Obama repels new Iran sanctions push... for nowPresident Barack Obama appears to have prevailed, for now, in a campaign to stop Congress from imposing new sanctions on Iran he fears could derail nuclear diplomacy.
30 January 2014
Iran nuclear deal comes into force as US sanctions loomIran is due Monday to unplug key nuclear equipment for six months in return for a slight easing of crippling Western sanctions, as an interim deal between Tehran and world powers takes effect.
White House steps up bid to thwart new Iran sanctionsThe White House warned Congress Tuesday that passing new sanctions on Iran -- even with a delayed launch date -- would give Tehran an excuse to undermine an interim nuclear deal.
04 December 2013
Vast Antarctic sanctuary plans failPlans to create two vast ocean sanctuaries in Antarctica to protect the pristine wilderness failed Friday for a third time with Russia and China blocking the bids.
01 November 2013
Rwanda president slams US sanctions over child soldiersRwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday angrily condemned a US decision to impose sanctions against his country for allegedly backing rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo who recruit child soldiers.
07 October 2013
US sanctions Rwanda over rebel use of child soldiersThe United States slapped sanctions on Rwanda on Thursday over the use of child soldiers by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo which Kigali is accused of backing.
04 October 2013
Crunch week for Italy as Berlusconi battles sanction Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta has warned against instability as a parliamentary committee prepares for a debate starting Monday on Silvio Berlusconi's expulsion from the Senate following his criminal conviction.
09 September 2013
Zimbabwe threatens West with 'tit-for-tat' action on sanctions Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Sunday threatened "tit-for-tat" actions against Western countries that have imposed sanctions on his rule, suggesting US and British firms could be targeted.
Central African Republic poses 'serious threat': UN The UN Security Council warned Wednesday that turmoil in the Central African Republic poses a "serious threat" to the country and the region, and urged new measures to restore stability.
15 August 2013
UN recommends targeted sanctions in Central Africa UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon recommended to the Security Council Friday that sanctions be taken against elements of the Seleka coalition responsible for reprisal attacks in the Central African Republic.
10 August 2013
Iran's Rowhani urges 'serious' nuclear talks without delay President Hassan Rowhani said Tuesday Iran was ready for "serious" talks on its nuclear programme without delay and that US calls for tougher sanctions showed a lack of understanding.
Rowhani firm on Iran nuclear policy but vows more openness Iran's newly-elected president Hassan Rowhani ruled out any halt to the nuclear activity that has drawn UN sanctions but said he hoped an early deal could be reached to allay the concerns of major powers.
18 June 2013
Vote shows Iranian people want 'different direction': Obama US President Barack Obama said that Iran's election result showed the country's people wanted to back away from confrontation with the outside world but ruled out for the moment lifting economic sanctions on Tehran.
18 June 2013
US eases trade restrictions on Syrian opposition The United States eased restrictions on trade with Syria's opposition Wednesday, in a move aimed at helping supply the critical needs of Syrians in "liberated areas."
13 June 2013
US moves help Iranians get on line but hit economy The US is making it easier for information-hungry Iranians to get on the Internet and use social media, but has also slapped new sanctions on the economy that could make their lives more painful.