World News Briefs -- June 17, 2019

Reuters: Iran says it will breach nuclear deal enrichment limit, U.S. denounces 'blackmail'

DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) - Iran announced on Monday it would breach uranium enrichment limits in 10 days in a move that drew an accusation of “nuclear blackmail” from Washington, but it added that European nations still had time to save the nuclear deal that sets those curbs.

In an indication of Western concern at Iran’s initiative, a White House National Security Council spokesman said the plan amounted to “nuclear blackmail” and must be met with increased international pressure.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran nuclear deal: Enriched uranium limit will be breached on 27 June.

Pompeo tries rallying foreign leaders in alleged oil attacks.

As accusations fly in Gulf tanker row, Russia urges restraint.

Yemen's Houthis claim new attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha airport.

Mortar attack on Iraqi base home to US troops; no casualties.

Istanbul mayor candidates hold first live debate in 17 years.

Israel renames Golan settlement after Trump.

Hamas gunmen reportedly open fire on Israeli troops in Gaza, no injuries.

Sara Netanyahu convicted of lesser crime in private chef case.

ASIA

'Explosion' near China-North Korea border causes small quake.

Taliban militants suffer heavy casualties in Special Forces raid in Logar.

China stands by Hong Kong leader after days of street protests.

Donald Trump to raise Hong Kong extradition protests with Xi Jinping at G20, Mike Pompeo says.

China ‘to avoid Trump attempt to play Hong Kong protest card’ at G20 talks with Xi Jinping.

India reels under worst drought in decades, heat kills dozens.

India announces tariff hike on 28 U.S. exports.

'Just a collision': Philippines' Duterte downplays sinking.

Uzbekistan reforms: Activists demand more changes.

AFRICA

Nigeria suicide attack: Triple blasts kill at least 30 in Borno. Triple suicide bomb attack in Nigeria targets football fans.

At least 161 dead in northeast Congo in apparent ethnic clashes.

French, Malian forces kill 20 militants in operation: Mali army.

Mali: Fighting ongoing between herders and farmers.

Mali: Anger over G5 Sahel headquarters transfer to Bamako.

Scepticism as Sudan moves to put Omar al-Bashir on trial.

Chad rebel chief arrested in France on war crimes charges.

Libya's UN-recognised government launches peace initiative.

WHO calls for more funds to fight DRC Ebola outbreak.

EUROPE

Russia thwarts U.S. cyber attacks on its infrastructure: news agencies.

Deploying U.S. troops in Poland wholly defensive, ambassador says in riposte to Russia.

British PM candidates take aim at no-show frontrunner Boris Johnson in televised debate.

Donald Trump calls London Mayor Sadiq Khan a 'disaster' after spate of killings in British capital.

Italy's Matteo Salvini seeks closer Washington ties as EU tensions rise.

France to declare natural emergency after deadly storm.

In historic shift, Vatican to consider married priests for Amazon region.

AMERICAS

Pelosi: 'We have absolutely no appetite for going to war' with Iran.

Mexico detains 791 migrants on 4 trucks amid U.S. pressure.

Cyberattack ruled out for South America power blackout.

Former first lady leads in Guatemala election. Guatemala election: former first lady Sandra Torres heads for runoff.

Guatemala arrests fugitive ex-military chief accused of genocide.

Ecuador 'allows US military planes to use Galapagos island airfield'.

Supreme Court sides with Oregon bakery that refused to make cake for same-sex wedding.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda, ISIS target Ghana - UK government.

Where’s the plan for Canadian ISIS members in custody overseas?

ISIS setting fire to crops in Syria and Iraq out of 'cold-blooded revenge,' monitor says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

French billionaire Drahi acquires Sotheby's auction house for $3.7 billion.

China halts World Trade Organisation fight over market economy status.

Boeing CEO admits 'mistake' made in handling cockpit warning system before fatal crashes.