Latest news with #Israel-Iran
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump dismisses reports US is weighing up to $30 billion civilian nuclear deal for Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed media reports that said his administration had discussed possibly helping Iran access as much as $30 billion to build a civilian-energy-producing nuclear program. CNN reported on Thursday and NBC News reported on Friday that the Trump administration in recent days had explored possible economic incentives for Iran in return for its government halting uranium enrichment. The reports cited sources. CNN cited officials as saying that several proposals were floated and were preliminary. "Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that 'President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities.' Never heard of this ridiculous idea," Trump wrote on Truth Social late on Friday, calling the reports a "HOAX." Since April, Iran and the U.S. have held indirect talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Tehran says its program is peaceful and Washington says it wants to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon. Live Events Trump, earlier this week, announced a ceasefire between U.S. ally Israel and its regional rival Iran to halt a war that began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran. The Israel-Iran conflict had raised alarms in a region already on edge since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023. The U.S. struck Iran's nuclear sites over the last weekend and Iran targeted a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday in retaliation, before Trump announced the ceasefire. Israel is the only Middle Eastern country widely believed to have nuclear weapons and said its war against Iran aimed to prevent Tehran from developing its own nuclear weapons. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, which carries out inspections in Iran, has said it has "no credible indication" of an active, coordinated weapons programme in Iran.
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Business Standard
41 minutes ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Disrespectful, unacceptable tone': Iran slams Trump over Khamenei remark
Iran on Saturday strongly condemned recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The criticism came a day after Khamenei delivered a speech claiming victory in the conflict with Israel and denouncing Washington's role. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to Trump via social media, urging the US President to reconsider his approach if he wished to engage constructively with Iran's leadership. "If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers," Araghchi wrote on X. — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 27, 2025 He also lashed out at Israel, stating, 'The Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened by our Missiles.' Emphasising Iran's self-reliance, Araghchi added that the country would not tolerate threats or insults, asserting the Iranian people's pride in their independence. Trump claims he prevented Khamenei's death 'I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH,' Trump wrote on Truth Social, claiming to have stopped a potential strike that could have killed the Iranian leader. He questioned Khamenei's assertion of victory over Israel, stating, "Why would the so-called 'Supreme Leader,' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of the war torn Country of Iran, say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel, when he knows his statement is a lie, it is not so. As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie." Trump claimed that Iran had suffered significant damage, including the destruction of three 'evil nuclear sites', and added that he knew the exact location where Khamenei was hiding. He further revealed that he had instructed Israeli forces to recall a large number of aircraft headed for Tehran, averting what he described as 'the biggest attack' of the conflict. "Tremendous damage would have ensued, and many Iranians would have been killed," he warned. IDF details strikes on Iranian nuclear, military infrastructure Amid the war of words, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released details of the extensive damage inflicted on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure during the recent escalation. According to the IDF, three major nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and a facility in Isfahan — were 'significantly damaged", news agency ANI reported. These sites were involved in uranium enrichment and conversion. In addition, thousands of centrifuges, research facilities, headquarters, and sensitive documentation were reportedly destroyed. More than 35 missile production sites were attacked, wiping out 200 launchers and disabling nearly half of Iran's launcher capacity. The offensive included over 1,500 sorties by fighter jets, 600 refuelings, and 500 UAV-led strikes, reaching as far as Mashhad airport, about 2,400 km from Israel. Israel-Iran conflict: India evacuates over 4,400 nationals As tensions surged, India launched "Operation Sindhu" on June 18 to evacuate its citizens from Iran and Israel. So far, 19 special flights have brought back over 4,400 Indians, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). A flight from Armenia's capital Yerevan carrying 173 evacuees from Iran arrived in Delhi late Thursday night. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was monitoring the situation closely and would decide on further actions accordingly. (With agency inputs)
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Trump dismisses reports US is weighing up to $30 billion civilian nuclear deal for Iran
A man walks past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 5, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY FILE PHOTO: People walk past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 5, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Trump dismisses reports US is weighing up to $30 billion civilian nuclear deal for Iran WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed media reports that said his administration had discussed possibly helping Iran access as much as $30 billion to build a civilian-energy-producing nuclear program. CNN reported on Thursday and NBC News reported on Friday that the Trump administration in recent days had explored possible economic incentives for Iran in return for its government halting uranium enrichment. The reports cited sources. CNN cited officials as saying that several proposals were floated and were preliminary. "Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that 'President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities.' Never heard of this ridiculous idea," Trump wrote on Truth Social late on Friday, calling the reports a "HOAX." Since April, Iran and the U.S. have held indirect talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Tehran says its program is peaceful and Washington says it wants to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon. Trump, earlier this week, announced a ceasefire between U.S. ally Israel and its regional rival Iran to halt a war that began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran. The Israel-Iran conflict had raised alarms in a region already on edge since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023. The U.S. struck Iran's nuclear sites over the last weekend and Iran targeted a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday in retaliation, before Trump announced the ceasefire. Israel is the only Middle Eastern country widely believed to have nuclear weapons and said its war against Iran aimed to prevent Tehran from developing its own nuclear weapons. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, which carries out inspections in Iran, has said it has "no credible indication" of an active, coordinated weapons programme in Iran. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Gaza ceasefire is possible within a week, Trump says
President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste.
Bangkok Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Navigating twin crises and tightened monetary policy
Financial markets in Thailand are confronting an unprecedented twin crisis, as political uncertainty from the audio clip scandal converges with escalating Middle East tensions that have rattled global capital markets. This dual crisis severely affected Thailand's economy, with the Thai stock index plunging to its lowest point in five years, declining nearly 24% year-to-date to become the world's worst-performing equity market. Thailand's political crisis stems from the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party and its 69 MPs from the government coalition, creating political uncertainty. As of Friday, political pressure had pushed the SET index down, testing the critical support level of 1,085 points. Our analysis identifies three main scenarios with varying economic implications. The first scenario involves immediate parliamentary dissolution, though we reduced the probability of this outcome as the government is likely to retain its majority. This scenario would result in GDP contracting by 0.5 percentage points due to disruption of the budget process -- both fiscal 2025 disbursement and passage of the 2026 budget. The second scenario, which we consider the base case with increased probability, involves a cabinet reshuffle followed by dissolution after the fiscal 2026 budget is passed, with the economic impact consisting of GDP shrinking by 0.3 percentage points. The third scenario considers resignation or removal of the prime minister due to governance issues, carrying a moderate probability and resulting in a growth slowdown of 0.3-0.5 percentage points. Under this scenario, the Bank of Thailand may need to accelerate interest rate cuts by 50 to 75 basis points to support the economy amid mounting pressure from anti-government demonstrations and various legal developments that could escalate the situation. The US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities on June 22 significantly altered the Middle East conflict landscape. Brent crude initially surged 5.7% to $81.40 per barrel before falling below $70 as immediate supply disruption fears subsided. The Israel-Iran conflict began to ease following a ceasefire announcement with US mediation. Analysts suggest Iran's military effectiveness may now be diminished, while the fragile domestic economy is experiencing inflation near 40%. The US is reportedly preparing to open negotiations with Iran next week, which requires monitoring. MIDEAST SCENARIOS We forecast the probability of three Middle East scenarios. The base scenario, with 40% probability, anticipates temporary oil price increases before a decline, resulting in Thai economic growth of 1.4% and inflation of 0.5%. The adverse scenario, also with 40% probability, involves oil prices sustained above $85 per barrel, leading to growth slowing to 1.2%, while inflation increases to 0.8%. The crisis scenario, with a 20% probability, assumes Iran decides to close the Strait of Hormuz, potentially pushing oil prices to $130 or $140, resulting in economic growth of only 1% and inflation reaching 1%. In Thailand, the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 6-1 this week to maintain the policy rate at 1.75%, with one member favouring a reduction to 1.50% to support the slowing economy. According to the MPC, Thailand's economy in the first half of 2025 will expand better than projected, driven by exports, particularly to the US. As a consequence, the regulator revised its full-year GDP growth forecast to 2.3% from 2.0% earlier. However, the central bank believes export momentum is temporary, with heavy frontloading of shipments to the US to avoid higher tariffs. The economy faces risks in the second half from US tariffs, weak domestic demand and declining consumption amid reduced household income and confidence. The 2026 economic growth forecast was downgraded to 1.7% from 1.8%. We believe Thailand's economy will slow significantly in the second half, risking a technical recession. Thailand faces substantial risk of higher US import tariffs compared with other trading partners. Government budget disbursement remains below target, and despite expectations of acceleration in the second half, including 115 billion baht in stimulus projects, disbursement is expected to remain delayed due to uncertainty about government stability, preventing the public sector from fully driving the economy at a time of weak private demand. Contracting credit will further pressure domestic demand. With inflation clearly below the central bank's 1-3% target range and with no signs of demand-side inflationary pressure, there is room for further monetary policy relaxation. We maintain our view that the central bank should cut the policy rate at least twice more this year to 1.25% to alleviate household and business interest burdens, reduce tight financial conditions, and support a stable demand recovery. If the regulator doesn't cut rates in the third quarter, we see delays potentially weakening the economy, ultimately requiring more aggressive rate cuts later and further increasing risks to future economic stability. In terms of investment strategy, the SET is expected to remain volatile amid negative domestic and external factors as outlined above. However, we believe the SET index below 1,100 points, representing a 2025 price/earnings ratio of less than 12 times, is appropriate for medium- to long-term investment through gradual accumulation. Our investment strategy remains "selective buy" across four key areas. First, we recommend defensive stocks with low volatility that are expected to resist external market turbulence, specifically DIF, BDMS and BCH. Second, quality dividend stocks from the SET50 with SETESG ratings of A or higher should be considered to generate short-term cash flow, as these companies are expected to pay interim dividends from first-half 2025 profits with yields exceeding 2%, particularly ADVANC, BBL and PTT. Third, earnings-play stocks with strong profit momentum deserve attention, as we expect normalised second-quarter 2025 profits to grow, with ADVANC, CPALL and BTG leading this category. Finally, for investors with a high risk tolerance seeking trading opportunities amid the Middle East conflict, we recommend stocks benefiting from rising oil prices, specifically PTT and PTTEP.
