Latest news with #UPI
UPI
2 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyeb Abbas Araghchi says Israel ran 'Daddy' to avoid missiles
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appear in Muscat, Oman, on April 12, for nuclear talks with the United States. Photo by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs/UPI | License Photo June 27 (UPI) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyeb Abbas Araghchi said Friday that the "Israeli regime had NO Choice but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened out by our missiles." Araghchi posted the comments on X, four days after President Donald Trump announced there would be cease-fire the next day. The truce has held. Mark Rutte, NATO secretary-general, described Trump as "Daddy" for using strong language against Iran and Israel. Trump said the two nations were like "two kids in a schoolyard" that had a "big fight." The White House embraced the term and released a video of Trump's participation in the NATO Summit in the Netherlands, accompanied by the song Hey Daddy (Daddy's home) by Usher. In the foreign minister's social media post he said: "The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults. If Illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly END any Delusion about the Power of Iran." Araghchi also warned Trump to better treat Iran's supreme leader. "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," he wrote. In Truth Social post on Friday afternoon, Trump wrote: "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 said he saved the 85-year-old Khamenei from "UGLY AND IGNOMINOUS DEATH," though the president told Israel not to assassinate the leader. The foreign minister said the Iranian people are strong. "The complexity and tenacity of Iranians is famously known in our magnificent carpets, woven through countless hours of hard work and patience," he wrote. "But as a people, our basic premise is very simple and straightforward: we know our worth, value our independence, and never allow anyone else to decide our destiny." Trump has announced that U.S. and Iranian officials will meet next week to discuss a potential nuclear deal but that an accord was not necessary. Trump continued to claim that U.S. strikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment capacities, even though doubt looms. Trump has said he would "absolutely" consider bombing Iran again, especially if Iran continues to work toward a nuclear bomb. Satellite imagery captured Friday appears to show new activity at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. It is deep inside a mountain to guard it from attacks. Seven B-2 jets struck Iran with seven bombs on Saturday night after a 17-hour trip from Missouri. But the US military did not use bunker-buster bombs on one of Iran's largest nuclear facilities last weekend due to the site's depth, the top US general told senators, according to CNN sources. On Friday, the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution that sought to rein in Trump's ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval. The vote was 53-47. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with Democrats to advance the resolution, and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against it.
UPI
3 hours ago
- UPI
Ninth prison escapee in Orleans captured; man remains at large
June 27 (UPI) -- The second-to-last of 10 escapees from a New Orleans jailbreak last month has been recaptured after six weeks on the run, authorities said Friday. Antoine Massey, 33, was located and arrested in a house in New Orleans on Friday night, according to the Louisiana State Police. The previous two inmates were apprehended on May 26 in Huntsville, Texas. HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE June 27, 2025 Ninth Fugitive Arrested in New Orleans from OPSO Inmate Escape LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) June 27, 2025 Officers with the NOPD, State Police, Department of Homeland Security, FBI and U.S. Marshals participated in the arrest of Massey. More than 200 law enforcement personnel participated in the manhunt since the May 16 jailbreak. Massey was taken to a secure state correctional facility at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Agola, which is 135 miles northwest of New Orleans. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office received an anonymous tip from a citizen that led law enforcement to the house in the city's Third District, according to New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick. "He peacefully gave up to law enforcement who had surrounded the house," Kirkpatrick said during a news briefing. The house was an Airbnb, according to Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges. Authorities are investigating whether anyone helped him. "It's pretty obvious over the last six weeks, to remain a fugitive that long, he had assistance -- he had help," Hodges said at the briefing. Earlier this month, Louisiana authorities found a video online that appeared to show Massey pleading to rappers and President Donald Trump to help him while he was still on the run. Massey was incarcerated for domestic abuse battery involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation, state police said. Authorities increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Massey and Derric Groves to $50,000 per inmate last month. Groves is last remaining escapee. "Law enforcement personnel from various local, state, and federal agencies will continue to work around the clock to locate the one remaining fugitive," Louisiana State police said in a news release. Kilpatrick addressed Grove during the briefing: "We are going to capture you. You will be taken into custody. But you still have the option to peacefully turn yourself in, and we will make an appeal to you to do so. "All of these captures have been able to be done peacefully and that is also the end of the game. We don't want anyone hurt." Groves was convicted last year of two counts of second-degree murder in a 2018 Mardi Gras Day shooting. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, prosecutors said. The inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center early in the morning after climbing through a hole behind a toilet. Their disappearance was unnoticed for several hours. "We're installing new razor wire, tightening physical barriers, upgrading locking mechanisms," Kilpatrick said. "These all play an important role in the safety of our residents, staff and the entire community Three inmates were apprehended in New Orleans within the first 24 hours of the jailbreak. Alleged accomplices, including Groves' girlfriend Darriana Burton, inmayes and jail workers, have been arrested.
UPI
4 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Trump heralds 'tremendous breakthrough' in Rwanda, Congo peace accord
1 of 5 | President Donald Trump holds a signed peace agreement during a meeting with Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo June 27 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Friday signed a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo that ends 30 years of conflict in central Africa that the U.S. leader described as "one of the worst wars anyone's ever seen." Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe appeared at a signing ceremony in the White House's Oval Office. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Qatar began negotiations with the two foreign ministers in April. The agreement was announced by the State Department on June 18. It is officially named the Washington Accords. "At least 6 million people were killed during that period of time," Trump said. "It's incredible. And somebody said that was actually, it's the biggest war on the planet since World War II. It's a shame but we're going to bring it to an end." The treaty ends the conflict and provides access to critical minerals for the U.S. "This is a wonderful day," he added. "Hopefully, there can be a lot of healing." Rubio, calling Trump a "president of peace," said: "This was not easy. And there's still work to be done, obviously, in terms of implementation, but we're very honored you're both here, and it's been an honor to work with both of you. " The two leaders thanked Trump, with Nduhungirehe describing the treaty as a "remarkable milestone." But they urged the United States ensure the peace agreement remains in place. "There have been many mediations in the past but none of them succeed," Nduhungirehe said. "We believe that it is because of your leadership and steadfast commitment the treaty was made possible." Wagner said: "This moment has been long in coming. It will not erase the pain, but it can begin to restore what conflict has robbed many women, men and children of: safety, dignity and a sense of future." Democratic senators also urged the treaty to be enforced and humanitarian assistance provided. "While signing an agreement is important, implementation will be essential, and we urge both parties and all international partners to ensure its enforcement," Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware, Corey Booker of New Jersey and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said in a statement. "We are keenly watching how today's agreement shapes the future of eastern DRC. This is where the hard work begins, and following through on each component of the deal will be essential to its success." In the accord, both sides agreed to recognize and respect each other's territorial borders, committed to not supporting any armed groups and to establish a joint security mechanism to target militias. And they plan to expand trade and investment opportunities. Around 7 million people have displaced in Congo, which has a population of 106 million. Rwanda's population is 14 million. They both gained independence from Belgium in the early 1960s. In January, M-23 rebels were aided by Rwandan forces in escalating the conflict, according to a United Nations expert panel. They seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. M23 first emerged in 2012. The region has been reeling from one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The rebels overwhelmed government forces, killing U.N. peacekeepers, fired on U.N. humanitarian facilities and sent people fleeing from displacement camps. The United Nations has called it "one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth." Congo wants the U.S. to provide security support needed to fight the M23 rebels. They want them to withdraw from Goma and Bukavu, and from the entire region where Rwanda is estimated to have up to 4,000 troops. The United States imposed sanctions on key Rwandan officials involved in the conflict. The European Union cut military aid to Rwanda.
UPI
5 hours ago
- Business
- UPI
S&P 500, Nasdaq set records in dramatic 3-month turnaround
The Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq Index on Friday rose to records nearly three months after plunging amid tariff wars. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 27 (UPI) -- The Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq Composite on Friday rose to record highs nearly three months after plunging to bearish stock prices amid tariff wars. The S&P finished at 6,173, an increase of 32.05, or 0.52% at the close of trading at 4 p.m. EDT. The previous all-time high closing price was 6,144 on Feb. 19. The index dropped to 4,982.77 on April 8, six days after Donald Trump announced trading tariffs on virtually all U.S. trading partners. That low point was 19% off the record with a bear market considered to be 20%. Tech-heavy Nasdaq finished at 20,273, a rise of 105.55, or .52%. The last all-time high was 20,173.89 on Dec. 16. The year's low was April 8 at 15,267, a decline of 24.5% from the record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day at 43,819.27, a rise of 431.43 or 1%. DJIA hit a record of 45,014.04 on Dec. 4 and was down to 37,645.59 on April 8. The high this year was 44,882.13 on Jan. 30th, 10 days after Donald Trump became president. All but two of CNBC's 11 sectors declined. Energy dropped 0.5% and health 0.17%. The biggest increases were consumer discretionary at 1.78% and communications services at 1.55%. Stocks had been trading higher Friday until Trump posted on Truth Social that trade talks with Canada were terminated. "We have just been informed that Canada, a very difficult Country to TRADE with, including the fact that they have charged our Farmers as much as 400% Tariffs, for years, on Dairy Products, has just announced that they are putting a Digital Services Tax on our American Technology Companies, which is a direct and blatant attack on our Country," Trump posted. "Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately," he said. "We will let Canada know the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven day period." The United States has imposed a 25% tariff on non-compliant Canadian goods, including vehicles, with energy products subject to a 10% tariff. Also, Canada was hit by the 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports like other nations. Canada has retaliated with its own tariffs. Products involved in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement are exempted. Investors were buoyed after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said a trade framework with China had been finalized. At one time, Trump imposed a 134% tariff but it has since been cut to $30. Lutnick said he expects deals with 10 trading partners soon. On "Liberation Day" on April 2, Trump said he would impose a baseline 10% tariffs on most trading partners and stiffer ones for big violators. A week later, he paused them until July 7 and that date might be extended. "I can see where the risks are here -- if the trade [progress] is just hype from the White House and no deals are really forthcoming, then this market is going to roll over," Thierry Wizman, global FX and rates strategist at Macquarie Group, told CNBS. "Ultimately, this all comes back to growth in the U.S. economy and growth of earnings." "We think the recovery makes sense, considering that most large-cap companies should weather the tariffs reasonably well," David Lefkowitz, head of U.S. equities at UBS Global Wealth Management, told investors in a note. "In fact, we think the upcoming [second-quarter] earnings season will once again highlight the resilience of corporate profits." Vital Knowledge analyst Adam Crisafulli sees possibly bumpy times. "We think there's a dangerous amount of complacency on trade/tariffs, a view underscored by the fact markets this morning are celebrating the China 'deal' for a third time," Crisafulli said in a report. The records come days after Trump brokered a cease-fire between Israel and Iran. Oil prices surged before the U.S. bombed three nuclear targets in Iran. West Test Intermediate crude climbed to $74.14 a barrel after being as low as $57.13 on May 13. On Friday, crude oil settled at 65.07, up 17 cents from the day before. One year ago, it reached nearly $84. The average price for unleaded gas in the United States is $3.207, a penny down from last week and $3.503 one year ago, according to AAA. Investors are also pleased with good economic data. Inflation rose 2.4% in May over one year. The unemployment rate 4.2% and has been at this level since May 2024. The Federal Reserve has not raised interest rates since Dec. 18. The Federal Funds Rate is 4.25% to 4.50%. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has described a "wait-and-see" approach to interest rate adjustments, describing the need for more data. The next meeting is July 29 and 30.
UPI
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Matt Reeves, Mattson Tomlin finish script for 'Batman' sequel
June 27 (UPI) -- Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin shared on Instagram Friday a fuzzy photo of them with a completed script for their sequel to 2022's The Batman. "Partners in Crime (Fighters)," the duo captioned the post, which quickly earned a string of black heart emojis from actress Rosario Dawson, as well as raised hands symbols from singer-songwriter Chris Daughtry. The film is slated for theatrical release on Oct. 1, 2027. Its predecessor starred Robert Pattinson as the title character, Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Colin Farrell as The Penguin and Jeffrey Wright as Lt. James Gordon.
