World News Briefs -- June 20, 2019

The Guardian: Trump suggests 'loose and stupid' Iranian officer attacked US drone

President stopped short of escalating standoff, saying if a person was in the drone ‘it would have made a big, big difference’

Donald Trump has stopped short of escalating the worsening standoff with Iran in the Persian Gulf, suggesting that the shooting down of a US drone could have been carried out by a “loose and stupid” Iranian officer without authorisation from Tehran, and emphasising that the aircraft was unmanned.

After meeting with his top national security officials to discuss Wednesday night’s downing of a Global Hawk spy drone, the president declared: “I would imagine it was a general or somebody that made a mistake in shooting that drone down.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran shoots down US surveillance drone, heightening tensions.

Dozens killed in heavy fighting in northwest Syria. 130 fighters killed in 48 hours in northwest Syria: monitor.

Rouhani: Breaking nuclear deal the least Iran can do to counter U.S..

Pompeo at Centcom: 'Trump does not want war' with Iran.

Germany says there is 'strong evidence' Iran behind tanker attacks.

'Risk of war' persists in Strait of Hormuz crisis, Germany's Maas says.

Yemen's Houthi rebels hit Saudi facility with 'cruise missile'.

World Food Programme announces partial suspension of Yemen aid.

Main officers in Turkey's failed coup handed life sentences.

Netanyahu warns Israeli enemies as war games conclude.

ASIA

China rejects threats, tariffs as way to resolve trade war.

North Korea’s Kim meets China’s Xi, says awaiting US actions.

China's President Xi Jinping touches down in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong-un.

South Korea calls for 3rd U.S.-North Korea summit.

Trump envoy to North Korea: 'Door is wide open' for talks.

Report: U.S. open to negotiation over Wise Honest with North Korea.

U.S. targets Russian firm for allegedly helping North Korea evade sanctions.

China hosts Taliban delegation to discuss Afghan peace process, counterterrorism issues.

Ex-Interpol chief pleads guilty to corruption: China state media.

New Zealand reveals $198 million gun buyback scheme after deadly Christchurch attacks.

AFRICA

Mauritania prepares for historic election as discontent simmers.

Libya strongman Haftar determined to push Tripoli offensive.

Mali attack: Forces deployed as survivors recall killings.

Egypt says Erdogan claims over Morsi death 'irresponsible'.

Hundreds demonstrate for civilian rule in Sudan's state capitals.

Sudan protests: Military council wants talks to resume.

Sudan’s Bashir should be handed over or stand trial, says ICC prosecutor.

In Sudan, internet users find ways to beat blackout.

S.Africa president to deliver state-of-nation address.

EUROPE

Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt in runoff for UK prime minister.

Georgian protesters try to break into parliament.

EU agrees to extend economic sanctions on Russia until 2020.

New EU summit likely as bloc is split over who gets top jobs.

Dutch investigators seek murder charges in downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Malaysia leader: No proof Russia behind shootdown of MH17.

Johnson extends lead in UK PM contest as Stewart loses third voting round.

Turkey sends new ship to search for gas off Cyprus as tensions mount.

Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy to face corruption trial.

German politicians' support for refugees prompts death threats.

Accused U.S. spy held in Russia asks Trump for help.

Polish foreign minister accuses EU of double standard.

AMERICAS

Trump says Iran made ‘big mistake’ by taking down US drone.

Trump, Canada’s Trudeau talk trade at White House meeting.

Democrats take aim at Trump policies by passing $1T spending package. House passes $983 billion spending package 226-203, bucking White House.

Biden refuses to apologise for working with racist senators.

FBI assisting with probe into U.S. tourists who died in Dominican Republic.

Mexico ratifies new trade deal with US, Canada.

Colombian president orders meeting to protect FARC members.

Hondurans demand president resigns in protests amid strikes.

Honduran president sends military to keep order after protests turn violent.

Antigua: sprawling 'Chinese colony' plan across marine reserve ignites opposition.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Syrian refugee planned to blow up church in Pittsburgh on pledging allegiance to ISIS but is arrested with bomb making equipment after telling FBI agent the attack would 'shock the enemies of Allah all over America'.

Navy SEAL tried to justify 'murdering young ISIS fighter by calling him a "dirtbag" after stabbing him twice in the neck until blood spurted out'.

US official pressed to say Iran not behind 9/11 as Congress warns against war.

Kenya convicts 3 in Garissa terrorist massacre case.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P 500 index closes at record high as stock rally continues.

Facebook usage falling after privacy scandals, data suggests.

Oil prices jump nearly 3% after official says US drone was shot down.

Business as usual: Iraq attack no bearing on oil firms - analysts.

Paris Air Show: IAG orders 200 Boeing 737 Max jets.

Facebook currency meets opposition in Europe.