4 January: The White House has dismissed belicose statements from Iranian miliatry officials, including a warning to keep a US aircraft carrier away from the Gulf. White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters “Iran is isolated and is seeking to divert

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.