The US is seeing signs that Russia may offer to help Iranian authorities crack down on demonstrators in what has become the biggest popular protest movement in the country since 2009, a senior official said on Wednesday.
The development comes amid deepening ties between Moscow and Tehran, which the US says is providing killer drones for Russia to use in Ukraine.
Protests erupted across Iran last month following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. The regime has resorted to violence, intimidation and mass arrests but has not been able to silence dissent.
On Wednesday, thousands of mourners marched to Amini’s gravesite in Saqez while chanting slogans against the regime.
“We see signs that they [the Russians] may be considering the ability to help train Iranians on cracking down on protesters,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
He added that Washington is “concerned that Moscow may be advising Iran” already.
Mr Kirby did not say how Russia would help Iran, but Moscow has frequently used repressive measures against its own protesters. The Kremlin has also made journalists and opposition leaders into targets in the past.
Iran's crackdown has left at least 141 people dead and hundreds detained and arrested, activists say, and its actions have been condemned by nations around the world.
It is the biggest show of popular unrest in Iran since 2009, when hundreds of thousands took to the streets to protest against what they said was the rigged election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Moscow-Tehran co-operation has increased following Russia's purchase of Iranian-made drones that it has used in Ukraine. On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has ordered 2,000 more kamikaze drones from Iran.
Mr Kirby's comments came as US President Joe Biden met his defence chiefs at the White House. Mr Kirby said Mr Biden recommitted to lead on helping Ukraine and discussed other pressing issues such as combating climate change.
He also said his administration is not seeking conflict, but “stiff competition” with China.
Third Test
Result: India won by 203 runs
Series: England lead five-match series 2-1
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
How much of your income do you need to save?
The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.
In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)
Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
Price: from Dh285,000
On sale: from January 2022
LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Stoke City v Tottenham
Brentford v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Manchester City
Everton v Manchester United
All ties are to be played the week commencing December 21.
Remaining fixtures
- August 29 – UAE v Saudi Arabia, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
- September 5 – Iraq v UAE, Amman, Jordan (venue TBC)
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
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The specs: 2019 BMW X4
Price, base / as tested: Dh276,675 / Dh346,800
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 354hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,550rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.0L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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