Biden, seeking to ease U.S.-Israel strains, pledges delivery of new warplanes
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Seeking to ease U.S.-Israeli tensions, Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday promised Israel delivery of top-flight fighter jets next year to maintain its military edge and vowed that any final nuclear deal with Iran would ensure Israel’s security.
U.S. strike inadvertently killed U.S., Italian hostages; Obama apologizes
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. drone strike in January targeting an al Qaeda compound in Pakistan near the Afghan border inadvertently killed an American and an Italian who had been held hostage for years by the group, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
Japan government draft: nuclear to be 20-22 percent of power mix by 2030 – media
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s government has proposed making nuclear energy account for between 20 and 22 percent of the country’s electricity mix by 2030, with renewable energy to account for slightly more, media reported on Friday.
Pentagon dismisses Moscow claim of U.S. troops in Ukraine combat zone
MOSCOW/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that U.S. troops were training Ukrainian forces in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, but the Pentagon flatly denied it, accusing Moscow of a “ridiculous attempt” to obscure…
Biden says U.S. will deliver new F-35 jets to Israel
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Vice President Joe Biden said on Thursday the United States would deliver new F-35 fighter jets to Israel next year to help its ally maintain its military edge in the Middle East.
Shocked by drowned migrants, Europe restores rescue mission
BRUSSELS/ROME (Reuters) – Four days after up to 900 desperate people drowned trying to reach Europe from Libya, EU leaders agreed on Thursday to triple its naval search mission in the Mediterranean, restoring its funding to last year’s level.
Diplomats press on in Vienna for final Iran nuclear deal
VIENNA (Reuters) – U.S. Under Secretary Wendy Sherman and Tehran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met in Vienna on Thursday in the latest push to secure a final nuclear deal by a June 30 deadline, Iranian media said.
Top Honduran court paves way for presidents to seek re-election
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) – The Supreme Court of Honduras on Thursday struck down a law that banned presidents from seeking a second term, paving the way for their re-election, a contentious issue at the heart of a coup six years ago.
India to host Afghan leader, seeks to regain ground lost to China, Pakistan
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – When Afghan President Ashraf Ghani makes his first official visit to India next week, it will be a chance for New Delhi to regain ground lost to regional rivals Pakistan and China and push interests including trade routes and arms…
Merkel: must prevent Greece running out of cash before deal
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday everything must be done to prevent Greece running out of money before it reaches a cash-for-reform deal with its international creditors, amid heightened concern that Athens is neari…
