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Kremlin says Putin ready to speak with Trump

By
IFP Media Wire
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Trump Putin

When asked on Friday whether a long-awaited phone call between Putin and Trump, who has vowed to quickly end the Ukraine conflict, could take place over the weekend, Peskov would neither confirm nor deny the possibility.

“Putin is ready, we are waiting for signals. Everyone is ready. It is difficult to read the tea leaves. If something happens, we will let you know,” he told reporters.

On Thursday, several days after his inauguration, Trump said that he was ready for a meeting with the Russian president to discuss the Ukraine conflict, adding that “from what I hear, Putin would like to see me.”

“Every day we don’t meet, soldiers are being killed on the battlefield,” the US president remarked.

Earlier, media reports suggested that Trump’s team was eyeing a peace plan for Ukraine, which could include a ceasefire along the current front lines and the creation of an 800-mile demilitarized zone patrolled by European troops. Additionally, the roadmap would reportedly see Kiev’s agreement to delay its aspirations for NATO membership for at least 20 years.

Moscow, however, has ruled out a freezing of the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the Kremlin “is, of course, not satisfied” with proposals to postpone Kiev’s NATO ambitions and deploy a Western peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine.

Russia has insisted that hostilities will only end when Ukraine commits to permanent neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification, stressing that Kiev must recognize the territorial “realities on the ground.” Moscow has stated that it has always been open to talks with Ukraine, but that any deal must include “reliable, legally binding agreements eliminating the root causes of the conflict.”

Israeli drone attack kills two in West Bank

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israel Palestine West Bank

The Israeli military announced the air attack on Friday in the Jenin governorate hit a vehicle with what it claimed was a “terrorist cell” inside, but it gave no further details.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that it was a drone attack that happened just before Israeli forces stormed Qabatiya and began “sweeping operations”.

The air attack coincided with the ongoing military operation against Palestinian fighters in Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp, which has already resulted in the deaths of 14 Palestinians and injured about 50 others, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah.

In addition to the loss of life, the operation in the northern West Bank – launched just two days after the truce agreed between Israel and Hamas in Gaza – has caused widespread destruction.

Israeli armoured bulldozers and diggers have demolished houses and dug up roads in the Jenin area and forced the displacement of about 2,000 families.

A United Nations spokesperson on Friday warned against the “deteriorating” situation in the West Bank and called on Israel to protect Palestinians.

During a media briefing, Farhan Haq stated the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) “warns once again that lethal, warlike tactics are being applied, raising concerns over use of force that exceeds law enforcement standards”.

Earlier, Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed grave concerns about the use of disproportionate and unlawful force in Jenin, warning of the potential for widespread human rights violations.

Al-Kheetan emphasised the international community’s responsibility to hold Israel accountable for these actions.

UN warns 1mn children in Gaza need mental health support for depression, anxiety

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza War

“The ceasefire has provided a vital reprieve from relentless hostilities for Palestinians,” Tom Fletcher told a Security Council session on the plight of children in Gaza.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire by all sides and added that “safe, unobstructed humanitarian access alongside the absence of hostilities and the almost complete cessation of criminal looting over the past days have significantly improved our ability to operate.”

Describing the grave impact of the conflict, Fletcher said: “Children have been killed, starved and frozen to death. They have been maimed, orphaned or separated from their family. Conservative estimates indicate that over 17,000 children are without their families in Gaza.”

Noting that an estimated 150,000 pregnant women and new mothers are “in desperate need of health services,” he added some of the babies in Gaza “died before their first breath – perishing with their mothers in childbirth” due to Israel’s relentless attacks.

“One million children are in need of mental health and psycho-social support for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts,” he continued, citing the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Fletcher urged the international community to act.

“Across the spectrum, humanitarian organizations and agencies have united to meet our humanitarian goals. At the center of this, as always, is UNRWA. But we cannot do this alone.”

He emphasized that “surging high volumes of aid” needed to get into Gaza and said the UN’s 2025 Flash Appeal requests $4.07 billion to address the needs of 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, with the majority allocated for Gaza.

“Funding this appeal is essential to meet massive needs and to sustain the ceasefire,” Fletcher added.

Fletcher further reported “record-high levels of casualties, displacement and access restrictions” in the occupied West Bank.

“These trends have intensified since the announcement of the ceasefire. Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian villages, setting homes and properties on fire,” he stated.

Noting an increase in impediments to Palestinians’ access to basic necessities by Israel, he also said that “mass detentions are taking place across the West Bank.”

“Of particular concern is the situation in Jenin, where an Israeli military operation — helicopter gunfire and airstrikes alongside ground forces — has claimed lives and caused further destruction of basic infrastructure and displacement,” he added.

Fletcher urged the Council to “ensure that international law is respected across the Occupied Palestinian Territory of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Civilians must be protected and their essential needs met.”

Trump requests trillion dollar Saudi investment after $600bn offer from MbS

By
IFP Media Wire
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Trump MbS

“I’ll be asking the crown prince, who’s a fantastic guy, to round it out to around one trillion. I think they’ll do that because we’ve been very good to them,” Trump said.

In fact, the Saudi Press Agency’s announcement that the kingdom would invest $600bn was based on the royal palace’s readout of a Wednesday phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This is Trump’s first phone call with a foreign leader since his inauguration earlier this week.

“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of $600bn, and potentially beyond that,” the Saudi Press Agency reproted.

The White House’s readout of the call relayed no such detail.

“The two leaders discussed efforts to bring stability to the Middle East, bolster regional security, and combat terrorism. Additionally, they discussed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s international economic ambitions over the next four years, as well as trade and other opportunities to increase the mutual prosperity of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the readout said.

Trump, in his remarks to Davos, also stated he planned to ask Saudi Arabia to “bring down the cost of oil”, which could lead to a breakthrough that would end Russia’s war in Ukraine, given its crushing impact on energy markets.

“You got to bring it down, which, frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t do before the election. That didn’t show a lot of love by them not doing it,” Trump continued, adding, “I was a little surprised by that. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately. Right now, the price is high enough that that war will continue.”

The kingdom, he said, is “very responsible, actually, to a certain extent, for what’s taking place. Millions of lives are being lost”.

What Trump isn’t taking into account is Saudi Arabia’s need to complete mega projects like Neom, the cornerstone of MbS efforts to wean the kingdom’s economy from relying on oil revenue.

Until that day, the kingdom needs petrodollars to complete projects like Neom. The International Monetary Fund estimates that Saudi Arabia needs oil prices at $96 per barrel to balance its budget, roughly $24 less than where it stands now.

Trump added in his address that as oil prices go down, he would also “demand that interest rates drop immediately, and likewise, they should be dropping all over the world. Interest rates should follow us”.

In 2017, during his first term, Trump’s first foreign visit was to Saudi Arabia. That visit is most famously remembered for the president’s participation in a traditional Saudi dance performance.

On Monday, Trump said he would probably go to Saudi Arabia again for his first visit to a foreign country, but only if the price was right.

“I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450bn dollars worth of our product. I said I’ll do it, but you have to buy American product, and they agreed to do that,” he continued, adding that he “would go there” again if the kingdom agreed to buy more.

“Well, I don’t know. If Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another 450 or 500, we’d raise it for all the inflation. I think I probably would go there.”

Neither the administration nor the kingdom has described where the incoming Saudi investments in the US would go, but a multi-week visit to the US by the crown prince in March 2018 resulted in significant buy-ins at almost all the major tech companies, including rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

Report: Trump seeking to pull 20k American troops from Europe

By
IFP Media Wire
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US Forces in ME

If the pullout occurs, the number of US service personnel in Europe will decrease from around 100,000 to 80,000, the agency reported.

In recent conversations with European leaders Trump has “consistently” expressed a desire to downsize the US military presence on the continent, the sources said.

“Furthermore, for those [US troops] who remain, he would like financial contributions from European countries, because these soldiers are a deterrent, and the costs cannot be borne solely by American taxpayers,” one of ANSA’s sources claimed.

Earlier this month, Trump stated NATO member states in the EU should be spending 5% of their GDP on defense, way beyond the current goal of 2%.

“They can afford it,” he claimed.

On Tuesday, the US president called on Brussels to “equalize” with Washington when it comes to the support it provides to Ukraine.

“We are in there for $200 billion more than the EU. I mean, what are we, stupid? I guess the answer is ‘yes.’ They must think so,” he added.

Trump also pledged to impose tariffs on the bloc due to its trade surplus with the US.

“The EU is very bad for us,” he claimed.

During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron noted: “now that the new administration has taken office in the US, it is more important than ever for Europeans… to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong, and sovereign Europe.”

Scholz backed Macron’s stance, acknowledging that “it is already clear that President Trump will be a challenge” for the EU.

Minister of Economy: Iran’s non-oil exports hit $47.8 bn

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The increase marks an 18% growth compared to the same period last year.

Hemmati said Iran’s imports during this period amounted to $56 billion, reflecting only a 3% increase.

He added that when excluding gold imports valued at $6.3 billion, the import figures indicate a 10% decrease compared to the previous year.

The Iranian minister of economy also said the trade balance for non-oil goods has improved as well and regardless of gold imports from the past two years, the trade deficit has narrowed from $12.5 billion to $2 billion.

Hemmati’s comments come at a time when Iran has been grappling with Western sanctions for many years, with most of the bans having been imposed on the Islamic Republic by the US.

Official: 80% decrease in Iranian handwoven carpet exports

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Carpet Museum of Iran

Abdollah Bahrami, CEO of the Association of Iranian Handmade Carpet Producers, has said annual exports have dwindled to just $50 million, a stark contrast to the $2 billion reported in the 1990s.
Bahrami cited several factors contributing to this decline, including the reduction in the number of weavers from 2 million to 1 million, and a drop in production from 6 million square meters to 2 million square meters.

He noted that the lack of support for Iranian carpet producers has allowed competitors like Turkey to thrive and diversify their carpet offerings significantly.

Iran has a reputation for having the best handwoven carpets in the world. But many factors including western sanctions have put a strain on the Iranian carpet industry as they have hindered access to markets and have increased production costs.

Syria new rulers say Israel’s advances unacceptable

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israeli Army

The Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader made the comments on Friday as Israel continued to deepen its control of territory in southern Syria.

“We do not want war with Israel or any country. We told Israel to stop, and if it continues, we will apply pressure,” Sharaa said.

“There is no excuse for occupation.”

Syria’s Golan Heights region has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East war and has built settlements across the territory in violation of international law.

Since the HTS-led assault that toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December, Israel has rapidly expanded its control across more Syrian territory for what it claims are security reasons.

On the same day Assad fell, Israel deployed its troops across the 1974 UN-established armistice line and into the buffer zone patrolled by the United Nations.

Since assuming power in Syria, HTS has been keen not to antagonise Israel, which has carried out hundreds of air strikes on military sites and infrastructure across the country since Assad’s departure.

However Sharaa, whose family originates from the Golan Heights, has been critical of Israel’s aggression on the country when asked.

In his comments, Sharaa also criticised the Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG), stating they “alone” had not responded to their call to restrict weapons to the authorities.

He added the group was “exploiting” the ongoing fighting against the Islamic State group “to serve their own interests.”

President Pezeshkian: Iran, Russia to resist excessive demands

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In an interview with Russia’s Channel 1 TV, President Pezeshkian pointed out, “We signed the agreement in three areas: security, political, and economic cooperation. The agreement covers railway, road, trade, energy, and electricity sectors.”

He explained the collaboration with Russia aims to enhance defense and security cooperation, ensuring no nation can inflict harm without consequences.

On potential military actions by the US or Israel against Iran, he stated that the agreement includes a clause of mutual non-cooperation with any aggressor.

He also underlined Iran’s advancements in defense capabilities, stressing the country prioritizes self-defense over aggression.

He also criticized the West’s double standards on Iran’s nuclear issue, stating, “Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons. The international community must recognize and act against such injustices.”

On regional instability, the Iranian president noted, “Injustice and unfair treatment lead to conflict. Recognizing individuals based on their capabilities, regardless of beliefs, can reduce conflicts.”

Eight Iranians listed among world’s best beach soccer players

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

This comprehensive list includes 120 male players, 50 female players, and 45 coaches, from which the best will be chosen through voting to be honored at the Beach Soccer Stars 2024 Gala.

The award winners will be determined by the votes of coaches and captains from all national beach soccer teams and those from club teams that have participated in at least one continental event.

The award categories include Best Male Player, Best Female Player, Best Male Goalkeeper, Best Female Goalkeeper, and Best Coach. Voting commenced on January 23 and will continue until February 23.

Among the Iranian nominees for Best Male Player are Ali Mirshekari, Amirhossein Akbari, Mehdi Shirmohammadi, Mohammad Ali Mokhtari, and Mohammad Moradi.

The Iranian nominees for Best Male Goalkeeper are Hamid Behzadpour and Seyed Mehdi Mirjalili. Ali Naderi, the head coach of the national team, is also nominated for Best Coach.

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