Iran has warned the US not to set the two countries on a collision course over Tehran’s nuclear enrichment program, as heightened diplomatic tensions reflect growing concern that the Middle East might be on the verge of a new conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi spoke amid reports that the Israeli Prime Minister -Benjamin Netanyahu has been trying to rally support within his country for an attack.
The Guardian revealed that the UK was advancing contingency plans to join US forces in a possible air and sea campaign against military bases in Iran.
The revelations led to NATO insisting on Thursday that it would play no part in any military action and provoked the rebuke from Salehi, who insisted that any attack by either Israel or the US would provoke immediate retaliation. He also accused Washington of recklessness.
“The US has unfortunately lost its wisdom and prudence in dealing with international issues,” he told reporters during a visit to Libya. “Of course we are prepared for the worst, but we hope that they think twice before they put themselves on a collision course with Iran.”
In a separate interview with a Turkish newspaper, Salehi claimed Tehran was ready for war with Israel.
“We have been hearing threats from Israel for eight years. Our nation is a united nation ... such threats are not new to us,” he said. “We are very sure of ourselves. We can defend our country.”
Hundreds of protesters marched through the Mexican capital on Friday denouncing gentrification caused by foreigners, with some vandalizing businesses and shouting “gringos out!” The demonstration in the capital’s central area turned violent when hooded individuals smashed windows, damaged restaurant furniture and looted a clothing store. Mexico City Government Secretary Cesar Cravioto said 15 businesses and public facilities were damaged in what he called “xenophobic expressions” similar to what Mexican migrants have suffered in other countries. “We are a city of open arms... there are always ways to negotiate, to sit at the table,” Cravioto told Milenio television. Neighborhoods like Roma-Condesa
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Dozens of residents have evacuated remote islands in southern Japan that have been shaken by nearly 1,600 earthquakes in recent weeks, the local mayor said yesterday. There has been no major physical damage on hardest-hit Akuseki island, even after a magnitude 5.1 quake that struck overnight, said Toshima Mayor Genichiro Kubo, who is based on another island. However, the almost nonstop jolts since June 21 have caused severe stress to area residents, many of whom have been deprived of sleep. Of the 89 residents of Akuseki, 44 had evacuated to the regional hub of Kagoshima by Sunday, while 15 others also left another
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