EU requests corporate disclosures on US investment plans ahead of trade talks

The European Commission has asked industry representatives to disclose their prospective spending plans in the United States as the European Union (EU) pushes forward with transatlantic trade negotiations with Washington, according to recent media reports.

In preparation for the talks, members of BusinessEurope -- an alliance of 42 industry federations across the bloc -- received a survey from the European Commission requesting details on upcoming investments in the United States.

A similar request, asking for five-year investment plans, was also sent to the European Round Table for Industry.

According to the reports, BusinessEurope confirmed receiving the request, while the European Round Table for Industry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The European Commission also declined to comment.

Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump walked back his threat to impose 50 percent tariffs on goods from the EU starting June 1, following what he described as "a very nice call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

On Tuesday, Trump described the EU's decision to initiate talks as a positive development and expressed hope that Europe would "open up" to trade with the United States. However, he reiterated his threat to impose trade terms if no agreement is reached.

EU requests corporate disclosures on US investment plans ahead of trade talks

EU requests corporate disclosures on US investment plans ahead of trade talks

EU requests corporate disclosures on US investment plans ahead of trade talks

EU requests corporate disclosures on US investment plans ahead of trade talks

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked