Tag: Iran

Trump calls G7 support “irrelevant”, claims US is winning war in Iran

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as "irrelevant" and claimed that "the US has won the war in Iran" in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in Washington. When asked if he had a message for the G7 leaders, Trump said the US did not need outside support. The statement was made ahead of the G7 summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17. Regional tensions that began on Feb 28 after Israeli and US attacks on Iran triggered a cycle of military confrontation, counterattacks and diplomatic disputes. Iran and Israel have also exchanged attacks in recent days before easing tensions, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing efforts of regional and international mediators to revive diplomacy and avoid a wider conflict. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as “irrelevant” and claimed that “the US has won the war in Iran” in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in […]

Trump Says Negotiations With Iran Going ‘Very Well’

WASHINGTON, June 4 -- US President Donald Trump said Wednesday negotiations with Iran are proceeding "very well", Anadolu Ajansi reported. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked whether a ceasefire involving Iran remains in effect following recent developments. "They did something, not a big deal. We got it. We nipped it in the bud very quickly, as we do with the greatest military in the world," Trump said. Earlier in the day, Kuwait said that Iranian strikes killed one person, injured 63 others, and damaged key facilities, including diplomatic missions, stressing that it “reserves the full right” to respond to the attacks. Despite the tensions, Trump expressed optimism over ongoing diplomatic efforts. "I hear the negotiation itself has gone very well, actually very well," he told reporters. The president said there could be progress in negotiations with Iran "over the weekend". Iran is "pretty close to signing a paper," he said. Meanwhile, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will open "immediately" upon the signing of a possible deal with Iran. When asked if it is possible to get a deal with Iran or to open up the Strait of Hormuz without Israel stopping its attacks in Lebanon, Trump said the US is "trying" to separate the issue of opening the waterway and hostilities in Lebanon. "We actually spoke with (Lebanese group) Hezbollah for the first time ever. We didn't know they spoke, and they agreed yesterday that they're not going to shoot. Israel's not going to shoot ... but I'd like to separate it. I'd like to have a separate thing, because it is separate." On Iran's enriched uranium, Trump said he wants to "get it". "I want to get it ... We will go in at some time in the not-too-distant future," he added. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WASHINGTON, June 4 — US President Donald Trump said Wednesday negotiations with Iran are proceeding “very well”, Anadolu Ajansi reported. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked whether a ceasefire involving Iran remains in effect following recent developments. “They did something, not a big deal. We got it. We nipped it in […]

The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar as the US-Iran talks took place

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 -- The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar and other major currencies on Tuesday, amid talks between the United States (US) and Iran that could potentially end the conflict and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. At 8am, the local currency strengthened to 3.9500/9560 against the US dollar from 3.9510/9550 at the close on Monday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said the talks were 'going well' while Pakistan's Army Chief informed China that a deal was 'close'. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that although there was optimism that the two countries could reach an agreement, no concrete developments had materialised. “Meanwhile, the impact on the cost of living and the need for global central banks to maintain a tight monetary policy stance are putting pressure on bond markets through rising yields. "In short, the outlook is still unclear and traders are expected to remain cautious about the impact on the real economy," he told Bernama. He said the ringgit was expected to trade flat at RM3.94 to RM3.95 today and market participants were awaiting further information on the ongoing US-Iran negotiations. In the opening session, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies. It strengthened against the Japanese yen to 2.4847/4887 from 2.4860/4887 at Monday's close, rose against the euro to 4.5958/6028 from 4.5998/6044 yesterday and rose against the pound to 5.3301/3382 from 5.3311/3365 previously. The local currency was mostly higher against regional currencies, however flat against the Indonesian rupiah at 222.6/223.0. The ringgit rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.0917/0967 from 3.0932/0966 at yesterday's close, higher against the Philippine peso to 6.42/6.44 from 6.43/6.44 and up against the Thai baht to 12.1445/1704 from 12.1640/1816 previously. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar and other major currencies on Tuesday, amid talks between the United States (US) and Iran that could potentially end the conflict and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. At 8am, the local currency strengthened to 3.9500/9560 against the US […]

Ringgit opens stronger against US dollar driven by positive sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 -- The ringgit started trading on Monday stronger against the United States (US) dollar, driven by increased market sentiment and investor confidence in the progress of US-Iran negotiations. At 8 am this morning, the ringgit strengthened to 3.9635/9705 against the US dollar from the level of 3.9655/9700 recorded last Friday. Reports say the US and Iran are in the process of discussing a deal that could potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz -- a major oil shipping route that handles about 20 percent of global oil supply. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.25 per cent to 98.987 points while equity futures indices such as the S&P 500 rose 0.61 per cent to 7,536.50 points. The development, he said, shows that risk-taking sentiment is expected to continue to be evident among traders and investors today. In addition, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices fell by more than five percent to US$91.75 per barrel and US$98.33 per barrel, respectively. "Following that, the ringgit is expected to continue to strengthen as market sentiment is seen to be improving and it is possible to see the ringgit move at the RM3.95 level against the US dollar." "The better performance of macroeconomic indicators such as the increase in the current account surplus and the reduction in the fiscal deficit in the first quarter of 2026, also shows that the risk of Malaysia becoming an economy with twin deficits is low," he told Bernama . When the market opened, the ringgit was trading lower against major currencies. This included a decline against the Japanese yen to 2.4934/4980 from 2.4925/4954, a decline against the British pound to 5.3432/3526 from 5.3245/3305 previously and a decline against the euro to 4.6143/6225 from 4.6012/6064 previously. The ringgit was also traded mixed against regional currencies. Against the Singapore dollar, the ringgit fell to 3.1030/1090 from 3.0985/1023 at Friday's close, was lower against the Thai baht to 12.1954/2248 from 12.1304/1468, but recorded a small strengthening against the Indonesian rupiah to 223.7/224.2 from 223.8/224.1 previously and was unchanged against the Philippine peso at 6.42/6.44. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — The ringgit started trading on Monday stronger against the United States (US) dollar, driven by increased market sentiment and investor confidence in the progress of US-Iran negotiations. At 8 am this morning, the ringgit strengthened to 3.9635/9705 against the US dollar from the level of 3.9655/9700 recorded last Friday. Reports […]

Trump Says US To Help Escort Neutral Ships Out Of Strait Of Hormuz Starting Monday

ISTANBUL, May 4 -- US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting neutral foreign vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning West Asian time, describing the effort as a “humanitarian gesture” toward countries caught up in a conflict they have no part in. Anadolu Ajansi reported Trump said ships from countries around the world had asked the US for help after becoming trapped in the waterway. He said he had instructed his representatives to inform those nations that the US would use its "best efforts" to guide their ships and crews out of the restricted passage, adding the vessels would not return until the area was safe for navigation. Trump named the initiative "Project Freedom," saying many of the stranded ships were running low on food and other essentials needed to keep large crews in healthy condition. "The ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong - They are victims of circumstance," he said. He said the move was “for the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States,” adding that any interference with the humanitarian effort would "have to be dealt with forcefully." Trump also said his representatives are engaging in "very positive" discussions with Iran that he believed "could lead to something very positive for all." Iran did not immediately react to his announcement. The announcement came as Trump told the Israeli media outlet Kan News that he had studied Iran's proposal to end the war and found it unacceptable. "It's not acceptable to me. I've studied it, I've studied everything — it's not acceptable," he said. On Saturday, he had already expressed skepticism, saying Tehran had not yet paid a "big enough price" for its actions over the past 47 years. Despite the public dismissal, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that Washington remained engaged, Anadolu reported. "We're in conversation," Witkoff said when asked about the state of discussions. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Saturday that Tehran had submitted a 14-point response to a US proposal through a Pakistani intermediary. Iran said Sunday that it had received a US response and was reviewing it. The Axios news site reported that the US on Sunday submitted a newly revised draft agreement aimed at ending the war in response to Iran’s latest proposal. The war paused after a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire took hold in early April and was later extended indefinitely. Peace talks were held in Islamabad last month, but an agreement was not reached, and another round could not be arranged. Trump said "we're not flying anymore with 18-hour flights every time we want to see a piece of paper. We're doing it telephonically.” -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, May 4 — US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting neutral foreign vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning West Asian time, describing the effort as a “humanitarian gesture” toward countries caught up in a conflict they have no part in. Anadolu Ajansi reported […]

Oil And Gas Supply Secure, But Rising Prices Strain Govt Finances – PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country’s oil and gas supply remains secure, but rising global fuel prices continue to strain government finances as it maintains the RON95 price at RM1.99 to protect the majority. He said disruptions and risks to international trade routes due to conflicts in West Asia have led to higher shipping and insurance costs, which in turn are affecting fuel prices. However, he added that Malaysia is still able to ensure sufficient domestic oil and gas supply through its good relations with Iran and other producing countries, including Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. “So, fuel supply is assured, but prices are rising. “This is not a problem originating from us, but from external factors. That is why we are compelled to face the challenge of rising fuel prices,” he said while delivering a speech and briefing on the issue at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability’s monthly assembly here today. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government is committed to ensuring that rising global oil prices do not burden the majority of the people through the implementation of the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy, despite having to bear a heavy financial cost. He said that at present, the government is spending RM5 billion a month on fuel subsidies, compared with RM700 million in January when the BUDI95 subsidy was introduced. “Malaysia is still maintaining the RON95 price (RM1.99 per litre)… if prices surge further, the subsidy could exceed RM6 billion a month. But for now, the government is bearing about RM5 billion a month. “In January, when I announced the RON95 subsidy, we were covering RM700 million a month. I thought that was manageable, as Malaysia is not a poor country,” he said. The Prime Minister urged all parties to understand that rising oil prices are a global reality and not the result of weaknesses in domestic policy. Oil prices rose above USD120 a barrel on Thursday after President Donald Trump warned Iran that a United States naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz could continue for several months. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country’s oil and gas supply remains secure, but rising global fuel prices continue to strain government finances as it maintains the RON95 price at RM1.99 to protect the majority. He said disruptions and risks to international trade routes due to conflicts in […]

World Cup: FIFA rejects Iran’s request to move match to Mexico

MEXICO CITY: The International Football Federation (FIFA) has decided not to move a World Cup match involving the Iranian team from the United States (US) to Mexico, despite the conflict in West Asia. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said this on Friday in a press conference, according to a report by the German News Agency (dpa). Iran has requested not to play in three group stage matches in the US following the US and Israeli attacks on Feb 28. Although the fighting has been halted by a fragile ceasefire, Washington has warned of further attacks. "FIFA ultimately decided that the match could not be moved from the original venue," Sheinbaum said. According to him, from FIFA's perspective, the move would involve "a very large logistical effort." World football's governing body had previously expressed doubts about Iran's request to move matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt at the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the US, Mexico and Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously insisted that Iran should continue to participate despite tense relations between Tehran and Washington. "We want Iran to play and Iran will play in the World Cup. There is no Plan B, C or D – there is only Plan A," Infantino told Mexican broadcaster N+ Univision two weeks ago. Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj recently stated that the team was boycotting the US, but not the World Cup, without elaborating on the details, the state news agency IRNA reported. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described Iran's involvement as "inappropriate" due to "their own lives and safety." Amid a ceasefire that began Tuesday, talks between the US and Iran for a lasting peace settlement are scheduled to take place in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Friday. Iran has previously launched retaliatory strikes after attacks by the US and Israel, including targeting Gulf countries and closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.

MEXICO CITY: The International Football Federation (FIFA) has decided not to move a World Cup match involving the Iranian team from the United States (US) to Mexico, despite the conflict in West Asia. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said this on Friday in a press conference, according to a report by the German News Agency (dpa). […]

US accepts 10-point proposal to end war – Iran

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has "in principle" accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that the proposal would serve as a framework for negotiations aimed at finalizing a broader agreement, but did not detail the plan. IRIB, citing statements and related reports, said the proposals included guarantees of non-aggression against Iran, Iran's continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of Tehran's right to enrich uranium, the lifting of all primary and secondary US sanctions, the termination of United Nations (UN) Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency Board resolutions against Iran, payment of compensation, the withdrawal of US military forces from Iran and an end to hostilities in all places including Lebanon. According to the council, the talks do not mean the war is over, stressing that any final agreement depends on ensuring Iran's conditions and finalizing the details. He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured during the negotiation period through coordination with the Iranian military. The talks are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation and will last up to two weeks, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. US President Donald Trump said earlier that Washington would postpone strikes on Iran for two weeks, describing Tehran's proposal as a "workable basis" for negotiations. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has “in principle” accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that the proposal would serve as a framework […]

Malaysia Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 -- Malaysia welcomes the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States (US) and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.  It said the significant development serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring much-needed peace and stability to the West Asia region. Malaysia has urged all parties to fully respect and implement all terms of the ceasefire in good faith to prevent any return to hostilities.  It also urged all parties to avoid any provocative actions or unilateral measures that could negatively impact the fragile stability of the region or jeopardise global economic and energy security. “Malaysia expresses its appreciation to all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts and mediations that led to this agreement.  “This breakthrough demonstrates that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving long-standing conflicts and ensuring long-term regional security,” the ministry said. All the respective parties should use this window of opportunity to continue their dialogue toward a durable, comprehensive, and peaceful settlement to their differences, it added.  “Malaysia calls upon the international community to support these peace efforts and contribute toward a just and lasting resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all peoples in the region,” the statement read.  US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a two-week suspension of military operations against Iran following a mediation brokered by Pakistan. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Supreme National Security Council declared that Tehran would cease defensive operations if attacks on the country is halted. According to reports, negotiation between the parties involved is expected to take place in Islamabad on Friday. -- BERNAMA 

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 — Malaysia welcomes the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States (US) and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday. It said the significant development serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring much-needed peace and stability to the West Asia region. Malaysia has urged all parties […]