Mideast News
Iran's Rouhani rejects resignation of foreign minister Zarif
President Rouhani says accepting Zarif's resignation would be 'against national interests'; Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani also expresses support of Zarif; the Iranian FM thanks Iranians for their support on Instagram.Reuters 10:06 , 27.02.19
Report: Trump aides ignored legal warnings in pushing Saudi Arabia reactor plan
US president's advisors fast-tracked proposed transfer of American nuclear technology to the Arab country in possible breach of the Atomic Energy Act, according to documents released by Democratic lawmakers.Reuters 09:02 , 20.02.19
Report: At least 27 Revolutionary Guard personnel killed in Iran bombing
Additional 20 people were reportedly wounded after a bus transporting Islamic Republic's elite paramilitary force was targeted in a suicide bombing in Iran's southeast; Jaish al Adl militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.Associated Press, Reuters 18:43 , 13.02.19
Iran unveils long-range cruise missile on revolution anniversary
Islamic Republic appears to have expanded its ballistic missiles program despite US opposition as a presentation of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 1,300 km marks the celebrations of 1979 revolution.Reuters 08:57 , 03.02.19
Trump warns Europeans not to try to evade Iran sanctions
White House officials say if the EU move to set up an alternative money payment channel to ease doing business with Iran would circumvent US sanctions, European countries will be subjected to stiff fines and penalties.Associated Press 08:42 , 28.01.19
Experts, images suggest a Saudi ballistic missile program
New evidence, which suggests Saudi Arabia is manufacturing ballistic missiles, might indicate that the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is doubling down on his promise to develop an atomic bomb if Iran continues its nuclear program.Associated Press 16:55 , 26.01.19
In Iran, parched land hollowed by water pumping is now sinking
After a 30-year drought and excessive pumping, officials warn that land subsidence poses a grave danger to a country where protests over water scarcity already have seen violence; even Netanyahu has offered help, but Iranian officials, unsurprisingly, turned him down.Associated Press 08:10 , 26.01.19
Gaza suffers from brain drain as young professionals look for better life
Almost half of the Palestinians who leave the Strip don't return, with many taking advantage of the permanent opening of the Rafah border crossing to get out via Egypt and search for a better life elsewhere.Elior Levy 23:32 , 18.01.19
Trump's envoys are telling Mideast leaders what they want to hear
Analysis: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton are covering the Middle East in a desperate attempt to separate fact from fiction and establish a consistent regional policy, while trying to local leaders' concerns.Reuters 19:24 , 10.01.19
Pompeo repudiates Obama Mideast policy, takes aim at Iran
Secretary of State believes the former US president purposely ignored the growth of Hezbollah in Lebanon to the detriment of Israel's security; says Mideast will never be stable as long as the Islamic Republic continues its 'malign activities' in the region.Associated Press 17:26 , 10.01.19
Netanyahu brands Erdogan 'anti-Semitic dictator' as verbal spat spirals
Row begins when Turkish president claims 'Jews in Israel' beat defenseless Palestinian people, while PM says he will not be lectured on morailty by someone 'whose army massacred women and children in Kurdish villages.'Itamar Eichner 10:04 , 23.12.18
Erdogan: Turkey plans military operation in Syria in a 'few days'
After Turkey intervened to sweep US-backed YPG Kurdish fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past 2 years, President Erdogan decide to launch an operation east of the river; 'Our target is never US soldiers,' Erdogan states.Reuters 15:28 , 12.12.18
Saudi textbooks overflowing with anti-Semitism
US President Donald Trump said he would keep his alliance with Saudi Arabia to 'ensure the interests of Israel,' but a new report reveals that Israel and the Jewish people are still demonized in the monarchy's official textbooks; 'Jewish occupation is plotting to destroy al-Aqsa.'Itamar Eichner 18:48 , 21.11.18
US offers $5 million for information on Hamas leader
State Department designates son of Iran-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah a terrorist and promises a multi-million dollar reward to those with details on location of several high-profile Palestinian and Lebanese terrorists.Reuters 09:19 , 14.11.18
Human Rights Watch: Palestinians crush dissent with torture
Both PA and Hamas security forces use 'machineries of repression,' including torture and arbitrary arrests, to stifle criticism, watchdog says in report, adding these practices could amount to crimes against humanity.Associated Press 13:37 , 23.10.18
Jordanians pressure King Abdullah to return lands to owners
Protesters in Jordan call on their government to return the territories that had been leased to Israel under the 1994 peace treaty; campaign featuring a countdown to the final day of decision spreads online; 80 MP's support King Abdullah's decision; A Jordanian citizen: ‘people here are really happy about this'; local farmer: 'we will have no choice but to leave.'Daniel Salami 23:09 , 21.10.18
Turkish police shoot driver near Israeli ambassador's residence
Police in Ankara shoot a tractor driver in the leg after he refuses to stop his vehicle and crashes into cars; the driver says he planned to hit the Israeli embassy in the Turkish capital; Israeli official: 'this has nothing to do with the embassy.'Associated Press, Reuters 17:34 , 16.10.18
Report: Russia gives S-300 to Syria for free
Russian news site TASS reports Moscow gave Damascus three S-300 anti-aircraft battalion sets, with 8 launchers and more than 100 surface-to-air guided missiles each; the systems were previously used by Russian air force battalion and went through repairs.Itay Blumenthal 21:52 , 08.10.18
Syria marks 45 years to 'crushing victory over Israel'
Over the weekend, Syria marks the anniversary of the Yom Kippur War with rallies and conferences; propaganda videos show retired military officers praising moves leading up to the 'triumph' over IAF, and the downing of 250 Israeli planes; Syrian Grand Mufti: 'We are determined to release lands and expel the Zionist invaders from the occupied Golan Heights.'Daniel Salami 19:41 , 08.10.18
Rocked by Trump's sanctions, Iranian oil exports drop further
Islamic Republic is feeling the effects of US punitive measures as country's crude exports fall far 'more significantly than previously foreseen', allowing Saudi Arabia, non-OPEC Russia and other producers to fill the gap.Reuters 16:00 , 08.10.18
Assad: 'Understanding' reached with Arab states
In his first interview with Gulf paper since 2011, Syrian president says as soon as civil war is over, Damascus will resume its pivotal role in the region and restore its ties with Arab states; Assad: Arab and Western delegations already begun visiting Syria to prepare for reopening of diplomatic missions.Associated Press 21:01 , 03.10.18
Beirut residents warned about a Hezbollah site in Whatsapp message
Thousands of Dahieh suburb locals receive mobile phone notifications warning them that Iranian-backed terror organization hides weapons storage compound in the area; messages advise Lebanese residents to 'proceed with caution'; Asharq al-Awsat newspaper implies Israel is responsible for incident.Daniel Salami 10:43 , 03.10.18
Russia releases footage of S-300 system transfer to Syria
After Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Russian President Putin the anti-aircraft missile system arrived in Syria, US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says move will cause 'serious escalation in concerns and issue going on in Syria.'Ynet 10:10 , 03.10.18
Russia delivers S-300 system to Syria
Defense Minister Shoigu says supply of anti-aircraft missile system to Assad's military was completed on Monday, and it will take three months to train Syrian personnel to operate it; Moscow's move comes in response to downing of Russian spy plane, which, according to Kremlin, IDF bears responsibility for.Ynet and agencies 20:50 , 02.10.18
Mattis: Number of US diplomats in Syria doubled
US defense secretary says number of State Department employees and personnel involved in humanitarian assistance has increased since ISIS fighters near military defeat in region; 'We will see the diplomatic effort now able to take root.'Reuters 18:44 , 02.10.18
Syrian rebel group won't abandon front lines in province
After Russia and Turkey agree to set up a demilitarized zone to avert offensive by Syrian forces, Failaq al-Sham rebel group says 'We will leave in this buffer area all what is needed to repel any treason or aggression.'Associated Press 23:16 , 30.09.18
US pushes forward with plans for anti-Iran Arab alliance
Trump administration proposes establishing 'Arab NATO' in order to isolate Iran in Middle East as Secretary of State Pompeo meets with leaders of Gulf states, as well as Egypt and Jordan, to advance issue; Qatar stalls the project, says crisis among Gulf countries should be solved first.Associated Press 15:15 , 29.09.18
Image of IDF soldiers posted on billboard in Iran
The picture of the soldiers appeared on a street sign in the city of Shiraz, as part of a week of remembrance for those who died in the Iran-Iraq war; The sign was removed immediately after the embarrassing mistake was exposed.Daniel Salami 14:46 , 27.09.18
Trump: US to pursue additional sanctions against Iran
At a UN Security Council meeting, the US president said Washington would make sure that Iran, the 'world's leading sponsor of terror', which fuels 'conflict around the region and far beyond,' will never be able to acquire nuclear weapons; warned that sanctions against Iran would be 'tougher than ever before.'Ynet 09:57 , 27.09.18
Iran warns Israel and US of revenge after parade attack
Deputy head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards issues direct threat to Israeli and American government, warning them of a 'devastating' retaliation for deadly shooting attack; Islamic republic believes perpetrators were trained by Israel and funded by United States.Reuters 10:10 , 24.09.18
Revolutionary Guards threaten to avenge parade attack
Iran's elite military unit promises 'deadly and unforgettable' retaliation for deadly shooting attack during military parade which killed 25 people, half of whom were their comrades; Islamic republic blames agents of Gulf Arab states, who were trained by US and Israel, of perpetrating action; Islamic State's Amaq agency postes a video of three alleged assailants.Reuters 23:53 , 23.09.18
Iran's leader blames US allies for military parade attack
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accuses agents of Gulf Arab states, who were trained by United States and Israel, of carrying out a rare terror attack in which 25 people, most of whom members of country's Revolutionary Guards, were killed.Reuters 20:56 , 22.09.18
29 killed, over 60 wounded in shooting attack in Iran
Arab Media describes assailants of military parade in the southwest Iranian city of Ahvaz as 'Takifiri gunmen,' term used for ISIS; FM Zarif says 'Iran will respond swiftly and decisively in defense of Iranian lives'; There was no immediate claim of responsibility.Associated Press, Reuters and Daniel Salami 11:49 , 22.09.18
Iran launches air maneuvers near strategic Strait of Hormuz
Drill, intended to serve as warning against enemies that attacks will be met with 'stern response', involves army's and Revolutionary Guard fighter jets including US-made F-4, French Mirage and Russian Sukhoi-22 planes.Associated Press and Reuters 16:15 , 21.09.18
More Mideast News
Hezbollah leader says group will stay in Syria until further notice
Hassan Nasrallah tells crowds on televised speech in Beirut that his terror group will remain in Syria even after Idlib settlement, emphasizing his organization's presence will depend on 'consent of the Syrian leadership.'Reuters 09:33 , 20.09.18
Syria criticizes UN's investigation of war crimes
Syria's UN ambassador Bashar Ja'afari calls UN investigative body assisting in investigation of possible war crimes committed by Assad 'destructive', saying Syria is independently capable of achieving justice and accountability.Associated Press 18:40 , 15.09.18
Nasrallah bursts into tears in front of thousands
Addressing thousands near Beirut, secretary-general of Hezbollah terror movement breaks down as he urges Shi'ite Muslims to refrain from cutting faces of their children during Ashura mourning period to repent for their sins.Daniel Salami 23:46 , 13.09.18
UN war crimes team documents further Syrian govt. use of banned chlorine
Chlorine gas used against rebels 3 times in Ghouta, Idlib this year bringing to 39 the number of chemical attacks documented since 2013, including 33 attributed to Assad's government, perpetrators of the remaining 6 have not been sufficiently identified.Reuters and Associated Press 19:01 , 12.09.18
Report: Iran has 3,000-4,000 working centrifuges
Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says number of active centrifuges Islamic Republic currently has at its disposal is still within limit allowed under its nuclear deal with world powers, which allows Iran to operate up to 5,060 first-generation centrifuges at its Natanz plant and 1,044 at its Fordow plant.Reuters 12:20 , 12.09.18
Erdogan: Attack on Syria's Idlib would cause humanitarian disaster
After Russian and Syrian warplanes resumed bombing in Idlib, Turkey's president calls upon the international community to take action, warning 'entire world stands to pay the price,' as cited by the Wall Street Journal.Reuters 08:43 , 11.09.18
US officials: Assad approved use of chemical weapons in Idlib
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that in last 72 hours 1,060 Russian and Syrian air and ground strikes have pounded rebel-held stronghold where residents are preparing for a possible chemical weapons attack.Daniel Salami and Reuters 16:03 , 10.09.18
Iran assumes responsibility for attack on Kurdish dissidents
Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) says at least 11 killed, 50 wounded in Fateh 110 short-range missile attack; Iran's Khamenei urges Iran's armed forces to increase their power to 'scare off' enemy.Associated Press, Reuters and Daniel Salami 20:39 , 09.09.18
Russian and Syrian jets pound Idlib after summit
The battle for the last province held by the rebels in Syria continues; fighter jets drop explosive barrels on residential buildings in dozen air strikes, killing at least three people; jets strike just a day after the presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia failed to agree on a ceasefire that would forestall a Russian-backed offensive.Reuters, Ynet 15:07 , 08.09.18
Iraqi protesters set fire to Iran consulate
Angry protesters storm the Iranian consulate in southern Iraq, setting a fire inside amid a wave of demonstrations that have turned deadly in the past few days; demonstrators held two Iraqi employees hostage at a nearby oilfield; 12 protesters have died in clashes with security forces since Monday.Reuters 09:15 , 08.09.18
Russia: Syria's 'peaceful population' is safe
After confirming reports it has struck in Idlib, Russia says it refrains from attacking residential areas; however, according to Syrian reports, 13 civilians are killed, with 6 of them being children; Turkish President Erdogan warns attack on Idlib would result in 'massacre.'New agencies, Ynet 21:30 , 05.09.18
Report: Iranian civil airline suspected of smuggling weapons to Lebanon
Western intelligence officials told Fox News that Iran's Fars Air Qeshm was detected conducting its flights following irregular flight routes, allegedly meant to avoid detection; 'The Iranians are trying to come up with new ways and routes to smuggle weapons from Iran to its allies in the Mideast.'Ynet 09:23 , 04.09.18
Assad to Iranian FM: 'West has failed'
Syria's President meets Iranian foreign minister Zarif in light of growing tension in region; the two discuss upcoming summit with Russia, Iran and Turkey, and agree that 'pressures exerted by some Western governments will not deter both countries.'Daniel Salami 21:28 , 03.09.18
Rights group says Syria strike kills 8 pro-regime fighters
Four Syrians, one Iranian national and three non-Syrian fighters among casualties in attack carried out Saturday night near Al-Tanf base; Syrian observatory group says unclear whether attack was launched by US-led coalition forces.AFP 12:27 , 03.09.18
Iran foreign minister arrives in Damascus for talks
Week after joint defense pact signed between two countries, Mohammad Javad Zarif visits Syria as Assad forces prepare for a phased Iranian-backed offensive in northwestern province of Idlib; 'Iran ... will continue its advisory help as long as the Syrian gov't wants,' spokesman says.Reuters 11:37 , 03.09.18
Jordanian FM: US cut of UNRWA funding fuels radicalism
Home to More than 2 million registered Palestinians, including 370,000 in 10 refugee camps, Jordan warns of 'extremely dangerous humanitarian, political and security implications for refugees and for the whole region' in light of US UNRWA cuts.Reuters 23:40 , 01.09.18
US halts funding to UN agency aiding Palestinians
US State Department cuts financial aid to UNRWA by nearly $300 million, putting an end to decades of support; The move further intensifies tensions between the Palestinians and the Trump administration; Abbas: 'This is a flagrant assault against the Palestinian people and a defiance of UN resolutions.'Reuters, Ynet 09:35 , 01.09.18
Report: US to end all funding to UNRWA
Announcement expected to be made within coming weeks as Trump administration calls for Palestinian refugee aid organization to implement reforms, reduce number of registered refugees, thereby removing stumbling block in peace negotiations calling for 'right of return' of descendants of 1948 Palestinian refugees.Ynet 09:40 , 31.08.18
Khamenei says Europe cannot save nuclear deal
The supreme leader of Iran questions European countries' ability to save the 2015 nuclear deal after US exit, and says Iran will not speak to 'indecent' US officials; Meanwhile Iran's government is under pressure as economic problems mount.Reuters 17:30 , 29.08.18
Khamenei tells Rouhani, ministers, to solve Iran's economic problems
Iranian lawmakers launch impeachment proceedings against the education minister, following dismissals of finance and labor ministers over government's handling of the economy following new US sanctions; 'officials should work hard day and night to resolve the problems,' ayatollah says.Reuters 14:11 , 29.08.18
Iran-based political influence operation: bigger, persistent, global
After Facebook and other companies found multiple social media accounts and websites were part of an Iranian project to covertly influence public opinion in other countries, Reuters identifies 10 more sites and dozens of social media accounts that are part of the same campaign.Reuters 10:18 , 29.08.18
Iran: axis of resistance ready against any attack on Syria
After Islamic Republic signs military cooperation deal with Syria, Defense Minister Amir Hatami tells Al Mayadeen that Netanyahu's threats against Iran are 'far from reality', says no other country has right to opine on Iranian presence in Syria.Daniel Salami 21:16 , 27.08.18
IRGC Navy head: Iran has full control of Gulf and Strait of Hormuz
Following Iranian threats to block the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, in retaliation for any hostile US action, head of the Revolutionary Guards navy says the Islamic Republic now fully controls the passage.Reuters 12:51 , 27.08.18
Iran and Syria sign deal for military cooperation
Defense ministers from the two countries meet in Damascus to sign military deal, with no details immediately available; Syrian official says visit is response to Israeli and American demands to remove Iranian forces from Syria.Reuters, Daniel Salami 10:37 , 27.08.18
Iran says 'no third party' will limit its support of Syria
After Israel expressed concern over Iran's growing influence, Iran's Defense Minister Amir Hatami says he hopes Iran can play a 'productive role' in Syria's reconstruction during two-day visit to war-torn country where he meets with President Assad.Associated Press 20:32 , 26.08.18
Fatah leaders arm themselves ahead of Abbas's possible departure
It is reported that senior PA officials such as Jibril Rajoub and the head of Palestinian General Intelligence Service, started to affiliate themselves with armed gangs in the West Bank to wield leverage in case battle over position of next PA leader turns violent; Two possible scenarios—establishment of several centers of power without a centralized leader, or chaos that would benefit Hamas.Elior Levy 10:17 , 23.08.18
ISIS chief, in rare speech, urges followers to persevere
Following a string of military defeats across Iraq and Syria, terror group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, releases an audio message defying reports of his apparent death; 'For the Mujahideen the scale of victory or defeat is not dependant who has aerial superiority, intercontinental missiles or smart bombs.'Reuters 23:10 , 22.08.18
Trump adviser Bolton: Russia 'stuck' in Syria, Iran must leave
While Russian President Putin told US he could not force the Iranians to leave Syria, 'he also told us that his interest and Iran's were not exactly the same,' US national security advisor says, adding prerequisite for US help in resolving Syria crisis is Iranian withdrawal from country.Reuters 08:45 , 22.08.18
Muslims at haj blame Arab disunity for Jerusalem embassy move
'If the Arabs were united, nobody would have dared make such a move,' says one Yemini pilgrim near Mecca, while others accused Saudi Arabia of surrendering Palestinian rights for the sake of alliance with Trump and his tough stand on Iran.Reuters 21:35 , 20.08.18
Over 2 million Muslims begin annual hajj pilgrimage
Five-day hajj pilgrimage begins at first light Sunday in Mecca; Saudi Arabia's ruling Al Saud family spends billions of dollars every year on security and safety measures after deadly stampede in 2015 in Mina and amid threats by terror groups.Associated Press 14:01 , 19.08.18
Russia to help UN with patrols along Syria-Israel frontier
Following return of UN peacekeepers to the frontier between Syria and Israel for the first time in years, Russian military announces intention to assist them until UN patrols along the border are fully restored; 'The Russian flag is the guarantor of peace and security on that land.'Associated Press 19:51 , 14.08.18
Damascus: Syria's first lady starts breast cancer treatment
Asma, mother of 3, said to have discovered an early stage tumor; Bashar Assad posted a Facebook photo of the couple sitting in a hospital room with an IV in wife's left arm; Cancer is generally considered taboo in Arab world.Associated Press 20:23 , 08.08.18
Behind the scenes of the Gaza ceasefire talks
The unpleasant reception by the Egyptians at the Rafah border crossing, the prominent Hamas figures visiting Gaza for the first time, the strict compartmentalization of discussions, and what did Abbas do when he found himself pushed aside? All of the details on the discussions in Hamas over the proposed ceasefire agreement with Israel.Elior Levy 14:47 , 05.08.18
Report: Syrian scientist involved in Iranian missile program assassinated
Dr. Aziz Asber, head of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center in Masyaf, killed in car bomb with his driver, just minutes after leaving his home; he was involved in Syria's chemical weapons development as well as in the Iranian Fateh missiles program and was considered close to Assad.Daniel Salami 08:09 , 05.08.18
Assad army gains full control of Syria-Jordan-Israel border area
Syrian army and its allies recapture the Yarmouk Basin, the last embattled pocket of the southwest, leaving the rebels largely confined to a stretch of territory in the northwest; 1,000-1,500 ISIS fighters surrender after intensive Russian bombing.Reuters 20:17 , 31.07.18
ISIS abducts 36 Druze women, children in Syria
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 20 women and 16 children were kidnapped during suicide attacks carried out by the terror group last week in which 250 people were killed; attacks came against a backdrop of military successes scored by Assad.Liad Osmo, AFP 16:20 , 30.07.18
As some 'White Helmets' escaped Syria, most were left behind
Only about 100 White Helmets and 300 family members were spirited out of Syria, leaving some 400 in the war-torn country; Daman Ayed and his family were among those who had to stay; 'Our fate is worse than that of army defectors,' Ayed says.Reuters 14:27 , 28.07.18
Syrian media: Druze minority targeted in suicide bombings that kill more than 100 people
As Assad's forces battle the ISIS-linked group near the frontier with Israeli Golan Heights and southern Syria, a series of Islamic State orchestrated suicide bombings rocked the area killing 38 people; The deadliest attack occurred in the city of Sweiba, a provincial capital populated by Syria's minority Druze.Associated Press 14:54 , 25.07.18
For trapped Syrian rescuers, an elaborately planned escape
Details on Israeli rescue mission of 421 people from Syria, consisting of 98 White Helmet activists and their families, begin to emerge, uncovering a fascinating tale of the 'nail-biting trip'; additional 400 people also meant to be pulled out were stopped by advancing Syrian forces; 'It was a Hail Mary operation,' says person familiar with the evacuation.Associated Press 09:32 , 24.07.18
European Investment Bank casts doubt on EU plan to salvage nuclear deal
Despite President Trump's May 8 withdrawal from Iran deal, leaders in Europe say they are determined to to keep the deal alive; However European Investment Bank President says investing in Iran is a big risk which may not pay off; 'There is no European bank which is presently able to do business in and with Iran.'Reuters 23:58 , 18.07.18
HRW: Lebanon must investigate torture claims by actor falsely accused of being Israeli spy
Watchdog says it’s ‘disturbing’ that no investigation has been launched into accusations that Ziad Itani, who has now been released, was held incommunicado, forced to confess under duress and threatened with rape and physical violence against his family.Associated Press 14:58 , 17.07.18
Iran: If Trump wants to talk, he'll have to call
Week after US president says ‘at a certain point (Iran's) going to call me and say “let's make a deal,’” FM spokesman Barham Ghasemi appears to make overtures, saying 'maybe someday he will call Tehran and ask for negotiations—this is more likely.'Associated Press 21:48 , 16.07.18
Technical glitch stops Iran’s Quds Force chief addressing Gazans
Hamas blames Israel for technical failure canceling live broadcast by Qasem Soleimani to Gazans during ‘Wet Gunpowder Festival’, while Gaza’s Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar fails to show up, citing security risks.Elior Levy, Daniel Salami, Matan Tzuri 20:49 , 16.07.18
