World News Briefs -- January 11, 2018 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Trump Iran decision due as allies plea for nuclear deal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump was expected to decide on Thursday whether to extend sanctions relief to Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal as major European allies implored Washington to preserve the landmark arms control pact.

Under Secretary of State Steve Goldstein told reporters he expected Trump to decide on whether to continue sanctions relief for Iran on Thursday but was not sure if the decision would be announced Thursday night or Friday.

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MIDDLE EAST

Trump meets top aides to decide on Iran sanctions.

EU says Iran nuclear deal 'is working'.

US to fight Iran's presence in Syria with aggressive sanctions - State Dep't.

Jihadists counter-attack in fight for Syrian airbase.

Turkey: Iran, Russia should adhere to Syria ceasefire.

Three months after Baghdad took control, tensions high in Kirkuk.

Saudi-led coalition says thwarts Houthi attack on oil tanker.

Saudi-led coalition says Yemen rebels threat to ships in Red Sea.

More than 1,000 settlement homes approved in West Bank.

Two Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces: officials.

ASIA

UN Security Council mulls trip to Afghanistan.

US to suggest intercepting North Korea ships to allies.

Trump cryptic about contacts with NKorea's Kim.

Xi Jinping tells South Korea he supports inter-Korea talks.

South Koreans split on footing bill for North Korea's Olympic delegation.

China defends deployment of naval ship to Japan-claimed islands.

Five killed as Philippine police resume drug war.

'Beyond comprehension': Myanmar admits killing Rohingya.

Beijing complains about Australia's 'irresponsible' attack on China's Pacific aid program.

Zainab murder: Riots in Pakistan's Kasur after child rape and killing.

AFRICA

Four dead in two Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon: sources.

Tunisia hit by third night of violent protests.

Nigeria's Benue clashes: Mass burial after farmer-Fulani clashes.

Malian army plans anti-jihadist operation in restive centre.

DRC floods leave 45 dead, thousands homeless.

Zimbabwe's post-Mugabe regime is opening up the economy — as the new leaders consolidate power.

Majority of Egypt’s lawmakers want president to run again.

Egypt: Notorious former security chief cleared by court.

José Filomeno dos Santos sacked from Angola's $5bn wealth fund.

UN political chief in Libya to push elections.

Libya marks destruction of last chemical arms: watchdog.

Ethiopia bans adoptions by foreigners.

EUROPE

Three Ukrainian soldiers die as fighting picks in New Year.

Russia, US hold talks about nuclear pact, Putin says.

Merkel's last chance: Chancellor must agree a coalition deal TONIGHT to avoid political crisis for Germany... and admits there are 'large obstacles in their path'.


Swiss brace for protests over Trump's Davos visit.

Putin says it's up to Washington, not Moscow, to improve ties.

Putin says Kremlin critic Navalny is U.S. pick for Russian presidency.

Nigel Farage warming to second EU referendum.

Greece seizes freighter carrying explosives to Libya.

Ritz Paris robbery: Axe-wielding thieves in multi-million-dollar heist at famed hotel.

AMERICAS

Trump says some immigrants from 'shithole countries' as he rejects bipartisan deal.

Donald Trump says it's 'unlikely' he'd submit to an interview in Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

Trump reverses stance on surveillance law in series of contradicting tweets.

Colombia withdraws negotiators after ELN attacks. Colombia recalls peace negotiators after ELN attacks.

UN chief Guterres headed to Colombia as peace talks falter.

US 'do not travel' advisory puts five Mexican states on same level as Syria. US issues highest travel warning for five Mexican states.

Canada complains to WTO about U.S. trade duties.

Death toll rises to 17 after mudslides in California.

Missouri governor admits affair but denies blackmail claims.

Ecuador confirms granting naturalization to Wikileaks founder Assange. WikiLeaks's Julian Assange becomes Ecuadorean citizen.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Facing U.S. extradition, bin Laden associate attacks French prison guards.

Guantánamo inmates claim Trump's 'anti-Muslim bias' fuels their detention.

Threat of terrorist drone attacks is real, says Russian military after assault on base in Syria.

US task force to probe Hezbollah 'narcoterror'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. rises with oil prices, earnings optimism. US stocks brush off year’s first wobble, return to records.

Apple: China's iCloud users worried as tech giant prepares to give data to state-owned company.

East Asian business leaders warming to Trump.

Oil hits $70 a barrel.