Top Iran leader posts Donald Trump-like golfer image, vows revenge
There was no apparent immediate action by Twitter over the Persian-language tweet on Friday by Khamenei, Iran's highest authority.
Reuters, Dubai
PUBLISHED ON JAN 22, 2021 09:13 AM IST
The Twitter account of Iran's Supreme Leader on Friday carried the image of a golfer resembling former President Donald Trump apparently being targeted by a drone, vowing revenge over the killing of a top Iranian general in a US drone attack.
The post carried the text of remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in December, in which he said "Revenge is certain", renewing a vow of vengeance ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of top military commander General Qassem Soleimani in the attack in Iraq.
"Those who ordered the murder of General Soleimani as well as those who carried this out should be punished. This revenge will certainly happen at the right time," Khamenei tweeted on December 16, without naming Trump, who had ordered the strike.
Earlier this month, Twitter removed a tweet by Khamenei in which he said US and British-made vaccines were unreliable and may be intended to "contaminate other nations". The platform said the tweet violated its rules against misinformation.
There was no apparent immediate action by Twitter over the Persian-language tweet on Friday by Khamenei, Iran's highest authority.
Tensions rapidly grew between Tehran and Washington since 2018, when Trump exited a 2015 deal between Iran and six world powers that sought to curb Tehran's nuclear programme. Washington reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy.
Iran called for action and "not just words" shortly after Joe Biden was sworn in as US president on Wednesday. Biden has said Washington will rejoin the nuclear deal if Iran resumes strict compliance.
India, China should create 'enabling conditions' to resolve issues: Wang Yi
PTI, Beijing
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 07:36 PM IST
"It is important that the two sides manage disputes properly and at the same time expand and enhance cooperation to create enabling conditions for the settlement of the issue," Wang said at an online press conference.
Willing to engage with all parties in Myanmar, says China’s foreign minister
By Sutirtho Patranobis I Edited by Nadim Siraj
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 07:14 PM IST
Beijing has been cautious in its reaction to the situation in Myanmar where the military seized power in February
Iranian British Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe ends 5-year sentence in spy case
AP, Tehran
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:49 PM IST
- Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 42, was sentenced to five years in jail after being convicted of plotting to overthrow Iran’s government, a charge that she, her supporters and rights groups vigorously deny.
Protests erupt across Myanmar; Suu Kyi party official dies in custody
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:46 PM IST
- The cause of Khin Maung Latt's death was not known, but Reuters saw a photograph of his body with a bloodstained cloth around the head.
Italian PM Mario Draghi prepares a video message as new Covid-19 cases spike
Posted by Harshit Sabarwal | Reuters
UPDATED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:41 PM IST
It was not clear if Draghi would suggest further curbs to counter the spread of new, highly contagious variants. He is preparing a video address to mark Monday's International Women's Day and is expected to stress the need for solidarity with those suffering in the pandemic.
Saudi-led coalition jets pound Yemen capital after foiling drone attacks: Report
Posted by Kunal Gaurav | Reuters, Sanaa
UPDATED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:35 PM IST
On Saturday, the coalition said it intercepted seven drones over 24 hours launched towards Khamis Mushait and one towards the southern Saudi city of Jazan.
Iran releases British-Iranian charity worker accused of spying
Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:22 PM IST
Hojjat Kermani said Zaghari-Ratcliffe “is in good shape and happy to be released” but that it was still unclear if she can leave Iran immediately and fly to London to join her husband who has been campaigning for her release.
Covid-19 : Row over NHS pay overshadows Boris Johnson’s push to open schools
Posted by Harshit Sabarwal | Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:15 PM IST
The low-level pay rise sparked fury among health unions after a year in which NHS hospitals have been deluged with huge numbers of critically ill Covid-19 patients.
Austria suspends AstraZeneca vaccine as precaution after woman's death
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 06:10 PM IST
One 49-year-old woman died as a result of severe coagulation disorders, while a 35-year-old woman developed a pulmonary embolism and is recovering, it said. A pulmonary embolism is an acute lung disease caused by a dislodged blood clot.
Biden to mark 'Bloody Sunday' by signing voting-rights order
Posted by Kunal Gaurav | AP, Washington
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 05:42 PM IST
- Democrats say the bill will help stifle voter suppression attempts, while Republicans have cast the bill as unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections.
Bloody Sunday memorial to honour late US civil rights giants
Posted by Kunal Gaurav | AP, Selma, Alabama
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 05:40 PM IST
- John Lewis, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, the Rev. C.T. Vivian, and attorney Bruce Boynton are the late civil rights leaders who will be honored on Sunday.
Where IS ruled, Pope calls on Christians to forgive, rebuild
AP, Qaraqosh
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 05:23 PM IST
- Pope Francis came to Iraq to encourage them to stay and help rebuild the country and restore what he called its “intricately designed carpet” of faith and ethnic groups.
Oil price to dictate market trend this week, say analysts
PTI, New Delhi
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 05:20 PM IST
Besides, investments by FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) as well as domestic investors, movement of rupee against the US dollar and developments on the coronavirus front are likely to be closely watched for cues.
Pope visits Iraq's war-ravaged north, urges minority to stay despite instability
AP, Irbil
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 05:18 PM IST
Francis headed to the northern city of Mosul, which was heavily damaged in the war against IS, to pray for Iraq's war victims.
40 injured, 1 dead as Lahore-bound passenger train derails
PTI, Islamabad
PUBLISHED ON MAR 07, 2021 04:48 PM IST
Passenger train derails in Pakistan, killing 1 and injuring 40