US decision to shut down training program of “Syrian opposition” enhances Russian-US cooperation

The Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian Upper House of Parliament Konstantin Kosachev said the U.S. decision to shut down the US Central Intelligence Agency’s program to equip and train “moderate opposition” in Syria opens new opportunities for Russian-US cooperation in the war on terrorism in the country, SANA reported.

Putin: US ‘more pragmatic’ on Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that he believes the United States has become “more pragmatic” about the Syrian civil war.

US stirring up ‘Iranophobia’ to boost arms sales to Arab nations : Tehran

US President Donald Trump has deliberately accused Tehran of sponsoring extremist groups in the Middle East in order to stir up “Iranophobia” and boost American arms sales in the region, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Trump signs $110M defense deal after arrival in Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump signed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia after arriving in Riyadh on Saturday to start his first trip abroad as president, focusing on strengthening ties to combat terrorism.

Lavrov: Meeting with US President focused on de-escalation zones in Syria

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that the talks with the US President Donald Trump focused on the de-escalation zones plan in Syria and the importance of Washington’s support to the cessation of hostilities which serves its interests.

Putin says 'safe zones' have international support

Russia, the US, Turkey, Iran and Syria are close to agreeing the establishment of "safe zones" in Syria aimed at ensuring the viability of a ceasefire, Vladimir Putin says.

Shinzo Abe vows to defend Japan against North Korea 'threats'

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought to reassure his country as tough talk from U.S. President Donald Trump on North Korea and Pyongyang's escalating threats draw concerns of a possible military conflict.

Trump says Germany owes vast sums to NATO, US for defense right after Merkel meeting

Donald Trump says Germany owes "vast sums of money" to NATO and the U.S. "must be paid more" for providing defense.

Syria FM Calls on Refugees to Return Home

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Muallem called on the country’s refugees to return home, official media reported, without directly commenting on a US travel ban targeting them.

Tehran Slams US Travel Ban as Great Insult to Iranian Nation, Vows to Reciprocate

Iran will ban Americans from entering the country in response to President Donald Trump's "insulting" order restricting arrivals from Iran and six other Muslim states, the foreign ministry said Saturday.

Doomsday Clock ticks closer to midnight, highest danger level since 1953

Scientists have moved the time of the Doomsday Clock counting down humanity’s dying days closer to midnight, with the dials now set at two and a half minutes to 12am – the highest danger level facing the planet since 1953.

Trump Ask for 2016 Presidential Election Voter Fraud Probe

US President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to ask for an investigation into his claim that 3 million illegal immigrants voted in the 2016 US election.

Beijing responds to Sean Spicer's South China Sea remarks

China responded immediately to remarks made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer regarding Beijing's interests in the South China Sea, claiming "indisputable sovereignty" over artificial islands in the region.

Merkel Vows to Find Compromise with US on Trade, Military Spending

German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed Saturday to seek compromises on issues like trade and military spending with US President Donald Trump, adding she would work on preserving the important relationship between Europe and the United States.

Trump pledges to empower the people of the United States

 Donald Trump vowed to empower the people of the United States here Friday in his first speech after taking the oath of office as the nation's 45th president.

Britain can't agree trade deals before Brexit : Mogherini

Britain cannot negotiate new trade deals until it leaves the EU, the bloc's foreign policy chief said today after US President-elect Donald Trump backed a speedy trade agreement with Britain.

Only 'large-scale war' would allow US to block Beijing from S. China Sea islands, state media warns

Chinese state media has warned that the US would have to launch a "large-scale war" to prevent Beijing from accessing islands it has built in the South China Sea. It comes after secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson said such access should be restricted.

Trump praises 'very smart' Putin for response against US

 U. S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for not reacting immediately to Washington's move to punish it over alleged election-related interference.

UN Security Council demands end to Israeli settlements after US abstains from vote

After the United States abstained from voting, the UN Security Council on Friday passed a resolution demanding Israel stop building settlements on occupied Palestinian territory, a reversal of the usual US practice of protecting Israel.

Egypt delays U.N. resolution aimed at Israeli settlements

Egypt on Thursday asked to delay a vote on a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at halting Israeli settlement expansion on Palestinian land after President-elect Donald Trump called for the measure to be vetoed.