chinese security services were most active. The Uighurs are a minority in China, originating in the Xinjiang region.
Middle East Eye, UAE: China uses 'black sites' in Emirates to target Uighurs abroad.
Qatar is reported to be imposing travel bans on prominent Qatari citizens. The prohibitions, according to Human Rights Watch, are being applied outside of legal procedure and in apparent defiance of court orders. Four individuals were cited, including former ministers. Qatar has received increased scrutiny about its human rights record, and travel bans have been used as a punitive measure.
Qatar's state security apparatus has extensive powers under its constitution and can conduct extrajudicial investigations answerable only to the Emir of Qatar.
Jurist, Qatar imposes extrajudicial travel bans on former government employees.
Libya's parliament named a new prime minister, as the incumbent refuses to step aside. The move threatens to send Libya back into two warring parallel administrations. A spokesman for parliament said it had chosen a former interior minister, Fathi Bashagha, by acclamation after the only other candidate withdrew. But Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who heads the recognized Government of National Accord, has said he will only step down after a national election.
Reuters, Libya rifts deepen as new PM named, incumbent refuses to yield.
Libya's prime minister escaped an assassination attempt in Tripoli. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh was on his way home when unidentified gunmen shot at his car, but he was unharmed. The assassination attempt was referred to the prosecutor general for investigation.
Arab News, Libyan prime minister unharmed after assassination attempt: Al-Hadath TV.
Libyans across the country are frustrated with delays for an election. As political institutions push ahead to extend a transitional period, much of the nation's electorate wants a vote, which was planned but cancelled in December after nearly three million Libyans had registered to vote. Parliament wants to postpone elections until 2023.
Reuters, With elections delayed again, Libya's endless transition angers its people.
The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrullah, says the group wouldn't necessarily retaliate on behalf of Iran in event of an Israeli-Iranian conflict. Nasrullah's declaration was seen as an effort to assert Hezbollah's independence from its sponsor Iran. Nasrullah said Hezbollah would decide on its own in a war, while also claiming Israel feared to go to war against either Iran or Hezbollah.
Times of Israel, Nasrallah: If Israel attacks Iran Hezbollah won't necessarily join fight.
Lebanon's senior Christian cleric urged the government to agree to a plan of the International Monetary Fund to save the country from financial collapse. Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai said the government must accelerate reforms and "agree with the IMF on a plan that saves Lebanon from collapse." Rai also said a parliamentary election scheduled for May should be held on time.
Reuters, Lebanese Maronite patriarch urges IMF deal, elections on time.
Israel's El Al Airlines will quit flights to Dubai on Sunday. The flag carrier for Israel announced that it wouldn't be able to maintain a full flight schedule due to disagreements over security arrangements at Dubai's international airport. The El Al decision came after earlier reports that Shin Bet, Israel's security service, was concerned about the United Arab Emirates airport, and negotiations were reported to be extended for about a month.
Reuters, Israel's El Al Airlines says Dubai flights will be disrupted from Sunday.
Israel's Shin Bet security service is concerned about Dubai's international airport, and Israel and the United Air Emirates are negotiating. A deadline had been set for this week that would have halted Israeli airline flights to Dubai, but it was extended for about a month so negotiations can continue. Shin Bet has not disclosed any details about arrangements at the Dubai airport.
Reuters, Israel warns of crisis with UAE over Dubai aviation security dispute.
The U.S. CentCom commander is working with Egypt to strengthen the country's ability to face security threats after the United States cut military aid. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, in Egypt on a tour of the Middle East, met with Egyptian minister of defense Mohamed Zaki and emphasized "very robust" military assistance, saying Egypt is interested in meeting threats of cyberwarfare and other challenges. McKenzie proposed enhanced military cooperation including joint exercises. His trip to Egypt came after President Joe Biden's administration ordered $130 million cut from military aid to Egypt because of the country's human rights record.
Reuters, American general in Egypt for talks after U.S. cuts military aid.
Tunisia is accused of placing people in secret detention under its emergency laws. Human Rights Watch said the practice has become more common under Tunisia's controversial president, Kais Saied. "The Tunisian authorities are using what they are calling assigned residences to conceal secret detentions on the pretext of a state emergency," the organization said.
France 24, Tunisia accused of using emergency powers to 'conceal secret detentions.'
Tunisia's President Kais Saied won't close the Supreme Judicial Council but will set up a temporary authority and change the law regulating the council. The statement by Justice Minister Leila Jaffel represented a reversal for Saied, who earlier had ordered the council dissolved. Council members refused and said they would continue their work, but security forces locked the doors of their offices. The new decision about the council came after judges and lawyers staged a three-day strike, halting all court proceedings.
MIddle East Eye, Tunisia: Saied U-turns on dissolving judicial council following judges strike.
Sudan's government arrested two leading activist figures in the protests against the military regime. Plain-clothed officers arrested Khaled Omar Yousef, a former minister of cabinet affairs, during a meeting at the headquarters of the Sudanese Congress Party. Also arrested was Wagdi Saleh, a leading figure of the protest movement. No reason was given for the arrests.
AFP, Sudan arrests leading anti-coup bloc figures.
The United Nations special mission to Sudan is ending its consultations and will produce a summary document next week. The mission started work in January, holding meetings with political parties, armed groups, civil society, and the ruling military in an effort to determine points of agreement and disagreement. A United Nations source said the document will outline the discussions and set priorities to go forward.
Reuters, U.N. Sudan mission to wrap up consultations, publish document.
MORE: America's allies in Syria accuse Turkey of giving ISIS a "safe zone," CBS News... Morocco's GDP to grow at around 3% over the next few years - IMF statement, Reuters...EU unveils 1.6 billion euro investment in Morocco, Deutsche Welle.... Bahrain's population hits 1.5 million bv mid-2021, News of Bahrain.... Sudanese envoy in Israel to promote ties, source says, Reuters.
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Unless the United States and Iran reach an agreement that imposes meaningful and long-term restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities, any deal reached in Vienna is unlikely to prove politically durable in the United States Congress. Not only Republicans are prepared to object, but the Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, has asked "why we would try to simply go back to the JCPOA, a deal that was not sufficient in the first place."
Al-Monitor, Iran nuclear deal will be a tough sell in Congress.