World News Briefs -- June 24, 2019 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Trump puts sanctions on Iranian supreme leader, other top officials

WASHINGTON/RIYADH (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump targeted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials with sanctions on Monday, taking a dramatic, unprecedented step to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran’s downing of an unmanned American drone.

With tensions running high between the two countries, Trump signed an executive order imposing the sanctions, which U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said would lock billions of dollars more in Iranian assets.

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MIDDLE EAST

Donald Trump announces sanctions against Iran directly targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Latest sanctions on Iran will block 'billions' in assets: US.

Trump calls on foreign countries to protect their own oil tankers. Trump tells countries to PAY UP if they want US protection in Strait of Hormuz.

US officials express optimism negotiations with Iran possible.

Pompeo visits Saudi Arabia in first of 5-nation swing.

Pompeo did not discuss Khashoggi murder with Saudi king: official.

UN warns of humanitarian disaster in Syria's Idlib.

Istanbul election rerun: Opposition candidate wins key mayoral race.

Turkey's opposition sees turning point in Istanbul mayoral win.

Done deal: Turkey says it ‘already bought’ Russian S-400 & US sanctions won’t change that.

US pushes Palestinian economic plan amid doubts, hostility.

ASIA

Taliban threatens media in Afghanistan.

Report: Trump visit to Korea DMZ under consideration.

Xi encouraged Kim Jong Un to resume talks with U.S., report says.

US-China rivalry, plastic pollution and World Cup bid on the agenda at ASEAN summit.

China 'won't allow' Hong Kong discussion at G20 summit.

Singapore PM Lee hopes Trump-Xi meeting on G20 sidelines will rekindle trade talks, sees Hong Kong situation as ‘difficult’.


Cambodia building collapse: minister sacked, governor quits.

Report: Internet shutdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State worries rights organizations.

Vietnam jails U.S. man for plotting overthrow.

AFRICA

Thousands fleeing violence in Mali face food shortages.

Thousands flee ethnic violence in eastern DR Congo.

Ethiopia says coup attempt thwarted, military chief killed.

Sudan's military rejects Ethiopia's transition proposal. Sudan military calls for joint AU, Ethiopia transition plan.

Sudan protesters dispute generals' take on transition plans.

Mauritania's Ghazouani declared presidential vote winner.

Senegal president's brother resigns from state post after gas deal allegations.

Cameroon to prosecute 7 soldiers over 'atrocity' video.

Zimbabwe wants ivory ban lifted so it can sell $600-mln stockpile.

EUROPE

Europeans cool on Iran coalition talk, seek de-escalation.

Hunt steps up attacks on Johnson in UK leadership contest.

Germany: Merkel partners set ballot on new leader this fall.

Georgia's ruling party announces electoral changes amid protests.

Cyprus: Offshore exploration raising fears of a confrontation.

EU court rules Poland's lowering of judges' retirement age is unlawful.

Dutch police deployed amid major phone outage.

Huge migrant influx scares off Greek island tourists.

'Hell is coming': week-long heatwave begins across Europe.

AMERICAS

Helsinki, Mueller shadowing upcoming Trump, Putin meeting.

New high in U.S. say immigration most important problem.

White House placed on lockdown for second time in a week due to suspicious package.

Mexico announces it has sent 15,000 soldiers to its U.S. border to detain migrants trying to cross - after deploying 6,000 troops to its southern border to stop the flow.

Venezuela detains six military, police officials: family members, activists.

Russian air force plane lands in Venezuela: report.

Mexico auctions drug lords' properties to fund poor communities.

Russian frigate arrives in Cuba under watchful eye of US Navy (PHOTOS).

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UN rights boss urges states to repatriate ISIL fighters' families. Islamic State captives 'must be tried or freed', says UN's Bachelet.

Germany loses track of 160 'Islamic State' supporters.

Belgium arrests suspect over US embassy attack plot.

Morrison: 8 Australian children of Islamic State militants to be repatriated.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P 500 slips as healthcare drags, investors eye G20 summit.

Google sister company releases details for controversial Toronto project.

A group of US billionaires is calling for a wealth tax.

from War News Updates http://bit.ly/2RDsiks