WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration received a call from Iran on Monday morning, claiming that Tehran "would like to make a deal very badly" but also signaling Washington's eagerness to reach a deal to end the conflict.
Trump did not reveal whether Washington has agreed to another round of talks before the ceasefire expires on April 21, though multiple U.S. media outlets, citing U.S. officials and regional sources, said both Washington and Tehran leave room for further talks. (US-Trump-Iran-Deal)
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LONDON -- International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said on Monday that additional restrictive measures will not help resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that de-escalation is key to restoring normal shipping operations.
Responding to a question from Xinhua on whether the U.S. blockade will complicate IMO's efforts to evacuate seafarers and vessels, Dominguez said the current situation "doesn't make it any easier." (IMO-Hormuz)
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BERLIN -- Germany on Monday unveiled a temporary cut in fuel taxes to ease pressure from surging energy prices driven by Middle East tensions, but economists warned the relief will be modest and risk adding to fiscal pressures.
Under the plan, energy taxes on petrol and diesel will be reduced by around 17 euro cents (20 U.S. cents) per liter for two months, according to a government statement, though the start date has yet to be specified. The government estimated the measure will result in around 1.6 billion euros (1.9 billion dollars) in lost revenue. (Germany-Oil price)
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MOSCOW -- Actions by the Japanese authorities, which are disguised as boosting defense capabilities, can only be described as a policy of renewed militarization that threatens security in the Asia-Pacific region, a Russian presidential aide said in an interview published Monday.
"Such activities run counter to international law and Japan's domestic laws, violate provisions of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, and are in serious violation of its constitution, which does not permit offensive strike weapons," Nikolai Patrushev, presidential aide and chairman of the Russian Naval Board, emphasized. (Russia-Japan-Militarization) Enditem
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