This is Beirut - Washington

Zelensky to Meet Trump on Friday in Washington to Determine if U.S. Aid Will Be "Stopped"

This is Beirut, 26/02 19:14 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Volodymyr Zelensky Donald Trump Washington Kyiv Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, will be coming to Washington on Friday to finalize a framework agreement on the exploitation of Ukrainian minerals. "Zelensky is coming on Friday, it's confirmed now," Donald Trump said at the start of a cabinet meeting at the ...

Witkoff: Lebanon and Syria Could Potentially Join Abraham Accords

This is Beirut, 26/02 16:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Donald Trump Israel Middle East Saudi Arabia Washington

Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, has been playing a pivotal role in advancing peace initiatives in the region. His strategic insights and diplomatic skills have solidified his reputation as a key figure in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. After voicing optimism at efforts to ...

Iran denounces new US sanctions as 'sign of hostility'

This is Beirut, 26/02 09:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

USA Donald Trump Tehran Washington

Iran on Wednesday condemned a new round of US sanctions as a "clear sign of hostility" after Washington blacklisted more than 30 people and vessels linked to its oil trade. Washington announced the measures on Monday, targeting the head of the national oil company and others accused of brokering oil sales. It was the second wave of sanctions in ...

Trump Says Trade Deal with China 'Possible'

This is Beirut, 20/02 09:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Donald Trump Washington China Trade

US President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that a trade deal was "possible" with China – a key target in the US leader's tariffs policy. In 2020, the United States had already agreed to "a great trade deal with China" and a new deal was "possible," Trump told reporters. One month into his second term in office, Trump has threatened ...

US Reaffirms Support for Lebanese Army

This is Beirut, 18/02 21:55 - Reading : less than a minute

Lebanese Army USA United States Washington

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s security and stability, emphasizing that assistance to the Lebanese Army (LAF) will continue. In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, the US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs stressed that Washington remains dedicated to backing the ...

Musk's DOGE Seeks Access to US tax System

This is Beirut, 17/02 11:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

USA Donald Trump Washington

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked alarm by seeking access to a system with the US tax office that has detailed financial data about millions of Americans, US media reported. Spearheaded by Musk, the world's richest man, US President Donald Trump has embarked on a campaign to slash public spending deemed wasteful ...

Lavrov, Rubio Pledge to Work on Settling Ukraine Conflict

This is Beirut, 15/02 22:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Ukraine Washington

Russia said Saturday Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had spoken with US Secretary Marco Rubio by phone, agreeing to show will for "cooperation" on Ukraine and to work to restore dialogue. The call came ahead of an expected summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin amid mounting concern from Ukraine and its European allies that the pair will ...

EU vows to respond 'firmly and immediately' to US tariffs

This is Beirut, 14/02 15:20 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

European Union USA Donald Trump Republicans Washington

The EU vowed Friday to respond "firmly and immediately" to trade barriers after US President Donald Trump unveiled tariffs that could hit both allies and competitors. The European Commission said Trump's plans were "a step in the wrong direction" that heightened economic uncertainty and disrupted the efficiency of global markets. "The EU will ...

Washington Plans to Impose Reciprocal Tariffs on Trade Partners

This is Beirut, 13/02 23:05 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Washington Donald Trump European Union United States White House

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a proposal for reciprocal tariffs targeting countries that impose duties on U.S. imports, according to Reuters. This measure, which could take effect in the coming weeks, is part of his administration's protectionist policy aimed at strengthening economic and national security. "Today is a great ...

US Foreign Aid Halt to Have Major Hit on Poorest Countries: Report

This is Beirut, 11/02 19:25 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

USA Donald Trump Banks United States Washington

A suspension of US foreign aid and possible dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will have a major impact on some of the world's poorest countries, the Washington-based Center for Global Development (CGD) warned Tuesday. For more than 20 economies, a year-long pause on US aid could mean a loss of over one percent ...

NBA-Leading Cavaliers, Thunder Roll on With Victories

This is Beirut, 08/02 16:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Washington Basket-ball NBA

The pace-setting Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to victories to maintain their grip on the NBA conference standings on Friday. Oklahoma City extended their lead at the top of the Western Conference table, improving to 41-9 for the season after blowing past the Toronto Raptors 121-109. The Thunder welcomed back center Chet ...

IMF to Unveil New Loan Package for Egypt

This is Beirut, 06/02 20:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

International Monetary Fund Houthi Palestine Washington

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) plans to submit a new loan agreement with Egypt for approval by its board, the global lender’s communications chief said Thursday, as the country seeks to strengthen its economy. “A policy package of reforms will be considered by the Fund’s executive board, along with the fourth review of Egypt’s ...

Washington