Mideast News
Iraqi Shiite militia groups organize a military parade as part of the World Quds Day events in Baghdad
Tehran seeks comeback in Syria through Iraqi training camps
Syrian defectors are regrouping in Iranian-supervised camps in Iraq as Tehran scrambles to retain military and political influence amid regional power shifts
Hudhaifa Ebrahim/ The Media Line | 21:09 | 04.29.25
תיעוד הפיצוץ במפעל בעיר איספהאן
Chemical factory blast in Isfahan adds to Iran’s woes after port disaster
Three days after the massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port killed 70 and injured over 1,000, another blast at a chemical facility in Isfahan leaves one dead and two injured, raising questions about negligence and potential sabotage
Lior Ben Ari, Itamar Eichner | 15:48 | 04.29.25
צילום לוויין של זירת פיצוץ ב נמל בנדרק עבאס איראן
Craters reveal power of massive blast at Iranian port
Satellite images reveal extend of damage after the explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas where death toll rises and over 1,000 reported injured; investigations are underway to determine the cause, suspected to involve hazardous chemicals
Lior Ben Ari | 13:09 | 04.29.25
דונלד טראמפ עלי חמינאי
Iran proposes meeting with Europeans before next talks with US, diplomats say
With US unable to trigger mechanism to reimpose sanctions at UN Security Council, E3 remain only participants in deal capable of and interested in pursuing snapback
Reuters | 07:51 | 04.29.25
ילד בהפגנה של חות'ים החות'ים צנעא תימן 18 באפריל
'Our children vanished': Houthis open 'summer recruitment camps' amid U.S. bombing campaign
Yemeni rebels reopened camps to indoctrinate children, using American strikes to promote their narrative of resistance against the West and Israel, despite reports of declining enrollment due to fears of abuse and abductions
Lior Ben Ari | 22:38 | 04.28.25
דיווחים ב סוריה שרידי גופתו של חאפז אל-אסד הוצאו מקברו
Former Syrian dictator Hafez Assad's remains reportedly exhumed
It is not clear who took the bones of the former Syrian president, but speculation suggests that it may have been supporters of the Assad family who wanted to save the remains after repeated attacks; In December, after the rebel coup and the end of Bashar Assad's rule, the tomb complex was set on fire.
Lior Ben Ari | 13:22 | 04.28.25
Benjamin Netanyahu, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani
Qatar says it hired a US firm to counter bad PR in Israel
Qatar’s prime minister says his country worked with a US firm to counter campaigns against it in Israel, saying that 'Qatargate' is actually 'politically motivated media propaganda'; Says on Gaza talks after meeting with Mossad head: 'There is progress'      
Lior Ben Ari | 17:41 | 04.27.25
פעולות כיבוי אש שריפה ב נמל שהיד רג'אי ב בנדר עבאס איראן אחרי פיצוץ שם
Iran continues to battle flames at strategic port after massive chemical blast
Dozens confirmed dead, hundreds hurt near Bandar Abbas; officials say authorities have gained control of the flames, although the fires have not been extinguished;  Iran TV shows some port operations resume 
Lior Ben Ari | 11:48 | 04.27.25
פיצוץ באיראן בנמל שהיד רג'אי
Iran: Port fire under control with at least 18 dead, 750 injured in blast
Iranian official appears to blame explosion on poor storage of chemicals, while IRGC source says sodium perchlorate, used in the production of solid fuel for missiles, contributed to size of blast
News Agencies | 08:16 | 04.27.25
פיצוץ באיראן בנמל שהיד רג'אי
Iran probes massive explosion at strategic port, focus on Chinese rocket fuel shipments
Bandar Abbas, one of Iran’s key ports, recently received chemicals used for rocket fuel in missiles fired at Israel; blast there killed at least 5 and injured over 700; Iranian president orders full investigation into incident
Niv Shaiovich | 17:27 | 04.26.25
פיצוץ באיראן בנמל בנדר עבאס
Hundreds hurt in massive explosion, fire in Iranian port
Images show large flames at a facility housing oil and petrochemical installations, as authorities suspend all operations at the port near Bandar Abbas to evacuate the injured
News Agencies | 13:21 | 04.26.25
אבו מוחמד אל ג'ולני מנהיג הייאת תחריר א שאם סוריה מורדים נגד משטר אסד נפל דמשק
Syria's al-Sharaa wants normalization with Israel, US congressman says
Cory Mills says talked with Syrian leader during private visit to Damascus, with conversation centering on terms to normalize relations with Jerusalem and lifting of sanctions put in place during Assad regime
Ynet | 17:11 | 04.24.25
מלך ירדן עבדאללה
Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood, seizes assets over security concerns
Sweeping crackdown of kingdom's largest opposition group follows discovery of alleged underground network manufacturing missiles and drones inside the country
Niv Shaiovich | 16:26 | 04.23.25
Lebanese army soldiers removing posters from Beirut featuring slain Hezbollah leaders
In subtle regional recalibration, Jordan and Lebanon reclaim ground from Islamist networks
Recent crackdowns, arrests, and symbolic gestures mark a shift as the governments of both Jordan and Lebanon seek to reassert sovereignty and curb external entanglements 
By Giorgia Valente / The Media Line | 06:49 | 04.23.25
דונלד טראמפ ריקוד ה חרבות ביקור ב סעודיה 2017
Strengthening ties: Trump to visit 3 Middle East countries next month
Trump will travel to the Middle East next month and visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, the White House announced; Key visit comes against backdrop of nuclear talks with Iran, negotiations for a hostage deal and the Saudi Crown Prince's desire to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the US
Ynet, News Agencies | 00:06 | 04.23.25
מוג'תבא אמאני, שגריר איראן בלבנון שנפצע בפיצוץ הביפרים, בפגישה עם שר החוץ האיראני עבאס עראקצ'י
Red line crossed: Lebanon slams Iran envoy hurt in pager attack over Hezbollah ties
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani, who was injured in the Israeli pager attack, after he made controversial remarks on Hezbollah disarmament; President Joseph Aoun insists weapons belong under state control, while Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem vows to resist disarmament, escalating political tensions in Lebanon
Lior Ben Ari | 22:13 | 04.22.25
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria on April 18, 2025
Israel fails to block PA president's meeting with Syrian president
Mahmoud Abbas’ Syria visit signals a calculated move to elevate the Palestinian Authority on the international stage and lay the groundwork for a renewed push toward statehood
Rizik Alabi and Giorgia Valente/The Media Line | 19:44 | 04.22.25
מחבל מחבלים של הג'יהאד האיסלאמי ג'יהאד איסלאמי במהלך שחרור החטופים גדי מוזס ו ארבל יהוד ב חאן יונס רצועת עזה
Syria detains two leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Group says Khaled Khaled, who heads Islamic Jihad's operations in Syria, and Yasser al-Zafari, who heads its organisational committee, had been in custody for five days
Reuters | 14:34 | 04.22.25
זירת תקיפה ב צנעא תימן
Yemeni minister praises Trump’s anti-Houthi campaign, says they pave path for Yemeni state
Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani: ‘Make America Great Again is not just a slogan—it reflects real actions that restore US leadership by protecting key waterways and backing allies against terrorism and sabotage’
Felice Friedson and Giorgia Valente/The Media Line | 23:17 | 04.21.25
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני ששמו האמיתי אחמד א-שרע השליט בפועל של סוריה ומנהיג המורדים הג'יהאדיסטים מ הייאת תחריר א-שאם במפגש עם בכיר מקטאר ב דמשק 23 בדצמבר
US delegation discusses post-Assad sanctions and Iranian influence in al-Sharaa meeting
Analysts say that the meeting, while unofficial, may pave the way to restored relations between the US and Syria and the lifting of sanctions
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 17:43 | 04.21.25
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני נשיא סוריה הזמני
Iraqi lawmakers move to block Syrian president's visit
Leaked memo reveals efforts in Baghdad to prevent Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa from attending the Arab League Summit over terrorism allegations
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 17:53 | 04.20.25
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני ששמו האמיתי אחמד א-שרע השליט בפועל של סוריה ומנהיג המורדים הג'יהאדיסטים מ הייאת תחריר א-שאם במפגש עם בכיר מקטאר ב דמשק 23 בדצמבר
Leaked documents reveal Syrian president’s secret past as a prisoner in Iraq
Documents confirm that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa spent six years in a US prison in Iraq under an alias—an explosive revelation leaked just weeks before his first regional appearance as Syria’s leader
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 23:23 | 04.19.25
Aftermath of a US attack on the Houthi oil port near Houdeida
Houthi rebels prepare for ground invasion: report
Iran-backed group scatters landmines around Hodeidah port in preparation for a possible incursion of internationally recognized Yemeni government forces backed by the US and others
Lior Ben Ari | 12:25 | 04.19.25
Ali Khamenei
Iran wants guarantees Trump will not quit a new nuclear pact, Iranian official says
Iran has signaled willingness to accept limits on uranium enrichment if the US provides guarantees against future withdrawal from a nuclear deal; Talks continue amid deep mistrust, with Tehran refusing to compromise on key red lines, including its missile program 
Reuters | 19:38 | 04.18.25
עייתרון
Lebanon moves to reassert control as tensions with Hezbollah, Israel continue
For decades, Iran-backed terror group has maintained significant control over parts the country; now, authorities appear to be taking more assertive steps, especially in the south
Lior Ben Ari | 10:37 | 04.18.25
נשיא סוריה בשאר אל-אסד פסגה הערבית-אסלאמית סעודיה ריאד ערב הסעודית
Operation Assad: Inside air mission to smuggle out Syrian despot's valuables
As enemies closed in on Damascus, Bashar al-Assad used a private jet to smuggle cash, valuables and sensitive documents to the UAE; over four secret flights, his aides moved assets, family and key intelligence just before the regime's fall
Reuters | 09:27 | 04.17.25
עבאס עראקצ'י סטיב וויטקוף
Iran says its right to uranium enrichment is non-negotiable
Comments by Iranian top diplomat Araqchi come in response to remarks by U.S. envoy Witkoff, who said Tehran must 'eliminate its nuclear enrichment' to reach deal with Washington
Reuters | 12:52 | 04.16.25
הסרת תמונות של נסראללה וסאל אל-ערורי מרחובות ביירות
Lebanon to US: Pressure Israel to leave Hezbollah disarmament to us
Joseph Aoun says process must be made through negotiations and not through force, adds that terror group will not be integrated into national army
Lior Ben Ari | 11:53 | 04.16.25
טראמפ, נתניהו, ארדואן, ואבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני
Israel fears US withdrawal from Syria will bolster Turkish regional expansion
Officials in Jerusalem worry departure would increase Ankara’s 'appetite' for taking over additional strategic military assets in Syria, fueled further by Erdogan's increasingly aggressive rhetoric since start of war in Gaza
Reuters, Lior Ben Ari | 10:38 | 04.16.25
תיעוד הדיפלומט האיראני "גונב" את העט היוקרתי
Iranian official caught pocketing golden pen during US talks
Deputy foreign minister captured on tape putting expensive golden fountain pen in his pocket; after Omani media calls him a thief, Tehran demands an apology, claiming an innocent mistake 
Itamar Eichner, Reuters | 07:24 | 04.16.25
סטיב וויטקוף שליחו של נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ למזרח התיכון במהלך שיחות בסעודיה על עתיד אוקראינה מול גורמים ברוסיה
Iran nuclear deal will include elimination of enrichment and weapons program, Witkoff asserts
US envoy emphasizes any nuclear agreement with Iran must fully halt and dismantle Tehran's uranium enrichment and weapons program, clarifying President Trump's position after initial indirect talks with Iranian officials; next negotiation round scheduled for Saturday in Oman; 'Message of peace through strength resonates throughout the world'
Ynet | 20:38 | 04.15.25
נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ פגישה עם מלך ירדן עבדאללה
Jordan uncovers missile smuggling plot by operatives linked to Hamas
Jordanian authorities announce arrests of Hamas-affiliated suspects accused of manufacturing missiles and drones and recruiting operatives; Israeli security officials previously warned of increased Iranian weapons smuggling and attempts to destabilize Jordan, which has intensified since the Gaza conflict
Lior Ben Ari, Reuters | 17:36 | 04.15.25
Security forces of the new Syrian government secure the area around group of Alawite protesters in the Mazzeh district in Damascus
Syria's Alawites still face targeted attacks a month after brutal counteroffensive
Minority faces relentless revenge attacks, mass displacement to Lebanon and systemic insecurity as the interim government struggles to uphold promises of protection and justice amid escalating sectarian violence
Associated Press | 11:04 | 04.15.25
USS Carl Vinson
Second US aircraft carrier arrives in Mideast ahead of next round of talks with Iran
USS Carl Vinson and its strike group begin operations in the Arabian Sea as Washington continues air campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen
Associated Press | 11:00 | 04.15.25
סוריה מאהר א שרע אחיו של אחמד א שרע אבו מוחמד אל ג'ולאני ה שליט
Overture to Putin? Syrian ruler appoints Kremlin-connected brother to key post
Ahmad al-Sharaa names brother Maher secretary general of the presidency, sparking concerns of dynastic rule; Maher, a gynecologist, lived in Russia for years and is married to Tatiana Zakirova, whose family holds major business ties in Moscow
Lior Ben Ari | 20:19 | 04.14.25
מתקפת פתע של חיזבאללה על הצפון
Hezbollah ran drone smuggling network in Europe, authorities reveal
Spanish, German authorities arrested four suspects with ties to terror group, accused of acquiring materials that could be converted into weapons targeting civilian and military sites in Israel and Europe, report
Ynet | 22:45 | 04.13.25
נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ לצד שר ההגנה פיט הגסת' בישיבת קבינט בבית הלבן
Hegseth says If nuclear talks fail, US military ready 'to go far, deep and big'
Defense Secretary describes first, tentative contacts in Oman as 'productive' and 'a good step'; says any military action will be in conjunction with Israel
AFP | 21:19 | 04.13.25
דונלד טראמפ עלי חמינאי
Iran says it will give US talks over nuclear plans a 'genuine chance'
Tehran says Washington should value its decision to engage despite latter's 'prevailing confrontational hoopla,' with Trump threatning military action if discussions fails
Reuters | 10:52 | 04.11.25
יוסף אמיל רג'י שר החוץ של לבנון
Lebanon FM: No international aid without Hezbollah disarmament
Youssef Rajji stresses Israeli withdrawal from key border points would strip terror group of justification to retain weapons; his comments come as Iranian proxy signals possible to engage with Beirut on the issue
Lior Ben Ari | 09:07 | 04.11.25
צנטריפוגות בנתנז
Iran threatens to expel nuclear inspectors if threats of military action continue
Amid escalating tensions, Iran threatens to expel IAEA inspectors and relocate enriched uranium if military threats persist; Trump warns of potential military action: 'If it requires military, we're going to have military, Israel will obviously be very much involved in that'
Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies | 15:09 | 04.10.25
טבעת המגן דוד שענדה מורגן אורטגוס בזמן שלחצה את ידו של נשיא לבנון ג'וזף עאון
US plan targets Hezbollah, Beirut port, Lebanese report says, as group prepares for Israeli attacks
Lebanese media reports claim that the smuggling of Iranian contraband at the Beirut seaport, as well as the exposure of the underground weapons production site in Dahiya,may be a prelude to the IDF attacking these targets. Hezbollah spokesman accused the American envoy of the leak: 'US wants total control'
Lior Ben Ari, Reuters | 13:47 | 04.10.25
נשיא סוריה אבו מוחמד אל ג'ולאני
Concerns continue over Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile; dismantling remains key to lifting US sanctions
Following the fall of Bashar Assad, inspectors believe over 100 chemical weapons sites remain hidden across Syria, raising alarms about unsecured stockpiles, past coverups and renewed US-Syrian efforts to dismantle the remnants  
Rizik Alabi, The Media Line | 11:25 | 04.10.25
נעים קאסם
Hezbollah signals readiness to disarm—if Israel withdraws, Hezbollah official says
A senior Hezbollah official made a dramatic statement outlining the conditions under which the Shiite terror group would agree to discuss disarmament and the transfer of its weapons to the Lebanese army;  President Aoun is expected to begin talks, after consulting the parliament speaker, a close Hezbollah ally, and ruling out using force   
Reuters | 01:15 | 04.09.25
מורגן אורטגוס
Trump envoy calls Hezbollah a 'cancer,' urges Lebanon to take decisive action
Morgan Ortagus, deputy Middle East envoy, compared Hezbollah to a terminal illness, calling for Lebanon to take action against the terror group: 'When you have cancer and want to heal, you cut the cancer out'
Lior Ben Ari | 19:56 | 04.08.25
חיילים איראנים במצר הורמוז באפריל 2019
Report: Iran shifting to sea routes to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah
Western official says Tehran has developed a faster sea-based transfer method operated by its Quds Force that bypasses Syria following fall of Assad regime
Lior Ben Ari | 16:01 | 04.08.25
Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi signing an agreement to integrate the institutions of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration
‘All parties now united under one flag’: Syria and SDF begin integration
Syrian government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces launch prisoner exchanges and institutional unification under a landmark agreement  
Rizik Albi, The Media Line | 15:06 | 04.08.25
דונלד טראמפ
Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq consider disarmament following US pressure
Four powerful pro-Iranian militias in Iraq in advanced talks with Iraqi government to disarm; following US threats of airstrikes, discussions include integrating fighters into Iraq’s armed forces, marking potential shift in regional dynamics
Reuters | 23:26 | 04.07.25
תקיפה בשדה התעופה בדאחייה
Lebanon eyes new airport to escape Hezbollah grip
Beirut says Kleiate Airport in northern Lebanon could open to commercial flights within a year, aiming to boost the economy and break free from Hezbollah’s control over the capital’s main hub
Lior Ben Ari | 01:17 | 04.07.25
נשיא איראן מסעוד פזשכיאן לצד תמונתו של חסן נסראללה בישיבת הממשלה
Iran says wants dialogue 'on equal footing' with US
Pezeshkian speaks as Iranian rial hits record low against US dollar, but does not clarify stance on direct talks; 'If you want negotiations, what’s the point of threats?' he asks in public address
News agencies | 16:49 | 04.05.25
תקיפת כינוס של חות'ים על ידי חיל האוויר האמריקני
Trump shares video claiming US strike foiled planned Houthi attack
Rebels say video showed strike on tribal gathering; US officials admit costly campaign has done little to curb Houthi attacks on ships, drones
Ynet | 11:31 | 04.05.25
תומכי חות'ים בכינוס לציון יום קודס בצנעא, תימן
'Their final days': Iran orders advisers to leave Yemen, abandoning Houthis
Senior officials say move, notable shift in Tehran's regional policy, intended to avoid direct confrontation with U.S. in event Iranians are hurt by air offensive
Ynet | 23:50 | 04.03.25
נשיא סוריה אבו מוחמד אל ג'ולאני
In Syria, 2 currencies and no stability
Syrian pound's collapse, worsened by war and sanctions, has driven parts of northern Syria to adopt Turkish lira; while offering short-term relief, dual-currency system deepens economic instability and highlights Syria’s fractured financial and political landscape
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 22:35 | 04.02.25
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
How a cup of coffee became one of Erdoğan's biggest fears
Arrest of Turkish president's top rival sparked protests and consumer boycott targeting businesses operating as usual, including pro-government EspressoLab chain; move has also hit Turkey’s economy just as it showed signs of recovery
Zeev Avrahami, Berlin | 19:05 | 04.02.25
עצרת הפגנה ענקית ב איסטנבול טורקיה נגד מעצר יריבו המרכזי של ארדואן , אכרם אימאמאולו
‘They’ve crossed the fear threshold’: Turkey’s youth rise up against Erdoğan
University students with no history of activism are now at the forefront of demonstrations against Turkish president's increasingly authoritarian rule following arrest of popular Istanbul mayor
Giorgia Valente / The Media Line | 19:12 | 04.01.25
החשודים ברצח הרב צבי קוגן ז"ל בדובאי
UAE sentences 3 Uzbek nationals to death for murder of Israeli Chabad emissary
Zvi Kogan was abducted in Dubai in January, his body found in the city of Al Ain several days later; Israeli authorities say the killing was an antisemitic terror attack
Itamar Eichner | 14:30 | 03.30.25
נתניהו, טראמפ, חמינאי, נתנז איראן תקיפה באזור ביטחוני בסוריה
Trump warns Iran of decisive US measures in newly revealed letter
Iran releases contents of letter from US president urging Tehran to engage in nuclear talks, offering sanctions relief but warning Islamic regime must end support for terror and threats to US and its allies
Lior Ben Ari | 11:32 | 03.29.25
טהרן, איראן
How Iran spies—and how women activists stay one step ahead
Iranian women activists spoke about the creative strategies they’ve developed to evade digital and physical surveillance as the government intensifies its cyber-repression
Giorgia Valente / The Media Line | 18:36 | 03.28.25
יום ירושלים האיראני
Iran speaker says US bases will be struck if Trump attacks Iran
Speaking at ceremony marking Al-Quds Day, Mohammad Qalibaf warns attack on Islamic Republic will cause entire region to 'blow up like spark in ammunition dump'
Reuters | 14:31 | 03.28.25
U.S. President Donald Trump
Trump says Houthis 'want us to stop so badly' as U.S. air campaign enters third week
Despite attacks, Iranian proxy continues to launch missiles and drones, with officials in internationally recognized government in Aden skeptical operation will deliver a decisive blow
News Agencies, Lior Ben Ari | 09:54 | 03.28.25
Syrians look for sweets to buy during Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, in Damascus, Syria
Syrians are observing their 1st Ramadan without Assad: 'People are overjoyed'
Across Syria, citizens are observing the Muslim holy month free from the threats and repression that marked the Assad regime and its times; Not only celebrating holy month but also renewed sense of national dignity and freedom.
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 01:20 | 03.27.25
Mideast News
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