Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Middle East

Iran, Syria to sign free trade agreement soon

Tehran and Damascus will sign a free trade deal in late November in Syrian capital, according to the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of Iran. The report says, Iran will also implement trade agreements with Pakistan, Indonesia and Venezuela in the near future.

Bahrainis call for release of political prisoners after death of ex-inmate

Bahraini protesters have staged nationwide demonstrations to urge Manama to free political prisoners. The rally comes following the death of a former detainee over medical complications he sustained during imprisonment.

Israel to send envoy to US over outlawing Palestinian rights groups

An Israeli envoy will visit Washington to justify the recent decision by Tel Aviv to designate six Palestinian human rights organizations as “terrorists”.

Lebanon judge charges dozens over deadly Beirut clashes

A Lebanese judge has charged 68 people for the recent fatal unrest in Beirut. Seven people were killed and dozens more wounded in clashes, said to be the worst street violence in years in Lebanon.

Tehran to Host Forum on Afghanistan

Tehran is to host a conference on Afghanistan aimed at promoting cooperation and synergy among its neighbouring countries.

Qatar frustrated with US over drone purchase request

Doha has voiced its frustration with Washington over the lack of response to a request for the purchase of advanced drones from the United States.

US says senior al Qaeda leader killed in Syria

The United States has announced a senior al Qaeda leader was killed in an air raid in the Syrian province of Raqqa. Washington claims its military operations against al Qaeda in Syria have increased in the recent months. Damascus wants all US troops out of Syria.

Iran urges UN to hold Zionist regime accountable for its inhumane acts

Iran’s representative at the Political and Decolonization Committee of the UN General Assembly has condemned Israel’s threats and called on the international community to hold the regime to account over its inhumane acts.

Turkey says likely to deploy heavy weapons in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Ankara will deploy heavy weaponry in the Syrian territory against Damascus if necessary. The Syrian government has repeatedly condemned Turkey's illegal military deployment in its northern regions.

Report: US raises Saudi-Israel normalization with MbS

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has raised the possibility of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel during the last month meeting with crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), American and Saudi sources told Axios.

UN: 10k children killed or maimed in Yemen war

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported at least 10,000 children have been killed or maimed in Saudi-led Yemen war. The body also announced four out of every five kids need humanitarian assistance in the war-ravaged country.

Bagheri: Iran, Russia to help enhance regional security

The chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces says Iran and Russia have reached an agreement to take measures to enhance regional security and stability.

Over a dozen killed in Damascus twin blasts

More than a dozen people have been killed after two explosive devices detonated under a bridge in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday. The explosions hit a bus carrying Syria’s military personnel.

Iran: Israel’s crimes should not go unpunished

Iran’s permanent ambassador to the United Naitons Majid Takht Ravanchi has said the Zionist regime must be held accountable for violating international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territories and such crimes should not go unpunished.

Senior Iranian diplomat calls for eradication of terrorism in Syria

A senior advisor to Iran’s foreign minister has called for the eradication of terrorism in Syria and the return of Syrian refugees to their home.

US’ Lebanon Plot Failing: Top Iran Cmdr.

A senior Iranian military commander says the United States has incurred defeat in its recent conspiracy for Lebanon.

Iran President Calls for Unity in Muslim World

The Iranian president has urged Muslim nations to remain united and refrain from divisions.

Ankara summons 10 envoys over Turkish businessman detention

Ankara has summoned the ambassadors of 10 countries, including the United States, Germany, France and Canada, over a joint statement criticizing Turkey’s compliance with ‘democracy’.

Nasrallah: Hezbollah has 100k armed fighters

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has declared the movement has 100,000 armed, trained, and experienced fighters to defend Lebanon.

Expert: Yemen, Iran nuclear program, keys to Tehran-Riyadh ties

A Tehran-based university professor and researcher says to achieve peace in Iran-Saudi Arabia relations, it is necessary for the two countries to reach an agreement on the war in Yemen and Iran's nuclear program.

Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State, dies of Covid

Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, has died from coronavirus complications. He had pushed faulty intelligence before the United Nations (UN) to advocate for the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Several injured in Kuwait oil refinery fire

A massive fire broke out Monday at an oil refinery in Kuwait. The blaze has wounded several workers. Export operations were not affected.

Report: Newcastle new chief involved in Saudi “anti-corruption” campaign

Newcastle new chairman has been involved in the transfer of assets on behalf of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) during the kingdom purge in 2017, according to newly revealed court documents.

Assad: Afghanistan exit shows US, allies declining role

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan points to the decreasing role of Washington and its allies in the region.

Israeli commander: Hezbollah to launch 2,500 missiles a day in war

An Israeli military commander believes Hezbollah can fire at least 2,500 rockets towards Israel each day in case of a war. He, meanwhile, stresses Tel Aviv does not want a war with Hezbollah.

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