UNITED States Vice President Mike Pence has accused Britain, France and Germany of trying to “break” US sanctions against Iran during a speech in Poland.
While addressing a Middle East conference, Pence, pictured, called on Europe to follow the US’ lead and withdraw from the landmark 2015 Iranian nuclear deal.
He praised other nations for complying with the sanctions by reducing Iranian oil imports, but said the Europeans fell short.
“Sadly, some of our leading European partners have not been nearly as cooperative,” Pence said. “In fact, they have led the effort to create mechanisms to break up our sanctions.”
He added the mechanism, known as the “special purpose vehicle”, is “an effort to break American sanctions against Iran’s murderous regime.
“It’s an ill-advised step that will only strengthen Iran, weaken the EU, and create still more distance between Europe and the United States.”
Iran denounced the conference Pence spoke at as an American anti-Iran “circus” aimed at “demonising” it.
AT least 12 soldiers have been killed in a car bomb attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Senior police officer Muneer Ahmed Khan said the attack occurred as a convoy reached the outskirts of the disputed region’s main city of Srinagar.
He said a bus was destroyed and at least five other vehicles were damaged by the blast.
Officials said the bus was carrying at least 35 soldiers.
Authorities blamed rebels fighting against Indian rule for the attack, which injured a further 40 people.
MEANWHILE in Japan, 13 gay couples have filed the first lawsuits challenging the country’s rejection of same-sex marriage.
The Valentine’s Day lawsuits argued that the law violates same-sex couples’ constitutional rights to equality.
They want the government to follow the example of many other nations in guaranteeing marital freedom.
Ten Japanese municipalities have enacted “partnership” ordinances for same-sex couples to make it easier for them to rent apartments together, among other things, but they are not legally binding.
AND in France, a former boxer who was filmed attacking riot police officers during the yellow vest protests has been jailed for assault.
Christophe Dettinger, a former French champion in the light heavyweight category, was given a one-year prison sentence on Wednesday night.
The judge gave the 37-year-old lenient terms that will allow him to work during the day.
Dettinger had been in custody since turning himself in after the attack.
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