Iran, US raise stakes ahead of key talks in Oman

SummaryIran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Tehran's right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable, ahead of upcoming talks with the U.S. in Oman regarding its nuclear program. This statement follows U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff's demand for Iran to halt nuclear enrichment for a potential deal. While Iran is willing to address concerns about its enrichment, it firmly rejects the idea of relinquishing its enrichment rights, and Tehran is expected to reject a U.S. proposal to...

The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya, has been detained by Israeli forces under "inhumane" conditions, facing "physical and psychological intimidation," according to his lawyer. Arrested during a December 27 assault on the hospital, which Israel labeled a Hamas "terrorist centre," Abu Safiya is being held as an "illegal combatant" and has reportedly suffered torture during interrogations, along with health issues and a lack of medical care. A social media campaign, including...

After over three years of negotiations, countries reached a landmark accord at the World Health Organization's headquarters to address future pandemics, aiming to prevent past mistakes from the Covid-19 crisis. The 32-page agreement includes a proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS) to enhance data sharing for quick pandemic response, despite lingering disagreements about technology transfers to developing nations. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the deal as a significant milestone for global cooperation, emphasizing...

Hamas announced it has "lost contact" with fighters holding Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander in Gaza after an Israeli strike. The ceasefire proposal for his release was rejected by Hamas, which warned that remaining hostages would return in coffins if Israel continued its military actions. Since the renewed offensive began, over 1,630 people have died, contributing to a total of 51,000 casualties in 18 months of conflict, which started with Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023,...

After over three years of negotiations, countries reached a historic agreement at the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday to address future pandemics, aiming to avoid past mistakes from the Covid-19 crisis. The accord includes a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS) for sharing pathogen data and technology with developing nations, overcoming disputes about mandatory tech transfers. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the agreement as a significant milestone for global cooperation in pandemic preparedness,...

Jordanian security services arrested 16 individuals suspected of plotting attacks using rockets and drones, with plans targeting national security. The suspects, allegedly linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, were organized into four cells engaged in activities like manufacturing explosives and recruiting operatives for illicit training. All have been referred to the State Security Court for violating anti-terrorism laws, while the Brotherhood denied involvement and asserted its commitment to peaceful approaches. Full Article