1. Obama Apologises After Drone Kills an American and an Italian Held by Al Qaeda
A US drone strike in January targeting an al Qaeda compound in Pakistan near the Afghan border inadvertently killed an American and an Italian who had been held hostage for years by the group, US officials said on Thursday. President Barack Obama apologised and took “full responsibility” for all counter-terrorism operations, including this one.
2. Biden Says US Will Deliver New F-35 Jets to Israel
Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday promised Israel delivery of top-flight fighter jets to help it maintain its military edge in the Middle East – while vowing that any nuclear deal with Iran would ensure Israel’s security. As the White House sought to ease tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden told an Israeli Independence Day celebration that the United States would deliver new F-35 jets to its ally next year.
3. Merkel: Must Prevent Greece Running Out of Cash Before Deal
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that everything must be done to prevent Greece from running out of money before it reaches a cash-for-reform deal with its international creditors. This comes amid heightened concern that Athens is nearing the brink. Merkel, Europe’s pre-eminent leader, was speaking after a meeting she called “constructive” with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on the sidelines of a European Union summit in Brussels. She said they had agreed to keep the contents of their discussion confidential.
4. Saudi-led Coalition Launches Air Strikes Throughout Yemen: Residents
Warplanes from a Saudi-led coalition pounded Houthi militiamen and military bases with at least 20 air strikes throughout Yemen on Thursday, residents said, despite Riyadh saying it was winding down its campaign. On Tuesday, the Sunni Arab alliance announced an end to its month-old bombing operation in Yemen but strikes have continued. A Saudi spokesman later said forces would continue to target movements of the Iran-allied Houthi militia.
5. Diplomats Press on in Vienna for Final Iran Nuclear Deal
US Under Secretary Wendy Sherman and Tehran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met in Vienna on Thursday in the latest push to secure a final nuclear deal by a June 30 deadline, Iranian media said. The latest round of nuclear diplomacy, being held in a luxury hotel in Austria’s capital, kicked off with a bilateral meeting between Iran and the European Union on Wednesday.
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