Obama vows to defend Japan with US nuclear umbrella
President Barack Obama pledged Wednesday a "steadfast" commitment to defend Japan, including preventing nuclear attacks on its ally in the wake of North Korea's third nuclear test.
US expands sanctions on Iran to press nuclear case
The United States on Wednesday tightened sanctions on Iran to further choke off its oil income, saying it was necessary to increase pressure on Tehran over its suspected nuclear weapons program.
RBS bank says to pay 'significant penalties' over Libor
Royal Bank of Scotland on Wednesday said it expected to pay "significant penalties" and face other sanctions from British and US financial regulators over its role in the Libor rate-rigging scandal.
Schmidt book labels China online menace: report
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that in his coming book, Google chairman Eric Schmidt brands China an Internet menace that sanctions cyber crime for economic and political gain.
North Korea says plans nuclear test aimed at US
North Korea said Thursday it planned to carry out a third nuclear test and more rocket launches aimed at its "arch-enemy" the United States in response to tightened UN sanctions, but offered no timeframe.
N. Korea hints at nuclear test after UN sanctions
A defiant North Korea on Wednesday condemned a new round of UN sanctions and hinted it might carry out a nuclear test, while ruling out a resumption of talks on denuclearising the Korean peninsula.
UN to sanction N. Korea space agency: diplomat
The UN Security Council will order sanctions against North Korea's space agency in a resolution to be passed this week condemning a ballistic launch.
North Korea is nuclear test-ready: US think-tank
North Korea has repaired extensive rain damage at its nuclear test facility and could conduct a detonation on two weeks notice, a US think-tank said Friday, citing satellite imagery analysis.
UN sanctions two Iran firms over Syria arms supplies
The UN Security Council on Thursday slapped sanctions on two Iranian firms accused of supplying arms to the Syrian government.
China resists moves to sanction N. Korea: diplomats
China is resisting US-led efforts to order new sanctions against North Korea over its rocket launch and the UN Security Council could take weeks to decide a formal move, diplomats said.
Mitsubishi Bank fined $8.6 mn for flouting US sanctions
Mitsubishi UFJ, Japan's biggest bank, must pay US authorities a fine totaling some 8.6 million dollars for flouting US sanctions on Iran, Sudan, Myanmar and Cuba.
Limited options to punish N. Korea rocket launch
With North Korea seemingly intent on going ahead with its planned rocket launch, the international community must decide how it can punish a country that has proved largely impervious to past sanctions.
UN sanctions Al-Qaeda linked Mali Islamists
The UN Security Council on Wednesday ordered sanctions against an Al-Qaeda linked Islamist group in a new sign of the tougher line being taken with militants who have taken over much of the Mali.
IAEA says key Iran nuclear site fully equipped
Iran is ready to significantly boost output at its most controversial nuclear plant, a new UN nuclear agency report showed Friday, taking Tehran closer in theory to being able to develop a nuclear weapon.
N. Korea shipped missile parts to Syria: media
North Korea tried to export ballistic missile parts to Syria in May in violation of UN sanctions, Japanese media said Wednesday, citing diplomats who have seen a classified UN report.
UN orders global sanctions against Haqqani network
The UN Security Council on Monday ordered global sanctions against the Haqqani militant group in Afghanistan and its suicide attack mastermind.
US charges Iran with 'economic mismanagement'
The US on Monday accused Iran of extreme economic mismanagement as biting sanctions wreak havoc on the Iranian economy, and the European Union agreed a new slew of moves against the regime.
EU to sanction states in bid to streamline air traffic
The European Commission plans to sanction EU members to nudge them into action on efforts to create a pan-European airspace that would cut costs and delays.
Iran says will not retreat on nuclear issue despite woes
Iran will press on with its nuclear programme despite the problems caused by Western sanctions, including a dramatic slide in the value of its currency.
US honors Suu Kyi, ends sanctions on Myanmar leaders
The US lifted sanctions on two of Myanmar's top leaders on Wednesday, as the Congress hailed Aung San Suu Kyi as a hero of democracy in a lavish ceremony unthinkable only months ago.