World News Briefs -- September 18, 2019

President Trump's top national security officials have provided him with a 'menu' of options as it relates to Iran

Daily Mail: Donald Trump says he has 'plenty of time to do some dastardly things' to Iran but rules out a nuclear launch after Mike Pompeo calls attacks on Saudi oil facilities an 'act of war'

* The president tweeted that he asked the Treasury to 'substantially increase' sanctions on Iran
* His comment came Wednesday morning after receiving options including military strikes
* South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted that Trump's response to earlier Iranian downing of U.S. drone was seen 'as a sign of weakness' in Tehran
* Trump is constrained by potential for a wider conflict that could further disrupt oil supplies and the global economy
* Trump has been given options by military planners, according to NBC News
* Targets include sensitive sites like Iran's oil processing facilities
* U.S. military also discussed background support for Saudi strikes against Iran
* President is reportedly wary of getting involved in Middle East military conflict

Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has 'many options' including some 'dastardly things' to respond to the attack on Saudi oil facilities – after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called it an 'act of war.'

The president was asked about comments the nation's top diplomat made about the bombing, which he also labeled an 'Iranian attack' as he traveled to Saudi Arabia.

Trump pushed back at critics, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who said his lack of a military response against Iran for a summer attack on a U.S. drone was perceived in Tehran as 'weakness.'

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen rebels threaten strikes against Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

UN sends experts to probe Saudi blasts, warns on escalation.

Pompeo in Saudi to discuss response to attack as tensions rise. Attack on Saudi oil facilities an ‘act of war’ by Iran, Pompeo says after Riyadh blames Tehran.

Trump orders more Iran sanctions as Saudis show attack evidence. Trump says he will 'substantially' increase sanctions on Iran.

Iran: US visa issue might force cancellation of Rouhani trip to UN.

Israel election: Netanyahu and rival Gantz headed for deadlock.

Israeli election: lengthy coalition talks loom as early results point to deadlock.

Netanyahu cancels UN visit over post-poll 'political context'.

ASIA

Suicide bomber, gunmen attack Afghan government building.

China orders 150,000 anti-riot officers near Hong Kong to get ready for action ahead of the country's National Day in warning to anti-government protesters.

Sri Lanka sets November date for presidential polls.

Pakistan court orders release of Pashtun lawmakers.

Indonesia 'doing everything' to put out forest fires: President.

India to ban sale and use of e-cigarettes to stop 'epidemic' of smoking.

Outrage in China as giant panda on loan to Thailand zoo dies.

AFRICA

Congo's army says it kills militia leader wanted by the ICC.

Rise in children forced to join militias raises fresh fears over South Sudan.

At least 28 die in Liberia school fire.

Algeria army toughens line with ban on protesters entering capital.


No end in sight to Nigeria's border closures.

Tunisia: Saied, Karoui head to runoff after close call in polls.

South Africa: Violence against women like a war - Ramaphosa.

Zimbabwe doctors march as abducted leader is still missing.

EUROPE

UK parliament suspension not a matter for judges, PM Johnson's lawyer tells Supreme Court.

EU open to replacing Irish backstop with 'operable' alternative.

EU's Tusk, Britain's Johnson to talk Brexit next week.

Risk of no-deal Brexit 'very real,' says EU Commission head Juncker.

Spain to hold fourth election in 4 years as talks fail.

Russia frees jailed protester as teachers, priests demand end to crackdown.

Health fears spark 5G revolt in Switzerland as protesters claim next-generation antennae are exposing people to dangerous electromagnetic rays.

AMERICAS

Fights break out between Trump supporters and protesters after a US flag is torched while traffic comes to a standstill amid angry scenes as the President arrives for Beverly Hills fundraiser.

Graham warns Trump: New Iran sanctions likely to 'fall short'.

Trump fires back at Graham over Iran criticism.

Trump strips California of power to set auto emission standards.

Venezuela and Colombia border tension fuels fear of armed conflict.

Freed Venezuela lawmaker Edgar Zambrano: The regime kidnapped me.

Democratic senators quietly hope Biden wins over rivals.

Argentina economy looking to US dollar during crisis.

Spy scandal: Canada reassures allies over leak that may be linked to Australian drug syndicate.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Two insurgents killed in US strike on al-Shabaab in Somalia.

Pakistan PM to accuse Modi of complicity in Kashmir 'terrorism'.

Facebook still auto-generating Islamic State, al-Qaida pages.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon's payment innovation: cold cash.

Airbus forecasts 48,000 aircraft to be in operation by 2038.

China, Russia set to double trade to US$200 billion by 2024 with help of soybeans.

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