World News Briefs -- January 9, 2020

Reuters: U.S., Iran ease conflict fears but threats keep crisis rolling

DUBAI/BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iran spurned the U.S. president’s call for a new nuclear pact and its commanders threatened more attacks as the Middle East remained on edge following the U.S. killing of an Iranian general and Tehran’s retaliatory missile strikes.

Concern the war-scarred region was primed for a wider conflict eased after U.S President Donald Trump refrained from ordering more military action and Iran’s foreign minister diplomat said missile strikes “concluded” Tehran’s response.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn of 'harsher revenge' after strikes on US targets.

Tensions remain high as US, Iran pull back from brink of war.

Iran crisis: US 'ready for serious negotiations' with Tehran.

Iraqi Shia cleric whose militia killed American troops says crisis is over following Iran strike and Trump speech.

Iran: Ukrainian jetliner was returning to airport when it crashed.

Ukraine airliner accidentally downed by Iran, U.S. officials say.

UN monitors say Houthis not behind Saudi Aramco attacks: Report.

Lebanese prosecutor slaps travel ban on former car magnate Ghosn.

ASIA

Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines among carriers avoiding Iran airspace after missile attack.

As US and Iran step back from the brink, China faces energy security risk.

Australian fires: Victoria extends state of disaster ahead of worsening weather conditions. Australia fires: Victoria extends 'state of disaster' as threat intensifies.

Taiwan election seen as referendum on China influence.

Indonesia president visits Natuna islands amid dispute with China.

Indonesian military says Chinese vessels left disputed waters.

China's mysterious outbreak could be new virus, WHO says.

AFRICA

Europe, N. Africa in diplomatic flurry to avoid 'second Syria' in Libya.

UN envoy: 'Devastating surge' of attacks in Sahel and West Africa. UN warns of 'devastating surge' in Sahel attacks.

Fresh attempt to sue Libya for supplying IRA with Semtex explosive.

Fears of new violence in Niger's Agadez after refugee camp blaze.

Kenyans and Nigerians 'have great faith in Trump'.

Lesotho PM's party seeks his ouster over wife's murder.

Angola billionaire Isabel dos Santos lashes out over graft probe.

EUROPE

Ukraine vows to 'find out the truth' behind plane crash in Iran that killed 176 people.

Four Mediterranean countries call Turkey-GNA deals 'void'.

Live: French pension reform strikes enter sixth week with nationwide day of protest.

French ex-president Sarkozy to stand trial in October on graft charges.

Hungary for Brexit: Orbán praises Johnson and Trump.

UK accused of 'behaving like cowboys' over EU database copying.

Prince Harry and Meghan: Royal Family 'hurt' as couple begin 'next chapter'.

AMERICAS

Donald Trump backs away from Iran conflict, includes China in call to resume nuclear talks.

Full text: President Donald Trump's remarks on Iran.

Defense Secretary Esper privately warned lawmakers against debating war powers.

Senators introduce resolution warning that Congress has not authorized Iran war.

Pelosi sets vote on measure to limit Trump's war powers, citing 'urgent' concerns on Iran strategy.

Senate Democrats begin breaking with Nancy Pelosi on articles of impeachment.

Bernie emerges as growing threat to Biden.

Puerto Rico earthquake: Two-thirds of island still without power.

Mexican asylum seekers fear deportation to Guatemala.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

At United Nations, US justifies killing Iranian commander as self-defence.

Don’t let Iran tensions stop the battle Aaainst ISIS.

FBI asks Apple for Saudi shooter’s phone data.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World Bank: Global economy should grow, but could see crisis in 2020.

Trade war: China to send Liu He to US to sign phase one deal next week but phase two talks remain remote.

Doubts over phase one trade deal as US-China ties ‘still in deep trouble’.