Friday, January 16, 2026

Middle East

Pompeo defends Saudi Arabia despite Khashoggi murder: Book

Publishing a new book, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threw his full support for Riyadh, despite the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has been widely blamed on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Lebanon ex-PM, 2 former ministers charged in Beirut blast probe

The judge investigating the 2020 Beirut port explosion has charged Lebanon’s then-Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, and two former ministers with homicide with probable intent, according to a court summons seen by the Reuters news agency.

US, Israel kick off large military drills “in a clear message to Iran”

The US and Israel launched their largest joint military exercise ever on Monday, sending what they call a clear signal to Iran. Tehran has repeatedly warned that any mistake by the US and Israel will be met with a crushing response.

Israeli firms to stage strike against Netanyahu’s ‘judicial overhaul’

At least 130 Israeli high-tech companies and startups have announced that they will stage warning strike to protest plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new cabinet to "overhaul" the judicial system and weaken the Supreme Court.

Erdogan says Turkish elections to be held a month earlier than scheduled

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Turkey will hold elections on 14 May, one month earlier than scheduled.

Building collapse in Syria leaves 15 dead

A five-story residential building collapsed in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday, killing at least 15 people, including five children.

Tens of thousands rally in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s extremist cabinet

Tens of thousands of protesters have held a fresh rally in Tel Aviv against controversial judicial reforms planned by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian man shot dead by Israeli soldiers in West Bank

A Palestinian man has been shot dead by the Israeli army in the West Bank. This has taken the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army this month to 18, including four children.

Saudi Arabia says normalization with Israel to benefit region, urges Palestine state

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud says normalizing ties with Israel is in the interest of the whole region. He however noted prior to that, Palestinians should be given their “state.”

CENTCOM confirms drones attack US base in Syria

The US Military's Central Command has confirmed that one of the country's bases in a strategic southern Syrian region has come under drone attacks.

Hezbollah chief says US pursuing maximum pressure against opponents in ME

Secretary General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said the United States is pursuing the policy of maximum pressure and sanctions against its opponents in the Middle East region.

Iraq stadium stampede leaves two dead, dozens injured

Two people were killed and 80 more injured in a stampede ahead of a soccer match in the Iraqi city of Basra on Thursday. The stampede took place near the Jaza’a Al Nakhla Stadium, where Iraq and Oman were set to play in the Persian Gulf Cup final.

Israeli army kills 2 Palestinians in West Bank

Israeli military forces have shot dead two Palestinians during a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in northern West Bank. It brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire so far in 2023 to 17.

Saudi Arabia calls for ending Yemen war via negotiations

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has said progress was being made towards ending the Yemen war, in which Riyadh leads a military coalition. But, he stated more work was needed, including reinstating a truce and transitioning to a permanent ceasefire.

Saudi FM says Riyadh trying to ease tensions with Tehran

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has stated that Riyadh is trying to find a path to dialog with Iran as the best way to resolve differences amid a diplomatic process between the two neighbors aimed at mending strained ties.

Hezbollah chief says US blocking Iranian energy offers in Lebanon

Hezbollah's leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says the United States is preventing Lebanon from taking free fuel from Iran even as his country is suffering from power outages.

Syria condemns US sanctions on its health sector

The Syrian foreign ministry has condemned the United States for targeting its health sector with unilateral sanctions. Damascus has called for urgent international actions and stressed that the fresh “inhumane measures” fall within the context of Washington’s cruel and unethical blockade against the Syrian nation.

Palestinian teen succumbs to wounds sustained from Israeli gunfire

A Palestinian teenager has succumbed to his wounds hours after being shot by the Israeli military forces during a raid south of the central West Bank city of Bethlehem.

Iraqi PM supports open-ended US troop presence, citing Daesh threat

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani defended the presence of US forces in the country setting no timetable for their withdrawal.

Poll shows over 50% of people living in occupied Palestinian territories fearful for Israel future

A new survey shows optimism about the future of Israel is rapidly on the decline amid political infighting among top officials in Tel Aviv.

Yemen warns thousands with kidney failure facing health risks

Yemen's Ministry of Health has warned the lives of more than 5,000 patients with rental failure are at risk due to the years-long Saudi blockade and war against the nation.

Israelis rally in Tel Aviv against ‘Netanyahu’s government of shame’

Tens of thousands of people protested in central Tel Aviv Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new far-right government.

Iran FM to Syrian president: Tehran to continue support for Syria

The Iranian foreign minister, in a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, reaffirmed Tehran’s support for Syria, stressing that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers Syria’s security and progress as its own.

2 young Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in West Bank

Israeli military forces have shot dead two young Palestinians during a raid on a village near the city of Jenin in northern West Bank. It comes hours after another young Palestinian died from injuries sustained in Israeli soldiers’ incursion into the occupied territory.

White House to ask Congress to approve F-16 sales to Turkey

The administration of President Joe Biden plans to ask Congress to approve a $20bn sale of new F-16 jets to Turkey, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

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