EU hits back at US tariffs as trade row heats up

A full-on trade war between the United States and the European Union has moved a significant step closer following the European Commission's decision to endorse the imposition of additional duties on selected imports from the US to the EU, in response to tariffs being imposed on EU steel and aluminum products by the US.

Tensions over Iran nuclear deal escalate

Iran's declaration that it could increase its uranium enrichment capacity if a nuclear deal with world powers falls apart risks sailing close to the "red line", France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday.

Iran to hike uranium enrichment capacity

TEHERAN - Iran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency that it has launched a plan to increase its uranium enrichment capacity, nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi said on Tuesday.

US steel tariffs are unjustified, Britain's May tells Trump

British Prime Minister Theresa May told US President Donald Trump that US tariffs imposed on European Union steel and aluminum imports were "unjustified and deeply disappointing" during a phone call on Monday.

Guatemala volcano death toll up to 69

EL RODEO, Guatemala - Rescue workers on Monday pulled more bodies from the dust and rubble left by an explosive eruption of Guatemala's Fuego volcano, bringing the death toll to at least 69.

Turkey, US agree on plan to resolve rift over Syria town

ANKARA - Turkey and the United States have endorsed a road map which envisages the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, from the Syrian town of Manbij, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said after a long-awaited meeting with his US counterpart Mike Pompeo on Monday.

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Search after Guatemala volcano kills 25

EL RODEO, Guatemala - A fiery volcanic eruption in Guatemala sent lava flowing into rural communities, killing at least 25 people as rescuers struggled to reach residents where homes and roads were charred and blanketed with ash.

Japan to punish 20 officials over scandal

Japan's Finance Ministry announced on Monday that it will punish 20 officials including its head Taro Aso after finding that some of its documents related to the sale of heavily discounted state-owned land for a school building project were altered and discarded.

Qatar solution still elusive, one year on

It has almost been a year since a Saudi Arabia-led quartet put an embargo on Qatar, but there are still no signs of a solution to the diplomatic crisis, said a Chinese expert.

Putin invites Kim to visit Russia

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to travel to Russia in September, RIA news agency reported on Monday, citing Ivan Melnikov, a deputy speaker of the lower house of parliament.

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