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PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP ordered “hard-hitting” financial sanctions on Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holding him “ultimately responsible” for the Islamic republic’s “destabilising activities”.
“We will continue to increase pressure on Tehran,” Trump said as he signed the order in the Oval Office. “Never can Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
“We do not ask for conflict,” he said, adding that depending on Iran’s response the sanctions could end tomorrow — or it “can also be years from now.”
Tensions have flared after Iranian forces shot down a US drone on Thursday, the latest in a series of incidents including attacks on tankers in sensitive Gulf waters that have raised fears of an unintended slide towards conflict.
Both the US and Iran have repeatedly said they want to avoid going to war, but the spiralling tensions saw US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo travel today to meet with Saudi leaders to build a “global coalition” against the Islamic republic.
Tehran says the drone violated Iranian airspace and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has backed the claim with maps and coordinates — allegations dismissed by Washington.
Pompeo flew to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to meet their leaders days after Iran shot down a US spy drone, prompting President Donald Trump to order and then cancel a retaliatory strike.
In a joint statement, the United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates renewed concern about Iran including over alleged attacks on oil tankers but held out hope for talks.
“We call on Iran to halt any further actions which threaten regional stability, and urge diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions,” said the statement released by the United States on Monday.
Trump has said he wants negotiations with Iran, which has replied that he is insincere after walking away from an earlier denuclearisation deal and slapping punishing sanctions.
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They realised they were in Roscommon
@Brian Buckley: yeah. Seems the idea of being on Roscommon is so unappealing that they’re not even having the talk about it anywhere near Roscommon. They’re going to Kilkenny instead.
What about water charges. USC and property taxes !
Roscommon is a beautiful county with plenty to see and do. People should visit and see for themselves before judging.
@Roisin Carty: what is to see and do?
@Roisin Carty:yea, theres the field, the holy stone of clonrichert, the very dark caves….
@Roisin Carty: I love lough key forest park, there’s a zip wire network set up there that’s so much fun, spend the day on the ‘assault’ courses and I tried the Boda Borg thing before too (think Chrystal Maze puzzle rooms) and the grounds themselves are beautiful. Looks like visiting rindoon is now on my list of places to visit
@Roisin Carty: I was in Westport last week and headed for Donegal. Missed a turn and ended up in Roscommon. It was grim to say the least.
Tulsk reminded me of the village in the League of Gentlemen, Royston Vasey.
“the local land owner is supportive of the extensive conservation work”
Nice to see.
Must go for a look.
Was it because of poor broadband coverage ?
This would make an excellent Time Team episode
@Daniel Wilson: Nah, they would have to discuss the English policy here that lasted for centuries were the homeless Irish were killed because they were homeless, ethnic cleansing for travellers and the homeless.
Probably abandoned due to delays in the Shannon drainage scheme.
Because they all headed to Galway
@David Cloherty: on a stag. Shop street has them now.
@David Cloherty: To Hell or to Galway lol.
High unemployment?
St John’s Primeval Natural Oak Woodland( the only one in the country ) is beside it so there ! So get down there before it all goes belly up from Leo’s “republic of opportunity ” the race to the bottom etc
Must have been lost first day,wouldnt visit there at gunpoint
what is so unusual about a deserted Irish village,most of them are.!!!!
have your say