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US Iran agreement violations

The Iranian foreign ministry says US actions such as the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker are unproductive, and contradict an agreement on the exchange of prisoners between the two countries. Spokesman Naser Kan’ani said Washington expresses interest in direct talks to pave the way for a renewed nuclear deal while imposing new sanctions and seizing oil. Speaking to journalists, he said Tehran has summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Swiss Embassy in Iran to make a strong objection regarding its tanker seizure. The comments came in response to reports that a cargo of Iranian crude carried by Suez Rajan was being unloaded off the coast of Texas. The vessel was seized by the US in April. Earlier this month a prisoner swap agreement was reached between Tehran and Washington.

Libya anti-Israel sentiment

Libya’s Prime Minister has reportedly fired Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush over a meeting with her Israeli counterpart in Rome last week. The meeting has sparked public outrage and protests in several major cities. Mangoush has rejected the meeting with Eli Cohen, saying what happened was a casual encounter. Libya’s Foreign Ministry has also said the interaction did not include any discussions, agreements or consultations. It has reiterated Libya’s rejection of any normalization with Israel, reaffirming support for the Palestinian cause. Libya’s High State Council has voiced surprise at the incident, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. News of the meeting sparked protests in several Libyan cities. Protests erupted Sunday evening on the streets of Tripoli and its suburbs in a sign of refusal of normalization with Israel. In the northwestern city of Zawiya, young people set Israeli flags on fire and waved Palestinian flags. Meantime, an aide to Mangoush says she has fled to neighboring Turkey over safety concerns.

France-Niger tension

France says its ambassador is still in Niger despite an order by military leaders there to leave the African country. President Emmanuel Macron announced that, as he made a foreign policy speech to ambassadors in Paris. He reiterated France’s support for Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum who was toppled in a military coup on July 26. Bazoum still considers himself the president of Niger. Macron has called that courageous. On Friday, Nigerien military leaders gave the French ambassador a 48-hour ultimatum to leave the country. They are accusing France of seeking to use force to reinstate the ousted president, a pro-western figure. This week alone, Nigeriens have held several protests, calling on French troops to leave their country.

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