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The US trade deficit reached a record high of $131.4 billion in January, marking a 34% increase from the previous month, as imports surged amid tariff concerns during President Donald Trump's inauguration. The Commerce Department reported a 10% rise in imports, totaling $401.2 billion, while exports increased by $3.3 billion to $269.8 billion. This deficit is the widest recorded since 1992, exceeding analysts' expectations. Economists suggest that the spike in imports, particularly of industrial and consumer goods, may be a preemptive response to potential tariffs, with notable increases in gold imports linked to fears of tariff proposals. Trump has indicated plans for "reciprocal tariffs" aimed at addressing perceived trade imbalances, with an announcement expected on April 2. The widening deficits with China and the EU reflect ongoing tensions, reminiscent of Trump's previous trade policies during his first term. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned what he termed "bullying tactics" by the United States on Saturday, following President Donald Trump's threats of military action if Iran does not engage in negotiations over its nuclear programme. Khamenei criticized the U.S. for seeking dominance rather than genuine solutions and dismissed Trump's recent letter urging talks. He emphasized that Iran would not negotiate under "maximum pressure," a policy reinstated by Trump after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Khamenei also rebuked European nations for accusing Iran of failing to meet its commitments under the JCPOA, questioning their own adherence to the agreement. Despite U.S. estimates suggesting Iran could develop a nuclear weapon imminently, Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful, backed by Khamenei's religious decree against nuclear weapons development.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 1 ameznews.inSyria's membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been reinstated, as announced in a statement following an extraordinary meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah. The decision, made at Syria's request, coincided with discussions on the ongoing Israeli offensive against Palestinians and plans for land annexation. The meeting, called by Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and Iran, reaffirmed support for OIC resolutions on Palestine and Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Iran expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Syria, particularly following intense clashes in coastal regions that have reportedly resulted in at least 147 deaths. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized the need for security and stability in Syria, urging for peaceful coexistence among its diverse groups while opposing any violence against civilians. The recent clashes represent one of the deadliest escalations since the previous government fell last December.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inChina has agreed to roll over a $2 billion loan to Pakistan, as confirmed by Khurram Schehzad, an adviser to the finance minister, in a message to Reuters. This financial support comes as Pakistan seeks to stabilize its economy following a $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September 2024. The first installment of this IMF loan is currently under review, with the potential for an additional $1 billion if successful. Securing external financing has been a critical requirement for the IMF in approving financial assistance to Pakistan, which faces the daunting task of repaying over $22 billion in external debt in fiscal year 2025, including nearly $13 billion in bilateral deposits, according to Fitch Ratings.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAhead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12, India has expressed its support for Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri indicated that discussions between Mauritius and the UK have progressed, potentially leading to a mutually acceptable agreement. Last October, the UK announced plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following a historic agreement that allows the UK to retain a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia military base. However, the new Mauritian government, under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, has called for a reassessment of the deal's terms. Misri reaffirmed India's long-standing position on decolonization and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of supporting partners like Mauritius in their sovereignty claims.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inGermany's conservative election victor, Friedrich Merz, is advancing towards forming a government aimed at revitalizing the nation's economy and military through substantial spending. Following the February 23 elections, Merz's CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democrats (SPD) of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz have concluded exploratory talks and are set to enter full coalition negotiations. Merz emphasized the urgency of addressing the international challenges facing Europe, particularly in light of shifting US policies under Donald Trump. Key agreements include measures to curb irregular immigration and a commitment to a 500-billion-euro fund for infrastructure over the next decade. The ambitious spending plans, which would exceed Germany's constitutional debt limits, aim to stimulate economic growth and enhance military capabilities. Both parties are racing to finalize their coalition before the new parliament convenes on March 25, as the far-right AfD and the far-left Linke could obstruct their proposals.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his commitment to constructive dialogue with US representatives during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia next week. In a statement posted on social media, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's ongoing pursuit of peace since the onset of the war, noting that "realistic proposals" are available and urging for swift action. He highlighted the importance of discussing and agreeing on necessary decisions during his meetings, which will include a session with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on Monday, followed by a meeting with US officials on Tuesday. Additionally, Zelensky recently hosted a productive meeting in Kyiv with the UK diplomatic team, where they explored joint initiatives aimed at advancing peace and enhancing diplomatic efforts.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland was vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti, with the protest group Palestine Action claiming responsibility. Images surfaced showing red paint scrawled with messages such as "Free Gaza" and "Free Palestine," alongside insults directed at Trump. Notably, the phrase "Gaza is not for sale" was painted on one of the greens, and several holes were dug up. Palestine Action stated on social media, "Whilst Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his property, he should know his own property is within reach." This act of protest follows Trump's controversial comments last month about the US taking control of Gaza and developing it for its two million Palestinian residents. Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating the incident, which was reported early on March 8, 2025. In a related event, a man waving a Palestinian flag climbed Big Ben in London.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA man in Peshawar, Pakistan, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting the administrator of a community WhatsApp group who had removed him from the chat. Mushtaq Ahmed was killed on Thursday evening following a dispute that arose when he expelled Ashfaq from the group. According to police reports and statements from Mushtaq's brother, the two had planned to meet to resolve their differences, but Ashfaq arrived armed and opened fire, resulting in Mushtaq's death. The incident highlights ongoing issues in the region, where the prevalence of firearms, tribal customs, and inadequate law enforcement often lead to violent confrontations. This case underscores the potential for seemingly trivial disputes, such as a social media argument, to escalate into deadly violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province with a history of sectarian strife.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn response to escalating tensions with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, Toronto's Madison Avenue pub has committed to sourcing all its ingredients locally, opting for Canadian products and non-U.S. imports from Europe or Mexico. Manager Leah Russell emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, stating that the boycott of American products is "pretty set in stone." This sentiment reflects a broader Canadian backlash, including a Montreal café rebranding its 'Americano' to 'Canadiano' to express national unity. A revived Molson Beer ad, originally from 2000, now serves as a rallying cry for Canadian pride, asserting the nation’s independence. The controversy has also reached Canadian media, with CBS facing backlash for discussing Canada as the potential "51st state." Despite some tariffs being lifted, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly criticized the disrespect shown by the Trump administration, while Premier Doug Ford imposed tariffs on U.S. electricity exports, further straining economic relations.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA live broadcast in Adelaide took an unexpected turn when a man stole equipment from a Channel Seven news crew during a report on rising crime rates. Reporter Hayden Nelson was on location in Rundle Mall for the morning program Sunrise when the thief approached casually, greeting the crew before nonchalantly taking one of their lights and walking away unnoticed. Nelson later recounted the incident on air, emphasizing the brazen nature of the theft and the immediate need for increased security. He explained that the crew was focused on their live report, with distractions from earpieces and bright lights, which contributed to their failure to notice the theft until after the segment concluded. The incident has underscored concerns about opportunistic crime in the area, as Nelson reflected on the surprising ease with which the equipment was taken.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 5 pm
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