Middle East

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.

UN: Syrian govt., opposition agree to begin drafting constitution

The Syrian government and opposition groups have agreed to start drafting a new constitution, the United Nations (UN) says. The drafting committee is comprised of 45 members from the Syrian government, opposition, and civil societies.

Turkey says in talks with US on purchase of F-16s

The United States has offered selling F-16 aircraft to Turkey in return for its investment in the F-35 programme, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says. Ankara was kicked out of the program after acquiring Russian S-400 missile defence systems.

Damascus: Israel assassinates ex-Syrian lawmaker

Israel has reportedly assassinated a former Syrian MP by gunfire in the Golan Heights. Midhat al-Saleh had spent 12 years in an Israeli jail.

Turkey threatens new military operation in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised the specter of a fresh military operation ‘against Kurdish troops’ in Syria. Ankara’s warning follows the killing of two Turkish special force police in a rocket attack in the war-torn country.

Lebanon arrests more people following bloody Beirut events

The Lebanese security service arrested several more people for their involvement in the recent bloody events in Beirut. On Thursday, armed confrontations took place in the streets of the capital which left seven people dead and dozens injured.

Lebanon army detains nine people following Beirut clashes

The Lebanese army has announced the arrest of nine people in relation to the deadly unrest in Beirut on Thursday. Lebanese President Michel Aoun has vowed people who were responsible for the violence would be held accountable. The chaos was the worst street violence over a decade in which six people were killed and dozens more injured.

Saudi FM says Riyadh-Tehran talks ‘cordial’

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud says talks with Iran have been “cordial”, and described the negotiations between the two countries as “exploratory”. Tehran and Riyadh are showing signs of warming relations after four rounds of talks.

Iran: Lebanon along with resistance to overcome seditions rooted in Zionist regime

The Islamic Republic of Iran has condemned the recent killing of the protestors in Lebanon, saying Tehran believes Lebanese government, people and army along with the resistance movement will overcome the seditions and conspiracies that have their roots in the Zionist regime.

HRW says Saudi takeover of Newcastle aimed at sportswashing

Human rights groups have strongly criticized the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United club. They have accused the monarchy of "sportswashing" to improve its damaged global image.

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