Brazilian president slams U.S. Tariffs, vows to protect economy

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday that his administration is working to protect the country's economy, businesses, and workers in response to the recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. The Brazilian president also said that the Latin American country has always been open to dialogue with the United States.

Lula condemned the U.S. tariff measures as unjustified and politically motivated, calling them a violation of Brazil’s sovereignty.

The president warned that if the proposed U.S. tariffs take effect, Brazil will consider retaliatory tariffs on certain American goods.

The trade dispute between the two countries escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, imposing an additional 40 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports starting August 6. While certain products, such as Brazilian aircraft, nuts, orange juice, and some metals, were exempted, the move will raise tariffs on most Brazilian goods entering the United States to 50 percent.

Iraqi citizens held a peaceful demonstration at Liberation Square in the capital Baghdad Saturday afternoon to protest against the five-week-long joint attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.

They demanded that the U.S. and Israel immediately cease military strikes against Iran and opposed the United States' long-term military presence in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, security force bases in many parts of Iraq including those of the Popular Mobilization Forces, have been frequently targeted by airstrikes.

The Popular Mobilization Forces have issued multiple statements identifying the U.S. and Israel as the perpetrators of these attacks.