US News
- LA Country is attempting to force Vanessa Bryant – wife of Kobe Bryant – to get a psychiatric evaluation. Bryant is suing the country after officers leaked photos of her dead husband. [Link]
- The Treasury Department announced it concluded its review of US sanctions policy. The report calls for the US to take more of a ‘surgical’ approach to sanctions. It warned that cryptocurrencies could be a threat to the effectiveness of US sanctions. [Link]
- The Department of Justice tells the Supreme Court it will allow Abu Zabuydah – a Gitmo detainee – to testify to a Polish court about the torture he suffered. The DoJ says it will redact any of Zabuydah’s testimony that it believes will harm the US. [Link]
- US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad resigns from his post. His announcement came as the State Department was planning an investigation into the withdrawal from Afghanistan. [Link]
- The White House says the FBI is aiding in the effort to find kidnapped missionaries in Haiti. [Link]
Great Power
- After expelling eight Russian diplomats from its NATO office, Russia announced it was closing its mission to NATO and will close the NATO office in Russia. [Link]
- China denies it recently tested a hypersonic missile. [Link]
Iran
- Iran said that talks with the EU in Brussels could help to facilitate a return to indirect talks between the US and Iran in Vienna. The US said the Brussels talks were unnecessary. [Link]
- The EU says it will not engage in talks with Iran at Brussels this week. [Link]
- Iran will resume exports to Saudi Arabia. [Link]
- Iran and Venezuela are expected to sign a 20-year trade cooperation pact. [Link]
