Biden-Putin First Call

US President Joe Biden held his first call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki said the counterparts discussed several issues, including the New START nuclear treaty, the recent massive cyberattack, and Alexei Navalny poisoning.

US Commerce Department Plans

US President Joe Biden’s pick of Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, said she intends to be “very aggressive” in fighting China’s trade practices. She added that the Commerce Department needs to “play offense” against China by doing more to promote US technology. Raimondo also pledged to help the US economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iran Responds to Israel Threats

Director of Iranian presidency office Mahmoud Vaezi said that Israel "must realize" that the former Trump era is over and that it no longer has influence over US decisions. Responding to earlier statements made by IDF Chief of Staff about a strike on Iran's nuclear program, Vaezi said, "Israel's threats are part of a worthless psychological war."

Tunisia Cabinet Reshuffle

The Tunisian parliament approved a cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, increasing conflict between the prime minister and president. Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi announced 11 new ministers. The country has been witnessing large protests since the beginning of the month over social inequality and police abuses.