Iran announced the activation of advanced centrifuges for uranium enrichment after the UN’s IAEA criticized its lack of cooperation. Iran claims the move is to protect national interests and develop peaceful nuclear energy. The IAEA had passed a resolution urging Iran to improve cooperation, which Iran deemed politically motivated. Despite Iran’s insistence on peaceful intentions, IAEA chief Grossi warned of Iran’s potential to produce nuclear weapons. Israel’s Defense Minister supported the IAEA’s resolution, emphasizing the need to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Noah Prescott 22/11/2024 11:30 am
The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank, blocking new energy-related transactions involving the U.S. financial system and freezing its U.S. assets. Exceptions were made for the Sakhalin-2 project until June 2025. Additionally, sanctions targeted 50 smaller Russian banks to limit Russia’s international financial connections. This move aims to hinder Russia’s ability to finance its war efforts. Days earlier, the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russia, marking the war’s 1,000th day. Noah Prescott 22/11/2024 11:30 am
In a candid meeting with President Biden at the APEC summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping outlined China’s “red lines” for the US, focusing on Taiwan, democracy and human rights, China’s system, and development rights. This message, aimed at the incoming Trump administration, marks the first time these issues were addressed at the presidential level. Xi’s remarks are seen as an attempt to establish boundaries for US-China relations amid uncertainties surrounding Trump’s potential second term. Beijing’s stance reflects its consistent position on these issues, previously highlighted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Noah Prescott 22/11/2024 8:00 am
The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, censured Iran for non-cooperation under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, potentially leading to renewed sanctions. The IAEA Board voted 19-3, with 12 abstentions, despite Iran’s lobbying. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the censure. Iran’s foreign minister warned of retaliatory uranium enrichment. Following the vote, Iran announced plans for advanced centrifuges but expressed willingness to engage internationally. The censure was driven by concerns over Iran’s secretive nuclear activities and refusal to address IAEA inquiries. Penelope Kingsley 22/11/2024 8:00 am
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia launched a new hypersonic missile, “Oreshnik,” targeting an industrial site in Dnipro, Ukraine. This action was in response to Ukraine’s use of advanced U.S. and U.K. weapons. Putin claimed the missile’s speed makes it uncounterable by current U.S. and European air defenses. He warned Ukraine’s allies, stating Russia might target military facilities in countries supplying weapons to Ukraine, promising decisive retaliation against further escalations. Penelope Kingsley 22/11/2024 8:00 am
In Gaza, armed gangs are intercepting aid convoys, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Truck driver Abu Ahmad reported a major attack on over 100 trucks, with Israeli tanks and drones observing but not intervening. Israel’s military claims no responsibility for convoy protection, a stance criticized by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, accusing them of “crimes against humanity.” Meanwhile, Gazans face severe food shortages, with much aid stolen, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution, as emphasized by the UN. Ava Sinclair 22/11/2024 4:30 am
A potential ceasefire with Hezbollah and Lebanon may involve a phased 60-day IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, without a security perimeter. Key terms include a US guarantee letter to Israel, American oversight of UNIFIL, and empowering the Lebanese army to control southern Lebanon. Hezbollah would withdraw north of the Litani River, with international efforts to prevent its resupply. Israel could act against immediate threats but must report certain violations. UNIFIL will coordinate with the Lebanese army. Israel aims to enforce the agreement independently, with US support enhancing stability. Noah Prescott 22/11/2024 4:30 am
Russia launched a new non-nuclear medium-range ballistic missile on Ukraine’s Dnipro region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. President Vladimir Putin confirmed the strike, stating it was in response to Western long-range weapons. The missile, named “Oreshnik,” reportedly carried multiple warheads, possibly a first in warfare. At least three people were injured, and several buildings were damaged. The missile’s range is between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers. The launch was described as a successful test of Russia’s latest missile technology. Noah Prescott 22/11/2024 4:30 am
A volcano near Iceland’s capital erupted for the seventh time in a year, spewing lava and smoke without disrupting air traffic or infrastructure. The eruption began unexpectedly, creating a fissure nearly two miles long. It was smaller than previous eruptions, with no significant seismic activity detected beforehand. Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport remained unaffected, but the Blue Lagoon spa evacuated guests. The nearby town of Grindavik, mostly deserted due to lava threats, saw some evacuations, though no lava was flowing towards it. Penelope Kingsley 22/11/2024 1:00 am
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned Gazprombank, over 50 Russian banks, 40 securities registrars, and 15 finance officials to curb Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. An alert warns of risks in joining Russia’s SPFS, used to evade sanctions. These actions aim to degrade Russia’s military capabilities and financial channels. Gazprombank, crucial for Russia’s military funding, is also sanctioned by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized ongoing efforts to block Russia’s financial support for its war in Ukraine. Ava Sinclair 22/11/2024 1:00 am
