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Beijing, Dec 20 (IANS) The United States needs to immediately stop illegally occupying Cuba's territory, close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and pull out of the base at Guantanamo as soon as possible, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a related query at a daily press briefing.

Lin said the United States has long unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay, and carried out arbitrary detention and used torture to extort confessions at the detention facility there. "What the United States has done severely violates international law and undermines Cuba's sovereignty and rights and interests."

It reported that the US Department of Defence recently announced the repatriation of a detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and 29 detainees remain there. In recent years, successive US administrations have promised multiple times they would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, but still haven't acted on it. Despite repeated protests from the Cuban government, the United States has unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years.

The international community, including the UN, has more than once expressed concerns on this issue and asked the United States to close the detention facility there and treat the detainees justly as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson.

The repeated failure of the United States to keep its promise of closing this US-run "concentration camp" will only add another stain to the poor US track record on human rights and expose the emptiness of US commitment to human rights, said the spokesperson.

The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is Cuba's protracted wound, and it is a living witness to more than a century of US illegal interference in Cuba, Lin said, adding that the United States, while running massive arbitrary detention at Guantanamo, keeps Cuba on the list of so-called "state sponsor of terrorism."

"The whole world can see the hypocrisy and double standard in this," he added.

China, said Lin, firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and dignity, and opposes US interference in Cuba's internal affairs, adding that the United States needs to stop the bullying and blockade on Cuba, give the Cuban people's land back to them, and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism."

--IANS

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New York, Dec 20 (IANS) In another legal gain for US President-elect Donald Trump, an appeals court threw out on Thursday the Georgia prosecutor on the case, accusing him of election interference.

The state appeals court cited Fani Willis' romantic link to a lawyer she hired to help prosecute the case and said that it created an appearance of conflict of interest.

The court did not throw out the case itself, which can continue with another prosecutor, but the decision effectively pauses the prosecution, which could extend to Trump's four years as President.

The two federal cases against him, accusing him of election interference and of mishandling secret documents have been dropped.

The sentencing in the New York case in which he was convicted has been paused.

In that case, he was convicted of falsifying business records to hide the hush money paid to a porn star to keep her from going public with her claims of a tryst with him -- which he has denied.

The New York judge, however, did not dismiss the criminal conviction leaving open the possibility of sentencing him at a later date.

Willis, the prosecutor in a Georgia county, hired Nathan Wade, a lawyer without experience in cases like that against Trump, and paid his office about $653,000.

Their romantic links were revealed in a divorce case his wife brought against Wade.

Judge Trenton Brown wrote in the appellate court's ruling, "This is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings."

The case centres on alleged attempts by Trump and his allies to change the results of the 2020 election, which he lost nationally and in the swing state.

In this year's election, however, he won the state.

Wills can appeal to a full bench of the Georgia appeals court as the verdict was by a three-member bench, which voted 2-1 to bar her from continuing with the case.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) Forcible disappearances in Balochistan have become one of the most urgent human rights issues in the region, particularly over the last two decades. These disappearances predominantly involve Baloch activists, intellectuals, and members of nationalist groups who are abducted by state security forces or unidentified armed groups.

Many of these individuals are held without charge, leaving their families in a state of uncertainty regarding their fate. While the issue has garnered international attention, efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable have largely proven ineffective.

To grasp the severity of this crisis, it is crucial to explore its historical context, the parties involved, the social repercussions, and the legal and political challenges at hand. Balochistan, a region divided among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, has long been a hub of political unrest and ethnic tension.

The Baloch people have historically felt marginalised by the central governments of these countries, particularly following Pakistan's creation in 1947. Despite Balochistan's wealth of natural resources—including gas, minerals, and a strategic coastline—its people consistently assert that they are denied a fair share of the region's wealth.

Over the years, Baloch nationalist movements have sought greater autonomy or independence, leading to violent insurgencies against the Pakistani state, which views these movements as threats to national unity and security.

The recent surge in forcible disappearances in Balochistan can be traced back to the escalation of military operations in the region during the early 2000s. These operations, aimed at suppressing insurgent groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the Baloch Republican Army (BRA), and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), frequently target suspected separatists, political dissidents, and civilians.

Pakistani authorities, particularly the military and intelligence agencies, routinely deny any responsibility for these disappearances, often branding the victims as militants or terrorists.

However, human rights organisations, both local and international, accuse the Pakistani government of orchestrating these abductions to silence political opposition and instil fear among the Baloch population.

Accurate statistics on forcible disappearances are difficult to obtain due to underreporting and fear of retaliation.

Nevertheless, organisations like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have documented an alarming number of disappearances over the years.

Estimates indicate that between 2001 and 2023, over 2,000 individuals have gone missing. These figures encompass activists, students, journalists, and ordinary citizens taken by security forces.

The actual number is likely higher, as many families are too frightened to report disappearances, and some cases remain unrecorded.

The abduction of Baloch activists has become a prevalent tactic employed by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Frontier Corps (FC).

These agencies often operate with impunity, as many disappearances occur in areas with minimal media coverage, and victims are rarely presented before a court. Families of the disappeared are left without answers, facing limited options for seeking justice.

In some instances, individuals reappear months or even years later, frequently tortured and suffering from severe psychological distress, while many victims never return. These acts of enforced disappearance are not only illegal but also constitute clear violations of international human rights law.

Conversely, Baloch separatist groups are also implicated in forced disappearances, albeit to a lesser extent. These groups often target individuals they suspect of collaborating with the Pakistani state or military.

In such cases, the abducted individuals are accused of providing intelligence to authorities or supporting the military's presence in Balochistan.

While these abductions may be viewed as acts of resistance against state repression, they have been heavily criticised for their indiscriminate nature, often ensnaring innocent civilians.

The actions of Baloch militant groups contribute to the overall atmosphere of fear and instability in the region. The state's justifications for these disappearances are grounded in the necessity to maintain national security and combat terrorism.

Pakistani officials contend that Baloch insurgent groups are engaged in violent separatist movements, asserting that extreme measures, including enforced disappearances, are essential for restoring order.

They perceive these disappearances as part of broader counterinsurgency operations aimed at dismantling separatist networks. However, this justification is fiercely contested by human rights organisations, which argue that such actions are intended to silence dissent and suppress any form of political opposition.

The international community has increasingly voiced concerns regarding the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.

Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have consistently condemned the actions of the Pakistani government, calling for an end to enforced disappearances and accountability for those responsible.

Despite this, international pressure has had limited success in bringing about meaningful change on the ground. The Pakistani government has persistently rejected external interference, characterising it as an infringement on the nation’s sovereignty.

Furthermore, Pakistan has yet to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which came into effect in 2011. Consequently, there is no binding legal framework to hold the government accountable for these violations.

The social impact of these disappearances has been profound. Families of the disappeared often endure prolonged uncertainty and trauma, as the absence of a loved one becomes a form of psychological torture, leaving them without answers regarding their fate.

In some instances, families face additional suffering due to stigma, as the Pakistani state frequently labels them as “traitors” or “terrorists” solely because of their connection to the disappeared.

This stigmatization complicates their pursuit of justice, as they are often ostracised by their communities or subjected to harassment by state authorities. Furthermore, the pervasive fear of abduction has created a chilling effect on political activism and public dissent in Balochistan.

Many potential activists or critics of the government are silenced not just through force but also through fear. This atmosphere stifles the development of a vibrant political discourse and prevents the Baloch people from peacefully voicing their grievances.

The suppression of political freedoms has also led to the displacement of many Baloch individuals, with a significant number fleeing to neighbouring Afghanistan or seeking asylum in other countries.

Despite these challenges, efforts have been made at both local and international levels to tackle the issue of forced disappearances. Local organisations, such as the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, continue to raise awareness of the crisis through protests and campaigns, both within Balochistan and internationally.

International human rights organisations have also called for increased attention to the issue, urging the Pakistani government to uphold the rights of its citizens and investigate all cases of enforced disappearances.

However, meaningful progress remains elusive. While the Pakistani government has established commissions like the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED), these bodies are often criticised for their lack of independence and effectiveness.

Critics argue that these commissions serve merely as symbolic gestures, intended to appease international concerns without addressing the underlying causes of the problem.

The legal framework surrounding forcible disappearances in Pakistan is inadequate. While the Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights, these rights are frequently violated in Balochistan.

The Pakistani state has yet to implement comprehensive reforms that would protect its citizens from enforced disappearances, and without such reforms, the cycle of abductions and violence is likely to persist.

For the situation to improve, there must be a stronger political will from the Pakistani government to engage in meaningful dialogue with Baloch nationalist groups and address their demands for greater autonomy and control over their natural resources.

Additionally, Pakistan needs to take concrete steps to hold accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances, whether they are members of the military, intelligence agencies, or other state actors. International pressure and support for human rights organisations will also be crucial in urging the Pakistani government toward reform.

Until these measures are implemented, Balochistan will remain a region characterised by widespread human rights violations, with its people living in constant fear of abduction, repression, and violence.

The Pakistan Army, often supported by intelligence agencies like the ISI, has been widely implicated in orchestrating these forced disappearances as part of its counterinsurgency operations against Baloch nationalist movements.

These actions, carried out under the pretext of national security, have resulted in thousands of Baloch citizens being abducted, tortured, and in many cases, permanently disappeared.

The ultimate solution lies in recognising the rights of the Baloch people, ending state-sanctioned abductions, and restoring political and social freedoms in the region. Holding the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies accountable for their role in these violations is crucial to breaking this cycle of impunity.

Until then, Balochistan will continue to be a place of suffering, where the voices of the disappeared and their families go unheard, and their pursuit of justice remains elusive.

--IANS

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Damascus, Dec 19 (IANS) The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday accused Turkish troops and allied factions of escalating attacks near Syria's border city of Kobani.

The SDF said in a statement that Turkish forces and their "mercenaries" launched a full-scale assault Wednesday on the southern outskirts of Kobani, specifically near the Tishreen Dam area.

The group added its fighters repelled the attackers by nightfall, but Turkish drones and artillery continued to strike various parts of Kobani. In addition, Turkish military reinforcements, including tanks and armored vehicles, were said to be massing along Syria's northern border.

The SDF emphasised its support for recent US-led de-escalation efforts and the positive stance adopted at the Aqaba meeting, which was held on December 14 with a focus on efforts to halt combat operations in Syria.

The militia, however, called on the global community to take a "clearer and firmer" position against Turkish escalation, urging Arab states and concerned nations to denounce what it termed "an ongoing campaign to seize Syrian territory."

"We do not seek further conflict, but we will not hesitate to defend our people and our land," the militia warned, Xinhua news agency reported.

The SDF also encouraged residents in Kobani to arm themselves and form a united front against any invasion attempts.

"Every village and corner of Kobani can become a fortress of resistance," it said, warning there would be no "picnic" for any invading force.

Ankara has long viewed the SDF group with suspicion due to its links to Kurdish militants inside Turkey.

--IANS

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Helsinki, Dec 19 (IANS) Finland's Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday a defence budget of 6.5 billion euros (6.67 billion US dollars) for 2025, marking an increase of 536 million euros from this year.

The budget emphasises enhancing national defence capabilities and supporting Finland's integration into NATO, with defence spending projected to account for about 2.5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

The allocation includes 2.5 billion euros for military operations, which covers personnel salaries, conscription training, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, 202 million euros is designated for aircraft procurement and other defense materials over the next five years.

A further 1.5 billion euros is dedicated to acquiring new defence materials, while 431 million euros will be used for long-term improvements in military systems, Xinhua news agency reported.

Finland's defence expenses related to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are also included, with 158 million euros allocated to cover costs arising from membership. This includes investments to facilitate NATO's presence in Finland, enhance interoperability and strengthen troop reception capabilities.

In April 2023, Finland formally became NATO's 31st member state. At NATO's July summit this year, the member states approved the establishment of the Multi Corps Land Component Command and the deployment of Forward Land Forces in Finland.

Finland also continues to enhance defence cooperation in the Nordic region.

In October, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and visiting Finnish President Alexander Stubb had discussed key security issues facing Europe and agreed to boost defence ties.

The talks had focused on the evolving security policy landscape, collaboration between the NATO member countries and relations with Russia.

"The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Norway and Finland to safeguarding regional stability," the Norwegian government had said in a press release.

The discussions between the two leaders had come at a critical time for Europe, with tensions running high in multiple areas.

--IANS

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Windhoek, Dec 19 (IANS) Namibia has allocated 330 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity for procurement and implementation as part of its 2024 ministerial plan, the country's Ministry of Mines and Energy announced Thursday.

Minister Tom Alweendo said in a statement that the new capacity will be divided between state-owned NamPower and independent power producers (IPPs).

The 2024 ministerial determination is a bold step forward in Namibia's journey towards energy independence and sustainability, Alweendo said. "It reflects a cohesive strategy aligned with our broader economic goals and our commitments under international environmental accords. As we implement these projects, we are laying down the groundwork not just for a sustainable power grid but for a sustainable future for all Namibians."

According to the minister, the allocation includes 120 MW for IPPs through an accelerated procurement process, with plans for six solar power plants, each generating 20 MW, Xinhua news agency reported.

These plants will be built in regions such as Karas, Hardap, Oshikoto, Kavango West, and Zambezi, which have limited electricity generation capacity.

"These projects are strategically earmarked to foster job creation and ensure local employment during both the construction and operation phases of the power plants," he said.

NamPower will also oversee the development of several other solar projects, including the Rosh Pinah Solar PV Power Plant which will be expanded by an additional 30 MW, bringing its total capacity to 100 MW.

"This proactive step aims to enhance investment efficiency and reduce dependency on imports faster than starting new projects from scratch," Alweendo explained.

Furthermore, Alweendo said, NamPower will develop an 80 MW expansion at the Omburu Solar PV Power Plant in the Erongo region while a 100 MW solar PV power plant will also be developed to supply energy to the Skorpion Zinc Mine.

"The project will also facilitate the revival of the mine, which typically employs up to 600 direct and 1,000 indirect employees," the minister said.

The 2024 ministerial determination is part of Namibia's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on imported electricity and increase its use of renewable energy, he added.

Namibia, which contains some of the best solar potential in the world, imports more than half of its electricity from South Africa and other neighboring countries, due to its limited domestic power generation capacity.

The country is working on expanding its grid infrastructure and exploring additional energy sources, including the potential use of nuclear energy in the long term. It is also part of the Southern African Power Pool, which facilitates regional electricity trade to ensure stability and reliability in the grid.

--IANS

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United Nations, Dec 19 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the latest agreement between India and China to improve relations between them and take positive steps on border issues, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

"We welcome the positive result of this effort of bilateral -- a very important bilateral -- diplomacy," he said.

He added that settling international disputes through bilateral efforts should be "saluted".

After a gap of five years, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi came together in Beijing on Monday for a formal Meeting of the Special Representatives, a regular high-level consultation that was suspended after the 2020 military conflict between the neighbours.

India's External Affairs Ministry said after the meeting, "They agreed on the salience of stable, predictable, and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity."

"They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade," it added.

The resumption of the regular high-level meeting followed an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.

Dujarric said that international disputes that don't get resolved get the headlines around the world while many do get resolved.

"There are a lot of international disputes that do get resolved, either through UN mediation or through bilateral information, bilateral efforts. Those should be covered and saluted," he said.

India and China on Wednesday decided to give "positive directions" for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade, during the visit of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to Beijing.

This was announced following the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China which was attended by NSA Doval and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Wednesday's meeting in Beijing was the first between the Special Representatives since frictions had emerged in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas in 2020.

--IANS

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New York, Dec 19 (IANS) The US Supreme Court extended TikTok a thin, temporary lifeline on Wednesday, agreeing to hear its appeal against the law banning it if it did not give up its Chinese ownership.

The court put the appeal on an unusually fast track, setting a hearing on January 9, 10 days before the law passed by Congress comes into force.

The court did not order a stay of the law but agreed to hear the case leaving open the possibility that the appeal could be thrown out or upheld or temporarily stayed pending further consideration.

TikTok, whose parent is the Chinese company ByteDance, took the case to the nation's highest court after an appeals court had ruled against the company's argument that the law violated the US Constitution's guarantee of freedom of expression.

Congress's rationale for requiring the company to give up its Chinese ownership or face a ban was national security, and the appeals court accepted it.

The law had the support of both the Democratic and Republican parties.

The legislators and President Joe Biden's administration point out that there are national security risks because the Chinese government could get access to information about 120 million Americans who use it and it could manipulate TikTok for propaganda.

India banned TikTok and 58 other apps in 2020 over national security concerns.

Ironically, while the company claims protection under the US Constitution's First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of expression, China itself bans TikTok along with US social media companies like Facebook and Youtube.

The ban is set to come into force two days before Donald Trump takes office as President.

Although he initiated the move for the ban during his first term, he has changed his mind now.

Citing national security risks, he ordered unilaterally in 2020 that it should be sold or face a ban, and while several companies scrambled to buy it, a court stayed the order.

Congress stepped in and passed the law circumventing that court order.

US social media companies had tried to censor Trump, while TikTok gave him free rein, he is taking a benign attitude.

"You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok," he said at a news conference on Monday.

He mentioned its popularity among young people and said, "TikTok had an impact, so we're taking a look at it."

He met TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Monday.

If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, Trump cannot undo the law, which Congress alone can.

However, he can ask the Justice Department to go easy on enforcing the ban.

Under the law passed in April and signed by Biden, app stores like Google's and Apple's cannot provide TikTok in the US, and internet hosting companies cannot support it from January 19.

If they do not comply, they could face fines running into billions of dollars because the penalty is $5,000 for each user given access to TikTok.

--IANS

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Beijing, Dec 18 (IANS) National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Han said that China and India, as ancient oriental civilizations and emerging major powers, adhere to independence, solidarity and cooperation, which is of global influence and strategic significance.

Noting that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, Han said the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, foster political mutual trust, and gradually resume institutional dialogue as well as exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and culture, to bring bilateral relations back onto the track of stable development, Xinhua news agency reported.

NSA Doval said the resumption of the meeting between special representatives of both countries for the boundary question after an interval of five years is an important move to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great significance for advancing bilateral relations.

According to Xinhua, NSA Doval stated that India is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.

Earlier in the day, India and China decided to give "positive directions" for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade, during the 23d meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China which was attended by NSA Doval and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Wednesday's meeting in Beijing was the first between the Special Representatives since frictions had emerged in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas in 2020. The two representatives met in accordance with the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan which had decided the future course of meetings to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the SRs reiterated the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question, and resolved to inject more vitality into this process.

"Both SRs underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship. They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations. Drawing on the learnings from the events of 2020, they discussed various measures to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border and advance effective border management. They decided to use, coordinate and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose," read the MEA statement.

It detailed that the SRs "positively affirmed" the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas.

"The SRs exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade. They agreed on the salience of stable, predictable and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity," the statement added.

--IANS

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Tehran, Dec 18 (IANS) Iran's nuclear chief on Wednesday called on Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi to maintain the agency's impartiality, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Mohammad Eslami, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran while reacting to recent comments by Grossi, who said Iran was enriching uranium to near military grade and was rapidly moving towards becoming a nuclear-armed state.

Eslami said, "It is not acceptable that an international institution focuses solely on one aspect of the issue in a provocative manner and refrains from pointing to the main dimension, which is the failure of the other parties to the (2015 nuclear) deal to fulfill their obligations."

He emphasised that the agency should maintain its neutrality and act professionally, adding, "We expect the agency's director general, who is a veteran diplomat, to consider these issues."

Speaking to the Italian news agency ANSA in the Italian capital Rome on Monday, Grossi said there was little point in seeking to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the agreement was "no longer useful."

He stressed that in view of Iran's "new realities," a new agreement should be worked out, Xinhua news agency reported.

Reacting to Grossi's remarks in a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi called on the IAEA chief to speak "based on facts and technical reports from the agency's inspectors."

He added the development of Iran's nuclear program was in line with technical needs and was being carried out completely under the IAEA's safeguards monitoring, stressing that Iran's enrichment program had no military objectives.

Iran signed the JCPOA with world powers in 2015, agreeing to limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the United States withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back its commitments. Talks to revive the deal, ongoing since 2021, remain stalled.

--IANS

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