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Friday, 16 April 2021 5:59 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 16 April 2021 5:59 PM ]

'EU sanctions JCPOA-related'

Iran says it views the latest EU sanctions over alleged human rights violations as related to the 2015 nuclear deal. Araqchi also slammed what he called Europeans’ inaction on Sunday’s sabotage attack on the Natanz nuclear facility. Earlier this week, the EU imposed sanctions on a number of Iranian military officials and entities over fuel protests in November 2019. Iranian authorities have repeatedly rejected West allegations of rights abuses in Iran.

US-Russia sanctions war

Moscow says it is considering painful measures against US business in Russia in retaliation for the recent sweeping US sanctions. Foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said Russia would also ask 10 US diplomats to leave the country in a tit-for-tat move. He added that the US ambassador had also been recommended to leave Russia for serious consultations. Lavrov said the activity of US funds and NGOs in Russia that interfere in the country's internal affairs would also be ceased. On Thursday, the US imposed a broad array of economic sanctions against Russia and expelled 10 diplomats. The measures were in response to a wide range of alleged Russian malign actions, including meddling in last year's presidential election, cyber hacking and actions against Ukraine. Russia denies the accusations.

Coronavirus in Germany

The German Chancellor has urged lawmakers to approve new powers that will allow her to force coronavirus lockdowns and curfews. Angela Merkel said the restrictive measures are necessary as the COVID situation is very serious in Germany. She said the majority of people support stricter measures. The government wants parliament to change a law to enable federal authorities to enforce lockdowns and curfews. That comes as regional leaders are resisting the curbs. The government’s push has also faced criticism within Merkel's conservative bloc. Germany is one of the hardest-hit European nations by the pandemic. The country’s confirmed cases have surpassed three-million. Its deaths are nearing 80,000.

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