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Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration’s economic war on Iran

President Trump threatened this week to wield an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare against Iran, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed to “collapse” the Islamic Republic regime with the “toughest sanctions in history.”  But the effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf,…

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Netflix dating show featuring cast members with criminal pasts sparks backlash in Japan

Japan’s justice ministry said Friday it will cancel a collaboration with a controversial Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents, following backlash against what some called the glorification of crimes. Earlier this month, the ministry launched an unusual partnership with the streaming giant’s “Badly in Love,” releasing a poster starring its Season 2 cast members, including…

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Iran looks to boost regional trade ties as U.S. turns from bombs to economic warfare

Iran has finalized a preferential trade agreement with Oman, according to the Islamic Republic’s official Trade Promotion Organization.  The agreement, which Oman has not yet confirmed, still requires approval by Iran’s parliament and other authorities.  The announcement, relayed by Iranian state media, came two days after President Trump heralded a shift in U.S. tactics in…

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U.S. designates American citizen Min Zin, held by China, as wrongfully detained

Washington — American citizen Min Zin has been legally designated by the U.S. State Department as wrongfully detained by China. “Secretary Rubio has formally designated U.S. citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained,” Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, said Thursday on X. “We call on Beijing to release all U.S. citizens…

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