Key events leading up to US-Iran confrontation

Published On: January 8, 2020 04:36 PM NPT By: Associated Press

UNITED STATES/IRAN, Jan 8: Iran’s missile attack on two American bases in Iraq in response the the U.S. strike that killed its top general is the culmination of nearly two years of steadily rising tensions since President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Tens of thousands strike in India as slowdown hits jobs

Published On: January 8, 2020 03:06 PM NPT By: Reuters

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Tens of thousands of workers affiliated to trade unions led a strike in parts of India on Wednesday, disrupting transport and banking services in a protest against privatisation and the growing impact of an economic slowdown on jobs.

Iran missiles target U.S. forces in Iraq; Trump says 'All well'

Published On: January 8, 2020 02:03 PM NPT By: Reuters

BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON, Jan 8: Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday, retaliating for the U.S. drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing last week stoked fears of a new Middle East war.

DUBAI/KIEV, Jan 8: A Ukrainian airliner crashed soon after taking off from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport on Wednesday, killing all 176 people aboard, Iran’s state television and Ukraine’s leaders said.

WASHINGTON, Jan 8: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he has the votes to start President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial as soon as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi releases the documents, winning support from GOP senators to postpone a decision on calling witnesses.

WASHINGTON, Jan 8: Democrats in the U.S. Congress and some of the party’s presidential contenders warned on Tuesday about escalating conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq.

Storms bring relief and danger to Australian wildfires

Published On: January 8, 2020 11:56 AM NPT By: Associated Press

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, Jan 8: Thunderstorms and showers brought some relief for firefighters battling deadly wildfires across Australia’s drought-parched east coast on Wednesday, but also raised concerns that lightning will spark more fires before dangerous hot and windy conditions return.

Ukrainian airplane crashes in Iran, killing at least 170

Published On: January 8, 2020 11:18 AM NPT By: Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran, Jan 8: A Ukrainian airplane carrying at least 170 people crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s main airport, killing all onboard, state TV reported.

TEHRAN, Iran, Jan 8: Iranian state TV is reporting a Ukrainian airplane carrying 170 passengers and crew has crashed near an airport in the capital, Tehran. There is no immediate word on injures.

WASHINGTON, Jan 8: President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that an assessment of the casualties and damage from Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi military facilities was underway and he would make a statement on the situation on Wednesday morning.