DUBAI: Iran denied having any link to sites targeted by the United States in Syria, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Wednesday, according to the ministry’s telegram channel.
On Tuesday, the US military said it carried out a strike in Syria’s Deir Ezzor against infrastructure facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
“The US attack on Syrian infrastructure and people is a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The sites targeted had no links to the Islamic Republic,” Kanaani said.
US forces first deployed into Syria during the Obama’s administration’s campaign against Daesh, partnering with a Kurdish-led group called the Syrian Democratic Forces. There are about 900 US troops in Syria, most of them in the east.
Iran-backed militias established a foothold in Syria while fighting in support of President Bashar Assad during Syria’s civil war.
Iran denies any link to targets hit by US in Syria
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Iran denies any link to targets hit by US in Syria
- US forces first deployed into Syria during the Obama’s administration’s campaign against Daesh
Fury and Usyk fuel tensions ahead of ‘Ring Of Fire’ showdown in Riyadh
- Fury dominates press conference with his larger-than-life personality and wit as he dances on stage and generally pays little attention to his rival
- In stark contrast, Usyk displays stoic calm and unwavering determination, speaking quietly but firmly and ignoring Fury’s attempts to rattle him
RIYADH: Ahead of their highly anticipated showdown in Riyadh on Saturday, boxing titans Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk exchanged words on Thursday, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying encounter billed as the “Ring Of Fire.”
Their press conference ahead of the clash, which took place at Boulevard City in front of a packed audience of media representatives and fans, underscored the intense rivalry between the fighters and the high stakes of their clash.
Both men are at the pinnacle of their careers: Fury holds the WBC heavyweight title, while Usyk is the unified WBA, IBF and WBO champion. The bout on Saturday is not only a battle for individual supremacy but also represents a historic moment in boxing, with the winner set to be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.
True to form, Fury dominated the press conference with his larger-than-life personality and razor-sharp wit. The British fighter took the opportunity to entertain the crowd with his trademark banter, danced on the stage and generally paid little attention to his rival. Clad in a striking suit, he exuded confidence and made bold predictions about the outcome of the fight.
“I’m gonna make this short and simple,” he said. “Thank God for the victory that I’ve received already. And I want to thank everybody involved in this massive event. And I want to thank Oleksandr Usyk for turning up and challenging me.”
He also thanked the fans who have traveled from around the world to support him at the event “because I know it’s tough times at the moment. Money is hard.”
He added that he is fully prepared for the challenge, saying: “I’m ready for a good fight and if it’s tough or easy, either way I’ll be ready.”
In stark contrast to Fury’s flamboyance, Usyk displayed stoic calm and unwavering determination. Known for his technical prowess and agility, the Ukrainian ignored Fury’s attempts to undermine his confidence, speaking quietly but firmly as he expressed his respect for Fury and confidence in his own abilities.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said, adding that he is excited to visit the Kingdom. “Let’s make history”
Despite the verbal jabs and competitive spirit on display, both fighters expressed mutual respect for each other’s accomplishments. Fury acknowledged Usyk’s remarkable rise through the heavyweight ranks, while Usyk lauded Fury for his resilience and fighting spirit.
This respect did little to ease the palpable tension, however, as the fighters faced off for the cameras. Though Fury refused to take part in the traditional stare-down finale, the steely gazes nonetheless served as the precursor to a fierce battle.
Usyk’s manager, Alexander Krasiuk, said: “There is only one task left. It is to take this green belt and return it to Ukraine, the country it belongs to.”
In response, Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager, said: “We have come from Britain here to win the belts and take them back.”
Fellow fighters and boxing pundits also took the stage on Thursday to share their perspectives on the big fight. Press conference host Dev Sahni noted the historical significance of the bout, saying: “Both (fighters) are going to let their fists do the talking on Saturday night. It is the fight of the century; the first undisputed world heavyweight champion will be crowned right here in Riyadh on Saturday. Do not miss it.”
American boxer Ryan Garcia described Usyk as a “hell of a man” but added: “Fury is the man. I think he is the best heavyweight of all time.”
US Republicans confront Biden over pausing arms to Israel
- The Israel Security Assistance Support Act would prevent Biden from freezing any congressionally approved military aid to Israel
WASHINGTON: The Republican-led US House of Representatives voted Thursday to force President Joe Biden to end his hold on high-payload bombs approved for Israel but blocked over concerns about their use in Gaza.
The largely symbolic move — it has no chance of becoming law — is a response to Biden suspending the shipments over fears of mass Palestinian casualties as Israeli forces press their assault on the densely populated city of Rafah.
The Israel Security Assistance Support Act would prevent Biden from freezing any congressionally approved military aid to Israel, including 3,500 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs that he has put on hold.
Republicans say Biden has no right to interfere with Israel’s military campaign, but House Democratic leadership described the bill as “another partisan stunt” infringing on the president’s ability to conduct foreign policy.
Nevertheless, 16 Democrats crossed the aisle to join Republicans in passing the bill by 224 votes to 187, while a further 13 did not vote, in a rare rebuke of Biden from a small but significant section of his own side.
The legislation will be dead on arrival in the Democratic-led Senate and Biden has pledged to veto it in any case.
The war in Gaza broke out after the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Israel’s military retaliation has killed at least 35,233 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
The White House has voiced frustration with Israel over the rising civilian death toll and particularly in its ground assault on Rafah, where more than one million people are sheltering.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBC on Sunday that Israel “is on the trajectory potentially to inherit an insurgency with many armed Hamas left, or, if it leaves, a vacuum filled by chaos, filled by anarchy, and probably refilled by Hamas again.”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Biden of “carrying water” for Hamas at the same time as doing nothing to stop the “dangerous nuclear buildup” in Iran, which attacked Israel last month.
“The president took no decisive action when Iran was planning to attack Israel, and now that Israel is fighting for its very survival, he is withholding weapons and threatening to veto legislation that would give the Israelis what they need to adequately defend themselves,” he said in a statement.
“The president and his administration need to reverse course immediately to stand with Israel and against the terrorism and atrocities of Iran and its proxies.”
The White House announced a $1 billion-plus package of arms for Israel this week that includes tank and mortar ammunition, offering cover for pro-Israel Democrats to reject the bill.
Messi’s record $20.4 million salary dwarfs entire MLS teams
MIAMI: Lionel Messi’s record $20.45 million annual salary from Inter Miami makes him by far the best paid player in Major League Soccer but also puts him ahead of the entire squads of 25 of the league’s clubs, according to data released by the MLS Players Association on Thursday.
The players union regularly releases the full pay details of the entire league and while it was no surprise to see the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner at the top, the gulf with other players and indeed teams is striking.
Messi has a guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667 made up of a base salary of $12 million plus various bonuses.
The figures from the players’ union do not include the huge income the Argentine World Cup winner receives in commercial deals, endorsements and sponsorships from companies such as Adidas and Apple.
Messi signed his last contract with Spanish club Barcelona in 2017, a four-year deal that gave him the potential to earn 138 million euros per season including salary and add-ons.
Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, after his contract with Barca ended and was reported to be earning between 30-35 million euros with the French club.
The 36-year-old joined Miami in July last year on a deal which runs until the end of the 2025 season but he may still be receiving payments from Barca.
Joan Laporta, the Barca president, said in January 2022 that the club were scheduled to make deferred salary payments to the player until 2025.
Toronto’s Italian striker Lorenzo Insigne, who was MLS’s best-ever paid player until Messi’s arrival, was second on the list with a guaranteed income of $15.4 million from the Canadian club.
Messi’s Spanish team-mate, Sergio Busquets, the 35-year-old former Barca midfielder, is the third top earner in the league on $8.8 million guaranteed.
Miami’s former Barca duo of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and Spanish full-back Jordi Alba each earn $1.5 million per year.
Inter Miami’s total wage bill is $41.68 million with Toronto second on $31.41 million. Current league champions, the Columbus Crew, had a total salary cost of $15.19 million, ranked 21st in the league.
Messi shares a dressing room with a number of team-mates earning just a tiny fraction of his income — defender Noah Allen, a regular part of the matchday squad, earns a total of $91,383.
The average MLS salary is $594,390 in 2024 which is up 12.1 percent from last year.
Miami are able to pay Messi such a high salary because of the ‘Designated Player’ rule which was brought in to allow Los Angeles Galaxy to sign David Beckham in 2007 on a base salary of $6.5 million a year with his total deal earning him around $50 million in five years.
While Messi’s income is huge by MLS standards it is well below the levels of top performers in other major sports in the USA.
Last year Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow signed a five-year deal worth $55 million per season, a new league record.
The NBA’s top earner Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors makes $51.9 million.
Man arrested in Jazan for transporting 10 illegal migrants
- Saudi border guard land patrols also foiled an attempt to smuggle 30 kg of hashish into Al-Raboah, Asir
RIYADH: Al-Afwaj security patrols in Al-Arida, Jazan, arrested a Saudi citizen for transporting in 10 Ethiopians, who illegally crossed the Kingdom’s border in his vehicle.
The 10 Ethiopians were referred to the relevant authorities and, subsequently, to the Public Prosecution.
Media spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior’s Al-Afwaj Regiment said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Meanwhile, Saudi border guard land patrols in Al-Raboah, Asir, foiled an attempt to smuggle 30 kg of hashish.
Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and the seized items were handed over to the relevant authority.
Elsewhere, Saudi Border Guard land patrols in Al-Aridah, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 140 kg of qat. Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and the seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities.
Patrols of the General Administration of Mujahideen in the Eastern Province arrested a citizen for selling amphetamines.
Citizens and residents with information on drug smuggling or trafficking A few asked to call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. They can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or email: [email protected]. All reports are treated confidentially.
Measured support for end of UN mission in Iraq
UNITED NATIONS: Several members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China, on Thursday backed Baghdad’s request for the world body’s political mission in Iraq to shut down by next year — but Washington did not immediately offer its support.
Last week, in a letter to the council, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani called for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which has been operational since 2003, to end by December 31, 2025.
Iraq’s deputy UN envoy Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi reiterated the request before the council on Thursday, saying: “The mission has achieved its goals.”
Russian envoy Vasily Nebenzia shared that view, saying “Iraqis are ready to take responsibility for the political future of their country.”
“The remaining problems should not become an excuse for UNAMI to stay in the country indefinitely,” he added.
Within the framework of the mission’s annual renewal, due at the end of May, the council should “propose a plan... in order to ensure its gradual drawdown and smooth transition toward an ultimate withdrawal,” noted China’s deputy UN envoy Geng Shuang.
Given that UN missions can only operate with the host nation’s consent, Britain and France also voiced support for a transition in the partnership between Iraq and the UN.
The US was more vague, with ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield saying UNAMI still had “important work to do,” and making no mention of Baghdad’s request.
She emphasized the mission’s key role on several important political issues, such as support for organizing elections and promoting human rights, even though Iraq has clearly asked that the mission focus more squarely on economic issues.
In an evaluation requested by the council, German diplomat Volker Perthes said in March that UNAMI, which had more than 700 staff as of late 2023, “in its present form, appears too big.”
Perthes called on the mission to “begin to transition its tasks to national institutions and the United Nations country team in a responsible, orderly and gradual manner within an agreed time frame.”
Without commenting on Baghdad’s request, mission chief Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert painted a picture of an Iraq that “looks different to the country to which UNAMI was first deployed some 20 years ago.”
“Today we are, so to speak, witnessing an Iraq on the rise,” she said, while noting multiple challenges yet unresolved, such as corruption and armed groups operating outside state control.
But she added: “I do believe it is high time to judge the country on progress made, and to turn the page on the darker images of Iraq’s past.”
