Iran leader warning
Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the United States is taking a blow from where it least expected. Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the previous and current US presidents have joined hands to further disgrace Washington. The leader added that the enemy has launched an inclusive, multi-front invasion against Iran, and highlighted the need for a multi-pronged response. The leader made the remarks in a meeting with a group of commanders and staff members of Iran’s Air Force. The meeting was held on the anniversary of the historic pledge of allegiance made by the Air Force officers to the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, on this day, 43 years ago.
Sanctions removal talks
And just as the parties involved in the Vienna negotiations are preparing to take up the talks where they left off, bipartisan divisions continue to prevail in the United States, with dozens of Republican senators warning President Joe Biden that they might block any new nuclear agreement with Iran. In a letter to Biden, a group of 33 lawmakers have said they would thwart the implementation of any new accord, if his government does not allow Congress to review and vote on its terms. The group of legislators is being led by Senator Ted Cruz, a long-time opponent of the Iran deal. They have threatened to use the full range of options and leverage available, to ensure that the Biden administration would adhere to US laws, before reaching any new deal with Iran.
US-Taiwan arms sales
China issues a stern warning to the United States over its plans to provide up to 100 million dollars worth of arms and military services to Taiwan. The foreign ministry says the arms sales would seriously undermine China’s security and sovereignty. The ministry says Beijing will take robust measures to protect its security interests. Taiwan, however, has welcomed the US move, saying the deal will take effect in March. Washington has increased its military support to Taipei over the past years, amid rising tensions with Beijing. China considers Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory, and has warned Washington that it could trigger war by further pushing the island territory to seek independence.